home-eco nanay

DIY Hardware Accessories

2015-11-06T20:28:00.000+08:00

In my older posts I mentioned how I sometimes find inspiration for my projects during trips to the hardware store. One of the upshots of these visits is a "tingga" choker that I created for Yahoo She!

Take a quick visit to your local hardware store and purchase a couple of pieces of washers or “tingga”. These disk-like thingies are generally used to support or fasten screws but is also used to play “sipa” if covered with cloth or strips of plastic bags.

Believe it or not, you could also use them to quickly create a fashionable accessory! Washers come in different sizes so feel free to experiment with different designs.

For this specific piece use five washers in 3 sizes (1 large, 2 medium and 2 small). Keep the smallest sized washers on each end, with the largest at the center. If you don’t like your choker to appear too shiny you may distress the washers by beating it with a hammer or by scratching the surface with sandpaper. Off set or balance the edgy hardware with a dainty and brightly colored ribbon.

Materials needed:

Washers

Ribbon, about 1 meter

Procedure:

Step 1: Pass one end of ribbon through the under side of the 1^st washer.

Step 2: Next slip ribbon through the 2^nd washer. This time pass it from the front towards the back

Step 3: Flip 2^nd washer over and pass ribbon back through the 1^st washer

Step 4: Insert ribbon into the 2^nd washer, from the back towards the front

Step 5: Repeat steps 1-5 until you have threaded the 5^thwasher

Step 6: Tie both ends of the ribbon

Alonzo's 2015 Halloween Costume

2015-10-27T14:45:00.001+08:00

How could it already have been a year since my last post? Has it really already been a year ago when Alonzo was dressed in a Lego costume? Time sure flies by so fast.

This year's costume is inspired by a vintage military tank toy hubby inherited from one of his cousins. It was Alonzo who requested to be a "tank" this Halloween.

It really is not as complicated to construct as it may seem. The challenge was to find 3 boxes that would proportionately go well together. Luckily we have several boxes in stock (hubby knows me well enough to fold empty boxes flat and save them).

These are what you'll need:

1.Boxes(large,medium and small)- Find one that is just small enough for the wearer to fit but not unnecessarily massive to be heavy. The medium-sized box should complement the dimension of the larger one and at the same time also allow the wearer to fit through while the small box should just be enough to accommodate the "tank nozzle".

2.Cardboard tube such as the one from paper towels, aluminum foil and plastic wrap - I used 2 tubes (1 longer and narrower than the other)but you could use just one.

3.Corrugated paper preferably in black or gray - For this project I used 2 cartolina-sized sheets

4. Paint for your base color, either dark green or brown

5. Spray paint, either gray, or brown

6. Plastic take-out bowl covers

7. Rugby adhesive

Procedure:

Step 1: Place the medium-sized box over the larger one.

Position it more towards what you decide to be the back ro

rear portion of the tank. Set aside.

Step 2: Place small box in front and at the center of the

medium box.Trace or mark this position with a pencil. Set

aside.

Step 3: Cut a hole at the center of the top and bottom part of

the medium box. Make sure that the top and bottom holes

coincide and that they are large enough for the wearer to fit

through.Set aside.

Step 4: Similarly, cut a hole through the top and bottom of

the large hole. The holes here should coincide with each other

and also with the holes on the medium box.

Step 5: Glue the large and medium boxed together with rugby.

Secure the 2 boxes together with clothes pins or paper clips

until dry.

Step 6: Trace one end of the cardboard at the front end of the

small box. Cut around the tracing and insert the tube through.

Glue in place.

Step 7: Glue the small box ( tube) at the marked position on

the large box. Let all pieces dry.

Step 8:Paint with base paint and let it dry completely.Use

spray paint to achieve a camouflage effect.

Step 9: Cut corrugated paper into 3 equally measured strips.

Glue one end over the other to form a single strip.

