Archive for DIY Tutorial

I put together a snappy Fourth of July DIY post for the Etsy Austin blog. Get your craft on, yo!

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My style would not be considered minimalistic. The concept of that sounds grand, but when it comes down to it my dream abode would be chock full of kitschy wonder, granny afghans, crayon box color and a teensy bit of glitter. A place where homey meets retro, where my collection of beer koozies can be displayed prominently on a floating wood shelf and my oodles of weird collections have homes.

Likewise, I’m drawn to these fun and simple DIY tutorials that can add a little panache to your space and your life.

Book Page Fabric

Paper Garland

Chalkboard Globe

Lace Stenciled Frames

My husband, the science and map geek, would adore this chalkboard globe in particular! And I am a lover of lace and spray paint, so I’m certain that project will get attention from the Spangler household in the near future!

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My sweet e-friend, and amazingly awesome penpal, Mrs. Polly Danger featured a very useful tutorial on her blog this week for custom tear-off notepads. These would be a great gift (perfect for teachers!) or stocking stuffer, but would also make a great addition to your OWN paper and stationery collection as well. Think of the customization possibilities!

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Holy cupcake, I’m a sucker for tutorials. If they’re simple and quirky, you’ve won me over before we even got started! A friend of mine, Lynnea from Squid Ink Kollective, posted a link to these tutorials on her Facebook page and I was immediately intrigued. A big long LIST of TUTORIALS you say? Okay.

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For the past several months I’ve been the reigning editorial assistant intern at IndieFixx.com. I’ve done lots of research for features, helped Jen (the illustrious editor) put together the second edition of her e-zine Joie, and wrote a few of my own features such as the Sketchbook Project post.

Two pieces that have run of late, and ones that I’m particularly proud of, are my Creative Tithing post and my 14 Handmade Holiday Food Gifts post. I felt that the Creative Tithing post was especially relevant this holiday season, as a reminder that the holidays aren’t about BUYING. They’re about sharing, making, loving and supporting. It’s kind of a warm and fuzzy post with a bit of a real backbone. These ideals, the concept of giving back a portion of your handmade earnings towards other indie and handmade businesses, really ring true in this economy where people are fighting tooth and nail to grow their businesses into a financially successful endeavor. I want to support that! Don’t you!?

And if you’re in a crunch to figure out what you’re going to make for the giftees on your list this year, some of the food gifts I’ve pointed out in my 14 Handmade Holiday Food Gifts post are simpler than you may think! And food gifts are always received with open arms… AND open mouths. Don’t be scared to give handmade. I promise, it won’t hurt a bit!

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I mentioned my granny-love of doilies before, and when I saw this round up of doily projects from How About Orange I squeed my pants!

I just happened to have scored a small string of vintage doilies from a yard sale last weekend… so my wittle brain is conniving a project. I’m thinking the drawstring bag is right up my alley. Maybe a shoe bag? Maybe a take-out craft bag?

Geez… I really need to get some pics up here of some awesome crafty items I’ve made recently! Stop slacking Shrie! Have you made anything with doilies? Do tell!

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I’ve been working like a dog… okay not really. But I have been making lots of stuff! Here are just some new items, from my crafty hands and into my Etsy shop! I did a three part series on Offbeat Bride on “How to create a festive wedding banner”, and this amazing floral bunting was part three of that three part series. You can see the tutorials for part one and part two as well.

Spring Floral Bunting Banner

Sassy Cotton and Chenille Burp Cloths

Bold Cotton and Flannel Burp Cloths

Embroidered Vintage Linen Floral Brooch

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I spied these nifty Google Maps Envelopes while perusing the Craftzine.com blog and was smitten. Designer Beste Miray Dogan made up this  Mapenvelop, an envelope with a map of the place in which the letter originated, using Stephen’s template .

They’re cute, quirky and AWESOME to get in the mail. If you flip the idea around a bit, print out envelope liners with the location of your event and send them out with your invites, your envelope is doing double-duty. Plus, they just look super neat.
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