Capture the Details

sweater wreath with fabric and burlap flowers

Yesterday, I shared some sweater pumpkins with you. I had some sweater material left over after making the pumpkins, so I designed a wreath using the sleeves from the sweater. I added some rolled fabric and burlap flowers and some twig branches to complete this beautiful autumn-themed wreath.

I used one sleeve , cut it open along the seam and then pinned it to the wreath. It didn't quite make it all the way around, so I used the second sleeve and wrapped it the opposite way around the wreath. This is where I added the flowers, as an accent area. If you look close you can see what I'm talking about.

This is another one of those projects that I just LOVE. So pretty. For a list of supplies needed and the instructions, just visit the Crafts 'n Coffee blog, here. Enjoy! :-)

sweater pumpkins

I've designed quite a few projects using STYROFOAM Brand Foam, and I think this project is my favorite! Maybe it's the real pumpkin stems, or the soft, comfy sweater fabric. I think they are adorable. Take a look at your local thrift shop for pretty, orange, second-hand sweaters. Give them a new life!

For a full list of supplies needed, and the instructions, just visit this post on the Crafts 'n Coffee blog. :-)

flying bats topiary

Looking for a really clever Halloween centerpiece? One that will make you go batty? (ok - pun intended!)

A Flying Bats Topiary that I designed is featured in the Fall 2013 issue of Crafts 'n things magazine on page 23.

It features a cone covered with old book pages, black, glittery bats and a fun pom pom trim.

You will need these materials: • Dow STYROFOAM Brand Foam Cone, 4 7/8" x 11 7/8" • Clay pot, 5" • Wooden dowel, 3/8" diameter, 12" length • Black glittered cardstock • Orange mini pom pom trim • Sheet moss • Black craft wire

You will need these tools: • EK Success Bat Punch • Black acrylic paint • Turkey baster (or item of similar size) • Adhesives: hot glue gun and sticks, Plaid Mod Podge

You will need these basic supplies: • paper trimmer • scissors • ruler • pencil • paintbrush • foam brush • newspaper

DIRECTIONS:

1. Paint dowel black; let dry.

2. Use glue gun to secure bottom of dowel in pot; hold until glue sets. Fill pot with crumpled newspaper and cover with moss; secure moss with glue gun.

3. Tear old book pages into assorted strips. Adhere to cone using Mod Podge and foam brush; let dry.

4. Carefully slide cone onto dowel, making sure cone is centered and straight. When pleased with height, remove cone, add glue to dowel top, and replace cone.

5. Use glue gun to adhere trim around cone base; trim excess.

6. Punch 13 bats from cardstock. (Note: If back of cardstock is white, paint black and let dry.) Use glue gun to adhere nine bats to cone and one to pot, leaving wings free; let dry. Bend wings to add dimension.

7. Cut three wire lengths and wrap around turkey baster to create spirals. Poke the ends of the wires into the side of the cone at the very top, evenly spacing them. Use the glue gun to adhere remaining bats to wires. bend wings.

It's a fun Halloween decor craft! Give it a try! :-)

fall sweater wreath

I recently did some design work for Sharon over at crafts 'n coffee. She sent me a Styrofoam Brand Foam wreath that she had covered with a pretty striped sweater from a second-hand store. She asked me to finish it up for her,so I added some felt flowers and fall leaves and berries.

I made the felt flowers and then added leaves and berries from a craft store. For a full list of supplies and the instructions on how to make this pretty fall wreath visit this crafts 'n coffee blog post. 

I've been stopping in some local thrift stores to check out the clothing, with crafting in mind. I've never been into a thrift store until recently. I love how the clothes are arranged by color. It makes looking for a particular item easier. You can look through with seasons or holidays in mind and let your imagination have fun with the colors, patterns and textures of the thrifted clothes. Give them a new life in a creative way! :-)