Easter Tote Bag - Tutorial

I've been researching for a cute inexpensive Easter basket for my boys, but couldn't find one that I absolutely love. Last year I got some plush baskets from Target. Boys got tired of carrying them around. I think it was quite bulky for my little guys. I figure this year we can use something light weight, reusable and easy to clean.

I looked around for supplies I already have around the house and luckily I saved up some oil cloths from a previous project. I was worried about the condition. My oil cloth got super wrinkly and thought of going to the fabric store was just not in my schedule. I did a little Google research and found a bunch of blogs recommending a hair dryer or using an iron on a low setting to flatten the oil cloth. I opted for the iron but I placed a thin cloth on top of the oil cloth layer.

This tip worked. I used a plate to cut the circle pattern for the base of my bag. Then I measured width 12" x 25"  length for the body.

I prepared the bunny applique using a beige fabric. Iron fabric on freezer paper 8.5 x11 size. Place on top of cutting mat and create bunny shape using Silhouette machine and stamped "Oh Happy Day!" sentiment from PSA Essentials Peel and Stick stamp all over the cut out shape.
 
Sew bunny applique on the front side of the panel. Then sew bag edges.

Pin the round base onto the bag panel. Sew around the edge and flip bag over.
 
Hem opening of the bag.

Add woven bag handles and secure with pin. Sew to secure and you're done.
 
I added a simple Easter tag using PSA Essentials stamp.
 
This bag turned out well. You can customize the bag. You can change the them for any occasion and you can even do monograms on it. Tons of possibilities for this cute reusable bag.
 
Visit http://psastampcamp.blogspot.com/ for more ideas.

PSA Essentials Design: Christmas (Packaging)

Don't you love getting a nicely wrapped present from a dear friend. This year I am taking it to another level and giving my wrapping a nice twist. I decided to make my own Christmas Labels and draw string bags.

Here's what you'll need:

1. PSA Essentials "Treeo" Peel and Stick Stamp Set
2. PSA Essentials Stamp Tool
3. PSA Essentials Stamp Setter
4. PSA Essentials Black Green & Pink Stamp Pad
5. 1-3/8 " Circle Puncher
6. 2" Scalloped Circle Puncher
7. Spellbinders Nestabilities Dies - Labels 2
8. Crystal Sticker Pearls - Natural Pearl - 3mm
9. Pink Yarn
10. Retro Fabric (from Fabric.com)

Pre-punch all your shapes, stamp the tree design on the white card stock (inner layer) and embellish with pearl stickers. Place inner circle on top of the scalloped circle tag and glue on top of the base label. There are a total of three layers for this project.

 

Cut the fabric according to the size of your present. On the front side of your fabric sew the Christmas label. Turn over hen start sewing all sides for your draw string bag. Add the pink yarn at the end and thread through the bag.

I found a cut pink tin container with a clear top. Perfect little storage for the bracelet. You can also fill the bag with shredded pink paper.

 

Here's the cute little draw string bag. I can't wait to give this gift to my friend. 

A few simple Christmas projects

I made these adorable homemade Christmas tags. I love my new Silhouette SD blade. I can't believe I was able to cut a 100 lb. card stock paper. It's truly incredible. I love thick paper and I just can't bring my self to using a thin card card stock. I also dug up some old Christmas stamps from my craft room and fell in love with them again. I knew there was a reason why I got them in the first place. I mainly used yarn instead of ribbon to attach my tags.

We also got in the spirit despite our hesitation of putting the tree up for the boys. This little Elf #1 enjoyed the Christmas lights and the sparkly ornaments.

My Elf #2 helped too! Took them one week of pulling some ornaments out. They haven't touched it since. 

I also sewed these cute reindeer felt ornaments. These are so easy to make and kid friendly too! I can't wait to make some more for next year. I just love the handmade ornaments. Takes a lot of time but love the quality.

I did majority of my shopping online. This box came from the Disney Store and the boys loved it. It was their first pretend house. I love the text on the box flap "big dreams".

These guys were so good at helping me run a few errands when we can to complete our Christmas list. They also played well at home on cold and windy days. I can't ask for anything more.

Baby Shower Basket

Been really busy these past few months. I finally completed the baby shower gift basket for a dear friend. Everything was completely handmade except for a few of my favorite baby products.

Crochet baby hat with a cute little white flower.

Also, crochet a pink scarf for the bear. :)

Made her a crochet baby blanket, hat, burp cloths, binky clips and a changing pad.

