Do It Your Freaking Self - Disney Inspired Archives

DIY Frozen Adventure Slippers

on January 14, 2019

Keep your princess feet cozy this winter with some comfy crochet Elsa inspired Frozen Adventure Slippers!

California in the winter is weird. Especially apartment living. Here’s what happens. You go to bed at night feeling okay or possibly a little cold. Between 12 and 2 am, you’ve gotta take the covers off because you’re HOT, wake up and its freezing. Then! In the middle of the afternoon, when its 77 degrees outside, you’re still bundled up because you refuse to turn on the heat and it is FREAKING COLD. I used to be able to withstand this… revel in it even. Apparently I am now a California girl who hates weather changes. Who knew!

This is also the time of year where I’m still knitting and crochet-ing everything – because it is a post apocalyptic life skill!

These are some Elsa inspired slippers I made for one of my kiddos who asked santa for “Gloves to go with all of my Elsa Dresses”… so, I figured I’d throw in some slippers to keep her tootsies warm.

If you’re looking for an adult version, you can find it HERE.

Frozen Adventure Slippers

Cost: $5-10
Time: 1-3 hours
Suggested Viewing: Wreck It Ralph – ya’ll thought I was gonna say Frozen right?

Fits kids size 8+
Supplies:
Size J crochet needle
Red Heart Soft Essentials yarn in Turquoise
Red Heart Fur Yarn in Polar

Magic Ring: Single crochet 10 times into a magic ring. Tighten and slip stitch into the first stitch on the ring. Ch 2

Round 1: Half Double Crochet twice into each stitch. Slip stitch into the first stitch of the round. Ch 2(20)
Round 2: HDC into each stitch. Slip stitch into First HDC of round. Ch 2 –
Rounds 3-8 Repeat until you have enough length to fit the length of the foot – a little past mid way or before the heel starts. I used 8 rounds for a kids size 9 foot, so you can increase or decrease from there.

Make the Heel:
Working from where you left off in part 1,
Row 1: HDC into each stitch for 15 stitches (you should have 5 left unworked). Turn work, CH 2
Row 2-6: HDC into each stitch (15 stitches) Turn work, Ch 2
Tie off end leaving a 6 inch tail.

Fold the flat heel portion in half and turn inside out. You’ll have the folded part pointing outwards from the inside of the slipper (if that makes sense). Stitch the edges together to form a heel. Secure the end and weave it in. Then flip the heel right side out!

MAKE IT: DIY The Snuggle is Real Stenciled Sweatshirt

Make the cuff:
Slip stitch into the top back of the heel you just made. Chain 2.
HDC around the cuff of the slipper, you’ll want anywhere from 20 to 24 stitches.
Slip stitch into the first stitch on the round. Chain 2.
Build up the cuff by completing rounds of HDC until you’re happy with the height of your cuff. Secure and weave in ends.

Fur cuff:
Switch to Fur Yarn and Single crochet around the top of the cuff for one row. This yarn has so much bulk you’ll end up with a really fluffy edge with minimal work. Fasten off the end.

Weave in your tails.

Repeat the entire pattern a second time (because you will probably need 2 of these) and you’re off for your very own Frozen Adventure! If you want to make these No-Slip, add some puffy paint or hot glue to the bottom. You’ll thank yourself for it later.

ByChelsea

Simple DIY Star Wars Sweater

on May 4, 2018

Make a simple DIY Star Wars Sweater for your office sweater, Disney bound or dapper day outfits! Show off your Rebel Alliance allegiance!

I know this is a little late for Star Wars and #Maythe4th but in my defense, school has been kicking my butt.

But you’re not here to listen to me talk about being burried in school work. No, you’re here to geek out and make all the things. Okay, so I was brought up with a healthy dose of scifi culture. My first R rated movie? The 5th Element. My first midnight showing? Star Wars Episode 3 – Revenge of the Sith. And while I’m not the biggest fan of the first 3 movies – as a kid I thought they were cool, now – totally cringe-worthy. But anyhoo… I remember my dad taking us to see the original trilogy when they came to theaters again. He was so excited! And my sister and I had no idea what we were walking into.

Make It: Wookie Cookies

One of my favorite things about this series is not the themes or the characters, while they are very awesome, it is the fact that my dad and I can connect over it. We don’t agree on a lot of things, but we can definitely talk about some Star Wars. In fact, we both waited to see The Force Awakens until we were both in the same city – it took a lot of spoiler avoiding thats for sure.

