Handsewn Teabags Tied to Yummy CookiesCookie Recipes, DIY Gift Ideas, Recipes, Sewing Projects, Valentine's Day, Winter
Warm your sweetie's heart with this clever tea & cookies combo: Handsewn teabags tied to yummy cookies that anchor the teabag as it steeps. I came up with the idea while making tea with...Handsewn Teabags Tied to Yummy Cookies... »
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DIY Gift Ideas
Sriracha Salt Recipe For Making a Hot and Spicy Valentine’s Day GiftDIY Gift Ideas, Edible Gift Recipes, Recipes, Under $10, Valentine's Day
This Sriracha salt recipe makes a hot and spicy Valentine's Day gift for your snugglebug. My friend Macki made this clever Sriracha salt for Father's Day last year and I thought Shane would love...Sriracha Salt Recipe For Making a Hot and Spicy Valentine’s Day Gift... »
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Kid-sized Messenger Bag Free Pattern and Sewing TutorialAccessories, Baby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Free Patterns, Sewing Projects, Under $10
This free child-sized messenger bag pattern is the perfect shrunken size for the special kid in your life. It's a simplified messenger bag pattern of my adult-sized messenger bag and you can knock it...Kid-sized Messenger Bag Free Pattern and Sewing Tutorial... »
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Extra-long baby bib free sewing pattern for toddler-sized spillsBaby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Free Patterns, Sewing Projects, Under $10, Under 1 Hour
This longer baby bib sewing pattern is for all the messy toddlers out there and their moms (AKA me) who are tired of doing their laundry. All of Elise's baby bibs were much too...Extra-long baby bib free sewing pattern for toddler-sized spills... »
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Easy DIY Baby Blanket Pattern For Snuggly NewbornsBaby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Free Patterns, Sewing Projects, Under $10
This free baby blanket pattern is for my friend Cristin's crazy cute newborn daughter, Margot. And in honor of Baby New Year I'm sharing it with you today. It's a simplified, pocket-less, and slightly-larger...Easy DIY Baby Blanket Pattern For Snuggly Newborns... »
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Curved baby burp cloth tutorial {free pattern}Baby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Free Patterns, Recycled Crafts, Sewing Projects, Under $10, Under 1 Hour
This curved baby burp cloth tutorial and free pattern is reversible, recycled, and super easy to make -- you'll be able to knock out this burp cloth pattern in no time flat. During my...Curved baby burp cloth tutorial {free pattern}... »
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Festive Tassel and Beaded DIY Cocktail StirrersDIY Gift Ideas, Home, Under 1 Hour
I am loving these tassel cocktail stirrers -- just the right added flair to summertime drinks on the deck. Earlier I showed you some of my DIY custom necklaces, earrings and belts using Styled...Festive Tassel and Beaded DIY Cocktail Stirrers... »
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Easy DIY Custom Jewelry using Styled By Tori SpellingAccessories, DIY Gift Ideas, Under 1 Hour
I've always been intimidated about making my own jewelry. Honestly, for me all the supplies and tools kind of made the cost of entry too high for me, both literally and figuratively. But then...Easy DIY Custom Jewelry using Styled By Tori Spelling... »
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Milestone birthday idea: Birthday postcards for 80th, 75th, 70th, 65th, 60thDIY Gift Ideas, Free Printable, Invitations & Cards, Paper Crafts, Parties & Birthdays
My dad's 80th birthday was approaching and we wanted a milestone birthday idea that was memorable and fun. And what's better than a mailbox stuffed with personalized postcards sending well wishes from your family...Milestone birthday idea: Birthday postcards for 80th, 75th, 70th, 65th, 60th... »
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Free pillowcase pattern with pocket and French seamsBaby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Free Patterns, Home, Sewing Projects, Under $10
This free pillowcase pattern features a super cute little pocket for tucking in nighttime treasures. Kids can use the pillowcase pocket to store flashlights and bedtime friends. Adults can tuck in tissues, earplugs, or...Free pillowcase pattern with pocket and French seams... »
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Make your own coasters with ceramic tiles and etching cream {plus Chicago flag free template}DIY Gift Ideas, Home, Under 1 Hour
It's easy to make your own coasters using cheap ceramic tiles and glass etching cream. The effect is subtle but elegant - I just love the gloss/matte white clean white look on these Chicago...Make your own coasters with ceramic tiles and etching cream {plus Chicago flag free template}... »
