Milk Jug Jack O' Lanterns

'Tis the season for spooky & fun!  This week's post is going to demonstrate how to make faux jack o' lanterns from recycled gallon milk jugs.

(Image by Historic Hudson Valley from their website {http://www.hudsonvalley.org/sites/default/files/imagecache/Slideshow/blaze_slide5.jpg}.)


In order to complete this project you'll need:

• Several Empty/Clean Gallon Milk Jugs
• A Permanent Marker
• Glow Sticks

Permanent Markers can be found virtually anywhere & everywhere for only $1 or less.  Mine came in a 2-pack from Dollar General for $1.

Glow Sticks can be found just about anywhere as well.  Most general retail stores such as Walmart, Kmart, Target, etc. sell them year-round in their party section.  Other retailers such as grocery stores, like Giant Eagle, sell them this time of year in their season aisles for just $1-$2 per package.  I purchased a tube of 20 variously colored glow sticks from Dollar Tree for only $1.

Using your permanent marker, draw jack o'lantern faces onto your milk jugs.

Next, fill up your milk jug about 1/2 of the way with water.  Then, crack a couple of glow sticks & drop them into the water.  The added water helps to reflect the light & glow from the glowsticks to illuminate the jug.

Voila! You've Made Milk Jug Jack O' Lanterns!
Thank You & Enjoy!

Craft Bead Suncatcher

For today's project we'll be making a lovely  indoor/outdoor sun catcher out of inexpensive craft beads.

 

 

(Images by Feels Like Home from their website {http://www.feelslikehomeblog.com/2013/05/melted-bead-suncatchers-perfect-for-a-homemade-mothers-day-gift/}.)


 To complete this project you'll need: 

• Assorted Plastic Craft Beads
• Metal or Disposable Foil Pans
• String, Fishing Line, or Ribbon to Hang Suncatcher

 

Craft Beads, also known as pony beads, can be found pretty easily at major retailers with craft sections, like Walmart, and at any and every craft store, such as JoAnn's, Michael's, Pat Catan's, Hobby Lobby, etc. for just a couple dollars per bag.  Some basic varieties can also be found at dollar stores.  I bought my beads at Dollar Tree for just $1.

 Disposable foil pans can be found just about anywhere also.  I'd definitely recommend buying foil pans from the dollar store, or if you'd prefer to use actual metal pans, since we'll be melting plastic in them, it's a good idea to not use pans you cook & eat from.  I'd recommend buying some from Goodwill or a yard sale, so that you know you're not eating any remnants of melted plastic.

String, fishing line, or ribbon is readily available at any dollar store or retailer for just a dollar or two.


First, preheat your oven to 400°F.

Next, spread your beads out in your pan in a single layer so that they're lying flat.  It's a good idea to leave a small circular area free of beads, so that you have an easy area to hang your string or ribbon from later.

**Melting the plastic can produce some unpleasant fumes and odors, so it's highly recommended that you keep your kitchen well ventilated, opening windows and doors and turning on fans.

Cooking time can take up to an hour, depending on the thickness of your beads, to ensure that everything is evenly melted and smooth.

Next, you'll need to let your suncatcher cool before removing it from the pan.  Once it's cooled & removed from the pan, you can hang it from the open space that we left between the beads.  If your suncatcher melted all together & did not keep the empty space, you can always poke your own hole to pull your string or ribbon through.

 














 Once you've tied your ribbon or string onto your suncatcher, you're all done & it's ready to hang!

Voila! You've made a Craft Bead Suncatcher!
Thank You & Enjoy!

Aquarium Stone/Recycled DVD Mosaic Bird Bath

This project came about, because I had an old porcelain bird bath that had broken into 11 pieces that I wanted to fix & spice up.

 

Since you'd most likely be doing your mosaic design on a new, inexpensive bird bath, you don't really have to worry about all the specific details of my gluing together of this one.  Essentially, I just held certain connecting pieces together with rubber bands and set them with Gorilla Glue until all of the pieces could be glued to each other.

