Make it: Last Minute Halloween Pumpkin

Hi Everyone!

I can't believe its 2 more days til Halloween! Being the last minute person that I am, I just bought my pumpkins 2 days ago from Trader Joe's. Our crew is supposed to decorate these for the store (how come I still see 4 naked pumpkins on the counter?!?) Someone's gonna get a beatdown! Haha, Just kidding, I would never ever do that! I kept debating whether to carve or not to carve, use massive glitter or bling it out with rhinestones. But then, I saw the most amazing painted pumpkins from this blog: Alisa Burke Redefining Creativity and had to try to make it for myself.

You still have time! Here's what you'll need:

1 - Pumpkin

1 - Primer Spray Paint

1 - Gloss Spray Paint

1 - 4 Tulip Fabric Paint

Here's what ya do:

1) Wipe down and dry your lovely pumpkin

2) Spray the pumpkin with primer. DON'T SKIP THIS STEP or you're life will be ruined forever! The primer preps the smooth surface so the spray paint adheres better. 

3) After you completely covered the pumpkin with primer (it may take up to 2 coats), let it dry for a few hours. Go read a book! or wash the dishes or something...

4) Now spray the entire pumpkin with your glossy spray paint. I used glossy in celery color. I just wanted a hint of color but you can use any color and any sheen you like. Wait for first coat to dry and spray second coat.

5) Take one of your fabric pens and start doodling! I used white first and then silver, gold and last is black.
My base design was white and then it got alot easier after that because all you're doing is accenting. So you can go crazy!

6) Let it dry overnite and then you're done!
Since this is a no carve pumpkin, it won't mold in a week like the other ones. Hopefully it'll last way past Halloween and maybe you can even use it as a centerpiece for you scrumptious Thanksgiving dinner! (Is that wishful thinking or what?!?)

Til next time: keep making, keep creating, keep doing!

Nori
Speedy's Hardware
www.speedyshardware.com

Make it: Chalkboard Craft - the Chalky Clipboard

Everyday I pass by the paint section of my hardware store and that dreaded chalkboard paint always calls out to me for attention! My countless hours in the diy section of Pinterest turns up at least 50 different ways to use this black as midnight paint. Black paint always scared me, I have no idea why. Maybe because it reminds me of being out in the woods with no flashlight or wandering around aimlessly in my dreams with no shoes on. But, as I was perusing Flipboard (another one of my all time favorite apps) I noticed in the background of a home decor magazine the most clever idea for chalkboard paint I've seen: the chalky clipboard! And I said to myself, I can totally handle this. So I gathered the very few materials I needed and jumped right in. The chalkboard paint wasn't so scary. And I didn't even get a drop on the white shirt I was wearing! Here's super duper easy project you can do in no time flat! 

You'll need the following:

1 - clipboard

1 - paint brush

1 - chalkboard paint

1 - painters tape

Here's what you do:

Place painters tape around perimeter of clipboard. You can use any width tape you like. I used 1" but you can use a thinner one. And you should use painters tape because it comes off way easier. Shake your can of chalkboard paint for 30 to 60 sec so all the paint is evenly mixed inside the can.

Use your paintbrush to spread the paint evenly on the clipboard. Some people like to use foam brushes but I used what I had which was a regular old paintbrush with bristles. Go in one direction. Wait for the paint to dry for 1 hour and paint another layer. After the 2nd layer, gently remove the painters tape and let it dry overnight. 

Some people like to rub chalk all over the painted surface and then wipe off so when you write, the chalk can adhere better. I didn't need to do that with this project. The chalk went on pretty smooth. Here's finished product:

Wasn't that super easy? And I'm proud to say that I am no longer afraid of chalkboard paint. It will forever be my friend. 

Til next time: keep making, keep creating, keep doing!

Nori

Speedy's Hardware

www.speedyshardware.com

Make it: Airplant Framed

I'm freakin plant obsessed right now. What brought on this manic behavior , I have no idea. I was cleaning out my closet and found a bunch of white Ikea frames that looked depressed because they had not pictures in them. Well, lo and behold, I saw on my dear Pinterest, an awe inspiring pin that could not be ignored. And being the Pinterest fanatic that I am, I had to hack it! Some genius thought up the idea of displaying airplants in string in a picture frame. You can put airplants practically anywhere and with a little bit of sunlight and regular watering, they'll thrive. Here's what you'll need

1 - picture frame with the glass removed

1 - string of your fave color

A bunch of nails

1 airplant or 2 or 3

Hammer

Do this:

Turn over the picture frame and pound nails all around the perimeter of the frame's backside. Take your string and keep criss crossing to the opposite sides of the frame until you get the design you like. Keep the string taunt. When you're done, secure the string so that it won't unravel. Insert the airplants randomly into your string design. Voila! You just created your very own unique airplant display. Now you can hang it up or surprise someone special with this handmade goodie!

Here's another one I made:

Seashells are great with airplants too!

Til next time: keep making, keep creating, keep doing!

Nori

Speedy's Hardware

www.speedyshardware.com