Design*Sponge » Blog Archive » diy project: magnetic chalkboard mirror these days i have a strong affinity for anything chalkboard related. it began with the vintage frame chalkboard i bought from gosia at blue bell bazaar on etsy (above, in my house), and continued with my most recent column for craft magazine about using chalkboard or magnetic paint (online here). so i was thrilled to see an email from christina at viva full house about her recent diy project. christina found this gorgeous (and cheap!) christina was kind enough to share her project steps with us so just CLICK HERE for the full project, or click “read more” below. [thanks, christina!] Materials: -Vintage (or new, depending on your desire) frame or mirror -Thin piece of steel -Primer -Chalkboard Paint -Spray adhesive -Spray or regular paint for the frame 1. 2. **if you’re not experienced or uncomfortable with cutting metal, please pick up a sheet of metal and have it cut to size at your local hardware store, or hire an affordable handyman on craigslist to do the cutting for you** 3. 4. 5. 6.
Life's too short not to smile ☮♥☺ Design*Sponge » Blog Archive » diy wednesdays: envelope book tax time is fast approaching, which means many of us are busy kicking ourselves (once again) for our lack of financial organization. every year we swear we’re going to keep track of all our expenses and hold on to every receipt. well, it’s our belief that if you create a system that is simple and aesthetically pleasing, you can trick yourself into forming smart money-managing habits. we recently picked up a box of airmail envelopes from the dollar store and transformed them into this handy receipt organizer using a hole punch and some binder rings. happy organizing!derek & lauren CLICK HERE for the full instructions after the jump! here’s what you’ll need -26 envelopes -3 binder rings -small hole punch 1. punch 3 holes along the bottom of one of the envelopes and use that envelope as a template when punching the rest, so the holes line up when they’re all stacked together. 2. insert binder rings into the holes. 3. label the envelopes, a-z. 4. file!
Seed Paper Tutorial | I first heard of seed paper–or hand made paper that has real flower seeds embedded in the pulp itself and is actually plantable–about a year ago while browsing through a stationary catalog. It was the coolest idea I’d ever seen–and so incredibly spring-y! Well, who knew that you could make this funky stuff all by yourself? And dang we had a good time! These would be just perfect to include with a birthday or Christmas card–don’t you think? First Step: Making the Screen Frame Here’s what you’ll need for the screen frame: 6-12 wide craft sticks–think tongue depressors Craft glue 1 or 2 pieces of mesh or screen about 6″x6″ electrical tape Glue four sticks together–like this. Lay the screen over the sticks and glue in place. Now glue two more sticks–one on the top and one on the bottom. I rested a glass bowl over the frames to hold everything in place until the glue dried. Your frame should look pretty much like this. Second Step: Making the paper pulp Here’s what you’ll need to make the pulp: water
Design*Sponge » Blog Archive » diy project: kate’s recycled painting noteboard i purchase a lot of quirky art at flea markets, with the vision of a creating a massive, gallery-like collection somewhere down the road. but sometimes there are pieces that, for whatever reason, never make it on the wall and end up just sitting around. i decided to re-purpose one such painting and turn it into a fun magnetic note board! this is perhaps the easiest thing to make ever; the hardest part is finding the painting. click here for the full post and instructions or just click “read more” below- happy crafting! – kate What You’ll Need: 1. metal board (is used the BITS ikea office board, $10) 2. painting on canvas (large enough to cover your metal surface) 3. hot glue gun 4. scissors 5. magnets Instructions: 1. TIP: If your painting is on heavy weight canvas or the paint is thick, i recommend using mighty magnets or other very strong magnets to make sure things stay put.
delightful country cookin': homemade air freshener "Don't you get fresh with me, ya hear!" Oh, I love it when adults (especially grandparents) say that to little kids. What does it mean exactly? Does it mean we'd rather children get dirty with us? Today, I'm going to ask you to actually get fresh with me. I digress. I was roaming around on Tasty Kitchen one day when I came across a recipe for homemade air freshener. To make these little beauties, you first need a heat-proof jars (I found mine for $0.99 each at Michael's), food coloring colors of your choice, and essential oil. Into each jar, drop a few drops (I repeat...a few...it doesn't take more than 2 or 3) of food coloring. Now for the fun part. Why salt? Get one cup of water boiling on the stove. Then, pour in the other cup of cold water and the salt, stirring until the salt is dissolved. Quickly pour the hot gelatin mixture in each of your jars, and then use a disposable stick or spoon to stir it into the oil and food coloring. Let these gel overnight, and then voila!