In order to do the mosaic portion of this project you will need:

• A Bird Bath
• Aquarium Stones
• Old DVDs
• Mod Podge Craft Glue
• Craft Glue 
• A Sponge Brush

After cleaning it up & sanding it as best as I could by hand, I began painting my craft glue onto the basin of the bird bath & placing randomly colored aquarium stones.

I continued this process until the basin, sides, and edges of the bird bath were covered in aquarium stones.

Once my basin was set & dried, I flipped it over to begin the DVD mosaic portion of the project.

For this part of the project we'll be using the backs of old DVDs to create a prismatic mosaic on the outside of our bird bath.

In order to use the reflective material of the back of a DVD, we will need to separate the layers of the disc.  Before this project, I didn't even realize that DVDs had 2 layers to them!  Anywho, in order to separate the layers, attempt to cut the DVD with a pair of scissors.  This should put a nick in the disc that'll allow you to peel the layers apart.

(Image from Public Lab on their website {http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8277324370_3743af6d7e.jpg}.)



Once you've peeled the layers of your disc apart, you can discard the label side of the disc, keeping the purple, reflect side.  Next, begin cutting the reflective layer in random shapes and craft gluing them to the outside of the bird bath.

I continued this process until the entire outside of the bird bath was covered in the disc shapes.






















 After a final top coat of craft glue on the inside & outside of your bird bath, you are ready to go.  Keep in mind, however, that the way we've made this bird bath has not prepared it to actually stay outside & survive the elements.  In order to make your bird bath outdoor-ready you'll need grout & a sealant.

  Voila!  You Have an Aquarium Stone/Recycled DVD Mosaic Bird Bath!

Thank You & Enjoy!

Decorative Confetti Bowl

Today's DIY/Crafty project is going to be a Decorative Confetti Bowl.  This bowl makes for a great centerpiece for a coffee table, a treat bowl for Halloween, a decorative statement piece for your dining room table, or just a fun bowl to keep items in.

Items You Will Need for this Project:

• A Large Latex Balloon
• Confetti
• Mod Podge Craft Glue
• A Sponge Brush
• A Safety Pin (or similar sharp object)
• A Vase

(Image by Bologna Art Hotels on their website{http://www.bolognarthotels.it/promozioni/QLe5-2012_02_it_tipschiara_coriandoli_faidate.jpg}.)


Latex Balloons can be found just about anywhere.  You can get a decent-sized bag from the dollar store for just $1.

Confetti should be pretty easy to find as well.  Most dollar stores or major retailers and craft stores with party sections should sell it, and for a relatively inexpensive price.  I bought mine from Dollar $tuff for just $1 per bag.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.

Vases are another inexpensive item that can be found just about anywhere.  We're only going to be using ours to balance our balloon/bowl while they're drying, so you don't need anything fancy.  Dollar Tree carries basic glass vases for $1 apiece.

I first blew up my balloon & tied it.

 Next, I used my sponge brush & began painting my craft glue onto the top half of the balloon.

Then, I began sprinkling my confetti onto the glued surface, until the glue was no longer visible.

Next, I painted another layer of craft glue on top of the confetti.  Once the confetti is covered with the craft clue, set the bottom half of the balloon on the opening of your vase to allow it to dry.

Once your Mod Podge is dried, you can either continue to the next step towards finishing your bowl or, if you'd like to make your bowl thicker, you can repeat the last two steps of painting on craft glue, adhering confetti, then painting on a top layer of glue. 

When you're satisfied with the thickness of your bowl, pop your balloon with the safety pin or sharp object of your choosing, and remove the balloon.

Depending on how evenly across the balloon you painted your craft glue & adhered your confetti to the balloon, you may or may not need to cut your dried bowl to have a more even edge.

Voila! You've Made a Decorative Confetti Bowl!
Thank You & Enjoy!

Sea Glass/Aquarium Pebble Owl Mosaic Canvas

 Today's post is going to be another DIY craft project of mine:  a mosaic owl on canvas, made with sea glass & aquarium pebbles.

(Image by Etsy on their website {https://img0.etsystatic.com/020/0/7786111/il_340x270.483537702_1pgr.jpg}.)

