DIY Faux String Nail Art

The string nail art which belongs to 60s and 70s is back in trend now.I see a lot of DIY string nail art popping in my social media wall .I also wanted to give a try on it.I wanted to do a big peacock string nail art to hang in my living room but when I think of  the weight that a big wooden plank will add ,hammering the nails,someone for help,etc I was hesitating to proceed .Because ,I have to invest in a new hammer just for this project and a big wooden plank would add weight when we want to shift our house.Do you think like me ??Then here is perfect way to do it in a less budget & less hammering with alternate supplies.It is therefore called as Faux string nail art.:) Got it ?? Lets get started.

Material required :
2 Big foam board (I got mine in dollar stores for $1 each)
Push pins
String/woolen yarn
Spray paint/Acrylic paint(Optional)
Duct tape (Optional)
Scissors

Step 1: Draw the shape you want in a paper/newspaper and cut the outline shape.Keep two foam boards one above the other.Place it on the foam board and insert the push pins along the outline as shown.
I wanted it in gold so I spray painted my push pins in gold.This step is totally optional.You can also use same colored push pins for the whole art to make it look neat.

I think I would have used approximately 80 to 90 pins.

Step 2 : Remove the paper once you complete the outline.Secure a knot in any of the push pin and start winding it in whichever way you like it to fill the whole shape.I made it in a zig zag motion to fill the whole shape.When you are done ,secure it with a knot and trim the remaining thread.You are almost done !!

When I did it for one time ,I felt the gold colour did not pop out so I made it two to three times.If you want to make it look brighter in the first step use a thicker yarn.I add legs and crest later to make a complete look.I got the inspiration to do this peacock by seeing a picture of peacock sitting on a branch of a tree.

This is how it looks after removing the paper.

Left: Gold thread I used
Right: Secure the thread with two simple knots before starting.

After one complete winding of yarn.

 Step 3: Tape the corners with duct tape /any tape to give a framed look.(Optional).You can also use ribbons ,lace or washi tape to decorate the corners.I wanted a gold frame so I use 3 coatings of gold acrylic paint over the duct tape .

Step 4: To hang it in the wall,wind a piece of wire around two thumb tacks and cover it with the duct tape .Yes!!!It worked :) Voila!!!Now the glittering gold wall art is ready to hang!!!

Isn't it so simple?? What shape will you do if you make this ??What do you feel about this idea??Feel free to share your comments below or write to vikalpah@gmail.com.I will be happy to hear from you.

Happy crafting!!

DIY No sew Ruler cover

I got a new Fiskars 18" X 3" ruler.I could not find a secure place to keep it as it is little larger than the normal ruler.I was hanging it along with my cutting mat and another ruler but I fear it would get scratched.(Normal fear that any human being will have when they buy a new ruler that is little expensive,Do you agree?:)).Also like every others I was trying to keep it inside the plastic cover in which the ruler came , but it was annoying to put inside that fitted plastic cover.So, I came up with idea of making a Ruler cover for my new ruler as well as the old one.
I made a no sew tote bag(If you have missed it,click here) and had some left out vinyl fabric after the project.I used that and glue gun to make the cover.Now to the steps.

Materials required:
Vinyl fabric /Any fabric of your choice .
Glue gun
Ribbon for handle.
Fabric Scissors

Step 1: Keep the ruler on the fabric and cut out 2 pieces leaving around half an inch on all the sides.Keep it right sides facing each other.I prefer vinyl as I can customize according to my taste .You can do it with paint and masking tape(refer No sew tote bag tutorial) or sharpies(Later in this post).

Step 2: If you have another ruler, cut out single piece of fabric in same way and attach it any one of the fabric on the wrong side with glue gun.

Step 3: Cut two small lengths of ribbon for handle and glue it on each side just as we did it for tote bag .

Step 4:Once the glue dries ,turn it inside out.Voila!now you have the ruler cover ready to hold your rulers.

Step 5:I don't prefer a plain fabric ,so I customized it with sharpies.Recently ,I am so obsessed with Zentangle.(If you want to know ,what it is and how to do it,click here WikiHow will explain you.)I wanted to incorporate it in any of my projects so I thought this would be a good idea.If you are like me!Take your sharpies out,let the fun begin !!!!

I started with plain hearts and filled it with whatever stroked my mind at that time.Sometimes it is good to be not planned. :PThe final look is below.Do you like it ?

Some closest shots of my zentangles :)

Isn't it colorful?Once it is all done.Now it is time for the ruler to go to its place.Ta da!

You too got a new ruler ??Already have a ruler and want it to be scratches free??then you have to make one for sure.Will you ?? Or what do you feel about this idea?Now I find it so easy to carry my ruler all around and I am also happy that it got a safe and secure place .

Feel free to share your comments below or write to vikalpah@gmail.com, I will be happy to hear from you.

Have fun creating one for you !!!Happy crafting!!

Glam your Hair Accessories

 Are you bored of just plain black and white hair accessories ?? Here are some of the ways which you can add glam to your hair clips ,hair elastics ,bobby pins or jaw clips.My usual hairstyle is a simple pony tail and sometimes a basic up do with jaw clips. I felt kind of bored to use plain hair accessories so I decided to try some ways to add interests to them.you know what ??It all worked.Lets us see how to do that.

