Quick and Easy Earrings

Using charms from the craft store make for quick and affordable earrings.

earrings

Making earrings from charms is so easy. These beautiful butterfly wings came in a set of four pairs from Hobby Lobby. I was able to make four pairs of earrings for less than $10, making these a very affordable gift. Charms and buttons make for quick and easy earrings.

materials

Using two jewelry pliers, charms, and matching ear wires I was able to make four pairs of earrings in no time at all.

Video Tutorial:

These were such a huge hit in my house, I have to go and buy a few more sets of charms so we don’t fight over the colors!

DIY a Travel Valet Tray

Make your own travel valet tray that can be used for so much more.

finished travel valet

Have you ever seen a travel valet? They are basically a basket or tray if you will that you use to collect all your pocket items when traveling. This is a quick and easy-to-make version using a placemat from the Dollar Tree and a Snap Kit from Gwen Studios.

The links provided are for your use and may contain affiliate links.
They cost nothing for you to use.
Thank you in advance for supporting this site with its use.

snap kit

The Gwen Studios Snap Kit is available at Walmart. On top of it is a cut-down piece of a woven plastic placemat from the Dollar Tree.

parts needed

From the kit, you’ll need the tool with the appropriate parts installed for the snaps you are using and the snaps. An instruction sheet is included in the kit to guide you on the use of the different snaps. You can see 8 stars and 4 of each male and female parts in the above photo.

snaps in place

A close-up image with the snaps in place before using the tool to set them. Watch the video tutorial for detailed instructions on how to make the travel valet.

tool

Place the tool on the snaps and squeeze tight to secure them in place. It really is easy to use.

Video Tutorial:

The finished travel valet is flat on the left and snapped together on the right. It is really handy for so much more than travel. The valet can withstand getting wet, making it work well in the bathroom or kitchen because it is plastic.

How to Make Button Earrings

How to make fun button earrings.

button earrings

Making your own button earrings is a fun way to make earrings for a special outfit or event. I made these for my daughters for a recent trip to Disney. They are easy to make and cost-effective. Button earrings also make a great gift.

materials

The links provided are for your use and may contain affiliate links.
They cost nothing for you to use.
Thank you in advance for supporting this site with its use.

Materials:

  • Wire nippers
  • adhesive
  • buttons (mine were found at Walmart)
  • earring findings
  • sanding block or nail file

The materials needed are rather simple and you can use a variety of options. For cutting the backs off the buttons I used wire nippers but utility scissors can also work well. If you have a Dremel, that would do the trick. For the adhesive, I used Super Glue Gel. E6000 or a jewelry-making adhesive will also work. To sand the backs a nail file, sanding block, sandpaper, or a Dremel can file down any rough edges. The video tutorial below will show you the simple process.

Video Tutorial:

Being worn at the most happiest place on earth!

Bunny Treat Box and SVG

Make a bunny treat box for Easter with this free SVG file.

with CutCardStock

bunny box

With Easter right around the corner, why not make this cute bunny box. What a cute way to give a treat. Both young and old will get a kick out of it. You can make them in different sizes and colors. Personalize them and they make a great place setting name tag.

Many of the items I use in posts are provided by the manufacturers to promote their products.
A special thanks to those brands who sponsor this site. Some links are affiliates, thank you for using them.

I used Stardream Metallic Card Stock in Crystal for the box and Astrobright in Pulsar Pink for the ears and nose. CutCardStock’s Stardream line is one of my favorite card stocks with a bit of metallic, it has a great look.

I cut the SVG file out on a Cricut Maker. Placing two different pieces of card stock on the mat, I adjusted the file in Design Space. This made it easier to cut once instead of twice.

As a reminder when cutting, set the red lines to score and load your scoring tool before setting the file to cut. The materials are minimal for this project making it so easy to make. It would be fun to get the kids involved.

I cut the whisker with scissors from a scrap of black and chose to draw in the eyes instead of cutting them out.

The video tutorial below shows how to easily put the pieces together.

Video Tutorial:

Please visit the store to download the free SVG file for the box. [Bunny box SVG]

This view shows the size of the box that can be made from an 8.5 x 11″ sheet of card stock. Just the perfect size for a treat or a group of jelly beans!

