Bling and Lace Upcycled Jean Shorts

My daughter loves clothes. Girly, trendy clothes. She saw some shorts with lace cutouts on the leg that she loved. I about fell over when I saw the price tag. Holy schlamoly, dinner for two at a nice restaurant costs less than these shorts. And that includes martinis and dessert. I knew I could do them for a lot less. So I went for it. 

Luckily, she had a pair of jeans that were a little too short, so all we had to do was find some lace. We went to our local closeout store to look for something lacy. And cheap. I'm not spending good money on something I'm going to chop up. Oh, my no. We found a pink lace shirt for $7.00. Life was good.

I started off by hacking off the legs of the jeans. I used another pair of her shorts to make sure I didn't make them too short. No daughter of mine is wearing Daisy Dukes. At least I'd better not find out about it. Then I tossed them in the washer and dryer so the edges would fray. 

I cut out two v-shaped notches on the sides of the legs and pinned in pieces of the lace, making sure to use the hem of the shirt, so I wouldn't have to re-hem it. Then, off to my trusty sewing machine to sew it in place.

I still had a lot of shirt left and felt the shorts needed a little something, so I cut out some more pieces and pinned them inside the front pockets. This I couldn't do on my sewing machine; I had to do it by hand. Luckily, it didn't take long. Yes, I know the pic sucks. So does my camera.

I thought I was done, until my girly girl tried on the shorts and we realized they were too small in the thighs and inseam. Not pretty. A smiling crotch is not a happy crotch, if you know what I mean. It made no sense, cuz she has other jean shorts that are the same brand and size. So I took one of those pairs and tried again. 

So, I finished the other pair of shorts and decided it needed some bling. I like bling. Tasteful bling, that is. I don't like the "attacked by a Bedazzler" look. I found some silver beads and some pink crystal beads and came up with a pattern.

I glued the beads down first with a tiny dab of beading glue, let it dry, then stitched the beads in place. The glue helps hold the beads in place when I'm sewing, and they stay put where I placed them. Then I turned the shorts inside out and washed and dried them to make sure everything stayed put. Which it did.

Here are both pairs of finished shorts. My girl loves them, especially because they're unique! And I only spent $7.00 for these! Not a bad deal! I am awesome. And modest :)

Until my next project, 

Chris :)

Pretty In Pink Flower Wreath Made From Dyed Coffee Filters

So I was decorating my house for Valentine's Day (I pretty much decorate for any holiday; gives me an excuse to create more stuff), when I decided I needed to make yet another decoration. Why? Because I can! I had seen some tutorials on dyeing coffee filters decided to try my hand at it. I bought the cheapest coffee filters I could find for this project and they worked great! You are also going need craft paint and a small bucket or container in which to dye your coffee filters and an old towel or blanket to lay them on to dry.

I wanted red flowers, so I used red paint. Really. 

I poured paint into the bucket with some water (about 2 parts water to 1 part paint) and mixed until all the paint was dissolved. Which takes longer than you would think. 

It looks red, right? So one would think the coffee filters would come out red. But they didn't. What came out was decidedly pink. PINK. Pale, girly pink. I wanted red. Pink does NOT match my red Valentine's decorations. AT ALL.

I decided to suck it up and go ahead with it anyway. I soaked the filters in the "looks red, but is really pink" dye for about 30 seconds, gently squeezed them out and the laid them out to dry on an old towel. I used about a third of the package of coffee filters and I dried them in stacks, due to the fact that there was more coffee filters than counter space. I let them dry overnight. Some came out dark pink, some light and some were mottled. I liked it.

When they dried, they really were a pretty shade of pink. I thought of an adorable little girl who has a pink, butterfly-themed bedroom and decided to make the wreath for her. Because pink DOES NOT match my red Valentine's decorations. Yes, I am still rather peeved about that. I really like red. 

So now my coffee filters are dry and I'm ready to start my wreath. I grabbed a wire wreath form (I have a bunch in the craft stash, you could use another type of form) and my trusty glue gun. And glue sticks. And a drop cloth so I wouldn't get hot glue all over my carpet. That stuff is a *&*$%! to get out of carpet. Trust me on that.

