Needle Minders - Set 4

Needle minders are a tool that allows you to park your needle when you stop working on your stitching and not have it go missing. We all have been there. They have a powerful rare earth magnet in them that it needs to be kept away from electronics, kids and pets.
I did try several approaches which involved placing the magnet in fabric but it lessened it's effectiveness to much for my liking. I then did a deep dive in my metal storage bins to see what was there. It yielded some goodies. Of course, some of the metal I had was not steel and was not attracted to the magnet at all.

How to Use the Needle Minder: Placing the magnet against the front fabric of your project just place the other on the back of your fabric. When leaving your stitching for a bit just place your needle in the center of the minder and it will be there when you get back.

Packaged it in cellophane and stapled on a header.

For this needle minder I used a pewter colored metal circle brad.  I cut the prongs on the back just enough to leave a space for the 1/4' rare earth magnet. I glued the magnet in place.

I glued a dark button in the cup of the second brad once I removed the prongs. These were left to dry overnight.

I stitched a frame on the Aida cloth with green thread.

I added a green head pin.

For this needle minder I chose a house magnet from my collection.  It already had a magnet on the back.

I chose a silver disk for the back piece to which I added a string of pink E-beads to help the user remove it from the magnet if necessary.

I chose a bright pink fabric which I folded in half and stitched a frame around with pink thread which barely shows. 

I added a pink head pin.

Needle Minders - Set 3

Needle minders are a tool that allows you to park your needle when you stop working on your stitching and not have it go missing. We all have been there. They have a powerful rare earth magnet in them that it needs to be kept away from electronics, kids and pets.
I did try several approaches which involved placing the magnet in fabric but it lessened it's effectiveness to much for my liking. I then did a deep dive in my metal storage bins to see what was there. It yielded some goodies. Of course, some of the metal I had was not steel and was not attracted to the magnet at all.

How to Use the Needle Minder: Placing the magnet against the front fabric of your project just place the other on the back of your fabric. When leaving your stitching for a bit just place your needle in the center of the minder and it will be there when you get back.

Packaged it in cellophane and stapled on a header.

For this needle minder I glued a rare earth magnet to the back of the front heart.  

I added a string of purple beads to let the user know which one had the magnet.  I let the glue dry over night.

I chose ivory Aida cloth measuring 2.75" W x 5" T.  I added a frame stitched in purple thread to the bottom half of the cloth.

I added a purple head pin

For this needle minder I chose a bronzed colored circle brad and cut the prongs on the back to leave just enough space for the 1/4" rare earth magnet. I glue the magnet in place.

I chose a warm grey button that fit in the cup of the back brad once the prongs had been removed.  I glued the button in place. I let these dry overnight.

I chose ivory Aida cloth and stitched a turquoise frame onto the cloth.

I added a turquoise head pin.

For this minder I chose a bronzed colored metal circle brad, trimmed the back prongs just enough to leave a space for the 1/4" rare earth magnet. I glued it in place.

I removed the prongs from the back of the second brad and glued in the cup a creamy white button.  These were left to dry over night.

I chose a navy blue fabric and stitched a frame with navy thread which does not show so I added a pink one too.

I added a pin head pin.

For this minder I chose a bronzed colored metal circle brad, trimmed the back prongs just enough to leave a space for the 1/4" rare earth magnet. I glued it in place.

I removed the prongs from the back of the second brad and glued in the cup a creamy yellow button.  These were left to dry over night.

I chose a bright warm colored fabric with yellow highlights.  I stitched a frame around the edge in yellow thread. 

I added a yellow head pin.

Needle Minders - set 2

Needle minders are a tool that allows you to park your needle when you stop working on your stitching and not have it go missing. We all have been there. They have a powerful rare earth magnet in them that it needs to be kept away from electronics, kids and pets.

I did try several approaches which involved placing the magnet in fabric but it lessened it's effectiveness to much for my liking. I then did a deep dive in my metal storage bins to see what was there. It yielded some goodies. Of course, some of the metal I had was not steel and was not attracted to the magnet at all.

How to Use the Needle Minder: Placing the magnet against the front fabric of your project just place the other on the back of your fabric. When leaving your stitching for a bit just place your needle in the center of the minder and it will be there when you get back.

Packaged it in cellophane and stapled on a header.

For this minder I chose 2 red circle brads.  I cut the prongs on the back leaving just enough space to glue the 1/4" rare earth magnet.

I glued a dark grey button to the back of the other brad after I had removed the prongs completely to give good adhesion of the button.  These dried over night.

I stitched a black frame on the ivory Aida cloth.

I added a black head pin to match the button and the frame.

This minder features another pair of circle brads in a bronze color metal.

I glued the 1/4" rare earth magnet to the center where I had cut the prongs to leave just enough space for it.

For the back piece I removed the prongs completely and chose a light grey button which was glued nicely sitting in the cup of the brad. These dried over night.

I added a stitched frame to the warm grey linen fabric which hardly shows.  

I paired it with a pearl head pin.

This needle minder features a silver metal butterfly for the front piece.

I glued the magnet to the back of the butterfly and let it dry over night.

