75. Easy Batik Runner

What a fun summertime project. Create your own batiked design on store-bought or handmade table runners and napkins. All it takes is a gel bleach pen and a solid-colored table runner...

68. Leaf Notions

MATERIALS:

Rubber leaf stamps (4 to 6 inches)
White-ink stamp pad
Felt
Muslin
Iron
Fabric scissors
Fabric glue
Small funnel
Craft sand

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Stamp white-ink leaf images onto colored felt: Make three images for a needle book; two images for a scissors holder or a pincushion. To set ink, cover felt with muslin and iron on medium setting. Let dry, then cut out shapes.
   
   
   
   
   
2. For needle book “stem,” cut a 3-by-1/4-inch felt strip. Glue to the base of one leaf. Glue second leaf to the first at the base; repeat with third leaf. For scissors holder, glue two leaves together along edges, leaving an opening at stem end. For the pincushion, glue leaves together, leaving a small opening; let dry. Using the funnel, pour sand into opening until pouch is almost full; close opening with more glue.
   
   
   

Source: Martha Stewart

50. Personalized Tote

Start with a plain canvas bag from a crafts store, and approach it just as you would (suitably enough) a blank canvas. Do you want to add a modern design? Pretty labels? Handy pockets? The ideas here are just a beginning.

IRON IT ON

Tools and Materials

scissors
iron-on transfer paper (available at office-supply and crafts stores)
plain canvas tote bag
iron
twill tape or grosgrain ribbon, for handles (optional)

Iron-On How-To

Cut around images cleanly to avoid making jagged edges. Following transfer-paper manufacturer’s instructions, print images on transfer paper in black or in color and cut them out. Arrange images on bag, faceup, for a preview (keeping in mind this is a mirror image of final design). When you’re ready to iron, place images facedown. Iron over images, starting at edges of each and using even pressure so that the image doesn’t slide. When iron-ons have cooled, remove backing paper. Replace bag handles with colorful twill tape or cover them with ribbon, if desired.

Iron-on templates from Marth Stewart Living: (remember, when copying these onto transfer paper, mirror the image)
Book Template (PDF)
Knitting Template (PDF)

Source: Martha Stewart

8. No Sew Sachets

Even kids who don't sew can help fashion a bunch of these fragrant, colorful sachets. It's a great way to use up all your fabric remnants.

MATERIALS:

Fabric scraps
Fabric glue
Potpourri or dried herbs, such as lavender flowers or balsam fir needles

INSTRUCTIONS

1. For each sachet, place 2 matching 5-inch fabric squares back-to-back and glue the edges together on 3 sides. Spread the glue close to the edges to prevent fraying.
   
2. Once the glue is dry, fill the sachet with about 1/2 cup of potpourri. Then glue together the open edges and again let the glue dry.
   
3. Arrange the finished sachets in multicolored stacks and tie them together with a festive ribbon or yarn.