CRAFTY DAY 10 - TAPE MEASURE BRACELETS

Okay so I have several tape measures that don't quite measure up anymore.  You know the ones that get caught under the rotary cutter etc.  I have seen bracelets made from them on various sights but have always thought they looked a bit simple.  Today I have upped the ante on tape measure bracelets my friends.

MATERIALS

Tape measure
Large split rings or similair
Necklace end/clip/finding (sure they have a techy name)
Hot glue
Buttons,
needle and thread
Sewing machine
grommets (optional)


Remove the metal tab from the end of tape, thread on ring and turn over 1/2 inch, catching the ring in the turned over section.  Sew this turned over section down with the sewing machine. Alternatively you can secure with a couple of small grommets.  Measure wrist and cut tape to size, allowing an extra 1/2 inch. Open other split ring and thread on the clip, close ring and thread onto tape measure, turn end over 1.2 inch and sew down the same as the other end.  This is your basic tape measure bracelet.  To fancy it up add a couple of buttons, sew them on and glue final button on top to cover thread.  Alternatively you can make a flower from some of the remaining tape and glue to the basic bracelet.  You will get heaps of basic bracelets out of one tape measure.  Perfect quick gifts for crafty friends

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CRAFTY DAY 9 - AWESOME EASY RINGS

OK so I have a rather large button collection, and have always wondered what to do with them.  I have always loved playing with them especially as a child there was nothing like mums button tin to keep you busy for a while.  I know my little ones love playing in mine.  I found some cheap adjustable ring mounts in the craft store today and  todays crafty awesomeness was born. I was going to make some earring as well but in my eagerness I only bought the backing bit and not the stud bit, so that will have to wait for another day.  But feel free to try earrings as well they are just as easy.

MATERIALS

Buttons - in various sizes and colours
Adjustable ring mounts
Glue gun / or epoxy glue
Pliers
Felt






Use the pliers to snip of any shanks on the backs of buttons.  Layer the buttons into pleasing colour combinations.  Glue together then glue to ring mount.  Cut a small circle of felt to colour match the bottom of your base ring, cut a slit 3/4 way across the middle and glue this over the ring mount to cover and neaten the look on the back.  And you are done and for next to no $$$ you have some fashionable quick accessories.

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CRAFTY DAY 2 - TEENS "T" TO TOT'S NIGHTIE / DRESS

With the weather warming up my beautiful 3yo daughter needed some nighties for those warmish nights.  Checking out the prices of new nightwear $10- and upwards put me on the path of finding a cheaper alternative. I had been given a bag of clothing with a few teens t shirts in it, with great little designs on the front.  And with minimal time - 10 minutes - and a little stitching on the machine she now has three new nighties to see her through the summer season.  And could easily double as a summer dress.

Materials
Old t shirt
Hat elastic
Large eyed needle
sewing machine

Thread elastic onto needle and thread through the neckline binding - tie in  a knot, Repeat on the sleeves.  Turning your t shirt inside out, mark where you would like your waist line to be.  Holding shirt upside down and inside out fold over top (bottom) section useing your marked line as your fold line. The shirt at this stage should be a tube with right sides together.  Sew a 1/4 inch seam along the fold to make a casing, leave a space to thread elastic through.  Thread elastic throught the casing and secure with a knot.  Turn in the right way and Voila you have a for a low or no cost a cute nightie or dress all ready for summer. A little ribbon bow on the sleeves and at centre front on the neckline would really dress it up.