04/10/2012 - Copper and Rubber Wristband

For Christmas I made various handbags as gifts for people, including one with rubber inner tubes. I thought I had measured the purse handle length incorrectly and trimmed off the excess...only to find out it was too short. To make my long story even longer, I had a leftover bit of rubber with fabric stitched to it. I need to make a longer purse handle, so I will have more pieces like this if I want to make more. I do like this wristband a lot and have been wearing it all day.

Reclaimed Material: scrap rubber/fabric piece, button, copper wire
Other Material: none
Tools: scissors, needle, thread, pliers

How I did it: I threaded the copper wire through a large-eyed needle and used it to whip stitch the unfinished ends of the rubber on both ends. I flattened the wire by tamping it down with the pliers. I placed the button and sewed it onto the rubber then cut a slip for the button hole that corresponded with the button placement. I used black thread to cover the button hole.

What I would do differently: I could have done the button hole stitching with a sewing machine, but by the time I got the right tension, etc. it was just easier to stitch it by hand. Also, the copper whip stitches could have been a little bit neater, but it is an effect I want to keep practicing.

03/26/2012 - Super Hero Wristbands

Super powers are not included in this craft...unless you count the power of crafting! I think this would be a perfect craft for a kid's superhero birthday party! Also, I love Wonder Woman, so I may just have to wear these out and about town.

Reclaimed Material: cardboard coffee sleeve, Velcro
Other/New Material: none
Tools: scissors, paint, paintbrush, pencil, ruler

How I did it: I pulled each sleeve apart where they were glued together, then wrapped one around my wrist to figure out the size and trimmed off the excess (making sure to cut off the glue-y part. Next I coated the front of the sleeves with paint, then waited for it to dry. I used the ruler to draw out the stars then painted the stars red. I got adhesive Velcro strips from SCRAP and cut one piece long enough to fit the height of the sleeve. I then cut the Velcro in half vertically because it was thick and used one piece for each wristband.

What I would do differently: I usually do my crafting once Zoe is asleep but this is one I need to do again so she can make her own bands.