31. Mini Scrap Paper Notebook
A mini scrap paper notebook turns one sheet of paper into a pocket size book in about five minutes. Fold the sheet in half lengthwise and again, then crosswise twice, creasing hard each time. Cut along the creases in a zigzag, right to left, then left to right, then right to left, never cutting through the last panel. Fold the strip back and forth into an accordion, then glue the end panels to a scrap of patterned paper for a cover. Make a whole set from leftover scrapbook paper.
Get the full tutorial at DIY JOY.
32. Painted Clothespin Trivet
A painted clothespin trivet is made from wooden clothespins taken apart and glued into a sunburst. Remove the metal springs, prime the halves and paint them in a bold color. Hot glue the slanted end of one piece to the flat back of the next and keep going around until the circle closes. For hot pans, use wood glue or a heat resistant adhesive instead of craft glue, and stick small felt pads underneath so it won’t scratch the table. A pack of clothespins makes two.
Get the full tutorial at DIY JOY.
33. Paper Cone Giraffe
A paper cone giraffe stands up on its own, which kids find wildly impressive for something made of construction paper. Print the free template, trace the pieces onto yellow, orange and brown paper, and roll the body into a cone. Glue on the head, horns, ears and feet, add round orange spots and draw on a sleepy face with a marker. Total time is about 25 minutes. No printer? A painted toilet paper roll works as the body instead of the cone.
Get the full tutorial at Frugal Mom Eh!.
34. Fabric Seed Pods
Fabric seed pods are a clever way to use up fabric scraps too small for anything else, since each pod needs only four little panels. Iron interfacing on the back so the pieces hold their shape, then sew the panels wrong sides together so the seams stand up like ribs. Stuff lightly, add a few drops of essential oil or dried lavender if you like, and sew the top closed. A bent twig makes the quickest stalk. A bowl of them makes a pretty fall centerpiece.
Get the full tutorial at Pillar Box Blue.
35. Fabric Headband
A fabric headband takes exactly three rounds of stitching, which makes it a great first sewing project. Cut a strip of stretch knit about 18 inches long, fold it right sides together and stitch the long edge, leaving a one inch gap. Turn it halfway to join the short ends, sew around, then pull it right side out through the gap and close it with a ladder stitch. An old T-shirt works fine. Choose knit with good snap back, or it will slide off by lunch.
Get the full tutorial at Melly Sews.