I was going to do a rosebud wreath, but the rosebuds are small and I wanted a fuller, fluffier flower. I made a carnation-type flower, but I felt it lacked something, so I combined the two. I made the rosebuds by cutting filters into spirals. I just free handed them with the scissors, since this really isn't an exact science and I'm too lazy to draw perfect spirals. 

Then I started at the inside edge and rolled it up into a rosebud shape and pinched the bottom together.

For the carnation-type flowers, I took three filters, made a cone shape and pinched the bottom while I fluffed and fussed with the edges until it looked like a flower. My vision of a flower, anyway.

Then I broke out the glue gun and the band-aids and burn cream (I always burn myself and occasionally get a blister, but, luckily, not this time). I put a dab of glue in the center of the carnation and then put the rosebud in the center.

I like it! It's flowery and funky and pretty. Now I grabbed the wreath form and started gluing. I put two small dabs of glue on the form and wedged the bottom of my flower between the wires.

I just started gluing and wedging in no particular order, just wherever I felt it looked good.

After I glued all flowers in, I stood back and admired it and patted myself on the back, cuz I did an awesome job. However, it needed something. I thought it might look nice hanging from a sparkly, sheer pink ribbon that I had in my craft stash. I tied it to the wreath form and gave it a dab of glue to keep it secure.

It looks so pretty and girly and I really liked it! Even if it's not red. I think if I want this wreath in red, I will have to paint the coffee filters. With a brush. One by one. I'm not sure if I have the patience to paint that many. I'm going to have to think on that. I have, however, thought that this would look good in a pale yellow. That I will have to try. I can handle the dyeing method. That's a piece of cake. Which sounds awfully good right now. 

I think I'm going to make a cake.

Chris :)

Go Stylishly Green With Reusable T-Shirt Shopping Bags

I do a lot of grocery shopping. I do a big shop once a week, but I always forget something, somebody needs something, or (my personal favorite) "guess what we just ran out of?" So I practically live at the grocery store. I go through a lot of plastic bags, and I do usually recycle them in the container provided just for said purpose, but I've been feeling kinda earth conscious lately. So I recycled some old t-shirts into reusable shopping bags. Double eco-friendly brownie points for me since I'm using old t-shirts :) Now I'm thinking about brownies :(

So I grabbed me some t-shirts and tank tops.

 Then I grabbed scissors, thread and my sewing machine. I started by cutting off the sleeves and the collar. 

Then I turned the shirt inside out, pinned the bottom hem and prepared to sew the bottom together.

 I also did a quick tack stitch at the seam ends where I cut the collar and sleeves off, just to prevent any coming apart at the seams. With my luck, the bag would come apart and eggs would come crashing out, leaving an ooey, gooey mess. This has happened to me before with a plastic bag. It is NOT fun. Except for the jerk in the car next to me.

I ran a straight stitch along the bottom, using the hem as my guide. I then went back over the straight stitch with a zig zag stitch to reinforce the bottom and make it stronger. 

 I cut off the excess, turned the bag right side out, and boom, I got me a brand new bag. I did the same thing with a tank top, except (obviously) I didn't cut off the sleeves or collar.

 I use Oscar on days when I feel a little grouchy (or outright hostile, whatever).

Next I decided to try a no sew bag. It wasn't completely no sew, as I did reinforce the seams where I cut them (after the egg incident, I'm not taking any chances). After I cut the sleeves and collar off, I cut off the hem and made a line where I wanted my fringe to start.

I thought a beach t-shirt would be cool for a fringe-bottomed bag. Kinda reminds me of those t-shirts you can get at the beach that have the fringed bottoms. Anyway, I then started to cut my fringe.

Then all you do is take two pieces and make a double knot, the kind you do when you want to tie someone's shoelaces together. So easy, even a blonde can do it. And yes, I am a blonde. So it really is that easy.

And here is the finished bag. 

