Floral Tapestry Zippered Clutch
from my book, Let’s Sew Together

Supplies:
2- 7” x 10” exterior tapestry fabric pieces
2- 7” x 10” lining fabric pieces
10” zipper
Scissors
Coordinating thread
Sewing machine

Seam Allowance: ½”

Directions:
1. Place the exterior piece right side up, lay the zipper on the 10″ side edge with the teeth side down on top (make sure zipper pull is on the left), and place the lining fabric right side down on top of the zipper. Making sure that the fabric and zipper edges are lined up, pin in place. Start 1” away from zipper pull and sew ¼” from edge of fabric. Pull the zipper down to avoid it getting caught and sew the remaining 1” edge. Flip the fabrics so that the wrong sides are facing, and press.

2. Place the remaining exterior fabric right side up; lay zipper (with the fabrics attached) on top, with the teeth side faced down and the zipper pull on the right. Place the lining fabric on top with right side faced down. Pin in place. Sew ¼” from edge of fabric, stopping short 1” from zipper pull. Pull the zipper away from the edge to prevent it from getting caught and continue to stitch along the remaining edge. Place wrong sides together and press.

3. Open up fabrics so that the exterior pieces are right sides together and the lining pieces are right sides together. Pin in place. The zipper will be in the middle.

4. Sew around all the edges using a ½” seam allowance, but leave a 3” opening at the bottom of the lining fabric. Clip your corners to reduce bulk, but being careful not to cut the seam.

5. Unzip the zipper and push the fabrics through the 3” opening so that the right sides are out. Sew the opening in the lining fabric closed using either a slip stitch or edge stitch as close to the edge as possible. Press lining fabric and push lining into clutch.

I added a tassel on the zipper for a little pizazz!

I picked up some floral tapestry fabric on clearance with the intent to make a larger bag, but I wanted a small clutch instead. The project in my book uses kid artwork for the exterior of the clutch, but I wanted a chic little floral clutch for myself. Also, I really did bust out my own book to tell me how to put my clutch together.

If you have a sewer in your life (or someone who wants to learn), and they like making things for/with little ones, I think my book, Let’s Sew Together, would make a great Christmas gift! 😉

This joke reminds me a bit of Fiddler on the Roof, which True and Brave love, so maybe that’s what inspired this joke.

Get the joke illustration print out here; see past kid jokes here.

Gold Glitter Star Garland

Supplies:
Corrugated cardboard (we recycled a shipping box)
Pencil
Gold glitter
Glue
Paintbrush
Scissors
String
Plastic needle

Directions:
Draw stars in various sizes on cardboard and cut out (cutting out cardboard is tough for kids, so I had to do it). Pour some glue on a paper plate, paint one side of the star with glue. Then, generously sprinkle on the glitter. Repeat for every star. Allow stars to dry completely. Using a plastic needle, string through the opening of the corrugated cardboard.

We love the statement this star garland makes. It’s real shimmery in person, but that doesn’t translate in pictures. If you want to omit the glitter mess (glitter always makes a mess), use glitter glue instead. The girls are mini makers and love any opportunity to make Christmas decorations. This year, they are even the ones who decorated the tree! I love giving them reigns to decorate as they please. Sometimes, I do have to coral them in a bit because they can go crazy, but I love seeing them take joy in making things for our home and each other (even if the making mess doesn’t drive me a little bit batty). I love making crafts with the kids because it means we are also making memories!

This post is part of the Michaels Makers Series. Looking for more holiday inspiration? Make sure you visit Michaels’ blog, The Glue String, to see the rest of the Michaels Makers’ DIY holiday project ideas.

 Loading InLinkz ...

Save

Usually, I share crafty things, but this time I’m sharing some digital crafting I did inspired by Clare Celeste. I was attempting to make a poster as part of a gift, when I remembered the beautiful collages Clare Celeste makes and wanted to try my own. Now, I’m wishing I tried this out sooner and made our Christmas cards using an image like this. Who am I kidding, I never send out Christmas cards.

I used vintage floral images that were available for use in public domain and layered them together with a family photo. This is my first attempt; I have a couple other ideas I want to try. I think these collages would make wonderful Christmas presents, and I’m taking mental notes of people I think would enjoy a family portrait like this (ahem, the grandparents).

Still Thanksgiving weekend, so we shave time to share a turkey joke.

Get the joke illustration out here; see past kid jokes here.

I thrifted this Mexican dress about a few weeks ago with the intent of turning it into a blouse. I hesitated making the change because the embroidery is so pretty. It’s been hanging in my closet, not getting any wear, so I figured that was a sign that it indeed needed to be changed. To the chopping block the dress went. The result? A top for me and a dress/tunic for the girls. Now, it will definitely get more wear.