Making a Stencil

All Things Thrifty Blog
http://www.allthingsthrifty.com/2010/03/tutorial-making-stencil.html

A few weeks ago, I came across this amazing image from Whitewall and Co. I instantly fell in love with their stencils, but the prices were a little too high for my thrifty core. So, I've let it "marinate" for a few weeks, and I have come up with a thrifty solution! Are you ready!?!?

Step 1: Go to Office Max or Staples and get some clear folders like the ones in this picture below. (These folders cost me 1.49 each and I used 2 of them). You will also need a narrow sharpie marker, clear tape, and an exact-o-knife.

Step 2: Cut the folders and tape them together. If you notice on the Whitewall and Co. website, most of their stencils are 24 inches x 24 inches.
Tape the two folders together to create a large enough area for your stencil.

Step 3: Find an image that you like for your stencil and have it printed large enough to trace. I found this one online, and then I stretched it to mimic the Whitewall image above. I wanted to duplicate a similar look. I took it to the local printing store and they blew it up for me for 99 cents.

Step 4: Trace your image on to your plastic folders with your narrow sharpie. Just place the image below your plastic folder and you'll be able to trace it quickly.
This is what it will look like once you have the image traced.

Step 5: With an exact-o-knife, cut out the image. This took me a few days. You have to be extremely careful when you are cutting out the image because if you go too fast, then you will cut through the intricate details and ruin your stencil. I have to admit...this part was frustrating. Side note: I found out AFTER I was done with this portion that Robert's Crafts has STENCIL CUTTER tools. It is a heated tool that melts the plastic material as you cut. I MIGHT have splurged and bought me one. (WITH A 50% off coupon of course!) So, stencils will be much easier to make in the future. I think the tool came to $17.00 after the coupon.
Here is when the FUN begins! Here is the "before" picture of the wall that this stencil was designed for. Don't mind my son watching iCarly. ;)

Step 6: IMPORTANT: Tape the stencil in place AND spray the back of the stencil with spray adhesive so that it sticks to the wall. Make sure you measure your wall before you begin to ensure that your stencil is in the right place.

I used stencil paint because it is much easier to use. It is drier than normal paint, and it is much easier to work with because it doesn't run beneath the stencil.


Step 7: With a horizontal motion using a stencil brush and stencil paint, start stenciling your paint on.

Dollar Store Wall Art

Cool Dollar Store Wall Art!



http://www.frugallifeproject.com/2010/07/cool-wall-art-made-from-dollar-store.html



I love all the wall tiles you find these days. They inspired me to make some of my own and it was super duper simple and inexpensive! This is the finished project. Let me show you how I did it!




I found these canvases at Dollar Tree. They aren't really my style - but for a dollar each, I knew they soon would be! If you can't find these exact canvases, look for small wood plaques - those would work for this project as well. They will probably have some less than attractive paintings on them, but just ignore that and envision what they will look like after using your creative touch!






I spray pained the edges brown. Black would work well also.





Then, I cut pieces of scrapbook paper the same size as the canvas. Using regular glue (because that's what I had), I glued the paper to the canvas and smoothed out the top using a credit card.



I sanded the edges to create a smoother surface and then finished each canvas off with a spray coat of crystal clear enamel.



I used these Command Damage-Free Hangers - which I love! I didn't feel like putting a ton of holes in the wall. Plus, these make it VERY easy to reposition - or change the artwork in a few months

Chalk Board Globe

http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2010/07/chalkboard-globe-makeover-message.html









Chalkboard Globe Makeover {Message Center}
I love finding globes at thrifts and consignments {my rule: if it is under $10.00 it is definitely coming home with me}. I found this beauty for just $5.00 dust and all. Not really what you would call top quality, with a plastic meridian, but perfect for a little makeover I had in mind.

