DIY Anything

DIY Volunteer

2009-01-22T11:02:00.000-08:00

Do your part to continue Obama's call for community service volunteers nation-wide by pledging to volunteer 5 hours in your area and Starbucks will reward you with a tall coffee!

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hello readers,

I will be taking a highly anticipated vaykay to more southern and warmer climates for the next few weeks and will be setting aside my blogging updates until my return in mid-January. Happy holidays to you all!

Be well,

NYCFreelancer

Holiday Gift Ideas Coming Your Way!

2008-12-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

For the next month I will be bringing you DIY gift ideas you can use as both an outlet for your creative juices and to help save some major Benjamins (w00t w00t) this holiday season. Enjoy...

A Jar of Nothing...

2008-12-24T00:42:00.000-08:00

For the person who has everything or wants nothing this season...you can give them exactly what they need (creatively)...NOTHING!

Gift Kits (for kids to parents to significant others)

2008-12-23T00:05:00.000-08:00

Here are a few creative and fun DIY Gift Kit ideas by UK's Mooky Chick, a weekly online magazine for alternative women.

Recycled Toilet Roll Napkin Rings

2008-12-22T00:35:00.000-08:00

Pretty cute really and a great way to recycle! See examples and instructions by Craft Bits HERE.

DIY Lip Balm

2008-12-21T00:32:00.000-08:00

Original host Michele Beschen and professional soapmaker Charidy Hight share an easy recipe for handmade lip balm that will put a smile on your face. Article courtesy of DIY Network...read more.

DIY LP Clock

2008-12-20T01:27:00.000-08:00

With the holiday countdown closing in and expedited shipping costs suddenly doubling the price of that once "steal of an online deal", you may feel a limited number of gifting options before you. Never fear, there are still plenty more DIY projects to come including today's really simple homemade LP Clock that you can make from very inexpensive elements and have ready in less than an hour. Again, courtesy of DIY Hipster at the University of Oregon's Daily Emerald Newspaper I have yet another DIY project/gift idea for that music-lover on your holiday shopping list.

What You Need:
1 Record: $1
4 Guitar Picks: $ 0.10
1 Clock Mechanism: $6
Craft Glue: $2
Spray Paint: $0.99

DIY Earrings (for the Guitar Player on Your List)

2008-12-19T00:55:00.003-08:00

:: GUITAR PICK EARRINGS ::

You will need...
Assorted Picks ~ .10 each
Round link findings ~ .03 each
Fish hook findings ~ .05 each
1/16" Craft Punch ~ $4.79

Step 1: Pick out some guitar picks

Step 2: Make hole using 1/16" jewelry craft punch

Step 3: Thread a round link through the hole

Step 4: Attach fish hook finding through link

DIY Day At The Spa Gifts :: Bath Teas!!

2008-12-18T00:57:00.000-08:00

Wouldn't it be nice if you had a masseuse on call or a at least a hot tub on hand after a long day? Well, if you're not able to afford your own private physical therapist there may still be a simple solution to soaking all your stress and muscle troubles away. Turn your average bathtub into a rejuvenating spa with these simple Bath Tea recipes or give the gift of relaxation this season...it's an extremely simple DIY project and a gift anyone would be thankful for all year round!

Green Tea Bath Recipe by Ponte Vedra Soap Shoppe

Bath Tea Recipes by the Family Homestead

Bath Sachets by DIY Network

Tea Bath by Lindisima

DIY Unique Holiday Cocktails...

2008-12-17T00:28:00.000-08:00

This is a season of holiday cheer and ringing in a new year, celebrating friendships and family...and pinches pennies. When hosting your holiday or new years party, why not make it a unique BYOB celebration. Here are some fun holiday cocktail recipes, including this yummy holiday concoction, Cider and Spice, that will both help you stretch that bottle of champagne just a bit further with holiday champagne cocktails and be sure to please the taste buds. Have guests bring the Apple Cider or other mixers to help trim the cocktail costs, mix, pour and toast! Cheers to the holidays and 2009!

DIY Gift Box (out of a CEREAL box)!?

2008-12-16T05:27:00.000-08:00

Wanna gift wrap on the real real cheap? Here's a real original idea to create a gift box out of a cereal box! Very creative idea for both recycling junkies and the young and broke like me!

