DIY Life

3 Ways To Upcycle Paint Samples Into Impressive Accents

CraftFoxes — 2011-09-16T08:00:00+00:00

Sometimes you just can't help but grab a few paint sample cards at the home improvement store. If yours are piling up, here are a few genius ways to get some use out of them.

Featuring

Little Bit Funky

Upcycling Idea #1: Bunting
Perhaps paper bunting is an obvious paint sample craft, but so are "Your Mom" jokes, and yet we still love them. Moreover, they're easy - a paper punch and a threaded needle are all you need to complete this cheery décor. For the complete tutorial, visit Little Bit Funky.

Craft Ahoy

Upcycling Idea #2: Mosaic Table Top
Need to hide a few of your coffee table's scrapes and bruises? Cobble the table via paint samples for an easy-meets-trendy makeover. It's your call whether those sassy paint sample names get to show, but we vote yes. To see how to do it, visit Craft Ahoy.

How About Orange

Upcycling Idea #3: Mosaic Art
For unique wall decor, consider creating this paper mosaic using clipped paint samples. Straight lines and striking colors are the key to this design, but don't let that stop you from curving outside the lines. Get the full directions to make your own art piece at How About Orange.

Want to see 7 more ideas for upcycling paint samples into impressive accents? Visit Craftfoxes.

And don't miss these great stories...

The Beginner's Guide to Scrapbooking
Vintage-Style Aprons from "Oh Sew Easy" (Pattern)
Knitting vs. Crochet...What's The Difference?

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DIY Ladder: Clever Uses For An Old Ladder

Jaime Derringer — 2011-09-14T11:00:00+00:00

Filed under: home decor, in the kitchen, organization and storage, Crafts, wood working, Storage & Organization, Crafts & Celebrations

Take an old ladder to new heights with these fun craft-it-yourself ideas.

I'm willing to bet that you have an old step ladder in your garage or basement. You know the one -- covered in old paint with the wobbly leg. Too bad it's useless, right? Wrong! You can reuse that old ladder without stepping on a single rung. Here are a few fun ways to re-purpose that ladder and put it to good use around the house, without spending a dime.

Photos: Charles Walton IV for Southern Living/Deborah Ory for Woman's Day

If your ladder is a bit dingy, clean it up, scrape or sand off the old paint unless you're going for that shabby chic look. Tighten up that wobbly leg, and try one of these nifty ideas:

1. Bookshelf. You've seen ladder-shaped bookshelves, right? Well, obviously, they were inspired by the real thing. You can use an old ladder as a bookshelf and save yourself a lot of cash while still getting the same look.

2. Pot rack. How fun is this idea we spotted over on Woman's Day? Just take an old ladder and place it on its side, affix to the ceiling and use it to hang your pots and pans!

Do these photos inspire you to dig up your old ladder? Photos: This Old House/Living, Etc

3. Towel rack. You know those ladder towel racks that run upwards of $50 or even $75? Why not use your old ladder instead and save that money for some new bath salts or a towel upgrade?

An instant purse rack! Photo: Holly Becker, decor8

4. Plant stand. You can actually buy ladder plant stands, but why spend $99 when you have a free one collecting dust?

5. Closet organizer. Ladies, do you want somewhere to hang or rest your purse collection? What about sweaters, or maybe you need somewhere to hang your pants or rest your shoes? An old ladder in the closet is a great place to organize your clothing and accessories.

6. Nightstand. If your ladder has flat rungs that are like small shelves, you can use a ladder as a nightstand. Simply place the ladder next to the bed and use the rungs to place your alarm clock, books or magazines and phone (or whatever else you keep next to the bed).

7. Wall decor. Hang an old ladder on the wall as art! Paint it a fun color to match your room, or affix family memorabilia to the rungs and use it as a wall display.

Want more repurposing ideas? Check out 5 things you can do with an old t-shirt.

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Hardware Store Decor

Kristine Hansen — 2011-09-12T08:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Crafts, Living Rooms, Home Offices, Living Spaces, Crafts & Celebrations

Looking for chic, industrial housewares? Look no further than your local hardware store. The new book "Home From the Hardware Store: Transform Everyday Materials Into Fabulous Home Furnishings" shows you how to transform utilitarian items into furniture and accessories that really work.