So, if you’re like me and you LOVE Star Wars and maybe wanna let your geek flag fly without being super obvious, this project is for you! This is also a super fun project for a Rebel Alliance Disney Bound and a Star Wars Dapper Day costume!

Simple DIY Star Wars Sweater

Time: 10 Minutes or less
Cost: $15
Suggested viewing: Rogue One
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ByChelsea

Crochet Haunted Mansion Pillow

on October 31, 2017

Decorate your tomb sweet tomb with this crochet Haunted Mansion Pillow! Inspired by your favorite Disneyland ride and a great project for crochet beginners looking to make something a little different.

Everyone has their favorite Disneyland Ride. Be it Space Mountain, Peter Pan, Pirates of the Carribean, etc. Mine? I’ve always been a Haunted Mansion girl myself. Now, I’m not obsessed at the level that I could be. I know about the story line, I make time in my schedule to see the Nightmare Before Christmas overlay, and can quote the narrarator on both occasions. Okay, so maybe I’m a bit obsessed but whatever. What about you?

MAKE IT: JACK SKELLINGTON CAKE STAND

I made a version of this pillow for a dear friend as a housewarming gift. You see, she had just bought her first house (and if you live in LA, you know what a feat that truly is) and she was doing her living room in a Haunted Mansion, black and purple, theme. Originally I created the pillow using tunisian crochet but decided to just go with regular crochet for the tutorial. why? Well, it ends up doing the same and I wasn’t really sure how to write a tutorial on how to tunisian crochet so… there you have it.

Crochet Haunted Mansion Pillow

Time: Weekend Project
Cost: $10-15 – I used things I had on hand so it didn’t cost me anything
Spooky level – Let’s be real here, its like a 2. 3 – Max

Supplies:
Size H Crochet Hook
Worsted weight yarn in black and lavender
yarn needle
Pillow form – I got mine from Ikea for about $4

Stitches you need to know:
CH = Chain
SC = Single Crochet

HAVE A PARTY: TIM BURTON INSPIRED HALLOWEEN PARTY

To make the pillow – Make 2 panels:
1. CH 61 – turn
2. In 2nd CH from needle, SC across, CH 1 at end , turn work
3. Repeat row 2 until you’ve got 62 rows

To Cross Stitch:
1. Thread a length of yarn through the needle and find the center of the front panel. To do this, count 30 over on the width and stitch a few large stitches. Then do the same for the height.

2. Begin to cross stitch the following design. This works a lot like counted cross stitch so count over how many stitches you need from your center stitches. You can also measure off the beginning of the line using the same method.

3. To end each line, simply thread the yarn through the back loops of your cross stitch like so…

Not sure how to cross stitch into the project? Check this out:

Use a locking whip stitch to sew the two panels together – right sides out.

Leave a side or a few inches open to insert the pillow form then continue to locking whip stitch it closed. Fluff your pillow and display!

This crochet Haunted Mansion Pillow makes a great addition to your Halloween Decor or any Disneyland themed room for just a touch of spooky!

ByChelsea

Host a Tim Burton Inspired Halloween Party

on October 3, 2017

Host a Tim Burton Inspired Halloween Party! Loving the little details and pops of blue and purple that bring it together!

Shout out to all of the parents who randomly indulge their children’s party whims! Okay so when I was in third grade (I think) we had just moved to a new city and I really wanted to throw a Halloween party. Why? I honestly have no clue but my parents were amazing and actually went through with it. I don’t remember many details beyond eating a donut off of a tree and Shane from my class’s vampire blood capsules but I’m sure it was epic. Now that I’m older I realize the work that went into that party even if it wasn’t “pinterest perfect” as the standard is set to be these days. This year, instead of a crazy party, I wanted to throw a party that was outside of the normal black and orange and spooky. I was really inspired by Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride and Nightmare Before Christmas…. among others. And with some help from Oriental Trading, I was able to add some fun details like the striped table runner and skelleton glasses that really brought the decor to a whole new level.

This post is sponsored in part by Oriental Trading, all opinions are my own.

Host a Tim Burton Inspired Halloween Party

Head over to Oriental Trading’s Halloween decor shop for some great inspiration!

