A Bracelet DIY Using Old Comics

I have a friend who creates awesome jewelry by recycling old comics, which got me thinking . . . what else can a person make with old comics? That’s how I found this tutorial on Oh! Rubbish! Blog. It’s a super easy DIY, with great pictures. Plus, I’d bet magazines, newspapers, and old photos would probably work well with this idea too. Just think of the possibilities!

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March 21

Magic Mirror on the Wall

I have one of those long, dark hallways in my house that’s terribly difficult to decorate. There’s just one tiny window on one end, so I’m always looking for ways to lighten it up. This evening I tried putting up three mirrors of different sizes…and it looks excellent! Clearly, if three mirrors looks excellent, five mirrors would look even better (and ten would look incredible)! I can see this quickly becoming a new obsession…

Have you seen this lovely LEGO mirror spotted on OurNerdHome? It’s singularly simple to make (and will be featured prominently in my new mirror hallway by the end of this weekend):

I particularly love the gold spray paint – something we go through a lot of at our house. Have you ever wondered which gold spray paint to use for your projects? Julia at ChrisLovesJulia experimented with several different kinds, and writes about her findings here.

What are your favorite mirror projects? I’d love to see!

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March 9

Avengers Book Marks DIY

If you’re stuck indoors with little ones this winter, I found this fun DIY that’s perfect. Amanda Formaro on the blog Crafts by Amanda, has got this simple tutorial on making bookmarks out of popsicle sticks, craft paint, white out, and permanent markers. They’re easier than they look, and you probably already have the supplies. What’s even better is that for the super creative, it’d be really easy to take this project to the next level and create any of your favorite superheroes!

Captain America Tie Dye DIY

I ran across this awesome tutorial on iLoveToCreate, posted there by Alexa. The tutorial is great, and this technique is surprisingly easy. I recommend watching the short, 3 minute video and reading the instructions. It’s a little labor intensive, and messy, but so worth it, don’t you think?

Plushy DIY Roundup!

This week on Spoonflower, the contest involves original designs for mythical creature plushies, and when I saw Gila’s UniPug design I knew I had to share it on Geek Crafts. You can purchase your own DIY UniPug Plushy Pattern on a variety of fabrics (I recommend Spoonflower’s new Minky fabric for this one because it’s super soft and cuddly, like the ever elusive UniPug himself) in Cross The Lime’s Spoonflower shop. The design fits on a fat quarter and costs about $17 with shipping.

If you’re more of a cat person, you might enjoy making your very own Grumpy Cat with this Instructable by username elewis03, complete with step-by-step instructions and pictures, as well as a rudimentary pattern you can download for free. This little guy would make an excellent cubicle pal at the office, don’t you think?

If grumpy kitties and mythical unipugs aren’t your thing, how about a Frog Prince named Ferdinand from Abby Glassenberg’s blog While She Snaps? This DIY has a free downloadable pattern along with excellent pictures and instructions. While you’re there, you should check out the other free plushy patterns on Abby Glassenberg’s site–super cute!

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February 16

Geek Chic Clothing DIY Roundup

These days more and more people are rocking their personal geek chic style than ever before. So I’ve rounded up some fun DIY tutorials on starting (or adding to) your own geek chic wardrobe for everyday fabulousness. Take this awesome gathered skirt tutorial from the blog Set to Stunning by Lindz and Scruffy. It’s an easy-to-follow tutorial with pictures, and the idea is so simple you can use any fabric you want. Heck, make a bunch of these beauties, one for every day of the week if you like.

If sewing isn’t your thing, then perhaps peel-n-stick is more your style. Maya Murillo from the blog I Love to Create has a quirky and quick video tutorial on making your own sequin Godzilla shirt, no sewing required. It’s a cute idea, and another one you can easily customize without a lot of effort. She uses Aleene’s Peel and Stick Sheets to adhere the sequined Godzilla to a t-shirt. I haven’t used the product myself, but it’s gotten some mixed reviews. If you want an alternative, try Wonder Under Fusible Web. All you’ll need is an iron. Be sure the fabric you’re using for the Godzilla shape is ironing friendly, however (so, maybe glitter instead of sequins).

If you’re feeling a bit more artsy, then Alessandra from The Sparkle Queen has a nice photo tutorial on making your own galaxy shirt with a hidden TARDIS using bleach and paint. The process is similar to another technique featured here on Geek Crafts. Though Alessandra uses acrylic paints, if you’re looking for something that won’t change the hand of the fabric as much (you know, make your shirt feel a little crunchy once it’s all done), try some fabric paints designed to have a softer feel on fabric once dry. I’ve used Pebeo fabric paints before with good results myself, but there are tons of products out there available at your local craft store. Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous try out Dharma Trading online for some really excellent fabric paints, techniques, and tutorials. You can even get clothing blanks from them too.

Have fun spicing up your wardrobe!

Category: Comics, Craft, Geek, Girly, Movies, Sci-Fi, Tutorial, TV | Comments Off