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DIY:

Buy double sided heavy-duty 3M foam tape. Most likely you'll want 1" wide and at least 1 roll depending on how big it is.

Buy a sheet of masonite, it usually comes in 1/4". Be sure to get the stuff that's smooth on both sides.

Cut the masonite down to the size you want; it can be cut with any saw or even scored with a utility knife, broken and then sanded down a bit.

Paint masonite with paint...duh.

Apply the foam tape to the masonite and ensure that it sticks well.

Remove backing from tape and apply masonite to fridge.

The foam tape will stick to a clean surface and if you apply it around the edges of the masonite and
at various points elsewhere. This stuff is so strong in fact, it will leave residue on the fridge. You can remove the residue with acetone, rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover (laqcuer thinner/toluene/acetone) or a citrus based cleaner.

Or for no residue use magnetic tape added on 2009-10-15

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apartment therapy san francisco | how to: mak...

By: esclarmonde

I saw something like these small pictures framed in wrought iron and thought I might be able to reproduce the look with elements from the hardware store.

Materials:
rebar wire
steel-like epoxy paste (or any epoxy paste)
masking tape
permanent black marker (optional)

Tools:
rod (screw driver, knitting needle, etc)
wire snips
waxed paper
single-edged razor blade
brush
disposable gloves (optional)

Wrap rebar wire around rod. Slip off and snip wire to form jump rings. Make 2 for each pane of glass.
Tape the front of the glass with masking tape. This will allow you to handle the glass without smudging it. You'll thank me for this tip later when you need to clean everything.

With the razor blade, cut a small slice off the epoxy paste and knead it for about 1 minute. Roll into a thin snake. Place the snake on one edge of the glass and press down onto the front of the glass with your finger tips. Don't worry if some paste comes off, just patch. Trim the paste on the front with the razor blade to make a neat edge. Repeat for all four sides. Roll tiny snakes and thread them through 2 of the jump rings. Fold over and attach to the top of the paste covered glass. Put the handle of the paint brush through the rings to press the rings down into the frames. Roll the brush handle on the front of the tabs like a rolling pin to smooth the paste.
The edges will be bumpy but that gives a hand wrought iron look. Let harden for an hour. Remove the tape from the glass. If you like the dark grey, burnish with a metal spoon to give a steel look. Otherwise, color with a black permanent marker. (you can use any epoxy paste with this method) Twist a few strands of rebar to form a branch or barbed wire look. Attach the pictures with two more jump rings. Hang on your wall with a small nail.

Tips:
You must cut slices off the epoxy paste; don't pinch. The paste consists of 2 parts and you need to obtain the right proportion of each. If you pinch, you run the risk of getting more of one part than the other and it won't harden. (Don't ask me how I know).

As you work with the paste, it builds up on your fingers. This build-up attracts more paste, making it difficult to work with. Changing gloves or scrubbing your hands frequently will help with this problem. added on 2009-10-15

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can't stop making things: what crows hath wro...

By: esclarmonde

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reinvented - newspaper leaf garland...

By: esclarmonde

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sewing kit in a jar...

By: esclarmonde

Burlap Ribbon
Great for the holidays and all year round. Our brown burlap ribbon has lightly wired edges for easy shaping. added on 2009-10-12

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burlap ribbon - burlap ribon - brown ribon - ...

By: esclarmonde

newspaper yarn can be woven into varying degrees of complexity to construct anything from curtains, to rugs, netting throws, or even upholstery. Its strength may be slightly less that of yarn but when spun tightly and woven into something like a mat the newspaper yarn is a durable and functional structure.

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This great craft can create useable additions around the home and is a upcycle for your Sunday Post.

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Of course the question is “how to spin newspaper yarn?” Well the supplies are few, the skills basic, and the end possibilities immense.

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You will need:

* Scissors
* Newspaper
* Spindle

1) Take a full sheet from your paper and fold in to about fourths.

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2) Cut half inch strips along the width of this folded paper.

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3) Create a “lead” with your first strip by twisting it up tightly with your fingers.

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4) Wrap the lead around the base of your spindle to begin the process.

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5) Use the spindle to continue twisting the paper in the same direction you began. When you get within about 4 inches of the end leave it untwisted so that your can splice the next strip together.

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6) The next strips twists together with the last via the “tail” of the prior strip.

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7) Keep rockin and rollin like this until you get to a desired amount of yarn baby! added on 2009-10-12

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diy - handspun recycled newspaper yarn | gree...

By: esclarmonde

9 kinds of Stamps. It's included in a cute can box.

+ Can measures +
131x112x23 mm ( approximately 5x4.4x0.9 Inches )

+ Shipping +
Goods are sent to the address of ETSY.
If sending to the paypal address and the different address, please write it in Message at the time of purchase and inform me.
Please read KARAKU Shop Policies before placing your order.
Thank you so much!

