Free Projects

Please enjoy the following craft project. I will be adding and changing the projects often so please be sure and bookmark this
page. If you have a craft that you would like added to this page, make sure and e-mail it to me and I will add it asap. Don't
forget to leave your name so that you can get credit for it!! Enjoy!

Fabric Table Runner

Desired Fabric-1/2 Yd.
Iron
Scissors
3/4 " Paper Backed Iron-On Hem Tape
Small Tassels*

1.Press the fabric with the iron on the correct setting for the fabric.
2.Fold the fabric in half lengthwise with the right side of the fabric to the outside. Use the scissors to even up the ends of the
fabric if necessary. Run your finger along the fold line so that the center of the fabric is marked lightly. Unfold the fabric with
the wrong side of the fabric up. Fold the outer corners of both ends of the fabric to the marked center and use the iron to
press these folds in place. The pressed folds should make even triangles on the ends of the fabric. Unfold the triangles.
3.Using the scissors, cut pieces of the hem tape for all four triangles. The pieces run along the edge of the fabric from the fold
mark in the center to the outside edge and from the outside edge down to the bottom of each triangle.
4.Lay the cut pieces of hem tape on the edges of the fabric and use the iron to press them in place according to the directions
for the hem tape. Remove the paper backing from one folded triangle and fold the triangle back over in place. Use the iron to
permanently seal the triangle in place. Repeat this procedure with the other three triangles.
5.Using the scissors again, cut a piece of the hem tape that runs from the bottom of one triangle on one side of the fabric to the
bottom of the triangle on the same side of the fabric. Use the iron to press this hem tape down. Remove the paper backing
and fold over the fabric and press it in place with the iron. Repeat this procedure with the other side of the fabric. This will
give you even hems along the sides of the table runner.
6.Using a matching or contrasting thread, attach made or purchased tassels to the end points of the table runner and you are
done.

* There are instructions for making a Small Tassel in this section.
Note: Two different fabrics can be made up using these directions and then sealed together with the iron-on hem tape. In this
way, you can have a reversible table runner.

Baby Food Jar Candlestick

4" X 4" Square of Wood
Four-1" Wooden Balls or Beads
Sand Paper
Heavy Glue or Glue Gun & Glue Sticks
Three/Four Baby Food Jars with Lids
1 " Nail & Hammer
Small Empty Cardboard Box
Spray Paint-Desired Color

1.Sand the wood square and the four wooden balls or beads as necessary to prepare them for painting. The balls or beads
can be omitted if desired, and replaced with four felt circles or squares.
2.If desired, glue the four balls or beads to the bottom of the wooden square at the four corners and let dry. Using the desired
glue, glue one jar to the center of the wood square. Be careful to not get any glue on the wood around the edges of the jar
when attaching the jar, because it will effect the look of the candlestick after it is assembled. Place the other two or three jars
on top of the first jar in the same manner. Be sure the jars are straight and centered on each other after making the tower and
no glue remains on the surface of the wood or the jars. Let dry.
3.Remove the lid from the top jar in the tower and hammer the nail through the center of the inside of the lid and then replace
the lid on the jar. This nail is to hold the candle for burning, so be sure the nail is large enough to hold a large candle.
Note: Black or gold paint can be added to the candlestick after it has been painted with a sponge or rag for added dimension
and decoration if desired. A matte finish varnish is suggested, if you plan to varnish the finished candlestick. This project can
be done with any small jars that are the same.

Wooden Candlestick

4 Wooden Banisters or Porch Spindles with Square Ends (6 to 10 inches)
1 Wooden Rosette (Used for trim on doors or windows)
Sandpaper
Wood Glue
2" Nail & Hammer
Cardboard Box
Spray Paint or Stain Spray Varnish
4 Felt Pads

1.Sand the wood pieces as necessary to prepare them for painting. Use wood glue applied to the sides to glue the 4 spindles
or banisters together into a square.
2.Turn the rosette upside down and hammer the nail through the center of the bottom of the rosette. Stand the spindles up and
glue the rosette on top. Let the glue dry thoroughly.
3.Place the candlestick inside a cardboard box. Spray the candlestick with paint or stain. Leave the candlestick inside the box
to let it dry to protect it from dust etc.
4.Leave the candlestick in the box and spray the candlestick with varnish and let dry.
5.Stick felt pads to the four outside corners to keep the candlestick from scratching the furniture.