Fairy Card with Heart Stems

Follow along to make this fairy card with heart stems. Lots of techniques included.

Today I am working with a stamp from Fairy Hugs called Alexa. She is joyful and playful so I added an array of three different colored heart stems behind her to amplify her action. The card doesn’t have a sentiment. I like leaving them blank until later so the card can be used for a variety of different occasions. I can always add a sentiment but changing one isn’t that easy.

Many of the items I use in posts are provided by the manufacturers to promote their products.
A special thanks to those brands who sponsor this site
Some links are affiliates, thank you for using them.

Materials:

  • Alexa stamp
  • stamp block
  • black ink
  • colored pencils
  • embossing plate
  • CrossOver II
  • heart stem die
  • clear embossing powder
  • Versamark ink pad
  • heat tool
  • purple ink pad
  • card stock – a variety of colors
  • tape runner
  • foam tape *
  • scissors *
  • Brother Scan n Cut
  • Wink of Stella
  • Blue metallic marker *
  • Cricut Paper Trimmer
    * items were purchased at the Dollar Tree

A variety of different techniques were used in putting this card together. You can see them step by step in the video tutorial below.

Video Tutorial:

Above is a close-u image of the card so you can see some of the details. The final touches while seem small really do add to the overall vision of the card.

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates
AZ – Amazon, C – Cricut, SSS – Simon Says Stamps, SB – Scrapbook, O – Other
Crossover II
Crossover II
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Intense Black Ink Pad
Intense Black Ink Pad
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SSS
Portable Trimmer
Portable Trimmer
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Tape Runner
Tape Runner
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Versamark
Versamark
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Woodless Colored Pencils
Woodless Colored Pencils
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Make a Paper Spin Toy

Easy kids craft, make a spinning paper toy.

toy in hand

  These spinning toys are simple, but so much fun. They are easy enough for the kids to make along with you. Think how excited they will be to make their own usable toy!  

Many of the items I use in posts are provided by the manufacturers to promote their products.
A special thanks to those brands who sponsor this site
. Links may be affiliates.

best glue
no-clog

Materials:

I used cardstock but any paper will work. Cut the strips to 3/4″ x 8.5″. Using cardstock you will need about six strips. The exact dimensions and amount of strips really aren’t important but you do want to build up the width. The only important thing is to make sure you roll the strips tightly around the toothpick. 

Video Tutorial:

top view of toys

  A view from the top, how colorful! 

Making Origami Paper Magnets

Making DIY magnets with Yasutomo and the Dollar Tree. @Yasutomoart @DollarTree #sponsored

With Yasutomo Products

I love finding economical craft products and the Dollar Tree is one of those go-to stores for great finds. The moment I saw wooden magnets at the Dollar Tree, I knew they were going to be great for crafting. The shape of the magnets lent itself to be paired well with Origami paper. I applied Yasutomo Origami paper to the tops and coated them with a glossy spray to make these DIY magnets. Making a set of magnets was easy and would make a great handcrafted gift or housewarming present. You can make them fit your personal style and decor by changing the design of the Origami Paper.

Many of the items I use in my posts are provided by the manufacturers in order to promote their products.
A special thanks to those brands who sponsor this site.

Materials:

  • Origami paper – Yasutomo
  • wooden magnets – Dollar Tree
  • knife blade
  • paintbrush
  • Nori paste – Yasutomo
  • Gloss coat – Krylon

The process is rather easy and quick. The drying time is the only factor in the length of the project. I worked on these magnets over a few days due to the drying time of the final Krylon gloss coating. The actual crafting was quick and enjoyable.

Video Tutorial:

I am pleased with how the magnets turned out, they exceeded my expectations. I will be using them on our kitchen refrigerator. I have another package of magnets so I know I will be making more. Maybe for the office or my craft room. Let me know how you would use your own DIY Origami Magnets in the comments below.

