Thanks Honestly ... WTF.

I borrowed today's DIY from one of my favorite blogs Honestly ... WTF.  I tried out Erica's DIY Woven Chain Bracelet.  I recently received this purse from Mod Cloth:

Sorry, this little gem is no longer available.  

I love the purse, but chain seems to just get in the way.  After seeing Erica's post I knew I'd have to try out her bracelet idea with the chain from my purse.   I easily enough pulled the leather bit that was looped through the links off the chain.  Then I removed three links, and reattached the clasp.  I also measured out my embroidery thread, and knotted my three colors together.  Then I used a safety pin and a paper clip to hold my thread down on a pillow.  

Now this is where I started following Erica's directions.  I'm going to direct you over to her site, cause she already did a great job writing out the how-to.

This is what my finished bracelet looked like on.  I want to try this again with a different type chain, and to play more with my colors.  

Happy DIYing!

P.S.  I added an 'About Me' Page, check it out! 

Making A Standard Sized Envelope

Making A Standard Sized Envelope

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

- Ruler

- Pencil & Eraser

- Scissors

- Glue Stick

- Razor

- Scrapbook paper

- Old Map (or large magazine sheet, or wrapping paper, ect.)

Directions:

Begin by tracing a card in the center of a scrapbook paper, or any similarly size and thickness paper.  This will be used as the template.

Next measure out the top flap for the envelope.  1)Start by measuring to the middle of rectangle.  2) Draw a line perpendicular from the center.  This line will be as long as one of the bisected section of the perpendicular line.  3) Now on each corner draw a 1/4" line up making a right angle.  4) Then center a 2.5" line over the center perpendicular line.  5) Now connect the corner lines up to the top line parallel to the center square.  You pretty much repeat the same process for the two side flaps, and bottom flap.  For the side flaps the top or point is only a 1/4" in length, instead of 2/5" like the top flap.  The bottom flap has a longer line on the top, and the middle perpendicular line is longer (three inches in length instead of 2.5").  

Now you can cut out the envelope template.  Then draw two windows for the address locations.  For my address I drew a 3"x1" rectangle, and for the receiver's address I traced the lid for a vaseline container.  I used a razor to cut the windows out.  

We have finished the template now, and we can start cutting out the pieces for the envelope.  I used a map for the outside layer, so I traced the template including the windows and cut them out.  I used one-sided scrapbook paper for the inside, I traced the template (but not the windows) and cut it out.  

Add glue to the edges of the map cutout, on the backside.  Then place the two pieces together, have the white side be showing through the windows.  Then on the inside of the envelope (in my piece it's the scrapbook paper), fold the flaps in.  I used a bone folder to score the fold lines before folding, this helps make the folding easier.  Fold the sides in first, then the bottom up.  After eyeballing where the bottom will fall over the side flaps add a line of glue on the inside of the bottom flap.  Then adhere the bottom flap to the side flaps.  

Now you can make as many envelopes as you'd like.  When you've done this once, you'll start seeing envelope material everywhere!  Experiment with your size and materials, and have fun!

Happy DIYing!

Homemade Mod Podge!

Today I wanted to make a crafter's basic necessity, Mod Podge or decoupage glue.    Plus it couldn't be better timed, we ate spaghetti last night, and you need an empty jar (with a lid) for this project!

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

-1 1/2 Cup Flour

-1/4 Cup of Granulated Sugar

-1 Tsp Oil (any kind)

-1 1/4 Cup Water

- Empty Jar (w/air tight lid)

Directions:

- First measure out all of your ingredients.  

- Slowly mix all the ingredients together over low heat. 

- Combine the ingredients until they are well mixed, if it gets too thick add more water. Make sure the water doesn't boil, or the mixture will get very clumpy.  If you want a higher varnish, add more oil.

- Pour mixture into an air tight container, and store at room temperature.  

Hope you all enjoyed.  I borrowed this recipe via instructables.  My hubby helped me with all but the last photo.  Happy DIYing, chris!

EDIT: I recently (12/12) did a review on homemade Mod Podge vs. the real deal, if you'd like to know more about this mixture, and how it holds up check out this post.  Thanks lovelies, have a great time DIYing, chris!

Painted Planter - Day 2

Day 2 of the painted planter!  The first step is to remove all the tape.  The planter I used was ceramic coated in a thick smooth glaze, so the latex paint didn't really bind with the surface of the pot.  In order to avoid all the paint peeling up with the tape, I first ran a razor over the edge, and I peeled the tape off slowly watching for any hang-ups.  Once the tape was pulled up I smoothed the edges with my fingers.  Then I painted over all the patches of paint with clear varnish, this will help keep the paint from peeling off in the future.  If you are using a clay pot you shouldn't have to do this.

