DIY: Fabric Button Earrings

So, I’ve been seeing these darling earrings on Pinterest {FYI, everybody, Pinterest is my life and my love <3}. And I really wanted to make them. Like really badly. But normally when I try DIY projects, they don’t turn out as planned. I won’t give you any scenarios, just because I’m too ashamed. But these earrings looked foolproof and I was determined to make them.

DIY Fabric Button Earrings

Supplies:

-a cover button kit (you can find this at craft stores, I used Dritz)

-fabric squares

-earring posts

-jewelry glue or any kind of strong glue (I used  E-6000)

-scissors and marker/pen

-pliers (or something to pry the hook off the back of the button)

Let’s get started!

The instructions are pretty basic and explained on the back of the cover button kit, but I’ll lead you through them anyways :)

So, begin with cutting a circle from your fabric swatch. There should be a circle template on the back of the button kit. You can buy some from the fabric store or use up some old swatches. I used some gorgeous, vintage-y {is that a word?} squares my Grandma gave me. I love floral patterns!

Pull all the hooks off your button backs with pliers. I had a lot of trouble with this and ended up getting help from the parentals.

Center the fabric over the mold and place the button shell over it. Gather all the fabric into the mold.

Push the button back on top and use the pusher to help you put it into place. I’M A PUSHER CADY, I PUSH PEOPLE! {sorry, Mean Girls spasm) Pop your button out of the mold. You’ve got a fabric covered button!

Now glue your earring posts onto the button backs and let dry for like 8 hours or so, or whatever your glue directions say. I used this little craft pack of glues and picked the E-6000. You don’t have to use it, some other strong glue/jewelry glue should work :)

You did it! You’ve got a fabric covered button earring!

I got a little carried away with this project and made 3 pairs of earrings. You should too. Enjoy!

DIY: College Survival Kit

Wow, it’s been a long time since I last blogged. What was it, like six months? Sorry for the delay, if there are still any stragglers left. I sure hope there are, because I would certainly love it if people actually read my blog and enjoyed it. I really really truly hope that someone does. So if you do, you are awesome, and making my day a little better :)

Well, today I saw a robin’s egg on the driveway. You guys know what robin’s eggs look like, right? They are those tiny, Tiffany blue eggs that light up the sky. Yeah those. And when I saw it, I knew that it was going to be a good day. I mean come on. How perfect are those little eggs. They are so cute. And I don’t see them that often. I mean, you’d think I would, considering robins are Michigan’s state bird. How do they even determine state birds and flowers anyways? SO confused about that.

Sorry for the rambling, I do that a lot. Let’s get on to the tutorial.

DIY: College Survival Kit

I made a College Survival Kit. That’s right, the perfect gift for a graduate going off to school. And I see these $100 kits all around. Let’s be honest. Whatever people are putting in those kits... it does not cost $100 dollars. I mean, seriously?! Hands up if you agree. So I decided to make my own. Because for years I have wanted to give one of these things but have never had the time or motivation. This kit was for my brother’s girlfriend, who is also a crafter. Sometimes I don’t like making homemade gifts for people cause I know they won’t get it or appreciate it. You crafters out there catch my drift?

But I knew she would like it. So I researched a bunch and tried to figure out... what do college kids really need but won’t spend the money on?

I got some normal things people suggested, but also added my own twist, keeping the graduate’s interests in mind. Here is a list. It might not have everything because my picture doesn’t include everything and I already gave out the gift and can’t remember what I exactly put in it.

If you’d like a copy of my label and gift explanations, you can find a downloadable pdf here

 College Survival List:

-bandaids and ointment

-loose change (quarters for laundry)

-headbands

-nail polish

-kleenex

-hand sanitizer

-Q-tips, cotton pads

-lip balm

-a good-quality or cute pen

-sticky notes

Pretty sure I had more, but I don’t remember. Keep in mind that I made this 4 weeks ago. Cut me some slack guys!

Now, I went shopping at a few places to get these things. For example, you can go to a cheap place, like a dollar store or Christmas Tree Shops, and still get good items.

