DIY: Pencil Holder Using an Upcycled Can

Hello Inspirations by D's blog has a great upcycle DIY for those metal cans you get your veggies or other groceries in.  We love this and think it'd make a great gift for someone that loves crafts (ex. YOU!). 

Hi everyone!  Today I'm sharing a tutorial on how to make your own pencil holder
with a recycled can.  Are you ready?  Here we go... First you will need these items:


* A recycled soup or bean can (cleaned)
*Scrapbook paper, wall paper or gift wrap paper
* Scissors or other cutting device
* Spray adhesive or mod podge
*Clear tape
This is what I did...

I purchased scrapbook paper which runs about 50 to 60 cents a sheet.

I grabbed a soup sized can from the recycling bin.

I Removed the wrap from the can.
I Cleaned the can with soap and water and set it to air dry.

I measured the original can wrap against the scrapbook paper with a ruler.
Made marks with a pencil and erased later.

Once I had my measurements, started cutting the paper.

I Wrapped the paper around the can, to keep it sturdy,
I took a small piece of tape and taped down one end of the sheet of a paper on the can,
then wrapped the sheet of paper around the can and sealed it with clear tape, you can use mod podge.

Hello new pencil holder and it holds magnets too!!

Be creative!!  You can add extra decor by using buttons, ribbons and other decorative items.

DIY: Pinecone Candle Holder

Crissy's Crafts blog has a great fall DIY that would jazz up any home, or make a wonderful Thanksgiving table center piece?  We think so!  Check out their blog for more.

 Material:

pine cones, spray paint, the bottom of a soda can, glue gun and scissors

 Spray paint the pine cones

After it dries, cut the top of the pine cone and spray paint again. 

Cut the button of a soda can and trim around it.

 Glue the aluminum circle to the pine cone.

You are done!

DIY: Dipped Votives - Dollar Store Craft Idea

Nest of Posies made one of those dollar store crafts you know we like - since it's pretty and it's cheap!  We know she made them in bright summery colors (which are stunning), but we could totally see these in holiday colors - autumn, Christmas, etc. - with glitter or other funness!!

Check out her blog for more DIY!!

I used some votive candle holders I had from the Dollar Store & some craft paint.

Plastic bowls for dipping, newspaper & parchment paper for drying.

The only instruction I'll give, is once you start turning your votive around in the paint, don't pick it up until you are done.  

*Keep the votive against the side of the bowl that has the paint & continually move in circular motion until it is covered.*

DIY: Fabric-Lined Duct Tape Phone Case

With a blog name like Dollar Store Crafts, how do you not already love them?  If you haven't checked them out already - you really should.  They have a plethora of amazing DIYs! 

They have a how-to video on their page - so check it out if you need more help!

Make a sleek-looking duct tape case for your iPhone (or other smart phone) with duct tape. What makes this design special? It's lined with fabric so your phone stays free from stickies and scratches. I have never seen another duct tape phone case that uses the technique I developed for creating a fabric lining, so grab a roll of duct tape and some scrap fabric and come make a phone case with me.

You will just need to alter the measurements of the pattern pieces to fit your phone.

What you need for this project:

• Duct tape, on hand or $1 and up
• A piece of fabric (I used flannel) - about 6x15"

Total: $1 and up

Note about duct tape: I have seen it at the dollar store, but I have a huge weakness for colored and patterned duct tape, and that will run you slightly more per roll (although, it will probably be pretty comparable if you calculate the cost per foot -- the rolls at the dollar store are small).

Tools:

• Scissors
• Ruler

Optional, but helpful:

• Cutting Mat
• Rotary Cutter
• Goo Gone (rub on scissor blades to keep them from sticking to duct tape)
• Your phone to measure

To make:

1. Cover your fabric with duct tape on one side, overlapping the duct tape at each strip's long edges.

2. Trim off all the edges of the fabric piece, removing any excess duct tape.

3. Trim a piece of the duct tape fabric that measures about 14" long and 2.5" wide. Trim one edge to a point.

If you have a cutting mat with guide lines and ruler, you can measure the center point of the short side of the piece. With a washable marker, mark the center point of the side (should be 1.25" if you are using my measurements), and line that point up with the point of the X on your cutting mat. Line the ruler up with the X's lines, and trim a perfect mitered edge on your piece.

Or you can just eyeball it.

3. Cut two pieces of the duct tape fabric that measure about 3.75" long and .5" wide. These will be the sides of the case.

4. Put the two small pieces on the center of a piece of duct tape.

5. Attach the side pieces to the sides of the straight end of the main piece (should end up looking kind of like a T) -- these are your "wings."

Tip: leave a microscopic space between the side pieces and the main piece when attaching. This will allow ample room for the sides to fold up.

6. Put your phone on the top of the T, and wrap the long end of the strap up and around the bottom of the phone.

7. With your phone still inside the long strap, fold the wings up over the back side of the strap.

8. You should now have a pouch. All that's left to do now is add a strap to secure the front flap.

9. To create the strap: Cut a piece of duct tape about 5.5" long. Fold it one-third up on the long end of the tape. Then fold down the top over the first fold. You should end up with a narrow, long strap.

10. Wrap the strap around the front of the case, not too tight. The backs of the strap should wrap around the back of the case.

11. Secure the back of the strap to the back of the case with duct tape. The easiest way is to put a piece of duct tape on each end of the strap, and fold it up (snug, but not too tight) and secure the duct tape to the back of the case.

12. You're done. The front flap should slide easily in and out under the strap. Your phone should slide easily in and out of the case, but be pretty snug and secure inside.

Scotch Duct Tape Colors and Patterns

DIY: Pen Pots

You know how we feel about up-cycled, recycled, or reused items in crafting projects...we LOVE them!

This pen pot tutorial from Torie Jayne is stunningly beautiful and Eco-friendly.  So...get to it!

Yesterday I showed you a sneak peak at how I am getting on with organizing my craft room. Today I am sharing with you the quick, easy, cheap simple idea that is...

Pretty pen pots
Tools and Materials

• Empty tin can
• Printed paper
• Double sided sticky tape
• Scissors

Pretty pen pots, How-to step by step

Wash and dry the empty tin can. Cut a piece of printed card the size of your tin can (you can use the old can label as a template). Cover the outside of the can in strips of double sided sticky tape. Remove backing from double sided tape and carefully wrap paper around can. Fill with paint brushes, pencils or pens!