Tuesday, January 27, 2009

DIY Pop-Up Photograph

After my Christmas card debacle, I've pretty much had enough of pop-up card making for a lifetime. But if you still like them, wikiHow can show you how to make a pop-up photograph card. (via Craftzine)

Monday, January 26, 2009

Simple Tutorial: Googly Eye Tacks

Loved this easy idea from Zakka Life:  diy googly eye thumb tacks.  I may have to put some of these on my work bulletin board.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Recycled Envelope Bead Tutorial

 
A while back, I posted about re-using old security envelopes to make new, pretty envelopes.  Well, here's another option: turning those junk mail envelopes into lovely paper beads.  Laupre has an explanation of how to make them.  (via Folding Trees

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Celebrate a New Era

Things have been very exciting in our country--especially Washington D.C.--this week.  I was lucky enough to get to go and see some of the inauguration events.  It was amazing how many people came from so many different states and even countries to be a part of it all. 


Well, even if you couldn't make it out for the inauguration, you can be connected to our new president by turning a picture of yourself into the style of the classic Obama poster.  Visit Obamicon.me to make your own. (via How About Orange)

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Yet Another Painting



Another of my adventures with acrylics.  This one is a mandala.  I tried several things, scraped them off or painted over them and started again.  This was a very fun painting to make.

My crappy photograph makes it hard to see this, but it's sort of textured.  You'll have to come to my home exhibit to see it properly! Ha.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Tutorial: Mini Pinatas

Aren't things always cute in miniature?  These small pinatas from Ask Martha make great party favors.


Besides, pinata making was always exciting as a child.  On the other hand, I remember trying to help a friend in college with a papier mache project, and it was a lot less fun to make than when I was a kid--so undertake this project at your own risk!

Friday, January 16, 2009

Paper Bag Wrapping Paper


I thought I'd share with you this simple idea for re-use friendly gift wrap.  I did this little wrapping project over the holidays, but it could be used for any time of the year.  I wrapped presents using old paper bags.  I simply cut them up, folded them flat, and used scotch tape for wrapping.  It did take a little more tape than usual because the bag paper is thick.

Since all the gifts were for one person--they were small items--I cut out numbers instead of labels.  I used red scrap paper, punched a hole, and put them through the ribbons for color.  You could also do letters for initials, or shapes, or who knows what else.  I cut them freehand, but you could also buy large stencils at any craft store. 

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Handmade Pop-Up Cards (Or My Excuse for Giving Up)



So Christmas time rolled around and I felt incredibly ambitious about all the amazing crafts I would make.  Among those, one of the simplest seemed to be handmade Christmas cards.  I got the brilliant idea to make pop-ups.  Somehow, the act of making just a few--I successfully completed only around 5 of them--drained me of all energy.

Yeah, that and the general winter blahs.  So I've finally gotten the energy to post on here again.  The above are pictures of a couple designs I used for the cards.  Next year I'm sending out Christmas emails.