After I found my things, I had to look for the perfect bag. Something super cute, not super expensive, and thoughtful. Originally I was going to put the gifts in a sand bucket with a shovel attached given it’s summer... and how cute is that idea?! Until I found this adorable little bag at Christmas Tree Shops. It was super cheap (around $5) and looked very bookish {is that a word?}. With the leather looking straps, canvas lining, and plaid initial, to me, it indeed looked bookish. Aannnnd, I got the initial of the graduate’s last name, so bonus points for me :) If you find a mini suitcase or something similar, that would totally be adorable for this kit as well!

After I placed all the items in the bag, I created a little key that listed all the gifts and explained the reasons for them. If I do say so myself, I love the little emergency crosses that I included beside the title and in place of bulletpoints. 

I finished off my kit with an adorable label which I created on the computer, printed out on white cardstock, cut out, and attached with twine. Yesiree, that’s how it’s done in this house.

Dang, I am a master of labels. No, seriously, look for yourself.

After this, send the kit off to your favorite graduate.

Notes:
**Now that I think about it, I could have gone overboard and gotten some wicked things to put in there. It was just supposed to be little, but if you want to spend some more money, you could give a mini fan, a shower caddy, a ramen noodle book, or some fun chick flicks that every college girl needs (that means Mean Girls and John Tucker Must Die, BTW :)

**Some things I included were specific to the graduate’s needs. For example, she’s a runner, which is why I included headbands. Chiclets are her favorite gum. And nail polish... well everyone should have a fun color of nail polish!

Adapt this kit to your own likes and needs. I hope you enjoyed! Bye, bye!

DIY: DVD Album

Who else is sick of a million DVD cases taking up all the space in your entertainment area and spelling out C-L-U-T-T-E-R? Because I was so sick of that. Until I eventually went all haywire and decided to make my own. The result: a simple, gorgeous DVD album that was cheaper than those already made ones you can buy at Best Buy and you can customize it yourself. Come on and see!

DIY DVD Album

Supplies:

-Binder OR Photo Album

-thin adhesive to stick your title (I used my genius Xyron Create-A-Sticker Machine that I mentioned in previous posts)

-1 package disc inserts/DVD inserts (I used Case Logic ProSleeves)

-1 package of velcro strips (I used Scotch General Purpose Fasteners)

-DVDs

Directions:

1. First take all of your DVDs out of their cases and insert them into the DVD slips. I had an ugly mess resulting from this process.

2. Arrange them in your binder.

3. Use a snap or cut a small square of velcro like I did and apply it to the edge of your binder, like so.

4. Make an adorable label for the top of your binder. I cut out mine using Sure Cuts A Lot 2 and this kind of twisted, antique-looking font called Alice in Wonderland. I’m sorry but I forgot where it was from. I think I downloaded it free from eighteen25.

Enjoy this! Bye!

I’m Back... With Monster Corner Bookmarks!

I’m sorry I abandoned you guys for a month. Um... can you say AWKWARD? I’m been slightly busy since my last post. Just, slightly. But shortly before New Years’ Eve, I made this adorable Monster Corner Bookmark from I Could Make That. I found it via Tip Junkie. They are about the cutest things I’ve ever seen and they are way easier than they look. The cutting of the shapes is probably the most time-managing. But here they are!

I don’t want to steal her tutorial so head on over there to make this! Believe me, you won’t regret it! Enjoy your night!

Snowbars

These cuties came from this blog. I made them for a few friends yesterday and they all loved them. They are not hard at all and they make an awesome little treat for a casual friend, coworker, teacher, or neighbor.

Snowmen Candy Bars:

Supplies:

-Photo paper OR computer paper (regular paper) P.S. How much sheets depends on how many snowmen you are making

-Hershey’s bars OR any favorite candy bar

-1 pack baby socks (color of your choice)

-buttons

-black and orange permanent markers

-twine (mine was from The Twinery) OR ribbon

-double-stick tape OR other adhesive

Directions:

1.) Prepare your Hershey’s bars. Cut your photo paper into rectangles that are 6 × 6 1/2 inches.

2.) Center your bars in the middle of the rectangle, then fold one side over and tape it halfway on the bar and halfway on the photo paper.

3.) Fold other side over. Turn Hershey’s bar over.

4.) It’s time to begin the fun part! Take out your baby socks and cut off the toe part.

5.) Stretch this over the head of your snowman (the top of the Hershey’s bar).

