Adventures with KAMsnaps storage

I recently posted a project on facebook in which I found KAMsnaps to be the best choice.  If you didn't see that one, I love these snaps.  They work great!  Here is a quick picture to show you the project.

I bought a starter kit which included several different colors of snaps and the tools to apply them from Amazon here.  I quickly decided I needed a storage solution.

I bought this simple jewelry box first thinking it was more configurable than it turned out to be.  Idealy I wanted a way to keep the tools with the snaps.  Overall it works pretty well for just the snap bits but I couldn't get the large pliers in the box with the snaps.

(Sorry for the "mess" here.  That would be a leaf from a plant I'm trying not to kill.  Clearly, I'm loosing at the moment.)

Since the snap "backs" are the same for both the male and female snaps you need a spot twice the size for those and only  need 3 sections per color.  With this configuration I will always end up with an unused corner.  This may change if I reorder and end up with more of one color than another?  Time will tell.  For now I'm keeping this box mainly because returning isn't easy/free and storage boxes seem to always find a use.

I went on the hunt for a solution for the pliers.  I had a few colors that don't fit in the first box too.  I ended up with this craft box that is fantastic!  If I could have a perfect world, I would be able to subdivide the longer compartments on the bottom to the same as the top ones.  I still love it though.


The compartments are deeper than the previous box and will allow room for growth in those colors.  Not that I would have a tendency to stash craft supplies or anything.....  Moving on!  The deep small compartments are a little hard to get your fingers in.  I'm ok with this in this application because I can get to one just fine.  I won't be needing to pull more than that at a time anyway.

You will notice I have left some in the bags.  It is far easier to test out configurations like this.  Since I have a tendency to change the way I store, this is how they will stay until I need them.  Digging these puppies out of the bags is no fun.  Hence this whole adventure in the first place.

Anyway, this company makes several styles of these boxes.  They are fantastic.  The dividers are sturdy and don't let small items slip around even when closed and upside down.  Sand would be an exception.  Hopefully that goes without saying?

So there you have it.  My adventure with KAMsnaps storage.  Grommets are on their way for yesterdays (more like last night in the middle of the night's) post part two.  Maybe they will fit in the first box?

Hanging SwimSuit Organizer DIY

Hey folks!  It's been a while!  I had to put something together and share this project though.  Living in a location where the summer average temperature is 100 or more, you tend to collect swimsuits.  Over the years of gaining and losing weight I have a few.  Since I continue to bounce I don't let them go easily.  In addition, different occasions call for different "coverage".  When I scuba dive, I like a sporty one piece with no hardware or knots to go under my wet suit.  On the lake I either need something that will hold up to tow-ables or something for tanning.  Tack on the "I'm a girl and like to feel cute" and I have a large collection.  The old storage was not only an overflowing drawer but left me pulling out everything to find the one I wanted.  So, I decided to go a different route.

I bought two door hanging shoe organizers when I couldn't find what I wanted.  Why two?  Well, one works but why when you could put two back to back and have twice the storage?!

Here is the pile of swimsuits.

A mess right?  Let's get started!

Supplies:

2 Over-the-door shoe organizers

1 Scissors

1 Wooden Hanger

3 cuts of ribbon or rope about a foot (enough to tie with is all that matters)

Sewing Machine and thread to match

1. Cut
I found out tying the two onto the hanger made them longer than my closet would support so I cut off at the halfway mark.  Cut close to the seam so you don't have to make an extra hem and you have fabric left over on the bottom half for another project.  (I plan to make a second one after I learn how to install grommets.)

2. Sew
Next we will sew the two together.  You don't have to do this part.  It will work fine without it but I liked how much cleaner it looked when it hangs after I sewed them.  Carefully pin the two back to back.  Wrong sides together.  I tried to avoid putting the pins through the plastic but it really doesn't matter if you have good sharp pins.

Also note that the existing grommet holes do not line up.  I found this to be OK.  They key is to start your seam below the cardboard section at the top.  This allows the ribbon to make up for the misalignment.

