From Ricochet's Tool Box

I'm not quite sure sometimes if I'm more clever or cheap or lazy.  Most likely it's a combination of these qualities that make me the crafter that I am.  Allow me to elaborate, please.  There is always a home improvement project going on at my house.  Hence, we always have an abundance of blue painter's tape lying around.  As you probably already know, the main use of painter's tape is to tape off areas that you don't want to get paint on.  Also, the main quality of the blue tape is that it is low tack, and therefore easy to remove and doesn't leave a sticky residue behind.  Because we have a lot of it lying around our home, I have been utitlizing it in various crafty projects.  Here are some examples:

I used lots of blue tape in my Paper Weaving Tutorial.  It really
helped to secure the weave and keep it nice and tight.  When
it was time to remove the tape, it left the paper undamaged.

I used blue tape in my Tudor Rose Tutorial to secure the leaves to
the petals.  When I tried it with stick pins, the pins caught up on parts
of my sewing machine and fell out when I was rotating the flower.

This is a photo of wallet I was working on a while back.
I used tape to mark where I wanted to place the inside pockets.
I also wrote the measurements on the tape.

When I buy a pattern, I unfold all the tissue and tape around the
edges of all the pattern pieces.  Then, I cut out the pieces.  This
reinforces each piece and makes it really easy to trace onto fabric.
The blue-taped pattern pieces don't fit neatly in their original envelope,
but usually I paperclip them all together an lay them on a shelf.
I only take the time to do this with a pattern that I know I will use over
and over again.  

As you can see, blue tape is used all throughout my craft room.

The masking tape doesn't have to be blue, of course.  When I was making
 The Envelope Wristlet Tutorial, I used some regular masking tape
to help me mark where to place the magnetic clasp on the flap.

Because it has a higher tack than the blue tape, I used regular masking tape
to keep the edge of the flap clean and decoupage free.  You can see
the finished project here: Another Modge Podge Upcycle.

Stay tuned for more unconventional crafting supplies from Ricochet's tool box.  Also, please check out our current sewing challenge, The Naughty Notions Challenge.

Happy crafting and big hugs from Montana,

100 feet of satin ribbon...

Maybe you've noticed that I have a "Ricochet" tag that I add to the bags I sew?  It's a black satin ribbon with white text printed on it.  In the blue wristlet up there, I decoupaged the tag to the interior. In the other pic (an Amy Butler "blossom bag") I used fabric glue. 

In these messenger bags, I've trimmed the interior pockets in "Ricochet ribbon".  Gluing and stitching are the only methods I use to adhere the ribbon to my bags.  I tried using iron-on methods i.e. fusible webbing and Stitch-Witch, but the heat of the iron ruins the printed text.  Bummer. 

The ribbon come from a spool of ribbon I ordered online.  I was searching for customized tags and found that most varieties were way out of my cheapskate's budget.  Then, I ran across the Ribbon Warehouse.  It is not a fancy-schmancy site, and I've only made this one transaction with them, but I am pleased with my purchase.  I will return to shop there again.  What I decided to buy was 100 feet of 5/8 in.black satin ribbon with the word "Ricochet" printed (in the font I wanted) every 4 inches.  It was $20 plus a few bucks shipping. I assume the ribbon is normally printed with the names of the bride and groom or "class of 2012" and used to tie up party favors. 

Recently I invented a new way to utilize this ribbon by making removable tags for the purses I sell and gift.  I think they turned out pretty cute so I thought I'd share the process with you. 
Step one is to decoupage (you know how love "modge" podge!) my ribbon on both sides.  After it was all dry, I cut it into little tags.
The decoupage makes the satin ribbon stiff and preserves the inked text.  The ribbon still looks silky and shiny and you wouldn't know it was stiff until you touched it.

Next, I punched some holes and dug through my button stash. I prefer 2-hole buttons only because I'm lazy.  I found some string I liked.  It just the right size so I didn't need to put it on a needle to thread it through the little holes. 

You can see how simple this idea is.  I threaded some string through the button and the ribbon, tied a knot in the back, and I was done.  I like the look of it hanging from a purse handle.  I think it adds a touch of professionalism to the bags I sell.  I usually make a thank you card for the purchaser that includes care instructions and a business card as well. 
I think people appreciate details like this.  I know I do.

I think I'll try to make price tags this way as well.  It will be a nice touch for whenever I get my tush in gear and get into a craft show.

