DIY PROJECT: Memo Board Part One: The Calendar

The long awaited DIY project -better be good right? Well here was my dilemma. I originally thought up this idea in response the the Dollar Store Craft Challenge (on the 1st of this month…). I needed something to organize all of my thoughts and office stuff so it seemed like the perfect opportunity. The problem was I was unsure how I wanted to do it-so I kept going back and forth, even after I purchased the supplies. Then something came up so I couldn't post it in time for the challenge anyway. Then I was lazy and a 3 hour project suddenly became a 3 week project. Finally my last issue was, I wasn't sure how to post it because ultimately I was doing 3 projects, and it may be long for one post. Long story short, I've finally decided to break it up over 3 posts. 

 Part 1: The Calendar 

I needed a calendar desperately. Something big and easy to see that I didn't need to flip through pages in a book or a binder. So I could keep track of the generic things, like concerts and doctor appointments! This seemed like a no-brainer to me. 

Supplies: 

Frame-if you have one at home, use it! Mine was from the Dollar Store

  Spray Paint-I had extra on hand in white

  Scrapbook Paper-I had this on hand, but any paper, or wrapping paper you like will work

  Paint brush-a foam brush will work even better, you can get these at the Dollar Store

  Etching Solution-had this on hand as well.

 My cost: $1 

I started this project out by painting the frame, I used spray paint and it ended up using 3 coats-which I will explain later in my third post. I used the paper inside the frame to measure and cut my scrapbook paper to the size needed. Since my office is gray, pink and yellow-I chose a cute pink pattern, the pattern you use should not be bold or distracting, try subdued patterns (tone on tone) or plain colors. 

 Next I measured out lines on the back of the page from the frame to create the basis of the calendar on. I measured in half an inch from either side to create a border, then measured what was left and divided by 5 (for horizontal). Then I taped it to the back of the glass. Using masking tape (or whatever you have on hand) I placed the tape along the lines on the other side of the glass, leaving about an 1/8th of an inch between them. Using a ruler and exacto knife, I cut off the excess to create that border. 

 Measuring again I made the same divisions going down, dividing by 7 (for vertical). I left about 1/8th of an inch again between the boxes, and use the ruler and exacto to cut evenly. 

 Once my calendar was created via tape, I opened the etch solution and began dabbing it on. A foam brush would have worked better to create even strokes and fill it faster. Make sure you apply quickly and liberally. As you can see I did not and mine wasn't as even in the end result. Wait about 5-10 minutes before washing off. 

 After it's dry replace in the frame, placing the paper behind it as a backdrop. You will have a perfect calendar border with a cute interchangeable background!

Now you can write on it with white board pens, and erase when you're done to change the dates every month! Plus, you can purchase the markers at the dollar Store!

 

Stay tuned next week, for the next part of my office organization!  

•This may be shared on any of the link parties page•

DIY PROJECT: Vintage Camera Bank

 Remember that awesome post I did about FUN into FUNctional (there's an update to that coming next week…oh yea and its awesome -I can't wait)! Well, for anyone following twitter and Facebook (you're NOT?! Get on that! Now!) found out that my original project failed. Before it started. Only because I thought I had the material..and I didn't…and yea that hasn't been working…YET! I will get it finished…someday! Anyway, I realized I had to find something else and while scoping out ZGallerie I saw these cute silver camera figurines…and for some reason that reminded me of my vintage camera collection (oops..how does one forget 30 vintage cameras in your bedroom???). And thus this idea was born…The Vintage Camera Bank. 

One day while surfing Ebay I came across a lot of vintage cameras, I have an obsession for brownies (nomnomnom-oh yea, the cameras too), and jumped on a lot that contained two. It also had this great Polaroid Land Camera. Unfortunately the dumb seller literally threw all of the cameras into a box without padding or anything and shipped it. It came to me in a hundred pieces (did I mention there is a guide to buying off of Ebay coming soon? No, well hit subscribe because there is!) I was sad, and took it to the camera doctor who told gave me a time of death. (RIP land camera!!) It has been sitting, collecting dust ever since.

