DIY Makeover: How I Updated the Look of an Old Plain Chalk Pedestal

I have this cute white pedestal with an intricate weave design around it and have been with me for about 8 years now which means, time has weathered away its look and aged its appearance. The poor thing look pathetic now but I didn't have the heart to toss it away. Which in turn means, it found itself on my creative table and got itself a total makeover.

If you've got one like it, then check this very easy DIY project to give your own dull, ugly-looking chalk pedestal a needed makeover - all you need is paint!

DIY: How to Repurpose an Old Toy Chest into a Chic Living Room Accent Furniture

Got kids? My bet then is you have the popular Circo white toy chest as well.

If I'm right, here's a fun, easy and quick DIY project for you. This is of course if you want to keep them instead of tossing them away or donating them to Goodwill. I kept mine because my daughter's toy chest not only held her toys then but also memories. Memories of her being a baby and growing up. That toy chest stayed in her room for years all the way to when we moved to our new house. She's a tween now and the toy chest is no longer appropriate. And because of that, I got to put my creative genius in repurposing her old toy chest and giving it a total makeover.

If you have the same one or similar and would rather keep it, then read on for the tutorial and turn yours into a whole new furniture that's chic and useful.

Got Old Greeting Cards? Upcycle Them In Time For The Holidays And Save Money!

Upcycled, Recycled Old Greeting Cards

Holidays are coming up and you know what that means, cards and tons of cards to buy and send! With of course an exemption to those who'd rather send e-card - which to my book is cheesy and un-personal...ahem.  But if you're one of those traditionalist as moi, don't be quick in spending your hard-earned dollars yet. Let me tell you ways to save some moolah by simply upcycling those cute old cards you have collecting dusts in your shoe box somewhere, into new adorable ones. Yes it can be done. Knowing me, I always find a way.

You can call this a form of  "re-gifting", though not quite.

Here are creative ways to give your old cards new life:

Materials

Paper Edger Scissors
Border Punch
Corner Punch
Double-sided tape
Paper cutter
Colored Card stock Paper
Old greeting cards
Your creativity and imagination

Instructions

Border punch and corner punch

Upcycling two-fold cards without paper insert. 
Using the paper cutter, separate the front cover from the other half of card with dedication. Cut just before fold to make a clean cut. You can save the dedicated portion or recycle, of course. Then, use the border punch to add a decorative touch on the front cover's edges. Finish it off with the corner punch to complete the design as shown above. Use your creative imagination to create your preferred trim.

Once satisfied with your creation, fold a card stock paper in half.  Lay the redesigned front cover on top of the front of the card and trim its edges, leaving minimum margins on all sides to ensure your front cover will be centered. Using double-sided tape, stick your cover permanently on the front side of your new card and you're done!

For two-fold cards with paper insert.
Using paper edger scissor of your own preferred design, cut the bottom half of insert to remove "dedicated" portion (shown on photo below). Set flap in place with a double-sided tape. Voila! New card to re-use and send.

Count your savings.
By recycling and upcycling old cards, you save a minimum of $1.00 a piece to $2.50, depending on the brand and size of cards when bought new. That's a saving of approximately $50 if you're planning on sending 20 cards!

Don't throw those old cards away. Upcycle. And save money!


Your Question: 
I have no border punch or paper edger scissor, what are my options?

My Answer:
No worries. Plain edges are OK too. You can also opt on trimming their edges with ribbons all around or just part of it like a frame. Or if you love glitters, sprinkle the margins with them. Whatever you do with your card, give it your personal touch and make it your own, unique creation!


More creative ideas for your old cards:
How to turn your Christmas cards into bookmarks
How to turn your Christmas cards into coasters

Xtreme Recycling: Flower Bouquet and Potpourri from Dryer Sheets

Did you know you can turn your used dryer sheets into a cute work of art? Yes you can and I'm going to show you how! I recently changed fabric softener sheets (aka dryer sheets) brand and though I like both, I prefer the latter due to its ability to retain its scent even after usage. This "inspired" my creativity to recycle the sheets into something appealing and useful. Instead of throwing them away, I turned the used sheets into scented flower bouquet and the extra, into "potpourris" where the bouquet sits. The creation looks cute and smells good. So, don't toss your used dryer sheets yet until you try your hands on this one! Makes for a fun project and great recycling idea too.

