Eightymillion

A DIY craft and photography blog. Dogs included.

DIY Monogram Photo Collage

Here’s a fun, easy, and inexpensive DIY project that you can make for anyone.  I mailed my last Christmas package mid January (don’t judge), so that means I can share the “how-to” with you here on the blog.
Hobby Lobby has all of my favorite papers, embellishments, and tools on sale all the time.  And that’s good when your crafting on a budget.  This project only cost me $1. to make.  That’s not a typo.  Keep reading and I’ll tell you how to make your own monogram photo collage. 
Supplies Needed:

*Chipboard Letter (This one measures 7 3/4″)
*Various sizes of photographs
*Mod Podge
*Spray paint
*Foam brush
*Scissors
*X-acto knife
*Fingernail filer (metal ones work best)
Hobby Lobby always has these chipboard letters on sale for 50%.  With the discount you only pay $1.  The spray paint I had on hand, but this particular brand was from Walmart and I believe it costs a little over a $1. You don’t have to use a name brand for this project.

When I first made these monogram collages I attached black cardstock paper to the backs.  Spray painting them is so much easier! Remove the price tag from the back, place down a barrier in between your work table and the letter, and then apply one layer of spray paint.  Make sure that you hold the can about 6 to 7 inches away from the letter.  That’ll prevent the paint from creating puddles on the chipboard.  Use any color you like.  I choose black because the photos are in black and white.  Let it dry for about 30 minutes.
Do you have an account with Walgreens online photo lab?  I use them all the time.  If you signed up for the promotional emails they send out frequently then pay attention to them.  Every now and then you’ll get one for a free collage.  Watch the dates that they are valid.  Their offers are usually only good for three days or one day only.  The black and white collage above was obtained through one of their free offers.  You can upload 20 photos.  The range of sizes are perfect for this project.
While your waiting for the spray paint to dry, cut out all of the photos and lay them on your crafting table.
Arrange them in the order you want them to be attached to the letter.  I alternated depending on the age in each.
I always use double faced tape for my adhesive.  You can also use Mod Podge for this part.  Attach the photos to your letter so that all of the chipboard is covered.  You will find that overlapping them is helpful. I attached the larger images first and then utilized the smaller ones to fill in the spaces.  When the whole letter is covered I take an x-acto knife to trim off the excess and then use a fingernail file to smooth the edges.
If you used Mod Podge as your adhesive, let it dry for about 30 minutes to an hour before doing this next step.  I used the double faced tape so I’m ready to move on.
Using a foam brush apply a layer of Mod Podge to the entire letter.  Gloss or matte, whichever you prefer. After the first coat is dry I added one more layer.
When it’s completely dry I flipped it over to sign and date it.  
All done!  I’ve made six of these so far for gifts to my nieces and nephews.  A nice keepsake for the parents as well.  Get creative with this idea.  You could also use the last initial for your family and incorporate family photos.
Until the next project…

A Simple (DIY) Gardening Tip

I found another great use for an IKEA shopping bag.  It’s works great when your collecting rubbish around the yard.
I’ve been busy cleaning out the flower beds and random leaves that were left over from last Fall.  The handles make it easy to carry around the yard and then to the burn pile.
I will definitely be getting another bag on my next visit.

DIY Inspiration: Make Your Own Band T-Shirt (For Concerts)

I’ve taken my creative ideas to a whole new level.  A handmade t-shirt designed by me!  And yes, I did wear this to the show last September.  Which reminds me, I never shared my pics, did I?  I promise a post this week.
Back to the shirt!  I went to see Motley Crue and KISS at Alpine Valley with a group of friends.  Knowing I was going to purchase a band shirt from the merchandise booth didn’t help me decide on what to wear to the show.  I really wished I had all of those in which I purchased from previous shows that I attended back in the 90’s.  I had looked around locally for one with no luck.  Online venue were selling out.  What’s a girl to do?
Make my own t-shirt!

Here’s what you need:
*Black t-shirt (I got mine at Michaels craft store for $2.00-it was on sale)
*White fabric spray paint (Michaels again.  Used a coupon so it cost me $6.)
*Stencils (I already had these on hand, but check your local Dollar Stores)
*Masking tape
**You may use any color you wish.  I’m just sharing what I used for this project.
The How To:
First wash the t-shirt.  This was my first time using fabric spray paint, so I followed the directions as stated. 
Using the ironing board I spread the t-shirt out flat.  Any flat surface will work.  I have a couple of t-shirts that have the stripes on the sleeves, so I thought I would create my own with this one.  I used six pieces of masking tape on each sleeve.  Three on the front and three on the back.  I simply eyeballed it when it comes to lining the tape up.  I don’t worry about perfection with stuff like this.  So, you may use a ruler if you want to make sure the stripes are evenly spaced.
I picked out the stencils that I needed to spell out the band name.  Using the masking tape I placed them on the front of the shirt where I thought they looked okay.  Repeat, I’m not picky with accurate placing.    

