Polka Dot Mason Jar Tutorial Inspired by DIY Mason Jars 35 Creative Crafts and Projects for the Classic Container

I recently had the pleasure of reading DIY Mason Jars 35 Creative Crafts and

Projects for the Classic Container.  I LOVE mason jar crafts and the thought of having an entire book dedicated to them made me super excited!

One of the crafts that really intrigued me was a sparkle mason jar.  Author, Melissa Averinos makes a sparkle mason jar by using star confetti, mod podge, and glitter.  Her sparkle mason jar looked beautiful and I was inspired to make my own version.


To make my polka dot mason jar I began with the following materials:

• Mason Jar Ball Wide Mouth Quart Jars with Lids and Bands, Set of 12
• Bold Metallic Sequins 3 Assorted Sizes Sequins, 7mm 9mm & 10mm
• Glitter Glitter Assortment 12 - 3/4 0z. Bottles
• Antique Matte Mod Podge Plaid Mod Podge CS12948 8-Ounce Antique Matte
• Foam Brush Woodstock D2031 Foam Brush with Wooden Handles, 24-Piece
• DIY Mason Jars: Thirty-Five Creative Crafts and Projects for the Classic Container

Next, to make my project I began by brushing the antique matte mod podge on the inside of the jar.  I chose the antique matte mod podge because I want my project to be muted and not so bold.  The antique matte mod podge is perfect for that!  Next, I sprinkled some sequins inside of the jar.

I then slowly started sprinkling some green and silver glitter into the mason jar.

Once the entire jar was covering in glitter I wanted an hour and then added another layer of antique matte mod podge to completely seal the inside of the jar.  It took about 12 hours for the entire thing to completely dry.  At first it looked blotchy and I was worried that this was a craft fail.  However, after 12 hours everything looked great and I love it!  You can place an electric tea light inside or a candle.  You can also place a smaller jar inside and use it as a vase.

The sequins look just like painted polka dots and the antique matte mod podge along with the glitter gave the jar a frosted look!

Love this project and are looking for more mason jar craft inspiration? DIY Mason Jars: Thirty-Five Creative Crafts and Projects for the Classic Container by Melissa Averinos is separated into five parts.  The first part is all about the history and miscellaneous goodness of mason jars, second part is using mason jars in the kitchen, third part is using mason jars around the home, fourth part how to gift give with mason jars, and final fifth part is creative uses for mason jars.

 

Each tutorial has a material list along with clear step-by-step instructions.  Best of all there wasn't a single craft that I didn't have supplies on hand to make!  I hate when craft books have such obscure materials that I would have to invest hundreds of dollars in supplies just to make a single craft.  The crafts are easy to make, easy to follow - my kind of book!

Adventures in Pompom Land Review

Adventures in Pompom Land by Myko Diann Bocek shares 25 cute projects made from handmade pompoms.  That is right - handmade pompoms!  These are not the cheap pompoms that you find in the children's section of a craft store.  These are handmade pompoms made with wool yarn.

I was really excited to review the book, however, when the book arrived the projects look way too difficult.  I am kickin' myself for not reviewing the book sooner.  Adventures in Pompom Land sat on my desk for a month just mocking me.  I had serious handmade pompom jitters.  I am crafty but could I really make any of these projects?  Turns out not only can I make them but I loved every minute of it!

The book has several pages dedicated to making pompoms by hand.  Along with step-by-step instructions to make 25 different little adorable creatures.  I am sure (like any craft) there is a learning curve.  Though, I am very happy with my very first handmade pompom animal!

I chose my first project to be a bird because I had the supplies on hand to make her.  Many of the other animals have appendages and to make them I would need wool roving (wool that has been carded and combed) along with felting needles.  I had so much fun making the bird that I think I will invest in additional supplies to make another animal.

Also, when making another animal I will use more yarn. I think if it was tighter it would have looked better.  I am cheap, though, and this yarn is expensive so it was hard for me to use more.  The directions are also not really clear on how much yarn you will need.  For instance, for the head I was told to use a 1/4 of the skein.  I wasn't working with a full skein, which left me very unsure how much to use.

To tie the pompoms the author recommends using waxed twine.  I am not sure what waxed twine is?  It sounded like dental floss to me.  I used dental floss and was able to tie my pompom (very tight) successfully.

I would recommend Adventures in Pompom Land to other crafters.  However, learn from my mistakes and avoid the pompom making jitters it is actually a whole lot of fun!  Cutting and shaping the pompoms reminded me of whittling wood - just a easier on the hands.

The book is on sale at Amazon for the amazing sale price of $9.32.

Vanna's Choice Easy Crochet Critters Review with Project

Over the last several months, I have been learning how to read crochet patterns.   I learned how to make infant hats, little sweaters, and now little critters!

Vanna's Choice Easy Crochet Critters has cute little yarn designs that are wonderful to keep or to share! 10 designs to crochet using medium weight yarn: elephant, hippo, monkey, giraffe, alligator, lion, seal, walrus, penguin, and snowy owl. Sizes range from 4" to 8" tall.

I decided to try my hand making the yarn monkey.  The pattern is pretty simple and can be made in an afternoon.

If you are giving these little yarn critters to small children you will need 2 plastic safety eyes 6mm diameter.  I didn't have any safety eyes and I just used beads so - I won't be able to give it to a small child.

Also, stitch markers are really important.  These patterns are easy but really need to be marked along the way.

