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Rustic BirdHouse – Twigs and Moss

 

I’m loving sticks and twigs and rocks this year! So you’ll see a lot of these projects from this past summer and heading into the fall and winter. This is birdhouse project, I really enjoyed making and can’t wait to tell you about!

 

 

Two years ago my daughter and I painted a bunch of birdhouses and drilled them to the garage. It’s an old wooden garage with peeling paint so if we can distract your eyes from its sad, old, tired look we would! It should get knocked down and rebuilt but we would like it to last a few more years…so instead I’m decorating it.

 

Give a tired old grey patio a complete makeover by spray painting a concrete mold to tiled effect. A brilliant way to add color to your backyard. mybrightideasblog.com

See what I mean…

 

 

I apologize we got a bit sidetracked there. Back to the twig birdhouse. After two winters the birdhouse collection had gotten worn out and weathered. They were just cheap wooden ones from the dollar store and we didn’t think ahead to put extra clear coats over the craft paint to make them water resistant. That would have been sensible.

If you would like to try this you will need:

  • a birdhouse
  • outdoor paint or varnish to water proof it
  • branches
  • garden snips
  • E6000 or other industrial glue
  • natural moss

You can get inexpensive birdhouses at the dollar store but if you would like it last for years and years get the sturdy ones from the hardware store or make your own. Paint it or put a protective clear varnish so it will last a long, long time. I opted to use the old weather worn ones to try and upcycle it instead of throwing it out.

 

We needed to trim some out of control shrubs and some branches so this project was perfect timing. There was no measuring of the length just line up the twig to the area you want to put it and snip! When I had the area planned out I went back to glue it.

Using E6000 Industrial glue is stinky so I try to use it only outdoors. It is slow to dry but very secure. I have used a hot glue gun to secure sticks and pebbles to things like this before and within a few days it had pieces falling off. If your project is going to be indoors you could get away with quick drying hot glue.

I attached the sticks all over one side of the birdhouse and left it to dry.

 

 

Each side needed several hours to dry. Then I came back to work on the next side. This really slowed down the process. It felt very relaxing making this natural project so I didn’t mind that it took me a few days.

 

How to make a fall bandana tablecloth. Autumn picnics call for hankerchiefs for a quick sewing project. mybrightideasblog.com

I was actually quite happy with it with just the sticks on the birdhouse. I took this picture a few weeks ago with my bandana table cloth post. It’s cute right!

But then….I had a vision of it with moss and the project took on its final stage….

 

 

The moss is from the craft or dollar store and comes by the bag. It is quite loose and flakey so it will make a bit of a mess on your work space.

 

 

Anywhere I could see the old purple paint I put in some moss. This photo shows me sliding the moss in between each stick using a butter knife as a tool. I also used some dabs of glue plus jamming it in gaps between the twigs.

Heavy rains and wind may be hard on the moss. We will see how it lasts and maybe place it in a bit of a protected area of the garden. A covered porch would likely be ideal.

 

Want a Rustic Garden? Make a Beautiful Bird House with Twigs and Moss. Inexpensive, easy natural craft project. mybrightideasblog.com

 

Isn’t that beautiful! I don’t know that any birds will actually want to use it but for a decorative addition to the garden I’m very pleased with it!

 

Thank you for reading to the end. I hope you enjoy your day. Before you go feel free to visit some of my other posts. Pin this to Pinterest or share it on your favorite social media.

Make a Fall Table Cloth – From Bandanas

 

Make a Twig Vase – Super Easy DIY!

Add Color to the Garden and Provide Yarn for Bird’s Nests

 



 

Easy Fall Kids Craft – Rope and Pompom Trees

 

Today I was rolling through the dollar store….I only needed to pick up one item…but my shopping cart was full of crafts.  As I perused the craft aisle, I stopped in my tracks when I saw the pompoms. Gasp! Packages of all sorts of colours! I got 6 packages…some for now and some for later. When I saw the package of multicoloured orange and yellow pompoms… I thought Fall Tree Craft! Whooohoo Start the Car!

I have neglected the kids crafts in favor of my DIY projects over the summer. So I’m brainstorming some kids projects for autumn before you know it winter will be here!

After my 8 year old got home from school we worked together on this easy kids craft. This is perfect for this time of year. Autumn colours of greens, browns, oranges and yellow.

