Tutorial

No-Sew Flying Spaghetti Monster

Know what’s cuter than a cute dog? A cute dog dressed like spaghetti.

Yup. It’s happening!

Kiki’s dog Abraham is one of those dogs that never stops moving. I think it’s a terrier thing. Jumping, dancing, hugging, wiggling, kissing the mailman, barking orders at the squirrels. Weird thing – he likes wearing clothes. He doesn’t even like it when you take his collar off. I think this goes back to his time in a shelter when the only time a collar came out was when a human would come to take him for walks or give him attention. I think he associates wearing things as a public mark that says I BELONG.

Okay. That’s me projecting my Lady and the Tramp pseudo-psycology on my friend’s dog. But you know what? I know what I know. And I know Abraham loves clothes, especially the ones that make him look extra adorable.

I mean…

I’ll have to get my video camera out so you can see the spaghetti wiggle with him. It’s pretty spectacular. And the cool thing about this costume is that it was inexpensive and came together in under an hour. Sure, this is a dog costume, but there is no reason you couldn’t take this to human size. OR EVER BETTER: make one for doggy and human to wear together.

That’s not weird at all.

You’ll need…
-Red or White base coat or sweatshirt (Abe donated his old coat to the cause)
-Brown yarn
-White yarn (extra thick blanket yarn is nice)
-Hot glue
-Pom-pom maker (optional)

Have you ever used a pom-pom maker? I grew up making pom-pons and tassels the old-fashioned way (just wrap yarn around a small book or piece of cardboard) and they are great, but I saw a woman at a craft fair demonstrating how to use a pom-pom maker and I was stunned, stunned, how nice and round her pom-poms came out. These really do look like little meatballs.

I hot glued some rough spirals shaped to the coat, which is a red fleece base. If you are ever considering making a costume with this method I highly suggest pairing it worth polar fleece. It takes to hot glue like peanut butter to jelly. I don’t know why that is, but it is. Those two love each other!

After the white spaghetti yarn was down I attached a few brown pom-pons, and that was that. Look how cute it came out!

Abe is sending you and yours spaghetti wishes and meatball dreams for a very happy Halloween!

This post is made possible thanks to Michael’s. Join me and the other Michael’s makers in creating costumes for those we love!

An InLinkz Link-up

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DIY Dry Erase Board

by aunt peaches 10 Comments

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Office Depot, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #inspirestudents http://my-disclosur.es/OBsst

Some women are crazy about shoes; I’m all about the school supplies. Give me a pencil sharpener and a box of crayons and I’ll show you a happy girl!

Granted, I don’t have kids to send off to school, and it’s been a while since I have been in a classroom, but, I am in the middle of starting my own business. This means late nights, lots of paperwork, and a few emergency trips to Office Max. So what if I was looking for an external hard rive? Did you see the pen situation up in here?

Crazy pants.

Pro tip: If you spend more than $20 on any combination of PaperMate, Expo Neon Window Markers, Sharpie, Uni-Ball, or Mr. Sketch you get $5 off. Yal: that’s a lot of pens!

So I stocked up.

Now. I wanted to make a dry erase board to keep stuff in one spot without ten berjillion sticky notes. I find it easier to keep track of things when they are in compartmentalized spaces, so I decided to mark off four distinctive plots. The process could not be easier, all you need to do do is grab an old picture frame and paint the back of the glass. Bam!

Step 1: Remove glass from picture frame.

Step 2: Use white craft paint to create four distinct rectangles on the back of the glass. Allow to dry. You may want to consider a second coat if the white does not appear opaque.

Step 3: Fill in any gaps with splotches of colored paint. This can be done in one swoop or several stages.

Step 4: Flip glass over and put it back in the frame, smooth side out.

Step 5: Get going and make some lists. Some notes. Some stuff. Get down to business!

…Or not. You can also use it to draw out a storyboard of last night’s True Blood episode.

Just sayin’.