Votive Candle Wreaths

4" Wreaths
Pencil
Scrap Cardboard
Scissors
Ribbon Scrapes
Glue
Small Decorations
Matching Votive Candles

1.Use the pencil to draw circles on the cardboard around a wreath to make cardboard bottoms for each wreath and cut out.
2.Wrap a ribbon around a wreath and glue down the ribbon on both ends. Glue a cardboard bottom to each wreath.
Decorate the wreaths with desired decoration. Be sure the decoration used is not flammable.
3.Place a candle inside each wreath and place where desired.

Bees Wax Candles

Wax Paper
100% Bees Wax Sheets
Hair Dryer
Candle Wick
Scissors
Sharp Knife
Regular Candles (Optional)
Cookie Cutters-Large & Small (Optional)

1.Cover the work area with wax paper. "Debloom" each sheet of the bees wax you are going to use for this project with the
hair dryer. This involves turning on the hair dryer to a medium temperature and blowing the entire surface of each sheet of the
bees wax on both sides with the hair dryer until it is shiny but not melted. Allow the sheets to cool before using them to make
your candles. Do not debloom the sheets of bees wax until you are ready to make candles with them. They will hold up better
and not be as delicate. See below for storage hints.
2.These candles can be rolled straight across or you can roll a sheet of the wax diagonally to make a tall narrow candle. If you
want to make smaller candles, use one of the straight edges of a piece of the wax paper as a guide and cut the sheet of wax as
needed with the sharp knife. Use the scissors to cut a length of the candle wick about an inch or so longer than the length of
the candle you are making. Lay the sheet of wax flat on your work surface and lay the cut piece of wick along the edge you
are going to roll to make your candle. Place the fingers of both hands along the edge of the wax sheet about an inch and a half
in from the ends of the wax sheet and roll the sheet towards the other end of the sheet. The tighter the roll that is made with
the sheet of wax, the longer the candle will burn. Use the hair dryer on a low setting to slightly warm the ending and beginning
sheets of wax each time you add a sheet of the wax to your candle. The last edge of the last sheet of the wax should be
warmed with the hair dryer on a medium setting and lightly mashed down with your fingers to seal it in place. Use the scissors
to trim any excess wick and you are done.

Assorted Hints for Bees Wax Candles and Candle
Making

Bees wax sheets can be used to cover the outside of regular candles by warming the section of the regular candle where the
sheet will be applied with the hair dryer set on a medium setting and them applying the bees wax sheet. Seal the ending edge
as instructed above. Use large or small cookie cutters to cut out shapes and add them to the bees wax candles or regular
candles by warming the surface of the base candle with the hair dryer set on a medium setting and then applying the cut out
shapes where desired. The cut out shapes can also be stuck to the inside of a glass container after warming the glass with the
hair dryer on a low setting and them pressing the shapes where desired. Place a piece of cut wick the length of the height of
the glass container inside the container and then fill the container with wax granules. Bees wax sheets should be stored where
they will not be exposed to high heat and between sheets of wax paper and no higher than three sheets tall so as not to
destroy the bees wax structure. A box only slightly larger than the sheets should be used. Old typing paper boxes are great for
this. Do not debloom the sheets of bees wax until you are ready to make candles with them. They will hold up better and not
be as delicate. 100% Bees wax candles do not drip.

Table Centerpiece with Candles

Votive Candles
Clear Glass Votive Candle Holders
Water
Tall Round Wine Glasses

Place the candles in the holders. Pour about a 1/2 inch of water into each glass. Carefully place the candles inside the wine
glasses and light. Food coloring can be added to the water but will diminish the amount of amplified light from the candles.

