A Little Snap Pouch – Inspired by Loganberry Handmade

I found a cute pattern tutorial, the Mini Card Wallet, on a great blog website called loganberryhandmade.com. This website by Susie Ledadom has lots of projects with beautiful photos to inspire an afternoon of sewing fun. The Mini Card Wallet is the perfect way to play with the trend of a neutral duck canvas fabric paired with colorful quilting fabrics. And topped with a cute shiny brass snap closure. For my version of this little snap pouch, I decided to make the pattern a little larger, partly because the snaps I found at the store were kind of big…

Papercrafting Technique – Machine Sewing

I love using unique techniques for my handmade cards, and one of my favorite embellishments is, of course, sewing! The stitches add texture and give the cards a special detail. I like using it in different ways – to frame a picture or words or to draw a shape. You can stitch little pockets and even sew on ribbon and fabric embellishments. To sew on paper, it is easiest to match the top thread with the bobbin thread and test your stitches on a scrap paper to adjust the tension. Also lengthen the stitch, because using small stitches will perforate the…

Springtime Collage Cards with Handmade Paper and Embellishments

I love creating cards with little art collages on the front made of handmade paper scraps, vintage illustrations, and scrapbook supplies. To save time, I purchased a set of blank ready-made cards and envelopes in a neutral cream color. Another favorite is kraft paper cards and envelopes. They both go well with vintage and natural themes. These two spring examples can also become “thank you” or “thinking of you” cards by simply changing out the wording. To adhere the collage pieces to the card, I like to use large glue sticks and red line tape. (refer to past posts…

How to Sew Reusable Sandwich Bags

As the school year is finishing up for my kids and I’m helping them make their lunches, I think about all plastic sandwich bags we’ve used and wonder how could I make reusable lunch bags. Before you think about the potential of ickiness with kids / food / reusing bags, think of cleaning them as you do the kids’ lunch bags. Either turning them inside out and rinsing with soapy water and drying, or run them through the wash. The pattern I created uses French seams to help avoid food from getting caught in fabric folds. I also don’t…