Cubeecraft

Maybe I live under a rock, I dunno, but I've only recently discovered Cubees, and I really love making them. They are perfect for when I feel like keeping my hands busy, but am not feeling particularly creative. I can print a couple out, like the Aquateen Hunger Force set you see hanging out on my DVD shelf, throw on a DVD or some music, and get to cutting. The site says you don't need glue, but I still dabbed a little bit on each tab. The site has a ton of free printable Cubees, over 200 mostly nerdy pop culture characters as well as some designer originals created by guest artists. Head on over to the CubeeCraft website to check them out.

Space Invader Pop Up Card: Tutorial Link

Maybe you remember my post about Extreme Cards and Papercrafting? Yes, no?

Well, I wanted to tell you guys about a recent tutorial that recently popped up on her blog. That's right, kids. A Space Invader pop up card! Indulge your inner geek (or the inner geek of a loved one) by creating this awesome card. You can find the tutorial and downloadable PDF or DXF tutorial by following this link.

DIY iPod Skins: Tutorial Link

I love to decorate anything I can get my hands on. I always joke that if it'll hold still long enough, I'll customize it.

That's why I was so excited to find this awesome tutorial on how to make your own custom iPod or mobile device skins over at Crafting For Cheapskates.

I have the iPod Touch, so I sadly can't really use this project for my iPod, but I do have a very sad looking Blackberry! This will also make a perfect birthday present, dontchyathink?

Playing Card Messenger Bag: Tutorial Link

I found this easy to follow tutorial at Crafty Mommy and Me on how to make a trading card purse using materials you may either already have at home, or can easily be purchased at the dollar store. All you need are purse straps, sticky vinyl, and playing or trading cards.

She uses World of Warcraft cards, but I'm thinking that this would be equally as awesome if regular ol' playing cards were used. This project really makes me wish that I hadn't accidentally trashed my old Garbage Pail Kids collection. This project would also work really well for wallet sized photos, paint chips from the hardware store, or any other small rectangular or square bits of cardstock or paper. You can easily adapt this tutorial to make makeup bags or small purses.

If you're really feeling adventurous, why not try putting in a zipper? Just remember that once you stitch vinyl, there is no going back - those holes are there foooreeeveer. Also, make sure that you use the correct needle, feet and stitch settings for vinyl. Since this project uses adhesive vinyl, your needle can get gunked up pretty quickly, so keep a little rubbing alcohol and some cotton swabs handy to clean that needle off.