Friday, October 29, 2021

On My Craft Table ~ October 2021

     I seem to have a real talent for accumulating craft supplies much faster than I use them.  Anyone else, or is it just me?

    In my defense, most of the supplies I've gathered in recent years have either been purchased at a steep discount, gifted to me, or thrifted.  Our local thrift store regularly has "new" items for very, very low prices.  I really don't go very often, but when I do, there is usually some treasure (hello, lace) in the craft section.  A couple of months ago, there were two boxes of cotton fabric scraps sitting outside the door.  When I asked about them, the ladies said, "Oh, those are free!  Here, have some bags to fill up!"  How could I have said no to that?  

    Now, as long as the budget allows it, I'm not going to stop snatching up bargain craft supplies.  That would just be silly.  However, I do need to mend my ways and actually start using stuff.  I have a list of projects in mind, and for a little motivation, I thought I would start doing a monthly post in which I share what I have made.  I have always loved seeing what others create, so perhaps you'll enjoy following along with my progress, maybe even gleaning an idea or two along the way.

    The first thing I made this month was a set of burp cloths for a new baby.  This pattern comes from JES and it is my go-to for handmade baby gifts!  It is very simple, and after two babies, I'm convinced that burp cloths are one thing you can never have too many of.  The dad likes to golf, so I knew the golf-themed flannel I had would be perfect for these.  I made the personalized card in coordinating colors.


    I also made a little tag for a special presentation.  



    The next thing I made was not really to use anything up, but rather to use what I already had to make something I wanted, as opposed to buying it.  That is the lovely thing about having materials on hand- it gives you options!  (That's my story and I'm sticking to it.)  Here is a little leaf banner that I made as part of my fall décor (fall post coming soon).


    I used a free leaf template that I printed off of Pinterest to trace the leaves onto a brown paper bag, then I hot-glued them onto a length of twine.  I think it would also be cute to trace the leaves onto book pages, or onto some fall-colored scrapbook paper.  You could even use construction paper and have family members write what they are thankful for (for Thanksgiving) on the leaves.  So many ideas! 

    My final project for the month was also very simple, but I am so pleased with it that I know I will be repeating it many times over.  My mind is just brimming with all the possibilities!


     These are little magnets that I made for my refrigerator using bottle caps that I covered with fabric.  This is the perfect thing for fabric scraps that are too little for much else.  I used mod-podge to glue the fabric on, then E6000 glue to secure the magnet to the back.  I think a set of these would make a good, useful little gift- easy to customize and very frugal too!  

    A few months ago, I used the same fabric to cover a small thrifted tin that I also attached magnets to.  It holds the pens, pencils, and markers that I use in the kitchen. Now I have a pretty little rose theme on my refrigerator.  I love to beautify my home with handmade things, and I can smile knowing it was done resourcefully.


    What about you?  Have you made anything recently?

    

    

    

16 comments:

  1. I love the frig ideas! I have leftover fabric from making my curtains. That would be so cute to have coordinating magnets and a pencil holder! Oh and yeah I might have just a bit of crafting material too...

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    1. The leftover fabric would be perfect for the fridge magnets, Angela! I do hope you make some- it was a very quick and easy project.

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  2. I think that leaf strand is just gorgeous...Made me think I might do something similar with scrapbook paper!

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    1. Thank you, Terri! There are so many options. I think scrapbook paper would be fun!

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  3. Kelsey I have collected lots of thrifted supplies too. I know that in hard times before ie the war years and the depression, supplies like these were so valuable. Being able to mend and alter, make something up...so I keep collecting. I think the burp cloths are just beautiful and love the magnets!

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    1. Thank you, Annabel! Yes, I joke about it but I really do think it wise to have these types of supplies on hand. It can be done frugally and really creates so many possibilities. That's why I won't make any promises to stop gathering. 😊

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  4. Kelsey, everything you create is beautiful. Burp clothes have been my go to baby shower gift as well. Over the years I have collected a lot of crafting supplies and just when I think there's no more place to put them, somehow more room miraculously appears(lol). Right now I'm making envelopes and envelope liners out of scrapbook paper that will match the Thanksgiving cards that are next on my craft table. I also have aprons cut out and matching napkins from the leftover fabric.

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    1. Cookie, it seems I can always find the room for more, as well 😊 Your projects sound wonderful. I love that you are making the envelopes and liners for your handmade Thanksgiving cards. I think that really takes it to the next level. And what a good idea to use your leftover fabric for matching napkins. I love when things come together like that!

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  5. Great ideas, Kelsey...Just like Annabel, you have a flair for presentation, judging by the baby gift you did up! I love seeing what others are making!!!

    xx Jen in NS

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    1. Thank you, Jen! The wrapping and presentation is actually one of my favorite things!

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  6. Love, love, love all of those beautiful things you created!
    It's such a gift, to be able to create something from scratch. Have a blessed week!
    :)

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    1. Thank you so much, Paula! I do love to create, and I love that I can do it to bless others. I hope you have a blessed week, as well! ❤

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  7. Love those beautiful magnets. Yes, I have a collection of cross stitch patterns that would take me about 200 years to complete. I finally just started putting them in notebooks to browse. You have a beautiful and encouraging blog.

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    1. Thank you! Yes, I can totally relate to 200 years' worth of projects- that made me laugh. It is nice to have a good supply though, just in case there is a need or the desire strikes to create something. 😉

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  8. I love your burp cloths and the magnets are so pretty. You have such a lovely way with presentation, everything looks so lovely. I love collecting resources, but must keep an eye out on the things that are free too. As I love thrift/op shopping. Love, Bridget/Lily

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    1. Thank you so much, Lily! Op shopping is a great way to acquire materials frugally, especially if you go in with an open mind because there are so many possibilities when it comes to crafting. I have ended up with a lot of supplies that aren't necessarily in the "craft section." Of course I have learned this from Annabel!

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