Tag Archives: d.i.y.

the weekender 5/4/2013

Hello friends. This weekend, I’m spending a lot of time at home. I just moved my cats into the new apartment and I want to keep an eye on things. My roommate also has a cat, so we’re spending a lot of times doing cat introductions. They can be such grumpy creatures. But it’s so worth it, especially when they take naps with you.

(photo by ryan)

It’s a beautiful weekend. I hope to get a little bit of baking done and a little bit more unpacking. I hope to show you the place, when it finally comes together.

Erik Klein Wolterink takes photos of ethnic kitchens. There is so much to look at. How do they differ from yours?

This Anthropologie Plate Wall D.I.Y. is such a pretty way to decorate a wall.

I must have had a major sweet tooth while collecting links this week. First, Salted Caramel Ice Cream Cake Shots, and then this banana cake. I couldn’t decide!

I’m in the process of decorating the apartment, and this bean bag roundup has inspired me.

These D.I.Y. marquee lights look so professional, yet so easy to make.

This is really the best way to end the post. This giant sleeping cat couch is perfect.

valentine’s day roundup

Now that I’m (sort of) unemployed and finally have all kinds of time to craft, I don’t seem to have the space, money, or supplies. Currently I’m in temporary housing and all of my crafting supplies are packed in a storage unit. Also, I haven’t happened upon a craft store yet, and I don’t think I’m braving the 18 degree weather today to find one.

Even still, I have been scouring the craft-loving internets for Valentine’s Day inspiration.

How perfect are these cookies? I just love animals with horns! This Etsy shop delivers by V-Day and there’s even a unicorn cookie!

I love this ombre paint chip wreath. This is a craft I can certainly make in the apartment I’m staying in and it probably cost less than $5.

Here’s another cheap and beautiful ombre d.i.y. made with paint chips. I’ve really got to get on the “paint chip craft” bandwagon.

This 3D fringe heart would make the best party decor. Right?

This Pom Pom Heart Wreath looks simple and quick to make. I wonder if it could work with cotton balls or home made pom poms.

And finally, show your friends you really do put your heart into your baking with this tutorial. How lovely are these cupcakes?

So, have you finished your Valentine’s Day crafts yet?

a pom pom christmas wreath

The last of the Christmas crafts is here. I spent the weeks leading up to Christmas making hundreds of pom poms for this beauty for Ryan’s parents.

Begin with a 12 inch wreath, about 300 pom poms (using my tutorial) and 300 red sewing pens.

Using the sewing pins, place the pom poms on the wreath. Once you’re finished, give it some flair with some glittery doodads. I bought them at Michael’s.

And you know, put a bird on it.

d.i.y holiday pom pom garland

I’ve had the past few days off of work, and instead of doing responsible things this season like Christmas shopping, cleaning my house, packing, or doing some contract work, I’ve pretty much been indulging in donuts, watching hours of The L Word, and making pom poms. At least I have something to show for it besides an expanding waistline.

So, you’ll need pom poms. I made about 30 using my tutorial, but I found a similar tutorial that uses your hand instead of a fork, which is great, especially if you don’t have a larger fork or are using a curved fork like I was, what a pain.

For the garland you’ll need: a tapestry needle, about thirty pom poms, and a thin yarn.

Thread the tapestry needle with the yarn and pierce the center of the pom pom. You want to make sure you get it through the middle that binds the pom pom together.

I just got them all on the yarn and spaced them out at the end. I thought I’d have to give them a knot to secure them, but they really stay in place.

Then hang them and be festive! I put them over my holiday display bookshelf.

Do you see that picture of Ryan and me? It’s the only one we have framed of each other, and it’s from our first Christmas. Yikes. <3

upcycled jar lid pumpkin

I saw this canning jar lid pumpkin and knew I had to make one. Ryan and I have tons of jar lids lying around. I really love how simple this craft was. If you’re short on time, it can only take about three minutes.

Take a piece of ribbon or string and lace it through all of the lids. Ensure all of the lids are facing the same way. Tie off at the end.

canning lid pumpkin

I used a few cinnamon sticks as a stem. If you’re looking to spend a little bit more time on this craft, you can give the lids a paint of coat. Well, actually it took three, if you’re using water-based acrylic paints. Wait an hour between coats.

Painted Lid Pumpkin

I wrapped it with some brown ribbon and used a drop of hot glue to secure the ribbon. This craft took between 25-33 lids.

What do you think? It’s great for Thanksgiving decorating.

This post is linked up here, here, and here.

Six Dress Halloween Costume

For Halloween this year, I went as a character from my all-time favorite TV show, Battlestar Galatica. I’m serious, guys. This is the most fan-person thing I’ve ever done. I’m not kidding, I’m getting excited just writing this post. The character is Caprica Six, or the six model of cylon. I find her fascinating and one of the most intriguing fictional characters ever developed. So, to show off the dress, Ryan, Watson and I did a little photo shoot. You think I’m kidding?

Watson Modeling

Watson was being his usual grumpy self. And ryan was showing me how it’s really done.

Ryan Modeling

So, he’s gonna kill me for posting that photo. Ok. On to the dress, which is why you’re really here.

Dress Before:

Dress After:

I cut up an old dress my friend let me have. I created a shape for the bodice, extended the back (I couldn’t get it to zip over my breasts), cut out the waist and back, and shortened it.

Here’s the back of the dress.

Back of Dress

I bought a wig, but it looked cheap and horrible. I might be this character again and again for every Halloween. I saw a really someone create hand make the character’s jewelry, and I’d like to attempt that next time.

