I Like Big Buttons! Cuff Bracelet with Upcycled Jeans and KAM Snaps February 21 2017

A continuing problem in my house is holey jeans. I keep thinking they might grow out of this particular feature, but just yesterday my middle son walked up to me and turned around. He laughed as he relayed how he fell, but caught himself on a cabinet. Which as he wiggled his fingers through the seat of his pants, had snagged his pants in the seat leaving a gaping hole. Oh bother! When he twisted back around, I couldn't help, but note that it wasn't these pair of jeans first or second hole. The knees were completely split out.

I gave him permission to make his stuffed animals outfits out of the jeans, one of his favorite past times. Another great project for unsalvageable jeans is a cute Upcycled Cuff Bracelet, see the details below.

Upcycled Jean Cuff Bracelet with KAM Snaps

Supplies for a Upcycled Jean Cuff Bracelet:

• 1 Pair of Holey Jeans
• 2 KAM Snap Sets
• KAM Snap Pliers and Awl
• Standard Sewing Machine ... See Full Tutorial

Upcycled Jean Cuff Bracelet with Embroidery and KAM Snaps

Supplies for a Upcycled Jean Embroidered Cuff Bracelet:

• 1 Pair of Holey Jeans
• 2 KAM Snap Sets
• KAM Snap Pliers and Awl
• Standard Sewing Machine ... See Full Tutorial

30 Days of KAM Snaps and Beyond!!! Other Great KAM Plastic Snap Craft Ideas! October 17 2016

 

Two great KAM Plastic Snap ideas I received recently from a fellow KAM Plastic Snap lover, Carrie M.!!!

Carseat or Stroller Strap Covers Using KAM Snaps:

Easy to make and functional, no carseat or stroller should be without them!!!

Onesie With Removeable/Interchangeable Bowtie Using KAM Snaps:

Just think of the possibilities!  I love it!  Thank you for sharing, Carrie!!!  We love seeing your creativity and ingenious uses for our KAM Plastic Snaps.

To see our other KAM Plastic Snap tutorials and ideas visit our Projects section on our website.

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Unpaper Towels with KAM Snaps and a Serger October 12 2016



I love unpaper towels!!!  Great for cleaning, beautiful to look at and wonderful to give as housewarming or Christmas gifts.  Here is our tutorial for them.

Supplies:

• 12 11"x11" Flannel squares
• 12 11"x11" Terry Cloth or Micro Fiber squares
• 72 KAM Snap Sets
• Rotary Cutter or Scissors
• Cutting Mat
• Serger
• KAM Snap Pliers and Awl

Instructions:

1.  Choose your flannel, I went to Etsy, of course, and found almost too many choices :).  I finally settled on Moda's Marmalade collection.

2.  Choose your Terry Cloth, I went with a mix of White, Butter, and Celery colored Terry Cloth that matched my flannel.  Some peopel use towels and cut them into pieces, I also have used Micro Fiber clothes from Walmart they are bigger than 11"x11" and work great.  I also find them on clearance pretty often too which makes them reasonable.

3.  Cut 12 11"x11" Flannel squares and 12 11"x11" Terry Cloth squares.  Make sure to make cut them as square as possible.

4.  Pick a square of Flannel and a square of Terry Cloth, place the wrong sides together and serge the pieces together.  There are some great Youtube videos on how to turn corners when sergering and how to end stitch.

5.  Repeat 12 times.

6.  I straight stitched a diagonal line from one corner to the adjacent corner and repeat on the opposite side.  This insures they will not bunch up when you wash them or are using them.

7.  I then made a template with clear plastic.  It was 1"x 11" and I punched 3 holes: 1 at 1/2" down and 1/2" in, 2 at the other end same 1/2" up and 1/2" in, and the 3rd exactly in the middle of the 2 holes 1/2" in.  You can do 2 holes but the 3rd hole keeps the Unpaper Towels from sagging in the middle.

8.  Then I marked with a super fine tipped permanent marker where to place the snaps holes.

9.  Using the Awl, I punched holes for all the snaps 3 on each side, 6 per towel.

10.  Now install the KAM Snaps, in each hole, I recommend doing all the ones on the left first and then all the ones on the right.  I found that I get mixed up otherwise and have to undo my hard work.  So I did KAM Snap Caps down (Terry Cloth) on the left with the studs face up (Flannel side).  Then I did the right side, I did KAM Snap Caps up (Flannel) with sockets down on (Terry Cloth).

11.  Now snap all your towels together, roll them up, and place them on your paper towel holder.

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Fabric Pacifier Clip with KAM Snaps, MAM Ring or O-Ring and an KAM Plastic Pacifier Clip for Button Style Pacifiers September 21 2016

Today, I am making a pretty Fabric Pacifier Clip for Button Style Pacifiers using our silicone MAM rings and O-Rings. Pretty functional :)!!!

 

Supplies for a Fabric Pacifier Clip with Button Style Pacifier Adapters:

• Pacifier with Button Style Grip
• 14" x 3 1/2" Piece of Fabric
• 1 Pacifier Clip per Clip
• 2 KAM Snap Sets per Clip
• KAM Snap Pliers and Awl
• MAM Ring and O-Ring Button Style Adapters
• Standard Sewing Machine and Iron

Instructions:

1.  Choose a piece of Fabric, cut it to the dimensions: 14" x 3 1/2", the finished product once ironed, folded and sewn will be approximately 7/8" wide x 12" long.

2.  Fold both 3 1/2" wide ends in 1/4" and iron flat.

3.  Now fold and iron the fabric in half the long way (14" length).

4.  Then fold and iron again, bringing the outer edges to the middle "iron line" and iron along those edges. Repeat on other side.

5.  Re-iron the seam so that the Fabric is smooth and flat, it should now be 13 1/2" long x 7/8" wide.

6.  Open the top of the Fabric strip and trim the excess internal fabric at an angle so that there is less chance of the ends peeking out when sewn together.  Repeat on the other end.

7.  Pin the Fabric strip in a couple places to keep it in place.

8.   Sew a 1/8" seam all the way around the piece making sure to back stitch at the start and finish to set the seam.

9.  Now installed a Cap and Stud about 1/2" from the edge and the mating Cap and Socket about 1 1/2" later so that the center of the two KAM Snap parts are about 1 1/2" or more apart.  Any closer and I found I had trouble getting the MAM Ring or O-Ring Adapter to sit neatly inside.   I used Size 20 snaps for this tutorial but either Size 20 or Size 16 will work great.

10.  Repeat on the other side, that will hold the Pacifier Clip.  I, then, feed the Pacifier Clip and MAM Ring Adapter onto the ribbon and snapped it into place.  It may have been easier to thread on the pacifier clip before installing any Snap parts but I was able to feed it through without much trouble.

11.  Tada!  Now time to add the Pacifier.

12.  Simply stretch the MAM Ring or O-Ring around the Button Style Grip on the Pacifier and it will settle behind it and hold the Pacifier securely. Now snap the Pacifier in place, attach to your child's shirt and go.

13.  As pictured, the MAM Rings hold the same way as the O-Rings only with a less subtle profile.

14.  Tada!  Happy Snapping!!!

Jean Pacifier Clip with Fabric Rosette using KAM Plastic Snaps and a KAM Plastic Pacifier Clip September 19 2016

Every time I do a load of jeans in the laundry, I inevitable find ANOTHER pair of jeans with the knees split from seam to seam and, really, how many jean shorts can a boy use :P.  They even wear though patches and re-enforced knees.  I have active boys :).  I have been trying to find creative ways to recycle holey jeans.  Today I am recycling a pair of holey jeans into a Pacifier Clip.

