diy inspired
A publication of The Daily Star, Wednesday, March 11, 2020 DESIGNED BY FREEPIK
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Hidden ways you can benefit from having hobbies Finding time for hobbies can be difficult. Commitments to work and family take up the bulk of many people’s free time, making it hard to squeeze in a favorite hobby. But hobbies can benefit people in some interesting ways. Understanding those hidden benefits may compel some people to make more time for their favorite downtime activities. • Hobbies can improve your efficiency. Penciling more activities into your day planner may not seem like something that will help you create more time for hobbies, but it just might. For example, if you know you have a softball game or choir practice at night, then you might waste less time surfing the internet or talking around the water cooler during the workday. In a 2017 study conducted for the staffing firm OfficeTeam, researchers found that the average office employee spends about five hours per week on his or her mobile phone doing things that have nothing to do with the job. That’s five hours you could be working, opening up more time for hobbies before or after work. • Hobbies can foster social connections. In his 2000 book, “Bowling Alone,” political scientist Robert Putnam described a reduction in in-person social intercourse that once enriched Americans’ social lives. By making more time for hobbies, particularly those that promote interaction with other
Helping kids find hobbies
adults, men and women can foster social connections that otherwise might never blossom. • Hobbies can provide health benefits. The American Institute of Stress notes that some hobbies can help people reduce their stress. The AIS notes that some 56 million women in the United States now knit or crochet. That marks a 51 percent increase over the last decade. That revival is attributed to the stress-reducing properties of knitting and crocheting. Men and women coping with stress need not learn how to wield a sewing needle to alleviate their stress. Activities that promote slowing down and induce a relaxation response similar to knitting and crocheting can be equally beneficial. • Hobbies can increase quality time with your children. Parents with hobbies can double dip, using the time they would ordinarily spend with their children to teach them some of their favorite hobbies. This is a great way to increase quality time with your children while also affording you a chance to continue engaging in your favorite hobbies. Hobbies can benefit people in ways they never imagined, making them worthwhile pursuits no matter how much or how little time you may have.
Much like adults can benefit from participating in hobbies, children can reap rewards from engaging in hobbies. According to the Child Development Institute, hobbies give children a chance to express themselves. The CDI also notes that hobbies can play an important role in children’s self-discovery and boost their self-esteem. Some children may discover hobbies on their own, requiring little if any assistance on the part of their parents. But some children may need a little more prompting, and parents of such boys and girls can take certain steps to help their youngsters find rewarding hobbies. • Involve kids in your own hobbies. Kids look up to their parents and often want to emulate what their mothers and fathers do. If possible, involve children in your own hobbies. Gardeners can teach their youngsters how to grow and tend to a garden,
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while painters can host family painting nights where everyone is encouraged to create their own masterpiece. Parents whose hobbies are more adult-oriented, like woodworking, can still involve their children. For example, work with children to design a new item, then show them how the item goes from paper to finished product; just avoid allowing them to use any unsafe tools or machines.
they can be enjoyed fully. In such instances, observe youngsters while they engage in the activity. If they appear to be enjoying themselves but are periodically frustrated, encourage them to keep trying. If kids appear to be disinterested in overcoming any struggles, then they might benefit by pursuing another hobby.
• Let kids choose an activity. While some children might take to hobbies their parents favor, others might need to be given some freedom to find their own activities. Afford youngsters this chance, recognizing that it might take some time before kids find an activity that genuinely sparks their passion.
• Don’t hesitate to focus on fun. Hobbies can teach kids valuable lessons and provide a sense of fulfillment, but it’s important that parents not overlook the importance of fun in regard to their children’s hobbies. Hobbies can provide children with the same respite from busy schedules that they do adults, and that break should be as fun as possible.
• Be a source of encouragement. Some hobbies may prove more difficult than kids first imagined, requiring some perseverance before
Hobbies can enrich the lives of children. Finding the right activity may require some patience on the part of parents and youngsters alike. CRAFTY THINGS/DIY INSPIRED - THE DAILY STAR
AREA
Candle crafts tap creativity Crafting is enjoyed by children and adults. Even the most ardent arts and crafts enthusiasts might be surprised to learn that their favorite hobby can offer a number of benefits related to their health and well-being. Research shows that regularly engaging in crafts can have tangible health benefits. The rhythmic and repetitive movements of certain crafts, as well as the need to focus one’s attention, can produce a calm that helps anyone, including those who may experience anxiety, according to health and selfcare resource Berkeley Wellness. In an online study published in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy that surveyed more than 3,500 knitters, researchers found knitting was “soothing” and “restful” and had meditative or zen-like qualities. The sense of accomplishment after completing a project is another great reason to engage in arts and crafts, which also may boost cognitive health by protecting certain neurological pathways in the brain. There are many ways to engage with arts and crafts. Woodcrafting, painting, mosaic work, and metal arts are some popular activities. One time-honed craft activity that is good for beginners or advanced crafters alike is candlemaking. Today’s craft stores sell many different types of waxes and products that can produce beautiful scented candles.