 I'm sure most of you won't have printed ribbon on hand, but I know you are crafty and creative enough to come up with your own alternative. If you're a stamper/scrapbooker/cardmaker you have a multitude of resources to apply words and images to other surfaces. I know there are ways to use your home printer to print on fabric as well. Also, don't get hung up on textiles. You can use paper, cardboard, leather, balsa wood, cork, etc.....  Can you see using this method for gift tags and bookmarks as well?  I'm going to try to decoupage fabric and cut out flower shapes using my die cutter.  Lots of possibilities here.  I'd love to hear your ideas, so please let me know if you can think more ways to use decoupaged fabric for embellishments. 

Be sure to check out the Retro Pillow Challenge that I am co-hosting with Keren from sew la vie.  We are up to 14 participants from all over the world!  There is always room for more, so don't be afraid to try something new.  I'm using the resources offered through this challenge to teach myself quilting methods, plus I love making new friends.  Push this button and check out our homepage:

As always, happy crafting and big hugs from Montana,

linking up at these lovely parties:

http://thecreativeitchboutique.blogspot.com/ http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/ http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/ http://allthingzrelated.blogspot.com/ http://amy-newnostalgia.blogspot.com/ http://www.hopestudios.blogspot.com/ http://imtopsyturvy.com/ http://www.myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/ http://www.creationsbykara.com/ http://733blog.blogspot.com/ http://www.bargainshoppingparadise.com/ http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/ http://tearosehome.blogspot.com/ http://sewmuchado.blogspot.com/

http://sassysites.blogspot.com/ http://www.tipjunkie.com/ http://www.reasonstoskipthehousework.com/ http://littlebirdiebaby.blogspot.com/ http://runwithglitter.blogspot.com/ http://athomewithk.blogspot.com/ http://carolynshomework.blogspot.com/ http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/ http://twindragonflydesigns.blogspot.com/ http://oliviarenn.blogspot.com/ http://www.freeprettythingsforyou.com/ http://www.etsymadness.com/ http://www.passionatelyartistic.com/ http://www.womenwhodoitall.blogspot.com/ http://www.popartminisworld.com/ http://sweetpeasandbb.blogspot.com/ http://www.handymancraftywoman.com/ http://gingersnapcrafts.blogspot.com/ http://day2dayjoys.blogspot.com/

http://vintagewannabee.blogspot.com/ http://funkypolkadotgiraffe.blogspot.com/ http://ladybug-blessings.com/ http://www.homemakeronadime.com/ http://quiltstory.blogspot.com/ http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com/ http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/ http://www.thethriftyhome.com/ http://thetrendytreehouse.blogspot.com/ http://nightowlcrafting.blogspot.com/ http://www.lilluna.com/

The Envelope Wristlet

Check out this very simple wristlet to sew.  The finished product is about 4"x7".  It is the perfect size to bring on a night on out the town.  When I happen on a rare opportunity to go out with the girls, I usually whip up a little wristlet to match my outfit.  Besides being fun and cute, wristlets are perfect for dancing and negotiating public restrooms.  You slide the strap up to rest in the crook of your elbow and your hands are free to boogie-woogie or wash up. 
No more purse babysitters needed. 
No more setting your purse down on a restroom floor
or forgetting it on the hook in the stall
or leaving it in a taxi. 

Supply List:

Scraps of vinyl and something for the lining at least 7.25"x 12" each.

Freezer paper, pencil, ruler, scissors, paper clips

Modge Podge to secure the lining

OR

Bias tape to secure the lining

Magnetic clasp, regular snap, OR Velcro

Stuff to decorate with!

Heavy duty thread

 Sturdy sewing machine needle, i.e. one made for leather or topstitching

Imagination!

Does it have to be vinyl?  No, you could use a sturdy oilcloth, felt, or leather.  Anything that will not need to be hemmed and is sturdy enough to keep it's envelope shape will work. 

I found this piece of blue vinyl at a garage sale for a buck.  Someone must have bought it to redo the cushions on their boat. 

The next step is to construct the simple pattern.  I have it drawn on my sewing table.  I suggest you draw this out on a sheet of freezer paper. 

Start with drawing a rectangle 7.25" wide and 11.75" tall and cut it out.  Make a mark at 9.5" on each side.  This mark is where you will begin your curved line. 

Achieving a uniform curve is easy if you trace the edge of a salad plate or Tupperware lid.  Or you can fold your rectangle in half, longways, and free-hand one side of the curve and trace it onto the other side. 

Now that you have the pattern in freezer paper, you can iron it on to your lining fabric and cut it out.  Trace it onto the BACK of your vinyl and cut it out as well.  Word of caution:  Vinyl doesn't like to be ironed.  It melts and ruins irons and ironing boards. 

OK, I know it's "Mod" Podge and not "Modge" Podge, but I am stubbornly sticking to my long-lived misconception about the the real name of this wonderful glue product.  Funny that no one in blog-land has corrected me on this...maybe I'm not the only one!  Most likely you all are just being polite, right? 