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Kid’s non-slip fabric Play-Doh mat or coloring matBaby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Free Patterns, Sewing Projects, Under 1 Hour
I sewed this non-slip fabric kid's play mat for Play-Doh and coloring for our living room coffee table. The DIY fabric kid's play mat is super oversized (16" x 28") to give lots of...Kid’s non-slip fabric Play-Doh mat or coloring mat... »
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Make individually wrapped sugar cubes {video} with ‘Pour Some Sugar On Me’ sugar cube wrappers {free printable}DIY Gift Ideas, Free Printable, Showers, Under $10, Under 1 Hour, Vintage Inspired, Weddings
Remember when I made personalized wrapped sugar cubes to go with my friend Debbie's shower gift? I'm still obsessed. And this time I made a video to show you exactly how to fold paper...Make individually wrapped sugar cubes {video} with ‘Pour Some Sugar On Me’ sugar cube wrappers {free printable}... »
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Fuzzy bunny slippers from recycled felted sweaters for kids {free slipper pattern}Accessories, Baby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Free Patterns, Sewing Projects, Winter
Hop to it and make these cute little fuzzy bunny slippers from recycled felted wool sweaters to keep the kid in your life snuggly warm. This free slipper pattern features a cute little face...Fuzzy bunny slippers from recycled felted sweaters for kids {free slipper pattern}... »
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Valentine’s Day DIY Gift IdeasDIY Gift Ideas, Valentine's Day
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and if you’re like me, you want to show you truly care with some DIY. I just featured a countdown on my Facebook page with five free...Valentine’s Day DIY Gift Ideas... »
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How to etch a glass vase and free monogrammed DIY glass etching templateDIY Gift Ideas, Home, Mother's Day, Recycled Crafts, Under $10
Etching glass. What a cool DIY way to recycle those generic glass vases from floral deliveries into something that ends up looking pretty darn elegant. And I'm sharing my free monogrammed printable glass etching...How to etch a glass vase and free monogrammed DIY glass etching template... »
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DIY gift ideas for tea lovers, coffee fans and hot cocoa junkiesDIY Gift Ideas
Tea, coffee and hot cocoa: yes, please! Here are some tea, coffee and hot cocoa-related DIY gift ideas and free tutorials from the Ghost of Crafting Past that are perfect for the tea totalers,...DIY gift ideas for tea lovers, coffee fans and hot cocoa junkies... »
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Make modern tile coasters {the fingerpainting edition}DIY Gift Ideas, Home, Under $10
I made these tile coasters using ceramic tiles, Glossy Mod Podge and my two-year-old's fingerpainting artwork. Making your own decoupage tile coasters is crazy easy, I love how they turned out, and Elise got...Make modern tile coasters {the fingerpainting edition}... »
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Personalized Sugar Cube Wrappers {free printable + how to wrap}DIY Gift Ideas, Free Printable, Home, Under $10, Vintage Inspired, Weddings
I made these personalized sugar cube wrappers to go along with a bridal shower gift for my friend Debbie. I bought Debbie's sugar bowl and creamer from her registry (very pretty btw) and filled...Personalized Sugar Cube Wrappers {free printable + how to wrap}... »
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Ring Holder Made From A Recycled Egg CartonDIY Gift Ideas, Home, Recycled Crafts, Under $10, Weddings
I made this ring holder from a recycled cardboard egg carton as a gift for my friend Debbie's recent engagement. Would you ever guess that this ring holder was made out of a recycled...Ring Holder Made From A Recycled Egg Carton... »
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Hostess or Housewarming Gift Idea: Mint Plant with Teabag CardDIY Gift Ideas, Home, Under 1 Hour
I whipped together this easy but clever hostess gift for my friend Wendy's 'Welcome Home' housewarming barbeque: a potted mint plant with a teabag 'card' perfect for summer sun tea. Wendy's new 3-bedroom Chicago...Hostess or Housewarming Gift Idea: Mint Plant with Teabag Card... »
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Oven mitt patternDIY Gift Ideas, Free Patterns, Home, Sewing Projects, Under $10
This free oven mitts sewing pattern was inspired by our new KitchenAid range. Bye bye cheap-o Frigidaire ...momma's got a double oven now with a griddle on top. And it was just begging for...Oven mitt pattern... »
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Baby burp cloths with loops for toys or binkiesBaby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Free Patterns, Sewing Projects, Under $10, Under 1 Hour
My friend Jolyn, the Queen of Handmade Burp Cloths, taught me years ago how to turn regular white burp cloths into posh fabric-covered burp cloth sets in less than an hour. Cute, huh? And...Baby burp cloths with loops for toys or binkies... »
