Craft Projects - Fabric and Ribbon Crafts http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/fabric-and-ribbon-crafts-21/ Crafts, Projects and Ideas, holiday craft projects, kids craft ideas. Free arts and Crafts for all ages. en 60 Craft Projects - Fabric and Ribbon Crafts enlighten/misc/rss.jpg http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/fabric-and-ribbon-crafts-21/ Robin’s Rose - by Robin Price http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/fabric-and-ribbon-crafts-21/robins-rose---by-robin-price-267/ http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/fabric-and-ribbon-crafts-21/robins-rose---by-robin-price-267/ My grandmother hooked with any fabric as long as it was the correct color. I thought her flower rugs were beautiful, but I felt at my age they were “older lady designs.” So my first rug was a peace sign! Well, I love flower rugs now, so I guess I have become that older lady. I am a grandmother now after all!

These little mats are a great way to use up leftovers. At first I got my strips of reds or plums together and hooked them at random. Then friends and students wanted to make one, so I needed a plan.

I wanted to create a pattern that would teach color value and hooking technique. The end result is an adaptation of one of my penny rug designs that originated from grandmother’s appliqué of her “too fat for hooking” wools in the flower power days.

Drawing the Pattern

I use a backing that will work for #7 or #8 cuts; holes in your backing that are too small will strain your wrist when pulling the wool through. If you are not sure if the backing you have will work, hook a few rows of the cut you want to use. See how the tension on your wrist feels and if the loops lie properly.

The original size of this oval pattern is


9
1/2" x 11", but you can choose any size you wish. I start drawing by making a plus sign in the middle of the foundation to find the center. I draw a circle for the placement of flowers centered over the lines of the plus sign. You can decide here if you want a circle or an oval. Make sure the flowers are spaced evenly apart. I use a lid or cup as a circle template. I also measure in inches from the center of the plus sign to the flowers. Balance is important in this design. Draw all four of the flower circles.


A template for leaves can be cut on a folded piece of paper. The fold marks the vein of the leaf. I play around with the shape and size until I find the most pleasing combination. The shape I like is similar to an elongated heart, but in this version of the rug, I’ve used a more pointed oval shape. Cut out the leaf on the fold, and then



open the fold to get your leaf template. Once I’m certain I like the shape, I cut out three more leaves and place them next to the two flowers on the bottom half of the rug. Then I trace around the leaf templates. You will want your leaf to touch the flower, and you’ll need to add a space between the leaves where they point to each other.



Draw the remaining leaves. Remember to keep the design balanced.



Choosing Flower Colors


The main concern here is value. Dark recedes and light or bright comes forward. You can use any combination of colors, but they must be light, medium, or dark values.



For your swatch, chose any floral color. For example, the red family includes colors from pink to burgundy. Whatever color family you choose, be sure that the light and dark present a significant jump in value to define the flower. You want to see a difference in value, but you don’t want the color change to stick out like a sore thumb or



clash. I like to lay the colors next to each other to see if they are pleasing to the eye. I lay several combinations of wool out and pick a favorite. You can also purchase a swatch, just be sure to skip values.




For the rug featured in this article, I chose an over-dyed plaid in pink for the light, a solid red for the medium, and a spot dye for the dark.




Hooking the Flowers


I start by drawing three open horseshoes or Cs on the edge of the circle flower (see the illustration). Next I color in the flower center, remembering to avoid a bull’s-eye effect by shaping it a bit. I find a flower center


that’s a little off kilter looks best.




Next I draw the same open horseshoes around the flower center three times, being sure to draw these off center in relationship to the outside horseshoes. These horseshoe-shaped lines mark the light and dark hooking areas. Next I hook the horseshoes on the outside with the dark value. The horseshoes on the inside I hook with the light value. I fill in the rest with the medium value. You can randomly hook light and


dark values here and there to fill up spaces or add interest. This is also the place to add another value, if needed. I use mostly leftover strips, and if I run out of one color, I use a color that is almost the same to fill in. I hook the center with a check or plaid. I like yellows or bright greens. Sometimes just a few loops of a contrasting color around the edge of the center adds a little spark and diminishes the bull’s-eye effect.




