February 22

Make Steampunk Goggles on a Budget

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Steampunk cosplay can get expensive in a hurry.  Fortunately, DarrenWasHere.com has got you covered with this great tutorial on making steampunk goggles with stuff you can find at Dollar Tree.  You’ll find step-by-step instructions with pictures, and there’s even a bit of a “post-mortem” on the tutorial where Darren describes some things he might do differently next time, and even some suggestions on different materials.  This tutorial is a great starting point and would be easy to customize to match your own cosplay, so be sure to check it out and give it a try!

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February 7

I Wanted To See The Universe, So I Made a TARDIS and I Ran Away.

I didn’t see anything that really struck my fancy to post about today, so I decided to post one of my own projects: my very own refinished TARDIS!

Well over a year ago, while doing some Christmas shopping for the 2014 season, we ended up at a store called At Home. There was a lot of interesting things there but I didn’t end up buying anything. However, they did have two different sized TARDIS cabinets that I realllllllllly wanted. (They don’t show them on their website so, I don’t know if they still carry them in store.)

I talked myself out of either of them, because I need more furniture like I need a hole in the head. But the thought of those lovely blue cabinets never left me. Fast forward to about a one month ago. I decided it was time to transform a small cabinet I already had into a version of the TARDIS. I only spent about $28.50 on this refinish.

This is what I started with. I don’t believe this is solid wood, but rather some kind of compressed sawdust kind of thing, mixed with something else. It doesn’t feel like pure wood. I’ve had it since probably 2005, if not longer. It was something my mom bought for me at Hancock Fabrics. I always thought it was fairly homely but it’s function was too good. It’s been where I’ve stashed my paints and PS2 games in the past.

Sorry for the potato here. I removed the top (unneeded) drawer pull and filled the hole with wood filler. I found the windows, St. John’s ambulance, police box signs and public sign on various websites, printed them to fit, and then decoupaged them on with some Modge Podge. The window trim is actually automobile pin-striping tape from Pep Boys.

I liked how the front door of the cabinet had that faux trim and recessed area on it, so I tried to recreate a version of it on the sides. these are $1 wood frames from AC Moore, with thin wood trim, from Michael’s, mitered and added to the sides.

I thought about adding some simple Home Depot stock furniture legs to it, to raise it up a little bit and give it more of a weight in my room, but I decided against it. I thought it would take away from that perfect “base” it already sits on.

I also tried my hand at some distressing/weathering painting all around the TARDIS. I bought some craft paint in lighter and darker shades of blue, and then finished it off with some clear coat to help seal it. My TARDIS is well-traveled. It’s been through a lot.

February 7

Rocket Man: DIY Jet Packs

jet pack by Kelly Crawford

Looking for a fun craft to help combat cabin fever? Kelly at Sewing in No Mans Land has you covered!

Just grab some empty water bottles, foil, electrical tape, streamers, and a few other materials and you too can create these awesome jet packs. (You/your kids must supply your own wooshing noises, but I’m guessing those won’t be in short supply.)

Be sure to hop over to her post for the how-to, plus adorable pics of her little man in action.

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January 31

A Star Wars: The Force Awakens Mural For a Fan

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Emily Rose’s 7-year-old daughter has always been a huge “Star Wars” fan. After the family saw the newest film in the saga, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” Rose knew a mural would be the prefect way to celebrate her daughter’s admiration of Rey, the movie’s lead woman character.

Rose told HuffPost they had difficulty finding a Rey action figure and visited nearly 20 stores before locating one.

Rose has painted murals for her children in the past, so she figured a mural of Rey would be the perfect surprise for her “overwhelmed fangirl” daughter. In two days, while her daughter was away, Rose painted a mural of Rey in her daughter’s room.

Not everyone can be an artist like Emily Rose, but with a little help, anyone could do a SW:TFA mural. Pick the search engine of your choice and look for Star Wars The Force Awakens coloring pages, and choose the Images link. Save the ones you like and then project them onto the wall of your choice. You can outline them on, and fill them in with paint later on.

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January 25

Make an Upcycled Doctor Who Tote Bag

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With the holidays over, school’s definitely back in session.  Why not dress up your everyday look with a fun DIY Doctor Who Inspired Tote Bag made upcycling clothing? Elizabeth Hudec on DIY Ready has got a tutorial on making this fun bag using a tweed jacket, button down dress shirt, bow tie, and couple of belts (for the straps).  And if you were feeling adventurous, you could probably take the leftover sleeve parts and make pockets for the inside! A-llonsy!

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January 24

Wookie the Chew

As a way to help us all try and think warm, fuzzy (furry) thoughts today in the midst of Winter Storm Jonas, I present a homemade Wookie the Chew!

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AMC3586 posted a series of photos of the Chewbacca Teddy Bear here being made by his wife, over at Imgur. She’s making the bear for their son, who will be born in May…when it’s supposed to be nice and toasty warm outside again. The bear is based on Florida artist and illustrator James Hance’s book, The House at Chew Corner. ‘Wookiee The Chew’, in the style of the original Pooh books tells the adorkable tale of the little biped that belonged to Chrisolo Robin (and Chrisolo Robin belonged to him). 24 pages of affectionately crafted adventure, brand new b&w illustrations and sneaky Star Wars references- a tribute to the combined genius of George Lucas, A.A.Milne and E.H.Sheppard. Suitable for jedi apprentices of all ages!