Posts filed under 'diy'
Here’s the traditional DIY gift roundup. I wish I could say my Dad was getting one of these cool, crafty, and thoughtful things, but I’m afraid I opted for the DVD route this year. But that doesn’t mean you have to.
Remember, if you want to make this stuff for cheap, don’t forget that thrift stores are a great source for fabric, cookware, etc. DIY can get expensive if you don’t use all your resources!
Also… I know ties are a traditional Father’s Day thing… But do they really want to get ties every year? Poll your dads, the public wants to know.
Let Him Eat Cake
Does your dad like cake? Apparently there are a plethora of dads out there who do, because I came across a myriad of Dad-related cake ideas!
Customize It
If you must give Dad a shirt or tie, at least make it unique.
- Custom Handmade Tie. Dad has enough paisley–find a funky fabric or something vintage to cut up and recreate into a brand new… tie.
- Custom Screenprinted T-Shirt. Hey. You could screenprint a tie on it! But please don’t.
- Knit a Necktie. I’m not sure whose dad would want this, but I bet you know if your pop is a knitted tie kind of guy.
Digital Age
- Neoprene Laptop Bag. This suggests using an old wetsuit. If you don’t have one yourself, you could try thrifting, ebaying, or even just asking around. But make sure you clean it well, please.
- DIY Digital Picture Frame. Though not exactly cheap, this is still pretty cool, and probably cheaper than buying one.
- Star Wars Wii Case Mod. This is because my dad loves Star Wars so much. Here’s to you, Dad!
Don’t forget to give your dad a nice big hug. Or at least pass him the remote. 
photo by What’s Cooking America
June 19th, 2009
Valentine’s Day (or Singles Awareness Day as some call it) is only a week away, so you’d better get started on your DIY-ing! Remember, you don’t have to have a boyfriend or girlfriend to enjoy the day there are a lot of people in your life who need some love! Send a card off to your BFF, your mama, or anyone else who could do with some more construction paper hearts in their life. (And ladies, if you don’t have a date may I recommend gathering some girls for some Jane Austen movies and a date with Ben and Jerry?)
Now on to the DIY-ing!
Rice Krispie Treat “Kisses.” These may possibly be the most adorable Valentine ever–Rice Krispie treats shaped like Hershey’s kisses, complete with the foil wrapper! I’d suggest involving a little chocolate, too–maybe a candy coating? Mmm.
Also try:
Felt ‘I Love You’ Book. Got a lot to say? Maybe more than will fit on a Hallmark card? Whip up one of these little books to share with your sweetie and fill it up with Reasons I Love You.
Also try:
Valentine’s Mobile. If you want easy and cute in one fell swoop, this sweet little mobile is your dream date. All you need is some scissors, paper, glue, and string.
Also try:
lots of LOVE ♥
February 6th, 2009
Ah, the internet: your ticket to fabulous furniture freebies. You can find all kinds of great stuff in your area, from used pianos to desks, couches, lamps, and more. Keep a sharp eye out, and you could probably furnish your entire place for free (but you might want to plan on making some renovations to the freebies you find). A little DIY sure beats paying the price tag for customized furniture (like the cubbie cabinet above, from A Colorful Place).
Treasure Hunting
I hear these sites are a great place to search for the freebies of your dreams:
- Craigslist.org (Choose your area + click “free” under the for sale category. Keep in mind you can often find super cheap furniture in their other categories if you’re willing to spend a few bucks.)
- The Freecycle Network
AND, if you live in an apartment complex, don’t forget to scour each floor at the end of the month (when people typically move out) for discarded goods! People leave behind good stuff! (Case in point, we left behind a TV cabinet and a huge TV because we couldn’t sell them and didn’t want them in our new place!)
Also, don’t forget to let family & friends know that you are available to take their hand-me-downs.
Trash into Treasure
Once you’ve got your freebies, all you have to do is schedule in some weekend DIY time. For lots of furniture, a simple paint job or even just updating the hardware (like drawer pulls, for example) can completely change the look of a piece.
