HAPPY EASTER!

navy and tie dye eggs
navy and tie dye eggs

Cabbage Dye:

1 head of red cabbage, chopped
5 cups water
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 pinch baking soda

In a large stainless steel pot, bring all the ingredients to a boil, then reduce and simmer for 30 min. Strain out the cabbage, and separate from the liquid dye. You can pour the dye into glasses and soak your eggs overnight.

Cabbage Dye Eggs

We chose to save the strained cabbage and use it to tie dye some of our eggs. We created a nest of sorts and buried our eggs in the left over leaves. Let them sit over night, and you’re left with white and blue tie eggs!

navy and tie dye eggs

 

Creative Kids : Storytelling

DIY Storytelling

 

Good Morning! The last couple weeks we’ve had fun practicing storytelling with Sydney, all thanks to Elmer’s Early Learners Academy. As soon as our fun box filled with supplies arrived, Syd couldn’t wait to open it up and get crafting! Continue reading

Beach Glass Mobile

Beach Glass Mobile DIY

Today’s post is all about sea glass and driftwood.

Beach Glass Mobile DIY

I’ve had a giant bag of beach glass that I’ve collected over the years, and all it’s done is just sit and accumulate dust. I’m so happy that I finally put some of it to good use! The supplies for this project are simple: driftwood/stick, scissors, beach glass, string or wire.

Beach Glass Mobile DIY

You can use either string or wire to attach your beach glass to one another, and to the driftwood. I opted for string since it won’t rust in the salty air. The next step requires patience and time and tying a series of knots. Tie your first knot at the point where you want to insert a piece of glass. Slip the glass in place, and secure with another knot. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

Beach Glass Mobile DIY

You can get creative with different shapes, colors, and incorporating shells.
And it’s ready to hang….

Beach Glass Mobile DIY

indoors or out!

Beach Glass Mobile DIY

 

Crafts for Kids : Raindrop Suncatchers

April Showers DIY Suncatcher Craft via www.thegoldjellybean.com

 

These suncatchers are easy to create, and Sydney had lots of fun making them! All we used was wax paper, a marker, white paper, school glue, and a few shades of blue tissue paper. Sketch your cloud and raindrops onto white paper and cut them out. Then cut up your blue tissue paper into small squares.

April Showers DIY Suncatcher Craft via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Now, trace your raindrops onto wax paper and cover with glue. Allow your little ones to go crazy gluing the tissue into each raindrop shape. Then, coat with a thin layer of glue to make sure all tissue is glued down and secure. Allow to dry.

April Showers DIY Suncatcher Craft via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Cut out your blue raindrops, and they’re ready to hang and admire on your windows!

April Showers DIY Suncatcher Craft via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Now, if only these april showers would bring some pretty May flowers…

DIY Spring Felt Flower Box Craft

Spring Flower Box Craft for Kids, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

 

 

Good morning! I hope everyone is set and ready for a great weekend!  I am really excited to share a DIY feature I did for Delighted Magazine! Sydney and I had so much fun with it.

Spring Flower Box Craft for Kids, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Spring Flower Box Craft for Kids, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

You can check out the full tutorial in the online publication by clicking here.

Spring Flower Box Craft for Kids, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Painting Easter Eggs

Painting Easter Eggs, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

 

We finally painted our eggs! Instead of messing with natural dye again, or picking up the boxed kind, I opted to find something around the house to reuse instead. I can never seem to use my nail polish fast enough, and it always ends up goopy. So using some of my bright colors from last year worked perfect! I started by blowing out the eggs, and of course making some omelets.

Painting Easter Eggs, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Use whatever technique works best, I went with the ol’ pin and aspirator method. A straw can also be very helpful if you don’t have the aspirator.

Painting Easter Eggs, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Then, once the eggs were washed and dry, a little white spackling paste makes the holes vanish. I also created some little egg stands by cutting up all the sections in the egg carton, flipping them upside down, and adding pins to carefully cradle and hold the eggs in place.

Painting Easter Eggs, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Then I put some q-tips into the polish jars, and let Syd go to town painting. She opted for a drippy paint look.

Painting Easter Eggs, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

I went for my go-to black, white and gold palette, using sharpies & metallic nail polish.

Painting Easter Eggs, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

We cut strips of paper bags to create little nests for our pretty eggs. Here are Syd’s colorful creations:

Painting Easter Eggs, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Springy Spring Spring : Yarn Wrapped Candles

Yarn Wrapped Candles for Spring, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

 

These yarn wrapped candles are the perfect way to add a bright & cheery touch of spring to your table!