 

Supplies for a Recycled Jean Pacifier Clip with Fabric Rosette:

• 1 Pair of Holey Jeans
• 1 1/2" to 2" x 24" long strip of Fabric
• 1 KAM Plastic Pacifier Clip
• 1 KAM Snap Sets
• KAM Snap Pliers and Awl
• Sewing Clips
• Standard Sewing Machine
• Hot Glue Gun
• Fabri-Tac - Fabric Adhesive

Instructions:

1.  Using an old, holey pair of Jeans cut two 1 1/2" x 14" strips of material.

2.  Use Sewing Clips to hold the material, wrong sides together, right sides facing out.

3.  Stitch around the strip of fabric about a 1/4 to 3/8" in all the way round making sure to back stitch at the start and end.

4.  Pull on the edges to fray the jean material up to the stitch you made.  I used a crafty child :) with a cutting board and a fork.  It will also fray over time but I was going for a this look.

5.  To make the Fabric Rosette, fold the fabric in half, wrong sides together, two times.  You will end up with about 1/2" or less strip of fabric 24" long.  I used an iron to fold it, not so much that it was completely flat, just enough that it held its shape.  Start at one end and hot glue the first bit of it back against itself.

6.  Continue this ever so often so that the 'bud' stays together.

7.  I made the bud or center of the rose about 1/2" in diameter.  Add one last drop of hot glue.

8.  Now twist the fabric 360 degrees, so that the bottom becomes the top.  Tack it with a small bead of hot glue and repeat.

9.  Continue twisting and gluing until you run out of fabric or until you reach the desired size of your rosette.

10.  It will look like this when you are finished.

11.  Glue the last bit of fabric on the underside of the Rosette securely with hot glue.

12.  For a more finished look, I added a circle of felt to the bottom with Fabri-Tac.

13.  Put the KAM Plastic Pacifier Clip on the Fabric strip about 1″ in.

14.  Fold back 1″ of the strip back onto itself.

15.  Straight stitch across the fabric strip just behind the KAM Plastic Pacifier Clip.  Make sure to set the stitch.

16.  Make sure that the internal snap in a comfortable distance to accommodate the width of the handle, I spaced my KAM Snaps about 2″ apart using the Pacifier I have with the biggest handle.

17.  Now on the side where the Pacifier will be attached, I installed a Cap and Socket about 1/2″ from the edge.  I used Size 20 snaps for this tutorial but either Size 20 or Size 16 will work great.

18.  Add Fabric Rosette with Fabri-Tac to the Pacifier Clip just above the clip.

19.  Now snap the Pacifier in place, attach to your child’s outfit and go.

20.  Tada!  Okay, I think I am in love.  Super cute!  Happy Snapping!!!  To see our other great Pacifier Clip Tutorial and KAM Plastic Snap Ideas and buy these supplies visit I Like Big Buttons.com.

Disclaimer:  Keep in mind that although I have rough tested these I in no way recommend you leave your baby alone with these as there are small pieces and if not done properly they may come apart and become a choking hazard.  I would recommend these clips under adult supervision only.  The maker and/or parent assumes full responsibility when using these pacifier clips.

I Like Big Buttons! Creation Share August 25 2016

Edit website SEO tons.com, for your craft supplies and hand tool. I figured it out...Easy Peasy! Dollar store hand towel and 3 snaps. Awesome. Fun. Quick." So grateful for the support of my family, my husband, my kiddos and my great ILikeBigButtons! customers and fans!!! Would love to see your I Like Big Buttons! creations too! Post them to our I Like Big Buttons! Group so we can all enjoy! IMG_1378 Don't forget to enter!!! ILikeBigButtons.com is sponsoring a Professional KAM Plastic Snap Press Giveaway! Just 4 days left to enter! TO ENTER TO WIN and Liking, Commenting, and Sharing our Facebook Post for this Giveaway. DK-98-Coral-White-Background #ilikebigbuttons #ilikebigbuttonsfans #ilikebigbuttonscreations #kamsnaps #plasticsnaps #win #giveaway #kamsnappress

Free Romper Pattern {0-12 months} - Courtesy of Nap-Time Creations and I Like Big Buttons! KAM Plastic Snaps August 11 2016

A while back, Emily of Nap-Time Creations made this sweet Romper and shared how she did it with us.  I thought you all would enjoy seeing it.

Supplies:

• Fabric of your choice for the outside
• 6 KAM Snap Set
• KAM Snap Pliers and Awl
• 1/4" Elastic
• Standard Sewing Machine
• Romper Pattern & Full Tutorial

Pattern NOTES {READ FIRST!}

1. I made the 6-9 month romper and it wasn’t very long. {new pattern has updated length included… you can always add length at dotted line on pattern.

2. You will need 3/4 of a yard fabric, 1/4″ Elastic and 6 snaps. I used KAM snaps...

To read the rest of the Tutorial, go here.

Perfect Bow and Baby Proof Sash Tutorial - Courtesy of Pattern Revolution and I Like Big Buttons! KAM Plastic Snaps August 02 2016

A while back, Robin of Pattern Revolution made this super cute Perfect Bow and Baby Proof Sash and shared how she did it with us.  I thought this would be a great time to revisit the tutorial as fall approaches.

Supplies:

• Sash and Bow Fabric
• Thread
• Sewing Machine
• Scissors or Rotary Cutter
• Needle
• KAM Snaps
• KAM Snap Pliers and Awl
• Perfect Bow and Baby Proof Sash - Full Tutorial

Every morning it is a struggle to dress my feisty 2 year old. All her pretty sashes hang untouched in the closet, while the dresses they go with get worn over and over. I love the look of a pretty bow, but my baby wont hold still long enough to tie it nicely, and in the miraculous event that she does, she unties it and removes the sash a few minutes later. GRRRR!!! Tell me I'm not the only one with this problem???

Decisions, decisions....

First, you need to determine your sash length and width. Measure your child's waist while wearing the garment, add 2" for sash length.  Decide how wide you want the sash, double that and add 1/2". Cut your sash.

Then, you need to determine the bow width and tail length that you like...

Glimpses of the Perfect Bow and Sash Tutorial, to see it in full.

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How to change the dies in the KAM Snap Removal Pliers July 12 2016

How to change the dies in the KAM Snap Removal Pliers.

Supplies:

• KAM Snap Removal Pliers
• Stud Die or Socket Die (included in kit)
• Screwdriver (included in kit)

 

Instructions:

1.  The KAM Snap Removal Pliers will come with one of the dies installed.

2.  Use the screwdriver, included in kit, to loosen the set screw on the base of the pliers.

3.  Remove the die from the base.

4.  Insert the desired die into the base of the pliers.

5.  Push it flush with base.

6.  Re-tighten the set screw with the screwdriver.

7.  Tada!  It is ready to use.

Happy Customers Make Our Day!!! June 30 2016

Today, I was reading through our feedback and just wanted to share what a few of our happy customers had to say:

♥ Color choices were fantastic and was able to get a mix of colors. My order arrived very quickly and was exactly what I had special ordered. Will definitely order from this site again!

♥ I continue to buy all my snaps from this seller. 5 Star Seller!

♥ These look great on my diapers! I love the color and they came quickly!

♥ I big BUTTons and I can not lie; Fast shipping of just what I asked for. Thank you!