Design*Sponge » Blog Archive » diy project: karyn’s twinkle blackboard karyn from make something is helping me keep the chalkboard love going today with this awesome diy project she made for her home. not content to just have a beautiful chalkboard in her home, karyn decided to get extra crafty and drill holes through which twinkle lights from urban outfitters could shine. i love the little custom spin on this project. i’d love to see someone spell out a name (how fun would it be to have one of these in your office with your company name or logo shining through?) or song lyrics- that would be super cool. CLICK HERE for the directions from karyn.
DIY TUTORIAL and a giveaway! Happy Monday everyone! Today I am going to show you how to make this necklace and introduce my first giveaway! Below are the steps to make this tulle necklace. And to win this necklace, just leave me a comment below! A winner will be announced on Friday. Good luck! Step 1: Pick out your fabric and beads. Step 2: Measure the fabric around a bead and then add an inch, this is where you will cut. Step 3: Cut the fabric the long way. Step 4: You should now have a long strip of fabric. Step 5: Sew the folded fabric at the open end. Step 6: You should now have a tube. Step 7: In order to turn the tube right side out, attach a safety pin to one end. Step 8: Feed the safety pin through the tube. Step 9: Once the tube is right side out, put a bead in the tube and center it. Step 10: Make a knot at each end of the bead. Step 11: Feed another bead into the tube and knot after the bead. Step 12: Sew the ends shut. Step 13: Add flower by gathering strips of the fabric together and sewing the center together.
Design*Sponge » Blog Archive » in the kitchen with: caroline swift’s holiday treats caroline swift‘s work was the first work that jumped out at me in the press office at tent london in september, and in my personal opinion for the product and the styling (and presentation), she was the best exhibitor, hands down. we usually force people to choose their favorite recipe for this column, but when caroline sent over her seasonal favorites, how on earth could we ask her to pick only one? and in one of the hardest acts of selflessness this year, i even managed to buy some of her beautiful bowls for a friend for christmas and not get any myself! i should have my head checked! click here for the full recipe (and more gorgeous pictures) for caroline’s christmas cookies, winter cherry brownies and champagne sorbet. more about caroline below… Christmas cookies recipe (makes four large boxes of cookies) Pre-heat the oven to 200 degrees C, (180 degrees C fan), at least half an hour before baking. Winter cherry brownies Makes 9 to 12 brownies, depending on size. Champagne Sorbet
Letterfu - Letter-writing without envelopes, cutting or glue Design*Sponge » Blog Archive » diy project: glass jar frames i’m not a big framed picture person but every once in a while i wish i had a clever way to display a choice photo of the cats or ac. so i was excited to hear from kelly at photojojo about a fun little glass jar project they’d posted. the project couldn’t be easier (you basically just cut each picture to fit the bottle you’re using) and the results are such a playful spin on traditional frames. click here for the full project instructions and more pictures. [thanks, kelly!] How to make your own air dried porcelain with common household ingredients Anything that is quick, affordable and makes beautiful things is a craft winner for me . But…I often find myself uninspired for something new and different. I’ve found it in air dried porcelain (aka Porcelana Fria). What will someone make with 3 cups of white glue (PVA) 3 cups of cornstarch (Corn flour) one tablespoon of white vinegar one tablespoon of glycerin (health food or hobby shop), and 2 tablespoons of canola oil? The beautiful mouse and necklace pictured (compliments of Espirit ) is the answer! Amazingly simple and a GREAT school holiday project, get the kids into the kitchen to cook up some home made, air dried, porcelain. Let’s make it: In a mixing bowl (or non-stick pan) mix 3 cups of white glue and 3 cups of cornstarch. For microwave heating : Cook in a microwave-compatible recipient for 2 to 3 minutes on high (for a 800W oven; longer for a less powerful oven). Stove top : Cook in a saucepan over low heat for about 15 minutes. This one’s a big thumbs up from me.
Design*Sponge » Blog Archive » diy wednesdays: drawer divider we’re always looking for ways to better organize our lives. and after years of starting each day with a visit to one of the most disappointingly disorganized spots in our home we’ve finally decided to do something about it. as shop owners constantly awash in packing materials, the cardboard and giftwrap needed for this project were right under our noses. this diy is a good example that even if no one else in the world (other than a couple bazillion design*sponge readers) is ever going to see it, the simplest of craft projects can make a big impact on your daily routine. have fun!lauren & derek tips: **you can very easily add more sections to your drawer depending on your specific needs. CLICK HERE for the full instructions after the jump! Drawer Divider here’s what you’ll need: -gift wrap -measuring tape -cardboard -double-sided tape -ruler -box cutter, metal straight edge, cutting mat, or scissors 1. measure the interior of your drawer (ours was 25” x 14”, and 5” deep).