HOW TO [DIY]: Change up those boring storage containers!! PART 1

Why, hello there creative people! :D

I bring YOU today (FINALLY) a new DIY how to project!  

You know those tupperware storage containers drawers 

that are super practical but kind of ugly?

Yeah... I've been wanting to do this for sometime.  

Here is the storage compartment that I am working on...

I Love Handmade DIY projects! :D

Why, hello everyone!  It's been awhile.
erm, yeah. I'm sorry.   I need to get back in the swing of things here and what better way than sharing this DIY video series that I recently found on the youtubes!  I spend a lot of my off time browsing around various videos and I am so glad that I found this one.

If you LOVE HGTV, handmade stuff and DIYs, read on!!

DIY GIRLY LACE JEAN SHORTS! NO SEW

Hello!  How are you guys?  Good?  (:

I've been wanting to do a project like this for awhile!  So after realizing that I have more jeans than shorts, I figured I better make one pair of jeans into shorts and make it more girly!

First thing to do is to cut the jeans to your desired length...  Be aware of how short it will be.  As you cut, compare to the length of another pair of shorts, leaving atleast an inch for the hem.  If you notice the edge, it's kind of ugly.  Don't worry!  We'll fix it.

a GLITTERed container!

Today I bring you a GLITTER project!

Don't like glitter? :( I'm sorry but this is a fun project, I thought.  I've been seeing something like this around the web lately and it's about time that I give it a try.

All you will need is...

Materials

The Braided Necklace; a DIY knitting project.

Knitting is fun but patience is the key to making something.  It takes time to knit a scarf, hat, sweater, bag, etc.

So I've been trying to come up with fast knitting projects.  This is hard because you want something that you can actually wear, right?

Or use.  

Fancy Wrap Bracelet DIY!

Here's a new DIY wrap bracelet that I came up for you all!

DIY Ribbon Necklaces!

Today it's time to share with you all RIBBON NECKLACES!

This is pretty simple to do.

All you need are...

Spools of ribbon, which I bought at Wal-Mart but you can get at any craft store.

The spools that I bought at 10 yards, which was plenty.

Oh, and tape.

And scissors.

What We Will Be Making

Ribbon necklaces that you can just pull right over your head.  

The less ribbons you use, the thinner the necklace. 

The more ribbons... the thicker.

To make this, choose either any 2 colors of ribbons or more.

Firstly! 

It's hard to determine exactly how long your necklace will be.  

I didn't bother cutting the ribbon off the spools before I started 

due to the fact that I didn't know

exactly how long it was going to be. 

So I took each color that I had, brought then together and tied them into a knot

and taping to the table.

Secondly!

Now all you are going to do is make a bunch of knots.

But be sure to plan the pattern you want.  How many knots of each color?

Or just randomly works, too. 

The picture below is the way I worked. 

Take the first color you like 

and cross it over the other ribbons

and just make a knot by pulling even the spool through.

Working like this helps to keep the ribbons
organized in order and less likely to tangle.

Keep checking to see how long it's getting by draping over your neck.

Once it's at the length where you can easily pull it over,

then cut the ribbon and tie both ends together (the start and the finish).

 Good luck and enjoy!


Cindy

STENCILING DECOR PILLOWS IS FUN!

Why, hello there everyone!  Can you believe that it is ALREADY Thursday?!

Lately I have been wanting to stencil something.  I really have never played around in this but with the help of google, pinterest and watching those shows on HGTV ...I really love some of the outcomes of stenciling.

My first project with this is a throw pillow....

I only used one stencil for this design.  I used to have this scrap-booking kit from when I was into that and a couple of days ago, I found a heart stencil left over from it.  It was made out of paper (not card stock but thicker than regular paper ...if that makes sense) but it could most definitely be used as a stencil! Why not make your stencils out of a thick paper? Might be fun! :)

Figuring out the way I wanted the design on the pillow was pretty easy so all I had to get was fabric paint and something to apply it with..
I painted on the heart, the two lines next to it and soon realized that I wanted a gold outline around the heart.  So I used a skinny paintbrush that I already had laying around...  Don't need a stencil for that but I love that it ties everything and looks a little more finished.

TIP:

 When stenciling pillows, it is a good idea to tape or pin down the stencil as best you can to avoid the paint from going on messy (once you remove the stencil).  If the pins or tape ends up not working out that well for you, hold down the stencil firmly with your other hand in the spot you are painting first and follow your painting hand as you hold as you hold it down.  

I'm pretty happy with the outcome.  As much as I liked the pillow before, I really like it now; it's a nice piece of decor.  

Hope you enjoyed!

