Dare To DIY- Crafty Gifts

Sorry to be MIA- I've been busy enjoying holiday festivities. We've already enjoyed 6 activities- all since Thanksgiving!

That lovely busyness is part of the reason I did not participate in Kim's first two "Dare To DIY" events.

  

I've participated in the "party" since Kim started this tradition a few years ago.  

This week is all about hand crafted gifts.  I love making homemade gifts for others.  Each year I make 3-10 gifts for the holiday season.  Some years a I do lots of the same things, other years I do  a few different items.  I also love doing food gifts.  This year I still have some holiday craft gifts in the works...these gifts have all been given and opened so I don't feel bad sharing.  

(Also all these gifts have been inspired by Pintrest....of course)

Owl Heat Pads 

 These little cuties were created using this free pattern ("thank you" to the creator!).  These guys are great- cute, fast and easy to make, all using scrap materials from my stash.  They are filled with rice, vanilla essential oil, rosemary and lavender herbs (from my friend's garden- she made the purple striped dude).  The backs are soft flannel and corduroy.  Nice, soft, warm, good-smelling and cuddly....the guy second from the left is mine- so I'm speaking from experience.    

Crinkle Toy

I've made tag toys before but never a crinkle one.  I have to say it was not easy and a bit frustrating.  The end result was less crinkly than I wanted but the mom-to-be was still please- I guess that's what matters.  And I have lots of other cute little friends to give me reasons for practice. 

Door Silencer

Another simple baby item I've never made before. And I might add, a genius one at that! I never would have thought of this if I hadn't seen this pin. I was a bit skeptical, but it worked on my craft room door. The silencer was very fast and easy to make.  I had all three "ingredients" in my stash.  

My sewing table and chair are currently covered with 20 different fabrics for the 4 other projects I'm in the middle of.  What are you making this season?

**need some ideas?  Go see what others made! 

Pin Plates

Another Pintrest project completed! 

I know everyone has been impressed and inspired by Mrs.Limestone's idea.

                                                                                         Source: brooklynlimestone.com via Leigh on Pinterest

This is my version.  This two little plates were a Target clearance find. Since there were only 2, I thought "his" and "hers" would be cute Leigh-bellishments.  However, my handwriting is not cute.  I used the Silhouette to cut vinyl stencils.

They looked great...until I took the stencil off.  The paint bled badly. I was able to use damp Q-Tips to clean it up a bit.  If you look closely it still isn't perfect- but I think they are pretty cute.

After removing the stencil. 

I have a few more clearance dishes to dress up.  I think I'm going to make them for our Cookies and Cocktail party, after I find new stencils.  

P Squared

Another Pintrest success!

This lovely has been floating around for a bit.

Source: virginiaandcharlie.blogspot.com via Leigh on Pinterest

My idea was to use the technique to create seasonally themed artwork. Then rather than using white, paint the canvas a seasonally appropriate shade. 

Since my drawing skills are lacking, I created stencils from online images.  My first plan was to print an image then use a sharpie to trace it on to the canvas.  I was counting on the sharpie to bleed through...didn't work.  Then I tried tracing paper...also a flop.  Finally I just cut and traced.

My Fall Creation: 

The Christmas Canvas:

The inspiration/stencil~ 

                                                                                      Source: restorationhardware.com via Jackie on Pinterest

Other than my initial issues of the getting the design on the canvas, this is was a simple, fast and easy process.  There are so many great ideas and uses for this project.  I can't wait to create another.

You should make one... but I have a few tips first:

1. use the thickest, puffy-ist paint you can find- to make thick lines!
2. since you'll be using thick lines... avoid detailed and intricate designs- especially ones with narrow gaps. Also round shapes or curves can be tricky.

3. use the same color puffy paint as acrylic (or as close as possible)
4. use a foam brush to paint

Anyone else use puffy paint lately? 

Pintrest Craft

I'm sure you've seen these floating around the big P.

Go Pin It!

Well when I hosted neighborhood craft day a few weeks ago (more on that later), there were a few variations created (none by me).

Have you made any seasonal Pintrest inspired decor?

Less Words More Pics

Earlier in the week I shared my newly created fall wreath.  After hanging it on the door I got in the swing of fall decorating.

I don't let think you need captains for gourds and leaves...so here you go my simple fall decorating.  The photos were taken after dark, with and without flash...sorry.

 The pinecones are cinnamon scented- awesome.  They and the cute baby gourds were from HD. 

Does it look like fall around your house? 

Say It 3 Times Fast

Cheap Wreath, Cheap Wreath, Cheap Wreath

One of my September goals was to make something for me.  Well this is technically for the house, but I'm counting it as the same.

Pretty huh?

Kidding- when visiting John's parents this summer I found the wreath at Goodwill for $0.95.

The front color was ok (it actually photographed prettier than in real life), but too light for my needs.  FYI- the back was gold.  A few coats of Lab Brown later.....

Some fabric, buttons, glue and the final product.

One bummer about my black door is that dark items don't "pop".  In fact I think I'm going to have to make a "back board" for my black Halloween feather wreath. 

Have you made anything for your house lately?

Fast Fix

A few weekends ago, while visiting John's parents, I picked these beauties up at Goodwill.

Clearly, I was a big spender- the one on the right was $.95 and the chunky one was $1.50

A couple coats of primer helped.

So much better!

Have you spray painted anything lately? 

A La Cart

While I was busy painting the outdoor tables and chairs, I heard the saw going.  John had decided we needed an outdoor bar.  I wasn't sure if we needed a bar, but it certainly would be helpful to have a prep, serving and storage space for grilling and summer-time entertaining.

We added casters so it could really be multi-functional. 

Three hooks and a bottel opener are nice additional features.

 That white hose is a special potable hose, so that it is safe to drink from.  It is the same hoses as on RV's.  The flower pot is to catch excess water.

I've asked a for a swim-up bar to be the next project.

Getting Started

 We hosted last day of school party for my school.  Since we are lucky enough to have a pool, this was obviously going to be a pool party.  Our outdoor furniture was definitely not party ready.

The two adirondack sets were a deal from the Christmas Tree Store in 2008 (see more here).  And I still loved them, but I've always wanted them to match and the paint was badly peeling.

       

 
 These metal tables were left by the pervious owners.

I spent a couple days sanding and painting.  FIY- the chairs were a pain to paint- so many nooks and crannies. Next time I would use spray paint.

Chester provided the entertainment. 

Both chairs and foot rests became a high gloss white. 

All 4 tables (2 round metal and 2 square wood) turned green.

Ready to party!

What summer gatherings have you enjoyed?