Using a tool in a new way

I was using my Fiskar's paw paper punch, with light and dark blue cardstock. With each punch, five, small ameba shaped paper debris littered my work space. At the end of my punching fiasco, I had a considerable amount of debris to pick up and throw away. But instead of throwing the scraps away, I found an innovative way to use them!

Following a (loose) rule of gluing down one light colored spot for every two dark spots, I was able to create a print like that of a lepoard's fur.

I love finding a new use for a tool. Not only do I feel like I've added a new wrinkle to my brain, but that creativity knows no limit!

Layer It by Ear-Part 3

Fiskars' has an amazing array of craft supplies. Today, I've chosen to take their circle paper punch and try to do a little something out of the ordinary with it. Take a look.

Punching circles from various colors of cardstock, I then glued the circles one on top of another (*circle, glue, circle, glue, circle). After a stack of six circles, I applied a constant pressure and let dry. After drying, the tower is ready to cut in to. Designs are one of a kind and very tempermental to pressure, angle and slides of hand. After I got my desired look, I added varied embelishments to compliment the paper work. Earring hooks were added, the craft is very wearable.





*All cuts are made with the detail tool, and the partial holes were made using the craft hand drill.

Wearing School Spirit-Part 2

School spirit runs strong in the small town I live in. So, when I noticed my athletic wear was hardly communicating, "Number #1 Fan", I knew I had a problem. I could have gone and purchased another carbon copy tee, but that's no fun. I wanted something that conveyed MY spirit for the school. And, that is why I decided to fashion my own "trendy" headband.
The headband would need to cover the three elements: sass, spirit and SEQUINS. As I began to design, I realized I could add one more element- the switcheroo. Yep, at some point even the most dedicated fanatics return to their civilian lives. Hence, the creation of the school spirit handband...cover.
This project is a quick DIY and very kiddo friendly. You take your standard, plain headband and measure it from end to end. I used a 1/4 in. width headband, but you could make a cover for almost any width headband. Once you have your measurements, add your seam allowances (a quarter inch to the width, and a half inch to the length). Transfer new adjustmest to colored felt and use your Fiskars scissors to cut the pattern out.
You will notice from the pictures below that I included a small pocket at one end of the cover (this is to keep the headband in place during wear).

Glue remaining edges (excluding the pocket side). I used fabric paint to write with and my Fiskars fingertip tweezers made adding sequins a breeze.


The covers slip on and off easily. You can make matching covers for your friends and family or make covers to match your outfits, there are endless possibilities. One of the better options is wearing the cover alone! Once you cross the ends and safety pin the middle, you have a great spirit pin!