♥ Exactly what I was looking for to make pacifier clips. Love the colors and the shipping was very fast! Thanks!!!

♥ I've ordered from this seller multiple times and have always been very happy with my purchases. Huge selection of items and fast, fast shipping!

♥ All snaps are packaged in small bags with info on it (color name and number), to make it easier to re-order... Love that!!! Great product! SUPER customer service! ... quick answering of messages... Super nice!!!

♥ Great items, great prices and will be back for more, thanks for fast shipping

♥ Love this shop! I needed to make 75 key fobs in a hurry and they shipped on Saturday of Memorial Day weekend so I could make my deadline. Great customer service. The hardware was just what I needed and arrived super fast.

♥ LOVE these snaps! So many colors & great prices too! A+++

♥ Sent everything just as ordered! Awesomeness!

Thank you to all of you who take the time to post your positive experience, it makes our day to see how all our hard work is appreciated!!!

Thank you, I Like Big Buttons! and all our Little Buttons!

Adjustable Elastic Headband With Interchangeable Shabby Flowers June 23 2016

Today, I am making a Adjustable Elastic Headband with Interchangeable Shabby Flowers.  It is super easy to do and adorable on both babies and big ;) kids alike.

Supplies for Adjustable Headband:

• 1 set of headband ring and slider
• 24" length of 5/8" Elastic for headbands
• Glue of your choice: Fabric Tac or Hot Glue
• Lighter or Chef's Torch

Supplies for Shabby Flower Embellishment:

• 2" Shabby Flowers of your choosing
• 1/2" x 1" square of Coordinating Felt
• 1 1/2" Circles of Coordinating Felt
• Glue of your choice: Fabric Tac or Hot Glue
• Coordinating Size 20 KAM Snaps

Adjustable Elastic Headband:

Instructions:

1.  Cut your Elastic to 24" length and heat seal the ends with the Lighter.  Be careful to just seal the ends, not start them on fire :).  (You may want to practice on a scrap piece if this is your first time.)

2.  Take your 24" length of Elastic and feed the decorative/shiny side of the Elastic up through the first loop in the Slider over the bar and back down through the second loop in the Slider.

3.  Pull the Elastic until it is about 3/4" sticking out the bottom of the second loop of the Slider.

4.  Flip the Slider over so that the wrong sides of the Elastic is face up, this is the bottom of the Slider.  Put a dab of glue on the Elastic and press the 3/4" of Elastic to it firmly.  Wiping away any excess glue.

5.  From the opposite side, slide the single Slider Loop about half way on to the Elastic.

The Ultimate Catch-All Bib - Courtesy of Amy of Peek-A-Boo Pattern Shop and I Like Big Buttons! June 21 2016

A while back, Amy of Peek-A-Boo Pattern Shop made this Ultimate Catch-All Bib and shared how she did it with us.  I thought this would be a great time to revisit the tutorial with a busy summer of babies ahead of us.

Supplies:

• Laminated Cotton Fabric of your choosing
• 3 KAM Snap Sets
• KAM Snap Pliers and Awl
• Standard Sewing Machine
• Ultimate Catch-All Bib Pattern

"Let’s get started!

1. Download your FREE PATTERN. The pattern has a 1″ scale box for you to check that it printed correctly. As-is the bib is a good size for a 1-2 year old. If you’d like a bigger or smaller bib just print the pattern out at more or less than 100% scale..."

To read the rest of the Tutorial, go here.

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Reusable Snack Bag Tutorial - Courtesy of Nap-Time Creations and I Like Big Buttons! KAM Plastic Snaps June 09 2016

A while back, Emily of Nap-Time Creations made this adorable Snack Bag and shared how she did it with us.  I thought this would be a great time to revisit the tutorial with a busy summer of outings ahead of us.

Supplies:

• Laminated/plastic fabric for the inside*
• Fabric of your choice for the outside
• 1 KAM Snap Set
• KAM Snap Pliers and Awl
• Standard Sewing Machine
• Snack Bag - Full Tutorial

*Small size snack pack: cut 1 of laminate and 1 of regular fabric 12 1/2 x 4 1/2

**Large size reusable snack pack: cut 1 of laminate and 1 of regular fabric 5 1/2 x 16

Instructions:

1.  Place the fabric right sides together and sew along the two long sides and one of the short sides. Leave one end open to turn ...

To read the rest of the Tutorial, go here.

Bandana Bib with KAM Snaps and a PDF Pattern June 07 2016

One of our most popular tutorials, Bandana Bibs are a great gift for those little droolers and mess makers in your life or as an outfit accessory. So cute!  I, also, used our Heart Shaped KAM Snaps for added pizazz, check it out!

Just 6 days left in our KAM Snaps Heart and Star Starter Pack Kit with Pliers (Approximately 1000 Sets)!?!  (A $90.00 value)  Don't forget to ENTER:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Also, if you don’t want to wait, you can get 10% off our Heart Snaps on our website: HEART10

Or 10% off our Star Snaps on our website: STAR10

Supplies:

• Fabrics of your choice
• 1 Heart Shaped KAM Snap Set
• KAM Snap Pliers and Awl
• Bandana Bib PDF Pattern (may need to adjust for your child's size or add more KAM Snaps settings)
• Standard Sewing Machine

Smart Phone Case and Wristlet with KAM Snaps and Key Fob Hardware May 31 2016

Today's inspiration came to me as I was packing the kids up for a walk down the road to the neighbors to check out their yard sale and visit.  I thought I wish I had a case for my iPhone and a place to put a couple "just in case" dollars but instead, I held my phone and tucked the money into my bra :P and headed out with all the kiddos in tow.  When I got home, I whipped this up.  I am prepared for next time :).

Supplies:

• Fabric or Fabrics of your choice
• Interfacing
• 2x 10" Piece of 1″ Cotton Webbing
• 2x 10″ Piece of Ribbon
• 1 KAM Snap Set
• KAM Snap Pliers and Awl
• 1 Key Fob Hardware and Split Ring
• Smart Phone Case PDF Pattern (works for iPhone 4s and iphone 5, may need to adjust the pattern for other models of phones)
• Standard Sewing Machine and Iron

Instructions:

1.  Download the Smart Phone Case PDF Pattern.  Print out the pattern making sure the 1″ square in the corner measures 1″ square when printed that will indicate the pattern is the right size.

2.  Cut out each Pattern piece as many times as instructed.

3.  You will end up with:

2 pieces of Fabric/1 Interfacing (back)

2 pieces of Fabric/1 Interfacing (front)

2 piece of Fabric/1 Interfacing (pocket)

2 pieces of Fabric/1 Interfacing (lid)

4.  Iron the Interfacing onto a piece of Fabric for matching side making sure to iron it to the wrong side of the Fabric.

5.  Place right sides of Fabric for Pocket together and sew 1/4" seam along the top of the piece.

6.  Iron Fabric for the Pocket open and then over wrong sides together forming the Pocket face.

7.  Take 1 of the 10" pieces of Ribbon and 1" Cotton Webbing and sew them together.  I stitched a straight line as close to the edge as possible on the Ribbon.

8.  Take the 2 pieces of Fabric for the Lid/Lip of the case, put them right side together, and sew them with a 1/4" allowance.

9.  Turn the Lid right side out and iron flat.

10.  Then take the Fabric (right side up), I am using more of those recycled holey jeans :), that will be the Back and place the Cotton Webbing/Ribbon strip (right side up) centered across it with just a bit of it hanging off the top edge.

