Organization

Well, I got my pattern fixed for the Mushroom Business Card Holder. So, if you'd like to make your very own, TOTALLY cool, business card holder, the directions are good to go. Unfortunately, I spent the afternoon fixing the pattern and didn't get a chance to remake mine. But as soon as I finish this blog, I'm off to work on mine. Actually, Michelle put in a request for a red and white mushroom one, so I'll probably do that one first! The pattern for the Mushroom Business Card Holder can be found HERE or with the FREE Patterns. Enjoy! 

For a totally unique and fun business card holder, make our Mushroom! The mushroom cap is on the top flap and the stem remains on the lower portion. The finished size is approximately 2 3/4" x 3 3/4" and will hold standard sized business cards. Make one for yourself and several for gift giving.

Materials:
wool felt
embroidery floss
small piece of sew on Velcro
pattern

IMPORTANT: Refer to the pattern throughout. Specifics, including the number of floss threads to be used, stitches and order of applying appliques can be found on the pattern. Read it carefully before beginning.

1] Make copy of pattern.

2] Cut out pieces of felt as indicated on pattern.

3] Following the pattern, applique and embroider the front piece of the card holder.

4] Cut Velcro using pattern piece. Sew one piece of Velcro to the outside piece (on the stem) of the card holder as indicated on the pattern. Sew the corresponding piece of Velcro to the inside piece of the card holder as indicated on the pattern.

5] Pin the wrong sides of the 2 card holder pieces together. Begin by blanket stitching along the short, straight side. Tie off to secure but do not cut the thread.

6] Fold the card holder along the fold line that is near the stem. Fold so the stem is showing. Pin in place. Blanket stitch down the side where the thread is attached. Tie off, hide the thread in a seam and cut the thread. Blanket stitch around the remain outside edge of the card holder. Tie off, hide the thread in a seam and cut the thread.

7] Hiding your ends, sew a blanket stitch along the upper fold line. 

You are now ready to stuff your Mushroom Business Card Holder with, well, business cards!

When you're creative, nothing in your life needs to be boring. Here is a totally fun glass case that would be equally comfortable hanging out with an adult or child. Crafted from soft felt and flannel, adorable through and through, if you don't wear glasses, you're going to wish you did!

Materials:
1 piece felt and 1 piece flannel 7" x 8"
felt scraps
embroidery thread
small flower buttons
pattern

1] Make copy of pattern.

2] Cut out the inside and outside of the glass case. Decide on the colors for your birds and cut out all pieces and leaves.

3] Using the pattern as a guide, mark the vine on the felt, and following the directions on the pattern, embroider the vine, Add the leaves. (There will be places where part of the birds will cover part of the leaves. This will give the piece a dimensional look.)

4] Following the pattern, applique on the birds, building the bird as you go along. (i.e. First applique on large body piece, then on 2 birds, the head piece. Next, add the wings, beak, then eyes.) Although not on the pattern, I embellished the birds using 6 strands of embroidery. I used french knots, cross stitches, and straight stitches. You can leave them plain, following my suggestions, or come up with any embellishment you'd like. Perhaps you'd like to add beads. Go crazy!

5] Finish the embroidery by adding the various flowers and buttons. If you don't have flower buttons, cut out felt ones or use another decorative embroidery stitch. NOTE: I did not sew on the top flower button until after I sewed the outside to the inside. It is so close to the edge it could have interfered with sewing the pieces together.

6] Pin the inside to the outside with right sides together. 

7] Sew them together leaving a 2" opening on the bottom back side. 

8] Trim the corners to reduce some of bulk, turn, and lightly press. Slip stitch the opening closed. Add your last button.

9] Fold the glass case lengthwise, matching bottom and sides. The embroidery side should be on the outside. Starting on the front at the top opening, blanket stitch down the side and bottom. Make sure your stitches are tight, but not so tight that the sides are puckering. Your work should lay flat.

Tah Dah! You're done. Slip your glasses inside and they'll rest comfortably until you are ready to wear them again!

Supplies:

Toilet paper rolls
Crafting glue
Twine
Clips
Yarn needle
Basket

1] Cover the outside of the toilet paper roll with glue.

2] Beginning at one end, begin wrapping the twine around the roll. I do not try to measure how much twine I'll need, instead I simply take it directly from the ball. If the twine will not stay in place, after the tube 3-5 times, use a clip to hold the end in place. I found that if I used enough glue, the end stayed put without the clips, but if you need them, use them.

3] Continue tightly wrapping the tube, keeping the twine close together. Add more glue is necessary. When you get to the end, simply cut off the twine. Again, if the twine does not lay flat, you can clip it in place, but if you use enough glue, chances are you won't need them.

4] When the tubes are completely dried, position them in the basket. Thread the twine in a yarn needle, and going through the basket, tie the tubes to the side of the basket near the top of the tube and near the bottom of the tube.

5] Load the twine pencil holders up with your pencils and pens and you are good to go!

It's summertime. Time to head outside and find a shady patch of grass to stretch out on. It's also a great time to grab your crafting supplies and "while away the hours" drawing birds and butterflies, clouds and clover. Although I like the roll-up colored pencil holders, I personally am too impatient to take the pencils in and out of their snug little niches. If you look at my own crafting table, pencils and pens, rulers and scissors, are all sticking out of containers making easy access and storage. 

So, I wanted to create a very simple, but organized, take-along craft basket that was sturdy, easy to use, and earthy. I began by finding a cute basket at Joann's. I was looking for a small basket, that was sturdy and deep enough to stop crafting supplies from spilling out if being carried by a wee one. I only buy baskets when they are 50% off, and I got this beauty for $4.00. I was pleased!

To make the pencil holders, I hit my toilet paper roll stash, slathered them with crafting glue, and wrapped twine around them. For a more detailed and pictorial view of wrapping the pencil holders, check out our tutorial HERE. After the toilet paper rolls were dried, I threaded the twine into a yarn needle, and simply tied them to the side of the basket.

Now, load the craft basket up with your favorite supplies, and hit the great out-of-doors. Enjoy!