Thank you Office Max. Don’t miss weekly savings from (Aug 24-30): Select PaperMate Flair 4pk’s: $4, Sharpie 12CT Asst Fine & Ultra Fine Asst: $6, Sharpie Dozen Box Black Fine & Ultra Fine: $6.

Five Minute Tassel Necklaces

by aunt peaches 17 Comments

Ways in Which Tassels are Rad by Aunt Peaches.

Tassels are rad because of lots of the following reasons. Ahem:

1. Tassels look very cool.
2. Your cat will think they are toys.
3. Tassels make your outfit look ethnic and bohemian enough to be interesting, but not so ethnic and bohemian you look like you work at the Renaissance Faire.
4. Tassles are Pom-Pom’s big sister, so that’s pretty neat.
5. Tassels look good on doorknobs.
6. Tassels are easy to make. Even for kids. Or people who say they are “all thumbs.” Because people with hands full of thumbs deserve cute jewelry too.

The End.

….actually, not the end. Actually there is a lot more. This is a huge post. Keep going!
That thing took five minutes to make. No, really. Five.

This one took a bit longer. Maybe 20 minutes. Half an episode of True Blood. That means I got a cool necklace in half the time it took to kill a vampire. Epic winning.

When Blitsy contacted me about making something featuring their awesome craft supplies, I thought this one was a no-brainer. Literally, you don’t have to think about it. You just get some embroidery floss and go to town.

The secret here is the embroidery floss. You buy it in these teensy candy colored bundles. Or, if you are like me, you buy it in a not-so-teensy jumbo pack and supply yourself for a year of tassel making (listen, I don’t mess around. Christmas is coming and the tassel situation is about to get real).

I’m going to split the instructions on this depending of how custom you want to make it.
Let’s start with level one; a jumbo two tone tassel of goodness.

What do you need?
Two loops of embroidery floss and a plain bead necklace (salvaged from the back of your jewelry box, or make one custom), and your sharpest pair of scissors. Now let’s get started!

How do you make it?
Tie the two floss loops of floss together in the exact center. Fold over, then use the knot strings to attach it to the necklace with another knot. Bring those knot strings back into the rest of the floss, and use a new 6″ piece of floss to wrap around the entire bundle tightly. Tie a double knot, then trim off the bottom as long or as short as you see fit. Presto!

Here is another version in green. I cut it a little shorter to keep it nice and neat. It goes with everything. Jeans. Pajamas. Ballgowns. Hospital robes. Everything.

And here is a version using super small tassels attached to a ready made yellow necklace. I hadn’t worn that thing in ages, now I’v worn it twice this week. That’s the power of tassels!

Speaking of tiny tassels…want to make something a little more high end? No problem. It’s easy to make and you can get all the supplies from Blitsy.

What will you need?
Embroidery floss (one loop will make two small tassels), jewelry quality twine, large wooden beads, small metallic beads, O rings.

How do you make two tassels out of one loop of embroidery floss?
Thread a 6″ piece of floss to the middle of an O ring and tie in the center. Use the knot strings to poke through a loop of embroidery floss and tie at one end. Repeat this process at the other end of the floss loop. Use another 6″ piece of embroidery floss to tie off the bundle of thread 1/2 from the end. Repeat on the other side, then snip in the middle

How do you make a necklace?
Slide the following onto an 18″ length of jewelry quality twine (BB = Big Bead, SB = Small Bead, T=Tassel)

1 BB | 3 SB | 1 BB | 3 SB | 2BB | 1T| 2BB | 1T| 2BB | 1T| 2BB | 1T| 2BB | 3SB | 1BB | 3SB | 1BB

…then fill up the reminder of your strand with small beads and tie a secure knot. This is why I like making jewelry with twine – simple knots. No need to worry about fasteners or findings. Only thing you have to be careful about is that the hole in your small beads is large enough to thread twine. I’m crazy about the contrast between small metallic beads and big chunky wooden beads, but you can do all sorts of nifty things with just about any combination.

