DIYs of the month

DIY's of the month:

I think the feeling of spring being here has really kind of cleaned out my brain with the smell of fresh air and let in plenty of new ideas.  This was really good for me because this month has just not been the best month (I will save you the details) but I find the best way to get through some terrible weeks is to just craft out the bad feelings.  

Unfortunately my brain works in 5 million directions when I do this so I never think of taking pictures step by step I just JUMP right into it afraid I am going to loose the idea or I just get to excited I cant stop mid thought.  

Since I did not save you guys any of these ideas special because they were more spontaneous I will just kind of show you a few of the DIY'S and maybe you will be inspired to make something similar or maybe it will spark up another idea.  

Craft #1

80's tacky necklace transformed into a spring statement piece

DIY #2 

Silver platter perfume tray 

DIY#3

I have recently grown my jewelry collection to a HUGENORMOUS size.  Which that is great but I was completely out of space to put it all considering all my other jewelry holders were full to the brim.  So what do I do? I make a stick into one of the cutest jewelry holders I have ever owned in my life.  

I really hate jewelry boxes I like my jewelry to be free and shown off so this was perfect.  All I did was add frame hanging backs and nailed some nails into it....

Yes... it was that simple... 

Sometimes the most simple things are the most beautiful 

This stick actually has a story if you would like to hear? no? well than don't keep scrolling... 

in 8th grade I went to conformation camp. It takes place out in the wilderness and one of the activities we did was finding a big stick like this one for example and than sand it down and there was some bible story to go with it basically I kind of had a few meaning full prayers mixed into this stick.  

Well I know everyone else who went to the camp with me just used theirs as firewood but for some reason I couldn't bring myself to get rid of the dang thing because the lady who taught us the lesson told us to take it seriously and cherish it and what not... typical old lady lesson but I kept it for this long I might as well make something of it right?  .....and so I did! and I am soooo glad I did. 

DIY #4

Upcycled vintage maxi to circle skirt 

DIY: #5

Easter dress with vintage fabric 

DIY #6 

Garters

The proms in my area are all going on right now so I made several of my friends garters 

DIY #7

Vintage fabric cheer bow 

DIY #8

Shotgun shell corsage and boutonniere 

DIY #9

Hemp necklace

I actually did not make these but I bought them from my friend who made them. Hemp is a cute way to add some boho to the wardrobe and whats not to love about chokers.  There a great "different" piece to have in the wardrobe.  

Thanks for reading guys! I hope to have an actual DIY up soon and I am sorry I was away for so long.  Prom is Saturday so expect a post about that by nest week! Also I think I have a good idea for a DIY I am going to show for you guys.  

Inspiration: Creative Bug, Dying to Crawl in

If you would ask me or one of my great friends Brittany we would both tell you that you are never to old to color! 

I will quot another great friend -- "no one should ever tell you how to color" or "life is your coloring book" 

Gosh I love speech meets we can get so philosophical.

So obviously we color a lot... and yes we do color in princess coloring books often sipping from juice boxes and yes.. we are 16 almost 17 years old but we don't let that hold us back from the little things in life.   

I recently ran across an amazing poem/quote on my pinterest today and I just had to share it with everyone. 

I don't know about you but this really speaks to me. So in honor of being hit with a "creative bug" I have found over 50 of my favorite crayon DIY'S.  I scoured pinterest, blogs, and youtube for some of the best tutorials.  

Find your creative bug and give some of them a go; or just simply go and pick yourself up a 99 cent coloring book, make yourself some tea and enjoy the little things in life... like coloring books. 

Creative bug tutorials: 

If your new to the DIY seen here are some lower level yet adorable tutorials- 

Paper vine shows you how to make adorable shaped crayons with your old and broken crayons. Yay for recycling!

http://www.papervinenz.com/2011/03/got-kids-got-crayons.html

Britt + Co. shows you how to make these modern and very posh looking crayon candles. 

http://www.brit.co/color-block-candles/

(btw a suggestion is to go withought the extra wax and use only crayons it makes it a much cheaper DIY and will truly be recycling) 

Happiness Homemade explains easy ways to remove the wrappers from your crayon. This will make all of these tutorials so much easier ... Duh! 

http://www.happinessishomemade.net/2013/08/18/recycled-crayons-back-to-school-with-crayola/

The very first tutorial I showed you guys was how to make creative shaped crayons. Well, Here are a few pictures that I hope inspire you to make all kinds of crazy different shapes. 

Here are a few of my faves, try to make your own or buy them from the links listed. 