In order to complete this project, you will need:

• Any Size Canvas You Like
• Flat-Sided Aquarium Marbles
• Assorted Aquarium Gravel/Stones
• Mod Podge Craft Glue
• A Sponge Brush
• A Pencil
  
  Canvases can cost about $3 or $4, depending on where you purchase them.  Mine is from Ollie's Bargain Outlet.
  
  
  Flat-Sided Aquarium Marbles and Aquarium Gravel/Stones can be found at a variety of retailers such as, craft stores, pet stores, Walmart, etc.  Bags of each are usually about $2-$3 apiece.
  
  
  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. 



I first made a rough sketch on my canvas of what I wanted my image to look like.

Next, I used my sponge brush & Mod Podge craft glue to dab along my sketch.  I then took randomly chosen pebbles for the body, flat-sided marbles for the wings, and sea glass for the face & tail and adhered them to the  canvas.

I repeated this process until my owl's entire body was covered with the various stones & pebbles.


Then, I used my sponge brush & Mod Podge to paint a layer of craft glue all over the entire project & canvas.  As with several of my other canvases, this not only helps to set and secure all the pebbles andstones , but it leaves the piece with a nice, glossy shine once it's dried.








Voila!  You Have a Sea Glass/Aquarium Pebble Owl Mosaic Canvas!
Thank You & Enjoy!

Fancy Stencil Carved Pumpkins

In honor of the Halloween season, I thought it might be a nice idea to post some tips & tricks for DIY stencil carved jack-o-lantern pumpkins.

(Image by Indian Country on their website {http://d1jrw5jterzxwu.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/uploads/2011/10/Pumpkin-Patch-.jpg}.)

You'll first need to choose your desired stencil design for your jack-o-lantern.  You can find a large selection of free, printable stencils online just by googling.  In addition to online patterns, most retailers now sell stencil books, paired with pumpkin carving/stenciling tools for $1-$2, all the way up to $10, depending on how fancy or intricate you want your design to be.

(Image by Cartoon Jr. on their website {http://www.cartoonjr.com/hello-kitty-pumpkin-stencils/hello-kitty-halloween-pumpk/}.)

Next You'll Need:

• A Pumpkin
• A Pencil (preferable mechanical)
• Scotch Tape
• A Carving Tool
• A Spoon or Pumpkin Scoop 
• A Candle, LED Light, or Glow Sticks
  
  
  Pumpkins are easy enough to find this time of year at grocery stores, home improvement stores, and various retailers.  Depending upon the size of your pumpkin, they can range in price from approximately $3-$5
  
  Carving Tools & Scoops can be found at any retailer or grocer with a seasonal aisle.  They usually come in a package of 2 or 3 tools for about $2-$3.  A lot of times I'll stock up on these items after they've gone on clearance following Halloween, because they usually get marked down to $1 or less.
  
  

• First, you'll want to lay some newspaper or a tablecloth on your carving surface.  Then you can begin cutting around the top of your pumpkin until you're able to pull the stem off like a lid.
• Next, you'll want to begin scooping out the insides of the pumpkin & its seeds.  It's important to scoop out as much of the insides as possible, because leftover moisture inside the pumpkin can allow it to mold & rot.  You're welcome to keep the pumpkin seeds to season & bake later, or just toss them in the garbage with the other pumpkin innards.
• Once you've scooped out the insides of your pumpkin you're ready to begin poking your stencil design into it.  Now, center your stencil on your pumpkin, keeping it as flat and close to the pumpkin as possible.  While holding the stencil in place with one hand, tape it onto the pumpkin with the other.
• Some pumpkin carving kits come with small, plastic stencil punchers (like 2 of the items in the above picture), but these aren't my favorite items to use when transferring the stencil onto my pumpkin.  I prefer a mechanical pencil, and even more specifically, an old metal one with a longer, thinner tip than the plastic kind.  Once you have your pencil, begin pressing it along the dotted lines of your stencil into the pumpkin.  It is important that you only press along the dotted lines, to ensure that you're cutting where you're supposed to be in the next step.
  
