Hello Kitty Duct Tape Purse w/ Ruffles

A Hello Kitty Duct Tape Purse w/ Ruffles and a very happy little girl.  I've had it in my head from the moment I saw this roll of Hello Kitty duct tape that my little girl needed a purse made out of it.  I wasn't sure exactly what that was going to look like.  Since I've been on a ruffle kick I decided to try a ruffled purse.  When I put the first ruffle on my little girl said, "Oh Pretty!".  If that isn't approval I dont' know what is.  So it was fun.  See more pictures below.

The inside.

The back.

On it's side.

It just happens to fit compact scriptures.  My guess is she will be begging me to use my scriptures on Sunday.

Here she is with her new purse.  The contents?  Her rat (yes she has a rat), a little plastic purse, and several tubes of lipgloss.  What more does a girl need?

Full Size Duct Tape Wallet w/ Ruffles

I loved the last wallet I did so much I had to make a larger one for myself.  This I did for cash.  It would fit a check book just fine too.  The last post I did was a credit card sized wallet.  I won't be posting any of these on ebay until I get them just right.  I don't like how I closed the sides on this and I plan on changing it.  I adore ruffles though.  The pictures don't do it justice.  I have to figure out how to do pictures better or have someone else do them for me.  Volunteers?  If you get inspiration from these and make one yourself let me know.  I'd love to see it.

Duct Tape Wallet w/ Ruffles

Excuse my hand.  I love crafts but picture taking is hit or miss with me.  Isn't this A-dorable.  My daughter has a birthday party to go to today and for the little girl's gift we put together a purse that any little lady would love.  I thought it needed a wallet and in my mind I saw this.  It came out just how I thought it would.  All it's waiting for is hubby to get home from the hardware store with some black adhesive velcro and we are good to go.  Have I told you how I love duct tape?  I know I have but really it can't be said enough.

Inside.

Backside with the flap closed.  I'm glad to take custom orders for this wallet.  Just let me know what you see in your mind and I can make it happen.  Happy crafting.  :)

Pom Pom Flowers Tutorial

If you have done much shopping around for premade shoe clips surely you have seen these pom poms.  Some people do them out of fabric, tulle, vinyl or leather.  Let your imagination go wild.  Paige at Pink Lemonade has given you a simple and free tutorial.  Click HERE to get the tutorial.  Attach your shoe clip blanks and you are off to the races.  Or should I say the game?  Sis boom bah!  Here is my Ebay listing to get a set of 12 clips (6 pair) for your shoe clip project.  Click Me for Shoe Clips :)

My Pop Rocks

I am totally kicking myself that I didn't get a better picture of these but I thought I would share them here anyway.  I really thought this was going to be something somebody else already thought of but when I googled I didn't find anything.  So I made my own stickers and I was off to the races.  So if you need a Father's Day, Grandparent's Day or any day you want to show the Pop in your life he is special gift then here you go.  The simpliest thing to do is save the image below to your computer.  Then use your word (or similar) program to make labels.  If you don't know how to do that already google is your friend.  I put two images on each label.  Print and cut and stick them on your pop rocks.  Couldn't be simplier.  I did this for the nursery kids at my church to give to their dad for Father's Day.  They were a hit.  So enjoy. If you do this yourself or share it on your website let me know.

I Love Duct Tape

Duct tape makes me giddy...a little too giddy.  I knew from the moment I saw a baby duct taped to a wall online that I had a problem.  The words that came out of my mouth were, "That is terrible!" but the thought in the back of my mind was...but soooo cool.  Look how secure that is...and that kid is happy!  Who wouldn't be happy?  It's duct tape!!!  I'm always on a quest for all things duct tape and when I saw this free purse pattern that Craft Gossip featured from Nette Vivante I knew that is had duct tape written all over it.  Here is the link.  This is the picture that caught my eye. 

Be sure to visit the link and grab the free printable pattern and instructions.

  So I printed the pattern and I sat down in front of the tv last night and put together a purse.  Here is my duct tape version.

