Memorial Day Sale

How did we get so close to the end of May already?  Between Mother’s Day, my son’s last track meet, helping my daughter make something special to give her bridesmaids (you’ll see those after they all do) and accompanying my husband to a police academy graduation, my week zipped by so fast I barely saw it.  Since life is already in a frenzy right now, I think it’s time for a sale!

Aside from Black Friday, I don’t like to plan sales for my Etsy shop.  I prefer to just have them when the mood strikes me.  It keeps things interesting.  I’m only advertising this one to my followers, so you won’t see anything about it when you visit my shop directly.  Starting today and through Memorial Day next Monday, you can use the code MEMORIALDAY2013 to receive free shipping on any order within the United States!

In case you haven’t used a coupon code on Etsy before, it works like this:  click the green “Add to Cart” button for the item you want to order.  That will take you to a page showing the item and how you’ll pay.  On the right side of the screen, under the payment options, it says “apply shop coupon code” in blue.  Click that and a box will appear.  Type MEMORIALDAY2013 into the box, click “Apply” and your shipping should show as $0.00.

etsy button feb 2013

This includes anything in my shop, including custom items, but I have a little bonus for you.  I have about 30 items that are completed but I haven’t listed yet.  I’m going to show you what they are here, but they won’t appear in my shop until after the sale is over.  They’ll only be available to those of you who read my blog.  If there’s something here you like, just click the link above or below the photo.  It will take you to a custom listing in my shop.  In the Note to Seller, just let me know which item shown here you wanted.  Be sure to use the free shipping code on these items too!

Camera Straps

Camera Straps - Crafty Staci

You can purchase any of these straps through this listing.  The green with the birds has a green leaf pattern on the reverse, which you can see in the photos below.

67mm Lens Cap Pockets

67mm Lens Cap Pockets - Crafty Staci

You’ll find the 67mm lens cap pocket listing here.  These also work well for the smaller 52mm lens caps.

77mm Lens Cap Pockets

77mm Lens Cap Pockets - Crafty Staci

This is where you’ll find the 77mm listing.  This is my most popular size.

84mm Lens Cap Pocket

84mm Lens Cap Pocket - Crafty Staci

You’ll find the 84mm here.

Business Card Pockets

Business Card Pockets - Crafty Staci

If you prefer one of these over the other, be sure to mention that when you check out through this listing.

SD Card Wallets

SD Card Wallets - Crafty Staci

You’ll find the listing for the SD wallets here.

CF Card Wallets

CF Card Wallets - Crafty Staci

The CF card wallet listing is here.  Be sure to verify which type of card your camera uses before ordering.

Coffee Cup Sleeves

Coffee Cup Sleeve Flowers - Crafty Staci

Coffee Cup Sleeve Robins - Crafty Staci

Coffee Cup Sleeve  Fish - Crafty Staci

All of these coffee cup sleeves can be ordered here, including the Father’s Day Fish (there are two of those).

If you have questions about any of these items or the sale, please feel free to contact me through email (my address is over there in the sidebar —>) or through Etsy.  Happy Monday!

About these ads

Friday Favorites–My Birthday 2013

Since tomorrow is the day to celebrate my entrance into the world a few years ago, instead of my normal round-up of crafty goodness I’m going to share some stuff I like.  Just because I can.  I get a little princessey on my birthday – just ask my husband.

We bought a brand-new Jeep a couple of months ago, which I absolutely love, but I might be willing to give it up for this Wonder Woman Kia Sportage.  The funny thing is, my daughter drives a black Kia Soul with a big Batman symbol on the hood.  How great would those look together in the driveway?

ed64677d062149398a684c5739f659ca

I had my ears pierced for the first time when I was nine years old, in the bathroom at my house with almost-pointy-enough earrings.  For the next nine years, I wore any earrings I wanted with no issues whatsoever.  I even got a second row of piercings somewhere in there.  The day I turned 18 I went and had a third piercing added to my left ear.  That was the day I developed an allergy to nickel, but only in my ears.  It’s only gotten worse since then, to the point I can now only wear stainless steel earrings.  Fortunately, Etsy seller LaraOwensArt has some beautiful options for me.  And she’s in Florence, Oregon, which is where I spent my honeymoon!