SHOWS MARCH 14 Spring Craft Show 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Laurens Central School
MARCH 28-29 Spring Craft Show at FoxCare Sat. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. FoxCare Center, Oneonta
MAY 2 Southside Mall Spring Craft & Vendor Show 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Southside Mall, 5006 St. Hwy. 23, Oneonta
DECEMBER 5 - Mark Your Calendars! Afton Seniors Christmas Craft Sale
Teacup Candles
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Afton Town Offices, 204 County Rd. 39, Afton
Candles can be housed in various vessels, but a clever turn is to use teacups or mugs to mimic the look of popular beverages. There’s also the reassurance that such beverage holders can withstand hot wax.
All local crafters, plenty of parking, auction with many gift baskets, homemade cookies sold by the pound (Your choice of cookies packaged in Christmas boxes). Come support local crafters.
Start by visiting a craft store and choosing a type of wax. Gel waxes are versatile and can boil, pour and set up easily. They’ll also be mostly translucent, which is great for replicating the look of various drinks. Follow the instructions on the packages for usage and invest in coordinating wicks, colorants, and appropriate scents. It’s also necessary to choose a style of candle. In a teacup, a tea-colored hued wax paired with a lemon scent can be reminiscent of a hot cup of lemon tea. Use other glasses or mugs to replicate the looks and scents of hot chocolate, mimosas, cappuccino, and much more. As you become more comfortable, experiment with incorporating molded wax embellishments, such as lemon slices, ice cubes, berries, or even cinnamon sticks. This will help drive home the realism and whimsy. Treasure these candles for use around the house, or gift them to others on special occasions. CRAFTY THINGS/DIY INSPIRED - THE DAILY STAR
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itted by Project subm tte of Otego Kelly Crama Materials: • Card stock • Scissors or a Cricut cutting machine • Glue • Canvas • Vinyl Directions: With my Cricut, I cut out a large heart to use as a pattern to trace the heart onto the vinyl. I uploaded a butterfly to my computer and cut out a few hundred butterflies with my cutting machine. Scissors would work also. I folded the butterfly wings and glued all the butterflies down inside the heart. Then, with my cutting machine, I cut out the words on permanent vinyl and placed them on my canvas. Project author: I took Jennifer Maker’s idea of the butterfly heart off the internet but added my own wording. It took me about 2 hours to complete.
Dress-up premade items Sandra Lee made a career of teaching people how to blend some prepackaged food items with other ingredients to create semi-homemade menus. Anyone can use the same mentality to put together craft projects without having to start from scratch. Search the hobby stores or department stores for items that can be paired together. For example, why not glue a 4-by-6inch picture frame to the top of candlestick holder for an ornate and interesting design element at home? Mason jars can be embellished with just about anything – from ribbon to fabric to glitter – giving them a decorative touch. Simply giving an item a new coat of paint or adding some decorative tacks or hooks can easily change its look and give it a crafty feel.
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CRAFTY THINGS/DIY INSPIRED - THE DAILY STAR
Materials: • Empty wine bottle • Acrylic paints: matte white and your choice of colors dark and light • Mod Podge • White PVA Glue
itted by Project subm of Treadwell k ic ll ta e R e c Canda
• Pouncer brushes • Paint brushes - fine, bristly, etc. • Fan or hair dryer • Paper napkins or other decorations
Directions: 1. Make sure glass bottle is clean and dry. 2. Using a pouncer brush and a dabbing motion, give the whole bottle a coat of matte acrylic white paint. Let dry in front of a fan.
• Scissors • Sealer polycrylic spray • Battery lights - optional
3. Using a pouncer brush, add a coat of dark paint (or color of your choosing) that will show through the cracks. Let dry in front of a fan. Optional: You can leave the bottle clear underneath if you prefer - just skip steps 2 & 3. 4. Brush a layer of glue over a section of the bottle. As soon as you’ve placed the glue, load a clean, dry brush with acrylic paint (of your choosing) and paint over the glue section lightly. Don’t overwork the paint. It should glide on smoothly. You want to do a section at a time so that the glue doesn’t dry. It needs to stay wet in order for it to crackle correctly. 5. Immediately place it in front of a fan or hair dryer on cool setting. The faster it drys, the more cracks you’ll get. Repeat until all sections are covered. Let it fully dry and then start another section until the entire bottle is covered and dried. Do the neck and top last.