And they couldn’t be any easier to make. You just need candles (I picked up mine at Target for under two bucks a piece), colorful yarn, and some glue.

Yarn Wrapped Candles for Spring, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Start by glueing one end of your yarn to the candle, then get to wrapping. Make sure you wrap tightly, and add a dot of glue every so often. If you’re using hot glue like I did, be sure  to just use a little dot. If the glue builds up it creates bumps under your yarn.

Yarn Wrapped Candles3

Switch up the colors to make different designs.

Yarn Wrapped Candles for Spring, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Then they’re ready to display! As always use caution when working with hot glue, and make sure you keep the yarn far enough away from the tops of your candles!

Yarn Wrapped Candles for Spring, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

DIY Patterned Name Sign

DIY Patterned Name Sign, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

 

I am so excited to share another fun craft project I made for Shutterstock! Head over to their blog to check out the full tutorial. I used Photoshop for this one, but if you don’t have the program you can simply print out your patterns & use stencils to cutout your letters.
(if you’re liking the neon animal mobile, you can find that tutorial here)

DIY Pattern Name Sign, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Felt Shamrock Plant For St. Patrick’s Day

DIY Felt Shamrocks, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

 

Good Morning! I have been so busy working with a few different clients, helping them to refresh and update their homes. But, yesterday I finally found some time to break out my glue gun again! I made this cute little shamrock plant to add a festive touch to our window sill. All I used was green & white felt, wire, scissors, and glue.

DIY Felt Shamrocks, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Cut out some hearts. Use glue to give them a little dimension. Then, glue the heart shaped clover leaves to your wire. I also made larger clovers by turning my hearts upside-down. Get creative with it.

DIY Felt Shamrocks, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Then stick them all into  a cute little cup or pot with some foam in the bottom. And done! A super quick afternoon craft!

DIY Felt Shamrocks, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

DIY Valentines Featured On Shutterstock Today!

DIY Image Transfer Valentines, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

 

Check out how to make these fun Valentine’s I made for Shutterstock! My tutorial is featured on their blog today. With this DIY tutorial you can make personalized homemade cards, and there are no special talents required! It’s a super easy way to create custom Valentines with printed artwork or photographs.

Click Here for the full tutorial.

 

DIY Frames

DIY Art Frames For Kids, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

 

We finally trust that Sydney won’t use her paints, crayons, and markers to decorate the walls, floors, or furniture. So, we moved her workstation into her bedroom. In doing so, it was totally necessary to hang some masterpieces on her wall. I made a few quick frames using cardboard, markers, and twine. It’s super easy. Check it out!

DIY Art Frames For Kids, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Cut a frame shape out of cardboard.

DIY Art Frames For Kids, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Decorate it with markers.

DIY Art Frames For Kids, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Attach some twine to the back.

DIY Art Frames For Kids, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

And hang!

DIY Finger Print Valentines

DIY Fingerprint Valentines, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

 

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and this year is Sydney’s first Vday at school. So, we have been hard at work on some DIY Valentines!

DIY Fingerprint Valentines, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

All we used was an ink pad, card stock, pen, and her cute little fingers.

DIY Fingerprint Valentines, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Syd tackled the first step, using two thumbprints to make a heart.

DIY Fingerprint Valentines, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Then, I added some black ink to create a heart balloon and sweet greeting.

DIY Fingerprint Valentines, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

I wrote Sydney’s name in pencil, then let her trace over it in pen.

DIY Fingerprint Valentines, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Now these cute little cards just need some candy and they’re ready to give!

DIY Fingerprint Valentines, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

DIY Kids Valentines Day Peter Pan Collar

Kids Peter Pan Collar, Perfect for Valentines Day, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

 

I did this project with Syd, but it can be done by anyone, big or small!
It just takes a few simple supplies:
– paper, pencil & scissors to make a pattern
– felt or other fabric and ribbon
– pins to hold things in place
– fabric glue, and/or hot glue (not for kiddos!)
– various sequins, jewels, etc. for embellishment

Kids Peter Pan Collar, Perfect for Valentines Day, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Then, just follow the simple steps pictured above.

Kids Peter Pan Collar, Perfect for Valentines Day, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Here are just a couple that we did on a rainy day. The pink one Sydney made to wear for Valentine’s Day!

