RECYCLED CAN FOOTSTOOL

Remember these? Yep, the can based footstool. This one is created from one pound coffee not quite cans. The “cans” are metal on the bottom and a coated cardboard on the sides that makes them “unrecyclable”. I had two goals with this project; to try and use stuff that cannot be recycled and make a lightweight booster seat for a three year old. Adults have sat on these too, the end result is very sturdy.

Here is what I used with suggestions on substitutions:
7- one pound coffee “can” containers (Use real tin cans, juice cans for a larger stool and veggie cans for a smaller one.)
Used shipping box (Any sturdy cardboard or pressed board hanging around that is large enough to cut the top and bottom flower shapes out of.)
Remember if you are using larger cans you’ll need more material, smaller cans less.
Supplies:
1 ¼ yard batting, can use an old blanket or towel

1 1/2 yards fabric (Any combination of fabrics can be pieced together for this. My next one will be from recycled jeans.)
Fabric glue (You can use hot glue, white glue or if you are very talented no glue and stitch the whole thing together.)
Only tools you need are: Marking tool to trace top and bottom, scissors, needle, embroidery floss and a length of something to tie the cans together which you can skip if you have a good helper nearby.
Instructions:
1. Gather cans together with one can in center. Tie something around cans to hold them together, I used elastic.

2. Now trace around the bottom outline, makes a flower like shape, on your cardboard. You will need 2, one for the top and one for the bottom.

3. Wrap the sides of all out cans with batting. Overlap the batting then glue or whipstitch to hold. I glued the seam to the center can but you really do not have to do this; it just makes it easier to handle.

4. Cut 2 batting shapes for each cardboard flower. If you want the top plusher use more padding. Cut a square of fabric about 2” larger on all sides. Make a sandwich of cardboard, batting, and fabric right side up. Flip the sandwich over to the backside. Cut slits in the fabric as needed to smoothly bring the fabric around the edge to the backside. I used glue to hold. You could use clothespins, paperclips or duct tape to keep the edges wrapped.

Top flower piece is just sitting there to give you an idea of what it looks like wrapped.

5. Hold your fabric up to the can sides, will be up and down when complete, add about 3” to wrap around top and bottom. Either measure around the can group going into each crevice between cans or try dry fitting the fabric (easier) around all outer cans. Cut your fabric to this size adding 1” to the length for an overlap.

6. Now start your fabric wrap by pushing one end down deep in a crevice between cans. Make sure you leave excess fabric at the top and bottom. Wrap around next can then either glue or pin the fabric down into the next crevice. Continue all the way around.

This is what the cans look like on the bottom after the sides are wrapped. Yep, I used more than 3”extra on top and bottom.

7. Now all that is left is attaching the cardboard flower top and bottom. I glued mine on first then did a blanket stitch with floss around the edges. You could also glue or stitch on gimp, fringe, ribbon, whatever makes your design happy!

Why Black Dog World?

I keep getting asked why I chose Blackdogworld and cannot answer in 140 characters. If you are reading this you understand.
In a nutshell, Blackdogworld represents a world view not hampered by prejudices, bias, or the false perceptions of others. It is a world view that is based on, “love is always the answer”.
Here is why.
Black dogs are the most often killed, many shelters will not even take black dogs. Big, black dogs have it even worse and big, black, male dogs are almost never adopted. Being a big, black male dog is a death sentence almost everywhere. People have a bias against black dogs. People fear black dogs are mean; this is NOT based on fact. It appears this bias is based on “looks” and rumor and misperceptions.
How many times do we make a judgment, decision based on false or biased perceptions? What is the outcome, impact of these decisions on our lives and the lives of others?
My desire is to live in a world that does not judge by color, size or sex; where black dogs are just as accepted as golden. I strive to not fall into regimented thought patterns that are ethnocentric, biased by outward appearances or paradigms preached by others. My black dog world is loving, respectful of life and aware.