The back piece is a smallish metal embossed disk. It had a hole at the top and since it was small I added a string of beads to help separate the pieces.

I stitched a frame with black thread on the warm grey linen fabric.  

I added a red head pin to coordinate with the red beads on the back piece.

Here I paired 2 gold colored metal circle brads.

I trimmed the prongs on the back of the front piece to leave just enough space for the 1/4" rare earth magnet and glued it in place.

On the back piece I removed the prongs completely and glued an ivory button in the cup of the brad.  These were left to dry overnight.

I chose Aida cloth and stitched a blue square frame where the minder would sit.

I paired it with a yellow head pin.

Another heart needle minder.  I used 2 identical metal heart shapes.

I glued a 1/4" rare earth magnet to the back of the front one.  To help the user now which has the magnet I added a string of beads strung through the top hole.  I let the glue dry over night.

The back one is just plain.

I chose a left over piece of cotton from a recent project and stitched a frame around the edge in purple thread.

I added a purple head pin.

Needle Minders

I decided to make some needle minders for Christmas Store.  

Needle minders are a tool that allows you to park your needle when you stop working on your stitching and not have it go missing.  We all have been there. They have a powerful rare earth magnet in them that it needs to be kept away from electronics, kids and pets.

I did try several approaches which involved placing the magnet in fabric but it lessened it's effectiveness to much for my liking.  I then did a deep dive in my metal storage bins to see what was there.  It yielded some goodies. Of course, some of the metal I had was not steel and was not attracted to the magnet at all.

How to Use the Needle Minder: Placing the magnet against the front fabric of your project just place the other on the back of your fabric. When leaving your stitching for a bit just place your needle in the center of the minder and it will be there when you get back.

Packaged it in cellophane and stapled on a header.

For this minder I chose 2 identical metal flowers in a bronze color.

I glued the rare earth magnet to the front one and let that dry over night.

With the magnet just behind the front flower the head pin stays in place nicely.  I chose head pins as I have plenty in supply but needles were more precious.

Here I chose some Aida cloth and stitched a frame with yellow thread.

I added a head pin in the same color.

For this minder I chose a metal snowflake.

I glued the 1/4 in rare earth magnet to the back and let it dry over night.

I spent some time designing the backs for these unmatched pieces.  I settled on a large circular brad I had in my paper crafting supplies.

I searched through my button collection to find buttons that would fit tightly in the cup on the back of the brad.  I glued the button in place and let it dry over night.

I cut a piece of ivory Aida cloth and stitched a red square frame and paired it with a red head pin.  The backer has a red button.

I used another bronzed colored metal snowflake for this minder.

I glued the rare earth magnet in the center of the snowflake. The sparkly in the center is the glue coming through the holes in the center.

The backer was created with a gold brad and a creamy ivory button which was glued in place Both piece were left to dry over night.

I stitched a frame in ivory thread on my Aida cloth which does not show up very well. 

I paired it with a pearl head pin.

For this needle minder I chose gold colored metal hearts. I glued a magnet in the back of the front one.  I also added a short string of beads through the hole at the top which helps with separating the minder.

I glued the rare earth magnet to the front beaded heart.  Since both piece are the same the beads let you know which has the magnet. I let the glue dry over night.

I chose a piece of printed linen for this one.  I stitched a frame in warm peach colors to coordinate with the beads. I chose a warm orange head pin.

For this needle minder I paired a couple of bronze colored metal brads.  The front one I trimmed the long prongs leaving space for the 1/4" rare earth magnet. I glued it in place.

The back one I glued a brown button in place and left both to dry over night.

I chose a piece of warm grey linen fabric and stitched a narrow frame in black thread. I  added a box in the lower half for the minder.

I added a black head pin.

Card Making - Sets Continue

I switched to the "In Full Bloom" Simply Scrapping Kit for these cards.

I picked the Sage Shadow card stock from the 12x12 kit and trimmed it down to make two A2 cards with a few left over pieces.

On the left, I cut the desinger paper to 4.00x5.25 inches and then wrapped a wide piece of Baja Breeze gros grain ribbon around it and taped the ends to the back. I adhered the layer to the card front. I created an accent by punching a bee from the DSP with the .75 inch circle punch then added a 1" punched circle in Barely Banana card stock. Layered these and adhered over the ribbon.  On the right is the other designer paper in the kit. I ripped the right hand edge of the DSP layer leaving to show the white core of the paper. I added a strip of white card stock on the left and then added another circle bee accent like in the previous card.

Contiued with the same scrapping kit. 

Cut each of the designer papers to the leave a small border. The A2 card bases are Barely Banana card stock 12x12 cut to 8.5 x 11 cut in two for these cards. 

On the left, I created an accent with a strip of Sage Shadow with Barely Banana  squares and bling brads. The strip was mounted with 3D foam tape to accommodate the brad backs which are quick thick.  On the right, I made slits in the designer paper to accommodate a strip of Barely Banana card stock making sure I did  not cover the yellow elements. I taped that strip down on the back with scotch tape. I added a narrow strip of Lavendar Lace cardstock over the yellow and adhered with double sided tape. 