 

Cute right?  Can you tell the inside is red.  I kinda love it.  Of course not everyone can pull it off.  Being over 30 I probably shouldn't try but I probably will.  The outside pocket was my idea.  I think if I were to sew a version of this purse I would do the pocket.  I just made it deeper than the decoration the pattern came with.  My phone is kinda big so I wanted to make sure it wouldn't fall out.  I'm going to make some changes to the pattern and then I'm going to make a zebra and hot pink one.  Then I'm thinking a really big pool bag.  What is better than a duct tape pool bag?

Craftvision Linked Me

Jodi Jean over at Craftvision linked my Ebay items.  How sweet is that?! 

http://craftivision.blogspot.com/

My link says TeaJay'sMom at the bottom of her post.  More importantly check out her shoe clip post.  The link is below the picture of her clips.  Simple and adorable.  Thanks Jodi.

http://craftivision.blogspot.com/2008/10/flower-shoe-clips.html

Want to make your own?  Need Clips???  http://shop.ebay.com/teajaysmom/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686 

These Shoe Clips Rock!

The moment I saw these little guitars I knew they would make some rockin' shoe clips.  I have them listed in 3 colors right now.  Pink (fuchsia), Silver & Purple.  Red and black are coming soon.    They are so cute on everything.  They are pictured on heels and kids and grown up flip flops.  I'm wishing I had some flats to try them on.  I'm selling the single clip for $8.00 and free shipping on Ebay.  I'll link below.  One just seems right.  Two seemed a bit over the top. 

For my fellow do-it-yourselfers these clips taught me something.  The clips themselves really do better on a hard surface if you give them a little cushion.  When you open and close the clip there is a little bar that needs to be able to move.  These particular ones have a foam disk under the clip.  I will be doing that in the future or all my resin clips.

 So I'm back and so very happy about it.  My class is as done as it's going to be and life has slowed down just a bit.  So it's time to craft.  Let me type that again...C R A F T.  You have no idea how good that felt.  :)  I'll link my Ebay listings and see below for more photos.

See all my listings here:

http://shop.ebay.com/teajaysmom/m.html?_trksid=p4340.l2562

Bye Bye Etsy

So I'm saying goodbye to Etsy.  Or at least see ya later.  I thought it would be a good idea because the listing fees are cheaper but then there is some monthly fee I don't recall reading about.  If only I had the time to sit down and figure it out.  Alas I don't until the semester is over.  I LOVE EBAY!  I was selling way more on ebay anyway.  As I was packaging my orders today I got three more orders.  Yay!  So when I get my projects done they will be posted on ebay.  Can't wait.  :)

Coming Soon

I have some fun stuff coming soon.  Where the heck have I been?  Well first I was sick for the longest time  Seriously nearly 3 weeks.  I've never been sick so long but life goes on and it did.  I'm the mother of three which means I have been interrupted five times while just typing these few sentences.  I'm currently bribing them with jelly bellies to be quiet.  Please don't be jealous of my mothering skills.

I am taking an accounting class which is fun for me but apparently when I'm sick my IQ drains out my nose.  So I'm catching up with that.  I've gotten tons of orders lately so I've been packaging those up.  While doing all those things I've been trying to keep up with the house, spend time with my honey, keep the kids happy and socialize with friends.  Whew I'm tired.  Who am I kidding I've been tired for 3 weeks.

So what is coming?  Let's make a list.  I like lists.  Lists are fun.  Okay they are just fun for me so bear with me.

1.  Resin shoe clips for sale.  Like the ones I showed in the tutorial but all finished and ready for purchase on Etsy.
2.  Felt flower tutorial.  So you can make your own felt flowers for shoe clips, hair clips or whatever your little heart desires.
3.  Singed flower tutorial.  I'm sure you have seen these.  I'm hoping to borrow a tutorial from someone else and feature it.  These really turn out great.  I've done some hair clips with singed flowers already.
4.  My necklace idea.  I can't decide if Twilight will be first or Gone with the Wind.
5.  Clip on bowties.  Is it bow tie or bowtie?  Anyway.  I'll have the clips available for sale possibly with a bowtie pattern.
6.  Baby suspenders.  My little man is going to be the guinea pig for these.  We will see if I love or hate them but the clips for making them will be available.  They are also great for pacifier clips.
7.  Little girl flip flop clips.  Maybe little boy ones but I'm pretty sure there is no way to make these cute little suckers manly.  So count on little girl ones.
8.  Okay apparently I'll be here all day if I list everything.  There is tons more.  I can't guarantee how quickly I'll get these things on here but they are coming.

