Archive Category: 'Crafty Ideas'

• Teacup & Saucer Pincushion: Free Pattern: Forever lost but now found on the web archive: Teacup & Saucer Pincushion Items Needed: Teacup & Saucer 3 inch Styrofoam ball 1/4 yard lilac & white cotton gingham fabric 1 yard of 1′ satin wired ribbon (20) 3′ long steel pins Directions: Cover foam ball with fabric Pin fabric to foam on the underside Generously glue pinned side of ball and place [...]
• How To Make Pine Cone Flames And Firestarters: Pine cone flames or firestarters are burned in fireplaces or fire pits to make colored flames. Many recipes or instructions include a dipped wax method but that’s too fussy and messy–this is the easiest preparation method I’ve found. Careful: Do not mix chemicals together when preparing. Also some advise not to mix colors when burning. How To [...]
• Flower Preservative Recipes & Instructions: Interested in preserving flowers from your garden? Here are two different recipes & methods you can try. How To Preserve Flowers Materials Needed Fresh Flowers Floral Wire Airtight Container Plastic Bag Borax Soft Brush Flower suggestions: daisies, mums, pansies, roses, sweet peas Instructions: Remove the stems from the flowers with wire by running it through the throat of the flower and twisting it. Take the plastic bag [...]
• Faux Stone Dough: Recipe: Materials: 1 cup flour 1 cup used coffee grinds 1/2 cup salt 1/2 cup cold leftover coffee Blend all ingredients in a bowl. Mix thoroughly. Once mixed well, place the dough on a floured surface and knead until smooth. You can store the dough in an airtight container or plastic bag 5 to 6 days. Once the dough dries, it will have a [...]
• Bookbinding Glue: Recipe: Materials: 1 packet (1/4 ounce) unflavored gelatin 3 TBSP boiling water 1 tsp vinegar 1 tsp glycerin In a small glass bowl, dissolve the gelatin in the boiling water. Add the vinegar and glycerin and stir. To use, apply a thin layer of glue with a brush while it’s still warm. Store glue in a sealed jar. It will keep for several [...]
• Newspaper Clipping Preservative: Recipe: Materials: 1 quart warm club soda 1 milk of magnesia tablet *Makes approximately 1 quart Directions: In a large bowl, drop the milk of magnesia table into the club soda and let it dissolve and sit overnight. Stir thoroughly before using. Using a deep sided cookie sheet, pour the preservative mixture carefully. Place the newspaper clippings in the liquid one layer at a [...]
• Homemade Decoupage Paste: Recipe: Materials: 3 parts white household glue 1 part warm water Jar with lid Directions: Mix glue and water in the jar. When using the decoupage, brush a thin layer of the glue on the front and back of the pictures. For the final top coat, layer 3 to 4 coats of paste. Make sure to dry thoroughly between each application. For glossier finishes, [...]
• Homemade Transfer Ink: Recipe: Materials: 2 TBSP soap powder (like Ivory Snow) 1/4 cup hot water 1 TBSP turpentine Directions: Add the soap powder and turpentine to the hot water, making sure to dissolve the soap. Pour the liquid into a sealed container for storage. How To Use: Simply brush this liquid (your homemade transfer ink) over the picture to be transferred. Wait approximately 10 seconds. Next, place [...]