Each card gets a white quarter sheet insert and a white envelope.

Cards - Watercolor - No Greetings

I used some of the leftover watercolor pieces from my entries for the senior show.

Here I have cut a 4 inch piece of watercolor then I mounted it to a SU Cool Caribbean A2 card base.

I added a embossed strip of SU Coral Calypso mounted on the left hand side with a teal blue large dot brad attached.

I added a quarter sheet insert and a white envelope.

I pressed it over night and it is ready for the card box.

I gave my niece another set of cards on the weekend so the box needs refilling.

This card started with a 4.00 x 5.25 inch piece of watercolor paper.

I chose a SU Groovy Guava A2 card base.

I placed a piece of SU Coral Calypso grosgrain ribbon across the watercolor piece and taped the ends to the back. 

I added 5 small handmade paper flowers held in place with tiny brads.  I colored the dark flowers with the leftover watercolor on my palette. Handy!

This layer was adhered to the card front with double sided tape.

I added a quarter sheet insert and a white envelope.  Sitting in my card box.

Thank You for Rescue

I made thank you cards for the friends and neighbours who helped me yesterday.  I ended up locked out of my place through my own inattention and needed rescuing.  Thanks for being willing to help, calling a locksmith and checking in on me while I waited. Expensive day.

This card is for the neighbor who stepped into action despite no knowing me and being new to the building.

Navy card, a wavy black remnant and some hexagon die cuts.

A Stampin Up Modern Label greeting adhered with 3D foam tape.


This card is for the friend who helped me unwind after my adventure.

A bright green card with yellow polka dot designer paper.

A ripped strip of blue with a floral accent.

A 2 inch oval greeting in the bottom right hand corner adhered with 3D foam tape that coordinates with the blue strip.


This card is for the neighbour who hung out while I waited for the locksmith.

Turquoise card with watercolor designer paper.

A large diecut flower accent held in place with 3D foam tape.

A Stampin Up Modern Label and Word Window greeting in the bottom right hand corner.

Thanks to the young locksmith K who came on a Sunday night.   There is still good in the world.

Card Club - Sept - Copper Leaves

My card is my nod to fall arriving and thanksgiving. It is a trio of copper leaves.  The leaves were cut with the Tim Holtz Tattered Leaves die.  It cuts these 3 leaves at one time.

I chose some copper metallic handmade paper I purchased a few years ago from a local business which has since closed.  I embossed the most solid one wit the Tim Holtz Cracked embossing folder to provide some texture to the card front.

The background designer paper is by BasicGrey - Pyrus - Oblate.  I loved that it had the copper tone and some wonderful green ones too. 

I added a green raffia bow held in place with a large copper brad. 

I chose not to include a greeting as the leaves fill the card front quite nicely.

Christmas Card - Felt Reindeer

The focal element of this card is a brown felt reindeer.
I printed a border and greeting onto cream card stock.
The reindeer was a bit large for the card front so I adhered him with a large red brad for his eye.
I added a Zot under his tail to keep him in place.
I trimmed a bit off his from legs and the card was good to go.

Card - Farewell

I made this card for a couple who are leaving our office soon for new duties in Toronto.
I started with a blue card and just folded the full sheet in half which makes are large card for everyone to share their sentiments.  I layered onto it some designer paper by Fancy Pants - Tradition from the fancy-free collection by Michelle Coleman.  I punched a border with a Martha Stewart double edge punch from deep red card stock and ran 2 lengths of caramel seam binding through it.  The ribbon was taped to the back of the DP layer.  This layer was then adhered to the card front.  I chose to mix card stock flowers with silk flowers.  I used the Tim Holtz Tattered Flowers die because it provided the size of flower I was looking for. The 2 blue one and the red one were cut from card stock already used in the card. I added 2 velvety satin flowers in between.  I held all of these in place with a large red brad.  The insert is caramel with blue writing.

Card - Yellow Orange Grey Challenge

This card works for the challenge at Daring Card Makers for February - Yellow, Orange and Grey.

I layered large yellow, orange flowers then a medium yellow silk flower then a small orange with a large yellow brad.  I mounted this onto a label die cut in grey which was cut with the Tim Holtz Cameo Frame.  This was then layered onto a warm yellow card.  I then added a cute bee 3D element held in place with a Zot.  I added a flight path for the bee with a black marker.

Card Club - Oct - Prima Flower

I bought these Prima Flowers in a tin a while back. Of course I chose the Bright ones and they are about 3" in diameter. There was aqua, green, orange, pink, red, yellow, turquoise flowers.The white square is 3" square where I have punched the Martha Stewart Arches border punch on opposite sides of the square. A flower brad holds the accent together. Then I slid the cardstock strip through the slots and glued it down on both sides. This allows the accent free to move around. The girls had the choice to make it a wide card as well.

Card Club - April - Prima Flower

I purchased a tin of Prima Flowers with my 40% coupon at Michaels a while ago. The card is landscape with the fold on the left. Using the Stampin Up! slit punch I created a holder of sort to contain the greeting. The brad in the flower secures the corner of the vellum greeting.
Again, many color combinations.