How to use a simple technique to make super fun spring friendship bracelets

In this easy DIY tutorial, you will learn how to easily make some fun spring friendship bracelets in just minutes with just a few supplies.  

Materials:

Pack of Green and yellow mini rubber bands or desired two colors

Two pencils

3 inches of wrapped floral wire

Wire cutters

Needle nosed pliers

Ruler

Instructions:

First, place two pencils side by side. Next, slide a green rubber band in a figure-eight shape on the pencil. (See photo) Next, slide on a yellow rubber band, and then a green one.  You just need to slide these on without a figure eight. (See photos)

Now, lift the bottom rubber band and pull it over the top of the pencil. Repeat on the opposite side. (See photo)

Add a green rubber band and repeat step #2.  Continue adding rubber bands and pulling over the top alternating green and yellow.  You will start to see a chain forming in between the pencils.  As it grows, pull on it slightly to keep it even.

Keep adding bands to make the chain longer until you have a length to fit adjusting the wrist. Factor in the size of a one-inch wire curl closure.

Using the wire cutters cut a 3-inch piece of wrapped floral wire. Next, Insert the wire into the loose end of the chain loops.  Curl the wire end around the rubber band loop.

Remove the other end of the chain from your pencils and insert the uncurled end of the wire in both loose ends. Now, curl it around as you did the other side and adjust if necessary.

How to easily wood burn the cutest snowman gift tag

 Grab some bark wooden rounds and you can make the most adorable snowman gift tag.  You only need a woodturning tool (available at all craft stores and online) and some watercolor pencils.  Add to your gifts for an extra ornament gift on the gift.

How to wood burn the cutest snowman gift tag

Materials:

Woodburning tool

Wooden rounds with bark

Watercolor colored pencils

Fine sandpaper

Pencil

Rubbing alcohol

Small paintbrush

Instructions:

First, sand the fronts of your wooden rounds to smooth out any rough spots. Now, draw the snowman in pencil on the front of the round. Use the examples given, but you can always add some extra additions to your snowman to personalize. Ex: Nurses cap, etc.

Begin burning your tag

Next, heat up your woodburning tool.  Be extra careful since these tools get extremely hot. Carefully trace the lines on your snowman with the woodturner.  

When you have finished it is time to color in the parts you want to accentuate. Color the scarf, hat, etc. with the watercolor pencil of choice.

Now, using the alcohol and the small paintbrush brush the color to blend.  The alcohol makes the color sink into the wood itself.

To finish write to and from on the opposite side of the tag and use the woodturning tool to outline it.

Add the string for the tag (They are usually included with the wood rounds)

How to easily paint tennis shoes that will amaze everyone

 

If you are looking for an easy way to upscale your footwear, it is so easy to paint tennis shoes that will amaze everyone.  Using only some acrylic markers, and water you can transform a plain old pair of kicks into a work of art.  And the best part is that it really doesn’t take any special skill.  

 

Think about it all sunsets are different and there is no wrong sunset if you just follow a few simple hacks.  My pair of shoes started out pink but it is just as easy to paint a white pair or any other color.  I prefer fabric-style shoes. The paint blends very easily on fabric-type shoes.  The advantage of leather shoes, however, is that is leather’s surface is smooth, so detail is easy.  It is just kind of playing around with styles and shoes.  It is best to start with an older pair.

 

When your sunset is complete you can add small details such as trees, mountains, bushes, buildings, houses, horses, or other favorite things.  Since I am a horse lover, I added them.  Cut out or trace images onto the already dry background and add them with a black paint pen.

How to easily paint tennis shoes

 
Materials:

 

Tennis shoes

Acrylic markers, black, pink, red, yellow, blue, and white

Water and a small paintbrush

Apron and paper to cover work surfaces

 

 

Instructions:

 

1.      First make sure your shoes are clean.  Launder them if they are soiled.

 

2.      Us the black acrylic marker to color all around the bottom rubber sides of the shoe.  Let dry completely.

 

3.     Next, begin at the top of the shoe area by making several marks with a light blue acrylic pen.  Add some white acrylic pen strokes.  Then, while the paint is wet dip a brush in water and blend the blue and white. Make sure there are no lines of demarcation. Work on each section of the shoe separately all around the shoe.

