Using Tin Cans for Storing Craft Supplies

I figured since I did a post on using jars as storage, I should do one about using tin cans, too.   I love the idea of using tin cans because they are readily available (or at least after dinner) and you can paint them and decorate them any way you want. Plus you are helping out the environment by "upcycling" something that would have otherwise been recycled which is okay but many of them just end up in the garbage.   

So, look at these great ideas!

cute covered tin cans @ iHanna's Blog

I love the look of these tin cans that were covered with wall paper!

tin can storage @ HGTV.com

This is a really nifty idea! The cans have magnets glued on the back...  this one is very simple but of course you could decorate your own as fancy as you want.

cute covered cans @ iHeart Organizing

I like these cute cans! This site has lots of amazing storage ideas.

jute covered cans @ Brown Paper Packages

How adorable are these? I love the labels.... too cute!!  These are actually made using powdered baby formula cans. Formula cans are made from card board rather than tin but they are so cute I couldn't resist sharing them!  These are bit easier to cover because they don't have the ridges on them like most tin cans do.  

Start saving your cans and remember they come in different sizes, too.  Tuna cans can be used to store small things like buttons and spaghetti sauce cans can store longer things like rulers and such.  Thank you for stopping by and please feel free to comment.  I love comments!

Craft Organization Ideas Using Jars

I am crazy about using jars...You can do so many neat things with them in all areas of your home.. for decor and storage.   Here are some super cute craft storage ideas I've rounded up:

cute storage jars @ Little Birdie Secrets

Jars for storing different colors of ribbon. So cute!

chalkboard label storage jars @ Etsy

Chalkboard stuff is so in style right now.

 ribbon jars @ Color Chic

Check out the tags! Love them....

under shelf storage using jars @ Artfire

This is a neat and different approach to storing craft embellishments and supplies in glass jars.

plastic storage containers @ Tonya Staab

I love all of these.. especially the ones that have color coordinated embellishments in them.  The plastic ones above might have had pretzels or something in them at one time or I imagine you could just use purchase them.  I think glass is great but even plastic jar containers like peanut butter containers and things like that would work great, too.  I have a whole bunch of those plastic Nutella containers just waiting to be used for storing pretty bright colored things!  I will be sure to post a picture when I get them done :0)

Lucky Stars Tutorials

These are called Lucky Stars. They are origami and made using strips of paper.   I've found a few great photo illustrated tutorials out there and couldn't resist sharing. I think these are the cutest little things I've ever seen!

 

lucky stars by Hickican @ Deviant Art

origami lucky stars @ Chunkylicious

Tutorial #1 I found at: 

Chunkylicious

I love the bright colors of these!

lucky stars @ Ume Origami

Tutorial #2 I found at:

Ume Origami

Red, white and blue.. such a cute design!

Origami Lucky Stars @ Origami-fun.com

Tutorial #3 I found at:

Origami Fun! 

This one even has a PDF file you can download and print.

So, for smaller stars you need more narrow strips of paper and for larger stars, use wider strips.  I've also  learned that you can make these out of straws as well but I'll save that one for another post. You could use these little cuties a lot of different ways but one really cute idea is to write messages on the strips of paper before you fold them and put into a container and give as a gift or maybe make a journal jar using the stars instead of just strips of paper in a  jar.  What would even be better than stars is folded hearts!! Okay, I'll save that for a later post, too.

I noticed on Ebay you can buy strips of paper especially for making these stars and the paper is fairly inexpensive but you could still save a few bucks and cut your own strips. I'm guessing some papers work better than others.

 FYI.. Just for fun

Apparently, making these and filling up a jar and giving them away to a friend or significant other means you wish them good fortune. There is also apparently a meaning to the amount of stars you give.  I read  if you give a person a jar of 1,000 lucky stars, their wish will be granted.  Giving one star simply means I love you/you are the only one for me.