I’m thinking about revisiting this project with a whole hodgepodge of beads and tassel of varying sizes (stay tuned!) but I like the look of this one, especially paired next to a bold pattern fabric. Very Anthropologie.

This post is sponsored by Blitsy, an awesome source for online jewelry making materials, as well a host of other craft supplies at discount prices (seriously y’all, they have some good deals). Drop by their website, or connect with them online: Facebook and Pinterest and Twitter.

Thanks, Blitsy!

DIY Paint Chip Statement Art

by aunt peaches 3 Comments

Raise your hand if you can’t cross a hardware store without picking up a paint chip.

I see you.

After years of letting them pile up in a baggie, I decided it was time to break them out and make some art. I have done something similar a few times in the past, but never had a chance to photograph it step-by-step.

Until now…

Today you can see the full tutorial over at QueenLatifah.com! Hop on over and check it out.

Many thanks to my pals John and Noeleen for offering their living room for this project. It’s great to have friends with blank wall space and an open mind 🙂

School Supply Makeover with Tape

by aunt peaches 12 Comments

Hot and bothered, August is known as the only month without holidays. What’s up with that?

As a kid that bugged me. Could they not come up with a holiday for August? Were they waiting for someone to die so they could be commemorated? Why would there be no big hoopla August holiday? As an adult, I’m over it. But, when you think of it, there are more important things to celebrate in August than any other month of the year. For example:

–Left Handers Day
–National Middle Child Day
-Davy Crocket’s birthday
–National Rootbeer Float Day
-The 147th anniversary of Thomas Edison’s patent for his Kinetoscope
– Prime time television no longer sucks
– Back to school supplies are dirt cheap

Yeah, baby! August has a lot to celebrate.

As part of Michaels Makers back to school challenge, I decided to make over my school supplies using some awesome tapes with nifty colors and patterns. Because, honestly, even if I have long out-grown my Lisa Frank Trapper Keeper (YOU GUYS – IT WAS SO COOL!)…I am still using binders and notebooks on a daily basis. Why should they not be decked out and snazzed up? Who says adults have to miss out on the fun?

A couple weeks ago I bought a bunch of duck tape to make this desktop organizer using old cereal boxes (FYI: it came out pretty rad) and I have been on a tape kick ever since. You will find all sorts of tapes at Michael’s big honking duct tape in crazy patterns, colored masking tape, as well as tiny little rolls of washi tape. Mix them altogether and pair with your favorite school supply, you are ready to rock and roll!

Binders are super easy…

The edges can get a bit ragged so I cover them up with a single vertical line of gold tape on the inside. It lends a special touch and will increase durability for years to come.

If I was still in school, that inside flap is probably where I would tape down my class schedule. As I am not in school, this is where I would insert coupons for unglamorous things like mouthwash and tampons. So beat that, Lisa Frank!

And this is where I keep my pencils. All you need is a plastic baggie with a slide lock closure.

Tip: Getting the tape to stick to the bag nicely is much easier when you lay it on a flat surface.
Another Tip: You can add a 1″ flap of of heavy duty tape to the bottom of the bag, then punch three holes in it and keep it in your binder. COLOR ME NIFTY!

I’m not sure what this is for but I made it out of the cardboard tube leftover after I finished off a roll of tape. Recyclin’. Haayy.

Are you looking for more tricked out school supplies? Check out Michaels’ Back to School Pinterest Boardto find project ideas to kick the year off in style!

Check out these creative ideas from some of the other Michael’s Makers.

An InLinkz Link-up

Back to School Homework Caddy

by aunt peaches 36 Comments

Well folks, it’s that time of year again: Polish your apples and sharpen your pencils. It’s time to get ready to go back to school!*

* Whoa. Did you hear the collective sigh of relieved parents all across the internet? Me too!

When I was coming up, the best part of back to school shopping was going to store to pick up school supplies. Pens, pencils, two-pocket folders, maybe even a Trapper Keeper. Remember those? Nowadays kids to everything on their fancy electrogizmos, but let me tell you, a childhood without a Trapper Keeper isn’t a real childhood.