Step 10: Glue corrugated paper around the side of the tank

leaving about 2 inches off from the edge. Do the same on the

other side to form the "tracks" or "wheel links".

Step 11: Glue plastic bowl covers to form the wheels.

Step 12: Insert narrower cardboard tube inside the shorter,

larger tube if you wish your tank to have a "telescopic

barrel".

Step 13: Staple 2 straps on each side at the junction between

the large and medium boxes.

Happy Halloween and have fun treat or treating!!!

Alonzo's 2014 Halloween Costume

2014-10-26T13:00:00.003+08:00

Hello, everyone! I know it's been a while. The past semester has been really tough and hectic. Needless to say, I missed crafting and blogging about my crafts. Don't get me wrong. I've still been into crafting small projects here and there. Nothing major.

All set for trick or treat!

But Halloween is a different story. Alonzo looks forward to his yearly trick or treat activity (the only time of the year he is allowed to eat candy!) while I also find the holiday as an excuse to prioritize crafting over work. Semester-enders can be quite busy for professors (final exams, grade submission, etc.) But how can I pass on one of my favorite holidays (and Alonzo's, too!) for some crafting?

I started working on Alonzo's costume 3 weeks ago. He's been so much into his Lego toys lately that to dress him as a Lego man seemed so spot on. I had my hesitations, however. His past Halloween costumes have all been so fuss-free and easy to put together and wear. We never had problems about him refusing to wear his costume at the last minute or anything like that at all. But, as I said, he is so crazy about Lego that he is truly excited about his costume!

Believe it or not, this year's costume is probably the most hassle-free of all (alright, probably because I had a 3 week head start) and it didn't cost me a thing! All the materials are recycled or made out of stuff we already had in the house.

The first thing that I worked on was the "body". This is made of an electric fan box which I cut and re-structured to form a trapezoid. The dimensions were measured and cut according to Alonzo's size (shoulder width, neck and arm hole circumference, etc.). I spray painted the outer surface and left it to dry over night. A computer printed Lego logo on sticker paper gives it a more distinct look.

As for the Lego hair, the technique was the same as for creating Alonzo's paper mache egg. I just made sure that the balloon used is slightly larger than the widest circumference of Alonzo's head. After it has completely set, pop the balloon and cut to resemble a Lego snap-on hair. I made a couple of zig zag cuts to create fringed bangs. We didn't have black paint around so I used gray spray paint instead. This turned out to be a better idea because it allowed me to draw "hair waves" with a black marker pen.

To top off the look, I made his treat bag to resemble an over-sized Lego block. I took on empty medium-sized box and spray painted it with red and glued soda bottle caps. I also punched holes on each side to tie strings for the handle.

Voila!

Alonzo giving me his "orc face" expression when I asked him to smile for the photo

Alonzo's Fist Day at School

2014-06-13T16:50:00.000+08:00

It's official. Alonzo is now a school boy! Unlike when he started daycare at playhouse last year, I didn't feel apprehensive at all about him getting anxious being left in school.

Of course, we had to do the 1st day of school photo-op tradition!

Here's my little preschooler -- smiling and excited -- just before entering his new classroom.

Speaking of traditions here's another one that I intend to follow through. Thanks to Pinterest for giving me the idea of asking Alonzo's playhouse nurturers to write messages for him on a favorite story book. After each school level I will be asking his teachers to do the same thing.

All of these (books, messages, first day of school photos) will be compiled and presented to him on his college graduation day. It's a looooong way from that but I really love this idea!

Reading all those messages made me miss Alonzo's playhouse days. He joined playhouse at age 1 year and 4 months. We began with the one-day per week, parent-child program until last year when he started the 3-day, half-day, day care program. Alonzo has come a long way and it's time to move on.

Frugal Finds at Merriam and Webster

2014-06-01T14:31:00.000+08:00

Thank God it's June! I never thought that I'd actually hope for June to come. Normally I'd wish for summer to last forever and really hope that the month of June (er... back-to-school dread) never to come. Needless to say, we had a busy month of May.

