Jun 16, 2021 | DIY Crafts, DIY Holiday Crafts, DIY Projects, Father's Day
Recently, I flew to Dallas for a wine event to teach a workshop of how to make wax canvas wine bags and everyone’s reaction was so positive, I thought I’d turn it into a DIY hostess gift for the blog.
I love gifting wine for parties, etc – especially around the holidays. Who couldn’t use another bottle or two? And this DIY idea makes the gift feel a bit more special and (dare I say) more thoughtful since it incorporates a handmade element.
Aside from gifting these totes with wine, I was thinking it would be fun to craft these at your party and then let the guests take them home as favors, if you’re feeling ambitious. Just throwing it out there! Either way, you can click through for the full tutorial…

And just in case you’re not big on the leather handles idea, you can skip those last couple of steps and instead, tie on some handmade pom poms or even just rolling the canvas down a couple of times and then tying on a monogrammed gift tag, for something more casual. Between the three options, you have a handful of options to include every personality on your hostess hit list.
Here’s how to make your now canvas wine totes….
Materials:
- medium to heavy weight canvas (available by the year at art supply stores)
- sewing machine and thread
- fabric dye ( – I used royal blue and black)
- embroidery floss and needle for hand stitching
- 3/4 inch wide leather strips
Instructions:
1. Start by measuring a piece of canvas for your wine bag, based on the desired size. A good starting point is 28.5 inches long and 7 inches wide (you can measure the width of a wine bottle you have on hand to see if you want to make yours wider or more narrow than mine). And cut with sharp fabric scissors.
2. Once cut, fold the canvas, as shown in photo, and pin vertically, again as shown. I only needed roughly 4 pins because the weight of the canvas was heavy enough to stay in place.
3. Next, at the bottom (folded) end, start by sewing a backstitch to secure the thread, and then sew a straight line all the way to the open end. Be sure not to sew too close to the edge – you’ll probably want to sew your line about a 1/4 inch from the edge. Add another backstitch when you reach the end of the canvas, then cut the thread.
4. Repeat step 3, on the opposite side. Then remove straight pins and cut excess salvage, if needed.
5. While the bag is still inside out, reach inside, find the corners with your fingers and pinch them together. Then use your other hand to secure the two points and create something of a flat triangle, as shown.
6. Measure from the tip to 1.5 inches down, make a mark, and then make a horizontal line across as your guide. Flip over and do the same on the other side. And then pin one of the triangles, so it doesn’t come undone (but don’t pin them together – they’re separate).
7. Start with the triangle that’s not pinned down, sew a straight line across the guide that you made in step 6. Being sure to backstitch at each end. Repeat this process for the other triangle that was pinned. Remove pin and sew line, being sure to backstitch at each end.
8. Using a needle and thread, sew the two triangle corners together. This will keep the bottom flat on the bag and make it even more secure.
9. Line up the seams, then roll back the fabric at the top of the bag 1/2 – 1 inch. Pin down just one section to give you a better idea of where the measurement needs to be and then the roll rest down. Follow that as a guide and adjust as necessary. And then sew and backstitch once again.
11. Turn tote right side out. Next up is dyeing the bag. I do a lot of dyeing projects around here, so I won’t explain the process again…but here’s the step by step tutorial for dyeing if you need a refresher.
12. Once dyed, washed, and dried, you can stop here and add pom poms or a gift tag. OR keep going and add leather straps…. Start by cutting two lengths of leather strap, 8-9 inches long each. Then punch four holes on each side, in the form of a square. See photo for reference.
13. String a needle with embroidery thread and attach the handles to the tote, making sure to run the thread through each hole several times, for security. Cut and double knot string to keep from unraveling.

Note: Before adding the leather straps, I actually hand waxed the dyed canvas as well, which helps with making them water-resistnat and a bit more rugged. This process is very easy and I plan to share exactly how to do it in an upcoming post, but decided not to include in this tutorial because it was already pretty lengthy. Let me know if you have any questions though!







