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.

DIY Stud Earrings

I have come to an understanding with myself that every Thursday will be Do-It-Yourself projects. There! I am committing, so everyone please don't be afraid to call me out of my BS. Todays DIY will feature STUDS! Which can be used on everything, and I mean everything.

Here are the supplies and tools you will need:

1. Metal Studs - You can take the studs off an old belt or order some online.

2. Some cheap earrings - The type of earring I'm using is called a "stud" earring. Isn't the English language confusing?

3. Pliers

4. Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks

STEP 1: You will need to have cheap earrings that are you never wear for this project. The ones shown in the picture are the best for this project. As stated in the supplies list, these earrings are called "stud" earrings. NOTE: The size of earrings you use depends on the size of metal studs you chose.

STEP 2: These metal studs were taken for an old belt that was coming apart. You can also buy these online, just be sure to pay attention to the size of the studs. You don't want earrings that are bigger than your face!

STEP 3: Now fold the prongs on the studs down inside the stud, or you can choose to cut them off with wire cutters. NOTE: I do not recommend cutting the prongs off because the raw edge that is left can cut you. Ultimately your decision.

STEP 4: If you don't want to destroy your fingers, use some pliers to fold down the prong and ensure that it is as flat as possible.

STEP 5: Next, all you have to do is hot glue the earring into the metal stud. Repeat the steps for the other earring. NOTE: Be sure that the earring sits as level as possible in the stud. If you notice it's lopsided, just go back a step and flatten out the prong some more.

STEP 6: Now you have some awesome studs earrings. The best part of this DIY, it was free!

Now my friends, you are done! So show off your new earrings and make everyone jealous. Look at the photo below... doesn't it make you a little jealous?

Repurposed (D.I.Y.) Jewelry Bookmark

Here I am half a year later. No excuses because I have none. Ah procrastination, you heartless wench.

If you are a fan of DIY and a fan of making something new out of something old, this my friend is the tutorial for you! I got this idea from this image.

The url no longer works, but here it is. (If anyone knows where this image is from please let me know, so I can give proper credit.)

http://goo.gl/0qYTAJ

On to the tutorial:

First, gather your supplies. 

Note: I used ribbon for this tutorial, but it is possible to use any fabric you chose.

1. 1 1/2 inch Ribbon

2. Ribbon Clamps

3. Jump Rings

4. Assorted pieces of broken jewelry

5. Pliers

6. Sewing Machine (or hands for sewing)

Optional

- Lighter (to help with fraying edges)

- Here are the ribbon clamps I used. I bought them from Michaels; the brand was Bead Landing. These were easily the most expensive part of this DIY. Approximately $4 for 10 clamps.

- Here are the assorted pieces of broken jewelry and jewelry baubles. Buttons, broaches, and studs can also be used for this project. 

Second, measure out how long you want your bookmark to be. I made mine 9 inches, but depending on the book you're using this for, it may have to be longer or shorter.

Note: The ribbon I chose was 1 1/2 inches, but a wider ribbon can also be used.

Third, cut the ribbon leaving approximately a 1/2 inch to fix the fraying edge. Then fold the ribbon in half lengthwise and pin. Get your ribbon clamp ready.

Optional : Fourth, use a lighter to fix both fraying edges by lightly running the ribbon alongside the flame. The flame should melt the edge so it will no longer fray.

Fifth, sew alongside the open edge of the ribbon making sure the fold is straight. You should get a long tube like the one pictured.

Sixth, attach the ribbon clamps to both sides of the tube. Making sure to use pliers. This is possible to do using your hands, but pliers will save your fingers.

Lastly, attach a jewelry bauble to one of the ribbon clamps, or both, and start using your nifty bookmark!

- Here is a another photo of the bookmark. It looks majestic almost, doesn't it?

- I wanted to show the length of the bookmark in this photo. It is on top of my Jane Austen book. As you can see this is a good length for this book. If the book was smaller or larger I would need to adjust accordingly.

Most of you should have most of the supplies on hand. Especially if you all are craft hoarders like I am. Follow me to keep up with all the DIY I have planned!

Metal Ball Chain Ring - DIY

       We have all ripped tags off of our new clothes and chucked it in the trash without a backwards glance. We are all guilty of this. I came to realize that sometimes these tags come with interesting little bits of ribbon, string, metal chains, etc. and I started wondering how I could reuse them. This DIY is the result of these thoughts.

       Here is what you'll need:

                              A Metal Ball Chain : This can be found most often on tags for jeans.

                                                                          AND

 Scissors or Wire Cutters: If using scissors make sure they won't be missed, as this project may damage them.

Project:

       First measure the chain around the finger of your choice. I recommend giving some space when you measure. You can always cut more off, but you cannot put more on. The line I marked is where I measured (plus some extra).

       Second, cut the chain to the measured length.

       Third, try the ring on for size. If it fits then you're done; if not then cut a metal ball off and try again. Continue until it fits. Now close the ring with the attached clasp and you're done!

Gotta Start Somewhere I Guess.

Normally I try to be organized and type what I'm going to write before I post something, it didn't happen as you will be able to tell. As a brand new blogger I hope to expose myself to new ideas and perspectives, also getting better at writing itself would be a primary goal.

As to what this blog will pertain....I'm just going to give it the old college try, as "they" say. DIYs will be imminent, book reviews, movie reviews, lots of fandom gushing, etc., etc. 

DIYs are going to be the main focus for this blog for the foreseeable future. To be prepared! 

All in all, I would appreciate some advice and support from all you who have made it this far through my rambling and incoherent post. I thank you.