the No Sew Scarf

I know you've probably seen a variety of DIY (do it yourself!) scarf tutorials out there. Well, here is another easy one that you can try.

By the way, this isn't my first scarf making rodeo. Unfortunately, this little beauty was created the summer I was pregnant when the blog did not exist. So, there isn't a tutorial. Hopefully, it may still inspire you to give it a try. The flower was just pinned on as an added accessory, but wasn't something I created. My favorite part of that project was that I bought that not so lovely dress at the thrift store for $3!

 

 

Okay, onto today's tutorial... the No Sew Scarf.  I love simple accessories and with the heat here it's hard to add even a bulky lightweight scarf.  This scarf, I suppose, is more like a fabric necklace. It's really easy and I bet you have an old tee laying around just waiting to be cut up. After the hubs saw this one, he was willing to donate to the cause. I can't wait to try the two tone double braided scarf seen here.

No Sew Scarf Tutorial

Begin with any (old) t-shirt...

cut across from armpit to armpit.

Snip off the sewn edge on the bottom of the shirt so that you have three pieces.

Keep the top part and discard the skinny bottom piece. Keep the middle part laying flat and cut roughly 1 inch strips, stopping about 1/2 inch from the top seam. 

You should have something that looks a bit like fringe.

Take each strip and pull. It will stretch and curl on its own.

Take the seam...

and scrunch it up. 

Now open it up into a circle.

At this point, I decided I didn't like the way it looked... I saw a "flopportunity!" (as one of my good friends would say) I decided to hide both sides where the seams were. 

Use the top part of the t-shirt that was left and cut a wide strip almost like a parallelogram. 

 Wrap one of the ends around and leave it sticking out so there is a tail. 

Continue to wrap until you have two tails...

then tie the two tails together, double knotting.

You can leave it as seen above, or you can tuck both tails into the fabric so that they are hidden. 

Repeat on the other side... and you're done! 

A fun simple summer accessory to spruce up just about any ensemble.

~Happy Accessorizing~ 

Please Forgive me!

Well, it's been almost an entire year since I last posted something. I am a little embarrassed by that except that I would like to think that I earned my skip pass by surviving my first year teaching overseas.  It was a huge transition for our family, but a life changing decision that we celebrate most days.  It was an emotional roller coaster to say the least, but I can now stand somewhat boldly on the sidelines and cheer for the next set of newbies embarking their first year here in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

I really poured all of my efforts, strength and energy into getting myself and my family settled as well as working like I never have before to prove to myself I deserved to be here.  With that said, there was little time to do anything else. However, we were very fortunate to get some amazing traveling in. You can read our about our family's journey HERE. This is certainly something we will continue to do because that is the beauty of living overseas (especially in Southeast Asia!).

In an effort to find myself again and pursue the things that I love, I am trying a (S.O.S. also known as a summer of self) focusing on creating, being artistic, crafty and spending time with my boys. So, on to my first post after a very long respite and by the way please don't laugh at the simplicity of this project.  I am just dipping my toes in gently to muster up any creativity that is left within me. I have faith that the more I pour into revitalizing myself, the more the artist within will choose to shine.

If you have a young child you will appreciate this project. This was an attempt at finding things around the house, just to keep a two year entertained for as long as possible. I call this quick project Expedition Essentials. Here is a sneak peak at my little explorer! You can find the tutorial here.

Expedition Essentials

These simple beauties were inspired by both the Summer Program that I've been working, which is a safari theme, as well as my little explorer's awareness and eagerness to explore the world around him. I'm sure you have all the materials needed on hand, especially if you're crafty!  

All you need is the center from 1 paper towel roll or 2 toilet paper rolls.  Using a the card board piece from our paper towels, I cut them down to a manageable size for the little hands that would be holding them.

Next, you'll need some type of decorative paper. Jaxson customized his binoculars by choosing the scrapbook paper shown here. Line up your roll, leaving a little extra on both ends so that you'll be able to fold it inside of the circle.

Little dab of hot glue and roll it up tight. Make sure to add a generous amount to seal it closed. 

Snip, snip...

 hot glue and fold!

It's that easy!  Now, glue the two pieces together. Try to glue the seams together in the center so that they won't be seen or come undone. 

Grab your hole puncher and choice of strap... here I used a matching thick piece of wool yarn. 

I can almost guarantee that these will be a hit with your explorer. Especially, if you have a porch or balcony. They will be excited to see things in a whole new light. Take them along with you to the zoo or family walk and see things from their perspective. 

Don't forget every explorer needs their own safari hat. You can print out the template for free here. I increased the size and printed it out on card stock. Cut and glue to a sentence strip (or large construction paper) for an instant hat, which makes any expedition more exciting! (Yes, I am a teacher.) 

Check out how much fun my little explorer had! Sitting still on the balcony had a whole new meaning and yes I could actually sit down and enjoy with view with him!

Don't forget to be adventurous this summer!

~Happy Exploring~