If you have any questions about this item, please do not hesitate contact me! added on 2009-10-08

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wooden stamps in a can...

By: esclarmonde

Sharpener for bee wax crayons
Wooden sharpener suitable for all wax crayons.

Sharpener for bee wax crayons, Item # 05112. From:$7.00 added on 2009-10-01

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sharpener for bee wax crayons - organic baby ...

By: esclarmonde

Non toxic play dough
Choose between play dough in 4 containers with lid (with a ¼ pound/125 g of each red, yellow, green or blue) or in rolls in 8 different colors (total 1 pound/500 g). It is very soft and easy to work with.

The play dough is non toxic and washable. Salt is used for conservation instead of chemicals, so the product should not be eaten.

Tested in the German consumer magazine, ÖkoTest, and found excellent!

SPECIAL: Save $10 when you buy 1 set of play dough containers and 1 set of our non toxic finger paint.

Play dough, Item # 05106. From:$25.00 added on 2009-10-01

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non toxic play dough - organic baby & kid...

By: esclarmonde

Any mushroom that appears shelf-like and feels solid and woody may be used. Using a hammer to pound them off will damage the mushroom, but pounding them with a fist or boot heel, or grasping firmly with two hands and applying firm downward pressure, will generally free your prize unharmed.

Let them sit in a dry place for 4-5 days (no more than a week, as bugs will take residence in the mushrooms rather quickly). I advise against washing the mushrooms; if necessary, just brush the mushroom off well with a big, soft dry paintbrush. After the resting period, warm up your oven to 250 degrees, and place the mushrooms directly on the middle rack in the warm oven and leave them for 3 hours. After three hours, turn the heat up to 325 and let the mushrooms bake for another hour. Your abode will have taken on a very mushroom-y aroma at this point. This heating period is sufficient to drive out any insects that may have taken up residence in the mushroom and, as a critical procedure in the successful preservation of your prize, must not be skipped! Turn off the oven and leaving the mushrooms within, allow everything to cool back down to room temperature with the oven door cracked open a few inches.

It is now time to trim your mushroom shelf. Note that your mushroom has spent it's life on the trunk of a tree, and so its back will be curved at the point of attachment. Please do not, under any circumstances, attempt to use any power hand tool (circular saw, jig saw, etc.) for this procedure. The mushrooms, with their irregular surface and shape, are difficult to hold steady and almost impossible to clamp; they are tough and have an irregular "grain"; any attempt to make this cut with any tool other than a nice slow, steady hand saw could result in disastrous injury or worse! Keep it simple! Make your cut at a 90 degree angle to the "shelf" surface of the mushroom, so that when it is mounted on the wall, it sits straight out. If you start cutting without visualizing this, then you may make your cut at an unfortunate angle, and when mounted flush against the wall, the mushroom shelf may either point downward (bad, as nothing will stay put on your shelf) or upward (not as bad, but still not good).

Now, keeping your saw blade straight up and down at a 90 degree angle to the shelf surface of the mushroom, grasp the mushroom firmly and slowly begin to cut into the mushroom at a point that will allow all of the curved back portion to be cut away; the picture should help visualize this. Go slow, remember your angle, and use steady downward pressure as you saw.

Now we need to address how the mushroom shelf will attach to the wall. I like to use these hangers often referred to as "keyhole hangers" that my local hardware store stocks. These work well because once mounted to the mushroom, they are completely flush with its back surface, and allow the mushroom to be held tightly against the wall using a common drywall screw as a hanger. The next step is to trace the shape of the hanger onto the center of the back of the mushroom as pictured below. Then, using the tracing as a guide, I use a tiny sanding drum on my dremel tool to grind out that area to a depth of about 1/8", or enough so that the hanger sits flush with (or slightly below) the surface of the shelf. If you don't have a dremel tool, you may be able to use a sharp knife or woodcarving tool to cut around the diameter of the tracing, then carefully chip out the middle part. I scooped the area directly behind the actual keyhole a little deeper than the rest to accommodate the screw head from which the shelf will hang.

I then paint that area with some acrylic paint to seal that surface. It is important to make sure that no bare mushroom surface remains when we are done, because a bare mushroom surface presents a point of entry for mushroom hungry bugs! Maybe you noticed that one of the hanger depressions is sideways on the flatter mushroom; Keyhole hangers work best straight up and down (the keyhole slips over the screw head protruding from your wall, then the shelf is pulled down until the screw head is "locked" behind the narrow part of the keyhole) but they also work sideways, though maybe not quite as securely (keyhole slips over screw head protruding from the wall, then the shelf is pulled sideways slightly until the screw head is locked behind the narrow part of the keyhole). If your mushroom is too thin to accommodate the hanger vertically, then go ahead and put it on horizontally.

