Oh my! Is it that time of the year already? Back to school makes me think of so many things. The early morning rush, making lunch (I hope I have one more juice box), kid free days, homework filled nights, permission slips to sign and scholastic book sales, to name a few! The line: I would send you a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils from Nora Ephrons
You Got Mail pretty much sums up my feelings on the start of a new school year. New beginnings permeate the air! In the material world here at J&O Fabrics the new school year brings many must have projects to mind. Aside from covering school books, there are lots of bags to be made; handbags, tote bags, computer bags, and pencil cases. What would a new school year be with out new outfits with matching accessories? For some it is truly a new beginning, new digs to decorate! Dorm rooms need curtains, pillows, and fleece throws. We have everything you need to create that personal touch. Check it out! With tons of fabric choices for all of these great projects you are sure to find something that is perfect. Since it is a time to start anew maybe you should treat yourself to a brand new pair of scissors too!  Candyland Decorative Dora the Explorer Circle fabric Crayon Fabric Black
 Sporty Princesses Fabric Peace Sign FleeceCheck out our Selection of: Novelty FabricFleece FabricRetro Decorative FabricDots FabricScissors and Cutting ToolsPosts by J&O Fabric StoreLabels: back to school crafts, decorative fabric, dots, fleece, novelty fabric
 Gone are the days of creative thinking and imagination. As the shelves of our local toy stores fill with more and more electronic devises like PSP's, DS Systems, and the Wee, more and more parents are ditching their ancient arts and crafts supplies and investing in a future of artificial intelligence and mental over-stimulation for their little boys and girls. Some are spending money they don't have and encouraging a life of immediate gratification void of physical interaction, and wondering why their children seem so desensitized by life. But who says children don't like hand made toys anymore? And what child doesn't still get filled with pride and joy at the sight of a fantastically cool game, craft or toy they made all by themselves? It was less than a week ago that my 11 year old son and his friends found themselves home from school due to a passing snow storm that left several inches on our neighborhood lawns. Too cold to go out, and too bored to stay in, my son and his friends created countless mundane ways to compete on their electronic entertainment systems and revisit a continually disappointing cabinet of healthy snacks throughout the morning hours. Bearing witness to this modern atrosity, I gathered up my stash of fabrics, trims, crafts and other tid bit supplies and called the boys to the kitchen table for some good old fashion fun. Finger puppets would be the project of the afternoon, and with a little felt, fabric glue, plastic eyes, yarn and some great decorating stuff, I set the doubtful yet willing pre-teens off to create uniquely wonderful works of art for at least an hour or two of five finger fun. From a puppet that looks like their favorite entertainer, favorite animal, or that fabulous face in the mirror. And with that, I left three pre-teen children to their own device. The end result....some really cool finger puppets for three gloating boys who haven't forgotten how to have some good old fashion finance free fun ......without electrical interference. To create your own felt crafts like the finger puppet project mentioned above, check out the following family friendly websites: www.allfreecrafts.com or www.familyfun.com, and then visit us at https://www.jandofabrics.com/index.htm for our great selection of colorful felt fabric. Available in 72" widths, our 100% acrylic felt is the perfect material for a plethora of craft ideas.  Until next time, this is Consumer Savvy Carol signing off! Posts by J&O Fabrics StoreLabels: back to school crafts, breast cancer fabric crafts, childrens crafts, felt, felt crafts, felt finger puppets, frugal, frugile
 With Christmas less than a few days away and Kwanzaa soon following, why not pull on your creative juices and save a little money at the same time with great fabric gift wrappings and bows? For most crafters and designers alike, fabric scraps from botched projects, incomplete projects, and projects with more fabric left over than used, often times accumulate into colorful mountains of textured material eagerly waiting to be recycled and put to good use. Many times the end result is a funky reconstructed shirt, festively trimmed greeting card, or cute little fabricated doll for the holidays. But what about using that beautiful fabric as an inexpensive and easy substitute for actual store bought wrapping paper for use during the holidays and any special occasion. Since fabric can be cut to size just like regular paper, wrapping a gift box in your child’s favorite Disney character or your wife’s favorite material is a great say I love you with an added flair! From Dora and Sesame Street prints, to brocade dress fabrics and Pima dot cottons, the perfect fabric wrap for that special someone is right under your nose. With the added benefit that recycling your fabrics can bring to our ecosystem and in turn, humankind itself, this single craft idea alone contains one of the greatest gifts you can give our planet. That same fabric you used to wrap a gift for your sister is the same fabric that she will use to make a patch for her son’s pants, and the same print her husband will transform into sellable bookmarks for the holiday. It’s the gift that just keeps on giving. To start utilizing your fabric scraps to their fullest, the following instructions are helpful. In as little as 1-2-3, your fun and fabulous fabric wrapping will be garnishing dull shirt boxes in no time. Well, what are you waiting for? Christmas is almost here! Supplies · pinking sheers · fabric scraps · ribbons, twine Instructions Lay your scrap fabric out on a flat surface. Place the gift in the center of your scrap fabric and check the fit to see if you have enough to cover all the sides once cut. Leave about a 1-2” surplus for complete coverage. Fold the corners and sides up together to get a visual measurement then cut your fabric accordingly using your pinking shears to create a nice decorative edge. Wrap the gift box with the fabric. Secure it closed with scrap fabric ribbons, twine, or fabric tape. 
