Easy DIY Sugar Skull Charms

A simple, mess-free art project using shrinky dink film that results in awesome, personalized plastic charms for necklaces, key chains, backpacks or luggage.  

A Halloween kids project that both you and the kids will love!

First, let me start off by saying that the Mexican holiday 'Dia De Los Muertos' is highly under-recognized in the U.S.  When trying to decide on our class Halloween art project, I jumped at the opportunity to introduce my 2nd graders to all things 'Day of the Dead'; two days of celebration and remembrance spent showing respect and honoring the memory of departed friends & family complete with parades, music, glorious costumes, colorful decorations and an infinite supply of fresh cut flowers. 

So, out of respect for this deeply meaningful tradition, I presented a brief lesson to the kids using a DIY visual board full of beautiful photos I printed from Google Images. The gorgeous pictures quickly removed any fear or preconceived ideas the kids had upon hearing about a foreign holiday that centers around death, skeletons & spending the night in cemeteries. It was a wonderful introduction to approaching loss and death in a completely different and positive way. By the end of my lesson, they were completely pumped to make their own sugar skull!

SUPPLY CHECK-LIST

• Sheets of white shrinky dink film (will make 4 skulls per sheet)
• Pencils
• Sharpie ultra-fine point markers (or any permanent art marker)
• Oven - for shrinking
• Split rings or keychain rings (lots of options to choose from)
• Any kind of chord, chain, string for necklaces (or key rings)

 First, I used the above template to trace outlines of the skulls onto each of my five shrinky dink films.  Each sheet allows for four skulls. Note that I did NOT add any detail or features, I just sketched the outline using light pencil.  I then cut each skull and punched a standard size hole in the top center to allow for the key ring/split ring.

I distributed several sheets of printed sugar skull examples to each of my four table groups for the kids to draw inspiration from, however, I encouraged that they create their own, signature sugar skull that best fit their own personality rather than copy the examples. Above are a few I shared, however a quick search on Google images will result in hundreds of great graphics.

First, have the kids write their names on the back in sharpie.  Include their classroom number or teacher's name if you'd like these to double as backpack tags.  Start the design by first adding the basic features with pencil; eyes, an upside down heart nose, and a row of teeth.  That way, the kids have a reference for the rest of their design. Trace over pencil lines with a black sharpie.  I suggest they continue to first sketch in pencil, then apply their choice of sharpie. Be sure to remind the kiddos to use plenty of color!

Bring the finished skulls home to bake. Start by preheating the oven to 325 degrees, and place 4-5 skulls on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, ink/color side UP and spaced at least 2-3 inches apart.  Set a timer starting with 3 minutes.  The pieces will bend, and fold, and curl during their shrinking process - THIS IS NORMAL!  After 3 minutes, check the skulls for progress.  When they are done shrinking, they will lie completely flat on the cookie sheet.  About 3-3 1/2 minutes per batch.  Remove sheet from oven. If the skulls are slightly curved, or not completely flat, gently press the skulls with a flat spatula or a piece of parchment paper while they are still hot.  You'll have about 10 seconds to manipulate them before they harden. 

Wait for them to cool enough to handle and set them aside to cool completely.  In about 10 minutes, they'll be completely hard and ready for whatever hardware you're using (jump rings, key rings, etc.)

BOOM! How adorable are these??  I strung the charms onto elastic cord for necklaces, but these make awesome key chains, backpack tags, name tags, luggage tags, etc. The possibilities are endless!  The color intensifies after shrinking, and the skulls become durable, solid plastic charms that won't smear or rub off.

Just Spray Paint It: Light Fixtures Go from Drab to Fab

A free ceiling light fixture scored off a local free-share group looks like new after a couple quick coats of Rustoleum 2-in-1 spray paint in 'Oil Rubbed Bronze'. Save a ton of cash by spending a few minutes refinishing an old accessory!

BEFORE: Dated shiny brass & bamboo ceiling fans are the worst. Updated replacements can be EXPENSIVE!! To get a few more miles out of that ugly relic, put it out of it's misery with some good ole spray paint! 

AFTER: I used my favorite home decor basic, Rustoleum's 'Oil Rubbed Bronze'. It's a great all-around shade with a luxurious result. I guarantee no one will know the difference, Simply flip the wicker blades over to reveal it's smooth side and VOILA! Spend your money on more pressing projects and buy a pricey fan down the road.

Dollar Store Hack: DIY Lego Sweeper

Easy & useful DIY Lego Sweeper using a $1.00 hand broom set from Dollar Tree!

I made one of these adorable & handy "Lego Sweepers" as a stocking stuffer for my son this past Christmas. I found the perfect size hand broom & pan at Dollar Tree. The 2-piece set for $1.00 When choosing your broom, I suggest something with stiff bristles. They sweep up chunky Lego bricks off carpet much easier than softer bristles -- perfect for Dollar store brooms!

SUPPLY LIST

• (1) hand broom & dust pan set
• Mod Podge (gloss) w/ brush
• Fine sandpaper or steel wool
• Print-at-Home graphics (check Google Images)

DIRECTIONS

First, give your broom set a good wipe to be sure it's free of oils and smudges prior to applying Mod Podge.  Next, browse the internet for fun, printable graphics. I only use high resolution graphics for best print quality. Next, print the graphics and situate them on the broom and dust pan. Trim the graphics to fit the spaces you've laid out and set aside. Very lightly scuff the surface of the plastic where you plan on attaching your graphics.  This will make the Mod Podge adhere better. Wipe off the dust and lightly brush a thin layer of glue, then gently press your graphic into its place, keeping the paper nice and smooth.  Allow the graphics to dry, and finish the project by applying a top coat of Mod Podge over the graphics to seal.