You will need:

    • rope or natural jute
    • small pompoms in fall colours
    • white glue
    • cardstock or a blank white canvas

 

I mention using cardstock or a white canvas because this ends up being quite heavy and regular paper will be floppy from the weight.

 

Start by cutting a piece of rope the length of your page or canvas.

 

 

Make a line of glue starting from the middle bottom of your page or canvas running upwards and to the right to begin a branch.

 

 

The ends of the rope seemed to pop up at first so I rested my glue and scissors for a few minutes until it began to stay flat.

 

Add a second piece of rope that is the same length. Have that one turn to the left for another branch.

Begin cutting a few pieces to fill in some additional branches. Fill in the top of the tree by adding more 1 inch pieces of rope as smaller branches.

 

Next add small pieces of rope to thicken the bottom of the tree trunk.

 

 

We were pretty happy with our tree trunk so we moved on to the pompoms.

 

 

Add a few dabs of glue on the rope and around the rope. Then add orange, yellow, brown and green pompoms.

Is it just me or do the colours of these pompoms make you think of Reese’s Pieces….is anyone else getting wondering if they have any chocolate hiding anywhere? Maybe its just me…focus on the craft…

 

 

I suggested we put some on the bottom of the trunk and on the ground. Miss M didn’t understand why we would want to do that. Um, darling look out the window. The wind has picked up and the leaves are swirling. By tomorrow the wind will have moved all the leaves from our lawn onto our neighbours lawn. Sorry about that sir.

Mother/Daughter craft time is good fun! This girl is always crafting something out of our recycling bin. She is just like me…always planning a project.  

So there you have it! A super easy autumn craft perfect for this season. Beautiful fall colours in your tree art. Now maybe we should grab our rakes and head out to deal with the real leaves.

Thanks for popping by to see this fall craft! Pin it on Pinterest or share it with your favourite social media platform.

 



Plant Puns on Painted Potted Flower Pots – Adorable Gift Idea to Make Them Smile!

Popcycle Stick Picture Frames -Easy Kids Crafts

 

Nature Craft – Perfect for Earth Day Activity – Clay Imprints with Plants and Flowers

Make a Wooden Play Tent for the Kids!

Make a Twig Vase – Super Easy DIY!

 

Here is a super easy, super rustic, super pretty twig vase! I am loving using twigs and sticks in crafts. It’s free! It’s also time to do some trimming in the backyard gardens so I get the job done and a craft project to do when the work is done!

You will need:

  • an inexpensive straight vase
  • twigs
  • snips
  • hot glue gun
  • 6 or more hot glue sticks
  • burlap or raffia

 

First, choose your vase. If you don’t have a tall straight vase already in the back of your cupboards then pop over to the dollar store, or a thrift store you will definitely find them there. I had this vase on hand. The Dollarama sticker was still on the bottom. $1.25. That is the total expenses on this craft if you already have the glue gun and glue supplies.

I love me a cheap craft!

 

 

Using sharp shears, cut twigs in different lengths taller than your vase. Choose sticks that are as straight as possible. Trim off any side twigs as short as possible.

 

 

Plug in your glue gun. Set the twig in place and see where it will make contact with the glass of the vase. Add the glue in those contact places. I do this instead of running a line all the way down the stick. That is a lot of waste. Hold the twig in place 10 or 20 seconds while the glue cools. Mind your fingers!

 

 

Work around the vase with each twig fitting tightly next to the previous twig. If there are spaces you can put a thin twig in later to fill in the gaps.

 

 

You will notice that the light does pass through the gaps. If that bothers you, cut a brown or black paper down to the vase size and slide it inside.

 

 

OR…you could embrace these gaps and use it as a candle holder. If you go this route please do not put paper in your vase. You will surely start a fire. Eek!

I didn’t mind the gaps in the vase so I skipped the paper and can use it with a tea light or with dried or artificial flowers.

 

 

So to the garden we go for some flowers. I cut these hydrangeas. These are going to dry nicely in the vase and look the same for months and months. 

 

Isn’t that lovely? I hope you enjoyed this rustic twig/stick project. I really love making things with twigs.

Wait! Oh my days!!!! I forgot to put on the bow!

Cancel the photo shoot and back to the craft counter….

 

I know I have raffia somewhere but I can’t remember which craft bin I put it in. So instead I used this 3 inch wide burlap roll from the dollar store and wrapped it around the vase.