Mom Market @TypeAParent made my heart Warm and Fuzzy

I will be honest with you. I was soooo nervous at the thought of doing the Mom Market at Type A Parent Conference last week. When I got the email from Megan (@SweetSadieMarie) telling me I was approved to take part in the Mom Market, I was like "Whaaattt??? Me??? I got in???" I got all excited and scared, in a good way, at the same time... if that was even possible. I've never done the Mom Market before...

Unique End of School Year Thank You Teacher Gift Ideas

Thank you cards by Living Locurto

This week is the last week of school for my daughter and the entire school system in my county. It's hard to believe that a full year of school is ending. My daughter will surely miss her classmates but most of all her teacher who have become her all-time favorite this year. I'm sure your children have their own favorite teachers, but favorite or not, they have become a very significant part of their lives. As the school year ends, let's show our appreciation to these wonderful teachers in words or through creative gift ideas that truly says "THANK YOU!"

Easy Last Minute Valentine's Day Decorating Ideas

Zen meets Simplicity 

Decorating your home at every change of season or special events and occasions doesn't need to be complicated and shouldn't cost you a leg and an arm either. Simple is always beautiful. And easy, affordable decors are the best way to go especially if you're doing last minute decorating projects that don't need lots of flair just like the simple decor above that cost less than $10!

DIY: Fall Leaf and Tree Branch 3D Wall Art Poster

Fall is almost over and most of the trees are about all bald and spines. Before that last leaf fall, try your hands on this attractive 3D Wall Art poster that I put together as a creative reminder of how beautiful the leaves of the trees around my yard are each Fall. One of my walls was also naked and this project was the perfect decor' solution!

DIY: Bookmarks From Repurposed Christmas Cards

This is the Bookmark Tutorial which is an accompaniment to the first series of the DIY project using repurposed Christmas cards. These bookmarks came from the same cards where I created the set of 4 adorable coasters from. You can see the first part of the DIY project here: Coasters Tutorial.

DIY: Coasters and Bookmarks From Samples or Old Christmas Cards

I'm a sucker for cute things and I don't want them to go to waste if possible, so most of the time, I try to find ways to re-purpose seemingly useless but cute items that obviously belong to the trash or the recycle bins. Recently, I was invited to attend a TinyPrint party and received sample holiday cards which are unusable for personal use but too cute to simply surrender to the recycle bin. My creative brain went to work right away and came up with two ways to re-purpose the cards royally fit as a holiday gift!

Fall Fun - How to Create Flower Bouquets from Fall Leaves

Fall leaves? I got plenty of them in my front and back yard. Do you? Not sure what to do with them like me, besides watch them fall on the ground until they end up into a big pile of mess? Well, fret no more. Here's a fun and creative project I discovered through haha.nu that I tried my hands on and guaranteed to give you tons of fun creating! Not to say, it's pretty easy to make and highly attractive as Fall decor.

Back to School Project: Introducing the 50 States to your Child with Collectible Coins

In two weeks, my daughter is starting back at school. I'm already anticipating the bigger volume of homework she's going to be bringing home now that she is entering second grade. None of us are ready for it. I don't think you'll ever be. But in order to get her in a mindset, I decided to kick-off back-to-school week with a fun project that's equally educational. Do you know the 50 States by heart? 

Yammers of Hammers - Silversmithing and Metal Stamping

It's mid-afternoon and the entire house is reverberating with banging, deafening noises that keeps getting louder by the minute. "She's at it again!". My daughter announced. Screaming like a banshee so she can be heard amidst the racket.

The source is me. Hunched on my work desk, pounding and hammering silver like a mad woman. This is my altered ego pursuing a new-found passion. Silversmithing and Metal Stamping.

