Stay.See.Make.Do.

Sassy Apron Saturday

I read somewhere (?) that my partner (Hi, Aimee!)

actually did receive this package, so I feel safe in posting pictures of the contents that I sent for the Spring Sassy Apron Swap (see button on sidebar for Swap link).  That's a magnetic notepad, some vintage rick rack, an origami folded box (link to directions again on sidebar) with two naturally green and two quail eggs (blown), heart pins, and the folded apron.

Can you imagine paying 13 CENTS for a package of rick rack?  From Penney's?  Awesome.

This apron was made from a pattern that had a much wider waistband like an inverted V, but when I made it up that way, with a matching pocket no less, it looked terrible! And when I tried it on I just said "blech".  So I took it apart and changed the pocket and narrowed the waist.  Ahhh, much better. Thanks to my partner for her patience in having to wait for her package.

(That tree really leans, doesn't it?  Or else it's our house.)

A Blessed Holy Saturday and Happy Easter to you all.  See you in a few days.

Don't O.D. on the chocolate!

Cardboard box with lid

Hello angry chicken readers!  Thanks for clicking through to find me!  I was thrilled to be mentioned on Amy's blog today - I don't usually get many hits, so this is like winning at Bingo.  Please look around and if you like what you see leave a comment and/or add me to your Bloglines or Google Reader.  Thanks!

As I promised previously, here is another box tutorial.  This one is made in a shape of your choosing from a recycled cereal box.  I set it up in a photo album; let me know if you need clarification on any of the steps.

Origami box with divider

Well, this afternoon my project was to make the box, lid and divider and take pictures for a photo tutorial.  I uploaded all the steps to an album here so I wouldn't have to put them all in a post.  I hope this works for you; be sure to click on the pictures to see the captions.  When I figure out how, I will put a link to it in the sidebar.  That may be awhile.  My learning curve for Typepad has been pretty steep compared to Blogger because Typepad doesn't do it all for you!

If you like this tutorial, please leave me a comment.  If you find any mistakes, let me know please!
Happy folding.*

*Just to make things clear - the directions for the box I linked to in a previous post are for a project very similar to this one except that it involves cutting.  That is known as Kirigami, whereas this project is Origami=folding only.

Re-use that box

While I am waiting for the planets to align to give me a spare moment to show you how to make those boxes with lids, I thought I'd share another concept.  This is not a legitimate "make a box" post, but it is my favorite reduce-reuse-recycle tip for mailing packages:  Turn a printed box inside-out.

I don't remember where I picked up this idea, but I use it all the time.  Cereal boxes are perfect for this, especially the big ones you get from Costco or Sam's Club - just open up the glued seams, lay the box flat, and refold it so the pictures are on the inside.  A little lot of tape and presto!  A beautiful plain box, all ready for an address.  If it's too tall, while it's still flat you can just cut off the top flaps, use them for a template to make new flaps where you want them.

Aimee, don't look too closely but this toaster pastry box is for you for the Sassy Apron Swap.

If anyone needs to see this idea step by step, let me know.

Making boxes

URGH.  Firefox or Typepad or both have eaten my nice little post. 
I hope it tasted good.
I hope they get indigestion.

Because I don't have time to re-write my whole clever and witty (I wish) monologue about box-making, I will simply point you to this video tutorial, which shows how to make a simple lidded box from scrap paper.  My sister-in-law made these from recycled Christmas cards one year to hold money gifts to her nieces and nephews.

In the near future I will be teaching you how to make a lidded box (like a small hat box) in nearly any shape you like.  Fun and easy and fairly quick.  And inexpensive because it can be made from recycled cereal boxes or posterboard.

I also have an origami box to show you, with a divider inside.  Also easy to make.

Stay tuned.