Faux Malachite Boxes DIY

Malachite is my favorite stone.  Though I only have a few real malachite pieces in my home, I have tons of faux painted malachite objects.  Everything from coffee tables and obelisks to these gorgeous keepsake boxes.  Recently Marabu sent me their new line of alcohol inks and I started dripping them on different substrates like plastic and metal.  It's amazing what these inks can do!  Dripped just right in color succession, you can get this amazing malachite effect on simple, hardware store aluminum flashing.  Hey, you have to experiment with whatever you can find, right?!  Be a mad, crafty scientist and see what happens...and always Make Your Mark!

My faux malachite boxes made with Marabu Alcohol inks!

What will you keep in yours?

Watch how to make them here!

My cardboard faux MALACHITE OBELISKS

So chic!

70s Buffet Makeover

I see these buffets at my local thrift store, yard sales and even on the street on big furniture pick-up days!  They're super clunky BUT they have a ton of room in them and they're super fun to makeover.  Painted in bright colors they're the perfect outdoor storage, too.  I'm using mine for all of my DecoArt paints and filming equipment since I film most of my videos on the back patio.   Also, since I live in LA and I have a covered patio, I don't have to worry about snow or too much rain so this piece will weather nicely.  Think twice before saying no to ugly furniture and don't forget to 

Make Your Mark!

 Make your patio into another room!

Before the paint and fabric makeover!

I love using Americana Decor Chalky Finish Paints! 

 Filled with my DecoArt Paints!

Watch how I did it here!

Patio perfect!

Jewelry Display - Tattooed Wooden Hands

Need something super funky to display your collection of rings and chains?  These colorful, tattooed mannequin hands might just work!  You can grab the hands on Amazon or at Ikea.  They're super popular right now.  They even look amazing without all of the jewels.  I used Unicorn SPiT to color them and then my secret, foolproof tattoo technique which will blow your mind.   See the video below.  Find wonderful ways to display your jewelry and don't forget to 

Make Your Mark!

 Gotta hand it to you!

 Google "Tattoo Images" and you'll find tons to use!

         Levi's flagships store display in 2013!

Watch how to make them here!

Hands down, one of my favorite DIYs!

Frosted Mermaid Bottles

I can't help myself...I save EVERYTHING!  Bottles, jars and vases are just some of my weaknesses.  Fortunately I make 8 DIY videos every month so I have plenty of uses for my stash or crap.  For this project I mixed a little bit of Unicorn SPiT and glue to create a lovely faux, frosted glass look in different beachy colors.  The toppers are made from driftwood, seashells and sea glass (from my rock tumbler). Lined up on my outdoor plant table, they look just lovely.  Turn your trash to treasure, my sweet friends, and always MAKE YOUR MARK!

 My new Mermaid Bottle display

 Each topper is a little work of art

Unicorn SPiT mixed with school glue is how I got this frosted effect!

Watch how to make them here!

 Seal everything with a coating of spray matte lacquer

Just beachy!

Hanging Basket Lamps DIY

Every time I hit the thrift store I see an entire shelf filled with baskets....Except for this time when I had this project in mind and there wasn't a single basket for sale!  Fortunately, if you wait a week, there is a new batch ready for you to upcycle, paint, line with fabric and turn into these gorgeous pendant lamps like I did!  A little multi-surface paint and a lamp kit and you're ready to go!  Remember, sweet friends, your decor doesn't have to cost a fortune.  Now get out there and 

Make Your Mark!

 Tassels in every color make these the perfect boho accent for my patio!

From bell shaped to boxy, these lamps are an easy way to jazz up your patio!

Watch how to make them here!

 Check out the Pattiewack Tassel Maker on Amazon.  

Great way to whip through tons of tassels in different sizes!

 My wicker trio!

Happy end-of-summer!

Summery No-Sew Pillows

Need some pillows to liven up your space but don't know how to sew and have no interest in paying through the nose for them?  These no-sew gems are just the ticket and because of the mixed prints, they really pack a punch!  Find a large floral print as bright as the sun and a then look for bold graphics for the base.  Gingham and harlequin patterns work well and don't be afraid to mix colors! Once your pile is done, you'll love how they work together!  Be bold, my crafty friends, and don't forget to MAKE YOUR MARK!

 I put these together with E6000 Fabri-Fuse which is washable and dry cleanable!

Don't be afraid to mix patterns and colors.  Floral patterns look great over graphics!

Watch how I made them here!

Care to join me under the trees?

Outdoor Mandala Side Table

I decided to use every color in the box for this little patio table, because, well, that's just who I am!  This large mandala stencil from DecoArt was the perfect design to create the unique shape I wanted and it was large enough to allow me to use all of my favorite shades.  I used an old turntable to get the different color stripes for the base, but you could use a lazy Susan or a compass.  The key is to create a colorful base and then stencil over each color with a contrasting or complimentary color.  Be fearless when you're decorating, my friends, and don't forget to Make Your Mark!

 So ready for a beverage and a book!

You don't have to cut out the mandala shape, you could use use a table round with this stencil.

Americana Decor Outdoor Living paint is perfect for this project!

Watch how to make it here!

STUFF I USED

Americana Decor Outdoor Living Paint

DecoArt Mandala Stencil

Hairpin legs

Sander & Jigsaw

Cosmetic sponges for stenciling

Patio perfect!

Faux Malachite Tile Table DIY

I finally got off of my butt and made another coffee table for my living room.  The last one I made (also malachite) was lovely, but just too big.  I started playing with shapes and finally decided that a hexagon tile table might look interesting.  Little did I know that I'd be up for 3 days cutting hexagon tiles out of cardboard! The minute I thought I had enough I had to make more.  That's what happens when you jump into something blindly.  Still, all of the effort and time paid off and to paraphrase Clairee from Steel Magnolias,  I LOVE this table more than my luggage!  Take the creative leap, my friends, and make sure to see it through to the end...It's always worth it on the other side!  Now get out there and Make Your Mark!

My new coffee table.  Thinking I'm needing a new rug now, too!

 It's much bigger than it looks!

Made with my Gel Press and my MANY Amazon boxes!

Watch how to make this here!

Just right with malachite!

Harlequin Mirror from Thrift Store Find

I got this mirror for a song at my local thrift store and decided that because it was so cheap, I should just got crazy with it!  I used my favorite harlequin pattern (printed from my home computer) and hot glue in my favorite re-design with Prima molds.  I put all my ideas in my brain blender and this is what happened.  BTW, I love it!  Put all of your ideas in a box, shake it up and see what happens.  You might be surprised at the results.  Now get out there and Make Your Mark!

Print out decoupage papers on your computer!

 Use hot glue in molds instead of clay!

Watch how to make this mirror here!

It's all about the mash up!