Magnetic Button Ring Tutorial

I was recently invited by Madame Samm to do a guest post at Stash Manicure. So, I decided it was time to make another tutorial for everyone. Make sure to visit Stash Manicure to see the tutorial, learn how to make a Magnetic Button Ring, and to leave a comment because I will be picking a winner from those who leave a comment @ Stash Manicure. I'm also going to pick a second winner from those that leave a comment here on my blog.

The PRIZE will be ONE Magnetic Button Ring (for each blogs winner) You may pick either red or black.

You will have until Midnight on Saturday, July 2nd to leave your comments.

Update Information:

Several people have asked where to buy the products. I want to remind you to click on the links that I've provided in the tutorial and it will take you to i-Tops Website where you can click on the STORE LOCATOR button that will take you to a map. Then Click on the STATE that you live in and it will take you to a list of places in your STATE that sell the i-Top products. Also I did a search on google and here are a few other links where to can buy the product onlineHERE and HERE. You will also want to watch the Imaginesce video HERE.

You will also see that there are videos on the IMAGINESCE (i-Top) website. Also, one other thing- When I taught how to use their products at a quilt retreat my local quilt shop contacted Imaginesce directly (maker of i-top products) and purchased them at wholesale for the retreat.

Trivet Tutorial

My friend Janet Platt is very creative and designed the popular Quick Points Ruler. The most recent ruler that she's designed is the Scallop Ruler (see picture below). If you are going to the local HMQS Show in Utah on May 5-7, 2011 you will be able to purchase the rulers at the show and even watch a demonstration. Go to the HMQS link to print a coupon. Janet and her RULERS will also be at the International Spring Quilt Market May 13-15, 2011 at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, Utah.

It wasn't too long ago that she asked me to design a project for a kitchen trivet using the leftover mylar from making the Scallop Pushers (see picture below). That started my mind going and I told her I would take on the challenge. It was fun designing the kitchen trivet and it can also be a circular placemat to place on your side table or under a plate.

Scalloped Trivet Tutorial

Finished Size: 15" diameter Circle

Supplies:

• 1" Scallop Ruler-S1
• 1" Scallop Pusher-P1
• 12 .5" x 6.5" Creative Grid Ruler
• One 4" x 4" Fabric Square for Center Square
• Two 4" x 4" Fabric Squares for next SQS
• Two 6.5" x 6.5" Fabric Squares for next SQS
• Two Fabric strips measuring 3.5" x 7.5" for border on SQS block
• Two Fabric strips measuring 3.5" x 13.5" for border on SQS block
• Two pieces of Fabric measuring 8.5" x 9.25" for pocket on back of trivet
• One piece of Fabric measuring 4" x WOF for scallop
• One piece of Contrasting Fabric measuring 4" x 40-44" for scallop
• Insul-Bright Batting measuring 14" x 14"
• Trivet Backing Fabric measuring 14" x 14"
• Teflon Insert for Trivet available through www.quickpointsruler.com
• Freezer Paper

SQS= Square in a Square

WOF= Width of Fabric

Instructions:

Step One:

Making the Scallop

Completely read the instructions before using the Scallop Ruler.

Use the two 4” x WOF strips to make the scalloped edge for the trivet.

Lay the ruler on the wrong side of the fabric and trace around the ruler and in all of the holes.

Slide the ruler across the fabric to finish marking the strip.

Reduce your stitch length to a shorter stitch (2.0) then sew 1/4 inch in from the marked line. Stop at the dot keeping needle in down position, then pivot the fabric, take one stitch, pivot again and continue sewing the scallops.

Repeat process for each scallop.

Clip the curves and into the deep valleys. You could also use Pinking Shears.

To open the scallop for turning you will need to carefully cut down the center of one side of the scallop being careful not to cut the fabric underneath. I folded the scallop then gave it a bit of steam so that I could cut along the pressed fold (see below).

Press the scallops using the scallop pusher. The pusher is a very useful tool and will decrease your pressing time. Set Scallop aside for later.

Step Two:

Making the Square in a Square Block for Trivet

Cut fabric according to the supply list above. This is a picture of what you will need to make the Square in a Square Block (SQS).

Take your 4" x 4" center square and fold it in half then pinch the folds. Repeat for opposite side of square.

Take the (2) 4" x 4" squares for the SQS and cut them diagonally from the bottom right corner up to the top left corner. You will now have 4 triangles. Now take the two corners along the diagonally cut line and bring them together to form a fold then pinch the fold. This is a quick and easy way to match the center of the triangles to the center of the squares.