Oddly, I found that I LOVE the design hammering creates. More so, when oxidized, enhancing the design. So I hammer! Though my husband concluded that, this, is my ultimate outlet for stress. He can just be right!

On Twitter, someone told me how she remembered the good old days when I blogged daily. I remember those days too and I miss it... But "life is like a box of chocolate and you don't know what you're gonna get..."

As of late, the Creative Chocolate dominates. Whoever said "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" was a pessimist. I'm neither old nor young, but I find that there's always room to grow and learn. It's a mindset. So I learn.

After taking Silversmithing class with the "only game in town" : Dan Haga, I was hooked. I realized that making unique jewelry doesn't end in beading. You can up your skills by learning different options and techniques. 90% of handmade jewelry-makers I know are Beaders and only 10% of them took up a new trick to learn. You don't know know what you're gonna get... You might just like it!

Things you can create with Silver and Hammer

Men's Hammered and Oxidized Pendants on Leather cords
{Men needs jewelry too- first time in my collection}

Icthus Earrings /Domed disk Earrings

Modern Lily Earrings / Make a Wish-bone Earrings

My most treasured one...

The"new" Mommy Bracelet

{currently my bestselling customizable design}

Thinking of Silverworks now? Here are some websites that I personally use for my supply needs to help you get started:

a) Beaducation - Got good stuffs for metal stamping. Affordable prices.

b) NileCorp - Got the cheapest priced tools with online discounts.

c) Widget Supply - offers best variety for rouge polishing bars and more.

d) Artbeads - Free Shipping in the US. Great for bulk needs though limited collections.
e) Firegemmountain - Also great for bulk needs. Wide variety but a little on the expensive side.

f) CoolTools - Offers Eco-Friendly options. Best one so far!

Let me know if you have any questions. Now on with the Torch! - Nooo, I'm not going to torch the house!

Happy Creating! {don't forget the earplugs and safety glasses}



Note: Ear wires and Clasps used are also handmade. Oxidizing agents used on all the jewelries is an Eco-Friendly solution {not sharpie markers} that's good for the plants. Jewelries are created in a smoke-free environment. My pledge for a safer environment and safer you.

Le Internationale'

There's nothing else that brings pure pleasure than seeing your own creations go places. AND I mean not just places but around the globe!

Someone once told me that "when your creations go places, a part of you goes with it..."

This is true. A designer or crafter will agree that we do have moments when we get attached to our finished products that it becomes hard to let go to sell it.

Hand made industry had taught me not just the skill to create unique pieces but the Art of letting go!

Why is it so hard to let go sometimes? The thing about handmade creations is that it requires love, care and a whole lot of patience in making it. Thus, part of you is ingrained in each creation which translates to a unique and individualized item bearing your distinct style!

One month shy to being full year in the jewelry-making industry, I'm happy to say that my creations has been going International full blast right before my eyes! Though it's hard letting go of them, I must bid them Adieu and see them off to their new "home".

This pretty Hawaiian Touch Necklace went to Sweden
to a wonderful lady.

This Zen Mala bracelets went to UK.

{Some items went to Canada, South Africa and few other countries}

You own an online store. Is going international right for you? Actually, it is. It's good for your business as I, have discovered. It expands your horizon and reach. Also gives your business a world-class distinction.

Shipping international is not as bad or difficult as other small biz owners presume, moreso feared! If you're shipping small items like handmade jewelries, it is easy peasy! seriously.

They're not that expensive either. I usually ship my items first class and most of the countries it went to only cost me as much as $4 {my current international shipping fee}. The rate usually varies depending on the weight of the item.

So how do you know how much to charge? Best way to gauge your shipping fee is weighing your items at home {a handy kitchen scale can do the trick} then check the weight per rate value listed in the price group of the country you're shipping the item to {you can check it HERE}. Most cases, they'll have the same rates which will give you an idea to either use flat rate {works best if your shipping items with identical weight value} or itemized the fees accordingly.

