Do It Your Freaking Self - Crafts Archives - Page 7 of 16

DIY Game of Thrones Cutting Board

on July 1, 2017

Create your own wood burned Game of Thrones Cutting Board with this easy tutorial. If you’ve ever wanted to try wood burning, this is a fun project to get you started!

This post may contain affiliate links. Shopping from these links means that the price stays the same for you but I get a few pennies to keep the coffee pot full and possibly the cat fed.

I admit it, I love Game of Thrones! But… I couldn’t hack the books. Anyone else in the same boat? I think what I love most is the fandom surrounding it. It is intense and I seriously love being in the room with my friends who are OBSESSED with it and I feel like it makes me a better fan? Or not. I don’t know. But I do know that I’m really interested to see what happens to particular characters and sometimes read spoilers of scenes that will probably make me want to puke… know know the ones I’m talking about. Sorry to get too graphic on you guys.

Anyway, this Game of Thrones Cutting Board is a gift for my friend who has made almost every “Winter is Coming” joke he can possibly make this month and more. If you’ve got one or you are that person this makes the perfect addition to your kitchen geekery!

ByChelsea

4th of July Pom Pom Cake Topper

on June 27, 2017

Throw some pom poms into your Independence day celebrations with this unbelievably simple DIY 4th of July Pom Pom Cake Topper.

This post may contain affiliate links. Shopping from these links means that the price stays the same for you but I get a few pennies to keep the coffee pot full and possibly the cat fed.

I was going to start this post with some pithy comment about how much I love fireworks but I gotta be honest with you guys, sometimes I don’t really have time or want to make fancy cupcakes for gatherings. Whew. There, I said it. Sometimes I just don’t have time for all the prep and want to take it back old school with random snack cakes that everyone can appreciate…. do you see where I’m going with this?

Yes. I am taking Hostess Cupcakes to my friend’s 4th of July party and I am not ashamed to admit it. Why? Because everyone loves those little cream filled tasty things. And if they don’t, they’ll appreciate the nostaligia of when our mom’s used to pack them in our lunch boxes or when they’d be a party treat. That being said, I figured I should jazz them up a little with a fun pom pom cake topper. You dig?

So whether you’re like me and digging the nostalgia factor, baking your own cake or using a store bought one (no shame!) you can always dress it up and make it your own with this unbelievably simple 4th of July Pom Pom Cake Topper. Let me show you how!

4th of July Pom Pom Cake Topper

Cost: $5 or less
Time: 10 minutes max
Patriotic factor: 8 (because red, white and blue you guys!!!)

Supplies:
Red, White and Blue Pom Poms
Paper Straws
Embroidery Floss – Or bakers twine, regular thread, or even dental floss
Embroidery needle
Scissors or Craft knife

Begin by cutting two 1/8 inch vertical slits in the top of each straw. You’ll want them to be across from each other.

Cut an 8 inch piece of string and tie a knot in the end. Thread it through the needle and start threading on pom poms. String on as many as you want or as little. Just think about the length you want the topper to be across your cake (or cupcakes)

When you have the desired amount in whatever pattern you chose to put them in tie a knot for the length you want it to be. Then simply place the thread between the two slits on each side – knot on the outside. Cut off the ends of the string and space the pom poms out to your liking and voila! You just upped your presentation game!

Happy Birthday America! Go get your party on.

Don’t forget to PIN this post to your Memorial Day or 4th of July party boards!

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ByChelsea

DIY Alcohol Ink Pitcher and Glass Set

on June 24, 2017

Create to impress this summer with this DIY Alcohol Ink Pitcher and Glass set! A perfect fit for a backyard party or watercolor paint and sip!

This post may contain affiliate links. Shopping from these links means that the price stays the same for you but I get a few pennies to keep the coffee pot full and possibly the cat fed.

It’s officially summer! That means pool parties, back yard star gazing, picnics and brunch. All in wide brimmed hats and flowy skirts. It also means summer drinks and the fun barware gets to come out to play! Okay so it is probably known that I have a thing for watercolor and alcohol ink. I just love how they look all colorful and smokey! For this alcohol ink pitcher and glass set, I kept it colorful using three primary colors and an easy coat of dishwasher safe mod podge. Yep! That’s it! Whatever colors you wanna make them, go for it! Just embrace that quirky side of you and do splotches or drips or whatever you like, then serve up your favorite drink to yourself and some of your favorite people!