Now take two of the triangles and match the pinched centers with the center marks on the two opposite sides of the center square.

Using a 1/4" seam allowance sew the triangle on one side of the square and then the opposite side. Press seams away from center squares. Repeat process for the two remaining sides of the square.

Take the creative grid ruler and match the 45 degree markings on the ruler and match it to one of the 4 corners of the square. The ruler is set up to leave a 1/4" seam allowance beyond the squares corner point. Trim the excess fabric. Repeat this process for the remaining 3 corners of the SQS Block.

The Square in a Square Block should now measure 5.5" x 5.5" after trimming the excess.

Now take the (2) 6.5" x 6.5" squares for the next SQS and cut them diagonally from the bottom right corner up to the top left corner. You will now have 4 triangles. Take the two corners of the triangle (along the diagonally cut line) then bring them together to form a fold then pinch the fold.

Now take two of these triangles and match the pinched centers with the corners of the center squares. Using a 1/4" seam allowance sew the triangle on one side of the square and then the opposite side. Press seams away from center squares. Repeat process for the two remaining sides of the square.

Take the creative grid ruler and lay the 45 degree markings on the ruler and match it to one of the 4 corners of the square. The ruler is set up to leave a 1/4" seam allowance beyond the squares corner point. Trim the excess fabric. Repeat this process for the remaining 3 corners of the SQS Block.

The Square in a Square Block should now measure 7.5" x 7.5" after trimming excess.

Sew on the 3.5" x 7.5" strips to each side of SQS. Press seams outward.

Sew on the 3.5" x 13.5" strips to the remaining sides of SQS. Press seams outward. Your block is now ready to cut out and quilt. Set aside. Your block is now ready to cut into a circle.

Pull out freezer paper and draw a circle using an 11.75" diameter circle (I used one of my dinner plates but, know that it’s NOT the plate you see in the pictures). Cut out the freezer paper circle and fold it in half twice. Now iron it to the right side of SQS block making sure the creased lines in the freezer paper cross over the four corners of the SQS block.

The circle should now be evenly centered in the block.

Cut off the fabric that remains outside of the freezer paper circle.

Cut out one more fabric circle for trivet backing fabric and one more circle out of the batting.

Step Three:

Quilting the SQS Trivet Top

Now place the finished Trivet on top of the batting. Pin in place and quilt as desired. I stitched in the ditch and sewed circles around the outside edge of trivet. I finished sewing four diagonal lines across the SQS block creating x’s.

Below is a view of the quilting on the back.

Step Four:

Making the Pocket for Trivet Back

For the (optional) pocket on the back of the trivet, take two pieces of fabric measuring 8.5" x 9.25" with right sides together place on top of the Insul-Bright batting. Pin.

Sew around all 4 sides leaving a 2” opening for turning the pocket right side out. Clip corners, turn, and press.

Take the pocket you just finished and center it in the middle of the fabric circle being used for the back of the trivet. Sew a seam close to the edge of 3 sides of the pocket making sure the 2” opening is sewn closed as you sew the three sides. Set Aside.

The picture shows the finished product with the heat resistant Teflon that slips into the pocket for added protection. Trim the Teflon to fit the pocket.

Step Five:

Finishing the Scalloped Trivet

Before sandwiching all of the layers you will need to take the finished scallop and sew a basting stitch along the bottom folded edge of the scallop.

Pull the thread to gather the scallop just enough to ease it around the outside edge of the trivet. Adjust the scallop then pin in place.

Sew the scallop in place. Then sandwich the two circles with right sides together. Pin. Make sure to use a walking foot on your sewing machine to sew the layers together. Make sure to leave a 2-3” opening for turning the trivet.

Clip curves around the circle starting and ending at the opening. Turn Trivet right side out. Press and sew opening closed.

Here's a video showing you how to use the Scallop Ruler.

What is Danish Dessert?

During the recent Progressive Dinner at my house many of you asked me. . .

"What is Danish Dessert?" and "Where can I find it?"

Here's the Answer. . .

Danish Dessert is a powder that comes in a box that you mix with water and heat on the stove top. It turns into a gel like substance and is exactly like the strawberry pie filling you would get in a strawberry pie from the grocery store or a restaurant like "Marie Callendar's Restaurant" or "Village Inn"

Here's Where You Can Find It. . .