Finished bottle with battery operated lights.
6. Prepare paper napkins: cut out designs - flowers, butterflies, etc. using scissors. Scissors will give the art defined lines. Use water and a fine paint brush to “cut out” other parts of the napkin that you don’t want solid lines on. 7. Wetting your fingertips to make it easier, separate the plies of napkin until you only have the printed part left. Pinch the napkin between your fingertips until you see a spot that separates. Lift and peel away unwanted plies. 8. Using Mod Podge and brush, lightly place your designs on completely dry bottle and smooth out wrinkles. Let one design area dry before placing another. Apply one last coat of Mod Podge to seal all designs. 9. Optional: Using a thin brush and acrylic paints in the colors of your choice, add more paint to your bottle, smudging with your finger as you go to give it an aged look. 10. Let dry and spray with a clear sealer. 11. Add lights: battery powered string lights or a button light place on top are two options. 12. Enjoy the finished product or give as a gift. Project author: Ivelisse of DIY No Need To Cry (youtube.com) I got the original idea from the Youtube video and then painted and decorated my own designs on the bottles afterwards. CRAFTY THINGS/DIY INSPIRED - THE DAILY STAR
These bottles were given as gifts. MARCH 11, 12 AND 13, 2020
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DIY Yarn Balls Yarn balls make great ornaments for the tree. SHAHADAT RAHMAN/PIXABAY.COM
Want to add a festive touch to your home décor? Yarn balls are colorful, versatile and suitable for so many holidays and occasions. Here’s how to make them. Materials: • Balloons • Dropcloth to cover the floor • Cooking spray • White glue • ½ cup cornstarch • ¼ cup hot water • Scissors • Yarn • Mixing bowl Directions: 1. Blow up balloons to different sizes (filling balloons only halfway will help you achieve a more spherical shape) and knot each balloon. 2. Create a drying area. If you’re working outdoors or in the garage, hang up a clothesline. If you’re working indoors, suspend a string between two chairs. Be sure to put a dropcloth or several plastic bags under the drying area to catch drips. 3. Hang balloons from strings above the drying area. Spray balloons with cooking spray; this will make it easier to remove the yarn later. 4. In the mixing bowl, mix hot water with cornstarch. Add a bottle
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of white glue and mix thoroughly. 5. Dip yarn into the glue mixture and gently squeeze out the excess with your fingers — you may want to wear rubber gloves for this step. Beginning at the knot end, wrap the inflated balloon with the wet yarn. The more you wrap, the denser the ball will be. 6. Wrap in all directions, top to bottom and side to side. When you’re satisfied with the wrapping, cut the string. Repeat the process with the remaining balloons. 7. Allow the balloons to dry completely. This may take up to 24 hours. The yarn should be stiff and dry. Pop the balloon. Gently knead the balloon before popping it to separate it from the yarn. Remove the popped balloon. Décor Tips Throwing a baby shower? Hang pink and blue balls above the table for a sweet chandelier. Need decorating ideas for an outdoor wedding? String white lights through the balls, or put flameless lights inside and hang them in the trees. Use orange and black balls for a Halloween centerpiece.
Linda Herring, pictured above with one of her hand made quilts, turned her sewing skills into a business called BagsandMoreJust4U. She makes wallets, card cases, reversible aprons that come with a story of the apron and a recipe, table runners and special order quilts, to name a few. She also makes purses that resemble the Vera Bradley style but are one of a kind so you don’t see yourself walking down the street with the same purse as the next person. She uses patterns from designers but tweaks them to suit her style or the customer’s. She does area craft shows and sells some products at The Green Toad Bookstore in Oneonta and at Heartwood Gift Barn in Sherburne. She uses quality quilting fabrics purchased at area quilt shops for all her projects.
