Dirt Chic

Challenge: Liquid Hand Soap

My problem: I think that liquid hand soap is kind of wasteful - we've been using the same bar of soap in the bathroom for months now, but I've refilled the kitchen soap dispenser twice (we wash our hands more in the bathroom, I'd say).

Basically, I don't want to buy more.  Besides using bar soap in the kitchen, does anyone have a good solution to make "homemade" liquid soap?  Should I just dilute something?

--Arwen

Challenge: Video Cassette Case!

So when I was going through my stuff to get rid of, I came across these.  I can't bring myself to be rid of the cases, though I certainly have pitched the cassettes.

What would be some fun uses for this?

I could easily cut that nub there off.

Ideas???

Record Challenge II

Here is my second idea for using your old record jackets.  This project isn't glamourous but it is fun and useful.  Also, it's for the sewing impared.  All you need is one roll of duct tape in any color, scissors (very sharp are best) and one record of your choice.  I love Elvis so I chose him to be the face of my bag.  I plan on using this as a mail bag to hang by the front door.  Or I might make it into my diaper bag every now and then.   

Here is the other side.  O.K. Let me note a few things about working with tape.......... It is veryyyy important to work slowly and be patient.  My daughter woke up in the middle of this bag and my cats are really into tape so I had to work fast.  The more time you take the better it is going to look.   Don't get frustrated and mad-- tape is annoying.  Contact paper is more annoying. I have fits of rage everytime I mess with the stuff.  But balling it all up and throwing it across the room is a waste.  Just take my advice and work slowly.

Roll out the tape three records length long.  Leave about 3" on each end.  The easiest way to do this is to roll the end of the tape under and stick it to your surface and then roll it out.  Do this three times.  By the way-- it is always better to work on a flat surface.

  Now, stick each strip together overlapping at about 1/4".  1/2" is fine too. The best way to do this is to hold the strip you are sticking and lay it down a few inches at a time.  You want to have control or you will make a mess.

Here is what it looks like after you do that.  Now you want to cut two or three pieces slightly smaller for the lining of the bag.  Place the pieces sticky side down on the tape.  Leave yourself a good inch on the sides (length) and about three inches at the top and bottom.

Again, try to work slowly.  Also try to leave the same amount of sticky on each side of the tape.  Now you want to get one side of your record or a whole record if you want it to be sturdier and place in front side down on the sticky part of tape matching the lining portion.  You are doing the sides first so make sure your record is turned correctly.  One more thought-- make sure you leave the sticky on the end.

Repeat on other side of tape with your second record.

Once you lay both records down put some more tape along the inside.  Now fold over whatever you have left at the top.  Now one side is complete.  Now you are going to bring your two-side up and slowly set them on your sticky for the bottom.

    Simply fold your tape over onto your record.  Turn your record again and finish off the other side.  You are basically done.  I used more tape all aroung the edges to just tidy thing up a bit.  I also added a pocket and a strap.  The strap is just my leftover tape stuck together with a little left at each end to stick to the bag. 

Here is my pocket.  I just stuck it inside.  It is the same general idea as the bag.  Now, I am working on a prettier and more sophisticated version of this bag but it may still take awhile.  So make this one in the meantime!  It would be great to stash all your Christmas cards in. 

Record Challenge Part 1

Arwen Challenged me to upcycle records.  Here is my first attempt.  I  wish I could have house plants because I think this box would look awesome over a plant pot.  My cats eat plants and puke.  It's not pretty. Anyway, I am using this box to sort mail.  I will probably make a few and put them on top of my buffet in the dining room.

It was really easy to make.  The key is getting all the holes you punch to match up.  I suggest laying out all the sides first and then punching the holes. 

I first cut the records down one side.  Then I laid them together with the insides facing each other.  I punched holes along the sides and bottoms of each record.  Then I lined them up with the piece I set aside for the bottom and punched that.  Lastly, I tied everything together with some ribbon.  I just started weaving the ribbon through the holes and came up with a good pattern. You can do it however you want. I love good art especially when it costs almost nothing and is practical.

The Board Game Challenge, Again

Husband has been getting ReadyMade Magazine for many a year now, and I love it.  (We read it together. :)  (Well, we look at it together.  I read it solo.)  I've been known to make "archives" of all my resourceful magazines for future purposes (camp, general information, project solutions for my house, etc.), but this particular re-purposing just blew me away the first time I saw it.  Truly memorable.

This would be the winner of The Board Game Challenge.  There were runners-up that were rad, such as the coat made out of a Twister game, but you'll have to buy this particular issue to see it, as it's not on the website.

In my customary way, I decided to use this craft idea for camp, just based on this picture.  I bought a bunch of games, and also figured that along with crafting a jewelry/storage box with the board, I could inspire my camp kids to make other things with the extra game pieces, like, say, jewelry.  Problem is, I have a limited crafting attention span, and while the directions are excellent, and actually quite easy, I quickly learned that I would have to basically make each box for each girl, which sorta defeats the purpose of a craft class.  From now on, I read directions thoroughly before I pick a craft.

So, I'm left with all these games and boards.  I would love to do something with them all (especially CandyLand), but don't have the time.  But - I have the interest!  So, if anyone can think of something truly awesome to do with these board games, or board games in general (besides the lovely box above), I will give them whichever item they choose.   

Quik inspiration:

The Record Challenge

I was going through a stack of old records the other day, and realized that, while I don't actually want all the records (though I could make awesome record bowls, especially with the translucent orange Lesley Gore album my husband gave me), I do want the covers.  But what to do with them, besides using them as choice decoration?

Challenge: what to do with record jackets?