You can usually find it in the gelatin (JELLO) section in your local grocery store. I did a search for danish dessert on the internet for those that can't find it locally and I found a set of 12 boxes of Danish Dessert available for purchase on AMAZON.

Junket has their own website and they even have a section for recipes that you can download.

Below you will see a few other links to places you can purchase Danish Dessert online. . .

• Junket Desserts.com
• Walmart
• Amazon
• Scott's Hometown Foods

Here's the LINK for the Strawberry Trifle Recipe just in case you didn't remember to pick one up before you left the party. ENJOY!!!

Tool Bracelet Tutorial

I know I've been missing in action for several weeks now but, I'm back with a great tutorial to start off your week. Let me introduce you to what I'm calling my Tool Bracelet.

I know it's a small project but a ton of work went into making this tutorial so I'd be happy if you linked to it and shared it with your friends. Infact, I'm going to be giving away a few Tool Bracelets in a giveaway. Keep an eye out for that giveaway in the next few days.

It's basically a really small and cute bracelet for your scissors or rotary cutter. The Tool Bracelet helps you identify your tool when quilting with a group of ladies at a quilt retreat or during a quilt class or at your quilt group gatherings. The initial of your name is stamped on the plastic disc and is then attached to the bracelet with a jump ring. You'll also notice the bit of bling attached to the flower dangle and scalloped letter disc.

Part One:
Making the Plastic Dangle

Supply List:

Please note: I've taken the time to link nearly every supply you will need to make this project. You can purchase some of your items at most craft stores or you can use the online links I've provided for you. I buy the majority of my beading items online through Artbeads.com and I've used them for years with 100% satisfaction. They are a great source for a HUGE variety of beads with quick and reliable service, competitive pricing, and free shipping when you spend at least $10.00. Now my secrets out! lol. Also, Let me know if you have any trouble with the links and I will try to help or fix it. Thanks.

Warning: Beading and Jewelry making can easily become another craft addiction if you're not careful. lol. It's something I've enjoyed for many years!! Enjoy visiting Artbeads!

• Colored Shrink Plastic by Grafix
• 2" Scalloped Circle Punch by Marvy Uchida
• Retro Flower by EK Success
• Everyday Alphabet Clear Stamps by Heidi Grace
• Clear Acrylic Stamping Block from Joann's (on sale now $4.19)
  
• Staz-On Jet Black Ink by Tsukineko or Joann's (on sale now $6.29)
  
• 1/4" Hole Punch
• 1/4" Square Hole Punch (optional)
• Craft Oven (On sale now $35.99) from Joann's Fabric & Craft Store (I used the oven I had on hand)
  
• Parchment Paper from the grocery store
  
• Bamboo or wooden skewers from the grocery store
  
• (19) 4mm Swarovski Round white pearls from Artbeads
  
• (4) Silver Bali Beads (more expensive option @ $1.92 a bead) from Artbeads
  
• or (4) 6mm Swarovski Bi-cone Crystals (less expensive option @ .16 cents a bead) in any color from Artbeads
  
• (1) 4mm Silver Daisy Spacer from Artbeads
  
• (1) 2mm Silver Bead from Artbeads
  
• (1) 10x4mm lobster claw from Artbeads
  
• (2) 2 x 2mm crimp beads from Artbeads
  
• (1) 5.3mm open jump ring from Artbeads
• (1) 2" Head pin from Artbeads
  
• 8" length of Beadalon 49 strand bead stringing wire from Artbeads
  
• Wire Cutter (on sale now $5.59) from Joann's
  
• Wire Looping Pliers (on sale now $6.99) from Joann's
  
• Crimping Tool from Artbeads or Joann's (on sale now $6.99)
  

Here's a picture of the Shrink Plastic and Big Punches

Here's a picture of the Alphabet Stamps, Black Staz On Stamp Pad, Clear Acrylic Stamp block (not pictured), 1/4" punches and a before shrinking and after shrinking look at the shrink plastic.

Instructions:

1. Decide on the two plastic colors you want to use.
2. Punch out the circle with the scalloped circle punch.
3. Punch out the flower using the retro flower punch.



4. Decide on the letter you want to use from the Everyday Alphabet set.
5. Attach letter to the clear acrylic stamp block.
6. Center and carefully stamp letter on plastic circle (it will slide if you're not careful). Let dry.


