Q: I love the look of embroidered stationery, but I don't like the price. Any ideas for making it myself?A: Not only can I give you some tips for making your own, but it's only going to cost you a few dollars.
You'll need to get plain cardstock note cards and matching envelopes. The find a design you like (I suggest looking in coloring books). I selected a flower for my demo, but you can choose anything you want.
Create your own "carbon paper" by tracing the design onto a sheet of paper, turning it over and scribbling across the back of the design with a pencil. Then place it, scribbled side down, on the front of a note card and draw over the outline of the design. The pencil lead on the back will be faintly transferred to the note card.
Use a darning needle and narrow silk ribbon to stitch the design onto the note card. When you're through sewing, pull the thread under a previous stitch to secure in place.
Embellish the edges of the envelope and note card with running stitches or flat pieces of ribbon glued in place.
Finish the cards by gluing a piece of cardstock over the back of the embroidered page to cover the back of the stitches. Your notes will never be dull again.
Q: My daughter loves to write in her diary. Any ideas on how to create a special one for her?
A: Sure, and this project can be one that both you and your daughter make together. All you need to start is a notepad and some scrapbook papers.
Decorate the front of the notepad using glue and a piece of the scrapbook paper. Use decorative-edge scissors to cut out contrasting scrapbook papers and glue them onto the front.
Now you're going to make the backing. Measure the notepad and add 3" to the length. Cut a piece of cardboard to those dimensions using decorative-edge scissors. Attach the piece of cardboard to the back of the notepad, and the additional 3" will extend over the top.
Use a craft knife and ruler to score the cover, making it fold. Glue in place.
Cut a small square from the cardboard and cover it with scrapbook paper. Embellish it with gems and ribbon and glue it to the front of the notepad. Add stickers for additional decoration. Now your daughter will have a diary all her own.
Q: At work we have a magnetic message board. Some of the letters do not stick, and I was wondering if there was a way to fix them without buying new ones?
A: It sounds like small replacement magnets need to be glued onto the back of the letters that aren't sticking. You'll need to remove the old magnets (you may need to use a craft knife, but be very careful not to cut yourself). Once you have the old magnet removed, cut the new magnet to size, remove the protective backing and stick it to the letter. Magnets come in rolls or sheets and are easy to cut. You can purchase them from crafts or office-supply stores.
