Domestic Divas Craft Corner!

Tea Cup Wind Chimes! :)

2011-06-24T10:50:00.000-07:00

Recently I saw some adorable wind chimes at Hobby Lobby that were made from tea cups! I thought they were so cute and looked pretty easy to make so I thought it would be a perfect project for the Domestic Divas!

Here is your supply List:

5 or 6 tea cups of your choice

Any beads you'd like to embellish

Heavy Duty fishing wire

Scissors

A round, oval or square wood piece

Drill to make 4+ holes in the wood piece

First measure out your fishing wire to whichever length you'd like

Then, tie a knot where you like to start adding the beads (Make sure you give yourself enough room to tie a knot through the wholes in the wood piece)

Continue adding beads and then tie a knot at the end before you tie another knot around the tea cup handle

Do all three fishing wires until your happy with the results. Then, pull the top through the hole on the wood piece and tie a knot around the edge. For the middle... make a loop and use a bead to secure under the wood piece for a loop to hang your wind chime on a hook or nail.

And Voila!!! All set! A handmade original one of a kid wind chime!

Angela made hers pretty cool! She put six holes in her wood piece and put one tea cup on each fishing wire at different lengths. Turned out so pretty!

Beautiful Ribbon and Pearl Necklace!

2011-05-25T19:36:00.000-07:00

Annie hosted our last craft night and taught us how to make these beautiful ribbon and pearl necklaces! It was so easy and soooo cute!

I've already had a few people around town ask me where I bought mine! Hee Hee

Here's your supply list:

Approx 52-56 inches of ribbon

Pencil

Pearls or Beads

Needle and Thread

Scissors

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First thing, measure out your ribbon to 52-56 inches. We allowed for 16 inches on each side to have room to tie the bow. Then, after the 16 inches is marked... take your largest bead and mark with a pencil on either side of it to determine where you will sew each bead. Alternate sewing the beads on either side of the ribbon, like shown below.

Once that is complete and you are happy with the design of the necklace, tie a few knots at the end of the ribbon to secure the beads. Feel free to add and adorn the necklace in any way you'd like! Tie the edges of the ribbon in a bow in the back or side and you are all set! Here are a few more photos of the finished necklaces!

(Above) Angela made an adorable little ribbon flower to dress her's up!

(Below) I layered mine with a lazy ribbon and added some sparkle to the flower bow with a cute glittery button!

I love the colors of the beads that Annie chose! :)

Krystal's turned out beautiful with her two layers of red ribbon and pearls! :)

I just love how all of our necklaces reflects our own individual styles and tastes! It's so fun seeing what everyone does with our crafts! :)

Easy and Elegant Mother's Day gifts!

2011-05-25T08:53:00.000-07:00

This year for Mother's Day, I decided to make my Mom and Mother in Law something unique and pretty. Ever since I was pregnant with my son, my Mom has said how much she wanted a charm bracelet with each of her grandkids photos in it...(Which would only be my son for the time being) So, I decided to make her one that was just her style! I went ahead and added two more charms for future grandbabies! Isn't it pretty?!

Then, it was time for my Mother in Law's! Since she has multiple grandbabies it would be way too crowded of a bracelet to put charms for each one, so I opted to only put one large locket with a photo of her parents. (who are both deceased and she was very close to) I figured that way, if she wanted to change it out later on down the road it would be easier.

So, there you have it! Easy and Elegant Mother's Day gifts! By the way... I made one for myself too! I just haven't decided on the photos to put in it! Hee hee ;)

Oh. Bob... How I love you!

2011-05-25T08:30:00.000-07:00

So, recently my Mom pointed out that I've been having a love affair with Bob... Krylon's "Blue Ocean Breeze" spray paint that is! "Bob" has it is affectionately known to us as we see it oh so often around my house! Lol You see, I used to be a dark brown, red and green kinda girl.... but Bob changed my life! Now, there are traces of Bob everywhere! I love it! Anything that can be turned Bob and look good gets massive brownie points in my book! (Did someone say brownies??? Mmm) Anyway, I found this glass bottle at the thrift store and decided it needed to have some one on one time with Bob! (I sprayed it with some frosted glass spray paint before painting over it with the blue) I think the union turned out pretty good! What do you think?

