DIY Holiday Gifts for Under $6

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This year, thanks to my crafty friend, K, I've been really into DIY projects. For each thing we've tackled so far, the materials have been inexpensive, which is a definite bonus for a graduate student, like me.

As I was making all of these things, I realized that they would also serve as great gifts. If you're looking for inexpensive, yet chic DIY gifts for the women in your life this holiday season, I highly recommend the projects included in the picture above.

Tips, tricks, and tutorials:

The Cobra Stitch Bracelet

Snag-Free Hair Ties

The Hex Nut Bracelet

The Woven Friendship Bracelet

DIY Re-did: Braided Hex Nut Bracelet

gold hex nuts: Home Depot //string: Home Depot //chain: Michael's

Not too long ago, my crafty friend, K, and I made braided Hex Nut Bracelets (tutorial found here). The bracelets turned out really well, with just one problem: we had no practical way of keeping them on. The tutorial kind of leaves you hanging, with the expectation that you're going to keep the bracelet on your wrist with a knot. While a knot may sound nice, and secure, without assistance, there is no way to get that done easily. At least this is how it was for K and I.

In an attempt to find a solution, just the other day, I came across some leftover chain from when I made Cobra Stitch Bracelets (tutorial found here). After making sure the knots at each end of the bracelet were secure, I cut off the extra string, and replaced the it with a few chain links. Turns out, this was the perfect solution that allowed me to easily slip the bracelet on and off. Voila!

DIY: Kitty Loafer

I've been wanting a pair of kitty loafers for a while now, but couldn't find a pair that supported my budget. So, yesterday, I summoned up my very crafty friend, K, and headed to Target and Michael's. It must have been a lucky day or something, because I ended up getting the last pair of black loafers at Target... in my size, and on sale! Here is a breakdown of the money I ended up saving, as well as step-by-step instructions on how to replicate these beauties.

• Mossimo loafers via Target: $15.31, Gold fabric glitter+paint pen: $7.00, Total spent: $22.31
• Charlotte Olympia Kitty Loafers (the exact ones Taylor Swift has!): $695.00
• $695.00 - $22.31 = $672.69+ saved!

TOOLS: black loafers, scissors, gold fabric glitter glue, gold glitter paint pen (for fabric), painter's tape, and a hot glue gun

INSTRUCTIONS:

Ears 1. Make two ears by cutting into the "tongue" of the loafer. TIP: Begin by cutting the ears wider than you actually want, in case you make a mistake. You can take more off, but you can't add more on.

2. Using the gold paint pen, draw two small triangles on the inside of the ears to define them.

Eyes 3. Cut two cat-eye shapes out of painter's tape for each shoe. Place the cut-outs on both shoes. TIP: Make the shapes smaller than what you want the actual eyes to be, because you will be drawing around them.

4. Using the gold paint pen, outline the painter's tape cut-outs with small dots.

Nose 5. Using the leftover fabric from when you cut out the ears, cut out two triangles. Color each nose with the gold paint pen. When the paint has dried, cover each nose with several coats of gold glitter glue.

6. Hot glue each nose on to its designated shoe.

Mouth and Whiskers 7. Using the gold paint pen and the images below for guidance, draw out the nose and mouth with dots. You may need to go over the dots 2-3 times with the paint pen.

TIP: A Black Sharpie can be used to cover up any scuffs on black suede loafers.

DIY: Cobra Stitch Bracelet

When I was a kid, one of my favorite crafting materials was plastic lace. I would make' boondoggles and beaded geckos to give to all my friends. After discovering the cobra stitch bracelet, which incorporated plastic lace, I knew I had to make one... or ten.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED: Plastic lace string (available at any craft store), a chain with removable links (also available at any craft store), pliers, scissors, and patience

STEPS:

1. Watch this video from 0:52 to 1:59. It will tell you how much string to cut. You should end up with one short string, and one long one.

2. Using the pliers, cut the chain link to your desired length.
3. Loop your short strand of plastic lace through a link at one end of the chain.
4. Watch this video from 4:05 to 6:05. It will teach you how to make a cobra knot. Begin making cobra knots until there is about one inch of your short lace strand peeking out from underneath.
5. If like the look of one cobra knots and would like your bracelet to be done, see tip D below for tying instructions. If you plan to make another layer of knots for a thicker bracelet, tie off the ends by tying the two long strands together in a double knot. Make sure the knots are tight, and cut off the excess string.