Hope you liked this DIY idea! Curious to know… What’s the best hostess gift you’ve ever given or received?
For more information on how https://www.savvynana.com can help you with Canvas Wine Bag DIY, please contact us at 808-372-7734, or visit us here:
Savvy Nana
38 Oak Cove Lane Humble, Texas 77346
808-372-7734
Savvy Nana DIY Crafts
Jun 14, 2021 | DIY Crafts, DIY Holiday Crafts, DIY Projects, Father's Day
I got my sewing machine out for the first time in a while this week and put the waxed canvas that I made last week to good use! Since I’m out in my dad’s garage making things for the blog all the time, I thought it’d be a good idea to make myself a tool apron to add a bit of style out there – and so I have a pencil and hammer within reach at all times instead of having to search everywhere to find one.
What you need:
-Waxed Canvas
-Scissors
-Straight Pins
-Sewing Machine (With a heavy duty needle.)
-Leather
-Rope
How to make it:
-Measure and cut a rectangular piece of waxed canvas that goes almost all the way around your waist.
-Take the top of the canvas and fold down 1/2″, fold again 1/2″ (so the raw edge is hidden) and pin in place. Repeat the same steps with the bottom of the large piece of canvas. Straight stitch about 1/4″ in along both seams to hold in place.
-Repeat these steps with the sides of the canvas.
-Cut a smaller piece of waxed canvas. (Mine was 17″ x 9″ – change this based on the size of your apron.)
-Fold down 1/2″, fold again 1/2″ (so the raw edge is hidden) and pin in place.Straight stitch along top seam.
-Fold each of the other three sides the same way but pin to the larger piece of canvas before sewing.
-Stitch 1/4″ in along these three sides to attach it to the larger piece of canvas – make sure you do not stitch the top closed!
-You can add separate pockets by stitching from the bottom seam up to the top of the canvas pocket.
-Add a small strip of leather to the side large enough to slide a hammer handle into. Make sure you stitch over the leather several times to secure it.
-I used leftover cotton rope as the ties. I cut two 18″ pieces and laid each one across the backside of the top of the apron. I stitched over the rope several times in three places to secure it.
***Make sure you give your sewing machine a thorough cleaning after sewing with waxed canvas.
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For more information on how https://www.savvynana.com can help you with DIY Waxed Canvas Tool Apron, please contact us at 808-372-7734, or visit us here:
Savvy Nana
38 Oak Cove Lane Humble, Texas 77346
808-372-7734
Savvy Nana DIY Projects
Jun 11, 2021 | DIY Crafts, DIY Holiday Crafts, DIY Projects, Father's Day, Recipes, Snacks
Make both the snack tin and the tasty mix that goes inside with just a few easy steps.
I’m pretty sure I got my love for snack food from my dad. My dad always stocks the fridge and pantry with chips and salsa, meat and cheese, or an assortment of nuts. Because there’s always room for a snack! That’s why one of my favorite things to make him for Father’s Day is a delicious snack mix. This sweet and spicy mix is so easy to make you’re going to want to make an extra batch to keep for yourself.
Watch the video and make a batch of this sweet and savory snack mix for all your favorite guys this Father’s Day!
SWEET AND SPICY SNACK MIX RECIPE
adapted from Cooking Light
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup pecans pieces
1/2 cup unsalted almonds
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cups tiny pretzels
2 cup crispy rice cereal squares
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/4 tsp cayenne, optional
SUPPLIES
Metal tin for gifting
Printable sticker paper

DIRECTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 350°. In a small bowl, combine the sugar, half of the thyme, salt, cinnamon, red pepper. Meanwhile, spread the almonds and pecans on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 10 minutes. Make sure to use a timer and watch them because nuts burn easily! Once toasted, combine the nuts and butter in a large bowl. Mix them until the butter melts completely. Then stir in the pretzels, rice squares, and syrup.
- Add the sugar mixture to the nut mixture. Spread the nut mixture back on the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, stirring the mix half way through baking. Take it out of the oven then add the remaining thyme. Cool completely.
- Download the printable Father’s Day labels, print them on adhesive paper, and cut them out. Peel and stick them on the lids of the metal tins and fill up with the snack mix. Now they are ready to gifted!

The finishing touch on a handmade gift is always the packaging! Scoop some of the snack mix into a metal tin and add a festive sticker on top. Just print out the free printable label on sticker paper, cut it out, and stick it to the tin lid. It looks so good, he might think you bought it that way. But it can be our little secret. 😉

For more information on how https://www.savvynana.com can help you with DIY Snack Tin, please contact us at 808-372-7734, or visit us here:
Savvy Nana
38 Oak Cove Lane Humble, Texas 77346
808-372-7734
Savvy Nana Free Patterns
Jun 9, 2021 | DIY Crafts, DIY Holiday Crafts, DIY Projects, Father's Day
Father’s Day is coming up and while it can be difficult to figure out what colour of tie to get for Dad for Father’s Day, a hand made card is always going to be a hit. This DIY Father’s Day Watermelon Card is the perfect way to show Dad that he is ONE IN A MELON! So punny, just like Dad!
This card is made with Craft Foam Sheets and I even have a printable watermelon template that makes it easy to avoid a pinterest fail and make your card look amazing. Googly eyes add that final touch of personality to your card.

