DIY Mountain Bracelet

Posted in DIY Jewelry by Make Something Mondays

It’s been an interesting few weeks for everyone, hasn’t it? Coronavirus is changing the way we live and I want to acknowledge that, but I don’t want to focus on negative things. I hope you are all safe and healthy at home and are doing your best to entertain yourselves. My craft this week is to keep you positive.

I’ve made a mountain bracelet to remind myself of the things that make me happy. In this case, that’s hiking, camping, being outdoors, etc. I plan to wear it every day to keep my spirits high.

You don’t need many supplies and it takes about 15 minutes to craft.

You can get the supply list below.

Mountain bracelet supplies

My content contains affiliate links to products I use and love. If you take action (purchase, subscribe) after clicking the links, I get some crafting money which helps me continue to write awesome tutorials for you! This costs you nothing but enables you to support my work.

Step 1: create the bracelet band

Cut two pieces of embroidery thread. When folded in half, each piece should be able to wrap the whole way around your wrist.

If you feel these are too long, you can cut them down later. It’s better to have more slack at first.

Step 2: string the embroidery thread through the charm

Slide the thread through the mountain charm and tie a knot right beside it like in the image above.

Step 3: tie knots at the ends of the bracelet

At the end of the bracelet bands, tie a knot. This keep the bands from sliding through the closure we’ll add in the next step.

Keep the bands in this position (in the image) for the next step.

Step 4: create the closure

Find the intersection of the bands and create a closure around them.

Cut another piece of embroidery thread about 6″ long and use a series of square knots (about 5) to create a closure.

If you’re not sure how to make a square knot, watch this video.

When you’re finished, test pulling the bands back and forth through the closure. You should easily be able to loosen and tighten the bracelet. All good? Great.

This is completely optional, but it’s beneficial to super glue the knots to make sure they don’t come apart.

When you’re finished, you should have something that looks like this.

This is a great craft to make on your own, with your kids, with friends, etc. You could even make this on a virtual craft chat!

I’d love to get your thoughts! Leave them in the comments.

Happy crafting!

24Feb2020

DIY Storage Bin from a Cardboard Box

Posted in Upcycled Crafts by Make Something Mondays

I’m a big fan of upcycling, so I’ve written this post to help you turn your old cardboard boxes into beautiful storage bins!

I often wonder why people go buy boxes for storage when they probably have some waiting to be recycled. I guess it’s a matter of convenience, but I’m pretty sure I made 2 storage bins before I could’ve made it back from the store.

No joke. It took me about 10 minutes to finish these boxes. You only need a few supplies to get started and you probably have most of them already. If not, I have links to all of the supplies I used below.

supplies to make cardboard box storage bins

DIY Storage Bin Supplies

Step 1: cut the flaps off of the cardboard box

Using your box cutter, slice the closing tabs (what do you actually call those?) off of the box and set them aside.

TIP: You can use these as separators inside of the box for extra organization. Cover them in contact paper too!

Step 2: measure and cut the contact paper

Set your box at the edge of the contact paper to measure how much you will need. The best part is that the back of the contact paper contains gridlines so you don’t even need a ruler!

Cut on the right lines.

Once you determine how tall the box is, you can cut the contact paper to that height and just use one long strip to cover the whole box. It’s much faster than cutting 4 pieces to fit each side. You can always cut down the paper where the top of the box is uneven.

cardboard box covered in gray herringbone contact paper

Step 3: apply the contact paper

Apply your contact paper to all 4 sides of the cardboard box. Press down firmly and continue to smooth it as you go.

The upside of using contact paper is that it’s sticky but not uncomfortably so. When you peel the back off and apply the paper, you can lift and reapply if it’s not perfectly straight the first time, so don’t stress about perfection. 🙂

When you’re finished, you’ll have a beautiful new storage bin. AAAAANNNNDDD you can feel good about upcycling at the same time!

Have you tried this before? Would you try it? Have you tried a different method? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave them in the comments below.

