creative jewish mom

Get Organized With Zippered Felt Pouches To Hold The Little Stuff!

Wouldn't you love to get organized? Have a cute way to store all your tiny sewing supplies or crochet hooks? Make a bunch of these zippered felt pouches and you'll be hooked. With their flat bottom they can stand up nicely on a shelf or in a deep drawer. Make them any size and and make a few extras to have on hand for ready-made gifts. A new mom could definitely use some of these to keep all the tiny baby stuff, at home or on the go. And don't worry if you're not the most experienced sewer, neither am I. Infact this was the first zipper I've ever sewn in my life!

You'll Need:

• yellow zipper
• two pink felt rectangles with width same as total zipper length (including the excess tape at both ends)
• small scraps of yellow felt

How To:

1. Applique yellow diamonds to one or two of the pink rectangles
2. With zipper face up, pin rectangles to zipper tape such that both edges of felt butt to zipper teeth line. (Generally one has to hem the fabric before this step, but since we're using felt I decided to make this simple and just leave the edge raw, which looks fine.)
3. Sew felt to zipper on both sides.
4. Open zipper, very important!
5. With right sides facing pin and sew side seams and  bottom seam. Your seam allowance should be the same as the amount of excess zipper tape before and after the teeth.
6. To make the flat bottom, do as follows: with bottom seam facing you, and positioned vertically, pull both sides out such that a triangular point is formed. Pin and sew across this triangle. Measure height of triangle, and sew across second side as well. The larger the triangle, the greater the upward slope of the pouch.
7. Turn pouch so that right side is out (if you hadn't opened the zipper you'd be stuck at this point!)
8. Bask in the light of having created something so cute so easily! Think about adding some handles and making cute little purses!

Make Unique Room Signs From Modeling Clay!

Since we're on the topic of signs, I though I'd share this project with you as well! A few months ago just after I had posted the project showing how to make pictures with modeling clay, here, I was thinking how fun it might be to make signs from modeling clay. Just an hour or so later after that thought crossed my mind, my daughter arrived home from school with none other than signs made from modeling clay! I honestly was in shock, but happy to know that I'm somehow in sync with what is going on in my daughter's life.

Oh, and in case you're wondering, these signs are written in Hebrew script lettering. the top one says "mamad room", which in our house is the toy room, and the second sign says "children's room." Isn't that sweet?

You'll Need:

• modeling clay (plastalena)
• white glue or modge podge
• thick cardboard or even pieces of wood

How To:

• Make shapes from modeling clay and affix to surface with white glue or modge podge
• Cover entire surface with clay shapes or thin snake-like strips.
• Form letters from snake-like strips and affix with white glue or modge podge.
• Using a paint brush cover entire surface with at least one coat of white glue or modge podge.
• Set aside to dry for 24 hours.
• Frame your creations in simple frames from the dollar store (plan ahead and cut cardboard base to fit frame), or hang with a decorative ribbon.

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Help Your Kids Make Cute Welcome Signs From Cereal Boxes!

Your holiday guests may have already come and gone, but you can always think up a good reason to make a sign. To celebrate or commemorate an important event, to say thank you, to communicate a message, or even to publicize something wonderful. Giving thanks, honoring guests and showing loved ones that we're proud of their accomplishments (however small!) are basic acts of human kindness that we certainly want our children to develop, so what better way than with signs?

As it turns out, a collapsed cereal box is the perfect size for a door sign, so be sure to recycle those to have on hand anytime. All you'll need is a thick black marker (sharpies are great, but keep away from children) and some crayons. I drew the images and words in black and my four year old had a really nice time coloring everything in. Big signs not only make a statement, but will keep the kids busy for a longer period of time, which is usually a good thing unless it happens to be bedtime.

Older kids might have a fun time making signs to to put up all over the house with fun messages that will make everyone laugh or help them remember important tasks, and it might even be an interesting forum for self expression. Give it a try!

No-Sew Fleece: Make Colorful Warmers For Mugs & A Coffee Press!

Dear Readers,
You may or may not be happy to hear that this is my last no-sew fleece post for the year. I have some fleece projects that require sewing that I'll be sharing, but I'm going to wait a week or so to post them, as between you and me I'm fleeced out! 

That said, these fleece warmers are just for fun really, and a festive wintery way to use up some of those fleece scraps you've got hanging around after trying out all the other fleece projects that I've been sharing with you! Simply cut pieces the height and circumference of the item you want to cover, plus about 12 cm (5inches) to make 6cm fringe on each end. Cut fringe and tie onto mug or press just once (not a double knot) so that your creations can be easily removed. Enjoy, and in the meantime I'll be thinking about something totally different to post tomorrow!

Gluten-Free (Flour Free) Delicious & Simple Peanut Butter Cookies!