Cost: $20-30 depending on what you have on hand
Time: Weekend Project
Fun level: During the project is like a 4 but after when you’re drinking margaritas it’s definitely a 10!

DIY Alcohol Ink Pitcher and Glass Set

Supplies:
Glass Pitcher – I got this one from IKEA
Glass cups – I also got these from Ikea
Alcohol Ink
Rubbing Alcohol
Cotton pads
Paint brush
Straw (optional)
Dishwasher Safe Modpodge

Start by cleaning off your pitcher and glasses with the rubbing alcohol and a cotton pad. This will help to ensure that you have a clean surface and that the ink will spread correctly. Work with the pitcher or glass upside down.

Working on a covered surface, paint a section of the bottom edge of the glass with rubbing alcohol. Then use a paint brush or the tip of the ink to paint alcohol ink on that section of your pitcher or glass. Use the straw or just tip the glass to guide the ink as it dries. It dries really quickly, but using a straw and/or blowing on it can help it along and make sure the ink doesn’t run further than you want it to.

This can take some trial and error, but the great thing is that if you mess up, you can always take it off with rubbing alcohol and start again!

Once you’re happy with your glasses and pitcher let them dry for about 2 hours. You can probably use less time but that’s what I did just to be safe.

Once your ink has set, gently paint a thin layer of dishwasher safe modpodge over the ink and up to 1/4 inches away from the lip of the glass. Let it dry overnight then add a second layer. You’re supposed to let this cure for 28 days for it to form a hard shell, but if you’re impatient like me, you can cure it in an oven.

How to cure dishwasher safe modpodge in an oven:

In a cold oven, place your items on a baking sheet. Heat the oven to 175°F then bake for 1 hour. Turn the oven off and allow your pieces to cool with the oven. I usually do this before I go to bed so they can cool over night. Once your pieces are done, they are top shelf dishwasher safe!

Go forth and make yummy margaritas and entertain your friends all day long! Don’t forget to PIN for later!

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ByChelsea

DIY Flamingo Stencil Tote Bag

on June 7, 2017

Be a flamingo in a flock of pigeons with the cute DIY Flamingo stencil tote bag! A fun weekend or crafternoon project for all ages with a simple freezer paper stencil!

This post may contain affiliate links, that means I make a few pennies if you purchase through my links….but the price for you stays the same!

Flamingos are probably one of my favorite things about summer. There’s floats, drink holders, doughnuts, and so many other things to embrace the pink flamingo. So of course I needed to make something that fit it. This flamingo stencil tote bag is super easy and a really great craft for an afternoon party that your friends can all do with little to no skill AND comes out looking unique for everyone! Let’s get started!

DIY Flamingo Stencil Tote Bag

Cost: $10 or less
Time: 30 minutes or less
Dork level: 4

Supplies:
Canvas tote bag
Freezer paper
Iron
Scissors or craft knife or a Cricut or Silhouette cutter
Acrylic paint (I LOVE DecoArt paints for my projects!)
Foam brushes

To start, print out your template. I grabbed a free flamingo shape silhouette and resized when I printed to fit. If you’re using a Cricut, you can skip this step. You can also print the shape directly on to the uncoated side of the freezer paper (using washi tape to secure it to a piece of card stock).

If you’re using a cricut like I did, simply load the silhouette into the Cricut Design Space software, clean the edges and save it as a cut file. Secure the freezer paper to your mat using washi tape if needed and cut it on the plain paper setting.

Once your flamingo is cut out place it where you want it to be on the tote bag and iron that sucker down.

Using your sponge brushes paint around the stencil in an outward motion. Feel free to switch your colors around. I used yellow, pink and green and I’m pretty stoked with how it turned out.

When you’re done painting simply remove the stencil and touch up any smudges that may have occurred with a q-tip or small paint brush. Let it dry for 15 to 20 minutes or until all the paint is dry. Place a full sheet of freezer paper over the design and iron it again to heat set the paint.