MATERIALS:

broken camera

screwdriver

steel wool pad

Quarter (for sizing)

wood burner

box cutter

Spray Paint (I used silver metallic)

Tape (whatever you have on hand)

Total cost everything on hand): FREE

1. So the first thing I did, was took a steel wool pad to it, got the dirt and rust off (I know it looks so innocent and put together here doesn't it? Don't let it fool you, this baby was a goner). I left it in the sun to dry while I gathered my materials.

 2. Next I opened it up: mind you every camera you use will have a different interior, and I actually got lucky that the land camera was built this way to be easily torn apart. I took out the back slide, and used the screwdriver to take out the metal springs, and the box cutter to cut out the string until everything was cleared. Note: I forgot to get a shot of it empty. 

 3. I decided where I was going to place the coin hole after measuring (using the quarter) both inside and outside to make sure it would fit. I used the box cutter to cut a straight line where the hole would go. Now for the wood burner, I used a small fine tip, and found I didn't have a spot outside (preferable), so I had to do it inside. The smell from melting plastic is not good, and definitely not good for your lungs, so either find a spot outside, wear a mask, or do it in a venerated spot. I chose the bathroom because it has a fan. As soon as it started to heat up I used it to go over the line I had already made, just deep enough to get started. Then I left the room and waited for it to heat up all the way. When I did I took a huge breath, ran in, stabbed it all the way through, dragged along the line and left the room for a few minutes. (Dramatic? Yes. But my nose/lungs thanked me). I repeated until the line was to my liking, and the quarter fit through the slot perfectly. Note: you could use a flat tip to cut off the excess on the top, or sandpaper. I chose to do neither because it really didn't bother me.

 4. Next I had to decide what color to paint it, it went back and forth between metallic silver and hot pink…I decided on silver because its classic and timeless and goes well with everything. Then I had to decide whether or not I wanted the glass to show and if I wanted to keep the handle on it. (Apparently I'm indecisive!) I decided I wanted both, so I taped off the glass and covered the handle with paper and started painting.

 5. I propped it open because I didn't want the camera to get stuck closed, using a piece of wood to prop up the handle out of the way. I lightly dusted the camera, and came back 10 minutes later and put a thicker coat of paint on. About an hour later I put a piece of tape in the door and closed it so I could sit it upright to paint another coat and make sure everything was even. NOTE: these pictures were taken before the final coat of paint which is why there are fingerprints! You also may notice the glass is silver, I decided I liked it better fully covered.

What I learned:

-Turns out it took 24 hours to dry, apparently what covers the camera doesn't love spray paint, so I ended up covering the silver with a clear coat just to get it to dry!

-If you don't have a wood burner, you could use a thin metal rod, heat over a candle to do it.

-I almost didn't post this project because I'm afraid people will run out to their closest thrift store and buy a perfectly good vintage camera and destroy it. PLEASE DO NOT. You CAN purchase broken cameras off of ebay etc for projects like these. Please leave the working ones for those who use them (IE : ME!)
•Shared on link parties Tuesday-Monday!•

DIY Project: Wicker Hanging Lantern

So inspired by my $5 Dollar Store Crafts project (See my Ring Display here), that my mother decided to try her hand (and imagination) at it as well! So we headed down to the local Dollar Tree, and scoped out some projects. Since my own, I've thought of 3 more that I have to do, so stay tuned in the future for more of those! Meanwhile, my mother was distracted by these great wicker wreaths and a project was born!

Materials:
(3) wicker wreaths-preferably in differing sizes, she picked out great looking ones and set on top of each other to find ones that slightly varied in size.
1 package of floral wire-she ended up having some on hand, but got a package anyway!
1 votive candle holder-she had lots of these too, but couldn't resist the great pattern on the side of this! Make sure whatever you use has a lip on it!
Dollar Tree total: $5 (or $3 if you stick with materials on hand!)

Tools:
She had raffia wrapped wire on hand, which can be expensive, jute, hemp, string, ribbon etc-whatever you have on hand and matches your style will work!
Wire cutters
Tea light-most people have hundreds of these lying around, but if you don't Dollar Tree stocks these as well!
'S' hook
1) Lay out your wreaths, find your largest and second largest, and simply slide the smaller of the two inside of the bigger one. This can be difficult depending on how closely they are in size. These worked perfectly! Place them so they are crossing each other (when you look down on it, you see an X or +). Next, take your smallest and do the same to create a six pointed star looking down.