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Apron pattern with built-in potholders and secret iPhone pocketAccessories, DIY Gift Ideas, Free Patterns, Sewing Projects
Here's an original free apron sewing pattern with two built-in potholders and secret iPhone pocket. Aprons have been glued to my body ever since I started feeding Elise - I find it's just easier...Apron pattern with built-in potholders and secret iPhone pocket... »
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45 vinyl records used as frames for wall artDIY Gift Ideas, Home, Recycled Crafts, Under $10, Vintage Inspired
My DJ friend Chad creates free compilation music mixes for anyone who asks. Being the lucky recipient of many said mixes, I wanted to make Chad something to thank him for the tunes. Chad...45 vinyl records used as frames for wall art... »
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Crafty Holiday Gift Guide Ideas for Christmas and HanukkahDIY Gift Ideas, Holidays, Inspiration
As a crafter like me you are probably doing one or more of the following things right about now: (1) making handmade holiday gifts for friends and family, (2) looking to buy creative and...Crafty Holiday Gift Guide Ideas for Christmas and Hanukkah... »
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Kid’s Travel Toy Blanket with Velcro Loops and Ribbon TagsBaby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Free Patterns, Sewing Projects
I made this toy travel blanket for Elise's first plane flight. We were flying to Maine and I wanted any toys she dropped to stay in our seats rather than fall into the filthy...Kid’s Travel Toy Blanket with Velcro Loops and Ribbon Tags... »
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Refrigerator magnets from vintage milk and juice bottle capsDIY Gift Ideas, Home, Recycled Crafts, Under $10, Under 1 Hour, Vintage Inspired
This craft was originally created for and published by design*sponge. Welcome, design*sponge readers! I found a pile of buttermilk, chocolate milk and orange juice vintage bottle caps tucked away in a cardboard box in...Refrigerator magnets from vintage milk and juice bottle caps... »
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Embroidered birdhouse pillow using tissue paper + sewing machineDIY Gift Ideas, Free Patterns, Home, Sewing Projects, Vintage Inspired
My friend K.C. MacQueen asked me to be an artist for the second annual Pritzker School Community Art Project: "Birdhouses." Artists create a birdhouse for display in local Wicker Park stores. Home Tweet Home...Embroidered birdhouse pillow using tissue paper + sewing machine... »
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Pincushion thread catcherDIY Gift Ideas, Free Patterns, Home, Sewing Projects, Under $10
The pincushion thread catcher that my mom gave me years ago is my sewing table's best friend. Yeah, I know it seems a little grandma-ish but it's no surprise that I'm a big fan...Pincushion thread catcher... »
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Colorful fabric baby stacking blocksBaby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Free Patterns, Sewing Projects
My baby Elise is four months old now. She can hold her toys in both hands and sit up assisted. I think this big girl is ready for some colorful jingly oversized 5" x...Colorful fabric baby stacking blocks... »
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Vintage-inspired Kissing Couple Box WrappingDIY Gift Ideas, Free Printable, Paper Crafts, Under $10, Under 1 Hour, Valentine's Day, Vintage Inspired, Weddings
Years ago I bought a vintage kissing couple pendant at a Manhattan summertime flea market. I wore the sweet thing ad nauseum, which you can see here in this summer cider and berry smoothie...Vintage-inspired Kissing Couple Box Wrapping... »
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Family coloring book from photosBaby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Paper Crafts, Under $10
My niece Madison is universally and deservedly spoiled by all members of our family. I try to make her special handmade Christmas and birthday gifts like this one and that one. With our cross-country...Family coloring book from photos... »
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Scrabble Letters Word Book for KidsBaby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Paper Crafts
My coworker Danielle recently came back to work after the birth to her first child, son Otto James. We work together at a web design company in an industrial part of Chicago near Oprah's...Scrabble Letters Word Book for Kids... »
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Planes, Trains and Automobiles Burp ClothsBaby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Sewing Projects, Under $10, Under 1 Hour
Here's an easy, fun and practical gift for new arrivals: Planes, Trains and Automobiles burp cloths. Friends Tamara and Jon recently welcomed Lucas, little brother to adorable Sienna, and I made these especially for...Planes, Trains and Automobiles Burp Cloths... »
