Last April, I wrote about Alisa Burke’s book Canvas Remix and how I became inspired from some of her various tutorials using canvas to make beads. I attempted to use canvas paper to instead make the beads because I was having a hard time finding sheets of rolled canvas. This worked out fairly well, although because the paper is so thin, I didn’t like how I couldn’t really get a round look to my beads. Lately, I keep seeing tutorials pop up for how to make paper beads. It’s essentially the same process as what I had done before, but this time, the beads actually look rolled and any sort of paper can be used. This includes things like magazines or scrapbook paper that have cool designs, colors, and patterns to make great beads.

Photo by Faith Breisblatt.

The entire process is really simple. For your materials, you will need your paper of choice, white glue, something smooth to roll your beads on (for example, a dowel, paint brush handle, pencil, skewer, etc), and scissors. A spray on varnish can be used as well but isn’t necessary.

I made a pinhole camera once in third grade and thought it was the coolest thing in the entire world. I hadn’t even thought about making another one until recently when I became interested in photography. There’s something to be said about not only taking your own pictures and developing them, but also actually making the camera that allowed you to do those things in the first place—too awesome in my opinion. Anyway, contrary to what may be popular belief, pinhole cameras are not hard to make at all (I mean if a third grader can do it, you should be able to, as well, right?).

Photo courtesy of photo.tutplus.com.

I’ve seen pinhole cameras made out of a few different types of object, but I recommend using the Quaker Oats container. Cut a small box in the container about 3 ½ inches from each side of the box so it’s basically in the center. This box should probably about an inch in length and width.  This box is going to be your pinhole “window.” Next, make sure box is entirely clean. You are then going to spray the entire thing with black spray paint. This includes the inside. Once completely sprayed, allow for it to dry.

After my post during Halloween week regarding various ways pumpkins can be decorated other than just the stereotypical carving, I received quite a few e-mails about stencils. Specifically, most people were interested in creating (or finding) their own ASU related stencil to carve on their pumpkins. From my own experience with pumpkin carving, I have either just followed a pattern found in a pumpkin carving kit, or thrown all caution to the wind and went freestyle.  Typically, this is how I handle most of my art. I don’t really like to be structured but I realize that there are time when following a specific pattern, such as a stencil, is quite beneficial, especially in things like pumpkin carving or designing T-shirts. Sometimes what you want to create doesn’t even have a set pattern or structured design already created, so it may time to take matters into your own hands.

A DIY stencil. Photo courtesy of wesayhow.com.

There are many ways to go about making various types of stencils. Depending on what you’re doing it will be easier or harder. For example, I find making stencils for T-shirts to be very easy.  All you need for this is cardboard, a pen, and scissors (or an X-acto knife works well too).   Trace or draw a design free hand on your piece of cardboard and use your sharp object to cut it out.  Use the larger portion (rather than the shape you just cut out) and this will be your stencil.  Paint or draw your desired object on your shirt using your stencil and you’re good to go. I use this technique a lot with lettering. It works like a charm!

The hipster within me just loves oxford shoes. I bought my first pair the other day and decided it was the perfect opportunity to begin a new DIY project. I bought a black pair and my first instinct was to spray paint them gray or silver and go from there, but while searching at Michaels, I found a great glitter spray paint that I thought would make a good touch. My other plan was to buy studs (like those for a Bedazzler) and use them to make a shiny pair of studded oxfords.

From preppy to edgy. Photo by Faith Breisblatt.

Now, this entire project would have probably been much easier if I actually had a Bedazzler, but I don’t and have no desire to actually buy one. If you have one, I’d recommend using that to stud your shoes. If you’re like me and are lazy and cheap, just get a good pair of craft pliers. This worked pretty well for me.

No matter if you love or hate dressing up, no one can deny that if you have a good costume (and one that you made yourself no less) your Halloween is bound to be a fun, successful night. This past Halloween weekend, I saw so many great handmade costumes and I didn’t know what to do with myself (and actually, I obviously did decide what to do because I wrote this blog about it).

So here is a re-cap of some of the best Halloween costumes I saw this year and how they were made. If you’re feeling crafty enough, you just may want to bookmark this blog post for next year’s holiday.

Angry birds were a hit at the party. Photo by Faith Breisblatt.

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