It's been a while...

        Don't be too shocked, but here is a much needed update from your's truly. To make it perfectly short and sweet, I could say that I've been busy, which is true. In a longer explanation, I haven't posted because I'm a student at a very competitive high school. Because of this I don't really have time to think about what would make a good post, let alone take the time to actually go through with making it. I'm sorry to go so long in between posts, but I thought I should update you since I'm on spring break.

        I've been thinking recently, and I think I'm going to be changing to a different blog. I'm not insane about the name "A Dash of DIY". When I created this blogger I really didn't do a lot of research and didn't know that there was not only adashofdiy.typepad.com but also adashofdiy.com, in addition to tons of websites featuring the phrase. My name should be my brand, and one hundred percent my own, therefore I feel the change is necessary. I'll make sure that I post another update when the next blog is made, but then, I won't be posting any more tutorials (isn't that a shock).

        This blog was a great way for me to get my toes wet without jumping completely into the unknown blogger-verse, I have big ideas for the site, and hope you'll join me there as well.

Much love

-♥ Delaney

Passport Update II

        Sadly, another month has gone by in my ever-shrinking Summer. Which means it's time for another progress update on my Summer Passport!

Here's how we stand...

1. Movies & TV (4/8)
2. Crochet (2/5)
3. Books (5/8)
4. Clothes (2/20)
5. D.I.Y. Stuff (9/20)
6. Extras (4/0)

        I finally made some progress on my Movie&TV section, as well as my Extras section. Let's do some math, out of the 61 projects I planned to do, I have so far completed 22 of them, which makes me 36% complete! But I've also completed 4 extra unplanned projects which I'm pretty proud of too!

Here's to me getting more accomplished!

DIY Pencil Cup

        It's almost time for the little children of the world to go back to school! One of my pet peeves about doing my schoolwork or homework is never being able to find a pencil, and my favorite thing about back to school is getting new supplies! And with that...

Lets get started!

Supplies:

1. Box to cut

2. Scissors

3. Duct Tape

4. Marker

5. Ruler

Step 1: Measure your box and decide if you want dividers and how large you want them to be 

Step 2: Draw out what you want it to look like, on all sides 

(My cup has three compartments, the first is 4.5" x 2", the second is 3" x 2", the third and smallest is 1.5" x 1.5")

Step 3: Cut away the parts you don't need, but save the pieces cut from the sides

Step 4: Cut the dividers to the right heights to separate the sections (4.5" and 3" for me)

Step 5: Tear a piece of duct tape about 4" long and tear it in half, use this to attach the dividers to the appropriate places. Also tear four pieces of tape slightly shorter to brace the bottom of the cup

Step 6: Now the fun part! Tear a piece of duct tape that is long enough to go around the bottom tier of the box once. Line it up with the edge of the cup's opening and apply the tape, fold the extra on the bottom like a present

Step 7: Repeat Step 6, except move up to the second tier. Line up the tape where the tape ends on the first tier, make slits in the corners, and fold over any extra into the cup

Step 8: Repeat Step 7 with the last tier

Step 9: Cover the exposed bottom of the box

Step 10: Add any other elements you want, aaaaaaaaand.......

You're finished!

Enjoy your duct taped pencil/makeup/whatever you want cup!

DIY Newspaper Frame

        They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so shouldn't your pictures be surrounded by thousands of words? Well, that was my inspiration for this easy frame idea!

Supplies: 

1. Picture Frame (I've found cheap but good quality frames at thrift shops)

2. Scissors

3. Newspaper 

4. Sponge Applicator

5. Mod Podge (I like the Satin finish)

Step 1: Remove the back, glass, and any other hardware from your frame so that all you are left with is the frame

Step 2: Rip pieces out of your newspaper, they don't have to be the same size! Try to get a variety in the size and shape of your pieces

Step 3: Open up your Mod Podge and start gluing strips onto the frame, mix it up, have text going every which way, make it organic

LOL, what a great picture, huh?

Step 4: Apply a coat of Mod Podge to the parts of the frame that are covered with the newsprint, let dry for 15-20 minutes

Step 5: Apply a second coat of Mod Podge; let dry for 15-20 minutes, aaaaaaaaand.......

You're finished!

Enjoy your new newspaper frame!

Magazine Frame

        One of my favorite ways to decorate my room is with pictures, but I hate paying $12 or more for a cute frame! Here's my cheaper and colorful alternative!

