Tuesday, December 11, 2012

DIY: SALT DOUGH GIFT TAGS


Let me confess that I started to make my gift tags before I started shopping for gifts for the holidays. For a detail oriented, crafty girl, it's just too much fun not to spend time problem solving the wrapping! I first saw these salt dough gift tags on my friend Kristin's blog and just had to make some for myself. I'm also sharing these on the Ampersand blog today to head on over there for the recipe and full tutorial.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

DIY: THREAD & PEARL BANGLE



You know the company, Kollabora I mentioned last week (p.s. you have until wednesday to enter the giveaway!)? They generously sent over a kit for me to experiment with and I am thrilled to tell you about it! I received everything I needed to make the Thread & Pearl Bangle Bracelet. This project took me about 20 minutes to create and I promise, it's easy peasy!

Materials
- one plastic bangle bracelet (about 10mm wide)
-2 skeins of embroidery floss (2 different colors shown)
-10" of pearl trim
-scissors
-tacky glue (or super glue)


Step 1: Begin with your base color of embroidery floss, and wrap the entire bracelet, covering it fully. Glue the ends when finished.


Step 2: Use a small dot of glue and adhere the pearl trim onto the outside of the wrapped bracelet.




Step 3: Lastly, take the second color of embroidery floss and wrap it around the bracelet, in between the pearls as shown. When you've wrapped around the entire bracelet, trim the embroidery floss and secure with glue.


That's it! See? Easy. I'm looking forward to making more bracelets in all different colors. 


What colors would you have chosen?

Friday, November 30, 2012

GIVEAWAY FROM KOLLABORA (CLOSED)

Have you all heard of Kollabora? In short it's an online community that brings crafters together to share and inspire one another to make things. From sewing to knitting to jewelry, the project ideas found on Kollabora are endless. The neat thing about this site is that while the it's full of great ideas for projects and tutorials, it's also a marketplace to purchase items to get you on your way to making things! Haven't we all said "I can make that!" a billion times and then never followed through? Well, Kollabora helps us all become do-ers by fostering a real community and inspires their users to to teach and share with one another. As noted on their website they say "We believe that we are what we make, and that people should have a creative alternative to just buying products." That's definitely a statement I can support!


photo used with permission from Kollabora


Aren't those scarves gorgeous? They are easy to make as well if you can you believe it. All it takes is one U sized bamboo crochet hook, about 45 yards of alpaca blend yarn and the basic ability to braid. Kollabora sells a kit ($99) with all of the necessary items to make a scarf so there's no day long search gathering up supplies. You can purchase the kit right here and get started in no time!

photo used with permission from Kollabora

For one lucky reader, the lovely ladies at Kollabora have agreed to give away a kit for the Braided, No Crochet Scarf or the monetary value ($99). If you live in a warm climate and don't need a scarf, not to worry! Kollabora has tons of projects that will fit your needs. To be entered into this drawing all you have to do is visit Kollabora and leave a comment below telling me which project you're most excited about. Be sure to visit all three categories (knitting, jewelry and sewing). Good luck!

Contest ends next Wednesday, December 5th at midnight EST and the winner will be announced soon!

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

A SUBTLE REVELRY MAGAZINE

It's quite the exciting week here on A Girl Who Makes. Today I'm sharing yet another holiday DIY project. Tis the season, right? Victoria of A Subtle Revelry graciously invited me to contribute to her latest magazine and you won't want to miss this. Victoria has worked tirelessly on this issue and I can't wait to share it with you all. It's full of inspiration to make your holidays merry. Check it out here!


For more DIY projects from Victoria and other ideas on celebrating the every day, visit her blog. 

Monday, November 26, 2012

TO & FROM MAGAZINE LAUNCH!

Today marks the day of a magazine launch that I'm really excited about. It's called To and From and I am thrilled to be a part of this exciting endeavor. Katie from Modern Eve and Meg from Meg Biram have put together a magazine that is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. I was lucky enough to meet Katie at Altitude Summit at the start of this year. She's such a sweetheart and has a keen eye for everything fashionable. Meg and I worked together at Hallmark and bonded over dinners with our girlfriends that seemed to last well beyond midnight. Meg is driven, smart and downright hilarious. I could not be more proud of these two ladies. Please go visit To and From and check out their latest project!


In case you're curious as to how I was involved in this magazine, I created a festive DIY that is sure to bring just the right amount of sparkle to your holiday decor. A hint is below, but you'll have to click to the magazine to see the full tutorial.