Sewing kit
Want an elegant holiday garland for your mantel? Use metallic silver and gold yarn for an offbeat alternative to the usual greenery. Project author: Shelly Reese of homemadesimple.com
GRAPHICS DESIGNED BY FREEPIK.COM
Sewin
CRAFTY THINGS/DIY INSPIRED - THE DAILY STAR
kit Hand
Made
CRAFTY THINGS/DIY INSPIRED - THE DAILY STAR
BagsandMoreJust4U by Linda Herring
PHOTOS BY LINDA HERRING
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my walkway. The best mosaic designs are bold without fussy details. The separations between the star sections allow many colors and material changes to be easily made. I make two or three copies of each design as I need to trace one onto the foam core board, and if one gets dirty or wet I have an extra. Also, I sometimes set up four or five designs for a marathon tile-making session.
itted by Project subm f Oneonta Su Har tley o
2. First, I took the artwork to an office supply store and they enlarged my artwork to actual size. It was sized to fit in a 10-by-10 inch square with empty space between the design and the edge of the mosaic block.
Materials: • Bold graphic type design(s) with artwork enlarged to actual size • 1/4” foam core board • Wooden frame made of 1 x 2” lumber, assembled with phillips head screws, 2 on each side • Mosaic supplies. Suggestions include stained glass pieces, 1” glazed tiles broken or not, glass marbles and other shapes, beach glass, broken dishes Directions: 1. Decide on your design. I found a sheet of different star designs and decided to use five of them to create
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3. I had my helper build my frames. They need to be at least 2” deep if the tiles are going to survive outside winter weather in this climate. I will need to use the same frames over and over so they need to be sturdy. My frames’ outside dimensions are 10.5” long x 1.75” tall x .5” thick. The frames will need to come apart to remove the finished mosaic block so they should be screwed together, not nailed together. I used Phillipshead screws as I find those easier to remove over and over than flathead screws.
looked good together and fit the space. I alternated my background colors of yellow, red and orange unglazed tile to end up with approximately the same number of each
The blocks should have two screws on each end, alternating sides.
I always tried to slip my sand mix bag, which is a plastic lined paper bag, into a empty plastic bag like a cedar bark mulch bag, to minimize the sand mix bags exposure to dampness. I used a sand topping high strength concrete mix. A bag weighs 60 pounds and will make about seven 10-by-10 inch tiles. I did not buy bags in advance and I tried to use up my bags as quickly as possible. Since I had four frames I often designed four or more tiles and had them ready to make, assembly-line style, when I opened a bag of sand mix.
4. I cut a pattern by tracing my design onto a 10by-10 inch piece of foam core board using a piece of carbon paper, centering the design where I intended to put it in the block. Note that there are two areas in each block, and the black design area, which I filled in with the different mosaic materials and a “field” or plain area between the edge of the block and the design, which I filled with red, yellow and orange unglazed tile. I purchased unglazed tile because it is less slippery underfoot. I used a hammer to break the 5-by-5 inch unglazed tile into random-size pieces. 5. To make a tile, I placed the design material on the large black image in exactly the way I intended to place it in the finished block. I picked colors and chose pieces that I thought
6. I used “sand mix,” which is a type of concrete. Your sand mix must be in good condition when you buy it with no large lumps or hard small lumps. If you open the bag and find lumps, your bag is either old or has been exposed to water. In either case the bag is no good and you need to return it.
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7. I put my frame on a piece of plywood big enough to hold two tile frames at a time. Then I tore a sheet of waxed paper that overlapped the frame by three or four inches and creased it at the bottom and fit it into the frame. Make a liner for each direction. I never got these perfect, the bottoms of my corners were always a little boogery but no one sees them in the final product. The waxed paper is a mold release and it serves two functions: it keeps the concrete from leaking out of the frame when it is wet and from sticking to the wooden frame as it dries. 8. I had two sets of trowels to work with the concrete because you CRAFTY THINGS/DIY INSPIRED - THE DAILY STAR
had added and mixed about sixteen coffee cans. Then I used a wet trowel to shovel the concrete into the mold, not filling it quite to the top. This is a little tricky but better too much concrete than not enough because you can remove concrete but you can’t easily add it once you have put in tile design
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9. To set up tile design I take the foam core cut out I made and lay it inside the frame on top of the concrete and transfer the pieces from the set up design into the same place in the foam core cut out. I keep pushing the mosaic pieces down into the concrete so that the surface of the design stays level with the surface of the frame. I have a wooden stick just the size of the frame which I use to tap the tiles down into the sand mix. I also have a large sponge and a bucket of water, which I use to clean the surface of the tiles as I work. I add tile pieces until the entire design and the background is transferred into the wet sand mix. I make sure the surface of the tile is level by wiping with the sponge and tapping with the stick. 10. Now comes the most important step. If I don’t do this, my tiles soon disintegrate. I use a spray bottle to thoroughly wet each tile and cover the tiles with a sheet of heavy plastic. My job now is to keep the cement wet and covered for seven days. I check and spray the tile every few hours for the first three days. The concrete absorbs the water on the surface and needs to be continually rewet while it is curing. I do not wipe the tile even though I can see it has a concrete film on it. If I jostle the tile during this critical stage it will break the bond with the concrete and fail later. On the fourth day I carefully and gently unscrew the mold and remove it from the tile. I also very carefully peel the wax paper off from the bottom of the tile. Then I screw the frame back together, check if for square, adjust if necessary and let it dry
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tractive asphalt sidewalk that runs along the side and part of the back of my house. This unattractive asphalt walkway handily keeps the water out of my basement but adds nothing as far as looks. Since I couldn’t remove the walkway, I looked for a way to cover it up with something more attractive. I had worked on it during the summer. Then 9/11 happened. I had made about 25 tiles at that point and the star theme seemed a fitting symbol for all the poor souls killed on that day. The walkway is my private tribute to the innocents lost at the World Trade Center. The project took about four years on and off to complete and contains 106 tiles.