Super Cheap Craft Supplies Online

Today I am looking around trying to find some good sites to buy inexpensive craft supplies..besides Ebay, Amazon, Artfire or Etsy.  Those are the stores I usually go to first.  I know there must be a super cheap craft supply site out there. It may be one of those best kept secrets but eventually I'm going to run across a site like that... I just know it!  Until then, I have found some sites that really aren't too bad as far as pricing... and I don't mind sharing.  So far, this is what I've found:

Oriental Trading Post-- I have always loved this store.  I used to get their catalog in the mail and I've always thought they had some cute stuff.  I just visited the website and they actually have a good lot of craft supplies at very decent prices.. I have bookmarked and will be going back there very soon.

Dollar Tree- The Dollar Tree is one of my favorite "Dollar" stores and I was so surprised to see they actually have a online shopping site!!  Of course, everything is only a dollar just like in-store.  There is a catch though, when shopping the Dollar Tree online you have to buy a certain amount of the product so it is sort of like wholesale.. which is great if you need a lot of something. I did notice that that a lot of the items were marked "now available in lower quantity" so you don't have to buy so many which is good.  Another thing is they don't seem to have as much selection as they do in-store but I noticed there is a new spring online catalog that had a lot of different items in there as well.  I think it's definitely worth checking out.

Blick- Otherwise known as Dick Blick seems to have a good selection of craft stuff but the main thing I liked was it had a clearance section.  It doesn't have TONS of stuff but the clearance prices were decent and I think it's worth checking back every once in while to see what they add to clearance.

S&S World Wide- This site looks to be sort of like Oriental Trading Post... they have many different items including craft supplies.  I was actually really impressed with this site. I liked the wooden shape assortments and boxes.   There's LOTS of fun stuff for kids here too.

Joann's- I like to check Joanns online clearance. Once it a while, I can find some great deals there.

Fabric.com- Did you know fabric.com has more than just fabrics?? They have lots of craft supplies too and usually a pretty good selection of clearance items.  Click on crafts and then clearance crafts and you can see everything.  They have fabric clearance too and a "last chance" sale tab.  Shipping rates are decent too.

Oh My Crafts- This site has a clearance tab and had lots on sale. The prices were pretty good and the store has a very nice selection.  Definitely worth a mention here.


That's about all that I could find for now... but will be updating this as new stores are discovered :0)

Decorate your Own Notebook or Journal

decorated journal @ Your Home Based Mom

This is such a cute notebook/journal, don't you think?!  These notebooks are inexpensive and they are really easy to decorate.... with all the different embellishments and pretty papers out there to choose from,  the possibilities are endless :)  I found this at Your Home Based Mom.   Go have a look, there are more examples of decorated journals/notebooks plus some cute necklaces made from washers (tutorial too!)

PS Wouldn't these journals make an amazing gift for someone special?!

Cute, Clever Crafts from Empty Toilet Paper Rolls!

@ Crissy's Crafts

 Look at these party favors made from empty toilet paper tubes.  These are so cute and wouldn't cost hardly a penny to make.  I am so grateful to have stumbled upon these toilet paper roll crafts. You could use empty paper towel rolls and gift wrapping tubes, too. To see the tutorial for the favors above plus LOTS more go to:

 Clever Crafts From Toilet Paper Rolls

Cute Button Tutorials Round-Up

I just purchases 10 pounds of antique buttons so I've been looking for some great button craft tutorials!  For lots of great button crafts plus tutorials go to:

Super Cute Button Crafts Tutorial Round-Up

DIY Twine Balls

I found these lights on Ebay and I absolutely fell in love with them.  I love the rattan balls for decor and this is exactly what these are but mounted on a string of lights. These would be really nice in a little girls bedroom or even some blue ones for a little boy.   I actually attempted making some of these for my little boy.  He was having trouble getting to sleep because he needed a good night light so I thought making some of these may help.   I actually tried to put large hexagon blue-green glitter on them to just add a bit of sparkle to the light but it turned out not to be such a great idea as the glitter was too big and was falling off everywhere. Plus, after the fact I was thinking to myself why would I put glitter on things for a boys room?
Anyway, I wanted to share with you my attempt at these.  I am going to make some more but skip the glitter next time. I'll post the tutorial when I make them!

