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Monday, May 28, 2018

We hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day




On May  28, 2018, we celebrate Memorial Day.  So, here at Make it easy crafts blog, we would like to thank and convey our deepest gratitude for those who sacrificed their lives protecting our freedom.  In recognizing this we participate in the Memorial Day National Moment of Remembrance.  On this day at 3:00 p.m. local time we will observe a minute of silence in honor of those who gave all.

Memorial Day National Moment of Remembrance

Many people associate Memorial Day with Bar-b-ques and the beginning of summer.  While this is true, it is, however, a holiday recognizing those who lost their lives protecting our freedom.  A minute of silence recognizes the sacrifices of the brave soldiers who paid the ultimate price.

To learn more about Memorial Day moment of silence please visit the Memorial Day tribute site

Thursday, May 10, 2018

How to make polymer clay bow earrings for a perfect gift this Mother's Day

polymer clay bow earrings

If you are looking for a quick and beautiful gift for mom this Mother's Day look no further.  These earrings are easy to make and require very few supplies.  A gift from the heart, made with love, is so much better than store bought flowers that will wilt in a few days.  Mom will be wearing these earrings for years to come!

Make some extra pairs because these earrings make perfect gifts for teachers, grads and more!

Updated May 2018

Polymer clay bow earrings



You will need:

Polymer clay

Clay tools, (roller, pointed tool, craft knife, clay blade)

Waxed paper to cover work surface

Earring posts and backs

Gloss glaze for polymer clay

Ruler

Aluminum foil to cover cookie sheet and home oven pre-heated to 275 degrees

E6000 glue

Masking tape to hold bows while applying the glaze

1.     Roll out your clay thinly.  Use the clay blade to cut two strips of clay 1/8” wide by 1 ½” long.  






2.     Fold one end into the center and press lightly to make a loop.  Fold the opposite end to the center to meet the first loop.  Press in the center with the pointed clay tool.



3.     Cut two more strips of the thinly rolled out clay 1/8” wide by ½” long.  Fold at an angle.  (See photo) Place the bow loops you just made on top of this piece and press to adhere. (Bow tails made)




4.     Make the center knot by attaching a tiny strip of clay at the top center and bring around to the bottom using the pointed clay tool.  Press lightly to attach a knot to each bow.

5.     Cover a cookie sheet with aluminum foil.  Preheat your oven to 275 degrees and bake for 20 minutes.  Do not over bake.  Do not use a microwave.  Let cool.

6.     Attach a piece of masking tape, sticky side up and place the baked bows on to hold while you brush on a coat of clay glaze and let dry.


7.     Add some E6000 glue to the back of your post earring findings and attach a bow.  Repeat for the second earring. Let dry completely. (E6000 glue is available in craft stores and discount department stores everywhere and works best)

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Tuesday, May 1, 2018

How to make a festive butterfly hair bow with Bowdabra

Cinco de Mayo is coming up and if you are thinking about having a fiesta you will love this festive butterfly hair bow.  Create this beautiful hair bow in minutes with some velvet or velour ribbon, or printed felt in your favorite bright color.
The festive butterfly hair is fun for Cinco de Mayo parties, however, it is perfect any time of the year!
So let’s get started…

Festive butterfly hair bow

butterfly hair bow


Materials:
Bowdabra mini Bowmaker
Bowdabra bow wire
2 ½” wide velvet, velour ribbon, or optionally printed felt works great
White pipe cleaner
Butterfly pattern
Scissors
Disappearing marker
5/8” yellow grosgrain ribbon (For smaller butterfly 3/8" or 1/4" ribbon)
Hot glue gun and hot glue sticks
Two red rhinestones (or small beads if using the bow wire for antennas)
If using the Bow wire for antennas use a small paintbrush to twist the wire for the curl.
Alligator hair clip

Instructions:

  1. First, download the butterfly pattern. Trace each piece on to the velour ribbon and cut out. For smaller butterfly shrink the patter to 3/4 size.

  1. Next, Cut a piece of Bowdabra bow wire 18” long. Fold it in half and insert into the Mini Bowdabra.  You will have a loop on one side and two loose wires at the other side, which will be your slipknot.
festive butterfly hair bow

  1. Now, insert the bottom downward facing wing piece into the Mini Bowdabra pinching in a mountain fold. Then, insert the top wing piece pinching in the same way you did the bottom wings.

festive butterfly hair bow


festive butterfly hair bow
  1. Scrunch down with the Bowdabra wand.
festive butterfly hair bow

Create the butterfly

  1. Insert the two loose wires through the loop and pull tight while the butterfly is still in the Bowdabra. Take it out of the Bowdabra and separate the ends.  Turn it to the back and tie a knot and clip off the excess wire.  Adjust your butterfly’s wings.
festive butterfly hair bow

  1. Take a 6” piece of pipe cleaner and fold it in half. Use the hot glue gun to glue it to the center back of the butterfly. To make the antennas with the Bowdabra bow wire, trim the bow wire ends to 2 1/2" long.  Add a tiny bit of glue to each end and thread a small bead through.  Clip the excess.  Then, using the end of a paintbrush twist the wire around into a springy curl.  Adjust the antennae on each side.

Finishing the hair clip

  1. Attach an alligator clip, which is covered with ribbon to the back with some hot glue. (You can buy them already covered at the craft store)

festive butterfly hair bow

festive butterfly hair bow
  1. Finally, cut a piece of 5/8” grosgrain ribbon and glue to the center back over the open alligator clip. Then continue to bring it to the front and glue it to where you started on the back. This way the alligator clip is extra secure.

festive butterfly hair bow
  1. Curl the pipe cleaner antenna and glue a rhinestone on the ends. Or optionally for the Bow wire antenna follow the instructions in step number 6.
festive butterfly hair bow

We hope you enjoyed this festive butterfly hair bow tutorial.  We love comments and suggestions!