how to

October 24, 2017

How to create your own hashtag pumpkin for halloween

Here’s a simple DIY project that you can complete in less than 10 minutes. That’s right 10 minutes and under $10 bucks!

Last week I was in the grocery store staring at this huge pallet of pumpkins. Surprisingly they caught my eye since I never really got into the whole pumpkin carving tradition. Perhaps because they seem to spoil so quickly once being cut into.

I’ve seen where people decorate with puffy stickers and various other characters but that didn’t fit my style. That’s when an idea popped into my head.

A hashtag pumpkin. That’s it! I’ll create a hashtag pumpkin only I’ll substitute the knife with a paintbrush.

I ran to Michaels to pick up some paintbrushes and black acrylic paint. Grabbed a 5×7 piece of white paper from the recycle bin and I was all set.

After gathering the supplies, I’ve listed in the image above, here’s what you do next.

Wipe off the pumpkin with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt.
Squeeze a nice amount of paint onto the piece of paper. Depending on how many pumpkins you’re creating will determine how much you need. Using the paintbrush, practice your hashtag on the paper first. This step is not necessary but I found it helpful in deciding which paint brush to use.
Then simply apply the hashtag to the pumpkin.
Allow the paint to dry and you’re done! You can also turn the pumpkin around and paint another hashtag on the backside.

Simple right? And the best part is that it’ll last longer than a carved pumpkin. #winning

Total cost for this project was approximately $8.85. The pumpkin was @2.99, paint .89 cents, brushes 2., and the various gourds were .99 cents each.

Stay tuned for more creative DIY projects. I’ve got several ideas where I focus solely on my obsession with hashtags. 🙂

Until the next project…

May 7, 2015

DIY Landscaping Tips & Ideas: Hosta Plants

Over the next couple of months I’ll be sharing some tips and ideas with you that I use in my own flower garden(s). I can show you that with a little imagination and a few bucks your flower beds will look awesome. Who doesn’t love a fun DIY project? Especially when it involves being outside in the fresh air.

First up, hosta plants. I love hostas! The simple fact that they’re low maintenance is all I need to hear. Plus, when they outgrow their space you can just chop them in half (or fourths) and plant elsewhere.

I had this little area of grass in front of my garage. It was a nuisance to mow so it was given a new look. My neighbor was selling hostas at her garage sale for $1. Score! My parents decided to update their landscaping and no longer needed the lava rocks they were using. Another score!

I wait until the end of Winter (when all of the snow melts) before trimming the dead leaves off of the plants. And that’s it. Mother Nature takes care of the rest.

UPDATE: 5-30-15

As you can see in the image below the hostas are doing well. Exceptionally well! There are four plants total in this space, but one of them is hidden so I should relocate that one. Come Fall, the other three will be divided up and placed in other areas around the house.

May 19, 2013

DIY Inspiration: Outdoor Patio Idea

I look at my yard as an extension of my house. Complete with all the comforts on what’s inside. Here’s a simple DIY project I put together in less than 10 minutes.

Along with the comfort comes the maintenance. Adam purchased a brand new grill last week. I wanted to come up with an idea to not have to move it off the lawn every time the grass was cut. It was such a hassle to do last year.

I love patio bricks. All the creative shapes and colors. I went for the simple look here. Picked out twelve of them and placed them in a square.

They were laid in the grass right after I mowed it. If you want you could remove some of it to help them settle into the ground a little more. I figure over the years they’ll do just that along with help from the weight of the grill.

I left enough space that the lawn mower can move comfortably around each side. And it works like a charm.

Pretty easy! And it costs less than $25.

March 12, 2013

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