Author: plyders

Concept base for a pouf…

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The two poufs I made have proven very useful in our livingroom. My daughters often choose to sit on the poufs rather than the couch or armchairs. But I wanted them to serve as more than a footrest or seat. I sketched an idea for a simple base tray that can alternately be underneath or on top of the pouf. I created a prototype out of scrap cardboard. When underneath the pouf, the base tray raises it to a standard seat height so it function as extra seating at our dining table. If I flip the base tray over and place it on top of the pouf, the combination functions as a side table.
Ultimately, I’d like to make this base tray out of finish plywood, but I lack the tools and materials. When I get around to making cube poufs, which I prefer, I will make a square base tray prototype.

Stuff a pouf with scraps…

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While researching creative uses for my bins of scrap fabric, I found a pattern on bhg.com for a pouf. I chose an outdoor cotton duck fabric and pretty much followed the bhg.com instructions verbatim except that I opted for minimal hand stitching to finish the top and bottom octagons. To fill the pouf, I used two large storage bins of scrap fabric and fiber fill from three old pillows. It was very satisfying to use so much “waste” to create something so useful, lasting, and attractive. To be totally honest, I am not in love with the octagonal shape. If I make any more poufs, they will be cubes. I found two wool blankets at a thrift store that I felted just for this purpose. Since I am all out of fabric scraps for filling, I can purchase bags of rejected thrift store clothing for $0.10/lb.

Origami pyramid centerpiece…

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Origami is one of the most simple and satisfying crafts for me. The cost is minimal, the required tools are only my two hands and the occasional scissors or cutting blade, yet the results are always awesome. This is an experiment for a pyramidal centerpiece. I chose stark, minimal white paper for this prototype.

Marshmallow shooters for Halloween…

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Simple homemade marshmallow shooters were the hit of my daughter’s Halloween party. Unadorned ½” PVC pipe and fittings were inexpensive, easy to put together, and a great party favor. The ensuing marshmallow fight was a great activity before trick-or-treating. But my daughter will tell you that picking up smashed marshmallows around the yard the next morning was not so fun.

Handmade decor for a Halloween party…

Image | | plyders

Happy Halloween! We invited kids over for a pre-trick-or-treat party. Simple decorations included ripped cheesecloth crawling with plastic spiders, a pumpkin vomiting fruit, bone-shaped bread, bleeding candles, black daisies, hanging paper bats, and lots of rubber roaches. Note to self: take more pictures with a better camera.

Flirty swing dress from a giant t-shirt…

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The second of two gigantic t-shirts was transformed into a dress. The chest pocket remains in the original location so it wraps over the new side seam. The bottom edge is raw but the sleeves and collar hems were preserved.

Large t-shirt = Mini Maxi-dress

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Stella asked me to make her an upcycled dress rather than more tutus.  Style upgrade. I altered an XL men’s t-shirt into a long sleeved maxi-dress with raw edges and an added panel at the chest to fill the plunging V-neck.

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For a little income this summer, my 10 yr old daughter chose to make and sell handmade giant bubble wands and homemade giant bubble juice at a local music festival. So of course I excitedly helped with research, design, and graphics. What a fun alternative to the usual lemonade stand. Even my 4 year had great success making giant bubbles with the homemade juice.