I had to incorporate a few more of these glass pedestals I made. Don't you just love the aqua (close to Bob!! Lol) color on this one?!

It has absoluetely nothing to do with this post, but I just had to share these blue candles! I found them at Walmart and thought they were just lovely! :)

DIY buffet table!

2011-05-25T08:18:00.000-07:00

I have been DYING to get to work on this buffet table! It's been KILLING me to see it sitting in the garage taunting me to get to work! So, finally this week Ryan and I started on it! I forgot to take a beginning shot of the dresser, but it looked a little like this one I found online...

So, after giving it a light sanding, priming and then pulling out our new paint sprayer and giving it an awesome new color... all we had to do was distress and cover with a very pretty clear gloss! Then came the Queen Anne style feet and some lovely glass drawer knobs! Voila! It's beautiful! My heart sighs at the look of it! Now, all I need is a bigger house with a formal dining room to make it look just right... Hmmm, lol.

Don't ya just love this glass plate pedestals?! I sure do! It's been my favorite hobby lately making them! They're so easy and oh so elegant! :)

I just had to show you guys the sweet little pattern on some of these! I love them!

No sew Curtains

2011-05-06T01:38:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been making a lot of changes to my home... It's gotten a little out of hand but I'm telling myself I'm almost done now. (I think...) The dark reds and chocolate browns were beautiful but I decided to go outside of my own little box and venture into uncharted waters... I've always loved these colors but until now never really had the courage to go for it! I love the look of shabby chic/cottage style homes but they aren't exactly...me. So, I decided to blend my dark chocolate richness in with the lighter brighter colors I adore! I smile every time I walk into one of these newly redone rooms! <<Sigh>> I just love it!

Anyway... back to the curtains! As my sewing machine is still awaiting repair, I had to come up with an alternative to sewing. I really loved the hemming tape that I used for my chair cushion a few weeks ago. (Tutorial for that HERE) So, I bought two more packages and the fabric itself. Let me tell you about the fabric... I initially spent two hours in JoAnn's trying to find the perfect fabric. The problem was that the only one I liked was...get ready for this...$39.00 a yard!!!!! GASP! "I just couldn't...could I...It's beautiful...no I won't...yes I will...just put it down, Brittany...walk away now...yes, that's it...don't look back!" all of that was what was going through my mind as I paced the fabric isles of JoAnn's. Finally, I left (empty handed) and in sad spirits. But I convinced myself that the right fabric was out there and I just had to be... patient. OH, I AM SOOOO BAD AT THAT!

About two weeks later, I found it!!!! Hidden in the clearance bin at a hole in the wall store that I happened upon! A gorgeous light blue damask on tan (Almost burlap looking) fabric! I braced myself as I looked at the price...WOW...There is NO way...It couldn't be...It WAS...only $5.99 a yard!!!!

So, get this... the total cost of my endeavor was $38.50!! Less than ONE YARD of the first fabric I loved at JoAnn's! Plus, let me just say... I LOVE THIS ONE WAY MORE! The print is perfect! All I did was iron the seams together with the hemming tape and hang with the clip on curtain holders and Viola! Beautiful custom curtains that require no sewing for under $40.00!!! Yep, it's a good day! :D

Here is the secured seam...

I didn't have anything to back it with so I still have to do that, but you get the idea!

The lovely clip-on curtain rings

The finished view of the curtaints in my family room... They completely make the room!

I'm so in love with them and the aqua color in general!

Making blankets for the elderly...

2011-05-05T17:10:00.000-07:00

Every year my church has a National "Day of Service" where each congregation does charity work for a different member of the community. Last year we had the pleasure of having a fund raiser for the people of Haiti! This year, we are collecting lap blankets, shawls and walker bags for an elderly home here in Clermont. As we still are a little low on blankets, I asked the Diva's if we could do a side project this week. We made fleece lap blankets!