Fill glasses with Apple Cider for some fall all ages enjoyment. Add it as a mixer to some champagne to create a Fall Cider Mimosa!

Jack Skellington Cake Plate adds a touch of DIY whimsy for your sweet treats is perfect for your Host a Tim Burton Inspired Halloween Party!

Colorblock Oreos make for a tasty treat AND a great take home goodie! I used white cake bags and made mini stickers on my Cricut Explore Air 2.

Make a statement with these simple tableware rolls! Grab some foam bat shapes from the dollar store and adhere them to the roll with a glue dot.

Use edible accents like clementine oranges for easier clean up! No one likes finding confetti or table scatter days later!

And last but not least… fill up some goodie bags with candy, small gifts or treats from the party!

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ByChelsea

Food Safe DIY Jack Skellington Cake Stand

on September 26, 2017

Scare up a good treat by making a simple DIY Jack Skellington Cake stand! Perfect for your Halloween decor or party tablescape! Dollar Store DIY!

Do you ever have those movies that you’re maybe glad you didn’t see as a kid but are also your favorites? I was not allowed to see Nightmare Before Christmas when it came out. Granted, I was about 5 years old with an overactive imagination so this was probably a good decision on my parent’s part. And while I still have quite the imagination, this film has become one of my absolute favorites… At this time of year especially.

MAKE IT: NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS ZERO PILLOW PAL

Also, Hocus Pocus! I saw that movie when I was 7 and it (for some reason) scared the bejebus out of me! I don’t think my parents ever would have let me see it at that age, but we were at a neighbors house and no one really told our parents what we were watching. I spent the entire walk home thinking Billy Butcherson was chasing me and that I should never light a black candle. Like… ever. Now… I love that movie! It is so delightfully campy and I can’t figure out why I was scared in the first place. However, I probably would have loved it anyway so there’s that.

Okay so yes, I had protective parents. But a part of me is glad they understood me enough to not let me give myself nightmares.

Anyway!!! Welcome the Halloween Season! I’m so glad you’re here! It’s probably my favorite because it is also fall and I can wear sweaters with Star Wars characters on them and not get funny looks. This year, I’m hosting a Tim Burton inspired Halloween party so I KNEW I needed to create something Jack themed. This Food Safe DIY Jack Skellington Cake Stand cost me $10 MAX and I can’t wait to show you how to make it!

Food Safe DIY Jack Skellington Cake Stand

Time: 30 minutes + Heat/Dry Time
Cost: $10 or less
Spooky Level: 2

Supplies:
9″ Clear glass plate – I got mine from Ikea but you can get the same ones from amazon.
Multi Surface or enamel paint in black and white
Paintbrush and large foam pouncer
Clear spray sealant (optional)
Glass candle stick – I got mine from the dollar store
E6000 Glue
Printout of Jack’s Face – I sized mine to be 7.5 inches just to give myself some room – you can do this by either loading it into a photo editor or playing around with the scale.

Start by cleaning the back of your plate with rubbing alcohol.

Place the Jack Skellington face on your surface with the plate FACE DOWN over it. This will give you a guide to paint the face!

Using a paintbrush and black enamel paint carefully paint the design on the back side of the plate. Allow it to dry then add a second coat. Let it dry for at least 2 hours.

After painting the face, it’s time to fill in the back. I originally used spray paint but it ended up bubbling and probably wouldn’t have held up after washing. SO! Switching tactics, using white enamel or multi surface paint and a large foam pouncer, fill in the back of the plate. Make sure to paint over the black areas too so the plate will look good from all angles. Let it dry for an hour and go back in for a second coat or just fill in patchy places.

To heat set your paints PLEASE follow the instructions on your paint. Each kind is different with different dry times and I don’t want to tell you different.

I let mine dry for 1 hour then set the plate in a COLD oven paint side up. I then heated the oven to 350 then let it cook for 30 minutes once it hit temperature. After that I let it cool IN THE OVEN with the door open.

Once your paint is set, it’s time to add the stand part. I’ve seen people use other things like painted vases or wooden candle sticks so just find what you like. You do you girl! I chose the candle stick because I happened to have a few in craft storage and figured I should probably use it.

Mark the center of the plate – I measured 4.5 inches in from the edges – and use E6000 glue to secure the candle stick to the bottom of the plate. Let it dry overnight and you’re good to go!

