Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Giveaway-180 Doodle Quilting Designs: Free-Motion Ideas for Blocks, Borders, and Beyond

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Giveaway-180 Doodle Quilting Designs: Free-Motion Ideas for Blocks, Borders, and Beyond

Leave a comment in today’s post by September 1st, 2016 and you are in the running for this cool guided doodling book.

Open to U.S. residents only please.

When you’re done piecing a quilt, do you often wonder how to finish it with free-motion quilting? Discover how to fill setting triangles, blocks, and borders with a variety of traditional and modern quilting designs, divided into chapters by style: Lines and Squiggles, Curves and Pebbles, Swirls and Feathers, and Just for Fun. This is a must-have book and lifelong reference for any quilter’s library.

  • Gain confidence as you follow the arrows and see how to fill a confined space with continuous-line quilting motifs that are adaptable to blocks, triangles, and borders
  • Discover which designs will work best before you sew by practicing your quilting; trace the designs with your finger or on tracing paper
  • Whether you use a long-arm or home sewing machine, you’ll enjoy quilting the wide variety of designs

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Comments

  2. I’ve been practicing my FMQ and could use some more simple ideas to keep me moving in the right direction…this sounds perfect!

  5. I’m a beginner so I could use the practice and what better way than relaxing and coloring!

  6. What a great way for me to start practicing my free motion quilting. Thanks for the great give aways.. Good luck to everyone.

  7. My FMQ is greatly in need of help so I definitely want this book. I will put it on my Santa wish list if I don’t win a copy.

  15. As a newbie quilter, this is maybe a little too advanced, but it would be a great inspiration now for Zendoodling and beneficial on fabric in the future!

  17. will be looking for a larger neck sewing machine so that I can do free motion designs right now I’m just doing blocks and waiting to put every thing together into a quilt this book would be greatly apperciated

  20. I am still in practice mode when it comes to FMQ…haven’t tried to do a large project yet.. lol Thank you for chance to win your Give-a-way!!! Know it would be an Awesome help! 😀

  23. This would be a great book to add to my collection. Thanks for the chance to win. Good Luck everyone.

  28. I have made 2 memory quilts for my granddaughters from their baby clothes and this book of patterns would be perfect to use on these quilts. Thanks. The Dove Family.

  30. I think my sister would be great at free motion quilting, but she is afraid to try…this would be a great start for her!

Have you read?

DIY Paper Bag Mushrooms – A Creative Upcycled Craft for Kids and Nature Lovers

There’s something magical about mushrooms — maybe it’s the fairy-tale vibes or their cozy woodland charm. Either way, turning ordinary brown paper bags into mushrooms is a fun, hands-on craft project that kids (and adults) will enjoy. The best part? You’re reusing materials that might otherwise go to waste. Win-win!

This easy tutorial walks you through making your very own forest of recycled mushrooms using simple supplies you likely already have around the house.

What You’ll Need:

  • Brown paper lunch bags (you can even use grocery bags cut to size)

  • Scrap paper or newspaper for stuffing

  • String, yarn, or twine

  • Scissors

  • Paints (acrylic or tempera work best)

  • Paintbrushes or sponges

  • Optional extras: markers, stickers, googly eyes, craft glue

Step-by-Step: How to Make Your Mushrooms

Step 1: Create the Mushroom Top
Start by opening your paper bag and gently crumpling up some newspaper or scrap paper. Stuff it into the bottom of the bag — not too tight, just enough to give it a rounded shape that will form the mushroom cap.

Step 2: Form the Stem
Once the top is nice and puffy, hold the bag just underneath the stuffed section and twist it lightly to shape the stem. Tie a piece of twine or string around this part to hold the form. You’ll now have a mushroom top with a long paper bag hanging down — that’s your stem.

Step 3: Trim to Size
If the stem looks too long or uneven, grab your scissors and snip it down to your preferred height. You can even experiment with making some taller and some short and chubby for a little mushroom variety.

Step 4: Paint and Decorate
Time for the fun part — painting! Flip the mushroom cap upright and paint it any way you like. Classic red with white spots? Go for it. Bright blue with glitter? Why not! Use brushes or dabbers to add spots, swirls, or patterns. Let kids express their creativity — there’s no wrong way to decorate a magic mushroom!

Step 5: Let It Dry
Place your mushrooms somewhere safe to dry. You can use a sheet of newspaper or cardboard to avoid mess. Once dry, they’ll stiffen a little and hold their shape nicely.

Step 6: Display Your Mushroom Garden
Line them up on a windowsill, add them to a play area, or build a fairy village in the corner of a room. You can even glue them to a cardboard base and add moss, pebbles, and tiny paper critters for a full scene.

Extra Ideas:

  • Add flags or tiny doors to make mushroom homes.

  • Draw faces or names on the stems to turn them into characters.

  • Use cotton balls or pom-poms for fluffy mushroom spots.

Why This Project Rocks:

This is one of those crafts that doesn’t need a trip to the store or fancy tools — just a little time, a few basic supplies, and a bit of imagination. Plus, it encourages kids to see the creative potential in everyday materials — a great step toward more mindful, eco-conscious crafting.

So go ahead, raid the recycling bin and bring a mini mushroom forest to life.

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How to make champagne cork toadstools

How to make recycled Easter egg mushrooms

How to make recycled toilet paper tube mushrooms

How to make a rainbow forest of adorable recycled mushrooms