Supplies:

1.25 yards of two different pieces of fleece (2.50 yards total)

Scissors or fabric cutter

*****************************************************************

Goofy me, forgot to take photos while we were going...so here are the instructions! :D

1. lay the fleece on the floor or cutting table, one piece on top of the other

2. Cut a small 4x4 inch square out of each corner

3. Cut 1inch strips along the edges

4. Double knot the strips to unite both pieces of fabric

That's it!!! So easy and ultra comfy! :D

DIY Jersey Knit Bracelets!

2011-05-05T17:01:00.000-07:00

Last night at craft night we made jersey knit bracelets! Krystal taught us how to make these adorable little bracelets that she found on V & Co. They are so easy to make and add such a fun splash to any summer outfit! I'm definitely making one to match my swimsuit! So, let's get started!

Cut two to three pieces of fabric about 1 inch wide about 58 inches long

(This technique can be made using two, three or four fingers for additional width)

(Krystal, I had to post it! You look so cute!)

Take the tip of two of the strips and cut a small whole

Put both of the hole's together, laying one piece of fabric over the other...

then take the opposite end of the fabric in the back and pull it through the hole from the front

Pull both ends tight to form a knot

Put tail end between your thumb and pointer finger (Or between your ring and middle for a two finger width) Drape in front of ring finger and behind pinky

Pull fabric around pinky and behind ring finger...

Pull fabric around the front...

Take the bottom loop and pull it over the top row of fabric on each finger

**Continue this process until the braid in the back is long enough to create a bracelet...

Pull fabric tight as you go along**

When your braid is finished, pull your fingers out of the holes

Take the tail end and pull it through the holes...

Pull on each tail to tighten and then tie in a knot

Once it is secured, cut off the ends...

And your done! Here are a few more photos of some of the finished bracelets! :)

I like a lot of chunky pieces, so I put both of mine together with a couple of silver pieces! Love it! :D

Jersey Knit Bracelet!

2011-05-02T06:27:00.000-07:00

This week for craft night, we will be making "Jersey Knit Bracelet's" our Domestic Diva. Krystal found here. These are so cute and easy to make. Just perfect for those fun summer outfits! In addition to that, we will be making fleece lap blankets for a service project for the elderly.

Here are the supply lists:

*Three strips of jersey knit fabric cut to 1" each with the length of at least 58

(Or one yard if you would like to swap and share colors around)
*Fabric cutter or scissors

*2.50 yard's of two contrasting colors of fleece (1.25 yd each piece)

That's it! :D

Easy Table Turn-Around!

2011-04-21T22:29:00.000-07:00

This past week I was so excited to find this little white table at TJ MAXX on clearance for $20.00. (It was regular $50!) When I went to pick it up I noticed that the top was broken. I immediately started seeing the possibilities in my head of what I could do with it! I decided to take it home for a little TLC!

Here is the beginning product before I started working on it...

The first I thing I had to do was fix the broken top. I pulled out my gorilla wood glue and secured that stinker shut! When that was set, it was time to pull it outside!

I decided to go with the same aqua blue I painted the dessert trays last week since I had almost a full can leftover. It's the Krylon "Blue Ocean Breeze" with Gloss

I took the drawers out and went to work! I'm really happy with the outcome of the color! However, I'm not so crazy about the color on the grass...but what do ya do? ;)

After the paint was dry, I got out my sandpaper and started distressing the wood

About this time, I had a little visitor peering from the back porch... (Sorry, I couldn't help but share! hee hee)

Ok, back to work....lol

Here are a few photos of the distressing

After sanding, I went back over it with a clear protective gloss to secure it and make it shiny :)

I wanted to change up the simple round knobs, so I bought a $2.97 package of two copper handles from Wal-Mart. (I had a really pretty chrome color to spray paint them) Then I went to Michael's and grabbed a $3.00 pack of wood accents that I could paint as well

Here are the painted handles and accents

I wanted to make sure that the accents and knobs looked distressed as well, so I used a little white acrylic paint and painted in the little crevices and sanded them both down a little

Here is one of the distressed handles...

Here they are after being adhered with my trusty gorilla wood glue...lookin' pretty good!

When these were set, I went ahead and gave the whole thing one more protective coat and waited for it to dry!

I must say...I just love it! The color is so perfect and bright! Here it is when I brought it into my house! It's hard to tell in the picture, but the plate has little aqua flowers on it and goes so PERFECTLY! :D

This whole thing only cost me $26.00 and is the PERFECT custom addition to my home! :D

Making the Sunburst Mirror!

