C&T Publishing is a group of quilters and crafters dedicated to publishing products tailored to our audience. This blog is where we break away from book schedules and marketing campaigns to focus on what drives us to be creative and how this creativity manifests itself in our every day lives.
Tag Archives: Junk to Jewel
Linen Country Bird block pillows for Mother’s Day
For Mom’s day this year I wanted to do something springy and special, yet still in alignment with my Junk to Jewel style. I decided on this mama and baby bird linen pillow set, and put a new, modern spin on one of C&T Publishing’s classic quiltmaking books in the process.
I used the Country Bird block from Nancy Johnson-Srebro’s Block Magic. I love that she has all the math figured out for you—mama bird is a 12″ block and baby (Continue Reading...)
Junk to Jewel: Gift Basket
I needed a hostess gift this weekend and I needed it fast. So I headed to my studio to see what was in my stash. I found this purse and thought I could quickly turn it into a great treat and still make it to the party on time!
The Junk
I used the liner as the pattern for the new fabric I selected and then swapped out the ribbon for a larger plain black one. I added a few (Continue Reading...)
Junk to Jewel: Heirloom tomato pincushions
I’m sure every one of you readers recognizes this image: The classic tomato pincushion. I have had a love affair with the little tomato pincushion for some time now. In fact, I have a canister full of vintage pincushions in my studio. There is just something about them that makes me smile. So when it came time to start making Christmas presents, I thought it would be fun to use my thrifted velvet cloth and fabric scraps, (Continue Reading...)
Junk to Jewel: Vintage Skirt Hem Marker to Inspiration Display
Lesley Riley is one of my favorite artists—her art always makes me smile. I think it is her use of all those great vintage photos. But whatever the reason I think her work and her projects are just plain fun!
How lucky was I to find that one of her quilts is featured on one of the cards in our new Inspired! Creativity Cards deck. I thought this month it might be fun to incorporate the card into a little (Continue Reading...)
Junk to Jewel: Old Candlestick to Elevated Felted Pincushion
The Junk
The Jewel
Supplies
12” tall candlestick – (mine was about 4.5” diameter for pillar candles)
One men’s large sweater – felted. (You may need additional felted yardage to give you the pincushion size that you are after)
2 – 2.5oz roving – color doesn’t matter as it will be covered up
Large felting needle
Paper for tracing pattern
Decorative pins (mine came from the scrapbook store)
Carpet/button thread
Tapestry needle
Decorative ribbons
Instructions
With roving and a felting needle, create a half ball shape a little wider than the diameter (Continue Reading...)
Junk to Jewel: Pile of Old Sweaters to Felted Friendship Ribbons
The felting process for me is like a magic trick. I can put a XXL 100% wool sweater along with a towel and a little soap in the washing machine and presto chango – out comes a thick fuzzy fabric that can be used to make all sorts of wonderful treasures.
The Junk
It all started when I wanted to make a sewing related friendship gift for a friend that just made her first quilt. She did such a great job I (Continue Reading...)
Junk to Jewel: $2 Basket Handbag to Cheerful Summer Door Decor
The Junk
I do so love it when a plan comes together! Last summer Susanne Woods, Our Acquisitions Editor and I were looking through some European magazines for ideas…colors, trends, things we couldn’t live without, when I came across a photo of a lovely basket of flowers hanging on a door. I thought that could be a fun Junk to Jewel project…..
I tore out the page, filed it in my “don’t forget” file, and promptly forgot the whole thing. That was (Continue Reading...)
Junk to Jewel: Swing Frame Album to Decorative Scrapbook Page Display
The Junk
Objects in metal always catch my eye. I believe this little photo album has lots of potential…..and the price of one dollar makes it even more attractive…..
In addition to fabric and yarn, I enjoy working with paper. Making cards is one of my favorite ways to express my creativity. Lately I have seen lots of different ways for people to include different “unexpected” household items to showcase their paper creations. From cookie sheets to vintage cigar boxes and everything (Continue Reading...)
Junk to Jewel: Messenger Bag to Reusable Gift Wrap
The Junk
I love wrapping presents! Whenever I go to garage sales and thrift stores I’m always on the look-out for ribbons, embellishments, and other little treasures that would make for perfect additions to my gift wrap, and make my gifts look truly special.
So, when I saw this messenger bag I instantly thought it would make great reusable gift packaging for a gift I was working on for a dear friend.
Junk to Jewel: Tennis Racket Frame to Oversize Pincushion
Editor’s Note: Today’s craft month project of the day is the first post in an exciting new series called Junk to Jewel by C&T author and editorial team member, Sue Astroth. Junk to Jewel will chronicle Sue’s upcycling adventures with thrift store finds.
Unlike our other craft month projects, this post doesn’t offer a specific materials list or step-by-step instructions. What it does offer is a look inside the mind of C&T’s resident upcycling queen, and the inspiration needed for you (Continue Reading...)