2) Next, using the floral wire, "sew" the wire through the dome, weaving through them to ensure they stay together. You could repeat on the bottom to keep it sturdy. If you don't have floral wire, you could use hot glue, super glue or even wire bag ties from the grocery store! Once you've 'sewn' them together, tuck the wire back into the wreaths so they aren't noticeable.

3) For the light, take your votive/candle holder/mason jar etc and use the floral wire or ribbon to wrap around the top (under the lip!). Tie in a knot, with excess wire on one side, pull the excess wire over the jar opening to the exact opposite side, and tie in another knot to create a handle over the jar opening. *NOTE: ribbon can burn! If you use ribbon make sure the jar you use is tall enough to keep the flame away from it, and never leave the candle burning unattended!**

4) Finally, cut an extra long piece of whatever you're using to hang it (here we used raffia wire), choose a top to the light, wrap around the wreaths as shown, allow a loop within the sphere to attach the light onto, tying securely. Attach the other end of the wire to an 'S' hook.

5) Drop your tea light within the jar, light using a long match or lighter, and hang anywhere!

What I learned:
The only necessary item for this to purchase are the wreaths. Usually anything else you need you can find at home!
Never leave the candle burning alone, these are flammable items, and even though a tea light doesn't give off much heat-there is still a chance!
Wire is much safer than ribbon for this project (in and around the candle), for safety sake buy the floral wire, or another type to use! However, ribbon and rope is perfect for hanging up!
These will look great hanging in a garden in bulk, or around a patio for those beautiful summer nights!
•This project is posted to link parties everyday!•

DIY Project: Ring Display

I heard about the Dollar Tree $5 Challenge from another blog, and was so excited! Partly because I've been itching to craft lately, and have been so uninspired to do so. And partly because I always thought it would be cool to do a project entirely from one store (insert Project Runway addiction). I was so excited, that I ran out to my closest Dollar Tree immediately after reading the rules. Unfortunately I not only came up empty handed, but uninspired as well. Thankfully the boyfriend came up with an idea to check out The Other Dollar Tree the next day. A much larger, much better stocked, and much more inspiring store 30 minutes away. So I went home and scoped out the Dollar Store Crafts site and was shocked and amazed at all the goodies I saw on there. Determined to not only come up with something cute and easy, but functional as well: something that I could use every day I restarted my search the next day. That's when I saw the zen garden and inspiration (finally) struck! A ring display! My rings have found themselves all over my room and bathroom, in various 'trees', jewelry boxes, and plate displays. I needed something large enough to hold all of them, but easy to get them out, and see at the same time. A ring display would be perfect. My mind started going, and after a carrying around $20 worth of goodies, I narrowed it down to four. A set of (3) washcloths in super soft and pretty green microfiber, a plastic frame, a pack of pencils, and a ball of twine. $4. And I got to work. Joining me was a hot glue gun, scissors, and wire cutters (optional)-all on hand. [note that the zen garden didn't make it home with me..]

1. Remove the glass and mat from the frame. I chose a 5x7 because it was a decent enough size to fit a lot on, without being too huge for my dresser. I also chose a frame that had a thicker inset so the ring rolls wouldn't push out past it too far. The first step was to wind the string around the frame, there are many ways to do this, you can glue the front and wrap it messy, or pile it on at random, or layer it neatly as I did by simply holding it tight and wrapping it patiently and gluing occasionally in the back of the frame. I did the sides first, leaving the corners to last. When I got to them I simply wrapped the string left to right slowly covering the corner and creating a neat layering pattern (see pictures). My boyfriend liked it better with black showing through, so really you can wrap it however you prefer it!

2. Next I glued the back of the frame (the part that hangs/easel) to frame. This created a tray basically to glue my rolls onto. I glued the top and bottom first, and the sides after I finished. No real reason other than I forgot. After this I chopped the pencils in half using the wire cutters. You can use anything to cut them, you can even go hulk and break them in your hands. Doesn't have to be perfect, it just creates a stronger roll and gives you something to roll the fabric onto.