DIY Holiday Wine Glass Charms

2008-12-15T00:01:00.000-08:00

Here's a fun and simple DIY project that can double as both a great gift AND a useful decor accessory for your next holiday party! DIY holiday wine glass charms are easy to make, add some fun holiday cheer to the festivities and can be a great parting gift for your guests.

DIY Coupon Book (made even easier)!

2008-12-14T00:10:00.000-08:00

A coupon book gift is a great idea and can easily be made with just a little paper and some creativity and for those of you drained in the creativity department, this Christmas Coupon Book template will make your DIY gift even easier...just insert paper into printer, select "Print" and there you go...with both a color or black and white version...this gift is perdy simple (now the more involved part...being ready to do everything in the coupon book)!

Chocolate Covered Pretzels

2008-12-13T00:12:00.000-08:00

Who can resist something, anything really, covered in chocolate? These deliciously covered pretzels are a fun stocking stuffer idea or tasty match for that homemade cocoa for your co-workers. You can also turn this into a simple holiday project to do with your kids (and hope most of them end up surviving the chocolate dip phase without being "mysteriously lost" in the process (nom nom nom))!

DIY Tube Scarf

2008-12-12T04:26:00.000-08:00

Yet another great find from DIY Style, the Tube Scarf! This is a very simple design (and simple is a great adjective for most any project) that looks stylishly warm for the next couple months of winter weather. A great stocking stuffer and easy to ship, this is the perfect item for anyone, anywhere.

DIY Robe

2008-12-11T08:18:00.001-08:00

This quick and easy robe design presented as one of DIY Style's recently featured projects can be done in about an hour and is a beautiful gift for yourself or a loved one.

DIY Necklaces...(Part II)

2008-12-10T08:07:00.000-08:00

Instructions for three fun and trendy necklaces provided by Cosmogirl!

DIY Necklaces...

2008-12-09T08:10:00.000-08:00

Great DIY necklace mix and match tips: how to combine old and new, vintage and couture to create or recreate something unique!

You Can Make Ornaments Outta ANYTHING...

2008-12-08T02:35:00.000-08:00

...just check out what this blogger did to transform a toliet paper roll into a sparkly decoration in minutes!

TP Tutorial HERE

DIY Funky Button Bracelet

2008-12-07T00:12:00.000-08:00

Here are some great step-by-step instructions on how you can take a pile of random mismatched buttons and turn them into a unique and funky accessory befitting an UrbanOutfitters.

Creative Kismet Blog: Button Bracelet Tutorial

DIY Ribbon Wreath

2008-12-06T05:18:00.000-08:00

Want to decorate for the holidays but don't have a lot of craft supplies or extra cash to throw at holly, tinsel and twinkling lights? Here's a quick and easy project you can do in minutes that will add a simple touch of holiday spirit without weighing on your wallet.

DIY Ribbon Wreath (estimated time to make: minutes)

You will need...

A 12" foam wreath (or an ugly old wreath from a thrift store that you can easily cover up)

24 yards of ribbon (or cut up an old red or green bed sheet or a few pieces of cheap thrift store clothing items in reds or greens)

Scissors

Measuring tape

DIY Gourmet Cocoa

2008-12-05T00:49:00.000-08:00

It's chilly, it's freezing, it's winter...so what better gift to give anyone on your list than a warm cup of HOMEMADE chocolaty goodness.

To kick things off here's a classic recipe for Hot Cocoa (makes 36-40 servings) from a soapmaker/stay-at-home mom in Arkansas.

Add a bit of extra sweetness to the flavor by crushing some peppermint sticks with a small amount of powdered sugar in a food processor or blender, then add the peppermint crumbles to the final cocoa mix {from About.com's Non-Dairy Peppermint Cocoa Mix recipe}.

Finally, dress up your homemade concoction into a thoughtful gift using these simple and festive packaging instructions by instructables.com and vwalah!...a holiday gift everyone at the office will be begging for year after year.