7. Make sure to read over the manufacturer's instructions for using the shrink plastic.
8. Preheat craft oven/toaster oven to 300-350 degrees. I found the 300 degrees worked best.
9. Cut two pieces of parchment paper to fit your oven tray. One for the bottom of tray and one to cover your shrink plastic.
10. Place one piece of shrink plastic in the oven at a time. You can do more it's just easier with one piece at a time.
11. Cover with parchment paper and lightly hold down with skewer. Note: This will help to prevent the plastic from sticking when it curls. I found the circles curled really easily and the opposing edges would stick to each other and then not uncurl like the instructions indicate. You will want to do a few testers for your oven and to get a feel for how the plastic works and shrinks and again please make sure to read over the manufacturer's instructions if you have any questions about the product.

12. Before taking plastic out of the oven, take off the top parchment paper and use the skewer to flatten the edges by rolling the flat edge over the plastic like a rolling pin. It does harden quickly.

Part Two:
Making the Crystal Flower Dangle
These are the components you will need to make the Crystal Flower Dangle.

Supplies Pictured from left to right:

• (1) 5.3 mm open Jump Ring
• Plastic Scalloped Circle Disc (shrunk)
• Plastic Retro Flower (shrunk)
• (1) 2" head pin
• (1) 4mm Swarovski Crystal
• (1) 4mm Silver Daisy Spacer
• (1) 2mm Round Silver Bead
  

Instructions:

1. Place Crystal, spacer, and bead on the head pin as seen in picture below.
2. Place wire in Wire Looping Tool making sure to leave approximately a 16th of an inch space between pearl and tool. Close handles. This will curve the wire.
3. Bend crystal side of head pin away from tool and curve the opposite side of wire around the needle part or the tool until it crosses over the head pin.
4. Twist the excess wire around the head pin.
5. Using wire cutters trim the excess wire.

6. Now you're ready to assemble the dangle on the jump ring.
7. Take the jump ring and open it by twisting one side up and one side down. Do not open it by pulling it apart, this will make it easier to close and keep a narrow space where the ends meet
8. Take the plastic disc and place it on the ring with the back/wrong side facing you.
9. Take the plastic flower and place it in front of the back side of disc.
10. Take the Crystal Dangle you just made and place it on the jump ring.



11. Close the ring in the reverse manner I explained in instruction #7.
12. You are now ready to move on to Step #3 Making the Bracelet.

Part Three: Making the Bracelet
and Putting it all Together

Supplies Pictured Above:

• (4) Bali Beads or Crystals
• (19) Pearls
• (2) Crimp beads
• (1) Lobster Claw
• (1) 8" length of Beading Wire
• (1) Crystal Flower Dangle (made in Step Two)
• Needle Nose Pliers
• Wire Cutter

Instructions:

1. Take the Crystal Flower Dangle and thread wire through the hole.
2. Slip the crimp bead with both ends of wire going through the hole of crimp bead.
3. Leave at least a 1" wire tail.
4. Using the back opening of the crimp tool crimp the bead.
5. Move crimped bead to front opening of crimp tool to fold the crimped bead into each other.

6. Thread on two pearl beads making sure the 1" tail end is also fed through the pearls. It will be a tight fit but it will work.
7. Thread on one bali bead making sure the 1" tail end is also fed through the bali bead. Trim excess wire.


8. Thread on 3 more pearl beads.
9. Thread on 1 bali bead.
10. Thread on 9 pearl beads.
11. Thread on 1 bali bead.
12. Thread on 3 pearl beads.
13. Thread on 1 bali bead.
14. Thread on 2 pearl beads.
15. Thread on 1 crimp bead.
16. Thread on the lobster claw.
16. Feed the remaining wire through crimp bead.
17. Move the crimp bead up the wire toward the lobster claw.


18. Feed the remaining wire through the two pearl beads and the one bali bead.
19. Pull the excess wire the opposite direction of the lobster claw to secure and create a tight fit.
2o. Cut EXCESS wire close to the bali bead making sure NOT to cut the wire for the bracelet.

Congratulations! You are now done!
Attach your "Tool Bracelet" to your favorite scissors or rotary cutter.

Just a note: I've made my best effort to link you to a SMALLER Bali Bead but if your (4) Silver Bali Beads are TOO big they may not fit through the hole of your rotary cutter but you won't have any problem with your scissors. When you're looking for Bali Beads they don't always give the size. Hint: The more the bead costs $$$ the bigger the bead will be.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and if you have any questions or see any mistakes please let me know. Thanks!