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Canning label templateDIY Gift Ideas, Free Printable, Home, Recipes
Canning has been a theme the past few weeks so I'm excited to share these free canning labels with you inspired by A Sonoma Garden. It all started with a canning night from iheartcrafting,...Canning label template... »
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Chicago-themed fabric photo memory game for kidsBaby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Sewing Projects
Last year I made Madison a super cute pint sized kid's pleated apron out of pink retro Wizard of Oz fabric. I added fun numbers cookie cutters and wrapped both in cookie jar wrapping...Chicago-themed fabric photo memory game for kids... »
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All You Can Eat: Hand Painted Dishware SetDIY Gift Ideas, Home
Did you know that more than 96 billion pounds of edible food is thrown away in the U.S. every year? Creative and resourceful Merriment reader Sarah Roarty painted her own unique and unified set...All You Can Eat: Hand Painted Dishware Set... »
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Handsewn fabric tea bags for loose tea favorsDecorations & Favors, DIY Gift Ideas, Free Patterns, Parties & Birthdays, Recipes, Sewing Projects, Under $10, Under 1 Hour, Weddings
I'm posting the free tutorial for how to make sewn fabric teabags for loose tea by request. Jessica Mullen wrote: "I saw your beautiful photos from the tea party and I have a quick...Handsewn fabric tea bags for loose tea favors... »
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Homemade marshmallowsDessert Recipes, DIY Gift Ideas, Edible Gift Recipes, Holidays, Recipes, Under $10
Today we're going to learn how to make marshmallows using a really easy marshmallow recipe - it's a yummy DIY gift and you can always make some extras for yourself. Lately I've developed a...Homemade marshmallows... »
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Chalkboard Pillows Holiday EditionBaby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Free Patterns, Holidays, Home, Sewing Projects
Ho! Ho! Ho! Here's a special holiday variation of chalkboard pillows complete with two new free ornament and tree templates to make your own 16" x 16" pillow for the season. The ornament in...Chalkboard Pillows Holiday Edition... »
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Handbags for bridesmaids or brides weddings reduxAccessories, DIY Gift Ideas, Free Patterns, Sewing Projects, Weddings
Back in the summer, Liesel Eastman saw our wedding featured in the Knot Magazine and contacted me to see if I could help with the creative details for her October wedding to Barrett. In...Handbags for bridesmaids or brides weddings redux... »
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Chicago flag passport coverAccessories, DIY Gift Ideas, Free Patterns, Under $10, Under 1 Hour
Update: This project was proudly featured in Time Out Magazine and at Chicagoist.com. Yay! My friend Debbie has accumulated an enviable amount of stamps in her passport. Each year she plans a "big trip"...Chicago flag passport cover... »
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Gift wrapping ideas for baby and kidsBaby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Parties & Birthdays, Under $10, Under 1 Hour
Today I popped by my friend Anne's to drop off gifts for five-year-old son, Gavin, and her newborn son, Graham. I recycled and altered my chalkboard gift tags idea to wrap Gavin's birthday treat....Gift wrapping ideas for baby and kids... »
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Chalkboard pillows for kids and adults reduxBaby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Free Patterns, Home, Sewing Projects
UPDATE: Dinosaur and Birdie Chalkboard Pillows are now for sale at UncommonGoods! Great gift for kids. So when I first invented chalkboard pillows I handmade the chalkboards out of plastic, a knife, drill and...Chalkboard pillows for kids and adults redux... »
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Baby bird silhouette appliqué handbagAccessories, DIY Gift Ideas, Free Patterns, Sewing Projects
I went with my friend Liz to the local tattoo parlor to watch her get a tattoo of two baby birds to represent her boys. Graphic designer Liz had drawn the tattoo in Adobe...Baby bird silhouette appliqué handbag... »
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Crafty birthday wishesDIY Gift Ideas, Parties & Birthdays
Nothing says my birthday like a warm, sunny August day and the Air and Water Show. Shane created a cute message on my beloved sun-faded antique sign that I bought this spring in Brooklyn....Crafty birthday wishes... »
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Sewn Tie Appliqué Baby Onesie BodysuitBaby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Free Patterns, Under $10, Under 1 Hour