11.  Place the internal Back Fabric wrong side up.

12.  Pin them together.

13.  Stitch a 1/4" seam along the piece, back stitching to reinforce Cotton Webbing/Ribbon strip.  Cut away some of the excess Cotton Webbing/Ribbon if needed.

14.  Iron back the Fabric and fold over, wrong sides together.  Now stitch a 1/4" seam allowance across the top of the Back piece.

15.  Now slide the Split Ring from the Key Fob Hardware on the Cotton Webbing/Ribbon Strip.

16.  Now leave about 1" to 1 1/2" overlapped Cotton Webbing above the Back of the Case and pin the Cotton Webbing/Ribbon centered down the back of the Fabric.

17.  Now stitch it in place down the back, with the internal Back out of the way, not as pictured, and I also stitched along the Cotton Webbing/Ribbon to gather the loop.

18.  It will look like this.

19.  Center the Lid along the back, pin and sew with a 1/4" seam allowance.  This maybe should have been done a couple steps sooner so that I didn't have 2 stitch lines across the Back but I was when I got to it.

20.  Place the finished Front down right side up, I added a 1/4" top stitch to the top of each piece (Front, Pocket and Back).

21.  Add the Pocket right side up.

22.  Place the Back wrong side up and pin it all together.

23.  Sew a 1/4" seam allowance all the way around making sure to back stitch at the beginning and end.

24.  Turn the whole thing right side out and push the corners out to get them as square as possible.

25.  Install the KAM Snap Cap and Socket in the Pocket.

26.  Install the KAM Snap Cap and Stud in the Lid.

27.  What it looks like with KAM Snaps installed.

28.  This pattern will work with iPhone 4 or iPhone 5, you may need to adjust the pattern somewhat if you have a different model.

29.  Snapped closed.

30.  Add a Wristlet to complete your project.  Check out our Key Fob Hardware Wristlet Tutorials to see how to make our Cotton Webbing and Ribbon Wristlets.

Making a “No Sew” Leash for a Toddler Cup with KAM Snaps May 26 2016

A while back, I tackled making a Leash for a toddler cup.  My toddlers love to chuck food, cups, dishes, toys, you name it they will throw it from their highchair.  KAM Snaps to the rescue!

With a couple minutes and a few supplies, you can make this handy Leash and eliminate a least one thing from flying through the air.

 

Supplies:

• 4-5' of Grosgrain Ribbon
• 3 KAM Snap Sets
• KAM Snap Pliers and Awl
• Lighter or Chef's Torch

Instructions:

1.  Measure off a piece of Grosgrain ribbon that is long enough to wrap around both the arms of the high chair, around the cup and enough length for your child to lift the cup to their mouth comfortably.  I went with 5' but 4 1/2' would have been enough.

2.  The ribbon I was using was made of polyester so I used a lighter to seal the ends of the ribbon so it doesn't fray.  (If you are unsure, you may want to practice on a scrap piece if this is your first time or you are unsure of the what the material is made of.)

3.  To make the ends more secure and long lasting, I folded the ribbon over about 1/2" to help reinforce the ends and pushed the cap through.

4.  Install the KAM Snap at each end.

5.  Measure or wrap the ribbon around the arms of the highchair and install a snap where the ribbon intersects.  On my highchair it was 8" but each brand will vary.  Install a KAM Snap on each end about 8" (or your measurement) in from the end.

6.  Install the ribbon on your highchair, put a Toddler Cup in the ribbon and pull until you have two equal lengths.  Now pinch the ribbon loosely together around the cup, loose enough to allow for different cup sizes but tight enough to hold the cup well.  Install a set of snaps at the point where the ribbon met.

7.  Installed it should look like this.

8.  Tada!  Enjoy your throw-free cup zone!  My toddler was suspicion of it at first but after grunting at it for while :) she happily settled into drinking from her cup and eating her snack.

Turning a Milk Jug into a Storage Container with KAM Snaps May 24 2016

Today I am recycling one of the most common items in our house.  With so many kids, we are constantly going through milk and I have collected quite the stack of Milk Jugs.  What to do with them all!?!

 

Supplies:

• 1 Milk Jug
• Scissors
• Marker
• 1 Set of KAM Snaps
• 1 KAM Snaps Plier and Awl

Instructions

1.  Take a clean, rinsed, dried Milk Jug and remove all the labels and date stamps.

2.  Trace the outline of the shape you want to cut.  You will have one tall, full length flap and 3 half size flaps.  Stay about an 1 to 1 1/2 above the bottom of the container.

3.  Cut the Milk Jug on the lines.  The Milk Jug will fold inward about were the dashes are, the dashes are just a visual, no extra cutting is needed.

4.  Fold the front flap in, then the 2 side flaps and finally the tall flap over and down.  Use your Awl to decide on the position of the snap and poke it through both the flap and the body of the jug.

5.  Attach the inside KAM Snap to the body of the Milk Jug, Stud facing out.  This may require a KAM tabletop Press, if you only have pliers, you may need to adjust the length of the front flap.

6.  Now attach the KAM Snap to the tall flap, Socket inward, Cap on top.

7.  Snap and Go!!!  You can use this container to store sandwiches, snacks, toys or as I plan, crayons for each kid.  I making a different one for each kid with their "color" of KAM Snaps.

Cover Button Metal Pacifier Clips with Cover Buttons, Round Faced Metal Suspender Clips and KAM Snaps May 17 2016

How to make a Cover Button Metal Pacifier Clips with Cover Buttons, Round Faced Metal Suspender Clips and KAM Snaps

Today I am making Cover Button Pacifier Clips using Round Faced Metal Pacifier Clips (Metal Suspender Clips), Size 36 Cover Buttons, and KAM Snaps, of course ;).  I have had a lot of questions in the last year about how to make these clips so I decided to take it on.  Keep in mind that although I have rough tested these I in no way recommend you leave your baby alone with these as there are small pieces and if not done properly they may come apart and become a choking hazard.  I would recommend these clips under adult supervision only.  The maker and/or parent assumes full responsibility when using these pacifier clips.

That being said I did rough test these and was unable to break them apart after they had proper time to dry and cure.  I didn't take a hammer to them :) but I did my best to undo my hard work and was not able to.

Supplies:

• 2 KAM Snap Sets
• KAM Snap Pliers and Awl
• Round Faced Metal Clips or Enamel Pacifier Clips
• 1 Size 36 Flat Back Cover Button
• Size 36 Assembly Tool
• Size 36 Template
• Fabric Scraps
• E6000 Adhesive
• Pre-made Pacifier Clips (see Pacifier Clip and Supply Tutorials)

Instructions:

1.  Using our Pacifier Clip and Supply Tutorials make either Ribbon or Fabric Pacifier Clips.

2.  Cut your fabric scrap. You will want a circle that is about twice the diameter of your button blank.  I cut out a Piece of Fabric using my Size 36 Template.

3.  Put your fabric piece in the larger assembly tool piece (RIGHT SIDE DOWN). When you look into the tool you want to see the back of the fabric.

4.  Place the button front (the domed piece) on top of the fabric. Leave the fabric edges hanging out.  Double check the transparent underside to see if your print is how you would like it.   Then press the cover button fabric edges down into the tool.

5.  Add a dab of E6000 Adhesive to the middle of the cover button cap before installing the Flat Back.

6.  Place the back cover button piece on top of your fabric and button front.

7.  Take the smaller piece of the assembly tool and with the open side down place it on the button back.

8.  Press down. You may hear a pop when the last bit of the button back slips into place. If you take the tool out and the button is not completely secured, just put it back in and press down again.