Hooking the Leaves


I choose my leaf colors after I have finished the roses. My stash of greens is laid out one at a time and I pick several that I think will work. Then I lay them around the edges and pick my favorite. This point is where I decide if I want a dark or light background. The value of the


leaves will usually tell me what is needed for a background that “pops” the flowers. If my leaves are dark, I use a light background so my flowers won’t get lost. I try to have the greatest contrast between motifs and background colors so the motifs really stand out. The outline of the leaves is hooked first, and then I hook the veins with leftover flower colors. I like to mix them up or use what looks best with the green. I then fill in the rest with green. Leftovers are great for leaves. I pick out colors that go together, and then mix them up and hook them randomly. If you have a bunch of leftover strips that don’t


quite go together, put them in a pot on the stove and cook them in a regular dye bath to blend all of the colors together. Don’t forget the vinegar! You can also over dye strips to blend colors together.



Hooking the Background



I start on the inside edge of the leaves and flowers and work toward the center using the echoing method. Be careful not to stretch the wool too much or the center may pucker. Always keep your pattern


stretched evenly with the weft and warp of your foundation. Hook very precisely around the border of the rug to make even rows, as this will be the edge of the mat. Three or four rows will do.




Finishing


For binding, I use an iron-on binding tape,


1/2" wide. I iron the tape down on the foundation as close to the hooking as possible, leaving the paper on. I fold the tape in the corners to keep the correct shape, and then cut off the foundation next to the edge of the binding tape. After I remove the paper, I then fold the binding tape onto itself and iron again. This gives me a 1/4" folded border all around my rug.


I then single crochet mohair yarn around the edges in about every other hole. You can also roll and whip the edges with yarn or wool strips. Crocheting with wool strips is another option.


Note: An excellent free crochet video is available at www.hassdesign.com.


Conclusion


These are fun and fast little rugs to work on, and they make the best gifts. Friends and relatives love them. I know my grandmother is smiling down at me every time I make one! But alas, I still have many more

leftovers.



--------------------------------------------------------------------

Robin Price became a certified McGown teacher in 1995.
ROBIN’S ROSE is a free pattern, her gift to you. Please acknowledge that it is a Robin’s Rugg pattern: ww.robinsruggs.com.

]]> Thu, 27 Nov 2008 01:55:57 Fabric and Ribbon Crafts Fabric and Ribbon Crafts admin en Sock Snowman http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/fabric-and-ribbon-crafts-21/sock-snowman-88/ http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/fabric-and-ribbon-crafts-21/sock-snowman-88/ Attachment 175

Fill the sock 3 quarters full with rice.

Place a rubber band tightly around the top of the sock, leaving a couple of inches for the hat.

To create the hat, fold the lip of the sock over the top of the rubber band. Paint the hat with the black paint or marker.

To add the scarf, take a small strip of the colorful fabric and tie it around the sock (about 1/3 of the way down from the hat).

Place on eyes, nose, mouth, and buttons with black and orange beads.

This makes a great Christmas decoration!]]> Tue, 20 May 2008 11:48:33 Fabric and Ribbon Crafts Fabric and Ribbon Crafts cupcake en Adorable Snow Folks http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/fabric-and-ribbon-crafts-21/adorable-snow-folks-87/ http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/fabric-and-ribbon-crafts-21/adorable-snow-folks-87/ Attachment 169 Attachment 174

Basic Snow Person
Fill the hand portion of a child's mitten with one or two handfuls of rice, fill the rest of the way with cotton batting, be sure to fill thumb as well. Cut a scrap piece of material for scarf and gently tie around the mitten where the ribbing of the cuff meets the plain material of the mitten (end of the cuff). (When tying scarf, point the scarf material away from the thumb to make it appear as if the scarf is covering the person's other arm.) Fold down cuff to cover scarf and form a turtle neck. Hot glue on wooden ball to top of turned down cuff. Glue on tiny plastic eyes or paint on with black acrylic paint. Use black marker for mouth. Gently dot on lipstick for cheeks by applying first to your finger and then dotting onto face. Glue 2 or 3 buttons to tummy area. Glue a stem of holiday florals or greenery tucked into the arm (thumb), and glue arm to the mitten body. Jessica- click for larger view
Jessica

You can personalize each snow person with different hats, scarves, florals, and more. Our examples show how you can create an entire family of folks by simply using different colored mittens, scarves, and different styles of hats and ear muffs.