Back to the tutorial, you can look at the pics above and see the process, so I won't type it all out again.  However, I will emphasize the importance of waiting for the MP to dry completely.  It takes a little longer in this project because the vinyl doesn't breathe.  Plus, you're going to be sewing this and gunking up your machine with wet MP would not be good.

Anyway, I decided to glue on the lining fabric.  In my previous wristlet projects, I used bias tape to secure the lining to the vinyl and finish all the edges.  Here are a some examples:

As I mentioned earlier, you can't iron vinyl.  But how does one get the wrinkles out?  Or in this case, put the wrinkles in?  To get them out, I usually roll up the vinyl and forget about for a few months.  When I unroll it, most of the creases are gone and the whole piece is just a little curly on the edges.  The rule of thumb for storing vinyl is: roll it up, don't fold it.

Now, to put intentional creases into vinyl, I use those heavy duty office paper clips.  You could use a ton of clothes pins or regular paper clips as well.  Or you could sandwich your folded vinyl between some heavy books.  How long?  About 30 minutes and your vinyl will be creased enough to work with.  Ultimately, the stitching and magnetic clasp will keep everything folded the way you want.

The next step is to decorate!  Studs are a quick and easy way to make a big statement.  Machine embroidery, decorative punches, buttons, spray paint, and fabric flowers would all look great. 

The inside edge doesn't require finishing, but I added a strip of pink bias tape to mine.  It will make it easier to see in a dark dance club, and softer to the touch.  Plus, that little splash of color is fun and unexpected!  Whether or not you add the bias tape, you need to snip off the corners of the inside edge as shown in the pic above. 

Next, I added the magnetic clasp according to the directions on the package.  You can use a regular snap or Velcro as well.  The back of the clasp shows through the top of the flap.  I covered it up with a flower and attached it with another stud.

The last steps are to make a strap and sew it onto the upper side of your wristlet.  I made my strap by folding in half a long strip of vinyl and stitching near the edge. 

Next step is to get out your paper clips again and re-secure the bottom fold.  Now this fold is "for keeps" so double check and make sure you have no wonkiness you'll regret later.  When sewing things like leather and vinyl, all your stitch-work is "for keeps" because the holes left from sewing will not heal themselves like they do in regular fabric. 

Take your time and carefully stitch up both sides of your wristlet. You need to set your machine to the longest stitch length when sewing thick things like vinyl and leather.  Make sure to start and stop stitching with a secure back-stitch. Stitch along the inside edge where you snipped off the corners (see step 3 above).  Making the inside seams turn in like that help keep your valuables inside your wristlet.  And as an added bonus, they hide the bright pink bias tape I used, keeping it a surprise!

You're done!  Go show it off and make one for all your friends!  Email me a picture of your finished wristlet at ricochethandbags(at)hotmail(dot)com.  I would love to see what you came up with and include it on Ricochet and Away! 

Thanks for taking the time to read this tute!  And double thanks for hitting the "follow" button on the sidebar!!!!  And triple thanks for leaving a comment and letting me know what you think about all this wristlet madness!!!

Before you click away, I'd like to invite to participate in my current sewing challenge.

Happy crafting and big hugs from Montana!

This project got a feature!
I'm so proud!
Yay!

Something to savor....

Here's a sneak-peak at my next tutorial.  It is a simple envelope-style wristlet that can be embellished in endless ways for a variety of different looks.  I'll give you the pattern and directions, but the decoration is up to you!  I'll post this next week.  But in the meantime, you'll need to locate a scrap of vinyl at one of the garage sales I know you'll be attending this weekend. 

I'm headed out to my annual family reunion, so I'll be gone until Monday.  The family in question is my late maternal grandmother's family.  They are Serbian (well, I am too!), and proud of it! Imagine a bunch of dark and handsome men with deeply dimpled chins and their female counterparts camping and fishing in the Beartooth Mountains of Montana as if they were little brown bears themselves.  While pale and freckly me and my red-headed children reapply our sunscreen and get our fishing tackle stuck in trees!   The best thing about my Serbian family, is they strive hard to make everyone feel welcome and you need not be "blood" to be "family".  Many of the regulars at these reunions are not blood relatives.  We have a history of taking strays into our fold and love them thoroughly nonetheless...

In the meantime, please check out all my posts and pages and leave me lots of comments!  I would love to return home from a weekend of camping to find my inbox full o' feedback!

Goodbye in Serbian is zbogom or dovidjenja.

Good morning is  dobro jutro.

Good night is laku no'c.

Happy crafting and big Serbian hugs from Montana!