old-school book strap I was talking with our DIY editor Kate about this project, and since this month’s theme is academia, she threw out the idea of an old-fashioned book strap. I immediately thought it sounded interesting and wondered what I could do with it. Also, the sun isn’t going to shine forever, and when it dies and we have no energy to charge our laptops, we’ll all have to read books again. The rebirth of print! So, you may not want to let go of your backpack yet, but regardless, there are some fun construction opportunities to tinker with here. Material-wise, my inclination is to use some leather and a scrap of Army blanket. See the full how-to after the jump! Materials leather or nylon web strapwool surplus blanket scrapcontact cementtwo 1.5″ rings Tools knifecutting matmetal rulersewing machine Instructions 1. 2. 3. 4.
Owl Cushion Tutorial by The Craft Revival How To Create the Perfect Mobile Docking Desk Setup Some of us are always on the move, while others thrive by staying in one place. It used to be desktops offered distinct performance advantages, but nowadays portables offer a bountiful of performance thanks to breakthroughs in shrinking hardware, and now laptops have become increasingly both our travel and home computers. Here's how to optimize your docking station at home so your laptop is just as every bit useful as most desktop machines... Stand + Mouse + Keyboard The height of this stand raises your laptop up to the same height of monitors to equalize visual presence, improve ergonomics. Desktop Chair + Mouse + Keyboard + Monitor The Desktop Chair is a work of art sculpted from a piece of wood. iPad + Keyboard Dock + Speakers This one is for the writers out there. MonitorThere are occasions when more screen real estate is required in the home office. Docking StationChances are one of the more convincing aspects of the laptop in the first place was cutting down on cables.
Circle Zip Earbud Pouch Tutorial - Dog Under My Desk I use a little zippered pouch to carry around my earbuds since they are the fancy microphone ones and I don’t want them to break or get tangled. Some of you have commented that you are looking for some small, simple gift ideas. This is definitely simple to make, and a little more fun than the typical rectangular zippered pouch! I can see these as the perfect gift for teenage cousins or nieces or girlfriends or even teacher gifts. UPDATE: I have completely re-written this tutorial with twice as many bright, clear photos and more detailed instructions and it is available as a pattern in my pattern shop. First, download the pattern template HERE. Cut from main fabric: 1 circle 2 half circles 1 tab Cut from lining fabric: 1 circle 2 half circles Cut from batting (or medium weight interfacing, if you prefer): 1 circle 2 half circles You will also need a 1″ wide nylon 5″ or longer zipper. Place one lining half circle right side up and place the zipper right side up on top. Time to sew!
Pro Tips from SLIC: Making Old Furniture Look New Previous image Next image When designer Sara Cukerbaum, who's designed in Chicago, New York and Dallas, decided to start her own company reinventing and revamping old furniture, she did so in her hometown of Austin. 1) Put it on wheels! 2) Add lacquer to a stained or painted piece of furniture to add some shine. 3) Apply gold leafing with a stencil to create a fun pattern or shape on a table front or desk top. 4) Replace old hardware on a chest, desk or side tables. Check out SLIC Interiors' Marketplace listing.
Altoids Pincushion Tin Posted on June 18, 2011 Here is my version of an Altoids tin repurposed into a pincushion and sewing gadget box. The materials used in this project were from an Envelope of Doom (EOD) swap I participated in. I was inspired by this Altoids project which used a magnetic sheet on the inside of the lid to hold needles and such. Over at Craftsters Rackycoo’s tutorial is outstanding and has step-by-step photos showing how to decorate your tin. I hope my swap partner will enjoy her recycled Altoids tin as much as I did creating the little sewing box. Tags: Altoids, pincushion, recycled-crafting, tin
Computer Monitor Riser Woodworking Plans - Free Woodworking Plans to Make a Riser for Your Computer Monitors Ergonomics are changing the way that companies are setting up their offices today. One issue that a number of very tall people face when they are seated at their desks is they have to look downward at their monitor. I can't count the number of times I've seen people use strong cardboard boxes, computer manuals and even telephone books under the base of their monitor to raise it up to eye level. In this set of free woodworking plans, we've got a much better solution. To complete these computer monitor riser plans, we used maple for the visible parts of the unit with poplar for the carcase and drawers. This woodworking project will really show off your skills as a craftsman, and is one you'll be proud to display for years and years. Download the Free Woodworking Plans to build this computer monitor riser (PDF).
Adorable DIY Ear Warmers How gorgeous are these ear warmers?? I love all the different styles you can make from one tute as well. When I spied these on Delia Creates I just had to beg Delia to share the DIY with you, and lucky us, she agreed! Take it away Delia: With autumn here and winter right around the corner, it is the perfect time to make these easy ear warmers! For this one I added some pleats up the side and added some flowers. For this one I used a sleeve off an old thermal knit shirt. And this one is fleece with a matching knit fabric sewn over it and a nice pretty recycled knit bow. You’re so excited now right? And remember to leave Delia a comment, because this week’s favorite commenter wins those gorgeous embroidery patterns pictured up on the left! DIY Ear Warmers The idea is pretty simple. Taper the ends to an ending width of about 1 1/2 inches wide. Add pleats if you so desire. Fold the sides under and sew. Add a button hole and a button at the ends. Embellish to your hearts delight. All done.
A Table for Jax A few months ago, I posted these design collages for my sisters nursery. In case you missed it, here is one of them: She is having a boy and his name is going to be... Jax. I thought it would be so cute to incorporate the game of Jax in the room to represent his cool name. I found this little table and chair set at the Goodwill. (Before) I gave it a quick sanding, taped it off, and painted it using colors from her bedding. I did an Internet search "free Jax Clip Art", printed one, and traced it on the table top using pattern tracing paper. I filled in the symbol with my detail brush, sanded the edges and sealed the top with a few coats of polyurethane (so it can take a beating). Lastly, the chairs were spray painted with high gloss Cherry Red from Krylon. I can't wait to see the little guy using it. Linking up to :
Office Supplies Blog » packaging templates from japan I’m not sure how I discovered this awesome collection of packaging templates but I’m glad I did! Some professor or student at a japanese univeresity was nice enough to share all their packaging templates with the world! These are a few of my favorites and you can see all of them on their website. Every situation is covered! You sell Bon Bons? P.S. stumbleupon Silhouette reading lamp I really loved the look I got when I created the cityscape silhouette lampshade for my kitchen work desk, so I decided to make another version for a lamp I bought at Kirkland’s to go in my library. Since this was going to be a reading lamp, I decided to use the phrase “Once Upon a Time” (which also happens to be the title of one of my favorite new TV shows). I used my Cricut and the Storybook Cricut cartridge to cut the saying out of black scrapbook paper. If you do not have a Cricut or that particular cartridge, I made a downloadable template for you that you can print to the size you need for your lamp. I would print it onto white card stock (rather than paper) to give the finished words a little more rigidity. I love how it looks so ordinary when it’s off but then turns magical when I turn it on to read a good book! And guess what!