DIY Pentagon Popsicle Sticks Shelf

Are you bored of seeing popsicle stick hexagon shelf ideas? Why not try a new shape with the craft sticks? I tried a pentagon-shaped shelf and it turned out cute and perfect for air plants. This is a project which I started making on the spot with no idea what I am making. I came up with this design when I wanted to test the strength of wood glue before using it for some other project as this is the first time I am trying wood glue. The only wood thing I had was these craft sticks to test. So, here it is. An experiment that ended up as a beautiful project. Let's see how I made them. 

How to paint pour using acrylic paint and Mod Podge on wood panel

Following the craft trend of paint pouring, I wanted to try my hands on paint pouring so here I am with the first post of the year on how to paint pour with acrylics and Mod Podge. As I have lots of acrylic paints and Mod Podge, I wanted to try the paint pouring with the materials I have on hand without having to buy separate paints or medium sold for this craft. Let's see how I did.

DIY Wall art using Sequins

Last year, I made embroidery ornaments for Christmas using wood burning tool and this year I wanted to experiment some other way of using the tool. Long time ago, I saw an project around the internet where they used a page protector and wood burning tool instead of using fuse tool to create compartments in page protector. The idea was on my ideas-to-try list for long and I finally tried it. Here is how you can use the idea to make a wall art using sequins.

DIY Chalkboard Canvas with Interchangeable paper roses for all seasons

If you are a regular reader here, you know I like multi-purpose, 2 in 1, all-purpose, things like that. So, I had this idea of making a wreath that can be used for all seasons and finally ended up with this idea of making a chalkboard canvas with interchangeable paper roses. I really love how this turned out and I can't wait to share with you. Without much ado, let's dive into the steps.

How to draw skyline silhouette + NY Gallery Wall

My husband is fond of maps, he likes collecting all sorts of  NY maps and puts up in the wall or wherever possible. I did not like the way our living room was with maps all around , couple of them in doors, one pasted in wall like so. To overcome this , I decided to make New York gallery wall so that I can bring all the maps in one place and add pictures of New York here and there. We are so used to hang our keys in the DIY Multipurpose Wall art that I made last year,so I repurposed that into a New York Skyline Silhouette to add to the gallery wall and today I am sharing with you all how I made that.

Materials Required :

A canvas 22" X 28"

Black Acrylic paint

Paint brush

Paint pens with fine point

Ruler and pencil

Eraser

A reference image

Step 1: First choose the important buildings which contributes to the skyline and decide the layout and height of the building by drawing a straight line.

I took an image from google as an reference image ,however this particular image is not exactly how the New York skyline looks which I came to know only after  I completed the painting. I was so keen to finish the silhouette that I did not think much about the layout. But that is okay as long as the buildings represent New York. But if you are so keen about the layout , check the image twice to make sure that the image looks how you wanted it to look like because if it is not ,you can make the changes when you start the painting.

Step 2: I decided to split the canvas into two and completed one part and then shifted to the next.First draw the outline of the building around the straight line and then add dimensions to the building using pencil.Once you are satisfied with the look add architectural details like windows,arches,etc. 

Step 3: Now use the fine point paint pen to draw the outline and details of the buildings.

Step 4: Fill in the area with black acrylic paint ,be patient and careful while painting the corners. Use Painters tape and paint brush with small tip if needed. I used a strip of painter's tape to paint the edges of the World Trade Center. Your painting is now half done. 

Step 5: Repeat the same steps to complete the remaining half of the painting.Then, Your skyline silhouette is ready to beautify your wall. I painted the sides of the canvas with gold paint as you may know how much I love gold accent but it is your choice to paint the sides or leave it as is. I also removed the hooks from one sides and screwed them all to the other side to hang keys.But these are optional steps.

Step 6: NY Gallery wall 

I used clear tape, permanent double sided tape and metallic washi tape to paste the maps on the wall. (Ya that sounds like too many tapes;) But if you don't want touse  many tape you can use sticky back velcro to hang them. I used tapes as I had them in my stash). 

Surprisingly, when my cousin and family visited us ,they got us a beautiful picture of NY skyline at night.They knew me well,right?(They have no idea that I am making a NY gallery wall. I made these before they actually came to visit us.It was a total coincidence.)  It was very much perfect for the NY wall so I mounted that above the one of the maps. The arrangement of the pictures are not in a perfect layout as I tried to use the nails that are already there on the wall. Even though not 100% perfect, I like how it turned out. May be I will do little modifications and add some extra touches(Like a photo of us in NYC ,some quotes,etc) when I get a chance.