2011-04-21T20:09:00.000-07:00

This week at Craft Night, Angela taught us how to make this beautiful sunburst mirror! We had a lot of fun with this and couldn't believe how inexpensive it is to make and how chic/expensive it looks when it's done!! Everything could be purchased at the dollar store except for the round mirror in the center. (We all found ours at Michaels for under $2.00) The total cost otherwise was only about $1.00 as most of us already had scissors and hot glue gun's at home!

Here are your supplies:

-4 pieces of poster board (Can be whatever color you'd like)

-Sharp Scissors

-Hot Glue Gun

-Pencil/Pen

Here is how to make it:

First, take two paper towels (still attached) and outline the longest length of a "Petal" or "Sun ray" that you would like for the back row of your mirror (As you move on to the small layers, just cut off a piece of the paper towels to make your outline shorter)

After you have drawn your outline and cut it out, tape it to the poster board and begin cutting your rays. You should line the first one to be pretty close to the edge so that you can get about 4 rays from one side of the poster board.

If you'd like, you can fold your board so that you can cut all four at one time

Here is an example of a cut "ray"

According to the example piece at the top of the page, you should have two layers of eight "rays" and one layer of four "rays". But remember, this is YOUR project! So, if you want more or less rays go with your gut! You'll be happier if you do it the way you want! ;)

After you've cut all your "rays" or "petals", hit the floor with the hot glue gun and glue those suckers onto the small mirror or outline around the mirror

<<Side Note>> Feel free to use whatever you'd like to outline the mirror and make it POP! Some of the things that we used were black foam, a black plate charger or just a round left over piece of poster board painted a darker color

AGAIN...This is YOUR project...It will probably hang in YOUR home or business, so do it YOUR way! Angela has a business where she makes glitzy flower accessories so she made hers into a giant "Glitzy Girlies" Flower... So cute!

I didn't realize that spray paint doesn't hold on paper (Yes people...I know, I know...I'm still learning!) so after a major chrome spray paint FIASCO.... I ended up painting my "Petals" to look like a sunflower to go in my back porch. Can I just tell you that I adore serendipity! What could have been a major let down became an awesome alternative! I can't wait to hang it out there!

One thing for sure though...you can't go wrong with the classics! Check out how beautiful and classy these two look!!!!

I missed getting my own shots of the white mirrors, so thankfully I got copies from the artists themselves! I don't have photos of the other three that were made but let me assure you...they were FABULOUS! One of the girls is waiting until she can find the perfect little clock to go inside her "rays" or "petals"! Such a fun alternative to the mirror!

One last note! To get this look, each ray was folded down the middle to give it some dimension and texture! It so totally appeals to the eye!

Great job, Ladies!! This was definitely a craft night success! :D

"No Sew" Shabby Chic Chair Pillow!

2011-04-20T09:47:00.000-07:00

I've seriously been on one heck of a craft kick the past few weeks, and here is my latest "completed" project! We got rid of our old beaten down entertainment center last week and bought a new delightfully distressed ivory piece in it's place. I love it!!!!! The only thing is that it is a little shorter than the one we had before, so when everything was said and done there was this awkward space on it's side. I thought about what I should put there and remembered I had this old distressed black chair that I bought as a prop from a thrift store for $5.00. I pulled it out of the garage and brought it to it's new home in my living room. However, it still didn't look....right. I decided it needed a chair cushion! I went to Wal-Mart and Target but of course didn't like anytime I saw. Then I remembered that I had this awesome teal blue and tan/gold fabric that I use as a backdrop for photo sessions. I pulled it out and just cut enough off for the pillow case. I went to JoAnn's and picked up a foam chair cushion, batting and hemming tape and went to work!

Supply List:

Fabric

Hemming Tape

( Feel free to sew your pillow... I used hemming tape because my sewing machine is in need of repair and the hemming tape is OH SO EASY!)

Iron/Ironing board

Foam chair pillow cushion

Batting

Hot glue gun (Optional)

Here we go:

First, I laid out my materials...