Ever had a guest with special dietary needs and you fell short? It's not a great feeling. Now with this simple recipe you'll be able to offer wheat-free guests or guests with celiac disease a real treat. And in fact, you can whip these up at a moments notice if need be! Just be sure to set some aside for the guest for whom they were actually made, because if you're not careful the rest of the family will gobble them up, they're that good!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened peanut butter
• 1 cup sugar (these cookies are quite sweet, you can reduce the sugar a bit if you prefer things not soooo sweet)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 large egg

Preparation:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350F (200C)
2. Mix ingredients manually with a spoon to form a ball of dough.
3. Line a cookie sheet or tray with baking paper.
4. Form about 30 balls, rolling each one in regular sugar before placing on tray.
5. Bake for roughly ten minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning.
6. If you have the time and want to make these even more special, drizzle with melted chocolate, or dip half the cookie in melted chocolate. Wow!

Note: I forgot to flatten cookies with a fork, in the traditional peanut butter cookie manner, so that's why my cookies are a bit dome shaped. Also, I forgot to use the baking powder and they were still good. I'm interested to make some more with the baking powder to see the difference! Enjoy.

No-Sew Fleece: Make Adorable Outfits For Stuffed Animals!

Want to renew your child's interest in his stuffed animals? Need a super cute semi handmade gift? Use the no-sew fleece techniques I've taught in previous posts here, to make quick hats, capes, scarves and sweaters for all your stuffed animal friends!

This dog was cute but now he's irresistible, and my kids were so very excited with this new outfit, they wanted me to make hats for all their animals! I just cut a piece of fleece to size for a pooh bear, and my seven year old daughter is tying the knots to make the hat. Next time I think she'll be able to the whole thing herself. Too much fun, and a great winter day activity for kids....to outfit the whole menagerie!

I made the cape by simply cutting the first piece of fringe on each side very long and using those as a tie at the neck. Use your imagination and have lots of fun with this project that will have the little ones in your life literally jumping for joy. At least that is what happened in my home.

No-Sew Fleece: Simple Pom-Pom Hat

Isn't this hat cute? And guess how long it took me to make it? Oh about ten minutes, really! How's that for a quick last minute gift, or even a fun holiday crafting activity. Who wouldn't love a new cozy hat?

Can't blame me for trying to be helpful. And if you'd like to make a hat/scarf set, this hat would look great with the delicate ruffled scarf or the color block scarf! I agree, this hat does look a bit on the feminine side,
so for boys one should cut the ties off closer to the knot so that they don't look like bows, and/or simply turn the hat inside out after tying.

You'll Need:

• fleece
• masking tape if you want to be really accurate
• good scissors

How-To:

1. Cut a piece of fleece that measures roughly 35cm (14 inches)high with a length that equals the circumference of the recipient's head plus 15cm (2 inches) for the fringe and another 3cm (1.25") for comfort factor.(You don't want this hat to be too snug because then the knots in the brim could be annoying.)
2. Place piece of masking tape along the vertical edges, leaving a space of 7.5cm (3 inches) between the tape and the edge.
3. Mark off increments of roughly 1.5 cm (2/3 inch) on the tape, and cut fringe according to these marks. (I have to confess, I skipped this part and just eyeballed my fringe, which is probably why the bows are not all the same!)
4. Bring two fringed edges together and tie small double knots between corresponding pieces from each edge
5. Fold bottom of hat up twice to form a brim. (For boys you may want to turn hat inside out at this point.)
6. Decide on the height of the hat, and using a piece of fleece or ribbon, gather the top of the hat and tie tightly
7. Un-do any knots above this tie, and cut off fringe.
8. Make vertical cuts in top portion of hat to create the look of a pom-pom. Trim if necessary.
9. Ever dreamed you could make something so cute so quickly?

No-Sew Fleece: Fun Bow-Ties Pillow Cover

Don't these pillows just make you happy? The best part is, this isn't one of those photos of something that has to stay in your dreams, you can make pillows almost exactly like these quickly and easily. And it's a fun project for older children and groups of friends to do over the Winter break as well!

While I explained how to make the pillow on the left yesterday, today we're going to learn how to make the bow-tie pillow on the right. Interestingly enough it's the much quicker method of the two, though it's aesthetic is, in my eyes, much more sophisticated. It's construction consists of two separate pieces of fleece which wrap the pillow in opposite directions and are secured with ties in the center. I thought of this while I was dozing off to sleep one night, but it took me a few minutes to actually figure out how to bring this simple idea into reality.

This photo  is of the same pillow, opposite sides. What's  interesting to note is the difference in the look of the pillow based on how tightly the knots we're tied. If you like the look of the pillow on the left, make sure to measure on the large side, and if you prefer the look on the right, so make your pieces a bit smaller.