What do you think about that skyline silhouette and gallery wall? Share with me in the comments below. As always I will be happy to hear from you.

DIY Namaste (Welcome) sign using wood burning technique

I wanted to make a welcome sign for our home as I got little bored about the twine welcome sign and also I wanted to do a project with Walnut Hollow oval basswood.Ask me why ? It is because I love the look of the wood which gives more natural and rustic look with real tree texture on the edges.So, I ended up with idea of making a "Namaste"(Welcome) sign with wood burning technique so that I can use the Oval wood and also make a sign board. If you are a beginner or Wood burning is in your to do list, you can definitely try this project.

Materials Required :

Wood burning tool (I used Walnut Hollow)

Pencil ,Eraser & Ruler

Wood plank(I used Walnut Hollow Oval basswood)

Sharpie markers(Optional)

Saw tooth hanger,nail sand hammer

Step 1: Free hand your design on the wood using your pencil. You can refer to doodling patterns or Zentangle pictures in pinterest or just google it for your inspirations. You can go ahead and get crazy about your designs.Of course, don't be afraid to make mistakes.You can erase it with eraser or you can name it as "Your version of Art" :).

Alternate option : You can print your design on wax paper and transfer it to the wood. To do this, Cut your waxed paper to the size of the copy paper and print your design on to the wax paper with ink jet printer(The side of wax paper doesn't matter but make sure you reverse the image ). Once the print comes out of the wax paper ,put the printed side down on to the wood and use any debit /credit card to rub the design to transfer. Or you can print the design and use black carbon paper to transfer the design on to the wood.

Step 2: Plug your wood burning tool and allow it to heat. Test it on a scrap piece of wood . Go over the design with the wood burning tool . Do not worry about your lines being even. Your lines will be perfect once you start practicing more. If you feel your lines are not even , you can add little dots or do shading to kind of mask the unevenness.You can see in the close up picture of the word "Namaste". You don't need fancy nibs to create variations(Of course, you need it if you are doing it professionally but for a beginner you can do a lot of experiments with just universal nib). You can also learn about my first wood burning experience, here.

Step 3: If you just love the wood burning look alone , you can stop it right in the before step.But, if you are like me, then grab some colorful sharpie markers and get coloring. One point to be noted is, these marker does smudge in the wood.You have to be quick and careful when coloring to avoid smudging the color.Don't hold the marker in the same place for long time .Fill the outer edges first and then color the inner space .If you are scared to use markers, you can also use color pencils to color your wood burnt pieces.

Step 4: Attach a saw tooth hanger with nails and hammer to hang it in the wall .Voila !! Your welcome sign is now ready to welcome your guests.

  

What do you think about this welcome sign ? Do you have a welcome sign at home ?If so, what kind of sign is that? Share them in the comments below. As always I will be happy to hear from you.

How To : Corkboard to Chalkboard + Inspiration board

I have a large cork board just hanging in my craft room without much use.As I was re making my craft area I thought I can make use of the cork board effectively. I saw a random idea of converting a cork board into a chalkboard and make it a dual purpose board.I implemented that idea along with my crafty touches to make a boring cork board look WOW !! Here is how.

Materials Required :

Cork board

Spray paint of your choice

White glue

Masking tape/ Painter's tape

Chalkboard paint

Chalk

Paint pens of different colors(Optional)

Ruler and Pencil

Step 1: Cover the cork board frame (If you have one) with painter's tape or masking tape and spray paint the cork board with color of your choice.I used Blue ocean breeze from krylon. 

Step 2: Decide the area you want to make the cork board as chalk board and tape it around with masking tape. I decided to go chalky in the center of the board.

Step 3: Cover the area with a coat of white glue and allow it to dry.

Step 4: Apply chalk board paint over the coat of glue in one direction (Either horizontally or vertically).Allow it dry and then paint in the opposite direction.Allow it to dry. (I did two coats in each direction ).Remove the masking tape.

Step 5: Allow it to cure for 24 hours  .(Refer to the back of the paint bottle).

Step 6: Season the chalk board area with a piece of chalk and wipe it clean with a tissue or towel.Your chalkboard is now ready to use. 

Step 7: Add a border design to the chalkboard with a paint pen. You can also fix any uneven edges and mask it with a border design but it is up to you.

