Upcycled Bangle Tutorial

Hello Fabulous readers! So,  about a week and a half ago I guest posted over at the amazing Desirous of Everything blog. I did a nifty little up-cycled bangle tutorial, which you should absolutely check out when you have a chance! In the midst of the move my pre-scheduled post didn't post...my blogger was having MAJOR issues during that week. Anyhoo-zees, you can check it out here: Desirous of Everything

Thrifty Mama: DIY Upcycled Headband

Hello lovely readers! In the midst of packing I had a spark of creativity (I think it was due to going through all of my stash fabrics!) and thus this little upcycled headband and tutorial were born. 

What You Need:

One Headband (Out of style, ugly, too big, etc)

Left-Over Fabric (I used some vintage silk)

Glue Dots

Scissors

 Start by cutting a 1" strip of your fabric about 3 feet long.

Place one Glue Dot on the inside tip of your headband. Press the end of your fabric into the Glue Dot as show above.

Place a Glue Dot on top of the folded fabric. Fold in both sides of the fabric. Use another Glue Dot to secure if necessary.

Wrap your fabric around your headband. Overlap at least 1/4 inch  on each wrap and pull tightly. 

Fold in the sides and place a Glue Dot to secure the end. 

Wear with style!

Have you upcycled anything lately?

{Guest Post} Make an Owl Family

Hello friends! Today I am honored to share with you an amazingly fun tutorial from the lovely Jo of My Pangaloon. She is going to show you how to create your very own owl family from toilet paper rolls!

In Jo's Words:

Here is a quick and super fun craft activity to do with your little ones. It is suitable for any age, and can be made more challenging depending on the age of your child.

you will need;

 Here goes

1. pinch the top of the toilet roll together, then gentle push down into a curved shape. It is self securing, but add tape or glue if you want to.

2. Let the kids lose with the paint. Allow to dry completely

3. Cut out some feather for the little ones, and some beaks ( not shown here, but I used yellow felt) and glue on.

4. Encourage your child to pick out their own buttons for the owl's eyes. My three year old enjoyed this the most. Add a big dollop of pva glue. Sit them out in the sun to dry.

My 5 year old and I made a few fabric covered toilet rolls, which added a whole new look. You could add sequines, and ribbons too. It's really up the the child.

Havre fun

Toddler Craft Project {Egg Carton Painting}

A little more than just the carton was painted

The afternoons have been filled with arts and crafts projects for us lately. Providing little fingers with many opportunities to explore and imagine, while allowing those bigger mama hands to get a few things accomplished themselves (like writing this post!)

Recently the paints made their way to the creativity table again. This time instead of paper we painted on card board egg cartons! There is something enticing about painting on a non-flat surface. My wee one enjoyed moving his paint brush through the rivets and dips of the carton.

Our intention is to turn this little project into a birthday gift for dadda. So far, the wee one has done his part, now if only the mama could find some time to finish it off!

What have you been doing to keep little hands busy lately?

{Guest Post} Frugal Scapbook Decorative Box Tutorial

Today I'm so happy to share something special with all of you, a guest post! Paige and I met through Etsy, and she's here today to share her frugal crafty side with you. Prepare to be impressed:

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Hello!  I'm Paige from Final Clothes-Out, and a big thanks to Julia for inviting me to post here today. My blog is all about saving money when you shop--and a big part of that is knowing when to just make something yourself.  Today I have an easy tutorial for revamping an old box using scrapbook or wrapping paper.

You will need:
a box
scrapbook or wrapping paper
Mod Podge
a paint brush
scissors
a ruler
paint (if needed)

First, get your box.  I actually used two of mine, but this will work just as well if you only have one that needs some TLC.

This next step is optional.  I wanted to use lighter paper for this project, but my boxes were pretty dark.  To keep the black from peeking through, I did a quick coat of white paint.  Any kind will work, but I used some leftover Dutch Boy no-VOC ceiling paint I had on hand.

Decide which parts of your box are getting covered and measure them with the ruler (I covered everything except the bottom and the back).  Mark where you need to snip on the back side of your paper and cut the pieces out.

Once your paper is in place, get the Mod Podge and paint brush.  The easiest way to avoid air bubbles is go to bit by bit.  Paint a line of Mod on the box and carefully smooth the paper over top.  Paint another line, smooth more paper.  Keep doing this until the whole box is covered.

I recommend putting a coat of Mod on top of the paper to make the outside of the box more durable.  Doing this will also help get rid of any air bubbles that managed to sneak in.

Let it dry for several hours (mine sat overnight) and you're done!  Piece of cake.

For more bargain-hunting and shopping ideas, be sure to stop by Final Clothes-Out. And check out Paige's lovely Etsy Shop, Little White Chapel!

{Tutorial} Recycled Craft For Our Feathered Friends

The birds are out in force searching for items to build their cozy nests from. I thought I would assist in their effort and put together a few nesting supplies from some leftover project supplies  I have laying around. Plus, I was able to re-use some of those red mesh vegetable bags  I have been holding onto for so long.

Supplies:

Small plastic or cloth mesh bag

Pieces of string, twine, thread

Handful of raffia

2 twist Ties

 First Choose your mesh bag. Cut off the top to create a large opening.

 Gather your nesting supplies. Pull-a-part the string and separate the raffia into thin pieces.

 Shove all of your nesting supplies into the open end of the mesh bag

 Select a few pieces to gently tug through some of the open holes of the mesh bag. This will make it easier for the birds to access the elements inside the bag.

Use one of your twist-ties to secure the top of the bag closed. 

Now weave the other twist-tie through a few holes in the mesh bag, secure the ends together creating a loop.  hang your bag in a tree an off-the ground so birds will feel comfortable and safe when pulling items from your bag. Watch and see the birds flock to your home...OK, well this part might take a while. 

Happy Bird Watching!