After giving it a good cleaning the globe was dissembled {which was super easy with the pliable plastic ~ it popped right out}. The meridian received a few coats of Krylon Satin Nickel...

and the globe received a couple coats of Valspar Chalkboard. The chalkboard spray paint was perfect for this project as I was able to spray very light coats not saturating and possibly destroying the cardboard globe.

Once dry, I put back together, and had a super cool, rotating, reusable message center.
I tried my hand at 'dotting in' the continents with some white chalk
{please don't judge my geography drawing skills}
Best part is, it's totally erasable {thank goodness}
The lettering is just scrapbooking alphabet stickers I thought would be cute.
{Who doesn't love Mother Earth?}

I really like the finish on this spray. It dries very quickly with a smooth slate like appearance.

I think I'm going to put 'her' in my entryway so I can jot last minute notes down as reminders for when I'm walking out the door....

...or possibly little love notes to brighten some ones day!
Don't forget to stop by and enter the Alternative ABC's Book giveaway {here}. All you have to do is leave a comment to enter a super cool book for your hip little one! Enjoy!

Faux Vinyl Door Numbers

http://easiepeasie.blogspot.com/2010/05/sshhhits-secret.html








You don’t necessarily have to own a vinyl cutter to create your own lettering for projects such as door numbers.
I created CUTE numbers for my door with
PAPER and MODGE PODGE!!!

Yeppers…that’s right…plain 'ol paper and Modge Podge. EASIE PEASIE!
Check it out!

Using WORD or another word processor program…print out your desired text or numbers in a light gray color. The light gray color allows for easier cutting! You could also use a darker color if you will be placing your text or numbers on a light background.


Grab your scissors (the sharper the better) and start cutting!!!


Next, dab Modge Podge on the back of each number or letter to place on desired object. **NOTE: I used painting tape to create a STRAIGHT line to work with. I tend to get a tad whopper-jarred with things like this!**

After attaching and aligning my numbers I started MODGING away! I applied two coats just to seal the deal and prevent wear from the weather and sun!
FA REEEEEELZ! You gotta love this!!!

Homemade Finger Paints

http://easiepeasie.blogspot.com/2010/07/homemade-finger-paints.html

Easy Car seat Cover

http://www.alittletipsy.com/


Easy Car Seat Cover Tutorial
Want a cover that is as cute as your little one, but can keep them tucked away from strangers, sun, and coughing kiddos? Or maybe you need a more personal "hand made" baby shower gift idea. (This will be the first of a few ideas to come, I have been sewing for two days!) The answer is here and is easy enough for even the most crafty challenged of all of us.

All you need is some ribbon, a sewing machine, and a receiving blanket. (I got these cute blue and brown ones at Walmart, if you are really crafty you could make the blanket too) This makes a nice light cover for Spring/Summer.

3 easy peasy steps to your DIY car seat cover:
1. Cut ribbon
2. Measure & pin
3. Sew rectangle

1. Measure 29-30" of ribbon and cut. I melted the edges a little with a lighter so they would not frey.
2. Measure 9 inches in from the side of the blanket, 17 inches from the top, and 22 inches from the bottom. Pin one inch of the center of the ribbon to the blanket.
3. Sew a rectangle between the pins. (I had not sewn since 7th grade Home Ec 15 years ago so don't tell me you can't do this!)


Ta da you are now the proud new owner/gifter of an adorable DIY car seat cover!

Homemade Gourmet Caramel Apples

http://www.alittletipsy.com/2009/09/make-your-own-gourmet-caramel-apples.html



I taught my YW how to make Gourmet Caramel Apples for an activity. I wanted to make things super simple so they could remember how to do it and make them for their families, but you could definitely amp up the recipe with homemade caramel as long as it is a recipe that will stiffen over time.