But I digress. School supplies are still in demand and now is the time of year when an influx of papers, notebooks, textbooks and office supplies start parading across kitchen tables. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a spot to coral all that stuff together and out of the way? And wouldn’t it be nice if the kids could make it themselves? And it would look cool? Thought so.

To get inspired for this school year, I’m working with Michaels to help teachers and parents create DIY projects that will keep young students on track. Michael’s is calling this their #Create2Educate campaign, and you can join in the fun. Details to follow below, but for now let’s take a look at how easy these are to make.

MATERIALS

3-5 Empty cardboard cartons (leftover cereal, pasta, and granola bar boxes seem to work just great)
Duck Tape (have you seen the colors and patterns this stuff comes in these days?)
Scissors
Cardboard tubes (optional)
Let’s get started…

INSTRUCTIONS

Place your cardboard cartons side by side then tape the bottoms together. For this first step, you may find it helpful to employ a second pair of hands (one person to hold, one person to tape).
Trim the tops of the boxes off to the desired heights.
Keep wrapping the tape over and around the surface of the boxes and just inside the rim. You may wish to use a credit card or the back of a spoon to make sure the tape gets into every corner.
To convert the front pocket into a marker caddy, insert a few empty cardboard tubes trimmed to size. They will keep pens and pencils standing upright and accessible!

TIPS

Here I worked in stripes, but you may find it easier to work in an abstract ‘paper-mache’ style.
Surface wrinkles are part of the fun, but you will find them easy to disguise by choosing a patterned duck tape.

I just know you crafty peoples (and your kiddos) have a million great ideas up your sleeve. So get out there and show of them skillz. It’s back to school!

Successful Tie Dye – a first!

by aunt peaches 7 Comments

Remember a year ago when I attempted to reverse bleach die my curtains dark blue and everything tasted like pool water for days? Yeah. This is not that.

Remember when I tried to tie dye my bedspread shibori inky dark blue and it came out looking like Finding Nemo blue? Yeah. This is not that either.

This is the first, best, and easily the most successful venture into tie dye I have ever had. Check it!

Boom. Now that’s what I call a duvet. It’s rad and bohemian and interesting and earthy…and yet totally does not look like I’m living as a Phish roadie. (although, no judgements on that front).

Even my cat loves it, and she doesn’t like anything.

Now that’s it’s been recommended by Lola, you need to go check it out for yourself. Head on over to ILoveToCreate!

Burlap Canvas Jewelry Organizer

by aunt peaches 5 Comments

Something about burlap makes me want to wear rhinestones.

That’s probably pretty odd considering burlap is intended as something to hedge a garden or transport potatoes, but who am I to fight a winning combo? Sometimes opposites attract. It’s a good thing. Okay, it’s not always a good thing (remember when Lance Armstrong was dating an Olsen twin and everyone was all I AM NOT OKAY WITH THIS, MICHELLE TANNER)…yeah not like that. This is more like pretzels and ice cream. Stripes and florals. Contrast. In this case, the contrast between the scratchy burlap and the sparkly jewelry is a winner.

Burlap + Sparklies 4EVUR!

This project is brought to you courtesy of Michael’s Raw Bar, a new line of products made of materials inspired by nature; burlap, cork, chalk board, wood, metal and canvas. Rough surfaces that make a great base layer for all sorts of craft projects. Raw products will officially launch in Michael’s stores August 8.

Part of the Raw line is a selection of burlap canvases in a variety of sizes, everything from teeny tiny to extra large. Part of me wants to buy ten of them and grid them up as a headboard, but for now I’ll keep it small and dainty. A dainty place to hang my sparkles.

Want to make one for yourself? Let’s go!

The What

Burlap Canvas (available from Michael’s August 8, 2014)
Ribbon
Fabric Glue (this one is my favorite)
Cuphooks

The How

Hooks: Adding cuphooks is easy because the wood is fairly soft, so I didn’t even need starter holes. I just set the point of the screw on spot then hit the back of the hook with a hammer to get it going, then twist, twist, twist, Bam. Repeat. You could add hooks or nails along the upper edges of the canvas for bracelets, too, if you like.

