Why Do I Craft?

I personally love to craft because I can put my own thoughts and opinions into anything I do. Whatever I make is my own, meaning it's got my name written all over it. Most of the crafts I make are home décor type. I LOVE making things for every room in the house. Any room you could imagine. I'm going to be moving into my own house in a few weeks and will need lots of decorations. I also enjoy the designing part of things and I think that's a big part of why I have so much fun with crafting.

Slideshow of Crafts

Here's just a quick little slideshow for an easy flip through of the crafts I have made and posted How-To's on. Flip through the crafts and then search down in the search bar on the right side to find the How-To on my blog.

Peppermint Bowl

Photos by Bailey

Below is my podcast on a Do It Yourself peppermint bowl. This is great for the holidays and looks nice sitting on the table. It can also make a great gift or fun activity for kids.

Holiday Candles

Everyone loves candles so why not decorate them to fit in with the holidays? I needed a gift for someone and new they couldn't resist candles, so I customized them by decorating for Christmas. It's like 2 in 1; candles to light & smell, and decorations on your coffee table.

Photo by TheSuburbanMom

Supplies needed:
3 candles, black and red ribbon, black and white buttons, gold glittery scrapbook paper, scissors, hot glue gun, a pencil, black, orange and red paint.

Santa Candle

Step 1:
Measure out black ribbon around the candle, and glue it on.

Step 2:
Measure out a 2x2in square of the scrapbook paper, and cut the width of the ribbon out of the middle so it looks like a buckle.

Step 3:
Glue the belt buckle on, carefully pressing the edges down so they don't stick up.

Snowman Candle

Step 1:
Glue the 3 black buttons vertically on to the center of the candle.

Step 2:
Tie the red ribbon around the top of the candle to look like a scarf.

I chose to also add a face to the top of the candle to make it even cuter. I used black dots of paint for the eyes and mouth and orange paint for the carrot nose.

Green Candle

Step 1:
Glue white buttons on to the center of the candle.

Step 2:
Paint red stripes around the top and the bottom of the candle.

Peppermint Wreath

As it starts to get closer to the Holiday season, this Peppermint Wreath is a great decoration for the front door to get you in the spirit. It's simple to make and can even be great for a gift.

Photo by Bailey

Supplies needed:
2 bags of peppermints, hot glue gun, red bow, garland, styrofoam wreath and a clear sealant spray.

Step 1:
Take a cut out stencil of a circle to draw around the wreath for a line marking where the center circle of mints will be placed.

Step 2:
Put a little amount of glue on the back of a mint and press it down against the wreath on the line drawn. Repeat with each mint until the center circle is complete.

Step 3:
Repeat step 2 to complete both the inner and outer circles of mints.

HINT:
Drawing lines for the inner and outer circles isn't necessary. Just simply follow along the center circle to ensure the perfect shape.

Step 4:
Measure out the garland in 2 pieces to put around both the inside and outside of the wreath.

Step 5:
Hot glue the garland around the inside of the wreath, and then do the outside.

HINT:
Be sure to use plenty of glue. It's best to put the glue on the middle of the garland where there's thick wiring.

Step 6:
Hot glue the red bow to the mints towards the bottom.

Step 7:
Then spray a clear sealant spray over the wreath to protect the mints.

Holiday Season Gifts

Do you ever have someone or maybe a few people that are extremely hard to shop presents for? I know I have a hard time for a couple people within my family and what I like to do is make them something. Usually it's completely customizable, which makes the gift even more meaningful. Of course making something will take more time than just running to the store and grabbing something you "think" they will like. Customizable gifts aren't only a plus for the receiver, it's also a plus to your wallet. If you're on a tight budget for gift giving, hand crafting is the way to go!

Picture Frame Mirror

This project is a great 2 in 1. It's a useful size mirror with clothes pins to hold pictures and notes around it. I made this for my boyfriends sister's birthday and she absolutely loved it.

Photo by Bailey

Supplies needed:

A wooden circle, a slightly smaller circle mirror, a hot glue gun, clothes pins, white paint, and paint for the pins (however many colors you choose).

Step 1:
Paint the wooden circle completely white.

Step 2:
Glue the mirror to the center of the wooden circle.

Step 3:
Then paint each clothes pin whatever color(s) you decide.

HINT:
Don't worry about painting the inside of the clothes pins, unless you want to spend years on this project.

Step 4:
Measure around the wooden circle to mark where each clothes pin will be glued. There should be an inch between each one.