Here is another one. You can stuff loads of stuff in these bags, especially if you use men's t-shirts. I should try to find xxx-large shirts. Just think of how much you could cram in one of those babies!

I made a bunch of these bad boys and was pretty impressed with my bad self. They look awesome and really hold a lot of stuff. I put cereal boxes, crackers and soup cans in these for demonstration purposes. I put four 2 liters of soda in one at the grocery store (you had to buy four to get the sale price, really) and it carried them all without a problem. Which is pretty cool, if you ask me.

So that's one way I'm doing my part to preserve Mother Earth for future generations. And I look cool doing it. Well, at least I think I do.

Chris :)

Party On With A Jello Shooter Cake...A Vodka-Soaked Jello Ribbon Salad!

I have always wanted to make a jello shooter cake, but never had a reason to. Also, I didn't want anyone to think I was an alcoholic. So when my friend was looking for some interesting drink ideas for a party, I suggested she make one. Now my friend is not your average, everyday Martha Stewart. In fact, if it takes more steps than a frozen pizza, it's too complicated a recipe. Really. So I jumped at the chance to make it! It's actually pretty simple, the only hard part is waiting. Especially if you're like me and like that instant gratification.

Pretty cool, right? And it's downright tasty too!

You just need a fridge, bundt pan or jello mold and the following:

• 4 1/2 cups water
• 6 (3 oz) packages flavored jello
• 3 envelopes plain gelatin (like Knox)
• 3 cups liquor (vodka or rum, or whatever makes you happy)
• 1 1/8 cup vanilla yogurt

You can use sugar-free or low-fat jello and yogurt, but c'mon. It's party time, baby. Live a little.

Before you start, you need to chill the liquor by putting it in the freezer for a few hours. I used a plain vodka for this one, but I would like to try it with a flavored vodka or rum. Or schnapps. The possibilities are endless. If you have an extensive liquor collection or lots of disposable income, you could probably use different flavors to correspond with each jello flavor. But, having neither an extensive liquor collection nor lots of moolah, I opted for plain vodka. 

I used an angel food cake pan because  my only bundt pan is a castle pan and I was leery of it getting stuck inside the many crevices. Spray your pan lightly with non-stick spray, then wipe it out, leaving only a residue behind. You don't want slick, greasy jello. That would be icky.

Pour 3/4 cup water into a saucepan and sprinkle it with 1 tsp of the plain (Knox) gelatin. Let it sit for a minute or two. Heat on low heat and stir until dissolved, maybe 4-5 minutes. Then stir in one packet of the flavored jello keeping stirring until dissolved, maybe and minute or two.

I used a whisk at first, but my jello got all bubbly, so I used a wooden spoon instead.

Remove the jello and stir in 1/2 cup of the icy cold liquor. Have a shot while you're at it.

Pour 3/4 cup of the jello into your pan. Refrigerate for 15 - 30 minutes. The jello should be firm, but should be sticky, not gooey, when touched. Don't let it get too firm, otherwise the next layer will not bond to it and then it will not be a cake. It will be a mess.

While that's in the fridge, chill the remaining mixture for about 5 minutes until it's about the consistency of egg whites. If you have no idea what that's like, I suggest you crack open an egg. Then stir in 3 tbsp of vanilla yogurt until it's well-blended.

When the first layer is firm, yet sticky, pour the yogurt layer on top and refrigerate again for another 15 - 30 minutes. 

Now all you gotta do is repeat the process with the next five flavors until you have 12 total layers, 6 plain jello and 6 yogurt jello layers. However, you may not want to have a shot each time you add your liquor, as suggested previously. When you're done, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

When you unmold your cake the next day, fill your sink or a large pan with WARM, not hot, water. Dip your pan in for a few seconds (maybe 8-10 seconds), dry off your pan, cover with a plate and then flip it over. Your cake should slip right out.

And, voila, it is done! Now this baby has 3 cups of liquor in it, so I wouldn't cut huge slices for your friends, especially the lightweights. Rainbow colored vomit is not a pretty thing. 