So again bear with me.  Did you know if you say "bare" with me you are asking others to undress with you?  So remember "bear" like grrrr will keep you out of awkward situations.  :)

Sweet! Miniature Glass Jars

Pun totally intended.  I saw miniature glass jar and just had to have them. I got these having absolutely no idea what I would do with them.  I still am not totally sure but I have a few clever ideas up my sleeve.  The little cutie in the picture above is for my little girl.  The ball chain I have is too big so I'm going to get a smaller one and make her a necklace.  There are candy sprinkles in there.  The kind you would use for cupcakes or cookies.  Not my original idea.  I've seen crafters online use these sprinkles but my kids thought I was a genius.  Check out the next picture to see just how tiny these little buggers are.

I do plan to make charms for some of my book themed necklaces down the road.  This will not be the last you see of these little sweeties.  Ideas are welcome.  Comment below if you have a great idea for these.

Missing Shoe Clip

The shoe clip was found.  It was not eaten by my one year old.  He did take it though but he knew right where it was.  Just in case you were up nights worrying.  :)

So what do you do with Shoe Clips anyway? Part 1

Shoe Clips were the hot thing when grandma was a hottie.  Just do a google search for Vintage Shoe Clips and you will she the originals.  They pretty much look like a brooch or an earring for your shoe.  This I'm sure began because shoes used to be really plain.  Now we have huge varieties of styles and prints.  Lets be honest though.  Is it ever really enough?  Plus I don't know about you but I don't want to have to have a closet full of shoes when I could have about six cute pair that I can accessorize to make look like a brand new pair.

Today clever crafters make a variety of shoe clips.  They attach brooches, flowers, feathers, beads, jewelry findings and so much more.  They look awesome but are kinda pricey.  So why not do it yourself?  We will talk about other types of shoe clips in the future.  Today we are going to start with flat back resin flowers.  I have a variety of these because I just love them so much.  I've make bobby pins with them, rings and all kinds of cute stuff.  Today though we are making Shoe Clips. 

As you can see below I made clips for my flip flops.  Face it here in California we never stop wearing flip flops and they are just a little boring.  I wore these all day to see if the clip would slip off and it never budged.  The only problem I had was with my one year old thinking they were candy.  In fact I left my shoes in the living room last night and when I woke up this morning to find one of my clips missing.  I will have to ask his daddy about that.  Do make sure that your clips point out or you will feel them on your feet.  If you were them properly you won't even know they are there.

Okay be prepared.  What you see below if my FAVORITE pair of shoes.  I mean they are zebra I <3 them!  I really didn't think they could be improved upon but look!  Aren't they stinkin' adorable with the Red Rose Shoe Clip?

Here is another angle.  I know I know.  Yes great Mande but how do we make them?  It's so easy really.  You just have to have the right stuff.

You need shoe clips of course.  My Ebay listing is below and FREE Shipping.  :)

Ebay:  http://cgi.ebay.com/12-Metal-Shoe-Clips-Silver-DIY-Jewelry-Your-Shoes-/150524550710?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item230bf65e36

The next thing you need is E600.  Really you have not entered the world of crafters until you have a tube of this stuff.  It's amazing!  It glues things you never thought you could glue before.  It glues glass for goodness sake and it STAYS.  When you purchase shoe clips from you I send a fact sheet about adhesives but for this project E600 is the way to go.  You can even wash the stuff.  Now there is no need to wash your shoe clips but doesn't it just make you feel more secure that you could if you wanted to?  LOL! 

So how Mande?  How?  It's exactly what you are thinking.  Just glue the clip on.  Check the placement of your clip before you start.  If you are using the clip for the toe of your shoe you do not want to glue the metal piece in the center because when the clip is done it will be to far back on your shoe.  So make sure you know where you need to glue the clip before you start. 

