CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--SHABBY CHIC JEANS POCKET NECK PURSE

There comes a time in the life of every favorite pair of jeans when you have to let go and send them off to jeans heaven. Before tossing those jeans, cut out the back pockets. It’s amazing how many craft projects you can make from jeans pockets. Here’s one that's great for those times when you don't want to carry a handbag. Your phone, ID, a credit card, a few dollars, some lip gloss, and a house key will all fit.

Shabby Chic Jeans Pocket Neck Purse

Materials:

Two jeans pockets cut from the back of a pair of jeans, assorted scraps of lace, a lace medallion (optional,) 1 yd. lace trim, assorted buttons, fabric glue, gem glue, spring-type clothespins

Note: Use fabric glue for all gluing except use gem glue for buttons.

1. Decide on placement of lace and optional lace medallion. Glue lace to one pocket, allowing lace to overhang edges.

2. Glue excess lace to back of pocket. Hold in place with clothespins until glue dries.

3. Glue cut edges of 1 yd. piece of trim to back top edge of pocket on both sides. Hold in place with clothespins until glue dries.

With wrong sides together, glue pockets to each other along side and bottom edges. Hold in place with clothespins until glue dries.

4. Decide on placement for buttons. Glue in place.

CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--SHABBY CHIC EASTER EGG

For those of you who love the shabby chic look, here’s a simple way to make Easter eggs that doesn’t involve piercing shells and blowing out the insides. Make a grouping and display them on a bed of excelsior or in a bowl for a centerpiece.

Shabby Chic Easter Egg

Materials (for each egg):

3” Styrofoam egg

ball of jute

tacky glue

straight pins

scraps of ivory ribbon and lace trim

Place a small amount of tacky glue on the top of the egg. Place the end of the jute at top point of the egg and secure with one of the straight pins. Begin winding the jute around the egg, adding glue as you work to cover the entire egg. Secure end of jute with another straight pin.

Glue lace trim around center of egg, securing with pins. Make a bow from ribbon and glue over lace.

CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--SHABBY CHIC FRAME

I first featured this craft project two years ago. Since it’s one of my favorites, and we’ve had so many new readers to the blog, I decided to run it again. The frame makes a wonderful Valentine’s Day gift. You might want to frame a vintage Valentine rather than a photo. Or frame give it as a wedding or bridal shower gift with a photo of the lucky couple.

Materials:

unfinished wooden photo frame (available at craft stores); white primer spray paint; assorted lace trims, ribbon, buttons, beads, and other accessories; fabric glue and jewelry glue

1. Spray frame with light coat of primer. Leaving some of the wood grain showing through the paint will add to the antique look.

2. Position the lace trims and ribbons on the frame to form an appealing collage effect. Glue in place with the fabric glue.

3. Place the buttons, beads, and other accessories around and on top of the lace and ribbons. Glue in place with the jewelry glue.

4. Insert that special photo and wrap your gift.

CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA-- SHABBY CHIC PHOTO FRAME

Valentine’s Day is only a week away. Here’s a quick craft to dress up a special photo for your sweetie. If your sweetie is more the beer and pretzels sort, make this for yourself or your mom or your favorite aunt.  -- AP

Materials
unfinished wooden photo frame (available at craft stores); white primer spray paint; assorted lace trims, ribbon, buttons, beads, and other accessories; fabric glue and jewelry glue

1. Spray frame with light coat of primer. Leaving some of the wood grain showing through the paint will add to the antique look.

2. Position the lace trims and ribbons on the frame to form an appealing collage effect. Glue in place with the fabric glue.

3. Place the buttons, beads, and other accessories around and on top of the lace and ribbons. Glue in place with the jewelry glue.

4. Insert that special photo and wrap your gift.

Do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? Partake in any annual Valentine’s Day traditions? Or do you ignore the holiday for whatever reason? Let’s hear from you. -- AP