A Handmade Father's Day

As an avid crafter, Betty always encourages her kids to make their own gifts and cards. So, with Father's Day around the corner, you should do the same! All you need are a few supplies and an idea to get started. This vintage inspired card is perfect for any dad who loves boats or fishing. Steal this design or use it as inspiration for your own. This Sunday show dad you care with a gift handmade with love!

Supplies:

1 blank card and envelope

two different color papers (card stock or any think paper)

Martha Stewart Punch Anchor

Sail Boat Stamp

Stamp Pad in Black

Scissors

Glue Stick

Instructions: Not that you necessarily need them, this card is so easy to make!

1. Cut a rectangle 1/4 of an inch smaller than your card on each side. Glue the cut paper to your blank card with the Glue Stick.

2. Cut out four anchors with the Martha Stewart Punch and glue them inside the cut rectangle. It is helpful to layout the cut anchors first to see how they will fit in the space before you glue.

3. Press the stamp onto the Stamp Pad, then press it onto your card on the left hand side. Make sure to give it lots of time to dry.

4. Write dad a cute note and make this Sunday his best Father's Day ever!

Copyright: Betty's Kitschen

If you would like to repost or print this idea anywhere you must let me know and link it back to my site.

Cute as a Button

You don't sew, so what! Buttons aren't just for making clothes and quilts. Betty thinks they are a must-have for crafting. The possibilities are endless so get creative! If you are at a loss, start simple - Betty loves these decorated paper clips! Of course, with all these great vintage colors you could just start a button collection.

Clockwise from top left: www.carolmai.etsy.com, www.JunkyardTreasures.etsy.com, www.littleredmercantile.etsy.com, www.myvictoriancottage.etsy.com, www.elizabethwrenvintage.etsy.com, www.ingrandmasattic.etsy.com, www.MademoiselleChipotte.etsy.com, www.howbeadyful.etsy.com

Find out how to make these cute paperclips at the crafty blog Bella Dia!

Happy Holidays!

With Christmas around the corner Betty is busy trimming the tree, wrapping presents and, of course, baking! Her favorite holiday tradition is making a gingerbread house. But being the mid-century woman that she is Betty does not go for a traditional look. Each year she creates a new twist on a modern home and you can do the same! Find this cute kit at RedEnvelope.com or check out the architectural design below. Every December the firm Hometta comes up with a take on the gingerbread house based on a home they have actually built. You can find their instructions for this one at http://www.hometta.com/holiday-2010.

Happy Holidays!

Cold Afternoon Crafts

On cold January afternoons Betty spends her time working on craft projects. Whether embroidering pillows or crocheting a scarf, she always keeps busy. And so should you. This cute set from Moulin Roty will meet every one of your sewing needs. Filled with yarn, scissors, a fabric tape measure and more all you need is an idea. By the time Betty finishes knitting her sister an afghan the winter is melting into spring!

Sew Pretty!

Like mid-century housewives across the country, Betty often finds herself behind her Singer sewing machine. Many afternoons have been spent creating the perfect cocktail dress for an upcoming party or stitching charming pillows for her couch. Some of her friends have even been the lucky recipients of one-of-a-kind, handmade gifts!

But, if the thought of sewing leaves you in stitches, don't despair! With these modern fabric designs and stylish patterns your next retro handbag is just a few snips away. The next time someone asks how you came up with the idea for your lovely new curtains, don't lie, just embellish!

Clockwise from top left: Denyse Schmidt, Heather Bailey (2), Amy Butler, Sandi Henderson, Denyse Schmidt, Amy Butler, Anna Maria Horner (2)