 

How to turn a plain vase into a rustic twig vase or candle holder. Easy diy craft. mybrightideasblog.com

 

After tying it in a knot I tucked the ends under the centre. It looks like a bow but less bulky.

 

There now that is better! Its a lovely rustic vase perfect for this time of year!

I really appreciate you reading to the end and hope you will remember to pin this or share it on your favorite social media site.

If you would like to see how I made the orbs or wood tray in the photo above, click the links below.

Till next time!

Make a Dark Stained Rustic Wood Tray – Easy DIY!

How to Make a Decorative Sphere – From Embroidery Hoops



How to turn a plain vase into a rustic twig vase or candle holder. Easy diy craft. mybrightideasblog.com
How to turn a plain vase into a rustic twig vase or candle holder. Easy diy craft. mybrightideasblog.com

Outdoor Daisy Art – From Lumber Scraps!

 

Easy Diy and Craft! Use scrap wood and turn it into a hand painted piece of garden or entry art. Daisy wood plaque welcome sign. mybrightideasblog.com

 

We have done a lot of wood projects this summer and the scrap pile is getting bigger. I am going to show you how to turn your left over wood scraps into painted daisy art that you can use indoor or outdoors. Grab your paint and brushes – lets get started!

 

You will need:

  • lumber or fence boards
  • sandpaper
  • small and medium art paintbrushes
  • craft paint-yellow, white, beige, black
  • polyurethane (clear varnish)
  • large brush (that you might throw out)
  • hammer
  • needle nose pliers (optional)
  • picture hanging kit

The wood in the photo above is scraps of pressure treated fence or deck boards. The size doesn’t matter-just work with what you have. Mine were approx. 5 1/2 inches x 14 inches (14cms x 36cms). They don’t need to all be the exact same. 

Have a quick look at the ends of the boards to see if you have any jagged edges. If yes a quick swipe with your sand paper should remove the frayed bits. No splinters! 

If you don’t have treated fence boards you can use bare lumber but put a bit of stain on to make it darker.

 

 

This board was not a fence board but rather a this piece of wood I was going to make another tray out of. It’s 9 1/4 inches wide and 35 inches long (or 24 cms x 89 cms). I had already put my favorite Jacobeen Miniwax on it. So it was ready to be used for something else but instead I put daisy on it for a much bigger version of the fence boards.

 

 

Start with white and paint the shape of the daisy. On this one I painted the centre white also.

 

 

For this board I didn’t paint the centre till later. I double loaded my paint brush with white on the left and dipped a bit of the beige paint on the right side. I went along the edge of the petal to add some depth.

The centre part of the daisy was painted yellow. It doesn’t have to be perfect no one will look at it this close up. The brush strokes look great from a few feet away. If you turn it into a Welcome sign at your entry way or a backyard garden sign, it’s going to look great!

 

 

Using the end of the paint brush add dots around the edge of the circle. Some of the boards I didn’t put any highlight dots. The next photo shows I used brown and black dots to make it really stand out. Every board turned out differently.

 

 

After the craft glue has time to be thoroughly dry, I painted on a clear coat of satin polyurethane. If this is going to be used outside it should have this protection on the front and back and edges. The fence board scraps will be weather resistant but the craft paint might crack in the rain. So this protection over the front and sides is worth the effort.

Oh and I hate cleaning polyurethane out of paint brushes so I just use the cheap brushes so I can toss them out. I have been known to wrap it in a baggy or cling wrap with an elastic band if I am going to need it again in the same day. I also store it that way in the freezer if I will need it again in a few days. If the paintbrush dries it’s hard not usable again.

If you get it on your hands. Make your way to the kitchen-without touching anything. Find a bottle of cooking oil (vegetable or olive have both worked for me). Put it on your hands and massage the oil in and watch the varnish come off your skin. Add hand soap and rinse off. Hands are clean and silky soft! Cool trick!

 

 

I made enough to give some away as gifts or put on the office craft table for sale. Since these were scraps and I had all of the supplies in my craft and diy corner…this would be a great item to make some money to sell….gotta support my craft addiction ssomehow!

To hang it or lean it…..mmmm.

Easy Diy and Craft! Use scrap wood and turn it into a hand painted piece of garden or entry art. Daisy wood plaque welcome sign. mybrightideasblog.com

 

I used these inexpensive picture hangers and just hammered them into the back. The nails are the tiniest nails I’ve ever seen so I hit my fingers with the hammer about 5 times trying to get this nail tapped into the wood. I suggest getting some needle nose plyers to hold the nail while you get it started. Save your poor fingers!