My first attempt:

I actually made them out of jute.. but they can be made with any soft string that can be starched stiff.  Also it may be best to use the preferred color of string or twine instead of painting them afterwards. These would have actually been fine if I had left the glitter off and left them natural. They would have made great home decor just lying in a bowl.

I am going to make some again and then I'll post the tutorial with photos.

Pretty Paper Covered Pencils

I am a stationary NUT.. I love papers, pencils, pens.. Actually I am office supply nut.. I love tapes, staplers, markers, post it notes, thumb tacks, etc.. etc... Anyone else relate?   I sure hope so.. I mean, I don't even work in a office but I LOVE office supplies :) 

So, look what I found:

pretty wrapped pencils @ Omiyage

I came across these cute pencils today. Now, this is a budget craft.. Pencils are fairly cheap to by and then all you have to have is some pretty paper and glue.   These pencils would even make a nice, unique gift or at least I think. Maybe add them in a gift basket or something.  Omiyage has shared a nice tutorial on how to make these pretty pencils.

pretty pencils @ Krafty Kat

 I found another cute covered pencil tutorial at Krafty Kat.  She has some other good photos there as well.. Go have a look!

Best, Inexpensive Resources for Jewelry Making Supplies

I wanted to share with you where I get my jewelry findings and supplies. These are some of the cheapest places I know of unless you know of some that I don't know and in that case, please share :)


*********A small tip before I start.... one key to getting good quality, inexpensive jewelry making supplies is to buy in bulk- Buy in bulk whenever possible- all the places listed below have bulk item postings ********

China Findings on Artfire-  I've purchased several things from this store and the prices just can't be beat! The merchandise is GREAT quality. The only thing is it usually took a while to get here but I was okay with it considering the price. I notice now on the their profile, it says they are located in the United States so maybe long delivery times aren't an issue now.  I will definitely order from them again.   They have all kinds of jewelry findings-bails, pendant trays, glass tiles in different shapes, cabochons, cord necklaces, snake chains and much, MUCH more.

Ebay- Because there are so many international sellers, you can get jewelry making supplies for dirt cheap there.  I recenlty purchased hotfix rhinestones. They are not swarovski brand but they are comparable and they were a great price!  The only catch to ordering super cheap jewelry supplies from Ebay is you may have to wait a few weeks to get them but that has never bothered me as long as I've ordered from a top seller and the price is right.

Etsy and Artfire- These are both great places too.. Sometimes you can find really great deals on these sites.


As far as other supplies for making jewelry like glues, glazes etc.  ALL of the above sites have all of those as well.   I will update this post if i find out of  any more super cheap jewelry finding sources.

Happy Jewelry Making!!!

Explaining Jewelry Findings

If you are new to making your own jewelry, you may not know exactly what everything is.  I wanted to take some time to share (to the best of my knowledge) what some of the more common findings are. Findings are the pieces used to make a piece of jewelry.   Here are some of the common ones explained.  

Pendant Bail

Pendant Bail- Bails are used to connect the jewelry piece to the cord or necklace in order for you to be able to wear it.You glue it onto the backside of your pendant. It  has a flat pad that you put glue on and then the loop is fixed in place so you can put your cord or chain through it.  They come in colors such as silver plated, gold plated, 925 sterling silver, copper and gunmetal.   There are also different types of bails but this is one of the most common types used.

                                                                                                                                                                   

Bezel Cup/Pendant Tray
 

belongs to opals-on-black.com

Pendant Tray or Bezel Cup- This is a metal piece that already has a bail attached. You can put resin in it, gems, a stone, clay or whatever you want to fill it with.  They come in different shapes like square, round, rectangle and heart shape as well as different metal-type colors. These are nice but generally a bit more expensive than just purchasing bails alone. 