Step 5:
After the clothes pins are dry, glue them around the edges of the wooden circle.

HINT:
Glue just the front side of the clothes pin down to the wood. If you try to glue both sides, you won't be able to open them to put pictures in.

Place your pictures around the mirror and hang it up!

Painted Curtains

A great cheap way to spice up a room with just the littlest touch of color is to add a couple stripes of paint across the top of your curtains that you already have. It's simple and sure adds to a room.

Photo by Bailey

Supplies needed:
2 curtains (or however many you need), can of spray paint, a bed sheet or news paper, 2 inch wide painter's tape, several sheets of paper, a pencil or pen, and a measuring stick.

Step 1:
Lay down the bed sheet or newspaper to protect the ground.

Step 2:
Lay out curtains to decide how high up you want your stripes, and then draw 4 straight lines. (1st lines 4 inches from top, 2nd lines 6 inches from top, 3rd line 9 inches from top, and 4th line 11 inches from top.)

Step 3:
Place the tape on the curtains carefully lining it up with the edges of both the top and bottom lines.

Step 4:
Then place tape on the 2 middle lines carefully filling in the 3 inches on curtain space that is not being painted.

Step 5:
Grab a few sheets of paper and line them up on the ground to add strips of tape to one edge.

Step 6:
Take the sheets of paper with tape on the edge, and line it up with the bottom of the 4th line shielding the bottom of the curtains from being painted.

Step 7:
After the parts of the curtain not being painted are covered, spray paint the top of the curtains as well as the 2 strips.

Step 8:
After the paint has dried, peel the tape off and you're finished!

Poster Board Canvas

Poster board canvases are what I like to say the "cheating" way of painted canvases. I mean it literally is just poster board printed with designs that you don't have to draw yourself. So in the end, the lines and designs look neater because you don't have to free hand them.

Photo by Bailey

Supplies needed:
A 3x5ft printed poster board, 3 blank 9x12in canvases (or however many you choose to do), modpodge, sponge brush, pencil and a measuring stick.

Step 1:
Flip the poster board over and measure out an 8.25x11.25in rectangle. Repeat this for each canvas.

Step 2:
Cut out each rectangle and make sure they fit properly on the canvases.

HINT:
You don't want the poster board right on the rounded edges of the canvas because it'll be hard for the board to say down.

Step 3:
Paint 1 coat of modpodge all over the canvas in vertical strokes, then place the poster board on and press down to hold it in place. Let dry for 20 minutes.

HINT:
It helps to run your fingers across the poster board to get the air bubbles out as well as make it stick better.

Step 4:
Paint another vertical coat of modpodge over the poster board after the first coat has dried. Let the second coat dry for 20 minutes as well.

Step 5:
Paint a third and final coat of modpodge over the canvas, but this time with horizontal strokes.

Step 6:
Let dry for 20 minutes and repeat steps 3-5 for each canvas being made.

Bulletin Board

Girls love taking pictures and I know I have a bunch printed out, but not a lot of space to put them. I found this easy tutorial on Pinterest on how to make a bulletin board so I would have a place for my pictures. The best part about it is that you can chose whatever print of fabric and whatever color(s) of ribbon to make it match a room.

Photo by Bailey

Supplies needed:
A blank 16x20in canvas (or whatever size you choose), fabric, ribbon, scissors, a pencil, super glue, measuring stick, a stapler, buttons, thread and a needle.

Step 1:
Staple the fabric around to the back of the canvas.

Step 2:
Measure across the canvas diagonally for the placement of the ribbon.

Step 3:
Pulling the ribbon as tight as it will go, carefully super glue it around to the back of the canvas.

Step 4:
Place a button on each of the (13) inside crossings of ribbon.

HINT:
You can use more buttons than 13 if you're wanting to put them on the outside edge crossings as well. It's your choice.

Step 5:
Use a little bit of super glue to secure the buttons to the fabric.

Step 6:
Go back to each button and thread through the holes to secure the ribbon to the canvas.

Print out pictures and you're good to go!

Perfume Platter

This DIY perfume platter is a great way to add some fun décor into a bedroom or even a bathroom. It also allows you to showcase your perfume as well as make each bottle easier to find. You can even choose any color or design on a platter to make it even more personable. I found this simple project from a YouTube video that I have posted on my blog under my DIY Crafting & Décor Videos to Check Out tab.


Photo by Bailey

Supplies needed:Platter, pencil, candle stick holder and a hot glue gun.

