Archives for August 2017

Halloween Goody Bag Idea with Free Printables

August 31, 2017 by Eileen

As August is coming to a close, so is our Summer Blog Hop. We had a blast sharing awesome DIY projects from our blog hop friends this summer. There were so many wonderful projects – from room organization tips to string art to DIY door wreaths.

And today, our last summer blog hop post transitions us right into fall, as Leslie at From Playdates to Parties is sharing Halloween goody bags with us today. It’s a seasonal spin on popcorn, well-adapted for school Halloween parties.

I love Leslie’s blog posts because she thinks of everything 🙂 Not only does she share an awesome recipe with us, but she even includes free goody bag tags that you can easily print and attach.

Be sure to hop on over to Leslie’s blog for her recipe and printables!

To learn a little more about Leslie, here are some fun facts:

What celebrity would you like to meet at Starbucks for a cup of coffee? Steve Martin. There’s nothing better than someone who can make you laugh. And he has the special ability to be funny that isn’t always raunchy or hurtful. That’s a rarity these days.

What would you do if you had an extra 30 minutes in a day? I’d like to say that I’d get some extra sleep, but the reality is that I’d probably spend it reading my favorite blogs or hanging out with the Husband.

We have loved being part of this Summer Blog Hop, sharing DIY inspiration with you this past summer! If you missed any of the posts, check them out below. The projects feature 10 awesome crafty bloggers and their easy, budget-friendly DIY projects.

2017 Summer Blog Hop Co-Hosts:

From Play Dates to Parties
JENerally Informed
Hey Fitzy
Dazzle While Frazzled
Just Measuring Up
Health, Home, and Heart
Crafting a Family
A Purdy Little House
Confessions of a Mommyaholic
The No Pressure Life
Flourish and Knot

If you missed any of our Summer Blog Hop posts, they are listed below!

How to Make a Hanging Basket Wreath

August 28, 2017 by Eileen

I love the way a gorgeous wreath looks on a front door. I’m always spending money at the craft stores or Home Goods or even Target buying a new wreath – summer wreaths, holiday wreaths, winter wreaths. Yet, every time I see the price tag, I cringe a little, thinking that I should really learn how to make them on my own.

If you’re like me, then today is our day 🙂 Sue at A Purdy Little House is showing us how to make a hanging basket wreath for the door, as part of our final week in our Summer Blog Hop. (If you missed any of our DIY posts, scroll down for the whole summer list.)

She used pretty hydrangeas, a thrift store basket, and a few more things that you might even have around your home. The end result is beautiful, and she sure did save a lot making her own hydrangea wreath, rather than buying it already made.

I also love the way the DIY hanging basket wreath compliments her door. Gorgeous, right?!

Be sure to hop on over to Sue’s blog for her wreath tutorial! And, I’m going to do the same so I can learn how to make a hanging basket wreath for the door too!

To learn a little more about Sue, here are some fun facts:

What was your favorite TV show when growing up? Three’s Company

If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Sassy sage.

Every summer Monday and Thursday we are sharing DIY inspiration from 10 awesome crafty bloggers. We’ve shared some great DIY projects so far and have one more coming! Be sure to continue to check back 🙂

2017 Summer Blog Hop Co-Hosts:

If you missed any of our Summer Blog Hop posts, they are listed below!

How to Make an Amazing Box Kite from Scratch

August 20, 2017 by Ash 22 Comments

There are few things more thrilling on a windy day than flying a nice kite that you built yourself. But, I’m not talking about ready to go kits that you snap together in 10 minutes. I’m referring to designing and building it yourself from scratch.

There’s so much satisfaction from watching your homemade handiwork take flight in the skies. I remember growing up making kites from just fishing line, sticks on the ground and plastic bags.

I wanted to relive those days, and build a kite for my son – so that’s exactly what I did 🙂 Here’s how to make a box kite from scratch.

Planning the Kite Design

This time around, I wanted to go beyond the standard diamond shaped kites that I used to make as a kid. My craftsmanship has significantly improved since I was 10 years old, and I wanted to construct something that was up to my present standards.

After some kite design research, I settled upon the box kite. If you are wondering how to make a box kite, it’s an easy project to work on.

It’s an elongated box frame with fabric wrapped on two ends, leaving the middle exposed. It also has two attached strings (with specific offsets to give the kite a better aerodynamic tilt during flight) which converge to a single string to control.

