diy gifts Archives - You Make It Simple

Easy DIY Mini Wreath | Made From Upcycled Sweaters

I hope you’ve been saving your felted wool sweater scraps! This adorable mini wreath is so fun and easy to make. It’s a project that even the little ones can handle.

You can hang this mini wreath on the Christmas tree, on a doorknob, or attach one to a wrapped gift. These Christmas wreaths can be made any size! This particular wreath measures about 4 ½ across when finished.

I have a video tutorial for those of you that are visual learners.

Mini Wreath Materials & Items Needed

Sweater scraps of all colors cut into small pieces (size depends on how big or small you want the wreath to be)

Rotary cutter/scissors
Floral stem wire (18- 20 gauge)
Wire Cutters
Ribbon for embellishment and hanging

Mini Wreath Instructions:

Cut fabric into small pieces, approximately 1-1 ½ inches for the mini wreath. Don’t worry about making them uniform in size or shape. Just cut them all in the approximate same size. I really like using a rotary cutter and mat, but scissors will do just fine. BE CAREFUL NOT TO GET YOUR FINGERS IF USING A ROTARY CUTTER!

Once you have a bunch of different colors cut out, place them in a bowl or container and find a comfortable seat. This is a fun project to sit around the table with friends and family and chat while making a mni wreath or you can cozy up with your scraps and watch a good movie.

Take a wire and start threading the scraps onto the wire one at a time. There is no need to pre-cut the hole, just poke the end of the wire into the center of the scrap. Keep adding scraps until you have it to the desired size.

Once you have all your scraps loaded onto the wire, twist the ends together to make a circle. You can make a loop with the wire to hang it with, or you can clip the wire and add a ribbon to hang it with.

This mini wreath is a fun addition to a wrapped gift or given as a gift itself. A gift and decoration that is unique, charming, and EASY TO MAKE!

It’s pretty simple and straightforward. Gather your sweater scraps and get cutting.

I have a few bins full of sweater scraps. There are so many fun things you can make with even the smallest scraps of upcycled sweaters. Here are some other fun ideas.

Upcycled Sweater Hearts

How To Do Crazy Scrap Quilting USING YOUR Upcycled Sweater Scraps

Felted Wool Sweater Hearts Tutorial

Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

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Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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YOUTUBE

How To Make Beaded Coasters From Upcycled Sweaters

February 6, 2021 / Craft Video, CRAFTS, Embroidery, Felt Crafts, Free Craft Patterns, Holiday and Seasonal Crafts, SEWING, Sewing Videos, Upcycled Sweater Sewing Projects, Valentine’s Day, VIDEO AND AUDIO LIBRARY / 1 Comment

DIY Wool Dryer Balls | Yarn and Upcycled Wool Sweaters

August 7, 2020 / CRAFTS, DIY HOME, Laundry, Upcycled Sweater Craft Projects / No Comments

It’s Poncho Time: Upcycled Sweater Project

September 21, 2019 / Upcycling / No Comments

Upcycled Sweater Hearts

January 10, 2019 / Clothing and Accessories, Holidays and Seasonal Sewing, SEWING, Upcycled Sweater Sewing Projects / No Comments

Christmas crafts Christmas decorations diy gifts holiday crafts Holidays mini Christmas wreath upcycled sweater scraps upcycled sweaters

DIY Printable Fabric Labels | Easy Iron-On Method

Making your own DIY printable fabric labels is a simple project that can save you a lot of money and give your homemade projects some character and charm!

Whether you sell your goods, give them away as gifts, or just create things for yourself, adding a cute label makes them look professional and authentic.

I add labels to everything!

When I decided years ago to make tags for the items I sold in my Etsy shop, (buying them can be quite costly) I did a lot of research and through trial and error, found this technique to be the best.

Using transfer paper and fabric or ribbon made the labels more durable and looked a lot nicer.

I have been getting a lot of inquiries as to how I make my labels, so I thought I would show you how.

You can watch my YouTube here.

There are so many ways that you can add a label, and it’s really easy to make your own. In this tutorial, I will show you how to

print your labels
iron them onto a piece of fabric, ribbon or twill tape
show you several ideas of how you can apply them to your homemade projects

Items & Materials Needed

Printed PDF Labels
Scissors
Paper Cutter (optional) I love this paper cutter
Rotary Cutter/Mat (optional)
Iron-On Transfer Paper (specified for either INKJET OR LASER PRINTER)
Heat & Bond Iron-On Interfacing (optional)
Ribbon, twill tape, or woven fabric
Iron/Ironing Board
Fray Check (optional)

PRINTABLE FABRIC LABELS PRINTING INSTRUCTIONS

You can design your labels on any computer program, which is quite easy to do. Or I have a set of EDITABLE LABELS that you can download and print.

GET THE EDITABLE LABELS HERE.

