Craft Box Tutorial: Cluttertraps

Besides crafts, I have several things that I love. I love containers, especially containers that are small enough to hold the goods for one project (portability is key). I also love the ability to make things I couldn't otherwise make. I'm not really good at woodworking, for example, so I can't make boxes. As such, I don't like throwing things away that have already done those things for me easily, especially not when I could upcycle them into something more functional. I like working with things you were supposed to throw away because, if you mess up, you can still throw them away.

Since I just got this done and it's a fairly easy tutorial, I figured I'd share how I did it so you can make your own cluttertraps.



Supplies: Box (I cut the top off a kleenex box)
2 coordinating fabrics big enough to cover the box.
Fabri-tac or other fabric-friendly glue
Scissors
Toothpicks

Pictures for a fabric covered box "cluttertrap" tutorial you can read all about on my blog!

Since this project was fairly easy and impromptu, I didn't do a lot of detailed photos. I mostly winged it.

Lining your box:

I took a fat quarter (it was big enough) and centered it over the box, then glued the bottom in place, paying special attention to the corners. Because I used fabri-tac, it didn't take long to dry. Then I was ready for the next step.

I cut one edge (for the inside only) flush with the corner, and the other edge about 1/2" past the corner. Then I cut the top edge about an inch or so past the top of the box. I did this with each of my sides. The one edge that curls around to the next side is so that no silver (or whatever color the interior of your box is) shows through when you line your box.

The trickiest parts to glue will be where your 1st and 4th side meet. To make it easier, apply glue to the inside of the side you're going to tack down starting about an inch away from the corner with the flush fabric edge. Also add a stripe of glue to tack down the half inch that folds around the corner to side two. Glue side one in place (remembering that the side that meets with the corner won't be tacked down) and smooth it out before the glue dries. Do this with sides two and 3, gluing down the entire side (instead of leaving the 1 inch space unglued). The trickiest part of side 4 will be where you have to tuck the edge of the fabric under side 1 (which is why you left it unglued). The rest of the lining should go on smoothly.

If you're having problems getting the edge fabric from side 4 under the fabric from side 1, you can use the edge of your scissors or a toothpick to tuck it underneath.

Once your sides are done, you can fold the lining over the top edge and glue it in place on the outside of your box.



Fabric shell for your box:

Now it's time for the outside.

I cut a piece of fabric that would be large enough to cover my entire box (adding about 2 inches to the final cut size for seam allowances). I then glued the box down in the center of the fabric.

Once it dried, I started bringing my fabric up the sides, folding under the fabric at the top and lining up my fabric/box top edges.

I did a little creative cutwork here to shorten the extra fabric that I knew I'd have on some of the sides, and a lot of creative folding. How I did it is fairly simple. The important thing is that your end product (the corner) should look like this.



To properly glue down the corners (and have them line up properly)...



You'll want to glue down over the bottom layer of fabric inside that triangle.

Once you get your outside tacked down and smoothed out properly, you might notice that the fabric gaps a bit because (to keep the glue from smooshing out and ruining your fabric) you glued a bit away from the edge.

Easy fix!



Use the toothpicks to grab up some glue so you can apply it more precisely and seal up your edges.

If you used fabri-tac, it'll dry in a couple of minutes and you can start loading it with stuff.

When you see how easy it was, you'll want to make oodles in tons of different sizes. I'm trying my hardest not to start digging through my stash of shipping boxes to 'fix' them.

If you're looking for other craft ideas, you might want to check out the article I did last month listing some of the best new craft project ideas on the web. Some of mine are there, too, just in case you haven't had enough of my kamikaze crafting style.

Happy crafting!

Zombie Fight Club and Other Crafts for Kids

I should totally make the post title an actual book. For kids. No? Don't crush my dreams!

Why the talk about Zombie Fight club? Well...



It all started, as the best stories do, when I was hurrying through making presents for someone's birthday party I was going to be attending in a few hours (Yes, they appreciated the zombies actually. I know some spectacular people!). I finally got the peices done for the 2nd zombie but I was feeling a bit of animosity towards the hair I was making for him (not part of the original pattern) and as I looked at all his bits I had a terrible, awful idea.

So, I had corporate zombie eat him. Problem solved.

