Reindeer Hair Do

Punky's reindeer do for her Christmas party!
I used my sock bun technique for the bun and followed this blog post for the reindeer. I had to put the eyes further back because I used the sock instead of the foam form. But I think it's still super cute! Punky couldn't wait to do this after I showed it to her a couple weeks ago! Also, the nose is a bit big, would have rather had a smaller puff ball, but we already had this one and I was not about to go out and buy a whole new bag of puff balls for this one project. She loves it just the same!

How To Make Plastic Headband Blanks For Dolls!

Wow, it's been a long time since I've logged in here. I miss it! So I thought I'd come back and tell you all about a newish tutorial. I say new-ish because I released it awhile back but have just added an update. This tutorial will show you how to create headband blanks that fit an 18 inch doll such as an American Girl Doll! The update I've added is instructions to make woven headbands. I show you each step of the way to weave ribbon onto a headband that you created using the tutorial. The same technique can also be used for regular girl sized headbands too! To learn more about it click here.

Facebook

I am ashamed that I have neglected this blog in favor of Facebook. I hope to catch up here soon. In the meantime please consider joining my fan page on Facebook by clicking "like" at http://facebook.com/punkynmunky.

Spring!

Wow! Today the sun is shining and it is in the 60's! I feel alive again after such a long cold winter. I was working on an order and took a break to make a blue bird, I'd had it in my head for a week or so and it just needed to come to life. This little guy is available in my shop here.

2 Year Etsyversary!!!!

Yippee! I didn't even realize it was coming up! I just happended to notice the date. Today marks the 2 year anniversary since I opened up shop on Etsy! Thank you to all my wonderful customers! Despite some set backs like the whole CPSIA mess, it's been a great two years! And provided the CPSIA allows small time crafters like myself to keep creating and selling, I hope for many more Etsyversaries!!!!

To celebrate, I'm offering for today only, until midnight your time, Buy One Get One Free!!!!! Free item must be of equal or lesser value. Purchase your first item and put in the message to seller the name or link to the item you'd like for free with the code BLOGBOGO.

Here are some of my latest and best selling items!

Calla Lily Hair Clip


Adjustable No Slip Headbands


Karate Girl Ribbon Sculpture


Basketball Player Ribbon Sculpture

Thanks for a great two years!!!!

How To Curl or Kork Ribbon - Free Tutorial

Today I'll show you how to curl, often referred to as "kork", ribbon. Korking works best on 100% polyester ribbon such as Grosgrain Ribbon. Korked ribbon has many crafting uses. It can be used for hair bows (often called "korkers"), gift wrapping, or in this case it'll be used in a ribbon sculpture.

For this project I am using:
* 1/8" grosgrain ribbon by Offray
* 3/16" dowel - works best with this skinny ribbon. If using 3/8" ribbon, I like to use a 1/4" dowel. You can experiment with different sizes to achieve the curl you'd like to have.
* A couple of wood clothespins
* Baking Sheet
* Aluminum foil
* Oven


Step 1:
Preheat oven to 220 degrees F.

Step 2:
Attach the ribbon to the end of the dowel by securing with one clothespin.

Step 3:

Wind the length of ribbon down the length of the dowel or for as much length as you'd like. Be sure to keep the edges together but do not overlap. If spaces are left, the curl will be looser.

Step 4:

Secure the end of the ribbon with the remaining clothespin.

Step 5:

Place dowel onto a foil lined baking sheet and place into the preheated oven.

Step 6:

Bake for approximately 20 minutes.

Step 7:

Allow to cool on the dowel, then remove clothespins and slide or unwind the ribbon off of the dowel.

Your ribbon is now ready for your craft! This particular ribbon is used in the tutorial for the Expecting Mom and Baby Ribbon Sculpture Tutorial that will be released very very soon!

Tips:

•Since all ovens vary, test on scrap ribbon to get the right temperature and timing for your oven. A rule of thumb for lighter colored ribbon is to use the least amount of time and temperature to avoid turning the ribbon brown.

•For stiffer ribbon, spray with a fabric stiffener or spray starch after wrapped but before baking.

Enjoy and let me know if you have any questions!