Chronicle Books Blog

Craft Ambassador

6.2.11 | Jennifer Paganelli | Craft, Guest Authors, Lifestyle

11632 59 CommentsCraft+Ambassador2011-06-02+18%3A51%3A39Jennifer+Paganelli |

This week, we’re so lucky to have Jennifer Paganelli, author of Girl’s World, as a guest blogger. In the book, Jennifer presents twenty-one adorable sewing projects to make for little girls—frilly dresses, ruffled pillows, bed canopies, stuffed animals and more. She’s provided step-by-step instructions—with brand new photos for this post—to create a fun project from the book here on the blog today.

We’ll be giving away a copy of Girl’s World to a randomly selected crafter who leaves a comment below. Good luck!

The Ambassador Badge is the perfect project for crafters of all skill levels. These fancy glittered badges are stunning pieces for any fun and whimsical event such as birthday parties, graduations, DIY weddings or even just playtime for little girls. Who wouldn’t look stunning in these sparkling statement necklaces? The possibilities are endless!

Materials (in order of use)
-Maya road cardboard cutouts
-Sponge brushes—any craft store
-Mod Podge—any craft store, such as Michael’s
-Glitter—artglitter.com or marthastewart.com (small, beautiful vials)
-Hot Glue—any craft store, such as Michael’s
-Computer access (to type up featured messages in necklace)
-Paper Punch
-Seam Binding Ribbon—Zipperstop
-Gems & other goodies to embellish (optional). Ours are from flea markets & eBay!

Chose a large, flat surface, lay down a sheet of plastic (you can even use a garbage bag), and throw on some gloves to avoid super sticky hands.

Step 1) Using your sponge brush, lightly spread a layer of Mod Podge over your Maya Road cardboard shapes.

Step 2) Within 30 seconds, sprinkle your glitter color of choice evenly over the surface of the cardboard shape that has been covered with Mod Podge.

Step 3) Let your glittered cardboard shape dry, and simply admire its beauty! After your shape dries, apply Mod Podge along the edges, followed by glitter to ensure total glitter coverage. Glamorous!

Step 4) Repeat the process as many times as desired using different colors and shapes. The more varied the more fun! Tip: be sure to supply yourself with glittered shapes that provide holes for the seam binding to pass through, as this will give you the necklace feature at the end.

Step 5) Type up special words and phrases in your favorite font. We suggest you use cardstock or glossy paper (as pictured). Experiment with font size compared to the available area within your cardboard shapes. Print out a sheet of paper with your saying(s). For circular shapes, use a paper punch (instead of a scissor) to pop them out of their page, creating a circle shape that will fit nicely behind your cardboard cutout. For squares and ovals, either cut out manually or use appropriate paper punches.

Step 6) Using a hot glue gun as an adhering method, attach the punched out paper circles against the back of the cardboard cutout so that the words show through the little “frame”. Tip: Use a thin strip of hot glue to avoid seepage through the front.

Step 7) Have fun! Match your favorite shapes together, vertically, using hot glue as an adhering method in the back. Tip: Always end with an “o” piece at the top, which you will string your seam binding through to make a necklace.

Step 8) Embellish your beautiful design! Add streamers to the bottom by glue gunning them to the back.

Step 9) Add gems here and there for some sparkle and shine, or hang dazzling ribbon to create a whimsical, girly look!

Step 10) Hang all of your beautiful masterpieces together and show them off. You did a fabulous job!

It’s all about having a good time and letting the glitter fly!

Purchase Girl’s World: Twenty-One Sewing Projects to Make for Little Girls.

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Posted in: Craft, Guest Authors, Lifestyle | 11632 59 CommentsCraft+Ambassador2011-06-02+18%3A51%3A39Jennifer+Paganelli