If you only want one layer of cobra knots on your bracelet, skip to #9. If you would like to add another layer for a thicker bracelet, continue reading.

6. See tip C below to see how much string you will need for this second layer.
7. Continue as you did with your previous layer of cobra knots. You are basically making another layer of knots.
8. See tip D for tying instructions.
9. Using the pliers, open the chain link that is not yet attached to your bracelet. Loop the chain link into any knot at the end of your cobra knot row. Secure.

TIPS:

• A. To prevent kinks in your bracelet, make sure the plastic lace is always flat, and never twisted. I made the mistake of not paying attention to this detail while making the pink bracelet. You can see the difference in the last picture.

• B. To ensure security, pull each knot very tightly.

• C. If you wish to make your bracelet wider by doing a second layer of cobra knots, hold your arms out so that your body is making a T. The length of string you will need should be equivalent to the length of your arms, from fingertip to fingertip.

• D. To tie off your finished product, make a knot at each end of the "long" string. Make sure the knot is as close to the base of your bracelet as possible. Only do this if you are not planning on making another layer of cobra knots. Make sure the knots are tight, and cut off the excess string.

• E. Your bracelet should easily slide on and off. If you are worried that it won't, it is always safe to get a clasp set. You can find one at any craft store for a few dollars.

Good luck, and don't hesitate to leave questions in the comments!

DIY Watercolor Greeting Cards

A few weeks ago, I purchased a cheap watercolor set. You know, the ones your kindergarten teacher would whip out when he/she had a project for the class to paint. It was supposed to be for the kids I work with, but one afternoon, out of boredom, I decided to play around with it myself.

After painting several rainbow blobs, and changing the water a few times, I found myself making greeting cards.

WHAT I USED: a few sheets of printer paper (8"x11"), a watercolor set (I got mine at Target for $2-$3), water, a paper towel, and a pen.

And, instead of directions (since they are so straightforward), here are some tips:

-You can virtually make a card of any size, but the best size I found could be created by folding a piece of printer paper into 4. The extra layer of paper hides any paint that may have bled through.

-Speaking of paint bleeding, if you do decide to make a smaller-sized card, be sure to paint your picture when the paper is completely unfolded. This will prevent any transfer that may occur between layers.

-The less water you use, the darker the paint will be. Don't be afraid to play around with different amounts of water to create different gradients.

-Mix colors that are in the same temperature family together to create a pretty effect.

Tissue Paper Flowers

Two of my friends, who are twins, are having their birthday party later today. I've had a lot of fun in the past wrapping their presents in creative ways, and couldn't help but to continue the tradition this year.

I knew I wanted to incorporate tissue paper flowers, but couldn't find any tutorials, where I absolutely loved the end result. That said, I decided to create my own. Here is what I came up with:

1. Take a piece of tissue paper, and fold it in half over and over, so that there are about 8 layers.

2. Cut a flower out of the folded paper, and put a staple in the middle.

3. Fluff and crinkle the tissue as much as you want, and voila! You've got a tissue paper flower.

Aspirin Mask

One of my latest favorite at-home remedies is the aspirin mask. Aspirin, an everyday pain reliever, contains salicylic acid, and when dissolved in water, creates a sandy texture, allowing it to act as an exfoliant. On days where I feel like my skin needs an extra pick-me-up, this mask is definitely the first thing that comes to mind.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED: uncoated aspirin

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Place 4-5 tablets of aspirin in a small dish, or the palm of your hand. Add a few drops of water to them, and wait about 30 seconds for them to dissolve. The consistency should be paste like, and not too watery.
2. Do one of the following: A) Gently rub the mix around your face for 30 seconds, and rinse. B) Add honey to the mix, leave it on for 15 minutes as a mask, gently rub it around your face, and rinse.

TIP: To prevent your skin from drying out, use this mask no more than a few times a week. I have acne prone skin that is used to harsh products-- so I do fine with using it mask every other day.

**CAUTION: Do not use if you are allergic, or are known to have dangerous side effects to aspirin.

DIY: Hex Nut Bracelet

nail polish: 'Flip Flop Fantasy' via China Glaze //watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs via Nordstrom 

With a little bit of creativity, it's amazing how one can turn everyday household items into fashionable (yet wearable) jewelry. The moment I saw this Hex Nut Bracelet DIY on Honestly WTF, I knew I had to try it. A little bit of advice: The website doesn't really give you a good way to fasten the ends of the bracelet so that you can easily take it off/put it on. My friend, K, and I made sliding knots for ours, which you can find directions for here.