Machine-Age Candlesticks, as seen on page 106 of Stephen Antonson and Kathleen Hackett's book, require no tools to assemble. Photo: Lesley Unruh

For co-authors (and real-life couple) Stephen Antonson and Kathleen Hackett, it all goes back to a chandelier in Paris. Shortly after they began dating, Kathleen moved to the City of Light for six months. On his first visit, Stephen noticed the peaked ceiling in her rented apartment, thinking it could really benefit from a chandelier.

That day, while Kathleen was running errands, Stephen took a quick trip to the hardware store and picked up four supplies -- a pair of pliers, a single jack chain, a baling wire, and four candles -- which he used to make a chandelier by the time she got home that afternoon.

"I make a lot of things...whenever we need something I make it," says Antonson, who met Hackett when we was a home editor and she was an executive book editor at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. Soon after that chandelier was hung, he and Hackett realized they had a book idea on their hands. To come up with enough projects to fill an entire book, Antonson would wander the aisles of local hardware stores (they live in New York City) each morning with a cup of coffee, in search of inspiration.

The end result, "Home From the Hardware Store: Transform Everyday Materials Into Fabulous Home Furnishings" (Rodale Books, $23), was published in early November. It contains dozens of affordable DIY decorating projects, which use common hardware store items in brilliant yet simple ways to create modern, industrial decor. "If you can wrap a birthday present, you can do half this stuff," says Antonson.

Not familiar with hardware store items? Not to worry; you don't need to know an item's intended use. Instead, look to the lines, materials and beauty in each individual piece.

(Left) The Space-Age Coffee Table uses galvanized elbows (a type of pipe fitting) as an unexpected table base. (Right) The Periscope Lamp turns a crimp elbow (also a pipe fitting) into functional art. Photo: Lesley Unruh

Some of our favorite projects from the book include the Machine-Age Candlesticks (pictured, top), which require no tools except your own two hands. We also love the Periscope Lamp (pictured, above right), which transforms a crimped elbow into display-worthy light source.

The authors were kind enough to let us share with you our favorite project of all, the Space-Age Coffee Table (above left) -- an ideal DIY project for a weekend warrior.

SPACE-AGE COFFEE TABLE
To fasten the tiers together, you need to assemble the base without screwing anything together, and then disassemble it in vertical sections, which is not exactly an intuitive process, given the way the base it stacked.

Materials

Eight 90-degree galvanized elbows, 7" each
Four 90-degree galvanized elbows, 4" each
Eight zine bolts and nuts, 8=1" x 32
Twelve #6 sheet metal screws. 1/2" each
36" x 1" round solid pine panel
One quart primer
1/2 quart paint in desired color (we used Benjamin Moore Soot/#2129-20)
Industrial strength adhesive-backed Velcro, 35" x 2" strip

Tools

Black permanent marker
Drill with 3/16" and 1/8" bits
Phillips-head screwdriver
120-grit sandpaper
2" all-paints paintbrush

Instructions

1. Join four 7" elbows to form a circle. Repeat with the remaining 7" elbows, and then join the 4" elbows to make a smaller circle.

2. Stack the circles on top of one another to form tiers, aligning the ribs and placing the smaller tier in the middle. Find the seams where two elbows meet. On the ribs adjacent to the seams, mark the tiers deep in the middle, where they meet, with a horizontal line.

3. Pull the stack apart in half vertically, making note of the top and bottom of the base. Using the marks as guides, mark an X 1" beyond them, toward the center. Use a drill with a 3/16" bit to drill a hole at each X.

4. Break the tiers into quarters so you can fasten one quarter of the base together at a time. Rest the elbows on a work surface so that the openings of the elbows are facing you. Align the holes, slide the bolt through, and fasten the nut with your hands. Don't fasten it too tightly -- once you put the entire base together, you'll need a little room to play. Repeat with the remaining three sections of the base.

5. Put two sections together to make half the base. Use an 1/8" bit to drill a hole 1/2" from the seam on each tier, through two layers of elbow. Screw in the sheet metal screws. Repeat on the other half of the base. Put the two halves together. Screw them together in the same manner, drilling a hole 1/2" from the seam on each tier, through two layers of elbow, and fasten with the sheet metal screws. Set the base aside.