Kids Peter Pan Collar, Perfect for Valentines Day, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Fun & Free Toy Storage for Kids

Shoe Box House Storage viawww.thegoldjellybean.com

 

Ever since Christmas, I have been working with Sydney to get rid of some old toys, and make room for the new ones. In doing so, I am also trying to make organizing her toys fun. She loves everything little, and has tons of tiny erasers, dolls, etc. So I took some old shoe boxes, paint, & markers, and made fun little homes for her favorite micro toys.

Shoe Box House Storage viawww.thegoldjellybean.com
These cute little houses are fun & free to make, will help keep rooms clean, and can even be used to play! Doesn’t get better than that…

Shoe Box House Storage viawww.thegoldjellybean.com2

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Testing Out DIY Sharpie Mugs

 

The Sharpie mug DIYs have been done several times, and I always see them and love the idea, but don’t believe they actually hold up. So I put them to the test!

DIY Sharpie Mugs Tested, via The Gold Jellybean

I picked up some inexpensive mugs & bowls, and some Sharpie permanent markers. I grabbed the typical black, a couple metallics, and a pack of silver & gold oil based markers.

I doodled away, popped them all in the oven at 350 for 30 min, let them cool fully, then soaped up a sponge and got to washing. Here are the results….

Typical black marker: Fail

DIY Sharpie Mugs Tested, via The Gold Jellybean

Mix of typical black and metallic: No good

DIY Sharpie Mugs Tested, via The Gold Jellybean

Oil based metallics: ding ding!

DIY Sharpie Mugs Tested, via The Gold Jellybean

We have a winner!

DIY Sharpie Mugs Tested, via The Gold Jellybean

One little tip, if you’re nervous to try this out because you might make a mistake… have no fear! Just put a little rubbing alcohol on a cloth and wipe away your booboos. As long as you fix it before baking, it’s all good! I found this to work for both the regular and oil based sharpies.

DIY Sharpie Mugs Tested, via The Gold Jellybean

** I would never recommend using the markers on any surface that will come in contact with food or your mouth. I was sure to keep my designs away from the lip of my mugs, and I highly suggest you do the same!
** With washing I thoroughly scrubbed my mugs, but was sure to be more on the gentle side when washing over top of my designs.

Throwback Thursday : Dinosaur & Animal Photo Holders

 

Today I’m bringing back an old post from last spring. I originally posted this project on my old site Sunbutter & Jelly, and I wanted to get it back up on my blog to share with you! This is a super easy dollar store DIY. Using some spray paint and an x-acto, I turned these little plastic figures into photo / place card holders. I love the finished product, they add playfulness and humor to our decor!

Pick out the plastic animals of your choice.

Use an utility knife or x-acto to cut a slit in the top of the animal.

Be sure to cut deep enough to hold a card or pic, but don’t cut all the way through.

In a well ventilated and protected area, spray color of your choice.

Let dry, and then they’re ready to use!

You can even use them for place card holders. How cute would these be for a kids birthday party!?

Dinosaur Card Holder, via www.thegoldjellybean.com


And don’t forget to stop by and vote for me COM Top 25 Creative Moms of 2013!

Christmas Roundup

Christmas Roundup, wrap, make, create, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

 

Good Morning! The Holidays are fast approaching us, and I am finally going to take some time off. While I enjoy relaxing with family and friends, I have compiled my Christmas posts here to help you with some last minute ideas. Enjoy, and have a wonderful holiday!

Cinnamon & Glitter Ornaments
Borax Crystal Snowballs
Doily Garland
Snowflake Window Clings
Salt Dough Handprint Ornament
Waterless Snow Globes
Bow Tie Garland
Wrapping Giftcards
Snowy Scenes Apothecary Jars
Travel Wrapping Essentials
Creative Wrapping
Wood Gift Boxes

Creative Gift Wrapping: What to Pack in Your Suitcase

Creative Gift Wrapping, Essentials to Pack in Your Suitcase, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

 

If you’re anything like me, then you still have Christmas shopping to do. Actually you’ve barely done any shopping thus far, so you’ll have to do it once you get to your final Christmas destination…. and so you may be wondering how you can make your gifts pretty without spending a fortune on new supplies while you’re out of town for the Holidays. Well, I have planned ahead for just this situation, and Continue reading

How to Make Borax Crystal Snowballs

 

These borax crystal snowballs are a fun and festive science experiment, plus they make for beautiful decorations and gift toppers. To make the snowballs you need white craft pom poms in various sizes. Tie one or two pom poms to a string. Continue reading

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