Step 8: Add some geometric designs or flowers using paint pen on the sides of the chalkboard. Even though you are going to cover that area with inspirations or pictures, I thought little details here and there will add a great touch to the board itself when you did not pin anything .So, I used a pencil and ruler to draw some sprinkles kind of rectangles all over the cork board and fill it with paint using paint pens.

Step 9: Write some inspirational words to fill the shapes , As I am going to have it in my craft room, I wrote create, paint, burn, knit, clay,sew,etc. You can also fill them with inspirational words like aim, achieve,be positive,dream high,love, etc if you are using the cork board for office space. 

Step 10 : That's it ! Your board is now ready to pin your inspirations, quotes,things to check/remind, reference guides ,write to do list and the list goes on!! Here is few examples of How I use them .

This is how my craft space looks right now with the inspiration board

 How is this makeover ? Do you have an inspiration board at your work place ? Let me know in the comments below.You can check the links below to see the tutorials for the other displays near the inspiration board in the picture.

DIY Thumb tack wall art

DIY Ribbon & Tape Organizer under $3

No sew ruler cover

DIY Multipurpose Wall Art

When you live in a studio apartment you know about the space constraints, you will not have much space for decor items .If you are asked to chose decor or needs, you prefer the needs (Which include a place to keep your belongings , notes for stuffs not to forget for next day office(even that goes in the fridge door sometimes) , etc). So , I thought of combining the decor and needs into a single item which serves both the purpose.In our house , space is not a constraint but our living room space is already crowded with furnitures and so I don't want to crowd the wall and make the room look more clumpy.But I had some small problems to address such as a place to hang our keys and my husband's love for dry erase boards.Having a separate item for each purpose will end up in three items which will eventually crowd the wall.So, I ended up making a multipurpose wall art which serves as a wall art, dry erase board and also as a key holder.How great is that?? Now, lets move on to the steps.

Materials Required:
A large 22" X 28" canvas
Acrylic paints
Masking tape
Paint brush
Shipping tape to create a dry erase board
Double sided foam tape(Optional)
4 screw hooks
Poster board (Optional)
Pencil and Eraser (Optional)
Scissors(Optional)
An awl or drill to poke holes.
Newspaper to make template

I wanted to try a 3D effect like a real butterfly is sitting on a canvas , so I painted the butterfly in a separate poster board and glued it to the canvas using a stack of double sided tape. If you want to paint something other than butterfly directly onto the canvas , you can skip the steps and do it directly on to the canvas. And a important note is that I am not a artist , this is just my trial on making my coloring dreams true. :)

Step 1: Free hand the shape you want in a newspaper .In this case ,draw a one side of the butterfly by folding the newspaper into half and check whether it fits in the canvas. Use masking tape in the 3/4 area of the canvas and paint the remaining area grey using acrylic paint and brush.

Step 2: Trace the outline of the butterfly on to the poster board with  pencil and fill in with acrylic paints as desired. I decided I wanted a colourful butterfly so I made a rough sketch on a paper and replicated it on the poster board.

My rough sketch

Step 3: Once the paint is dry , lightly sketch the inside lines of butterfly with pencil and cover it with black acrylic paint.Once the paint is dry, cut the outline of the butterfly with scissors.Stack double sided tape one above the other and place it in the areas needed .Then, paste the butterfly on to the canvas.

Step 4: Now the painting part is done.Take the shipping tape and paste it in the remaining  1/4th area of the canvas.The tape should be overlapping each other.You can now use it as dry erase board.Have you ever thought of using shipping tape as dry erase board ?Oh ya, you can even use a piece of shipping tape to  use it as dry erase post it notes :)

Step 5: Mark the areas for screws hooks on the bottom of the canvas and make holes.Screw the hooks and that's it!!In this case ,an awl was sufficient to poke a hole and screw the hooks.If you have a drill ,then go ahead and use it. Now you are done with your multipurpose wall art .

If you don't want to make a bigger one, you can make something easy and small like the one shown below. All I did was paint the canvas in random fall colour and placed a fall leaf in the center. Then painted the whole thing in gold covering the leaf. When you take the leaf, you get a beautiful fall wall art.I did this last year before I started this blog , so that I will share here for your inspriation to make one.

So what do you think about the multi purpose wall art? Do you think it serves many purpose and also as a decor item??If you are making one, what will you include ?? Share your views about this wall art in the comments below.

I have a another exciting news , I got fourth prize in "Make it yours Krylon Contest".Thank you everyone who voted for me. Here is the project I submitted - DIY Kitchen Storage Cabinet Makeover.

If you want to check the page , http://www.favecrafts.com/krylon-contest