Step 1:
Turn the platter over and mark out the center where you're going to place the candle holder.

Photo by Bailey

Step 2:
After finding the center, place hot glue all around the rim of the candle holder and press it down to the back of the platter.

Photo by Bailey

Step 3:

Hold the candle holder against the platter for about 15 seconds, allowing the glue to dry.

Step 4:
After the glue has dried, flip the platter over and fill it with the perfume you'd like to showcase.

Watercolor Coffee Mug

DIY watercolor coffee mugs are great gifts and are super fun to make. The best part about it is that you can choose whatever colors you like and there's never a for sure design outcome. You dip the mug into the water and what you pull out is a surprise. They also only take less than 2 minutes to make!

Photo by Bailey

Supplies needed:
A ceramic mug, nail polish (1-3 colors), warm water, a tooth pick, and a deep plastic tub.

Step 1:
Fill the tub up with warm water.
 
Step 2:
Pour a few drops of the 1st color into the water, and it will spread out.

Step 3:
Pour a few drops of the 2nd color into the water. Repeat with the 3rd color if you choose to use that many.


Photo by Bailey

Step 4:

Take the tooth pick and swirl it around in the water to create a design with the nail polish.

HINT:You only have about 10 seconds to drop the nail polish into the water, and swirl it around before dipping your mug. If you don't work quickly the nail polish will dry out and create a film on the surface.

Step 5:
Take your mug and dip it straight down into the water for a second and then pull it out.

Photo by Bailey

HINT:
Make sure not to touch the bottom of the tub with your mug or it will mess up the design. Also, be sure not to dip the inside of your mug into the water, or the nail polish will get in it.

Allow 2-3 hours for you finished product to dry. Also, hand wash the mugs only as they will not hold up well in the dishwasher. You can essentially use any ceramic piece for this DIY project, I just chose to use a mug. 

Personalized Coasters

Personalized coasters are a great way to add some pictures in with useful decorations, and they make great gifts as well. I made these personalized coasters for my mom's birthday with a picture of each of us kids when we were about 1-2 years old. She absolutely LOVED them! You can use them for drinks including a glass of ice cold water or a hot cup of coffee. They also look cute just sitting on your end tables to show off the pictures.

Photo by Bailey

Supplies needed:

Scissors, four 4x4 in. photos, mod podge, a 1 in. foam brush, felt rounds, clear sealant spray, and four 4x4 in. black or white coasters.

Step 1:
Make 4x4 in prints at your local photo store. I just chose to go to Walgreens and make the prints for about 35 cents each.

Step 2:
Cut 1/8" off either the left or right side of the photo, as well as another 1/8" off either the bottom or the top of the photo.

Step 3:
Round the corners of the photo.

HINT:
Rounding the corners will give the photo a more "finished" looked.

Step 4:
Paint a thin vertical coat of mod podge onto a tile and then center the photo to it. Press the photo down for 10 seconds while also running your finger around the edges to make sure the photo is stuck to the mod podge. Let dry for 20 minutes.

Photo by Bailey

Step 5:
Paint a second vertical coat of mod podge onto the tile, then let dry another 20 minutes. Repeat with a third coat.

Step 6:
Repeat step 5, but with a horizontal coat. This will add a little texture to the project.

HINT:
There should be a total of 3 coats of mod podge over the photo.

Step 7:
Paint a thin coat of mod podge on the edges of the coaster so they have the same shiny look as the top.

Step 8:
Repeat steps 2-7 for each of the other 3 coasters.

Step 9:
When all 4 coasters are dry, spray them with a clear sealant spray, so you can protect the photos from the drinks that will sit on them.

Step 10:
After the sealant spray has dried for about an hour, place 4 felt rounds on the back of each coaster so they don't scratch the surface of where they will be used.

Creating Your Crafting Closet

The best places to find crafting items and supplies is obviously crafting stores such as Michaels and Hobby Lobby. Yes, sometimes these stores can be pricey, but they always seem to have 40% off coupons regularly each week. They also have plenty of sales going on all the time where you might not be able to use a coupon, but everything is still a really good deal.

You can find these coupons on their website home page, as well as in the newspaper. SCORE! That's two coupons for you each week. Taking advantage of these opportunities only benefits you by helping make your cheap DIY projects even cheaper. I take advantage of these coupons and sales all the time. That is why I have a lot of supplies. Everything that I have in my boxes are just a few dollars a piece, except the hot glue gun. A new one of those costs around $10, and even that isn't too bad of a price.

Here's a map to Michaels in Topeka.