I found some of the products I used online pretty cheap:

Tulip Soft Metallics Fabric Paint in Gold $2.29 | Tulip Soft Matte in Petal Pink $2.29 

Sponge Brushes $1.02

Cindy

The Recycled Nail Polish Bottle Vase: a DIY.

Hey everyone! 

Sometimes it takes awhile for me to actually finish an entire nail polish bottle; I think because I just have SO MUCH in my collection.  Although, recently I ran out of a (my favorite) light pink shade and for a couple of weeks I was googling and trying to come up with what I can do with this!

A couple of ideas came up on my google search but not too many actual ideas and I really didn't see many tutorials on how to create something.  So,  finally, I decided to create a small vase/table top decoration.  I really like how this came out and it is just perfect for spring time!

Here is what we will be making....

You Will Need:

• Empty nail polish bottle

           ....with nail polish remover, 

                                        ....q-tips, cotton rounds, paper towels..

•Paint; I used acrylic.  

                        ....also, a paint brush, some water, 

                                 ....and palette paper or a paper towel...

• Ribbon

•Glitter of your choice.

•A faux flower

•Scissors (probably)

•A small funnel/paper funnel

First thing...:

Cleaning out the nail polish bottle.

This was pretty difficult.  I started laying down a couple of paper towels with q-tips and

cotton rounds handy.  I wouldn't just poor in the nail polish remover and dump down the drain.

I started by pouring a bit of nail polish remover in the bottle, closing it up and shaking. 

I emptied a little onto a pile of cotton rounds (CAREFULLY) and paper towels to absorb 

and repeated pouring more remover into the bottle. 

Taking a q-tip, I started to scrap some left over nail polish out of the bottle

and just kept at this until it was empty and clean. 

Then I took the labels off and washed the whole thing is water. 

Next...:

Now it is time to paint your nail polish bottle!

I used what I had;  this acrylic paint called Opera Rose by Winsor & Newton Galeria.

I recommend laying down a paper palette to keep your work area clean.

(or a paper towel.)

Mixing some water with your paint, I find does work best. 

I started with one coat and then sprinkled a little glitter on top of the bottle. 

Wait for this to dry a bit before adding another coat.

I only added another coat to a couple of parts: The top opening 

and the bottom half of the bottle. 

That's only my preference but you do it the way you would like. :)

I added a little more glitter here and there and then using a paper funnel

and poured some glitter inside the bottle.

Use your discretion with how much you would like.  

 As soon as that part is finished...:

Just add a ribbon/bow of the color you wish...

..and stick your beautiful faux flower inside!

The flower that I bought did have a long stem 

but just trimmed that down with a pair of clippers.

There you go!

Be creative with this and have fun!

(:

products i used:

Opera Rose acrylic paint: $3.39 | Single Wooden Rose: $1.00 (Walgreens) 

Cindy

DIY Bracelet Cuffs w/ all Ribbons!

Why, hello there!! :)  On this fine day, I bring you a new DIY!

This one is using different kinds of ribbons to make a bracelet cuff!  

As you probably could tell, the pictures above will be the final outcome.

Let's hop right into it!

DIY // Fancy NYE Hair clips from plain ol' regular clips!

This is a pretty simple DIY to change up old hair clips that you have laying around.  This clip style is definitely not for everyone but I thought it would be a fun idea for New Years Eve.

What we will be making. 

DIY [do-it-yourself] Christmas Hair Accessory!

Hello everyone and Happy Wednesday!  We made it to mid week-- horray! 

Today I am sharing with you all a DIY Christmas hair bow-- super easy!!

Here is what you will need...

Materials

-Ribbon; I chose gold because I felt it was perfect for this time of year.  You can either choose a thin ribbon or one that's a little wider.  I have two versions that I will show you comparing each.  

-Fabric Squares; I got these at Walmart but I am pretty positive you can purchase these at fabric/craft stores.  It sells a small amount of fabric for a pretty good price.  On the label it was called 'Fat Quarter'.  I chose red for the Holiday but black and gold would probably look really nice, too!

-Scissors.

-Glue gun w/glue sticks

...and now onto how to make it!

Take your red fabric and lay if out.  I cut about half off and then folded it horizontally like in the picture above.
If you think it's still too much fabric, feel free to cut more.  It's all about your artistic ways and putting a bit of YOU in it.

Keep folding it horizontally until it is about the size like shown in the picture above and 
trim the sides to get it the length you want.
 Afterwards, pinch the middle.
Take your (warmed) glue gun and put a bit of glue where you are pinching.  Be careful; glue is hot. :)
Also glue the same spot but in the back.  