11. After the tile has cured for a month or so, if I need to clean the surface to remove concrete scum I use diluted muriatic acid. I thoroughly rinse the muriatic acid off 12. I add it to the walkway. The finished walkway contains 106 10-by-10 inch tiles. 13. Picture 13 is a less complicated tile that I made for a little patio. Construction method is the same but the tile is 12-by-12 inch with one large slate tile embedded in the middle and large black stones embedded around the edge. The corners tiles are a ready made tile design that I bought at a home improvement store. don’t want to put a wet trowel into your dry concrete. I used a coffee can to dip out the cement powder into a 5 gallon bucket. I had a dry trowel in the cement bag and I put in about eight coffee cans worth of sand mix in the bucket and then added water to make a fairly stiff mix. I added water slowly as you can easily overdo it with the water, stirring after each addition. I continued to add cement powder and water and to stir until I
Project author: This is hardly my original idea. Mosaic tile has been around for thousands of years and have been done with many materials and techniques. I will take credit for putting together the directions for this particular project after doing a lot of reading and researching about tile making as I could find no directions for a project exactly like this. Optional: I make this walkway to cover up an unat-
CRAFTY THINGS/DIY INSPIRED - THE DAILY STAR
MARCH 11, 12 AND 13, 2020
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Sewing Grocery kit Bag/Large Tote
Original project submitted by Minnie Beams of Schenevus
Use denim, twill or light canvas type fabric for best results (1½ to 2½ yards depending on strapping material used). Directions: 1. Cut one piece – 22 inches by 38 inches. Make a 2 inch hem on each end. 2. Fold in half, hems together and mark with pins on both sides of fold line. Unfold. 3. Measure in 8 inches from both edges and mark with pins [fig. 1]. To make strapping: Cut 3 inches by 90 inches of self fabric. Sew ends together to make loop. Fold sides to center and fold in half (like double-fold bias tape). Pin or press to keep shape. Mark half way on loop and mark with pin. 4. Lay body of bag, right side up, on table. Pin seam of loop to center [fig. 2]. Pin marked half way on loop to other center marking [fig. 2]. Pin strap all the way around forming handles on each end. Make sure to keep loop flat and straight. Sew around both sides of strapping. 5. Fold up bag, right sides out. Make narrow seam down both sides. Turn bag to wrong side and make another seam to enclose raw edges (French seam).
Sewin kit
6. To make square bottom: Set bag up on bottom, wrong side out, Keeping side seams straight with center bottom line to make triangle. Measure in 4 inches from point and draw line across. Sew on these lines [fig. 3]. Turn right side out. 7. Optional – Cut a piece of heavy cardboard or plastic the size of bottom, slightly round off sharp corners. Push into bottom of bag. I have made over 70 of these bags for grocery shopping for my family so it is hard to say how long it would take to make one bag but I would guess, about an hour. A quicker and easier way to go is to buy inch wide woven strapping to use in place of self fabric. This is not a new pattern of a tote-bag. I have made many in all shapes and sizes. I figured this size to be about right for grocery shopping and has worked out well for me. MARCH 11, 12 AND 13, 2020
GRAPHICS DESIGNED BY FREEPIK
CRAFTY THINGS/DIY INSPIRED - THE DAILY STAR
Cone Thread Holder for Sewing Machine More and more quilters are buying thread on cones instead of the skimpy spools that are so expensive. A device is needed to convey the thread from the cone to the sewing machine. There are gadgets out there for this purpose but not always available. This quick fix will cost nothing to make.