  
  
• Next, take your carving tool, and carefully begin cutting along the dotted lines you made when transferring your stencil onto the pumpkin.  Continue this process until you've cut out of of the transferred stencil.  Once you've completed your cutting, your stenciled jack o' lantern is just about complete!
  
  
• Lastly, place your candle, LED light, or glow sticks into your pumpkin to illuminate your design.
  
  
  Voila!  You've created your own Fancy Stencil Carved Pumpkin!
  Thank You & Enjoy!

Decoden Customized Cell Phone Cases

This summer I wandered upon the magical world of Japanese-style decorated phone cases, better known as Decoden (loosely translated as decorated phone.)  I became mesmerized by all of the different styles, characters, colors, & accessories that decorate these phone cases. 

(Image by Etsy on their website {https://www.etsy.com/search/handmade?q=decoden+phone+case&order=most_relevant&page=2}.)

Just to illustrate that I'm not the only person obsessed with these wacky creations, the image below shows that Etsy currently has 3,412 search results for the terms, "decoden phone case."

(Image by Etsy on their website {https://www.etsy.com/search/handmade?q=decoden+phone+case}.)

Shortly after I ordered myself one from the website, Etsy, I became curious if I would be able to make my own, customized just how I'd like them.  After reading a couple of blogs & watching some YouTube tutorials, I began making them myself.  Over the past few months I've made close to 35 cases for friends & myself.  Here is a glimpse of some of them:

You Will Need:

• A Hard, Plastic Phone Case
• DAP Brand Acrylic Silicone Latex Caulk
• Any Color of Acrylic Paint (for your icing)
• Cabochons (the fun, assorted accessories to decorate your case)
• A Piping Bag or Similar Icing Tool with Piping Tip
• A Bowl & Spoon
• Sandpaper
  
  
  Depending on the phone you're buying your case for, you can find them very cheap.  This case is for an iPhone 5, & was purchased at Dollar Tree for just $1.
  
  Caulking material can be found almost anywhere, from places like Walmart, Kmart, & Target, to hardware stores like Lowe's, Home Depot, Ace Hardware, etc.  If you're going to be making a colored icing yourself, white caulk is usually between $2-$3 per tube.
  
  Likewise, small bottles of acrylic paint can be found at just about any retailer or craft store for less than a dollar, up to $2 per bottle, depending on the brand.
  
  Cabochons can be found  in an assortment of places if you use your imagination.  You can find fun, unique pieces to use at yard sales, thrift stores, flea markets, etc.  I find most of my pieces at dollar stores & craft stores, like JoAnn's, Michael's, Pat Catan's, & Hobby Lobby.  Etsy is also an amazing place to find different accessories & pieces that you might not find in a store.
  
  Piping Bags, Tools, & Tips can be found in craft stores with baking sections, online, or even your local grocery & dollar stores.  I found this icing syringe on a clip strip in the baking aisle at Walmart for $2.97. 
  • First, you'll want to roughen the surface of your phone case with the sandpaper.  This creates a scratchy, more porous surface for our "icing" to adhere to later
    
  • Next, you will need to cut the tip off of the tube of your caulking material & squeeze enough of it into your bowl to cover the bottom of the bowl.  Then, squeeze in just a couple squirts of your desired paint color.  Too much paint will cause the caulk to become soupy; it won't hold its shape when piped & won't dry well
  •  Once your caulk has been colored with acrylic paint, spoon it into your piping bag or icing syringe & secure your piping tip
  • Begin piping your icing mixture onto the phone case
  • As you pipe your icing, begin placing your cabochons in the desired locations on your case, pressing slightly to set them, but not enough to cause the icing to ooze out from underneath them.
  • Once you've placed all your cabochons, you're basically done with your case!  Now it'll just need to sit for approximately 3 days or so, to make sure that the caulking material has fully dried
  • Voila! You've Made Your Own Custom, Homemade, Japanese-Style Decoden Phone Case. Thank You & Enjoy!

You Can Also Refer to my Facebook Decoden Page to Check Out All my Cases:
www.facebook.com/briesdecodent