DIY Mickey Mouse Notebook

So here I am after being absent for a while. So to backtrack a bit, I will be doing the DIYs on Saturday from now on. I also have some other things in the works. I won't comment on those "things" yet, but look for some mention in the future.

For this DIY you will need:

-1 Composition Notebook

-Roll of Black Duct Tape

-Roll of Duct Tape: Color or Print of Your Choice

-Red Fabric 

-2 White Buttons

-Black Rick Rack (Optional)

-Cutting Mat

-X-Acto Knife

-Scissors

-Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks

1. Cover the notebook in the duct tape of your choosing. I used a comic book style tape that I purchased at Michael's.

2. Make 1 large circle with black duct tape for the face. My large circle had a diameter of 9.5 cm. Also, make 2 small circles for ears with the same tape. My small circles had a diameter of 5.5 cm. Make sure to use a cutting mat to protect your surface. 

3. Also make a large circle with the red fabric with the diameter the same as the the large circle you created with the tape. 

4. Cut the red circle in half. 

5. Place the face and ears on the notebook to create Mickey. 

6. Take 1 red half-circle and hot glue it to the bottom half of the face.

7. Hot glue two white buttons on to Mickey's pants.

8. Use black rick rack on the top edge of Mickey's pants.

Done! I also made a Minnie Mouse Notebook. I personally prefer the Mickey Mouse version, but they both came out really well. 

DIY Comic Book Envelope

Alright everyone, here we go. DIY Comic Book Envelope, easy to do with things that most crafters and DIYers have. 

You will need:

Comic Books
Envelopes
Mod Podge
Scissors
Paintbrush
Writing utensil

1) Trace your envelope onto the comic book page. Make sure that the envelope you are using is smaller than the page. You want to have some room around the envelope edges except for the pointed end that is the flap.

2) You should have something like this. Make sure you leave room around the three straight edges by cutting a 1/4 of an inch or so around the envelope outline. Cut the pointed end right on the line. 

3) Now spread a thin, even layer of mod podge over the front of the envelope and place outline over top. Press down and smooth out any bubbles.

4) Spread a bit of the glue on the left-over edges and press them down to the back of the envelope. The next step will cover the edges you fold down.  

5) Now put the flap on the envelope down and trace the rectangle that is the envelope. 

6) Spread a thin, even layer of mod podge over the back of the envelope and press the outline you traced down. Press out any bubbles.

7) After allowing the back to dry for a bit, cut out the triangle shape in the back of the envelope.

8) You can clean up any edges and you are DONE!

So a simple and easy DIY to brighten up the weekend. While letters may be out of date, they are still nice to send and receive. Who knows? Maybe this project will give you the kickstart to send a letter. 

DIY Technique : Lace Trim

I felt that Lace Trim deserved it's own DIY, but because it can be used in so many different ways I decided to call it a DIY Technique. I have used lace trim in countless DIYs. I have used it to trim the hem of pencil skirts, the top hem of socks, the cuffs of a coat, and even as a DIY peter pan collar. So get creative and work that trim!

Here is what you will need:

- Lace trim of your choice (Get a trim with some stiffness, it will hold its shape)
-A Needle
-Thread in corresponding color
-Pins

I decided to revamp a dress that was a bit too plain for my liking. The fabric of the dress is pretty, but it feels like it was missing something.

I decided the best thing to do was to add a lace trim around the collar of the dress. 

1) Start pinning the trim along the neckline of the dress. I started from the back next to the zipper. 

2) Next, whip stitch the trim to the neck edge of the dress. You can also use a sewing machine, but hand-sewing gives better control and precision. Continue around the collar of the dress this way until you end up next to the zipper.

Done!

 

There us a definite improvement in the look of the dress. It is subtle, but effective.

Now you all know the effectiveness of LACE TRIM. It is an excellent technique to know and use especially when a garment needs a bit more flair.

DIY Lapel Pins

This is a simple tutorial with few materials, few steps, and lots of variations. Without further explanation, here is the DIY.