1. Puzzle pieces: https://www.etsy.com/listing/112691598/6pk-puzzle-crayons

2. Popsicle: http://www.etsy.com/listing/95887942/recycled-crayons-popsicle-shapes-crayons?ref=sr_gallery_6&ga_search_query=popsicle+crayon&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

3. Cupcakes: https://www.etsy.com/listing/154460691/recycled-cupcake-crayons-set-of-6

4. lego pieces: http://www.etsy.com/listing/45754468/lego-block-crayons-lil-scribblers-tm-set

The blog Hands On As We Grow Complied there own list of 35 crayon DIY'S
Go check it out! 

These are nine of them above ^

 - From left to right -

1. lanterns (This would be so great to do with the kiddos!) 

2. Melted crayon art (super simple, everyone should make at least one of these in there lives)

3. Water color resistant crayon art (the possibilities for this one are endless) 

4. Crayon Iron on transfer (towards the end of this blog there is a video on how to do this instead of a blog version) 

5. Crayon picture frame (I see a teacher future appreciation gift)

6. Crayon bowl (yet another teacher gift idea) 

7. Outdoor melted crayon art (This is a great way to get the kids to play outside) 

8. Easter egg crayon dying (This is perfect since Easter is on its way) 

9. Etched crayon doodles (There could be many cool variations to this one as well) 

To Find these DIY'S go to this link:

 http://handsonaswegrow.com/35-kid-activities-with-crayons/

Here are a few gift/holiday crayon craft ideas. The skill level for these are very easy 

Just Imagine shows a cute way to give your homemade crayons as a gift. 

http://justimagine-ddoc.com/crafts/crafty-finds-for-your-inspiration-no-4/?pid=11980

Here are 4 great gift idea DIY's 

1. Candy crayons: https://www.etsy.com/listing/56704260/personalized-candy-rolos-crayons (great idea for valentines day) 

2. Envelopes made from coloring pages! (new fave idea ever) http://www.etsy.com/listing/65768832/sale-coloring-pages-stationery-set-of-4?ga_utm_medium=email&ga_redirect=1&ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_filters=cards+paper_goods+-supplies+birthday&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_utm_source=bronto&ga_search_type=all&ga_utm_campaign=etsy_finds_022012&ga_ex=etsy_finds&ga_ref=etsy_finds

3. Crayola gift basket: http://www.squidoo.com/the-sista-s-klub-gift-baskets

4. Crayon box gift: http://welovebeingmoms.blogspot.com/2012/01/14-days-of-valentines-for-kids.html

I cant wait to try this one. The colors are attached to the coloring book!

Sorry there was no link to this picture but on the picture there is the link to the blog. 

Lines across made a card from scribbles.. how cute! 

http://www.linesacross.com/2012/02/scribble-card.html

Now that you are coloring we need a place to display all of our creations of course. 

This is a cute idea on how to display your master pieces. 

http://interiors-designed.com/2013/12/24/diy-furniture-family-photo-table/

The next few projects or for the slightly more experienced DIYer but no matter the skill level I am sure anyone could figure them out :) 

For those of you who can sew these are some great caring cases that happen to be adorable you can make! 

-From left to right-

Pillow case carrier: http://amazingmae.blogspot.com/2009/06/road-trip-pillow-cases.html

Crayon roll: http://smartschoolhouse.com/diy-and-how-tos/crayon-roll-tutorial

Monster tote bag: http://www.petitelemon.com/blog/2013/01/11/handmade-by-hillary-crayon-bag-tutorial/

Basic crayon tote: http://www.allmylittlegems.com/2011/05/childs-art-supply-totebag-tutorial-for.html

Apron: http://prudentbaby.com/2010/11/baby-kid/crayon-apron-tutorial-2/

Crayon portfolio: http://hisforhandmade.blogspot.com/2010/03/childrens-art-tote-tutorial.html

If you would like to make a simple crayon roll the links bellow has 3 different types of crayon roll tutorials to try. 

All of these links are video tutorials. 

1. Sewing a basic crayon roll: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZikE1GsL-Fs&list=PLCcfFHrPaaU7O4v_fvifmx1-ygllPb0S7

2. No sew crayon roll: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dg_jx_nv6n0&list=PLCcfFHrPaaU7O4v_fvifmx1-ygllPb0S7

3. Duct tape crayon roll (great for people who are not fabriclly inclined OR do this one with the kids) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YF2WpIzPAFY&list=PLCcfFHrPaaU7O4v_fvifmx1-ygllPb0S7

Here are 4 more DIY's to try! 

