Category Archives: handmade goods

Handmade Tape Wallet – Dario’s Comic Book Wallet

Handmade Tape Wallet – Dario’s Comic Book Wallet

A while back I found this tutorial on Craftster and based on that I’ve made a few wallets before. For the first one, I followed the instructions to the tee but after that I’ve made some changes here and there. These are just wallets made using paper and packaging tape and they are very durable. My first one lived for a few years before it finally fell apart.

My nephew, Dario, is 5 years old he’s been obsessed with the Post Office lately and wanted to receive something with “his name on it” so my sister asked if I could mail him a letter. I wanted to send him something a little more fun than a simple letter but light enough to mail to Ecuador and that it wouldn’t cost me a small fortune.

That’s where the wallet came in: fun, small, you can still mail it flat…perfect! And I even threw in some cash and a few fake credit cards for him! Can you say, “Best Aunt Ever”??

It was made with pages from a comic book that I got free from work. I made another super cute wallet for Isaiah using the same book but I made it at work so I couldn’t take pictures of that one. Maybe I’ll take my camera with me one of these days and I’ll take a picture.
Anyway, I think it’s time to stop talking and show you Dario’s wallet, even if it’s only a couple images.

Handmade Upcycled Magazine Envelopes

Handmade Upcycled Magazine Envelopes

From a previous post you can see the massive amount of magazines I’ve accumulated so I’m always trying to find projects that can give them a second life.

This is a fairly simple one. Start out by gathering your supplies.

- Cutting mat
- Scissors, X-acto or utility knife (they all work just fine)
- Pencil
- Envelope template
- Adhesive (not pictured)
- Assorted papers (I’m using magazines for the larger envelopes and some scrap paper for mini envelopes but almost anything can be used)

Go through your magazines and find pages with interesting images, fun text or anything else you like and cut them all out. I prefer to find all my pages first and then make my envelopes all at once.

Once you’ve made your selection, use your pencil to carefully outline the template onto one of the papers.

Although this image is not very clear this is what you should have so far. Repeat as many times as you want to save paper.

Use one of you cutting tools to cut your envelope. Remember to use your cutting mat when using the X-acto or utility knife, it runs a lot smoother and you won’t ruin your table!!

Finally, fold all four sides and use some glue or double sided tape to finish up your envelope leaving the top flap open.

A few more envelopes cut with the larger template, ready to be finished.

All done.

Gift Card Holder Blank Card

Gift Card Holder Blank Card

I simply love the way this card turned out! It has ten million layers and is super intricate…can you tell I like to exaggerate a bit sometimes?  What I love about it so much is that you can hold a gift card in the little slots on the circle but the white card opens for you to write a short message, whatever it may be. And since the card is completely blank it is perfect for any occasion, birthday, anniversary, hostess gift, wedding, anything you want.  And of course it can be made in any color way!

Craftster Challenge No.1

Craftster Challenge No.1

These are two projects are created for the first Craftster Challenge.
The idea was to use items from the dollar store and make them into something new. And you were only allowed to spend $5.00
Here’s a link to the post:
Craftster Challenge

Frame to Bulletin Board

Before


After

Chopsticks to Candle Holder

Before


After


After…with lit candle

Lots of Jewerly (wire, beads, and polymer clay)

Lots of Jewerly (wire, beads, and polymer clay)


Simple Beaded Necklace


Wire and beads chockers with orange and blue seed beads


Alpaca wire necklace with purple beads


Wire and beads bracelets


Wire, beads and polymer clay bead necklace


Wire and beads necklaces


Wire, seed beads and handmade polymer clay beads necklaces


Wire bracelets with beads