Repost: How to Make Marble Magnets

A few of my friends have asked me recently about how to make marble magnets so I thought I'd repost the tutorial.  If you can't find the supplies in craft stores, you can also purchase them online.  Save on Crafts is a great resource for craft materials and party decor items.  It's definitely worth a click through!
 
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Marble magnets have been a staple craft project for years now and they're so practical. Who couldn't use more magnets? My good friend, Liana taught me how to make these years ago. And they became my signature. My bridesmaids even had marble magnet supplies at my bridal shower so we could all make some!

Once again, this is an easy, simple craft to whip up. You will need the following supplies:

• Floral Marbles (found in the floral section of your craft store) This is very important... make sure that the floral magnets are completely CLEAR. A lot of the floral magnets have color or luster added which makes it difficult to see the paper below.
• E-600 Glue- dries clear and creates a super tight, waterproof bond
• Round magnets similar in size to your marbles. I prefer the extra strong magnets.
  
• Toothpick
• Hole punch (optional)
• Patterned paper (The options are endless for this. Use magazines, photos, old calendars, old books, etc. Anything that you want to turn into a magnet. I used the scraps from the Amy Butler paper that I used to make the bunting.)
  

Make sure that the marbles are as clear as possible. Don't use the marbles that have lots of air bubbles or blemishes on them.

Start by punching or cutting out round pieces of paper. The hole punch was great but I did end up having to trim the excess paper after I glued it to the marble. Sometimes it's just easier to trace and cut them with scissors since the marbles vary slightly in shape and size.

Squeeze out a dollop of glue. Make sure to not squeeze out too much because the glue dries quickly so work in batches. Also, make sure to work in a well ventilated area as this particular glue has strong fumes.

Use your toothpick to spread the glue in a thin layer onto the flat side of the marble.

Quickly place the piece of paper onto the glue and press the marble and paper on a flat surface to smooth out the glue and get rid of the air bubbles. Let them dry slightly before you add the magnets.

Spread more glue onto your magnet. You don't need much... this glue is strong!

Adhere the magnet to the backside of the marble. Let dry and then use tiny scissors to trim off the excess paper under the marble.

And here are the finished magnets! Aren't they pretty?! The best thing is that the possibilities are endless... make numbered magnets, or alphabet magnets or magnets to match your dishtowels. You can also glue a flat tack to the back to make pretty tacks for your cork board.

If you're making these for gifts, jewelry boxes make wonderful packaging. Just cut a piece of paper or cardstock to the size of the box and put a paper clip behind it so that the magnets have something to stick to.


Voila, marble magnets! Make some tomorrow!

Sweet Treat Jars

My friend, Grace, made these charming treat jars for her son's pre-school teachers.  She used baby food jars and my tutorial on how to "beautify" jar lids.  However, she had to tweak the design a bit because the tiny lids wouldn't be able to screw on with the paper folded under the lid.  So she fringed the paper edges and let them hang over.  She finished it off with a thin piece of raffia wrapped around it. 

I also love how Grace embellished the thank you belly band with eyelets.  I definitely need to add an eyelet punch system to my craft collection!  How adorable would these be for a baby shower favor?  Or filled with jams or butters for a hostess gift?  The possibilities are endless!

DIY 5 Minute Summer Scarf

Now that the weather is getting warmer, I need a few more summer scarves (an oxymoron, I know, but I love the look) to add to my repertoire.  I love the circle scarves at American Apparel but decided to make my own.  They're beyond easy to make. 

I bought a yard of jersey fabric at Mood for $12.  (And can I just say that I have so much more respect for the contestants on Project Runway... I have no idea how they select their fabrics so quickly.  I was in Mood for an hour and a half trying to pick out fabric for just one scarf!)  This piece of fabric was large enough so that I could cut it in half lengthwise and make two scarves out of it.

There is no need to hem the sides of the jersey fabric because it doesn't fray.  Although you certainly could if you wanted a more finished look.

Next fold the fabric in half and line up the open edges.

Pin the edges together.

Zip the pinned together edges through your sewing machine with the zig zag stitch.  (I was testing on a different piece of fabric in these next few pics... sorry I don't have pics of the original.)

For the life of me, I still can't sew in a straight line.  But this is a simple project and perfection is not necessary.  It will be bunched up and wrapped around so you won't even see the seam. Trim off the excess fabric.

Here's the seam line flipped right side out.  See?  Looks fine, crooked seam and all.

And here is the finished scarf!  It literally took about 5 minutes to make and looks so chic.  You can wear it looped once...

or looped twice.  It's lightweight, comfy and is the perfect spring/summer accessory for any outfit. 

Amigurumi

I'm usually not one drawn to super cutesy things but I am obsessed with these little Japanese crocheted stuffed dolls called Amigurumi.  They are just too adorable for words.  So I've decided to teach myself to crochet.  Not that I need another project to add to my ongoing to-do list but I couldn't resist the urge to drop everything and crochet.  I visited Lion Brand Yarn Studio in the city and bought a skein of yarn and a crochet hook and I've been watching tons of how-to-crochet videos on You Tube.  I'll let you know how it goes!

Etsy has a treasure trove of both Amigurumi dolls and patterns.  However, my favorites are by Amy Gaines.  I will be purchasing her patterns for sure.  

All photos by Amy Gaines

Gifted Magazine

Another fabulous e-zine, Gifted has hit the web and just in time for the holidays. It's the brain child of Ez from Creature Comforts... and like her blog, it's super inspirational with gorgeous photographs. Happy reading!