9.  When you take the small assembly tool piece off, the fabric edges will be secured underneath the button back.

10.  Remove the button from the larger assembly tool piece.  Tada!  My Cover Button is ready to be adhered to a Round Faced Metal Clip.

11.  Here are the Cover Buttons I made in just a few minutes.  Seriously easy, fun and so cute!

12.  Now take the E6000 Adhesive and put a medium size dab of glue on the back of the Cover Button about 1/2 of what would fill the back area of the back.  This glue is great to work with so don't overly worry about getting the amount just right.  I was able to cleanly wipe of any excess off when I put on too much and I was also able to remove the button and add a little more when I under did it.  This glue is very forgiving.

13.  Now place the Cover Button over the Round Faced Metal Pacifier Clips and straighten and center your button.

14.  Press firmly and let set to dry and cure 24-72 hours as recommended by the manufacturer (E6000).

15.  These are my finished products.  I love them and think they turned out beautifully.  Below are my examples, completed and installed on Pacifier Clips.

16.  Tada!!!

Disclaimer:  Keep in mind that although I have rough tested these I in no way recommend you leave your baby alone with these as there are small pieces and if not done properly they may come apart and become a choking hazard.  I would recommend these clips under adult supervision only.  The maker and/or parent assumes full responsibility when using these pacifier clips.

Recycling Jeans into a Pacifier Clip using KAM Snaps and a Pacifier Clip May 12 2016

Recycling Jeans into a Pacifier Clip using KAM Snaps and a Pacifier Clip

Every time I do a load of jeans in the laundry, I inevitable find ANOTHER pair of jeans with the knees split from seam to seam and, really, how many jean shorts can a boy use :P.  They even wear though patches and re-enforced knees.  I have active boys :).  I have been trying to find creative ways to recycle holey jeans.  Today I am recycling a pair of holey jeans into a Pacifier Clip.

 

Supplies for a Recycled Jean Pacifier Clip:

• 1 Pair of Holey Jeans
• 1 Pacifier Clip
• 1 KAM Snap Sets
• KAM Snap Pliers and Awl
• Standard Sewing Machine

Instructions:

1.  Using an old, holey pair of Jeans cut two 1 1/2" x 14" strips of material.

2.  Pin the material, wrong sides together, right sides facing out.

3.  Stitch around the strip of fabric about a 1/4 to 3/8" in all the way round making sure to back stitch at the start and end.

4.  Pull on the edges to fray the jean material up to the stitch you made.  I used a crafty child :) with a cutting board and a fork.  It will also fray over time but I was going for a this look.

5.  Put the Pacifier Clip on the Fabric strip about 1″ in.

6.  Fold back 1″ of the strip back onto itself.

7.  Straight stitch across the Fabric strip just behind the Pacifier Clip and again a 1/2″ later, I did a Zig-Zag Stitch for fun,  just before the end of the doubled over Fabric strip.  Make sure to set the stitch both times.

8.  Make sure that the internal snap in a comfortable distance to accommodate the width of the handle, I spaced my KAM Snaps about 2″ apart using the Pacifier I have with the biggest handle.

9.  Now on the side where the Pacifier will be attached, I installed a Cap and Socket about 1/2″ from the edge.  I used Size 20 snaps for this tutorial but either Size 20 or Size 16 will work great.

10.  Now snap the Pacifier in place, attach to your child’s outfit and go.

11.  Tada!  Okay, I think this may be my favorite so far.  How cute!  Happy Snapping!!!

How to make a "No Sew" Pacifier Clip with KAM Snaps and an Enamel Clip May 10 2016

Making a "No Sew" Pacifier Clip with KAM Snaps and Enamel Clip

Today, I am making a "No Sew" Pacifier Clip.  All the usefulness, no sewing necessary!

 

Supplies for a "No Sew" Pacifier Clip:

• Pacifier with Hinged Handle
• 14-15" of 7/8" Grosgrain Ribbon
• 1 Enamel Clip or Plastic Clip
• 2 KAM Snap Sets
• KAM Snap Pliers and Awl
• Fabric Tac
• Lighter or Chef's Torch

Instructions:

1.  Choose a 7/8" or 3/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, cut a 14" to 16" length of ribbon.  I did 7/8" Grosgrain Ribbon and I cut it 16" long so when it was completed it was approximately 12" long.

2.  The ribbon I was using was made of polyester so I used a lighter to seal the ends of the ribbon so it doesn't fray.  (If you are unsure, you may want to practice on a scrap piece if this is your first time or you are unsure of the what the material is made of.)

3.  Then I used a bit of Fabric Tac and folded over an 1" of the ribbon back on itself to reinforce the ribbon and pressed it firmly and let it dry.  Repeat on the opposite end.

4.  Once dry, I installed a Cap and Socket in each end of the ribbon about 1/2" from the edge.  I used Size 20 snaps for this tutorial but either Size 20 or Size 16 will work great.

5.  On the side that will hold the Enamel Clip I simply folded the ribbon over at the 1" mark and installed a Cap and Stud where it would meet.  I, then, feed the Enamel Clip onto the ribbon and snapped it into place.  It may have been easier to thread on the pacifier clip before installing any Snap parts but I was able to feed it through without much trouble.

6.  Now on the side where the Pacifier will be attached, adjust the internal snap in a comfortable distance to accommodate the width of the handle.  I went an additional 1/2" for the Pacifier, I used.

7.  Now snap the Pacifier in place, attach to your child's shirt and go.

8.  Tada!  Happy Snapping!!!

I Like Big Buttons! How to remove Plastic Snaps with a Cuticle Cutter (Studs) March 01 2016

How to remove a plastic snap (stud side) with Cuticle Cutters.

Supplies:

• Broken or incorrectly installed plastic snaps
• Cuticle Cutter

Want our KAM Plastic Snap Removal Pliers, shop here.

© ILikeBigButtons.com and I Like Big Buttons Blog, 2016.

I Like Big Buttons! How to remove Plastic Snaps with a Cuticle Cutter (Socket) February 22 2016

 

How to remove a plastic snap (socket side) with Cuticle Cutters.  In most cases, you can reuse the socket if done with care.

Supplies:

• Broken or incorrectly installed plastic snaps
• Cuticle Cutter

Want our KAM Plastic Snap Removal Pliers, shop here.

An I Like Big Buttons Christmas! Idea #7: 3 Ways To Make Unpaper Towels with KAM Snaps December 21 2015

Gift Idea #7:  Unpaper towels make a great, attractive, and functional gift for your loved ones.  We have 3 easy tutorials that show you how to make them.  Standard Sewing Machine, Serger, or "No Sew" just pick your skill level and you can have these decorative and functional unpaper towels in your kitchen.

Supplies:

• 12 11"x11" Flannel squares
• 12 11"x11" Terry Cloth or Micro Fiber squares
• 72 KAM Snap Sets
• Rotary Cutter or Scissors
• Cutting Mat
• Serger
• KAM Snap Pliers and Awl

Instructions:

1. Choose your flannel, I went to Etsy, of course, and found almost too many choices :).  I finally settled on Moda's Marmalade collection.  See More

#ilikebigbuttons #kamsnaps #plasticsnaps #unpapertowels #christmasideas

An I Like Big Buttons Christmas! Idea #6: How to make a Sensory Ribbon Baby Tag Blanket with KAM Snaps & Pacifier Supplies December 16 2015

Gift Idea #6:  Fun and functional, Sensory Ribbon Tag Blanket with BONUS accessories make a great gift for any sweet little person in your life.  Use KAM Snaps or a KAM Pacifier Clip to make your blanket attachable or unthrowable :).  Add KAM Snaps, MAM Pacifier Rings or Pacifier O-Rings to add a Pacifier holder to your tag blanket.  I used them all :P to show you the different options.

