Press & Seal Life Hack

This is in no way a craft.  In fact, it's not even cute.  But it IS creative and in all honesty, I don't want to forget it, so I'll post it on here for future reference.  It's one of those "duh" things that my husband came up with.  

We are currently living in an apartment in Colorado.  And this particular apartment door is a disaster.  Seriously the door is practically useless when it comes to keeping our "bought" air inside the apartment.  When it's sunny you can see right through the cracks to the outside world.  After talking to the complex about this problem, they informed us they couldnt' do anything and good luck. 

So after re-weather stripping the door (which didn't seem to help at all), my husband came up with this GENIUS idea.  Ok so it's ugly, but holy guacamole does it work!  

We press and seal our door.  Thin strips of press and seal around the edges when it's closed and suddenly my heater is only working half as much!  Seriously, it was amazing how quickly my home became warm when that door was sealed up.  During the days, when we go out, we just pull the press and seal off, attach it to the middle of the door and reuse it again when it's closed.  Thus far we've been using the same strips of press & seal for a week and they are still going strong.

This was CHEAP, practical and has made a HUGE difference for us when it comes to keeping my home warm.  I can't wait to see the difference on my heating bill.  Since it has worked so well for the winter, I know it will work just a great in the summer when we are trying to keep the AC inside!  

Altered Recipe Tin

My friend Tanya made one of these for a co-worker of mine (before I knew her) years ago.  I fell absolutely in love with it and BEGGED her to make me one too.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE it.  Seriously, probably one of my favorite things I've ever gotten.  Every time I look at it a huge smile comes across my face.  I've loaded it full of my favorite recipes (pre Pinterest) and it looks so cute on my counter.  I especially love all the tiny details she put into it.  

Each divider is unique, cute and ageless.  (And yes we know Desserts is spelled wrong).

The top has a crackle finish, the ribbons are all color coordinating and there is even a charm hidden in there.  Seriously, what is there NOT to love about this?!

I've made several recipe boxes based on this example.  This works great as a card box too as it's the perfect size for most cards!

Items Needed:

Tin Box

LOTS of ribbon

Coordinating paper

Embellishments

Letters

Computer/Printer

Paint

Crafting tools - paper cutter, modpodge, scissors

Ink

Directions:

Use your imagination and design and create fun boxes filled with recipes, cards or even photos!  The ideas are endless.  If you can't find this kind of tin, then use another.  Just remember to have fun!

Mummy Jars

I love quick and easy crafts.  I received these from my friend Jennifer and as soon as I opened the box I was so excited at how cute and easy these were.  These can be made in a matter of minutes and will jazz up any home.  I used mine as candy jars, though I think a candle inside would look super cute too!  

Items Needed:

Quart Jar (or any size really)

Gauze

Googly eyes

Adhesive such as Mod Podge

Directions:

1.  Clean & dry jars thoroughly.

2.  Glue end of gauze to to top of jar (under rim).  

3.  Wrap gauze around jar up and down to give mummy criss cross pattern.

4.  Glue tail end to jar/gauze.

5.  Glue googly eyes to car.

That's it.  How easy was that and how CUTE are these?!  

Ribbon Board

In a Christmas swap, my friend Ann Marie made me this ribbon board.  It will look great with all of our cards tucked into it for the Holidays.  I have seen them at the store, but never thought to make my own. After looking at hers and THIS tutorial I found, it seems VERY simple and creative to make!  

Pillow Cases

First thought when you think of 50 Shades of Grey?  Yep, that was the theme of one swap I participated in.  For someone who has never read the books (but obviously knows what they are about), I had a hard time trying to come up with a craft.  My friend Tanya though knew EXACTLY what to make and then I felt like DUH, that is an awesome and obvious gift!

She made me two grey pillow cases since most of the book is spent between the sheets.  And now I want matching sheets!  I love the patterns she choose and how well they all go together.  I've never made a pillowcase but after seeing hers, I now want to tackle them.  They seem easy to make and are SUPER cute!  

Patriotic Canvas Picture

In a craft swap, I made my friend Angela this cute canvas print.  I originally saw the print on Pinterest but it was only a lame picture, not the actual printout.  It took me a few weeks to find the ACTUAL printout an when I did, I fell in love with it.  I love the simplicity of it and hope she did too!

Items Needed:
8x10 Canvas

Print out of desired picture. 

Modpodge & sponge brush

Modpodge SPRAY - clear acrylic sealer matt finish

Cutting Board

Directions:

1.  Print out desired picture.  If you like the photo I have above it can be found HERE.

2.  Cut photo to size of canvas.  

3.  Using a sponge brush, glue picture onto canvas.  You may want to turn canvas over and press out all air bubbles that may attempt to stick around.  You want ZERO air bubbles.