6. Sand the top, bottom, and edge of the pine round. Wipe it down with a soft cloth, brush with a thin coat of primer on the top and edge, and let it dry. Sand the round all over and wipe it down with a soft cloth again. Apply a coat of paint on the top and edge and let it dry. Apply a coat of paint on the bottom and let it dry.

7. Cut the Velcro into twelve 3" pieces. Separate the hooks from the loops. Wipe down the top of the table base with a soft cloth to remove any traces of grease or residue. Remove the adhesive backing from one of the loop pieces and fasten it 3 1/2" from the outer edge of the base, along a rib. (This is the high point, where the tabletop makes contact with the base.) Repeat with the remaining loop pieces and ribs.

8. To determine where to put the hook sides of Velcro on the underside of the table, set it on top of the base. Use a pencil to mark the underside of the tabletop where the Velcro is attached to the base. This is where the outside long edge of the hook sides of the Velcro should be attached. Place the tabletop wrong side up on a work surface. Remove the adhesive from the hook pieces of the Velcro and fasten them to the table, using your pencil marks as guides. Flip the tabletop over and set it onto the base, aligning the Velcro pieces.

Related:

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All-Natural, Homemade Paint

Joe Provey — 2011-09-11T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Crafts, Essential Skills, Know-How, Crafts & Celebrations

Looking for a gentle alternative to chemical-based interior paint? Stir up this simple, four-ingredient recipe.

Milk paint transformed this old cassette cabinet into a charming powder room organizer for storing towels, tissues, and toiletries. Photo: Joe Provey, Home & Garden Editorial Services

Cavemen did it. The early Egyptians did it. American Colonists did it. And even today, many people are rediscovering the art of making interior paint for the home.

In an age of store-bought paints with high performance finishes, you may ask yourself, why make paint? For me, it's the natural, handcrafted look -- along with the satisfaction of being self-reliant. For others, it may be because homemade paint is the greenest and least toxic alternative possible to traditional paint. Homemade paints aren't based upon petrochemicals and they're far less toxic than commercial paints -- even the many zero-VOC paints now emerging on the market.

The ingredients for homemade paints vary. This recipe consists of lime, water, pigment, and milk. Photo: Joe Provey, Home & Garden Editorial Services

The easiest to make and least expensive homemade paints consist of milk, lime, and pigment. For additional body a filler, such as chalk powder or plaster can be added. My preferred recipe is simplicity itself:

-- Hydrated lime (available at most home and garden supply stores)
-- Water
-- Pigment (powder or liquid)
-- Whole milk (at room temperature)

Mix lime with water using a putty knife or plastic spatula. Photo: Joe Provey, Home & Garden Editorial Services

1. Fill a container with one to two cups of hydrated lime. Gradually add water and stir until you have a thick paste.

2. In a separate container, do the same with the pigment powder. For a small batch like this, 2 to 4 tablespoons of pigment is typically sufficient.

3. Gradually add milk to the lime paste until you achieve the consistency of sour cream. Then add the pigment paste and mix thoroughly.

Safety tip: Despite the relative low toxicity of the ingredients, wear vinyl gloves and a dust mask when working with lime and pigment.

Gradually stir milk into the lime paste until you achieve a consistency of loose sour cream. Photo: Joe Provey, Home & Garden Editorial Services

ADDING PIGMENTS TO HOMEMADE PAINT
You can buy pigmentsat many hardware and artist supply stores. Avoid using pigments made from toxic compounds, otherwise you'll defeat the purpose of making your own paint. Some common toxins used in pigments include cadmium, lead, mercury, and cobalt. Here's a good online source for non-toxic pigments. You will have to experiment with pigments to achieve the color you want. Be sure to buy plenty of white pigment, as you'll be using a lot of it. It comes in two forms: titanium dioxide and zinc. The former is a bit more opaque.

You can make many of your own colorants using natural ingredients but the process is a lot more time-consuming than making paint alone. Also, the colors produced through home-brewed dyes are more subtle than store-bought pigments. If you do want to make homemade pigment, try these methods:

-- Add water to steel wool for a red rust coloring.
-- Try simmering everything from berries and vegetables to bark and leaves to create the dyes. Blackberries, for example, make a strong dye.
-- Brew coffee or many tea to create neutral tones.
-- Boil peach or crab apple leaves for greens.
-- Use store-bought juice concentrates, such as blueberry and cranberry, to create pleasing tints.

