Magazine Holder Shelf

Looking for an affordable shelf that also doubles for storage? This simple DIY will hold your family pictures AND your magazines for only about $15 at the most!

What you'll need:
-Wooden magazine holder (about $5.99)
-Wood stain (about $7.77)
-Clear finish
-Cloth/foam brush/bristle brush
-Sandpaper 120 grit up to 220 grit
-Screws
-Drill

How to do it:

First read what the wood stain says and if it has any special directions, be sure to follow them. If not, just follow these instructions. If the wood isn't already smooth, you may need to sand it starting with a 120 grit and working your way to a 220 grit. Next you will open your wood stain and start applying it to the magazine holder. The longer you let it sit, the darker the wood will stain so I suggest that you wipe it with a clean rag following the grain as soon as possible MAKE SURE NOT TO LET THE STAIN DRY! .

Once the magazine holder is dry, simply attach it to the wall and enjoy!

I got this idea from Pinterest and did some research on how to create this. I am not the first person to think of this so I have no ownership. I simply made this blog to help others with their DIY projects!

Painting Hack

Hey guys! So, this one isn't really a DIY, but it is an interesting tip that I wanted to share with you. If you're painting walls and want to add texture, use a wet broom and run it down the walls.

What you need:
-Paint
-Paint roller
-Broom
-Water

What you need to do:
First, use the paint roller to paint the walls (as if you were just painting the wall normally). Next, get the broom wet and drag it down the still wet paint, creating this texture on the walls. Let the paint dry and then admire your beautiful new walls!

I got this idea from Pinterest and did some research on how to create this. I am not the first person to think of this so I have no ownership. I simply made this blog to help others with their DIY projects!

Wall Pockets

Need more organization but have little space? Save some room by using this quick and simple DIY organization project!

What you will need:
-Wooden bowls
-Saw
-Wood (either a strip or a board)
-Super glue
-Short nails (depending on thickness of wood)
-Hammer
-Paint

Steps:
First you need to cut the bowls in half, I suggest placing the bowls upside down in order to cut them. Do your best to cut them perfectly in half so that they fit on the board properly. Next, paint your wood if you haven't already. It doesn't matter if you use white or a bright color. After the paint is dried, figure out how you want the pockets placed - either in a row or staggered across the board. Make sure to measure the distance between the pockets so that they are even and look nice - I suggest marking the spots just to be on the safe side. Now all you have to do is put super glue on the back side of the bowls and attach them to the board, if you feel as if these pockets need to be secured a bit more, let the glue dry then use the short nails and hammer to nail the pockets to the wood from the back - I would do this anyway, just to be on the safe side. Once the pockets are finished, simply hang them up on a wall or whatever you want to do with them! Then use them to hold earrings, hair ties, lip gloss, hair pins, paperclips, thumb tacks, nails, screws, wing-nuts, or any other small items that you need storage for!

I got this idea from Pinterest and did some research on how to create this. I am not the first person to think of this so I have no ownership. I simply made this blog to help others with their DIY projects!

Moss Graffiti

Again, something cool I found on Pintrest! (Also, I've been getting emails asking if I sell the DIY's that I show on this blog. Comment your ideas below because I'm not sure if I should...) Okay so this entry is about how to make moss art, which isn't necessarily a DIY project, but it IS a project that you can do and it looks really cool. (Also remember to email me at krafty.karina.blog@gmail.com to submit your questions, suggestions, and ideas!)

Here's what you need:

-Moss (estimate about "3 handfuls")

-Water

-Measuring cup

-Blender

-Water-retention gel

-Buttermilk (I also heard you can use Mayo but I'm not sure)

-Timer

-Bucket or bowl

-Paintbrush

-Spray bottle

What you need to do:

First, get out your blender and get it ready for use. Now "crumble" and add in your "3 handfuls" of moss, 3 cups of water, 120 mL of buttermilk, and 2 tsp of your gel. Now put the lid on your blender and pulse for 2-5 minutes (until the gel forms/sets up). Now that this is done, pour your mixture into a bucket or bowl and go outside to the wooden or concrete wall that you want the moss to grow on. Now take out your paintbrush and dip it into the mixture, making sure to keep it neat when you paint because the moss will grow. Now just remember to mist your moss painting once every week and watch it grow!