The first time I saw a sewn appliqué tie onesie bodysuit was about a year ago in an Uncommon Goods catalog. I thought it was really cute and looked super simple to make. Well,...Sewn Tie Appliqué Baby Onesie Bodysuit... »
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Chalkboard gift tagsDIY Gift Ideas, Parties & Birthdays, Under $10, Under 1 Hour
I came up with the idea of this chalkboard gift tag to add a wink to Chad and Shayda's engagement party gift. But I think these tags would be great on children's birthday gifts...Chalkboard gift tags... »
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Sewn baby onesie bodysuits – applique dog, butterfly, bottle, bow, heartBaby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Free Patterns, Sewing Projects, Under $10, Under 1 Hour
So my friend Jeff and I were talking at Mac's about Merriment and he asked if I could make a unique baby gift to help him welcome Isabella, a friend's newborn daughter. These handmade,...Sewn baby onesie bodysuits – applique dog, butterfly, bottle, bow, heart... »
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Child’s pleated Wizard of Oz apron (part 1)Baby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Free Patterns, Sewing Projects, Under $10
So what was in Madison’s cookie jar birthday boxes to help celebrate her second birthday? Super fun numbers cookie cutters and a child’s size pink Wizard of Oz apron handmade by Aunt Kathy. I’ve...Child’s pleated Wizard of Oz apron (part 1)... »
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Cookie jar wrapping paper for giftsBaby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Free Printable, Parties & Birthdays, Under $10, Under 1 Hour
So today is my adorable niece Madison's second birthday. I made her a super cool gift that I'll post in a few days with instructions once she's unwrapped her gift. In the meantime here...Cookie jar wrapping paper for gifts... »
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Phone Book Wrapping Paper for GiftsDIY Gift Ideas, Parties & Birthdays, Recycled Crafts, Under 1 Hour, Vintage Inspired
AT&T delivered piles of telephone books to my neighborhood a couple of weeks ago. Not needing ours but cringing at tossing the stack into the trash I decided to find some crafty uses for...Phone Book Wrapping Paper for Gifts... »
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Farmland CD Covers for Music MixesDIY Gift Ideas, Free Printable, Home, Under $10, Under 1 Hour, Vintage Inspired
I made these three kitschy CD mixes to thank my friend Amy for letting me stay at her place for the first few days of my week in NYC. Back when I was a...Farmland CD Covers for Music Mixes... »
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Garden Mosaic Stepping StoneDIY Gift Ideas, Home, Under $10
I visited my parents in Indiana this Easter weekend and it felt like Spring outside! The crocuses are even coming up which is a sure sign of hope. I made this garden mosaic stepping...Garden Mosaic Stepping Stone... »
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Chalkboard pillowsDIY Gift Ideas, Free Patterns, Home, Sewing Projects
++ UPDATED: I have evolved this craft considerably and posted a MUCH better way to make them. Please go to http://www.merrimentdesign.com/chalkboard-pillows-for-kids-and-adults-redux.php instead. And enjoy!! ++ I'm really excited about my newest creation: Chalkboard pillows!...Chalkboard pillows... »
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Baby stuffed animalsBaby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Sewing Projects, Under $10, Under 1 Hour
New mom and fashion maven Rachel Pluto made these adorable animals for her newborn daughter Maya. Taking a cue from Dwell's baby animals that retail $105 for three, Rachel handcrafted these adorable reversible giraffe...Baby stuffed animals... »
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Monogrammed coffee insulator wrapAccessories, DIY Gift Ideas, Earth Day, Free Patterns, Recipes, Recycled Crafts, Sewing Projects, Under $10, Under 1 Hour
So I was pretty excited about the success of the campfire coffee insulator wrap and decided to make a monogrammed coffee insulator wrap for my sister Krista. Perfect for coffee/tea/cocoa drinkers and the eco-friendly,...Monogrammed coffee insulator wrap... »
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Campfire coffee insulator wrapsAccessories, DIY Gift Ideas, Free Patterns, Sewing Projects, Under $10, Under 1 Hour
While I'm not a particularly heavy coffee drinker I've been known to enjoy my soy mint mocha from time to time. If I buy coffee once a week I'm using 52 of these little...Campfire coffee insulator wraps... »
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Guest towels for bathroomsDecorations & Favors, DIY Gift Ideas, Home, Sewing Projects, Under $10, Under 1 Hour, Weddings
This is the detail that got the most comments from my wedding guests. My friends said it was 'typical Kathy' to personalize even the bathroom towels. But this crafty activity is something you can...Guest towels for bathrooms... »
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