1163259 CommentsCraft+Ambassador2011-06-02+18%3A51%3A39Jennifer+Paganelli

June 2nd, 2011 at 12:29 pm | Posted by Christie Brown
Such a cool thing to do with your kids!!!! I will have to do this once summer starts for them! Thanks!
June 2nd, 2011 at 12:30 pm | Posted by pam
This looks like a lot of fun. And who doesn’t love Jennifer?? I’ve got my fingers crossed, would love to win!
June 2nd, 2011 at 12:34 pm | Posted by Gina G.
I love Chronicle and I would love to win a copy of this fabulous looking book!
June 2nd, 2011 at 12:37 pm | Posted by ChickadeeQuilts
those would be cute little seat placement cards! (I'm really the first to comment??? Now I'll never win!)
June 2nd, 2011 at 12:37 pm | Posted by Mary
Wow would love to win a coy of this book so I can sew more for my 2 girls – thanks for the chance to win
June 2nd, 2011 at 12:39 pm | Posted by Kimberly Barkerkw
I would love to win her book! I have my 18 m/o daughter’s room decorated in her fabrics. I’d love to decorate my daughter in them, too!
June 2nd, 2011 at 12:43 pm | Posted by Kristy
Really, really want this amazing book! :) Holding my breathe and crossing everything possible! ;) Thanks for the fun!
June 2nd, 2011 at 12:50 pm | Posted by Sara C
I'd love to win the book! Thanks for the give away.
June 2nd, 2011 at 12:55 pm | Posted by Jane Fay
Love the above idea. I would like to offer a variation of this idea. Print on sparkly, holographic or foiled paper, it would make the project more intensely glitter saturated. Pow!

Thanks, yes I would love to have a copy of your book.
June 2nd, 2011 at 1:04 pm | Posted by Kim
Sweet stuff! Keep those creative ideas coming! :)
June 2nd, 2011 at 1:09 pm | Posted by Stacy
I don't have a (little) girl anymore, but have friends with some – I'd love to win the book and try out some of Jennifer's beautiful projects!
June 2nd, 2011 at 1:19 pm | Posted by gina s.
Love everything Jennifer Paganelli! Here's hoping I win the book!

Thanks so much!

Hugs,
Gina
June 2nd, 2011 at 1:24 pm | Posted by Breena
adorable project! I LOVE the idea of crafting as a family. Would love this book! <3
June 2nd, 2011 at 1:25 pm | Posted by Shannon H
Wow, I'm loving this project!! My girls LOVE glitter and looks like a perfect craft for them. I hope that I am lucky with the book!
June 2nd, 2011 at 1:40 pm | Posted by vicki
Would so love to win a copy of this book :) What a clever and creative lady .
June 2nd, 2011 at 1:48 pm | Posted by Jeanne Gwin
I really like the frames and they seem easy enough albeit a small mess contained on newspaper. Jennifer has written a winner for sure. Hope I am the lucky recipient of this awesome book.
June 2nd, 2011 at 1:57 pm | Posted by Ellen
I'm a wannabe crafter and would love to win this book!
June 2nd, 2011 at 2:05 pm | Posted by Stefanie
LOVE Jennifer's book!! I just received my first copy last week and have already started my first project. Cute project above as well. My daughter and I will have fun giving it a try. Would love to win a copy as a gift for a friend! :)
June 2nd, 2011 at 3:18 pm | Posted by blythe hill
I love this idea! And I think getting kids crafting is the best way of spending time together, fostering their creativity.
June 2nd, 2011 at 3:50 pm | Posted by vicki
I’d love to win!
June 2nd, 2011 at 4:01 pm | Posted by Victoria Paige
I want to win that book! This craft is so cute. Going in my bookmarks. :)
June 2nd, 2011 at 4:28 pm | Posted by Modern June
I just love everything I've seen from this book, it's on my wish list!!!
June 2nd, 2011 at 4:55 pm | Posted by albee
Wow, too cute. Am I too old for these?
June 2nd, 2011 at 6:16 pm | Posted by Megan Hull
Love Jennifer and would love the book!
June 2nd, 2011 at 6:24 pm | Posted by SallySpratt
Beautiful book Jennifer, photographs are wonderful! These crafts look like a beginner could handle.
June 2nd, 2011 at 6:47 pm | Posted by Mary Ann Rankin
Would love to win this book….wonderful pictures and projects.
June 2nd, 2011 at 10:28 pm | Posted by Giao
What a sweet idea!! My two girly girls will be over the moon with these.