Pressed Flower Candle

Wax or Paraffin
Double Boiler/Electric Skillet
Scrap Candle-Dark Color
Clean Two Inch Paint Brush
Pressed Flowers
Scissors
Tweezers
Candle

1.Melt the wax or paraffin in the double boiler or electric skillet at 200 degrees. If the wax or paraffin begins to smoke, it is
too hot. Once the wax or paraffin has melted, you can test it for consistency by brushing some on a dark candle. If the wax
disappears, then the wax or paraffin is ready to be applied to the candle.
2.Use the scissors to cut the desired flowers as needed and get an idea of where you want to place them on the candle.
3.Use the paint brush to make a patch of hot wax on the candle and then place the flower onto it, using the tweezers if
necessary. Apply more coats of wax or paraffin over the adhered flower as desired. The number of coats of wax or paraffin
applied to the flower, give it a more recessed look. Add wax or paraffin to the rest of the candle to even it up, if many coats
of the mixture are added over the flower. Continue with this process until the candle is decorated as desired.

Gold Leaf On A Glass Plate

Glass Plate
Glass Cleaner
Lint Free Cloth
Gold Size (Glue for Attaching Gold Leaf)
Stiff Paint Brush
Sheet of Paper
Gold Leaf Sheets
2"-3" Dry Paint Brush
Small Dry Sponge/Pompom
Glass/Ceramic Varnish
Paint Brush

1.Wash and dry your hands well. Clean the bottom of the plate with glass cleaner and a lint free cloth. Any surface you are
applying gold leaf to, must be clean, free of dust, lint, and oil, particularly the oil from your hands, or it will not adhere to the
surface properly.
2.Apply an even and thorough coat of the gold size with the stiff paint brush to the bottom of the plate. Allow the size to dry
about 10-15 minutes or until tacky to the touch.
3.Make sure the area you are using to apply the gold leaf is draft free and as calm as possible. Gold leaf is very thin and fragile
and will blow away in the slightest breeze. Center the plate on the large sheet of paper to catch any flakes of the gold leaf so it
can be saved to reapply to the plate or used for other gold leaf projects. Beginning in the center of the plate, place sheets of
the gold leaf on the bottom of the plate, one sheet at a time. Tap each sheet of the gold down using the 2-3" dry paint brush.
Working with gold leaf takes practice so work slowly and carefully. Pieces of the gold leaf will flake off and can be used to
cover any missed spots on the plate. Continue applying the gold leaf until the entire surface of the bottom of the plate is
covered and as even as possible. Use a small dry sponge/pompom to gently rub over the surface of the gold leaf to smooth
out any rough spots and to seat the gold leaf into the glue. If more gold size is needed, wait 24 hours before reapplying it.
4.Apply one to two coats of glass/ceramic varnish to the bottom of the plate, letting each coat dry thoroughly before applying
the next coat. Washing-Any surface used for gold leaf must be gently hand washed and dried.
Note: These plates can lend an air of elegance to your table setting when placed under your regular china. Since the gold leaf
is attached to the bottom of the plate, these plates can be used for dining with the entire plate done or just the edge but must
be hand washed. A photocopy of any image can be adhered to the center of the plate in place of the gold leaf to make an
elegant plate for displaying on a wall or on a table.
A color photocopy of a family portrait in the center of a gold rimmed plate is very attractive. Apply any decoration to the plate
before applying the gold leaf. This same method can be used to apply gold leaf to any surface. Be sure the varnish used to seal
the gold leaf is correct for the material the gold leaf is applied to.

Large Tassel

Piece of Heavy Cardboard-Index Card Size
Yarn or Embroidery Floss
Scissors
Large Eye Needle or Needle Point Needle
Glue

1.Wrap the yarn or floss lengthwise around the piece of cardboard. Do not wrap tight enough to bend the cardboard. The
amount of yarn or floss used depends on the size of the tassel desired, but about an inch high of wrapping on both sides of the
cardboard will give you a nice sized tassel. You can use the same color for the entire tassel or mix several colors to blend
together for where the tassel will be used. Tie the ends of the floss or yarn together when changing colors.
2.When the yarn or floss has reached the desired size on the cardboard, thread the needle with a long piece of matching yarn
or floss. Push the needle between the cardboard and the yarn or floss on one end of the cardboard. Tie a knot as tight as
possible with this loose yarn or floss. Several knots are recommended to keep the top of the tassel in place.
3.Cut the yarn or floss at the other end of the card and remove the yarn or floss from the cardboard. Tie a long piece of
matching yarn or floss about an inch or so down from the top of the tassel in a tight knot and wrap it around the tassel at least
10 to 15 times. Put a dot of glue on the end of the yarn or floss to hold the center tie in place.
4.Use the yarn or floss from tying the top knot of the tassel to attach the tassel where desired.
Note: The size of the tassel can be changed by adjusting the size of the cardboard.

