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…

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: Inexpensive Holiday Arrangement Of Ornaments

Easy, festive, inexpensive, and takes less than five minutes to put together.  Keep reading!
Have you ever purchased ornaments with the intention of hanging them on the tree, but they stayed in the holiday box year after year?  
Several years ago I found this adorable tube of assorted Christmas balls at Old Navy.  The holiday was over so they only cost me $1.99 (love those clearance bins).  We’ve all made purchases simply off of the “they looked cute” method.  Right?
When I first moved into my house I noticed these swag hooks in various spots in the house.  The first thing that comes to mind when I see them is those plants that hang in a hand knitted holder.  Remember those?  Throughout the years I’ve found uses for those hooks.
Using various lengths of ribbon I strung each of the ornaments.  I wanted the bold colors to pop, so I chose a cream colored ribbon to hang them with. 
And there they hang.  In the corner of my living room.  You could also hang them above a doorway.  Or on the hardware that opens your closet.  I would recommend choosing one that you don’t open a lot, especially if the ornaments are made of glass.  My dogs don’t bother them because they hang so high.  Not sure if they’re cat proof.  They may think your hanging up toys to play with in passing.  
Need a quick gift for someone who just moved into a new house and doesn’t have a lot of holiday decor?  How about someone that is away at college?  The arrangement would be small enough not to take up much room.  Hostess gift?  Giveaway at a holiday craft show?  Please stop me, because I could give you ideas all night.
Okay, one more.  Do you find yourself buying new ornaments every year and then you don’t know what to do with the old ones?  Pass them along to your kids when they move out on their own.
Have fun!  Perhaps I’ll hit the clearance bins again this year.  They would look cute in our shop in Galena, IL.  
Tomorrow I’ll be in the kitchen again.  Baking more goodies for the gift bags.  This time I’ll be adding a little twist to a traditional recipe.  Chocolate?  Of course!  I’ll be posting the recipe here when they’re finished.  Are you baking this year?  
Until the next word…
~Jennifer

DIY: Inexpensive Holiday Air Fresheners

I hung this bag above a heating vent next to my supply of ribbon.
I did some shopping today for holiday decorations.  As I approached the Christmas department the aroma of cinnamon grew stronger.  There they were.  A huge box of cinnamon-scented pine cones.  Many people were complaining on how strong it smelled, but I loved it!
Some people place them near the heating vents in their house to add the scent to the airflow when the furnace would kick in.  I thought about that but was quickly reminded that my precious fur-kids may grab, travel, and chew them.
Then an idea popped in my head.  Organza bags!  I could place the scented pine cones in the bags to hang high enough that the dogs can’t reach them.  You can find the bags at your local Dollar Stores or for larger quantities, check with Michaels or Hobby Lobby.
I’ve been wanting to change the decor in my bathroom for quite some time.  These three nails have been on the wall with nothing to accompany them.  The bags fit perfectly.
One of the pine cones was so large that it didn’t fit in the bag.  I found a home for it right next to my turntable system.  The design on the shelving unit holds it upright so that it won’t fall off.
There you go, simple and inexpensive.  These would also make a nice gift for someone on your list.  Just make sure that they can handle the aroma (and aren’t allergic) .  At first when I took the pine cones out of their netting the aroma was strong.  The bags offer a slight shield for them, but you can still smell the scent of cinnamon.
Time to get back to the Smash books I’m creating for my nieces and nephews.  I’ll be posting a update soon to show you their progress.  Polaroid Project?  Yep, working on that one as well.  My life isn’t normal unless I have my hands into everything. 
Last minute ideas for Christmas gifts?  Wrapping tips?  Lots of fun projects coming soon.
Until the next word…
~Jennifer     
(I think it’s time to switch up the signature.  Don’t you?)

Saturday Night at the Laundromat

The local streets were filling up with people in their Halloween costumes earlier this evening.  Me?  I was gathering the dirty clothes to visit the laundromat.  Yep, I went and did the laundry.  Total geek I am.  I really don’t get into the whole dressing up and bar hopping deal.  I prefer to stay at home with the boys.  
There was only one other person there along with the attendant.  Peaceful I must say.  Then my mind started to spin as I watched the dryers.  Christmas is less than two months away and I’ve got so much to get done.  So, I made a list.  The majority of my gifts will be handmade.  With the exception of a few electronic devices that I purchased for my nieces and nephews.  They love the gadgets as well.
I’ve got everything in order in my home studio as to what goes with what.  I have to stay organized.  Now, which pile do I initiate first?  That’s the question.  Is this where I have a complete meltdown?  Take a deep breath with me…
P.S.  Look at the top row of dryers above, third one over.  What do you see?  I see an image of a dog.  Crazy right?  Kinda looks like House.
Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Handmade Vintage Apron for Someone Special

How cute is this material?  The pattern has been sitting on my “To Do” list for way too long.  The pieces are even cut out and ready to go.  It was suppose to be a Christmas gift for my niece last year.  My goal is to have it in the mail by Monday.  We all have goals, right?  And when we tell others what they are it motivates us to work harder to meet them.  Agree?
My niece, Maggie, loves to spend time in the kitchen cooking.  This will be perfect for her.  My Mom had the vintage material in her stash.  It’s made from bark cloth.  Sweet!
Wish me luck!
Until the next word…
~Jennifer   

Look What I Found (Again)

