State Sting Art

The inspiration

Materials - Less that $10

• scrap wood
• paint ( I used spray paint I had on hand)
• embrodery floss
• 1 inch nails (100 pack is an easy find)
• Hammer 
• Printout of the state you wish to use

I had been seeing this all over pinterest lately. Taking a cut out of your home state and  creating a nail outline and linking the  sting to each other. Originally I planned to make a heart around the bay area (where I am from) and attach all the sting to there.

Unfortunately I decided to hammer that part in last after I did the outline. I could not get a good angle with the hammer so I eventually gave up and decided to take a more abstract direction. My only advice to someone who planst to do this, start witht he heart first.

So here is the final project.  It was a fun project I was able to finish in one evening and I think it would make a wonderful gift.

 California Sting Art

Oilcloth clutch

Mini wine cork board

Materials needed
- corks (about 15)
- ruler
- push pins

iPad case

I have an iPad for work but it has this huge bulky case, I needed something smaller to hold the iPad when I go out for event. This tutorial work for  and tablet, just make sure you measure it correctly

Here is the materials I used:

• Felt 2 sheets : $0.29 each
• Fabric: $4/yrd
• Self adhesive Velcro: $1

Total cost: $5.58

Thanks so much cheaper than one yo get in the store!

I place the ipad on my main fabric and cut  the width of the ipad plus 1 inch on each side. For the length  I cut the height of the ipad times 2 plus about 6 inches for the hem and the flap.

I cut a second smaller piece to make the backing to the flap. I curved the edges for that envelope type feel. I first sewed the flap and then iron on the Velcro  Be sure to check that the Velcro lines up.

Next pined the felt to the inside of the main fabric  (doing all this inside out to hide the sewing) I sewed the body of the  case with a zig-zag pattern for extra cuteness. Aft the body was sewn I sewed all the way around the opening to secure the felt.  For next time I would sew this first since it was a pain in the butt to do it after the body was already put together.

Bottle Cap Magnets

This is a project I have done quite a few times. So this time I taught my friend Serenity how to make them. This is a a great craft that takes about and hour to make and about 24 to set.

Materials used

• Bottle caps $0 ( I used ones I had saved)
• Maps and scrapbook paper for the images $.25-1 ( found the maps at a thrift store and had the paper on hand from a previous project)
• Modge Podge;  On hand or $8ish from a craft store
• Diamond Glaze by Modge Podge; on hand or about $6 at Michaels
• 1" circular punch or sciccors to cut images; on hand or $9 at a craft store. (I purchased a Fiskars circular punch from Amazon for $7.50
• Small magnets; on hand or at Michaels $2
• Gorilla glue or super glue; on hand or $2-7
• paint brush; on hand

Total cost between $ 1-26 

Once you have all the materials you can make a whole punch of these as gifts

How to

Once you have picked out the images you would like to use, CUT IT UP with the 1" circular punch or scissor. Beware of you use scissors, check that you are able to fit the image inside the cap, the circular punch is a perfect fit.

Using the modge podge paint the back of your image and place firmly into the bottle cap, let dry.

Once it is dry, add a generous layer of modge podge to the top of the image, sealing it in the cap. IMPORTANT: make sure the image is covered in Modge podge or the Diamond glaze may ruin the image when dry.

Let the second layer completely dry. Using the diamond glaze pour one continuous stream of glaze into the cap, trying not to create bubbles. Use a sharp need to pop and bubbles that may occur. Once you have pour, lay caps on a flat surface and allow them to dry for 24 hours

You will know when they are dry when the image is clearly seen through the glaze. Glue the magnet on the back with a small amount of gorilla glue or super glue. Let dry and Voila, cute and personal magnets to share with friends and family.

Big Score at the Fabric Store

This weekend, I went on a hunt for affordable fabric to do some projects. We headed to a not so glamourous side Oakland, looking for some deals. The first place was an interesting experience, all the fabric was pre cut and very random. After talking to the shop owner, I found out they get all their product from factory floors as let over scrap. For $6 I got enough jersey knit to make some super comfy pjs and a few yards of random spandex for who knows what. 

The second place was a gold mind. I got fabric to make pjs for my dad (this will be my first attempt at pjs) I also go fabric to finally make pillows for my couch. I also got some more fabric to make another infinity scarf!

I havent started any projects yet but here are the links to what I am thinking.  Hope they turn out!

Happy crafting!

• Napkin Folded Pillowcase
• PJ Pants
• Floral Infinity!

Flats that really sparkle

A while back I was cleaning out my closet and found an old pair of flats, instead of tossing them into the donation pile, I decided to pinch some pennies and reup  these flats into sparklers. It may look like it costs alot but once you have all the materials,  you can make more for friends and family!

Materials needed:

Plain flats ( I got mine from Target) $14.99 or less

Glitter: $3.00
Matte Modge Podge $5.99 
Foam Paint Brush $1.00
Paper plate: $0
Clear Glaze Spray (on hand or an extra layer of modge podge will do) $0
Newspaper to keep things tidy

Total Cost: $24.98 or less!

1. Using the plate, modge podge, gliter and brush;  With the brush, mix the equal parts of modge podge and glitter. 

2. Once you have a good mix going (use your best judgement, a little extra glitter never hurt) paint a layer of you glitter mix on your flats.

3. Do the same to the other shoes

4. Let dry. You know when it is dry when the modge podge turns clear

5. Repeat sets 2 and 3 until you have successfully covered the flats.

6. Once it is completely dry at a few sprays of Clear glaze (I used Mod Podge ® Acrylic Sealer - Super Gloss, 11 oz.) 

Voila, turn head when you struct in style!

Before:                                                                           After: