Nifty & Thrifty

 When the thermometer rises, everyone knows it is flip-flop season.

 One of the least expensive shoes available in the summertime is fabulous flip-flops.

• Many pairs cost $2.50 or less.
• They are available in a rainbow of colors and a variety of styles.
• I prefer the foam flip-flops because of their decorating potential.
• I can create a pair to coordinate with my outfit or as an inexpensive party craft for a summer barbecue.
  
  Let’s add some pizzazz to a new pair of flip-flops or bring some life back into an old pair of flip-flops.
  
  Fluffy Flip-Flops:

This activity is perfect for old or young at heart. I have seen young girls make these darling flip-flops at birthday parties, and I even made myself a pair during a weekend scrapbook crop with friends.

• You will need 1 x 6 inch strips of your favorite fabrics.
• Cut 28 strips per shoe using pinking shears so the fabric won’t unravel.
• Tie each strip onto the strap of the flip-flop for soft and fluffy footwear.
• An additional tip is to use tulle or ribbon for a similar look.
•  Make sure the ribbon doesn’t have wire in it. That might cause ouchy-flops!
  
  Trendy Trims Flip-Flops:

• Use rick-rack trim or sequin trim to create a dazzling pair of flip-flops.
• Simply glue on the trim to the foam base of the flip-flop and then to the strap of the flip-flops.
•  Such a quick and clever look to a basic, inexpensive shoe.
  
  The 3 B’s -- Buttons, Boas, and Bow Ties:

Style your flip-flops with the 3 B’s (buttons, boas, and bow ties).

Whether you are a vintage girl or a modern woman, buttons will add bling to your flip-flops.

• Use old buttons from your grandma’s collection or new, bright buttons that you have been saving in a jar.
• Simply glue or sew your buttons to the strap of the flip-flop.
• It will take approximately 15 buttons depending on the size of the shoe.
• Always start your button design in the center where the two straps meet.
• Think about layering your buttons by placing a large button as the base and a smaller button on top.
  
  To create spa looking flip-flops, use parts from a feather boa. This is such a terrific craft for a girls getaway. Cut the boa in a section to glue to the strap of the flip-flop. If you want an elegant look, use only a small section of boa feathers in the center of the strap and then place rhinestones onto the sides of the straps. You may even want to write the word “Bride” onto the heel of the flip-flop for a wedding gift.

Glorious ribbons and bows make flip-flops shine. When I was in Bermuda, I visited a store that sold flip-flops with ribbon bows in the center where the straps met. The cost -- $30 a pair! I immediately thought – Wow, I can do that!

1. Tie two ribbon bows approximately the same size and secure to the center of the flip-flops’ straps.
2. Place a button on the bow’s knot or wrap the straps with ribbon and then add the bow as an accent.
3. Create dangles using beads and hang them onto the ribbon with a jump ring.

You too can have that Bermuda flip-flop for pennies of the cost.

Bedazzled Gem and Rhinestone Flip-Flops: It seems like I am seeing gems and rhinestones on everything this summer from souvenir T-shirts to cell phone cases, so why not on a pair of flip-flops.

You can glue gems to the straps of a flip-flop or even along the edge of the foam base.

Create patterns with color or sizes of gems on your flip-flops.

 Rhinestones and beads have holes in some of them which allow you to sew them with clear jewelry thread.

 Use pliers and a strong needle to sew through the flip-flop strap.

You may even consider hanging some favorite charms onto your flip flops for added sparkle and bling.

Yummy Yarn Flip-Flops:

• Yarn comes in so many textures and colors which makes it perfect for styling your flip-flops.
• Cut 3 ½ yards of yarn per flip-flop and wrap each strap with it.
• Different types of yarn will create different looks. I love chenille yarn and eyelash looking yarn for flip-flops.
• Use more than one color of yarn to create patterns or layered texture.
  
  If your fashion taste is simple elegance, then try embellishing just the center of the strap.

