DIY {Five Minute Pocketbook Makeover}

I have a terribly old pocketbook that was in much need of a makeover. I grabbed a scarf from my closet and replaced the threadbare straps with a fun pop of color! Best thing about it is I can change out the scarf every time I use it. I was about ready to donate this guy so this was the perfect diy for a breath of fresh air to a dying bag!

What you'll need:

*Pocketbook

*Scarf

*Scissors

See these ugly straps?!

Cut 'em off!

Thread the scarf through the rings

Pull scarf through evenly

Finish off by tying a bow or a knot

I decided I didn't like the green that much. I grabbed my leopard print scarf instead and loved it much better!

DIY {Magnetic Kid's Chalkboard Chore Chart}

I introduced chores to my 6 year old son a few months back but I wanted a better way for him to see what he needed to do and check it off as he finished them. I had a paper chore chart up for a while with just a magnet to hold it onto the fridge. I didn't want to print out a new one each week. Ain't nobody got time for that! So we tried just erasing the checks at the end of the week. That was just as annoying. 

For my first attempt I tried using a photo frame with the glass still in and spray painting the glass with chalkboard spray paint. I glued magnets to the back. I couldn't get the magnets to hold. I went to the craft store looking for heavy duty magnets and I came across a magnetic printable canvas a little bigger than an 8 x 10. Perfect! Also, did you know you could use a white colored pencil on chalkboard and it won't erase but it looks like white chalk when you write? I saw that on another blog and knew it would work here perfectly.

Supplies:

*Magnetic sheet
*Chalkboard Spray Paint
*White Colored Pencil
*Pencil with eraser
*Measuring Tape
*Hot glue gun
*Ruler (I used a straight edge from my folder because I need to get a ruler!)
*chalk & dry washcloth/wipe- not pictured
*optional: Jute(Twine) - not pictured


Spray paint the magnetic canvas. I did two coats.

Here's what it looks like dry

Take a piece of chalk and rub it over the surface to give it more of a used chalkboard look.



I mapped out what I wanted it to look like on a piece of paper so I could tweak it if need be. Measure out your grid lines on your chalkboard surface.

Use your pencil to make your preliminary mark for your grid. Use your white colored pencil when you are ready to make your permanent lines. Here's where I really need a ruler!

It doesn't have to be exact. Just nice and clean so it looks grid-like.

Make your title, days of the week letters and chore list with the colored pencil. Don't worry if you make a mistake. Use the pencil eraser and wipe over it with your cloth.

  

I added the twine to the border to give it a little more something to it.

 Tie a knot at the end to prevent fraying. Use hot glue to hold it down.

Finished! It turned out exactly the way I had hoped. His chores are to water and feed the dog daily, dust his bedroom weekly, take out all the bathroom trash weekly and pick up his bath toys after each bath. It's what works for us.

It sticks firmly to the fridge. I added a little sliver of magnet (I already had a small piece) with hot glue to the piece of chalk to keep it nearby.

DIY: Thanksgiving "Give Thanks" Banner

I can't believe I got a Thanksgiving banner put together and actually got it hung on the mantle. This is progress people! I finally did something in my Pinterest-crafts-to-do list.

The supplies I used were right out of my craft boxes. I cut felt into the triangle shapes. I used twine to attach them all in a row. That was the hardest part because the twine kept wanting to twist on me. What I did was hang up the twine on the mantle and then clothespin each triangle to get the spacing down. Then hot glued them into place. I decorated each triangle before I hot glued them to the twine.

I had buttons that I used for the "G" in give and the "T" in thanks. I outlined the buttons with yarn so it would seem more like a letter. I'm always a little intimidated by how to do the letters. I really didn't want to go buy the letters at the craft store because I wanted this to be a no cost project.

I found a pumpkin alphabet online and printed out the rest of the letters. I distressed them with one of my gold stamp pads. The leaves, flowers and feathers are just straight out of my random craft box. Then I tied scraps of green fabric in between.

Like I said - the hardest part was getting the flags glued to the twine. Plus I didn't have that much counter space to lay it all out in order and still be near the glue gun! First world problems, I know. I tied little ribbons at the end of the banner for a little sweet touch.

DIY: Earring Display

Are you ready for THE easiest craft ever? Look no further. 

Here's what happened. I ended up with a huge amount of lace someone gave to me. I kept it around thinking, one day I'll find something to do with this black lace with gold flowers. Yeah! Well, I got tired of waiting around for ME to have a wonderful idea so I scoured the internet for lace project ideas. Bingo! Found a super easy way to use lace for a good cause. Or at least a good gift.

Get one of those embroidery ring thingies. Cut out a piece of lace. Put it in the circle. Tighten the screw. Trim excess. DONE.

Great gift to give for someone who loves earrings but keeps them all piled in a box or tray. Those puppies need to be on display!