Get out with your bad self! How cool is your flamingo tote bag now? Some other ideas aside from abstract that I’ve seen are ombre or sunset. Have fun, be creative and embrace it!

If you’re digging this project, PIN it to your DIY and crafts pinterest boards so you’ll know where to find it later!

ByChelsea

Cupcake Perler Bead Hair Pins

on May 17, 2017

Add some fun to your hairstyle with a nostalgic twist! Learn how to turn mini cupcakes into adorable perler bead hair pins for the kid in all of us!

This post may contain affiliate links, that means I make a few pennies if you purchase through my links….but the price for you stays the same!

Perler bead time friends! I’m feeling a bit nostalgic today and also a little bit introverted so a nice quiet project seemed like a good idea. As a nanny (or you as a parent) or just as a grown up who needs creative quiet time, this is my favorite thing to do to keep myself and the kiddos busy. These Cupcake Perler Bead Hair Pins are also great because they can hold your hair back while you’re feeling yourself in a flirty skater dress outfit (because we all have one). They also make really great gifts that kids can make for Valentines Day, birthday parties, etc.

Cupcake Perler Bead Hair Pins

Supplies:
Perler Beads
Square perler bead peg board
Parchment or Wax paper
Iron
Bobby Pins
E6000 glue
A piece of cardstock or cardboard
Nail polish (optional) to color your hair pins

Time: 30 minutes or less (or more depending on how into it you get)
Cost: $5 or less for a lot
Nostalgia level: A solid 6

ByChelsea

Leather Tassel Power Bank Keychain

on May 10, 2017

Charge your phone in style with a Leather Tassel Power Bank Keychain. Never be without your portable phone charger with this diy!

This post may contain affiliate links. Buying from these links gives us some pennies and helps feed Grampa the cat but the cost for you is the same.

I have a confession to make friends. Sometimes when I say I’m unplugged, it’s really because my phone died and I can’t be arsed to find a charger. Or I know where it is, I just don’t feel like feeling at the bottom of my bag for it. Anyone else? Okay cool. Glad I’m not alone. Oh! And I keep losing the darn things! Which, as you know, are not cheap to keep replacing.

So I’ve finally figured out a way to jump on the tassel trend (you didn’t think I was gonna go there, did you!) and make the tassel super useful too! I’m the first to say that I like pretty things, but pretty and useful… LETS DO THIS!

Leather Tassel Power Bank Keychain

Supplies:
Small tube shaped power bank
1/4 yard colored leatherette vinyl – I got mine at Joanne’s for $5 from the upholstery section but you can also use Cricut’s faux leather.
Keychain findings
Hot glue or E6000
Rotary Cutter
Ruler (for straight lines)

Time: 45 minutes or less
Cost: $10 or less
Style level: A conservative 8

ByChelsea

Diagonal Crochet Dishcloth – with free pattern

on May 4, 2017

Spruce up your kitchen or give a useful gift with a bright and colorful reusable crochet dishcloth! A great project for beginner to intermediate skills.

This post may contain affiliate links for products that I love, that means I make a few pennies if you purchase through my links….but the price for you stays the same!

So today we’re going to make a corner to corner diagonal crochet dishcloth. They only LOOK super hard. I promise. So let’s sit back, grab a glass of sweet tea like the good southern lady you are and I’m gonna teach you how to make these! I especially like these for gifts on holidays like Mother’s Day and Earth Day or for take home presents from a bridal or baby shower!

Diagonal Crochet Dishcloth

Supplies:
Size G Crochet Hook – I really like these from Boye
1 ball cotton yarn – I used Lily Sugar n’ Cream in Ahoy!
Scissors
Tapestry or yarn needle

Time: 1-2 hours depending on experience
Cost: $5 for yarn. Makes 2 per ball.
Handmade awesomeness: 12 (out of 10)
Continue reading

ByChelsea

Fringe Cupcake Toppers

on April 25, 2017

Add some fun flare to your Cinco De Mayo or Pinata party with these fun Fringe Cupcake Toppers! They also double as drink stirrers for a bright and colorful addition to your drinks!

This post may contain affiliate links, that means I make a few pennies if you purchase through my links….but the price for you stays the same!