You'll Need:

• pillows or pillow forms in the desired shape and size
• fleece: 2 pieces in complementary colors
• masking tape
• a tapemeasure
• good scissors

How to:

1. Measure circumference and height of pillow. Add 10cm (4 inches) to the circumference measurement, and cut two pieces of fleece with a width equaling (circumference + 10cm) and height as measured. (If pillow is square, the two pieces will be equal size, if the pillow you want to use is not square, so turn it 90degrees to measure the circumference and height for the second piece.)
2. Place masking tape along height of fleece at both edges, 5cm from the edge, and mark off on tape even intervals of roughly 1.5cm (2/3") or a bit wider.
3. Cut fringe according to tape placement and markings on tape.
4. Prepare both pieces of fleece.
5. Lay one piece of fleece on table, running side to side, and place pillow on top of fleece
6. Lay second piece of fleece on top of pillow, running top to bottom 
7. Wrap the two sides of the bottom piece up and around the pillow and tie fringe at center of pillow.
8. Turn pillow over and tie second set of fringe on that side.
9. You're done, that sure was quick right?

No-Sew Fleece: Cozy Ruffled-Border Pillow Cover!

I really hope that you love fleece as much as I do, as it looks as if I'm in it at least waist-deep, with no sights of getting out any time soon! But seriously, if you don't like fleece I suggest some re-evaluation, after all, what's not to love? No fraying edges, lots of colors and patterns, inexpensive, vertsatile, warm, great for crafting!

And who wouldn't love to give their home just a touch of something new and cozy for the winter? You can whip out a couch full of pillows like this one in an evening, and enjoy them for months to come. My four year old saw this one and instantly started hugging it "you made it for me?" If you get smiles like the one I got, you'll want to make lots of them for all your loved ones.

You'll Need:

• 2 pieces of fleece
• masking tape
• ruler
• good scissors

How-To:

1. Measure pillow and cut two identically sized pieces of fleece that are 8cm (3.25") larger than the pillow all the way around. For a larger ruffle, make the piece even larger.
2. Follow the instructions for the fleece blanket here to prepare the pieces of fleece.
3. Sandwich the pillow between the two fringed pieces of fleece and tie the fringe at the center point of each side of the pillow, adjusting tension where necessary.
4. Continue tying the fringe all the way around the pillow, being careful at corners to cover the pillow.
5. That's it! For future washing, simply untie one side, slip pillow out and launder case accordingly.
6. Have a nice warm, comfortable winter! (And for those of you in warm climates, or in the Southern Hemisphere moving into summer, so try this same idea with T-shirt fabric for some fun summer pillows!)

No-Sew Fleece: Color Block Tea Cozy!

I have always loved tea cozies. There's just something so homey and cute about them, an attraction I can't quite describe. Now that I am venturing into the world of sewing I'm sure I'll be able to whip one up fairly quickly, but in previous no-sew years I contemplated crocheting a tea cozy, hand stitching one, or even knitting one!

I never got around to any of these options, and now that I've thought of this oh-so simple-way to make a really cute tea cozy, well I'm glad I didn't invest hours making one any other way. Colder weather has arrived, and a nice pot of tea sure sounds wonderful! And may I suggest adding some whole cloves to your pot of tea? The results are wonderfully fragrant and delicious!

You'll Need:

• fleece in two colors (or if you are a purest or a minimalist, so fleece in one neutral color could be lovely too!)
• pins, paper, a thin marker
• good scissors

How To:

1. Lay teapot on side on top of a piece of paper, and roughly trace the outline of the teapot onto the paper.
2. Refine this shape and enlarge by about two inches on all sides. Note: While some tea cozies cover the entire pot, including the handle, I decided to leave a few portions of the pot on the outside of the cozy such that it wouldn't have to be removed in order to pour the tea. You can certainly choose to make a large half-circle shape that will cover the entire pot. Or go with this design, and make an additional piece to enclose the spout, which would be removed to pour the tea.
3. Cut out paper pattern, lay on fleece, and cut two identical pieces, one from each color
4. Using your pen mark draw a line around the edge of the shape about 1inch (2.5cm) from the edge, this is your guide for length of fringe.
5. Pin two pieces together, and cut fringe 1/3" wide (1cm) around entire teapot. Note: If you choose to make one like the one I've made, do not cut fringe on the portion under the handle. 
6. Place two piece together and start tying matching pieces of fringe. If desired cut of fringe where cozy meets spout and top to make holes for them.
7. If you'd like to make colored panels at the bottom for ad additional decorative touch, cut rectangles of fleece the same width as the cozy you've already assembled, and attach that rectangle using the method described above. (Of course one could also do this first, as opposed to last.)
8. My cozy gaped a bit on the portion under the handle, so I added two ties (tied to some of the fringe) to close this section with a cute bow, which will be untied to remove the cozy.
9. Wouldn't this make a great gift together with a new or vintage teapot and a nice selection of teas?
10. Enjoy and don't forget to make one for yourself and for any little children you know who happen to have tea party sets!