il_570xN.380732239_2ek7

When we remodeled our kitchen a couple of years ago, we included a double oven and I’m very glad we did.  It’s been really useful, especially for parties.  The one flaw is that there are two ovens, but one control panel with one timer.  I’m always scrambling to find the little timer that gets thrown in the drawer.  This Vintage Streamline Kitchen Timer at ThinkGeek is so pretty I could just leave it out on the counter.

f40c_vintage_streamline_kitchen_timer

I only discovered Fiesta dishware a few years ago, but my kitchen cabinets are pretty full of it already.  Since we’re hosting our daughter’s wedding at our house next year, I think some larger serving pieces are in order.  I love this new color, so that might just be my excuse.

lapis

My feet are always cold.  Combine that with track season spent out in the weather watching my son and these Heated Rechargeable Insoles from Bass Pro Shops are almost a necessity.

ThermaCell insoles

I used to always order meat well-done.  I didn’t want to see even a hint of pink.  One day I got brave and ordered seared tuna and realized I’d been completely wrong about myself.    Since then, I’ve also discovered I have a love for sushi and I can almost wield a set of chopsticks without embarrassing myself.  These Rainbow Chopsticks from the MoMA Store would be perfect with my Fiesta dishes.

86387_A2_Rainbow_Chopsticks

I absolutely hate to have to rip out a seam when I’m sewing, but this Seam Ripper with Retractable Blade from Gingher is sexy enough to make it almost bearable.

g_175

I don’t have an official, down-in-writing bucket list, but one of the things I’d like to do before it all comes to a screeching halt is to visit all 50 states.  This USA Scratch Map from Perpetual Kid would be a fun way to keep track.

MAPP-2000

I have a tattoo.  I got it for one of my big round birthdays.  In Las Vegas, no less.  While that sounds kind of impulsive on the face of it, I actually spent months in planning.  I drew the design, got one of my artistic sisters to help me clean it up, worked out placement, researched tattoo establishments, spoke to the one I chose on the phone and talked to artists when I got there until I found The One.  I’m pretty wild.  The one thing I didn’t consider beforehand is that with my immune system disease, getting a tattoo was pretty risky, so I won’t be getting any more ink.  However, I still love the style, so I’ll just have to find other places for it besides my skin.  This Flight of Imagination design from Urban Threads (currently in their Freebie section) might find it’s way onto a shirt or bag.

UTH6388

Apparently I’m never going to get tired of cookie dough.  If my hips didn’t like it so much too, I could probably eat it every day.  I can’t believe the Cookie Dough Lover’s Cookbook even exists, and I want it.  Badly.

Cookie Dough Lover's Cookbook

I’m off to see what kind of trouble I can get into tomorrow.  Have a fantastic Mother’s Day this weekend!

Friday Favorites–Mother’s Day

I was born on Mother’s Day.  Being a mother myself for the past 20ish years, I generally get to celebrate a bit more than most, as my birthday and Mother’s Day tend to blend into one another.  Yes, you can go ahead and feel sorry for my poor family.

If you’re looking for a gift you can make for a mom, it doesn’t get much easier than this Rice Bag Feet Warmer from V and Co.  All moms have cold feet, right?  It’s not just me?

2009 02 12_5017_edited-1 copy

If your mom is a bird watcher, check out this Acorn Bird Feeder from Tried and True.  It’s made using a thrifted wooden bowl and some basic hardware.

acornbirdfeeder01sm

These Little Paper Houses from Just Something I Made would make a great container for a gift, but they’re cute enough to just be the gift.

house13-1

If she’s a coffee or tea drinker, try these Vanilla Sugar Cubes from Chica and Jo for your mom.  Don’t make them too pretty though, or she’ll just leave them in a bowl because you made them and they’re too nice to eat.

vanilla_sugar_cubes_04-500x333

I love a good scent, whether it’s a candle, flower or perfume, so I wouldn’t mind receiving this Solid Perfume from Bloom, Bake and Create.