After you glued, take a small piece of your ribbon and wrap it around the middle, gluing it on the back.
Then take a look at your bow.  If you feel it should be smaller, trim the sides. 

Should look something like this. ^ 
Again feel free to change it up.

Before you glue the bow on...

....take more ribbon and measure your head with it.
 Tie a bow around back to test out the size
and trim the access ribbon.

After this, find the spot you wish to place your bow (I chose the side) and untie the ribbon from your head
making sure to hold onto that spot the ribbon will go.
Lay the ribbon on the table but feel free to mark the spot with a marker or pen so that you can move your finger

Take your glue gun and put a small amount of glue on that spot and place your bow.

That's pretty much it.

Easy, right? 

Above are some pictures with the bow ribbon tied on my head; using the thinner ribbon...

...and below are pictures using the wider ribbon.  

This ribbon had a little more glitter to it, so I was left with some gold on my shoulders.  Just an FYI. :)

Hope you enjoyed and if you make one of these please tweet it my way, post it on facebook or email me! :)

Cindy

http://twitter.com/cindydesigns

http://facebook.com/IamArtsyFartsy

designs.cindy@gmail.com

DIY [do it yourself] Holiday Table Decor! Part 2.

Why, hello there!  

As promised, here is another way to make a table decor item for the Holidays!
 This one is suitable for anytime after Thanksgiving and throughout winter.

Step 1: The Materials

For today's project you will need the following:

Mod Podge. I used gloss.

Two Beaded strands. This is debatable.  I used two different colors (red and silver) but you can use one, two or even three. 

Star Sequins. The stars give it a bit more of a whimsical feel. 

White Glitter Glue. Any brand will do. Of a 4 fl oz bottle, I I used only a little less than half. 

2 Foam Brushes. This will be used twith the Mod Podge and Glitter Glue.

A Jar. I used the same one as yesterdays. A spaghetti sauce jar.  Just clean it well and take the label off while you wash it.  It is easiest that way. Also, Goo Gone. 

Scissors. (not shown) I don't think I listed this in the materials yesterday but it's just to cut the beads. 

Glue Gun w/ Glue Sticks. (not shown) Won't use as much as yesterdays post but still a bit. 

Step 2: Paint the Glitter Glue

Easy peasy.  Use your foam brush and your glitter glue and paint the entire jar except for the bottom.  When you paint it, I found it easier to hold the jar out in from of you, with part of your hand in the jar; maybe four fingers. 

I ended up doing two coats because I wanted to go for more of a frosted tint.  If you wanted to go back to do another coat, I would recommend waiting for the glitter glue to dry on the first coat.  I found it took a while to dry; maybe a few hours (or maybe it just felt like that!). 

Step 3: Sprinkle the Stars!

In this step, Just hold out the jar the same way you painted it while the glitter glue is still wet and sprinkle your sequin stars wherever you deem appropriate.  Put as much or as little as you want!

Step 4: Seal with Mod Podge

After you sprinkle as many stars as you wish, using another foam brush, use Mod Podge to seal.  This will also help the stars to stay in place.  This glue does dry clear, so don't worry when you see it brushing on white. Just try not to 'glomp' too much around the stars.  Yes, I said glomp.  I am making up words. 

Step 5: Add the beaded strand(s)

 

 After your Mod Podge layer has dried (this shouldn't take as long as the glitter glue but leave it alone as long as possible), lay the jar on its side and begin to drape the beaded strand around the top where the lid would twist on. This is where you bring in the glue gun (and glue sticks!) and glue the beads as you wrap it around, cutting the strand after the last bead fits next to the first that you laid down.

I wasn't planning on it but as a last minute choice, I added a red beaded strand above the silver.

Here is the final look with a tea light candle inside.

 Feel free to not use it as a candle holder and as a vase instead!  

Be creative and send a picture to me on twitter or on my facebook page if you decide to make this. 

I'd love to see them! (:

The Thanksgiving style:

DIY Holiday Table Decor! Part 1.

Arsy Fartsy on Facebook:

http://facebook.com/IamArtsyFartsy

Twitter page (I like to tweet):

http://twitter.com/cindydesigns

Stay Creative.

Cindy

DIY Holiday Table Decor! Part 1.

With Thanksgiving next week already (WHOA) I figure it's time to get a DIY for table decor up for you all.  It can be used as a candle or a vase.  This first part will be suited more for Thanksgiving.

Step 1: The Materials.

Here is everything you will need for today. 

A jar.  Any jar will do.  I used empty spaghetti sauce jars.  Just wash and take the label off.  Goo gone is your friend.

Some sheer fabric.  A brown, tan or champagne color would look nice.  

I bought this tube at Jo Ann Fabrics in a sale bin (SCORE). 

