DIY Bobby Pins

No Place Like Chrome

 I can't get enough of this Essie color. It is great on it's own or an accent color. You don't have to keep the color strictly to your nails. You can brighten up boring bobby pins with nail color. It's SO easy. Put the bobby pins on a piece of cardboard, paper...junk mail works great too. Then paint the pin. So easy and you feel like a crafting Queen!

DIY Burlap Banner

 I wanted a banner for D's First Communion. I looked on Etsy. I saw a lot of cute burlap banners. Then I went to the craft store and decided I could make a banner for less than I would pay. Also it is pretty easy. Burlap is shabby chic so it doesn't have to be perfect. This project cost me $15. I already had the glue and a sponge. It took about 2 hours, counting drying time. 

 What you need::

Glue

Paint

Sponge

Stencils

Twine or ribbon

Burlap* 

*I found burlap paper. Burlap paper is great because you don't need to measure and cut the fabric!

 Step 1:: Place stencil on burlap. Using the sponge paint. 

 Let it dry...you might need 2 coats of paint.

The back of the burlap paper. You can peel off the paper. However keeping it on makes it sturdier. 

Step 2:: Measure the space where you want to hang the banner. Cut the string to the appropriate length.
Step 3:: Fold over the fabric and glue. I used a hot glue gun and Tacky Glue, they both worked well. I thought the Tacky Glue was less messy.

Valentine's Day Photo Backdrop

 Rows of hearts was our backdrop for classroom Valentine's Day pictures.

D's teacher bought pink and white string, pink clothes pins, large foam hearts, ribbon and jewels. Everything we used was bought at Michael's. 

 After the photoshoot D's teacher took down the hearts. She turned them into Valentine's to give to the kids.

Cinderblock Bench

 I've seen a DIY Cinderblock bench pin on Pinterest for a long time. It is such an easy way to add seating to the backyard. It is a great weekend project.

Picking up supplies

We used 12 cinderblocks
4 4x4 pieces of wood
 1/2 gallon of paint

 The hardest part is waiting for the paint to dry.

 

I wanted a pop of color. I like to think the paint we picked is Golden Gate Bridge orange not cation cone. I was thinking of making a cushion for the bench but right now is the perfect time of year to find patio pillows in a store. I think it might be cheaper to buy a cushion than sew one.

DIY Valentine's Day backdrop

Valentine's Day is fast approaching, D's teacher wanted to do a special project with her class for the occasion. Last year she had a "photo shoot" with her class. The pictures turned out amazing. The parents loved their gift. This year she wanted to take the kids picture but she was thinking a different background. D's teacher is super creative and a great friend of mine. I suggested a chalkboard backdrop. Chalkboards seem to be all the rage in wedding photos and on Pinterest. 

You'd think being at a school we would be able to find a chalkboard but everyone has a Promethean or white boards. We didn't let this stop us. 

We used black butcher paper and chalk. Then we taped the paper to a bulletin board.

2014

2013

2014

This is us at the Polynesian Cultural Center in La'ie. Here is the bag I made in action. 

Little birdie trying to enter our hotel room.

coconuts on the beach.

DIY Canvas Tote

Big news in 2014!

The Hubby and I are going to Hawaii in a couple of weeks! I am super excited. I've been busy packing. One of the things I was having trouble packing was a suitable bag. Most of my purses are black and not  beach appropriate. I decided I would sew a bag but I couldn't find a fabric I liked. Instead I went to Michael's. I bought some tape, a $3.99 canvas bag and Martha Stewart all purpose paint. 

 I love the Martha Stewart paint. It is good on any surface even fabric. 

The hard part was picking a design…Should I stencil? Do polka dots? Finally I settled on classic stripes.

I was inspired by the Starbucks packaging.  I was originally going to paint the bag brown and rose gold polka dots. After thinking about it I thought rose gold and navy stripes was nautical and look better for the beach. 

 Taped up the bag

 2 coats of paint...

And Ta Da my bag is ready to fill with sunscreen and a book!