1. Watch this youtube video to learn how to make an iron on transfer using crayons: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGoU3mJswW4&list=PLCcfFHrPaaU7O4v_fvifmx1-ygllPb0S7

2. Watch this youtube video to learn how to make a crayon monogram (great teacher gift idea): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-W8IJ8fvBM&list=PLCcfFHrPaaU7O4v_fvifmx1-ygllPb0S7

3. This is not a tuttorial but more of an insperation.  These look actaully pretty simple to make.  Here is the link to the etsy store where you could purchase them instead if wanted: https://www.etsy.com/listing/157722246/pencil-crayons-hair-clip

4. You can learn how to batik dye with crayons. (I will most deffinetly be trying this myslelf): http://elementaryartfun.blogspot.com/2012/08/awesome-crayon-batik.html?showComment=1345927658004]

Make bath time fun with bath crayons. 

1. Bath crayons/watercolor crayons: http://de-tout-et-de-rien-caroline.blogspot.com/2014/02/homemade-retractable-bathtub-crayons.html

2. Scented bath crayons: http://www.bathactivitiesforkids.com/2013/03/homemade-bath-crayons.html

3. Crayon shaped soaps: http://library.rusticescentuals.com/crayon-soap-tutorial/

-Inspire the uninspired-

Here are a few more inspiration pictures.  There are links to buy these but I challenge you all to attempt to make one of these.
-from left to right-

Marilyn Monroe melted crayon art: https://www.etsy.com/listing/157039675/marilyn-monroe-melted-crayon-art-this
Melted crayon bracelt: https://www.etsy.com/listing/180615809/melted-crayon-bracelet-color-wheel
carved crayons: http://lin-morris.com/crayola-sculptures-by-diem-chau/

Crayon t-shirt:  https://www.etsy.com/listing/162274634/crayon-t-shirt-pick-your-color-pictured

The next few DIY's are for our fashionistas. 

Here are three different versions of lipstick you can make out of crayons. 

There are so many different ways you can make this so I suggest you do some looking yourself so you can find your favorite method. 

I know I have two ones... just go with it

There is a crack in everything that's how light gets in.

-Leonard Cohen

1A. 2 ingredient lipstick: http://www.ohsoprettythediaries.com/2013/12/diy-crayon-lipstick.html

1B.This is my fave youtube video on how to make the lipstick: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPgF69IKcW0&list=PLCcfFHrPaaU7O4v_fvifmx1-ygllPb0S7

2. This shows you the best color combonations when makeing crayon lipstick: http://www.beautylish.com/a/vxazv/diy-crayon-lipstick-recipe (I highly recommend this one) 

For our cooking lovers, there is even a way to use coloring while cooking. 

For a tutorial on learning how to use coloring pages to get a design on a cake go to this link: 

http://www.brasstacksandbasics.com/2011/08/super-fancy-cake-decorating-tutorial.html

Storage Ideas that are not sewn 

These organization ideas are great for the non sewing inclined 

1. http://www.infokids.gr/2013/11/to-sampoyan-metamorfonetai-se-mia-mol/

2. https://www.etsy.com/listing/158279511/crayon-truck

3. http://search.aol.com/aol/image?q=coloring+book+storage&v_t=tb50trie7&s_it=searchtabs

Who says coloring books are just for kids? 

Here I have compiled a few really cool looking coloring books for adults, teen, and youngins. 

1. Color me drunk: http://www.rockpaperscissorsshop.com/product/32225

2. Secret Garden: http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Garden-Inky-Treasure-Coloring/dp/1780671067

3. The fashion coloring book: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/Southwest-Books-Fashion-Coloring-Book-Toys/prod153940349_cat7800741__/p.prod?icid=&searchType=EndecaDrivenCat&rte=%252Fcategory.jsp%253FitemId%253Dcat7800741%2526pageSize%253D120%2526No%253D0%2526refinements%253D&eItemId=prod153940349&cmCat=product

4. Tattoo Coloring book: http://www.modcloth.com/shop/books/the-tattoo-coloring-book

5. 10,000 page coloring book: http://pixohammer.smugmug.com/AbstractGarden/Ten-Thousand-Page-Colouring/i-LFjCBg2 (this ones a doozy but it interested me) 

6. Sugar skull coloring book: http://www.art-is-fun.com/sugar-skull-coloring-pages.html

Here is a website that has 7 different coloring books for all ages: 

http://www.babble.com/babble-voices/ten-degrees-hotter-morgan-shanahan/creative-coloring-books-for-the-whole-family/

Here is another website that has 10 more different coloring books for you to try: 

http://innerchildfun.com/2013/09/10-awesome-coloring-books.html

If you want to personalize your coloring books even further here are a few DIY's you can do. 

