Newspaper Beads

I found this tutorial maybe a year ago.  Basically, it's papier mache beads.  You take some newspaper, rip it into tiny pieces, then you pour boiling water over them to break it down.  Drain the water from the paper.  Use a clear drying glue (like Elmer's, they suggest) to form small balls.  Roll into balls, squeeze out excess moisture. Let them dry.  

Sand em, Drill em.  And then, my favorite part, paint em.  I like how she used multiple colors.  I think it gives it a nice look. Then varnish, let dry, and you're ready to create.  You should check out the tutorial.

http://www.astorybooklife.com/how-to/paper-beads/

Large Amigurumi Doll Tutorial

I found this free amigurumi doll pattern a while back and thought I'd share it.  It's a rather large doll.  I would say if you have one special little girl, this would be a great gift to make for her.  Not ideal for my situation at the moment.  It is Christmas time and I have about a dozen kids I need to make presents for.  Maybe for my one and only daughter, I could set aside the time for this dolly.  Of course, it's hard to hide the creation of something this big, but then again, she started kindergarten this year.  :)  Maybe it's possible after all.

http://stitch.hellooperator.net/free-patterns/amigurumi-doll/

Check out the tutorial.  Also, if you are going to make this for a child under three, sew on felt for eyes instead of buttons.  Happy crafting!

Slippers from Sweater

I know I posted a while back about something similar, but i found this other diy tutorial on it.  This one is just hand sewing techniques.  It is very easy and would make a great  gift.

http://www.homemade-holiday-gifts.com/felted-slippers.html

You use an old wool sweater, make a template of your foot, cut out the pieces, blanket-stitch around, sew on the cuffs (making sure you pull it tight), and add buttons.  The slippers have also been felted.

The tutorial is very well written.  Check it out.

It's been a while

I had a baby recently and haven't had much time to blog. Forgive me. I'm trying to get back. It is holiday season, as well. You know what that means... Presents! I don't have a lot of time, but I have even less money so this year will be a challenge. I will not be deterred, though.

Last year, I made all the kids a little doll. This year, I think I would like to continue the tradition. There are many kids in our family, and I can whip up an amigurumi friend in a few hours with the right planning. You can too. It's really quite easy.

Basic doll- one head, a sphere shape. one body, a cylinder shape. two arms and two legs, four thin cylinder shapes. make sure you leave a tail on all to sew. Last is just details. eyes, ears, mouth, nose, shoes, clothes. Easy accessories include- hats, purses, capes, masks, backpacks, etc.

Have fun! I'll post some pics of my crocheted friends soon. Until then, happy crocheting!