Crayons aren't just for preschoolers.

Crayon Art

September 16th, 2011

Have a box of crayons laying around? I'm sure everyone does.

Coloring is fun, even at nearly twenty-three like me...

But this is definitely a better use for those colorful tools.

What You'll Need:

box of crayons

canvas

hot glue gun

blow-dryer

It's Simple.

(1.) Peel all crayons

-- this is what takes the longest.

(2.) Place them in a rainbow

-- and, or roy g. biv fashion, if you will.

(3.) Glue them accordingly,

-- along the top of the canvas.

(4.) Blow-dry the crayons and

allow crayon wax to melt as desired.

I plan to melt this a bit more. It does make a bit of a mess, so avoid blow-drying near fabrics or carpets. But this is a fun, creative way to recycle old crayons. Happy crafting :)

Paper Ball; free DIY Japanese Kusudama

Inspiration: from StumbleUpon
A free craft? Yes.

And what's best about it --

You're repurposing your old magazines.

Go green.

What will you need?

magazine you have lying around

- [Game Informer, in my

case]

ruler

hot glue gun

beads [optional]

* if you decide to hang:

string & needle

I made my first paper flower ball following

the instructions listed on the site linked

from StumbleUpon.

I wanted to share some of my photos of

my first attempt at

Japanese Kusudama

and inspire everyone to repurpose!

Cut 60 squares 6 cm by 6 cm.

Fold according to directions on the link.

I personally changed the dimensions.

Decided to hang mine.

After folding, gluing, and placing each petal, each flower -- here is the outcome before being hung.

*Note: Using a magazine you have read before makes it fun.

Such as the Left photo says BlizzCon!

Finally, here is the result after putting the needle and thread through and hanging the ball in my desired place. Enjoy! Recycle. Repurpose. These flower balls can be made with colored paper, for a party or wedding. The photos do not do them justice how intricate and beautiful they are. I definitely plan to make at least two more to hang.

Pine Cone Garland: DIY Under $5

Do-It Yourself; Budget Friendly:

Pine Cone Garland

September 14th, 2011

This Pine Cone Garland can be such a great, fun project for welcoming in the fall harvest season. Pine cones represent this time of year, especially when paired with a festive colored ribbon; oranges for fall or reds & greens for Christmas.

What You'll Need:

pine cones: free--go gather some in the yard, forest, etc.

ribbon: $1 for 2 inch wide or less

screw hooks: $1 for 10

hole punch: free--around the house

scissors: free--around the house

Instructions:

1. Measure the mantle, door way, or space you're hanging your garland and cut your ribbon. Remembering to leave extra for hanging at each end.

2. Space pine cones evenly punching a hole for each. I used ten for a medium sized doorway--keep in mind these were large fairly large.

3. Once you know how many you'll need, screw a hook into the top of each pine cone. Some of them will need the tops cut down if they still have the stem in tact. Note: This may be a bit tricky, but keep pushing and the hooks will eventually work their way in.

4. Hang ribbon, hang hooks in pre-punched holes, and there you are.

You'll have a festive budget-friendly project for years to come.

Happy Harvest.