When I was looking around for tutorials on making paper beads, I found some really striking "book beads" and accessories, now collected in this post. I understand (after all the browsing) that you can make really durable "beads" easily ... very little time, skill or money required. Woohoo! Who doesn't need more jewelery? (UPDATE 6/12: See the follow up post for more wordy accessories)
Christmas 2005 was the holiday of the "book stuff". I churned out book clocks (something I'll post about one day) and what I called "book-Its" by the dozen, both as gifts and to make a little extra cash. Turns out those book-Its started to show a little wear towards the end of 2011 and a few friends have asked for another one... because it's their "go to" bookmark. Since I'm making them anyway, here's a little how to. They could not be simpler to make! So here goes ... (Hit "Read More" for the full tutorial)
I've decided that Elsie Larson is the inspiration behind "The New Girl" ... every time I visit her lovely blog (A Beautiful Mess) I think of Jess. Go take a look .... tell me I'm wrong. And while you're there, learn how to put a spring in your step!
When last did you whittle a whistle by the light of a gas lamp? Or carve a carrot by the wood stove? Duo Fiberworks is literally rekindling (!) these lost arts ... with some serious updating! Pretend "cut-able wood veggies" are trendy toddler toys right now. So, grab the nearest twig, your carving knife and some velcro and get crafty.
Take an old (beat up? ugly? unloved?) puzzle ....add paint (and the talents of Alisa Burke) ....
And voila ... a work of art! I love this idea - the old puzzle is upcycled into both a new puzzle challenge and a work of art. Alisa provides a step-by-step tutorial for this little repurpose. Now, if only I had her talent!
Interested in doing this for a child? Perhaps simplify a very complex puzzle so it's a little easier to put together. Get inspiration from Made By Joel.
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Apparently this little pony is also known as a stick horse ... but in my world, it's a hobby horse. And, thanks to Hetty of Light Blue Grey, you can MAKE one yourself using a old sock. How freakin' cool is that?
If you feel good when you spend $99c on a re-usable tote made from recycled plastic bottles ... you'll feel GREAT when you make these! Fused plastic is durable and easy to make yourself.
Especially if you're currently hiding a shameful, embarrassing number of plastic bags somewhere in your home. Check out this tutorial from Dana at Made then go upcycle a Target bag or 6.
Above is a different take on the tutorial - personalized lunch totes care of Made by Lex (blog no longer exists). For another set of instructions on how to upcycle plastic film or plastic grocery bags into stronger items, head to Instructables.
Blue Velvet Chair is my new blog crush! Thanks to Mike (the host), I spent a long time gawking at the many, amazing repurposed, refashioned and beloved ties (pictured above and below) being created by Alisa of Ties and Whimsy.
Doesn't every girl want to wear a man's tie? I think so. Especially when they look like this! I had a *very* hard time choosing a few to feature in this post ... amazing stuff.
Wanna try it yourself? Rachel, of Maybe Matilda, has a ton of awesome tutorials on offer. But this pleated neck-tie how-to will serve as a great springboard if you want to emulate Alisa. Here's to creative refashioning, feminine repurposing and whimsy!
Lots of tutorials out there for making zipper flowers ... I really like this one from Maya Road Company