Easy Peasy Mesh Christmas Wreath {Tutorial}

 

 

If you have been a JIAD reader for a while,
then you know that I am a SUCKER for Christmas décor!
This year I decided to make a new wreath for our front door because in my book, you can NEVER have enough Christmas Wreaths!
My friend Mandy, is a mesh wreath makin’ goddess so I called her up and we had a crafty Christmas Wreath evening!

This is what I ended up with:

Mesh Christmas Wreath Tutorial

Want to make one for your front door?!
These are super simple and fun to make!

Start with a wire wreath and tie wire onto it, like this:

Mesh Christmas Wreath Tutorial

TIP: Make the wire LONGER than I did… you can always cut excess at the end! You want to make sure you have enough length to hold all of the mesh so you won’t have to add more!
Once your wreath is all “wired up,” it’s time to add the mesh!

Mesh Christmas Wreath Tutorial

Start by tying the end of the mesh to the wreath using one to the wires…
(I used mesh that was about 2 feet wide)
twist the wire around the end of the mesh to secure it! Does that make sense?!
Then you poof and twist wire around, leaving the ends of the wire pulled apart.
(I twisted the wire twice around the mesh to hold it in place… see next few picture for clarification!)

Mesh Christmas Wreath Tutorial

If you are wondering what kind of wire to use…
this is what Mandy had and it was better than mine!
So get this kind!

Mesh Christmas Wreath Tutorial

See how I left the ends apart and twisted the wire the mesh around twice?!

Mesh Christmas Wreath Tutorial

Once you get all the way around the wreath and are back to where you started, add another color like I did below, or keep going around with the same color (if you want a solid wreath)!

Mesh Christmas Wreath Tutorial

I “weaved” the red mesh in and out of the green mesh.
Your wreath should now look something like this.
I went around one more time with the green after the red mesh!

Mesh Christmas Wreath Tutorial

So, after three “rounds” of mesh, your wreath should look like this:

Mesh Christmas Wreath Tutorial

Once you are finished with adding the second round of mesh, it’s time to make the bows!
Cut two pieces of ribbon the same length.
Mine were about 8-9 inches long… I didn’t measure…

Mesh Christmas Wreath Tutorial

Lay the thinner ribbon on top of the thicker ribbon like this:

Mesh Christmas Wreath Tutorial

And pinch the center.

Mesh Christmas Wreath Tutorial

Tie the center with a piece of wire like this:

Mesh Christmas Wreath Tutorial

I hot glued the pom poms on to the center of the ribbon to cover up the wire.

Mesh Christmas Wreath Tutorial

Make sure your wires are not visible from the front of the bow then add some hot glue to the center of the ribbon.

Mesh Christmas Wreath Tutorial

I used the ribbon bows to cover up the wire that holds the mesh onto the wreath!
The mesh was very thick and bubbly, so you do not HAVE to do this if you don’t want to!
I also placed mine at different angles.

Mesh Christmas Wreath Tutorial

Once you have added all of your ribbon bows,
your wreath should look like this:

Mesh Christmas Wreath Tutorial

 

Of course I HAD to add a “P” to my wreath,
so I painted a BIG “P” that I found at Hobby Lobby red then hand painted large lime green polka dots on it!

Mesh Christmas Wreath Tutorial

How much fun is this wreath?!?

Mesh Christmas Wreath Tutorial

I love how the ribbons add a fun POP of interest!

Mesh Christmas Wreath Tutorial

I think the “polka dot “P” takes the wreath to a whole other level of fabulous-ness!

Mesh Christmas Wreath Tutorial

Now crank up that Christmas music and make a super cute wreath!

Oh yea… Just incase you are feeling SUPER crafty…
here are some tutorials from the past: stockings, Rag wreath With Lights ,ribbon garland, A Play felt Christmas tree, A Christmas Wreath and an Acorn Christmas Tree!

Merry Christmas!
(Even though Thanksgiving is not even here yet…)

If you make a wreath using this tutorial, please share it on the JIAD Facebook Page or email it to me! I would love to see your creations!