3Feb2020

How to Remove Labels from Glass Jars

Posted in Upcycled Crafts by Make Something Mondays

A few days ago, I asked my Instagram followers what kinds of crafts they wanted to see in the next few months. Nearly everyone who responded wanted to learn how to make crafts that would help them organize their home, car, or life in general. I thought we would start with the basics: containers.

Glass jars are the perfect tool to organize with because you don’t have to pay extra for them. You get them when you buy pasta, pickles, salsa, and a ton of other products. All you have to do is remove the label, clean, and reuse them.

Most people toss them in the recycling and move on with their day. I’m not against recycling, but glass lasts forever! It would take nearly a million years to decompose if it was thrown out. By doing that, you’re missing out on an organizational opportunity. If you buy containers to organize, you can spend a lot, especially when it comes to your kitchen. You could just save your jars, clean them and use them to store food.

Most people think it’s too time-consuming, but I promise it isn’t. Give yourself 10 minutes of active cleaning and you can clean a dozen jars. There’s some waiting time, but you can go do other things.

Grab the supplies and follow the steps below to save some money organizing your kitchen.

Supplies needed to clean glass jars

Used jars
Goo Gone
Dish soap and water
Stainless steel scouring pad

You’ll want to do this in your kitchen sink so plan accordingly.

Step 1: spray your labels with Goo Gone

I always try to peel the label off first. Sometimes they’re easy to remove, but if not, continue with the steps below.

Place your jars on a surface you don’t care about. I like to use cardboard so I don’t have to clean up my kitchen counter when I’m done.

Then, spray your labels with Goo Gone and let them sit for 2 or 3 minutes.

While you wait, fill your sink with hot water and add dish soap. You’ll want to fill it so that the jars can be completely submerged.

remove glass jar labels with stainless steel Scouring Pad — Before

Step 2: scrub away the jar’s label

Using your stainless steel scouring pad, scrub away the label. This won’t take long. This process will work on paper labels and on the sticky residue leftover from other types of labels.

As you can see in the images above, this method works well!

Rinse the jar when you’re finished.

Step 3: soak the jars in hot soapy water

Let your jars soak in the sink for 20 minutes to clean them out and make sure they’re ready to use.

Set them in a dish drainer to dry.

TIP: If you’re keeping the jars in storage before putting anything in them, make sure you keep the lids off of them to air out.

Step 4: use your jars as storage

All you have left to do is fill up your jars! I like to use mine for nuts, coconut, baking ingredients, granola, parmesan cheese, and so much more!

But you don’t have to use them in the kitchen only. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

DIY Decor: Bathroom Storage Jars

Keep these in your bathroom and store Q-tips, cotton balls, or even homemade lotion.

DIY Kitchen Labels for Better Organization

If you choose to use your jars in the kitchen, you might want to add some labels. Large jars are perfect for baking ingredients!

DIY Customized Coffee Jar

These are perfect for storing coffee or tea! You can even decorate your jar and give it as a gift!

DIY Cookie Mason Jar Gift

Speaking of gifts, you can use your jars to share food with other people too! The large make the perfect cookie jar!

Craft Room Organization

Washi Tape and Match storage jars — Washi Tape storage

Use your jars to organize your craft space or office. I enjoy using them for ribbon, buttons, decorative tape, and other supplies that are helpful to see clearly.

DIY Valentine’s Day Themed Mason Jar Hot Chocolate Gift

Store powdered hot chocolate or add a decorative ribbon and give it as a gift!

27Jan2020

DIY Planner Dashboard From A Tissue Box

Posted in Upcycled Crafts by Make Something Mondays

I love making dashboards for my planner! You can buy them, but designing your own is way more fun. To make one, all you need is a tissue box, glue and some scrapbook paper.

For those of you who are unfamiliar, a planner dashboard is used as a divider that is typically made of plastic or cardboard. Some people use them to store post-its, some are used as a storage folder (which I’ve also DIYed if you’re interested), others use them as a place to keep their checklists.