Make sure you have the correct type of transfer paper for your printer. The most common transfer paper is for inkjet printers, but they do have it for laser printers as well. Follow the transfer paper printing instructions.

When you go to print your labels, you must change the settings to print backward.

Note that every printer queue is different and you may have to look for this setting.

You may have to go to the advanced settings and choose “flip image” or “mirror image”.

If you don’t change this setting, when you apply the iron-on label, the text will be backward.

I recommend printing them out on regular paper first to make sure it is how you want it. (You don’t want to waste transfer paper)!

WHAT TYPE OF MATERIAL DO I USE FOR MY PRINTABLE FABRIC LABELS?

There are several types of materials you can use to make your labels. Depending on what look you want will determine what type of material you use. Here are some suggestions:

Ribbon of all types (I use a white 5/8 inch ribbon for my “J” labels). The ribbon is nice to use because two of the four sides are finished and won’t fray.
Cotton twill tape works well for a wide horizontal label.
Woven fabric (If using fabric, you may want to stabilize it so it doesn’t fray by applying iron-on interfacing to the back before ironing on the transfer paper).

CUT OUT LABELS

Once you have printed out the labels, and have decided what to iron them to, it’s time to cut them out.

If you are going to use fabric and want to make a whole sheet of labels, just iron on the whole sheet and cut afterward.

If you are using ribbon, cut the transfer paper into strips the same size as the ribbon. (Anything wider than the ribbon will stick to your ironing board).

TRANSFER PAPER APPLICATION

Follow the transfer paper instruction. Most likely it will tell you to turn OFF STEAM and use the highest heat setting.
Place the transfer paper with the lettering facing down onto the ribbon. Press in place, making sure to cover the whole label.

Let the label cool before peeling off the back paper. You will notice that there is a plasticky like coating now on the label. This makes it more durable and washable.

HOW TO APPLY A LABEL TO YOUR PROJECTS?

There are several ways to apply the label to your project.

Sew the label into the seam of the project. Fold the label strip in half and with the raw edges of the ribbon facing out past the seam allowance as shown in the picture above.

Topstitch around the edge of the label using a small zigzag stitch on your sewing machine.

If using a fabric label, you can fold the edges under and either topstitch with a sewing machine or sew by hand using a slip stitch.

*Note: If using ribbon, to keep the cut edges from fraying add a dab of “fray check” to the cut edges. This works well.

Pretty simple, right?

Such a fun way to add a little character and charm to your beloved handmade items.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Have fun sewing!

Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

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Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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DIY diy gifts fabric labels labels

Fleece Coneflower: Free Pattern and Tutorial

I do love flowers, and coneflowers are one of my favorites. I have had this magazine page pinned to my bulletin board for some time now, and this was my inspiration for this new fleece coneflower pattern.

Who would have thought that FLEECE would be a great medium for making flowers? Well, it is!

Click here to download your free pattern pieces.

This fleece coneflower is so quick and easy to make you can have a bouquet made up in no time at all.

Materials & Items Needed

fleece scraps for flower petals
pattern, downloaded and cut out
straight pins
scissors
glue gun/glue
small brown or black felt piece
needle and thread
bamboo skewers
green paint
green felt for leaf
a small amount of stuffing or scraps of felt or sweater scraps for filling center piece

fleece coneflower instructions

First, plug in your glue gun so it will be ready when you need it.
Cut out 8 pedals. *Make sure to lay the pattern out on the stretch of the fabric, as indicated on the pattern. You can use a couple of different shades if you like.

Stretch the petals. This will make them curl up slightly

Do this to all 8 petals. (The top of the petal will be curled up edge)

Double thread your needle with a knot at the end. With the curled edges up, fold the petal in half lengthwise, and stitch to secure in place.

Join two petals together, with the tops facing up (curled edge). Alternate colors if you are using more than one color. Stitch back and forth a few times to secure.

Continue stitching petals together until you have joined all eight.

Turn flower over and join the first petal to the last. Stitch around one more time catching the back of each petal. Pull tight and knot. Cut your thread.

Coneflower Center

Using the flower center pattern piece, cut out one center using the color of your choice. You can use felt or fleece.

Using a simple basting stitch, sew around the outer edge, about 3/8 inch inside the outer edge.

Poke the needle to the outside and pull slightly to gather in edges. Fill with stuffing, or I just like to use little pieces of scrap felt. It works great.

Pull the thread tight to gather in the edges. Use a pencil or some other device to poke the raw edges to the inside of the ball. Pull the thread and tuck, keep doing this until you have worked all the edges inside.

Stitch back and forth to secure in place. Don’t worry too much what your stitches look like, as they will not be seen. Knot and cut thread.

Dab a little bit of hot glue to the back of your flower center and press firmly onto the front center of your flower.