Use a natural bristle brush to apply the milk paint, and allow it to dry for a few hours before recoating. Photo: Joe Provey, Home & Garden Editorial Services

ADDITIONAL TIPS ABOUT HOMEMADE PAINT
-- Milk paint is not as scrubbable as its commercial cousins. In areas subject to spills, apply a protective coat of shellac or oil finish. If you choose the latter, stay green with a plant oil-based finish.

-- The shelf life for milk paint is short. Store unused paint in the refrigerator. It can be used until the milk sours. Brushes clean easily with soap and water.

SEE ALSO:
Before & After: Aging Furniture with Milk Paint (Design*Sponge)
Paint Color Trends to Move On From (ShelterPop)
Create a Crackled Paint Finish with Plain School Glue

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The Typewriter Lives On (Through Crafts)

Amy Preiser — 2011-09-07T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Crafts, Crafts & Celebrations

This week, the last standing typewriter factory in the world closed up shop. But you can still keep the spirit alive with these craft ideas.

I'll admit, it was a blow to hear that that no new typewriters will be produced -- after all, they have a special nostalgic place in my heart next to Polaroid film. But it's not fair to get too hung up over the news: If nothing else, it's highly hypocritical, considering I'm typing this on a computer.

But while you can't expect companies to continue to produce typewriters when the sales have plummeted, you can count on the crafters on Etsy to produce beautiful tributes to the typewriter. As we take a moment of silence, check out the work of these brilliant DIYers.

Clockwise from top left: CuteAbility; NoteTrunk, virginiakraljevic, MeadowTea, iloveinkling, MrPS.

Clockwise from top left:

Typewriter Necklace 18K Gold Plated Brass, $24, CuteAbility

Self Inking Custom Ribber Address Stamp, $28, NoteTrunk

Olivetti Green Fine Art Archival Print, $15, virginiakraljevic

Retro Type Set, $25 for 4, MeadowTea

Just My Type Pillow, $22, iloveinkling

Background: Proper Coffee tea towel, $14.25, MrPS

Looking to create your own typewriter crafts? Check out sites like Oriental Trading and Rubber Nation to buy antique typewriter keys to make your own projects (and don't forget to share them on Facebook!)

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Etsy Q&A: Etched Glass Artisans Bread and Badger

Brie Dyas — 2011-08-30T18:45:00+00:00

Filed under: Crafts, Crafts & Celebrations

DIY etched glass kits have been selling out at craft retailers, but it can be a little bit intimidating to put brush to glass. (Especially when you realize that you're working with acid.) Not so. After reading this Craftfoxes interview of the talented husband-and-wife etching artisans behind Bread and Badger, we feel confident to try our hand at this project.

How did you get into your craft? When did you start?

I discovered glass etching by accident. I was looking for an unusual way that I could use my love of drawing to create interesting jewelry in 2005. I realized I could draw directly onto glass pieces with a Dremel tool, and then turn them into pendants. That quickly branched out into drawing onto 3-dimensional objects like vases and candle holders, which moved into the more functional world of drinkware. It wasn't until 2008 when demand became too high for me to continue hand-engraving each piece, and I upgraded to a professional sandblasting system that my husband and I could operate together.

How did you come up with the name for your shop?

I'm really inspired by how fearless badgers are, especially honey badgers. I knew that I'd have to face a lot of my fears if I was going to run a successful business, so I adopted the badger as my totem animal. The "bread" part comes from the idea of "bread and butter" - where your money comes from. I knew that I wanted this business to be my bread and butter, so I turned the phrase into something that completely described what I wanted the business to be for me.

What's one important lesson you've learned about your craft?

I've learned to not be so attached to things if they break or don't turn out perfectly. Working with glass means there's always a tiny chance that something you've been working on will just shatter at some point, whether its in your hands at the time, or somewhere in the mail. That's just the nature of the material, so there's no use fighting it. Just pick up the pieces, and make another one.

To see the whole interview, visit Craftfoxes.

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Ribbon Crafts: 5 Ideas For Your Home

DIY Life Staff — 2011-08-29T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Crafts, Crafts & Celebrations

Here's how to think outside the bow. Decorating with ribbon has its moment.

Ribbons come in every pattern and style. And you can use a $10 spool of ribbon for many things other than wrapping presents. When I let my imagination run wild, I had some pretty fun ideas for decorating with ribbon. Yes, one little ribbon can help spruce up your home in easy, unexpected ways. Here are five fun ideas to get you tying ribbons all over your home.