Then, I placed the cut down foam cushion on the fabric and marked where the crease would be. I turned the fabric inside out and placed the hemming tape along the side to create a seam. I ironed the seam to make the hemming tape adhere strongly. After all the sides were sealed, I turned the fabric right side out and ironed it a little more just to give it a little extra adhesive.

Here is a close up of how the seam turns out once the fabric has been turned right side out...

Here, I cut two long strips of the fabric to make the ties. I used the hemming tape to give them nice edges

This next part depends on how you want to do it...because my sewing machine is out of commission for a little while and the hemming tape was just not working with all the batter holding the fabric apart, I chose to pull out old faithful...my hot glue gun! I placed the ties where I wanted them and glued them in place along with the last side of the pillow.

And...TA DA! All done! Just tie the ties on the pillow and you are all set!

Here is my "new" chair in it's new home next to the TV stand. :D

Way too easy + SUPER cheap + Adorable outcome = MY KIND OF PROJECT! :D

Brightening things up on a budget...China plate wall art!

2011-04-17T21:42:00.000-07:00

For some reason I have been SO tired of my previous home decor... I just decided one day that enough was enough of all the dark colors!! My whole house has had a theme of dark chocolate brown and rich red. Definitely a pretty combination but oh so dark! I lightened my bedroom a few weeks ago and love the changes that I made! You can see the finished product here: Time for a change! After I did this, the next thing I decided HAD to go was my prized photo wall... it was sad! The photo wall had been my favorite thing about the whole house and I couldn't imagine taking it down. But I knew that if I started there I would be motivated to keep going until the whole house was lighter and more "Me". I started with these basic white frames I bought at Wal-Mart and few different china plates I picked up at a few different thrift stores. Then, I added a plain silver platter I've had stored away in my craft/prop room month for months (Another thrift store find!) and spray painted it a bright yellow! Then, I found some smaller distressed frames at the flea market last week so I cleaned them up and on the wall they went! WOW, it made such a difference! I love it! It's so bright and cheerful and it cost me a total of... get ready for this... $21.00!!!! Yes Ma'am, that's it! Here are the before and after photos! :)

Before... (Another DIY project I designed and mounted)

Now here is the finished project...drum roll please...

Nothing too elaborate...simple, elegant & clean!

Here is a closer look...

DIY Dessert Stands

2011-04-14T20:18:00.000-07:00

I found this idea while "blog browsing" the other day and couldn't wait to try it! It is so easy and very affordable! The total cost was only $8.00!!!

Here we go:

Supply List:

-Candlesticks for base

-Aluminum plates from the Dollar Tree

-Spray Paint for color of your choice

-Hot glue gun

Directions:

Set out your supplies outside on even ground... I wanted a happy color that I could use for spring/summer goodies. I chose "Krylon Blue Ocean Breeze Gloss" for a really cute robin's egg blue

Spray paint your plates...

Now it's time to get back to your candlesticks!

With your hot glue gun, glue around the ring of the candlestick and adhere it to the bottom of the plate. You can add as many tiers as you'd like! I wanted to make a cluster, so I went with one 'two tiered' and two 'one tiered'.

Here is the finished product...

I decided to incorporate mine into my spring table decor...I love it! :D

All I need now are some yummy treats to pile on my new plates! Mmm Mmm :)

Upcoming Craft Night...Sunburst Mirror!

2011-04-09T10:17:00.000-07:00

Angela D will be hosting our next craft night, on April 20th from 7:00pm-10:00pm. We will be making this fabulous sunburst mirror! If you would like to attend, please email me for the address. Thanks! :)

Supply List:

(1) Small round mirror - $1
(4) Sheets of poster board - 2 for $1
Glue gun and glue sticks
Scissors (make sure thy are sharp!
Spray paint, glitter or anything else you might want to add to the mirror!

All of these items can be found at the Dollar store!
Feel free to get any type of mirror you would like if you want to switch it up.

Angela also has a surprise little craft for you moms who wanna take something home to your little one(s)! Make sure to bring:

Straight pin
(1) piece of cute scrapbook paper

So excited and can't wait to see you all!

Dangle Earring Holder!

