DIY Craft Tips and Tricks – Easy and Enjoyable Crafts for the Whole Family

DIY Craft Tips and Tricks: How to Decorate Wooden Bangles, Tie-Dye Handkerchiefs, Decorate Plastic Planters and Plant Pots with nail polish and decoupage as well as Pretty up Tassels and make Paper Earrings, Paint an Easy Watercolour Hearts Painting, Use Alcohol Inks on Glass, Paint on Glass Bottles, Make your Own Napkins, Make a Card and Envelope and more

Are you tired of looking at your plain, boring accessories and everyday items? Do you want to add a pop of colour and personality to your style and home decor? Look no further than these exciting DIY projects that will unleash your inner artist and bring out your creativity! In this blog, we’ll explore some unique and fun ways to decorate wooden bangles, tie-dye handkerchiefs (the techniques can be used on T-Shirts as well), add some colour to plain plastic planters and pots (these make beautiful gifts and don’t cost very much), and even decorate glass bottles with resin ink. See our previous blog on painting glass and plant pots for other ideas which are fun and easy to do. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting out, these projects are sure to bring a personal touch to your style and home décor

Decorating Wooden Bangles

Wooden bangles are a versatile accessory that can be dressed up or down, and they’re perfect for adding some personality to any outfit. With just a few materials, you can transform plain wooden bangles into stunning pieces of art that reflect your personal style. Here are some of the supplies you’ll need:

• Wooden bangle/s
• Acrylic paint
• Paintbrushes
• Mod Podge for decoupage projects
• Decorate bangles with rhinestones, beads, sequins, resin pebbles, etc.)

Steps to Begin your project

Start by painting your wooden bangles with a base colour. Use acrylic paint and a paintbrush or sponge to cover the entire surface of the bangle. You may need to apply multiple coats to achieve full coverage, depending on the colour and type of paint you’re using.

Once the base coat is dry, use a paintbrush to decorate the bangle. You can paint a design using multiple colours of paint and a small stencil, or use any other technique you wish to create a unique design,. Be creative and experiment with different patterns and textures.

When you’ve decorated your bangle, apply a layer of Mod Podge varnish and sealer over the entire surface of the bangle to seal the paint and protect it from wear and tear. Let the Mod Podge dry completely before wearing your new bangle.

Tips

Experiment with different paintbrushes to create different textures and designs. For example, you can use a sponge brush to create a stippled effect, or a small detail brush to add delicate lines and details.

If you want to add some extra sparkle to your wooden bangle, use rhinestones, beads, or sequins to create a 3D effect. Be sure to use a suitable adhesive. If you decide to use rhinestone stickers, if necessary, remove the sticky part and add some extra glue to make sure that they stick properly to the bangle.

See the Flicker Pinterest Picture below.

https://pin.it/4AlvFpf

Tie-Dye Handkerchiefs

Tie-dyeing is a classic DIY technique that’s perfect for adding some colour and personality to plain white handkerchiefs. You can start with a hanky and then progress to kids’ and adults’ T-Shirts. With just a few materials, you can create unique and vibrant designs that are sure to make a statement. Here are a few supplies you’ll need:

• White handkerchief/s or t-shirts
• Fabric dye – 3 colours of Tintex powder dye
• Rubber bands
• Vinyl gloves

Steps for Tie-Dying

Start by washing your handkerchiefs (or T-Shirts) to remove any sizing or chemicals that may interfere with the dyeing process.

Choose your dye colours and mix them according to the package instructions. Mix different dye colours to create custom shades and effects. For example, you can mix blue and yellow dye to create green, or red and blue dye to create purple.

Use vinyl gloves to protect your hands from the dye.

Now you are ready to begin this exciting technique

Fold and twist your handkerchief in different ways to create different patterns. You can use rubber bands to create stripes, circles, or other shapes.

Dip your handkerchief into the dye, making sure to fully saturate the fabric. You can use a plastic spoon or tongs to move the fabric around and ensure even coverage.

Let the fabric sit in the dye for the recommended time (usually about 20-30 minutes), or until you achieve the desired colour intensity.