 

4.     Now, using the pink marker under the blue sky area apply some pink and add some white, and a tad yellow.  Blend with water as you did the upper sky area.  Blend into the blue. Continue working downward adding more pink, blended with water. Then, as you reach the bottom add more red and white, for a darker shade. Continue until you have the entire shoe covered with a sunset.  You may add more white in some areas for an indication of clouds.

 

5.     Let the paint dry completely before you add the extra images.  Using the black pen, trace and draw in buildings, mountains, animals, etc.  Add grasses with light touches.  Let dry.

 

 

How to use a holiday napkin to make amazing seasonal glass décor

 Did you know that ModPodge comes in a dishwasher safe formula?  And did you also know that you can use a holiday napkin to make amazing seasonal glass décor?  All sorts of holiday napkins are readily available at craft and party stores throughout the holiday seasons.  I found the most beautiful fall leaves accented with gold that is perfect for Thanksgiving.  

 

You can also use Christmas, New Year’s, Patriotic, Easter, and more napkins when they are available.  And if you use ModPodge dishwasher safe you can put your glassware on the top shelf of the dishwasher or hand wash as needed.  

 

Note: please be advised that Plaid Enterprises, Inc. has compensated Make it easy crafts by furnishing Plaid product at no charge in connection with this post.

 

Materials:

 

Glassware, plates, wine or beverage glasses, canning jars, etc.

Napkins in desired prints

Gold leaf pen

alcohol

ModPodge dishwasher safe formula

Small paintbrush

 

Instructions:

 

First, choose your napkin.  Then, separate the layers of the napkin so that you are only using the printed piece. 

Next, choose your clear glass item.  For plates and dishes make sure the right side of the napkin is showing through the glass, so you will have to apply the ModPodge to the wrong side of the napkin.  If using beverage or wine glasses, apply the napkin right side up on the outside of the glass, but about an inch or so from the rim so that your lips will only touch the glass when using.

 

Now, measure and cut the right size for the area you are covering with the napkin.  Then, using the small paintbrush, liberally apply some ModPodge to the surface.  Immediately place the prepared napkin piece.

 

Next, brush a coat of ModPodge on the napkin.  Wrinkles are fine and give the piece added texture. Let it dry for a couple hours and then apply two more coats of the ModPodge as necessary.  Let dry completely.  It will be dishwasher safe or you can hand wash after it cures for about 28 days.

 

How to upcycle a subscription box with decoupage

How to upcycle a subscription box with decoupage

 

Many people are enjoying internet subscription boxes whether it is for makeup, supplies, just about anything.  A lot of these subscriptions arrive in sturdy two-piece boxes that would be a shame to toss.  What can you do with them?  Well, they make wonderful gift boxes and decorative storage for small items in your home.  

 

Using a printed paper napkin of your choice and some ModPodge decoupage medium you can transform these boxes into amazing gift boxes and more for almost zero dollars!  Christmas is right around the corner and these would be a perfect no-wrap addition to your holiday gift-giving.

Note: Please be advised that Plaid Enterprises, Inc. has compensated Make it easy crafts by furnishing Plaid product at no charge in connection with this post.

 

Materials:

 

A subscription box with cover

Gesso or white paint

Paintbrush

ModPodge decoupage medium

Printed napkin

Ruler, scissors

Ribbon

Hot glue gun and hot glue

 

Instructions:

 

First, gather all your supplies.  Next, cover your work surface.  Then, use the paintbrush and some Gesso or white paint to cover the writing or advertising print on the top and sides of the box.  You may want to paint the entire box top and bottom.  Set aside and let dry completely.

 

Choose your napkin and then, remove the extra layer.  You may have to cut a piece to see where it can come apart.  Most napkins have a print layer and a solid layer.  Discard the solid layer.

 

Now measure and cut strips and pieces to fit on all sides of the box.  Cut pieces for the top, bottom, sides, etc.  Work on one section at a time taking care not to touch the wet areas with your fingers, only use the brush for placement. 

 

Using the ModPodge brush a thin layer of medium on each area attach the corresponding napkin pieces and then immediately brush a layer on top. Work all around the box adding pieces of the napkin.  Let dry

 

When the entire piece is dry, brush a thin layer of ModPodge over every area and let dry completely.