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates
AZ – Amazon, C – Cricut
Krylon Clear Glaze
Krylon Clear Glaze
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Nori Paste
Nori Paste
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Yasutomo Fold'ems Origami Paper
Yasutomo Fold’ems Origami Paper
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AZ
Cricut True Control Knife Blade
Cricut True Control Knife Blade
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AZ | C

DIY a Night Light with Vinyl

How I updated a night light from the Dollar Tree with a vinyl design. @OfficalCricut @DollarTree #affiliate

A Dollar Tree Craft

I found this plain night light at the Dollar Tree and I was drawn to it for a crafting project. As a craft designer, I always have my eye out for project ideas and the Dollar Tree is a great place to find economical items. With the use of my Cricut and a little bit of vinyl, I transformed this plain night light into something more decorative. Follow along for this quick and easy project.

Many of the items I use in my posts are provided by the manufacturers in order to promote their products.
I want to give special thanks to those brands who sponsor this site.

materials

Materials:

  • night light
  • Cricut Maker
  • Holographic Vinyl
  • transfer tape
  • Cricut design
  • scissors
  • washi tape (optional)
Cricut Maker

I cut the stencil design on my Cricut Maker using holographic Cricut vinyl. The design I used is a purchased Cricut design – Flower Square Coaster #MCDABE4D. I sized it to be a bit smaller than the flat surface of the night light.

I used washi tape for additional security on my mats since they aren’t as sticky as they used to be. This is just a precaution and not necessary for most.

For the next step, weed away all the unwanted vinyl and then apply your transfer tape. The video below will show you how these preparation steps were done.

Video Tutorial:

The finished night light is placed in our downstairs bathroom which is very dark. It stays lit all the time and sets off a beautiful soft blue glow that works really well with the holographic blue vinyl. I am happy with the result and I think the design really adds to the night light.

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates
AZ – Amazon, C – Cricut, O – Other
Cricut Maker® Machine
Cricut Maker® Machine
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Westcott 14849 8
Westcott 14849 8″ Straight Titanium Bonded Non-Stick Scissors
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Cricut Standard Grip Mat
Cricut Standard Grip Mat
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Cricut Vinyl
Cricut Vinyl
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Making a Pen Gift Box

Make a pen gift box with a free SVG file. #free #freeSVG

With a Free SVG

My daughter graduated from High School this year. Here graduating class was small. On the day of graduation she wanted to give each girl a graduation gift of a nice pen. The pens didn’t have a gift box, so Cricut to the rescue. We made gift boxes.

Materials:

  • cardstock
  • Cricut Maker
  • tape runner
  • pen
  • dowel
  • tweezers
  • free SVG file

grab this free SVG file [Pen Box]

After cutting the card stock, fold all the flaps in to the same side.

Tape or glue along the shortest fold.

Tucking the taped flap inside, press the other edge to the fold.

After taping the flap and folding it into the box, use a dowel stick to push the tape in place for a better hold.

Place the pen into the box, then tape the other end flap.

Video Tutorial:

Layered Artwork with Denise Boddey

Make a layered artwork using materials from Denise Boddey Designs. #sponsored #designteam @DecoArtAcrylicPaints @ScrapbookAdhesives

Today I am posting as a part of the Denise Boddey Design Team. I am working with cut chipboard and a card topper. Painting and layering the elements make for a beautiful work of art. Framing mine, I used a frame from the dollar store that I did a patina finish on to coordinate the colors.

Materials:

  • Card topper (In my Garden Patch)
  • Chipboard (Arch Window)
  • detail scissors
  • Americana Chalk Finish (lace)
  • tape runner
  • glue
  • picture frame
  • Metal Effects patina kit
  • foam brush

Follow along with the video tutorial:

I originally thought I was going to make a card, but as the pieces came together I knew it would work better as a framed piece of artwork. I am really pleased with the end results. What do you think is best, as a card or framed art?

Suggested Material Links:

Links are Affiliates
AZ – Amazon, SSS – Simon Says Stamps, SB – Scrapbook, O – Other
Scraperfect Best Glue Ever
Scraperfect Best Glue Ever
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Scraperfect 32 Clog Writing Cap, Medium
Scraperfect 32 Clog Writing Cap, Medium
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Denise Boddey
Denise Boddey
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O
Chalk paint
Chalk paint
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AZ
Tape Runner
Tape Runner
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AZ | SSS | SB