I got this idea from Pinterest and did some research on how to create this. I am not the first person to think of this so I have no ownership. I simply made this blog to help others with their DIY projects!

Flower Pot

So again, I found a cool post on Pintrest and couldn't find very good directions on how to do this DIY project, so here I am, walking you through how to make this beautiful flowerpot!

What you'll need:
-A large can or metal pail
-Tile adhesive
-Non-sanded grout
-A similar looking back-splash (or a bunch of small rocks if you want to make it difficult)
-Putty knife
-Mixing cup or bowl (will probably get ruined so I suggest a takeout cup)
-Paint mixing stick
-Sponge

What you need to do:

First off, you will need to apply the tile adhesive to the large metal bucket/can/pail/etc that you chose, using your putty knife. Before you allow the adhesive to dry, either attach the back-splash you chose (or the stones that you picked out) around the soon-to-be flower pot. If you are using stones instead of a back-splash, make sure you choose a pattern you like and space them about 1/4 of an inch apart or just make sure there are gaps between them for the next step.

Once your back-splash or stones are on and your tile adhesive is dried, you need to follow the directions on your non-sanded grout. Once the grout is ready, use a clean putty knife to apply it over the back-splash or stones(jeeze that seems repetitive!) make sure you have an even layer of grout around the flower pot and that there are no gaps. Refer to the grout's directions on when to use your damp sponge to clean off the access grout from the surface.

Once you are done cleaning the access grout, let the grout dry completely. After it's dry, I suggest drilling a hole in the bottom of the pot to allow extra water to run out as to not drown your plant. Once this is done, put in soil and a plant and viola! You now have a beautiful flower pot!

  I got this idea from Pinterest and did some research on how to create this. I am not the first person to think of this so I have no ownership. I simply made this blog to help others with their DIY projects!

Envelope Clutch

So I saw this on Pintrest and thought it was really cool so I decided to share it with you! All you will need for this is:
-Sewing Machine, sewing needle, and thread
-Leather (or vinyl)
-Fabric (colorful!)
-Sharp scissors or Xacto knife
-Clasp (Button stud)
-Marker
-Ruler

What to do:

First you need to find 11 and 1/2 inches by 23 inches of your leather (or vinyl - depending on personal preference). After this, you will need to find your favorite color fabric and get it cut to 8 and 1/4 inches by 11 and 1/2 inches.

Now that you have your materials ready, you will need to cut the leather to match the diagram above. Here is how you should make your cuts: make sure you don't cut the pieces apart, the point is to make it one large piece! Get out a marker or Sharpie (etc) and turn the leather so it's laying on it's front. Use the marker to plot out a 8 and 1/4 inch by 11 and 1/2 inch rectangle that connects to a 8 and 1/4 inch by 11 and 1/2 inch triangle on the bottom side and on the top it should connect to a 1 and 1/2 inch by 11 and 1/4 inch rectangle that also connects to a 5 inch by 11 and 1/2 inch triangle. Sounds confusing? Refer to the chart above for the diagram!

Once you cut the leather out, you will look at your fabric. Depending on how it was cut, you will use your sewing machine to be sure that the bottom (11 and 1/2 inch part) and both sides (8 and 1/4 inch parts) are closed up. You only want one of the 11 and 1/2 inch sides open.

After you finish those steps, you get to begin putting the leather and fabric together! First, lay the leather face down and then place the fabric on top of it so that its over the leather's rectangle. The 8 and 1/4 inch triangle should be below the bottom of the fabric (where you either sewed it shut or it was connected.). Your next step is to fold the triangle up and over the fabric. You may need to use a needle to hand sew the triangle onto the fabric (only ONE side of the fabric though, remember the fabric is the pouch, the leather is the decoration!). Once the triangle is sewed to the fabric, use your ruler to measure for the center of the pouch going side to side. After this, measure about 4 and 1/2 inches up from the bottom and use your Xacto to make a hole for the clasp. Now attach the part of the clasp that sticks out (the bottom piece of the clasp).

Now you will need to use your sewing machine to sew up one side of the leather and fabric, along the top triangle of the leather, and back down the other side of the leather and fabric. Finish sewing and then prepare for the next part, again, you may have to hand sew depending on how good you are with maneuvering a sewing machine. For this step, all you will do is sew the top part of the fabric (only one side) that side being the same side that you sewed the first leather onto (the 8 and 1/4 inch triangle).