Attachment 170

Grandpa
Our Grandpa (pictured above) wears a top hat that is fashioned from a scrap of scarf. Lay your basic snowperson face up on your work surface. Lay a rectangular scrap flat and place under ball head. Fold a flap of the material up to form the brim of the hat (see photo) and begin gluing in place, wrapping around the head as you work. Glue final seams in the back of the hat so they are not visible.

Attachment 171

Little Sister
Little Jessica is wearing earmuffs instead of a hat. We simply cut a scrap piece from the cuff of an infant's sock and glued it across the top of her head. At the ends of the headband, glue two pom poms for the muffs.

Attachment 172

Brother & Sister
Amy and Peter are wearing snow hats. These hats are both fashioned from infant socks. To make Amy's hat we simply fit the cuff of the sock onto her head and rolled up the edge of the cuff to form her hat brim. Then trim the end of the sock off and fold over neatly then glue in place. Glue a pom pom to the top. For Peter's hat, put sock on head the same way as Amy's, trim toe portion off, then cut the end of the sock into three sections. Pull those three sections together to form a cone type tip, glue three pom poms to that tip.

Attachment 173

Mom & Dad
A slightly larger mitten was used for Mom and Dad. Because the cuffs of the mittens were much larger and thicker, we formed parka hoods by simply gluing the ball inside the cuff and gluing the "chin" to the mitten itself.

You can display these snow people in a basket with sprigs of greenery and holly berries, or place them in a sleigh. Fill the sleigh with cotton batting and place each family member in their seat. Place these cute little people on your fireplace mantel, or attach a piece of gold cord and hang from your tree or in your doorway.

About the Author
Amanda Formaro is the entrepreneurial mother of four children. She is also the owner of http://FamilyCorner.com Magazine.]]> Tue, 20 May 2008 11:36:32 Fabric and Ribbon Crafts Fabric and Ribbon Crafts cupcake en Country Elegance Holiday Wreath http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/fabric-and-ribbon-crafts-21/country-elegance-holiday-wreath-86/ http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/fabric-and-ribbon-crafts-21/country-elegance-holiday-wreath-86/ Attachment 165

Note: fabric squares can be in any color combination you choose.

Attachment 166

When choosing your fabric colors, remember that solids and plaids contrast quite nicely. Try to find a plaid or floral pattern with at least one dark color in it, contrast with a deep colored solid. See Figure 1. The lace addition brings elegance to your country look. You may also cut the fabric squares with pinking shears if you choose.

Attachment 167

Turn grapevine wreath face down on work surface. Using hot glue gun, glue lace remnant in place around the center of the wreath. When you turn the wreath you should see the lace around the center edge. Glue any spots that are sticking up or falling back. See Figure 2

With wreath face up, begin inserting fabric squares into wreath by putting pen into the center of the square and pressing down into the nooks and crannies.

Attachment 168

See Figure 3. Insert solids first, leaving enough room between each square to allow for the other patterns.

When you have completed the circle, begin inserting the plaid or floral squares, then follow with the lace squares. Fill any gaps with remaining squares, alternating where needed.

Note: If you will be giving this wreath as a gift, you may want to secure the squares with glue.

As an optional finishing touch, add a small glittery holiday silk stem with cranberries or other small fruit to the wreath. Glue in place just off center.]]> Tue, 20 May 2008 11:22:39 Fabric and Ribbon Crafts Fabric and Ribbon Crafts cupcake en Design Your Own Jeans http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/fabric-and-ribbon-crafts-21/design-your-own-jeans-85/ http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/fabric-and-ribbon-crafts-21/design-your-own-jeans-85/ Attachment 164

Brush the detergent on the stamp with a paint brush. Be careful to keep the detergent on the raised part of the stamp.

Press the stamp onto the jeans.

Be creative and make your own designs.

Try a jean jacket to match.

Note: Different materials will dry different colors.]]> Tue, 20 May 2008 11:17:44 Fabric and Ribbon Crafts Fabric and Ribbon Crafts cupcake en Gentleman Ghost http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/fabric-and-ribbon-crafts-21/gentleman-ghost-84/ http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/fabric-and-ribbon-crafts-21/gentleman-ghost-84/ Attachment 163

Stuff sock with fiberfill to make head and body. Tie off bottom of sock with one of the chenille sticks. Determine the size you would like the ghost's head to be, then wrap a chenille stick tightly around neck to create head. using last chenille stick, thread stick through neck stick, twist to tighten, create a loop, then tuck the ends both in and twist off. You should have a loop to hang your ghost with when through.