Flickr, Muffet

1. Instantly Tied Together: There's no need to be fussy with curtain tiebacks. Use a strip of ribbon you love to tie back your curtains in the morning and let the sun shine in. (Photo below.)

2. Mirror on the Wall: Attach a strip of sturdy ribbon to a mirror or picture frame and hang it off a nail or hanging hardware in the wall. You'll add a pop of pattern with ribbon. We love the look of plaid, a pattern that never goes out of style. (Photo below.)

Jen Jafarzadeh L'Italien

3. All Hung Up: All you need to keep your strappy dresses from sliding off their hangers - a little leftover ribbon. Tie a strip of ribbon on each end to keep those spaghetti straps in place.

4. Wine Markers: The next time you throw a dinner party, cut some ribbons to make wine markers and help your guests remember which glass of wine is theirs. All you need to do is tie small strips of ribbons around the stem of each glass - easy, instant wine markers. (See below, left.)

Jen Jafarzadeh L'Italien

5. Lightbulb Moment: You don't have to go bold with pattern - even a simple white ribbon can complete the look of a DIY lampshade. This lampshade has been made over with wallpaper (but you can really use any paper or fabric to cover a lampshade and give it a whole new look.) Simply glue the ribbon to the top and bottom trim of the lampshade for a polished finishing touch. (See above, right.)

For more great ShelterPop stories, don't miss:
Best Cleaning and Organizing Apps
Creative Centerpiece in a Cinch
Decor Don't: Extreme Decluttering
Decor Don't: Too Much Lighting

By Jen Jafarzadeh L'Italien

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Kids Party Ideas - A Cheery Carnival Party

Brie Dyas — 2011-08-28T10:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Crafts & Celebrations

It can be such a challenge to come up with memorable kids party ideas, so I was thrilled to see this charming carnival theme. Working equally well for boys or girls, this idea is even easier to DIY.

Lauren Nicole Studios

This charming party came my way from Jennifer Shields, the founder and president of Posh Tot Events, a seriously adorable event planning company based in Atlanta. Posh Tot Events designed and executed the cheery party to benefit Bert's Big Adventure, a non-profit organization that graciously provides a five-day trip to Walt Disney World for children with a chronic or terminal illness and their families.

Though the carnival party looks luxe, it's actually filled with touches that are a breeze to DIY. I just love how creative the admission tickets were used in this party: Unwound as a runner, coiled to act as coasters and cinched around napkins. For a list of other resources, visit the Bert's Big Adventure page at Pizzazzerie.

Lauren Nicole Studios

Another way to get the carnival look is to use red-and-white striped paper to back printed labels for drinks and menus. In the top photo, it's also used for a runner. Using the same print throughout the party is what helps give that cohesive, well-designed look.

Looking for a few more kids' party ideas? Check out...
Great Birthday Party Ideas for Kids
Fun birthday party ideas: Gymnastics
Kids Birthday Party Ideas Video: Entertaining

And to see how a pro plans a kids' party, watch this...

How to Design a Kids Party

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5 Unusual Uses For Place Mats

DIY Life Staff — 2011-08-25T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Crafts, Living Rooms, Bedrooms, Living Spaces, Crafts & Celebrations

Give your place mats a second life with these creative ideas.

Who knew? You can use place mats as a wall divider. Photo: Jonathon Fong Style

When I'm shopping for decor, I'm consistently drawn to the misfit aisle. You know, those $3.99 clearance bins overflowing with mismatched items like place mats and hand towels. And since I tend to buy stuff like this all the time, one of my favorite pastimes is figuring out what to do with a set of mismatched items.

Place mats are particularly fun to pull for these types of projects, since you can do so much with them. Next time you come across an odd number of clearance place mats, or maybe just a pair made with a lovely fabric, here are some crafty things you can do with them.

Unusual Use #1: Wall Decor and Dividers
With a few packages of clasps and an eye for arrangement, you can transform square or circular place mats into eye-catching wall dividers and displays. Just drill or punch a hole into the top and bottom of each place mat and link them by hanging hooks or clamps to binder rings or fishing swivels.