Anyway, I had a "blast from the past" moment when I stepped in Merriam and Webster Bookstore along Morayta Avenue a few days ago. Flashbacks of my college days at the U-belt area came to me as the sight and scent old books, intermediate pad paper as well as whiffs of dust greeted me on the first floor of the building.

Holy time warp! I haven't seen watercolor like this (not even in National Bookstore -- or maybe I wasn't just looking) since grade school.

The old lady standing beside me probably thought I was crazy for almost knocking over a basket of rolled wrapping paper as I rushed towards the far end of the 2nd floor. Lo and behold -- shelves and shelves of Stryrofoam letters! I got a little carried away, and yes, even a little tachcardic. I have been planning on creating an alphabet wall since the day I bought ceramic letters from Uniwide. These styro letters come in either upper or lower case sets, script or print. The price essentially depends on its size, between P4.00 to P19.00.

I also found more books to add to my children's dentist book collection. Alonzo favors the "Maisy, Charley and the Wobbly Tooth" over "Titus's Troublesome Tooth". He didn't particularly like how Titus' tooth fell off when he hit his head on a gate. While the former book gave me a chance to introduce to him the concept of how a baby tooth will eventually fall off and be replaced by a big tooth when he gets older. Understandably, he was excited about the concept of the tooth fairy. "Mama, the tooth fairy is a santa who is a dentist", he told me after explaining the story to him.

I've been back to the bookstore two times after my first visit and got 2
 more books for Alonzo. Too bad, they don't re-stock that often. I should remind myself to lengthen the time between visits. 

Refashioned No Sew Bikini for Toddlers

2014-05-23T07:49:00.002+08:00

Refashion an old t-shirt into bikini top and bottom for your little
toddler. All you’ll need is an old t-shirt and a pair of scissors. This project
is so easy that you could put everything together in less than 10 minutes. Sewing
skills are absolutely not required. Trust me; all it takes are a few cuts and
knots! 

Step 1: Lay t-shirt on a flat surface.

Step 2: Fold the middle part of the front and back of the
shirt towards the sides, positioning the side seams at the center. 

Step 3:
Position scissors at the corner of the neckline and cut downwards at an angle,
leaving around 3-4 inches from the bottom hem 

Step 4: From the shoulder area cut downward, using the side
seams as a guide. Direct the scissors horizontally to leave about 2-3 inches
from the bottom. You will end up with 3 separate pieces. The bikini top will be
made from the larger center piece while rectangular piece will form the bikini
bottom. Discard the third scrap of fabric.   

Step 5: Cut the back portion all the way through and unfold
fabric.  

Step 6: Make 2 vertical cuts along upper portion of each of
the “triangles” and braid to make the straps. 

Step 7: Make a simple knot at the center. 

Step 8: To form the bikini bottom, get the other piece of
fabric that formed the back of the shirt and fold in half. Fold in half again.

Step 9: Trim off the top portion (open ends) to form a
straight line. 

Step 10: Measure about 1 ½ inches from the center fold and
cut at an angle. Direct scissors horizontally to leave about 1 ½ inches from
the open ends.

Step 11: Unfold and tie to straps together. 

Tadaa!

No Sew DIY Bikini for Toddlers

2014-05-21T08:49:00.001+08:00

I really had fun with this project. The editors from Yahoo! She asked me to write an article on how to make swimsuits for kids. I think I came up with something better.

These bikini top and bottoms are refashioned from old shirts and best of all, these are so easy to make even for those with absolutely zero sewing skills.

My adorable twin nieces eagerly modeled for me while my cousins, Bless and Paolo helped with the photos. The "photo shoot" also gave me a chance to bond and spend time with my cousins despite our hectic schedules (O, diba, Penny?). It was also a perfect excuse to munch on tacos and lechon manok!

Will post a step by step tutorial soon!