I applied the fabric paint to give it a blotchy look.  Make sure to shake the bottle well before using.  I let it dry overnight and then removed the masking tape. 
Both Motley Crue and KISS were using the hashtag #TheTour on Twitter, so I thought it was only proper to promote that on the back of the shirt.  I used a fabric pen for the wording. 
That’s it!  A simple project that cost me $6.  I was surprised at the quality of the t-shirt given the fact that I only paid $2. for it.  It’s still in great condition and I wear it a lot.
When you wash the t-shirt I recommend that you turn it inside out first.  And I only dry it for a couple of minutes in the dryer.  Enough to pull the wrinkles out.  
I have more shows planned this year.  Might just have to make another one.
Until the next word…
~Jennifer  

DIY: Smash Book Covers (Update-Completion)

This post is so overdue that I almost didn’t want to share it now.  Why?  Because I was up until 3AM on Christmas Eve finishing these three books.  And I’m still working on three more for my other niece and nephews who live out of town. {bad girl}  I told myself that it was too late to share because the holiday is over.
But, what made me decide to go ahead and share is that this is the type of project that you can make anytime of the year, not just Christmas.  Birthdays, Easter, Just Because, etc.  
They turned out awesome.  Exactly like I visioned them.
Book lovers please close your eyes for this part.  I found six old books at an antique store all the same size (somewhere close to 5 x 7).  I cut the front and back covers off leaving the pages attached to the spine.  They’ll get used later for some handmade cards.  The ring binder clips were purchased from Hobby Lobby.  Much cheaper than what the local office supply store was selling them for.  It pays to price check before buying. 
I love working with chipboard.  Any shape or color, I love it all.  It’s the first thing I look for when entering the craft store.  Even if I don’t need any.  
Spelling out my niece and nephews names I positioned the letters on the front covers.  Aubrie’s already had a design so no color was needed for hers.  For the boys I used spray inks.  Use an empty shoe box, it helps control the mess of ink from spreading on the counter.
Using hot glue and a few other coordinating chipboard shapes I put together the covers. Rubberstamps filled in the empty spaces (refer to the opening image).
Sorry, I forgot to take an image of the inside of the book covers.  You can see them in the photos below.  It’s real simple.  I covered the inside with a piece of patterned paper.  They were signed and dated on this portion.
Remember my earlier posts when I was doing the prep work for the pages?  Click here and here if you missed those.  Eight pages (of recycled boxes) is what I decided on for each book.  Front and back that makes 16.  Doesn’t seem like a lot at first, but trust me it’s enough for one book.  Truthfully, these books take time.  But in the end they are SO worth it.  An adorable keepsake they’ll have documenting a part of their life.
The rest of the book is up to you.  Be creative.  I was fortunate enough that my sister visited over the summer {sigh} so I was able to accumulate a lot of photographs of the kids.  Not sure what to use when putting the books together.  Some ideas are right here.  The possibilities are endless.  I’m simply sharing a sample of what I used.
My Dad used his drill to create the three holes that bind the pages together with the covers.  It worked awesome.  I held the book together tight and he lowered the drill press to put the holes in. Recommendation:  These books have three ring clips in each.  And that works great, but for the other three that I’m making four ring binder clips will be used.  It’ll give the book just a little bit more stability.  Again, three work, but I’m going to try four.  Ribbon is another option in place of the clips.
Along the edge of each sheet a strip of sticker paper about an inch wide was attached for extra reinforcement.  I’m speaking of the side that you will be drilling the holes into.  For Cooper’s book (above) The letter C (rubberstamp) was used for his name.  I alternated the C with other stamps.  You could also use patterned paper cut into one inch strips.  Again, be creative.
This was a good project for me because I was able to use all the scrapbook paper that I’ve been collecting over the years.  I say collecting because when a buy all the pretty paper I store it in a nice container for safe keeping.  Fellow craft geeks can relate with this statement.
Stickers?  I like to collect them as well.  Dig your stash out and use them throughout the pages.
I waited until the last minute to put them together.  Why?  Because I work better under pressure. Seriously, why do we wait until the last minute?  I have no answer. The photos were sitting on my table for months and all of the prep work was done as I posted each update. 
I’ll be working on the other three this weekend.  It’s fun making six of them because it allows me to try different techniques with each one.
Now that most of my nieces and nephews are using pencils and crayons perhaps I’ll make them journals using this same concept.  We’ll see what I come up with.  I’m still saving all of my boxes and my stash is quite large.  From time to time my sister sends me a box of her recycled boxes to add to the pile.  Most grateful for those as well.  Along with the boxes of Trader Joes cookies she includes in the package.
Leave me a comment below if you ever made a smash book.  Would love to hear what tools and supplies you used.

