Skull Flower Hairclip: Text Tutorial

This hair clip is super easy to make, and super customizable.

All you need is polymer clay, fabric flowers, fabric glue, hot glue, a hair clip, and glitter.

A while back, I made about a dozen little skulls out of scrap polymer clay. They were kind of swirly mud colored, but that's okay because I knew I'd paint them eventually. They are super easy to make. I just formed a basic skull shape, then used the end of a paint brush to make the eye sockets and the back a craft knife to make the indents for the teeth.

For this clip, I painted the skull blue and sprinkled glitter on it while the paint was still wet. You could do the same, or use colored polymer clay.
I mixed a little fabric glue and glitter together and painted the edge of the petals with my fabric glitter glue. After it dried, I cut off the plastic bits in the center of the flower, leaving just enough to keep the flower together.
Next, I used my trusty hot glue gun to attach the skull to the center.
I then put a big blob of hot glue on the back to attach the hair clip. I like to use a lot so that it sort of envelopes the clip a bit, making it more secure.

Coffin Shaped Glasses Case: Tutorial Link

I have tons of gas station sunglasses. Tons. Part of the problem is that I used to work at a gas station, so I got first pick on new shipments, plus a hefty discount on already cheap sunglasses. The other part of the problem is that I never seem to remember to bring sunglasses with me on road trips (which I go on fairly often), so I am forced to pick up a new pair. However, just because they are cheap doesn't mean that I don't feel sad when a favorite pair gets scratched or broken from hanging around in the bottom of the black hole that I like to call my purse.

That's why I was really happy to find a great tutorial for a case at one of my favorite crafting blogs, Crafting for Cheapskates. Not only is it functional, it's kinda creepy. I also love that she uses duct tape to secure the fabric, rather than pins. Those are the kind of short cuts I totally dig, hehe. Anyhow, head over here for a simple, straight to the point tutorial to make your own cute-but-creepy glasses case.

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.

Faux Old Books or Custom Book Covers: Tutorial Link

This tutorial shows you a great way to re-cover books. They would look perfect in your Wunderkammer, cabinet of curiosities, or for Halloween decor. It's also a great way to gussy up a plain, boring sketchbook.

The tutorial is easy to follow and calls for cheap materials that you probably already have laying around. All you need is an old book, cardboard, glue or Mod Podge, paper towels, and craft/acrylic paint. There are also plenty of clear pictures for reference.

Fabric Hair Bow: Tutorial

First, let me apologize for the quality of the photos. My camera is has been broken for some time now, so I've been using my phone. Secondly, this is the first photo tutorial, so I hope that it's adequate.
This is a great way to use up fabric scraps to make cute accessories.

You will need:

• Fabric
• Needle and thread
• Hair clip
• Hot glue gun + glue (optional)

1. Cut two rectangles from your fabric. The larger one should be twice as long and twice as wide as what you want your finished bow to be, plus a little extra for seam allowance. The second,
smaller piece should be twice the width of the center part of the bow and about two inches long.



2. Fold each piece in half, with the "wrong" side facing out. Sew along the open edge. This will create two tubes. I used orange thread so that it would be easy to see.




3. Turn the tubes inside out, so that the "right" side of the fabric is showing. Fold it so that the seam runs down the center of one side. You can iron the tubes at this point, but I'm lazy when it comes to things like that, so I didn't.



4. Fold the larger tube in half so that the seam is on the inside. Whip stitch the raw edges together. You can either iron it now so that the whip stitched seam is in the center, or do what I did and just kind of flatten it with your hands.





5. Fold and pinch the bow in the center, making it look the way you want, keeping the seam to the back.






6. Run a few stitches through the center, securing the folds.









7. Wrap the smaller tube around the center of the bow. Fold the raw edge over and secure it in the back with a few stitches. Your bow is now done!










8. Attach the clip to the back of the bow, using
either stitches or hot glue.






Variations:

• Layer your fabric with tulle, fishnet, or lace.
• Use less fabric by using pinking shears on the edge of the big tube. You only need to cut a rectangle of fabric twice as long, but the same width as the finished bow.
• Glue or sew a button or decoration to the center. I used Halloween favor rings with the ring part cut off.
• Embellish with embroidery, beads, or sequins.
  

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?