{Giant Ruffle Lampshade Tutorial}

 

Remember this fun lamp that sports a giant ruffle in our bedroom?!

 

Lampshade Tutorial, ruffle lampshade tutoiral, DIY Lampshade

Today, I am going to share with you how you can make your own!
Yippy!
Ok, so start by measuring the circumference around your lamp shade and multiply that by 3 or 4, depending on how “ruffily” you want your ruffle to be.
This will be your length.
For the width, measure the width of your lampshade and visualize how much of the actual shade you want to peek out. 
I wanted my shade to show few inches on either side, but if you want to cover the entire shade then make sure you add at least 1 1/2 inches to the width of your fabric for seam allowance, etc.
 

Fold your long sides down 1/4 inch then 1/4 inch again.
Iron in place and pin, then stitch.
Make sure you backstitch at both ends!
(Do this for both long sides!)

 

Lampshade Tutorial, ruffle lampshade tutoiral, DIY Lampshade

 

Next set your machine to the longest stitch setting and stitch about 1 or so inch away from the edge. DO NOT BACK STITCH!!!!
(Do this for both long sides)

 

Lampshade Tutorial, ruffle lampshade tutoiral, DIY Lampshade

 

Next pull ONE thread at the end of the long stitch to create your ruffle at one of the sides then repeat for the other long side.
Use your shade as a guide to see how much or little you need to ruffle and adjust accordingly. You need to make sure to leave about an inch overlap.

 

Lampshade Tutorial, ruffle lampshade tutoiral, DIY Lampshade

 

Plug your hot glue gun in and lay your shade on it’s side.
Then lay the ruffle on top of the shade with the end on top of the seam.
This is where you will begin.
Run a long line of hot glue along the end of the ruffle and press into place.

 

Lampshade Tutorial, ruffle lampshade tutoiral, DIY Lampshade

 

Next begin by running a strip of hot glue along the stitch that created the ruffle and press into place. I found that it works best to run a strip a few inches long at a time, press into place and repeat on the other side.

 

Lampshade Tutorial, ruffle lampshade tutoiral, DIY Lampshade

 

Fold your fabric back and continue to run strips of hot glue along where the ruffle stitch will touch the lampshade then press into place…
Make sure your ruffle is straight!
And remember to glue a few inches along one side then a few inches along the other side working your way around the lampshade.

Continue this until your ends overlap and run hot glue the end into place.

 

Lampshade Tutorial, ruffle lampshade tutoiral, DIY Lampshade

 

Once your ruffle is all glued to the lampshade,
you can go back and “tack” any places that may stick out funny, etc.

 

Lampshade Tutorial, ruffle lampshade tutoiral, DIY Lampshade

 

Now you have a super fun lampshade for your home!

 

Lampshade Tutorial, ruffle lampshade tutoiral, DIY Lampshade

 

Isn’t it fun?!

 

Lampshade Tutorial, ruffle lampshade tutoiral, DIY Lampshade

 

 

Yay for giant ruffles!
(and little ruffles too!)

Chevron Pennant Banner {Tutorial}

I made this Pennant Chevron Pennant Banner
for Harper’s Bow Tie & Tutu Birthday Party!

DSC_0469-001

I ran across this Chevron Pennant Banner created by the fabulous Jen over at TT&J and fell in LOVE!

chevron pennants all in a row[1]

Jen created hers using her Silhouette!
I could have easily made mine with my Silhouette,
but decided to create a tutorial for those of you who do not have a Silhouette…
because I love you THAT much!

Alrighty,
here is how you can make you own Chevron Pennant Banner sans a Silhouette!

Gather your fabrics and cut your pennants out.
Mine were about 7 inches long and 5 inches across the top!