Rinse the handkerchief in cold water until the water runs clear. Then, remove the rubber bands and rinse the fabric again.

Wash the handkerchief in cold water with a mild detergent. Dry it in the dryer or hang it up to dry.

Tie-Dye Handkerchiefs

See YouTube Video below:

Tie-Dye T-Shirts

See the following YouTube Videos:

See the YouTube Video below on how to make Tie Dye with Acrylic Paint

Decorating Plastic Planters and Plant Pots

Plastic planters and terracotta pots are a great way to add some greenery and life to any space, but they can be a bit boring to look at and require decoration to make them come alive. With a little creativity and some simple DIY techniques, you can transform plain plastic planters and terracotta plant pots into eye-catching pieces that reflect your style and personality. Here are two ways to decorate plastic planters and terracotta plant pots:

Decorating with Nail Polish

Nail polish isn’t just for your nails! It can also be used to add some colour and shine to plastic planters and plant pots. Here are some supplies you’ll need:

• Supplies you need to decorate Plastic planters and Terracotta Plant pots
• Nail polish – choose the colours you want to use and remember that certain colours when mixed will become an altogether different colour. It isn’t necessary to use your expensive nail polish unless you want to.
• Acetone in case you make an error and want to remove unwanted paint from the pot
• Paintbrushes if you are going to paint the pots freehand or draw or trace a design onto the planter or plant pot and then paint them with the nail polish
• Clear sealant spray

If you want an use an easy marbling technique using nail polish, you will require:

You will need the above supplies as well as:

• A bowl deep enough to cover the plastic planter or terracotta plant pot
• A few toothpicks to stir the nail polish into a design in the bowl of warm water

Remember the nail polish dries fast so don’t use ice cold water with this technique. Use warm water not hot.

Take a look at our previous blog  “Bringing Life to Your Home with DIY Painting”. There are lots of examples of how to marble with nail polish.

The YouTube Video below shows you how to paint terracotta plant pots so that you can use them for plants and not just for decoration purposes.

This method allows the plants to breathe.

Steps for Nail Polish Techniques

Technique 1:

Start by cleaning the plastic planters and pots with soap and water to remove any dirt or debris.

Choose your nail polish colours and pour a small amount of each colour into a disposable container.

Use a paintbrush to apply the nail polish to the planters and pots. You can create stripes, dots, or other patterns, or simply apply a solid color.

Let the nail polish dry completely before applying a second coat, if desired.

Once the nail polish is dry, spray the planters and pots with a clear sealant spray to prevent the nail polish from chipping and peeling off.

Tips

Use a small paintbrush to create precise lines and details. You can also use a toothpick or a cotton swab to create dots and other shapes.

Experiment with different nail polish colours and finishes, such as glitter or metallic, to create different effects

Technique 2:

Start by cleaning the plastic planters and plant pots with soap and water to remove any dirt.

Choose your nail polish colours (three should be sufficient to start with) and pour a small amount of each colour using a swirl pattern, figure eight pattern, straight lines, dots or whatever takes your fancy, into a plastic container deep enough to cover as much of your project as you require.

Take a toothpick or two and swirl the nail polish colours around the bowl.

Remember, nail polish dries quickly so don’t use cold water when pouring the nail polish into the bowl.

Skim the nail polish off the water with a paper towel when you’ve completed your project to keep it clean so that you can use the bowl again.

Let it dry.

Then seal the pretty artwork with some Mod Podge, either matt or shiny.

Watch the YouTube Videos in our previous Blog for different techniques.

Decoupage

Decorating your Plain Planters and Terracotta Plant Pots with Decoupage

Decoupage is a technique that involves glueing paper or fabric onto a surface to create a decorative effect. It’s a great way to add some texture and interest to plain plastic planters and pots. Here are some of the supplies you’ll need:

• Plastic planters and Terracotta Plant pots
• Mod Podge
• Decorative paper or pretty napkins or fabric
• Scissors
• Paintbrushes and Sponges

Steps for Decoupaging the Planters and Terracotta Plant Pots

Start by cleaning the plastic planters and pots with soap and water to remove any dirt.