I like many of these options, but right now, I need something to segment pages, much like a bookmark. I’ve tried page corner bookmarks and paperclip bookmarks to keep my place, but I open it and shuffle through the pags too often and they keep falling off or damaging the pages. I need something that’s easier to move around like a dashboard.

Of course, I didn’t want to buy one, so I made my own and I’ll show you how I did it below. Keep reading!

Planner dashboard supplies

glue
ruler
pencil
scissors
tissue box
hole punch (in my case a Happy Planner Punch)
scrapbook paper
your planner for measurements

Step 1: cut apart your tissue box

Disassemble your tissue box and cut off the long edges on the sides. You could use the bottom too, if you want a larger dashboard.

Step 2: determine the size of your dashboard tab

I wanted my dashboard to have a tab so I can find my place faster. I decided how tall it should be and measured and cut for that space.

Step 3: measure the scrapbook paper to fit your dashboard

Trace your dashboard base (from the previous step) onto the scrapbook paper.

Then cut out the shapes.

Step 4: decorate your planner dashboard

Glue the scrapbook paper cut outs onto the front and back of your dashboard to add some flair!

I really like this yellow and blue scrapbook paper. It’s such a fun, modern design that matches my planner perfectly.

Let the glue dry.

At this point, you could laminate the dashboard if you want. This enables you to write and erase or just protect the paper.

Step 5: hole punch the dashboard to fit in your planner

Hole punch the dashboard and put it wherever you want in your planner!

Depending on the type of planner you have, you might need a specific kind of hole punch. Mine requires one for a disc bound planner. I don’t have the right kind of hole punch so I cheat a little bit.

In the image above, you’ll notice that I’ve used another page in my planner to mark where the holes should go. Then I took a regular hole punch (single) and punched a hole over each mark. Then I used my scissors to cut a slit up to the hole so it will fit around the discs.

When you’re finished, you’ll have something like this!

I’m loving my new dashboard. I can find my place much faster and it keeps my pages from getting ripped up from.

Eventually, I’m planning to design dashboards with motivational says and images you can colors to add some individuality. I’ll post a link to that when I do.

In the meantime, I’d love to get your thoughts on this process. Have you made your own dashboards? If so please share your pictures on social media using #MakeSomethingMondays!

14Jan2020

DIY Beginner’s Planter

Posted in Upcycled Crafts by Make Something Mondays

If you’re new to growing plants, this easy DIY project will definitely help you get started!

A few years ago, I got really excited about growing plants like herbs, vegetables, etc. Stuff I could use in the kitchen. But, I learned very quickly that I’m bad at it because I didn’t know how much water my plants needed.

I followed the advice of friends and started with a mint plant. “You can’t kill mint” they said. Well, I killed 3 of them before I figured out how to properly water them. If I had known about this draining option, I would’ve been enjoying herbs in my food and drinks much faster!

All you need is a plastic bottle so this is great opportunity to upcycle! When you’re finished with your orange juice or soda, hang onto the bottle and use it for your very own beginning planter! Follow the steps below to make your own.

Self-watering planter supplies

scissors
hammer
potting soil
screwdriver or nail
use plastic container

Step 1: cut off the top of your container

Cut off the top 1/3 of your container. Make sure the part the tapers inward is all on the top. You can see how it will be used in the image below.

Step 2: create the self-draining container

Flip the top section of the container upside down and place it in the bottom section.

Now, fill it with soil.

Step 3: plant your seeds

Stick a finger into the soil to create a space for your seeds or plant.

Now you can place the seed inside and cover it up. If you’re planting more than one, make sure you check how far apart and how deep they should be planted. Full disclosure, I’m kind of bad at that part.

I’m planting garlic from bulbs, not seeds, and I know that they need to be planted about a thumb-size deep and need to be about 4″ apart. After I took this picture, I decided to move one of the bulbs because I didn’t think they would be both get enough nutrients.

