Design*Sponge » Blog Archive » diy project: letter light from curbly’s new DIY book. We all know that hardware stores can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re an avid DIYer. Every time I pass the rows of gleaming copper pipe, I just know there’s an amazing home decor project hiding in there somewhere, but then my eyes scan to the rope section, the molding section, the brackets, and on and on. Too many possibilities! I am so excited to see that the DIY experts at Curbly have tackled the hardware store’s rows upon rows of products in their new book, the aptly named Make It! Hardware Store Decor.
This “letter light” tutorial is just one of the 12 awesome home decor projects in the book. You can purchase the book in downloadable PDF form here. CLICK HERE for the full how-to after the jump! Materials 1⁄4″ thick compressed hardboard, twice as large as your final design (we used a 2′ x 4′ handy panel cut in half)string light set with 20 or 25 globe bulbslight-duty extension cordvinyl roof flashing1″ diameter dowel rodspray paintmedium-duty picture hanging hardware Tools. Interweave Store. D.I.Y Shrink Plastic. Kate’s recycled cakestands. This diy project is inspired by one of my favorite ceramic artists, sarah cihat. i found most of my plates and candlesticks at goodwill. i also used some of those little vases you get when someone gives you flowers, which normally i think are ugly, but here they seem to have found a purpose!
I left many of the cakestands bare because i love the original plate designs. if you aren’t happy with the plate or base you can always paint them, or give them a graphic silhouette design (instructions below) like sarah’s rehabilitated dishware. so, if you’re ready to create your own diy cakestands (which operate well as cupcake-stands, too!) Click here for the full instructions. happy crafting!
-kate Kate’s Recycled Cake/Cupcake Stands What You’ll Need: For the variation: - template of silhouette (or you can free hand) - contact paper - scissors - spray paint Directions: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Note: While these are sturdier than you would expect, they are not dishwasher safe. Silhouette version: 1. 2. 3. 4. Plastic bag Yarn - gooseflesh. Since I posted my crochet Sea Creatures on Flickr in November, 2006, many people have asked me how I make the plastic bag yarn.
So here is a How to lesson. There are many different techniques, but I found this one worked best for me. Be warned..... it's very time consuming, but strangely cathartic. ** I have added an alternative technique tutorial at the end. This makes a continuous strip without knots.* * 1. The bags I use are thin shopping bags with handles. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
This technique has been around for decades. Mmmmmm....... Method 2: Create38. DIY Network. Kate’s vintage brooch knobs. For february i have picked vintage jewelry as my diy material. these knobs are made from vintage enamel brooches, which i fine everywhere these days: flea markets, thrift stores, and ebay. these brooches have such a nice vintage color palette and pretty details, and i never find two alike. while i was on ebay i found some other good options like vintage cameos, art deco rhinestone brooches, and bakelite pieces, all of which would make great knobs for a dresser or side table. happy crafting! -kate CLICK HERE for the full project instructions or just click “read more” below. What You’ll Need: 1. brooches 2. size 8/32 brass flat head machine screws (1.5″ long) 3. size 8/32 brass nuts (you need at least three nuts for each knob) 4. brass washers 5. pliers 6. epoxy or strong bond glue (make sure it works with metal) 7. sandpaper 2. use pliers to snip the nub left over and sand the back of the brooch in the center. 4. let sit overnight to harden.
Cut Out + Keep | Make and share step-by-step craft tutorials. Kate’s uncommon valentine. Valentine’s day is right around the corner, and i’ve decided to make something for my boyfriend that is a little unconventional and can last beyond the holiday. i used some vintage jewelry pieces (read: ugly eighties earrings), and some other knick-knacks I have collected over the years. for a personal touch i also included a few souvenirs from our times together (you are either smiling or gagging right now, i know). I recommend using a monochromatic palette for this project because I think the image come across more clearly, but if you have some pieces you don’t want to mess with then I encourage you to lay out your image first before you paint anything. the great part is that you can do any shape you wish, or even play around with text. happy crafting, and happy valentine’s day!
-kate CLICK HERE for the full project instructions! Blank DIY Matryoshka nesting dolls. Knot trivet. Last month i bought lauren a set of “the family creative workshop” books for her birthday. we’ve been having a blast learning all sorts of new things as we make our way through the incredible variety of projects collected in the volumes. one section we were particularly excited to explore was all about knots, which we’ve long admired both for their usefulness and their beauty. this project is based on a “carrick bend” and is great for creating trivets and placemats, but you could just as easily hang it on your wall to be admired for its decorative charm. have fun!
Derek & lauren CLICK HERE for the full project after the jump! Here’s what you’ll need: -14 feet of 1/2” rope for an approximately 8” trivet (we recommend you play around with different lengths and thicknesses of rope until you find a size and style you like. the cotton rope is great for this project, but we couldn’t resist the nylon rope with its amazing patterns and colors.) -scissors -needle -thread. Hand Embroidered Note. American Craft Magazine. Craftzine.