DIY Stenciled Tees In Under An Hour

2008-12-04T06:02:00.000-08:00

So many creative junkies are out there sharing their genius with the world through their blogs, websites, youTube vids and now one of my new favorite sites, WonderHowTo.com. Here's a video from California stencil artist, Chris (aka. gigantic), detailing how you can make a Custom Stenciled T-shirt in an hour!

Design-It-Yourself Chic Foldover Clutch

2008-12-03T00:31:00.000-08:00

The creative team at DIY Style (Design-It-Yourself Style) dish out a blog and biweekly video podcasts on all kinds of fashion-forward DIY tips, projects and designs including one of my fav pieces, the Chic Foldover Clutch. Your friends will think you've really outdone yourself with a gift like this! (Shhhhh...they don't need to know you didn't break the bank on a one-of-a-kind original).

DIY Granola & Other Budget Gifts Under $1!

2008-12-02T00:10:00.000-08:00

This Domino article includes 20 homemade or inexpensive gifts for under $1 to inspire you and your savings account!

Rehabilitated Dishware

2008-12-01T00:35:00.000-08:00

BEFORE AFTER

You've seen piles of the ugliest 80's dishware in all the Goodwills and Salvation Armys from Cali to NYC and you may even own some that you've stashed away in your garage or attic wondering how to let your Great Aunt know that you may never use them in this lifetime. Perhaps there is hope for them yet. Sarah Cihat's cleverly artist renovations of overlooked dishes have become a trendsetting phenomenon now replicated in huge retail chains like UrbanOutfitters. I'm sure you can be creative enough to make your own personalized designs and use these plates as works of art for your kitchen or to gift to friends this holiday season (Note: If you intend to eat off of newly painted plates, you will want to make sure you are working with non-toxic materials).

You Haute Jewelry Designer You

2008-11-30T00:01:00.000-08:00

That's right, you too can be a designer diva and impress those on your holiday shopping list with one-of-a-kinda pieces...by YOU. Artist Kate Cusack designed some really creative accessories like this bracelet out of nothing more than...ZIPPERS! Her popular flower-shaped pins (also made of zippers) sell for $85 online at a variety of boutique shops. My guess is that no matter what your level of creativity or sewing experience, these designs are something fairly easy and fun to try and imitate on your own for next to nothing. So go on and give it a whirl you fashionista you!

DIY Custom Dresser

2008-11-29T20:38:00.001-08:00

Stencils are a fun and easy way to customize a cheap Walmart or second-hand Craigslist dresser. All you will need is for this DIY dresser is:

* Dresser

* Semigloss Latex Paint (White)

* Foam Paint Roller (4")

* Painters Tray

* Stencil cutouts (see instructions below)

* Contact Paper

* Scissors

* Pencil

* Latex Primer (White)

* Spray Paint (White)

* Newspaper

* Transparent Tape

* Painters Tape

The complete etsy.com online instructions can be found HERE.

Make-Your-Own-Opoly

2008-11-28T03:10:00.000-08:00

DIY board games made easy with this kit ($29.95) will be sure to create some fun and memorable good times this holiday season.

DIY Scarves

2008-11-27T00:01:00.000-08:00

Some of us can knit (yah for you) and some of us still have issue with keeping the points of the needles from poking our eyes out. Here are some fun DIY scarf ideas for the newbie DIYer to the craftiest of individuals. You can make a scarf and here's how...

Punk T-shirt Scarf

Scarf Pancho

Crossover Scarf (Note: This pattern is for those who can knit already and want a challenge - there is a good video link on this site as well)

DIY Jersey Knit Scarf

DIY Christmas

2008-11-26T17:42:00.000-08:00

A recent article on GetRichSlowly.org listed over 30 fantastically simple and cheap do-it-yourself gift ideas that rather than reinventing the wheel, I thought I'd simply send you directly to their site. My fav's of this list include the secret hollow book (#3), personalized mirrors (#23) and teacup candle (#28). You can view the rest of the list HERE.

For the truly techy types...

2008-11-25T02:26:00.000-08:00

DIY MintyBoost USB Charger (for your iPhone, iPod, iTouch...you iName it...harharhar). Here's the instructional video...go give 'er a whirl.

DIY Pillowcase Dress!