When you’re finished, you should have something that looks like this.

Now you can water your plant. The water will fall into the bottom of the container and you won’t have to worry about overwatering your plant. But pay close attention to how much water your plant needs. Once you have a good idea of how much to use, you can transfer your plant to another pot and plant something new in this one.

I’d love to hear your thoughts so leave them in the comments.

6Jan2020

DIY Candle Holder From Alcohol Bottles

Posted in Upcycled Crafts by Make Something Mondays

Did you know you can repurpose your old alcohol bottles as candlestick holders? It looks classy and vintag-y all at the same time. I love it!

Save your wine, whiskey, beer, and vodka bottles. You don’t even have to take the label off. It’s a nice way to upcycle glass since it generally takes longer for them to get recycled anyway. If you could reuse them, why not? Especially if you’re adding some oomph to your living room, man cave, patio, or wherever.

There’s actually a cute Italian restaurant in my hometown that uses their old wine bottles to make these, which is where I got the idea. I’ve always loved that they place a bottle at each table to give it a romantic element.

Want to make your own? Grab the supplies and follow the steps below.

Candlestick holder supplies

scissors
candlesticks
alcohol bottles

Note: Larceny bottles don’t work for this craft. I found that out after taking the supplies picture. However, most wine, whiskey, and beer bottles will work.

Step 1: size your candlesticks

Adding the candlesticks to the bottle as is can be a bad idea. It makes the bottle topheavy and it can topple over.

I recommend breaking or cutting your candles to keep them from extending too high above the bottle top.

I like to stick the candlestick in upside down (wick inside the bottle) to see which point on the candlestick is thick enough for it to fit in the bottle opening. Then, I break it a bit lower than that area.

You can also use scissors or a knife to shape the top of the candle if you had to break it toward the bottom and can’t use the original top.

So break your candlestick and wedge it into the bottle opening.

diy candlestick holder from alcohol bottles

Step 2: light the candle

Yep, it’s that easy. when your candle is secure in the bottle and you’re sure it won’t fall out, go ahead and light it.

Wax will drip down the side of the bottle and possibly onto the surface it’s sitting on, so I recommend setting them on a plate or some other base to catch the wax.

You know, these would be great for events like weddings or banquets. They make beautiful centerpieces!

I’d love to get your thoughts! Have you tried this before? If you made one, where would you put it?

Happy crafting!

30Dec2019

DIY Beaded Bookmarks

Posted in Craft Ideas by Make Something Mondays

One reason I love the holidays is because I (sometimes) get downtime. I don’t do anything crazy with it, but I like to read when I’m able to.

Recently, I’ve started reading physical books instead of using my Kindle. Don’t get me wrong, an e-reader is great, but when you spend 10 hours a day looking at a screen you might want to give your eyeballs a break. I’m in that camp right now. Because I haven’t read a physical book in a while I didn’t have any bookmarks so, of course, I made some.

What’s great about these DIY bookmarks is that you can make them quickly and it’s a fun project to do with the little ones. Just make sure they don’t eat the beads.

Want to make your own? Grab the supplies and follow the steps below.

Beaded bookmark supplies

scissors
ribbon/rope
beads and/or charms

Step 1: add your beads to the rope

When you choose a sequence of beads your like, slide the onto the rope or jute and tie a knot at the end.

You might also want to tie another knot above the beads to make sure they don’t slide around. I ended up adding one after making these.

Step 2: add beads to the other end of the rope

I made my bookmark long so it would work with books of many sizes (. Cut yours to whatever size you like best.

Add a charm or more beads to the other end of the rope.

Follow the same process: tie a knot at the end to keep it from sliding off.

You’re done! Yeah, it’s that easy. Choosing the beads and charms is the hardest part. 🙂

I’d love to see your bookmarks! If you post pictures on social media use the hashtag #MakeSomethingMondays to share them with me.