Basic Ingredients:
10 medium green apples (edit: Gma G suggests having them cold so the caramel sets up faster)
2 bags caramel bits (Love these! I bought them thinking they were regular caramels, but then opened them to find I did not have to unwrap them all. They are smaller balls so they melt easier too.)
Water
1 bag milk chocolate chips
1 bag white chips
Crisco



Optional ingredients: (these will be used for an additional coating depending on what flavor you want)
Cinnamon Sugar (used with white chocolate to make the apple pie flavor, my fav!)
Oreos
Butterfinger
Reese's Pieces
Heath Bar
Chopped peanuts
anything else that you might like to try!
Begin by washing the cold apples and removing the stem. Then insert the stick where the stem was. (The sticks come with the caramels.)
Spread a good amount of wax paper on the counter and spray it with cooking spray so the apples won't stick.
Melt the caramel according to package instructions. I believe ours said something like add 2 T. of water and microwave for 90 seconds, stir and then melt until smooth. You want it pretty runny.
Dip your apples in the caramel by tipping the bowl, holding the stick, and spinning the apple in it. (sorry forgot to take pics of all this) Cover all but about a 1 1/2 inch circle on the top. Continue turning the apple while the caramel drips off so that you have an even coat all around. Let it drip for quite a while, until it looks like a thin layer, otherwise you will have a huge puddle under your apple. Reheat caramel for additional apples as necessary to keep it runny.
Place the apples on the sprayed wax paper and put in the fridge for about 20 minutes until the caramel is solid (I had them on a cookie sheet to make it easy to move them all at once).
Get out two medium bowls and put each flavor of chocolate chips in each bowl. Add a Tablespoon of Crisco to each bowl. This will make the chocolate more viscous. Microwave until smooth, stirring at least once per minute.
Repeat dipping step 4, but with the chocolate. Sprinkle with your Optional ingredient (oreos, butterfinger, etc.) so they stick to the chocolate.
Place on sprayed wax paper and put in the fridge for 30 minutes.
If you want to get really fancy, put the leftover chocolate in a ziploc, cut a tiny hole in the corner and drizzle over the apples.

Laundry Room Wall ARt

http://lulustiles.blogspot.com/2010/07/laundry-room-wall-art.html



Laundry Room Wall Art
I wanted to keep the laundry really simple, fresh and clean. Also, I wanted my mother-in-law to still be able to do a lot to the space to really make it her own. This project was $7.00, and makes a nice impact on the room without over powering it.
Supplies:
Chipboard Letters(Hobby Lobby .99 on sale)
Scrapbook paper (Bo Bunny)
Modge Podge
Black Paint
Foam Brush
Sticky Tack
First I painted the edges of the letters black and let them dry.
Then I traced the letters onto the paper, cut the paper out and modge podged the paper onto the letter- let dry.
Next I took a fingernail file and sanded all the egdes of the letters and modge podged the letters and let dry.

I took sticky tack and hung them on the wall.

How to Crochet Sesame Street Hats

http://girlinair.blogspot.com/2010/07/how-to-crochet-sesame-street-hats.html

Homemade Cinnabon Rolls

http://monkeyscandoittoo.blogspot.com/2010/07/homemade-cinnabon-rolls.html



Homemade Cinnabon Rolls
SUNDAY: Creating T-I-M-E!

Time to make my hubby his favorite treat!
Soft warm homemade cinnamon rolls - mmmm.





Drooling yet?
Here's the recipe from allrecipe.com

Homemade Cinnabon Rolls
INGREDIENTS
Dough
1 cup warm milk (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
2 and 1/2 tsp yeast
1/2 cup white sugar
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
4 1/2 cups flour (I use half wheat flour and half white flour)
Combine warm milk, yeast and sugar in bowl (mixer) and let proof 10 - 15 minutes.
Mix in butter, salt, eggs and flour and mix for 6 minutes. If using wheat flour - mix for 8 - 9 minutes. Let rise. After the dough has doubled in size turn it out onto a Pam sprayed surface, cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
In a small bowl make sugar mixture - combine ingredients:
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/3 cup butter, softened
Roll dough into a 16x21 inch rectangle. Spread butter mixture evenly on dough.
Roll up dough length wise and cut into 12 rolls (use dental floss for a clean cut). Place rolls in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Bake rolls in preheated oven until golden brown, about 15 - 18 minutes. While rolls are baking, beat together cream cheese frosting:
1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt

Spread frosting on rolls while warm and serve - yum!