Walking out my back door yesterday I noticed another batch of baby birds.  This is the second set of three for the Mama Robin this season.  I call her Mama Bird.
It surprises me that she continues to use this nest given the fact that there are three dogs running wild in the yard.  They really don’t notice her at all (and that’s a good thing).
And how about that *handmade* nest?  You can see where she added on from last years.  A little nerve wrecking being by the live wires, but what can I do?
P.S.  Don’t forget to check back tomorrow for Friday’s Top 10 List. I’ve also updated my images for the shop in Galena (IL).  As I was doing this a business tip came to mind.  No worries, I will share.
Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Handmade and Recycling: Using Your Creative Style

I’m in the process of gathering all my supplies to make some domino jewelry.  Yes, a lot of people make them.  There’s also a lot of card designers out there as well.  Hasn’t put a wrench into my creativity.  We all have our own personal style.  I share my stories and projects with you in hopes to give you inspiration and maybe trigger your creative talents.  Or perhaps just to entertain you with my crazy dog lover stories.  Either way I’m happy your here.

Being a handmade artist has many benefits.  First, it makes gift giving all the more fun.  I have two nieces and four nephews to spoil.  They are my very own little testing market for all things handmade.  Have you ever given a gift and the recipient asked where you got it?  Remember the look on their face when you told them that you made it.  Both priceless and rewarding.  Second, it’s a BIG stress reliever.  I saw this quote used as a tattoo, “Art is the solution to chaos”.  So true!  Third, if you can mix recycling in your work, it’s a win-win situation.  I could go on and on with the benefits.

Okay, back to the jewelry.  I came across two vintage sets at a flea market, one black and the other ivory. At first I was going to use them to outline the edges of my recycled tire table that I have on my deck.  If you missed that post, click here.  I’m still looking for ideas with that project. Not sure what I’m going to put on the dominos.  Photos, quotes, embellishments.  Brainstorming ways to incorporate the number of dots on one side to match the theme on the other side.  We’ll see what I come up with.

P.S.  I scored this really cool metal pantry cabinet at a garage sale last weekend.  I’ll share the pics and the story next time.  I must find a place for it in my studio.

~Jennifer

Recycled Beadboard DIY Project

LOVE IT!  Something old with something new

This recycling project has been on my list for over 2 years, seriously!  I picked up the IKEA towels during my first visit to their store after dropping off my sister at the airport in Chicago (Julie, you will know how long this has been).

And can you believe that it took us less than 30 minutes to complete from start to finish?  When I say us I’m referring to my dad.  I presented the idea to him and asked what tools he had available to help me out.  I had the blueprint in my head, three vintage spoons, and three super cool cotton linens with hooks on them.  The only piece I was missing was an old board.  My mom suggested using beadboard.  My dad found a piece in the basement and it was the perfect size.  I used sandpaper to give it a distressed look.

Beadboard with three vintage spoons

I don’t have much experience with tools, especially those with power, so I left that part for my dad.  Using a hammer he flattened the spoons.  As you can see in the photo below it gave them an even more aged look.

Spoon on the right flattened with hammer
Using his vise tool he tightened the spoons in place and bent them back with a clamp to create the hook.
I eyeballed a location on the beadboard for each spoon to be attached.  As with my handmade cards, I hate to measure.  I just wing it!
Almost done…

He added the hardware to hang the finished piece.  I asked him to sign the back.  I suggested that he should make some more to sell in the Vintage shop in Galena, IL.  I got the same smirk from when I asked him to sign the board.  Perhaps I’ll just get some additional spoons and place them on the workbench.

I thought about hanging photos from the hooks as well.  Making a frame out of transparency paper around a photo.  Then adding a hook with fishing line.  Lots of possibilities.
Total investment = $5.30.  
$5. for the three IKEA linens and .30 cents for the spoons (antique store).  The piece of board and hardware was given to me.
A BIG “thank you” to my dad for helping me with this project.
P.S.
I’m trying to convince him to help me build a sofa table.  Just a few simple pieces of wood for the base and legs along with some nails.  I’m sure there’s something out there I can recycle and create the table.  I need it for in front of my picture window in the living room.  My dogs love to jump into it every time there is movement outside.  And the exercise bike and tv trays that I have there now don’t look attractive at all.  I’ll keep you posted on what I find.  Any suggestions?  Please share in the comment section below.
P.S.S
Another goal off of my resolution list has been met!
Enjoy your evening.
~Jennifer    

For The Love of Twilight

Hardy had a Twilight themed party for his 4th birthday, two years ago.  Bad Mommy lost the pictures.  Good Mommy had to recreate the party to get the pictures again. No one with four legs complained of a second celebration within the same year.  Bad Mommy lost the disk, again.
Well, I’m happy to report that I finally found the disk.  Therefore, I’m sharing them with you before I lose it…again.
Yes, I’m a soon-to-be 40 year old Twilight fan.
I found these Vip Vampire passes on Ebay that you can have customized to fit your event.  You had to order at least a set of 4, so I have one for myself.
Hardy was a good sport in wearing his.  Perhaps he knew bread (his favorite) and apples were involved.
Disco posed proudly for the camera.  He’s pretty easy going with his owner’s crazy schemes.
And then there’s House.  Whenever he has anything “foreign” around his neck, other than his leash, his ear sticks out.  He played along though.
You can’t have a party without balloons and snacks.  Yes, those are Edward balloons.  Another Ebay find.  My boys may look like they are team Jacob, but truly we are all team Edward.  Sliced apples are their favorite.  I found my version of a wolf (really the tag said horse) and made peanut butter cut out sandwiches for them.
Everyone had a great time.
Have you ever had a birthday party for your dogs?  Share your experiences in the comment section below.
~Jennifer