Here’s me doing the iconic pose.

Caprica 6 Pose

What do you think?

So now you know, I’m a huge nerd.

my top halloween costume picks

Halloween is so close. It’s even closer, since all of the good parties are on the weekend. That’s only three days away. And I don’t even have a costume. If you’re like me and wait until the last possible second, I hope I can help you out. Polyvore has this Halloween Costume contest that’s great for inspiration. It’s a few years old now, but I just love to browse through the different costume combinations. Here are my favorites.

Daria. I just finished watching the complete series and it really brings me back to my teenage years.

Carmen Sandiego. I used to love playing this game on my old DOS computer. I’ve always always wanted to go as her, but I’ve never had the red coat, until one time I found one at a thrift store, but it was $25 and January. And I lacked prescience to buy it. So, alas, another Halloween has come and gone and I am not Carmen Sandiego. Plus, where am I going to find a red hat like that?

Jessica Rabbit is a classic costume. Although, I do not have the body to pull it off. Lucky for any woman who does.

You could go as Audrey Hepburn. She’s so timeless. Remember to pencil in your eyebrows.

This is a cute rendition of Cogsworth. He was my favorite character in Beauty & the Beast. And think, making clock hands for a mustache would be a fun costume highlight.

Velma is a quick and easy costume that’s instantly recognizable. It’s a great go-to, but the downside is I usually see a Velma every year. One year I saw two.

Arthur is another one you could probably create with the things in your closet. Make a set of felt ears, so there’s no confusion as to who you are.

Oh, and how I’d love to go as Sofi from Howl’s Moving Castle. It’s one of my favorite animated films. So magical. I just need to find the right dress.

I wish Halloween was more than once of year. Writing this post has boosted my creativity a little in the costume department. Let’s hope mine comes together. So is anyone else out there a procrastinator when it comes to costumes? Good luck on yours!

d.i.y. magnetic spice rack

Christmas is a weird time for me and Ryan. We have yet to spend a Christmas together, so gift giving isn’t usually priority for us. Like, it’s March, and I still haven’t finished Ryan’s gift. I’m hoping this will be the month, though, because I can’t wait to show you.

This year, Ryan gave me the best gift – a magnetic spice rack. He’s been meaning to give me this gift on numerous occasions for about a year (he’s had it in his house the entire time!). And two and a half months later, I eventually set it up.

This magnetic spice rack is the best thing ever.

First, some background. I have this eyesore sitting in my kitchen.

circuit breaker

Seriously, who puts a circuit breaker in the middle of the kitchen? And then there was this hell.

spices

This is my over-crowded spice cabinet. I couldn’t reach or see anything. I’m on my tip-toes just trying to take this picture.

He used this instructable for creating the canisters. He bought the canisters from here and the magnets from here. These are the canisters. He glued some strong magnets to the back.

To make them pretty you will need fun stickers or labels. You can also use white labels and decorate them yourself.

My best friend gave me the crafty stickers. They’re the best. You’ll also need some fun colored markers.

markers

If your label is too long you can cut it to fit the canister.

canister with long label

Press the label on the lid and run your fingernail along the edge to seal the sticker in. Then take a knife, follow along the edge and slice through the sticker.

cut with knife

cut label

Then gently pull up on the sticker.

pull up label

fitted label

This was the first one I did. With practice, I was able to get rid of the frayed edge look. You can also use your fingernail to push the frayed label into the seam of the lid.

spice with label

The canisters look great in my kitchen. You can decorate them so many ways.

spices with labels

Here’s the finished product. I’m so in love with it.

magnetic spice rack

Sorry the glare is so bad in my kitchen.

magnetic spice rack

Looking at this makes me so happy. <3

the weekender: 2/3/2012

Apologies for the radio silence the past week. I started my 10k training group and I’m trying not to fall behind. Basically, I’ve been running a lot.

My routine: I get off of work at 5 p.m. Run for 45 minutes. Get home around 6:30 p.m. Take a hot soak. Eat a bag of popcorn (dinner). Watch 20 minutes of Downton Abbey before I realize this is boring. Then I go to bed (8:30 p.m some nights, I’m such a lightweight).

Sometimes I switch it up by going to my boyfriend’s house and watching Battlestar Galatica(!) until I pass out on his couch.

So, I haven’t been cooking or crafting. But I have links for you!

I can’t explain how much I desire this Kit Kat Ice Cream Cake.

This glitter jar DIY. I want them all over my house.

How to look your best in photos. Please god, I need to remember all of this.

Heart-shaped sugar cubes or heart-shaped milk cubes for some DIY Valentine’s Day cheer.

Add lace to the cuff of your jeans for some cute detail.

These photos of exploding food look too cool. Plus, we all love food and explosions, right?

Plus, this is how it all started.

the weekender 1/20/2012

Happy Weekend, Folks. I’m just going to be honest and say that I’ve spent all of my free time this week watching Downton Abbey. I’m hooked and almost done with the first season.

Such great costumes. Ok. On to the fun stuff.

How quirky is this DIY Hot Air Balloon Lantern? Perfect for the kid’s room or, you know, creative art hipster types.

A glue chart! I can’t be the only one who gets excited about these things. It tells you the appropriate type of glues to use on various surfaces. But when in doubt, Gorilla Glue for all.

These cushions made me swoon.

Maybe it’s influence from the obscene amount of Battlestar Galatica Ryan and I are watching, but I couldn’t stop thinking about how much I want this comet necklace.

How a single layer cake makes everything nicer speaks truths.

a week from thursday

a little crafty and mostly delicious