On a very personal note I adopted a big, black make dog. Scotty was dumped at the pound at 4months old with his nose split open. (A scar on his nose is another reason he was not adopted.) After spending a few months there he was scheduled to be “put down” for no reason aside from time spent there. A rescue group got him at the last moment and we were able to adopt him a month later. He is the sweetest dog, good with kids, well behaved, loving and pure joy in our lives.
I was fortunate last year to be able to attend one of the Dalai Lama’s compassion rallies. The Dalai Lama said (this is paraphrased and not a direct quote) our most sacred duty was to protect the planet, respect all life, be compassionate to animals and to teach this to our children. I try everyday to do my duty.

More Things Made from Recycled Sweaters

Here are a couple purses and slipper socks made from Goodwill sweaters. The slipper socks look a bit strange but fit well and feel great.

I buy wool sweaters. preferably 100% wool but down to 75% is OK. I look for a design I like and try to choose sweaters that have some damage and are unlikely to be sold. Small holes or missing buttons are no problem with these projects. Also try to buy the largest size possible.

Throw the sweaters into your washer with a bit of detergent or soap, a couple tennis balls or solid rubber dog toys. Wash in hot water then dry in a hot dryer. Your sweaters should be at least partially felted by now. I like some give for the slippers so do not full, or completely felt the sweaters.

Lay your sweater out flat. Cut off the sleeves first. Set the sleeves aside then cut large U shapes at the center front and back. If you have a cardigan like I did you can use the neckline shape along with the banding or ribbing down the front. On cardigans I cut the back to mirror the front. Cut apart the shoulder seams.

To create a purse or tote sew the front shoulder seams to each other (right sides together) to form one handle and the backs together to form another. Turn the raw, cut edges under 1/4" then straight stitch in place. Roll the sides of the handles in towards each other, pin then handstitch together using a ladder stitch. Save any scraps trimmed off to make a button loop later.

If you have a cardigan you will need to stitch up the center front opening. In some cases the banding is wide enough to stitch around the buttons but on others you will need to remove the buttons, stitch then sew the buttons back on if desired.

Turn your bag inside out, match up bottom edges so front fits flat and even to the back. Stitch straight across. One each side of the bottom seam fold the side seam down onto the bottom seam forming a triangle shape. Stitch across the triangle 3"-4" from the tip of the triangle.

Choose a button for the closure, can be one that came with the sweater. I had a stoneware button I purchased from a local potter I decided to use on one purse and like the one that came with the blue sweater. Sew button to front 1"-3" down from center opening.

Cut a scrap from the ribbing or trimmings about 1/2" x 5" for the button loop. Fold in half lengthwise and stitch. Pin both ends of the button loop to the center of the back opening. Fit the loop to your button so it holds the purse closed.

Viola! Purse is done now on to the slipper socks.

The slipper socks will need a bit of fidgeting. First you should be able to make up to about a Womans size 9, any larger and you will probably need to use a different pattern.

To figure the sole pattern the easiest thing to do is to either trace around the person's foot then add 1" all the way around or trace around a shoe. Ideally cut the sole pattern out from scrap cardboard to use as a template and guide.

Once you have the sole pattern you can figure where to cut off the sleeve. On some I like to leave as much of the sleeve as possible so they form sort of a scrunchy, cuffed look. This is the reason I only partially felt, give over the feet and ankles. Push your sole template down inside the sleeve until the edges of the sleeve and the template match up; cut sleeve off at this point. Repeat for other foot.

Cut 2 soles, 1 in reverse from sweater trimmings or felt. I also cut a piece of gripper fabric 2" x 5" to make these safe from slipping. You can also use the net type shelf liner made to keep things from slipping or dots of some fabric glues. (I've been told, never tried the glue.) Zizag stitch on whatever grippy material you choose to the bottoms of the soles.

Pin the soles to the trimmed off sweater sleeve, wrong sides together. Topstitch all the way around securing the sole to the sides. You could stop now if you wanted but I think it looks more finished to add blanket stitching all the way around stitching over the previous topstitching.

These might look strange but are very warm, super green and really easy.

I also made a plain gray set for a friend who loves to needle felt, embroider and bead thinking she will add on to them.

Why Tea Towels?

The past couple Christmases I have decorated tea towels for gifts and to use as gift wrappings. I buy organic cotton towels which means they are sometimes a bit wonky on the edges,no big deal.