I tweeted it. The owner of the book I got the patterns from was amused. They were amused at knithacker.com and actually blogged about it, then it got tweeted everywhere. Meanwhile...



I was busy putting a wire mohawk on him, wrapping them separately in their packaging (putting an end to the fighting) and going to a birthday gathering.

How do crafts for kids get involved in this mess?

Fortunately for all of us, they're separate.



Yesterday, a tutorial was published telling people how to make this handy (and cute!) organizer to hold pencils, paintbrushes, or whatever else your heart desires. Want one? The tutorial is right here! And, there are more pics if you need help on my flickr.

I've not gotten much of a chance to publish (or blog) lately because I've been working so hard at getting my company off the ground. I'm surprisingly close! The finish line is in sight so I'm trying really hard to pull everything together for the launch. Got some great ideas coming through and I can't wait to unveil my kits. They'll be going to my Etsy store but if you're a shop (or you know a shop and would like them to carry my kits) or a teacher, you can contact me for discounts once my product is launched so stay tuned for that upcoming information! I can hardly believe it's finally coming together! It's nice when plans come to fruition.

Articles and Whatsits

I'm feeling accomplished this week, in spite of being backed up on things to do (when am I not behind?). First, I had an article published recently on how to take in a basic shirt, which is a great way to upcycle your wardrobe.

Also, I went to Maker Faire Detroit last weekend, and I have pictures! Want to see them? Clicky! It was incredible. Indescribably awesome. And, I hear they're coming back! I can't wait!

In other news:



I'm currently waiting for a tutorial to go through publishing for this handy dandy upcycled piece. It was easy as pie.

In other, more business-related news...



Those frames I bought were for samples of my upcoming kits. I also ordered most of the supplies I'll need so if you're looking to learn to do hardanger, educational kits will be in my etsy store as soon as I get all this sorted out. I'm so excited! Now I have to get better at putting together PDFs and I'll be all set!

This has been in the works for a long time. It's so nice to see it finally coming together. I can hardly believe it! So much work to do, but it'll be worth it.

My new sunglasses case!

P7150122, originally uploaded by rabid_designs.

Check out my sunglasses case :) I found a tutorial on the web that was so easy, I got the project done in 20 minutes.

I found the tutorial while I was researching all the latest tutorials for seamstresses, quilters, knitters, crocheters, and embroiderers so I could write *this article* that has oodles more from all over the web. Also has information on new releases for craft books. :)

In other news...I just finished an amigurumi desk ninja. No pictures yet.

Chaos

Welcome to my humble abode.

Note that I'm still moving in, so I'm still trying to find a place for everything, so everything is in chaos. This is hampered by the fact that I have tons of stuff on my plate, not the least of which is all the articles I'm trying to write. I'm a closet masochist, but don't tell anyone.

My tutorials were featured not once, but twice on craftgossip.com. Every time someone actually likes my work enough to share it, I'm always shocked. I guess it will never wear off. Though I would not proclaim to be wise, my grandmother always did say that a true sign of wisdom is knowing how much you don't know, and I feel dumber every year. I consider this a good sign, so I don't let it get to me. Keeps me humble and all that (Some would testify differently).

I've also written a couple of articles for Examiner. One is another tutorial. This time it's one on:




Making your own t-shirt yarn.

That's going to be a rug...or perhaps 3 rugs. I have tons of t-shirts. Total cost for several rugs? $0. I'm upcycling an entire garbage bag worth of t-shirts that were just going to go to waste.

My second article is most relevant to people locally. However, the Maker Faire is coming to Detroit, and it's going to be huge. People have been talking about it/preparing for it for months, which is good, because when you live in Michigan...there's not much to look forward to. Want to hear about all the cool stuff they'll be doing? Read on, my friends!

In other news...



Working on another article/tutorial. This time on chicken scratch embroidery. I love chicken scratch. It comes together so quickly, is easy enough to teach kids, and the results are beautiful.

Unfortunately, I have to get the sample done first. You guys get to be the first to see it, though.



This is for another article. The project is done, but you can't see how cool it is until I finish the article. Shouldn't be long. All the research and labor is done. Why can't editing do itself?

My last bit of news for the moment?