Ring Blanks or Ring Bases

A ring blank is a ring, usually adjustable, with a flat circular pad on the top where you glue your embellishment on.  You can buy cabachons to glue on the ring blank, you can glue a polymer clay piece on the blank or really whatever want. Ring blanks come in all different colors and the blank pad on top can be different shapes as well. They also have ring blanks that have empty trays on the top.. like the bezel pendant trays above, you can put whatever you want inside like resin, clay, gems or whatever you want to embellish your ring with. These type ring blanks with the trays look a little more professional but do cost more as well.

Bracelet Blanks

They also have bracelet blanks where you can glue embellishments on to make bracelets, too. 

Blank Earring Posts and hooks

You can purchase small blanks for a set of earrings or you can get just the hook part to make dangling earings. These are very inexpensive. These come in different colors and sizes.

Jumprings

These are small rings that connect your jewelry pieces together. You would need jump rings to attach pieces to the hooks for the dangling earrings or if you are beading a necklace and need to attach the ends to the clasps.  They come in different colors and sizes.

Clasps

Clasps are the parts on a necklace which connect each side of the necklace together around your neck. There are different kids like lobster clasps and round spring clasps. They come in different sizes and colors as well according to the size of the piece of jewelry you are working with.

I think that about covers the most common jewelry findings.  For even more information with photos and other information about different parts of jewelry go to this link here. There is lots of information there!

Happy Jewelry Making!!!!!

Make a Domino Pendant

 

Domino pendants are easy to make and they do not cost a lot if you look around and find them on sale or clearance. I found these on clearance for like $6 for the whole set.  To see the simple tutorial go to:

How to Make a Domino Pendant 

Awesome Craft Tools- Fringe Scissors

@ Joy's Life.com

Okay, call me behind the times but I was surfing the net looking for budget crafts today and ran across this Valentine's Day gift box embellished with a really cute gift bow at Joy's Life which was made using these fringe scissors by Martha Stewart.  They apparently have been out for a while now. How have I not heard of these? These would be perfect for all kinds of crafts plus even making your own gift wrap shred.. Needless to say I have to get some now that I know they exist.  I love making gift bows and stuff like this so I really think these will come in handy all sorts of ways.

So I hopped right on over to Amazon and I found some very inexpensive multi-blade scissors. They are not Martha Stewart brand but as long as they cut, that's all that really matters, right?  So I found a pair of these for as low as $5.75 with free shipping.  Unfortunately, I couldn't find any good deals on the Martha Stewart brand.  If I get the off brand I'll be sure to come back and let you know how they work.

Glitter Valentine'sTreat Boxes

@Such Pretty Things

I am in love with these cute little heart boxes found at Such Pretty Things.  I actually have a package of small plastic heart boxes just like those (without the glitter) I purchases at Dollar Tree last year.  I picked them up knowing something could be done with them and now, thanks to this post I know what I can do! She did a wonderful job on these :)

Paint Sample Bookmarks

paint chip bookmarks @ bellacarta

I LOVE paint sample crafts so I couldn't resist sharing this one today I found at the beautiful blog that belongs to Bella Carta

Easy Wall Art Tutorial

easy wall art @ Brittany's Budget Crafts

I love this wall art tutorial I found today.  It's quick to make, easy and inexpensive!  Aren't they cute?! Of course, you can do it in whatever design or size you want. These would be great for any room of your home except maybe the bathroom unless you maybe add clear contact paper to seal it first.   You can find it at Brittany's Budget Crafts.  Thank you Brittany!

Best Free Valentines Day Clip Art

Valentine's Day will be here before you know it. I thought now was a good time to start gathering up some quality clip art for handmade cards and stuff like that.  For a list of mulitple links to the best clip art sites click below:

Best Free Valentine's Day Clip Art

Best Free Valentine's Day Printables

Cute Valentine's Printables at Amy is the Party

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and it's one of my favorite holidays! I've rounded up some of the best free printables around the net.  Get the link to print these cute owl valentine's  plus links to other cute Valentine's Day printables like gift tags, candy bar wrappers, small Valentine's Day cards and more!

Best Free Valentine's Day Printables