Check out our great selection of Holiday fabric here! Check out our large selection of novelty cotton fabric here!
Posts by J&O Fabrics StoreLabels: back to school crafts, christmas crafts, christmas presents, consumer savvy carol, frugal, frugil, frugile, holiday crafts, holiday fabric, holiday fabric crafts, special occasions
 If you’re anything like me, these days I’m sure you find yourself cringing in the supermarkets isles. Sometimes I think I’d be better off taking advantage of the dollar menu at the nearest fast food restaurant. Times are tough right now for the average family and as a Mom, I know I feel responsible for making every dollar stretch as far as possible. Sometimes it’s challenging not to take the easy way out. But there are lots of creative choices we can make to stretch our dollars. Maybe all it takes is a shift in our perceptions of a more simplified reality. I am sure I’m not the only one holding onto colorful pieces of cotton, denim and bark cloth. Not to mention trims and other various embellishments. Next time you’re not so little one puts on those jeans and they just aren’t long enough anymore, try adding some length with a 2” scrap of fabric, or a few fabric strips sewn together. While you’re at it you can make it into a fun project. Cut pieces of the design (even team logos) attach a little heat bond and iron on the design to the garment. Bonding these cut designs works great on a tee that has become stained or worn from too much wear. Speaking of fabric scraps. Since we are one of the largest fabric stores in the Tri-State area, we carry totes and totes of these colorful, funky and fancy ¼ yard pieces that literally collect over the years. They sit here taking up space and not paying towards the rent. They want to be put to use, but have been made to feel like they are only good for one thing…..nostalgic memories of craft projects done long ago or worse yet…..unfinished projects!! With the holidays just around the corner, now is the perfect time to rethink your gift giving ideas. When my daughter was born she received many beautiful gifts, but which one does she still wrap her baby dolls in? The crib quilt that her Aunt Sue handmade for her, and me, I still have the “Jingle Bell Jack” my mom made me from scraps. More commonly referred to now as YO-YO dolls, gifts made from the heart last a lifetime. Whatever you do with your time, energy, and resources is up to you. But if you want to make memories and keep a little extra cash in your pocket, consider the creative power of the imagination…enjoy and encourage the artist in you to flourish! To check out some of our really cool novelty cotton fabrics click here! To check out our selection of holiday fabrics click here! To see the latest childrens' fabric click here!
Until next time, this is Consumer Savvy Carol signing off! Posts by J&O Fabrics StoreLabels: 1960's fabric, back to school crafts, conservative, cotton fabric, cotton prints, crafts, fleece gifts, frugal, holiday crafts, holiday prints, novelty cotton, thrifty, yo yo crafts
 With the lazy, hazy days of summer slowly coming to an end, and the colorful display of autumn only a few weeks away, it’s time to start thinking about school again. From shopping for school supplies, to shopping for the latest fall fashions, the back-to-school ritual can be found in kindergarten classrooms and college dorms across America as students young and old stock up on the trendiest folders and backpacks, and the hottest jeans and sneakers. And what is school without books. From American history to Great English literary works, if they are not used for digesting large amounts of spoon fed material, they certainly are good for the daily graphic art entry as you dreamingly pass time waiting for the final bell to ring. Yeah, these seemingly illegally heavy, extremely thick and often times extremely boring mandated books are the first and last thing to leave your possession once school begins, but they don’t have to be that dreaded; Especially when you have cool book marks to hold your place between studies. I don’t just mean any book mark either. I am talking about the wild and beautiful one-of-a-kind book marks hand crafted by you with the help of J&O Fabrics. Fabric book marks you say. How ingenious! Well, maybe the concept has been around for awhile, but never before have you created your very own unique book mark with fabric from J&O; and never have you crafted one that is so reflective of the many faces of you. Until today! Why buy standard manufactured one with little or no personality, when in just a few simple steps, you can have the perfect page saver. With just a inexpensive supplies and a little imagination, your wonderful Romeo & Juliet book marker will be adorned in retro prints, extreme sports or your favorite Hannah Barbara character in no time. While these cool page savers may not make your reading any more enjoyable, they certainly will add a little color and spark to an otherwise dull page of black and white.
Supplies Cardboard Fabric Elmer’s glue (or alternative fabric seam adhesive) Scissors Needle & thread (optional) Decorative trim (optional)
Instructions
Step One
Cut your piece of cardboard to measure about 7” x 2”.