Original project submitted by Minnie Beams of Schenevus
Materials: • One-pound coffee can with plastic lid • 1 wire coat hanger • Duct tape Tools: • Wire-cutter • Pliers • Shears Directions:
Sewing kit
1. Cut coat hanger as shown here, discard hook piece. 2. With pliers, bend up 2 inches on short curve side.
3. Bend other curved piece in closer to long part to make even loop. 4. Lay coffee can on side. Place wire (long loop at bottom of can)up to top with small hook end extending straight above top of can. Secure with short pieces of duct tape. Wrap entire outside of can with duct tape to secure firmly. Place plastic can top on bottom of can to keep can from marring table top. 5. Place can in back of sewing machine. Put cone in can and bring end of thread up over hook at top of wire and on to sewing machine. Thread machine as usual. Works great and is very portable. 6. Makes great little gift. Just wrap it in some pretty fabric or paper. Project takes less than one hour to complete. Original idea and pattern by Minnie Beams.
CRAFTY THINGS/DIY INSPIRED - THE DAILY STAR
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kit
Waste Basket for Car Original project submitted by Minnie Beams of Schenevus Materials:
Tools:
Directions:
• 1 two-quart plastic milk carton
• Sewing machine
1. Cut milk carton evenly around at 6 inches from bottom. Discard top.
• 1 16-by-12¼” fabric
• Shears to cut plastic
2. Fold large piece of fabric lengthwise. Fuse interfacing to one half.
• 2 4½” squares fabric
• Fabric shears
3. Fold this piece from side to side. Sew seem to make tube.
• 1 4½-by-2” fabric (hanger)
• Iron
4. Fold half over interfacing making sure bottom is even.
• 1 4½” square interfacing
• Measuring tape
5. Mark with pins for four even quarters.
• 1 16-by-6” interfacing (iron-on)
• Pins
6. Sandwich 4½-inch interfacing between fabric squares. Sew from corner to corner both ways.
• Thread to match • 1 3M hook
7. Pin square to tube corners where marked with pins. Pin in between. Sew around. 8. Trim seam. 9. Turn inside out and push out corners to shape. 10. Fold hanger fabric sides in to center lengthwise, fold again, sew both sides. 11. Fold hanger end to end and place on inside, top, back of cup. Sew around top and several times over ends of hanger. 12. Place plastic milk carton inside holder. 13. Place 3M hook, according to directions, on to a hard plastic part of the car dash. Will not damage and can be removed easily. Project completed in less than one hour.
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CRAFTY THINGS/DIY INSPIRED - THE DAILY STAR
Exercise caution with water beads Water-absorbing balls/beads are a growing trend in crafting, home decor, sensory play, and imaginative learning. Household products and many toys feature this polymer-based water-absorbent technology. Such toys can foster lessons in STEM while home products can be an aesthetically appealing part of decorative vases or other containers around the house. Although beads are innovative, doctors warn that, in the wrong hands, such beads, sometimes sold under the names water orbs, polymer beads and jelly beads, can be dangerous. When the tiny plastic balls are placed in water, they absorb the fluid and can grow anywhere from 200 to 400 times their size. The beads can be dried out and reused again and again. Before expanding, the beads do not pose much of a health risk. Rather, it’s when they expand that they can cause damage. A document published in the journal Pediatrics states that foreign body ingestion can be a potentially serious clinical problem in young children. While many foreign bodies can pass through the gastrointestinal tract, expanded water orbs can cause intestinal obstruction. The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that, since 2012, several children have required emergency care after swallowing beads. Unfortunately, the water-absorbing beads are brightly colored and tend to look like candy, so children may be tempted to swallow them.
A spring craft combining
fantasy and fun
ALEXAS FOTOS/PIXABAY.COM
Polymer water beads are often used in the bottom of flower vases or in other crafts and toys. They can pose a risk to children if ingested.
That’s not the only harm the beads have caused. In February 2016, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission was notified about two incidents in which five- and seven-year-old children placed beads in their ears. The clear beads could not be seen, and the children were thought to have ear infections. The doctors finally discovered the problem after the beads had expanded considerably. The beads eventually had to be surgically removed, and both children suffered ear drum damage. The AAP and other consumer advocacy groups advise that water-absorbing polymers should only be used by children under supervision. Adults should always keep the beads out of reach.
Parents and guardians should learn the signs that indicate beads have been swallowed and are causing a blockage. Such signs include refusing to eat, drooling, vomiting, wheezing, complaints that something is stuck in the throat or chest, abdominal pain, constipation, abdominal swelling, and soreness. Those who suspect a water bead has been swallowed or has become lodged in ears should seek treatment right away. Water beads provide aesthetic appeal, are fun to play with and are quite versatile when used in a safe manner. But caution must be exercised when water beads are brought into a home.