Using the black marker, draw on facial features (we used a dry erase marker), then carefully brush on some powder blush for cheeks.

Using a pair of sharp scissors, cut slits all around the fabric square to create a fringe appearance. Cut a 2" x 1/2" oval in the center of both the square and rectangle fabric pieces for head to slip through.

First, put red polka-dotted ribbon together with raffia strands. Place rectangular piece of fabric over ghost's head first, then layer the square piece of fabric over the top of the rectangle. For the collar, lift 1" of the fabric up around the ghost's face and then tie with raffia/ribbon bow around both layers. Trim bow strings if you wish.

Glue buttons onto the front of the ghost's outfit. Cut a circle out of thin cardboard, about 3/4" in diameter larger than the diameter of the film canister, to create the brim of the top hat. Paint brim black, let dry. Glue film canister onto brim, let dry. Glue silk flower onto brim of hat, let dry. Once hat is dry, glue it onto the ghost's head.

Hang in hallway, entranceway, over the fireplace or on the front door.

About the Author:
Amanda Formaro is the entrepreneurial mother of four children. She is also the owner of www.FamilyCorner.com Magazine. Subscribe to her free newsletter by clicking "sign up" below]]> Tue, 20 May 2008 11:15:21 Fabric and Ribbon Crafts Fabric and Ribbon Crafts cupcake en Heart Box http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/fabric-and-ribbon-crafts-21/heart-box-83/ http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/fabric-and-ribbon-crafts-21/heart-box-83/ Attachment 428

Pattern Attachment 217
Print the above pattern file and cut out all pattern pieces.

Trace pattern pieces 1 - 4 onto cardboard and cut out. Cut pattern piece 5 from red velvet fabric. Cut pattern piece 6 from ivory fabric. Cut pattern piece 7 & 8 from red satin fabric. Cut pieces 3 & 4 from the quilt batting.

Lid & Base

1. Lay one ivory fabric piece (6) on the table with right side down. Lay batting (3) in center of fabric and place a cardboard piece (3) over the batting.

Attachment 429 Attachment 430

2. Fold the edges of the fabric up and over the cardboard and glue in place using the glue gun. (Fig. 1) Continue around the heart. (Fig. 2) This piece will be the top of the lid.

3. Repeat steps # 1 and # 2 for the other three pieces of ivory fabric (6) and cardboard (3). You will not need a batting piece for these pieces. These three pieces will be the bottom of the lid and the top and bottom of the base.

Attachment 431

4. Glue the decorative trim around the inside edge of the padded ivory heart and one other ivory heart. (Fig. 3)

Attachment 432

5. With raw edges together, glue 1 heart with trim and one heart without trim together. (Fig. 4)

6. Lay one satin fabric piece (7) on the table. Lay batting (4) in center of fabric and place a cardboard piece (4) over the batting.

7. Fold the edges of the fabric up and over the cardboard and glue in place using the glue gun. Continue around the heart.

Attachment 433

8. Lay the red satin heart created above on the table with the raw edges up. Cut 1/4" red ribbon into 2 - 2" pieces. Glue these pieces to the red satin heart as shown in Fig. 5.

Attachment 434

9. Glue the raw edge side of the red satin heart to the center bottom of the lid. (Fig. 6)

Sides & Interior

Attachment 435 Attachment 436

1. Bring the edges of cardboard side (2) together and tape with masking tape. (Fig.7.) Form into a heart shape and place a strip of masking tape temporally across the bottom to hold in place. (Fig 8)

Attachment 437

2. Turn heart over so the tape is on the bottom. Push the center of the lining fabric (8) down into the heart. Gather the edges of the lining and fold over the rim of the cardboard heart. Hold in place using hair pins. (Fig. 9) Glue the fabric edges down to the outside of the cardboard heart.