 

Around the patio we have a very old privacy fence. It has some ugly seams and badly matched up corners. Putting this as a plaque on the fence is a rather awesome solution!

 

This was super easy to make and looks great! Painting is so therapeutic. I highly recommend it!

Thanks for reading to the end folks! I hope you have a chance to pin this to Pinterest or share it with your favorite social media.

 

Make a Dark Stained Rustic Wood Tray – Easy DIY!

Make a Tic-Tac-Toe Board Game


Cloth Pizza Toy Made From Felt

 

How to make a felt pizza toy for kids! Easy fun sewing project! mybrightideasblog.com

 

Kids love Pizza! Kids love to imitate their parents in the kitchen! Kids will love to play with this felt pizza.

This pizza toy/felt project can be made in 20 minutes with just scissors and felt or you can spend a few hours if you want to do a bit of hand sewing and add some stuffing.

You will need felt in the following colours:

  • 2 tan/light brown for the crust
  • 2 red for pizza sauce
  • 2 white/cream for mozzarella cheese
  • 1 dark red for pepperoni
  • 1 green for peppers
  • 1 grey for mushrooms
  • 1 pink for ham
  • 1 black for olives
  • 1 yellow for pineapple
  • 1 orange for extra cheese

You will also need:

  • bowls and plates to trace for big circles
  • sewing needle
  • embroidery floss (or thread)
  • quilt batting or stuffing

Let’s Get This Pizza Party Started!

 

Beige Piece of Felt – Pizza Crust: Trace a large bowl or plate for your crust. Cut 2.

 

 

Piece of Bright Red Felt – Pizza Sauce: Using a plate or bowl slightly smaller than the last one,  cut a slightly smaller circle than the crust pieces. Cut 2 red circles.

 

How to make a felt pizza toy for kids! Easy fun sewing project! mybrightideasblog.com

 

Cream or White Piece of Felt – Mozzerella Cheese: Cut the cheese…tee hee…out of a piece of white felt. Trace a slightly smaller plate or bowl than the piece of pizza sauce red felt. Cut 2 white circles.

 

 

Dark Red Piece of Felt – Pepperoni: Cut 12 circles tracing something small like a vitamin bottle.

 

 

Grey/Beige piece of Felt – Mushrooms: Draw a mushroom shape and cut it out. Cut 10 mushrooms.

 

 

Green Piece of Felt – Peppers – It looks like a wiggly square, then outline it again and cut it out. Cut 8 peppers.

The rest of the toppings are up to you….

Black Felt – Olives: Cut a small circle and trace it a second time. Cut 8 olives.

Orange and White Felt – Grated Cheese: Cut long rectangles for some shredded cheese on top. Cut 6 of each.

Pink Felt Squares – Ham: Cut into squares-10 pink ham squares will be enough.

Orange/Yellow – Pineapple: This begins a great debate about whether you should have pineapple on a pizza. I’m for it! Hawaiian Pizza is my favorite. If you feel the same cut 10 pineapple pieces.

 

 

You aren’t a sewer? Then you could stop now and you can use this as a toy as it is. If you want to make it more 3 dimensional, find colors of embroidery floss that will closely match the colors of the felt.

Finishing the Pizza with Hand Sewing

Finish the pizza crust: Cut a piece of cotton batting an inch larger than the pieces of beige felt. Sandwich the batting between the two pieces of beige felt.

 

 

Hand sew around the outside folding and tucking the excess inside the pieces of fabric. I think I used a whip stitch but you could also do a blanket stitch for this part.

 

 

Sew around again an inch inside the seam to create the edge of the crust. For this I used a running stitch.

 

 

Stack the 2 pieces of red and sew around the edge with a running stich.

 

 

Next, put the two white pieces of mozzarella cheese pieces together and sew around the edge. Stitch each of the toppings together.

 

 

When sewing the pepperoni I added a little stuffing. The rest… mushrooms, ham, green peppers, pineapple were all sewn together….the olives and shredded cheese pieces I left as a single layer but you could double it and sew them together.

That’s all there is to it!

Store your pizza pieces in a large ziplock bag so you don’t lose the pieces. Have fun making this project for a little one in your life.

Here is the link to my previous post to make a no sew felt pizza.

