A New Year's Greeting

Despite the best of intentions, I only got a portion of my Christmas cards out on time. No worries. That’s what New Year's greetings are for, right? I hope so, because that’s the route I took. I made these cards for some of those on my card list. 
Unlike traditional cards, I used a small kraft sack as my card base (instead of paper). 

I stamped the word “wishes” and the actual wishes tags using an alphabet set from Clear & Simple Stamps



I then cut the sack down a little using pinking sheers.



Using a small circle punch, I punched a tab in the bag.



I stamped a few of the things I wish for my friends this year. 



I stamped the date on an office tag, using a doily set from Studio Calico and a vintage numbers set from Cavallini & Co. *swoon*


I ADORE these bitty clips from Stampin’ Up! It added just the little detail I was looking for. 



For a little texture, I sewed on the wish tags and stitched the tag to the paper sack. 




To finish things off, I made envelopes using an envelope template and cardstock. Don’t you LOVE the decorative shipping label? They’re a favorite new item of mine. They’re from TapeSwell.



These 2012 greetings actually came together rather quickly. I had fun looking at cards in a different, less traditional way. I hope you like the idea and will do the same.
Happy 2012! I wish you: 
Peace
Joy
Love
Hope
Cheers!
Megan

Handmade Bibs from Oilcloth and Laminated Cotton


Is it rib night yet? Because, boy do I have the bib for you! Make that three bibs. Bibs I made using laminated cotton and oilcloth. I’m super excited about this particular project, because it’s my first sewing project made from a pattern. Everything I’ve sewn up to this point, I’ve sort of made up. This time, however, I had a fun design to follow.


My cute new friend, Kirsten, who works at Material Girls Quilts in South Jordan, UT, designed this pattern. I saw it and immediately thought of another friend of mine, who was about to have a baby. Of course, that was months ago. Her beautiful babe is six months old now, but I suppose they still wear bibs at that age. Heck, I still wear a bib. ;)
Anyhoo, here’s the bib I made for little miss Claire. I hope she likes it. 


I had so much fun making it, that I decided to make a couple of others. Maybe I’ll use them on my own sweets someday. Or, if not, it’s always good to have a few handmade gifts on hand. 


Which one do you like the best? I prefer Claire’s, but most people have said they like the black and white one.
Want to make your own bib? Here’s how:
Step 1: Fold your laminated (or oilcloth) fabric in half and trace fabric on back of one half. 


Step 2: Cut out shape. 


Step 3: Repeat with cotton fabric, which will be used as back of bib. 


Step 4: Pin cut pieces together around edges and sew together using a zigzag stitch. 


Step 5: Tear cotton fabric into strips, pin those strips around bib (like hem tape), and sew hem to bib using a straight stitch. 



Note: Make sure you stitch an elastic to the top of the bib. This will act as your closure. 

Step 6: Create a medallion flower, adding a large button to the center. This is what your closure will wrap around to keep the bib on. Note: For instructions on creating a medallion flower, click here.



Had lots of fun making my first pattern project. Who knows, maybe I’ll get up the courage to try it again sometime soon.
Cheers!

DIY Felt Fortune Cookies



Hey there, cookie! Here’s a little Valentine’s Day good fortune for you. It’s a felt fortune cookie. 


Inspired by the talented Kristine McKay's Studio 5 segment, I created these cookies for my coworkers last year. They come together quickly and make a great and unique surprise for anyone who brings a little good fortune to your life. Here’s the recipe for these cute cookies.
Step 1: Cut a felt scrap into an oval.


Step 2: Cut jewelry wire to the length of the center of your cookie.


Step 3: Apply fabric glue to the center of your felt piece.


Step 4: Position your wire to the glue and secure in place by adding a strip of ribbon across the top. 


Step 5: Fold cookie in half and stitch around edge. Leave a small area unstitched so that you can insert a fortune. 



Step 6: Use your finger to form the wire into the fortune-cookie shape. 



Confucius Say: This is one project you’ll love this Valentine’s Day!
Cheers!