**Beyond 3.5 oz is considered parcel and rates are higher.

Items you need when shipping : bubble mailers {big and small}, small jewelry box to house your item and the Customs Declaration Form PS Form 2976 which will be provided for you to fill-up at the post office.

Note: declare the item as a gift and describe the item as a handmade item: "Handmade Necklace" etc. {No more questions asked}

If there's any downside to shipping international, it is the trouble of having to go to the post office to mail it. My Paypal account that is supposed to handle my shipping needs just won't do it. Nonetheless, let not the myths attached to shipping international deter you from expanding your business. It is easy as 1,2,3! Seriously.



Golden Flower Creations

New Line of Designs

Continuing from my "Behind the Scenes" post, I would like to share to you part of what my Creative life had enslaved me to doing during my "offline" gigs!

My little hands {and little eyes} were busy with these:

The promise of Spring/Summer Collections

I have always admired the enchanting beauty of the bird's nest design which is very popular out in the handmade world these days. It's definitely a work of art! And despite the lack of "free" tutorial {last time I looked} on the www, that did not deter me from testing my creative abilities in attempting to create one of my own! After several trial and errors, frustrations included... Voila! My efforts succeeded! It may look simple and easy but no, it takes talent just wrapping & coiling the wires to create the nest {Not to mention, sore fingers}. But I'm happy with what I created...pure ingenuity! And a great gift too! Available in Gold or Silver tone. Would you like a tutorial?

Gold and Silver Bird's Nest Necklaces and Earrings

Working with wires has always fascinated me which is evident in this project that was inspired by the Beijing Bird's nest Stadium. I definitely lay claim on this being my ORIGINAL creation! First time I made it, it got sold immediately. So, I brought them back! Now available in Gold tone too. Just click on the link below the pics to take you to the Gallery.

Silver and Gold Magical Bird's Nest

Now June being the official start of summer and its' Birthstone being Pearls, I went Pearl-crazy! This Love birds pendant originally features an empty nest. I'm sure you've seen them somewhere. Such a sad picture right? So, for a quick fix and updated look, I placed a pearl on the nest representing an egg. Now that's a happy picture! Don't you agree? I haven't seen anyone think of this {yet}, so it's my ORIGINAL idea {until someone starts copying the idea}! Don't forget to check the OWLS, they're such a hoot!

Love Birds Necklace

Pearls are timeless and very elegant. I have created lovely ones that's versatile and can be worn either on formal/casual occassions or even that special day: your wedding day! I would love to create one specially for you or your bridesmaid. Just take a look at some of these adorable pieces! All made with Sterling Silver .925!

All these and More are now available online at Golden Flower Creations

And if your style is eclectic, got you covered there too! Here's one for you!

Cleopatra's Eyes

So, I spy with my little eyes, lovely peeps oogling and ahh-ing at my stylish pretties!

Are you one of them?

Please come by and check out the rest of the collections at Golden Flower Creations! And If you have an Etsy shop, I invite you to join us at Etsy Mom Hearts Club! A place for moms who have Etsy shops. To share tips, tricks and hearts to make our business successful!

Then scroll below to find out what happened to me at the Avon Walk Craft Show!

Behind the Scene

Here's a little in-depth look "behind the scene" of my escapades during the past weeks I was away from blog-o-sphere.

The Avon Walk Craft Show hosted by Pink at the Plaza:

A show put together to raise money for Breast Cancer awareness. It was my first major Craft show which unfortunately turned out to be a major disappointment to a lot of the vendors who participated. The cause was indeed great, but the turnout was undeniably a big letdown to most of us. Besides the gloomy rainy weather and strong gusts of winds knocking everything from our tables, the mysterious absence of shoppers {the life of any craft events} and lack of signages' was what irked some of the vendors the most. I personally had people walk up to me and asking me what the heck was going on. No one got a clue why we were there and we were smack dab in the middle of a shopping center! Ok now, that got me to conclude that it was one of the reasons we don't have shoppers!? What does that tells me as a vendor in a Craft show? I rest my case. I'll say no more.