2008-11-24T00:08:00.000-08:00

We probably all have a cutie cousin, niece, younger sis, children of our own or even grandkids. What can you get them this holiday season that will be useful and easy on the budget? How about a one-of-a-kind summer dress they can feel free to be a kid in come April? This fun video will show you how to easily make a child's summer dress with nothing more than a pillowcase, a pair of scissors, some ribbon, pins and a needle and thread. Check out the oh so easy-to-follow instructions HERE.

DIY Messenger Bag

2008-11-23T02:44:00.000-08:00

I'm a huge fan of bags. I buy up those reusable bags for the grocery store, I have far too many purses and I've even accumulated dozens of those plastic bags from the drug store for no apparent reason other than to "reuse them for something some day". Well, if you're at all like me, we now have a great reason to reuse our stockpile, the DIY Messenger Bag! Click HERE to view a very entertaining video on how to make a messenger bag out of nothing more than trash bags and plastic bags (and a few odd pieces like buckles and an old car seatbelt). Recycle, reuse, enjoy!

DIY Gift Wrap, Gift Cards & More...

2008-11-22T14:33:00.000-08:00

Potato Stamps can be a great way to decorate your own gift cards, wrapping paper, a plain table cloth, kids furniture and so much more. Click HERE to see a great video on how to make your own potato stamp with this simple list of items:

* Potato

* Knife

* Permanent Marker

* Paint brush

* Paint

* Plate

* Paper (or whatever you want to stamp on)

Keep Your iToys Cozy

2008-09-25T23:56:00.000-07:00

This winter you not only have yourself to keep warm, you probably have a helpless iToy or cell phone to think about. Here's a link to easy DIY instructions for knitting your 'lil buddy a stylin' and warm protective layer. Awww, you so sweet.

DIY Halloween

2008-09-23T18:19:00.000-07:00

Halloween costumes have become both outrageously expensive and ridiculously cheap-looking these days. So of course the concept of a DIY costume may cross your mind in the next few weeks. The problem with many DIY suggestions I've found online is that most of them assume you have access to a sewing machine or can tap into some Martha Stewart-level of creativity, so I bring you DIY ideas for the everyman, someone with little time, some creative ability but mainly wanting to save a dime and stand out in a crowd of cookie-cutter-stripper-like nurses. Please feel free to add links and comments of your own to expend this list.

Digg Icon: you know the little Digg.com guy dressed in all white with a square white head and a shovel - so maybe you should keep the heavy gardening tools at home but look for a cheap child's toy version and spray paint it white (as well as your hair) and put on white face paint. Or you could just spray paint a box white with eye holes cut out for your square head.

I'm a PC/I'm a Mac: great couple or duo costume (basically one person dresses as a geek in a cheap suit with receding hairline and the other as a chill college kid - just watch a few of the ads to get some inspiration)

Tourist: loud clothes, hat, camera, fanny pack, maps sticking out of every pocket, I (heart) NY shirt, use your imagination (other no or low cost ideas such as easy mummy, ghost, angel and nerd costumes at stretcher.com)

Beetle Juice: simple to make and low cost using thrift store items, this is a very fun costume for anyone!

Fallen Angel Wings: this link gives step-by-step instructions on how to easily make your own unique angel wings in no time.

Spam Monster, iPod Commercial or Superman: FoxNews.com gives some good tips on a few less common minute costume ideas.

Tetris Game Pieces: (see photo above) made out of simple painted boxes and makes a great cheap couple or group costume!

Nudist on Strike, God's Gift to Women and many more: CostumeIdeaZone.com is our staff pick for best quick and easy costume suggestions that are beyond the "norm".

DIY vino for both winos and discerning palates alike

2008-09-18T23:04:00.000-07:00

While I am a true lover of wine I have a tiny studio in NYC and no room to be mixing up vino by the case-load, so the recipes below are for mixing smaller batches (by the gallon) using simple ingredients and items found in your own kitchen or a reasonable mixing kit ($30) that can be used again and again.

Poor Man's Vino

This recipe comes from an article on How to Make Wine With Common Household Items, such as a gallon of water, sugar, frozen grape juice, yeast and a ballon.

Winemaking for Beginners

Using a basic one gallon winemaking kit and one of De Falco's many wine recipes, including wine made from table grapes, cranberries, blackberries, peaches, strawberries, grape juice concentrate or even jalapeno peppers, you are sure to create something one-of-a-kind.