This also can be made as cupcakes or mini jello shooter cakes. You would have to adjust your refrigeration times, maybe 5 - 10 minutes for cupcakes. I have a mini-bundt pan that I'm gonna use to make mini pina colada cake with pineapple jello and coconut rum. I saw a recipe for jello shooter birthday cupcakes that uses cake-flavored vodka. It's basically the same recipe as this one. Now I need some one with a birthday to try it on.

So, thanks to my culinarily impaired friend for letting me make this for her party! It was fun and now I am inspired to create different kinds of jello shooter cakes! Like a fuzzy navel cake. Or a an apple martini cake. Luckily, she told me she has lots of summer pool parties......

Chris :)

Fluffy, Cushy and Comfy Recycled T-shirt Rug!

So I finally got out and got another t-shirt and now I am finally done my t-shirt rug and it looks awesome! 

It's very easy, but time consuming, but I think the end result was worth it. If you can manage to cut strips and make a simple knot, you can make this baby no sweat! 

I've been wanting to make one for a long time now and I realized I had I everything I needed in my massive craft stash. Plus the kids need a bathroom makeover, and I figured this would be a jump start and would get my butt in gear to accomplish it. At least that's what I'm telling myself.

I don't know what's going on, but some of my pics are coming out sideways, no matter what I do. I am rather annoyed at this. 

For the rug you will need:

• Old t-shirts (or new, whatever floats your boat)
• Non-skid rug padding. Make sure it's a grid pattern with holes large enough to weave your shirt strips through. I have tons of this and I think I may have gotten it from JoAnn Fabrics, but don't quote me on that. You can get it by the yard; it's back with the big rolls of home decor fabrics.
• Scissors and/or rotary cutting tool and mat. You can do this with just scissors, but a rotary cutting tool makes it soooo much easier. And faster. 

Start by cutting your rug padding to the size you want your finished rug. I decided to go with a 20" X 24" rug. Which is not a standard bath rug size, but it fits perfectly where I want it to go. That's the beauty of making your own rug; you can customize it to any size or color you want. I can always visualize what I want, but finding it is another matter entirely. Apparently, stores do not share my artistic and creative visions. So I decided I just to make my own stuff whenever possible, since they can't accommodate me.

Okay, off the soapbox. Next, cut away the neck, seams and sleeves, then cut the shirt into  strips. Mine are about 5" wide by about 2" high. I wasn't exactly on the money. This is where the rotary cutter comes in handy. I saved all my scraps to stuff my giant floor pouf (which will be made when I get enough stuff to stuff it with). 

Next, grab the ends of the strips and pull into long, curled strips. Like this:

Now for the time consuming part. Thread the strips through one of the squares in the rug padding, then tie it off using a simple knot. Just knot it once. Just like the pics below. 

I alternated every other row and column. If you try to do it through every one, the rug curls under and won't lay flat. I found this out through trial and error. It's a ginormous pain in the tush to have to go back and untie these babies. Really ginormous.

I did this part while watching TV. Multi-tasking at it's finest. Plus, my hands were too busy to use them to feed my face. If you've ever watched Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, you know what I'm talking about. Especially the pizza joint episodes. Yum.

I had originally decided to do this in all black with occasional gray flecks, but I didn't like it. So, after a quick consultation with one of my daughters, we decided to go with a gray stripe across the top and down one side. And as I said before, it was a ginormous pain in the tush. But I like the stripes much better, so I guess it was worth it. After you're all done, you can trim any pieces that are too long.

Here's the finished product (the *&%^! pic is sideways again). 

 

I like this so much I'm making another one to put in front of my shower! It is very cushy and comfy underfoot and perfect for standing on when you get out of the shower! I found another rug I want to try for in front of their bathroom sinks. It's made using friendship bracelet knots. I just need more black t-shirts and some hemp rope, neither of which I have left in the craft stash. But I still have tons of other stuff left! Next on my list is a Valentine's wreath made using dyed coffee filters. I'm just not sure which dyeing technique I'll use. Maybe both? Hey, why not? I have plenty of time !