DIY: Toilet Paper Roll Art

After being accepted into graduate school, and moving into my new apartment, I decided that my decor was going to be one thing: sophisticated. That meant letting go of the bulletin board that I had covered in pictures from high school, and the stockpile of Seventeen Magazine clippings I used to adore. 

While on the hunt for pieces to suit my new room, I came across a wall decoration, similar to the one you see above, on Pinterest. Budget friendly, and minimal materials? Yes, please!

TOOLS: toilet paper rolls/paper towel rolls (I had 5 TP rolls and 3 PT rolls), scissors, and staples or glue. If you decide to use glue, you will need paperclips to hold the petals in place while they dry.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Collect as many toilet paper/paper towel rolls as you can. I had 5 TP and 3 PT rolls, which ended up making a flower that was about a foot in diameter.

2. If you are using TP rolls: cut the roll in half, and then cut each half into thirds. If you are using PT rolls: Cut each roll in half, then cut each half into fourths.

3. Arrange 7 petals into a flower-like design, and begin stapling/gluing. Continue to add petals around the design until a desired size is reached.

4. Optional: for a different look, spray paint the entire thing when you are done. In this case, you may not want to use staples, as they will be visible through the paint.

DIY: Rope Bracelet

I love Pinterest. It has probably distracted me from doing more productive things than I can count. A while ago, I found this amazing tutorial for a DIY rope bracelet. The best part? You all probably already have the materials needed to make it. All you need are some shopping bag handles that are shoe-string like, clips (I used bobby pins), and a pair of scissors.

You can find the tutorial here.

Gettin' Crafty

My friend K is so talented. I'm 100% convinced that she is going to be the next Martha Stuart. That said, I thought I'd show off some of her work, as it might inspire some of you.

Everything you see above, minus the pillow cover, she put together (with the help of my other friend K) for our annual holiday get-together. A little secret about the winter-y centerpiece: it was made using some branches from her backyard, spray paint, and ornaments from the dollar store.

Who's with me, in thinking that she needs to open up her own Etsy shop, asap?

DIY: Shopping Bag Greeting Cards

While wrapping up my Secret Santa gift last night, I got desperate. I thought I had gotten everything I needed, until I realized I was missing one of the most important things: a card! How else was I supposed to reveal my identity? I was running low on supplies, and didn't feel like going to the store at such a late hour.

After finding several random items in my "office stuff" drawer, I finally put together a plan that didn't turn out half bad.

USING THE FOLLOWING THINGS:

-A Sharpie

-An old greeting card, or a ruler

-A shopping bag made of material resembling the thickness of card stock, or index cards. Be sure there is a lot of blank space.

-Scissors

I DID THIS:

1. Lay your shopping bag flat on a table or floor space.

2. For this step, you can either create a customized sized card with a ruler, or do what I did, and trace the outline of an old greeting card on to one side of your shopping bag.

3. Cut out your card, fold it in half, and voila! You're already more than halfway done.

4. Using a sharpie, draw a pretty design on the front. You may want to put a piece of paper on the inside of the card, or keep it opened, as the ink may bleed through. My design was inspired by a henna tattoo I got at the fair over the summer.

Feeling Fancy

Earlier today, I was thinking about an article I came across in 8th grade while flipping through magazines for a project. It was a step by step guide on how to fold fancy napkins from Martha Stewart. It's funny how I still remember the article almost 9 years later, because I've never actually made these for anyone that has been to my house. Perhaps, someday, when I develop some cooking skills to host a dinner party, I'll be able to.

photos taken and edited by SWEATshirt DRESSshirt on Picnik

A Blast From the Past

I've been making friendship bracelets for as long as I can remember. In elementary school, I went to this daycare that was owned by an older lady who loved to do arts and crafts. We made boondoggles, paper mache figurines, tissue paper flowers, and of course, all kinds of bracelets. --my favorite, being the the friendship kind. At the age of 22, I never thought that I would see these nostalgic symbols of companionship become popular once again.

Click on this link for the amazing tutorial I used.

text image made possible by Polyvore.