Ready to roll up your sleeves? Check out these awesome tutorials if you need a little help…
Oh! And remember, even if you find a practically-mint piece, remember to spend some time on a basic cleaning job just to be safe–and to make your mom feel better about you picking up used furniture.
January 23rd, 2009
Christmas is less than a week away, and Hanukkah starts Monday, so this weekend is your last chance to get those DIY gifts ready and wrapped! Our last DIY Gift Roundup of the season is just for the mamas, aunties, and grandmas in your life.
Button Wreath Ornament. You know Martha had to get in on this-look how easy these adorable wreath ornaments are! (from Martha Stewart)
Shower Cap. Especially good for preserving those special holiday do’s, this shower cap is useful and surprisingly cute! (from Hoppo Bumpo)
Twig Serving Platter. Leave it to Design*Sponge to come up with a quirky and clever DIY platter-this makes for a simple-but-unique centerpiece with clean lines and a nice nod to nature. (from Design*Sponge)
Retro-Style Lined Apron. Baking, cooking, and even tidying up will be more fun with this charming little apron. Get your sewing needles ready and go for it! (from LuluLollyLegs)
Quilted Hexagon Flower Ornaments. Perfect for sewing beginners, these cute little ornaments will brighten up any tree, doorknob, or window! (from Lovestitches)
Hippie Chick Flower Soap. [Video] A fun little stocking stuffer, these hippie flower soaps are easy to customize with your own fragrances. (from WonderHowTo) Also, check out these sugary sweet Candy Heart Soaps [Video] from Martha Stewart!
And if none of these catch your fancy, I’d recommend poking around Craftster.org and MarthaStewart.com, which are both full of creative DIY gift ideas ranging from easy peasy to week-long projects!
photo: design*sponge
December 18th, 2008
Flower Fairy Lights. Talk about economical-these fairy lights are made from regular cardboard egg cartons, but they’re actually pretty adorable! (photo above; from Esprit Cabane)
Felt Cupcakes. Perfect for little ones playing chef, these cute felt cupcakes are easy even for beginners to make. (from Rachael Rabbit)
Teeny Girl Doll. A pocket-sized dollie for a little sister, cousin, niece, or babysitting charge. 
(from Making it Lovely)
Owl Stuffed Animal. This stuffed owl-named Abraham by his creator-fits in the palm of your hand! (from LollyChops)
Lambie iPod Case. This little lamb knows hip tunes when he hears them. I love how creative people get with iPod cases! (from Hip Girlie) — My favorite, though, is still the one I made for my brother last year. (Find the tutorial here.) He’s still using it a year later!
photo: Esprit Cabane
December 12th, 2008
Ready for another roundup of DIY gifts? Here we go!
Floppy Disk Pencil Holder. Perfect for a techie (or former techie), this goofy gift is sure to bring a smile. (from Esprit Cabane)
Bantha Stuffed Animal. Even if your guy, brother, or dad isn’t usually a fan of stuffed animals, this Star Wars Bantha plushie is sure to get a laugh. (from StarWars.com)
Rock Candy. How can you go wrong with candy and a little blast from the past? A simple recipe for an old-school treat! (from Exploratorium)
Sketchbook. The perfect handmade gift for the artist in your life, this simple sketchbook is a lot of bang for your buck-and you can customize it to make it extra personal. (from Dani Draws)
Binary Scarf. Know how to knit? This scarf is perfect for the guy who can ace a math test and program computer games into his calculator, all in the same class. (from Knitty)
Classic Nintendo T-Shirt. I have yet to meet a guy (young or old!) who doesn’t appreciate a little TV-time. Salute your favorite gamer by whipping up an easy DIY Classic Nintendo T-shirt. (from Diynamite)
Custom Tie. Dad may be tired of getting the same old tie year after year, so why not kick it up a notch this year and make one yourself? Get creative with funky fabrics or custom designs. I love the idea of painting or silk-screening them, too! (from Craftster)
More to come!
photo: diynamite
December 8th, 2008
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