perfume10

Succulents are all the rage right now, but some of us can even kill those low-maintenance plants (ahem).  If your mom falls into my that category, try this Hanging Succulent Garden from Addicted to Decorating.  The secret?  Pistachio shells.

pistachio-shell-succulent-garden

Moms have to carry stuff.  It’s just a fact.  That stuff changes as the kids grow up, but there’s always something.  This Double Flap Pouch from All Wrapped Up would be a good place to stick a few basic first aid supplies.  My “baby” is 17, so that’s where we are on the stuff chain.

double flap coin pouch

I can think of several fabric prints that are on my shelf right now that would be great for this Fabric Pendant from Momtastic.

110504-mompendant1

If mom’s a gardener this Summer Blooms Garden Apron from Garden Therapy makes a great gift.  If she’s a gardener-wannabe, like me, at least she’ll look nice while she’s practicing her watering skills.

How-to-Make-a-DIY-Garden-Apron-Tutorial.

Friday Favorites–Crafting in the Hardware Store

I’m amazed at the creative uses people come up with for things found in the hardware store.  The best part is, if you buy your supplies there, rather than a craft store, they usually cost less.  Here’s a few projects from people who’ve clearly spent as much time there as I have, staring at aisles of endless home improvement projects.  I mean craft supplies.

DIY Napkin Rings from Be What We Love

From the hardware store:  PVC pipe, Dremel tool, sandpaper

napkin11

DIY Neon Rope Belt from My Bloggable Day

From the hardware store:  rope, carabiner

dsc_4303

Boys’ Hardware Accessories from House of Joyful Noise

From the hardware store:  nuts, washers

004_boys-hardware-bracelets-accessories-300x214

Cupcake Ring from Shades of Tangerine

From the hardware store:  wooden plug, super glue

cupcake ring 1

Boxes from Paint Swatches from How About Orange

From the hardware store:  paint swatches

paint-chip-boxes-stack

Sewing Organizers from Sew Many Ways

From the hardware store:  wall corner protector

bobbin holder_6409

Hardware Stamps from Daisy Yellow

From the hardware store:  tiny washers, plastic piping, sprinkler connectors, wood

101125_stampg_0004 copy

Restyle a Goodwill Clock from ModHomeEc

From the hardware store:  wood shims, wood stain, paint, epoxy, clamps

FinalShimClock-002a

DIY Tray from Auto Glass from The Flourishing Abode

From the hardware store:  auto glass, copper plumbing feet

diy-modern-tray-upcycled

Love Connection Wood Sign from SAS Interiors

From the hardware store:  L-bracket, pipe clamp, screws, picture wire, nails, wood

Wooden-Love-Sign-1-1024x837

Giveaway at The Hartungs

Today I’m passing along the opportunity to enter a giveaway at The Hartungs – and my lens cap pocket is one of the prizes!  Take it away, Sheree!
If you haven’t already noticed – I have some pretty wonderful women on my sidebar at the moment. These women have sponsored me for the last month or so, and are generously participating in the giveaway below! The giveaway opens today, Friday, April 19th, and will close on Tuesday, April 30th. Good luck to all!
Gayle’s Social Media Links: Blog // Twitter // Instagram // Facebook // Pinterest // Bloglovin
Want to know more about Gayle? Read her interview here!
Amie’s Social Media Links: Blog // Twitter // Instagram // Facebook // Pinterest // Bloglovin
Want to know more about Amie? Read her interview here!
Staci’s Social Media Links: Blog // Twitter // Instagram // Facebook // Pinterest // Bloglovin // Etsy
Want to know more about Staci? Read her interview here!
Lex’s Social Media Links: Blog // Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest // Bloglovin
Want to know more about Lex? Read her interview here!
Charissa’s Social Media Links: Blog // Twitter // Instagram // Facebook // Pinterest
Want to know more about Charissa? Read her interview here!
Sheree’s Social Media Links: Blog // Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest // Bloglovin

To enter, you’ll need to click here  Rafflecopter giveaway, log in and follow the instructions.  If you have any difficulty, you can also enter at Sheree’s website.  Good luck!