Bonus idea: Placed over a clear shower curtain lining, they can double as bathroom decor. Or try waterproof plastic place mats as an outdoor patio or garden wall. Check out your local hardware store or Ball Chain for the supplies you'll need to secure them at top and bottom.

Courtesy of: mmmcrafts

Unusual Use #2: Pillows and Tote Bags
Fabric place mats offer endless possibilities for decorative textiles. Shop the place mat section of home design stores (online too!) and build your own throw pillow at a fraction of the price by stitching the sides together. If the place mat has a complicated design that would be challenging to line up, consider covering a pillow with a bold, solid case and centering the place mat design for a crisp, eye-catching effect. One crafty blogger used Anthropologie place mats to make the stylish throw pillows to the left.

Bonus Idea: Cute cotton or polyester fabric place mats can make great tote bags too!

Unusual Use #3: Pops of Color

When it comes to place mat shapes, who says one size fits all? With a good pair of scissors, plastic or polypropylene place mats can be cut down to all shapes and sizes to make a counter top space more colorful and chic.

A couple of ideas:
- Cut out individual pieces of place mat to line the surface around your kitchen sink. Place everyday items like sponges or scrub brushes on top -- the fabric will absorb excess water and you can easily toss it in the washing machine as needed.
- Skip the boring contact paper and line your cabinets with modern prints.

Unusual Use #4: Decorative Odds and Ends
- Transform one sturdy plastic or cork backed-place mat into a whole stack of decorative drink coasters.
- Size down a plastic place mat into a custom-designer mouse pad.
- Play with place mats of different shapes, colors and textures to infuse a garden space with different designs beneath standard planter pots.
- Pick a simple place mat print and frame it with brightly-colored frames for instant wall art -- great for the kitchen!

Unusual Use #5: Quick Tips for Mastering Place Mat Chic
- If ordering online, always check the fabric and dimensions of the place mat before purchasing and make sure the fabric matches the project. Cotton fabric place mats are better for bags and pillow covers while plastic, lacquered and polypropylene place mats are better suited for cutting, crafting and cleaning.

Now, ever wonder what you could do with Velcro? Check out our story on unusual uses for the hook-and-loop tape.

And check out some of our favorite stories from around the web!
Exclusive Interviews and a Tour of the Showtime House 2010!
Banter Banners To Set The Mood
Troubleshoot Your Coffee Grinder
Money 101: How To Buy Your First Home

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Random Recast: Map Pages Day 3

Brie Dyas — 2011-07-14T13:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Crafts, Crafts & Celebrations

In Random Recast, we find new uses for ordinary things. This week: Map pages.

mod pieces, flickr

For an updated take on drawer liners, use map pages. The oversized pages of a road atlas are a good choice for this project, but you can cut a folding map to fit the dimensions of your drawer. To secure the map into the bottom of the drawer, use double-stick tape or glue.

Want more uses for map pages? Check out...
Random Recast: Map Pages Day 2
Random Recast: Map Pages Day 1
Map Art: From Old Maps to New Decor

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Random Recast: Map Pages Day 2

Brie Dyas — 2011-07-13T16:45:00+00:00

Filed under: Crafts, Crafts & Celebrations

In Random Recast, we find new uses for ordinary things. This week: Map pages.

levityinbrevity1, flickr

One of the most genius uses for old map pages? Envelopes. To create your own set, simply take apart an old envelope (turns out junk mail can be good for something) to use as a template. Trace it, then cut along the lines and fold. The flaps can be held in place using tape or glue. Or, follow the tutorial for making your own envelopes at Spotted Sparrow.

For more map inspiration, check out...
Map-Inspired Home Decor
Map Art: From Old Maps to New Decor
Random Recast: Map Pages Day 1

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Random Recast: Map Pages Day 1

Brie Dyas — 2011-07-11T15:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Crafts, Crafts & Celebrations

In Random Recast, we find new uses for ordinary things. This week: Map pages.

dezertprincess, flickr

For many of us, the screens of smartphones and GPS devices have replaced humble map pages. But in the hands of clever crafters, old atlases and road maps get a second life. These coasters, by crafter Jen Merkel, pay homage to a recent trip to Hawaii. Made with a free map, plain white tiles and a little Mod Podge, this set cost less than $7 to make. For the full tutorial, visit Jen's blog Desert Drivel.