When we say DIY ANYTHING, we meant it...

2008-09-16T00:25:00.000-07:00

Make Your Own Sex Toys: 50 Quick and Easy Do-It-Yourself Projects ($10.50, amazon.com)

That's right, Babeland's adult emporium has launched a DIY book along with workshops in New York, Seattle and LA where you can learn to make everything from bedazzled blindfolds to spanking tools from recycled bike tires (oh my).

Sexy Craft Night

Tuesday, November 11, 7PM (FREE)

* Free decorating supplies and tools will be on hand for anyone to customize purchases made that evening at NYC's Lower East Side store, such as their ever popular black satin blindfold ($6).

Visit Babeland.com for a schedule of events in your area.

DIY Wall Decor

2007-11-16T23:16:00.000-08:00

If you're like me, just about every other season you get bored with your home decor and start looking for some easy or inexpensive way of revitalizing your pad. Well, I've discovered what could be one of the easiest ways to give your dreary digs a face creative face lift - wall decals!

Here are a few hot new companies with more decal options than you could go through in one lifetime:

ApplePie: www.applepiedesign.com (my personal favorite - this company has it all, something for EVERY room in your home from your boudoir to your kitchen)

Les Invasions Ephemere: www.lesinvasionsephemere.com (oh so fun, oh so French)

blink: www.whatisblik.com (specialize in wallpaper-like designs and kid-friendly styles)

Wink Wall-INK: www.winkplay.com (fresh and colorful wallpaper-like designs)

DIY EcoCandles

2007-11-16T02:44:00.000-08:00

Candles are a great gift idea for all ages. It's something everyone can use to keep their home smelling fragrant or can add a simple element of romance to a regular dinner. Click HERE to watch this short 4 minute video on DIY EcoCandles by Michelle Kaufmann and include the thoughtful gesture of making this year's holiday gifts both home and earth-friendly.

DIY Professional Interviews

2007-11-14T14:49:00.000-08:00

Looking for a creative gift idea for the friend, significant other or parent who has it all? This DIY gift idea is not only unique but will provide a memorable experience in and of itself. StoryCorps is a national project created to help people preserve their loved ones' life through sound. Forty-minute long interviews are professionally recorded in sound booths all across the nation. As the interviewer, you get the chance to fill Barbara Walter's shoes (or Larry King's suspenders) while you seek out the detailed snippets of your loved one's life story. You have the freedom to write your own questions or use StoryCorps online question generator for assistance. Appointment scheduling for StoryCorps recording booth, mobile (door-to-door) appointments and even DIY instructions are available online at: http://www.storycorps.net

With a copy of the interview to keep (or gift wrap) and another sent to the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, this gift is sure to remain memorable both for your loved one and the future generations enjoying our archived oral histories.

DIY Facial Scrub

2007-11-14T14:34:00.001-08:00

For those of you wanting to try your hand at a homemade scrub, here is a simple recipe that can be made in minutes. For some added fun why not invite your girlfriends over for a relaxed and creative pampering. Have each guest bring one ingredient for the scrub, mix it together and catch up on the latest chick flicks while you try out your new recipe!

Sugar, Salt and Nut Scrub

1/2 cup ground almonds

1/2 cup ground oatmeal

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup salt

1/4 cup almond oil

45-60 drops essential oil

Variation: Add 2 tablespoons of honey for an extra-moisturizing scrub.

Directions: Mix almond oil and essential oil together in a glass bowl. Add the sugar, finely ground almonds and salt together in a separate bowl and mix thoroughly together. Add this mixture to the almond oil. Mix well with your hands to incorporate and you're done!

DIY Shoes

2007-11-14T14:18:00.000-08:00

It's easier than you think, in fact to get you started we've found a fairly simple DIY shoe-making kit! If you loved Clarks these have a very similar shape and come in three fun colors (sand, olive drab and nutty) - the "Stich-It", a DIY shoe by Simple Shoes, is available in both men's and women's sizes ($65) and the companies website has a great "how-to" video to make it that much easier to complete a pair of shoes all on your own: http://www.simpleshoe.com/diy/index.aspx