Cut from a Different Cloth

It's that time of the year when the long sleeved t-shirts are coming out and the short sleeved t-shirt  is going away until next Summer or if it's seen better days, it's about to be thrown in the bin. But before you chuck it, stop and have a creative think. Maybe there's something else you could do with it?! And so in steps this weeks Tiddlybits with creative inspiration for all your t-shirt related crafty goodness!

The first thing you need to learn, before embarking on any t-shirt craft projects, is how to make yarn from a t-shirt. It's so versatile and easy to do too. This tutorial from Simply Crochet Mag explains how to make it and is super simple to follow. 

You can put your t-shirt yarn straight to work making these super pretty coasters with a vintage feel. The tutorial featured on Mom It Forward and is from Jenn at Endlessly Inspired - which is a blog I urge you to check out if you're looking for ideas for your next project. 

A more advanced project is to make a basket from t-shirt yarn using crochet. This great tutorial from Instructables will get you making tonnes of these in no time and as you get more confident you can upscale the methods to make bigger baskets!

Another great tutorial from these folks is this no-sew t-shirt bag. I'm a bit dubious about how much weight it could hold but definitely a cool idea and worth a try.

And speaking of no sewing, if you are not into all this yarn business how about you try this no sew pillow from Dream Book Design? It is so classy and easy to make - the perfect combination.

I hope that this weeks Tiddlybits has at least planted the seed of a creative idea in your brain but if not head over to my Pinterest board for lots more inspiration. 

Happy Crafting! 

All the leaves are brown...

That familiar chill is back in the air, sensible shoes are walking the streets and cosy jumpers are back on the scene which can only mean one thing - Autumn is here. I love Autumn. In recent years it has definitely taken over as my favourite season. I get to go fruit picking and make delicious jams for tarts, I don't have to worry about my bits being out because they're all wrapped up in comfy tights and woolies again but more importantly the trees turn the most beautiful colours and it's hard not to be inspired by that! So this weeks Tiddlybits is all about things to make and do with those fabulous autumnal leaves that will soon be swimming around your feet.

These gorgeous napkin holders are from the Honest to Nod blog, the collaborative blog presented by The Land of Nod. They are super easy to make but the result is very expensive looking and will make having a ready meal for one a very elegant experience!

Who would I be if I didn't mention a way to use leaves in your gift wrapping? This is a great and super pretty idea from the equally great and super pretty Willowday blog.

A brilliant way to make your house feel all cosy on rainy autumn evenings is to make this lantern using fallen leaves. The tutorial from the Gingerbread Snowflakes blog is really well explained and easy to follow so we should all be able to make one of these.

These clay leaf bowls from Urban Comfort are stunning and would make a beautiful addition to your home. They would be great for holding earrings or soaps or any other delicate items that get lost if you just shove them in any old drawer!

One of the easiest things to do with leaves that fall at this time of year is to paint the textured side of the leaf any colour and then press it down on paper or fabric and then slowly peel away leaving the imprint of the leave behind on the surface. It's really easy but can be used in so many different ways. Just check out these few below of you don't believe me!

Leaf Stamped Gift Wrap

Leaf Printed Plates

Leaf Printed Cushion

Leaf Print Tote Bag

I hope these links have given you a few ideas for what you can do with your Autumn leaves but if you feel you need some more inspiration please check out my Leave Craft Inspiration Board on Pinterest. 

Happy Crafting!

Button Bonanza

So you may have sensed a theme this week since I launched my new logo and what better way to finish it off than with a button themed Tiddlybits?

One of my biggest crimes is that I tend to dog ear pages when I'm reading a book. Not so much a problem when I'm reading my own books but definitely a problem when they belong to friends! I find big paper bookmarks quite cumbersome so these Button Bookmarks from iheartnaptime.net are perfect for me and super easy to make! 

Continuing the book theme these Matchbox Button Holders are genius plus holding them will make you feel like a giant! You can find the mini tutorial here including the link to the free printable book cover templates.

Another simple craft idea from Big Box Detox and their Tutorial Tuesday's is to turn your old buttons into fridge magnets for keeping your bills and other bits super organised and looking pretty even if you can't pay them! 

I also love this idea from Martha Stewart for making your napkins look super cute and chic. So simple but so elegant!

I am definitely going to make this Giant Glitter Button myself. I can't think of a better craft project for the Tiddlybobs office but it would be the perfect addition to any sewing/crafting house and a great one to get the kids involved in though maybe not the drilling! 

If all this isn't enough to inspire you to undertake a button themed project then please check out my Pinterest board for more button inspiration.