————————————————————————————————————-

The Natural Parents Network giveaway is also still open!  Enter the NPN Flickr Photo Contest by April 30!

coffee sleeve and lens cap pocket - Crafty Staci

Natural Parents Network: The Deadline for Our Flickr Photo Contest Is Approaching — Enter Now!
Recently, Natural Parents Network launched a Flickr Photo Pool and corresponding Photo Contest with over $1000 in photography-related prizes up for grabs for our readers!

Many NPN readers have already submitted photos of your beautiful families, showing us what natural parenting really looks like for you in many forms. We are loving the many images that have been added and the opportunity to see the diverse faces of our readers and fellow natural parents. There are almost 500 images added already to the Flickr Pool, and it is turning out to be a very fun way to see and share images of other parents and families like yours!

The April 30 deadline is fast approaching!
Don’t forget to enter for your chance to win a fabulous prize package.

Enter your photos into the NPN Flickr Pool from your Flickr account, and favorite the photos you like best. Share the contest, and encourage family and friends to vote for your photos and their favorites.

For details on how to submit your photos to the NPN Flickr Pool and our contest, read our launch post and Photo Submission/Contest Rules.

Theft-Resistant Purse Strap

Not a very pretty thought, is it?  You’re out shopping and some guy who probably didn’t get enough time-outs as a kid rips your purse right off your shoulder, out of your hand or from your shopping cart and runs away with it.  Maybe you’ve already realized bad guys are out there, and wear your purse across your body.  Did you know they will sometimes cut the strap and steal it anyway?  That’s just not okay with me, so today I’m showing you what I’m doing about it.

Keep in mind, the thief is expecting to rip through your purse strap and take off.  If you choose to use a theft-resistant strap you need to be prepared for the reaction when things don’t go as he planned.  I strongly believe that all women should have even a small amount of self-defense training.  I’ve just heard too many of the stories my husband has come home with to take personal safety lightly.  Just ask our children, the black belts.

Theft-Resistant Purse Strap - Crafty Staci 1

To make this strap, you’ll need:

  • 8 feet of 1” wide nylon webbing
  • two clip-style hooks for the ends, as shown in the photo (sometimes called “dog leash”)
  • 4 feet of 1/16” vinyl coated wire rope
  • one tube of heat shrink tubing, cut in half

Theft Resistant Purse Strap - Crafty Staci 4

I bought the wire rope and heat shrink tubing at Home Depot.  The wire rope is sold by the foot and is coated in green vinyl.

Theft Resistant Purse Strap - Crafty Staci 2

The heat shrink tubing is sold in small packages like this.  Be sure your tube is slightly larger than your wire.

Theft Resistant Purse Strap - Crafty Staci 3

Measure to determine how long you want your finished strap to be.  I wanted mine to be 48”, including the hardware.  Cut the webbing the length you want your strap to be, minus the length of the hooks.  For me, that was 43”.  Run the ends briefly over an open flame to prevent unraveling.

Cut the wire the same length.  You’ll need some good, solid wire cutters for this – the little craft version isn’t going to cut it.  Literally.  If you determine the length ahead of time, you might be able to get them to cut it in the store.

Slide the heat shrink tubing onto the ends.  Shrink to fit with a heat gun.  I used my old embossing tool from back when rubber stamping was a thing.  The tubing is precautionary, to help keep the wire from pushing through the end of the webbing, but it isn’t a huge concern so if you don’t have access to a heat gun I wouldn’t stress over it.

Theft Resistant Purse Strap - Crafty Staci 5

Cut a second piece of webbing, adding 2 1/2” to each end.  Mine was 48”.  Lay the wire in the center, 2 1/2” from the end.  Lay the shorter piece of webbing on top with the end even with the wire.  Secure with binder clips.

Theft Resistant Purse Strap - Crafty Staci 6

Using a large needle (like the kind meant for sewing denim) VERY CAREFULLY AND SLOWLY zigzag stitch down the center though both layers of the webbing with the wire centered under the stitching.  Do not stitch the wire.  I found as long as I didn’t try to rush it and held everything on both sides with my fingers as I went, the wire stayed in place.