After this, you will fold the loose leather triangle over (following the diagram above) and it will cover the clasp. You will use your Xacto knife to cut a slit over the stud and make sure it allows you to open and close properly. I suggest that you now enforce the slit by sewing around it.

Now all you have to do is place your papers, tablet, or any other object you please and you will now have a laptop holder, a folder for your college papers or recipes, or anything else!

  I got this idea from Pinterest and did some research on how to create this. I am not the first person to think of this so I have no ownership. I simply made this blog to help others with their DIY projects!

Home Made Cleaners

Have you ever noticed how much it costs a year just to clean your house? And I don't mean hiring a maid... every year Americans spend about $350-$850 a year on cleaning supplies. Ouch! Think of everything else that money could be used for. Here I will give you some natural cleaning supply recipes that will not only save you hundreds of dollars a year, but they are also better for the environment.

All Purpose Cleaner

To make this all purpose cleaner you will need:
~ 2 tsp baking soda
~ 1/2 tsp dish soap
~ 4 tbs white vinegar
~ 400 ml warm water
~ Squirt bottle

Step 1
Put all ingredients in squirt bottle.

Step 2
Mix.

Step 3
Use!

Dusting Spray

To make this dusting spray you will need:
~ 2 tsp olive oil
~ 1 tsp lemon juice
~ 1/4 c white vinegar
~ 1 c warm water
~ Squirt bottle


Step 1
Put all ingredients in squirt bottle.

Step 2
Mix.

Step 3
Use!

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

To make this toilet bowl cleaner you'll need:
~ 1/4 c baking soda
~ 1/4 c borax
~ 1 c white vinegar

Step 1
Put ingredients into the toilet bowl.

Step 2
Gently stir ingredients in the toilet bowl. 

Step 3
Let the cleaner sit in the toilet bowl for at least 30 minutes.

Step 4
Scrub the toilet bowl with the cleaner.

Step 5
Flush!

Granite Cleaner

To make this granite cleaner you will need:
~ 1/2 c rubbing alcohol
~ 8 drops dish soap
~ 2 c warm water
~ Squirt bottle

Step 1
Put all ingredients in squirt bottle.

Step 2
Mix.

Step 3
Use!

Glass Cleaner

To make this glass cleaner you'll need:
~ 1/4 c rubbing alcohol
~ 1/4 c white vinegar
~ 1 tbs cornstarch
~ 2 c warm water
~ Squirt bottle

Step 1
Put all ingredients in squirt bottle.

Step 2
Mix.

Step 3
Use!

Tub Cleaner
  
To make this tub cleaner you will need:
~ 1/2 cut grapefruit  
~ Kosher salt

Step 1
Place salt directly on the grapefruit half.

Step 2
Scrub the tub!

Grout Cleaner

To make this grout cleaner you will need:
~ 1/2 c baking soda
~ 1/4 c vinegar
~ Open container
~ Toothbrush

Step 1
Mix the ingredients in a small, open container.

Step 2
Apply the pasty cleaner to the grout using a toothbrush.

Step 3
Let the cleaner sit for at least 5 minutes.

Step 4
Rinse the cleaner off the grout!  

  I got this idea from Pinterest and did some research on how to create this. I am not the first person to think of this so I have no ownership. I simply made this blog to help others with their DIY projects!

Sharpie Mugs

 Ok, everyone wants a personalized mug, right? But going to a ceramic painting shop and buying an expensive mug and struggling to paint it is tiring and can cost about $20-$40. But... I have a surprise for you! Dollar store mugs have thinner glaze so Sharpies can be used on them permanently (as long as you hand wash them)! So how do you make personalized mugs for about $5 tops? Read on to find out!

Sticker Letter Mug

To make a sticker letter initial mug you will need:

~ Mug (From $ store)

~ Sharpies

~ Letter Stickers

~ Rubbing Alcohol

~ Q-Tips

~ Latex Gloves

Step 1

Wipe your dollar store mug down with rubbing alcohol and put on gloves. The oil on fingers can make it difficult for the Sharpie to become permanent.