Make a Felt Pizza Toy in minutes – No sew

 

How to make a felt pizza toy for kids! Easy fun sewing project! mybrightideasblog.com

How to Make a Decorative Sphere – From Embroidery Hoops

 

How to make a sphere or orb from embroidery hoops. Great home decor hack! mybrightideasblog.com

 

I’ve been wanting to make decorative spheres for a few months. After much pinning and pondering I’ve decided to go for it!

This has to be the easiest way and most clever idea for doing just that! All you need is 2 embroidery hoops per sphere.

You will need:

  • 2 embroidery hoops (the same size) per sphere
  • paint or stain
  • paint brush or rag
  • (optional) varnish or polyeurothene

That’s it! If you use spray paint you can get that list even shorter.

You can buy embroidery hoops at the craft store, Walmart maybe even the dollar store.  They vary in price depending on size. Expect to pay around $2.50 each-purchase 2. I wanted to make three sizes so when I saw Michaels had 3 packs for 5.98. I thought that is a better value. When you buy these wooden hoops they will come with one smooth hoop inside of another one with tightening clamp screw. 

The first step is to get 2 embroidery hoops the same size and take them apart so there is 4 hoops. 

Next I got a cloth rag and my favorite stain. Miniwax Jacobean #2750. If you can’t get this kind you can get a similar effect with a Dark Walnut….It would look great if it was spray painted black or white too….Whatever matches your décor.

Dip the rag in the pot of stain and rub it on the wooden hoop.

 

 

Allow the stain to dry. Adding a clear coat of varnish is optional. It would give a bit of a sheen and make it more durable if you put it outside. I have seen some posts where folks put these on their porch in a planter. In the great outdoors, I imagine they will age quickly and only last a few seasons of sun and rain. Putting a clear coat will help it to last longer. 

I plan to make something similar out of wire for outdoors and I’ll let you know if its a success.

Now lets put it all together!

Gather your 4 hoops and get ready to be impressed!

 

Insert one of the smooth hoops into the other smooth hoop.

 

 

Next, slide a third hoop with the screw tightener over top of the other 2 hoops. Tighten the screw a few twists.

 

Lastly, put the 4th hoop with the tightener on the outside of all of the other hoops but this one place crosswise.

I prefer to put both of the tighteners close together so that when its on display they will both be on the bottom. It might show a little but it helps the sphere to not roll away.


How to make a sphere or orb from embroidery hoops. Great home decor hack! mybrightideasblog.com

Here it is on display. 

How to make a wooden orb out of embroidery hoops. Wooden spheres are so cool and this post will show you how! mybrightideasblog.com

 

Thanks for stopping by to check out this post. I have a lot more rustic wood projects drying on my workbench. Subscribe to my email list so you don’t miss out when they are ready share!

 

How to make a sphere or orb from embroidery hoops. Great home decor hack! mybrightideasblog.com

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Make a Ladder Plant Stand – Easy DIY – Only $20 for Lumber

 

Make a Wood Crate Plant Stand – Super Easy!

 


How to make a sphere or orb from embroidery hoops. Great home decor hack! mybrightideasblog.com
How to make a sphere or orb from embroidery hoops. Great home decor hack! mybrightideasblog.com

How to make an Autumn Wreath from Branches!

The other day, I was having a visit with my neighbour Tanya, and I looked at her door with a wreath that was way over due for a change. I think it she put it up in April….now its September…She mentioned that she should go shopping for an autumn wreath. I said Whoah! Don’t buy anything. Leave it with your buddy ol’ pal to make one.

I didn’t want to make it a typical round wreath but what could I do to make it different…but in-expensive….mmmm.

Meanwhile….my garden looks like a jungle. We have had lots of rain and sun and this means everything had big gnarly growth spurts.

When we purchased the house we were surprised that we had 25 Rose of Sharon bushes around the backyard. That is a lot of purple Rose of Sharons. They are pretty when they are in bloom and get quite full adding to privacy along the chain link fence. However, they do attract bees and the pods open and drop seeds and grow more and more and more.

There is a lot of trimming to do….and did I mention there is 25 of these shrubs? Momma Mia that’s a lot of trimming to do this week.

I was thinking about the promised wreath I wanted to make for Tanya. But I was looking at the trimming to do…wreath….trimming….and then it hit me!! Use the branches from the shrubs to make Tanya’s autumn wreath!