Friday, November 23, 2012

MY KITCHEN COUNTERTOP


photo by Eric Linebarger

Kitchens are where people gather and where memories are made. Can you imagine what our countertops might say about the experiences they've shared with us? From preparing delicious meals for our families to holding us up when we groggily shuffle towards the coffee maker each morning. My countertop has seen and heard a lot. That I am sure of.

As I gathered with my in-laws for Thanksgiving yesterday, I was reminded of the love a kitchen can hold. I was also reminded that my father in-law and I share a true love of baking. He made us the most scrumptious cranberry apple pie. It was the perfect amount of tangy mixed with sweetness and I'm hoping it makes an encore appearance for many holidays to come. I wish we could all gather around the leftovers today and share stories for my countertop to document once again.

Here's wishing you a restful and joyful start to the holidays!


This post is my entry into the Alt Summit Blog Contest sponsored by Wilsonart International, Inc.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

DIY: HEX NECKLACE


hello lovely readers and fellow craft lovers! today i'm over on Ampersand sharing how to make your very own hex and wood bead necklace. this project is so easy you'll be wanting to make several for yourself and perhaps a couple more for friends for the holidays! Head on over to Ampersand for the full tutorial!


Tuesday, November 6, 2012

DIY: TIN CAN ORGANIZER

I've got a few announcements today along with a DIY project to help get your office a little more organized. If you've been a reader around here for a while you know that I have been a twice monthly contributor on Design for Mankind on a column called MakeKind where I shared several projects. My commitment there has come to an end, which I hope will free up more time to share full projects here. I've been so grateful to Erin for taking a chance on me and allowing me to share my ideas with her audience.

I have some fun projects lined up to share here, but I have also taken on a large volunteer project at my church that is coming up in December. My husband and I are in charge of decorating for an event called Affordable Christmas that allows local (kc) families to purchase brand-new gifts at a reduced cost, empowering those families with the opportunity to provide a fun Christmas for their children in a dignified manner. 2012 marks the third year for this event and I am so excited to see it all come together. If you want to see more about what the event is, here's a link to a video on Vimeo.

And now for what you've probably come to visit for. A DIY project. Is anyone else craving some organization around the house before the holidays really kick in? That's where I'm at these days. Weeks ago this pencil holder on Anthropologie caught my attention and I wondered how I could make one for myself. Days later I found myself staring at the pantry, the stars aligned and I was inspired.

MATERIALS:
-4 cans of varying sizes
-2 colors of spray paint
-hot glue


Step 1: Paint two cans the same color. To achieve the best results, I advise spraying the cans with 3 even, light coats of paint, allowing the paint to dry between coats.


Step 2: Paint the two remaining cans the other chosen color of spray paint.


Step 3: Line the cans up as you want them, and place a small dot of glue on the top and another on the bottom of the can. Then glue that can to the can next to it and allow them to dry.



Step 4: Continue gluing the cans together until you are finished using all of the cans. Let dry, fill with your office essentials and consider yourself organized!




What would you fill your organizer with? What color would you paint yours? I don't usually choose blue, but these seemed right and I like the subtle contrast between colors.

Monday, November 5, 2012

DIY: TABLE RUNNER


Today I'm over on Glitter Guide sharing how to make your own embellished table runner, perfect for Thanksgiving. Head on over to see the full instructions and with two weeks left until Thanksgiving week, you have plenty of time to add this festive, hand-made touch to your table setting.


Friday, October 26, 2012

DIY: NUMBERED NAPKINS


I have such a fun project to share with you today! The gracious folks at Deco Art were kind enough to send me some of their Ink Effects Product and I couldn't wait to use it on a project. In my effort to become more eco friendly, my husband and I have started to use fabric napkins instead of paper ones. I've been gifted some fun patterned ones, but as the seasons change, I wanted to make some that we could use at some upcoming dinner parties while still going along with the decor. The napkins that I've created using Ink Effects will fit into most any decor and I can't wait to show you how they turned out!

Materials
- fabric napkins
-Ink Effects spray for cotton fabrics
-Ink Effects paint (black shown here)
-paintbrushes (1/4" flat and a small detail brush)
-reverse print of desired design



Step 1: Dip the paintbrush into the Ink and paint over the design, using the detail brush to get in tight areas. The first coat might look a little transparent, so I allowed mine to dry and did a second coat.


