De-Stash Craft: Pillowcases

If you own a sewing machine, then you probably have at least a few piles of leftover fabric stashed somewhere in your house. It's time to dig them up and do a little good. This project is quick and easy and is a great one for teaching your kids how to sew. I made these as sleepover cases, but the next batch will be donated to Primary Children's Medical Center here in Salt Lake.

All materials 45" wide cotton woven
Body - 3/4 yard
Cuff - 1/4 yard
Trim - 2-4" based on preference

1 - Press cuff and trim pieces in half, wrong sides together.
2 - Pin all three pieces together matching raw edges, right sides together.3 - Sew with 5/8" seam allowance and press the trim and cuff down.
4 - Topstitch seam allowance to the body of the pillowcase.5 - Fold in half, right sides together matching side seams.
6 - Sew the 2 unfinished edges at 5/8", zigzag raw edges to finish.
7 - Turn corners and press if you like.The second one I made was flannel from last year's PJ scraps. I cut a front and back for the body that measured 20" x 27" and cut a 14" wide piece to make a 7" cuff, then used some coordinating grosgrain ribbon for trim. Both cases worked out great, adjust the size to meet your own needs. These are great for donations to hospitals and homeless shelters, but would also be perfect gifts for almost anyone. Great for kids to take to sleepovers, or just to have a holiday specific/birthday/camp/get better soon pillowcase. You name it. It would be fun to make a stack for Grandma's house too where kidlets may sleepover. Oh ... the possibilities are endless! :D

Operation Nice and Toasty

Nothing gives me 'warm fuzzies' like seeing people be truly generous. This Sunday I had the privilege of participating in what I called 'Operation Nice and Toasty'; it was an opportunity to donate warm clothing items to several families in our neighborhood who were in need of winter wear. They are beautiful and humble people and it was a treat to see how happy they were to receive these things. Lots of the items were gently used or outgrown, but many were brand new with tags still on them. We donated everything we could find in our home and then I destashed my fleece supply by cutting it up into scarves for them. We got about 20 from extra fabric I had tucked away in a box downstairs. It was fun to watch my kids' faces as our items were chosen by the families ... just like Christmas in reverse and much more fulfilling.

De-stash Craft

It's that time. The kids are in school. There are quiet moments to be found between laundry and work. The crafty goddess (ha!) in me is dying to come out. It's time to do some crafty de-stashing. First up is a new batch of classy glass, magnets to be more specific.

You'll need:
jumbo flat glass gems
Mod Podge
fine glitter
rub on decals of choice
something to cut fun text from
x-acto knife
glass and ceramic paint
appropriately sized paint brushes
magnets
glue of choice

1) Wash the glass marbles/gems in hot soapy water and dry thoroughly. We need to get all the dust, grease and schmutz off of them so our pretties will all stick properly. Choose a set of 3 or 4 that are about the same size that do not have big flaws.2) Decide which decals you want to apply. Cut them to the appropriate size hold in place on the flat side of the glass gem, sticky side down. Use your applicator tool to transfer the decal to the gem. Be sure to go over all areas of the decal before you move on.3) Use your x-acto knife to carefully cut around the text you'd like to use. I cut a jagged line on all four sides of the word or phrase and then push along the cut with the blade to tear the piece out. Once you've decided where to place it on your gem, spread a smooth, thin layer of Mod Podge to the side of the paper that will be visible. Carefully adhere it to the glass and press down firmly on all parts of the paper.4) Spread a thin, even layer of Mod Podge over the flat area of the gem. This is to seal the text and decal and will also hold your glitter. Sprinkle glitter where you'd like it and allow the whole piece to dry thoroughly. You can also use clear fingernail polish for this step.5) Shake your paint bottle to mix it well, then apply a generous layer of paint to the entire flat area of the gem. If you get streaks, your paint is probably too old. Don't worry, just let it dry and then paint on a second coat. Let the paint dry until it is no longer tacky.6) Using your glue of choice, attach the magnets. Ta-da! These are quick to make and gorgeous to boot! What great little gifts for friends, neighbors, teachers ... just about anyone!There are more, but you'll have to check my Etsy store in the next couple of days to see them!