DIY Spirit Stick

This DIY project is relatively simple in theory, but when execute it can take quite some time.

Stick painting can be fun because you can just go crazy with the design you want to paint. For this particular spirit stick, I decided to incorporate some color. I usually use a lot of white paint, but with spring in the air I thought it was time to switch things up a bit.

1. Stick (any size)

2. Acrylic paint

3. Different sized brushes. 

For this stick I decided to start off with some triangles. First a row of large pink ones and then a row of smaller green ones.

I painted a sequence of three lines of different widths to separate my main patterns just to tie everything together.

For the next pattern, I started with some green and yellow chevrons. Then I painted the knot of the branch with pink paint and filled in the holes with some white spots.

Remember, its a rarity to find a perfectly smooth stick. You're going to get a stick with knots and bumps. Embrace them. They'll make your finished product look unique.

Again, I used the three white lines to break it up. Then I moved on to paint a pattern of bright pink diamonds.

My next pattern started with yellow arrows and green accent dots. 

I painted two lines that included chevrons in their composition. Then I moved on to paint an eye in the next knot of the branch.

I typically don't like to paint the entire stick.

Once you're done you can put it wherever you like. Hang it on the wall or lean it up against something.

"Free" Garland

My apartment is made up of white walls. While my walls have been steadily filling up, there just seemed to be one thing missing - color. I use a lot a natural materials in my decor which without saying includes a lot of neutral tones. So for this particular DIY project, I decided to add a little color.

Materials:

1. Fabric - you can use one kind or multiple. I used two different kinds of fabric in this particular project. I also decided to recycle the fabric from my (million and one) Free People bags

2. Cardboard shapes - I drew the module by hand and then traced and cut them out (see how to do this in this previous tutorial)

3. Clothespins 

4. Twine - about a foot and 1/2 depending on how long your word is 

5. Black paint

6. Paintbrush

7. Glue

First, take one of your shapes and apply glue. Be sure to pay special attention to the sides of the shape.

Place the fabric over the cardboard leaving a little bit of room around it so make it easier for you to cut.

Turn the fabric over so you can see where you're cutting and cut around the shape...

Once you've cut out your shapes, you're ready to paint. I used dry watercolor paint so it took a few coats to get the letters dark enough.

Once you've finished painting your letters you're ready to make it into a garland. 

Take your twine and hang it from the wall. I just used push pins to suspend it from the wall. 

Final step - attach your finished shapes using the clothespins!

Free to be.

I hope you guys have been enjoying these DIY posts! It would be awesome to get some feedback from you guys! 

Reworked Picture Frame

Anyone else done with this crazy winter weather? There are only so many snow days you can have before it begins to get tedious. 

This is probably one of my favorite projects to do. I find painting very relaxing especially when done in small doses. It also requires less than 3 materials to do.

The materials for this little project are pretty simple. I recommend finding a picture frame with a flat, smooth surface. This will be easier to paint in comparison to a frame with grooves or ridges. I got my frame from a Goodwill for $.99!

1. Wooden picture frame

2. Thin paint brush

3. Craft paint

I typically begin a painting project by painting one solid shape to work off of. For this project I began with a diamond shape and went on to make a few chevrons.

Paint it however you want. It can be a pattern or not. I tend to fill in as I go, but my end-result is typically pretty visually balanced.

Depending on your paint, go over your lines again to be sure they are nice and defined.

Frame a meaningful photograph and place your finished product somewhere special.

DIY Arrowhead Wallhanging

When I moved in to my apartment last September, I knew that I wanted all of my decor to be unique and interesting. But decorating can get pretty expensive, I knew that I was going to have to make a lot of things myself. But sometimes, even DIY projects can get expensive. 

This arrowhead wallhanging was less than $5 to make! 

Here is a list of the materials you will need:

1. String

2. Craft paint

3. Paintbrush (any size)

4. Something to draw with

5. Scissors

6. Lightweight cardboard 

7. A stick

The only materials that you may have to buy (unless you're big into crafting like me) are craft paint and string. These are relatively cheap items depending on where you get them. I strongly recommend Michael's craft store. 

I'm big on reusing and recycling materials. The cardboard that I used to make these arrowheads actually came from some empty veggie burger boxes! Also using sticks, gives branches a new life after falling off a tree.

Let's get started!

1. Start by drawing a few arrowheads on the white side of the cardboard. It took me a couple tries to get it right the first time. I ended up drawing one free-hand and using that as a module for my other ones.

2. Cut out your arrowhead shapes.

3. Paint your arrowhead! The box I used for this project used a lot of bright colors on the front so I had to do a few layers of craft paint in order to cover it up. 

4. After the paint has dried. You'll have to punch holes in your arrowhead shapes. I used a three-hole punch to get my holes. You can also use a single hole punch or even (if you have a steady hand) use scissors to cut a hole. 

5. Once the holes have been punch you'll need to tie some string to the shapes. Weave the string through the hole and tie a knot right where the tail of the arrow branches off.

Try to cut the string different lengths to add some depth to your wallhanging. 

6. Next you will have to tie your arrowheads to your stick. Also the shapes will hang best if the string is knotted underneath the stick.

7. The final step is to tie another piece of string to your project so that it can hang. I just doubled up on my string, you can also use thicker string if you have it.

Voila! You have finished your arrowhead wallhanging!

DIY Holiday Teabag

If you're like me, then you enjoy the little things that give the holiday season its magic. I'm a sucker for anything small and handmade when it comes to gifts. So for those of you still in search for something cheap, small, and easy to make here is an idea for you!

Things you will need.

1 5x5 piece of fabric

1 gift tag

1 ball of cotton string

Needle

Scissors

Some kind of ribbon/string

2 teaspoons of looseleaf tea*

1 deposable tea filter*

*I found these items at Teavana

1) Take the teabag and fill it with about 2 teaspoons of looseleaf tea. Feel free to fill it with more if you want to make a stronger batch. 

2) Fold the teabag in half and begin to sew it together. Start at the bottom corner.

3)Pull the needle and thread to about the half-way through the bag. Continue doing this until you reach the middle of the top of the bag.

4) Pull the needle through the tag.

5) Bring the needle back through the same hole it came through.

6) Continue to stitch the teabag until you have sewn every corner shut.

It should look something like this.

Now that you're finished with your teabag it's time to wrap it up!

7) Place the bag diagonally in the center of the square of fabric.

8) Take all four corners of the corner together around the tag of the teabag.

9) Tie the corners together with some kind of string.

And there you have it! A handmade teabag to share with your families and friends for the holidays!

If anyone has any questions about the tutorial please feel free to send me an email at salvesenalex@yahoo.com!