Spring is a season of rebirth marked by flowers pushing through the soil and tender green leaf buds appearing on trees.
• a container, such as a flowerpot, basket, wine barrel, or another vessel that will hold soil
As adults begin tinkering in their gardens and clearing away the vestiges of another winter, children also can get into the spring gardening spirit - with a touch of whimsy mixed in. A fairy garden is the perfect project.
• stones, pebbles and glass baubles
Fairies are mythical beings of romance and folklore that appear in ancient stories passed down by various cultures. Diminutive in size, fairies are often depicted as spiritual or supernatural beings in possession of magical powers who live in close proximity to mortals. Fairies tap into the imaginations of children, who may be enticed by fairies’ mischievous and/or magical attributes. A desire to capture fairies can inspire a great spring crafting project. Fairy gardens can be constructed in just about any container and make an enchanting addition to a home landscape, patio or child’s bedroom. It’s easy to get started today. Begin by collecting the materials needed. Materials will vary depending on each individual project, but some good suggestions include:
CRAFTY THINGS/DIY INSPIRED - THE DAILY STAR
• potting soil • pea gravel • small plants, such as clover, moss and succulents • twigs • miniature garden accessories and figures Begin by filling the container with the soil. Then arrange the plants as desired while still in their individual potting containers to get an idea of the layout. When the design is established, use a spoon or small trowel to plant the greenery. Now is the time when the whimsy can set in. The child can create a fairy home, a garden, walkways, and much more with natural materials. Many craft stores even sell ceramic and plastic fairy furnishings. Gravel and stones can add color and extra appeal. Some peat moss or trailing Spanish moss can serve as the finishing touches. Once completed, it’s time to wait to see if the fairies will come for a visit. MARCH 11, 12 AND 13, 2020
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Clever party uses for crepe and tissue papers Crepe paper streamers and gift bags lined with tissue paper can often be found at parties. They’re certainly beautiful in these applications, but crepe paper and tissue paper can be used in many different ways to dress up event spaces or as the main components of crafts. Check out these clever ideas that can make parties even more festive.
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Crepe paper puffs Cut several strips of the same length from rolls of crepe paper. Gather the strips together and then tie in the middle using ribbon or twine. Crunch and fluff to turn the shape into a ball. Hang around the party space to coordinate with other decorative items. Make smaller ones to serve as napkin rings to really tie the look together. Luminaires Use a clear glue or decoupage adhesive to stick tissue paper or crepe paper to the outside of glass vases or square candle holders. Place an LED votive inside and cast a delicate glow on the party table. Tissue paper pom-poms Give partygoers a reason to cheer
with these handmade pom-poms. Construct them just like the puffs above, only using longer strips of tissue paper. Wrap the ends around small dowels for handles. Party bunting Cut a long strip of yarn, ribbon or twine to string across the party area. Cut several pieces of crepe paper to the desired length. Fold each crepe paper piece over the yarn and staple to hold it in place. Repeat along the length of the yarn at the desired spacing. Hang for festive flair at your next fiesta. Photo backdrop Create an area where guests can pose for photos against a vibrantly hued backdrop. Place a long strip of double-sided masking tape on
the wall. Cut strips of crepe paper the desired length and attach to the masking tape, slightly overlapping the edges. Repeat until you reach the end of the tape. Tape the bottom of the crepe paper to the wall so it won’t fly up when guests pose. Cover the tape top to bottom with a strip of crepe paper to hide the edges, then start snapping those photos. Take home treats Send guests home with a few candies wrapped in a tissue paper pouch. Cut rounds out of tissue paper and place the candy inside. Gather the tissue paper together around the candy and tie off with curling ribbon. Tissue paper and crepe paper are versatile party tools and can help set the mood with fanciful decorations.
August 9, 2020, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Neahwa Park, Oneonta
2020 Focus on Family
Flea Market
Vendors Wanted: Food Trucks Snow Cones/Cotton Candy Baked Goods Crafters Quilters Individual Yard Sale Vendors LulaRoe MARCH 11, 12 AND 13, 2020
Handmade Jewelry Floral & Produce Thrive doTERRA Mary Kay Paparazzi Avon
Younique Handmade Soaps Scentsy Face Painting Thirty-One Pampered Chef… All Welcome!