Wrapped the basket with tulle instead of cellophane. :) This project took so long to finish but so worth it.

PSA Essentials Design: Decorating for Home (Thanksgiving Theme)

I am really enjoying decorating for Thanksgiving. It's such a joyous occasion to share with your family and friends.

I was out window shopping with my boys and found these gorgeous maple leaf doilies. Believe it or not they were a Dollar Store find. I knew exactly what to do when I saw them.

Project #1: Fireplace Mantel Design
I used the PSA Essentials Peel & Stick Romance set and stamped "THANKS" on my pre-cut circle tags. I used my sewing machine to attach the stamped letters to my doilies. I used three to four sheets of maple leaf doily to create the 3-d leaf effect. Fold each leaf all the way to the middle, separate the leaves carefully and use a twine to hang the decorative doily leaves. I used a 1/2" inch natural rope for hanging.

Here's my fireplace mantel looking so festive again in time for Thanksgiving. I also took the remaining leaves and hang them up to mimic the foliage. I also printed the turkey silhouette...because I love any type of silhouettes.

The decoration wouldn't be complete without setting the table for your beloved guests.

Project #2: Thanksgiving Dinner Table Design
I am loving the PSA Essentials Peel & Stick Country Home set for this project. I picked the spoons and rooster as part of my design. I'm using a 2"x2" pre-cut linen card stock sheets I purchased from Envelopperinc. I downloaded the online template and typed "Happy Thanksgiving" across each square and stamp the image. After stamping I used Polymark dimensional fabric paint and added tiny dots to the spoons. Let it dry for 15 minutes, punch and thread your natural twine. If you want a rustic feel you can use a brown ink pad and brush the edges of the card for a vintage country look.

I stamped the rooster for my Thanksgiving tree design piece. Added some doily maple leaves for guests to write what they are thankful for this year.

I also purchased a fabric from Joann Fabrics and used my old napkins as a template. Adding a nice homemade feel to my decoration and used mini decorative grouds as well.

I also picked-up a few more twigs in our backyard and spray painted them to create the centerpiece for my dinner table. I used hurricane candle holders. Wrapped them with dark brown felt, created some felt rosettes glued them on around the felt sleeve. I stuffed the glass with crinkled beige paper to keep the twigs in place. 

PSA Essentials Design: Cate's Alphabet Set

This project is dedicated to my little beautiful niece "Cate". Every year I plan out my handmade Christmas presents for my family. I like to plan throughout the year and all my projects done before the busy Holiday Season. This is one of many surprises I have for Miss Cate. I created her very own Alphabet Set. I enjoyed using the PSA Essentials Vanilla (letters) Peel & Stick Stamp Set for this project.


Here's what we'll need:

1. PSA Essentials "Vanilla" Peel and Stick Stamp Set
2. PSA Essentials Stamp Tool
3. PSA Essentials Stamp Setter
4. PSA Essentials Black Stamp Pad
5. 1-3/8 " Circle Puncher
6. 1 1/2" Wooden Disc (26)
7. Card Stock Paper (Used orange to match my retro fabric)
8. Modge Podge Glue & Brush
9. Natural Twine
10. Retro Fabric (Amy Butler)

Stamp each letters as a set to minimize and confusion. It makes organizing much simpler when you do it this way.

Use the 1-3/8" circle puncher and center each letter inside the hole and punch away. Again, keep A-I as one set and set aside.


Here's the first set. Keep going and complete the second and third sets. Mount each card on the 1 1/2" wooden disc. Lay them out before applying the glue.



Brush the back of your card stock with glue and place it on top of the wooden disc. Then brush a light coating to secure. This step also adds a nice matte finish on top of each letter. Let it dry for a few hours.


I made a simple draw string bag to complete this project. I used the cute retro fabric (from Amy Butler's fabric line) and natural twine (Target find from last year). I also used a laser jet friendly fabric sheets. Typed up "Cate's Alphabet Set" trimmed and sew all the sides down. These are extra steps I created to make my gift set special. You can use different styles of packaging. I just love the handmade feel the bag brings.


I can't wait to pack it up with the rest of my handmade Christmas presents for my relatives in Salt Lake City. :)

Featured on: PSA Essentials Stamp Camp Blog

Handmade Baby Shower Gift Sets

I love it when my friends contact me for baby shower gift ideas. It gives me this ability to reminisce those sweet days. It seems so long ago. I have completed these two cute baby shower gift sets for some friends this week. Check it out!




I need to work on inventory and re-stock items on my Etsy store. Lots to do so little time. :)