Jaw Clips :
Use Nail polish to your jaw clips by add interesting patterns just as you do to your nails.I used two coats of nail polish.If you do any mistakes use a Q-tip to remove it and redo.Here are some for your inspiration to try.

For black stripes and white dots I used the nail polish with precision brush.If you don't have one use a tooth pick or a small paint brush to add designs.Whenever you are bored just remove it with nail polish remover as you do your nails.If you want to make it permanent you can add acrylic sealer.(If have not tried it, as I like changing the designs:))You can also add some rhinestones to your designs make it more glamorous.It is been almost 2 weeks since I made these and they still stay on the clips.I tried using black sharpie on one side to add chevron pattern on the first black clip and yes!It worked .

Hair elastic:

I picked up some badges which comes as 2 parts with a pin at the back and a front part which can be customized with fabric.I used those badges and some scrap fabric to  create customized hair elastic as shown below.Actually they have shown some pliers kind of thing to attach the front to the back but a firm press with hand, made the job.

See how I made my own accessory to match my hoody!!

I couldn't find those badges in my local craft stores.How do I do this ???Oh!yes I heard you.Pick up some gorgeous buttons you can stitch it with the hair elastic and you make your own "Gorgeous" hair elastic.

Bobby pins:

Do you use bobby pins to make a cute hair up dos for a friend's wedding or a party?Here is a easy way.Do you have some extra buttons left out after stitching it to your hair elastic just slip in the bobby pins into those buttons.Buttons I mean not the one with two/four holes ,one with the loop at the back as shown below.

Hair clips:

I use these tiny tiny hair clips to control my little curly popping hairs on both the sides of my head.Do you use this hair clips for styling ??Then this is a perfect way to style it.Use metallic sharpie markers to add polka dots,stripes and also to colour it gold & silver.You can remove these with a cotton and rubbing alcohol.It says permanent marker but still at some point of time if you don't like it you can remove it with rubbing alcohol.I tried it and it worked. :) 

Will you try any of these ??Do you have any ways to glam  hair accessories??Feel free to share your comments below or write to vikalpah@gmail.com.I will be happy to hear from you.

Have fun crafting !!

Gift wrapping with flowers

Spring is approaching!!Let us bring in that springy touch in our gift wrapping by adding some flowers as toppers for the gifts.I am going to show you two ways for adding flowers to your gifts.One is by making felt flowers and another is by making paper cut out flowers.Lets get started.

Method 1:
Materials Required:
Felt (in colours of your choice)
Needle and thread /Glue gun
Scissors
Green ribbon

Step 1: Cut out circles of felt with approximately 6cm as diameter (we will need 6 to 7 circle for one flower) and one circle with 4cm diameter for base.Also cut out two leaves shape from green felt.The measurement can be varied according to your choice.

Step 2: Fold a circle into half(Picture 2) and into half again (Picture 3).This is a petal for the flower.Add the petal to the base circle(Which is 4cm in dia).Insert the needle in the center of the petal and make two stitch on either sides to hold the petal in the place(Picture 5).Repeat the same for all the petals covering the base circle(Picture 6)

Step 3:Once the first layer of four petals are stitched ,Arrange the second layer of petals above the first and make a stitch (Picture 7).Add 2 or 3 petals to the second layer till the area is covered and stitches are not visible (Picture 8).Lastly add the leaves to the base with a stitch and secure the thread with the knot.You are done with the flowers.

Step 4: Now to the wrapping ,Wrap your gift box with the kraft paper/any wrapping paper and tie a green ribbon as shown below and secure it the tape at the back side of the box.I am using green ribbon just as to represent it as stem of the flowers,you can use any colour of your choice.Attach a glue dot/foam sticker/a dab of glue to stick the flower to the wrapping.You can add one flower or a bunch of  colourful flowers .

You can also use glue gun to make these flowers if you don't want to stitch it.Doesn't it look springy and colourful ??You can even add original flowers to your gifts and make it more beautiful looking.Now what to do if you don't have felt or original flowers?Here comes another simple method to add flowers to your wrapping.

Method 2:

Colour papers

Black marker

Scissors

Glue

Step 1:Draw some freehand flowers in the colour papers and cut it along the outline of the flowers.If you don't have flowers just draw in white paper and color it.

Step 2: Place it wherever you want on the gift and stick it with a dab of glue and draw stems with the black marker and write the sentiment above like Happy birthday/happy easter/happy wedding anniversary,etc.Voila !!You have a beautiful hand drawn gift wrapping just as the flowers in your garden.

Which method do you like the most ?Will you try any of these while you are wrapping your next gift ?Feel free to share your comments below or write to vikalpah@gmail.com.I will be happy to hear from you.

Have fun wrapping !!

Glass Etching DIY

I have been collecting some pickle jars, coffee powder containers, tomato sauce container,etc.If you are a jar junky like me ,then this DIY is perfect to turn all those junky jars/container into a beautiful ones.Even if you don't have anything like so you can get something in glass like a vase or a drinking glass and try this glass etching.Lets get started.

