Tuesday Tutorials

I haven't done a tutorial post in a long time! Sorry guys! Here are a couple I've found along the way. I'm definitely trying out the suspended jars. I just love it!

Suspended Jars

Frame Decals

How-To Tuesday

To keep with the vintage theme, here are some tutorial posts that use vintage materials:

Vintage Bra Wristlet at Craft Chi

Rag Rug at the Vintage Chica

Vintage Pillowcase Lunchbox from Oh, Fransson!

Vintage Wallpaper Secretaries at Needle Book

Tuesday Tutorials

Today I'm having fun with paper. I can't wait to buy the typography calendar at work so I can make this lampshade!

From Carpe + Item

Paper Frames over at Hambly Screen Prints Blog

Recycled Album Fans from LoriMarsha

Tuesday Tutorials

And speaking of doilies, I found this semi-tutorial over at MeggieCat.

I love these clever ideas from DIY Maven for recycling kitchen items to keep your office tidy.

Look What You Made!

It's Tuesday and that means lots of fun stuff to get our creative juices flowing. You know I tried really hard to make a tutorial for you every week but my wallet and sanity just couldn't bear it. So next best thing?! I search around for some of the most fun tutorials out there and collect them for you right here! You know if you ever end up doing one of these bad boys I'd love to hear about it and see the outcome!

Pretty Little Dove from one of my new favorite bloggers - Tissuepapers.

Butteryfly Mobile from Ali Edwards
Japanese Knot Bag at Show Your Workings

How to Make Your Living Room More Interesting from Magpie&Cake - I used to do this all the time to my dorm room in college.

That should hold ya for a week or so!

Look What You Made!

I'm sorry I've been such a bad blog buddy today. I haven't been feeling well lately so I took the day off to get better. The bad thing about that is my internet connection is not so hot at home. But I'm here. I made it!

Here are a few fun tutorials I found in this week that reuse materials you may have lying around the house. Have fun!

Patchwork Sewing Basket from Little Thing

Flower pot/vase from tape spools at House of Art

Pincushion from a walnut shell at Tinta e Linha

Look What I Made..

Ok so I didn't actually make anything. I haven't had time to work on anything outside of actual work this week. So here is a little collection of other people's projects -

1.














You know I'm hot for some chandelier action. This Milky Way Outdoor Chandelier isn't really what I had in mind but it's still pretty snazzy.

2.

I love this thrift-store coffee table turned bench over at Design for Mankind.


3.

Another great way to use recycled newspaper!

A green theme in honor of The Greenies 2008!

Tuesday How-to...

I was inspired by Martie's terrariums at Space Design that were recently posted about on Designer's Library. They remind me of the constant gatherer's amazing creations (especially Ms. Virginia Deer - hint hint - Valentine's Day anyone?). So I decided to find myself a guide on how to make these buddies real cheap. I found a helpful how-to on Inhabitat and an e-how video. I wanted to try and create a little east coast garden since all I've seen since moving to San Diego are succulants and palm trees. I got an aspargus fern, maidenhair fern, and some spotted foliage. My container turned out to be too small or my plants too big so I'll have to spread them out between containers. I have so much pebbles, soil, and moss left over though I can probably spend the rest of the week making different terrariums.

All of the terrarium how-to pages I read said to make sure the plants were compatible - no cacti with something that needs a lot of water or light sun plants with full sun plants.

1. Get all your containers nice and clean. I used a tall vase I already had in the house and I bought a small fish tank from the petstore for $5.

2. Add an inch of pebbles (pet store might have these but I found mine at the garden center) and a shallow layer of charcoal (from the pet store in the aquarium section with the filter stuff - do not use BBQ charcoal!). The charcoal keeps the stank out.

3. Add a layer of spagnum moss (garden center had this) and enough soil to cover the roots of your plants. I think I got a little over zealous with the pebbles and the moss so I would recommend not using too much. I had to use a lot of soil to get my plants' roots covered and that took up quite a bit of room. Apparently my layers are supposed to settle in a couple weeks.

4. Shake off any dirt that might be on your plants' roots before planting it in your container. That way you aren't using up more room than you need. If your container is big enough, make a space with your fingers or if your container is too small you can use chopsticks. Make sure your plants roots are nicely covered.

5. After all your plants are in there you can decorate with rocks or shells (or Buddha). I'm going to find some little animals to live in there. Maybe some deer and a rabbit.

6. Give your new terrarium some water but not too much. I used the cup that came with my iron since it has a nice spout and I can get just the right amount of water in there. Don't water these plants as much as you normally would since they are built to keep moisture in.

And that's it. I'm going to give this another go sometime soon. It was fun making it and picking out the plants. My next terrarium will definitely have some carniverous guys and maybe an orchid or african violet.