You won't need too much, so if you see a roll of it, buy that. 

A roll of fringe.  Or something similar.  This will be the 'skirt' for the top of the jar. 

Beaded pearl strand. I chose silver but feel free to change that up. 

A glue gun and glue sticks. Can't use the glue gun w/o the sticks.  

Step 2: The Glue and Roll.

Place the jar on it's side. 

 If you need to cut the fabric, try and make sure that the fabric starts at the top where it starts to curve; the bottom can be a little longer than the top of the bottom curve.. 

After letting the glue gun warm up a bit, make a glue stripe down the jar stopping just before the curve. 

Working quickly and carefully, put the edge of the fabric on the glued part as shown in the above picture.  

I did put a little more glue than necessary so you can see it better in pictures, so feel free to put less.  

Just make sure the fabric will stay.

After gluing this first piece, roll the fabric around the jar, making sure there aren't any folds.   

To the left is how it'll look after you roll it.

 Just cut the extra fabric off right at the glue seam.  

Yes, you will see the glue through it.  We'll hide that later.  Do not fret, deary.

Step 3: The Fold and Glue.

Now the fabric at the top of the jar: fold down and glue as shown in the picture above.  

This part is pretty easy and don't worry about making it too neat.  This will be covered in the next step. 

Step 4: Placing of the Frill. 

Glue right at the part of the jar that starts to get bigger,as shown above.

Be sure to start this right at your glue seam that you made in step 2.

Glue the last piece exactly where you started: DO NOT go around twice. 

HOLD THOSE SCISSORS.  Don't cut yet. 

Step 5: The Tail and Beaded rim. 

Do not cut the frill until you've measured how long you want this 'tail' to be.  

Just touching the table?  Just above? 

Since mind was on a roll, it had a nice swirl to it.  

If you want this swirl, just twirl it around a pen.

For the beaded rim:

Starting at top of the tail and going around, use your bead strand and 

glue as you go right at the top of your frill. 

You can glue just before you place the beads 

but I found it easier doing it as you are laying it down. 

Step 6:  Beaded bottom.

I actually did this step as an after thought because I wanted something to balance out

the bottom.  I also felt it finished it off at the end. 

If the fabric is a bit longer than shown in the picture, trim it.  

Then Glue on the beads and there you go!

This last picture is the jar with a tea light candle inside.
I had a feeling the sheer fabric would look nice illuminated by the candle.
This is why I would recommend a brown/tan/champagne color fabric. 

During the day time, feel free to add some flowers or other decorative items inside!

There you go! A nice candle for your Thanksgiving table.  :)  

Or just a nice decor piece. 

Tomorrow I will have the second part of this; a more winter style version...  Be sure to subscribe up in the right hand corner of this site to get the post in your email in the morning! It's free. 

Cindy

If you try this DIY, I'd love to see a picture!  Just tweet it to be over on twitter or visit me on facebook!

Arsy Fartsy on Facebook:

http://facebook.com/IamArtsyFartsy

Twitter page (I like to tweet):

http://twitter.com/cindydesigns

Let's be Artsy Fartsy! Easy DIY - Pen cups/Make up Brush cups

I've been wanting to do this for awhile now.  This is a super easy DIY to show you that you can transform something not so artsy into something artsy in just a couple of simple steps. 

Why spend the money on generic pen cups or a make up brush cup when you can take an empty paint container, clean it up and add a bit of fun to it.

If you don't paint; any empty jar would work, of course.

This is the paint container I started with.  Image from dickblick.com, the art store.
(Except I had an empty white paint container.)

Step 1:  When you have used up the paint (or whatever was in the jar), wash out the jar and make sure it is completely clean.  Feel free to toss the top, as you won't need it unless you have a super fantastic idea for it!  (Share if you do!)  As you're washing it, take the label off.  It's so much easier to take off when it's wet.    

Step 2:  After your jar is completely clean, choose how you want to decorate it.  I chose the simple route and just tied a ribbon around it and put a dab of glue behind the bow to secure it even more.  You can glitter-ize it (surprisingly I did not do this! ...yet), add little jewels around it, you can even paint it!  I liked how this jar was kind of a 'foggy' see-through and I wanted to show this. 

Two different bows perfect for my desk at work!  (:
The flower pen in the cup is found here. 

Now my make up brushes are shorter than normal ones, so that it why it looks ..well, short.
I might add some glitter to this cup because of that reason.  I'll keep you updated!!
Goes well with the Cinderella water globe in background, huh? ;)

I hope you  enjoyed this super easy DIY!  Just goes to show that anyone can make an ordinary object into something artsy. 

Have fun!! 

-Cindy 

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