Here are a few suggestions for creating a special pair of flip-flops:

• Flowers: Silk floral flowers glued to the strap with a large rhinestone center.
• Ribbon: Add bows to the straps. Vary the size of the bow from extra large to 3 mini bows.
• Beads: Sew on a large beaded flower and add beads along the strap
• Fun Foam: Perfect for the little crafter. Simply glue on the shapes and add buttons or sequins.
• Glitter: Paint glue on your straps and glitter away. I just purchased a pair of glitter flip-flops. What was I thinking?
• Fabric: Roll fabric to create rosettes for a lovely pair of floral flip-flops. Cover your straps with fabric.
• Other oddities: Floral butterflies, patches for clothes, game pieces, rubber stamping a design, and painting the flip-flops.

I have even seen people replace the plastic straps on their flip-flops with leather and soft, narrow rope. I am not brave enough to do that but you may be.

I hope you design an inexpensive pair of flip-flops that reflect your personal style.

It always brings me so much pleasure when asked, “Where did you find those flip-flops?”

And I can reply, “I made them!”

Keep cool crafting this summer!

~My Studio Pink (Kara Ward)

In all honesty, I am not a gift sack girl. Sure they are convenient and come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, but they add to the overall cost of the gift. A $5 gift sack makes a $20 gift easily go to $30 with the gift sack plus needed tissue paper and a card.

I am a package girl.

There is something about a beautiful package that makes my heart thump and the anticipation grow inside me. Stores just don’t give out boxes anymore for wrapping gifts. I am sure they are trying to cut costs. I reuse boxes that have been saved year after year. Lately I have been making my own boxes from scrap paper. That led me to think about using my gift boxes in other ways.

Take a peek --

With both of my children’s and my dad’s May birthdays, we needed something to hang on the front door of our home so all the passersby would know a birthday was happening at our home. I created a birthday wreath using boxes. I simply made my colorful, small boxes and placed them in a circular shape. Adding a few celebration embellishments and old party favors was just the bedazzle I needed. I will reuse the wreath year after year which causes my expenditure to go down and down. Think about placing a photo of the birthday honoree in the center of the wreath. That would personalize it even more.

I use boxes to store my supplies. Glitter, ink, and ribbon store neatly in these cute boxes. Each box costs 75 cents to make. You can’t beat the price, and making your own storage allows you to match your containers with your own personal style. It is also a good way to use up extra paper you have been saving for a while. Don’t forget to label the boxes. If the grandchildren are coming for a visit, store your crayons, markers, and colored pencils in these easy-to-make boxes. They just might be the perfect size for tidying up all the Lego pieces.

A collage box was something I was envisioning when I made boxes. I kept thinking if I cut a hole in the box like a window, I could create a collage or a winter scene inside of my paper box. It could hold a paper nest in the spring or a spooky trick-or-treat diorama for fall. It might even hold a collection of pieces from my past -- like an old photo, my dad’s baby shoe, or a handkerchief of my grandma’s. The ideas are endless once you cut a hole in the lid of your box.

With a simple paper or ribbon handle, your box becomes a basket. Give the gift of candy in a paper box. Make it look like flowers by simply punching petals from patterned paper. It is also a clever way to package a movie gift card along with a couple bags of microwave popcorn.

Add wheels to the box and it is no longer a box with a lid. It is a super, snazzy car, truck, or amazing vehicle. For hours of enjoyment this summer, craft up some boxes for play. Create vehicles with buttons or milk jug lids and city buildings by stacking boxes. Make homes and roads to connect all your box buildings. Let your summer sizzle with crafting fun!

Don’t get boxed in with your ideas.

With a piece of paper and a little imagination, you can create many uses for an ordinary box.

Take it to the next level and make it extraordinary!

If you love using the Scoring Board to create boxes, here is a great You Tube Video! 

~Miss Nifty Thrifty (Studio Pink) 

One of my first jobs as a teenager was at a local amusement park. I thought I had the best job in the park!