Want to get some inspiration for your map project? Check out these inspiring stories from our sister site, Shelterpop:
Map Art: From Old Maps to New Decor
Map-Inspired Home Decor
Daily Sampling: Fab.com's City Map Plates

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Summer Fun: Washable Sidewalk Paint

Brie Dyas — 2011-07-09T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Crafts, Outdoors, Crafts & Celebrations

Get the kids in on some DIY summer fun with this fun spin on sidewalk chalk.

Wendy Copley

Getting the kids to go outside for some summer fun (with minimal eye-rolling) isn't such a chore when there's the promise of a mess to be had. This sidewalk paint is just right And don't panic just yet because I said "paint": The stuff is completely and totally washable. Think sidewalk chalk in liquid form. To make it, combine one part water to one part cornstarch, then add food coloring. For the full how-to (and to see more photos of the paint in action) visit Wendolonia.

Want more ideas for summer fun? Check out...

Let's Make: Sidewalk Chalk
Kids Party Ideas - A Cheery Carnival Party
Avant Yard: 75 tricks to get your kids outdoors

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Random Recast: T-Shirts Day 3

Brie Dyas — 2011-07-07T08:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Crafts & Celebrations

In Random Recast, we find new uses for ordinary things. This week: T-shirts.

Benita Larsson

Here's a great way to put those souvenir t-shirts to a much better use: Pillow covers. Instead of wearing your memories (or keeping them hidden in a closet), you'll have a reminder of that trip in full sight. In a nutshell, you can create this by tracing around your pillow onto your t-shirt, cutting along the lines and then stitching the two cut t-shirt sections together. For the completed tutorial, visit Chez Larsson.

Want more ideas for using old t-shirts? Check out...
Random Recast: T-Shirts Day 2
Random Recast: T-Shirts Day 1

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Random Recast: T-Shirts Day 1

Brie Dyas — 2011-07-05T10:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Crafts, Living Spaces, Crafts & Celebrations

In Random Recast, we find new uses for ordinary things. This week: T-shirts.

GreenAtHeart.etsy.com

Would you believe that this gorgeous ombre rug was made from...t-shirts? Well, believe it. This stylish take on rag rugs was made by cutting t-shirts into strips, braiding them together and then stitching the braids into a coil. What makes this rug (by etsy seller GreenAtHeart) so chic is that the tees were all in the same color family. A mix of colors would produce a more whimsical look. For a different way to create a t-shirt rag rug, take a look at this tutorial by CraftStylish.

Want to catch up with past Random Recast projects? Check out...
Random Recast: Streamers Round-Up
Random Recast: Wallpaper Round-Up
Random Recast: New Uses for Rope Round-Up

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Fourth of July Crafts Countdown Round-Up

Brie Dyas — 2011-07-03T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Crafts, Holidays, Crafts & Celebrations

It's not too late to tackle these fab Fourth of July crafts for your celebration.

Fourth of July Craft #6: Free Printable Bottle Labels

Piggy Bank Parties

Custom bottle labels nicely upgrade those store brand bottles of water or soda. If you're not handy with graphic design programs, these free printable pre-designed labels are for you. Get them at Piggy Bank Parties.

Fourth of July Craft #5: Bandanna Party Decor

Wendell T. Webber, Country Living

This patchwork-like runner can be used far after the Fourth and is nearly effortless: Just stitch together bandannas. No sewing machine? Duct tape the bandannas together on the "wrong" side. (It doesn't sound pretty, but hey, no one will look underneath the runner.) Or, use bandannas to wrap small treats for party favors.

Fourth of July Craft #4: Patriotic Punch Game

This game is pretty simple (but kids love it): Pick a number, punch through the tissue, win a prize. Who says family gatherings have to be boring for the little ones?

Fourth of July Craft #3: Banner Bunting

Jessica Wilson

For a twist on traditional bunting, make your own stars-and-stripes banners using cupcake wrappers, streamers and paper. It's another craft that's great for kids.

Fourth of July Craft #2: Fireworks Garland

This spirited swag took less than ten minutes to make. Just wind wide strips of tulle around your hand, cinch, then cut to create each "firework."

Fourth of July Craft #1: Nautical Napkin Rings

Miki Duisterhof, Country Living

These adorable napkin holders are made with a surprising item: Shower curtain rings.

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Random Recast: Streamers Round-Up

Brie Dyas — 2011-07-02T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Crafts, Crafts & Celebrations

In this week's edition of Random Recast, we highlighted projects made with party streamers.