DSC_0138

Cut a strip of Heat n Bond and apply to the backs of your fabric according to the directions on the package.
(I cut my Heat n Bond about 3.5 inches wide and 8 inches across)

DSC_0144

Next find or create a chevron pattern on your computer and print it out.
Then Trace it onto the back of the Heat n Bond.
Trace about 5 pennant chevron lines per pennant.
Tip: You can line the chevron pattern up with the first line and trace the bottom line to save time!
Once you are finished tracing your chevron pattern,
cut them ALL out!

DSC_0151

Peel the paper off of the back of the chevron pattern and apply to the front the of the pennants according to the directions on the Heat n Bond package.
Trim the excess pieces of fabric as needed.

DSC_0154

Now it is time to assemble the actual banner!
Get your twine, ribbon or whatever you want to use and cut it to be as long or short as you want your banner to be!
Remember to leave room at the ends for hanging the banner up!

DSC_0164

Lay your twine out in a straight line and then lay each pennant where you want it to be on the banner.
Turn each pennant over and put a strip of hot glue across the top of the pennant.
Carefully place the twine on top of the glue and press into place!
Repeat this step for all of the pennants!

DSC_0171

I wanted to make the banner a little more girly,
soooo…..
I decided to add lace trim to the top of each pennant!

DSC_0181

Cut the lace trim into strips.

DSC_0182

Add hot glue to the top, front of each pennant…

DSC_0185

And carefully place the lace trim on top of the pennant.

DSC_0190

If you want to add a little more happiness to your banner,
cut strips of fabric about one inch wide and 19 inches long.

DSC_0196

Tie the strips onto the twine between each pennant and…

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You have a super cutie Chevron Pennant Banner!

DSC_0469-001

Scrappy TUTUorial!

 

 

DSC_0462

 

These tutus were a HIT at Harper’s Bow Tie & Tutu Birthday Party!

The little girls looked so cute in them!

DSC_0146 (2)

Here is what you need:

Elastic

Hot glue (with the gun)

Fabric scraps cut into strips (mine were about 17 – 20 inches long)

And a cute little girl ready to sport her new tutu!

Cut the elastic to your child’s waist size.

(These little girls are about 2-3 years old. I cut the elastic into pieces 15 inches long.)

 

DSC_0095

Put a good amount of hot glue on one end of the elastic.

DSC_0097

Press the opposite end of the elastic firmly on top of the

hot glue and hold in place until dry!

Make sure your elastic is not twisted and that it creates a circle.

(Confused? See next pic)

DSC_0103

You should have something like this.

DSC_0104

Gather all of your fabric strips.

(Because I am insane… I was making 12 of these… you will most likely not need THIS much fabric!)

DSC_0114

Lay one strip of fabric down then place the elastic on the center of the strip and fold the fabric strip over the elastic like this:

DSC_0124

 

Next tie the fabric strip into a knot to secure it to the elastic.

(I ended up putting the elastic band around my thigh so it was pulled tight like I did in this tutorial.)

 

 

DSC_0127

 

Continue tying knots… and tying knots… and tying knots…

until all of the elastic is covered up.

Then you will have this:

DSC_0130

 

Now you have a Scrappy Tutu!

DSC_0465

Happy Thursday!

Play Felt Christmas Tree & Ornaments

I decided that instead of having a battle over the littles tearing up the real tree this year,
they needed a tree of their own to play with!
Now they can decorate and more importantly UN decorate their tree as many times as they please.
(This is some serious entertainment… it just MAY have to stay out all year long!)
I started out by cutting a triangle then I cut out different size squares for presents and embellished them because all every Christmas Tree HAS to have presents under it, right?!
I grabbed my hot glue gun and glued the presents to the tree so they cannot be removed.
Hot glue LOVES felt!
Then I cut out different ornaments and lights, some plain, some with dots, some with stripes!
(have fun with it!)
Slap those cuties onto the Felt Tree and…
…now the littles have their own tree to do with whatever they please!
If all goes as planned, your tree will remain in tact through the Christmas Season!
Merry Christmas!
FAQ’s:
How did you attach the tree to the wall?
I actually used little dots of hot glue since the wall is brick. The hot glue peels right off the brick! Other readers have suggested Command Strips or double sided stick tape, but I have not tried these ideas. Another great idea is to trace the Christmas Tree on Foam Board and glue it directly to the foam board then you can lean it against the wall and it can easily be moved throughout your house!
How do you get the ornaments to stick to the tree?
Felt sticks to felt!
How much felt did you use to make the tree?
About one yard.
Will you make me one?!
If you would like to purchase one,
Please email me at johnnyinadress(at)hotmail(dot)com with FELT CHRISTMAS TREE ORDER as the subject and your PayPal email address. Also, please specify if this tree is for a boy, girl or both!
(“Boy” trees will not have pink on them!)
These are $35 shipped!
***********************************************************************
All orders placed after December 8, 2o12 will be shipped in January 2013!
Thank you!