Theft Resistant Purse Strap - Crafty Staci 7

Slide the hook onto the end.  Fold the webbing over 2” so it covers the edge of the shorter piece.

Theft Resistant Purse Strap - Crafty Staci 8

Stitch down both sides of the webbing, close to the edge, and across near the clip.

Theft Resistant Purse Strap - Crafty Staci 9

More secure, and still looks like it belongs with my purse!

Theft Resistant Purse Strap 10

Protect Your Tech Design Challenge

I was asked by Earth911, a great website focused on creating less waste and finding ways to use things in new ways, to participate in their Protect Your Tech Design Challenge this month.  The goal was to make a carrier or case for an electronic device using recycled or repurposed materials.  You know how you’re full of great ideas until you’re asked to think about something specific, then totally draw a blank?  That was me for a while.

Eventually it came to me.  My red coat!  I still had some leather and a couple of small buttons left and I’d been wanting to make something to hold my smart phone anyway.  I managed to scavenge all of the other pieces from my “I’m saving this because I might use it later” box, so the only part of it that’s new is the thread.

Reuse Design Challenge 1

It turned out exactly the way I pictured, and holds my phone perfectly.

Reuse Design Challenge 3

I think my favorite part of it is the flower I cut out from the leather.

Reuse Design Challenge 2

In case you didn’t catch the “Challenge” part of this, it’s a competition between me and 8 amazing craft bloggers, determined by your vote.  If you’d like to participate, visit the Earth911 website here and click the circle next to your favorite project on the 11th page of the slide show.  Voting closes on January 30th.

Of course, I’ll be sharing the tutorial for this little bag with you, but I have to wait until the challenge is over.  Thanks for taking the time to share your opinion!

Loyalty Card Pocket

Am I the only one with this problem?

Loyalty Card Pocket 1

It’s just insane the number of cards we have to keep track of.  None of these are credit cards, they’re just the loyalty cards that retailers offer to give you discounts and cash back on purchases.  Oh, and my library card.  My friend Melinda had a great idea to tame them, which I’ve been using for years.

Loyalty Card Pocket 2

So much neater, and I haven’t lost a card.  But there’s still a couple of small problems.  When I visit the gas station, I have to remove the card from the ring.  I also have a couple of cards that are printed on heavy paper, which wouldn’t last long getting tossed around in my purse.  To compliment the ring system, I needed a pocket to store them in.

Loyalty Card Pocket 3

Is that more red leather?  Why, yes it is!  After shortening my coat and making a new bag, I still had some leather left, so I thought it would be perfect for this.  I was even able to reuse one of the buttons I cut off the coat.

To make this, you’ll need a piece of leather or other heavy fabric for the outside (old jeans would work well), fabric to line the inside, a button and a 3” piece of elastic.

Cut the leather 4” by 8”.  Cut the lining the same size.  Sorry for the dark pictures, but I’m a night-crafter.

Loyalty Card Pocket 4

Fold the leather lengthwise with right sides together.  Stitch down both sides with a 1/4” seam.  Do the same with the lining, but leave a couple of inches open in the middle of one side.

Loyalty Card Pocket 5

Turn the leather piece right side out.  Slide it into the lining so they’re right sides together and the top edges are even.

Loyalty Card Pocket 6

Stitch the ends of the elastic together to create a loop.  Slip the loop between the leather and lining, centered between the seams.  Stitch around 1/4” from the edge, adding extra reinforcing stitching over the elastic.

Loyalty Card Pocket 7

Turn right side out through the hole in the lining.

Loyalty Card Pocket 8

Stitch the opening in the lining closed.  Push the lining into the leather and stitch around the upper edge.

Loyalty Card Pocket 9

Stitch the button on the front, opposite the elastic loop.  Insert cards, pull the loop over the top and hook around the button.

Loyalty Card Pocket 10

This fits perfectly in the pocket in my new bag next to my cell phone.