1. Make your own coloring book using your own pictures: http://content.photojojo.com/diy/how-to-create-coloring-book-using-photos/

2. Make your own Disney coloring book: http://craftgawker.com/post/2012/06/28/34418/

3. Another DIY coloring book using your own pictures: http://howtonestforless.com/2013/01/10/make-your-own-coloring-books/

Here are a few activities to make using our coloring theme :) 

1. Fun printable DIY coloring book for a little one: http://www.tipjunkie.com/post/printable-color-book/

2. Color learning book: http://craftulate.com/2013/03/homemade-colour-book.html#

3. Dry erase coloring book: http://simplykierste.com/2013/01/dry-erase-activity-books.html

4. Dry erase scrap book: http://craftgawker.com/post/2013/03/19/46596/

For continuous crayon crafting inspiration follow this board on pinterest: 

http://www.pinterest.com/handsonaswegrow/color-me-a-crayon/


I have now provided you with over 50 tutorials that have to do with coloring. 

Get a little color in your life and try a few. Lets not push away our creative bugs. 

Coffee Cup Tissue Holder DIY

Now that it is definitely the winter season and it is absolutely freezing outside! (well here in Nebraska it is) I have came up with the perfect DIY for when everyone starts getting those terrible colds.  Plus the theme goes great for this time of the year because who doesn't love a cup of warm coffee or tea. I will now show you how to make the bellow project.  

Here is a DIY for those Coffee and Tea lovers out there

The level of this DIY is very simple and very very quick.  All of maybe 15 minuets.  

Supplies you will need are:

• Disposable coffee/tea cup 
• pocket tissues 
• exacto knife 
• hot glue gun (optional)

The first step is to of coarse get all your materials and than rinse out your coffee cup.  

 Where I marked green on the lid is where you need to take your exacto knife and cut out.  This will be the opening were the tissues will come out.  

The next step is easy, you fill it full of tissues and feed one threw the hole.  I used the glue gun to secure the cardboard Starbucks heat protector around the cup for show.  That step is optional. 

DIY Camera Strap

Okay I know what your thinking, there are like a billion of those DIY camera straps out there right now but I haven't seen this one yet.  I am going to Texas in 4 days and I wanted to bring my camera.I want to stand out when I go to Texas and really wear my personality on my sleeve so I think this is going to help :)   This is great for any inner diva/glitter lover.  It is also a very simple DIY and the variations are never ending.  Find a way to incorporate your style into it and have fun with it go crazy.

What you will need:

•    Glue gun
• Lace of choice or other ribbon/fabric you can wrap around the strap
• Bling or some type of decals
• scissors
• your personality

 

I have a huge collection of vintage lace so I just took out my stache but you can find any lace like ribbon at walmart or any crafting store in the fabric area. 

 

My bling is from Hobby lobby they sell them in big tubs you can get colored or just plain and for this I just go plain but you can do whatever your little heart wants. I picked them up for like 8 bucks but they were on sale so they were pretty pricey so I suggest print off a coupon or look for them on sale.

 

Okay first of all you are going to need a camera strap I am just going to be using the one I already had on it because its boaring and needs some lizzyfied ness to it or something.

 

 

You want the strap bare so I took this awkard squishy thing off so if you are buying a strap get the most basic one.  Just like if you were a painter you would want a blank canvas. 

 

After you have picked the lace or ribbon or fabric, whatever you plan to use put a medium sized amount of hot glue as close as you can to the end of the strap with ought messing up anything important

 

 

 

Now hurry before your glue dries and attach your lace (or other fabric item) to the strap.  press down firm but remember the glue is hot and will seep threw the lace so either let it cool down a bit or use something like a popsicle stick or pen to push it down for you.

 

 

The rest is pretty self explanatory you just keep rapping the lace around it adding glue every so often so that way the lace doesn't move around on you while you are carrying it.

 

 

After you have rapped the hole ting up cut off the extra and put some glue over the top of the lace because it will have some fraying.  With a pen or popsicle stick smooth the hot glue all over the end part of the lace to make sure that lace does stay in place and does not fray.

 

If you like the lace just the way it is than you are done and now have a beautiful strap but if you want to add some more here is how.  I sorted out the jewels I wanted and placed them in an easily accessible area because while Im gluing will want to work fast to make sure the glue does not dry because if it is not sticky enough later when you are using it the jewels will fall off. 

 

 

 The rest is again pretty self explanatory.  You just glue down each individual jewel in the spacing and area you would like it and let it dry. 

 

 

Here is the finished product.  I love how it turned out. 

 

Something you might want to consider is putting jewels on both sides of it so that way no matter how it flops around the crystals will be showing. 

 

Some variation ideas could be:

 

• using something other than lace
• not using any fabric first and just gluing down the jems
• using buttons or other little embellishments
• not covering it in anything other than the lace
• spacing the jems differently