tgif quickie :: fabric-wrapped initials

Thanks so much to all of you who left comments about your week. I extended the drawing a bit since, uh, the comments weren't exactly flooding in. The recipient of this Wednesday's hump day giveaway is Tracy! If you're Tracy, please e-mail me your snail mail and I'll get your pendant on its way! If you didn't win, please don't be bummed and throw stuff. I draw a number at random--my random number generator? A four year old. She draws a numbered paper slip from a mug..so the first number to contact her sticky, probably jam-laden hand is selected. I know, not very scientific. But random, fo sure.

This week's quickie is a fun little project that's perfect for doing with kids. They can help with almost everything--minus the glue gun parts, of course. And, moms, you will be relieved to know that despite their involvement, it will still turn out cute. Maybe you're not a control freak like me...but maybe you are. I don't judge.

Get it:

• paper wrapped wire (I got mine at Michaels--giant spool for $5-ish)
• fabric scraps, cut into strips at least 1" wide. Length doesn't matter much.
• glue gun
• buttons, bits, beads and baubles
• other fun things, like birds (mine were at the Dollar Store--score)
• cord for hanging

Do it:

• Unwrap a length of wire and start bending it into desired initial. Lower case is always easier. Some initials might require you to cut the wire and use multiple pieces. Not too hard. When you've achieved your desired shape, make sure to double back the pokey ends so no one ends up stuck. That's not quality time when someone is bleeding.

• This part is fun and easy. Taking your strips of fabric, glue down one end and simply wrap it around the wire. You can finish it off by gluing the end down or tying it to the next strip, which looks pretty cute, too. Continue all around until all the wire is covered. You might need to tighten up parts or add bit more glue in spots. It's all good..

• Decide where you want your other fun tid-bits to go. Sew on buttons or beads, glue on flowers and birds. It's still pretty flexible, even wrapped in fabric, so you can make adjustments to the shape as needed.

That's it. I know. Who needs a tutorial for THAT? Well, I'm feeling pretty lazy this Friday. You can modify the shape--I made an egg for Easter, heart for Valentine's etc. This would also make a great project for a girl's birthday party. Little girls gathered around, giddily crafting...pure heaven.

P.S.--I will be at the Down to Earth Craft Show tomorrow, 10-6, at the Sacramento News and Review parking lot. Stop by and say hello!

Have a great weekend!

Comments

[Melissa H]

i recognize some of that fabric ;) Good luck at the show tomorrow.

[tracy]

super cute idea. gotta go get me some wire!!

[Debbie/StudioBeeCreations]

OH MY.....This is UBER CUTE!!...love the whole whimsey-texture!!!.....TFS
creative blessings, Debbie

[Julie]

I am going to have to try this. What a cute idea..

[sarah]

I came here via the crafty crow, and I have to say what a great project. And you write so entertainingly that I'm going to have to you to my bloglines!

[Kim]

That would be an awesome gift topper...LOVE IT!!!!

[se7en]

These are so cute, I am definitely going to do this with my kids this weekend!

[Tina]

I love this! So adorable. This would be really cute as family Christmas ornaments. Or to hang up in a child's room, or a gift topper, or who knows what?! Love it!

[rachelle]

wowie super cute. can't wait to try it. thank you! (i'm thinking such cute gifts too~ sure hope my dollar store's got some birds~)

[Belinda]

This is way too wondreful!!! I'm going to use this with my little guy who is learning his letters/sounds. We'll create one for each letter and hang them on his wall. Thanks, thanks, thanks, for this terrific crafty idea. Your a true gem.

[Marie @ Make and Takes]

Darling. I'm making one today!

[molly]

came here, like so many others today, via crafty crow. love these letters! can't wait to make some as gift toppers.

are you in the sacramento area? i live just up the hill in auburn - nice to find a "local" blogger.

[Ms.Tee]

Adorable - what a cute idea. :)

[Moobaby101]

what type of wire did you use exactly?

[Kelly from Almost Frugal]

I'd like to include this craft in the Holidays by Hand ribbons and thread edition on November 18th. Please let me know if that's OK. http://almostfrugal.com/holidays-by-hand/

[Jennifer Clark]

That's a great idea for a girl's birthday party craft. It would be a great party favor! Lovin the simple crafts!