THESE ARE FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY!

DO NOT sell these.

JIAD on {The News}

Yesterday,
 I was honored to have another opportunity to do two Craft Thanksgiving Decor
Segments on  Friends @ 5!
One of my favorite parts…
the setup!
I had so much fun!
Everyone at WLTX is super sweet!

Here are the segments!

…and…

Thank you WLTX!

BOO {to you} Wreath Tutorial!

Thank you to everyone who voted for my BOO {to you} Halloween Wreath in American Crafter Round 1!
I am so amazed at all of the support!
Thank you TONS AND TONS!
The competition is fierce this season!
All of these ladies are super talented!
I am honored to have made it to round 2!
Ok, so, Want to make a BOO {to you} Wreath for your house?!?
Well, today I will show you how!
Yay!
I wanted to use things I already had on hand, so I grabbed a grapevine wreath that was in a closet and some Krylon Primer. I gave it a good coat of primer then a coat of Krylon Metallic Silver.  
I had these wooden plaques that I grabbed at Hobby Lobby a while back.
(They go on sale for 50% off often – just fyi!)

I sprayed them with Krylon White.
I also had these wooden balls.
(Ok, I have an entire drawer dedicated to wood items that are just waiting for the perfect project!)
So I gave them a good sprayin’ of Krylon White too!

While the plaques and balls were drying I gathered up my ribbon scraps.
Any of them that were black, white and orange!
See, scraps come in handy!
(yes, there was some ricrac in there as well!)
I began tying the ribbons in knots all around the wreath.
Like this:

I kept tying and tying until the wreath was covered in scrappy goodness:
I had two strips of this fun black and white fabric left over from another project.
They measured about 9 inches x 24 inches.

I laid the fabrics right sides together and stitched down one of the short ends to create one long strip of fabric.

Next I ironed the seam and then folded the long edges in about half an inch then ironed flat.

It should look something like this:

I sloppily (is that a word?!) folded the edges in then laid the wreath in it like this:
Pull the fabric and line to short edges up like this:
My handy dandy Silhouette cut out the “BOO {to you}”
and I applied it onto the large wooden plaque!
Next I took the big square wooden plaque and hot glued one end of ribbon onto the back.

I looped the ribbon around the fabric like this:
Then hot glued the other end of the ribbon to the back of the plaque making sure that it was not twisted because that would not be cute…
I wanted polka dots for the white balls, so I gathered up some left over vinyl and my hole punch.
Then punched out little holes…

And stuck them onto the balls!
How easy is that?!

I used my Silhouette to cut out a vinyl crow and stuck it onto the small wooden plaque then decided to place it on the left bottom side of the wreath. 

I loaded the back of the plaque up with hot glue and then…
(it would probably be a good idea to remove the tag first… but I was too lazy)

…I slapped that bad boy right onto the wreath!
Holding it in place for a few seconds to make sure it was very secure! 

I did the same for the wooden balls…
Hot glue! 

Slap it on there!

And that’s it!
Now you have a super cute Halloween Wreath for your front door!

This week’s challenge is “House of Order!”

… ummmm…
 I am racking my brain trying to get motivated to create order in my house!
I will need your help again on Friday – so please be ready to click on over and vote!
Yay!
… oh yea and…
BOO
{to you}

I am linking this post here , here and to these awesome places!