Supplies:

• 2 12″x12″ Pieces of Fabric (1 Cotton and 1 Minky)
• 8x 5″ Piece of Ribbons (mix of Grosgrain and Satin)
• 7x 8" Piece of Ribbons (mix of Grosgrain and Satin)
• 1x 12" Piece of Ribbon
• 1 KAM Snap Set
• KAM Snap Pliers and Awl
• 1 KAM Pacifier Clip
• 1 MAM Pacifier Ring
• 1 Pacifier O-Ring
• Standard Sewing Machine

Instructions:

1.  Cut the Fabric and Minky material to 12"x12" squares and cut your mix of ribbon 8 in 5" lengths, 7 in 8" lengths, and 1 in 12" length.  See More

#ilikebigbuttons #kamsnaps #plasticsnaps #sootherblanket #christmasideas

An I Like Big Buttons Christmas! Idea #1: How to make a Bandana Bib with KAM Snaps and a PDF Pattern November 13 2015

Gift idea #1:  One of our most popular tutorials, Bandana Bibs are a great gift for those little droolers and mess makers in your life or as an outfit accessory. So cute!  I, also, used our newly stocked Heart Shaped KAM Snaps for added pizazz, check it out!

Supplies:

• Fabrics of your choice
• 1 Heart Shaped KAM Snap Set
• KAM Snap Pliers and Awl
• Bandana Bib PDF Pattern (may need to adjust for your child's size or add more KAM Snaps settings)
• Standard Sewing Machine

Instructions:

1. Download the Bandana Bib PDF Pattern.  Print out the pattern making sure the 1″ square in the corner measures 1″ square when printed that will indicate the pattern is the right size.  ... See More

How to make a Snow Queen Inspired Costume with KAM Snaps October 27 2015

Last year I made a set of Snow Queen Inspired Costumes for my littlest girls.  My preschool aged daughter is obsessed with Frozen and Elsa as all girls her age.  She told me the other day, "Mama, Elsa and I are good friends because we both LOVE tutus."  :)  She, of course, insisted that she needed a Elsa dress for Halloween and her little sister an Anna dress but I, in my wisdom, decided if I had to make 2 dresses they would be full size and mini me sized version of the same dress with KAM Snaps.  I think they turned out great and I made them just big enough that they work this year too.  Yay, me :)!

Supplies:

• 1 Yard of Snow Queen Snowflake Organza
• 1 Yard of White Fabric
• 1 Yard of Tulle (White)
• 4 Sheets of Felt (White)
• Silver Sequined Ribbon
• Teal thread
• 4 KAM Snap Sets
• KAM Snap Pliers and Awl
• Serger Sewing Machine
• Standard Sewing Machine
• Long Sleeve T-Shirt (we went with White)

SEE INSTRUCTIONS

Because We Love Color And We Love Choices!!! How We Prepare Our Plastic Snaps And Why October 08 2015

For all our new friends and followers of I Like Big Buttons!, it seemed like a great time to introduce you to our amazing Plastic Snaps!!!  For those of you who have been with us for a long time, here is a refresher.

We carry a variety of package deals for our snaps from 10 sets, 25 sets, 100 sets up to thousands of KAM snaps with and without pliers or professional press all at a great price. We have a listing for just about everyone at the price range and quantity you desire.

25 packs sets came to be largely for cloth diapers.  Most customers that replace Velcro on cloth diapers with snaps have numerous diapers in varying colors.  Many found purchasing 100 of each color wasteful, as they ended up with 75% of their snaps left over.

We provide the best of both worlds, smaller packs to those that want greater variety and larger packs for those looking to use snaps in bulk.

Some of these reasons we offer these great options include:

*A large demand from customers for just 25 snaps to convert or complete a single diaper.

*An equally large demand for “just a sampling of every color”, which gave birth to our sets of 10 and Starter Packs.

* More compact, informational packaging that includes instructions about which Die and Rod to use.

* We also offer individual parts in quantities of 100 and 1000 in all of KAM Plastic Snaps 130+ colors.

If you aren't sure how to jump into plastic snaps, we also carry starter packs including multi-packs of 10 or 25 sets of snaps.  If you are new to snapping, we have starter packs with plastic snap pliers, awl, and an instructional DVD.  These Starter Packs are a great way to get addicted :).  We have 18 preset themes including Rainbow Spectrum, Pastel Spectrum, Baby Boy Blue, Baby Girl Pink, Earth Tones, Military, and many others.  We also offer an option to choose your own colors.  You can pick from any of KAM Plastic Snaps 130+ fun colors.  Check out our KAM Snaps selection and use Coupon Code: SnapLove for 10% off your order.

Here is our chart of available colors, we carry over 130+ great KAM Plastic Snap colors.

Have a great day!

I Like Big Buttons!

How We Prepare Our Plastic Snaps And Why April 28 2015

For all our new friends and followers of I Like Big Buttons, it seemed like a great time to introduce you to our amazing Plastic Snaps!!!  For those of you who have been with us for a long time, here is a refresher. 

We carry a variety of package deals for our snaps from 10 sets, 25 sets, 100 sets up to thousands of KAM snaps with and without pliers or professional press all at a great price. We have a listing for just about everyone at the price range and quantity you desire.

25 packs sets came to be largely for cloth diapers.  Most customers that replace Velcro on cloth diapers with snaps have numerous diapers in varying colors.  Many found purchasing 100 of each color wasteful, as they ended up with 75% of their snaps left over.

We provide the best of both worlds, smaller packs to those that want greater variety and larger packs for those looking to use snaps in bulk.

Some of these reasons we offer these great options include:

*A large demand from customers for just 25 snaps to convert or complete a single diaper.

*An equally large demand for “just a sampling of every color”, which gave birth to our sets of 10 and Starter Packs.

* More compact, informational packaging that includes instructions about which Die and Rod to use.

* We also offer individual parts in quantities of 100 and 1000 in all of our 130+ colors.

Check out our KAM Snaps selection and use Coupon Code: SnapLove for 10% off your order.

Here is our chart of available colors, we carry over 130+ great colors.

Have a great day!

I Like Big Buttons!

How To Remove a Plastic Snap (stud) with KAM Snap Removal Pliers March 19 2015

How to remove a plastic snap (stud side) with KAM Snap Removal Pliers.

Supplies:

• Broken or incorrectly installed plastic snaps
• KAM Snap Removal Pliers

Instructions:

1.  With the die die installed, locate the broken snap.

2.  Turn snap cap side up with stud facing down.

3.  Place broken snap in pliers, stud face down.  The stud will settle in the raised dome in die.

4.  Apply firm pressure to the snap with the KAM Snap Removal Pliers.  You will hear a pop when the snap has broken.

5.  This is what the cap and stud will look like once they have been broken.

6.  Tada!  It is that easy!!!

How To Remove a Plastic Snap (socket) with KAM Snap Removal Pliers February 25 2015

How to remove a plastic snap (socket side) with KAM Snap Removal Pliers.

