Ideas To Steal
Lackadaisy Expressions
Boy, I didn't know what I was getting myself into when I started this. I've had requests for some sort of expressions tutorial dating back a while now, so I figured, "Sure! I can explain expression drawing...and it'll be way better than all those tutorials out there that are nothing but charts of generic expressions. Yeah! Um. Anyway, I found all I could really do was try to explain ways to teach yourself...and then add some pictures.
Etched Portion Control Wine Glass
OK, confession: I’m on Weight-Watchers. And a major part of the program isn’t completely restricting what you eat and drink, but you DO have to watch and control your portions. This goes for wine, too. And since I do like a glass of vino now and then, I thought I’d made my own special glass to hold my five ounces of joy! I chose a stemless wine glass and measured out 5 ounces of water and poured it in the glass. I used plain ol’ painters tape along the line, and burnished it down well with my fingernail. I then applied the Armour Etch Cream (see my review of that here) to the bottom of the glass. Now, you could leave it here and you’d have done the job- now you know just where to fill your glass! I chose the flower head icon of the Songbird Cartridge (using my “j” monogram) for the Cricut and cut it out at 3″, using some craft vinyl. So there it is…my special, portion-control wine glass. <A HREF="
steampunk fashion - Book purse
Book purses were mentioned on here a little while back. I thought you might like to see the one I made. It's a nice accessory for the librarian side of steampunk! I had my eye on some attractively bound Reader's Digest Condensed Books (I have no pity for them) that were in the local library book sale, but wanted a little more space than one book could give me. I started by cutting out the attractive endpapers for future use, then coated the text block edges with thinned-down school glue (using wax paper to keep them separate from the covers). The handle is a leather belt with a nice buckle from a thrift store. As the final touch, I lined it with some stiff cardboard and then the endpapers I had saved aside. At $4 plus glue it's a fun, inexpensive project!
homemade pop tarts
I never had a Pop-Tart until college. I realize that for some people this may cause a shocked reaction on par with my husband’s the time I told him I’ve never watched Goonies before (or Jacob’s, upon discovering the internet). Obviously I grew up under a rock, right? Thus, given my proximity to concrete-like materials you’d think I have been better prepared for the texture of the one I purchased from the vending machine in the basement of my freshman dorm (not at 4 a.m. or anything, either, nope, not this angel!). I understand that if I had toasted it, my experience might have been better. I can’t believe I waited so long to make these. Most recipes I have come across use a pie dough for the pastry but I was really stuck on getting a crust that was a little more sturdy — one with an egg. One year ago: Black Bread Homemade Pop Tarts Adapted from King Arthur Flour 1 additional large egg (to brush on pastry) To make cinnamon filling: Whisk together the sugar, cinnamon, and flour.
01MATHERY
{every}nothing wonderful: Tutorial: Repurposed Envelopes (From Magazines to Mailing)
Note: If you like this idea, be sure to check out how to make paper ruffles to add to your envelopes! Super quick and easy tutorial for you today. I have a drawer full of these and use them for everything - bills, letters, you name it...my mom does too, actually! To start just pull pages out of your catalog or magazine with images you love. Other supplies you'll need: Pencil Glue - glue stick or craft glue - whichever you prefer Old envelope or envelope template. If this is a project you see yourself recreating in the future or with other papers you could invest in an envelope template kit, or you can print templates (you'll need to print at 100% on a larger format printer) from Designer's Toolbox on a heavy stock (mount to board for a longer lasting template). Trace the shape of your envelope onto the page, finding the position that you prefer on the image/page. Next, cut out along the lines. Fold and crease well where all corners meet. Happy re-purposing!
Wine cork bath mat
Inspired by CB2's bamboo bath mat I’m evidently on a hot-glue kick lately. This bath mat requires just three materials: shelf liner, hot glue, and 175 wine corks. How did I gather 175 wine corks, you ask? It was inspired by CB2’s bamboo bath mat, which is perfectly lovely and affordable but too big for my tiny bathroom, hence this equally eco-friendly version. Yeah, but how durable is it, you say? How to make a wine cork bath mat Supplies 175 wine corks (plus a few extra to allow for mistakes)hot glue sticksnon-adhesive shelf liner (I used Duck brand Smooth Top Easy Liner in taupe, found at Walmart. Tools pocket knife (sharpened)cutting board (one that you won’t mind if it gets slightly damaged)rotary cutter and mat (or scissors)long ruler or yardstickhot glue guncoarse sand paper 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
