Posts Tagged ‘tutorial’

2012 Christmas Candy Box

December 5th, 2012
10 Comments

It’s that time of year. I can’t believe this is the 6th one I’ve done!

2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2013

I was hoping to start on the design much earlier than yesterday, but alas life happens and things inevitably get pushed into the month of December.  I’m pretty excited about this box. This year’s design can be cut out quickly and printed black and white – perfect for saving time and a little bit of cash (buy yourself some mean chocolates with those savings, perhaps?).

I sort of stumbled upon the idea for the constellation motif and I feel like it perfectly conveys a tone of the real meaning of Christmas, without claiming that specifically. The printable includes a Happy Holidays tag that could be used to decorate the box, as a tag or not used at all for year-round gift-giving.

You can also print this on any kind of paper. I cut down some ikea wrapping paper and used that! I love the natural feel it gives. I would’ve used paper grocery bags, but I didn’t have any on hand. I would recommend you print on a medium weight text stock so you can bend and pinch the paper with ease (28-80lb text stock – your local print shop will know what I mean).

Decorate your boxes with glitter ribbon, fancy brads, markers, paints, crayons or anything. This would be great for a family activity for neighbor gifts.

I do hope you get around to making a few of these this Christmas season! Read more for the download and step by step instructions for assembly.

(more…)

KIDS Design Series

November 9th, 2012
7 Comments

 I was asked to contribute to a series about empowering children to design or make something creative. It was a good challenge because Penelope doesn’t get to be part of my creative process very often.

“Mommy! I told you, you can only take ONE picture!” She got so mad at me for snapping about 10 photos in this little mini photoshoot. She cracks me up. My sister cut bangs on Penelope last weekend, and I love them. It’s been a little strange for me to get used to the look – for some reason she looks so much older!! Where did my little girl go?

Now that she is growing up and getting at an age where she takes direction well, we decided to collaborate on a fun (and easy) project together. Head over to Me Sew Crazy for details of her patch pocket and a printable template so you can make your own!

Download: Glass Etched Design

November 7th, 2012
6 Comments

I etched this platter several years ago, when I published how to etch glass with contact paper. I’ve had a few people ask for the design template that I used, so over three years later here it is. I just winged it as I went along, but I’ve vectorized what I did for you to use in your holiday crafting.

I would also like to include a few additional tips for glass etching. See template and tips below.

  • Use a LOT of etching acid, like 1/4 of an inch thick and spread evenly.
  • When you’re done etching DO NOT WASH ACID DOWN THE DRAIN. Scoop up remaining acid and put it back in the bottle. You can use it again and again!
  • Glass etching acid never goes bad, it just crystalizes. Pick out the crystals and you’re ready to rock and roll.
  • If you’re etching a round surface like a pitcher or wine glass, use nice painter’s tape as your mask. It’ll hug those curves better than contact paper.
Happy crafting!

This tutorial or freebie is free for personal use and should not be distributed/republished without the express consent of Melissa Esplin. I love getting shout outs from around the web, but please, link with love. You may publish 1 photo along with credit back to the original post. Never link directly to the download. If you would like to use this tutorial or freebie for commercial purposes, please email me. Thanks!

DIY: Fringe Necklace

July 17th, 2012
19 Comments

I made this necklace back in January. It’s my go-to, match-with-everything necklace. I can just slip it right over my neck and rock and roll. I made it at 3 in the morning just before leaving for Altitude summit. Understandably, I just couldn’t sleep, so I made something. When I get stressed, my hands get busy.

And did I tell you fringe is the new ruffle? Heck, everything is the new ruffle.

Click below to learn how to make this simple craft. You’ll be able to whip one up in about 15 minutes, as long as you have the supplies on hand. Oh, and I bet this would work nicely in a vegan leather, felt or even denim. With denim, cut up as directed and let it naturally fray, or use fray check to keep it from unravelling.

This is the perfect craft for little remnants! Hope you get as much use out of your fringe necklace as I have.

(more…)

DIY: Dipped Shell Necklace

June 6th, 2012
19 Comments

While we were at the beach, tropical storm Baryl came through town. It was pretty short-lived, but it washed up a bunch of interesting shells onto shore.

We took a long walk as a family (my parents, siblings and wee ones) picking up cool shells and poking at all of the jellyfish. I didn’t take too many home with me, except for a few that I wanted to use for supplies for projects. I thought it would be fun to make my own memento of our family vacation to the beach.

I thought dipping shells would be the perfect way to include sea shells into my wardrobe and personality. It’s also a great way to use some funky-shaped shells. Read more for the tutorial (it also includes helpful tips on working with corded leather!).

(more…)

mobile site