Attachment 438

3. Set the lid over the lining piece and glue ribbon in place. (Fig. 10) Set aside.

Attachment 439

4. Lay velvet fabric (5) on table with right side down. Center cardboard piece (1) over the fabric. Fold the edges of the fabric up and over the cardboard and glue in place using the glue gun. Continue around the cardboard. (Fig. 11)

5. Glue inside of the velvet piece to outside of lining piece. Remove the temporary tape and glue bottom edge to base.

Finishing

Attachment 440

Arrange flowers and ribbon on the top of the box and glue in place. (Fig. 12)]]> Tue, 20 May 2008 11:05:19 Fabric and Ribbon Crafts Fabric and Ribbon Crafts cupcake en Elegant Bows for Easy Holiday Decor http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/fabric-and-ribbon-crafts-21/elegant-bows-for-easy-holiday-decor-82/ http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/fabric-and-ribbon-crafts-21/elegant-bows-for-easy-holiday-decor-82/ Attachment 151 Attachment 150 Attachment 152

Indoors

Creating a Centerpiece
Bows can dress up the plainest of items. Here you see a plain wooden wheelbarrow that has been transformed into a festive centerpiece. Simply fill the wheelbarrow, or basket of your choice, with greenery from your tree and adorn with a bow. To make the bow, use 2 1/2" wide plaid ribbon and 1 1/2" wide sheer bendable ribbon with wire. Begin by tying the a simple knot with the plaid ribbon around a pencil. Make a bow, as if tying your shoe, and adjust so that loops are the same size. Next, tie sheer bendable ribbon around the plaid ribbon's knot center. Make a bow and adjust loops as you did in the larger bow. Now manipulate bows by gently scrunching and bending into shape to form a full and blossomed look. In our example, we slipped the finished bow onto one of the evergreen sprigs so that it can be easily removed when the holidays have passed.

Stairways & Doorknobs

Just about every area of your home has something that can be embellished! Obviously, you don't want to go overboard and drown your family in bows, but simple elegant touches, like a festive bow at the end of your staircase handrail can be a lovely touch. You can add bows to several areas of your home without being overbearing. Follow the same general instructions as in the centerpiece above. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
  • doorknobs
  • fireplace mantels
  • houseplants
  • lamp shades
  • above doors
  • atop an entryway mirror
  • sconces
Outdoors

Handrails, Windowboxes & Doorknobs
Tie plaid and solid bows onto stairway handrails and attach to windowboxes. Add smaller, shiny bows to bushes or trees, with or without holiday lights. Again, your doorknob is a great place for a bow, but be sure it is fashioned in a way that won't crush the bow when the door is opened. The best way to do this is to form a "drop bow" by tying the ribbon to the doorknob in a double knot. Then take the remaining two ends and form the bow below the knob rather than right on it. This way the bow hangs below the doorknob and will not be touched by people entering the house. Be careful not to let the bow hang too far down or it may get caught in an open door on windy days.

Door Dress Ups
A popular standby for door decorating is, of course, the grapevine wreath. And yes, you can attach a bow to those too! However, what we have fashioned is a very simple double bow that holds a few different dried twigs and painted eucalyptus.


You will need:
  • 3 yards of 2 1/2" wide shiny gold ribbon
  • 3 yards of 2 1/2" wide sheer red bendable ribbon with gold accents
  • small bunch of eucalyptus, spray painted gold (can be purchased this way)
  • small bunch of twigs, spray painted white or gold
  • small bunch of red decorative swirling sprays
  • rubber band
Gather all three bunches of twigs, sprays, and eucalyptus and rubber band together at the top. Tie gold ribbon around top of florals, near the rubber band, and knot. Fashion a bow. Wrap ribbon around again and fashion another bow, making a double bow. Repeat with sheer ribbon. Manipulate bows until they form a full blossom, bending sheer ribbon where needed.

With a little imagination, you can transform your house into a festive holiday home that screams "Bake me some cookies!". Have a Happy Holiday Season!]]> Tue, 20 May 2008 10:57:07 Fabric and Ribbon Crafts Fabric and Ribbon Crafts cupcake en Pinecone Ornament http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/fabric-and-ribbon-crafts-21/pinecone-ornament-81/ http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/fabric-and-ribbon-crafts-21/pinecone-ornament-81/ Attachment 148 Attachment 149

