Reindeer Cutouts

Cheeky Magpies cute Reindeer Cutouts

This was one of those spontaneous projects that took me by surprise. I've been working on altering a nutcracker, but don't really like the direction it's going in. Harrumph. While looking through the tubs and tubs and tubs of Christmas decorations, I discovered a wooden reindeer that used to belong to my mother in law. The pattern looked simple enough, so I began to play. This is the result, which also brought me to a few other ideas I'll be posting over the course of this week. If all goes as planned, I'll have a nifty little winter scene for you to play with.Here's the print and cut file:

A few things about the reindeer:

- Smaller is better. I made one quite large and it didn't stand well. If you want a big one, use cardboard or super heavy cardstock.

- I didn't have double sided paper to use so I painted the back. Be careful not to make it too wet or the pieces will curl.

- I didn't include the notches on the svg file. You'll have to look at the print pattern and go with that. I found that by making my own cuts I had a bit more variety in the shapes f the reindeer. Kinda like nature.

- This is a good one for the kiddies. So have fun.Here's the svg file for you SCAL users:reindeer.svg

Enjoy.

Mesh Hammock from DIY Network *Part 2*

Finish up your swingin' hammock.

From "B. Original"
episode DBOR-207

In Part 1 of this project, Michele Beschen demonstrated how to gather and shape a nylon fishing net. In this part, she transforms the shaped net into a hammock.
Scroll down to finish this fun outdoor project.
Transform your nylon fishing net...
Into a hand-made hammock.



Mesh Hammock, Part 2
Materials:
hammock mesh from Part 12 strips of 2x2 wood, 50" long braided nylon twine2 strong metal hoops, 7" or larger in diameterheavy-duty nylon rope
In each 50" strip of wood, drill 20 holes 2-1/2" apart.
Cut 40 pieces of braided nylon twine, each 5' long.

Tie the pieces of braided nylon twine to the mesh loops made when reducing the net mesh. Wrap each piece of twine around the loop twice and make two half-hitch knots (picture 1).

Thread the pieces of twine through the holes in the boards and secure with half-hitch knots (picture 2). Start with the twine at the middle of the net and the holes at the middle of the board, working your way toward the outside edges.

Lay the board at one end of the hammock flat and straighten out the twine. Place a sturdy metal hoop on top of the middle pieces of twine 30" to 40" from the board. Beginning with the middle pieces of twine, tie each piece securely to the hoop; the twine will start to angle as you move farther from the center of the board (picture 3).

Once all of the twine is tied to the hoop (picture 4), repeat the process for the other end of the hammock.

Use heavy-duty nylon rope to hang the hammock between two trees (picture 5). Add some pillows, and you're ready to sit back and enjoy your very own hand-made hammock.

Mesh Hammock from DIY Network

Mesh Hammock, Part 1
Kick back and relax in this swingin' DIY hammock.
From "B. Original"episode DBOR-207



Make this easy, inexpensive hammock with Michele Beschen. Michele Beschen loves to create welcoming outdoor spaces—and what could be more welcoming than a simple hammock? Made from inexpensive nylon netting and a few other materials, this hammock is so easy on the budget you'll want to B. Original and make one for everybody in the family.
In this first part of the project, Michele Beschen shows how to measure the hammock netting and reduce it with the same techniques fishermen have used for centuries. In Part 2, she assembles the hammock and gets it ready to hang.







Mesh Hammock, Part 1


Materials:
nylon netting with 2" meshfabric dye (optional)scissorsnetting needlenylon twine2" piece of wood or metalscissors

Note: The 2" mesh probably won't look like it's 2" across, because the mesh is measured when spread out (picture 1). But if the package says 2" mesh—or if it measures 2" when you stretch it out—you have the right size netting.

Lay the netting out flat and cut a piece 64 meshes wide by 60 meshes long. Michele Beschen says it's very important to lay the netting straight and flat when you measure and cut in order to get a straight trim line (picture 2).

Dye the netting, if desired. Michele Beschen used a standard fabric dye from the grocery store for the hammock; more powerful dyes may be less likely to fade in the sun.
To shape the hammock, reduce the 64-mesh edges to 20 meshes, using nylon twine and a netting needle. To begin, tie off one end of a 64-mesh edge to a post or door knob.

Wind the nylon twine onto the netting needle. Starting where the mesh is tied off, tie the free end of the twine to the first mesh (picture 3).







Use the 2" piece of wood or metal as a mesh block to create a row of new meshes as you stitch through the netting. Loop the twine once around the block then pass the needle through the next mesh, creating a new mesh on a new row (picture 4). Pass the needle through the next two meshes, one at a time; now, three meshes are wound together (picture 5).

Tie a half-hitch knot to hold the three meshes together, followed by a second half-hitch knot for added strength.









Slip the first loop off the block and loop the twine around the block again. Gather three mor

e meshes and tie off with two half-hitch knots.
Repeat this process to the end of the 64-mesh edge of the net (picture 6).

For the last loop, gather the final four meshes instead of just three. Tie the nylon twine off securely at the end of the side.
Repeat on the other 64-mesh edge.


The hammock is beginning to take shape. Go to Part 2 to finish it off.

Welcome

Welcome to Tap Dancing Boxers!! This is my little way of keeping all of my crafting tutorials and ideas in one organized place. I have picked up these tutorials from different websites I have found and do not use any of them to make and sell things. These are all for my personal use.

Please feel free to use them if there is something you like, but please remember not to sell the items that you make using these tutorials...it's only fair to the individuals that made them up!!