DIY Inspiration-The Polaroid Project: Part Two

Alright DIY Craft Geeks! This handmade project was FUN! I made them for four of my nieces and nephews. The older two already know their ABCs. If you missed part one click here.
When I was in the planning stage of this project I was going to out source the printing to a local store in town. The further along that I got I decided to put a little more work into it. It’s handmade so why not have it 100% “hand-made”~

I LOVE THESE PHOTO BOOKS! They are the same ones that I used in the recipe book tutorial I post earlier this week. Another added bonus of using them is that the photos will stay clean and protected. The photo albums can be purchased at Michaels and if you catch them on sale you’ll pay $1. per book.
I always make templates for every project. Makes it easier if I go back and make more later. In this case I’m creating four Polaroid ABC books so the templates are a great time saver.
I first measured a 4×6 piece of black cardstock. This is the base of each photo that will slide into the sleeves of the album. Next, I measured a white piece of glossy photo paper (to give it the shiny effect).
One additional piece of black cardstock was cut to give the Polaroid effect. I used double faced tape to attach everything. Didn’t want to use anything shiny like staples or brads that the kids could potentially pull off and put in their mouth.
Okay, that’s the time consuming part. Twenty six pieces of three different sizes of paper.
I used all of my photography to match each corresponding letter of the alphabet. After sizing each photo to fit into the space a sticker was added. Some photos were printed to big so I utilized Walgreens online print services and ordered wallet sizes for a few. For example you can see the photo of our family below. I couldn’t fit it in the space so I ordered wallet size version. Worked just fine. If you’re into graphics you can easily adjust each photo to be the same size. 
I used the same image that I shared with you in part one of this project for the book cover.  You can see the cover in the image above.  Adding some color cardstock and scalloped edges with the scissors.
I added the “is for…” myself.  
The album holds 36 photos so obviously I had extra openings.  After searching through my incredibly large supply of scrapbook paper I found one that went with the theme of the book.  I scanned the whole sheet and then cropped a 4×6 section to create the print.  I liked the shine of the gloss paper to accent well with the others.  Again, you can do whatever you want here.  
On the back cover I add my own little message for the recipients.
Hardy decided to hang out with me throughout the entire process of assembling the books.
It was a late night and included a lot of paper cutting.
But so worth the final product!

Make your own using photos that the child will recognize. Learning their ABCs will be so much fun.
Did you enjoy this project? Feel free to “pin” it and share the love.

DIY Inspiration-The Polaroid Project: Part One

©JenniferSchultingPhotography2012
I have friends on Facebook doing a countdown until Christmas. Every time I come across their post I have a minor meltdown. I have so many projects that need to be completed. Serious discipline and dedication is needed right now. Once I get a project going I’m good. It’s the “starting” is where I struggle. Permission to kick! Perhaps this post will be the “start” that I’m looking for.
I’ll be outsourcing the printing portion, so to avoid the holiday rush of locals at the Copy & Print Center, I need to get this one going. If it sounds like I’m repeating myself it’s because I am. The more I hear it the more motivated I become. It’s working…
Did you know?
The Polaroid Corporation was founded in 1937 by Edwin Land. He developed the first Polaroid Land Camera. Seventy five years later we are still enjoying the cameras. Read more history here.  
When’s the last time you used a Polaroid camera? I came across these two photos of Taz and 2Pac (previous fur-kids) when I was cleaning my office. Doing the math in my head I come up with the number eight. Eight years ago I took these with my Polaroid Camera. They were found tucked away in a box for safe keeping. *sigh*
It was discovering these two photos that got the wheels spinning in my brain.  
Therefore, I present to you…The Polaroid Project.