Choose your decorative tissue paper or pretty napkin or fabric and cut the fabric into pieces or strips or if using paper, tissue paper or a napkin break it into small pieces.

See YouTube Video Below:

How to Make Your Own Custom Napkins

See YouTube Video below:

Steps

Apply a layer of Mod Podge smoothly onto the surface of the Planter or Terracotta Plant Pot, using a paintbrush or Sponge.

Place a piece of the Paper or Tissue Paper or Napkin (separate the design sheet from the plain part of the Napkin) or Fabric onto the part of the Planter or Terracotta Plant Pot that has Mod Podge on it and smooth it out carefully with your fingers, a sponge or a paintbrush. If using a Napkin, you need to exercise care as it is very thin.

Continue applying Mod Podge first and then pieces of Paper, Tissue Paper, Napkin or fabric in a collage-like fashion, matching and overlapping them slightly and filling in any gaps.

Once the entire surface is covered let it dry. Once dry, carefully apply a final layer of Mod Podge over the top to seal the paper or fabric and protect it from wear and tear.

Tips

For the decoupage / collage you can use a variety of papers or fabrics to create a layered and textured effect. You can use scrapbook paper, tissue paper, or even old book pages.

Use Mod Podge sealer, either glossy or matte, to create different effects. Glossy gives your project a shinier appearance.

Decorating Glass Bottles with Alcohol Ink

Glass bottles are a versatile and beautiful decorative element that can be used in a variety of ways, from vases to candle holders. With some alcohol ink and a little creativity, you can transform plain glass bottles into stunning pieces of art that will add a pop of colour and personality to any space. Here are some of the supplies you’ll need:

• Glass bottles, Wine Bottles, Wine Glasses, Mason Jars or whatever glass you want to decorate. Upcycled glass bottles are fine. All glassware to be decorated should be washed with soapy water and wiped down with rubbing alcohol (available at the pharmacy on the shelf) to get rid of any fingerprints or marks.
• Alcohol Ink and/or Resin (e.g., Pebeo Vitrea 160)
• Paintbrushes

Steps to painting with Alcohol Ink alone or with Resin.

Start by cleaning the glass bottles with soap and water to remove any dirt or debris.

Choose your alcohol ink/resin colours and pour a small amount of each colour into a disposable container.

Use a paintbrush to apply the alcohol ink/resin to the surface of the bottle. You can create stripes, dots, or other patterns, or simply apply a solid colour.

Let the alcohol ink/resin dry completely before handling the bottle.

Tips

Use a small paintbrush to create precise lines and details. You can also use a toothpick or a cotton swab to create dots and other shapes.

Experiment with different alcohol ink/resin colours and finishes, such as metallic or frosted, to create different effects.

Alcohol Ink and Resin for a Stained Glass Effect

See YouTube Video below:

Below is a YouTube Video on a Resin Pour.

Below is a YouTube Video for Beginners:

See Our Previous Blog for more YouTube Videos on How to Paint and Decoupage Glass and Plant Pots, etc..

How to Make Newspaper Earrings

This technique is on Facebook : Mark Montano

Tassels

The technique below can also be found on Facebook. Mark Montano

Easy Newspaper Bottle Art

See our previous Blog for more Bottle art YouTube Videos.

Handpainted Champagne Bottle

See YouTube Video Below:

Canvas Painting Technique

Paint Beautiful Red Flowers with Water Drop Puff

Never buy an envelope and card again. Do It Yourself in Minutes

Painting with Watercolours

If you’re interested in painting with Watercolours, here is an easy YouTube Video for you to watch:

Decorating wooden bangles, tie-dyeing handkerchiefs, adding some color to plastic planters and pots, and even decorating glass bottles with alcohol ink are just a few of the many DIY projects that can unleash your creativity and add a personal touch to your style and home decor. With a little time, effort, and imagination, you can transform plain and boring items into stunning pieces of art that reflect your personality and style. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things – the possibilities are endless!