DIY Father’s Day Watermelon Card
Supplies:
Black, Pink, Red, Light & Dark Green Craft Foam Sheets
White Poster Board or Cardstock
Scissors
Googly eyes
White Glue
Black Marker & Pencil
Instructions:
Begin by downloading and printing the MELON template.
Cut the template out.
Trace the melon template onto the red craft foam sheet and cut out.
Glue the melon onto white poster board or cardstock.

Cut the bottom of your melon template off. Trace the watermelon rind onto dark green craft foam and cut out. Glue rind on top of red craft foam.
Cut a smaller rind from light green craft foam and glue on top of the dark green rind.
Glue on googly eyes.

Cut small rosy cheeks from pink craft foam and glue in place. Draw on a smile with a black marker or cut one from black craft foam and glue in place.
Draw seeds onto the melon with black marker.
Add a message with marker or print a message and glue onto your card.
For more information on how https://www.savvynana.com can help you with Father’s Day Watermelon Card with Printable Template, please contact us at 808-372-7734, or visit us here:
Savvy Nana
38 Oak Cove Lane Humble, Texas 77346
808-372-7734
Savvy Nana DIY Holiday Crafts
Jun 7, 2021 | DIY Crafts, DIY Holiday Crafts, DIY Projects, Father's Day, FREE Printables
Printable Father’s Day questionnaire
With Father’s Day right around the corner, I’ve been trying to brainstorm a few fun gifts that our two year old can give to dad.
Last Father’s Day she wasn’t talking much, but since then she’s become quite the chatterbox. This Father’s Day questionnaire is the perfect way to record her hilarious comments and doubles as the perfect (and easy!) gift.
Father’s Day Questionnaire Printable isn’t just for dad. We didn’t want to forget her Grandpa’s either, so we made a similar version just for them! For best results, download below and print on thick card stock. The download includes two different color schemes and sizes for Dad and Grandpa. Happy Father’s Day!

Children can draw a portrait of their father on the photo square. If you have children, you can help them by asking them questions and filling in the blanks for them. In addition, children can enjoy the fun of coloring and decorating printed matter before filling in the blanks. If your child is too young to write, you can help them by asking them questions and writing the answers for them. The older children and kids can play answering some questions by themselves while they are improving their writing skills.
It takes very little time to complete, so if you want to find a sweet, simple and personalized gift for your child’s father this Father’s Day No matter how you decide to give this free printable to Dad, he will love it! Hope that if your kids are like me, they will come up with some interesting answers and make Dad giggle.
For more information on how https://www.savvynana.com can help you with Father’s Day Questionnaire Printable, please contact us at 808-372-7734, or visit us here:
Savvy Nana
38 Oak Cove Lane Humble, Texas 77346
808-372-7734
Savvy Nana DIY Crafts
Jun 4, 2021 | DIY Crafts, DIY Holiday Crafts, DIY Projects, Father's Day
Beer Bouquet Tutorial-Men’s Beer Gift Ideas!
Not sure what to get your man for Valentine’s Day or an anniversary? How about a beer bouquet? It’s simple to make, and he’s sure to love it.
Whine alert – men have it SO much easier than women when it comes to gift-buying! Amiright? Especially when it comes to an occasion for a smaller gift, like Valentine’s Day or anniversaries. All the guys have to do is stop by the florist (or Trader Joe’s!) for a bouquet of flowers and a card…but there is no “standard” romantic gift for men! (Unless I’ve been missing something all these years??)
Our 8th wedding anniversary was this summer, and we don’t typically do big anniversary gifts for each other. I wanted to get my husband more than a card, but didn’t have any good small gift ideas either. So I decided to get him a 6 pack of craft beer…but dress it up a little bit 😉

A beer bouquet!
It was pretty simple to put together – I used my Silhouette to cut out paper roses and leaves from red and green card stock. If you don’t have a cutting machine, though, you can find plenty of rolled paper flower templates on Pinterest to print and cut out by hand.

I rolled the paper rose around the top of the beer bottle, using a few pieces of double-sided tape to attach it. Then I added some leaves to the side of the bottles and a green circle to the lid.

Of course, I couldn’t put this beautiful beer bouquet back into a plain old 6 pack holder…so I used some wrapping paper to cover it up and make it look a little bit nicer 😉

Ta-da! A bouquet for men! My husband was surprised and impressed. And another positive, when he put the beer in the fridge he didn’t have to worry about guests grabbing his special “rose” beers by mistake.

Maybe this will become an anniversary tradition! This DIY Beer Bouquet would make a great gift for Valentine’s Day, too, don’t you think?
For more information on how https://www.savvynana.com can help you with Beer Bouquet Tutorial – Beer Gift Idea for Men, please contact us at 808-372-7734, or visit us here:
Savvy Nana
38 Oak Cove Lane Humble, Texas 77346
808-372-7734
Savvy Nana DIY Holiday Crafts