3. I took the first washcloth and folded it in half, this way it was just slightly longer/wider than the hole it was going to fit into in the frame. I placed a layer of glue onto the pencil, placed at the edge of the washcloth and started rolling. I only rolled about 1.5 times, gluing at the end. I cut the roll away from the rest of the washcloth, gluing the inner layer to ensure it stays in place. Not entirely necessary but makes it slightly easier to work with.

4. As you can see in the picture below, I basically folded the ends in to place in the frame, and rolled it into position at the edge of it so that the folds went under neath the roll. I glued as close to the bottom of the frame as I could to keep in place on both sides of the roll.

5. Continue steps 3 and 4 until you get to the bottom of the frame. My rolls were about 1.5 cm each. I used 2 washcloths exactly, and 5 pencils to create 10 rolls total. Make sure you push them together when gluing so they tightly packed into place to hold your rings!

What I learned:
-You may not like the towel idea. I chose the washcloths because I loved the color and I swear these are the softest towels ever! Luckily Dollar Tree has a wide assortment of towels, clothes and blankets to choose from!
-5x7 was the perfect size! I can hold all of my rings, with plenty of room for more ;) and it looks great on my dresser!
-If I could do it over, I would cut off the edging on the towels. They didn't like being folded over and give it the messy-ish look in the pictures. Which I don't mind, it just took longer to deal with, and figured I'd mention to the blogsphere so they can get cleaner looking rolls in their own versions =)
-The pencils worked like a charm, the only non-preferable thing about them is they were slightly shorter than the width of the frame, which doesn't seem to affect how it holds the rings, but if you have something longer, or more pencils than I had on hand to cut the correct length I would try it!

Now, your turn! Can't wait to see your versions and suggestions! Have you made your own item for the $5 challenge? I'd love to see it, make sure you link it!
•project may be linked to a party, check the link tab to see which!•

Guest Services: How to make matching jewelry sets

Welcome to the first of many guest posts on Dear Wallet, Cindy is thrift lover, second-hand picker, and jewelry designer from Sacramento, CA. She is currently in the process of starting her blog, so look for details coming soon on how to contact her! 

-Aria

So you found that perfect necklace to go with that perfect outfit, but alas, no earrings to match.  

Making your own jewelry can be the solution to this particular dilemma.  It’s fun, easy and cost effective.  Beads, findings (the metal parts that hold it all together) and tools can be found in specialty shops, online and at many big box stores like Joann’s, Beverly’s, Michaels’s and Wal-Mart.  The amber crystal beads that I chose for my earrings were purchased at my local specialty shop.  The total cost for the earrings including the crystals, findings and leverbacks came to under $5 .00. (A true win-win!) 

The first step is to select your components.  In this case I chose amber crystals in a medium size teardrops and tiny filler beads. To minimize frustration, play with different patterns and decide on an arrangement before you begin assembling. 

To complete this project I will need; 4 tiny crystals, 2 medium teardrops, 2 leverbacks, 2 headpins and 2 O rings.  

Next, thread the beads onto the headpin and using wire cutters, clip off the excess and curl the remaining wire into a loop. 

  

Some O rings are precut but these are not.  

This is easily remedied by making a small snip and slightly separating the ends just enough to slide the drop earring and leverback on.

 Twist back together and voile la!  You have a great pair of earrings.

Enjoy!

-Cindy

More jewelry design by Cindy:

All photos courtesy of Silver Daisies Studios.

DIY PROJECT: Spray Paint a Dress

When you saw my original Halloween how-to post, I know what you were thinking...where did she get such an awesome gray and black striped dress?!

(Oh, you weren't thinking that? Well you're going to find out anyway.) =)

 I found this dress at the Goodwill for $8 LAST YEAR (At Halloween, so everything was 50% off...make that $4)

 

MATERIALS:

A dress (gray ugly boring one)

Black spray paint (had it on hand)

Masking/painters tape [Thinner the size, the better]

Scissors

Accessories [To dress up the outfit!]

Oh and a wonderful boyfriend [best friends/sisters/and moms work too!]

First wash the dress-you know, with my fancy little cleaning guide!

Simply place the tape vertically down the dress.