The Perfect DIY Playdough

Here is a simple DIY playdough recipe anyone can make at home!  It makes vibrantly colored, perfectly smooth craft dough that rivals any store brands and if stored properly, will not dry out.  Follow the directions to make one portion of a single dough color. Repeat the process or use more than one saucepan at a time to create a variety of color playdough portions. Add a few drops of essential oils for even more sensory play. Portion a 3-4 shades of dough into small containers from your local Dollar Store and package in treat bags as a great DIY party favor.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup all purpose flour

1 cup water

2 tsp cream of tartar

1/3 cup salt

1 TBS vegetable oil

Assorted food coloring

INSTRUCTIONS 

 Combine ingredients (except for food coloring) in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir continuously until dough thickens. Add a few drops of food coloring & blend. Continue to stir until dough loses excess moisture and begins to form a ball around the spoon. At this stage, remove and place on a plate or parchment paper to cool (about 30 minutes). Once dough is cool enough to handle, briefly knead the dough until it reaches a smooth consistency.  To store, wrap in plastic wrap and keep in air tight containers or baggies.

Just Spray Paint It: Brass Ceiling Fan Flip

Got an old brass ceiling fan aka home decor eye-sore? Instead of dropping $100+ to replace it, give it a $7 face lift. The difference is amazing!  Ideally, we'd like to replace every ceiling fixture in the house. But this serves as the perfect temporary fix until we can purchase our dream fixtures. Now we can concentrate on more pressing projects without having to live with the ugly brass fan in the meantime.

BEFORE: dated brass ceiling fan with wicker cross-hatch fan blades

AFTER: spray-painted with Rustoleum Oil Rubbed Bronze & flipped the wicker blades over.

AFTER: simple jute twin on a small spray painted pulley makes a cool pull-chord.

DIY Painted Deer Antlers - Cheap Chic!

I have no idea why or how I recently became obsessed with the look of vintage, monochromatic antler racks and art...but the bottom line is that I am.  I fully admit that this look will likely become like my mothers black, red and yellow shag carpeting from the late '70s -- nothing more than a source of belly-laughter and eye-rolling from my son in about 15 years, followed by, "OH MY GOD, mom...that looks HIDEOUS!! You're SO OLD!!"  But, for the moment I'm willing to take my chances and mount this baby smack dab in the middle of my gallery wall and await the compliments and envy from anyone entering the foyer. Can I get a, "nice rack"?!?!?

When starting this project out, I did some extensive searching for affordable fake antler decor. I underestimated how difficult it would be to find said antlers. Who knew?  I did, however, find other DIY'ers selling finished antler racks -- only they were charging $60-$130. Really? It's resin & paint. Oh, and skipping ahead...it took me all of two coats of spray paint and they were done. I'm in the wrong business!!

So - here's all the info on how to create your very own West Elm/Pottery Barn/Restoration Hardware knock-off antler rack for $30 plus shipping. Yep. You heard right. They go perfectly with my DIY hand-painted deer head silhouettes. (I know, something's wrong with me.)

Supplies

• Resin Deer Antler Wall Mounted Plaque (bought on Amazon $29.99)**
• spray paint (I used Rustoleum flat black)
• fine grit sand paper

** There are various options when it comes to the antlers. Try using the search words, "Faux Deer Antlers, Resin Deer Antlers, Faux or Resin Deer Bust". Here's a few links on Amazon to help you get started:  Antler Plaque 17" tall for $30, 8-Point Faux Buck Deer Bust 23" tall for $57, 10-point Faux Deer Skull Bust for $50 and a Deer Antler Wall Coat Rack 17" wide for $27 -- an exact same coat rack (painted) sold for $55!!

Printable Vintage Apothecary Labels

 

DIY Time Out Vintage-Style Stool

Is it terrible that I made this chair before my son was able to crawl? Not to worry - it wasn't because I couldn't wait to punish him through toddlerhood. I thought of making a designated chair while babysitting my nephew in our new house and couldn't establish a good spot for him to "collect his emotions" or "think about his behavior". He's come a long way now that he's nearly 4 years old, but I think his first combined sentence was, "TWO MINUTES!!" -- which was what we said to warm him he was skating on thin ice. But I digress.  

I created this chair in one evening using vintage style clocks cut from scrapbook paper. Another suggestion would be to find free graphics online to match your personal style or decor (for example, these). I used a Cricut to cut the lettering, however, pre-cut alphabets are available at any craft store. You can also simply print letters and phrases using Word on your home printer. Try printing on colored or smooth cardstock to create a higher-end look. This project is perfect for the beginner crafter with limited experience, and it would make a unique and affordable baby-shower gift!

Supply List

• unfinished wood chair or stool suitable for a toddler (Michaels, Joann Fabrics $15)
• wood stain (Minwax Dark Walnut)
• old rags for staining
• Mod Podge- matte
• paper graphics 
• lettering (pre-cut stickers, printouts, Cricut, etc.)