Here is what you need: 

- 2 brooches (either matching or not)

- 2 jump rings in color complementing the brooches

- 2 lengths of chain, both 11 inches long (I am doubling up the chain, but this is optional)

-Pliers

Step 1: Take a look at the back of your brooches and figure out where the jump rings will go. As you can see on my brooches I have some rings that are part of the structure. If these rings aren't on yours then slip the jump ring, with the chain, into the pin backs. 

Step 2: Insert the both strands of chain onto the jump ring. Now slip the jump ring onto the pin backing. You will have to be careful whenever opening or closing the pin backing. 

Step 3: Here is where the jump ring rests on the brooch. 

Done! Here is the finished product. This can also be down with clip-on earrings; this is ideal for fabric that is not substantial enough to hold brooches or if you don't want holes in your clothing. You can also glue some pin backs to a pair of buttons and achieve the same results. 

See you all next Thursday!

DIY Rolled Item Holder

So, as to where last Thursday's DIY is....well, I had familial goings-ons that were a priority and the DIY got put in the back-burner. Sorry! As for the title of this DIY, confusing right? That is because this DIY can be whatever you want it to be. The Rolled Holder can be used for your makeup brushes, your paint brushes, your pencils/pens, etc. Really whatever you want to put use it for you can. 

For this DIY you will need:

-Bamboo Mat (Used for rolling sushi; these can be found in most grocery stores).

-Ribbon 

-Lighter

-Sharpies (The items that the holder is for).

Step 1: Slip the ribbon through the first bamboo rod on the mat. 

Step 2: Take into account the width of the items you are using the holder for. I am making this holder for my sharpies and the width of one sharpie is two bamboo rods. Now slip the ribbon in through the mat. 

Step 3: Continue on slipping the ribbon throughout the mat. If you are using brushes, or items with different widths, make sure the ribbon will fit the item snugly or it will slip out. 

 

Step 4: This is what your mat should resemble.

Step 5: Now run the lighter at the edge of each ribbon to ensure that it won't fray. Make sure the ribbon is long enough on each side to enable you to roll and tie your holder. 

Step 6: Slip your items in and you have a new holder. Any extra slots can be used as you need them. 

Here is the finished product:

So there is another DIY just for all of you! This is something great to do with brushes especially! See you all next Thursday.

DIY Spool Pushpin

Reuse those old spools of thread and make them functional!
Have you ever had empty spools of thread after a sewing project and had no idea what to do with them besides throw them out? Did you feel a ton of guilt? Well that guilt can be a thing of the past with this DIY! Now you don't have to suffer through the shame of adding to a landfill. Make this today!

Supplies and Tools Needed:

1. One empty spool - If you have a wooden spool this project will look even better.

2. Clear Pushpin - Clear is preferable, but you can use a colored pushpin as well.

3. E6000 glue or Hot Glue Gun - This is your choice. I'll explain why later.

STEP 1: First gather your supplies. You will need a thumbtack, a spool without any thread, and a hot glue gun (or E6000).

 

STEP 2: Second, take your thumbtack and put some hot glue at the base where the thumbtack will meet the spool. NOTE: Make sure that the thumbtack fits inside the hole at one end of the spool.

STEP 3: Third, secure the thumbtack inside the hole at one end of the spool and allow to dry.

STEP 4: Fourth, add some more hot glue around the thumbtack once it is secured into the spool. This is just to make the connection a bit stronger!

STEP 5: Then you are all done and you can try it out for size!

NOTE: Although the hot glue gun is the holy grail for all DIYers, Crafters, etc. I recommend using E6000 glue for this project because than that thumbtack isn't going ANYWHERE! Hot Glue will hold well enough, but don't plan on hanging heavy objects from it. You have been warned! 

Easy, Simple DIY. These pushpins could double as artwork themselves, but adding your clothing would be even better. It possible get some wooden spools, it would give a very rustic look. Now keep in mind this DIY is something you could do with spools with thread. Here is how it looks with a dress hanging off of it. Looks good right? Sorry for the poor quality. That's what I get for being a night owl! Poor lighting.