Weather Ballons

Jordan Ferney at Oh Happy Day did an amazing post about weather balloon signage and I think this idea is just adorable! I wish I had thought of it myself for my wedding. I never cease to be amazed by Jordan's creativity... she comes up with the most delightful and whimsical ideas for events!

How to Make Pocket Wrapping Paper

This is a unique way to create a little pocket for cards when you wrap flat packages. Start by cutting your wrapping paper (or tissue paper, in this case) to the correct length. Now, make sure to include extra width in your paper because you will be folding it to create the pocket fold.

Grasp the paper in the middle of the wrapping paper to create an overlapping fold.

Line the overlapping flap of paper so it creates a straight line horizontally.

Now press it down so it creates a nice crease.

Wrap the package as you normally would.

Flip over and now you have a cute little "pocket" to tuck a card inside.

Wait, we're not done! Add some pretty ribbon. Wrap around the package once and tie in the middle. Make a "V" cut in the ribbon by folding it in half and cutting on a diagonal line with the open edge of the ribbon creating the points.

See how it creates a nice, even "V" shape? Love that!

Finished and ready to send!

A Valentine for You

The other day, The Prippy Handbook reminisced about making shoe box mailboxes in elementary school. Oh how lovely it was to open all those little envelopes and collect those adorable Valentines from your friends. So in honor of the holiday I made these old school cards by using Lovely Design's February Pattern. You can get them HERE. Just print and cut. Better yet, you can download IS LY's blank petal envelope and paste this in the center for an extra special Valentine. Enjoy!

54 Reasons Playing Cards

My mom's birthday was this past Sunday and instead of the usual present-buying route, I decided to make her something special. She loves to play cards so I thought a customized deck would be unique and special. The theme was "54 Reasons Why We Love You." I enlisted the help of my brother and together we each came up with 27 reasons. A lot were fond childhood memories and it's funny to see how many revolved around food!

I found these special pink playing cards at my local grocery store.

Next I designed a template in InDesign and wrote our sentiments in each box. I color coded them so that the green ones are from my brother and the pink ones are mine.

I printed the template on full sheet label adhesive paper. Then I cut each one out using my Olfa knife, ruler and cutting board. And, although this is totally unnecessary, I rounded the corners with my small corner rounder.

Finally I applied each "label" onto the back of the cards. I kind of like how the design on the back of the card still comes through the paper slightly. I suppose if you're a serious card player this wouldn't work because you would start to remember the sentiment with the value on the other side. However, I think my mom will just love reading through them more than anything else.

I made a custom box using this awesome template from Lovely Design. It took just a few minutes and I used cereal box cardboard. (In case you were wondering, Mike goes through a box of Cheerios every couple of days so there always an empty box around!)

All packaged up and ready to go out. I was a little late sending it out but my mom should be getting it in the mail today or tomorrow. I'll keep you updated on her response!


Finally, click HERE for my download-able playing card template so you can make your own "54 Reasons" playing cards. Perfect for a sweet and sentimental Valentine's Day gift!


**Update: Just got a phone call from my mom and she LOVED them. I believe some tears were shed too! She was very touched.

How to Make Marble Magnets

Marble magnets have been a staple craft project for years now and they're so practical. Who couldn't use more magnets? My good friend, Liana taught me how to make these years ago. And they became my signature. My bridesmaids even had marble magnet supplies at my bridal shower so we could all make some!

Once again, this is an easy, simple craft to whip up. You will need the following supplies:

• Floral Marbles (found in the floral section of your craft store) This is very important... make sure that the floral magnets are completely CLEAR. A lot of the floral magnets have color or luster added which makes it difficult to see the paper below.
• E-600 Glue- dries clear and creates a super tight, waterproof bond
• Round magnets similar in size to your marbles. I prefer the extra strong magnets.
  
• Toothpick
• Hole punch (optional)
• Patterned paper (The options are endless for this. Use magazines, photos, old calendars, old books, etc. Anything that you want to turn into a magnet. I used the scraps from the Amy Butler paper that I used to make the bunting.)
  

Make sure that the marbles are as clear as possible. Don't use the marbles that have lots of air bubbles or blemishes on them.

Start by punching or cutting out round pieces of paper. The hole punch was great but I did end up having to trim the excess paper after I glued it to the marble. Sometimes it's just easier to trace and cut them with scissors since the marbles vary slightly in shape and size.

Squeeze out a dollop of glue. Make sure to not squeeze out too much because the glue dries quickly so work in batches. Also, make sure to work in a well ventilated area as this particular glue has strong fumes.

Use your toothpick to spread the glue in a thin layer onto the flat side of the marble.

Quickly place the piece of paper onto the glue and press the marble and paper on a flat surface to smooth out the glue and get rid of the air bubbles. Let them dry slightly before you add the magnets.

Spread more glue onto your magnet. You don't need much... this glue is strong!

Adhere the magnet to the backside of the marble. Let dry and then use tiny scissors to trim off the excess paper under the marble.

And here are the finished magnets! Aren't they pretty?! The best thing is that the possibilities are endless... make numbered magnets, or alphabet magnets or magnets to match your dishtowels. You can also glue a flat tack to the back to make pretty tacks for your cork board.

If you're making these for gifts, jewelry boxes make wonderful packaging. Just cut a piece of paper or cardstock to the size of the box and put a paper clip behind it so that the magnets have something to stick to.


Voila, marble magnets! Make some tomorrow!