4.  Once glue is dry, then using the Modpodge spray adhesive spray on MULTIPLE coats. Allow each coat to thoroughly dry before applying another coat.  I have an inkjet printer.  So my ink smears when I try to brush on modpodge glue.  I learned that the spray on works amazingly well and does not make my ink run! I applied 5 thick coats.

Pledge of Allegiance

In a patriotic swap, I was given this gem by my fellow crafter Stephanie!  I love it!  I mean, what isn't there to love.  It's in the shape of a flag.  It's wood.  It's our pledge of allegiance, which sadly I think is going out of style and it's super patriotic! Plus it works for several holidays or even as all year decoration! Wanna make one too?  Follow the link to directions below.

The original idea came from HERE and if you love it as much as I do, then you will for sure want to whip up one for yourself!

Toilet Paper Art

In a craft swap, my friend Tanys made this for me.  Believe it or not, it's made out of TOILET PAPER ROLLS!  I've seen a few of these floating around on Pinterest, but that was long after she had made and sent me this amazing creation!  

Looking at it from a distance or even up close, you CANNOT tell it's out of toilet paper rolls.  It looks so authentic.  The only thing you need to really be warned about with them is that they are VERY FRAGILE!  So if end up making these, then put it up on the wall or somewhere where little (or big) hands can hurt it.  

I seriously can't tell you how much I love this and how many compliments we have gotten on ours!

If you are interested in making this, visit THIS blog for a tutorial.  It's SUPER time consuming, but oh so worth it in the end!

Sticks Card Game - A Rummy Card Game with a Twist

My friend Jenine made this game for me in a swap.  I had never heard of it and found it to be a fun game and great gift!  

This game would take some time to make yourself but would be well worth it.

Items Needed:

4 decks of face cards

42 tongue depressor sticks

Fabric bag or fabric to make your own (make sure you cannot see through it)

1 pen or marker

Directions which can be printed HERE

2 different colors of scrapbook paper

Modpodge

Computer & Printer

Scissors

Directions:

1.  Cover one side of each tongue depressor with one color of scrapbook paper - We'll say Brown.  Modpodge down.

2.  Cover the other side of the tongue depressor with scrapbook paper - We'll say Tan.  Modpodge down.

3.  Attach stick combinations to brown side of each tongue depressor.  Modpodge down.

4.  Cover each side of tongue depressor with an additional layer of modpodge.

5.  Sew bag if you did not purchase one already.

6.  Assemble all items in bag (include directions)

Christmas Countdown Muffin Tin Calendar

I started this craft a few years ago and finally just finished it.  I think it turned out amazing.

Have you heard of muffin tin calendars?  No?  Then Jump on board and make one for yourself.

Items Needed:

(1) Mini 24 count muffin tin

Scrapbook Paper

Embellishments

Vinyl lettering (purchased or made yourself)

Mini Magnets or a magnetic roll

Number stickers

Hole Punch

Glue Dots / Zots

Glue of your choice

Directions:

1.  Cut (24) 2" squares from solid card stock

2.  Cut (24) 1 3/4" squares from festive card stock 

3.  Attach the festive card stock to the solid card stock

4.  Add embellishments to each square using stickers, paper, ribbon, etc.

5.  Add number stickers to each square.

6.  Using mini magnets that you purchased attach four to each square (one on each corner).  

If you did not buy any, then you get to make your own (like me)!  Roll out your magnetic roll and using a single hole punch, punch out tiny magnets.  This will make the perfect size magnet.  Now GLUE your magnet to the paper.  The adhesive that comes with the magnet is not strong enough.

7.  Using pre-purchased vinyl or a cricut or silhouette attach the words Christmas Countdown to your muffin tin.  Mine were 3/4" tall as that is what fit best on my muffin tin.

8.  Now attach the squares to your muffin tin.

9.  When it comes time to use it, hide a note or treat in each hole for your children/spouse/friends to find.  Open one a day until Christmas!

Button Wreath

I love button art.  I love how subtle it is and how elegant it can be.  For a Christmas themed swap I made my girls button wreath.  Each one was slightly different but overall the same basic idea.  

Items Needed:

10" Canvas or 10" wooden board

Scrapbook Paper

Buttons

Adhesive or Glue of choice

Ribbon

Modpodge

Glue Dots / Zots

Directions:

1.  Cut scrapbook paper to fit canvas/board.  I chose to cover the edges of my board with paper as well.

2.  Modpodge paper to canvas/board and allow to dry.

3.  Using 3 different sizes of buttons, begin with a center circle.  Mine were 16 small buttons to create my center.  Glue them in a circle, center to your canvas/board.

