Tween Keepsake Board with Crafty Cuts from Michaels

I was so excited when I found out that Michaels was going to be carrying fabrics. They’re called Crafty Cuts, precut fabric pieces in a variety of colors and fabric types (cotton, canvas, burlap, faux fur, felt, tulle, and crushed velvet). I was even more excited when they sent me a stack of fabric to play with!!

The fabric they sent me included canvas (zebra and skeleton key print), burlap (large brown fabric, typewriter key fabric), and a felt (small brown fabric piece).

When I saw the zebra print canvas, I knew I wanted to use it to make something for my daughter. She’s a recent tween (I’m still having a hard time wrapping my head around that) and is loving all things zebra print right now. What tween doesn’t?

She also loves all things tie-dye, so before I made my project, I did a little Tulip One Step Spray Dye action on it.

I had used Tulip’s One Step tie dye kits before with my daughter’s class at school, but I had never used their spray dye. This stuff is awesome! You just spray the color where you want. Voila! You can get the Tulip One Step Spray Dye kit at Michaels, just a couple of aisles over from their fabric.

The black and white zebra print became this:

Which I then used to make this:

It’s a 16×20 canvas that I’ve wrapped with the zebra print fabric. I sewed angled pockets down one half to hold notes and photos and other keepsakes. I added some zebra print clothespins (also from Michaels) in case she wanted to clip something to the fronts of the pockets. On the other half of the board, a corkboard with sparkle gem tacks lets her display favorite pictures or important messages. The sparkle gem tacks are just scrapbook embellishments hot glued to basic thumb tacks.

Tweens’ taste is a little unpredictable, but I think I hit it spot on with the tie dye zebra print and the angled pockets. She thinks her keepsake board is the coolest!! And it was not difficult at all to make.

Click here for a tutorial showing how to make it.

Disclosure: Michaels provided fabric and a gift card to pay for extra supplies needed for this project. They made no requirement for a positive review of their fabric or products available from their store. Opinions in this post are entirely mine.

Next Pattern:

This Girls A-Line Dress Sewing Pattern is a charming, easy-to-follow DIY project that will leave you with a beautiful dress for your child. The design is simple but stunning—perfect for showcasing your fabric choices while providing comfort and style. What’s more, the pattern’s A-line silhouette is universally flattering and adaptable to many different occasions. From summer picnics to birthday parties, this dress is perfect for every season.

One of the standout features of this sewing pattern is the option to choose between different sleeve styles, making it a versatile design for all-year-round wear. Whether you opt for short sleeves, cap sleeves, or go sleeveless, this pattern gives you flexibility to experiment with different fabric textures and colors. Imagine your little one twirling in a bright floral print for spring or cozying up in a solid knit for cooler months. The possibilities are endless!

This particular pattern is not just for the seasoned sewer—it’s beginner-friendly too! The simple shape of the A-line and minimal seams make it a perfect project for someone just getting into dressmaking. It’s a great choice for learning how to sew, giving you a tangible and wearable result that’ll boost your confidence in your sewing skills.

Here at Craftgossip, we truly believe in the importance of supporting independent creators. Etsy provides a platform where artisans can share their passion and talents with the world. When you buy a pattern like this one, you’re not just getting a great product—you’re supporting a small business that’s making beautiful things with care and craftsmanship.

Small Etsy shops like the one behind this Girls A-Line Dress Sewing Pattern are the heart of the handmade community. They offer unique designs that you can’t find in big box stores, allowing you to create something special and personal for your child. Plus, buying from small shops often means you’re getting a more customized experience, with the possibility of connecting directly with the designer if you need help or have questions.

Craftgossip is proud to support these independent creators and bring their designs to a wider audience. Every week, we’ll be sharing more Etsy treasures with you, so stay tuned for more amazing finds and stories behind these one-of-a-kind products.

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