I post sewing and crafting tutorials here at the Mermaid’s Den. I love making things and sharing them with you, so you can make them, too.
In this post, I'll show you how to easily make your own silk flowers using pretty fabric and an existing bunch of fake flowers. This is a quick, no sew project that will help you use up some fabric scraps and make a beautiful and unique centerpiece. I used a die cutter to cut out my flower pieces, but you can also use free templates online to cut out your flowers. Let's make some pretty flowers!
In this post, I'll show you how to make a patchwork velvet infinity scarf. Scarves are one of my favorite things to sew because you can finish one in an evening and have it to wear the next day! This scarf pattern goes together quickly and easily, and it's super soft around your neck.
In this post, I'll show you how to make earrings out of vintage tins from a thrift shop. Vintage tins have all sorts of fun patterns and designs, so they're perfect to use for jewelry-making, and they're much cheaper than buying patterned or enameled sheet metal.
In this post, I'll show you how to make an intricate filigree pendant from recycled aluminum soda cans. This pendant has a fun, Art Nouveau-y feel to it. The filigree piece is made using a die-cutting machine and the pendant is finished with micro bolts and a glue-on bail, so you don't need to solder anything.
In this post, I'll show you how to make felt flowers and attach them to hair ties with a sew-on rhinestone in the middle. This is a quick and easy project. Make them in a rainbow of colors, so you can wear them with everything!
In this post, I'll break out all my best tips for finding sewing supplies for free (or really cheap). I wanted to get into sewing for a long time, but I kept putting it off because the hobby seemed expensive. Getting a sewing machine looked like it was going to be at least $100 or more, and then you still need thread, needles, fabric, patterns, an iron, and so on just to get started.
And then what if it turns out you don't really like sewing? You've spent all that money just to be disappointed. So I kept hemming and hawing over it.
Well, I'm going to tell you how to get started without spending (much) money. If you're patient and attentive, you can get almost all of your supplies for free. I do recommend buying thread and needles, but I'll tell you how to get the best deals on those.
In this tutorial, I'll show you how to make felt flowers and attach them to shoe clips, so you have different options to go with a felt hat. Mix and match to go with your outfit, or just to change up the look of your hat. You could also attach these to a headband, scarf, or your shoes.
In this post, I'll show you how to make a reusable shopping bag. This tutorial includes a pattern and step by step instructions for making this eco-friendly market tote bag. This bag rolls up and buttons closed for easy storage when you're not using it. Make a couple of them to have plenty of room for your purchases!
In this post, I'll show you how to grow bulbs indoors by tricking them into thinking that winter has passed. Sometimes I get super lazy about taking care of my plants. I like the idea of having something pretty and flowery around, but then the weight of responsibility sets in, and I wonder if I really want to be tied to this thing for the rest of its lifespan. The great thing about bulbs is that you get all of the shiny newness and flowery goodness with none of the long term responsibility. Once the bulbs are spent, you can either plant them in your garden outside or toss them.
My earlier series of posts on making jewelry from aluminum cans has proven quite popular, so I'm expanding it. See my earlier posts on how to break apart your cans and how to make embossed earrings. In this post, I'll show you how to cut out some cute flowers from aluminum cans or lightweight craft metal, and then turn them into earrings. This is a great DIY project to recycle or upcycle some cans!
In my last post, I went over the basics of how to use the Janome Coverpro 1000CPX. The main reason I bought this coverstitch machine was for hemming, and while you can hem things without buying the hem guide attachment, it's so much easier with the attachment. If you buy only one attachment for this machine, I think the hem guide should be it.
In this post, I'll show you how to use a coverstitch machine, specifically the Janome 1000CPX. I'll also go over the differences between the 1000CPX, 900CPX, and 2000CPX. You'll be up and running with your coverstitch machine in no time!