I feel good about these environmentally since using a towel will save energy and resources and I am using only pure supplies to embellish them.

This year I decided to simply stencil a design in the center of one side and am really happy with the outcome. I am thinking some of these might end up as pillow covers or sewn into bags.

I like to make up a big batch of these and use them in groups as stand alone gifts and for wrapping up smaller gifts. I can easily make a couple dozen in an afternoon.

Supplies:
Tea towels
Tackifier
Choice of Colorant
Fabricmagic
Ultrathick
Choice of stencil, I used Stencil from Stencil Me In book from Lark
Stencil brush
Iron
Instructions: ( I will be brief here since in previous posts I did step by steps on mixing and stenciling.)
1. Apply Tackifier to back of stencil and allow to dry.
2. Smooth stencil onto towel.
3. Mix a drop of Fabric Magic, drop of Colorant and the tiniest sprinkle of Ultrathick per towel.
4. Dip stencil brush in mix loading brush about halfway full. Dab brush over stencil openings.
5. Remove stencil and allow to dry.
6. Press with iron on cotton setting.

Bottle Cap Bonanza

I realize not everything I do is totally original but some ideas are worth repeating like bottle cap crafts. On the left is a trivet made from scrap wood painted with Generation Green paint. On the right is a soup can with caps attached with gel medium that is filled with cap and wire flowers. The wire was "rescued" from an old project.

I am also thinking the bottle cap flowers would look sort of cool mounted on a board. Here I have them placed on an old experimental board. One bottle cap flower on a wood scrap could be fun too or a series of small wood scraps.

Here I wired an old refrigerator magnet to the back of the cap which is another way to use these flowers.

I saved up bottle caps and asked others to save theirs too. No, we did not have a wild party for days to get all of these!

I have heard of bars saving caps up for people which would be a good way to get a variety of colors.

Trivet Supplies-

Wood scrap desired size of trivet (When I make another one of these I will layout my caps and find or cut a scrap to fit exactly, this time I just used a piece as is.)

Paint, Generation Green color choice

Bottle caps

About 1" nails or tacks

Drill and bit slightly smaller than nails used

Hammer

Scrap of felt to cover bottom of wood

Gel medium

Instructions:

1. Paint top and side of wood. Allow to dry.

2. Drill hole in center of bottle caps.

3. Nail caps to wood in desired pattern.

4. Use gel medium to attach felt to bottom.

Can/vase Supplies-

Soup or bean can

No Voc Gel Medium

Bottle caps

Use gel medium to adhere caps to sides of can. Its easier to place the can on a towel or rag to keep it from rolling then glue on 2 rows at a time, allow the medium to set then turn and add 2 more rows.

Bottle Cap Flower Supplies-

Semi-rigid wire, mine was stripped off an old garden basket. The wire was a bit kinky in spots but that's OK.

Drill with about 1/16th bit

Wire cutters

Round nose pliers

Instructions:
1. Drill hole in center of bottle cap.

2. Insert wire into hole and either spiral on top of cap using a single wire. To create the spiral grip the end of your wire with pliers and form a tight loop. Hold the loop horizontally with your pliers as you wind the wire around to the desired size spiral.

OR...fold the wire in half and insert both ends through the center hole. One the backside wrap loops around a couple fingers to form petal.

3. Now is the time to slide on a magnet disk. You want the magnet to sit inside the cap but not so deeply the edges of the cap extend past the magnet.

Twist the wire with round nose pliers or wrap and twist 2 wires around each other to secure the bottle cap.

Now bend the wire to form leaves and a stem using your hands and pliers where needed.

Depending on your wire you might need to twist 2 wires together to make a sturdy stem.

Other ways to use bottle caps:

String from fishing line as windchimes

Stud an old belt using small grommets

Drill a small hole at the top, attach photo, clippings, bits of pressed flowers or leaves then cover with No Voc varnish. Use a large jump ring to attach to a cord or chain as a pendant.

Wall Organizer with Scoreboard

Happy to be involved with Eileen Hull's Scoreboard Projects. Here is my project using the notecard holders. I made a hanging recipe file to keep favorite recipes within easy reach but you could make one to organize your paperwork, children's' papers, work projects or photos.