Step Two
Cut your piece of fabric in a large enough rectangular piece so that your cardboard marker will be able to fit inside the enclosed fabric sleeve once sewn. 
Step Three Fold your fabric in half (right side in) and sew from the top opening of the long side around to the folded end of the bottom. When completed, turn inside out so that the right side of the fabric is now on the outside. If you would prefer not to sew, place the fabric right side out. Fold the open sides of the fabric and use an alternative seam adhesive to secure the sides of your sleeve. Remember to keep one short side open to slide your cardboard piece into.
Step Four Once cardboard is snuggly inside the fabric sleeve, secure the top by folding the edges in, and either sewing, gluing or using a fabric spray adhesive to finish it off. Add your own little decorative touch by applying fabric paint designs, attaching tassels or adhering cool mini beading and ribbon to your final design. 
Now, take a step back and pat yourself on the back for a job well done. If it’s your first, it will surely not be your last. Make great book marks for all your literary works both scholastic and recreational. Even give as gifts for family and friends. Encourage the love of reading in your children with fun Angelina Ballerina and Sesame Street print book marks too. From young to old, fabric book marks are a unique and great way to personalize your cherished, or not so cherished literary works. Posts by J&O Fabrics StoreLabels: back to school crafts, book mark, book markers, children's crafts, fabric book markers, fabric crafts, jandofabrics
 With the lazy, hazy days of summer slowly coming to an end, and the colorful display of autumn only a few weeks away, it’s time to start thinking about school again. From shopping for school supplies to shopping for the latest fall fashions, the back-to-school ritual can be found in kindergarten classrooms and college dorms across America as students young and old stock up on the trendiest folders and backpacks, and the hottest jeans and sneakers. Over the years, some things change while others stay the same. One of the most nostalgic age old traditions is the covering of the school books. Back in the day, it was done with paper bags. Then as manufacturers got more creative, they came up with funky waxed paper coverings, designer print wrappings and even stretchy textile shells for those thick science books and boring English journals. To jump on the bandwagon, we at J&O decided to take the art of book covering to the next creative level with the implementation of fabric. Not only can you make great clothing , upholstered furnishings and home crafts; but what fun you will also have garmenting your boring evergreen lab books with hot pin up girls, fast race cars and cool retro prints. Add a little color here, a little design there, as your stack of much disliked studies turns into a much admired reflection of the many faces of you! In just 10 simple steps, your cut novelty prints will turn into unique works of art that you will love. Not only will your professor approve, but your pockets will be happy too. What you will need: Brown paper bag or brown crafting paper ½ yard 45” fabric Fabric spray adhesive, fabric glue or regular elmers glue Scissors Decorative trim (optional)
Fabric Book Cover Instructions: 
Step one
Cut open your paper bag from top to bottom along one of the sides. Cut off the base so that you are left with a rectangular shaped paper that will serve as your shell.
Step two Grab your book and place it in the center of the paper. Wrap the paper up across the bottom of the book and make a crease along the bottom cover. Do the same thing for the top of the book. Now take the book off the paper. Step three
Fold the paper up at the bottom crease and down at the top crease. If you are using brown crafting paper, cut back the paper so that it extends no more than 3-4” from the top or bottom of the book. Step four Place the book back at the center of the paper and bring the left side of the paper shell/cover over the book and line it up with the right side of the paper cover. Fold the overlap around the front cover of the book and make a crease. Then insert the front cover of the book into the slot that is formed by the folded top and bottom sides of the shell. When your book slides all the way until it hits the crease, stop. Now do the same with the back cover. Note: You really should not have more than 3” worth of shell covering around the perimeter of your book. If you do, then you might want to cut back some. Step five Once a firm fit has been established, take the book out of the shell and put it aside for the moment. Step six Take your shell and unfold the sides again. 
Step seven
Now lay your piece of fabric flat and place the shell on top of it. Step eight Cut the fabric out to fit the shell. Leave about 1” around the perimeter for give when folding. Step nine With your selected adhesive, affix the back of your fabric to the paper shell and allow to dry Step ten Once secured, fold the shell securely in the same manner as you did originally, and slide book into slots again.   Voila! Your fabric book cover is complete at this stage unless you want to embellish it with fabric paint, trims, sequence or some other finishing that tickles your fancy. 
These simple handcrafted book covers are not only easy to make, but are also inexpensive too. With just a little bit of money and a half a yard of fabric, your classmates will know you're a fan of Scooby Doo and football in no time.From young to old, fabric book covers are a unique and great way to personalize and protect your cherished, or not so cherished literary works.
Check out our great novelty fabric here!
Check out our hot college fabric here!
Check out our fun children's fabric here!
Posts by J&O Fabrics Store
Labels: back to school crafts, book covers, children craft, college basketball, fabric crafts, novelty fabric craft, school, school.
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