Friday, April 2, 2010

Routing Wood

I posted about my new router a couple of weeks ago, but it came to my attention that I should tell a little more about routing wood. Keep in mind I am no expert, so if you would like a little more info, you could check out Wikipedia.
I bought my router because I wanted to make decorative edges on wood. I used it to make these photo blocks. I would also like to make my own picture frames some day... another project on my list. To make the groove in the back of the wood for the glass to fit into, you need a router. Basically a router has several different bits. Here is a picture of some of the designs that you can make with a router.
My brother also made it to use some shelves... he needed to make a groove in the wood for the bead board to slip into. It has come in quite handy around here.
So, here is the router that I bought at Home Depot. The rep for the company happened to be in the store that day and he helped me pick out the right router. I was just going to buy the router, but he suggested I get the table... I don't know how I would have been able to route the wood without the table. Basically a router has a bit in it similar to a drill bit..... it turns around and as it turns, it cuts the wood. With the table, you just slide the piece of wood along the router bit... and the table has guides to keep it straight. It is very easy to use..... and very messy. My husband showed me how to hook up the shop vac to it so that it sucks up the sawdust as you're routing... very loud, but much less messy.
It is very quick and very easy to use. I would recommend this router/table combo to anyone. I hope I answered any questions that you may have...stay tuned for my cake platter that I made with my router as well. -Anisa

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

April Wood Craft Classes

It's time again for craft class!!!!
Dates:
Wed. Apr. 14th 10am-noon
Thurs. Apr. 15th 6-9pm
Sat. Apr. 17th 10am-noon
Projects:
Wood Photo Blocks: $5 each or 3 for $12 (These are 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" blocks with a routed edge. The only thing you will need to bring is your photos, The photos are approximately 3x5". If you have specific paper or ribbon or letter stickers that you want to use, please bring them. I have a pretty good variety, but you never know. These make great Mother's Day gifts!!!) Rainy Day Boy: $18 (Can be a shelf sitter or I can make a sign to make it a yard stake) Flower Trio: $10 (stands are $5) Balloon Trio: $10 (stands are $5) If you don't live in the Salt Lake Valley, please feel free to email me at anisascholes@gmail.com for shipping prices. -Anisa

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Purse Tutorial

I asked my Sister in Law to do a tutorial on her purses.... I am so excited to bring it to you. Thanks for helping us out Shellie!!!
I was really nervous when Anisa asked me to be a guest for a tutorial on my purses. I have been making these little purses for my daughter, they are super easy and super quick to sew, I even made a matching one for me... Instructions: ( All seam stitches 1/4 inch.)
1. I used 2 coordinating fabrics and cut them to the size I wanted. Note: the outside fabric and inside (Bag Lining) fabric are the same size.
2. Take your Front and back of the bag material and sew right sides together around 3 sides leaving the top open. 3. Take your bag lining fabric and sew right sides together around 3 sides: HOWEVER leave a large opening in the bottom of the bag. Somewhere between 6 and 8 inches should be plenty.
4. Flip the outside fabric so the right sides are showing, leave the bag lining with right sides facing each other. It should look something like this...
5. The straps - I cut 2 3" width strips of both fabrics. Note: The width the length depends on how long you want the straps to be on your purse, I measured my daughter.
6. With right sides facing sew down one side of the fabric, while sewing down the other side leave a 4-5" opening to flip the strips so the right side facing out..
7. Once your strap is flipped then iron the strap and sew down both sides to give it a finished look.
8. Sewing your bag together. Pin your straps to the bag, then slip the bag lining over the entire bag and pin the top of the bag together. Here is a good time to make sure your strap is not twisted.
9. Sew around the top of the bag
10. Remember that hole you left in the bottom of the bag, pull the entire bag through the hole.
11. Now Iron the bottom of the bag and sew the hole closed. Push the lining into the bag and...
You are done!!!