Tag Archives: Etsy

Key Fob Tutorial

key fob rowsI’m sure you all have seen key fobs.  They are those cool wrist straps you attach your keys to.  Do you know how easy and inexpensive they are to make?

I will show you in just a sec…

I buy the webbing and key fob hardware from sellers on Etsy.  That is the only place I have ever seen supplies.  (Which is perfectly ok ‘cuz I love Etsy!)  The fabric used is simple cotton/quilter’s fabric.  You could use ribbon as well, but I prefer fabric.

FYI – they make fabulous Christmas gifts for teachers, school faculty and bus drivers.  You can use them as stocking stuffers, gift exchanges or even an attach one to a bow on top of a present.  (I have made the ones below to sell at a Christmas open house a friend is having.)

webbing cutting2

Cut the webbing 10 inches

10 inch strip

Cuts strips of cotton fabric 2 inches wide by 10 inches long

iron in half

Fold in half and press with an iron lightly to make a crease.

folding edges

Unfold and bring both side to the center crease. Iron flat.

stitch witch

Stitch Witchery

stitch witch 2

Tear or cut Stitch Witchery the length of webbing.

ironing fabric to strap

Place fabric strip (folded side down) on top of Stitch Witchery and iron.

sewing fabric

Sew a straight line down each side of the fabric about 1/8 inch in for the side of the fabric.  I used clear thread so I didn’t have to keep switching thread color.

fray check

Fold the key fob in half and sew the short end together. This doesn’t need to be all the way across, just enough to hold it together.
I use Fray Check on the ends of the webbing and the fabric and about 1/4 inch down the sides of the key fob. Not a necessary step, but it prevents the material from fraying.

pliers

Use pliers to pinch the key fob hardware shut. Make sure you wrap a towel or some sort of material around the pliers or around the end of the key fob to prevent scratches or dents.

key fob finished sample

The finished product.

key fobs circle

All of these, and then some, were made for around $25.00.  :D

Creative Ideas for Maps

Before I was married, maps were never a part of my life.  I guess because I never went anywhere that required visual aide to get there.  Not that I would have actually been able to read a map anyway.  That would mean knowing if I were headed North, South, East or West.  I’m lucky to know my left from my right.

But when I met my Hubby, one of the first things I learned about him was is love of maps.  Whenever we went anywhere, here or in another country, his favorite phrase would be “Let’s consult the map”.  And he would hold it in the palm of his hands, up to the sky, like it was a little piece of Heaven.  :)

Now maps are in my life too.  Not to read them of course, but to use them as inspiration for DIY and decorating!  (You didn’t really think I have learned which direction is which, did you?)  ;)

I found some very creative and inspiring ideas to do with maps.  Some of which I can’t wait to get started!  Click on the picture to see the source and directions.  (If there is not a link, it’s because I could not find one.)  Enjoy and create!

Map Projects and IdeasHubby loves maps and I love pillows. It’s a perfect match!

Old world home office, A home office/den. We faux finished the walls w/ a distressed look and had a custom canvas map mural made by Primal Colors installed on the ceiling by our local wallpaper guy., home office with distressed faux finished walls and custom canvas map on tray ceiling. We had Primal Colors make the map and our local wall paper guys installed it., Home Offices DesignThis is beautiful!

Map Projects and Ideas

Map Chandelier

How cool is this?

Map Projects and IdeasMap on a canvas.

Map Projects and IdeasThis is HAPPY on a wall! I’m doing this!!

Map Projects and IdeasDecoupage dresser.

Map Projects and IdeasI posted this fabric map before. Still on my list of crafts to do! It’s one of my favorite ideas!

Map Projects and IdeasMap letters.

Map Projects and IdeasThis is from Etsy. A perfect piece to store all your travel treasures.

Map Projects and IdeasLight fixture cover with circles of maps.

decorating a door with maps.

Map Projects and IdeasLove this table. I think I have found my unfinished round table inspiration!