5 Fab Tutorials from around the Crafty Web

All of my crafty friends and I have been getting ready for holiday shows. In fact, I'm going straight back to my studio to finish up my new line of Eco Journals right after this post! I just wanted to post some fabulous crafty tutorials I've found around the web this month:

1. Upcycled Tin Can Belt Buckle from adaptive reUse- (shown above) It's amazing what you can make from a tin can, and this tutorial is from a patent-pending design by Christine Terrell! Great website, very inspirational work, must bookmark.

2. Smooshy Stack Owl from Lolly Chops- Awesome fabric owls to use up scraps and dazzle your clothing!

3. Magnetic Notepad from Skip to My Lou- I'm addicted to buying these and I'll soon be addicted to making them too. Great gift potential as well!

4. Tubular T-shirt Scarves from College Fashion- I have a bunch of souvenir t-shirts that are perfect for this project.

5. Stylish Pen Case from Pink Penguin- This case looks so cute and it would be great project for using up scrap fabric. Very detailed photos, too.

5 Cool & Green Craft Projects

While I'm working on my next tutorial, I thought I would share some awesome projects I've found around the web. Enjoy!

1. Repurposed Paper Magnets by Tara Anderson- for these unique magnets, you get to bust out your sewing machine and repurpose Starbucks coffee sleeves
   
2. Recycled Denim Book Covers by Margot Potter- a back pocket becomes the front pocket to hold your pens, then you can graffiti it up with stencils
3. Recycled Paper Bag Art Journals by Regina- art journaling is so inspiring and can open your doors to new projects, and this is a fabulous way to reuse paper bags from the grocery store
4. Recycled Magazine Baskets by Jessica Jones- you can never have too much storage in a craft room, and these baskets can clear the clutter of magazines and hold works in progress
5. T-shirt Grocery bags via Martha Stewart- all those old souvenir shirts you don't wear, but can't get rid of can now carry your groceries

P.S. Don't forget to leave a comment on this post and be entered to win a free pen!

Tutorial: Recycled Magazine Magnets

Today I will be making a set of Mythbuster Magnets featuring Adam and Jamie! DH and I love the show. I also love green projects, and I would like to start sharing them. I chose an easier one to start with because I'm new at writing tutorial instructions. Please let me know how I do, and look past the dirt and glue on my nails and hands. True hands of a crafter, right?

Materials:

• Magazine with cool images to recycle
• small circle punch (mine is Fiskars brand)
  
• E-6000 glue
• Diamond Glaze (had to order from Joann's online, Etsy sellers also carry)
  
• clear flat backed floral marbles
• 1/2 in button magnets
• scissors
  

1. Find the perfect image in your magazine. Cut it out and leave enough space that you get the whole image, and can get to it with the punch.

2. Punch out the image.

3. Apply Diamond Glaze to the flat side of the marble.

4. Place the image face down on the glaze. Look from the front to make sure the image is centered. The glaze is slick stuff so it will be easy to make adjustments.

5. Cut away any excess paper, and let dry. There is no drying time listed on the bottle, so I waited long enough to make a pizza and watch a movie with DH before getting back to the project.

6. Glue on a button magnet using E-6000, and let it cure overnight before using.

I had to photograph them outside for the least amount of glare. These are for my DH who lets me cut up his magazines even before he gets a chance to read them:

DH: Where's my new issue that came in the mail yesterday?
Me: Right here. (I hand it over)
DH: Where's the Mythbuster's article?
Me: Right here. (I place the new magnets in his hand)
DH: (rolls eyes) Thanks.......actually these are kinda cool.