DIY Life

Back in the 1964 Winter Olympics, my uncle won the only gold medal for the US team. Even though it took place before I was born, it's still something the family is so proud of. We're a family that gets pretty excited about the Olympics... because we know that it's a dream that can really come true.

You can get your family geared up for the Olympics with some of these simple crafts:

• Use some red, yellow, and orange tissue paper to create an Olympic torch. If you have kids, this is a great time to teach them about the history of the torch relay.
  
• Have a family gathering during the Olympics. Set up some fun games such as relays, swimming, soccer, basketball and so forth. Then hand out home-made gold, silver, and bronze-painted medals to the winners.

I caught a re-run of Shear Genius last week, and the topic was timely for me. During the show, hair stylists cut and styled women's hair. But the twist was that for judging, the women needed to replicate the style on their own.

I know I've been in that type of predicament with my hair before. I'll sit in a stylist's chair and love, love, love what they did. But the next day I discover that I'm completely incapable of recreating the style on my own. Unless you're lucky enough to have the funds to pay for a personal stylist, what good is a hair cut if you can't style it yourself?

Last Friday I got a pretty drastic hair cut. I sat there watching inches of my hair fall to the floor and worried that I wouldn't be able to style it myself. Then I remembered the episode of Shear Genius, and I decided to take a few tips from the show. I'll share some ideas after the break.

With skyrocketing gas prices, and the subsequently rising costs of food and what seems like everything else, most people just don't have quite as much room in their budget for vacations as they used to.

It's no surprise that staycation seems to be a major buzzword this year. This summer, my son and I are sticking quite close to home. If you ask my son, his favorite "vacations" of this summer may be the camping trips we've had in our own backyard.

I know it sounds silly, but there's something about setting up the tent and bringing out all the gear that's just thrilling for a kid. Even if the scenery is the same thing you see every day, somehow it looks new through the mesh window of a tent.

With a little creativity, you can make this no-cost activity actually feel like a vacation. Just think of the things you would do if you were camping away from home, then recreate the experience as much as possible. I'll share some ideas after the break.

I'll admit it... I've gone under the needle more than once. In fact, I'm considering getting yet another tattoo (though I want to get a new tattoo to cover up another one, so maybe it doesn't really count).

While they didn't hurt that much, I wouldn't say it's exactly pleasant having needles zip in and out of your skin. But these laser tattoo videos on Instructables are a whole new world of pain.

According to Instructables, the sight of getting one's flesh burned by a laser cutter isn't too bad. But the subtle smell of burning flesh isn't exactly enticing. (Gee... I wonder why.) And as for the pain involved, well, let's just say it hurts.

Laser cutters serve their purpose -- for cutting wood, plastic, and the like. Not skin. So, to whoever first thought of this idea, I give you points for creativity. But I think this is a lesson in "Just because you can, it doesn't mean you should."

If you're itching to get inked, go the traditional route or, for an even less invasive method, check out Anna's post on temporary tattoos.

Multiplication and division were major parts of my son's 4th grade curriculum this past year. My son struggled with both concepts, which was problematic: the class didn't stop at multiplying and dividing. They brought the concepts right into simple algebra!

Over the summer, I'm doing everything I can to help him strengthen the skills he learned in 4th grade. He's more than happy to read with me, he loved going to a museum that reinforced what he learned in social studies, and he's always thrilled to work on backyard science projects with me.

When it comes to math, however, he really resists practicing his skills. So I was thrilled to find these fun Multiplication Thinkin' Logs. All of the templates for the "logs" are provided. Simply print out the times tables you want to practice, and make a game out of stacking the towers.

(Do you need a little helping hand with math yourself? If so, why not check out Francesca's post on Math made easy?)

If you're having friends over and the wine is going to be flowing, wine charms are a handy little accessory to have. That way, nobody forgets which glass of wine is theirs. Unless you're like me and have a memory as filled with holes as a block of Swiss cheese -- I even forget which wine charm is mine.

That's why I think Shrinky Dink wine charms that look like your friends are not only cute... they're incredibly useful, and simple to make, too!

Just draw cartoons of your friends (be kind) directly on Shrinky Dink paper or use a computer illustration program and print your artwork. Cut a small hole in the top of each cartoon and bake according to directions. Then thread the Shrinky Dink onto one-inch wire hoops. Decorate with additional beads as you wish.

If drawing isn't your thing, you have plenty of other options. Print out your friends' names in a nice font, use photos, or find clip-art that uniquely identifies your loved ones. Any way you choose to make these, your friends will appreciate the personal touch.

Check out Ryan's post about turning Monopoly pieces into wine charms, too.

And you thought popsicle stick crafts were just for kids. Not true, not true. This basket-like purse is decidedly grown-up and frankly, it's too cute for words.

You'll need about 150 popsicle sticks. (I'd spring for the new ones you buy at the craft store. It's great to save the sticks from your icy summer treats, but I'd hold those back for another project. You don't want grape, orange, or cherry popsicle stains ruining the look of your new purse!) You'll also need wood glue, wood stain, a sponge brush, a handkerchief for the liner, and leather straps for the handles.

Glue and layer rows of the popsicle sticks in an elongated diamond pattern (about 25 rows of popsicle sticks ought to do it). Once dry, create a bottom for the purse with a dozen or so popsicle sticks. Let it dry overnight and then stain it. For the lining, fold the handkerchief in half lengthwise and sew together. Attach the leather straps, insert the lining, and your purse is complete! Scribbit has all the details on making this fun and functional purse.

[via Whip Up]

It's so easy to just email photos off to family and friends, but there's not a lot of thought behind it. If you really want to give somebody something special, consider this exploding scrapbook box.

You'll need three sheets of 12X12 cardstock, one sheet of 6X6 cardstock, glue, ruler, scissors, photos, and any embellishments you'd like to add.

Measure and cut the 12X12 sheets into cross (or tic-tac-toe) shapes. The outer layer will be the largest, and the inner two layers will be slightly smaller. Measure and score one-inch folds on each side of the 6X6 cardstock. Cut a flap on each corner, and use glue to secure the lid.

Decorate the layers of the box and the lid as you wish. Secure the bases of the box layers with glue, slip on the lid, and your box is complete! Check out the gallery for details.

[via CraftyDaisies]