Questions from a 4 Year Old

2014-05-20T10:43:00.000+08:00

While counting his dominoes

Alonzo: 1,2,3,....10,11,12,13....19,20,...27,28,29.......(long pause, as if he was thinking really hard) Mama, why isn't there a twenty-ten?

Best Mother's Day Gift -- Ever!

2014-05-10T17:43:00.001+08:00

This afternoon while Alonzo was in a super playful, harot mood. As he seemed to bounce from one sofa to another he all of the sudden said, "Thank you, Mama." I asked what for. He answered, "Mama, thank you, for YOU!" and gave me a kiss.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Pink Lemonade

2014-05-09T17:56:00.000+08:00

It was a big surprise to know that hubby hasn't heard of how the juice of boiled kamote leaves will turn pink when calamansi juice is added to it. My sisters and I had this kind of juice all the time as kids. I also remember a segment about this in Batibot with Ate Sienna (okay, this kind of gives off my age -- if you don't know who ate Sienna is or if you don't know what Batibot is I'd be a little hurt). Also, we often use those 2 ingredients together in sinigang and now I wonder why hubby hasn't bothered to ask why our sinigang soup is pink. My recent post on "sophisticated" ice-candy flavors also kind of got the attention of some of the faculty members at work. They were quite intrigued. Hmm... I assumed all along that everybody knows how to make "pink lemonade".

Alonzo loved the calamansi and basil flavored ice candy that I made. To be honest, he didn't care much about the 2 other flavors (he didn't like the ginger taste with the pineapple, while the chopped mint leaves with the mango and cucumber kind of threw him off). Anyway, here's a simple step by step tutorial on how to make pink "lemonade". 

Step 1: Boil a few kamote leaves in water

Step 2: Squeeze the juice of calamansi

Step 3: Pour kamote juice on to a pitcher and add cold water

Step 4: Add calamansi juice (watch closely as the liquid transforms into a lovely pink color)   

 (I took a video of this but it is taking forever to upload!)

Step 5: Sweeten with honey or sugar

Step 6: Add ice

Enjoy!

Sophisticated Ice Candy

2014-05-02T13:04:00.000+08:00

Now that summer’s heat is in full swing cool down with a
favorite and classic Filipino treat -- ice candy! The addition of herbs and yes, even some
veggies gives more depth and a sophisticated twist to the fruity flavors. Here
are 3 unique and refreshing flavors that you won’t find at your neighbors ice
candy stand. 

Pink calamansi and basil ice candy 

Step 1: Make
a basic sugar syrup by combining 1/3 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a saucepan
over medium heat. Flavor syrup with a few basil leaves. Spoon out the basil
leaves. Set aside and let it cool. 

Step 2: Boil
3 cups water with about a handful of camote
tops (talbos ng kamote). Set aside
and let it cool.

Step 3: Squeeze
out the juice of 20 calamansi. Strain into a pitcher. 

Step 4: Pour
cooled camote tops-infused water on to pitcher with calamansi (the liquid will
turn pink!) and sweeten with syrup. 

Step 5: With
a funnel pour into ice candy plastic bags and freeze overnight.

Mango,
mint and cucumber ice candy 

Step 1: Peel,
seed and cut 2 medium cucumbers into chunks. . 

Step 2:
Scoop out the flesh of 2 medium ripe mangoes. 

Step 3:
Place mangoes and cucumbers together in a blender. Add ¼ cup of fresh mint
leaves and 3 cups mango juice. 

Step 4: Blend
to desired consistency and pour mixture into a pitcher. 

Step 5: With
a funnel pour into ice candy plastic bags and freeze overnight.

Spiced pineapple and lemongrass
ice candy

Step 1: Combine 1 cup water, 1/3 cup sugar, 3-5 sprigs of lemongrass
and about a thumb size piece of peeled ginger in a saucepan over medium heat.
Turn off heat when it slightly thickens into a syrup. Set aside and let it
cool.

Step 2: Pour 3 cups of unsweetened pineapple juice into a pitcher and
add syrup. 