Using Doll clothes for decor

http://obsessivelystitching.blogspot.com/2010/07/doll-clothes-into-decor.html



Doll Clothes into DECOR
Today's Dollar Store Craft is ridiculously easy, yet ridiculously cute!


Take some cording (mine is hemp jewelry cording), mini clothespins, and a pile of fashion doll clothes...


...and create a little "clothesline" decor! I did stick a few pins into the clothesline itself behind a few of the clothing pieces to prevent the line from sagging.


I put mine on my sewing room bulletin board, but I could see this in a tween's room as a decorative border. There is a slightly larger size of clothespin, too -- wouldn't it be cute in a little girl's room with some sweet baby doll dresses?


I actually have one I made years ago in my laundry room -- I even sewed each custom piece of clothing. It's a fitting place for a little cheerful decor!

Easy and cute!

S'mores on a Stick

http://melaniescrafts.blogspot.com/2010/06/smores-on-stick.html


Smores on a Stick
So on Wednesday I teased you with this shot and said I would tell you more today...

Every year Ian requests that I make these for his school treat to celebrate his birthday. His birthday is in July so we send them in at the end of the school year. Jeff & I were joking that I probably will be making these for his high school graduation. I probably will be.

Ian wanted to help me...but he ended up exhausted from swimming at his friend's house so I sent him to bed.

Here is how I make them.

Ingredients...
marshmallows
melting chocolate
graham crackers
sprinkles
lollipop sticks

Crush the graham crackers and add sprinkles.

Put a lollipop stick in each marshmallow.

Then dip them in chocolate and in graham crackers.

I put them on a cookie sheet and then place them in the fridge for the chocolate to set up.

I also made ones with just sprinkles....

