3800!

We reached another milestone just in time for Christmas.

Please come and join us on Facebook if you've not already done so.

Happiness is handmade

(Original photo from Operation Christmas Child's Facebook page)

We're 3700 today!

Another 100 newbies on Facebook

Please come and join us on Facebook if you've not already done so.

Happiness is handmade

(Original photo from Operation Christmas Child's Facebook page)

Yet another!

So many newbies this week - another 100 in just two days!

Please come and join us on Facebook if you've not already done so.

Happiness is handmade

(Original photo from Team Hope Ireland's Facebook page)

Another milestone

Lots of new people joined us today

Please come and join us on Facebook if you've not already done so.

Happiness is handmade

(Original photo from OCC Germany's Facebook page)

We're 3400 today

We now have 3400 fans on Facebook

Please come and join us on Facebook if you've not already done so.

Happiness is handmade

(original photo from Santa Shoebox Project's Facebook page)

3300 today!

We now have 3300 fans on Facebook.

Please come and join us on Facebook if you've not already done so.

Happiness is handmade

(original photo from OCC UK's Facebook page)

We now have 3200 members!

We reached another milestone on Facebook yesterday

Please come and join us on Facebook if you've not already done so

Happiness is handmade

(original photo from Team Hope Ireland's Facebook page)

Shoebox ideas for boys aged 10-14

Every year, we are told by the major shoebox appeals that shoeboxes for older boys are in short supply.   Out of all six categories, this is the one that they receive the fewest boxes for.  Some shoeboxers say that this is a difficult age to pack for, so here's a list to help you.

  

“I love making boxes for the older kiddos....especially boys.  They get the least number and the joy in their eyes makes it all worth it!” Judy F L

Happy birthday to us, happy birthday to us.

We're 4 today! 

To celebrate, we're revisiting some of our greatest hits this week.  Head over to the Facebook page to see what you're missing.

A big thank you to everyone who has contributed to the page over the years, by sharing their photos and ideas, and by liking, commenting and sharing our posts. Crafting for Shoeboxes wouldn't exist without you.

(Photo from wayvs.com)

How to make Drawstring Bags - Part 2

Drawstring bags are a popular item for shoeboxes. This is how I make my double string ones. You can find my tutorial for single string bags here.

In this tutorial, you will learn how to make unlined bags with flat or boxed bottoms. Here you can see the two different types next to each other to help you make your choice.

As the bags are unlined, I use pinking shears for neatness and to prevent fraying. Alternatively, you could use an overlocker (serger) or a zigzag stitch to finish the edges that will show on the inside.

 

These ones are for sewing kits but you can use this method to make bags in any size and any fabric.

Big news from our Facebook page!

(Original photo from Operation Christmas Child)

Wahoo! Well, I never thought that we would have 3,000 'members'....I thought we would be doing well if we got 30!

Please come and join us if you haven't already - happiness is handmade.

Pleasmile emoticon

How to make Drawstring Bags - Part 1

Drawstring bags are a popular item for shoeboxes. There are various methods but this is how I make mine.  I also make double string ones - please see Part 2.

You can also make them any size – when you cut out your fabric, simply add 2 cm (3/4") to twice the width and 4 cm (1 1/2") to the length of the desired finished size.

The fabric used here was 22 x 19 cm (8 3/4 x 7 1/2"), which results in a finished size of 10 x 15 cm (4 x 6"). 

If you wanted a finished size of 15 x 20 cm (6” x 8”), you would need to cut a piece measuring 32 x 24 cm (12 3/4” x 9 1/2”).

These ones are for marbles but the method can be adapted for other purposes – this red cotton one was made to hold a sewing kit.   

As the bags are unlined, I use pinking shears for neatness and to prevent fraying. Alternatively, you could use an overlocker (serger) or a zigzag stitch to finish the edges that will show on the inside.

Are you coming to our Convention?

Please come to CraftCon - two days of discussions, idea sharing and some friendly shoebox chit-chat.

More details here

Late last night, we reached our next milestone - please come and join us if you haven't already.

How to make Elastic Bracelets

These bracelets are easy to make and add a bit of fun and colour to your shoeboxes, without too much outlay in terms of time and cost.

Autumn made these lovely bracelets using these directions:

Using elasticated cord means that sizing can be flexible but you can use this chart as a guide.

Approximate length by age

Age 2-4 = 5.5 – 6 inches or 14 – 15.25 cm

Age 5-9 = 6 – 7 inches or 15 – 17.75 cm

Age 10-14 = 6.5 – 7.5 inches or 16.5 – 19 cm

Adult Woman = 7 – 8 inches or 17.75 – 20.25 cm

Adult Man = 8 – 9 inches or 20.25 – 23 cm

For example, my friend’s son is a tall 14 year-old with a wrist measurement of 17cm so a bracelet length of about 19cm would be suitable for him. Girls in this age group usually have smaller wrists than boys but boys may prefer them to be more close fitting.