Instagram Collage Wall Art

I love the website "A Beautiful Mess." I am always checking on it to see their latest DIY's that they have posted. I recently found this one before Christmas.

Here is the Tutorial

I was so excited to make one for myself to remember the year 2012. Only difference between hers and mine is the size. I went with a 16" x 20" rather than her square 12" x 12". Go big or go home. That's how I roll. :)

Here is how it turned out!

I liked it so well, I made 3 more for some very close friends (Facebook Instagram stalker. Busted.) They were a hit!

Good bye, 2012! Happy New Year!

Cozy Sweatpant Christmas Gift Basket!

Looking for a low cost, but heartfelt gift to give a family or friend this year? Why not go with sweats?! I love my collection of sweatpants (who doesn't?!) and find myself in them ALOT around the house during the holidays.

These super easy and didn't cost much. I purchased the hot cocoa, coffee mugs, and Basket at Dollar Tree and hit up Target and Walmart for the sweatpants. This one was made for a dear friend of mine.

I used some scrap die cut circles I found at my print shop that was going in the garbage. I hand wrote HAVE A on one, COZY on another, and CHRISTMAS on the last one. Then layered them, and tied them to the basket. I could have just slipped a card into the basket, but I will admit, I was in a bit of a hurry when I did these.

This was done for a family of three. Mom, Dad, and Baby will enjoy a cozy Christmas!


Happy Holidays! <3

DIY Chapstick Christmas Gifts

I really wanted to do something outside of the norm this year for Christmas "Cards". Thinking about it the other day, I remembered this Burt's Bees Chapstick gift mailer that I had found online awhile ago: 

http://www.giverslog.com/?p=11402

BINGO! Everyone's lips get dry this time of year. I started with her idea, then ran with it a little bit. End product? Chappy Holidays!

Materials needed:

• Chapstick (I got mine on sale 2 for $3 at Walgreens)
• 2 1/2" x 8.5" sheet to roll around chapstick bottle. 
• Masking tape
• Sharpie Marker
• Scissors

First, design your 2 1/2" x 8.5" greeting sheet of paper. I am a graphic designer, do designed mine on the computer, but you can get creative other ways if you like! Scrapbook paper, stickers, stamps, etc.

Cut out your sheet to fit.

Apply Masking tape to the edge and lay chapstick on top so that it will roll evenly inside the sheet. Then roll, roll, roll!

Write Unroll me with your Sharpie Marker on a piece of masking tape to seal.

I made bunches and they only cost .65 cents to ship each one (I shipped mine in small envelopes.) I can't wait to hear about what my friends and family think of the little surprise gifts they will be receiving in the mail!

These would also make wonderful stocking stuffers. Enjoy!

DIY T-Shirt/Tank Top Dress

I was totally inspired by Kelly W's T-Shirt Tank Top dress on Cut Out and Keep's website. Here are her instructions.

I immediately grabbed some vino and got to work. I found an old tank top and Sublime Shirt (the Sublime shirt had a stain on the sleeve, and I just couldn't part with it.) Took me about an hour or so and was super easy. Here was my final project!

Notes for you and myself when making another:

• DON'T USE WHITE FOR THE BOTTOM! Seriously, what were you thinking, Melissa?!
• Cut the bottom into more of a triangle so that it allows more room for your hips and flairs out at the bottom. Mine ended up being pretty tight.

Happy Monday! Have a wonderful week!

DIY Quick Sparkle Gem / Rhinestone Earrings!

The other day, I was making another one of my frequent trips to Michael's in search of some rhinestones. When digging through the craft section, I stumbled across these beautiful gems! 

A smile immediately took over my face. I COULD MAKE THESE INTO EARRINGS! And they only took a few minutes to make!

All you need is earring post blanks, the gems (they are only a couple bucks and come in every color imaginable!) and  E-6000.

Put a dob of glue on the earring post, then place it up towards the edge of the gem. If you place it in the center, the earring will not sit right on your ear. I did some in black, too!

Let earrings dry for 24 hours.

I wish my photo did the earrings justice. Darn iPhone. It picks up so many colors in the light! I will definitely be heading back to Michael's to purchase more colors. The best part? Each package came with 10 pieces (5 pair) so I have enough left over to give as Christmas Presents!

Have a wonderful week!