The Daily Star 4th Annual Family Flea Market
Reserve your space by June 30, 2020. Branded vendors will not be duplicated so act now! Contact Valerie Secor at 607-441-7235 or vsecor@thedailystar.com for more information. CRAFTY THINGS/DIY INSPIRED - THE DAILY STAR
Creative ways to reuse Christmas cards Roughly 1.6 billion Christmas cards, including boxed cards, are purchased in a given year. That’s quite a lot of cards to address and mail, and many festive greetings for recipients to read and display. With so much money and effort put into sharing Christmas greetings, some people may wonder how they can prolong the merriment offered by these cards. Here are some creative ways to put Christmas cards to new use once the holiday season has come and gone. • Make your own gift tags. Christmas card stock is the perfect medium to turn into gift tags for presents. Cut the cards into squares or rectangles
or use a stencil to create whatever shape you desire. Then use a hole punch to create a space for ribbon or another tie. Use the tag to dress up gifts with something more unique than self-stick tags. • Get magnetized. All it takes is a scissor, some glue and sheets of magnet for a decorative and fun craft project. Turn favorite Christmas cards into mementos that can be saved year after year, which also will dress up refrigerators or other magnetic surfaces. This idea works well for photo greeting cards as well. • Make Christmas card ornaments. Use the cards to create uniquely shaped ornaments for the tree. Cards can be turned into block shapes and hung with ribbon. Another idea is to punch out circles or
ovals from the cards and tile them on a foam egg to look like a multicolored pine cone.
card stock that will lay flush with the wine bottle and you have a decorative wine tag.
• Decorate your packages. Instead of overspending on preprinted gift bags, make your own. Buy plain bags in a solid color and then embellish them with cutout patterns or pictures from Christmas cards.
• Shred older cards for confetti. Fill gift boxes or bags with homemade confetti made from recycled Christmas cards.
• Frame favorite cards. Make greeting cards a permanent part of holiday decor by framing the most decorative ones you receive. Use these frames year after year and put them on display with other holiday decorations. • Make a wine bottle gift tag. Use a 1¼-inch hole punch to create an opening for the neck of a wine bottle on a piece of folded card stock. Glue a greeting card to the portion of the
The various ways to repurpose dressers One of the benefits to becoming a skilled do-ityourselfer is the chance to embrace projects that can breathe new life into objects that others might designate for the trash or donation pile. Renovating such items can save money and provide an entirely different purpose for the object. After upgrading design styles or moving, there’s a good chance the average homeowner has a spare dresser or chest of drawers he or she may no longer use. Repurposing such furniture can make for an enjoyable weekend DIY project. With a change of color, removal of drawers or a few minor modifications, dressers can be transformed in many different ways. Here are a few ideas to get started.
eye-catching shade and make sure to seal-coat it with a finish that is impervious to moisture. If time or budget allows, attach a piece of glass or tiles on top of the dresser to create a water-resistant, strong surface area. Store various serving glasses and cocktail accoutrements within the drawers. Place a few bottles of your favorite spirits and a decanter on a decorative tray.
ibles or anything else you can think of inside.
• Storage shelving: Remove the drawers from the dresser and turn it into a storage mecca by using stackable plastic containers in spaces once occupied by the drawers. Keep craft supplies, collect-
• Changing table: Turn an older dresser into a changing table for a new baby. In addition, add a cushioned pad and some decorative trim to serve as a frame that keeps the pad in place. The drawers will keep wipes, diapers, onesies, and other supplies at the ready.
• Television stand: Sand and paint or stain the dresser to match the color scheme of your living room or family room. Remove the top row of drawers from the dresser to have cubby space to house electronics, such as cable boxes or DVD players. The remaining drawers can hold movie collections, spare remote controls, gaming systems, and much more. • Ser ving bar: Paint the dresser in an CRAFTY THINGS/DIY INSPIRED - THE DAILY STAR
• Kitchen island: Small dressers can be repurposed into kitchen islands with a few modifications. Install casters on the feet so it can be moved around when necessary. Place butcher block wood or stone on top so you’ll have a sturdy cutting or preparation surface area. Hooks hung on the side can hold frequently used kitchen utensils.
• Bench: Remove the top drawers from the dresser. Add a piece of plywood to make a seat. Use the removed drawer faces on the inside back of the dresser since this area will now be visible. Paint the entire piece or stain it as desired. Fashion a cushion for the seat, and the bench is ready for an entryway or wherever you have space. Before discarding an old dresser, think of all the ways it can be transformed into another useful piece of furniture. MARCH 11, 12 AND 13, 2020
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MARCH 11, 12 AND 13, 2020
CRAFTY THINGS/DIY INSPIRED - THE DAILY STAR