Step 3: With
a funnel pour into ice candy plastic bags and freeze overnight.

Enjoy!

DIY Street Chalk

2014-04-27T10:08:00.000+08:00

Imagine all the empty eggshells leftover after Easter egg
hunting. Keep them all next time! Here’s a fun, creative and eco-friendly way
to recycle them. You can create street chalk out of eggshells.  These chalks are good to draw on concrete,
asphalt and stones. Use them to draw patterns for playing piko, patintero, tic-tac-toe and for creating your own sidewalk art. 

Materials
needed:

12 eggshells

6 teaspoons
flour

Warm water 

Food color 

Mortar and
pestle 

Moulds such
as ice cube trays, cookie cutters, polvoron
shaper

Step
1: Wash and dry the eggshells. Peel off the inner membrane.

Step 2: Use
a mortar and pestle to grind eggshells into fine powder. Transfer into a bowl.

Step 3: Add flour
and water to form a very thick paste.

Step 4:
Divide mixture into separate containers and add drops of food color on each
container. Mix well
until the color is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Roll
to form cylinders or place eggshell mixture into moulds. Place on a flat
surface and let them dry for 2 days. 

Note:A dozen eggshells will yield about 10 discs. 

DIY Doll Table and Chair Set

2014-04-22T08:32:00.001+08:00

Here's another amazing way to recycle toilet paper rolls into toys. Turn those tubes into an easy-to-assemble set of miniature chairs and table that your kids (and dolls) would love.

Material s
needed:

Toilet paper
tubes

Scissors 

Cardboard 

Old gift
wrapper or any paper with a pretty print 

Glue 

Step 1: Cut tissue
paper roll to make a “back rest” 

Step 2: Trace
the end of the tube on a piece of cardboard to make a circle

Step 3: Cut
to make a “seat”

Step 4: Use
a small piece of gift wrapper to cover the “seat” 

Step 5: Attach
“seat” with tape

Step 6: Cut cardboard to form the top of the table

Step 7:
Attach to toilet paper tube with tape  

I hope that this would inspire some DIY projects of your own!

Summer salad with bagoong vinaigrette

2014-04-20T10:33:00.002+08:00

To any Filipino, nothing says summer more than a heaping bowl of sliced green mangoes and bagoong. A light and refreshing salad of typical greens with manggang hilaw and singkamas drizzled with a basic vinaigrette with shrimp paste gives this sweet, tangy and mildly spicy fare a uniquely Pinoy flavor. Wouldn't this be great for Easter brunch?

Ingredients:

Olive oil, ¾
cup

Apple cider
vinegar, ¼ cup 

Bagoong, ¼
cup

Honey, 2
tbsp

Salad greens

Green
mangoes, sliced into long, thin strips

Turnips,
sliced into long thin strips

Prawn
crackers or kropek (optional)

Combine all
ingredients in a jar and shake vigorously to emulsify. Pour over salad greens,
mangoes and turnips. Top with prawn crackers.  

Enjoy! Happy Easter, you guys! 

Make your own faux taxidermy

2014-04-19T10:19:00.000+08:00

Taxidermy is a fun and whimsical decorative element that could add style to your home. If you are grossed out by the idea of having a dead animal’s head sticking out of your wall but still want to be on trend with the taxidermy craze create your own version with items you already have around. How’s that for a green and animal-friendly project?

Materials
needed:

Plastic
bottles, bowls, spoons, thread spools, twigs, etc..

Cutter 

Scissors 

Glue gun

Cardboard
boxes

Scrap paper,
cut into small pieces

Cornstarch

Spray paint

Step 1: To make a basic "head" cut bottom part of a plastic bottle at a slight angle and attach to a plastic bowl to form a "snout". Adjust the length and angle of the "snout" depending on the form that you prefer.

 Step 2: Cut
a notch on each sides of the rim of the bowl.