Supplies:

• Broken or incorrectly installed plastic snaps
• KAM Snap Removal Pliers

Instructions:

1.  With the socket die installed, locate the broken snap.

2.  Turn snap cap side up with socket facing down.

3.  Place broken snap in pliers, socket face down.  The socket will settle over the raised dome in die.

4.  Apply firm pressure to the snap with the KAM Snap Removal Pliers.  You will hear a pop when the snap has broken.

5.  This is what the cap and socket will look like once they have been broken.

6.  Tada!  It is that easy!!!

Have you seen our Professional Snap Press at work? January 28 2015

It makes installing Plastic Snaps a breeze! I am in love with it and we carry them in two custom colors Bright Pink and Light Teal.

They are 10% on our website right now with Free Shipping to the US on orders over $70:

Professional Snap Press

#ilikebigbuttons #kamsnaps #plasticsnaps #snappress

30 Days of KAM Snaps and Beyond!!! KAM Snap Felt Christmas Ornaments December 10 2014

KAM Snap Felt Christmas Ornaments

Day #41

Today I am making some child-proof Christmas ornaments with KAM Snaps.  With lots of little helpful hands in my house our Christmas tree needs some durable and cute ornaments.  These ornaments remind me of ones my mom and dad had on our tree in our curious stages :).  KAM Snap Felt Christmas Ornaments to the rescue!!!

Supplies:

• A couple Sheets of Colored Felt
• KAM Snap Caps and Sockets or Studs
• KAM Snap Pliers and Awl
• Standard Sewing Machine
• Scissors

Instructions:

1.  Trace the shapes that you want on your felt.  I used large cookie cutters to give me the general shape.  I folded the felt in half and cut out double of each shape.

2.  Here is how they turned out.

3.  Using a standard sewing machine I stitched around the doubled layer of felt with about a 1/8" seam allowance and then cleaned up the edges of the felt with my scissors.

4.  Then I added KAM Snap Caps and Sockets or Studs to the front of each ornament in playful colors and patterns.

5.  Front view.

6.  View from back.

7.  Tada!  FWIW, these ornaments have already been stolen off the tree and are being hauled around by one of my youngest :).

30 Days of KAM Snaps and Beyond!!! KAM Snaps Kits to the Rescue a Christmas Gift Idea December 04 2014

KAM Snaps Kits to the Rescue a Christmas Gift Idea

Day #40

Today, I am sharing with you the Christmas Gift I have given to all my sisters, mom and aunts :).  Christmas gifts were exchanged early as I will be with my husband's family on Christmas Day :) so I am not blowing their surprise.  These KAM Snap Kits were a huge hit with them all.  Can't wait to see what creativity emerges!!!  KAM Snaps to the rescue!!!

These are so simple to put together.  I picked up stack of containers from Harbor Freight.  These can also be found in most big box stores or hardware stores too.  Harbor Freight had them on sale for $4 each.  Bonus!  I choose the one with 24 dividers.  I filled it with 25 packs a rainbow of colors and placed one in each hole.  Your loved one can then easily open each bag and pour it in the hole and have a nice compact way of storing their colors. 

 

Now more pictures of how it turned out :).

Like I said, everyone was thrilled.  These sets are customizable to fit your loved ones needs.  Just pick the 25 colors you would like, a rainbow of colors, boy colors, girl colors, vibrants, neutrals ... the sky is the limit.  I did a rainbow for my family so that they could open it up anytime and color match their craft project or repair job. 

30 Days of KAM Snaps and Beyond!!! How to make a Snow Queen Inspired Costume with KAM Snaps October 29 2014

How to make a Snow Queen Inspired Costume with KAM Snaps

Day #39

Today I am making a set of Snow Queen Inspired Costumes for my littlest girls.  My preschool aged daughter is obsessed with Frozen and Elsa as all girls her age.  She told me the other day, "Mama, Elsa and I are good friends because we both LOVE tutus."  :)  She, of course, insisted that she needed a Elsa dress for Halloween and her little sister an Anna dress but I, in my wisdom, decided if I had to make 2 dresses they would be full size and mini me sized version of the same dress with KAM Snaps.  I haven't made a dress in years so bare with my efforts.  My girls are thrilled and that is all that matters to me.

Supplies:

• 1 Yard of Snow Queen Snowflake Organza
• 1 Yard of White Fabric
• 1 Yard of Tulle (White)
• 4 Sheets of Felt (White)
• Silver Sequined Ribbon
• Teal thread
• 4 KAM Snap Sets
• KAM Snap Pliers and Awl
• Serger Sewing Machine
• Standard Sewing Machine
• Long Sleeve T-Shirt (we went with White)

Instructions:

1.  Make a paper template sweetheart bodice shape, it will look like this.

2.  The organza was super thin so I did a double layer of it so that it looked more blue.  I considered painting the t-shirt blue first in the area that the organza would lay or putting a layer of solid blue material underneath but I was in a time crunch and this was the quickest remedy.  I pinned the bodice in place.

3.  With teal thread I zig zag stitched the heart shaped bodice in place.

4.  I cut out 2 layers of white fabric, width of shirt measurement was twice the width of the t-shirt so that I can gather the material and length of shirt I measured from about half way down the bodice to the floor.  I used a flat sheet for the white fabric that I had laying around.  Cut out 2 or 3 layers of snowflake organza with same measurements.  For the same reason as above, I put 2 layers on the front side, to brighten the blue color,  and just 1 layer on back as it will not be viewed as much.

5.  Laying the white fabric right side up and the 2 layers of organza fabric wrong side up, I pinned and then sewed the bottom seam together with a 1/4" seam allowance.  Repeat with back pieces.

6.  Fold the sets of fabric right side out.

7.  Pin the front and back pieces together with right sides together and serge the left and right sides from top to bottom.

8.  Turn right side out, I also sketched a matching heart shaped V in the front of the dress.  I wasn't sure exactly how to make this happen so it was a see as we go idea :).

9.  Sew a basting stitch about 1/2" below the edge of the fabric in the front of the dress.  Repeat in the back making sure to leave extra thread to grip when pulling the string to gather the fabric.

10.  Gather the fabric so that it becomes the size of the t-shirt.

11.  Choose how much of the bodice you want showing.  I found that I wanted less than half to show.  Otherwise, the dress looks a bit out of scale so I went about halfway between an empire waist and true waist height for the waist.  Turn the shirt inside out and place over the shirt, shirt will be upside down, skirt right side up, and pin in place.  I used a ruler to make sure my pinning stayed level along the t-shirt.  Pinning the sweet heart front was difficult.  It was counter intuitive to me but after a couple tries I got it.  I did turn the dress right side out a couple times to make sure it was lining up right.

12.  Sew the skirt in place.  I used a 1/2" seam allowance.

13.  Pin the Silver Sequined Ribbon in place, scooping down to accentuate the heart shaped waist line and pin in place.

14.  Sew in place along the edges both on the top and bottom with a back stitch at the start and finish.

15.  Take a length of white tulle, double the measurement of the width of the t-shirt.  Use a basting stitch and gather the tulle with the same technique as the shirt.  Take a length of the Silver Sequin Ribbon, wrap the top of the tulle, I also added a strip of felt to the back of the tulle to sandwich it to ribbon and add stability where the snaps are going to be applied.  Pin in place. 