 

Draw a bead of hot glue over the top of the box sides and attach a strip of decorative ribbon all around.  The subscription box is now ready to enjoy anew!

Check out all the other decoupage and various craft tutorials on Make It Easy Crafts today!

 

 

How to paint a red ribbon of hope on a rock

So, since this COVID 19 virus is ravaging the world a movement has grown called the red ribbon of hope.  The premise is that you tie a red ribbon on a tree (the tree goes through stages and then come back) to show solidarity.  Many people have started to get in on this and are tying red ribbons around trees.

But what if you don’t have a tree?  Well, then, why not paint a tree with a red ribbon on a rock!  You may already have the supplies since all your need is some paint, brushes and a rock! It’s easy and if you follow the simple steps you can join in the movement with your oven red ribbon of hope.

Get the kids involved.  This is a great family activity with kids. 

How to paint a red ribbon of hope on a rock 

Materials:

Rock

Acrylic paint in brown, black, beige, green, and red

Flat paintbrush

Liner paintbrush

Pencil

Instructions:

First, draw a tree shape onto the rock surface.  Then, using the flat brush and brown acrylic paint.  While the paint is still wet blend in some black paint on the sides of the tree branches to shade.

Next, Dab on some green at the top areas of your tree.  Now using the thin liner brush add some small branches up into the green parts of the tree.  Dab some beige paint on the leaves and branches to show added dimension.  Now, let the tree dry completely.

After the tree is dry, use red paint to paint a red bow.  Line with black pain, then highlight with the beige paint.  

Enjoy your red ribbon of hope and remember we are all in this together!  Stay safe.

How to easily make a cheerful spring daffodil headband

Now that is spring, soon all the daffodils will be popping up.  In fact, mine have been trying to pop up for a couple days now.  So to liven up your moods this Easter in lieu of an Easter bonnet why not wear a cheerful spring daffodil headband instead?

This little daffodil flower is super easy to make and the spring daffodil headband would look great on a baby as well. 

So lets get started!

Materials

Mini Bowdabra with hair bow tool and ruler attachment

1 ½” wide yellow wired ribbon

1” wide dark green grosgrain ribbon

White sparkle tulle cut to 1 ½” wide about 8 inches long

Yellow yarn

Headband in a spring color

Scissors

Pinking shears (paper shape cutters will not work on the ribbon)

Ruler

Clear nail polish (or lighter)

Instructions:

1.     Gather all your supplies.

2.     Prepare all your ribbon pieces.  Cut three pieces of green grosgrain ribbon 5 inches long.  Fold and cut in the opposite way you make a dovetail to make a point on each end.  Set aside.  Seal the ends with a lighter or clear nail polish.

3.     Next, cut three pieces of yellow wired ribbon 5 ½” long.  Using scissors cut around each end to make a curved shape.  Brush the ends with some clear nail polish to seal.  Set aside.

4.     Now, cut 2 more pieces of the 1 ½”yellow wired ribbon 3 inches long.  Curve the ends with pinking shears.  Use clear nail polish to seal the ends.

5.     Cut a piece of sparkle tulle 1 ½” wide x 8 inches long.

6.     Cut a piece of yellow yarn, fold in half and insert into the Mini Bowdabra.  You will have a loop on one side and two loose ends on the other, which will be your slipknot.  Tuck the ends under to keep out of the way while you make your daffodil.

7.     Now, insert the green grosgrain ribbon pieces, pinching to a mountain up fold as you insert them. 

8.     Then insert the longer pieces of yellow ribbon into the Mini Bowdabra.  Next, insert the smaller pinked edged pieces of yellow ribbon into the Mini Bowdabra.

9.     Finally, insert the tulle from the top like an accordion.  Scrunch down with the Bowdabra wand.  Insert the two loose pieces of yarn through the loop and pull tight while the daffodil is still in the Bowdabra. Remove from the Bowdabra, separate the ends, turn to the back and tie a knot.

10. Now shape your daffodil.  Fan out the petals and cut the center around the tulle.  Since the petals are wired it is very easy to shape. 

11. Use the excess yarn to tie to a headband.  If this is for an infant the yarn is gentle on the babies head.