:)
June 3rd, 2011 at 12:38 am | Posted by Kate Caruana
Fantabulous!
June 3rd, 2011 at 1:00 am | Posted by Tomomi
Photos, Project… WOW! How beautiful they are! I wish I were Jennifer. I would love to win a copy of this fabulous looking book!
June 3rd, 2011 at 8:06 am | Posted by Maryellen Q.
I've always loved their fabrics and am so excited about this book! Their canopy bed featured in Country Living has been on our wish list for ages. I hope I win!!!!!!!!
June 3rd, 2011 at 12:13 pm | Posted by Kimberly Barker
Crossing my fingers, maybe this time!
June 4th, 2011 at 4:27 am | Posted by nancy
faboo!
June 4th, 2011 at 4:46 am | Posted by jenyjenny
I'm hearing a lot about this; excited to look into its delights!
June 4th, 2011 at 6:05 am | Posted by Rosanne Derrett
Beautiful sparkly things!! I'd love to wing a copy of Jennifer's book so I have the perfect excuse to go out and legitimately buy lots of glitter. I really love this book and it's turning out to be so much more than I first thught. The photography and layout are superb as are the variety of contents!
June 4th, 2011 at 6:57 am | Posted by Jeannette
These r too cute
June 4th, 2011 at 7:33 am | Posted by Lori
Oh, how I would LOVE to own this book!!!
June 4th, 2011 at 8:07 am | Posted by Ange
great, great idea, thanks for posting it.
June 4th, 2011 at 12:26 pm | Posted by VickiT
What a great project for anytime of the year to do with your kids or Grandkids. And what little girl doesn't just LOVE glitter and all things sparkly? Thank you so much for the project and a chance to win Jennifers awesome book too.
June 4th, 2011 at 1:01 pm | Posted by Melissa Wright
Love these! The book looks super fun – I really hope I win a copy:)
June 5th, 2011 at 2:36 pm | Posted by Karen
Have a birthday coming up for my almost five year old daughter–what a great party idea! And the book looks fabulous–I've had it on my wishlist since it was first released. Would love to win–thanks for the chance!
June 5th, 2011 at 3:44 pm | Posted by Kristi
i love Jennifer’s style!! Of course, only she could come up with such an adorable project! Every little girl is prized and cherished, what a great way to tell them!!
June 5th, 2011 at 7:19 pm | Posted by Allison
Wow! How fun. I would love to win this book
June 5th, 2011 at 10:11 pm | Posted by Jan Richards
What a fun idea to make with the grandgirls. Thanks for a chance
to win this great book.
June 5th, 2011 at 11:26 pm | Posted by SewCalGal
What a cute project idea. Love it and can think of many ways to use these tips. Thank you.

And I appreciate the opportunity to win a copy of this book too. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

SewCalGal http://www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com
June 6th, 2011 at 4:51 am | Posted by Patti
Thanks so much for this great tutorial Jennifer. Also thanks for the chance to win this great book which I would so live to win.
June 6th, 2011 at 8:27 am | Posted by Mary
Such a great book and author, thanks for the chance to win!
June 6th, 2011 at 11:39 am | Posted by erica
I would love to win a copy of this book and make some of the projects for my little girly girl
June 6th, 2011 at 11:51 am | Posted by Lori B.
I would love to get my hands on this book. It looks wonderful
June 6th, 2011 at 9:24 pm | Posted by Lee Ann Hill
Luv u and Luv the book!!!
Blessings..
Lee Ann
June 7th, 2011 at 10:42 am | Posted by Angie
I just have time to make this today!!! Love this free tutorial. Thank you!
June 7th, 2011 at 10:43 am | Posted by @MaddyMazeStudio
Wow! What a cute idea! Thank you so, so, much!
June 8th, 2011 at 11:58 am | Posted by Jenelle
Fun project! I already love Jennifer's fabric and her Jamie Dress pattern, so I can't wait to check out her new book. Thanks for the giveaway.
June 9th, 2011 at 9:15 am | Posted by Tamara
Fun project! This book looks awesome. I love sewing for my neice.
June 14th, 2011 at 9:52 pm | Posted by tania friemelt
my rosiebud would love this! special times with mom … and glitter … and glue … :-D
June 15th, 2011 at 6:57 am | Posted by heather b
Love Jennifer's fabric & the book is gorgeous! Love it all!
June 17th, 2011 at 3:09 pm | Posted by Karyn
Following the book reviews around — very cool! Thank you
June 22nd, 2011 at 5:10 pm | Posted by wendy
Wow, cute project!! The book looks fabulous!
June 22nd, 2011 at 6:23 pm | Posted by Kathy Yutzy
If I were t o win this book, I would be using the patterns and ideas to create for some families who are struggling financially, just to be a blessing to them. More than 10 years ago, they did the same for me. Now that my children are grown, I am able to give back. I love to see little girls in their dresses, twirling, and happy, just being a girl!
December 16th, 2011 at 5:34 am | Posted by Brian Johnston
Looks like lot of fun. My nieces and nephews would like these for sure. Thanks for posting. Really simple but impressive.