Chris :)

How to make felted wool balls and Fireball Bracelet

I am almost finished with my t-shirt rug; I just have to make a trip to the Salvation Army for a few more shirts, but I like cheap, so I'm waiting for 1/2 price Wednesday. In the meantime, I rummaged through my craft stash (which seems to growing) and found wool roving. I have always wanted to try felting something, and I figured why not start out easy with some beads? Then I could make one of those cool felted bead bracelets like the ones I love on Etsy. You can get wool roving at yarn shops and craft stores. Yarn shops have loads of endlessly gorgeous colors, but at craft stores your color selection is severely limited. However, if you use coupons, it's much cheaper. I got mine at Michael's with a 40% off coupon cuz I figured it's better to go cheap in case I'm a complete idiot at doing this (which, it turns out, I'm not. I'll be hitting the yarn store soon).

This is my finished Fireball bracelet, so named because I think it looks like little balls of fire. You may not. If not, you obviously don't share my creative vision :)

To make these beads, you will need wool roving (obviously), very warm, slightly soapy water, dish soap and towels. If you are a messy crafter, you may need lots of towels. 

Start by pulling off two strips of roving that are approximately the same size. If you're going to make beads, try measuring the strips so all your beads come out the same size. One tutorial said the weigh the roving, but the strips didn't register on my kitchen scale, so I just measured them. 

Start by rolling up one strip of roving, then rolling the other strip around the first, going in the opposite direction. When you're done, it should look like this:

Next, dip the ball in the very warm, slightly soapy water for a few seconds. Add a very small drop of dish soap. Seriously small. If you add too much, you've got soap foaming up and you look like you're holding a rabid chihuahua. I've learned this from experience. If that happens, just rinse gently under the faucet.Then, start rolling!

Gently roll it between your palms without putting pressure on the ball to start, or you'll end up with a lumpy, distorted ball. Once the ball begins to take shape, you can start to put more pressure on it, gradually increasing it till you have a nice, smooth, firm ball. This takes a few minutes, so try to be patient. Some tutorials also suggested rolling the ball on bubble wrap, but it's so much fun to pop and stomp on that it never lasts longer than five minutes after it's dragged out of the box, so there's never any on hand at my house. Bubble wrap is truly one of life's best simple pleasures. 

Back to my balls (I still have enough little kid in me that that makes me giggle). Here is one that I finished rolling. But this puppy not yet done. I wasn't sure if I should make the bead hole now or after it dries, so I tried it now.

I stuck a safety pin through it, but it squished, so I had to reshape it.

I made some two color beads as well. I just pulled the roving into thinner strips and mixed the strips together into two larger strips.

Here are my beads finished and ready to dry. the two smaller purple ones I tried to make into disc beads, but I can see I need more practice in that area!

 Now on to the bracelet. You will need a large darning needle and beading elastic. You may need pliers to pull the needle through the beads. I also used wood beads between the felted ones. I thought they looked cool. And I didn't have enough of the black, glossy beads I originally wanted use. Which kinda sucks. I think that would've been cooler yet.

 Now, when these babies dry, they shrink. And the hole closes up. So don't bother putting the hole in the beads while still wet. Waste of time. Plus, once the beads are dry, they don't get all squished and distorted when you ram a needle through them like they do when they're wet.

Here's the finished bracelet! I tied off the elastic and put just the teeniest dab of glue on the knot. Seriously, just a teeny, weeny dab will do. If you use more than that, it gets all over your beads and looks crappy. After all that work, do you really want it all gooked up? I use a toothpick. It's much cleaner that way.

The bracelet looks cool and gets the thumbs up from my daughter, who spirited it away to her jewelry stash. Which is ok, cuz now I get to make another one. I still have lots of roving left. As for the big purple beads, I'm going to put some essential oil on them and stash them in my lingerie drawer (which sounds better than my underwear drawer) so all my lingerie (which sounds better than my undies) smells divine. I'm just not sure what scent to use...


Hopefully, I get to the Salvation Army Store on Wednesday so I can get my t-shirt rug done and give you all the details. If not, I'll be back soon with another project from my ever-growing list!

Chris