The hanger is affixed to the back of the shelf using wood screws. A little glue may be smeared on the screws first for added security, if you like. When the screw is screwed all the way down, and starts to feel tight, stop screwing! If you keep going, thinking you will get it really tight, you will probably end up stripping out the hole, and your screw will not anchor the hanger to the mushroom effectively! If this happens (indicated by the screw suddenly turning very easily even though it is all the way in) back the screw out, fill the hole with wood glue, then put the screw back in and leave it until the glue dries; it will be fine. I bring this point up because, although woody, the mushroom is not as dense as real wood, and is more prone to stripping when the screw is over tightened.

Almost done! Now it is time to completely seal the surface of the mushroom. I use a clear, matte finish, lacquer-type spray from the craft supply store. I have also used clear krylon protective spray from the hardware store (in the spray paint aisle). You may experiment with gloss or satin finishes as well; I found that the matte finish doesnt darken or discolor the mushrooms as much as a gloss finish, for some reason, and leaves the surface looking just as natural as it looked growing on the tree. It is probably worth gathering a few extra mushrooms (maybe the less perfect looking ones) to try different sprays on. Go outside for this, and spray every surface of the mushroom thoroughly. Spray the top, the bottom, turn it and spray the back. Dont be shy; it is important that every crack and pore gets completely sealed-- apply a heavy coat, and allow it to dry for an hour. Then go out and apply another heavy coat of spray. Let that dry, then apply a final, lighter coat over every surface of the mushroom. Let the mushroom dry according to the directions on the spray can-- probably 24 hours. When I am spraying my mushrooms, I really saturate the surface with the first coat, and the surface looks dark, but lightens back up as the coating dries.

To finish the mushrooms, I like to trace around the back of the mushroom onto a piece of marbled paper. I think felt might also be nice. I then trim around the outline, and glue the paper backing onto the back of the mushroom using a thick white craft glue. After the backing is dry, the keyhole shape can be cut out easily with an exacto blade.

Finished mushroom shelves! added on 2009-09-27

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findermaker: mushroom shelf tutorial!...

By: esclarmonde

Making up your own stories is fun when you create them with this DIY story book. 96 stickers help tell the tale, while the cloth spine and 50 perforated pages keep your stories fresh.

eeBoo, $24.95, My Messy Room added on 2009-09-21

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laugh make nurture organise play Â»...

By: esclarmonde

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encaustic paint birds nest handmade encaustic...

By: esclarmonde

d.i.y.: herbal fire starters

For holiday fire starters:
wrap pinecones, sage, rosemary, cinnamon sticks, in newsprint and twist into aromatic igniters.

or:

Fill the small compartments of a fibrous egg carton half way with fragrant dried herbs (rosemary, lavender, mint). Make sure that the herbs are completely dry, and never use Styrofoam egg cartons. Once filled with herbs, push a pine cone firmly into in each compartment.

Then Melt paraffin wax using a double boiler. Pour the melted wax evenly over your pine cones, making sure to keep the wax inside of the egg carton compartments, gluing the herbs and pine cones in place. If the wax cools, simple heat it again slightly until it easy to pour.

Allow the wax to cool completely and then carefully cut the egg carton into individual fire starters. If you like, you can tie a raffia ribbon onto the top of each pine cone for added decoration. added on 2009-09-05

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haute*nature: d.i.y. projects- fireplace star...

By: esclarmonde

What You'll Need

* Three yards of cotton fabric (upholstery weight is best)
* 20 half-inch finishing screws
* Power drill
* Four two- to three-inch wood screws
* Four six-feet-long boards, anywhere between four and six inches wide
* One one-inch square, five-foot-long board
* A friend who can hold the structure as you're building it

To find out how to do it, read more.

1. Measure your fabric. If you get three yards of fabric, each wall of your tent should be 54 inches long. Most fabric is around 56 inches wide as well.
2. Mark your one-inch-square board so it has some overlap on each end with enough room in between for the width of your fabric. If your board is five feet long, that means you will have about two inches on either end for the board.
3. Next, measure each of your six-foot-long boards and mark them at the length of half of the length of your fabric (if you get four yards of fabric, you should mark boards at 52 inches).
4. Now, with your long screws, screw two boards so they form an X. (See photo.) Repeat on other two long boards. This will be the top of your structure.
5. Now, have your friend hold one end of the two boards, while you hold the other. Place the one-inch-square board between the X in your boards.
6. Move the one-inch-square board so the marks you made overlap the X. Now, screw this board into the notch of the X with the last two long screws. Your tent now has the basic structure finished. You can set it on the floor and it will stand up by itself. added on 2009-07-21

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diy tent...

By: esclarmonde

Freehand Embroidery How-To
1. Prewash and dry T-shirt.