Supplies I used:

  • Shrubs or Trees branches
  • Garden Snips
  • Twine or Rope
  • Wire Cutters
  • Autumn Flowers
  • Glue Gun (I didn’t need it but I had it handy)

I pulled off the little branches and the leaves on 9 longish branches.

I put 3 twigs in a triangle shape and located some twine.

Twine is great for tying your sticks together. I better keep it handy for the rest of the trimming that is still waiting for me.

At first, I was going to keep the ends long and staggered but I decided to trim the ends down further.

I like the rough ends but we don’t want to poke out Tanya’s family’s eyes!

Time to add the flowers. I picked up a few bunches of autumn flowers from the dollar store. I only used a few sprigs from this lovely bouquet. I could easily make a few more of these as gifts (or to put on the craft table at work…of course). I spent about $10 on the flowers and twine so if I made another 3 or 4 that would make them each costing only $3 each. Cha-ching!

Autumn Wreath Fall decorations Easy Crafts Dollar Store Crafts

I had some thick twine that I used to reinforce the corners. Ribbon or lace would look cool too. Use what ever scraps you have.

Autumn Wreath Fall decorations Easy Crafts Dollar Store Crafts

I didn’t need to use a hot glue gun because I wove the ends into the twigs and wrapped the wire of artificial flowers around the twigs. You might want to use a hot glue gun to secure short pieces to the twigs.

Since the sticks make up the base and they are free-from my backyard-this is quite inexpensive. I’ve got enough flowers left to make another 4 of these! Cool…any other neighbours with a bare front door?

So rustic and woodsy.

Now who is going to clean up the left overs and finish the trimming….sigh…better get back to work.

See you again soon!


Design your canvas running shoes with a Sharpie Tie Dye Effect

How to design your canvas shoes. Using Sharpie permanent markers and rubbing alcohol for a tie dye effect. mybrightideasblog.com

It’s back to school time! Why not send the kids back to school with some personalized canvas running shoes!

You will need:

  • Permanent Markers (like Sharpies)
  • Canvas Runners
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Medicine dropper (if you don’t have one you can use a straw with your finger on the end)

How to design your canvas shoes. Using Sharpie permanent markers and rubbing alcohol for a tie dye effect. mybrightideasblog.com

These white canvas shoes came from Michael’s craft store. I am pretty sure that you can pick them up at Walmart and maybe even a dollar store. These are likely going to cost $5-7. The price gives you an idea of the quality of the shoes….these will look cute but have no arch support or cushion so not recommended for gym class or hiking across the country. Cheap and cheerful!

How to design your canvas shoes. Using Sharpie permanent markers and rubbing alcohol for a tie dye effect. mybrightideasblog.com

Next begin your design work. I like flowers and squiggles what does your kiddo like? Maybe a message written on the shoe. A+ or “Don’t Give Up” something that will make them smile through the day.

Make wearable art by using sharpies on canvas running shoes. Easy kids project! Fun! mybrightideasblog.com

Very subtly I put “I love School”…tee hee… positive subliminal messaging.

 

How to design your canvas shoes. Using Sharpie permanent markers and rubbing alcohol for a tie dye effect. mybrightideasblog.com

 

Open the Windows or Go Outside!

When you’re happy with your design its time for the stinky part. Open the windows! Or better yet, go outside in the fresh air. The rubbing alcohol fumes will give you and your family a headache. We don’t want a cranky family….

Begin with just a drop or two to see how the color begins to bleed, blend and soften. Here you can see the difference between one shoe that is done and one that is not.

If you don’t have a medicine dropper just use a straw. Dip it into the rubbing alcohol and then put your finger on the end to capture a few drops. Drop onto the canvas to begin the process.

 

How to design your canvas shoes. Using Sharpie permanent markers and rubbing alcohol for a tie dye effect. mybrightideasblog.com

 

See the difference? Watching the design change is the best part of this project.

 

How to design your canvas shoes. Using Sharpie permanent markers and rubbing alcohol for a tie dye effect. mybrightideasblog.com

 

The more rubbing alcohol you use the more it will bleed so just use a bit on areas with a lot of color. Dark colors may end up being much bolder than the lighter ones. Once you start the bleeding process you can’t undo it….so this is why a medicine dropper is recommended. I put way too much on the front blue flower, so its much darker than I planned. As the French say….C’est la vie! Oh well, such is life…and crafts.

 

 

You might like the sharpie drawings “as is” and not even want to add rubbing alcohol. That’s cool too. It’s wearable art.