Materials Required :
1.Glass jar/Container/Drinking glass
2.Glass Etching cream
3.Adhesive Stencils
4.Brush
5.Gloves
6.Masking tape (Optional -not shown)

Step 1: If you are using a old container/jar at home, remove the label by running in the hot water and clean the surface with rubbing alcohol.No worries if you don't have rubbing alcohol,just make sure the surface is clean before you start the process.Peel the adhesive stencil with design of your choice and paste it in the glass container (Picture 1).Make sure there are no bubbles to avoid the etching cream passing through areas and ruin your design.

Step 2:Wear your gloves (Safety First !! :)).Apply a enormous amount of cream covering the whole stencil.Apply the cream in dabbing motion instead of up and down motion to make sure all the areas are covered nice and even.(Picture 2)

Step 3: Allow the cream to rest according to the instructions in the bottle.Mine was 15 minutes.I allowed it to rest for 20 to 25 minutes.There is no problem if you take extra time to wash but surely not within the specified time :).Wash it under the running water.You will now have a doubt ,Is anything happened or not ?? :).(Picture 3).Without much thinking move to the next step.

Step 4: Peel the stencil to see the design etched .If you find any cream left on the design and wash it once more.Voila !!!Now you have a beautiful container with flower etched.I repeated the same design on another side.And now I'm using it to store Ear buds:). Isn't it very simple ???

Another one for mustard seeds.

There are many ways to use this etching .You can simply add a design as shown above or you can spell out a word and customize according to the need.I am going to use the container for storing "Cloves" so I customized as shown below.While using the stencils for separate letters ,make sure you cover the gaps and surrounding areas with masking tape to avoid cream in the gaps as shown below.

If you don't want the above two ways, you can simple add a Monogram.Lets say, if you are presenting a container full of treats for your birthday or Christmas or any occasion to your friend,etch a first letter of his/her name to make him feel special.I thought adding a design around the monogram makes it more interesting!.If you reuse a jar/container to gift someone,paste a scrapbook in the shape of the jar lid to hide the brand name sealed it the jar lid.You can also add a ribbon to bring in the festive touch.

Now all the empty jars got its use :)

Some drinking glasses from my first trial .

Feel free to share your comments below or write to vikalpah@gmail.com .I will be happy to help you.

Containers Makeover

Containers Makeover !So, Whats that ?? Let me tell you.You probably have some containers like pringles containers,nuts containers ,wafers containers thinking what to do with that.If you use to throw it away then you should read this and get to know for what they can be re-used.Some of us use it as such without any makeover but I don't like to see pringles ,nuts containers everywhere in my home.So,I made a makeover for those containers to store my craft supplies.You can obviously use it for the things which needs organising at your home.

Materials Used :
Containers
Scrapbook paper
Glue(Elmer's glue/Mod Podge/Fevicol)

What I did is simple.Measure the length of the container and cut the scrapbook.Apply glue to the container and paste the scrapbook paper.Work part by part instead of apply the whole container with glue and sticking the paper.Working by parts gives a neat and wrinkle free application .If the paper is not enough to cover the container ,attach a patch to cover the left over area.
I also tried with different types of glue to see what difference it makes.
1) Elmer's glue
Result : Good.
2) 1 part Elmer's glue + 1 part water
Result : Wondering why I made this!.I am a pinterest addict and I see people pinning Mod Podge is equal to 1 part Elmer's glue + 1 part water. I want to test and see whether that works. Did it work?? I would say "No", as it creates more wrinkles and spoil the appearance.
3)Elmer's Rubber cement
Result: Good but I would prefer to use Rubber cement for adhering paper to paper rather than using it to  adhere paper to the containers.
4) Mod Podge.
Result : Good.If you want a shiny polished look(refer picture below) ,you can give a coating of Mod Podge above the paper after adhering the paper to the container.

The black one is done with Mod Podge  and the right one with Elmer's Glue.

Here is how I use the containers.For storing paint brushes ,glue gun sticks,wood burning tools,etc.For my crafty friends out there,Hope this helps you to organise your craft supplies without much spending.

If you are not a crafty person you can use it to store office supplies, Kids colouring pencils,legos and other small toys.You can also save them for giving your christmas or halloween treats to your friends & family in a colourful way.

Perfect storage for my paint brushes,pencils,knives.

Glue gun sticks and cord

Wood burning tool

                                       
For another simple makeover, I used salt containers.

I used glue,jute twine and some accent gems.Secure the starting with glue and wind around the container and dab some glue when yo reach the tip of the container and cut the twine.Glue some accent gems in a pattern you like for the below look.You can find these accent gems and jute twine in dollar stores.

 I used the same procedure for winding the woolen yarn as mentioned above and used some foam stickers to spell out my name.This would be perfect containers makeover for kids room.

Hope you liked this makeover.Feel free to share your comments below or write to vikalpah@gmail.com .I will be happy to help you.

Have fun Crafting!!

P.S :This post is not sponsored by any of the item shown/described above.All the comments shared are from my own experience. :)