How to Make a Box Kite

Here is a TinkerCad sketch I made of my proposed design of how to make a box kite. I love using TinkerCad because it gives great 3D visuals of my DIY projects.

It just so happens that a few days before my birthday, Eileen was on the phone with one of her sisters and mentioned that we were planning to make a kite.

Her sister stealthily went on Amazon and ordered a few kite-making materials as a birthday present for me. So we lucked out with some nice wooden dowels, table cloths, and an awesome spool of string for the box kite. 🙂

Materials for the Box Kite

Here’s the list of materials we used. A few were sent via Amazon but most are easily found around the house.

⅜” 4 ft wooden dowels (5 of them)
Brightly colored lightweight plastic table covers
Fishing line
Stiff thin wires
Electrical tape
Shipping tape
Spool of string

Step 1 – Preparing the Wooden Dowels

Here’s a picture of the wooden dowels. Little do they know about their high flying adventures to come 😉

I only used four of the dowels. The extra one you can use to keep pets away from chewing your sticks while working on your kite 🙂

My kite is made of 4 long 36” dowels, and 4 short 12” dowels. That means I can just take my 48” dowels and cut them at the 12” mark, and I’m set.

Here is one of the dowels marked at 12” and clamped into my handy workbench vice, ready to be cut with the hacksaw:

Several cuts later, here is the end result:

Add some string to that and I could sell it as a kit online!

Step 2 – Constructing the Crosses

To make the crosses, I first marked the center points of each 12” dowel. Then I notched out partial holes using my Dremel. If you don’t have a Dremel, you can use a hack saw.

The notches allowed two intersecting dowels to form a lap joint for a rigid connection.

Here’s a picture showing the notches I made with the Dremel (and a high-speed cutting bit):

Here are the dowels intersecting via the notches:

The ends of these crosses were going to be in contact with the long 36” dowels. To make for a better fit, I opted to carve the ends of the crosses slightly with a concave cut. This would allow the crosses to rest nicely against the long dowels.

Once again, I used the Dremel to make the cut below (boy was the Dremel helpful in this project):

To make a strong connection between the crosses and the long dowels, I used wire that I inserted into small holes drilled into the dowels.

The wire would be twist tied and strongly pull the dowels together. So holes were drilled into each 36” dowel (where the crosses were going to be in contact. Likewise, matching holes were drilled into the crosses (to line up with the holes on the long dowels)

Here’s a picture showing one of the holes I made in a cross:

Step 3 – My Strengthening Process

The lap joints I made for the crosses were just the beginning of the strengthening process I used for maximum durability.

First, I put a dab of construction adhesive in each joint. Wood glue was another option, but in my experience, wood glue tends to be a lot more runnier. Construction adhesive is thicker and starts to give some tackiness almost immediately.

Then, I assembled the crosses with the glue in place, and started reinforcing the intersection by repeatedly wrapping it with some fishing line:

Finally, I used strips of strong repair tape to repeatedly wrap the intersections:

Here is one of the finished structural crosses (it’s very sturdy at this point):

Step 4 – Assembling the Kite Frame

Now it was time to start connecting the crosses to the long wooden dowels using wire and the holes I drilled earlier.

Here’s a close-up showing how the connections were made:

The wire ran through a hole in the cross, and a hole in the 36” dowel. Then it was twist-tied.

Here is the kite structure nearly completed with the crosses attached via wire:

The wires made for a very strong connection between the dowels. However, the structure was still a little wobbly. To remedy that, I wrapped all the wire joints with electrical tape:

The kite structure was now complete and very rigid. It should have no problems standing up to strong wind forces (and inevitable crashes).

Step 5 – Wrapping the Fabric

Next up was wrapping the ends with fabric. You can be very liberal with what type of fabric you use. Some people use garbage bags. Others use construction paper. I used plastic tablecloths that my sister-in-law sent for our kite-making. You can pick these tablecloths up at the dollar store too.

Here’s a picture showing one side of the kite wrapped:

I also made sure the fabric was wrapped nice and tight around the structure. Then, I used a lot of shipping tape to help secure and reinforce the fabric.

I applied tape inside to help keep the fabric attached to the dowels. I also used tape where the fabric overlapped itself and on all the exposed edges of the fabric.

Here’s a close-up showing how the edges of the fabric were reinforced with tape:

This last step with taping the edges was especially important to prevent the fabric from ripping as wind gushed through the structure. It would also help during landings to prevent tearing.