Perfection is impossible, so try not to worry about it. I only had thick tape on hand, so I used scissors to cut the tape down the middle to make two strips.

Once it was all attached, take it outside and spray paint away!

I let it dry for an hour or two before removing the tape.

Then I left it a day before washing in HOT water (to set the paint). After it dried I washed it again using dishsoap to make it less crinkly (and smell good!)

I accessorized the dress using a black high waist belt, stockings and fedora.

Instant Gangsta just add spray paint!

Total cost (for me) $4 [For the dress!]

Have a question? Let me know! I'd be happy to answer it!--I guess you know which costume I WONT be this year ;)

EDIT// I got an email asking what my boyfriends costume is. He was Clark Kent with his super hero costume on underneath.

DIY Project: Mail Organizer

Dear Wallet,

I lost the mail today. And then the car keys, and then my shoes. Oops.

Signed, Aria

First ever DIY project on Dear Wallet,! Not to be a killjoy, but it's not a brand new tutorial. In fact it comes from my OLD blog (Lillian Pearl Designs). You can check out the orignal post there, as well as a few others that may or may not eventually make their way over to this blog! I have a long list of to-do's, but wanted to start you out with something that's not only cheap and easy but super helpful as well!

 Insert the Mail Organizer. I know what you're thinking, a DIY project to organize the MALE in my life?!Oh you weren't thinking that? Oh the other thing...that those stacks of unopened mail that you have in every corner is not only cute (hello free decor..!) but also aids in the avoidance of bills (yay...more bills?)..ya..me too. I too have fallen victim to the adorableness that is junk mail, until I realized if I put it somewhere that created an eyesore I tended to do something about it. Like pay the bills and throw away said junk mail.*shockterrorblasphemy*  It sounds crazy, but it works! I tried a basket, which worked just fine. Until I needed the I needed the real estate for my growing vase collection. So I wanted something for the wall. I googled, and goodwilled, and shopped till my head hurt (is that possible?). But then one day I found a frame, and it all fell into place.

Insert old ugly frame lacking glass. For some reason this gem was still sitting in my craft box waiting to bethrown away DIYed into a new life. Here's what you need:

Frame (mine was 11.5"x9.5"-but your's can be whatever works for you)
I needed sand paper, nails and wood glue because it was falling apart
Spray paint (I used white)
Screw hooks (I used four)
Cardboard/mat board
Spray mount
Fabric and scrapbook paper
Hot glue (or guerilla glue, or your favorite strong glue!)

Said frame was made of wood laminate and falling apart. So the first thing I did was sanded it lightly for prepping and used the nails and wood glue to put it back together. After which I reattached the hanging hook so it could hang in the correct format (horizontal). I placed the screw hooks by eyeballing it, however I suggest measuring. After this I took it outside for a coat or two of spray paint.



While the frame was drying I started on the inside of the frame. First measure the opening of the frame and cut a piece of cardboard to fit. I used spray mount to place scrapbook paper on it, folding it over the back and gluing in place. (Like a present!)



Then I cut two more pieces of cardboard half the size of the orignal, height wise. (Mine were 3.5"x9" each), then get your fabric out. Lay it out and spray mount the cardboard on one side, pressing it on the fabric. Then spray the other side and fold the fabric over so it fits tightly on the 'top' edge, and leaves about an inch overlap on the bottom, and side edges.



When everything is dry you can begin assembling. First measure where you want your 'files' to go. I decided since mine were 3.5" high, to measure 3" from the bottom of the frame so the top file would hide slightly in the bottom file-I used a pencil to draw a line. Using the glue, I attached the 1" overlap of fabric to the board above the line (so that the board edge was touching the line, and the fabric was flat above it-see pictures)! The bottom piece will attach on the very  bottom of the bigger board in the same way.



Once the pieces are assembled and dry, place it inside your frame. Carefully pull the files out of the frame through the front, until they are where you want them.  (Mine are no more than an inch away from the board, it creates a tight pocket with plenty of opening to place stuff). Cut the fabric down in the back (if needed) and glue into place. Close the frame up, and attach to the wall!



You could easily add ribbons, buttons, and tabs to further customize this project! The project cost me NOTHING, because I had everything on hand! Now let me see your versions!