Small Tassel

Skein Of Embroidery Floss-Desired Color
Scissors
Glue

1.Cut a 10"-12" piece of floss from the skein and cut it in half. For thicker tassels, use two skeins.
2.String one piece of the cut floss through the loops of one end of the skein and double knot, leaving the ends free.
3.Tie the other piece of floss about an inch down from the tied loops and double knot. Wind the loose floss around the skein
over the knots and dot with glue to hold in place.
4.Cut the loops on the untied end of the skein. Use the loose floss from the tied end to attach the tassel where desired.
Note: These small tassels are good for trimming throw pillows, to decorate a pull knob on a drawer, for the tops of
homemade bookmarks or anywhere desired.

Wound Cording, Roping, Etc.

Triple Length of Material For Making Cording or Roping*
Hand Mixer
Helper

1.Triple the needed length of a length of the desired material for making the cording, etc. and lay them down on a flat surface.
2.Tie one end of the loose ends of the desired material to one beater of the hand mixer and have a helper hold the other ends
of the desired material.
3.While holding the mixer up at an angle, turn it on to the lowest setting possible and let the mixer wind the desired material
into the needed cording etc. Stop when it begins to twist on itself. Hold the two wound ends together and they will coil.
Note: To keep a woven rope, string or twine from coming unraveled after cutting it, place masking tape over about an inch or
so of the chosen material in both places you intend to cut. Cut in the center of the taped portion. The tape will keep the
material from coming unraveled.
*The desired material can be yarn, satin cording, rope, string, floss, or what ever you have that needs to be made into cording
or rope. Two or more different colors of the same material can also be used for this project.

Gift Bag Clock

Desired Gift Bag
Clock Mechanism/Hands
Battery For the Clock
Hole Punch/Scissors
Double Stick Tape
Desired Clock Numbers
Glue & Toothpicks
1 " Velcro™ Strip

1.Decide where on the gift bag, you wish the face of the clock to be placed. Make sure there is sufficient space for the
numbers. If you wish to only use the 12, 3, 6, and 9, or just dots, a smaller bag may be used. Open up the clock mechanism
package and make sure you have all the pieces you need. Place the battery for the clock inside the battery compartment. Use
the hole puncher or the scissors to make a hole for the center of the clock mechanism in the bag.
2.If the clock mechanism does not have glue strips on the edges, place strips of the double stick tape on the four edges that go
against the inside of the bag. Remove the paper backing from the glue strips if necessary, and attach the clock mechanism to
the inside of the bag with the center of the clock mechanism put through the hole you made in the gift bag. Assemble the hands
and rings of the clock in place, on the outside of the gift bag.
3.Attach the numbers to the outside of the gift bag where appropriate, by removing the paper backing on the back of the
numbers or use a small amount of glue applied with a toothpick to the back of the numbers to attach them. Attach the
Velcro™ strip to the center of both sides of the top of the bag to keep the bag closed and you have your finished gift bag
clock.

Fabric Covered Lamp Shade

Lamp Shade of Desired Size
Large Piece of Paper-Making Pattern For Fabric
Pencil
Ruler
Scissors
Desired Fabric
Iron
Disappearing Marker
Garbage Bag
Masking Tape
Glue, Sponge Brush, and Paper Plate or Spray Adhesive
Clothespins
Glue Gun and Glue Sticks

