Monday, September 29, 2014

Jigsaw Puzzle Mosaic Canvas

This week I'll be changing directions & posting some of my DIY crafts that I've done.
This is a jigsaw puzzle piece mosaic I did on canvas. Like my other projects, this was easier to do than one might expect, & only required a few, inexpensive items.



You Will Need:
  • Any Size Canvas You Like
  • Mod Podge Craft Glue
  • A Sponge Brush
  • A Pencil
  • Assorted Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces



Canvases can cost about $3 or $4, depending on where you purchase them.  Mine is from Ollie's Bargain Outlet.

Mod Podge comes in a variety of sizes, but for a project this size, the bottle you need is only about $4.  You can find this at Walmart or any craft retailer.

Sponge Brushes are easy to find at just about any retailer.  I purchased mine in a package of about 10 at Dollar Tree for $1. 



You can find cheap, jigsaw puzzles at a variety of retail stores as well.  I bought 3 at $1 each at Dollar Tree.
  • I first made a rough sketch of what I wanted my image to look like on the canvas.  
  • I then used my sponge brush, dipped into the Mod Podge craft glue, and dabbed the glue along a portion of the lines of the sketch.  
  • Next, I chose the appropriately colored puzzle pieces from the 3 boxes I had (licorice candy, jelly beans, & a field of tulips) & placed them onto the glue outline. 
  • I simply repeated this process until I had filled in my sketch with the desired colors of puzzle pieces.  
  • Once all my pieces were placed along the sketch, I used my sponge brush & Mod Podge to paint a layer of glue over top of the entire canvas.  This, not only helps to further secure and set the pieces, but it also give the canvas a glossy shine when it is dried. 


Thank You & Enjoy!

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Homemade Forever Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets!

Sticking with a similar topic, today's post is going to be about making your own fabric softener sheets, which will last virtually forever, and cost about $3, depending on your personal preferences.

All you'll need for this project is a plastic container with a lid, 2 sponges, a bottle of your favorite fabric softener, & water.

 
(I purchased each of these items at the dollar store, costing me only $3!)
  • Cut Your Sponges Lengthwise into Thirds
  • Mix Fabric Softener & Water Together in Your Plastic Container with a 1:2 Ratio (Approximately 2 Cups of Softener & 4 Cups of Water). You Can Adjust Accordingly per the Size of Your Container
  • Drop Your Sponge Strips into Your Container, so they Absorb the Mixture
  • When You're Ready to Dry a Load of Laundry, Squeeze the Excess Liquid from the Strips Back into Your Container, Leaving Them a Little Damp
  • Toss the Strips into Your Dryer, Followed by Your Wet Clothes
  • Dry Your Clothes as You Normally Would.  Once Dried, Remove Your Clothes & Throw Your Dried Sponge Strips Back into Your Plastic Container For Next Time

 Voila! You Have "Forever" Dryer Sheets! Enjoy :)