Monday, September 30, 2013

DIY Cell Phone Flip Case

 Bear updated my old flip style cell phone with a new iPhone this weekend. It's nice but I was worried about the screen getting scratched. All the covers we looked at were expensive and ugly so I went to work designing my own. 
 First I needed a decorative case (the type that just covers the back can be found cheap). We bought this one on clearance for $1.07. What it looks like doesn't  matter because it will be covered when finished.
 Cut a piece of cardboard the same size as the case , a piece of felt that fits folded over the cardboard and case, and a pretty piece of fabric for the outside of the case. Cut the fabric a half inch larger than the cut piece of felt (see picture). Make sure to cut out the area for the camera eye on the felt and fabric ( I used the hole in the case for a reference/template for cutting that out). Then glue down the case and cardboard with hot glue leaving a half inch border free of glue (you will need that for sewing next).. 
 
 Fold the extra half inch of fabric under the cardboard and felt and then using small whip stitches carefully sew around the whole flip case. Use tiny stitches and go slowly on this part. Make sure to add a closure. I used a button and elastic hair tie (don't worry, there is a picture of that next). Sew the camera eye hole the same way. Then fill in the gap between the material and plastic case with more hot glue. Don't add so much that it squishes out; but if some does, wipe it away before it hardens..
This is the wooden button and hair tie I used to close my new case. A snap, light magnet, Velcro, or ribbon would have also worked.
Ta dah! It's done! I saw a lot of flip cases with pockets in them for cards and a Velcro stylus, but I did not want to risk scratching the phone with them. This is what it looks like. What do you think? 
Have fun and Be well!

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Autumn Leaf Crown

 A boy and his mother were out enjoying a crisp Autumn day. They had been talking about seasons and enjoying the beautiful colors of Autumn. "Prince Autumn is coming", mother said, "We should leave him a crown".
 Mother sent boy to go collect several bright Autumn leaves that had fallen to the ground. He had fun exploring and looking for leaves. He chose several brightly colored leaves with edges that had not started to curl. 
 When he brought them to his mother she made a beautiful crown by weaving the stems through the leaves.
"Do you think Prince Autumn will like his new crown?" the boy asked. "I'm sure he will." His mother replied with a smile. 
The two left the crown waiting on a rock for Prince Autumn to find, and then went home.
The End.
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Would you like to make your own crown? Below is a video tutorial. I loved to make these when I was a little girl. Panda and I had so much fun that I think making a crown for Prince Autumn to ring in the Fall might become a new family tradition. Have fun and be well.

Friday, September 20, 2013

This Moment

  "A Friday ritual. A single photo-no words- capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember."  SouleMama

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Recycled Children's Hanger Clips

 My mother showed me a neat trick to do with children's hangers the other day.
 Cut the clip ends off and file any sharp edges down with a metal file.
Use the clips for bag clips. Neat huh? I can think of a million uses for more clips around my house; how about you? I saved the hook part of the hanger for future crafts. 
Have fun and be well.

Friday, September 6, 2013

This Moment

"A Friday ritual. A single photo-no words- capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember."  SouleMama
Warning: Wasps are attracted to breast milk!