Be sure to back stitch the start and stopping points as they will have the most strain.  Start at one corner and work your way around the very edge.  I found the item was not square and aligned the best I could.  I also tried to use the original seam line as a guide.

The corners are bulky and thin.  I used my handy seam ripper to help push the first stitch or two through after a corner.  This tool gets a lot of love!

3. Tie
Now you will threat the ribbon through the grommets and tie it to your hanger.  I used ribbon I had saved from some sort of packaging.  Probably a fat quarter bundle.  My wooden hanger likely came from Walmart.  Something I already had in the closet though.

And that's it!  Sew Easy!  Now remove all the suits from the peaches box and hang back in the closet.  The peaches box was not the original container for anyone wondering.  It was just a way to get them all in the sewing room since the lighting in my closet is horrible on a good day.

I've ordered a grommet kit so hopefully part two of this will be a swimsuit cover up organizer made from the bottom half.  I also totally wish I was one of those women who could make everything look perfect but I'm not.  Keeping it real here!  All I did was roll and stuff.  So if you like this then I'm sure you can do it too!  No amazing OCD talent needed.

Summer towel tote

So, as usual, I get this great idea, start working on it and then JUST before I am finished I see it posted all over Pinterest.  I decided this time I was just going to post mine anyway!  So here it is.  The towel tote I started working on a few weeks ago.

I don't really have a tutorial for it but it really is easy.  (Read, I winged this) 

The Towel: Take any towel you like.  In my case I love targets RE brand quick dry towels because they are on sale a lot and SUPER soft!  For this shape I actually cut the towel in thirds but make it whatever you want!

Mine is folded along the side and sewn on the bottom and the other side.  I chose this because that left the nice manufactured towel edge on top.  I don't own a serger so when sewing sides that have been cut I use a medium zigzag stitch to make sure the seam holds. However, if a serger is available, I highly recommend serging any unfinished edges.  Less mess and looks better.

Handles: I made mine with some scrap fabric I had laying around.  I simple cut the length I wanted and double the width (don't forget to add in a seam allowance). Mine are about 30in long and 4in wide before being sewn.  

Fold in half, sew together, then turn.

Attaching the handles is easy.  I folded about 1/4th of an inch under and pinned down.  I then sewed a square and an x across the square to ensure it was sturdy.

Embellishment: If you own an embroidery machine you can find the pattern I used here: http://www.emblibrary.com/el/Products.aspx?Catalog=Emblibrary&ProductID=y3331

If you don't, try doing a simple flower like a hibiscus or something with floss maybe?  Or maybe stitch on some of the cute fabric flowers all over Pinterest?

Anyway, what I love about a towel tote is that you can toss wet pool toys or swimsuits in it without having to worry too much about finding a plastic bag.  Also, it is certainly washable.  The most important of all though is....

It's so soft and fluffy!! 

Make the most of your can of WD-40

I ran across this on Facebook.  I haven't tried even one of these I don't suspect but man, I had to find a better place to put this that was well, more share-able than Facebook.  Now all I need is a list for duct tape right?

One to make note of for anyone who lives in the southern states.... fire ant bites?!  This one I'm sure I will have to try after I work in my yard this year.

WD-40 Uses:

1. Protects silver from tarnishing.
2. Removes road tar and grime from cars.
3. Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.
4. Gives floor that 'just-waxed' sheen without making them slippery.
5. Keeps the flies off of Cows, Horses, and other Farm Critters, as well. (Ya gotta love this one!!!)
6. Restores and cleans chalkboards.
7. Removes lipstick stains.
8. Loosens stubborn zippers.
9. Untangles jewelry chains.
10. Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.
11. Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.
12. Keeps ceramic / terracotta garden pots from oxidizing.
13. Removes tomato stains from clothing.
14. Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.
15. Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.
16. Keeps scissors working smoothly.
17. Lubricates noisy door hinges on both home and vehicles doors.
18. It removes that nasty tar and scuff marks from the kitchen flooring.
It doesn't seem to harm the finish and you won't have to scrub nearly as hard to get them off.
Just remember to open some windows if you have a lot of marks.
19. Remove those nasty Bug guts that will eat away the finish on your car if not removed quickly!
20. Gives a children's playground gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.
21. Lubricates gearshift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on riding mowers...
22. Rids kids rocking chair and swings of squeaky noises.
23. Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open.
24. Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.
25. Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as vinyl bumpers.
26. Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.
27. Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans.
28. Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling.
29. Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly.
30. Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.
31. Removes grease splatters from stovetops.
32. Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.
33. Lubricates prosthetic limbs.
34. Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell).
35. Removes all traces of duct tape.
36. Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain.
37. Florida's favorite use is: 'cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers.'
38. The favorite use in the state of New York, it protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements.
39. WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a little on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no time. Also, it's a lot cheaper than the chemical attractants that are made for just that purpose.
Keep in mind though, using some chemical laced baits or lures for fishing are not allowed in some states.
40. Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch.
41. It is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray it on the marks and wipe with a clean rag.
42. Also, if you've discovered that your teenage daughter has washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and rewash. Presto! The lipstick is gone!
43. If you spray it inside a wet distributor cap, it will displace the moisture, allowing the engine to start.

Felt Tooth Fairy Pouches

Remember when loosing a tooth was exciting?  Man do I miss those days.  My friend's 6 year old, who has been the innocent victim of my crafting for a number of years now, has his first loose tooth.  He's excited and therefor so am I even if my own memories of loose teeth aren't exactly pleasant.  After the methods I saw to pulling the loose teeth, I was more than willing to keep my mouth shut (pun fully intended on that one) when it came to my own loose teeth.  So to kick off B's tooth fairy dreams right, I made him a cute little tooth fairy pouch I found off nowhere else than Pinterest.

The Purl Bee has this stinking cute tutorial for these little puppies.

Tooth Fair Pouch from Purl Bee

They take no time at all to make.  I sewed part of mine and only hand stitching the tooth on.  I wasn't brave enough to try and machine sew that part.

Sorry for the bad cell phone photo here.  I will get good photos of these eventually.

I didn't have the nice white yarn so I went with matching ribbon I did have as well.

Purl Bee sells all the supplies to make these from there website.  I don't have the same colors they have but you can buy the felt from my Etsy shop, StitchinCute, for a fraction of the price.  I bought the spool of ribbon at Walmart for 50 cents and used two strands of a white tone DMC embroidery floss for the tooth.

Super simple and super cute!

Pretty Felt! From Me to You!

So here we go, felt.  I have loved making my felt flowers but I got frustrated with the quality and colors.  

My favorite felt flower to date

I wanted all the pretty colors I saw everywhere but every fabric store I run into has these craft felt colors that just don't work for me.  I looked into buying sheets of felt and about fell over at the prices.  So here you are.  I'm going to try my hand at selling these wonderful colors of felt that I've seen with the quality of having actual wool included in the blend.  On top of that, since this is not an attempt at making an income to support myself on, I'm willing to, quite frankly, not make much off of it.  As with everything else I do, it doesn't happen all that quickly.  Here are two of my first packs of felt to offer you.  I have a listing for both a set of 8 sheets and a set of 16.  Eventually, I hope to have some fun stuff for you to make with these.  That's the plan at least.

Sweetheart Valentines Wool Felt Pack

Rustic Christmas Wool Felt Pack

Oh yeah, the best part of all. The felt is made 100% in the USA. It sure means something to me to be able to support my own country. Details of the wool blend can be found on the Etsy listing. I have plenty more to go so stay tuned.

Brainstorming

I realized as I went to type this up just how descriptive the term brainstorming is. I sure feel like my brain has been a storm of ideas the last week. I seem to alway find half my brain on what I wish I could be making in my craft room at home. Well, anyway, from all the storming that has been going on this week I am heavily considering expanding my little adventure here. I have fallen in love with felt. Trust me, I NEVER thought I would say that. But the stuff really is so versatile. I am waiting for some quotes and these are what determine the fate of this idea. Cross your fingers for me. If anyone wants to share some felt wholesale vendors they know, I would greatly appreciate it.

Soooo many ideas and not near enough time.