Here is the kite with fabric applied to both sides:

Step 6 – Stringing the Kite

Now to make the string connections. String attaches to the top of the kite, and then again about ¾ down the kite. Then a final string connects to this one, and will be used to control the kite from the ground.

To attach string securely to the kite, I once again drilled some small holes and used more wire. The wires made a hook for the string to tie onto and not slide around.

Here’s a close-up of one of the wire hooks:

Here’s a picture showing how I attached the second string to the one above:

My Fancy Birthday Spool

That fancy metal clip connects to a string wrapped around a spool. The spool will be held by the kite flyer and reeled in and out as extra length is needed.

This nice kite flying spool came with a cool lightweight clip to quickly attach/detach to kites. If you aren’t so lucky, you can just wrap a long string around a stick and use that instead.

Here is the completed kite with spool of string:

Ready for Take-Off

The kite was now complete! We went to the park for a nice open area and really lucked out with a windy day!

Zeus had been wondering what we were working on and was overjoyed for his trip to the park. He got to run along with the box kite and enjoy a windy evening outside.

The homemade box kite was a really fun project to work on. It only took a few hours, and didn’t cost much to make. I can’t wait until my son’s old enough to create his own designs with me. His interest is already peaked – we are definitely a family of engineers.

Now when we have windy days this summer and fall, we have our hand-constructed box kite ready to go 🙂

If you have been wondering how to make a box kite, these six easy steps will have your kite ready in no time. All you’ll need then is a windy day.

It’s a great family project, kids activity, or couples activity – and who doesn’t love a great DIY project?!

How to Make a DIY Chalkboard Reusable Sign

August 17, 2017 by Eileen

If you are looking for a creative idea for first day of school and last day of school pictures, we have another awesome DIY project for you – an easy first day of school sign. Our friend Victoria at Dazzle While Frazzled is sharing her DIY reusable chalkboard sign idea as part of our Summer Blog Hop.

With just a few supplies (that you might even have laying around your house), you can create this cute chalkboard sign too. It’s a great way to document the beginning of a new school year, and your kids could even help make it 🙂

The chalkboard sign is framed with rulers and a few cute graphics – that Victoria has available to download on her blog. Your children could color the graphics in to add a sweet finishing touch to this homemade sign.

Be sure to hop on over to Victoria’s blog for her DIY chalkboard sign!

To learn a little more about Victoria, here are some fun facts:

Did you love or hate school when you were a kid? I have never balked at going to school. However, I truly loved school when I got into graduate school. I think I loved the freedom!

What would you do if you had an extra 30 minutes in a day? Work through the paper clutter that seems to land on my desk. On a more fun note, I would try to sew something for the house or try my hand at making clothing.

Every summer Monday and Thursday we are sharing DIY inspiration from 10 awesome crafty bloggers. We’ve shared some great DIY projects so far and have a lot more coming! Be sure to continue to check back though the end of August for more projects, crafts, and recipes.

2017 Summer Blog Hop Co-Hosts:

If you missed any of our Summer Blog Hop posts, they are listed below! Remember to come back on Monday for more DIY inspiration.

Easy Roasted Red Pepper Dip

August 14, 2017 by Eileen

At a summer get-together with friends, we had a bunch of different dips out. As everyone was dipping their chips, one of our friends remarked that we have become such a culture of dipping. It made me crack up as I watched our toddler going at the hummus like he hadn’t eaten all week. Come to think of it though, we do love our dips 🙂

Today, as part of our Summer Blog Hop, we are sharing our buddy Sarah’s recipe for roasted red pepper dip. Sarah is from Flourish & Knot, where she shares her DIY projects and homemade living.

It’s an easy recipe to follow, and it looks delicious. She even shares how to make the recipe a bit spicier, if that’s your thing 🙂

For dipping chips, my family is loving these amazing chips. They are made of cassava flour – so they are completely grain-free 🙂 They are delicious!

Be sure to hop on over to Sarah’s blog for her roasted red pepper recipe!

To learn a little more about Sarah, here are some fun facts:

What is the best place you’ve ever visited? Edinburgh, Scotland

Did you love or hate school when you were a kid? Loved it – I became a teacher!

2017 Summer Blog Hop Co-Hosts:

If you missed any of our Summer Blog Hop posts, they are listed below! Remember to come back on Thursday for more DIY inspiration.