4.  Once your inner circle is glued down, begin with the next size of button and go around the first button ring, gluing down all your buttons.

5.  Once you have two rows of buttons down, using your largest buttons, glue down your third row.

6.  With your ribbon, tie a bow to your preferred size.  

7.  Using Glue Dots/Zots attach bow to top button.  (I originally tried to glue the bow on but that did not work.)

Clipboards & Clips

For a home office swap, I made my girls each a decorated clipboard and fun clips.  Paper clips are so boring so why not use a cute clip to hold your papers together?

Items Needed:

Clipboard (any style wooden or plastic)

Scrapbook Paper

Modpodge

Ribbon

Embellishments

Fun Clips found at dollar store

Glue Dots / Zots

Directions for Clipboard:

1.  Cut scrapbook paper to fit clipboard up to clip.

2.  Modpodge the paper to the clipboard and let dry.

3.  Modpodge the top of the scrapbook paper and let it dry.

4.  Add embellishments to paper - words, ribbon, anything.

5.  Add various ribbons to the clip part of the clipboard.

Directions for Clips:

1.  Choose what items you want to decorate your clips with - buttons, flowers, ribbons etc.  Anything will work.

2.  Attach items to clips using Glue Dots or your preferred method.

3.  Tie with a double knot ribbon to clips.  

Candy Dish

I like to showcase all the things I've made or people have made for me.  This is a candy dish that a 11 year old made for me 8 years ago.  I have saved it and used it and moved it across the country.  To say I was touched that Chelsea thought to make me a special gift when we moved, would be an understatement.  I love it.  And though it's a bit dusty now, it is an amazing homemade craft!

Patriotic Mirror

In a patriotic swap, I received this amazing mirror.  The idea is so clever and so easy and it adds the perfect touch to my home!

Items Needed:

(1) Ikea Malma Mirror (or any wooden mirror)

Several sheets of patriotic themed scrapbook paper

Wood Stain & Brush

Scissors / paper cutter

Modpodge

Directions:

1.  Stain your wooden mirror in the color of your choice.

2.  Cut out snippets of scrapbook paper as seen above in squares or rectangles.

3.  Modpodge scrapbook paper squares & rectangles to your mirror spacing them as you see fit.

3.  Once dry, modpodge over the top of paper as well.

4.  Once the modpodge is dry, lightly stain edges of wood again for distressed accents.

Patriotic 2x4 Craft

My friend Casey made this for me in a swap.  I love how simple and yet amazing it is and it's even something I had pinned!  These directions are based on the one she sent me, though can be adapted to your specific preference. 

Items Needed:

 30" piece of 2x4 wood

Wooden Star

Red Paint

White Paint

Blue Paint

Wood Stain

Wired Ribbon

Directions:

1.  Cut 2x4 down into the following incriments:

(2) 7" Pieces

(4) 4" pieces

2.  Stain the blocks of wood (or skip this step and go to #3 - your choice)

3.  Paint the fronts only in alternating colors as shown above. (Though you could easily just paint the entire block)

4.  Attach star onto the blue wood block using the wood glue of your choice.

5.  Stack all the blocks - one on top of another laying flat with the blue block 

(and blank block behind it) standing up. 

6.  Tie wired ribbon around entire block set to keep them together.

Father's Day Banner

My friend Tanys made this for me for Father's Day in a swap.  It's individual ties that she cut using her Silhouette with the words happy father's day! written on it.  We are leaving ours up all month long to thoroughly enjoy it and will pull it out every single year to use again and again.  

Items Needed:

Silhouette (or a stencil)

Ribbon

Ink

Glue or tape of choice

Directions:

1.  Cut out (16) 8" ties using a solid card stock paper.  Measurement is from top of tie to tip of tie.

2.  Cut out (16) tie knots using fun scrapbook paper of your choice. (Technically it's a double tie knot as it's folded over the ribbon)

3.  Cut out (16) tie tail sections using scrapbook paper of your choice.

Note: The solid card stock ties were one piece, but the patterned card stock paper ties were cut into two sections.  The knot of the tie (which wraps around the ribbon) and the tail of the tie.

4.  Ink the edges of all the ties with a complimentary color.  She used brown.  This adds a that extra touch that softens the ties and makes them pop.

5.  Glue the knot and tail onto solid card stock paper making sure to wrap knot around ribbon before gluing/taping down.  Remember to leave a space between words.