I’m putting together a collection of my photography that correspond with each letter of the alphabet. You know, A is for Apple, D is for Dog. Get it? I’m creating each page to look like a Polaroid.
My target audience?

I have six nieces and nephews who will love this. They all love books and plus they will recognize a lot of the photos that I’m using. A creative way to make learning fun.
Want a camera for yourself? Here’s a couple of sources for ya.
JuniperHome on Etsy has an awesome collection of cameras. Here’s one of their Polaroids.
Film? No problem. The Impossible Project has plenty. Beware! If your a “photography geek” such as myself, you will get easily distracted on their website, and their blog, and in their shop…You were warned!  
How about this one? FalconandFinch’s Etsy shop also offers the film for this camera.
Okay, gotta go, I’ve got a book to put together. And the countdown to Christmas continues (silent scream).
P.S.  I also have a new product that will be making an appearance in the Vintage shop in Galena, IL. Do you see them somewhere in this post? My first batch turned out so cute that I’m keeping them. So, I’ll be making more.  
P.S.S.  Smash books are moving along as well. I’ll be posting an update soon. Finally figured out what I wanted to use for the covers. 
Read Part Two of The Polaroid Project here.

DIY Inspiration: Smash Book Progress

©JenniferSchultingPhotography2012
I’m extremely excited yet overly tired.  Honestly, I could fall asleep within 30 seconds of hitting the pillow.  First I want to share an update regarding the Smash Books.  If your new to the blog, *thanks* for visiting.  Also, read here for the history behind this awesome handmade project.
I’ve got three piles of cutouts ready to go.  Huge piles.  I surprised myself at how much I’ve collected for this.  Every page in the book isn’t going to be the exact same size.  Why?  Because I hate to measure and I don’t want to take the time to cut again.  I’ve spent enough time with the scissors for the prep work.  And it doesn’t matter if they match.  I’ve got an idea to make each page fit within the book.  It was inspired by a child’s toy that I saw in the store.  I’ll share more when I approach that step.  
I also kept the odd pieces from each box that I broke down.  Not sure where they will fit in, but I couldn’t throw them away.
That’s all folks.  Girl needs sleep.  Check back tomorrow for Friday’s Top 10 List (I’ve made new connections and found some goodies from around the web).  On Saturday I’ll show you what supplies I’ve gathered to place in the books.  Everyday oddities that are inexpensive yet creative. 
Until the next word…
~Jennifer 

DIY Outdoor Inspiration: Mini Makeover Using Fabric Landscaping and River Rocks

This project was pretty simple.  It revolves around one grueling task.  Pulling weeds.  Having three dogs I don’t use chemicals in any area within the yard.  When it came time to empty my Grandma’s house I wanted to have items that I could use.  These six river rocks were from her front yard.  I positioned them along the garage and then took a step back to observe the view.  It’s like they were meant for this space. 
I’ve had them for a couple of years in this location.  I took the photo above at the beginning of Spring this year.  Doesn’t the space look terrible? The white rock was here when I moved in.  I added the mulch and over time with the rain the mulch ran everywhere.  And then the weeds came.
I use the fabric landscaping in the garden every year.  So I decided to use it here as well.  Why didn’t I think of this earlier?  Anyway, I pulled out the weeds one last time and raked the leftover mulch and white rock mixture out.  Removing all of that made the space a little deeper.  I cut a strip of fabric to fill the space and returned the rocks back into their spot.  Looks better already.
I have a love/hate relationship with mulch.  So, I flipped a coin on weather or not to use it again in this space.  
The weight of the rocks and mulch do a good job of holding down the fabric.  I added two garden pins, one at each end, for additional security.  I’m happy with it.  {For this year}
*****
Before I end my day to relax with my boys I want to share a picture of what I used this space for the year I moved in.  
Have you ever seen those cans of wildflower seeds they sell in the garden center?  They cost around four or five dollars.  Just sprinkle and water.  I was in complete disbelief that anything would actually grow.  
And then I got a forest of flowers!  And several bees came along with them.  They grew taller than me and took over the sidewalk.  I had to use fishing line to hold them back up against the garage. This was a one time experiment.  Never again will I buy a can of wildflower seeds. 
This was a table arrangement that I made from the wildflowers.  Pretty?  Sure, but they are called wildflowers for a reason.