Cut the 3 yards of ribbon into 52 2-inch pieces. Fold each piece into a triangle (Fig. 1) and iron. At narrow end of egg, pin 2 triangles, seam side down opposite each other so that tips meet 1/4 inch beyond egg, pin in each corner (Fig. 2). Pin 2 more triangles opposite each other in space between the first two, with tips meeting. Pin two more triangles opposite each other in the remaining spaces. Place 45 more triangles with tips in line with tips of first row. Continue to alternate rows in this manner until egg is completely covered. With 12 inches on contrasting ribbon make a hanger and bow. Glue or pin to large end of egg.]]> Tue, 20 May 2008 10:53:25 Fabric and Ribbon Crafts Fabric and Ribbon Crafts cupcake en An Easter Wreath http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/fabric-and-ribbon-crafts-21/an-easter-wreath-79/ http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/fabric-and-ribbon-crafts-21/an-easter-wreath-79/ Attachment 146

Tear 3, 1" strips of fabric 44" long and wind around the wreath.
Keep ends in the back. Raw edges will show and this is fine.
Glue ends of strips down with a dab of fabric glue.
Free hand draw a bunny. Mine is approx. 5" high from tip of ears to neck edge.
Trace on 2 layers of fabric which are a neutral colour.
Place wrong sides together and stitch around outer edge along marked lines leaving neck edge open for stuffing.
Cut out and trim close to stitching line.
Draw or embroider face.
Stuff lightly Embellish with whatever you have.
I glued on a ribbon rose for her Easter Bonnet.
Glue bow to cover raw neck edge.
Glue bunny head to one side of fabric covered wreath.
With lengths of ribbon go around the wreath, tying on flowers as you go.
Tie on flowers securely.
Glue ribbon ends down.]]> Tue, 20 May 2008 10:38:27 Fabric and Ribbon Crafts Fabric and Ribbon Crafts cupcake en Pin Wheel Plant Pokes http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/fabric-and-ribbon-crafts-21/pin-wheel-plant-pokes-78/ http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/fabric-and-ribbon-crafts-21/pin-wheel-plant-pokes-78/ Attachment 143

Center the paper-backed fusible web square on the wrong side of the first fabric square and follow the manufacturer's instructions to fuse in place. Allow to cool, then remove paper backing and fuse the first fabric square to the second fabric square with wrong sides together.

Use pinking shears to trim 1/4 inch from all edges.

Attachment 144

Use a pencil to lightly mark a 1/2 inch circle in the center of prepared fabric square and to mark lines diagonally from corner to corner through center circle as in Fig. 1. Use pinking shears to cut on lines drawn from each corner to outside of center circle.

Attachment 145

Fold one point (half) of each corner to center as shown by arrows in Fig. 2, gluing each in place at pinwheel center. Glue button to center over points.

Prepare dowel by using marker to stain it. Glue end of dowel to back of pinwheel]]> Tue, 20 May 2008 08:52:04 Fabric and Ribbon Crafts Fabric and Ribbon Crafts admin en Mini Fabric Backpacks http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/fabric-and-ribbon-crafts-21/mini-fabric-backpacks-77/ http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/fabric-and-ribbon-crafts-21/mini-fabric-backpacks-77/ Attachment 141

Pattern Attachment 142

Fuse interfacing to back of fabric following manufacturer's instructions. Trim to 8½" x 11. Print backpack pattern on fabric. Cut out on outer lines. You will have two pieces -- the backpack and the straps. Cut the straps down the middle solid line so you will now have three pieces.

All of the remaining solid lines are fold lines. The dotted lines are decorations. Fold on each solid line with the fabric side out. Crease with iron. Use fabric glue to secure the folded straps so the interfacing doesn't show.

On backpacks there are four flaps -- two on the sides and two on the bottoms. Use fabric glue to secure the bottom flaps to the bottom of the back pack. Use fabric glue to secure the side flaps to the to the back of the backpack.

Glue the straps to the top back of the backpack forming a loop with each strap. You will probably want to trim the straps to make them shorter before gluing.

Attach a piece of Velcro under the flap to hold it closed.

Decorate with beads, craft foam or fabric markers.

About Author
Terri Bose is the owner of Making Friends. Visit her website at http://makingfriends.com for lots of fun crafts for kids.]]> Tue, 20 May 2008 08:49:46 Fabric and Ribbon Crafts Fabric and Ribbon Crafts admin en YO-YO Watermelon Set http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/fabric-and-ribbon-crafts-21/yo-yo-watermelon-set-76/ http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/fabric-and-ribbon-crafts-21/yo-yo-watermelon-set-76/ Attachment 139

Pattern Attachment 140

Finished size
Wreath measures about 6 inches across, napkin rings are 5-1/2 inches wide x 2-1/4 inches deep, large magnet measures about 2 inches wide and small magnet (with bow) measures about 5 inches wide.
Trace patterns onto tracing paper and cut out. Cut fabrics and cardboard as directed on patterns.