2. Download templates (dragonfly, elephant, fire truck, giraffe, tractor) or create your own line drawing by choosing a photograph of a subject (e.g. a truck).

3. Trace details by hand or in Photoshop.

4. Trace line drawing onto dissolvable stabilizer with a fine-point marker, leaving about 1 inch all around to trim excess.

5. Tape template or drawing onto fabric with painters' tape.

6. Show stippling foot.

7. Sew over drawing with straight stitch.

8. Use a continuous line for as much of the drawing as possible. When you end a line or color, leave the threads long enough to tie by hand.

9. From the wrong side of the fabric tug, use a seam ripper to gently tug on the loop made from the top thread, pulling it through. If you have accidentally sewed over the top thread, you may need to bring it through to the back with a needle.

10. Tie each pair of top and bottom threads together with a double knot.

11. Once design is completed and all knots are tied, pull off the tape and the big pieces of stabilizer.

12. Wash item or just run it under water and dry it with a blow-dryer.

Tips for Freehand Embroidery
1. Adjust the thread tension if you want the bottom thread to show (e.g. to create the look of white stars on an American flag).

2. When it is humid, you may need to sprinkle a little baby powder on the stabilizer to keep it from sticking to your needle.

3. If you use different threads on the top and bottom, you may need to knot them together several times so they don't slip apart.

4. As you sew, try to keep the fabric taut; don't pull so hard that you release the tape, though. An embroidery hoop is not recommended because you tend to pull the template or drawing too tight, which will result in a puckered design. Just lay the fabric flat and tape the design on without stretching it. added on 2009-07-17

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freehand embroidery and more creative crafts ...

By: esclarmonde

Last time I showed you two ways to make homemade tea bags perfect for gifts and favors, and as promised, here is part two, reusable tea bags. They are quick and easy to make, though you do need a sewing machine. These tea bags are great for the eco-friendly tea drinker and also make a great gift set when given with a few bags of loose tea.

What you'll need for each tea bag:
4

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lillyella: crafting: reusable tea bags...

By: esclarmonde

Make this beautiful tree of life that includes two birds, a birdhouse, and mushrooms growing on the tree trunk. Make the tree or magically transform it into your own creations. Pieces are printed on wood, plant and other unique textures. Contains over 170 cardboard panels and manual is included. Product is made of recycled paper and is biodegradable. Dimensions: 28" H x 24" W Ages +7 added on 2009-07-14

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kidsonroof totem tree, green toys, kids toys,...

By: esclarmonde

Natural Glue with brush applicatior
$4.99

Natural Glue” is made of all-natural, pure ingredients, without any petrochemical and synthetic components, colorants or additives.
This one of a kind, all-purpose glue is excellent for paper, cardboard, textile, wood and all kinds of crafts, including paper-on-glass applications.
The common “white glue” or “Elmer glue” is made of PVA – polyvinyl alcohol - a synthetic chemical derived from petroleum. Our Natural Glue can replace and even surpass “white glue” in any application.
Natural Glue is
• water soluble – easy to clean, or to dilute to the required consistency.
• dries very quickly, forming an elastic and firm layer.
• all-natural, non-toxic and safe.
No Green Craft project can be accomplished without Natural Glue.

Volume 15 ml (1/2 oz.)
Price: $4.99 added on 2009-07-14

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green crafts - natural glue...

By: esclarmonde

Step 1: Gather a batch of interesting-looking flowers (grab more than you think you need in case they break during the process).

5-27-08look3.jpg

Step 2: Mix a batch of plaster in a bucket or tub. Dip the flowers in the plaster to coat them. Lay them out to dry.

5-27-08look1.jpg

Step 3: After the flowers are dry, coat them with a layer of spray paint to set the plaster.

Thanks to Natalie for giving us her DIY plaster flower method!

* Chicago
* Sarah Coffey
* May 27, 2008 01:35PM
* Comments 10

Tags
How To..., Look!, DIY, plaster flowers
Related Links

* How To: Make an Instant Closet with a Curtain
* How To: Use Leftover Fabric Scraps
* How To: Clean the Bedroom in 10 Minutes
* How To: Make a Dictionary (etc) Wall
* Tips for Having a Garage (or Yard) Sale
added on 2009-07-13

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apartment therapy chicago | diy plaster flowe...

By: esclarmonde

9 vintage letterpress initials make up this beautiful collection of stickers. Perfect for making your own stationary, photo albums, art projects, etc. Arrives in cello sleeve for protection - great gift idea, too!

The permanent adhesive is acid-free, non-toxic and safe for archival projects.

Each sticker measures at 1" x 1"

Note: You will receive a random mix of 9 letters - some will have duplicates.
$3.95 added on 2009-07-13

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vintage stickers by revampboutique on etsy...

By: esclarmonde