Handmade Journals

http://allthingzrelated.blogspot.com/2010/07/handmade-journals.html






{Handmade Journals}
We wanted to show you what we made for our guest post over at A Little Knick Knack, last week!
~~~
When we were out shopping, a few weeks ago, we came across some cute, pocket-sized journals that we loved! They were only $2.99 but why buy them when we had everything at home to make them!
We started with a couple old books. There were pages torn and missing so we didn’t feel terrible about tearing them apart.


We carefully removed the inside with an exacto knife, leaving the cover intact, then cut it down to the size we wanted.


We used Mod Podge to glue the INSIDE paper on first, leaving extra to fold over the sides. (somehow I didn’t get a picture of this)
Then, we Mod Podged the outside paper (Bridgette used fabric!) onto the cover. I used a craft stick to work the paper into the seams.


When all was dry, we used our Crop-a-diles to punch 2 holes into the spine, securing it with eyelets.




We cut down about 40 sheets of paper (with our Fiskars paper cutters). Folded in half, that gave us a total of about 80 sheets for our journals.


We folded the stack of paper in half and punched holes to line up with the ones in the spine. Rebekah used twine and Bridgette used ribbon, to tie it all together.


This way, we can replace the paper when we need to!
We added some embellishments to the front (stickers, stamps, etc.) and on the inside too! Bridgette couldn't find the right thing for the front of her journal so she made this metal piece! All she did was pop off the word that was already in the middle and then make a new center using the same methods as we did for our Necklace Charms found here!

How much Fabric needed for upholstering

http://www.allthingsthrifty.com

How much fabric do you need for reupholstering?
I visited one of my favorite sites the other day called Little Green Notebook, and she had these AMAZING charts with how much fabric you need for upholstering certain types of furniture. I get a lot of questions about this, and since I am fairly new to upholstering myself, I had never seen such charts before.

I thought you readers would be interested to see how approximately how many yards of fabric is needed for reupholstering furniture.

Vinyl Tablecloth Changing Mat

http://smashedpeasandcarrots.blogspot.com/2010/06/vinyl-tablecloth-changing-mat.html


Vinyl Tablecloth Changing Pad

1 vinyl tablecloth (any size)
piece of felt (I cut mine to 14 x 22 inches!)
rotary cutter and mat
1 package extra wide double fold bias tape in coordinating color
2 pieces of 12 inch long 7/8 inch ribbon in coordinating color
thread
sewing machine


So, here is my vinyl tablecloth...on clearance at Target for only $3.48...WOOT WOOT!

Ok, first cut 2 pieces of your tablecloth and 1 piece of felt to the dimensions you like, I cut all three of mine to measure 14 inches x 22 inches.

Then, place all three layers of material together so that you have a felt sandwich (vinyl tablecloth pieces on the outside) making sure the right sides of your tablecloth are facing out!

Go and find a bowl...or a CD...and place it at one corner of your stacked material. Cut around the bowl to make a nice curved edge.

Then, what I did was just fold the 3 layers in half and used the first corner I cut as a template for the other corners...comprendo? You could easily just use the bowl on all 4 corners but I wanted to make sure my corners were all the same cause I never seem to put the bowl in the same place every time!


See, four pretty (and equal) corners!


Ok, here is a peek at the felt sandwich...vinyl tablecloth, felt and vinyl tablecloth...with the right sides of the vinyl tablecloth facing out!

Next, take your bias tape and open it up so that you are placing the felt sandwich into the crease in the middle of your bias tape. Then, just sew your bias tape around the edges of your 3 layers of material. Make sure to sew nice and slowly so you are catching both sides of your bias tape!!

Then, at one of the short (14 inch) sides of your changing mat you will tuck in the two pieces of ribbon in between the bias tape and the vinyl tablecloth (do one ribbon per side and sew at the same time) placing it about 3 inches from the long (22 inch) edge. You can't see it here but the other piece of ribbon is directly underneath the ribbon you see in the picture...but on the other side in between the bias tape and the other vinyl tablecloth.


Ok, can you see here how I put a piece of ribbon on each side of the changing mat? And, do you see how it is on the short edge about 3 inches in from the long edge? This way you can fold the mat in half along the short edge and then in fourths lengthwise before you tie it up. Let me know if this is confusing, I'm feeling a bit wordy today.

Well, that is it folks...once you finish sewing your bias tape around the edge you can fold it up and tie it in a bow, like so...

Flag Wreath

http://www.thepickyapple.com/blog/2010/06/27/flag-wreath/


I’ll devote an entire post to last night’s party sometime soon, but I wanted to share this project since July 4th is quickly approaching. Lately I’ve been wanting to create and make, feeling motivated and wanting to dip my toes into a few crafty projects. I was inspired by the July issue of Good Housekeeping to make a festive wreath for the 4th of July. This craft requires only two relatively inexpensive supplies: a foam craft wreath and tiny flag toothpicks…lots and lots of flag toothpicks:



The directions are simple: Stick the flag toothpicks in the foam wreath until the wreath looks full and fluffy. That’s all there is to it!



(In need of a better wreath hanger for the front door….)

The wreath took me about 2 hours to complete and I found the repetitive nature of the task to be a nice little stress-reliever. I used around 600 toothpicks on mine (they came in boxes of 120), and there are some places on the sides of the wreath that could still use more. I would advise starting with the inside of the wreath, instead of the front as I did. I think this would be fun for older kids to do on their own (maybe on a smaller wreath), and I let The Littlest Apple poke a few toothpicks into my wreath.

Isn’t this fun and easy? A cute and festive flag wreath to use for July 4th, Memorial Day, Flag day, and any other time you feel like breaking out some patriotic red, white, and blue!