Small Watermelon Slice
Each small watermelon slice uses one cardboard circle A, one green fabric yo-yo A and one red fabric yo-yo C.

To form small yo-yo C, fold the edge of the fabric under about 1/8 inch with your thumb as you baste around the yo-yo circle. Leave long thread ends. Pull threads tightly together, then tie thread ends to secure and clip ends close to knot.

For yo-yo A, baste as directed for yo-yo C, leaving long thread ends. Center cardboard circle on yo-yo circle, then pull gathering threads tight, tie ends and clip close to knot. Arrange yo-yo so opening is over the center of the cardboard.

Glue red yo-yo C to center of green yo-yo A, gathered sides up.

Add dots of shiny black dimensional paint to fabric to form seeds as shown in photo. Let dry.

Large Watermelon Slice
Each large watermelon slice uses one cardboard circle A, one cardboard circle B, one red fabric yo-yo and one green fabric yo-yo B.

Color center portion of one side of cardboard circle A with red marker or crayon.

Form yo-yos A and B as directed for yoyo A of Small Watermelon Slice, making sure to center cardboard A on the red fabric yoyo A with the colored side up before pulling the gathering threads. Center cardboard B on green fabric yo-yo B before gathering.

Glue red yo-yo A to center of green yoyo B, gathered sides up.

Add dots of shiny black dimensional paint to fabric to form seeds as shown in photo. Let dry.

YO-YO WATERMELON WREATH
Make two small watermelon slices and one large watermelon slice from yo-yos and cardboard as directed.

Tie a 4-l/2-inch-wide bow from five or six 15-inch-long strands of raffia.
Cut five or six 6-inch-long strands of raffia Fold In half, bringing ends together and tying folded loops of ends together with a scrap of raffia. Repeat to form another loop.

Arrange raffia loops about 3 Inches apart on lower edge of wreath with cut ends ex- tending out. Glue large watermelon slice centered between raffia loops. Glue small watermelon slices on either side of large water- melon slice, covering looped ends.

Glue raffia bow to top center of wreath. Glue button to center of bow.

Use 18- or 20-gauge wire to form a small loop for a hanger. Turn wreath over and glue wire hanger to center top on back of wreath (behind bow).

YO-YO WATERMELON NAPKIN RINGS
Make one small watermelon slice for each napkin ring as directed.

Use a soft cloth to stain napkin rings with wood stain of choice, following manufacture’s instructions. Let dry.

Using three or four 15-inch-long strands of raffia, make a 4- to 5-inch bow for each ring. Glue bow to ring. Glue small watermelon to ring on top of bow.

YO-YO WATERMELON MAGNETS
For large magnet, make one large watermelon slice as directed. Cut a strap of magnet to fit behind watermelon slice and glue to center back of slice.

For small magnet with bow, make one small watermelon slice as directed. Make a 4- or 5-inch-wlde bow with three to four 15- inch-long raffia strands. Glue watermelon slice to center top of bow and button magnet to back of bow.]]> Tue, 20 May 2008 08:46:13 Fabric and Ribbon Crafts Fabric and Ribbon Crafts admin en Ribbon Flower Frame http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/fabric-and-ribbon-crafts-21/ribbon-flower-frame-80/ http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/fabric-and-ribbon-crafts-21/ribbon-flower-frame-80/ Attachment 147

Flowers
You will need 6-7 ribbon strips per flower. We made 2 red flowers and 1 yellow. Fold all ribbon strips in half and join at the ends with small pieces of scotch or invisible tape. This will form the flower petals. Fix petals in place on frame with glue gun. Glue buttons onto center of flower petals.

Butterfly
You will need 4 purple ribbon strips for the butterfly. Fold ribbon strips in half and join at the ends with small pieces of scotch or invisible tape. Glue in place on frame as shown in the picture. Glue a small gold button in the center of the butterfly.

Using a ballpoint pen, draw antennas on the butterfly and thin stems for the flowers. As a finishing touch, you can add a few buttons to the bottom corner of the paper.]]> Tue, 20 May 2008 04:00:00 Fabric and Ribbon Crafts Fabric and Ribbon Crafts cupcake en