OMG SOCK YARN! I got a belated birthday present! Enough for three pairs of socks. However, 2 of the yarns (not the rainbow) will be combined with other yarns I still have to purchase to take out a bit of the crazy colors. You'd think I'd be trying to do that with the rainbow socks instead, huh? Psh...it's just not right to mute a rainbow. Besides, my feet like to party.

Unfortunately, I'm never ever ever going to get a chance to work on them.

Okay, perhaps I'm exaggerating, but not by much.

So excited!

I'm really excited. Gleeful! You can't tell from type whether something is sarcasm, so I shall add exclamation points: !!!!!

Why the glee? 3 of my tutorials just got published. Now you're gleeful (hopefully)! I love spreading joy!

I also love spreading knowledge, soooooo...if you're up for a new project, you have three to choose from!



First up is chiffon flowers. Just a cute, easy little summer project. They're a decoration that can be used in so many ways. If you give it a try, let me know!

Summer Projects: How to make chiffon flowers



For people who've read my blog for a while, you might remember this fabric. You might also recall me saying I was making a tutorial...



Well, now it's done, and this is seriously the most durable, most practical thing. I take it with me every time I'll need to iron somewhere else because it's so easy to pack. It's stylish, too!

You know you want to make your own, and one for each of your friends. Get the tutorial: Organization/Space Saving Crafts: Make your own ironing pad!

Last but certainly not least, people who follow my flickr or follow me on ravelry will know that I made a custom liner for a bag I knitted so I can safely store 4 small projects (namely, socks I'm knitting). If you follow my flickr, you'll also know that I made a giant custom knitting needle/crochet hook roll-up last year using black corduroy and batik. Well, I made one just for my socks supplies that matches the interior of my knitting bag.



Better pictures? Ask and you shall receive:





Be the envy of YOUR knit night and head for the tutorial here: Custom Organizers: Make Your Own Knitting Needle Roll-Up

Speaking of socks...



Just finished these...



And one of these, the Skew sock from knitty.com Knit on the diagonal!

I've been busy. Just not posting. It's not that I don't love you. I didn't have internet, which explains the productivity no?

I've been a busy bee.

I finally found the time to list something on Etsy. These are actually store samples from a class I was teaching, but they're back in-house now so they need a new owner.

This is what they looked like before they were mounted:



The bottom two, since I needed samples made of materials that could be bought in the store.

In other embroidery news...



Starting the biscornu...



Working on the winter flour sack towels, too.



Also got some books in from amazon.com. The two in the front were under a dollar each. The one in the back is hard to see, but here's a link:



So far, it's a fairly nice book.

I'm also surfing these for holiday gift ideas:



I LOVE PieceWork magazine. I used to get it years ago, then started getting it again this year. If you want more information on PieceWork, you can click here. They've got tons of great articles and projects for people who take needlework, knit, crochet, etc. to ridiculous levels ;)

Speaking of taking things to ridiculous levels:



I'm now learning to knit 2 socks at once toe up on one circular needle. I've never knitted a sock toe up, or on a circular, much less two at once.

Trust me, I do this all the time.

Oh, I also published a couple craft-related articles. One's a local article because one of our local JoAnn's superstores is closing. Another of our local JoAnn's stores closed earlier this year. The other one is about upcoming sales on classes at Open House events at my JoAnn's and other JoAnn's that have a Creative University. If you want to get some classes 50% off, I'd suggest calling your local JoAnn's to see if they have a Creative University and whether they'll be running the promotion.

Been AWOL

Wow...I had no idea it'd been this long since I posted.

I've been crazy busy at work, and then I managed to slice off the tip of my finger during a quilting class, making typing nearly impossible. It's all better now :)

On the plus side:



Making serious progress on this quilt top. I'm adding borders and then I'll be ready to make my quilt sandwich. I have to get all of that done by the next class, which is on Friday. It's the last class.



I also started a table runner/placemats. They were supposed to be for a class but my student had to cancel. On the plus side, I was also making them as a Christmas present, so they'll still be useful :)



All of the supplies are in for the two biscornu patterns I'm trying to find time to stitch. I also got some 40 count linen for a side project I'm doing. I'm trying some projects from Trish Burr's book. I'll let you know about the book and how it goes.

