DIY Decorative Letters

(I am not doing a step by step for this project because it's pretty self- explanatory. Ask me for specific questions.)  
WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

1. Popsicle sticks.  I used jumbo popsicle sticks for this project.

2. Ribbon.  Any type will work.  I used two types of ribbon, one that was satin and one that was sheer.

3. Hot Glue.  I just find that the bond is better than normal glue.

4. Buttons.  I went to my local Jo-Ann and picked up the Fabric World Button Bargain for Crafts 10 oz. box of buttons.  I had two packs to work with because I wanted uniform colors.

Here are the projects that my good friend, Allie Logan, and I did today.  I chose the classic "LOVE" and Allie chose to do her name (and didn't use any ribbon for those who don't like that look).  Very cute!!     

DIY Decorative Vases

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

1. Vases.  I chose to do three of different styles, but how many you do and how they look is completely up to you.

2. Paint.  You HAVE to make sure that the paint you choose is for glass.  The paint I chose was for multi- surfaces, but that makes no difference as long as paint is on the list.  I used Martha Stewart Multi- Surface Satin Acrylic Craft Paint in the color Surf which I picked up at my local Jo-Ann.  (I got a tip from someone after I'd completed the project that using a surface conditioner may have helped bond the paint to the glass meaning less coats.)

3. Paintbrushes.  You want to make sure they're fairly large so that it'll be easier to paint the vases.


  STEP I
Clean the vases out.  Dirt will cause problems when you're painting.

 STEP II
Start painting!  The first couple of coats will look tragically terrible so don't get discouraged!  Just keep trucking on!  With the vases that had curves, I painted them in stages.  Letting them dry to do another coat is annoying but it's the only way to do it so be patient.

  STEP III
How many coats of paint you apply will  be different for everyone.  You just want the paint to look as even as possible and for there to be no holes where the glass still shines through.
And you're done!

NOTE:  These vases are strictly for decorative purposes only!!!!!!!!!

DIY Dry Erase Calendar

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

1. Picture frame.  This frame is very lightweight because I'll be hanging it without nails in my dorm.  Keep in mind that this will act as your calendar so the largeness of the frame will depend on how many activities you'll be keeping track of each month.

2. Burlap.  I chose a tightly woven burlap and got enough so that I could double it behind the glass but the how you want it to look is up to you.

3. A long ruler.  You'll use this to make your calendar grid.

4. Strong tape, a Sharpie, and scissors.


  STEP I 
Cut your burlap so that it will fit into your frame. Also choose if you want your calendar to be vertical or horizontal (if your frame is rectangular).

  STEP II 
Tape the burlap down on a flat surface so that it is easier to make the grid. Try to pull it tight when taping it.

  STEP III (pencil optional)
I started this in pencil because I know that I'm prone to messing up but if you're confident enough in your grid abilities go ahead and just do it in Sharpie!
Measure out your grid. You'll need seven boxes across and five down and obviously they should be evenly sized. I left about an inch on either side and the bottom so that it wouldn't be completely hitting the frame and a little more on the top so that I could have room to write the month or various notes.

  STEP IV 
If you skipped the pencil and went straight to Sharpie, disregard this step.
Using the ruler again, create your calendar outline in Sharpie. I just used a regular Sharpie for the outline but a thin one could look really nice, also.

STEP V 
From here it's really up to you. I personally didn't write the days on the burlap only because I was afraid my writing wouldn't look nice enough. You can also make a Sharpie box on the top for the month or do whatever else you think would look nice.
Put it in the frame and voila! You've got yourself a cute calendar!