Making the Stem

To make a cute stem, simply paint a bamboo skewer green and cut out a felt leaf. Using the glue gun, add a dab of glue to the bottom 2 inches of the leaf. Place the stem on top.

Add just a little more glue and fold the edges over.

Tadah! Wasn’t that easy and fun.

Send me a note if you have any questions or concerns while sewing these up.

Learn how to make a wrist corsage here.

I have designed a fun pattern with 5 other types of flowers using felt and fleece.

GET THE PATTERN HERE

Enjoy!

Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

Share:

Connect:

Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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crafts diy gifts fabric flowers fleece fleece coneflower fleece flowers free pattern gift ideas

10 Simple Gift Wrapping Ideas: Brown Paper Charm

Let the gift wrapping begin!

I’m all about simple when it comes to wrapping presents. I like to use items that are unique, available, and even repurposed. Brown craft paper and twine are some of my most favorite ways to wrap a present.

Those of you who know me, and perhaps received a gift from me, know that I like my brown paper and twine. I have to tell you something about the twine. Years ago I was shopping at Restorations Hardware (back when they had cool home stuff) and found this HUGE thing of twine. I got the whole deal for like $5. I don’t think I’ll ever run out.

You can get it online HERE.

So obviously, I use it for EVERYTHING. But you know, it works for so many things. You can dress it up, or be rustic and casual with your crafting.

Ya, ok I also have a thing for brown craft paper as well. I used to print and sell my clipboard calendars on brown paper, which was an icon of mine for years until I stopped printing them.

You can get brown craft paper on rolls quite cheap at stores, or you can also just use an upcycled brown paper bag.

10 Gift Wrapping Ideas

1- Colored Rubber Bands

Seriously, how simple can it be? Just wrap a few, or a lot of colored rubber bands around a small box and top with a bow. You are good to go. I love having a bag of colored rubber bands around, they really do come in quite handy for a lot of things.

2- Reindeer Box

Kids and adults like getting a gift wrapped up like a cute little reindeer.

What you need:

brown paper or brown paper bag
2 brown/black pipe cleaners
glue gun/glue
black marker
red pom, pom

This example is just for a small box, but you could use a bigger pom, pom and larger antlers if you wanted.

Instructions:

Wrap your gift in brown paper
Glue the nose, using a glue gun, to the front end.
Draw on the eyes and mouth.
Fold a pipe cleaner in half, and just start forming the antlers in random lengths. They don’t have to be exact.
Leave about a 1 inch folded tab on the bottom for gluing.

3- Dried Orange Slices

Several posts ago, I showed you how to dry orange slices. The bright orange color adds such a cheery look to any craft project AND gift wrapping.

Instructions:

Dry the orange slices (video directions HERE)
Apply to package using a hot glue gun.
Wrap the package with a few loops of twine (optional).

4- Paper bag sewn closed with sewing machine stitching

This particular brown paper bag gift wrapping is embellished with some sprigs of Elderberry bush. I love how the blue berries and greenery look against the brown bag.

I have also added a tulle bow. Tulle is a fun fabric to work with. There are so many fun things to make with it, including a simple tied bow.

Instructions:

Using a sewing machine is a fun unique way to seal the top of a gift bag. You can use a variety of stitches and colors of thread to give the look of your choice.

Place the gift inside the bag and fold the top over several times. You can cut off some of the bags if it is too tall.
Take it to the sewing machine and sew across the top. Get creative and play around with different types of stitches and colors.
Embellish the bag with a bow, sprig of greenery, bell, or whatever you fancy.

5- Mini Rosemary Wreath

I absolutely LOVE rosemary. Rosemary is awesome to cook with, craft with, and just enjoy the look in the garden. I am lucky enough to have a place on the South side of my house where it thrives and doesn’t freeze in the winter. We go out even during the winter to clip off some sprigs for a recipe or crafting.

Rosemary smells AMAZING! Adding a little sprig or wreath of rosemary not only adds such charm to a gift but also a clean aroma.

Items you’ll need:

A fresh sprig of rosemary. (Dried rosemary will crack when bending).
Floral wire or tape (2 strips cut to approximately 2 inches)
Ribbon for the bow (optional)

Instructions:

Cut a sprig of rosemary long enough to make the desired size of the wreath. (approximately 7-8 inches)
Bend the sprig to form a circle, overlapping ends about an inch.
Take the wires and wrap them around the ends to secure them in place. Try to wrap underneath the little leaves to hide the wires.
Embellish with a bow (optional)
Using a glue gun, apply to a gift package.

6- Bias Tape Trim with Button

Homemade bias tape is a fun way to add a fabric trim to any gift. Who would’ve thought? Such a fun way to add color to any gift wrapping. Just think of all the little fabric prints that you could use. You can just use a solid color of bias tape if you want. That you can buy at the store in several sizes and colors. But colors are limited, and they don’t sell printed bias tape.