Use your DIY Jack Skellington Cake Stand as a cake stand or a cookie display! You can also use it as a jewlery holder or really whatever you’d need it for!

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ByChelsea

DIY Mermaid Floppy Hat

on August 16, 2017

Show off your inner mermaid with a DIY Mermaid floppy hat! DIY your own custom painted floppy sun hat to create the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe.

She just might get you lost,
And she just might leave you torn,
But she just might save your soul
If she gets you any closer….
–Rooftops and Invitations

Dashboard Confessional

This post may contain affiliate links. Shopping from these links helps support this website.

Today’s music selection comes from my current re-discovering of Dashboard Confessional. Do you guys ever go back and listen to a band you liked years ago and realize that you still love them and their songs still hit you in the feels? And it just feels like… coming home. I don’t really know exactly how to quantify it but that’s what it feels like. So, you know… just listen and enjoy.

You know all that stuff about being secretly a mermaid? Yep, there’s hats, swimsuits, shirts, necklaces, leggings, pencils… all of it. But lets be real here, if you were a mermaid, wouldn’t you just tell everybody? Just own that shit because ITS AWESOME! But… you know… more like the Daryl Hannah or Peter Pan kinds. Not the Harry Potter ones, those give me nightmares.

MAKE IT: MAGICAL MERMAID BARK

Anyway. The moral of the story is be a mermaid. Be magical. Own that shiz and don’t care what anyone else says. Oh! And you know, it doesn’t hurt to have something that looks like a mermaid on to REALLY identify yourself. Like a Mermaid beach floppy hat perhaps?

Aside from Mermaids, the inspiration from this project came from the wonderful Rachel Mae Smith of thecraftedlife.com and Sarah Hearts who hosted a DIY Floppy hat workshop at Craftcation 2017. If you’re a maker, creator, seller, etc. I definitely recommend signing up because it is a truly amazing learning and connecting experience.

DIY Mermaid Floppy Hat

Supplies:
Floppy Hat
Large Foam Pouncers – These Martha Stewart pouncers are great! Scroll down for an easy hack so you don’t have to buy a million packages of these things.
Medium flat paint brush
FolkArt Color Shift Paint in Purple Flash
Deco Art Dazzling Metallics in Crystal Green and Peacock Pearl
Deco Art Extreem Sheen in Antique Bronze

Cost: $20 or less
Time: 1-2 hours
Waterproof? um… no? maybe? Don’t use it while you swim. It’ll make you swim slower and clumsier, not like the mermaid you are.

MAKE IT: DIY MERMAID TRINKET TRAY

I’m in love with the Martha Stewart pouncers but I really didn’t want to buy more than one package so I hacked them with melamine sponges. To do this, you’ll need some magic eraser sponges – I got mine from the dollar store, a large Martha Stewart foam pouncer and a craft knife.

Remove the foam part of the pouncer and use the casing to create 2 circle cut outs from each sponge. Glue them together – on top of each other – and let it sit for about an hour or two to dry. Stick the stacked sponge into the empty pouncer container and use a craft knife to carefully trim away the sides to create a neat circle. Now you’ve got a total of 3 pouncers, one for each color!

Okay, on to the hat!

Start by creating a pallette of each color for dipping. I like using the lid of a sour cream container or a paper plate. Stamp in a random pattern around the edge of the hat.

Once that’s done, start layering colors in random order around and up until the entire brim is painted. Stop as close as you can to the crown of the hat.

Grab a medium to large flat paintbrush to add in some detail with an accent color. For this project, I used metallic bronze. Lightly brush paint around a few of the “scales” and finish by painting a band around the base of the hat to give it a more finished look.

Allow it to dry completely and you’re off to show everyone your fancy mermaid self!

Don’t forget to PIN for later!

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ByChelsea

Easy DIY Magical Mermaid Bark

on June 21, 2017

Dive under the sea with some Magical Mermaid Bark! Inspired by your favorite mermaid, this sweet treat is a must have for your summer parties or treat table!

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.

In case you didn’t hear there is apparently a mermaid trend this summer. Does it look like I’m caring about that?? Okay maybe a little. But seriously folks, I was watching The Little Mermaid with a friend (because that is what we do okay?) and we were both feeling the need for some sugar and well, this happened. I feel no shame or guilt about any of it. None at all. So yeah, be a mermaid, get that swimsuit. Eat some chocolate and just embrace that -ish okay? Okay!

