Fabric Covered Books

Tuesday, June 12, 2012
I've noticed recently that a lot of the home decor stores use books to decorate.  They are stacked and sometimes tied with hemp.  They are placed on shelves or coffee tables.  Well I only own ugly books.  Well, most of them are ugly.  So today we're making books worthy of decorating a home.


I went through some of the books in our home.  This puppy was screaming for a makeover.


This project is a great way to use up scrap fabric. I got out a stack of books, my scrap fabric, and Aleene's Fabric Fusion.  This adhesive works really well with this project, as hot glue can't be spread thin.


I cut a piece of fabric a little bigger than the book when opened.  I brushed on a coat of fabric fusion on the top and along the spine.  Then I folded the fabric onto it, flipped the book and did the other side.


I opened the book and trimmed the fabric inward as shown by the spine.


Then I brushed the edges of the fabric and book and folded them in.


I folded the corners like a present, pinching the corner...


....and then gluing it flat.  You could glue in a piece of paper to cover the fabric inside, but since I wasn't going to be opening the book that often I just left it.


I also glued the little edge near the spine.


Doesn't that look better?


Make them in all sorts of colors to add a pop of color to a room.  Tie them up with a string or a belt.  


Use them as decor.  Mix and match them with other books.



Helping Hands Gardening Gloves for Father's Day

Friday, June 8, 2012

What do you get the dad that does not fish, wear a tie or golf for Father's Day? It seems like most traditional gifts and cards for dad's come with this basic theme. Well the first thing to consider is what is it that your dad does. My husband likes to make ice cream, listen to vinyl records, drink beer and garden. Garden - ya that's the ticket! This year the kids and I are whipping up dad a pair of custom gardening gloves.

SUPPLIES

Gardening Gloves

Tulip Soft Fabric Paint

Kids

Paint Brush

I scored a pair of suede gardening gloves in the outdoor section of Target. My husband's current work gloves have duct tape patching holes so I'm thinking these will be a welcome surprise.

He would be happy as a clam with a new pair of gloves, but I thought I would get Tallulah and Baxter to help adorn them. They are always trying to help daddy, especially in the garden. It seemed only fitting I put their little handprints on the gloves.

The first thing I did was paint my kid's hands with non-toxic fabric paint. Baxter was not quite sure what to make of that. Also, you want to be sure and do the prints of your oldest child first so that the larger handprint is on the bottom.

The next part is a little tricky since you only get one shot. Get your child to spread their fingers apart and smash their paws onto the gloves. This is easier said than done with small children. Tallulah's prints came out better than Baxters, but Chris will get the idea.

All that is left to do is wrap these babies up and hope that Chris does not read my blog before Father's Day.

Looking for some other Father's Day gifts you can craft with your kids? Check out the article I wrote for Learn Vest!

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Beach Bums - Cool2Craft TV


It's super cool! Cool2Craft TV June 11 , 2012: Beach Bums! The Cool2Craft design team is sharing beach themed craft ideas this week!  EcoHeidi Borchers is creating a Look of Embossing Fish Magnet with Aleene's Original Tacky Glue and Aleene's Magnetic Tacky Tape, Tiffany Windsor is stenciling a Beach Tray and matching box featuring Aleene's Super Thick Tacky Glue, Savannah Starr is creating SavvyStyle Eyelash Sunglasses with Aleene's Collage Pauge Instant Decoupage plus much more!
 
Learn new techniques, chat with us while watching the show and ask questions about all your favorite Aleene's products!  It’s easy to watch the Cool2Craft TV Channel right from your computer. Airing Monday June 11, 2012 9am Pacific/10am Mountain/11 am Central/ Noon Eastern. Go to http://cool2craft.com and you'll see the Livestream player and chat box. See you Monday! Can't make the live show? No problem, you can drop by anytime 24/7 to watch the show!

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