Step 2

Choose what you want your mug to say, it can be anything from your initials to your name or even a short quote. Place your sticker letters on your mug where you think they look best.

Step  3

Make sure your stickers are firmly pressed down and then take your Sharpies and place dots anywhere and everywhere. Once you are satisfied with how it looks, peel the stickers off and make sure to clean up any mistakes with some rubbing alcohol on a Q-Tip.

Step 4

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Once the oven is to the proper temp, put your mug on a cookie sheet and place it in the oven for 45 minutes.

Step 5

After the mug has been in the oven for 45 minutes, turn the oven off, but be sure to not open the door! After a while, slowly crack open the door and let the mug cool the rest of the way. If the temperature changes too quickly your mug will crack, so be sure to be careful.

Step 6

Always hand wash your mugs to keep the design from fading or chipping, or put it on the top rack of your dishwasher.

Step 7

ENJOY! :)

Free-hand Writing

To make a free-hand writing mug you'll need:

~  Mug (From $ store)

~ Sharpies

~ Something to write 

~ Rubbing Alcohol

~ Q-Tips  

~ Latex Gloves

Step 1 

Wipe your dollar store mug down with rubbing alcohol and put on gloves. The oil on fingers can make it difficult for the Sharpie to become permanent.

Step 2

Choose what you want your mug to say, it can be anything from your initials to your name or a silly saying, whatever you want!

Step  3

Use your Sharpies to carefully outline what you want to write on your mug. If you have any mistakes clean them up with some rubbing alcohol on a Q-Tip. Once you are satisfied, finish coloring in or decorating the letters!

Step 4

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Once the oven is to the proper temp, put your mug on a cookie sheet and place it in the oven for 45 minutes.

Step 5

After the mug has been in the oven for 45 minutes, turn the oven off, but be sure to not open the door! After a while, slowly crack open the door and let the mug cool the rest of the way. If the temperature changes too quickly your mug will crack, so be sure to be careful.

Step 6

Always hand wash your mugs to keep the design from fading or chipping, or put it on the top rack of your dishwasher.

Step 7

ENJOY! :)

Free-Hand

What you will need for a free-hand mug are:

~ Mug (From $ store)

~ Sharpies

~ Imagination

~ Rubbing Alcohol

~ Q-Tips  

~ Latex Gloves

Step 1

Wipe your dollar store mug down with rubbing alcohol and put on gloves. The oil on fingers can make it difficult for the Sharpie to become permanent.

Step 2

Choose what you want your mug to look like, it can be anything from a flower, to a bunch of hearts, a smiley-face, or whatever makes you happy!

Step  3

Use your Sharpies to carefully outline what you want on your mug. If you have any mistakes clean them up with some rubbing alcohol on a Q-Tip. Once you are satisfied, finish coloring in or decorating!

Step 4

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Once the oven is to the proper temp, put your mug on a cookie sheet and place it in the oven for 45 minutes.

Step 5

After the mug has been in the oven for 45 minutes, turn the oven off, but be sure to not open the door! After a while, slowly crack open the door and let the mug cool the rest of the way. If the temperature changes too quickly your mug will crack, so be sure to be careful.

Step 6

Always hand wash your mugs to keep the design from fading or chipping, or put it on the top rack of your dishwasher.

Step 7

ENJOY! :)

 Transfer/Stencil

 What you will need for a transfer/stencil mug are:

~ Mug (From $ store)

~ Sharpies

~  Picture/Design (Black and white)

~ Tape

~ Exacto Knife/Something to cut outline

~ Rubbing Alcohol

~ Q-Tips  

~ Latex Gloves 

Step 1

Wipe your dollar store mug down with rubbing alcohol and put on gloves. The oil on fingers can make it difficult for the Sharpie to become permanent.

Step 2

Print out a black and white clip art of what you want on your mug. Take an Exacto knife to cut out your design or find a cute stencil and tape it to your mug.

Step  3

Use your Sharpies to carefully outline your design. If you have any mistakes clean them up with some rubbing alcohol on a Q-Tip. Once you are satisfied, finish coloring in or decorating!

Step 4

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Once the oven is to the proper temp, put your mug on a cookie sheet and place it in the oven for 45 minutes.