Easy DIY Magical Mermaid Bark

Time:20-30 minutes plus cool time
Cost: $15 or less depending on what you have on hand
Magic level: Titus Burgess as Sebastian magical.

Supplies:

Wilton Candy Melts in Light Blue, Teal and Lavender
Piping Bag
Sanding Sugars in purple and blue. – Learn how to make your own here!
Sugar pearls
Small seashell candy mold
Coconut chips
Microwave safe bowls

If you’re up to making your own sanding sugars go ahead and make those first.

Make your purple seashells! Place 1/4 cup lavender candy melts into a piping bag. Twist the top closed and microwave for 30 seconds. Pull it out and squish around. Microwave again in 15 second bursts, mixing and squishing in between until it’s all melted. Cut a hole in the tip of the bag and fill each cavity in the mold. You may not fill all of them, but fill as many as you can. If you have any overage, simply use the edge of a spatula to smooth out. Place in fridge or freezer for 10 minutes.

Make your base!
In separate ceramic bowls, melt your candy melts. Microwave for 1 minute. Stir. Return to microwave and zap in 15 second bursts, stiring in between until fully melted. Do this for each color you’ll be using.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place dolops of each color next to each other on the parchment paper. This is where I like to get my agression out and sometimes act like Jackson Pollock. Just go with it.

Next, use a butter knife or spatula to smooth out and swirl the colors until you’re happy with the design. While the chocolate is still kinda melty, spread your place the seashells on the base bark and sprinkle with the coconut bark, sanding sugars, and sugar pearls.

Place in the freezer for 10 minutes or in the refrigerator for 30 minutes until the chocolate is set.

Break it up while jamming to your favorite version of Under The Sea and eat your mermaid bark with your equally mermaid obsessed best buds!

Don’t forget to PIN this post if you’re as obsessed with all things mermaid and magic!

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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

Beauty and the Beast Wine Charms

on March 1, 2017

Celebrate Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and add a little charm to your glass with these Disneymoji DIY Disney Wine Charms!

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!

Everyone has their princess. Mine was Belle. I loved her. I wanted to be her. She was straight up magical. I think I connected with her most because she didn’t really have any friends. She was weird. She liked books. Because apparently being a bookworm is bad… but I digress. Belle was my princess. So when Disney announced that they were making a live action Beauty and the Beast? I pretty much lost it in my excitement. There was a gasp and flailing. Seriously guys! Anyhoo… now that I’m older I get to enjoy the magic all over again with my fave gal pals. But this time, we’re having wine! (please read that in a cool movie announcer voice)

I created these Beauty and the Beast Wine Charms based on the Disney Emojis and I gotta say… I’m in love! So grab your 25th Anniversary Edition DVD, your chosen beverage and some supplies. We’re gonna make something fun!

Beauty and the Beast Wine Charms

Supplies needed:
This pattern
Rough and Ready shrink paper
Permanent marker
Colored pencils
Hole punch
9mm Jump Rings
Silver earing wire hoops
6mm glass beads

Time: 30 min or more depending on coloring involvement
Cost: $15-20 – makes a lot
Beauty or Beast: Beauty for sure!!! Or maybe like.. prince Adam after his transformation? Heck… I’m team Chip.

ByChelsea

Temporary Tattoo DIY Star Wars Mug

on December 6, 2016

This post may contain affiliate links. Purchasing through them helps support this website. This post may also contain items gifted for consideration.

I’m going to be honest here and tell you guys that I’m sitting here in a Darth Vader Onesie sipping hot cocoa. Because it is cold and I threw out my back. It could be worse right?

Did you know that you can use temporary tattoos for more than just your skin? Yep! Wonders never cease. This time, I’m going to show you how to use them on ceramics to create a cool dark side DIY Star Wars Mug…. because that’s how everyone likes their coffee right? Maybe not. Anyway!

And if you really need some cookies to dip into your mug… go ahead, make some wookie cookies!

DIY Star Wars Mug
Time: 30 min + dry time
Cost: $15 or less (supplies can be used for other projects)
Light Side or Dark Side? Dark (for now)

ByChelsea

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