Tutorials

Shotgun Shell Firecrackers

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Because of feeling icky this week AND my desire to find projects that can easily be completed while sitting, I decided to make shotgun shell firecrackers, a craft for the Fourth of July.

Why are they called shotgun shell firecrackers? Because they are made from the empty shells that my redneck son and his friends gifted me with after target practice, hunting…whatever it is they do…

I used two different shell sizes for these firecrackers–12 and 20 gauge. They each have slightly different diameters and heights. I’m not sure of other shells, but the instructions I’ll give for these can be adjusted for other sizes.

Since I was going to make a lot of them at one time, I cut out and prepared all my pieces so that I could assemble without stopping and hunting down more supplies.

First, I filled all the shells with stuffing. The only purpose the stuffing is used for is to fill up the shell and create a stage at the top to set the “fuse” on. You don’t have to use Polyfil. Yarn, shredded paper or some other scrap something or other can be used. It won’t show.

I cut out 3-inch squares of fabric to wrap around the shells. I applied glue to the plastic tube of the shell, starting just above the metal on the base. I then wrapped a fabric square around the tube. You will have a bit of fabric extending from the top. You want it to do that.

I ripped 1-inch wide strips of blue fabric to tie around the shells.

The ends were trimmed and I glued a 1-inch star over the knot.

The fabric extending from the top of the shells was cut down so that approximately a 1/2-inch was extending.

The fuses are 1-inch long pieces of rusty baling wire. I applied a dot of glue to the top of the stuffing and placed one end of a fuse in the glue.

Using crochet thread and an embroidery needle, I sewed a running stitch around the top of the fabric and gathered the tube closed around the fuse.

As an added touch, I inserted this little flag pic under the tie around one of the firecrackers. I kinda like it, but I haven’t decided if I’m going to put the flags in all of them or just some. What do you think? Does it make them look too busy?

These ornies look cute as a bunch in a bowl, or they can stand on their own. You could also add a hanger if you wanted to display them from a hook or a Christmas in July tree display.

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Book Page Table Runner Tutorial

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Another quick and easy project. This was made with regular old book pages, but I’m thinking sheet music would also make a cool runner/scarf for the top of a piano.

Book Page Table Runner

The tutorial can be found here.

License Plate Dragonfly

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I have the crud this week, so I have been working on projects that I can do while sitting. Quick projects that allow me to take lots and lots of rest breaks. This is one of those great projects. And, it only took 30 minutes to complete. Great for your own yard, craft shows or gifts.

License Plate Dragonfly

The tutorial can be found here.

 

Quick Patriotic Tutes

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Are you ready for a relaxing holiday weekend with family and friends?

With that in mind, I decided to post the links to a few of my patriotic tutorials.

Have fun and enjoy!

Primitive Applique Flag Pillows-Mini

Sew Patriotic Coasters From Scrap Fabric

Primitive Star Bowl Fillers

Sew a Chenille Flag Throw Pillow-Long

Sew Patriotic Favor Bags

Blue Jean Independence Day Banner

Transform a Book Into a Flag Decoration

Primitive Fabric Summer Bowl Fillers

Have a great weekend!

Replacing an Eyelet

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A friend’s daughter asked me on Easter if I would fix her backpack. No problem! She asked yesterday if it was done. Gasp!!!! It has basically been in plain sight the whole time…although I have moved it a few times. Since it seemed so simple, I just kept putting it off. She’s leaving for camp in three days…I MUST get it done NOW!

This is what it looked like when she gave it to me. See that hole in the corner? This is one of those drawstring backpacks. The kind where the ends of the cords are inserted into the bottom corners.

The eyelet had pulled out of the fabric.

I figured a larger eyelet would do the trick…but the largest size I had was the exact same size. ARGH! I did not want to go to the store.

Brainiac Moment!!!!  Okay, more like my junk crafter brain kicked into overdrive. I decided to fix the hole with new fabric, then attach an eyelet I already had.

Can you believe that in my huge stash of fabric there was not one scrap of black canvas. Hmm…Nope!…but I did find some old black jeans. Perfect!

I cut a square larger than the circle and glued it inside the backpack, over the hole. I used E-6000. I then had the foundation I needed for the new eyelet. Woo Hoo!!

This is the inside of the bag. Oops! I didn’t get a pic before I attached the new eyelet…and yes, the cord was reinserted too. Sheesh! I got so carried away with success that I forgot to take pics. Sorry!

TA-DA! This is the eyelet from the outside.

Not all eyelets/grommets are created equal. Some may only have one part. Mine had two. The front part has a taller center shank than the back part. The silver tool in the pic is the attaching tool. Usually this comes in your package of eyelets.

Snip a small hole in your fabric where you are inserting the eyelet. Start very small. You can always cut it larger if needed, but you can’t make it smaller. Work the shank of the eyelet’s front part through the hole in the fabric from the right side of the fabric to the back. Place the eyelet’s back part over the shank of the front part. This photo is what that will look like without the fabric in between.

Hold the parts together. Place them on a hard work surface with the front facing down. Place the attaching tool on the back part. Tap the top of the tool firmly with a hammer. This will squeeze the parts together. That’s it.

All finished and ready for camp fun!