Friday, July 20, 2012

Have you ever entered a craft store, peddler's mall or even a junk store and seen something that you knew you could make yourself.  That's me.  I am forever walking around these type of stores saying "I'm not paying that when I could make it for less."  Here's the problem with my thinking:  I HARDLY EVER MAKE THOSE ITEMS.  Oh sure, I may buy the supplies, but the projects aren't completed. 

Country Boy is forever nagging me about my craft tote of unfinished projects.  It takes up space, it's in the way, how come I don't ever finish them?  All legit questions.  Sometimes I ask myself the same thing.  But then I realize that these are my "empty nest" projects.  One day my kids will be grown and doing their own thing.  I figure I'll have a whole bunch of stuff to keep me busy.  We're good!!!

Now every once in a while, I do complete a project.  Shocker, I know!  Not long ago I saw this cool rag tie strand of lights at my mother in laws.  I knew I already had the supplies.  And FINALLY, the project is complete.

Like projects that use up scrap fabric?  Do you have christmas lights laying around?  Then you're ready for this project.

Find you some scrap fabric.  It doesn't have to be all one color.  Pick what appeals to you.

Cut the fabric or tear into strips.  My strips were about 1 inch wide and 3 inches long.

Grab your string of christmas lights (make sure they work before you start this!)  Fold your fabric in half around the string.

Then tie a knot.  It doesn't have to be fancy.  The knot can be as loose or tight as you want it.

Keep doing this until the entire strand of lights is covered.  Just don't put fabric on the bulb itself.

Here's what my strand looks like when completed.  I have it sitting in my front hallway.  Now I wouldn't leave this on all the time or even when not at home.  (I have this unnatural fear of electrical fires starting in the home.  I unplug EVERYTHING)  Use good judgement and don't have the Fire Marshal or fire department upset with you :)

Here's my thrifty way to use up spare fabric.  If you make this, let me know!

Have a blessed weekend.

XOXO

Maureen