Upcycled Gift Card Charms

14th Nov2011

Upcycled Gift Card Charms

by Dinah Wulf

Upcycled Gift Card Charms written by Michal Sparks

Being the Mom to a couple of teenagers our life could not move forward without ipods and itunes so as a result we have numerous itunes gift cards. These cards are particularly brightly colored and my daughter Ivy and I got to thinking……We made heart charms that came out so cute and were super easy, fast and fun!

These are a few of the cards we had, any plastic gift card would work.

We cut each card into 8 squares.

Then using just regular scissors, cut the heart shapes.

I cut them free form as I think they look cool a little uneven.

Then we”sanded” them with a basic nail file.

When the hearts got roughed up they took on a whole new look!

Just punch a hole in one corner with a basic craft small hole punch.

Add a jump ring.

We added a little glass seed bead on a head pin for an accent color.

Put it on a chain and you’re done!!

Too cute!

Great for a party activity.

Go crazy, make two for earrings, cut different shapes, maybe squares that link together for a bracelet!

Have Fun!

To see more of Michal’s work, visit her Etsy Shop, A Clever Spark!

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Category : Crafts, Kids Craft Ideas, Trash To Treasure

Tags : Craft Ideas, DIY Accessories, Gift Ideas, Guest Author, Recycling Ideas, Repurpose, Repurposing Ideas, Upcycling Ideas

6 Comm

12th Aug2011

Nancy Nelson Jewelry

by Dinah Wulf

Nancy Nelson Jewelry

I can’t stop. I think I have visited every page… twice. Nancy Nelson Jewelry is so elegant and timeless and feminine. My eyes hurt from staring and perusing each piece. I’ll admit I don’t accessorize as much as I used to since having a baby. They like to pull things. But, I’m about to change that and charge up the Discover card.

Her nature inspired line really caught my eye. Her philosophy of jewelry
telling a story and evoking emotion truly rings through. She uses sterling silver, copper, and 14k gold-filled materials. It was difficult to narrow down the pieces I wanted to add to this blog post! I think the Family Tree piece from her Storytelling collection is my favorite if I had to choose. The In Love With Nature necklace from her Woodland collection comes in at a close second.

Nancy Nelson definitely has an eye for jewelry design. She launched her line in 2006, and five years later, her dainty and rustic masterpieces can be found in stores across the United States. Not to worry if there isn’t a store near you, Nancy sells her jewelry on her fabulous website and on Etsy as well.

Subscribe to the newsletter for codes, news, and sales, or check out her blog. You can enter free giveaways, get the latest on new locations featuring Nancy Nelson jewelry, and learn how to care for your jewelry, or simply learn about what inspires her.

Thank YOU, Nancy for the inspiration!

You may also like, Other People Who Inspire:

Robert Hetrick’s Custom Cakery
Joan Mercer’s pressed flower jewelry

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Category : Inspiring People

Tags : DIY Accessories, Gift Ideas

1 Comm

21st Jul2011

DIY Beach Towel Ideas

by Dinah Wulf

DIY Beach Towel Ideas

It’s Summer time, which means it’s time to go to the beach… or the pool! This time of year I often reflect on the times our family would spend a week in Nags Head, North Carolina. We did it every year for a good five or six years. I would spend hours playing in the sand or swimming in the ocean. I had no fear and no wave was big enough. I have no idea when or how it happened, but now I’m completely afraid to go in the water! I’ll gladly go to the beaches here in Southern California, however now I’m content sitting on my beach towel blanket and soaking in the sun.

Here are three creative Summer craft ideas for your beach towels, a beach tote blanket, a beach towel mat with handles, and a cute towel sarong. Click on the link for full DIY instructions.

Beach Tote Blanket

This beach blanket tote by Ready Made holds all your sun block, sunglasses, books and magazines and cleaverly unwraps into a beach blanket.

DIY Beach Towel Blanket with Mat

An inexpensive DIY tote made out of one bath towel and two hand towels. Use colored or patterned prints to match your beach gear.

Beach Towel Sarong

A great way to repurpose an old towel. Embellish it with ribbon and buttons. Make mini sarongs for the kids or make his and hers for the shower and bathroom.

Feeling Crafty? You may also like:

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Category : Crafts

Tags : DIY Accessories, Gift Ideas, Summer

1 Comm

20th Jul2011

Make Your Own Tote Bag

by Dinah Wulf

Make Your Own Tote Bag

Making a tote bag is a great DIY Spring or Summer craft or project. I always have several tote bags in the trunk of my car for groceries or other purchases. No more plastic bags for me! I found these four cute creative ideas to share. The crocheted tote made out of plastic bags is genius! Click on the links for a full tutorial.

A grocery bag tote from Design Sponge. This tote fits any style, as you can personalize it by embellishing it with buttons, brooches, and fabric scraps.

A beach tote from Country Living. Perfect for Summer, this tote is embellished with seashells. Just stitch each shell using upholstery thread in a design of your liking.

Recycle plastic bags and make this tote from Marlo’s Crochet Corner. Using colorful plastic grocery bags and an M hook, crochet this fabulous eco-friendly tote.