 

 

This is my second  or third time with sharpies and rubbing alcohol. I will include a link to the t-shirts at the bottom of this post. I love the vibrant colors and funky designs. It looks bright even as the colors were blurred together. This would be very cool on a cotton throw pillow cover or curtains made from cotton or drop cloths.

This is a pretty cool way for kids to express themselves and show off their art work everyday on their feet.

Sharpie Tie Die Coloured Shirts

Make an Easy Earth Day T-Shirt

How to design your canvas shoes. Using Sharpie permanent markers and rubbing alcohol for a tie dye effect. mybrightideasblog.com
How to design your canvas shoes. Using Sharpie permanent markers and rubbing alcohol for a tie dye effect. mybrightideasblog.com


Scraptastic Saturday Featuredsm

Tie Dye Sharpie Canvas Runners. What a fun back to school easy kids craft! mybrightideasblog.com

Make a Ribbon Mobile – Windsock

 

The other day I came across a ribbon party mobile on a porch and I loved! It was bright colors and looked so easy! So off I went to get supplies for my own.

New word of the day: Windsock

If you put these outside it might be called a windsock, so you can tell when its windy. Like they have at the airport to tell wind direction and speed. I did not know this word until I went looking on Pinterest to see how others had made them and that is what they called it. Isn’t that a fun fact!

This could survive the summer outdoors because it is made out of a metal wreath-as opposed to the smaller ones that people do with an embroidery hoop. However, the embroidery hoop would be good for an indoor mobile and it’s smaller so you would need less ribbon.

This is my version of it!

You will need:

  • wire wreath (Dollar Tree $1.25)
  • spray paint (optional)
  • ribbon (variety of widths and textures) you need a lot!
  • iron (if your ribbons have creases)
  • scissors
  • tape measure
  • binder clip
  • fishing line

Start out by spray painting the wire wreath. This is optional but I did originally leave mine black and it was nagging at me that I should have painted it white or pink to blend in. It doesn’t take much paint a quick spray on one side. Wait an hour and flip it over and paint the other side.

 

Bric a Brac and Haberdashery!

Here are 2 more definitions to make this a super educational tutorial:

Bric a Brac: Noun

  • miscellaneous objects and ornaments of little value.
  • synonyms: ornaments, knickknacks, trinkets, baubles, bits and pieces, bits and bobs, odds and ends
Haberdashery: British
  • small items used in sewing, such as buttons, zippers, and thread; notions.
  • a shop or a department within a larger store that sells items used in sewing.

More to the point – Ribbon

You will need a lot of ribbon! It would  be great if you have a craft outlet store or a source for cheep ribbon with a lot of yards on the spool. You should plan to spend at least $25 on this. Wider ribbon will fill up the space quickly but the skinny ribbon is nice intermingled. It’s a great way to use up old scraps too. Lace, ribbon, ric rac, sequin strips, cheap lengths of beads.  Variety is the key!

Start by cutting the ribbon into lengths between 20 and 24 inches or 50 cm to 60 cm. I like the ribbons to be staggered in lengths. Do not use ribbon with wire in it.

Slide the ribbon through the wire wreath.

Pull the ribbon through the loop to form a gentle knot.


Spread the ribbon around the wreath and then add another color. If it’s too short to tie the gentle knot you can put a single strand on the wreath by just knotting it.

Ribbons, Ribbons, Ribbons!

At this point I ran out of my new ribbon and it looks really sparse. So I head down to my sewing area and dig out all my old ribbons and lace and cut up any gray, silver, white, cream and any shade of pink in any width of ribbon.

If some of your ribbons have been folded you will want to iron them. Some of my best photos have ribbon with bends and folds and it really bugged me. So off they came and I ironed them flat. Make sure the iron is set to gentle.

A friend gave me this bottle of beads. The strand of beads is really long so there is plenty to add several lengths on this project. I also had a spool of sequined ribbon and that adds a nice bit of sparkle.

 

It’s actually quite beautiful now. When I lift it up there is very little wire showing.

Time to Hang it up!

Now you will need to string it up. I could have used ribbon but there is literally none. It’s all used up on this mobile. So use fishing line…its very inexpensive and clear.  I used a binder loop as the connection and it will help with movement if you are using it outdoors in the breeze.