6.) Draw on your eyes with a black Sharpie.

7.) Don’t forget the carrot nose and his mouth!

8.) Tie your hat with a bow made of twine or ribbon.

9.) Adhere two buttons with a glue gun, tape, or glue dots.

Look at these adorable little beanies!

Hope you can make some little snowbars yourself as a last minute present!

Bye, bye!

Merry Christmas Tags {Free}

So, last night I got a little creative and created these Christmas Tags:

This is just a little preview but you can download them using the links below.

I plan to hole-punch them, slide some holiday ribbon through, and tie them on the cake pops I’m making for Tuesday. You can download them for free to use to attach for any festive holiday gift if you'd like. Hope you enjoy them!


Merry Christmas Tags {Pages Download}
Merry Christmas Tags {Word Document Download}

Bye, bye!

Thanks A Latte Card

Five years ago (last February), I created this thank you card. And now I decide to share it with you. What’s wrong with me?

I thought this card was totally genius when I thought of the idea. Then I found out 5 million others did the same thing before me. Some great idea.

But isn’t it cute? Come see!

My first attempt was to print out multiple Caribou Coffee logos on brown card stock. I then continued my failure and tried to cut coffee mugs out of the same card stock. 

And with what, you say? With my Cricoto of course!

(P.S. This means Cricut in Spanish if you’d like to know:)

I eventually gave up with the idea of Caribou Coffee mugs and I added a little creativity. I found a mug on the Internet that served as my template for my own mug. Then I cut the mugs out using some hot pink card stock and patterned scrapbook paper. Sorry, I cannot give credit to what brand the paper is, due to the stacks have already been thrown out. However, I did get both papers in stacks from Jo-Ann Fabrics.

After those were all cut out and clean, I designed a little label on my computer, coordinating with the circle Avery labels I had at home.

Aren’t they gorgeously adorable?

I’m in love with designing labels. From these to the Dory/Just Keep Swimming ones, I’m on a roll. I really wish I could share a free template of these, but that’ll have to wait until I find out how to make these sharable. Hmm...

P.S. Midge is here again :)

Summer Lotion Bucket

Okay, I know, I know this name isn’t very creative. But I couldn’t think of anything else. But hey, cut me some slack. Boy, am I excited for Pretty Little Liars tonight. It’s going to be intense. Who agrees? Yes, I know, off topic.

And today, and wanted to show you this.

I know, it’s an ugly picture, but I made this in late June, one Friday night, and I didn’t really care if my computer took ugly snapshots. I made it for a friend for her performance. Why lotion? That's a question we'll save for another day.

So I got one of the new deliciously-smelling lotions from Bath & Body Works for her. And I got some clear cellophane from Hobby Lobby and a adorable green bucket for a really cheap price. I just love this basket because it is so summery. Then I arranged the lotion and hot pink tissue paper I found at home in the bucket, wrapped it will cellophane, and tied it with some extra hot pink ribbon I had at home. Don’t you love it? I also attached a small flower I made with the basic shapes cartridge on my Cricut™ and wrote a little “good luck” note inside.

Happy crafting!

Homemade Gift Boxes

I had no time to show these darling gift boxes to you during the Christmas season. Yes, that's why they are made with holiday scrapbooking paper. 

These boxes are the most simple and adorable things I've ever created. I made about 5 of them for this Christmas and everyone loved them. 

Okay, so let's get started. You need a sheet of 8 1/2"× 11" piece of scrapbooking paper or colored cardstock, whichever you prefer. I used Christmas scrapbooking paper for my boxes. 

On the longer side of your paper, score at 2", 5", 7", and 10". On the shorter side, score at 2" and 7". Now, the next part is tricky to explain so I made a diagram to show you. 

Okay, this isn't the exact size it would be if you actually made the craft. Obviously I can't make it but these lines are similar to the ones you will see when you score them. 


After you score, first cut lines A, B, and C, up to the two horizontal lines on the other side of the paper. Tape them together with a strong adhesive. At the bottom half, where D, E, F, and G are, press them together. 


Make two holes with a hole punch at the top and slide some matching ribbon through them. Put in some tissue paper and your gift and tie the ribbon into a beautiful bow. You're good to go!