Archive for the ‘Arts and Crafts’ Category
Easy Kickass Project
It’s been a while since I’ve gotten crafty. I suppose that’s logical, what with the small child, full time job, 20 hours of commuting per week, ect. But a couple of months ago, I saw something in a magazine for way too much money and I thought to myself, “I can totally make that.”
So here’s what you do. Find a frame that’s just the frame part. You don’t need the glass and all that. These are plentiful at thrift stores and garage sales, or you might have one you’re not using lying around. Another idea, you can buy some crappy faux art type deal at TJ Maxx or Ross for super cheap, steal the frame and toss the rest. I got mine on sale at Micheal’s. They were really ugly and gold leaf-y, but it doesn’t matter because you can spray paint them!
Then, you need some wire and some tacks. Any will do, but I actually sprung for some fabric covered floral wire and some decorative tacks with rhinestone heads. Use a ruler and mark both sides of the frame opening on the back sides where you will place the tacks and attach the wire.
I should have taken a picture of the next step, but alas, I did not. It proved to be a little stickier than I thought it would be. You’ll need some pliers and maybe a hammer. I was able to bend one end of the wire around the first tack, hammer it in, then do the same on the other side, tightening the wire with the pliers and trimming off the excess once I had it secured.
And that’s it! Hang on your wall and display your pretties! I made this with my friend Tiana in mind because she wears lots of big dangle-y earrings. I made two, though, so that I could get my process down, and then make a nicer one for her. (Tiana, if you are reading this, I have a pressie for you!)
Neat, right? This little thing is bringing me a surprising amount of satisfaction. I really like to admire my jewels. They look so much nicer up on the wall than in a tangled pile on my dresser.
Posted by Jenny @
2:05 pm |
Well, I guess we can close the file on that one.
Have I mentioned that if the title doesn’t make sense, it’s most likely a quote from the best movie of all time? Speaking of which, henceforth, the 7th of March shall be a Zesty holiday, the day that The Dude was finally honored for the fabulous actor and tremendous human being that he is. Did you see that acceptance speech? I didn’t know it was possible to love him more.
It’s been a while since I’ve done anything crafty, but I managed to complete a quick and satisfying project recently that I must share with you. I found this mirror at The Barn Sale a couple of years ago, and it’s been patiently waiting for me to find the time to paint it. Well! I finally did. Check it.
I’m quite pleased.
Speaking of Martha-type projects, have you been to Home Depot lately? YOU GUYS. They’re carrying Martha Stewart paint now. That’s not the cool part. The cool part is, the colors are amazing, and that’s not all! Each one has this little symbol in the corner that indicates with which other colors it coordinates.
Isn’t that so cool? We three were on our way out when I spotted the display, and I turned to SB and said, “I’m going to need a few minutes.” Oh! And also, on the back of each color, she even suggests woodwork and ceiling shades.
Thank you, Martha. Thank you.
Posted by Jenny @
11:11 am |
Lookie what I made
A recent trip to the Barn Sale yielded yet another old book I could exploit for the purposes of correspondence.
The Washington page was missing. I should really have checked before I spent a whole dollar.
Posted by Jenny @
9:20 am |
Easy, arty, crafty, green-teamy idea
Whenever I go to rummage sales I always find myself in the book section. I often see things that I think are so cool! And just $1! But really, what can you do with an outdated atlas? Or a craft book from the 70’s with projects you wouldn’t even be able to find the materials for?
Lately I have united my desire to rescue cool old books and my love of sending birthday cards by making my own arty creations. I have six friends with birthdays in the next two weeks so last night, I got my craft on.
Step one – collect old gems ripe with funny/interesting pictures:
Step two – Assemble your supplies. You may choose to do your crafts on a desk or table, but the guest bed will do as well.
As shown above: Scissors, exacto, rubber pad thing, glue stick, package of blank A-7 cards from a paper or craft store, colorful paper.
Step three: Find your fodder. Pictures are good, but if you’re into lettering and fonts and stuff, sometimes just the text parts are card-worthy.
Take a moment to mock them, if appropriate.
Step four – Cut out interesting pictures, frame with the colored paper, paste to the card. Yes, you are cutting up the old book, but it was just a dollar. And who was ever going to appreciate it’s coolness on that dusty old shelf?
Step five – Place finished card in one of the books and sit on it until you are done crafting, performing the patented Glue Stick Ass Sealing Procedure.
And Voila!
A birthday card someone makes for you just seems more special, don’t you think?
Posted by Jenny @
1:11 pm |