1.Place the lamp shade along one of the longer sides of the large piece of paper. Trace the pattern of the lamp shade onto the
large sheet of paper. This is done by rolling the shade on the paper and drawing along the top and bottom of the shade with
the pencil. This pattern will function as a planning guide for the fabric that will cover the shade. Using the ruler, add about a
half inch to the top and bottom of the paper pattern to allow for folding the fabric to the inside of the lamp shade. Once this is
done, add an inch or so to one end of the pattern to allow for folding over the fabric to join the two ends of the fabric
together. Once you have the paper pattern of your lamp shade, use the scissors to cut out the shape.
2.Press the desired fabric with the iron to remove any folds or creases in the fabric. Lay the pressed fabric out on a large flat
surface with the WRONG side of the fabric facing up. Place the paper pattern of the lamp shade on the fabric. Using the
disappearing marker, draw around the edges of the paper pattern of the lamp shade to transfer the pattern to the fabric and
then remove the paper pattern. If you have several lamp shades of the same size, it's a good idea to save this paper pattern so
you will have it if you need it again to do another lamp shade. Once you have this basic fabric shape, use the ruler and
disappearing marker to measure and mark the extra half inch on the fabric for the fabric for the top and bottom for the inside
of the lamp shade. Use the ruler and marker to mark off the extra inch for folding over the fabric on one end as well. Use the
scissors to cut out the fabric.
3.Now that you have the fabric pattern for your lamp shade, use the disappearing marker and ruler to mark off one quarter,
one half or one inch sections along the top and bottom of the fabric on the part of fabric that will be on the inside the lamp
shade. These areas will allow you to fold this fabric to the inside of the lamp shade and will allow the fabric to be flat and even
on the lamp shade. The size of these sections depends on the size of the lamp shade. The smaller the shade, the smaller these
marked areas need to be, to be sure the fabric lies flat.
4.Use the scissors to cut along the marked sections you have made at the top and bottom of the fabric lamp shade shape.
These cut slits should stop just above the drawn line for the actual shape of the lamp shade.
5.Fold over the fabric that is on the end that will seal the fabric around the lamp shade and press this fabric down with the iron
to make it easier to glue this section into place.
6.Cut open the garbage bag along the sides with the scissors and lay it over your work area. Use the masking tape to tape
down the four corners of the bag to hold the garbage bag in place. The garbage bag will cover your work area and protect it
from the glues as you cover your lamp shade.
7.The fabric can be attached to the lamp shade in one of two ways. You can use a household glue and a sponge brush or a
spray adhesive. I prefer the household glue as it gives you more time to adjust the fabric and make sure it is straight and
smooth as you apply it to the shade.

Glue and Sponge Brush Application

1.Pour some of the household glue onto the paper plate. Use the sponge brush to apply a thin layer of the glue onto one
section of the lamp shade from the top to the bottom. Do not put the glue on the inside of the shade, as this part will be glued
separately later on.
2.Begin placing the fabric to the glued section of the lamp shade by the beginning end of the fabric that is not folded over,
being sure you follow the drawn line for the actual shape of the lamp shade and that the fabric is smooth and even. Continue
this process until the entire lamp shade has been covered with fabric.
3.When you have covered the shade and have come back to the part where you started, use the tip of the sponge brush to
apply some extra glue along the edge of the beginning fabric and then press the folded section from the end of the fabric in
place. Put clothespins at the top and bottom of the folded section of fabric to hold this fabric down flat while the glue dries.
Allow the lamp shade to dry completely before continuing with the project.

Spray Adhesive Application

1.Spray the adhesive in one section of the lamp shade at a time and then press the fabric into place being sure you follow the
draw line for the actual shape of the lamp shade and that the fabric is smooth and even. Your fingers can be used to move any
air bubbles toward the top or bottom to remove them. If you make a mistake in placing the fabric, pull up on the fabric very
carefully so you don't damage the lamp shade and press the fabric into place again. Do not put the glue on the inside of the
shade, as this part will be glued separately later on. Continue this process until you have covered the shade and have come
back to the part where you started.
2.Use the glue gun to run a bead of glue over the beginning fabric and press the folded section from the end of the fabric in
place. Place clothespins at the top and bottom to hold this fabric down while the glue cools.

Last Step

Once the fabric has been applied to the outside of the lamp shade, use the glue gun to attach the cut slits of fabric along the
inside of the lamp shade at the top and bottom.

Variations: Cording, gold braid, lace, fringe, etc. can also be added to the top, bottom, or both top and bottom using the glue
gun, if desired.
Note: Pre-glued lamp shades are also available and you can use the protective cover of the lamp shade as a planning guide for
your fabric but be sure you add the extra fabric at the top, bottom and along one end for the extra fabric mentioned for the
inside and the folded section at the end of the lamp shade.

Sherry Lynn Campbell