16.  Sew it all together.

17.  Add KAM Snaps Cap and Stud, 1 at each end and 2 to the left and right of the middle.

18.  Repeat same spacing on the back of the t-shirt with a Cap and Socket.  I used a 1" square of felt on the inside to stabilize the KAM Snap in the t-shirt.

19.  Cut out and add some felt snowflakes, I found the snowflake shapes in Google images, sew in place.

20.  Tada!  Here is the mini me version.

21.  Tada!  Here is the full size version.  She is shooting snow out of her hands :) can you tell.

22.  I also went with a longer cape for the bigger sister.

How to make a Peacock Costume and a "No Sew" Tutu with KAM Snaps October 23 2014

Day #38

Today, I am made a Halloween costume for my Peacock loving girl.  I was inspired by my friend, Barbara of Das Mach Ich Nachts (Roughly translates to "I'm doing this at night"), earlier this year she made the most amazing costume for her daughter here.  I was inspired to make one for my daughter with some adjustments.  Less fine details, more "No Sew" and KAM Snaps, of course :).

Supplies:

• 1-2 Yards of Fabric (I used Royal Blue Fleece)
• 4-6 Sheets of Felt
• Elastic for Tutu
• 4-8 Spools of Tulle (15-25 Yards each)
• 2 KAM Snap Sets
• KAM Snap Pliers and Awl
• Accucut Die Cutter and Dies or Scissors to cut out the Peacock Feathers
• Standard Sewing Machine
• Long Sleeve T-Shirt (we went with Teal)
• Long Black Leggings

Instructions:

1.  Barbara's orginal Peacock Costume Tutorial, I adjusted her pattern for times sake and went with a "less is more" approach.  I reasoned to myself that this costume will mostly be viewed in the dark and a lot of the details of the costume will be lost :).  I, also, own a Accucut Die Cutter (great tool!) with handy dandy Circle dies so I decided to do circle shaped feathers rather than tear drop shaped.  I used a 4.5", 3.5", and 2.5" circle dies. 

2.   These can easily be done by hand but I was able to run 4 layers of Felt at a time.  Awesome!  My daughter wanted 2 different sets of Feathers in Purple, Apple Green and Teal.  We alternated between Purple and Teal as the front and back circle with the Apple Green always as the middle piece.  This was my fashionista's preference :).

3.  I also cut out 2x 4.5" Royal Blue Fleece for each feather.  We made 16 Peacock "Eye" Feather total and about 40 Royal Blue Fleece Circles.

4.  Take the 2.5" Felt circles and cut a wedge out of each of them.

5.  They will look like this.

6.  Take each 4.5" Circle and lay the 3.5" Circle off center.

7.  Stitch 2 "V"s in Teal thread from the edge to the middlish and back to the edge again to stabilize the circles together.

8.  Lay the 2.5" 3/4 Circle on top slightly off center again.

9.  Stitch around the edge of the circle, repeat 16 times.  My daughter and I did this with dueling sewing machines and it took just a few minutes to complete.

10.  Now lay out and plan your cape, I laid out my yardage of Royal Blue fleece and had my daughter lay down on it to get her wing span :).  Then using one of the 4.5" Circle feathers, starting at the top edge I chalked the round shape and worked my way down.  I drew a rough sketch of what I did above.  I did one side and folded fabric and half and cut both sides at once.

11.  Then I laid the feathers like this and pinned them in place in a random pattern to fill in the cape.

12.  I straight stitched across my sets of feathers using back stitch at the start and end of each set to make sure they were secure.

13.  On the tabs in the front of the cap, I doubled over the fleece and put a 2 sets of KAM Snaps in on the left and right.  The Cape is finished.  You can do more or less details.  I didn't bother finishing the edges of the fleece as it will not fray.  This may get used a couple times at most and then as dress up for siblings and cousins, so I didn't feel the extra effort was necessary.  On to the "No Sew" Tutu!!!

14.  Make the Elastic waist for your Tutu by wrapping tutu around your child's waist.  Stitch the Elastic together by going back and forth repeatedly with a zig zag stitch or straight stitch.

15.  Cut your spools of Tulle into lengths, mine were for an older girl so I did measured to just below her knee and doubled that measurement.  I cut my Tulle in 5" pieces and it took 8 spools to complete the skirt.  It is very full but that was the look I was going for.

16.  Take 1-2 pieces of Tulle fold them in half and place them behind the Elastic.

17.  Bring the Tulle ends up, over the Elastic and thread them through the open Tulle loop from behind.

18.  Pull taut and repeat. 

19.  It will end up like this.  We used Purple, Purple Glitter, Teal, Teal Glitter, and Apple Green Tulle.

20.  Here is my proud Peacock!  She loves it and she and I had a wonderful time making it together :). 

30 Days of KAM Snaps and Beyond!!! How to make a Reversible Finished Edge Coffee Cozy with KAM Snaps and Free PDF Pattern October 16 2014

Day #37

How to make a Reversible Coffee Cozy with KAM Snaps and Free PDF Pattern

A couple days ago, I made a couple cute Coffee Cozys for my cousin's birthday.  Here is the second promised tutorial showing how to make the Reversible Finished Edge Coffee Cozy.  KAM Snaps to the rescue again!

Supplies:

• Fabric of your choosing
• Insulation/batting layer
• 2 KAM Snap Sets
• KAM Snap Pliers and Awl
• Standard Sewing Machine

Instructions:

1.  Download the Reversible Finished Edge Coffee Cozy PDF Pattern. Print out the pattern making sure the 1″ square in the corner measures 1″ square when printed that will indicate the pattern is the right size.  This pattern works on standard sized 12 ounce and 16 ounce cups.  My models were Dixie and Chinet brands.

2.  Cut out each Pattern piece as many times as instructed.  The first time I made this the pattern, though it fitted the cup as a paper template, did not fit when fully finished.  I have added an additional 2" to the pattern to adjust for the loss in length as fabric sewn and fitted (the pattern has been adjusted and 1/4" seam allowance tabs were added).  Make sure to wash and dry your fabrics before making this pattern if you plan to wash them later to avoid shrinkage.

3.  Original picture of pattern on fabric (pattern has been adjusted).

4.  Cut out 3 pieces, front and back fabric and interlining because this is going to be an exposed layer I used Felt.  You can use whichever material you like, this layer is for protection from the heat of the cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

5.  Pin the 3 layers of fabric together.  Bottom fabric right side up, batting, and top fabric right side down.

6.  Starting just off center on the bottom, stitch all a 1/4" seam allowance all the way around the Cozy stopping 2-3" from finishing.  Leaving an opening to turn the piece right side out.

7.  Turn the Cozy right side out, I used a small butter/frosting knife to get the corners as square as possible.

8.  Carefully fold and pin the opening closed.

9.  Top stitch a 1/4" seam allowance all the way around the Cozy making sure to back stitch at the beginning and end of your work.

10.  Install 2 KAM Snap Caps and 2 Studs on the left side and install 2 KAM Snap Caps and 2 Sockets on the other side.  I have included "blue dots" on the template to approximate where to place them but it is best to wrap the snap-free Coffee Cozy around a Coffee Cup to see how it fits and where you would like to place the snaps.  I placed the top and bottom KAM Snaps about 1/2" down from the finished seam edge of the Cozy.

11.  Here is the finished product both front and back.  You will note that it is reversible and that I coordinated the snaps so that it has different color snaps parts on each side.  Just seemed extra fun :)!

12.  Tada!  I think they turned out great!  I did another tutorial to show the Reversible Frayed Edge Coffee Cozy too.  Check it out here!!!