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!

TV Stand Flip

      The other day, (trash day to be exact) my neighbors put a TV stand out in the trash. It was a sturdy stand, and it had lots of potential to be beautiful! 

Here's the terrific transformation:

Let's get started!

You will need:
1. A piece to flip
2. Sand Paper (a palm sander is very helpful)
3. An oil based primer (I used Kilz)
4. White Paint (Enamel or Latex in a high gloss work the best)
5. Paint Roller (not pictured)
6. Paint Brush (also not pictured)

Step 1: If your item has shelves or other detachable accessories, remove them and set them aside.

Step 2: Sand the parts of the piece that you'll paint including shelves/accessories

Step 3: Wipe down the entire item, using first a dry cloth to wipe off all of the dust from the sanding. Followed by a damp cloth, and finally, another (not dusty) dry cloth wipe down.

Step 4: Primer! Prime the same parts of the furniture that were sanded using a roller and a brush, let the primer dry for about 2 hours, and if needed, touch up any bare spots

Step 5: Run your hands over the surfaces of the item, feel any bumps or rough spots? Lightly sand those spots until they don't protrude (or if you're super lazy, don't)

Step 6: Time to paint! Paint all of the sides that were primed, let the paint dry for about 2 hours, and if needed touch up any bare spots

Step 7: Reassemble your furniture, put in your shelves, cross your T's, dot your I's, the whole thing, aaaaaaaaand....... 

You're done!

LOL I forgot to take an "After" Picture

Enjoy your flipped furniture!

Magazine Coasters

      So recently, my coasters have decided to go into hiding, and have fallen off the face of the earth... What is a girl to do? 
      Instead of buying new ones, I decided I would just make some new coasters from the things I already had laying around. 

      Let's get started! The finished product looks a little something like this:

Supplies you will need:

1. Magazine
2. Cutting Device (or 2)
3. Mod Podge (I like the Satin Finish)
4. Sponge Applicator
*Optional*
5. Something to Mod Podge on

Step 1: Tear out pages from your magazine, you need 4 full pages for every coaster. I prefer the advertisement pages because they're so colorful!

Step 2: Fold these pages in half length wise, and cut down the fold you made

Step 4: Now fold the pages in half the same way, and in half that way again. Fold it in half one last time, the other way this time

Step 5: NOW, the really fun part, you have 8 strips of paper and we're going to weave them together

     *NOTE: Always have the open part of the strip facing UP, or to the LEFT as shown*

Step 6: Take two strips and open the last fold on both, lay one on top of the other and close the folds as shown

Step 7: Add each strip one at a time, weaving them together until you have used all of the strips

Step 8: Use your cutting device to trim about half an inch off of the end of the strips on the top and left side


Step 9: Open one side of the top strip and tuck the trimmed strips into the opening

I realize this is like the worst picture ever, I hope you get the gist of it though

Step 10: Repeat this to the back of the top, and to both layers on the left side

TAA-DAA!

Step 11: Using the applicator, apply a coat of Mod Podge to the side of the coaster you want to place drinks on

I've applied the first coat of Mod Podge

Step 12: Wait about 20 minutes for the Mod Podge to dry and apply a second coat the same as the first, let it dry for another 20 minutes aaaaaaaaand.......

You're finished!

Enjoy your cool new, colorful coasters!