DIY Back-to-School Photo Prop with Free Printables

August 10, 2017 by Eileen

Whether your jumping for joy or completely bummed out, the back-to-school season is here. Get a jump start on your first day of school pictures with this 10-minute photo prop that you can easily DIY (and reuse later!).

Our pal Laura over at The No Pressure Life is sharing this awesome DIY with us. It’s a cute sign that your kids can hold in their back-to-school photos. Not only that, but you can use it for the last day of school too – as well as reuse the cork board to hold artwork or important items.

Additionally, she is sharing FREE back-to-school printables, and they are simply adorable.

Be sure to hop on over to Laura’s blog for her photo prop instructions and FREE printables!

To learn a little more about Laura, here are some fun facts:

If you had a warning label, what would yours say? CAUTION! Do not approach before the subject is fed and caffeinated.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? Australia

2017 Summer Blog Hop Co-Hosts:

If you missed any of our Summer Blog Hop posts, they are listed below! Remember to come back on Monday for more DIY inspiration.

Quick Summer Taco Recipe

August 7, 2017 by Eileen

When we go on vacation, we love to stay at resorts, where we can grill or cook meals. It’s an inexpensive option compared to eating out. Plus it’s healthier, and you know exactly what’s in your food.

For our summer blog hop, our friend Susan over at Crafting a Family is sharing a great vacation meal with us – her quick taco recipe. Doesn’t it look amazing?!

Susan’s taco recipe is easy to throw together, which is perfect for a summer night. And, tacos are always a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults, even when you have picky eaters. If you don’t eat gluten or corn, you can easily use a lettuce wrap or gluten-free and corn-free chips (we are LOVING these chips).

Not only does Susan share her quick taco recipe, but she also gives tips for planning and preparing vacation meals.

Be sure to hop on over to Susan’s blog for her easy summer taco recipe!

To learn a little more about Susan, here are some fun facts:

What’s the last Netflix series you binge-watched? We are currently binge-watching “The Crown.”

Would you rather see the sunrise or the sunset? I would rather see the sunrise.

2017 Summer Blog Hop Co-Hosts:

If you missed any of our Summer Blog Hop posts, they are listed below! Remember to come back on Thursday for more DIY inspiration.

Making a Simple Back-to-School Washi Tape Chalkboard

August 3, 2017 by Eileen

Well, my friends, August is upon us. Summer seems to always just fly by. Whether you’ve started your back-to-school or not, we have a cute little DIY to share with you today that will definitely help you to get back into the swing of things.

Our friend Janine over at Confessions of a Mommyaholic is sharing how she made an adorable washi tape back-to-school chalkboard. It’s simple, quick, and will make a huge difference in those first day of school photos.

If you haven’t tried washi tape yet, this is a great project to start with. Washi tape is so simple to use and dresses up DIY projects perfectly. Kids could even help make it, as a fun back-to-school project.

Be sure to hop on over to Janine’s blog for her washi tape chalkboard instructions!

To learn a little more about Janine, here are some fun facts:

If you could join any past or current music group which would you want to join? I loved English, especially writing and American Literature.

What is your favorite flower? Lily is it and one of the the reasons why my younger daughter is named after this classic flower.

Every summer Monday and Thursday we are sharing DIY inspiration from 10 awesome crafty bloggers. We’ve shared some great DIY projects so far and have a lot more coming! Even though back-to-school is around the corner, we still have a whole month of awesome summer posts to share with you.

2017 Summer Blog Hop Co-Hosts:

If you missed any of our Summer Blog Hop posts, they are listed below! Remember to come back on Monday for more DIY inspiration.

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Archives for August 2017

2017 Summer Blog Hop Co-Hosts:

2017 Summer Blog Hop Co-Hosts:

Planning the Kite Design

How to Make a Box Kite

Materials for the Box Kite

Step 1 – Preparing the Wooden Dowels

Step 2 – Constructing the Crosses

Step 3 – My Strengthening Process

Step 4 – Assembling the Kite Frame

Step 5 – Wrapping the Fabric

Step 6 – Stringing the Kite

My Fancy Birthday Spool

Ready for Take-Off

2017 Summer Blog Hop Co-Hosts:

2017 Summer Blog Hop Co-Hosts:

2017 Summer Blog Hop Co-Hosts:

2017 Summer Blog Hop Co-Hosts:

2017 Summer Blog Hop Co-Hosts: