Category: Crafts

Instrument Bell Covers

On By Amy YeeIn CraftsLeave a comment

What a crazy time we live in. But it’s given me lots of chances for sewing.  NMSU Pride needed a bunch of bell covers so I sewed them and I will continue to make more for a couple of other groups.  But thought that I’d just include the instructions here for whoever that need to make bell covers.  These were quick and easy to make especially with a serger. I will probably come back later and update this post with some additional shortcuts that I used to make these. Do read up a bit on sewing strechy fabric, it is a bit different from sewing regular fabric.

Here are the quick instructions:

Materials needed:

Squares of fabric about 1”-2” larger than the diameter of the bell

Covering material: as required (I’ve tried cotton but most of what I’ve used is the same material as the backing fabric).

Backing fabric: Stretchy material (I used 80% Nylon and 20% spandex with 4 way stretch fabric) Basically a stretchy tshirt.

1. Measure the diameter of the bell that you’d like to cover. The above example is for a trumpet.

2. Draw a doughnut with the outer circle the size of the bell and inner circle about 1/2 the size of the outer circle.

3. Cut out the doughnut shape.  This is your pattern for making the cover.

4. Trace the doughnut pattern onto the backing material and cut out the center circle.

5. Pin the backing piece to the covering piece(s). If there is a desired design to the cover fabric, pin the backing material onto the front. In the case of the Pride logo, I pinned the backing fabric such that I can see the logo through the cut out.

6. Serge around the outer circle (or if using sewing machine, use a zig-zag stich around the outer circle.

7. Turn it right side out. Done.

Instrument playing mask

On By Amy YeeIn Crafts, UncategorizedLeave a comment

With COVID and mask wearing requirements it seem like live music has pretty much ceased. But with more groups starting up but requiring mask wearing, I’ve been scouring the internet for playing mask ideas. Unfortunately there really isn’t much there. So here’s the results of my attempt using one of my favorite 3D breathable mask pattern with a more or less self magnetic closure design.

Here’s the playing mask when not in use. There are three magnets across the opening so it is more or less sealed. And since the mask sits pretty well on my face and stays there, I’m satisfied. (The sketchy look on my face is me trying to figure out how to take a selfie)

Here’s me more or less playing with my saxophone (and trying to take a selfie) . Because it’s based off of a 3D mask, once the mouthpiece is in the mask, there’s nothing to get in the way between my lip and the reed. I was able to practice with it on, popping the saxophone in and out between songs. No problems breathing (after all, this is the mask design that I use for exercising). There was a learning curve though where I stood in front of the mirror trying to figure out the best way to insert the mouthpiece without messing up the reed.

Me posing with Nathaniel’s clarinet. (Anyone notice what’s wrong with this picture?) Again no interference with playing when Nathaniel played with the mask on. So I’m assuming that it should work the same for the other reed instruments as well.
Trumpet mouthpiece slides in. So does a trombone mouthpiece. Though the trombone mouthpiece left a fairly big opening unless you manually make sure that the magnets close up around the shank. Again this is not my instrument. I can barely play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star on a trumpet.

And of course we’ve got to get the flute in. No I don’t play the flute either but I can make sound with the head joint with the mask on and Glorianna was able to play with this other mask. Why does flute have to be so different.

Anyway just thought that I’d share my mask solutions. May live music continue…

https://youtu.be/wy-ctEVcMIM BTW Here’s a quick video of me using the mask.

Popscicle stick sign

On By Amy YeeIn CraftsLeave a comment

Here’s a cute idea for a standing or hanging sign. I think it can work for kids activity either pre assembled without the stand or something they can do as a stand alone project.

Materials used:

  • 14 popsicle sticks
  • Glue

If making wire hanger:

  • 7″ piece of 20 guage wire, had some floralwires sitting around so just used it as a test
  • 1/8″ metal hole punch or anything else to make holes (drilling works better, but my drill is currently elsewhere)
  • Round nose pliers

If making a stand

  • Clothespin

Okay, and I’ve got the top of a box of chocolate as my template to make my life easier. It was the perfect size to line up both sides so they are even.

Line up 11 popsicle sticks (12 if not using wire, so the back pieces will not show). BTW, if you are planning on making a number of these, go ahead and draw a line where the row of popsicle sticks end on your template, so you don’t need to count them.

If using wire, punch holes on the tips of two popsicle sticks.

Glue the two popscicle sticks along the sides. Making sure that the holes are accessible.

Make sre that everythings glued. Use a heavy object to press down if necessary. Let dry.

I used the round nose pliers to help me attach the wire, but you can just twist it on, or at some point I’ll try using jump rings and chains…

This is the point to make your designs. I’m planning on using decoupage medium to affix an image printed in mirror image (with the back of the paper facing up). Let dry and then gently wash/rub the paper off leaving behind the image. But just let your creative juices run.

Make a clothespin stand by pulling it apart and let one side rest on the other.

I glued it so it won’t accidentally close on me.

Glue the clothespin on and enjoy.

You can adjust the tilt of your sign by how far up you place th he clothespin.

NOTE: Popscicle sticks are cheap so at times they are warped, cracked, chipped, discolored, etc. Take a minute to sort through them and use only the nice ones.