My tent with my elegant wares
(picture courtesy of pink@theplaza)

Now, in defense to the organizers the obvious excuse was that this is just it's 2nd year and it is still learning the ropes of the trade. But not all of us buys it! And why not? In good faith, people had put their trust on the organizers and expected a good, well-organized/promoted, profitable show. After all, we're raising money for a cure! - We sacrificed our time, money and effort, dragging ourselves in the early morning hours and our wares just to be in the show - unfortunately, the show was way below everyone's expectations. Is it right to point fingers at the organizers for a failed event? Well, you don't expect vendors to put the blame on themselves, right? As for me, I would love to do it again, but maybe not anytime soon. I think I'll wait...

Me and Barb - one of my fave customers!

Inspite of all the unpleasant letdowns, one good thing came about in this event for me. One of my favorite customers ever came to see me at the Show! I was quite surprised and so thrilled that she actually came to see me! And what was neat about it all, was that, we were both wearing my bestselling Chinese Prosperity Bracelets! How cool is that!?

It was great to finally meet her in person. And I tell you, she does rocks! I really love her. Barb who also goes with an online pseudonym AstridNicole {which is by the way the name of her cool dog} is truly a wonderful customer! I definitely wish for more like her patronizing Golden Flower Creations!

In summary, Craft Shows, like life is a gamble. To best put it {I'll borrow Forrest Gumps' famous quote}:

"Life is like a box of chocolate,
you never know what you're gonna get! "

- And the best defense? Learn from the experience!

Don't forget to check my FIRST MAJOR CRAFT AWARD and my GUEST POST : Recession-Proof your Small biz at Moomettesgram Musings blog.

First Major Craft Award

Pardon moi. But I just have to brag! It's probably the last thing you would want to hear from me after a long hiatus from blogging but it can't be helped. This is one huge reason I was whisked away from blogosphere and you should hear about it!

Two months ago, I received an email invite from Plaidonline.com to compete in their Annual Spring Craft Contest featuring one of their well-known products. It was like Iron Chef with a secret ingredient. The "secret ingredient" was the ever versatile glue Mod Podge which is celebrating it's 40th year in the market.

Eversince I decided to dabble full-throttle in the Craft biz full-time, It never crossed my mind that one day I'll get involved in major contests hosted by well-known companies such as this. But that exciting day came and I was totally absorbed in the moment!

In an essence, this is my very first attempt per se. Call me naivete' in this game but it has to start somewhere and I chose this for my initial experience!

Inexperienced and a first-timer, I was at a loss for idea and at the same time in frantic mode, trying to create stuffs for the upcoming Avon Walk Craft Show. Yet call it luck! Einstein's bulb, out of my dazed condition, lighted up in my head and voila! A brilliant project came to mind!

We are Silk Soymilk drinkers in my little abode. And for some odd reason, one day, I just decided to collect the pull tabs and maybe recycle/upcycle it to a wearable art as part of my Eco-green effort to help Mother Earth! And what do you know, so glad that I did!

That odd idea is now an award-winning project as you will see in the picture above! An Upcycled/Recycled Spring Necklace and Ring fit for a Princess made of Soymilk Pull Tabs no less! A truly innovative idea that captured the interest and admiration of Eco-loving peeps!

Retweeted Numerous times by Eco-Friendly loving tweeps! And was even one of the Twitter highlight of the day {May 11} ! Thanks to @WebAnna : Dallas/Fort Worth TX channels 21/11 Web Producer Anna Gonzales who posted the link in her company/personal blog. Call it one of my Glory days!

I'm not an aggressive go-getter but this achievement surely made me proud of myself and makes me look forward to more! Watch out for my "little fame" which will be feautured on plaidonline.com!

AND If you haven't seen it yet, spare a time to check my new glamorized, updated designs in MY SHOP. I promise, you'll love it!

Cheers!!!