DIY Recycling Inspiration: Galvanized Vintage Basin Into a Flower Pot

This basin was given to me from my mom (last summer).  My dad was going to throw it out because it was just taking up space in their garage.  I immediately said “YES” and knew right away what I wanted to do with it.  
I wanted it to take up space in my garage!  Truth be told it did get lost (buried) among everything else .  It wasn’t until this past April that I was able to pull it out and put it to use.  I had the idea of placing a plant inside of it, but wasn’t sure if I should replant one in the bottom?  Or just place the pot inside?  I chose the second option.  Less dirt and much easier. Keep things simple, right?
I cut the hose that was attached to the bottom.  It was long, unattractive, and the dogs kept pulling at it.  The basin rests in the corner of the deck where it can still drain down in between the wood panels.
To give the plant some height, I placed the top of a plant stand in the bottom.  One leg was already missing and it was headed for the garbage so I pulled the remaining ones off.  I hate to throw something away if I can find a use for it elsewhere.  It worked perfect!  You can pick up these plant stands at your local dollar stores.
I never realized the rust until I edited the photos for this post.  It may of come from what was in it while in the garage, but I’ll definitely bring it back in for the winter.  I have no experience when using metal items outdoors, so if there is something I should treat it with please share in the comment section below.  Thanks.
This was the other project I was using the double impatiens for.  Remember the post where I transformed the vintage beverage crate into a flower pot?  I used the same plant there as well.  If you missed that post, click here.
As I water the plant everyday I check the drain so that water doesn’t sit in the bottom of the basin.  So far so good. As the plant blooms it expands over the sides.  Exactly what I hoped it would do.
P.S.  This basin would also make a great place to grow an herb or salsa garden.  I’m considering that for next year.  I found a helpful resource in regards to planting food in them.  Completely unaware that you should paint the inside to protect the plants from any possible metal reaction.  Learn something new everyday.  Here’s the link from eHow Home:
 http://www.ehow.com/how_5730657_garden-galvanized-tubs.html?ref=Track2&utm_source=ask

DIY Recycling Inspiration: Instant Flower Pot Using a Vintage Beverage Crate

I can honestly say that this recycling project is my favorite (so far)!  My Mom found these awesome vintage beverage crates at a garage sale and gave me three of them.  I wish I had more of these because they would make an awesome gift.  My eyes will be wide open on my next picking adventure.  Remember the other two I used to create an end table in my living room?  If you missed that post, click here.  
Supplies that I used for this project:  One crate, polyurethane, foam brush, disposable gloves, cardboard from the recycling bin, and a plant. 
The box clearly has a “vintage look” in it’s natural state.  It’ll go outdoors, so that’s where the polyurethane comes in. I wanted to add some additional protection for the crate itself.  You can see from the picture below that it already has a built in drain on the bottom. I sanded it down a bit first before painting it.      
I went with the Fast-Drying Semi-Gloss.  Worked like a charm.
I was surprised to find these pink double impatiens at 50% off already.  Scored two plants for $5.49 each.  I used the other one for another project. Full of color and lots of buds ready to bloom.
I pulled a box out of the recycling bin to use as my work surface.  Using a foam brush and disposable gloves I applied two coats of the polyurethane.  Highly recommend doing this outdoors due to the fumes.  I applied extra to the interior bottom of the box, since this will be where the plant will rest.
I painted the box in the morning and by the time I got home from work that afternoon is was dry and ready to go.  I snipped the wire hanger off that was on the plant.  The container fit perfectly down into the box.  Who measures anything?  Not this girl.  Usually I just eyeball it.  
I thought about replanting in the box, but after some consideration this way works just fine.  And there’s no mess.
LOVE IT!
Enjoy what is left of this comfortable and cool Friday evening.  Excited to be heading to the local farmers market tomorrow.  Perhaps I’ll have another “What’s On My Plate” recipe to share with you. Due to my previous work schedules I was unable to attend last year. Rain or shine, I will be there in the morning!

DIY Instant Flower Pots Using Recycled Cement Bricks

Here’s an easy recycling project for you to do.  These are the bricks that I got from a friend last year.  I don’t have much knowledge in regards to flowers, so I just pick what looks good together and go with it.  This year I chose begonias and dusty miller plants.  I thought I was paying attention to the sun requirements, only to notice that one of them requires full sun.  The bricks rest on the sidewalk where there is part sun.  Oh well, hopefully they’ll survive.  (Update, yes they both did well)
After weeding out what was left in the bricks from last year I added some additional top soil and then the plants.  Going with an every other pattern placement gave them an interesting look.  

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