Thursday, May 31, 2012

This mortarboard clock project is ready to graduate!


For all of you recent graduates out there, here’s a great project that scores an "A" for upcycling. I dug into my project archives from Craftzine and pulled out this great clock project. It only takes a few minutes to turn your mortarboard into a timely memento. The number on the tassel can correspond to the appropriate hour on the clock. Since this is 2012, it’s the last year you’ll have for a while that corresponds directly to the clock numbers. This is a great time to upcycle!

Materials: Graduation cap Tassel Clock mechanism Needle nosed pliers Wire cutters X-acto knift Needle and thread or glue gun (for attaching the year charm from the tassel)
1. Remove the button from the center of the graduation cap with pliers and wire cutters. If it’s really stuck in there, just keep working at it by wiggling around the pliers. Cut off the post with the wire cutters.

2. Take your pliers and X-acto knife and widen the hole in the center until the clock mechanism shaft fits through. Secure in place with the bolt. Add hands to the clock.


3. Remove the year charm from the tassel and place on the appropriate space on the clock. We used the year ’09 so we placed it at the 9 o’clock position. Either stitch it in place or hot glue it on. Your new clock is ready to go straight to the head of the class.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Video how-to: Upcycled placemats from plastic bags!


Here's a fun, summer project that will dress up your dining room and is made from free materials you probablly already have on hand. Turn disposable plastic bags into reusable placemats. In my video how-to, you'll learn how to heat-fuse plastic bags together. Then simply cut out a rectangle and you have a new table setting.

If you’re like me and turn down plastic bags at the checkout counter, ask your friends and family to start collecting. Once you get the hang of heat-fusing, you can apply this technique to a wide range of projects. Create coasters, reusable tote bags, pencil cases and more. Your only limit will be your collection of plastic bags!

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Spring Kids Fest Saturday 5/19

Time Out Kids and the Madison Square Park Conservancy host an afternoon of free family fun, featuring performances from kid-friendly crooners the Rockdoves and a special magic show from the Amazing Max. There will also be crafts courtesy of the Rubin Museum of Art and the Children’s Museum of the Arts, and yours truly, ReplayGround! Plus snacks from the Treats Truck. Free. All ages.

When: Sat May 19, 2012 10:30AM-1:30PM
Where: Madison Square Park NYC (23rd-26th Streets btwn 5th and Madison Aves)
website: http://timeoutnewyorkkids.com/things-to-do/220123/spring-kids-fest


Friday, May 4, 2012

ReMake a vinyl record clock! Just in time for Mother's Day!

I'm pleased to share some new DIY videos with upcycled home decor ideas. This first project puts a new spin on an old vinyl record. Instead of trashing it, transform it into a clock. It looks good on your wall, or share the recycling love and make one for a great Mother's Day gift. My clock is Sonny and Cher. What will yours be?

Check out all of my new videos on my DIY page. Happy ReMaking!

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Get Crafty in New York this weekend!

Even though Earth Day is over, the earthy goodness is still going. We'll be at two events this weekend. on Saturday, May 5, stop by McCarren Park in Brooklyn for Go Green! Greenpoint! Earth Day Festival. On Sunday, May 6, we'll be at the Queens Central Y for their Earth Day Fair. Stop by, get crafty, and be green!