Step 2: While the paint is drying, if using a cotton fabric, be sure to spray it with the Ink Effects for cotton fabric spray. Follow the directions on the bottle and allow to dry. Once the ink is dry, cut each number from the page. You don't have to cut each shape out precisely as only the ink will transfer.


Step 3: Set the number ink side down onto your fabric in exactly the place you want the ink to transfer.


Step 4: Setting an iron to the cotton setting, with no steam, iron over the paper for about 30 seconds, moving the iron constantly. Lift the iron off and peel the paper back to reveal your design.




Step 5: Repeat the process of ironing and peeling back the paper on each of your pieces and that's it! I told you it was easy!




Step 6: Invite some friends over and enjoy a meal together!

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

DIY: SEQUIN SHIRT



I'm thrilled to announce my latest collaboration! I will be a monthly contributor to the site, Glitter Guide! Are you familiar with Glitter Guide? It's a lifestyle blog featuring everything from fashion to home decor to of course, DIYs. The aesthetic of the site is top notch and I love the visiting because I know I'll stumble upon something I'm inspired by. I am beyond excited about this partnership and am honored to work with such talented, passionate women. I hope to bring you some fun projects over there, starting with a fashion DIY.


Check out the full tutorial on this sequin shirt over here.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

DIY POPSICLE STICK CANVAS


I'm back again (twice in one week, can you believe it?) with a project over on Design for Mankind. This week's MakeKind post has a project that takes some time but has a worthwhile effect in the end. Head on over there to check it out.


Tuesday, October 16, 2012

DIY CANDLE HOLDER

I know it's been quiet around here, but it's because I've been busy creating! Today I'm thrilled to share a project over on Ampersand. It's a candle holder for all of these holiday festivities coming up.


Head on over there to check out the full tutorial!

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

DIY: KITCHEN UTENSIL HOLDER


I'm over on Design for Mankind today sharing the latest project for MakeKind! This week I've repurposed a coffee canister into the perfect item to help corral your favorite kitchen utensils. 


Wednesday, September 19, 2012

DIY HEX CANVAS


I'm excited to share a project with you today that I've posted on Design for Mankind. It's a canvas decorated with some items I was inspired by from my toolbox. Who would have thought washers and hex nuts could turn into wall art? Head on over to this weeks MakeKind column to see the full tutorial.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

ALT SUMMIT BLOG

photo from alt summit blog


It's no secret that I love Alt Summit and the other outlets Alt Summit is offering like their blog & channel to help like-minded bloggers and social media mavens gain helpful tips on how to grow their readership, create a better designed facebook page, build their photography skills, etc.  I regularly read the Altitude Summit Blog plainly because it's chock full of incredible content. Each post has been helpful to me, a newbie, in this blogging world. THANK YOU ALT SUMMIT! For blogging inspiration and business advice check out the new Alt blog.

My favorite post as of late is 8 Tips for Great Blogging by Ciera. Beyond just sharing bullet pointed tips, she dug deeper into each point and gave valuable and usable advice on how to be a better blogger. For instance, being personal was one of her tips and that's something I struggle with. I love creating content for my readers, but how do I infuse my personality and story behind the blog without it seeming like a stretch? She said to write the way you speak. How simple, yet necessary for me to hear! She gave other great tips like networking on and offline, creating a space worth following and more. 

Check out her post and more on the Altitude Summit Blog and let me know what you learn!

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

BAN.DO BLACK LABEL

shown above is have a ball

Ban.do is THE place to find the most amazing accessories to add a bit of whimsy to your wardrobe. From hair clips to shoe pom poms and everything in between, Ban.do has so many options when you're needing just the perfect item to top off an outfit. And TODAY Ban.do is debuting their newest black label collection! A few of my favorites below.


shown above on the left is the cake eater and on the right is over dressed


shown above on the left is florabunda and on the right is tiger lilly

Check it out the entire collection here and go snag yourself some amazingness! And then come back here and tell me which is your favorite piece in the new collection and tell me where you'd want to wear your Ban.do!


*images used with permission from ban.do

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

DIY: PAINTED CLIPBOARD


Did you guys see the contest on Design Sponge in partnership with Scotch Blue Painter's Tape last month? With so many amazing entries, I was so surprised and excited when I found out I was a finalist! You can see the first round of projects here and the rest here. Anyway, today I'm over on the Ampersand blog sharing the full tutorial of this project for this month's Getting Crafty column. Go see for yourself how you can make a custom painted clipboard.


* the ranunculus photograph within the above photograph is by jessica nichols.