citymade

Now that we gave you a couple of goody bag ideas, here is an idea of something to put in it.

A home made, re-purposed note pad. We gathered some of our used boxes such as cereal boxes or cracker boxes, cut them in quarters. Then with 2 folds, a small one at the bottom and one to fold all the way over (think match box) we have the cover. Next, we took some paper (from the recycled paper stack), cut it to fit and stapled it to the small folded edge, on the inside. The sizes and amount of paper are entirely personal. We wanted to make them fit our goody bags.

Another gift bag idea for Birthday Week.

We took newspaper, cut it , folded it and sewed a zigzag down the sides. Now we can fill it with all kinds of goodies for an extra special Birthday!

A quick note on using newspaper for treat bags. Stick to the “happy” sections of the newspaper, comics, sports, pages with animals. Nothing will spoil the happiness of a birthday faster than treat bags made from the obits.

Birthday Week

Here are some favor bags that I made for Lauren’s zoo birthday party.  I used pieces of animal print felt and sewed them into a little bag.  I took some chording from an old skirt and made a loop handle to sew on.  Handles are one of the easiest things to re-purpose.  There are so many materials that can be made into “handles” : shoestrings, ribbon, zip-ties, small rope or chording.  Have another idea for a handle?  Let us know!

Another Invitation Idea:

Here is another idea for birthday invites that are re-purposed.  We started with a cereal box and cut it into postcard-size pieces.  We then glued some fun striped paper to the front of the cereal box.  Using a zig-zag stitch we sewed a picture onto the front of the invite.  The back was used to write the party details and we cut out pictures of animals from magazines to glue onto the back.  

It’s Birthday Week at Citymade.

March is a birthday packed month for us, so we thought we would party, re-purpose style!

We start with the invitations. These are for a “Dance Party” theme. We used juice boxes, opened and cut into a circle shape for a disco ball (it pays to have your kids bring those home in their lunches). Then we hung our circle on to the card with some shiny ribbon and tape.

Final Scrap week project: Tic Tac Toe to go!

We wrap up scrap week with a easy, fun project. The idea came from Citymade friend, Heidi, who’s friend had made one of these in a Valentine theme for her children. We are ever eager for spring, so we chose a spring theme, butterflies and flowers, all of which was made by raiding the felt scrap bag. You can really get creative with your theme, or stick to the traditional X’s and O’s.

To make the board, we used ribbon scraps sewn onto a stiffer felt. Then sewed one piece to another, leaving the top open in order to store the pieces. We added another ribbon scrap for a strap for easy carrying.

Another triple re-purposed scrap project. The Scrap Wall Tote.

We like making these wall totes. They are easy, functional and decorative. They make a great alternative to gift wrap (more on that next week). The outside is made from the scraps of a pair of ripped pants (from purse week). The inside lining is the remains of a failed iron-on Tshirt project, and the pocket is scraps from the activity mat we made for our friend Simon’s birthday

Fabric Scrap Story Loom 

Today’s post is unique because it is triple re-purposed:

1. An old picture frame 

2. A faded out t-shirt

3. Fabric Scraps

First we stretched the old shirt over the frame and stapled it on using a staple gun.  Then we cut out shapes from our giant, but slowly shrinking bag of fabric scraps.  I (Melany) chose a woodland scene for my girls because they often request a bedtime story about fairies in a forest.  I hand sewed the scene onto the loom and hung it above my girl’s bed.  

I have to say that this was one of my favorite projects to do.  It was fun and relaxing and really sparked the creative side of my brain.   I am really looking forward to making more looms in the future.  This project may even merit a sewing lounge get together…loom party anyone?

Using bigger scraps from my previous curtain projects, I was able to make this cover for an entertainment center. Our media center was a bit of an eye sore, and this was the remedy for the problem.

I made a slip cover to go over the top, but attached buttons to open and close for access to the electronics. The curtain scraps were used to piece together the front cover.

We think there is always room for frivolity, so today our re-purposing project is less functional more fun.

Started with a pile of scraps, cut from seams, in long strips. Wound them around a cardboard disc, and now we have some cute decorative pom poms.

These can really liven up a space and you can get really creative with your scraps.