Here's a map to Hobby Lobby in Topeka.

Easy Canvas Decor Video

This video here has really great ideas for 5 canvases as well as a few tips and tricks. I have actually never made canvases like these examples, except for the 2nd one. As you can see from the video, they are very easy to make. I think these are super cute and will definitely be trying them out. This video ties in with the whole blank canvas making and adds many more ideas than I have posted on my blog. I hope this video is as helpful to you as it is to me.

Video by Makoccino

Canvases with Writing

To add to my last blog post with the bathroom décor, here is another item you can add for decoration. Again, it matches the color theme to my roommates' and I's bathroom and definitely belongs in the room. It's super cute, easy and adds character.

Photo by Bailey

Supplies needed:
A blank canvas, paint, fabric paint, a pencil, Elmer's glue, a paint brush, and clear sealant spray.

Step 1:
Measure out the chevron lines 1 inch apart.

HINT:
Draw the chevron completely out so it's easy to paint inside the lines.

Step 2:
Paint each chevron line one color after the other dries.

Step 3:
Sketch the letters and design (in this case the heart) with pencil on the painted canvas.

Step 4:
Trace the sketched out letters and design with fabric paint.

Photo by Bailey

HINT:
It is very easy for the fabric paint bottle to get air bubbles in it and splatter the paint all over, so be sure to get as much of the paint towards the tip of the bottle to help that from happening.

Step 5:
After the fabric paint has dried for about 3-4 hours, paint the inside of the heart (or whatever design) with glue and sprinkle sparkles over it until it is coated.

Step 6:
When the glue under the sparkles is dry, spray the clear sealant coat over the sparkles.

Photo by Bailey

Find a spot to hang your canvas and then you're finished.

_________________________________________________________________

Here is a small canvas with a cute saying that you can put pretty much anywhere in the house. I chose to put it in my bedroom because it's cute and felt like it fit best in there.


Photo by Bailey

Step 1:
Paint base coat on the canvas. (In this case I chose an antique white)

Step 2:
After the base coat has dried, draw the letters and design (in this case the flowers) with pencil.

Step 3:
Trace the pencil with fabric paint.

Photo by Bailey

HINT:
It is very easy for the fabric paint bottle to get air bubbles in it and splatter the paint all over, so be sure to get as much of the paint towards the tip of the bottle to help that from happening.

Step 4:
After the fabric paint has dried for about 3-4 hours, paint the inside of your design (the flowers) with whatever color you choose.

After the paint is dry, hang your canvas up and you're finished.

Painted Canvases

There are so many easy ways to craft on a tight budget and still have uniqueness. The second project I started with was taking blank canvases and painting designs on them for my bedroom. It was my first year at Washburn so I decided to make them WU themed. Here are the steps broken down with a few hints as well.

Photo by Bailey


Supplies needed:
A pencil, a paint brush, paint, glitter, Elmer's glue, a ruler and a clear sealant spray.

Step 1:
Draw out your design with pencil on the blank canvas. In this case, I chose to do chevron with the Washburn logo on top.

HINT:
It's best to label each chevron stripe the color you're painting it so you don't get confused. Make sure to include a stripe for the sparkles towards the bottom. as well.
Step 2:
Paint the first color for the chevron and let it dry.

HINT:
Using a smaller paint brush is best so you can easily paint between the lines.

Step 3:
Repeat with the second color for the chevron.

Step 4:
After both colors of the chevron are dry, paint the glue onto the background of the Washburn logo where the sparkles will go, as well as

HINT:
Make sure that both colors of the chevron are completely dry, otherwise once you sprinkle the sparkles on it will also stick to the wet paint. (It's a pain to get it off once that happens.) Also make sure to move quick so the glue doesn't dry.

Step 5:
Sprinkle the sparkles all over the glue until it is completely coated. Then, shake the excess sparkles off over a trash can.

Step 6:
Once you are satisfied with everything, spray the canvas with a clear sealant coat.

Photo by Bailey

HINT:
The clear sealant coat will help the sparkles from falling off and making a mess.

After the sealant has dried (about 15 minutes) you're finished.

_________________________________________________________________

Here's another canvas that I made for my bedroom with the WU theme.



Photo by Bailey

Step 1:Draw out your design with pencil on the blank canvas.

Step 2:
Paint the Navy part of the Washburn W and leave the white outline white.

Step 3:
Paint glue all around the W quickly.

Step 4:
Sprinkle the sparkles all over the glue until it is completely covered. Then shake the excess off over a trash can.

