DIY : Creative coasters

These pretty coasters are made in a jif. Some nice paper, scissors and craft punches are all you need. Here's a look see at the craft punches I used. Check under the Craft Resources heading to find out where to get them.   You can use handmade paper, transparencies or slightly thick craft paper.Ensure that the thickness is such that it can be punched  with the craft punch. Now,...

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Dressing up a lampshade

A basket type lampshade gets an instant  makeover with some of my unused/extra earrings.  I sometimes take these hanging ones out and punch studs through the holes in the basketry. But danglers look prettier! ...

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Decorating with wire and buttons

One of the most common sights in all craft shops is the thin and pliable craft wire which comes in a variety of colours. This wire can be manipulated by hand and cut with the normal scissors. My little project for the day involves three objects - a small basket, wooden buttons and craft wire.     As you can see in the picture, the craft wire I am referring to is really pliable....

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Funky terracotta pot

This is something I just put together... looks cool huh!  My teen loves it. I found a damaged water pot and a bell in a stall at an exhibition. Bought both at a discount. After placing them in various poses,  I inverted the bell over the pot, glued it and strung an old neckpiece I found at a village store and added some crafting wire (available at all craft stores) at various points....

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Decoupage switchboard

I love the simplicity of tearing or cutting pieces of  paper and sticking them in a deliberately random fashion - that's decoupage in all its simplicity. Here is a switch panel which I did about 6 years ago in what was my daughter's room (now it's my son's room and I probably have to redo it!). It still attracts a lot of attention.... I It's got the distressed look of things that have...

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DIY Instant cushion covers

Add instant glam to your cushions using this technique. These "cushion covers" are a snap to make, need no sewing, just cloth - blouse pieces, leftover upholstery, anything- and accessories.  Here's a step by step guide on how to make these:  Gather the materials - cushion pads (12"x 12") works well, some accessories (bracelets, bangles, pendants). Get them all together and...

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Indian pickle jar decor

These typical Indian spice jars look lovely with a dash of colour. To make it look funky, I have used rub-on stickers - I hope to be inspired by the words!!- and tied a ribbon around the neck. You can use foam stickers, clear stickers or simply draw squiggles using permanent markers. I have used these jars to hold extra soaps and cotton tips. Here's another one that I call the "Django jar"....

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DIY Decoupage pail

Decoupage is an easy way of transforming dull accents into something vibrant. This enamel pail was white with a natural wooden handle and the decoupage was done four years ago; hence the "distressed" look! Here's a simple step-by-step direction to decoupage: 1. Look around the house for leftover gift wrapping paper. Find a pair of sharp scissors. I have used a gift wrapping paper with square designs...

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Easy Home Accents

This funky accent takes only a minute to create. All you need is a cushion and an old T-shirt. Just cover the cushion with the T-shirt. I have used a tiny cushion and a mini T that you often get as free gifts on t-shirt purchases. You can cover a standard 12"x 12" cushion with an old child's T-shirt; even a hoodie and voila! you have an instant acce...

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