Leave your feedback in the comments!

Happy crafting!

Want more bookmark tutorials?

Try these!

Magnetic Bookmarks

Page Corner Boomarks

Watercolor Bookmarks

23Dec2019

Free Printable Gift Card Holder Template

Posted in Gifts by Make Something Mondays

Every year, there are a handful of people that tell me they want gift cards for Christmas. I love that because it ensures they get something they’ll use.

The problem, for me, is that it’s too easy and I feel like I don’t put enough effort into it. These are people I love! I want to put some thought into their presents. So, I like to make my own gift card holders.

This year, there were quite a few people that wanted gift cards, so I got to work on those way more adorable envelopes.

I wasn’t feeling particularly festive though. Possibly because everything is red and green right now. I just wasn’t feeling it so, I used patterns typically not associated with the holidays. BUT if you’re still feeling festive, I have a link to some really cute Christmas scrapbook paper in the supply list.

If you want to make your own, grab the supplies and follow the steps below!

Gift card holder supplies

pencil/pen
scrapbook paper
scissors
utility knife
gift card holder template (click to download it)

Step 1: Download the gift card template

Download the template from the supply list above. I’ve put two templates per page so you can print it directly onto your scrapbook paper. I promise it saves a lot of time.

Remember to put your scrapbook paper design side up into the printer so it will print the template (or the blank side).

Cut out the template.

If for some reason you can’t print directly to the scrapbook paper, you can print the template, cut it out, and trace it onto the scrapbook paper.

Step 2: score the folds and add the slits

Using your utility knife, lightly score the fold lines. Remember to do this on the side with the design. It will make the folded edges look cleaner.

Then, cut the slit lines for the gift card.

If you want, you can ad slits for the envelope flap. Otherwise, I like to put a festive To and From sticker over it the hold everything together.

Give them a try and let me know what you think! Leave your feedback in the comments.

———

Below are a few other templates for you to try!

Standard gift card envelope

Stand-up gift card holder

Gift card envelope without closure

16Dec2019

Free Printable Christmas Gift Tags

Posted in Christmas by Make Something Mondays

How many gifts do you think you give every year for Christmas or around the holidays?

According to Investopedia, industry experts expect the average American to spend $920 per person on holiday gifts in 2019. That’s a lot of gift-giving!

Of course, everyone wants their presentation to be beautiful, right? So you’ll want some festive wrapping paper/gift bags and gift tags to make it sparkle! I’m here to help with that.

Instead of giving you a tutorial this week, I’m giving you free printable gift tags for the holidays! This are fun designs that you can print on any printer in color.

Get instructions for downloading the gift tags below.

Step 1: Open the gift tags in a new tab

Right click on the image above. and click Open image in new tab

Step 2: print the gift tags

Click File in the upper left corner and select Print from the dropdown menu.

Step 3: choose your print settings

For Layout, choose Portrait
For Size, choose Letter (8.5×11″)
For Scale, choose 100%

Double check your print settings to make sure it looks ok. You might need to adjust the scale a bit depending on how big you want the gift tags to be.

I’d love to see how you use these! I can always appreciate some homemade wrapping paper or gift bags. Be sure to share them with me on Instagram or Twitter. I can’t wait to see your creativity.

Happy wrapping! 🙂

9Dec2019

DIY Christmas Ornaments from Paper

Posted in Christmas by Make Something Mondays

Decorating your home around Christmas can get expensive. In fact, the average American spends $61 on holiday Decor. If you think about it, you buy a tree, tinsel, ornaments, wreaths, wall decor and even doormats. It all adds up.

But, you don’t have to buy your festive decorations from a store. You can make your own! (C’mon, you knew I was going to say that.) Use your crafting skills and plan time with friends and family and make decorations that everyone will enjoy.

These Christmas ornaments were made from scrapbook paper. You could use any kind of paper though. Newspaper, printer paper, coloring pages. They will all be beautiful.

Follow the steps below to make your own.