Happy Thurs-DIY!

Happy Thurs-DIY!  We have 8 amazing projects to keep you busy this weekend (or to tuck away for your next craft night)  Hop around and see what my crafty friends have been making and get inspired.  Oh, and hashtag #ThursDIY to join the fun!

I show you how to make animal silhouette pillows with this super easy technique! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0c7iCA1lFE

 Cathy Attix makes stenciled pillows that are sure to brighten any room!  http://ilovetocreateblog.blogspot.com/2014/08/diy-stenciled-pillows.html

 The marvelous Margot Potter is rocking an Ugly Christmas Sweater Purse DIY......Um, I love it!  http://diydoyenne.com/diy-ugly-christmas-sweater-purse/

Kathy Cano-Murillo makes stamped affirmation necklaces and is having a giveaway too! http://www.craftychica.com/2014/08/metal-stamped-affirmation-pendants-giveaway/

 I'm showing you how to makeover belts and shoes for back to school!  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvXzJcf-fVo

 Cathie Filian is also having a terrific giveaway for her new line!  Super cute stuff, too!   http://handmadehappyhour.com/2014/08/08/giant-jewel-pop-shop-giveaway-34-components-for-diy-jewelry-making/

 Heather Mann is rocking shark week with super comfy (and cute) shark flip flops!  http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2014/08/tutorial-soft-shark-flip-flops/

 Check out this fun photo Confetti from Femme Fraiche! 

 http://femmefraiche.com/diy-photo-confetti/

Graphic Animal Silhouette Pillows DIY

Need a quick sofa makeover or a gift for your favorite nephew or niece?  How about making them an Animal Silhouette Pillow with E-6000 StitchLess Iron On Glue.  Just cut out your shape, coat it with the glue and iron it on!  You'll be the envy of all your friends.  

My pillow zoo!

 I think my dad would love this one

 My niece Jennah will love this!

I'm keeping this one!

See the video tutorial here

YOU'LL NEED

Silhouette of animal you like

E-6000 StitchLess Iron On glue

Paintbrush

Graphic fabrics in black and white

Cotton fabrics in bright colors

Sewing Machine

Pillow stuffing

Needle and thread

Scissors

 Print this in gray scale (to save ink) and enlarge it to fit a standard sheet of copy paper

 Cut out a piece of fabric big enough for your silhouette

Pin and carefully cut it out

Try different silhouettes (Google ANIMAL SILHOUETTE)

 Cut two 19" x 19" pieces of graphic fabric

Pin and stitch them together using 1/2" seam allowance

Leave a 5" hole on one side

Paint an even layer of E-6000 StitchLess on the fabric silhouette

With the glue side down, center it on the pillow and iron it in place

Stuff the pillow with pillow stuffing

Pin the 5" hole closed

Stitch closed with needle and thread

Done!

Back to School Belt and Shoes Makeover

Why not save a little cash and makeover a few accessories for back to school.  I used Multi-Surface paint and spruced up some basic belts and an old pair of shoes in no time.  I coated everything with a DuraClear Varnish to make it last.  My favorite are my new green wingtip shoes!

 Danielle and I rocking our new belts! 

My new striped belt and fancy green shoes!  

Watch the video tutorial here! 

YOU'LL NEED

Americana Multi-Surface Paints (in your favorite colors)

Americana DuraClear Gloss Varnish

DecoArt One Step Crackle 

Belts and shoes in need of a makeover

Painter's Tape

Craft knife

Paintbrushes

 With a ruler, draw a diamond pattern on your belt lightly with a pencil

Fill in the sides with cream or white

Fill in each diamond with your favorite colors

Coat with DuraClear Gloss Varnish and let dry

Slim down some painter's tape with a craft knife and ruler 

Place it on the center of a belt making sure it's completely adhered to the belt

Paint both sides of the belt with your favorite colors of multi-surface paint

Let dry, remove the tape, coat with varnish

 Clean and dust your shoes

Coat the entire shoe with your favorite multi-surface paint

Add black to the color you chose to make a darker shade

Accent the shoes with the darker color and blend with a cloth

Coat with varnish, lace up and you're done.

 Pick your favorite colors and color block a belt from tip to buckle

Add a line of extra color at the end of each block and drag

with a dry brush into the next color

Paint your details 

Coat with varnish and let dry

Coat an old belt with One Step Crackle and let dry

Coat the belt with your favorite color of multi-surface paint

Coat the belt with Varnish and let dry

9 Easy Place Card DIYs

Want to make your friends feel extra special at your next dinner party?  Why not let them take home their little place card holder as a gift?  These 9 ideas are cheap, cheerful and easy to put together. Hit the dollar store for pieces you can buy in bulk!

My favorite of the lot!

Watch how I put them all together here! 

 Punch card stock circles

Edge with glitter

Punch a small hole for your office rings

Add to the bottom of each wine glass

 With a craft knife, carefully add a slit to the back of small toy animals

Punch out large card stock circles

Insert in the slit

Grab sparkly pieces of jewelry at the dollar store

Add them to name tags with ribbon

 Hot glue feather butterflies and card stock leaves to twigs

Glue plastic men on lids with E-6000 glue

Create flags with card stock and toothpicks

Hot glue them in each hand

 Backyard twigs and card stock leaves make an inexpensive and beautiful place holder

 Using Multi-Surface paint and chalkboard coating, you can write

the name of each guest on their own personal votive holder

Erase and rewrite for the next party

Punch medium and large card stock circles and glue together

Punch a hole for colorful curling ribbon

Wrap around several crayons

Cover your table in white butcher paper or fill it with white paper placemats

Bend small metal forks with pliers

Insert a card stock circle in each