How to Dye Wooden Beads

26. Apr. 2016
/
3 Comments

Okay, so I’ve shown you how to paint wooden beads before, but did you know that you can dye them too?! I’ve been playing around with dye and wood since this project and I think these beads are my favorite results yet. It’s such a low maintenance project that anyone can do and the outcome is so colorful and fun! Here’s how:

Time: 20 minutes – 1 hour depending on color results you want
Materials: wooden beads, liquid Rit dye, bowl, water, floral wire (optional)

Liquid dye is always my favorite to use. Feel free to mix colors to create your own custom results!

The ratio of hot water to dye depends on how many beads you want to dye and how many colors. I worked in small containers to make a series of colors, so I used about 5 oz of water to 2 tbs of dye. You can always add more dye if you don’t like the results you’re getting.

Because the beads float, you will either want to be by the dye, turning the beads every now and then, or you can weigh them down by stringing them on floral wire.

One of my favorite aspects of this process is that the results are organic and are different every time. There’s no hard and fast rule for getting great results, so have fun and don’t be scared to experiment a bit. At one point I only have submerged a bead in the dye and I just love the dipped looked. Overall I left my beads in the dye mixture for about 30 minutes.

Once you’re happy with the color of your beads (keep in mind they will be darker when wet), rinse in cold water until the water runs clear. Let dry and then you’re ready to craft something colorful! These would make just the cutest necklace for summer don’t you think?

How To Make Cardboard Beads

16. Nov. 2015
/
10 Comments

Anndddd I’m back! I made it to the east coast (not entirely to Philly yet), and am so ready to get back to crafting. There’s only so long a girl can be separated from her glue gun, am I right?

Since moving is costing me an arm and a leg, I needed to find a way to make some new jewelry for the holiday season without breaking the bank. The good news is that it’s totally possible! Cardboard beads are surprisingly easy to make and a great way to add a pop of color to any outfit. Here’s how:

Time: 20 minutes
Materials: corrugated cardboard, scissors, mod podge, brush, pen, straws

This is my first time working with corrugated cardboard and I think I may have a new favorite craft supply. It holds shape nicely and is so easy and flexible to work with. If you’ve never worked with it before, I recommend that you pick some up asap and try this project!

If you’re making the triangle shape, it helps to draw it on the back of the cardboard first. You can also make a variety of other shapes by cutting straight strips of paper in a mix of widths. Experiment and have fun with this step!

Once you have your shapes cut out, apply a layer of mod podge to the back (smooth side) of the cardboard. Roll up the cardboard on your straw and add bit of mod podge to the end to hold in place. In about 20 seconds you’ll be able to remove your bead from the straw so you can set it aside and let it dry. I found that if you have a few different straws, you can lay them over a cup (so the bead is over the hole) to let dry while you make another bead.

And that’s it! I strung some on a piece of twine and made a fun necklace in no time at all. I think it would be fun to make bigger beads, and maybe have multiple strands, to make a killer statement necklace. I’ve got lost of experimenting to do! What do you think, will you be joining me?!

How to Make Peonies Last Longer

08. Jun. 2015
/
14 Comments

If Instagram has taught me anything within the last few weeks, it’s that peony season should be year round. Really, I don’t know if there’s ever been a more beloved flower on social media. Before those beautiful blooms go out of season, you’ll want to follow these five simple steps for making your peonies last longer. That way, you can be sure to enjoy (and photograph) them enough to tide you over until next year!

1. If you don’t have plant food (that comes with most flowers), you can add a bit of sugar to your water.

2. Peonies are affected by the heat. At night, place them in the fridge, or outside (if it’s cooler) to keep them from opening further.

3. Cut the stems at an angle, under water, every other day. This allows for the flower to absorb more water.

4. Replace the water every two days; you’ll notice the water getting a bit brown even after 1 day.

5. Use cold water when refilling the vase. If you need your blooms to open up quickly for a photo shoot or event, warm water will open them up in no time.

Another tip– you can also find cheaper peonies directly from the grower. Check your surrounding area for farms! I went to two about 40 minutes outside of Portland that were packed full of different varieties, plus the price was about half of what you pay for in stores. And if you really want your peonies to last forever, I recommend pressing a few of the petals to turn into dried flower coasters!

How to Make a Dishwasher Safe Mug (and what not to do)

20. May. 2015
/
31 Comments

Time: 45 minutes (includes bake time)
Materials: ceramic mug, Pebeo Porcelaine 150 pen, oven

Last year I shared a tutorial for how to paint ceramic and make it dishwasher safe (also used on this ring holder). I recently discovered that the same company makes the specialty ceramic paint in marker form, which opens up what you can do design wise completely! For my first attempt, I decided to do polka dots. Sounds easy enough right? Well, I ran into a bit of a snag along the way and thought I’d share it with you, because hey, who doesn’t love a good craft fail?

All you need to make your design permanent is the porcelaine 150 pen and an oven. You can use any ceramic mug and may even find good ones to makeover at the dollar store. Continue reading…