11. Black Faux Leather Clutch
This black faux leather clutch costs less than $5 and sews up in under an hour. Cut one piece of costume pleather and one of black felt, both 12 1/4 by 24 1/4 inches, then fold them into the clutch shape and mark where the Velcro goes. Cut a triangle window in the pleather flap and fuse a contrasting fabric behind it so a favorite print peeks through. A piece of cardboard or a thin plastic folder slid into the front keeps it crisp. Sew the side seams and it’s done.
Get the full tutorial at The Felted Fox.
12. Crystal Wrap Bracelet
A crystal wrap bracelet looks like something from a boutique, and it’s made from twill tape and a spool of plastic crystal trim. Measure cotton twill tape long enough to wrap the wrist four times plus an inch, about 36 inches for a child. Tack the crystal trim down the center with needle and thread. Sew a loop of cord elastic to one end and a sparkly button to the other so it fastens. Quarter inch tape gives the slimmest wrap, and 3/8 inch tape is easier to find in stores.
Get the full tutorial at Flax and Twine.
13. Quilted Circle Coasters
Quilted circle coasters are a gentle introduction to sewing curves, and a set of four takes under an hour. Cut 16 scraps into three inch squares and sew four together into a patchwork block for each coaster. Trace a glass or a coaster onto each block and cut it into a circle, then cut matching circles of backing fabric and fusible fleece. Iron the fleece to the top, quilt a few lines along the seams, then sew the backing on, turn and topstitch closed. A fat quarter covers all the backs.
Get the full tutorial at Craft Foxes.
14. Painted Photo Booth Props
Painted photo booth props take about 40 minutes and make any party more fun. Start with wooden props on sticks from a craft store, glasses, bow ties and mustaches, and give each a base coat of acrylic paint. Let it dry fully before a second coat or any pattern. The easiest pattern is also the cutest: dip the end of a paintbrush handle in a contrasting color and dot it on. If a pattern goes wrong, sand the paint back lightly, recoat and try again.
Get the full tutorial at The Crafted Life.
15. Geometric Photo Holders
Geometric photo holders are small wood blocks with a slit cut across the top to hold a print, and they take about 45 minutes. Draw simple shapes (a triangle, a half circle, a square) on a piece of 3/4 inch pine and cut them out with a jigsaw, scroll saw or hand saw. Cut a thin horizontal slit across the top of each one, then sand everything smooth. Paint a bold color block corner with painter’s tape or stain the whole piece. Instant prints fit perfectly.
Get the full tutorial at The Crafted Life.