Loyalty Card Pocket 11

I still haven’t used up all that leather, so I made a zipper pull using the rest of the zipper I cut off to make the pocket inside the bag…

Loyalty Card Pocket 12

…and a Coffee Cup Sleeve, of course.  I even had one more button left from the coat to use on it.

Loyalty Card Pocket 13

I feel like I’ve more than gotten my money’s worth out of this coat.  I still have a couple of pieces of leather left, so I can’t promise this won’t pop up again.  But, for now, I think I’m just going to enjoy all of this.

Loyalty Card Pocket 14

               HookingupwithHoH     CreativeShare

Friday Favorites – Autumn

My son and I are feeling a little responsible for the change in the weather today.  It’s been sunny and hot up until now, so I apologize to all you sun-lovers out there.  We quietly confessed to each other that we were ready for some colder weather and even, gasp, a little rain and today our wish was granted.  Since my calendar says autumn starts tomorrow, I don’t even feel too bad about it. 

One of my very favorite things about the onset of this season, the thing I look most forward to, is boots.  I love boots, and I’m always more than ready to throw my sandals to the back of the closet.  I have a brand-new pair, still in the box, that I think is going to need a pair of these Boot Socks from Made by Lex.  All I need is an old sweater.

bootsvintage-e1319116495430

Now, when I say I love boots, I’m talking about the cute, leathery, buckley kind, not rubber rain boots.  However, those lovely black accessories keep all our feet from growing moss around here, so they’re kind of a necessity.  Thanks to Pearls and Scissors, they can be a little more fun to wear.

customized rain boots

It must be the time of year, but I noticed most of the projects I collected today are pretty easy.  I think it’s the lull before the holiday storm.  But it doesn’t get much easier than this No-Sew Fabric Pumpkin from Happy Hour Projects, and I’m ok with that.

pumpkin1

I think caramel apples are delicious, but I kind of hate eating them.  They’re messy and hurt my teeth when I try to bite into one.  RosaRot has saved the day with her Apfel-Lollies.  The site is in German, but I guarantee the photos will be enough.

022-tile

Summer usually goes by with nothing on my table.  I think it’s because we don’t really eat there much and no one is around to look at it.  As soon as fall hits, I’m ready to start dressing it up.  I love the simplicity of this Porta-copo Folhas de Feltro from Assim ou Assado.  This one is in Portuguese, but again, I think the goal is pretty clear.

folha 2 b

While you’re cutting out leaves, why not add this Fall Leaves Garland from A Beautiful Mess?

6a00d8358081ff69e2016300130b50970d-800wi

The back of my house faces a forest with a river running through it.  In fact, there is a nature preserve that includes one corner of my dining room.  As you might imagine, we see a LOT of animals and birds.  And insects, who tend to not want to stay in their designated corner.  I always feel bad for them (except the insects) when the weather changes and food gets scarce.  These Fir Cone Bird Feeders from Dragonfly.Blue Craft would help them out and give me an excuse to gather up the huge amount of pinecones on my back deck.

DSC_0048

Since we’re offering an alternate food source, maybe some of the forest critters wouldn’t mind giving up an acorn for this DIY Nature Pendant Necklace from Four Flights of Fancy.

IMG_9702

This Felt Pumpkin from Clean and Scentisible looks like a fun and easy project.  In fact, this would be cute in the middle of the table, sitting on top of the leaves above.

Felt Pumpkins 137 edit

My husband remodeled our fireplace in the spring.  I know I haven’t shown it to you yet, but I really want a photo that’s going to do it justice, which means having a fire in it.  It’s just been too hot to do that.  But now that it’s beautiful, I’m going to want a fire every day and I’ll need a basket full of this toilet paper roll kindling from The Green Wife.

tp-stack

Before my son left for school this morning, he was standing at the window, looking outside and grinning ear-to-ear.  When I asked him why, he said “It rained.  I almost feel as excited as when it snows.  Is that wrong?”  No, my little Oregonian, it’s not.