Now on to the fun stuff!  Since it's cold outside, and there aren't very many hours of sunlight I used a large plastic tote to do this project indoors.  In the tote place a pot filled with plenty of fresh soil, the newly updated planter, and the plant you're transferring (my plant is a gerbera).  

Add about an inch or so of soil to the bottom of your planter, depending on the difference of size of the two planters.  Next, squeeze the bottom of your planter all around, you may need to go 'round multiply times.  This will loosen up the plant, so that you will be able to turn it upside down, and the plant should slide right out (even if it is absolutely root bound, like my plant).  

I would definitely suggest you transfer your plants before they become this root bound though.  I've had this plant since I got married on 4/16/2011.  We used gerberas as part of our centerpieces for our larger tables.  I honestly didn't think this plant would survive this long, so I never bothered to replant it.  It's a strong little sucker!  Keeps popping up flowers and growing more leaves, I couldn't be more proud. :)  

Now back to the task at hand!  Place your plant in the center of your pot.  Add soil around the edges, and don't compact the soil too densely.  It's important for there to be some air in the soil, so that the roots have an easier time pushing their way through.  You also want to be mindful not to fill the soil above the current or previous level.  

Once you are done filling the planter with fresh soil be sure to clean off any excess soil, and then water your plant.  

Look we even have a new flower starting!  

Happy DIYing!

Day 1 - Updating A Planter

Updating an old plant pot is today's Do It Yourself.   I have an orange planter that's been around for ages, and my gerbera is long overdue for a replanting.  However,  the flowers on the gerbera are orange, and though orange is one of my favorite colors I wanted to update the planter first.  

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

- empty planter

- painter's tape (2 inch)

- two types of house paint

- straight razor

Directions:

I started off by taping off the bottom part of the pot.  I butted the tape up to the bottom edge of the planter.  I used small pieces all around the edge, because the curve of the planter didn't allow me to just wrap a single piece around the bottom.  Once I was done taping off the bottom, I had to use a straight razor, and make the top edge even all the way around.  

Then, I took four strips of tape, and placed them vertically, and evenly spaced around the pot.  Making sure to go over the edges of the tape; to ensure no paint will seep under them.

Now paint two sections one color, and then paint the other two sections and the bottom the other color.  Be careful to make smooth even strokes with your brush, so you don't have any streaks.  Since the tape is so wide you can hold the planter on the tape, and maneuver it around to paint every exposed spot.  I'm keeping the inside orange, so when painting the top edge make sure you paint doesn't drip down the inside.  

You may need to let it sit, and paint on a second coat.  Afterward, let the planter sit overnight before peeling the tape off.  

We will finish this project tomorrow!  Until then, happy DIYing!

Green Multi Nail Job!

Today was not a great day, and I didn't get half as much done as I would have liked.  I barely got my DIY done today.  I attempted to paint my nails.  I was inspired by this lovely nail job by Cupcakes and Cashmere.

I started out with a base coat of Sally Hansen's Mint color on my thumb, index, and pinky nails.  A base coat of Sally Hansen's Green With Envy color on my middle finger.  

Then I painted a clear coat on my ring finger, and quickly dusted it with Martha Stewart's Mint glitter over a paper plate.  I knocked off any excess, and painted a few clear coats over the top.  

Then using a white nail pen I drew lines on my pinky finger.

Once, the paint dried on my thumb and middle fingers I put a piece of blue painter's tape half way over them.  Then, with the opposite color of what I had painted each nail I painted one side of my thumb and middle fingers.   

Now this is where I messed up, the painted hadn't fully dried on the base coats or on the new layer of paint when I tired to peel it up, and up with the tape went my new paint job.  So I used some nail polish remover on those nails, and skipped the tape this time around.

Here's hoping you have better luck with this!  Happy DIYing! 

Braided T-shirt Bracelets

Today I made a few braided t-shirt bracelets.  I had a bunch of scraps leftover from the headband I made for Annabel, so I decided to use them up to make bracelets (and I added in a blue t-shirt too).  I have a tattoo on my left wrist, and I have to cover it up for work, so I'm always looking for new chunky fun bracelets.  I loved these cause I didn't need to buy any material to make them, and I can make a bunch in a short period of time.  

First, I started out with cutting off a sleeve from an old t-shirt. 

Then, I cut up the seam to open up the sleeve.

Next, I cut the end stitching off, and cut the shirt into 1/2 inch strips.  Don't worry about being precise, it will still look good if it's not perfect.  

Now pick up three pieces and tie them in a knot on the end.  

Ask a friend or family member to hold the piece above the knot, and begin braiding.

Check the length as you go, and when it's long enough to reach around your wrist tie a knot in the end.  Cut off the excess on the ends.  

Overlap the two ends and using a small t-shirt piece tie a knot in-between the ends to form the bracelet.  

Cut off the ends and you are done.  Repeat the process, and make as many as you want!  Play with combining colors, or making just solid-colored bracelets.  

Happy DIYing!