Tutorial: Heart Gift Bag

This morning I was running errands and suddenly remembered that I needed a bag for Stephen's Valentine's Day present. Being that it was so last minute, the only bag I could find was this really plain brown bag. So when I got home I grabbed some acrylic paint that I had laying around and whipped up this little beauty. You could do it any color you want, any size and you could even use glitter paint- I think he will thank me for not doing that though :)

What you'll need: A gift bag, some paint (it can be glittered), a paint brush, painter's tape, pencil, scissors and a piece of cardstock. To start, fold the cardstock in half, draw half of a heart on the cardstock. Cut out with scissors and open. Make sure you leave room at the top and bottom of the cardstock so that you have a full stencil.

 Tape the stencil to your bag, making sure it is flat (also you will want to gently press down the tape so it doesn't end up ripping part of your bag off when you remove it). Then press the stencil down with your free hand and paint around the edge of the heart. Once the edge is of the heart is finished, fill in the center. Carefully remove the stencil and touch up any rough edges. And voilà, you'll have a perfect heart!

Mason jar pincushion

When it comes to sewing I've always struggled with keeping my pins in one place (Stephen can attest to that). That's not to say I don't have a pincushion, I just find that when I'm sewing I feel as if I'm too busy to put them back. But these little pincushions are quite clever and practical. I've seen them on a few crafting websites and thought that just maybe I'd be more willing to take the time to keep things organized. Plus the added storage beneath is great for buttons, trims, needles, or thread/bobbins.

Pincushion Tutorial
Materials Needed
6x6 fabric scrap of your choice
jar with lid and band
cotton balls or fiberfill
cardstock (any color)
glue gun


Step 1: Using the lid of the jar, cut out a circle of the same size from the cardstock.

Step 2: Using the lid of the jar, trace around it on the WRONG side of your fabric. Increase the circle's radius by 1-2 inches and cut out the larger circle.

Step 3: Layer the fabric, cotton balls, and lid, then place the "sandwich" inside the band.

Step 4. Press the lid down so that the cotton balls and fabric form the pincushion on the opposite side of the band. Check to see if you need to move the fabric to avoid creases. Make any necessary adjustments and then fold in the fabric and hot glue it to the underside of the lid.

Step 5: Trim away any excess fabric and hot glue the cardstock over the fabric edges.

Step 6: Line the band with a small bead of glue and insert the pincushion into it- pressing firmly. Add the lid to the jar and you have a brand new pincushion- enjoy!