Step 3:
Attach a plastic spoon on the notch created for the “ears”. Rummage through
your recycling bin and play around with the different materials to come up with
a configuration that you like.  Use old
pasta tongs to create a moose’s “antlers”, thread spools to form “horns” ---
use your imagination!    

Step 4: Cover by layering with strips of paper and cornstarch glue. *

Step 5: Let
it dry and spray with paint.

Step 6: Attach taxidermy “head” to a cardboard box and mount on a wall.

*cornstarch
glue recipe:

Dissolve
cornstarch and water. Place over medium heat and stir continuously until the
mixture thickens and becomes translucent. Turn off heat and let cool before
using.    

Over-sized Wooden Spoon and Fork Makeover

2014-04-08T09:41:00.000+08:00

Silly me. It was just the other day when I thought that I had a week of free time. I didn't realize until that evening that my summer teaching class starts the very next day -- which was yesterday! Oh well...sleep deprivation can seriously set your sense of time out of whack.

Anyway, I did manage to do a quick DIY when I got home from class yesterday. My mom received an over-sized wooden spoon and fork set as a wedding sponsor favor. I'm not exactly a fan but a pinterest post on wooden spoons dipped in paint gave me the idea of giving these over-sized utensils a quirky makeover.

This wooden pair suddenly don't look so tacky anymore.

Finally!

2014-04-06T09:24:00.002+08:00

Two semester down (and more to go!) I've been filled to the brim with all the things I had to do in grad school. Yesterday, I gladly submitted the last requirement - a take home final exam - for the semester. It's been a while since I had the feeling of relief and freedom after (successfully?) accomplishing all school requirements of the semester. I decided not to enroll and take a break from grad school this summer but I'll be teaching summer classes in the undergrad. That leaves me a whole week to recover and replenish my energy as summer classes already start next week. I have a lot of serious crafting in mind and can't wait to get started!

Repurposing My Old Belly Belt

2014-03-26T08:17:00.000+08:00

If you are pregnant or have ever been pregnant you probably know what this is. Lately, I've been using my old belly belt to extend the usage of Alonzo's pants. He has outgrown most of his pants in all dimensions but there are pieces that are still usable with a little help from this genius piece of garter and a couple of buttons.

DIY Mirrored Storage Box Made of Repurposed CDs

2014-03-08T05:18:00.005+08:00

Here's what I have been busy with last weekend. Yes, I used old CDs! For a complete tutorial visit Yahoo! She.

Alonzo's 4th Birthday Party

2014-03-05T05:52:00.000+08:00

As you may already know, small, intimate and simple parties are really 
my kind of thing. For Alonzo's birthday last year all he wanted were 
purple balloons and had a purple-themed birthday party.
 For this year, he just asked for cake (chocolate with lots of colors on
 top). Red ribbon's chocolate dedication birthday cake fits the bill. We
 also thought of hosting a small get-together with family and a few of 
his neighborhood friends.

I was kind of going for a street food theme and served fishballs and kwek-kwek. To make it more filling, we also had some tacos, baked mac and (our new crowd-pleaser) chicken lollipops.

By the way, Hubby has a recipe for sweet fishballs sauce. I justthink it needs a little tweaking and we might have to come up with the exact measurements of the ingredients. We'll share the recipe once we've "perfected" it.

Anyway, we provided a variety of sauces for guests to choose from. A small area was also set up for the samalamig station.

Now, there's the birthday boy! It's hard to believe that he is already 4.

Here are more pictures from the party.

Please visit Yahoo! She for my post on how to host a street food themed party.

Alonzo's Favorite List

2014-03-04T05:41:00.002+08:00

Aside from the birthday balloon cascade tradition that we started last year we also started the tradition of interviewing Alonzo, asking him about his favorites...favorite food, song, book, etc..and see how his lists change over the years.

Some of his favorites, such as his favorite food changes depending on the day of the week or even the time of the day...sometimes he'll say pesto, sometimes he'll answer cupcakes or inihaw na pork. But I write down whatever he answers on the day of his actual birthday.

