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  • Published on

    Make Your Own Cinnamon-Scented Pinecones

    Tutorials

    If you have been decorating your home for fall, we have a great idea for you! Bring a lovely touch of nature to your home with pinecones. Here we share instructions of how to prepare your own cinnamon-scented pinecones to add to your fall table as a centerpiece. 


    Cinnamon-scented pinecones are a quick, budget-friendly type of autumn decor. This crafty project with pinecones will make your home smell like the comfort of the fall season for weeks. 


    During my years working at a craft store, my favorite thing about going into work in the fall was walking through the entryway where they stored the cinnamon-scented pinecones they had for sale. At the time I hadn't realized how easy it was to scent your own pinecones. Now that I know how it's done, I want to pass the information along to you. Now you may enjoy this memorable experience in your own home.


    For this project you will need: 

    • Clean Pinecones (foraged or store-bought) 
    • Cinnamon Essential Oil 
    • Craft Glue or Mod Podge 
    • Ground Cinnamon (optional, for extra scent) 
    • A Large Resealable Plastic Bag or Spray Bottle (choose a method as shown below) 
    • An Oven (for baking, to prepare your project) 
    • A Dark Storage Area (for curing) 


    Below you will find the specific directions for adding a cinnamon scent to your pinecones. This is an activity you may choose to do with your children, but adult supervision is required.

    An image of pinecones and small pumpkins in a bowl with directions to scent them with cinnamon.
  • Published on

    Sewing Machine Care Guide

    Tutorials
    An image of a sewing machine with a list of supplies needed for sewing machine care.

    If you love to sew and want to keep up with the maintenance of your sewing machine, we have tips for cleaning and maintaining it. With just a few supplies, you can keep your sewing machine clean and well-tuned for regular use. 


    Gather your supplies:

    • Sewing machine oil 
    • A small machine brush 
    • A lint brush or small paint brush 
    • A screwdriver 
    • A soft cloth 


    Follow the instructions in the images below to:

    1. Prepare your sewing machine for cleaning
    2. Clean your sewing machine 
    3. Oil your sewing machine 
    4. Put your sewing machine back together 
    5. Wipe down your sewing machine 
    6. Test your sewing machine
    7. Helpful tips for sewing machine care
    8. When to seek professional sewing machine servicing 
    An image of a pressure foot on a sewing machine with instructions for cleaning it.
    An image of machine oil in a container, with instructions for oiling a sewing machine for maintenance.
    An image of a needle and pressure foot on a sewing machine, with directions on how to reassemble parts after maintenance.
    An image of a hand pressing a button on a white sewing machine, with instructions for cleaning and testing the machine.
    An image of a needle and pressure foot on a sewing machine with instructions for standard sewing machine maintenance tips.
  • Published on

    How to Make DIY Pressed Flower Candles

    Tutorials

    With only five supplies needed, you can make your own DIY pressed flower candles. Here we provide the simple directions for this easy craft project.


    First, you will need to gather your supplies:

    • Plain Pillar Candles
    • Pressed Flowers
    • A Small Paintbrush
    • A Tea Light Candle
    • Tweezers


    You will use melted wax from a tea light candle to attach your flowers to the pillar candle. It is really easy to do!


    You may make these beautiful candles for gifts or to use around your own home. They provide a handmade element combined with the beauty of nature. The flowers are naturally pretty, and they perfectly accentuate the warm glow of a candle.


    Follow the instructions in the image below to decorate your pillar candles with pressed flowers.

    Directions for DIY Pressed Flower Candles

    Tip: If you are looking for directions to dry and flatten your flowers, check out the instructions in our "Pressed Flower Bookmark" tutorial on our Secret Sister Blog.

  • Published on

    No-Sew T-Shirt Tote Bag DIY

    Patterns Tutorials Upcycle
    Years ago, I had fun upcycling t-shirts into shopping bags at my retail store. It was a big hit with the customers, who appreciated having reusable options to put their purchases in. I sewed the under-side of my bags, which you may also do. But below is a description of how to make fringe at the bottom and tie it closed with knots. That option is great if you don't have access to a sewing machine, or if you want your kids to help make the DIY t-shirt tote bags. Either way you decide to make it, your bag will be a great conversation piece at the store, especially if you use a t-shirt that has a great saying. Happy Upcycling!
    DIY shopping bag made from a t-shirt
    Easy No-Sew T-Shirt Tote Bag DIY Project Upcycling Tutorial
  • Published on

    Easy Bowtie Sewing Tutorial

    Patterns Tutorials
    Learn how to sew a bowtie with this easy tutorial. This is a fun DIY project that doesn't require many supplies. Follow the instructions below to make a cute handmade bowtie with your sewing machine. If you don't have a sewing machine, that's okay. You can also sew this project by hand, though a sewing machine will give it more of a finished look.

    This is a great project for using up fabric scraps, as you only need a six-inch square of fabric and a few other supplies to begin. Scroll through the step-by-step instructions below.
    Happy sewing!!
    Easy DIY Handmade Bowtie Sewing Tutorial
    Easy Sewing Project - DIY Bowtie
    Supplies needed to make your own bowtie...
    Sew your own bowtie.
    Use fabric scraps to make a bowtie.
    Stabilize your fabric with a piece of felt.
    This is an easy sewing project, where you only sew straight lines.
    A quick sewing project for fabric scraps.
    An easy DIY fabric bow making tutorial.
    Sew your own bowtie by following these easy instructions.
    Use elastic scraps for this bowtie tutorial.
    An easy way to sew your own bowtie.
    Use a button as a bowtie closure.