I have a tutorial on how to make your own bias tape. You can locate the video HERE.

What you’ll need:

A strip of bias tape.
Hot glue gun/glue
Button or bow for the top (optional)

Instructions:

Simply wrap around the gift overlap about an inch.
Cut
Using a glue gun, glue the end of the trim to the backside, then overlap the other end and glue in place.
Leave just as it is, or embellish with a shiny button or whatever you choose.

7- Buttons, buttons, buttons

Here’s a fun way to use those buttons you’ve been saving. Am I the only one who has a jar, or two, of random colored and sized buttons? I eventually use them for something. Not only do I use them, but I also love the look of a jar filled with multi-colored gems sitting on my shelf.

What you need:

Handpicked buttons of your choice. Enough to cover the area you want.
Hot glue gun/glue
Twine for wrapping (optional)

Instructions:

Handpick and arrange the buttons in a way you like before gluing.
Keep them there, and one at a time add a dollop of glue to each button and adhere to the package.
Do the same thing with each button.
Wrap with a string of ribbon or jute (optional)

8- Holiday Baubles and Twine

Go through your Christmas decorations and look for a little miniature of things. These mini plastic bulbs look so cute tied up on a package.

Instructions:

Tie an arrangement of bulbs together with a thin piece of ribbon or cording.
Wrap the gift with jute or ribbon and insert the loop with the bulbs and tie a bow.

Simple, straight forward addition to any gift.

9- Rosemary & Bells

Little jingle bells are a great way to add a festive look to a holiday gift.

Items you’ll need:

jingle bells
ribbon or twine
rosemary or other greenery sprigs

Instructions:

String the bells onto a strip of ribbon or twine. (I love this red & white twine)!
Wrap the gift with twin, inserting the loop of bells.
Tie a bow.
Tuck the sprigs of rosemary under the twine.

Simple greenery & twine

One last shout out for ROSEMARY.

Just a few sprigs of rosemary, or any other greenery, tucked under a bow of twine is a classic and natural look.

So there you have it, a few gift wrapping ideas perhaps you haven’t thought of.

Perhaps this will get your brain thinking outside the box as far as gift wrapping goes. Don’t stop at the standard way of wrapping gifts, look inside your craft box, and use what you have!

Have fun wrapping!

Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

Share:

Connect:

Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

10 DIY Gift Ideas That You’re Going To Enjoy Making

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Christmas Christmas crafts Christmas oranges diy gifts gift wrapping Holidays

DIY Christmas Gift – Mistletoe and Mrs. Meyer’s Pine Dish Soap

Have any of you tried Mrs. Meyer’s dish soap? If you haven’t you need to give it a whirl. A few months ago I was in Santa Barbara, California on a business trip with my husband and I popped into a Whole Foods Market (one of my favorite stores). I always check to see if they have any of Mrs. Meyer’s products on sale. They did, and there was a new pine scent, IOWA PINE. I couldn’t resist.

The PEPPERMINT SCENT IS ALSO DIVINE!

They only had one bottle left, so I got it. I could see a cute red ribbon around the lid with a fun Christmas note. So when I got home, I got online and ordered a bunch of Christmas gifts.

They had a great deal going with free shipping. I got some dish soap and hand soaps in this scent. I know I may be a little strange giving “dish soap” to the neighbors, but I like giving something that is useful and simple.

So here you have it, a sprig of mistletoe and a bottle of Mrs. Meyer’s dish soap, AND a cheesy note to go with it. That is the best I could come up with.

YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE FREE PDF FOR THE CARD HERE.

There is still a little time left to get out your felted green sweater scraps or felt pieces and whip you up a few sprigs of mistletoe to go with your gifts.

Where do you get the pattern and tutorial?

The mistletoe tutorial can be found here and the pine-scented soap is available here.

Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

Connect:

Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

Mini Wreath Materials & Items Needed

Mini Wreath Instructions:

Jan Howell

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Items & Materials Needed

PRINTABLE FABRIC LABELS PRINTING INSTRUCTIONS

WHAT TYPE OF MATERIAL DO I USE FOR MY PRINTABLE FABRIC LABELS?

CUT OUT LABELS

TRANSFER PAPER APPLICATION

HOW TO APPLY A LABEL TO YOUR PROJECTS?

Jan Howell

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Materials & Items Needed

fleece coneflower instructions

Coneflower Center

Making the Stem

Jan Howell

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10 Gift Wrapping Ideas

1- Colored Rubber Bands

2- Reindeer Box

3- Dried Orange Slices

4- Paper bag sewn closed with sewing machine stitching

5- Mini Rosemary Wreath

6- Bias Tape Trim with Button

7- Buttons, buttons, buttons

8- Holiday Baubles and Twine

9- Rosemary & Bells

Simple greenery & twine

Jan Howell

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Where do you get the pattern and tutorial?

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