Ribbon Edging: You know that single yard of amazing grosgrain ribbon you have been hoarding on a spool in a drawer for 3 years? Yeah. That one. Get it out and glue it to the edge of this frame. Now it will be on display year round where you can appreciate it every day. I recommend fabric glue instead of hot glue for this project, as hot glue will eventually dry out when used on super porous surfaces (like burlap), and it can get lumpy and make the ribbon not look so cute. Doesn’t your ribbon deserve to be cute?

Now just add jewelry until your heart is content. Again, the great thing about the burlap is the weave — it’s loose enough that it’s perfect for hanging dangly earrings (no starter holes required) but tight enough to hold on to a hefty brooch. The wooden frame is impressively thick, so not only can you add a few cuphooks, you can hang some seriously heavy necklaces.

Note my homemade flamingo earrings courtesy of my pal Michelle. Can you guess what they are made from?

Now that I’ve got you all hopped up on making stuff with scratchy textures, check out what other sorts of niftiness the other Michael’s Makers are doing with items from Michael’s Raw bar…

An InLinkz Link-up

PS: Click here and get 25% off your entire purchase from Michaels (including sale items) with code SALE25A. Free shipping on orders over $50. Y’all. That’s a lot of ribbon.

Yarn Tassel Knob Bobbles

by PEACHES 22 Comments

My recent yarn kick turned into a tassel kick which has now turned into a knob bobble kick. Now I want all of my door knobs to have jewelry. Yarn jewelry. Also, I’m sorta tired of wreaths and stuff so I’m thinking knob bobbles are a home trend I can get behind. Also, it’s fun to say – knob bobbles. Sounds like pirate speak. Arrr me hearties, hard to starboard and yarn tassel me knob bobbles.

Sorry guys, that’s probably porn speak for something I don’t know about.

I’m guessing everyone learned to make yarn tassle bookmarks for Mother’s Day as a kid, amiright? Some of us even took it a step farther and learned to make yarn dolls (overachievers!) but for those who need a refresher, here it is.

Pro tip: Things get much more exciting when you mix yarn with twine and string and such.

So that’s it. You just wind the yarn around the book about 50 times, tie it off, snip it in half, and bam – TWO tassels. You will feel so accomplished you’ll want to make a bunch more.

…and that’s good because if you make a few, you can tie them on to an old bracelet, wrap some more yearn around the bracelet, and make yourself a knob bobble.

…Or not. Leave your knobs naked. See if I care. You just see.

Or you can tie off solo tassels on odd knobs around the house.

Like this.

And this one looks like one of the objects that turned into French people in Beauty and the Beast.

Ouuuu. Fancy!

Warning: these are addictive.

They are great no-thinking-required craft to make while watching a movie or on long car trips. My plan is to let the tassels pile up for a few months then makes them into to knob bobbles for Christmas — a nifty little gift on its own, or tied onto the front of a package. Obviously, I see jungle bells in the mix. Stay tunned!

Mrs. Roper’s Revenge

by aunt peaches 9 Comments

My 1970’s kick continues. First it was Mrs. Roper’s kaftans, now it’s her decor.

I don’t know about you, but woven wall hangings were all the rage when it was a kid. It was awesome. Somewhere along the line they went out of fashion and up until recently you’d find them dime-a-dozen at thrift stores. Now they are hot again and Mrs. Roper has her revenge!

For those of us who were not smart enough to see this cyclical resurrection coming, we must make our own wall hangings. I’m not exactly a macrame expert, so I rely on white cotton yarn and a whole lot of little jars of dye to generate results.

The bad news is my house is now overflowing with excess bundles of custom dyed yarn. The good news is, for about $10 and precious little effort, you can make your own nifty wall hanging. Catch my tutorial over on Ilovetocreate.com!

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