Slapdash
Advent Calendar
I think advent calendars are a fun tradition in passing the days until Christmas. There are so many different varieties available for purchase year after year, but I thought it would be nice to have one that lasts and can be used again and again. This one fits that bill. Read more.
Pencil Case
The school year has gotten into full swing for lots of children and adults, and that means lots of books, papers, binders, pens, etc. need to be toted around. Pens and pencils are easily lost and can get broken at the bottom of backpacks, but here's a project that will keep them handy and have you looking organized in a fashionable way. Read more.
Crocheted Kitty Toy
I don't know about you, but I love watching cats play with their toys. They're so funny! This is a toy that has proven to be very popular among the cats I know. As a bonus, it's really easy to make and costs nearly nothing. The crochet hook I recommend is a bit smaller than what you would normally use with worsted weight yarn, but it keeps the stitches tight so that they stand up better to the wear and tear of normal play. Read more.
Bubble Wands
Bubble wands are fun for kids of all ages. With the steps involved in making these wands, though, this is definitely a craft for adults.
First cut your dowel down so that it's about 15" long. Then paint it with your acrylic paint. I paint half of the stick at a time and allow it to dry before painting the other end. Read more.
Easy Hair Sticks
Hair sticks are simple to make and look so nice when they are finished. If you have long hair you know how nice it feels to put it up when the weather is warm, and if you have short hair these could be a nice gift for a friend. They're so much fun to make that they may just have you thinking about growing your hair out! Read more.
Best-Dressed Hanger
We all use hangers every day, but for the most part they are fairly unattractive. Why not spruce up at least those in your entry closet and instead of being a utilitarian eye-sore they can become a joy to use and behold! Read more.
Valentine Candy Dish
It's soon Valentine's Day again. I don't know about you, but I don't like to limit the festivities to just my husband. I like to celebrate the lovely friends I have as well! This is a unique gift that looks nice year-round, not just on the day of hearts. It does take a little sewing skill but I think even beginners could tackle it with a measure of success. Read more.
Granny-Square Stockings
When we hear the words "granny square," most of us think afghans, but it's a versatile pattern that can be used in a lot of different ways. These cute and unusual Christmas stockings are a quick granny-square project that you can whip up easily in an evening, and they're sure to get rave reviews. Read more.
Fabric Flower Brooch
Brooches are a big accessory for the fall. Fabric flowers are an easy and inexpensive way to dress up your wardrobe. And they are fun to make as well!
First cut eight 5" (12cm) squares and eight 3 ½" (8.5cm) squares from your fabric. You may want to use two different coordinating prints for the different sizes for a more interesting look. Read more.
Autumn Tealights
I always get a little thrill when autumn comes around. The cooler, darker evenings are a good reason to pull out candles and create a cozy atmosphere. This is a nice way to dress up your everyday tealights so they seem a little bit more special. Read more.
Pop Top Purse
Every woman needs a going-out purse. Something not too big but big enough for the essentials: money, cell phone, lipstick, and maybe a headache tablet or two. This is a fun and easy wristlet purse to crochet for those evenings on the town. The hardest part is gathering together the pop tabs, but just ask friends to save them for you and you'll have enough in no time. FYI: beer tabs work equally well, so you could have just as much fun preparing to make the purse as you do making and using it! Read more.
Seasonal Dessert Bowls
Ice cream and summer go hand in hand. Such a simple (but delicious) dessert deserves to make a grand entrance at the end of a meal. By following these instructions, you can make an attractive serving bowl for scoops of ice cream and place it in the center of your table so guests can serve themselves, or plan ahead and create individual bowls for each place setting. Either way your simple dessert will please the eyes and the taste buds. Read more.
Outdoor Table Setting
This is the time of year that spring comes for much of the world. Grills are pulled out of storage and dusted off. Lawn chairs are cleaned and set out for use. The deck gets a good scrubbing. And when the flowers start to bloom and you feel the sun on your face it just seems right to invite friends over for a grill-out. Here are some easy ways to spice up your outdoor table setting a bit so that your friends will feel extra special! Read more.
Charm-ing People
Cut off a piece of wire about 6" (15cm) long. Fold it in half and slip a seed bead, or other small bead, over both cut ends. Slide it up toward the folded end, leaving a bit of a loop in the wire to use for hanging. Read more.
Frayed-Edge Quilt Block
If you want to create a fun, simple wall hanging but have no idea how to make a quilt, this project is for you! It's so simple you could even have a child help with some of the more basic steps, turning it into a family art project. Read more.
Felted Bracelet
If you've never tried felting anything before I think you'll be surprised at how easy it is. It's a great craft for children as well, so gather them up and have a holiday crafting day!
I bought my wool already carded, combed, and dyed from my local craft shop. If you have raw wool you will need to clean and prepare it before starting this craft. Read more.
Candle Shades
Fall is a great time to bring out the candles and create a cozy atmosphere. These candle shades will help you set whatever mood you're going for. And the best part is that they can easily be changed to suit your changing décor. Read more.
Washer Bracelet
I was watching my husband do some repairs one day when inspiration struck! Silly man, he actually thought his tools were safe from my crafty ventures. Power tools are fun, and in making this bracelet you get to drill through metal! It's the thing excitement is made of! Read more.
Crochet Project -- Textured Summer Bag
This is the perfect bag to use on all the fun summer outings you're sure to have. It's durable, roomy, and easy to clean--just toss it in the washing machine!
Read more.
Postage Stamp Box
With email, instant messaging, and sms-ing, receiving hand-written letters is becoming less and less common. This project will give you an attractive place to store your stamps, which may encourage you to pick up a pen and let someone know you're thinking of them. The cross-stitch design on the top of the box was inspired by an antique postage stamp. Have fun stitching it up! Read more.
Children's Growth Chart
As children, my sister and I would chart our growth with a pencil mark on the kitchen door-frame of our dad's house. It was always so exciting for us to see how much taller we were than the last time. Years later when we saw the worn markings it was hard to believe we'd ever been so small. Now that house is owned by someone else and although the marks are still there, we don't get to see them anymore. Here is a great way to keep track of your children's growth, and if you end up moving you can take it with you! It also makes a great, unexpected gift for a baby shower. Read more.
Homemade Heating Pads
A stylish, aromatic heating pad can do wonders for the body and soul. If you can sew a straight line, or even if your "straight" lines end up a bit crooked, this project will be a cinch! Read more.
Mosaic Flower Pots
The first step is to gather up the tiles you will need. Decide if you want a color theme or just a random pattern of color. You can use pieces of glass or flat glass marbles to add a little variation. You can use nearly anything--you're limited only by your imagination. Don't have any tiles? Use that mismatched tea-set you got from your Great Aunt Lilly! Read more.