How To Make an Alphabet Shadow Box
Previous image Next image We're always on the lookout for new ways to display the alphabet in a child's room. Using an old picture frame and some wood, you can construct a shadow box, stencil letters onto the glass, and fill it with tiny, found objects to represent each letter. Instructions:1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Note: You could skip constructing your own box if you can find a shadow box with lots of compartments. (Images: Katie Steuernagle)
Gift Idea: A Simple DIY Scarf
I created this super simple DIY scarf, inspired by a scarf in Elsie's closet from a past season. This scarf is great for adding a pop of color to a neutral outfit. I think these would make great gifts for all my girlfriends. 1. Have a great week!
Make Your Own A-Frame Tent
We love a-frame tents, so we invited Rubyellen to share her method for making your own. Are you excited? Here's how the magic happens- 1. From the top of each moulding, measure and mark 6" down with your pencil. 2. Making the cover: Since the cover is made using a vintage crocheted cloth, what you have readily available to use may be a different measurement. (Hint: A twin sized sheet fits this tent frame almost perfectly!) 1. TIPS: For a little extra detail and to keep the tent cover taut, I fed twine through some holes of the cover and tied it to the legs of the frame. Again, how you make this tent cover will vary depending on the size of the crocheted cover you find and decide to use. Thanks so much, Ruby!
How I made fonts with my handwriting.
I'm so excited to share a fun and easy method to create fonts with my own handwriting! I used an app called iFontMaker on the iPad and made my first font in about 30 minutes. :) It was super fun and self-explanatory. Here's how it works: There are some standard fonts to choose from. The stylus I used was the Bamboo Stylus for iPad. Here are a few (silly) examples of the fonts that I made in one sitting... If you would like the download these two fonts, just for fun, here they are: Download LoveLove + Download Tall 'n Skinny. ♥ if clicking links doesn't start download, right click (control + click on Mac), choose "Save file/link as..."// Mac * PC If you've used a different method to make your own font, please share.
How To Create a Sacred Space at Home
According to research published by Psychology Today, an appreciation of the sacred and a search for meaning beyond ourselves can promote strengthened relationships with others, positive emotions, and a sense of purpose in life. Whatever your spiritual beliefs (or non-beliefs) may be, it can be calming to have a special spot in your home reserved for quiet introspection and reflection. You might designate an entire room, or maybe a cozy nook in the corner of your bedroom would be perfect. Whatever space you choose, let it be a place where you can rest, re-connect with what is meaningful in your life, and be inspired to pursue your passions. 1. 2. 3. 4. Taking the time to create a designated unplugging station — a respite from the deluge of texts, emails and other electronic bleeps and incessant stimuli in our lives — can be a wise gift to yourself: a reminder to take a little bit of time each day to unlplug, to tune out, and to turn in. (Image: Soy candle from Etsy seller Luminology)
Make Your Own Clay Ornaments
Just in time for the holidays! Kelli Murray shows us how to make your own ornaments and gift tags using oven bake clay! Supplies: Sculpey oven bake clay, rolling pin, bakers twine, paint (I only used black), cookies cutters, paint pen and paint brushes. (Not pictured: a straw) Begin by rolling out your clay into a thin, even sheet (about 5/8" thick). Next, poke holes in the tops of all your ornaments using a straw. Bake according to the directions on the package. After you have baked the clay and let them cool, design to your heart's content! The smaller sized ornaments work great as personalized gift tags on a gift box.
Modern Wall Art with Paint Swatches!
Looking for a way to fill that blank wall but don't have permission to paint? All you need is a trip to a major hardware store and an afternoon in front of a good movie to take care of that little dilemma. Supplies Needed: Large frame with paper insert, a ton of pretty paint chips, double-sided tape squares, and vinyl letters appropriate to the size of your frame or phrase (4" - 6"). I went with a color scheme that involved a variety of tones from some of my favorite colors. 1. 3. Paint chip art is a great option for renters looking to fill a big space without spending a small fortune!
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Silhouette reading lamp
I really loved the look I got when I created the cityscape silhouette lampshade for my kitchen work desk, so I decided to make another version for a lamp I bought at Kirkland’s to go in my library. Since this was going to be a reading lamp, I decided to use the phrase “Once Upon a Time” (which also happens to be the title of one of my favorite new TV shows). I used my Cricut and the Storybook Cricut cartridge to cut the saying out of black scrapbook paper. I love how it looks so ordinary when it’s off but then turns magical when I turn it on to read a good book! And guess what!
His + Her Sharpie Mug DIY
After seeing several projects floating around on Pinterest I decided to try the sharpie method for customizing a pair of his + her mugs (this set is super cute + this one is particularly beautiful). The directions listed on Pinterest kinda seemed too easy to be true... so I did a little testing. I even tried running them through the dishwasher and here's what I found out... Here's the method: All you need is a sharpie (any color) and a porcelain dish that you want to permanently alter. You can even use super cheap mugs from the dollar store to create gifts or party favors. After I made my dishes I tried scrubbing them with a kitchen sponge and soap. Anyway... that was my fun little weekend project. EDITED TO ADD: Although many people (including me) have had success with this DIY project we have received many comments from readers who said the marker washed off. instead!
