Dollar Store Flip Flop Welcome Sign

Happy Sunday!

Create this quick and easy flip flop welcome sign in under 30 minutes with supplies from the dollar store! 

I purchased 4 pairs of colorful flip flops, one bunch of daises and 2 butterflies for just $6.00 - SCORE! The letters, ribbon and glue were from my craft stash.

Here's how I made it:

1. Arrange seven flip flops on your work surface, with the largest in the center to the smallest on the end, in an arch.

2. Using Tombow MONO Multi XL Liquid Glue, attach flip flops together, side by side as shown, at the top and bottom. Secure together in the back with strips of heavy cardboard or wood, glued in place.

3. Snip daisy heads from the bunch and attach one each thong and a butterfly to the last flip flop, using Tombow MONO Multi XL Liquid Glue.

4. Spell out the word WELCOME with Joy embroidered letters. Peel off the backing and apply the letters to bottoms of the flip flops.  NOTE: the are self adhesive, so the application is quick and easy!

5. Turn over the sign and tie a ribbon hanger to the second and sixth flop flop (tied to the thong button). Tie a bow.

Hang your sign and enjoy it all summer long! And if you're like me and live in Florida, you can leave it up year round!  

This is also a great project to make as a hostess gift for all of those backyard barbecues you will be invited to!

Thanks for stopping by!

Creatively, Beth

I have been compensated by the companies linked in this post, but all of the ideas and opinions are my own.

DIY Ruler Sign Welcome Back to School

Happy Wednesday!  Today I am participating in a craft challenge called Craft Lightning, where all of the projects have to be created within a 15 minute time frame and this month's theme is Back to School.  I love being challenged to be creative within specific parameters.  It ups the inspiration quotient and sets my mind to brainstorming the possibilities!  Our hosts for the Back to School Craft Lightning are Angie from Country Chic Cottage, Carolina from 30 Minute Crafts and Kara from Happy Go Lucky Blog  and great group of designers are sharing new projects each day this week!

Here's how I made my fun and colorful DIY Ruler Sign:

STEP ONE:

Gather nine wooden rulers and your favorite rainbow colored Tombow Dual Brush Pens.

STEP TWO:
Color each wooden ruler a different color.  This is quick and easy with the Tombow Dual Brush Pens AND there is NO drying time.  Perfect for the impatient crafter, like me!  I really love the transparent stained effect that these pens give the unfinished wood.

STEP THREE:
Attach the rulers to a Kunin^® Classicfelt™ 9” x 12” Craft Cut in Sandstone with Tombow MONO Multi XL Liquid Glue.  The MONO Multi has a quick set up time and works on a variety of surfaces.

STEP FOUR:
Spell out your greeting using JOY self adhesive embroidered letters.  I selected WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL using the 3" Varsity Block and the 1 1/2" Cooper Style letters.  Then just peel off the backing paper and attach!  

STEP FIVE:
Attach white ball fringe to the bottom edge of the sign and a black ribbon hanger to the top with Tombow MONO Multi XL Liquid Glue. Embellish with bows.

STEP SIX:
Cut pencils and attach to right and left side of sign to finish.  

Personalize your DIY Ruler Sign with your school's colors or your teacher's name to create a unique gift for Back to School.

Now it's time to click on the link below and check out all of the creative and inspirational projects that this group of fabulous designers has created for the Craft Lightning Back to School challenge!

Thanks for stopping by!

Creatively, Beth

I have been compensated by the companies linked in this post, but all of the ideas and opinions are my own.

Upcycled Patriotic Blue Jean Banner

Happy Thursday and welcome to the patriotic edition of CRAFT LIGHTNING!  Today I am sharing my 15 minute Upcycled Patriotic Blue Jean Banner, perfect for the upcoming Fourth of July celebrations!  

Hosting this week of quick and easy crafts are three of the most creative women I know - Angie from Country Chic Cottage, Carolina from 30 Minute Crafts and Laura from Me and my INKlings! PLUS there are a couple of dozen other designers linked up and sharing in the FUN!  Inspiration for DAYS!

Now, on to my project:  Upcycled Pariotic Blue Jean Banner

STEP ONE - Create a Template

I am always saving ordinary, everyday objects and upcycling them into craft projects and home decor items, so this project started out with the cardboard backing from a junior legal pad, which is 5" by 7".  Measure up 2" from the bottom and 2 1/2" in from the side to determine the center.  Draw a straight line with your ruler from that center point out to each corner.  Cut out with scissors to create a quick banner template that you can use over and over again!

STEP TWO - Create your Banner

Measure and cut an 8" length from an old pair of blue jeans.  Open the fabric flat by cutting up the seam.  Now, my jeans are boot cut, so they were wide enough that I could get three banners from one 8" section, but cut your old jeans up as needed.  Trace three banners on the inside of the jeans with a permanent marker.  My favorite is the Tombow USA MONOTWIN Permanent Marker because it has a broad tip for projects like this and a fine tip for drawing and doodling.  Plus there is no funky odor! Cut out the banners with scissors. 

STEP THREE - Remove Wrinkles

I like upcycled projects, but they should not be wrinkled, so smooth the blue jean banners with some spray starch and an iron.

STEP FOUR - Add Letters

JOY SA is a great source for embroidered letters, numbers and symbols that can be found at Michael's and Joann.  I selected the self adhesive red and white Collegiate 3" letters for this project. Since they are self adhesive, all you have to do is peel and stick, no ironing!

STEP FIVE - Add Trim

Measure and cut three 5" sections of white ball fringe to top each banner.  Attach with Tombow USA MONO Multi Liquid Glue, making sure to run a small bead down each cut edge, so the trim does not fray.  Then attach a 35" piece of white ribbon to the back, leaving 2" between banners and 8" on either end.  I like to use a woven type of ribbon for this such a gross grain or cotton twill tape for durability.

STEP SIX - Embellish

The final step is to add some festive ribbons between the banners.  I used what I already had in my ribbon stash, cutting 8" lengths and tying them in a knot between each banner and on each end. You could also add textured yarn, tulle and metallic fibers for some bling!

Here is a close-up shot of each banner, click to enlarge.

 

Now it's time to dash around and see the patriotic crafty, food and lifestyle projects that all of the other designers have shared this week!  Simply click on the CRAFT LIGHTNING icon below to be INSPIRED!

Thanks for stopping by!

Creatively, Beth

Notebook Paper Inspired Teacher Appreciation Book Bag

May is Teacher Appreciation Month, so I have created this cute book bag inspired by notebook paper for that special teacher!

Shout-out to Mrs. Hillary at Burns Middle School in Brandon, Florida!

Start with a plain canvas tote bag - mine is 16" square from Canvas Corp Brands.

Measure and draw horizontal lines across the width with a pencil - I started 3" from the top with the lines in 1" increments.



Mark two vertical margin lines at 1/4" apart, 2" in from the left side. To make the binder holes on the left, draw a small circle at the first line, a middle line and the last line.

Trace over all the pencil marks with fine-point permanent markers - red for the margin lines, blue for the writing lines, and black for the binder holes. 

Spell out your favorite teacher's name with Joy iron-on embroidered letters. Iron them on according to the package directions. I like to use a flat craft iron without steam holes for better adhesion.

Fill your Teacher Appreciation Book Bag with great BOOKS (of course) and give it to that special teacher!

Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more inspiration.

Thanks for stopping by!  -Beth