Wednesday, July 17, 2013

How to Make a Travel Size Mirror



Recycle an empty Covergirl makeup container into a travel size mirror.  Use one side for the mirror, and the other for holding small items, such as bobby pins, hair bands, and coins.

Items Needed:
~one plastic, round Covergirl makeup container as shown
~one 2 inch round mirror
~Strong craft glue of your choice (we used E6000)
~optional: adhesive remover



1. Peel labels from the makeup container, and use an adhesive remover if needed.  Wash and dry both the clear plastic piece, and the purple plastic piece.





2.  Using the purple plastic portion of the container, open it and place the thinner side down on a safe working surface.  Place a thin layer of glue on the backside of the mirror, and gently press into place, inside the lid.  Allow to dry, according to your glue instructions.



3. In the clear portion of the lid, place the small items that you prefer to carry in your new mirror case.  We could not fit a regular size band-aid in this (unless you tri-fold one), but smaller ones will. 

Note:  The lid on the purple portion of the container breaks easily if not held carefully when opening and shutting.

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Wednesday, July 3, 2013

How to Make A Double Sided Canning Lid Pin Cushion


These are made from two canning lids and two canning rims.  Our pin cushion was made with scrap fabric, and edged in scrap fabric and rick rack trim.  Any scrap ribbon will work for the outside edge as well.  

Items Needed:

~ 2 regular canning rims and lids
~ scrap fabric, ribbon, and any scrap trim 
  (you will need approximately 9 1/2 inches of ribbon or trim 
   to go around the rim)
~ Tacky glue
~ Scissors
~ Poly-fil or other filler
~ 4 clothespins (optional, lids may press into place on their own)
~ E6000 Glue or other strong glue (for bottom ring)
~ Hot glue gun, and glue stick
~ 2 - 1 1/8th inch plastic rings (color is of your choice)
   (note:  Recycle metal rings from old purse straps, belts or larger jewelry)
~ Thread and needle (color again is of your choice)


1. With scissors, cut a round piece of fabric, about 3/4 inch wider than the diameter of the canning lid.  Cut two circles.


2. Place a thin layer of tacky glue on the inside of the canning rim (turn it upside down to do this).

3. Gently press the fabric circles into the rims, with the backside of your fabric facing you, and the right side facing down.  Using your fingers, gently press the fabric down to the rim edge.  Allow to dry.



4. Place a small amount of poly-fil into both of the rims.  Place a thin layer of tacky glue on the right side of each canning lid, and press glue side into each rim, covering the poly-fil.  


Gently press the canning lid inward, and hold it down with one hand, while attaching a clothespin to the side of the rim, and it hold the lid down.  Repeat for the opposite side.  


Do this for both rims.  Allow to dry and remove clothespins. The lids may pop up in the rim even after drying.  Do not worry.  You an also place a small amount of poly-fil between these before gluing them together.


5. Turn one canning rim upside down and run a thin layer of glue from a hot glue gun, around the edge of the bottom of the rim.  Carefully place the second rim over it, centering it.  Allow to dry completely.  This step is probably the most tedious, and difficult step. Tip:  Use a cardboard box top to hold your project, and hot glue gun while heating.  It keeps your work surface clean of hot glue.

 Any excess glue (after it's dried) can be removed by carefully using a sharp knife. I have not yet come up with an easier way to attach the two rims together.  If we do, I will post updates.
 


6.  Using tacky glue, glue the ribbon, or scrap fabric around the center of the rims as shown.  Allow to dry.

7.  This step is optional.  Add strips of scrap rick rack, lace, or other trim over the fabric/ribbon.  Allow to dry.


We used scrap fabric, then attached two pieces of silver rick rack.  Consider all types of trim, lace, and other fabric for this step.


8.  On one end of the outer side, and using E6000 glue or other strong glue (you can also sew this on with a needle and thread), gently press one of the plastic rings in place.  Tip: to hold the pin cushion up while drying, place the second ring underneath it.  It holds it up in place perfectly.


9.  Last step.  Using your needle and thread, sew one edge of the second plastic ring (or other ring) to the top of the pin cushion.  This will be directly opposite of the ring you attached for a base.

And that's it!  You have one unique pin cushion that is not only able to stand with double sides, but is portable.  The ring on top makes it fun to place on hooks anywhere.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Fun Facts - Foil Gum Wrappers

This interesting fact, was printed in KidZone magazine, Volume 8, Issue 1.  Sadly, it is now out of print, but I wanted to share.