Friday, February 15, 2013

Six Super Easy & Quick Craft Projects

Looking for a fun weekend project, but can't ever seem to find the time? Try one of these projects and you'll be done before you know it! You can expect to complete each of these super easy, and affordable projects in around 45 minutes or less - so what are you waiting for, warm up your glue gun and get crafting!

1. Embroidery Hoop Wall Pocket

Abernathy Crafts


This no-sew project requires just a few supplies - an embroidery hoop (any size) and two coordinating scraps of fabric! To get started, be sure your fabric is just slightly larger than your hoop. Next, decide how big you want your pocket, and line up the coordinating fabric accordingly on top of the main fabric. Place both pieces of fabric on the bottom hoop. Slip on the outer hoop and tighten just enough to hold the fabric in place. Gently tug the fabric around the bottom edges to make it taut inside of the hoop. When you are satisfied with the placement, cut the excess fabric or tuck it behind the hoop. Be sure to tighten your hoop all the way so that the fabric doesn't slip out.



2. Glitter Cat Eye Sunnies


The Glitter Guide

Grab some thrift store plastic cat eye shades and give 'em a little bit of Hollywood bling! To complete this project you'll need three bottles of nail polish - silver, glitter and a clear top coat. Paint a silver base around the corners - use a silver Sharpie to draw your guidelines if needed. Next, add the sparkle polish and dry thoroughly. Finish with the clear top coat. The finished product not only looks like you spent a fortune, it will help shield you from all the paparazzi!


3. Thread Spool Wine Corks


A Beautiful Mess


Grab some corks, wood spools and a few other supplies you probably already have around the house, and you're on your way to giving boring wine bottles a little extra personality. Start by wrapping a spool with double sided tape. Next wrap the taped spool completely with thread (embroidery thread works great!) making sure all the wood is covered. Lastly, use a small dot of glue to secure the end of the thread. Use wood glue to adhere the corks to the end of the spools. Allow spools and corks to dry completely. This project also works great with new or vintage spools that already have thread on them!

4. Fabric-Covered Suitcase


A Beautiful Mess


Jazz up an old vintage suitcase with your favorite fabric for a fun, fresh new look! Before you get started, please keep in mind hard cover cases with stitched seams work best for this project. Once you have your suitcase selected, choose a piece of coordinating fabric and lay it print side down on the case. Trace into the groove of the seam then cut an extra 1/4" around your trace line. Be sure to iron the fabric before adhering it to the case. Next, spread a thin layer of Mod Podge over 1/3 of the case making sure to spread it all the way to the edge. Line your fabric trace line up to the edge of the suitcase. Carefully smooth out the fabric as you go. Continue applying Mod Podge over the remaining 2/3 of the case, pressing fabric down until the case is completely covered. Now that the case is covered, you'll notice that your fabric is hanging about 1/4" over the edge. Pull the excess tight over the edge and trim with scissors then tuck into the seam, or use a rotary cutter to simultaneously tuck and trim. To give the corners a professional look, lift the fabric up slightly and create little pleats, add a bit more Mod Podge and press down. Voila, new life for an old suitcase! 



5. Orange Peel Candle


Eliza K Prints

Who needs expensive store-bought candles, when you can create your own with items you already have in your kitchen! To get started, cut an orange in half and gently carve out the "guts" with a small, sharp knife being careful not to rip through the outer peel. IMPORTANT: as you carve, be sure to leave the stem in the middle as this will serve as your wick. Once the orange is carved out, pour canola oil to fill the orange just below the top of your wick. Place the orange on a plate or stand, since natural candles have a tendency to burn through. Now, light your wick and sit back and enjoy the subtle orange aroma! Burn time is roughly 30-45 minutes.



6. Costume Jewelry Embellished Mirror



We saved the easiest project for last! In fact, you'll probably spend more time hunting for vintage brooches, earrings and necklaces than actually putting this mirror (or frame) together! Once you've assembled all your bling, carefully remove any fasteners, pins, clips, etc with wire cutters. Don't worry if you can't get the back of your piece totally flat, it will just add a little dimension. Arrange the jewelry on your mirror and secure with a hot glue gun. Using tweezers will help place the jewelry in just the right spot, it also helps keep you from getting burned by the hot glue!

19 comments:

Unknown said...

Yet again you bring us wonderful ideas and inspiring ways to spruce up the everyday! Your awesome Bryan!

HilltopTimes said...

Glitter, fabric, oranges.... so many wonderful project choices, so many different ways to be crafty! Great ideas! Great Post! I am going for the glitter glasses...

Anonymous said...

awesome post....can't wait to get started on some of these this weekend!

FrenchAtticFinds said...

those suitcases are awesome!!!!

Julia said...

Wow - loving these ideas!

gazaboo said...

Love those suitcases!!!
Fantastic ideas for a spring spruce up!!!
Now where did I put my glue gun....

Unknown said...

Great ideas!!! Love the fabric suitcase and orange peel candle. Sharing :)

BeeJayKay said...

Great ideas! Can't wait to try a couple!

Miss Magpies Shoppe said...

Love the blog post, especially the orange candle! Thank you for sharing!

Unknown said...

Oh, I love the orange peel candle idea! I might try this one!

Brambelina said...

Suitcases are beautiful. Thank you so much!

Cheryl said...

I love these! Thanks so much for the ideas!

Story Tellers Vintage said...

Wow, these are awesome ideas! Love the orange peel candle...I will have to try it soon :)

Mothra Sue said...

Such fun projects! I especially love the fabric colored suitcase project!

Modred Vintage said...

Such great ideas! I esp. like the orange peel candle. Great post as always.

Whimzy Thyme said...

Awesome! Thank you so much!

Dave said...

the hoop idea is fabulous - love this post - thanks Bryan!

Unknown said...

What fun and amazing projects! All I need is time.... Thanks, Bryan!

Wicked Darling said...

Great projects!!! There are so many broken pieces of vintage jewelry floating around now. This would be a great use for it!!! Awesome!!!

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