Saturday, December 14, 2013

Kokeshi Doll DIY

For some weird reason I can only wear roll on deodorant.  Because I'm a recycling nut, I never want to toss out the bottles when they're empty.  I'm also strangely obsessed with the roll on balls!  Recently a friend gave me a Kokeshi doll as a souvenir from her trip to Japan and I thought it was fantastic.  I decided to try to make one with my roll on bottles and below is the result.   I think this is a terrific project for kids and a great place to stash bobby pins and small gifts.  Have fun!

Check out the how-to video

You'll need:
Pliers
White glue
Roll-on bottle
E-6000 glue
Markers
Sticky labels
Scissors
Ribbon
Sandpaper
Origami paper
Colored paper
Black Krylon Fusion spray paint
1.  With pliers, remove the roll on ball by pinching the neck of the bottle.
2.  Peel off the label. Don't worry if it's still sticky, that's fine.
3.  After you've washed the bottle and the roll on ball, sand one part of the roll on ball.
4.  Sand the top of the roll on lid.
5.  Glue the ball to the lid (where you sanded) with E-6000 and let dry for 30 minutes.
6.  Spray paint the ball and lid black after it's dry.  
7. Wrap your roll on bottle in origami paper using the white glue to keep it in place.
8.  Glue a 1" strip of contrasting solid paper around the bottle to create an Obi belt.
9.  Tie a ribbon around the 1" strip of solid paper.
10.  Draw a face on a sticky label and cut it out.
11.  Stick the face to the painted roll on bottle.
Screw the face on the bottle and you're done!


Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Super Chic Chain Rainbow Loom Bracelets

Not sure if you've jumped on the Rubber Band Loom trend yet, but it's addicting to say the least.  I got mine a few weeks ago and have played with it almost every day since.  It's kind of like meditation with little rubber bands.  After perusing the internet for hours looking for interesting "adult" Rainbow Loom projects, I realized there were none so I decided to add a little chain to the mix.  I feel like I've come up with something that mom will actually love wearing.  Moms, pass this one along to the kiddos so you're not having to wear those crazy rainbow color bracelets to work anymore!  


The how-to video

You'll need a rubber band loom (they make them everywhere!)
3" of large chain
Bands in the colors you like
"C" clips for a closure (they come with the loom)
1.  With the loom facing away from you, count down 11 pegs from the top of the loom on the left row of pegs.
2.  Stretch 2 bands between peg 1 & 2.  Next, two bands between 2 & 3.  Continue to the the 10th peg.
3.  Thread two bands between the end link on your chain and then stretch it over the 10th and 11th peg.
4.  Repeat this process on the right hand row of pegs.  You will not be putting bands on the center row.
5.  Thread 2 bands between the other end link on your chain and thread it through the 10th and 11th peg.
6.  Flip your loom around and with your hook,  grab the 2 bands on the 11th peg and stretch them around the end link and on to the 10th peg.
7.  Now with your hook, reach through the peg, grab the 2 bands on the 10th peg and loop them on the 9th peg, this will start creating a chain.
Do this on both sides.
8.  Grab a "C" clip, carefully remove the last band on one side and attach it to the last band.
9. Place your hook through the last band on the other side and remove the bracelet and then add the bands to the "C" clip to finish it.
You're done.