These patterns are great for last minute baby gifts or to make entire zoo for your baby's room!

Here are some supplies you will need:

Book Review Crocheted Baby Clothes

My love for crocheting has grown leaps and bounds since I learned how to read crochet patterns.  However, being still fairly new to the "crocheting world" I have been focusing my crocheting efforts on smaller projects.  Baby clothes are the perfect small little projects - you learn how to crochet hats, sweaters, dresses, and accessories on a smaller scale.

Author, Nicki Trench shares 35 adorable projects for babies and infants in her book, Cute and Easy Crocheted Baby Clothes.  Though, basic crochet knowledge would be really helpful for reading these patterns - it is not necessary.  Nicki dedicates an entire chapter to techniques.  She starts with simple things like making a slip knot, holding your hook, and then adds details for all the chains that are used in the book.

The crochet tutorials are available in four easy chapters: Chapter 1: Sweaters and Cardigans, Chapter 2: Stepping Out (hats and booties), Chapter 3: Jackets, shawls, and dresses, and Chapter 4: Toys, accessories, and room decorations.

While scanning through the book I was immediately draw to Chapter 4: Toys, accessories, and room decorations.  I absolutely adore the Happy Stars Crib Garland, as well as, Billy the Bear.

I also adore that many of her sweater and hat tutorials have extra little crochet details.  I especially went gaga over the crocheted flowers.  I am also looking for ways to add little extras to sewing crafts and hair bows.

On my immediate to-do list is the baby booties.  I have yet to crochet booties and they look like the perfect starter project.

Disclaimer: I purchased the book Cute and Easy Crocheted Baby Clothes it was not given to me to review.  My review is my honest thoughts and opinions.

 By clicking the link below you are helping Sewing and Crafting with Sarah continue to provide free content and tutorials. 

Deck the Halls a Country Living Book Review

Deck the Halls, a Country Living book, is full of Christmas crafts, decorations, gift ideas, and punch-outs to add style to your handmade gifts.  The punch-outs include Christmas note cards, sticker gift labels, gift tags, ornaments, small little gift boxes, and so much more!

I was very excited to receive this book to review!  I love (and I mean LOVE) craft books that have an extra fun "twist".  The "twist" with this book is that there are loads of punch-outs.  I was going to use my Cricut to make my own gift tags but after receiving this book I plan to use these:

And these:

During the holidays I usually make several gift baskets.  Holiday gift baskets are perfect for teachers, co-workers, and friends.  I often mix both store bought and homemade baked goodies.  The book provides little gift box punch outs that are the perfect fit for chocolate bars.  I bought several chocolate bars that I plan to wrap with these little gift boxes and add to them to my holiday gift baskets.

If you love punch-outs like I do; you will love this book! Beyond the gift tags, gift labels, gift boxes that I have already shown.  There are recipe cards, napkin holders, gingerbread patterns, wildlife stencils, Santa disguises, skeleton keys, place setting cards, I.O.U coupons, poinsettias, bird ornaments, and so much more.  Here is a picture of the bird ornaments.  I am not sure if I will use them as ornaments but I adore the birds.

Book: Country Living Deck the Halls (October 2012, Hearst, 9781588169235)

About the Author:  Author Katy McColl is the former Executive Editor of O at Home and Country Living.  Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Travel & Leisure, CBS Moneywatch.com, Best Life, Page Six Magazine,, Blueprint, InStyle Home, and other publications.

Disclosure: I received the book Deck the Halls free, in exchange for my honest opinion of the book.  My thoughts and opinions of the book are my own.

The Farm Chicks Christmas Book Review

County Living book "The Farm Chicks Christmas", is chock full of merry ideas for the holidays!

I often find craft inspiration reading DIY style craft books.  Sometimes, DIY books are pages of step-by-step craft tutorials but rarely are you allowed a glimpse into the crafty life of the author. NOT this book, author, Serena Thompson, shares photos of her family and friends. The book is also full of cute little stories; like her husband Colin trying to start a tree farm only to have squirrels take it over, a super sweet story of when Serena was a child - and her Christmas wish, along with amazing pictures and sneak peeks into Serena's home and her friends' homes during the holidays.

To my surprise this holiday book not only has some amazing craft ideas but also delicious recipes. Coincidentally, my daughter just asked the other day if we could bake some holiday cookies. "Cookies that are new that we have never made before." Hmm...I wasn't so sure until I saw all these great recipes. The raspberry thumbprints and the dark chocolate mint cookies are perfect! Best of all, BONUS in the back of the book, there are adorable little sticker gift tags that read, "Baked for you by", and cut-out little recipe cards.

This Christmas, I am giving several gift cards and certificates but I didn't want to use the little paper holders. There is great instructions for making a felt gift card holder held closed with fabric covered buttons.  I also loved a tree decorated by Serena's friend Teri. Teri made pom pom snowballs and decorated her entire tree with them. It turned out amazing. I think a miniature tree with snowball pom poms would look adorable in my home, this holiday.

Book: The Farm Chicks Christmas (September 2012, Hearst, 9781588169730)

More about the author: Serena Thompson runs The Farm Chicks Antique Show, in Spokane, WA; maintains a website and blog where she shares Farm Chick Style, a line of jewelry, clothing, and stationery items; and is a contributing editor to Country Living.  

Disclosure: I received The Farm Chick Christmas book free in exchange for my honest opinion of the book. My thoughts and opinions of the book are my own.