As I was interviewing him about what his favorite color (which has consistently been purple), he asked, almost accusingly, "Mama, you don't know?"

Alonzo's Birthday Balloon Surprise Tradition

2014-02-22T07:49:00.000+08:00

Last year, we started a new tradition of having a cascade of balloons for Alonzo on the day of his birthday. Pumping balloons and stuffing them between the door and a sheet of plastic taped around the door frame is, as we eventually realized, not as easy as it seems. Things would be different though had Alonzo slept in a separate room.

different method...

So, this year I thought of simply hanging the balloons to allow us access in and out of the room while the birthday boy is blissfully asleep.

...same happy result as last year!

Happy birthday, Alonzo! We love you so much!

Quirky DIY Throw Pillow

2014-02-20T05:26:00.001+08:00

I was recently reminded of an old, black and white movie by Elizabeth Ramsay that my sister and I used to watch when we were younger. I do not remember the title (I don't think I ever knew what it I was to begin with) but there was this particularly funny song that I can vividly remember. The lyrics used to generate a lot of snickers and giggles between my sister and I.

The catchy line goes "sa isang libo mong halik ako ay puputi...". Not exactly politically correct but I can't deny that it still makes me giggle. This inspired to create another stencil project with throw pillows! Check out Yahoo! She for the tutorial.

Also, in one of my very first posts for this blog I mentioned about my niece's cat named Cat-y (formerly known as Lulu). The photo that I took of Cat-y as a kitten kind of reminds me of those 80's Hallmark greeting cards.

A simple photo transfer iron-on sheet can help you "transform" a favorite photo into a throw pillow.

And lastly, for your viewing pleasure here's an excerpt of the movie I told you about. Enjoy!

Guest Crafter: DIY Toy Telephone

2014-02-17T05:20:00.001+08:00

Happy Monday, you guys! Let me start the week off with my first ever guest crafter post. 

Now, isn't this DIY telephone simply adorable? I L-O-V-E how the materials made use of recycled stuff (toilet paper roll, hello???)...and how charming is it that the numbers are written backwards (hee-hee)? Love it!       

Before further ado, my feature crafter is no other than Dr. Katet Capulong. We first met in December 2000, during an entrance examination at the University of the Philippines. We were both applying for a residency slot at the Orthodontics Graduate School Program and we have been close friends since then! What else can I say? We were thesis mates, poster presentation partners, compre-exam study buddies, partners-in-crime (whenever we felt rebellious against Dr. H) and oh, she was a bridesmaid, too, at my wedding! 


Here's a step by step guide from our feature crafter herself:   

1. I started doing the body of the telephone by using the inner side of 
a milk box (1.6 kg box). Shape and cut it to form a trapezoid.
2. Using a colorful box, I cut a big circle to serve as the phone's dial. I cut a smaller circle to put over the big one.
3. Cut 10 small circles around the dial using a puncher. Place the numbers 1-0
4.
 I used the cardboard of 2 tissue paper rolls to make the receiver. Tape
 them together to make them longer. You may use the cardboard from a  
paper towel roll too.
5. Cut 2 plastic cups and put them on the two ends of the tissue rolls.
6.
 I used a tiny paper bag around 2-2.5 inches long and cut it to hold the
 receiver. Glue them on top of the body of the telephone.
7. Attach a
 ribbon on the end of the receiver. Twist the ribbon to make them curl 
and attach the other end of the ribbon to the base of the telephone.


Happy crafting! 

Repurposing Empty Wire Spools

2014-02-16T06:18:00.002+08:00

I've been looking around for large, empty wire spool for the longest time. I even approached a clerk from True Value and asked if I could purchase some of their empty spools...but only got a disturbed expression as if I were crazy woman! Anyway, hubby was lucky enough to have found large, plastic spools.

Check out what I made out of those empty spools at Yahoo! She.