Day #6: Windsock

The Mommy Huddle

Remember windsocks? You used to see them everywhere, now you don't. Bring them back with this easy craft that uses little more than streamers and an embroidery hoop. Just tape streamers to the hoop, tie a string around the top to hang and ta-da: Windsock. For the complete tutorial, visit The Mommy Huddle.

Day #5: Award Ribbon Napkin Rings

Something else to bring back: Napkin rings. These award ribbon-inspired napkin rings add extra charm to any party place setting.

Day #4: Party Lanterns

A plain mason jar becomes an lantern with a few lengths of streamers. The crepe paper will diffuse a candle's (or LED's) light into a stained glass-like glow.

Day #3: Faux Peonies

treasured_editions, flickr

No one could believe that these peonies were fake...or that they could be made from streamers.

Day #2: Tablecloth

Tim Halberg, via The City Sage

Woven streamers make an impressive (and inexpensive) alternative to typical tablecloths.

Day #1: Temporary Wall Decor

Matt Pisane, via ReadyMade

If you want to temporarily dress up a wall without reaching for paint, just stick up streamer stripes using double-stick tape.

Want to catch up with previous editions of Random Recast? Check out...
Random Recast: Wallpaper Round-Up
Random Recast: New Uses for Rope Round-Up
Random Recast: New Uses for Grocery Bags Round-Up

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Fourth of July Crafts Countdown: Bandanna Decorations

Brie Dyas — 2011-07-02T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Holidays, Crafts & Celebrations

Today's entry in the Fourth of July Crafts Countdown: Festive flourishes made from bandannas.

Wendell T. Webber, Country Living

For me, a bandanna will always recall the album cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A." But these kerchiefs can do more than hang casually out of a jeans pocket. Just sew a few together to create a patchwork-like runner, or use a single bandanna to turn a handful of treats into a party favor. For more inventive place setting ideas perfect for the Fourth or beyond, visit Country Living.

Want to catch up with our Fourth of July Crafts Countdown? Check out...
Fourth of July Crafts Countdown: Patriotic Punch Game
Fourth of July Crafts Countdown: Banner Bunting
Fourth of July Crafts Countdown: Fireworks Garland
Fourth of July Crafts Countdown: Nautical Napkin Rings

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Random Recast: Streamers Day 5

Brie Dyas — 2011-07-01T10:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Crafts & Celebrations

In Random Recast, we find new uses for ordinary things. This week: Streamers.

A napkin ring is like an old aunt: Cherished, but usually only seen at holidays. But for more casual parties, this award ribbon-style ring made from streamers is a nice touch. Its paper "medallion" can bear any message that you'd like, but I always stick with an easy "thank you." To make the award ribbons, I followed this tutorial over at Folding Trees. Then, I wrapped a length of streamers around the napkin to create a ring. Next, I attached the award ribbon to the streamer ring using double-stick tape. Very simple.

Want to catch up on this week's Random Recast? Check out...

Random Recast: Streamers Day 4
Random Recast: Streamers Day 3
Random Recast: Streamers Day 2
Random Recast: Streamers Day 1

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Fourth of July Crafts Countdown: Bunting Banner

Brie Dyas — 2011-06-30T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Crafts & Celebrations

Get out your sparklers and strike up the marching band music...it's time for our Fourth of July crafts countdown!

Jessica Wilson

Want a Fourth of July craft that you can do with kids? This festive bunting idea, designed by Jessica Wilson of Craft Magazine, nicely fits the bill. What's even better about it is that it's made from common household and crafty materials: Cupcake materials, party streamers, paper and acrylic paint. Here's what the finished product looks like....

Jessica Wilson

The flags are made by painting stripes on pieces of poster board, card stock, or any other stiff paper. To get perfect stripes, Jessica recommends aligning painter's tape on top of the paper, then painting. The tape is low-tack, so it won't peel away paper when you take it off. To see the complete tutorial, visit Craft Magazine.

Want more Fourth of July crafts? Check out...

Fourth of July Crafts Countdown: Fireworks Garland
Fourth of July Crafts Countdown: Nautical Napkin Rings
Fourth of July Clip-Art Crafts

For more Fourth of July party tips, watch this...

How to Throw a Festive Fourth of July Party

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