Gobble, Gobble

Considering Thanksgiving is right around the corner, I put together some cute shirts for my sister's girls.  I've seen similar shirts while shopping, and I figured I could make some myself.  I included a tutorial below in case you're interested in making one too.  Here is a picture of how they looked once finished.

Step 1: Prewash all fabric.

Step 2: Create a pattern.  Using a file folder trace the shapes needed (a U shape and a bowling pin)

Step 3: Trace them onto fabric.

Step 4: Cut out 5 "U" shaped pieces and 1 bowling pin.

Step 5: Spray pieces with Fray Stop Spray.

Step 6: Using the directions below, apply Heat n' Bond (or some other iron on adhesive).

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  Step 1: Preheat dry iron to the silk setting. Place Heat N' Bond on the wrong side of the material. Lightly glide iron across paper side for 1-2 seconds.
  
  
  
  
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  Step 2: When creating your own design, draw design on paper side in reverse. Carefully cut out design. Skip to next step if you are working on a pre-cut or pre-designed item.
  
  
  
  
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  Step 3: Allow the material to cool, then peel off the paper backing. The adhesive should appear milky in color. Shiny, clear adhesive is a sign of overheating.
  
  
  
  
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  Step 4: Place the material right side up in desired position and iron for 4-6 seconds. The ironing time may need to be increased for heavier materials or when using several layers of material.
  
  
  
  

Step 7: Iron pieces onto a pre-washed shirt.

Step 8: Using embroidery thread, straight stitch (by hand) around all pieces.  If you don't know how to straight stitch, refer to this tutorial.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06T0C3RWfxY

Step 9: Using embroidery thread, create a french knot in the center of the eyes.  If you don't know how to create a french knot, refer to this tutorial.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytiI5nhV2HM

Here is a close up of the french knot turkey eyes.

Step 10: Wear to your Thanksgiving feast.

I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving!

Topiary Time

Several weeks ago I was reading a few Facebook posts, and I came across a craft I thought would be fun to make.  My childhood neighbor created a topiary as a gift for a friend at work.  Of course, I emailed and asked for the directions.  Thankfully, she obliged.  Here is a picture of her creation.

Anyway, I thought I'd pass along her tutorial (adding a few comments of my own).  These are the directions I used.  You can alter them to fit your design.  Here are the details.

Materials Needed:
     -Styrofoam ball (4-5 inches)
     -Wooden dowel that fits in the bottom of the Styrofoam ball
     -5-6 spools of ribbon
     -Styrofoam for the bottom of the pot
     -Flower pot
     -Moss
     -Button
     -Straight pins
     -Scrap Material
     -Rubberband
    -Twine or jute

Directions:
     1.  Cut ribbon into 1.5 inch strips
     2.  Fold ribbon in half and pin onto Styrofoam ball
     3.  Continue until no Styrofoam is showing
     4.  Hot glue or pin a large button to the top of the Styrofoam ball
     5.  Wrap twine around the dowel (hot glue at the top and bottom)
     6.  Push the dowel into the bottom of the Styrofoam ball
     7.  Push the other end of the dowel into the pot Styrofoam
     8.  Place the pot Styrofoam into the flower pot
     9.  Place moss over the Styrofoam and around the dowel
    10. Cover the pot with the scrap material (or paint depending on your preference)
    11. Pull corners of fabric up towards top of flower pot
    12. Place a rubber band over the pot and pull up towards the top of the pot
    13. Cover the rubber band with a piece of ribbon tied into a bow
    14. Display

Here is a picture of mine...