Let's get started!

Supplies:
1. Picture Frame (I like to get mine from thrift shops, they're usually less than $3)
2. Magazine
3. Scissors/Paper Cutter
4. Mod Podge (My favorite finish is Satin)
5. Sponge Applicator

Step 1: Remove the back, glass, and any other hardware/accessories so that you are left with the bare frame

Step 2: Rip out a few pages from your magazine, you won't need more than 3 or 4, and you won't use the entire page either

Step 3: Cut your magazine pages into small strips, here's how I cut mine:

Step 4: Line your strips up around the perimeter of the frame so you can plan out how it will look, make sure you account two strips for every corner

Step 5: Once you are happy with the layout break open your Mod Podge and start gluing your strips down, make sure to cover the inner rim of the frame as well

Step 6: Apply Mod Podge to the bottom of the frame and press the strips into it, use your scissors to cut the strips that reach past the edge of the frame

Step 7: Apply a coat of Mod Podge to the parts of the frame covered with strips, and wait 20 minutes for it to dry

Step 8: Apply another coat of Mod Podge to the frame, wait 20 minutes for it to dry, aaaaaaaaand.......

You're finished!

Enjoy your magazine picture frame!

Paracord Lanyard

                My school, like many others, requires all students to wear an identification around school. The type of lanyard you wear is another way that you identify yourself. I loved making the paracord bracelets so this is a tutorial inspired by that, paracord lanyards!

Let's get started!

Supplies:
1. Lanyard
2. Paracord
3. Scissors
4. Lighter
5. Measuring Tape/Ruler

Step 1: Measure the length of your lanyard with paracord, add about 3.5 to 4 feet to that amount. That is how much paracord you will need.  

Step 2: Cut the ID holder off of the lanyard, this will be the hardware we use for the new lanyard

Step 3: Fold the paracord in half to find the middle; lay the lanyard at the looped end

Step 4: Slide the clip up the end with two strings to where the lanyard begins

Step 5: With one hand, hold the clip where it is, and with the other, fold the looped end over

Step 6: Now you're ready to start tying knots! We're going to use the square knot

Step 7: Tie the same knot, but from the other side this time

Step 8: Repeat steps 6 and 7 until you've reached a length you like

*NOTE: If you forget which side you left off on, find the farthest down knot, that is the side that you start on*

Step 9: Once you've reached a length you like, make sure you tighten the last knot you made

Step 10: Cut the remaining strings, close to the base

Step 11: Use the lighter to singe the the paracord where you cut it to keep it from fraying and unraveling, aaaaaaaaand.......

You're finished!

Enjoy your new paracord lanyard!

Paracord Bracelet

           Paracord, or parachute cord, was used by the military in World War II in parachutes as suspension lines. After the soldiers parachuted down, they found many uses for the paracord. This versatility has made paracord surge in popularity in recent years. Time to jump on the crazy train!

Let's get started with the bracelet!

Supplies:

1. Paracord (blue - Michael's, black - Home Depot)

2. Scissors

3. Lighter

4. Measuring Tape/Ruler

*NOTE: Paracord at Michael's is about $2.50 for 16 feet, in bright colors. Paracord at Home Depot is about $2.50 for 50 feet, in not so vibrant colors*

Step 1: Measure your wrist, add about an inch to make the bracelet more comfortable. You can add more than an inch if necessary

Step 2: Take the wrist measurement, with the added inch(es), and add about another 5 inches or so to account for the knot, this will be the core of the bracelet

Step 3: Fold the piece of paracord in half and use the lighter to burn the ends of the paracord to prevent the cord from fraying

Step 4: Tie a knot at the end of the paracord, try to get the knot close to the end

Step 5: Take the initial measurement; cut that many feet of your paracord. Fold the cord in half to find the middle, and place that behind the core

Step 6: Tie a square knot as shown

Step 7: Tie the same knot, but from the opposite side

Step 8: Repeat the knot tying, alternating sides until just before you get to the knot at the end of the core, it's okay if the bracelet starts to curl while you're tying the knots

*TIP: If you forget which side you left off on, look for the knot that is furthest down. Which ever side the knot is on, you start from that side*

Step 9: Once you get close to the end of the core, tighten the last knot and cut the remaining strings close to their base

Step 10: Use the lighter to burn the cut paracord, so that it won't fray, aaaaaaaaand.......

You're finished!

Enjoy your new paracord bracelet!