The base is foamboard making this very easy to hang but sturdy enough to hold up with use.

For complete step by step instructions with photos please go to: http://www.earthsafefinishes.com/Wall_Organizer1.pdf to download the free PDF file.

Congrats to Eileen for another successful design.

Now checkout what some of the most amazing designer/artists on earth have done with the notecard holder.

Jennifer Ellefson http://www.createdfrompaper.blogspot.com/

Denise Clason http://deniseclason.com/blog/2009/11/24/blog-hop-notebook-pocket-by-sizzix/

Ann Butler http://www.creativitystirsthesoul.com/2009/11/sizzix-blog-hop-notebook-pocket.html

Fabrizio Martellucci http://brendapinnickfanaticscardscrapbooking.blogspot.com/2009/11/notebook-pocket-village-color-papers.html

Korie B http://papergoddess.typepad.com/we_will_always_have_paris/2009/11/sizzix-scoreboard-blog-hop-notebook-pocket.html

Eileen Hull http://www.eileenhull.blogspot.com/

Karen Burniston http://karenburniston.typepad.com/i_am_not_lefthanded/2009/11/scoreboard-blog-hop-notebook-pocket.html

Bonnie Bruns http://bonniebruns.typepad.com/bonnie-bruns/2009/11/scoreboard-blog-hop-notebook-pocket.html

Watch for more of Eileen and other artist creations in TOTALLY CREATIVE http://www.totally-creative.com/

Super Fast Super Green Ideas, No Acid Etching

With the holidays rapidly approaching I wanted to do a couple very fast and very green projects that would also be useful. These all use recycled items or things commonly thrown away with very few additional products, bit of paint, varnish and gel medium. The glass projects my 5 year old granddaughter helped with.

These are not staged very well because I have almost zero time right now doing the food drive. The vase in the back was one I received and arrangement in eons ago. The 2 in the front are pickle and jelly jars.

The process is super simple. Use either a stencil with Tackifier on the back or almost any kind of tape or sticker as a mask. The jelly jar in the front has old price tag stickers.

You could also do a solid color like a frosted effect.

I plan to use a couple lanterns outside our doors to welcome guests. The large vase will be filled with fallen leaves, cones and whatever else strikes my fancy for now and broken Christmas ornaments and windfallen evergreens later.

My grandson eats jarred baby food which I think will make some cute votives and????? Maybe little snowman faces! I can then fill the jars with some sort of goodie.

Some of you will need no instruction but for those who do here is how simple this is to do:

Wash and dry your glass pieces. Its helpful to nestle your glass piece in an old towel or rag while working on it.

Press on stickers or tape if you desire.

Next mix about 1 teaspoon of Glacier White paint with 1/2 teaspoon No Voc Satin Varnish. (You could use any color of paint; I am thinking of doing pink lanterns for my granddaughter's birthday party.) Now dip a piece of sponge or soft rag into the mix, you want it to be about half full or less. Simply tap up and down over the glass to cover or fill in your stencil.

Allow one side to dry then roll the glass over and complete your no acid etching.

Once dry you can hand wash the glass.

To create a lantern you will need to use a jar that had a screw on lid, grooves around the top. Depending on how low you want the lantern to hang cut two 28"-46" pieces of at least 18 GA wire.

Place one wire on work surface. Center jar top, grooved edge on wire. Place second wire on top of jar so it lines up with first wire. Adjust so ends of wires are even on both sides.

Tightly twist wire from bottom and top together on each side making sure they rest in grooved top. (I will try and get a step out tutorial done on wire working in the next couple of days.)

Now twist side wires together forming 2 twisted lengths. Bring the side wires together and twist 2 or 3 times 2-3" from the wire ends.

Twist the remaining wire then bend wire ends down forming a loop, wrap and twist tightly around the side wires.

Test your wires to make sure they will support your lantern by tugging rigorously on the bottom of the glass while holding the loop.

Sorry for the rush on this one. Much more to come but need to go gather and distribute food to Helpline first.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!