Eightymillion

A DIY craft and photography blog. Dogs included.

New Blog Series: Five Friday Favorites

Welcome to my new series titled, Five Friday Favorites!  I decided to give my previous Top 10 List a makeover and this is what I came up with.  Same concept, with a few changes.  
Everyday while surfing the web I come across so many things that entertain, inspire, and educate me.  So, I’m choosing five of those to share with you here.  Enjoy!
P.S.  The image above is where the idea to post five came from.  I pass these trees several times throughout my weekly travels.  I have a serious obsession with trees.  The first step is admitting you have a problem, right?
This guy turns OCD hoarding into amazing photographs. {Photo credit: Wired.com}
Wouldn’t you love to get a piece of cake in the mail?  Make your own right here.  {Photo credit: She Knows Living}
As a card designer, this article made me smile.  {Photo credit: Inc.com}
The first selfie?  Perhaps, but what caught my attention is the vintage camera!  {Photo credit: npr blog}
An outdoor day bed?  PLEASE!  {Photo credit: apprenticeextrovert.blogspot.com}
Until next the next word…
~Jennifer

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…

Friday’s Top 10 Link List: 7-12-13 {Christmas in July on Etsy}

It’s hard to believe that we are less than six months from Christmas.  This week’s list is all about those shops on Etsy than run sales this time of the year.  Please be sure to check their shop announcements (and item descriptions) for coupon codes and the exact dates in July as to when the sales are active.  Some of them are already marked down and no coupon code is needed! 
Enjoy!
*****
Chucklehounds, 10% off entire shop.
christystudio, 15% off with coupon code (in item description).
sadshop, 50% this card set.  Select the July Sale section for more deals.
OldBox, the entire shop is on sale.
connectionsbymaya, 25% off entire store.
LinenandLife, 15% with coupon code (in item description).
KottageKreations, type Christmas in July in her search box for a page full of deals.
atopdrawer, 15% off entire store.
piddix, select her Sales section for awesome CIJ deals.
BeautySpot, 30% off 100+ items.  Select “FINAL SALE” section.
*****
Until the next word…
~Jennifer

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Friday’s Top 10 Link List: 6-14-13 (Last Minute Father’s Day Gifts)

Don’t panic.  Father’s Day is in two days.  Lost for ideas?  Here’s ten quick and easy ones.

*****
Give him a cool shirt along with a massage.  All packaged together.  Very creative!
Cubicle snacks.
Photo gift to document child’s age and interests.  Love this!
DIY: 52 Reasons.
Beanbags out of Instagram photos?  Unique.
Remote control cookie.
Gift card holder created from a jean pocket.
Handmade dominos.
Does your Dad like Jack Daniels?  Try this Jack and Coke cake.

Stamped washer keychain.

*****

Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Friday’s Top 10 List: Etsy Favorites

I’ve been working hard on getting new handmade cards into my Etsy shop.  It’s been on vacation mode for awhile.  
And then something strange happened.  I got lost in all the amazing shops on Etsy.  It completely sidetracked me from the original mission.  Has that ever happened to you?
Therefore, I’m showcasing ten of my favorite items.  Of course the list is much longer, but this way I can sum up all the time I spent as research for the blog.  
 Enjoy!
*****
Vintage Camera Lens Necklace from ThePendantGarden.
Triangle tote from arounna.
Vintage Pyrex Dish from Stylefinds.
Handmade Dog News Dress from Pinkybomb.
NYC Pillow Cover from NestaHome.
Clutch purse from cutiegirlie.
Linen skirt pants from idea2lifestyle.
Grey tea towel type design from Printshack.
Camera shirt from theboldbanana.
Vinyl wall clock from Anantalo.
*****
Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Friday’s Top 10 List: 4-26-13 (Mother’s Day Inspiration Part One)

I’m happy to report that Spring has finally “Sprung” here in the Midwest!  Clap, cheer, or heck do a cartwheel!  The ten day forecast looks amazing.  I have some days off coming and will be spending them in the yard with the boys.  The blueprint for the garden is coming along and I can’t be more excited.
Mother’s Day is right around the corner so for the next two weeks I’ll be sharing some ideas and inspiration on the weekly Top 10 List.  I’ll be continuing my Mom’s tradition that she did for her Mom.  If you missed that post click here.
Enjoy the list and have a great weekend!
*****
Do you shop on Etsy?  Here’s an adorable Treasury dedicated to your Mom’s special day.

Recycle a bucket and give her flowers.  Great idea!
“Less Dishes” concept.  Be sure to grab the free printable tag to include with the gift.
Create a silhouette chalkboard.  Adorable!
Text art.  You can pick up these frames for around $5.00 at Walmart.
DIY Baby masks.  How cute are these?
Give her a coupon book.  Endless possibilities with these books.
Hot off the press!  Her very own newspaper!
Pack your gift in a plastic two liter bottle.  Very resourceful and creative!
Dig out some photos and put together a memory jar.
*****
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.

Friday’s Top 10 List 12-7-12 (Stocking Stuffers)

Holiday Decor in Galena, IL (All That’s Vintage)

Have you ever seen such a large pinecone? Makes you wonder how big the tree is that it came from.
With Christmas getting so close this will be my last Top 10 List in which I feature gift ideas.  For the remaining two weeks I’ll be giving you ideas for last minute DIY handmade gifts, holiday recipes (appetizers), wrapping inspiration, and so much more.  No worries, the Top 10 list isn’t going away, I’ll go back to sharing what I find interesting around the web.  It’s been a pleasure to feature so many talented Etsy artists.  I’ve met some wonderful people and picked up a few things for myself along the way.  I love being part of the handmade community and always willing to show my support for other artists.
Plans for the weekend?  In between my work schedule I’ll be baking more holiday treats.  Check back this weekend for the last two recipes and decorating ideas.  Trying something new this year with the traditional sugar cookies.

Enjoy my finds from Etsy.com.  All $25. and under.  I would like several of these myself.

*****
Eco Friendly Wool Dryer Balls from saltairstudio.
Bohemian Headband from BloomDesignStudio.
Vinyl Record Tie Tack from KatieBelleDesign.
Elephant Mini Button Tote Bag from handmadebykep.
Upcycled Burlap and Fabric Coffee Cup Sleeve Set from SandBagsDesigns.
Polka Dot Dog Collar from BowWowCouture.
Mason Jar Drinking Tumbler from PoppyandPearlCo.
Tree of Life Mala Bracelet from BohemianEarthDesigns.
Luggage Tag from RACHELelise.
Toothpick Keeper Key Ring from ClaybyKim.
*****
Until the next word…
~Jennifer

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?)