Step 5:
Spray the canvas with a clear sealant coat and you're finished.

HINT:
The hints that I listed above will be helpful for this canvas as well.

Seasonal Wreaths

Wreaths are a great way to add some character to the front of a house. They're A LOT cheaper to make yourself than buy and you can change them with the season, which I find fun to do!



Photo by Bailey

Photo by Bailey




















Supplies Needed:
A stick wreath, long stemmed flowers, a hot glue gun and some ribbon. (a painted wooden letter is optional)

Step 1:
Cut each flower's stem off, but leave about and inch and a half or so to be able to wedge them into the wreath.

Step 2:
Wedge each flower into the wreath to get a good visual of where you want the flowers to go.

HINT:
The reason for leaving the stem's longer is so you can easily rearrange the flowers if they are not in the exact spot you would like them to  go before you glue them down.

Step 3:
Once you've decided your flowers are in the right spots, lift each flower up one at a time and put hot glue on the back. Hold them in place on the wreath for about 15 seconds while the glue dries.

HINT:
Be careful that the glue doesn't fall through the wreath and get onto your hands because it will burn you!

Step 4:
After each flower has been glue down to the wreath, you can put hot glue on the back of the bow, and hold it in place while the glue dries. (Optional)

Step 5:
Lastly, you can put a lot of hot glue on the back of the letter and hold it in place while the glue dries. (Optional)

HINT:
The letter is heavier than the flowers and bow, so you will need to use a lot more glue to secure it. You will also need to hold the letter in place longer while the hot glue is drying.

Mason Jars

If you're looking for a cute craft idea that can organize things on your bathroom vanity, or even in your bedroom, this is the perfect project! I made these when I moved in with a couple girls and we each needed something to help us organize our things in the bathroom. They're cute, fun, and easy to make. They also match our color theme.

Photo by Bailey

Supplies Needed:
3 mason jars, paint, fabric paint and tape.

Step 1:
Tape around the mason jar towards the bottom, so the part that you are painting will be above the tape line. Paint the jar and let it dry. Repeat with another coat or two, depending on the thickness of the paint.

Photo by Bailey

Step 2:
After the paint has dried completely, tape right above the paint where the sparkles will go underneath, and paint the glue on quickly.

Photo by Bailey

Step 3:
Sprinkle sparkles all over until the glue is covered and shake the excess off over a trash can.

Step 4:
Carefully draw a letter on the front of the mason jar (optional).

Step 5:
Draw a line around the jar following right where the sparkles and paint meet.

HINT:
Be very careful not to knock the sparkles until the glue is dried completely.

Step 6:
After the glue has dried, spray the mason jar with the clear sealant coat so the sparkles don't fall off. Let the sealant dry (about 15 minutes) and you're finished.


Photo by Bailey





Photo by Bailey



Recycled Bottles

A few years ago I discovered all the great do-it-yourself projects Pinterest has to offer. The first project I started was with empty Starbucks Frappuccino Bottles. It was a very easy project and I recommend starting your crafting career with an easy project until you get the hang of the whole crafting idea. I will show you step by step how to turn empty glass bottles that you normally would throw away, into art.



Photo by Bailey

Supplies Needed:
12 (or however many you choose) empty glass Starbucks Frappachino bottles, long stemmed flowers, several styles & sheets of scrapbook paper, super glue, scissors, a pencil, and a shelf with screws.
 
Step 1:

Peel off Starbucks stickers and wash each bottle until the sticky glue is gone. Then dry.

Step 2:

Cut paper into 2 inch by 8 inch strips that can wrap around the bottles. You can also do some bottles with rectangular/square pieces of paper as well to add some variety. These measurements should be 2 inches by 3 inches.



Step 3:

Repeat step 2 but cut the pieces of paper 1/8 inch by 1/8 inch shorter so you get the layered look.

Photo by Bailey



Photo by Bailey

 
















Step 4:

Make sure the bigger strip/piece of paper fits the way you want it on the bottle, then put super glue on the back of it and place it on the bottle. Hold the paper in place for about 15 seconds.



Photo by Bailey

HINT:

The super glue dries fast so you have to move quick. Also, it's best to use a paper towel to push on the piece of paper as you're holding it to the bottle so it doesn't get stuck to your hand. (It hurts to get it off your fingers.)



Step 5:

Repeat step 4 but with the smaller strip/piece of paper.

Step 6:

Place the flowers in the bottles, and you're finished!