You see, I made giant tissue paper flowers on dowel rod sticks. When park guests entered the main gate, they were greeted with large pots filled with tissue paper flowers. My favorite ones to create were the rainbow flowers. They would sell as soon as I filled a pot.

My days of making tissue paper flowers at an amusement park are long gone, but my love for the tissue paper craft still exists.

My sister-in-law is getting married, and I was the host for her shower. Unfortunately it was in another state. That made decorating for the shower even trickier. It finally occurred to me to create mini tissue paper flowers to hang from the ceiling over the food table.

I secured the flowers to tulle for garlands and filled vases with them.

My supply list for creating the tissue paper flowers was short:

• white tissue paper,
• white pipe cleaners,
• scissors,
• green cardstock (for leaves),
• and floral centers.

And I am happy to report that the decorations didn’t break the bank.

-They were so well received that the bride decided to create some for her wedding reception.

Let me show you how to make your own dazzling flowers.

•  Start with 6 to 7 sheets of tissue paper. It can be any color, any size, any texture or pattern.

For small flowers, I cut my tissue paper into 6 x 6 inch squares.

The only rule of thumb is to maintain a square when creating your flower.

Also I have been known to put my stacked tissue paper on my paper trimmer to cut it to size.

•  I like even folds when creating my flowers.

I love to use my scoring board to get even lines before I fan-fold the tissue paper.

You don’t have to score before you fold.

If you do use the scoring board, stack all your tissue paper on it, and score lightly so you don’t cause a tear.

• Once the tissue paper is fan-folded or accordion folded, use a pipe cleaner to twist tie the center together as shown.

If you don’t have pipe cleaners, then use a bread bag tie, trash bag tie, or string.

I am a fan of the pipe cleaner because then, I can twist tie the flower onto a garland, a ribbon on a package, or create a small loop and hang the flower from fishing line.

• Cut your petal shape on both ends of the fan-folded tissue stack.

When cutting a rounded petal edge, think about the shape of your flower.

The deeper you cut down towards the pipe cleaner twist tie, the more space you will have between your petals.

I cut some of my petals more curved at the top and others pointier. Have fun playing with shape.

• Carefully pull the accordion folded shape open.

Separate the tissue paper by arranging some of the pieces toward the front and some toward the back to create a flower.

Go slow.

This is when I tear mine.

Once I realized how easy these were to make,

the ideas for using the tissue paper flowers got my wheels turning

and my creative juices flowing.

Here is what I came up with:

• Wrap a pretty gift and add a flower to the ribbon.

         Embellish the flower with cardstock leaves and floral pieces to make the center of the flower more realistic.

• Create a brooch for Mother’s Day, a girlfriend getaway, or a unique pin for a purse, jacket, or scrapbook bag.

Use old dress patterns for the tissue paper instead of buying gift wrap.

Use a floral stem for the base of the brooch.

•  Make a floral display that you won’t have to water.

Martha Stewart Crafts has a kit to create a beautiful spring bouquet.

This might be the perfect accent for a little girl’s room or your cube decoration at the office.

• Create a party garland with different sized flowers.

 Use large rickrack for the base of the garland.

Twist-tie the flowers onto it.

Add stickers, alphabet letters, or even buttons to decorate the garland.

Do you need a cute way to wrap a gift quick?

• Create a paper band around dish towels and accent the band with tissue paper flowers for a wow effect

Use the same band idea around a delicious candy bar.

What a sweet way to tell a teacher thank you for a great school year or a nice pick-me-up for a girlfriend having a bad week.

*These tissue paper flowers are perfect for accenting hair barrettes, journals, picture frames, or even creating a festive wreath.

 Let your imagination soar with ideas on how to use these inexpensive embellishments.

Who would have thought that I would still be making tissue paper flowers 25 years later and counting!

Happy Crafting!

~Miss Nifty Thrifty (Studio Pink)