Okay you ready?  See the side that has the two holes?  Glue that side of the clip to the flat side of your resin piece.  I recommend putting a small dot of glue on your resin piece.  About pencil eraser size.  Let it sit for 8-10 minutes.  Then open your clip and place the side with the holes over the glue and push down until it's flat against your resin piece.  If glue comes through the holes that is a good thing.  It will help keep the clip adhered.  Let it sit about an hour.  When you can touch the glue without if coming off on your finger close the clip and let it sit for 24 hours.  This glue takes a while to cure but it is totally worth it.   

Eventually I will have some of these all finished for sale on Ebay.  If you need a special order just let me know.  If you make some shoe clips yourself please send me a picture.  I would love to see them.  I can't wait until I do a post about kids shoe clips.  They are soooo cute!  Stay tuned!

Austrailia!

I've been selling shoe clips on ebay for a while but I just changed my shipping to Worldwide.  Yesterday I just made my first sale to Austrailia.  How cool is that?  Maybe I could put myself in the envelope for a little vacation.  :)

Unique Picture Frame Pendant with Ball Chain

There is more to come for these cute little frames.  I have the most excellent idea for them.  For now don't they make great gifts just the way they are?  Others on Etsy have similar items but they don't have this exact frame.  I love that it sits long ways on the chain.  Below is the listing address.

Edit:  I've moved to ebay.  This item isn't listed yet but is available.  Contact me at imtjohn@yahoo.com

http://www.etsy.com/listing/68188341/unique-double-sided-picture-frame

Unique Double Sided Picture Frame Pendant With Ball Chain $15/each + Shipping

Memory Jewelry at it's best. This very unique double side picture frame pendant is stunning. Simply add photos or whatever you wish. Remember it's double sided so you can choose two photos to display. The photo in the picture is of my little cuties. The frame will of course come to you empty and ready for your photos or memborabilia.

The pendant is silver color brass with a nickle plated finish. It measures about 1" x 2". There is a latch on the top that opens and the frame opens forward. It has two large loops on each side. perfect for adding charms, beads and ribbons to make your piece match your personality. Or wear it as is for a beutiful conversation piece. The glass panes are not removable so they are secure when you open the pendant.

This items comes with a ball chain free. It is also nickle plated brass. You pick the length up with 30". Be sure to tell me what length you want when you purchase. A picture will be included here to help give you a guidline for what chain length you might want.

A great gift for mother, grandma, a girlfriend, or for yourself.

Please contact me if you need larger quantities for custom jewelry making.

My First Etsy Item For Sale - Shoe Clips

***Update:  Shoe clips are no longer for sale at Etsy but see my Ebay listing at the bottom of this post.  Thank you!***

I've thought about it.  I've talked about it.  I've dreamed about it but finally I have actually posted an item for sale with Etsy.  Why did I wait so long?  I was concerned the fees would be more than they are with ebay.  I was so wrong.  I was concerned I wouldn't be able to sell there.  Well I guess we will see about that won't we.  It's just the first item of many though.  So if  you need shoe clips than I've got them for you baby.  The best price to when you take free shipping into account. 

Stay tuned for the hundreds to more posts I have to come.  There will be supplies and handmade items.  I have plans for tutorials and so much more.  I'm very excited.  See my items below.  See you soon.

 

12 Metal Shoe Clips DIY Shoe Jewelry Free Shipping To US

$5.50 Free Shipping

12 individual shoe clips or 6 pair (2 pictured). These are silver color and measure 18x14x3mm. They measure approximately 1" open and 1/2" closed. They are small so they will not be seen behind whatever you wish to attach them to.

I always include a free information sheet about gluing tips. So if you are concerned about what glue to use then no worries.

There are two small holes that measure about 2mm on the top side of the clip. Perfect for sewing on ribbons or flowers. Or helping glue to adhere when gluing pearls, acrylics, buttons, glass, metal, beads, jewelry findings or whatever your little heart desires.

People really like to use them to make accessories and gifts for weddings. I love to make shoe clips for my high heels and flip flops. I've also seen some great clips make for crocs. Take your shoes from blah to beautiful. :)

Free Shipping to the United States! No matter how many you buy shipping is still free.

If you prefer Ebay see my listing here:  http://cgi.ebay.com/12-Metal-Shoe-Clips-Silver-DIY-Jewelry-Your-Shoes-/150524550710?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item230bf65e36