Pretty Up Your Pumpkins {JIAD style}

A few days ago I showed you my pumpkins!
Today I am going to show you how to make your own!
Yay!

The pumpkins used to look like this:
(They were purchased at Wally World and the Dollar Tree)
 Some of them had “natural” looking stems –  which I like.
Some of them had cheap green plastic stems – which I do not like…
I started out by gently removing all of the stems
 (except for the green ones… I had other plans for those pumpkins…)

I gathered all of the little pumpkins with the dreaded green stems and the two larger pumpkins (stems removed) and my favorite Krylon Rut Tough Enamel spray paint and went outside! 

After a few coats they pumpkins were lookin’ like something I would have in my house!
Yay! 

While the silver pumpkins were drying, I went inside and cut up little fabric scraps into smaller pieces:

Then I got my hot glue gun, placed a dab of glue then stuck a little piece of fabric onto the pumpkin…
Then repeated that like 5,000 more times until the entire pumpkin was covered!
(make sure not to cover the hole for the stem to go back in!)
I got some more ribbon scraps and cut them into strips then created ruffles with my sewing machine.
You can see how here.

 I put a strip of hot glue on the pumpkin and then added the ruffle.
…. hot glue… ruffle….
If my ruffle was too long, then I cut it and when I got the the top, I folded the end of the ruffle under and glued it down (confused?! see next picture!)!
Make sure NOT to cover the hole for the stem to go back in!
Once all of your pumpkins are all scrappy and rufflie, put your stems back on (you may want to hot glue them back into place)!
Make sure to use different fabrics to create a fun bunch of pumpkins and gourds!
Gotta love a mixture of scrappy, shiny and ruffled pumpkins!

Visit thecsiproject.com

Little Shelves!

Above my new desk are these little shelves:
(don’t worry! The reveal is coming… a little bit at a time!)

 These hopped into my buggy one day while I was walking down the 90% off isle at Hobby Lobby!
Oh, Darn!
….Don’t you hate it when that happens?!

And just in case you need solid proof….

So, I grabbed a can of spray paint that I already had on hand and gave these bad boys a good coat of Krylon’s Catalina Mist:
Then I did some light sanding!
After hanging them on the wall, I grabbed some Mason Jars and filled them with fun things like: Glue sticks for my glue gun, bobbins, knobs, chalk.
One of the shelves was missing a drawer, so I grabbed some baby food jars and filled them with little things like: straight pens, beads, snaps, safety pens….
Of course one jar was dedicated to just being pretty:
I love the $5 shelves in the new Craft Room!
Today’s tip:
Just because it is missing a piece or a little roughed up, it can still be functional… and pretty too!
I am linking this post here , here and to these awesome places!

No-Sew Fabric Flower Tutorial!

I received an email from Emily a while back asking me how I made these flowers.
So Emily, this post is for YOU!
I begin by cutting circles – lots of them. You will need 4 fabric circles for one flower. Larger circles = larger flower and smaller circle = smaller flower… The choice is yours!
Cut a circle out of felt a little bit smaller than the fabric circles you just cut.
Now fold one of the fabric circles in half…
…then fold it in half again and add some hot glue to one of the sides.
Attach to the felt circle like this:
See how the “petal” lifts up? We are about to fix that…
Add a dab of hot glue towards the “point” of the triangle then press the top layer into place and…
You just made ONE petal – YAY!… now do this four more times (you can add even more petals layered on top of each other if you want a “fuller” look)!
Sometimes I use a fabric covered button for the center of the flower.
Attach it using hot glue… See?!
The only rule is that you can not only make one, you HAVE to make a bunch of these pretties!
Hot glue whatever “attachment” you want to the back to create a hair clip, a pin, an embellished rubber band, a pretty bobby pin… I could go on for days…
Be creative and have fun with these, but PLEASE use this tutorial for PERSONAL USE ONLY!
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