6.  Cut out the letters happy father's day!

7.  Attach them to the ties as shown above using glue or tape.   

Wooden Block Picture

So this concept can be used for any photo.  I however LOVE LOVE LOVE this photo of Christ's hand making the sign of I love you and showing his nail print.  I think the message is so simple and so powerful that I can't help but continue to make these for everyone I know.  The best part is that they work for just about any holiday.  Christmas, Easter, Valentines etc.  I've made them in two versions.  The black with red ribbon and the gray with gray/silver ribbon.  

Items Needed:

2x8" board

5x7 Photo of choice

Sand Paper

Paint color of choice

Wired ribbon of choice

Glue Dots or Zots

Directions:

1.  Cut 2x8" board into 9" length pieces.

2.  Sand board edges as they will be rough.  Also sand out any rough spots in the wood.

3.  Paint the entire block using your paint color choice.  

4.  Once dry, if you choose (see left block) sand edges to give it a distressed look.  If you do this, ensure that you wipe the block very well before attaching photo.

5.  Using 5x7 photo of choice, put glue dots or Zots on the back along the edges of the photo and attach to wooden block.  If you want to use the same photo I did, then order it from the actual artist (Don't Steal!).  It can be ordered from Darin Ashby and will take a few days to arrive.

6. Attach wired ribbon to block to add an extra element to photo.   

Candle or Cookie Jar Wraps

My friend Jenine sent this to me during a craft swap and I thought it was PURE GENIUS!  These are wraps for large Jar candles like Yankee Candles or large mason jars that you would do cookies in a jar for gifts.  You simply wrap this around the jar and it covers the label and turns your candle from an advertising scheme into a cute addition to your home - or adds that extra festive touch to any mason jar treat! 

These are something that I will certainly be making for this Christmas and all the gifts we give out.  Simple, EASY and SUPER SUPER SUPER cute!

Items Needed:

 Fabrics of your choice

A sewing machine (or hand stitch)

SEW ON Velcro

Embellishments

Needle point floss

Directions:

1.  Cut large piece of fabric out to be 16 inches x 5 1/2 inches

2.  Cut short piece of fabric to be 4 inches x 3 inches

3.  Fold edges over 1/4 inch twice (on top of itself so you don't see actual edges) and iron down.  Once all four edges are folded and ironed, sew them together.

4.  Cut sew on velcro to be 3 inches long.

5.  Sew velcro onto fabric.  One piece (the soft side) is sewn onto the front LEFT of fabric.  Now flip the fabric over and sew the other piece (rough side) to the Back LEFT of fabric.  Velcro should be on opposite sides and opposite ends when done.

6.  Decide on what you want the wrap to say.  Then using needle point, stitch it into your small piece of fabric.  Add any embellishments at this time.

7.  Sew small piece of fabric onto Large piece of fabric centered.

Heart String Art

I saw this idea on Pinterest.  It looked easy enough and I just happened to have all the materials laying around the house.  So I whipped it up for a friend for Valentines!

Items Needed:

 Solid Wood Block (mine was a 8" piece of 2x8)

Sand Paper

Paint

Computer & Printer

Tape

Nails & Hammer

String (I used quilters thread as it's stronger and thicker than regular sewing thread)

Scissors

Directions:

 1.  Cut wood to desired size.

2. Sand rough edges and rough spots on wood until smooth.

3.  Paint wood desired color

4.  Using computer print a heart out using desired size.

5.  Tape 8 x 11 paper to wood block.  DO NOT CUT HEART OUT!

6.  Hammer using your paper heart as your stencil, nail through the paper and wood as many nails as you choose.  The number of nails you use will be based on how far spaced you want your nails.

7.  Once all your nails are in place, tear paper off of wooden block.

8.  Using your thread, tie a knot around your starting nail.  Any nail will work.  I used the bottom point of the heart.  Once your thread is tied and knotted to that nail, wind the thread around the nail next to it.  MAKE SURE YOU GO ALL THE WAY AROUND THE NAIL HEAD!  Once you've done that, continue to do them all.  Also remember to pull your thread tightly as you don't want limp thread.  You are creating a base outline for your heart.  Trust me, it looks better in the end this way. Once you get back to your starting nail, wrap your thread around it all the way again.  

9.  Now comes the fun.  Using your imagination, and any pattern or non pattern you want, begin to crisscross the thread over the heart.  Remember to wrap the thread all the way around each nail head pulling tightly after each wrap.   Do this as many times and in as many directions as you want until you get the desired look.

10.  Once you have the desired look, tie your thread around any nail as your ending point and knot it.  Double knot it.  Then cut the string as close to the nail head as possible without cutting any other threads.