Knot it on the wreath in three places and then pull the three strands together and upwards. Tie it in a knot twice leaving 1/2 an inch (1 cm) between the knots to hook the binder clip. Then use the S hook to hang it from a tree branch.

If you hang it on a very low branch you will find your children in it. You’ve been warned…LOL

The photo above is the mobile I did before I spray painted it. You can see some of the black wire. It’s up to you – if you want to skip the spray painting step. In the end I took the ribbons off and spray painted it pink and then started again.

This would be really fun hanging over an outdoor tea party!

I choose my projects based on things I actually want to have around my house and I’m excited to make. This project is both! It turned out lovely and my daughter is happy to have it as an addition to her pink room.

Happy crafting – til next time!

Here are two ribbon and lace mobiles that I found in a store in a neighbouring town.

The one above is using a kitchen pot holder rack.

The one above is using a big white willow wreath. They had such a nice impact that I immediately pulled my phone out to take a photo. Add some twinkle lights and it would be absolutely wonderful!

Feature Sweet Inspiration

 



 

Cardboard Spiral Craft – Easy Kids Project

 

Super easy Kids Craft! Cardboard Spiral with Gems makes a great craft for kids of all ages. Daycare or Camp Project for Party Decorations. mybrightideasblog.com

How to Make a Spinning Cardboard Spiral-Easy Craft!

This idea will be a hit with kids as young as toddlers to pre-teen. It’s likely you already have all the craft supplies in your cupboard which makes it the perfect anytime craft.

You will need:

  • cardboard
  • scissors
  • glue
  • paint
  • paintbrush
  • gems or stickers
  • yarn or fishing line
  • one pony bead or small bell
  • pencil
  • plate to trace the circle

I started with a square piece of cardboard about 11 inches x 11 inches (27cm x 27cm) wide. Trace a 9 or 10 inch plate (20cm wide plate) on the cardboard for a perfect circle.

Cut the circle from the cardboard. This is not a job for the little kids. Big scissors and strong hands are needed for this part of the project.

So that the brown cardboard doesn’t show through the I painted a black base coat.

Super easy Kids Craft! Cardboard Spiral with Gems makes a great craft for kids of all ages. Daycare or Camp Project for Party Decorations. mybrightideasblog.com

Paint both sides of cardboard and allow a few minutes for this to dry.

Now paint over the base coat with what ever design or colors you want. You will need to paint both sides again. Allow a good 10 minutes for this paint to dry before moving on to the next step.

Again, the strong hands and big scissors are needed to cut a consistent spiral in the cardboard. Begin cutting around the circle 1/2 inch (1 cm) wide.

Keep on cutting in a circle until you get to the middle.

Voila! The spiral is complete.

Use a pencil to poke a hole in the centre of the cardboard.

Loop some yarn or fishing line through the end. To make it spin the key is to loop a pony bead or a tiny bell under the hole and then pull the line back up through the hole.

I didn’t take a photo of this step so here it is afterward to show the pony bead. The fishing line is simply looped through the cardboard and then the bead and back out through the hole again.

Super easy Kids Craft! Cardboard Spiral with Gems makes a great craft for kids of all ages. Daycare or Camp Project for Party Decorations. mybrightideasblog.com

This step allows for it to spin better than if you just tied a knot in the cardboard.

BEDAZZLE TIME!

Bedazzle: (verb) The art of taking ordinary things and making them EXTRAORDINARY by adding sparkles, rhinestones, glitter, stars, beads, etc.

 

This is the fun part!

Gather your gems, rhinestones and glue to decorate the spiral. The little box of gems in the photo above is from Dollar Tree for $1.25 – it looks small but there is enough to last a lot more projects! I love a cheap craft!

For toddlers you could use shiny stickers instead. Glitter glue would also jazz this up and hide some of the unintentional globs of glue that may end up drying on the project.

 

After the first side is dry, flip it over and repeat on the bottom side. This spiral is going to look great no matter what angle you are looking at it.

Allow it to fully dry.

And you are done! Hang the spiral by taping the end of the string or line to the ceiling so it can spin. I used an S hook to hang it from a curtain rod.

Remember to Pin this on Pinterest!

Super easy Kids Craft! Cardboard Spiral with Gems makes a great craft for kids of all ages. Daycare or Camp Project for Party Decorations. mybrightideasblog.com

 

Make a Clothespin Butterfly and Dragonfly

Toilet Paper Roll Crafts-Use your loo roll tube for easy Crafts!

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