Sometimes you just need bright colors, a margarita, and a taco. Yep, Cinco De Mayo is almost here and it’s time to really impress your friends by making all the fun things for your celebration! Now, I’m all for letting cupcakes stand on their own merits. They’re tasty, they look pretty, and usually if there’s a lot of garnish, it’s over compensating. However! For Cinco De Mayo, I hold to the theory that more is more… but keep it classy. These Fringe Cupcake Toppers will look perfect on your Cheesecake Churro Cupcakes and in your glass as you stir that margarita. They’ll also look super adorable at your birthday party when you match the color scheme of decor. Basically, it’s like a fiesta just looking at them so you should make them because they’re easy and fun and cheap. K?

Fringe Cupcake Toppers

Supplies:
6 inch wooden skewers
Bright colored tissue paper
Glue runner or glue stick
Scissors

Time: 15 minutes
Cost: $5 or less
Bringing the party? YES!
Continue reading

ByChelsea

DIY Rose Cork Coasters

on April 12, 2017

Use IKEA Avskild Placemats to create these simple rose cut out cork coasters for your next girls day or The Bachelor viewing party!

This post may contain affiliate links, that means I make a few pennies if you purchase through my links….but the price for you stays the same!

Do you guys ever feel like you’re just spinning your wheels? Like one step forward, two steps back kinda thing? Yep. Right there with you. I’ve been trying to take a step back and get things into perspective lately. Learning what “self care” means and what it actually means for me.

One of the things I’ve started doing is crafting just to create. For no other reason than the joy of it. I know you are all going to be flabbergasted, but I have been buying craft kits and making all sorts of things like bunnies, macrame, scarves... etc. It has helped bring the joy of crafting back because I’m not stressed about taking photos, or being “original”, I just do. What are you doing for self care?

These Ombre Rose Cork Coasters came out of one of those creative spurts. I was looking at supplies I had on hand and was watching the classic Beauty and the Beast and just felt like creating. I figured it might be something you all would like to try, so I repeated the project, took some photos and VOILA! All yours! Get in the zone with your bad self while you cut out tiny pieces of cork board while listening to some Gaslight Anthem… or maybe that’s just me.

DIY Rose Cork Coasters

Supplies:
Sheets of cork board – I used placemats from IKEA
Craft knife
Hot glue or E-6000
Felt sheets in your color choice
Washi or craft tape
This template

Time: 2-3 hours for 4
Cost: $5 or less
Impressive? Yes

ByChelsea

DIY Zelda Pixel Heart Statement Necklace

on March 29, 2017

Let your geek flag fly with a DIY Legend of Zelda Pixel Heart Statement Necklace. Pull out some perler beads and your nintendo and party like it’s 1986.

This post may contain affiliate links, that means I make a few pennies if you purchase through my links….but the price for you stays the same!

Photos by Rodnesha Green of Inspired Photography

Okay, show of hands… who has been downright obsessed with the Nintendo Switch lately? If you raised your hand, you’re not the only one. The last few days have been spent in this weird pizza and wine fueled haze of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and too few hours of sleep in between craft projects and work. I feel like I’m back in college discovering Kingdom Hearts and not coming out of my dorm room for days. You guys!!! I have regressed! Is there a support group for this? I’m sure it’ll wear off right? Right?

Okay, so video game playing aside I’m working on getting in to
uch with the side of me that says… “I don’t care what everyone thinks, if I like it, I’m gonna wear it!” That side coupled with my “Hey I can do that for cheaper” side has resulted in this really awesome geek chic perler bead statement necklace. Pretty cool right? Even better, it was basically free using products I already had on hand from other projects. Don’t worry though, start up costs are minimal and super rewarding. Especially if you have a class full of 6-12 year olds that you have to keep quiet and busy and don’t have a Disney movie handy.

Zelda Pixel Heart Statement Necklace

Supplies:
2 Large Square Pegboards
Black, White, Red and clear Perler or Hamma Beads
9 MM Jump rings
Red satin ribbon
Iron
Hot Glue or E6000
Pen or Awl
Parchment or Wax paper

Time: 30-60 minutes (I spent a lot of time sorting beads okay!?!)
Cost: FREE to $10 for a whole bunch
Geekery Level: a solid 6

ByChelsea

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