2011-04-07T21:57:00.000-07:00

Hi Ladies! I hope you don't mind but I am so excited about this craft that I just had to share it with all of you! I hope that each of you will post crafts you do as well! What a great way to keep sharing and learning from each other!

Dangle Earring Holder

I saw this on http://www.kevinandamanda.com/ and just had to make it! I have so many pairs of dangle earrings that are just imprisoned in a little organizer box in my dresser drawer...sad. This way they are proudly displayed as art and show a piece of my personality! SO much fun!! :D

Supplies:

1. A large enough frame to fit all your dangle earrings (I used an 11x13 to give me some extra room to grow)

2. Picture hanging wire (One box of thin wire worked great!)

3. White acrylic paint and brush

4. Nails & Hammer or staple gun

Steps to make earring holder:

(Sorry I didn't think to take photos as I went along...)

1. Take the back and glass from an 11x13 black picture frame (I just used the cheapest one from Wal-Mart)

2. Using white acrylic paint, brush over the frame (you can also scratch it up a bit to give it that distressed look)

3. Take picture wire and secure three rows across the frame with nails, staple gun, etc (I used nails for this one)

4. (Optional) Cut a piece of fabric or pillowcase and attach with the picture wire (This was an afterthought as a solution to the earrings sliding all over the place into one another. I simply poke the earring back through the pillowcase and it holds them perfectly without losing the look.)

Juliette Easter Baskets!

2011-04-06T21:28:00.000-07:00

Tonight I kicked off the Domestic Diva's by hosting our first craft night! I chose the "Juliette Easter Basket" for us to work on. Here is the example that I made to show the rest of the Diva's a basic idea of the Juliette basket. It was so fun seeing everyone's personality show in their baskets!

Step One:

Pull apart the flowers from the stem

Step Two:

Using the hot glue gun, place a little glue on the back of the flower and secure it anywhere on the basket

Step Three:

Place flowers in any design you wish and adorn any extras (Butterflies, birds, etc.)

Step Four:

Enjoy each other's company! ;)

Here are some of the finished baskets!

And what party would be complete without a little snack??

First Craft night was a SUCCESS!

2011-04-06T21:06:00.000-07:00

Tonight was our first craft night and it was tons of fun! We had such a great time making our baskets, chatting and just having some down time! Our "Juliette Easter Baskets" were so beautiful! Each one was very unique and reflected each of our personalities! Thank you, Divas for making our first craft night so much fun! I'm looking forward to more craft nights ahead! :)

The Name's Elena and Crafting/Cooking/Mothering is My Game

2011-04-04T17:48:00.000-07:00

Hi All! My name is Elena and I am Mom to Julia and we are hoping to adopt another little one soon. In my spare time I love to clean, shop, craft, sew and cook. I also write a blog advocating for adoption here. Here are some of the blogs that I like to follow for my hobbies: Mel's Kitchen Cafe, Sewing in No Man's Land, Pioneer Woman, Gina's Skinny Taste and The Dating Divas. This is going to be a fun way to have another creative outlet. Thanks Brittany!

First Craft Night Project...Juliette Easter Basket

2011-04-04T08:19:00.000-07:00

For our first craft, I chose something pretty easy and fun for Easter! We will be making the Juliette Easter Basket, inspired from www.thetastefullife.com. These are beautiful and classy little baskets that you can use as decor in your home, to fill as a gift to a friend or dropped off from the Easter Bunny on Easter morning!

Supply List:

1. Easter Basket (Any kind you choose!)
2. Garland of spring flowers
3. Hot Glue Gun
4. Anything else you want to adorn the basket with (Like butterflies, birds, or Easter eggs)

The Domestic Diva's....

2011-04-03T17:15:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! Thanks for checking out the Domestic Diva's Craft Corner! This blog is designed for a group of women to have some "Creative" time without the kiddos! We will be meeting every other Wednesday at 7:00pm at a different member's home. Whoever is hosting that night will come up with a craft, post the supply list(Or you can call,send out emails, etc...)and teach the rest of us their craft. I will be photographing each craft step by step and then post it to this blog. That way we will be able to look back and remember how to make the different crafts we learn. Please comment below or send me an email to be a part of this crafty club! :D