Photography Fun

This isn't exactly a craft, but I wanted to show off what I did over the weekend.

Here are just a few of the engagement photos I took of my beautiful sister and soon-to-be brother yesterday; we got lucky with the great weather this late in October and we're so happy with the way they turned out!

None of us are professionals, so it was definitely a trial-and-error process.  I think figuring out the posing was one of the most difficult parts; do any of you play around with photography? What's your biggest learning experience? Comment below!

Key Holder

Hello again!

Long time no crafts… I know.

But fear not- this wonderfully cute and easy key holder is here to save the day (especially because I am constantly misplacing my keys.)

Time: 20 minutes

Cost: $7

You'll need:

6-inch square burlap canvas (Hobby Lobby has these on sale all the time)

½-inch cup hooks (You can find them in Walmart's hardware department)

Black paint pen (any craft store will have them)

This PDF File (Just click the link, download, and print!)

You might also want to grab a charcoal pencil

First things first:

Print the template and cut out along the square outline (the square is 6x6 inches, so cutting it out will just help you center it on the canvas later.)

Now you need to transfer the image.  To do this, coat the back of the image in charcoal:

Then place squarely on top of your canvas (you can secure it with a couple pieces of tape.)

Use a ball point pen to trace around the outline of the words and key, as well as the markers for the hooks.  If you press hard enough, the charcoal will transfer right onto the burlap.

Now all you have to do is fill in the lines with the paint pen.  Who can't handle that?

When the paint is dry, you can add the hooks (they'll screw in easily by hand.)

That's it!

Now hang that bad boy up.

And you'll never lose your keys again.

Happy crafting everyone!

Outlet Upgrade

Hey guys!

I've been pressed for time this week (and had to deal with unexpected back problems)
so I didn't have much time to devote to the crafting cause.

But I needed to do something to expel some creative energy, so I decided to spice up the outlet next to my desk.

All you need to do is unscrew the outlet cover from the wall and paint with a couple coats of your favorite acrylic shade (I have tons of colors just sitting around so I didn't have to spend any money.)
It was easy, fast, and so much more fun than having a white cover!

TIME: 5 minutes

COST: Free!

Have fun, and happy crafting!

-Kenzie

Cute Coasters: Pom-Pom Edition

Hey everyone!

I know you all had SO much fun making your earring holders--I thought it was about time for another SUPER easy and super USEFUL craft.  That brings us to pom-pom coasters!

As usual, I wanted to do something that wouldn't break the bank and wouldn't be a total waste of space when finished.  I looked at my Pinterest craft board for ideas and found this adorable project just begging to be done.

TIME: 20 minutes

COST: $5 (for a set of 4)

Here we go:

You only need 3 things for this project: 

Glue gun, which you probably already have (and if not, Michael's has some for $3.99 that are perfectly fine)

Round cork coasters (I got a pack of 6 at Hobby Lobby for less than $2)

Pom-poms of choice (I got the ½ inch size--most craft stores have multi-packs for a couple bucks)

Once you have it all gathered, you can get rolling!

First, pick the color scheme you want for your coasters.  I happened to find a festive bag of fall-colored pom-poms, but you can easily make your own color combos or get a rainbow pack and go completely random.  (Note: I didn't try to make a pattern- I literally grabbed them out of the bag without looking.)

Start gluing on the outside edge of the coaster by putting a small bead of glue on the cork and then placing the pom-pom on top.  I tried starting on the inside the first time, but I found that they're much more consistent if you make a complete circle on the outside and just fill it in.

Position the pom-poms close enough together that you can't see cork between them, but far enough apart that you aren't squishing them flat.

Continue adding pom-poms row by row...

…until the cork is completely covered.

Voila--you have your first coaster!

Now just repeat the process as many times as you want to make a set.  They're great for giving as gifts (or hoarding for yourself, because honestly- they're adorable).

I hope you have as much fun as I did making these;  

now go get yourself a cup of coffee and try 'em out!

See you next time!

--Kenzie