Step 5

After the mug has been in the oven for 45 minutes, turn the oven off, but be sure to not open the door! After a while, slowly crack open the door and let the mug cool the rest of the way. If the temperature changes too quickly your mug will crack, so be sure to be careful.

Step 6

Always hand wash your mugs to keep the design from fading or chipping, or put it on the top rack of your dishwasher.

Step 7

ENJOY! :)

I got this idea from Pinterest and did some research on how to create this. I am not the first person to think of this so I have no ownership. I simply made this blog to help others with their DIY projects!

River Rock Mat

So everyone seems to love these super cool mats, but buying them at a store can cost around $30-$50. Yikes! With this DIY you can create a similar, personalized, weather-proof rock mat for about $5-$8.

Here's what you'll need:
~ Scissors
~ Strong Glue Epoxy (or a Weather-proof/Water-proof adhesive)
~ River Rocks (Can be bought at $ store)
~ Rubber Shelf Liner (or similar water-proof material)
~ Cardboard of other surface that can be trashed

Step 1
Cut your shelf liner into the shape and size that you want your mat to be. I suggest leaving about an inch of extra space and trim it off once the project is finished.

Step 2
Begin placing the rocks on the shelf liner in the positions and pattern that you like best. Remember not to use glue yet, seeing as you are just mapping it out right now. You can use different colored rocks in a random pattern or to make your own design. Some popular designs are to use a certain color of rocks to make initials, words, pictures, or borders! Aim for all of the rocks to fit closely together so that the shelf liner is hidden and you have a nice semi-flat surface instead of large gaps that can be unsightly, stub toes and collect miscellaneous objects that may be difficult to remove.

Step 3
Now that you have your fancy rock mat all planned out, get your adhesive and begin to glue the rocks down one by one. Be sure you are doing this over cardboard so that if the glue drips or you drop a rock with glue it won't get all over. If your rocks shift a tad it's no big deal, try to re-adjust it or leave it be, whichever you prefer.

Step 4
 Let the glue dry so that your rocks stay in place and don't shift.

Step 5
Add another layer of shelf liner to the back using your adhesive and let dry. This way even if one liner somehow rips, your mat is still intact.

Step 6
Trim the extra length of shelf liner off and place your mat wherever you want!

Tip:

You can use your mat as a stepping stone, a shelf liner, or even a place mat!

I got this idea from Pinterest and did some research on how to create this. I am not the first person to think of this so I have no ownership. I simply made this blog to help others with their DIY projects!

From an Old Refrigerator to an Ice Chest

 Everyone loves re-purposing old things into better-looking items. And of course, who doesn't love a well decorated patio?! This DIY lets you turn an old refrigerator into a beautiful ice chest at an affordable cost.

The first step you should take to turn your old, run down fridge into an awesome ice chest is to remove all of the accessories that make it run. Be sure to remove the evaporator cell and fan, the compressor, the condenser fan, shelves and drawers, and any other unnecessary items that will take up space in what will be the ice chest.

After you are done removing the unneeded pieces, you can start creating the design. Then put the fridge on its back and start making measurements. Start from one side of the fridge and measure the center line running the length. After this, measure the center line of the top and bottom halves. Screw a 2" x 1/4" slat in the length of the top and bottom halves using #3 screws in the center and 6 inches from each end.

Then take 4" x 1/4" slats, cut to the height of your soon-to-be ice chest, and screw them into the 2" x 1/4" slats using two #3 screws for the top slat and three screws for the bottom slat. Be sure the top and bottom of the fridge are decorated the same. Then do the same for the doors that once belonged to the freezer and fridge sections. Drill a hole in what was the back of the fridge (what is now the bottom of your ice chest) and insert a plug so you can drain water later on.You can also create legs and a support for your new ice chest. The design is up to you and what you think would go best for your patio or in your back yard.

Now just put your awesome ice chest where you want it and fill it with ice! You can also use hinges to make the doors stay open so you can take things out, it depends on your preference. Personally, I would use hydraulic openers, which open and close softly.

If any of you need more instructions, here is a link to a similar DIY project. By looking between the two, you should be able to do this easy-peasy! http://www.killerbdesigns.com/rustic-cooler-a-how-to/

I got this idea from Pinterest and did some research on how to create this. I am not the first person to think of this so I have no ownership. I simply made this blog to help others with their DIY projects!