Disney Inspiration – Luggage Tags

We decided about a year ago that we would go to Disneyland this summer to celebrate our daughter’s graduation from high school.  What we didn’t know at the time was that they would be unveiling their new Cars Land just one week before our arrival.  We were a little worried, but it ended up being a mostly good thing.  They did an amazing job designing it, and because everyone was in California Adventure, Disneyland was pretty empty for June.  If you go before the crowds die down, I have three words for you for the Radiator Springs Racers ride:  Single rider line.

disney tags 1

I made luggage tags a couple of years ago, but we lost one in transit last summer.  Since my daughter was also bringing a friend on our trip, I decided it was time for a new set.  Nothing says “I’m going to Disneyland” like that iconic Mickey head silhouette, so that was my inspiration.  I also wanted them to suggest different Disney characters, so I used colors and fabrics.  Any guesses who these are?

disney tags 2

It’s not exactly difficult to find a Mickey head shape, but here’s the pattern I used, with seam allowance added.  For each tag, you’ll need to cut four pieces of iron-on interfacing and three from black fabric (or whatever you choose).  You’ll also need a small piece of clear vinyl, 2 1/2” of bias tape and fabric strips as described below. 

disney tags 3

For the front, cut three strips of fabric, each about 7” long and 2 1/2” wide.  You can vary the widths, as I did with some of mine, you just want them to add up to at least 6” once they’re sewn together. 

disney tags 4

Sew the three pieces together with a 1/4” seam and press seams to one side.

disney tags 5

Lay your pattern on top and cut out.

disney tags 6

Iron interfacing onto the back of each of the four pieces.

disney tags 7

Cut a piece of clear vinyl 2 1/2” square.  Sandwich one edge into the fold of the bias tape and stitch in place.

disney tags 8

Center on one black piece, 5/8” from the top edge, with the bias tape at the bottom of the mouse.  Zigzag stitch over the bare edges, leaving the bias tape edge open.

disney tags 9

Pin the piece with the vinyl and one of the black pieces, right sides together and stitch around the edge, leaving a 1 1/2” opening at the bottom.  Repeat with the colorful front piece and remaining black piece.

disney tags 10

Clip all corners.  Turn both right side out and press, turning in the openings.  Use caution when pressing around the vinyl window.  Stitch around the outside, close to the edge.

disney tags 11

Place the vinyl window facing up, then pin the remaining piece on top of it with the colorful side up.  Don’t pin through the vinyl.  Stitch 3” at the bottom (between corners of the vinyl window) through all layers, where you previously topstitched.  Now you should be able to flip it open.

disney tags 12

Sew a 1/2” button hole on the front centered between the ears and close to the top edge.

disney tags 13

And separately on the back.  You could also apply a grommet on each side instead.

disney tags 14

Cut a 2” square of paper and write your personal information on it to slip into the window.  The opening points to the bottom of the tag to keep your info from falling out.

disney tags 15

Feed your attaching device of choice (ball chain, ribbon, buckle pirated from another tag, etc.) through both buttonholes and it’s ready to travel.

disney tags 16

It probably isn’t immediately obvious which character I’m channeling with each of these, but I kind of like that.  But just so you’re not left wondering…

This one is Simba. It’s for my daughter, the graduate and life-long Lion King fan.

disney tags 17

My daughter’s friend Kate happens to be the granddaughter of the actor who gave the voice to King Triton in The Little Mermaid movie.  Even after knowing her family all these years we’re still a little star-struck.  Needless to say, I went with Ariel for her.

disney tags 18

I asked my son which character he wanted and he chose Buzz Lightyear.  However, I decided that was too much white to survive traveling, so I went with his second favorite, Stitch from Lilo and Stitch.

disney tags 19

I had to have Minnie Mouse, but attached it to my purse since it turned out we didn’t actually need five suitcases to visit southern California in June.  Go figure.

disney tags 20

We had to have Mickey, and I really wanted to sew a couple of white buttons on it but I don’t think they would have survived the airport.

dsiney tags 21

Our luggage tags are eagerly awaiting our next trip.  Our boy graduates in two years and I’m pretty sure Disneyland will be seeing us again!