Speaking of embroidery:



The hardanger ornaments are done for the classes I'll be teaching this Winter. I made an extra tag as a side project. It'll also come in handy when I crank out a ton of them this winter for adding to presents.



Isn't it cute?

In other picture news, both bad and good:



I can't learn loom weaving to save my life. It can't be complicated...I just can't read instructions because I have ADHD so I try snippets here and there and get hopelessly lost. I tried videos too but don't have one that makes a hat from beginning to end. URGH. Any advice?

In better news:





I have a new cutting table. Of course, for the moment it's covered with stuff so I need better organization, but it'll come. Some of those patterns I picked up will come in handy when it comes to organizing. I'm excited though. I really needed the space.

In less picture-heavy news...

Urban Threads, one of my favorite embroidery pattern companies, posted a picture of my rabbit on their blog as a craft mascot. He doesn't know he's internet famous yet, because it'd go straight to his head.

Speaking of Urban Threads, they're featured in another article of mine, which lists crafty projects and volunteer opportunities for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but don't let October's end be the end of helping others. Get out there and make a difference for someone who needs some handmade love.

Influx

My craft room is overflowing with new supplies. It's going to take days to reorganize all of this stuff. Most of it is for work or gifts in some fashion, sometimes both. They're pretty much coming in from every direction. It's a good thing I just organized everything? Now I get to do it all again.

First off:



Organization. I wrote an article on how popular bags are becoming for storage, outlining the uses and bonuses of using bags to make projects portable, as well as tips on what you'll need in the bag if you incorporate them into your crafting.



A recent finish, (actually, two finishes but I suppose it counts as one?) a pair of socks. I've got single socks done, which doesn't do me a bit of good, but this is actually my first pair ever. They're a wee bit loose, but I'll wash them up and I'm sure they'll shrink a bit. As a side note, however, I have to say I'm quickly becoming addicted to knitting socks for many reasons.

If you want a good recommendation on a sock book, I learned with this one, and it is AWESOME.





A couple things I was waiting for from Amazon.com (thanks, swagbucks for being my enabler) showed up but with some recent finishes I was starting to relax a bit and start some Christmas presents.

This just goes to show the fool I am because then this arrived:



and then this:



These are the rest of my square rulers that make quilting so much easier. I now have all the ones I currently need, thanks to swagbucks and amazon.com. Unfortunately, getting these tools in means I have to start working again...and I'm gearing up for a BUNCH of stuff for November through February.

Bunches and bunches and bunches, which led to the craftsplosion currently taking over my desk.



Money shows up, money leaves again. This stuff is for the fleece fringe classes...



NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now I have to learn to make jewelry???



What?



You might call these tools, but they are actually torture devices for wire. One of these is 'all of the tools in one', which is why it has a different handle. If the first ones look slightly bizarre and painful, the 'all in one' is obviously from a fevered mind.

Back into more familiar territory, which probably looks like torture to some.



JoAnn's is having their Columbus Day sale this weekend and Simplicity patterns are only 99 cents apiece (limit 10), so I stocked up. I like to stockpile patterns for when I need an idea or have some time, so I did just that...



Cute little gift ideas...some Christmas-specific...



Bags of many types/sizes and other organizational goods. These will DEFINITELY come in handy.



These serve no purpose at all. However, I rarely collect anything that could be considered 'cute' but baby shoes? I could see myself stitching and keeping some baby shoes. Not for actual babies, but because I can't think of a cuter canvas for some awesome embellishment.

The one on the right is a vintage reprint. Look at the back!



They don't make pattern requirement lists like THAT any more! Nowadays you practically need a degree in pattern reading to even make sense of the thing. I can do it, but only because I've been doing it for years. My students have a lot of problems trying to decipher them though.

Most of these patterns will be going into the ideas bin, basically...but they'll see he light of day again I'm sure. Some perhaps sooner rather than later.

Man...I start to breathe a little easier because I'm getting on top of things and life senses a disturbance in the force and fixes it by swamping me in one fashion or another. Good thing I've learned to thrive in chaos. It's much easier when the chaos is of my own choosing, but as Gibran says, much of our pain is self-chosen.