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DIY of the Week – Indian Flag Paper Chain

Thursday, January 23rd, 2020

Republic Day is here, and we’ve got the perfect little projects for the young ones in the house to keep busy and create some decorations for the occasion. And the best part is that they’re super easy to do, and require very little supervision.

What You Need:

1. Construction paper sheets (in orange, white, and green, to match the colors of the flag)

2. Scissors

3. Blue marker

4. Glue stick or stapler

What To Do:

Step 1

Cut the papers in horizontal lengths (giving you strips of about two inches thickness) for each color.

Image Source – Putti’s World

Step 2

At the center of each white strip, draw a circle with the blue marker, and then create lines going across diagonally within the circle, in the design of the Ashok Chakra.

Image Source – Putti’s World

Step 3

Taking an orange strip, bring both ends together to create a loop with the strip and glue or staple the ends together. Then, taking a white strip, pull it through the orange loop, and create and seal the white loop so that they are intertwined. Now take a green strip, and pulling it through the white loop, create and close the loop. Keep doing this (in the correct color sequence to mimic the flag) until you have the desired length of chain to hang up.

Happy Crafting and Happy Republic Day!

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Tags: Arts, arts and crafts, diy project, do it yourself, flag, handmade, india, indian flag, project, republic day

DIY of the Week – Paper Snowflakes

Thursday, December 12th, 2019

It’s almost Christmas, it’s definitely December, but cold weather doesn’t even seem to be on the calendar. Those of us in Mumbai are caught in heat, with an extra special dose of heightened humidity (WHY??). So we’re going to be a bit rebellious and just make our own snow to help put us in the mood. Don’t worry, we’re not at the “stick our head inside our refrigerators” stage (yet). We’re talking about paper snowflakes, of course. Of course. So let’s get started.

What You Need:

1. Paper (white, if you’re going for the pure snow look, or whatever else from wrapping paper, handmade paper, to even newspaper, if you’re going for a different vibe)

2. Scissors (small craft scissors would be better for intricate design cuts)

What To Do:

Step 1

Take your paper and fold over a corner to help you mark out an exact square, then cut off the extra paper, if any.

Image Source – Martha Stewart

Step 2

Take the folded square, and fold over again, creating a smaller triangle.

Image Source – FirstPalette.com

Step 3

Imagine the twice-folded paper being in thirds, and fold one third to the front across the middle third, and the other end across the back of the middle third as shown in the picture below.

Image Source – Old Farmer’s Almanac

Step 4

Trim the extra edges across the top of the folds. You can cut it straight across, at an angle, or in a circular cut, each type giving you a different general shape for your snowflake.

Image Source – FirstPalette.com

Step 5

Now comes the part for your creativity. Snip out little cuts here and there, creating your own design. Just make sure not to cut entire across. (To make it easier, you can trace out a design onto the paper before you cut, especially if you’re doing it for the first few times).

Image Source – FirstPalette.com

Step 6

Open open the paper folds to reveal your snowflake design. You’ll probably need to keep the opened snowflake under a heavy book initially to press out the fold, but once that’s done, you’re good to go.

Image Source – FirstPalette.com

These are great for decorating on windows and walls, or you could even hang them on floss string with a bit of glue at the tip. And they’re great alternatives to bows on your Christmas gifts too!

Happy Decorating!

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Tags: Arts, arts and crafts, christmas, craft, crafts, december, decoration, diy, diy project, do it yourself, paper, project, scissors, snow, snowflake

DIY of the Week – Button Cluster Key Ring

Monday, September 16th, 2019

Mondays might suck, but not here! Why not, you ask. Because we start our week with some great creativity. And because it’s Monday, we’ll even go easy on you. Check out how to make your very own customized key ring, and using things you’ll easily find around the house, stuck at the back of a random drawer.

What You Need:

A Key ring
Jump rings
Small assorted buttons (ensure that the gap between the hole and the edge is smaller than your jump rings)
2 Pliers

Image Source – Pinterest

What To Do:

Step 1

Using the pliers, open the jump ring and push a button through, and follow through with one chain of the key ring. Then close the jump ring.

Image Source – Sew Very Crafty

Step 2

Repeat with more buttons, altering where on the chain you are placing them.

PRO TIP – You can add charms here and there for added, well, charm.

Image Source – Button Bothy

Step 3

You’re pretty much done. No, seriously. That’s it.

Have a fantastically creative week!

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Tags: Arts, button, creativity, diy, diy project, do it yourself, key ring, keyring, project

DIY of the Week – Twine Lanterns

Tuesday, June 11th, 2019

The greatest way to start the week is with a dose of creativity. We firmly believe this, and we’ll keep harping on it till you do too! Why? Because getting your hands dirty and then finally enjoying something you made yourself sitting on a table, or hanging from the ceiling is totally worth it. And this next one is a great one to do too. It’s messy, but totally worth the time and effort to clean up, and if you’ve got a garden, there couldn’t be anything more perfect for it!

What You Need:

1. Twine rope

2. 4-5 balloons

3. Newspaper

4. School liquid glue

5. 1/4 cup warm water

6. 1/2 cup corn starch

7. Petroleum jelly

8. Fairy lights

9. Container for mixing ingredients

Image source – Amazon

What To Do:

Step 1

Blow up the balloons to the size you want your lanterns to be.

Image source – DIY Garden

Step 2

Lay out a thick layer of newspaper on your work space (keep in mind, it’s going to get dirty and icky). Keep in mind that it should be in a place where you can hang your lanterns to dry, without touching each other or anything else. Once done, cover the balloons with petroleum jelly (use plastic gloves to reduce mess if you want).

Step 3

Mix the glue, warm water and cornstarch in the container. Keep mixing till there are no lumps in the mixture. Dip the twine in the mixture till it is fully coated, then start draping it around the balloon.

Image source – DIY Garden

Step 4

Ideally, if you work vertically, then horizontally. Once wrapped in a design and fashion you’re happy with, hang it to dry. Leave for 24 hours at least.

Image source – Ruffled Blog

Step 5

Once dry, pop the balloons and your lamps are ready!

Image source – Pinterest

Step 6 (optional)

You can spray paint the lamps to a color of your choice. (Don’t forget to let them dry out completely).

Image source – Sallygoodin

Step 7

Insert a string of fairy lights into the lamps, and there you go!

Image source – Instructables

Happy crafting!

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Tags: blog, diy, diy project, do it yourself, fairy lights, lantern, QTube, twine

DIY of the Week – Chore Chart

Tuesday, April 9th, 2019

Kids hate chores. It is a simple fact of the universe (and of childhood). Being tasked with dusting, or taking out the trash, or cooking, or any number of other chores around the house tend to be hated (and avoided) by all children. And contrary to popular childhood beliefs, adults aren’t too wild about it either. And with work, travel, and whatnot occupying their minds, it can get hard to remember to do even the most basic things until you realize that you’ve effectively run out of toothpaste (not based on true events) before you realize you have to go to the store.

We seem to be digressing. So, basically, the point we were trying to make is that chores are a bane, and remembering to do them, even more so. And so, we’re here to save the day with this week’s DIY. A chore chart so easy to make, even kids can make it. (No, seriously, you can literally delegate it out to the kids. Lol.)

What you need:

1. Exam board or clip board

2. Wooden clothes’ pins

3. Permanent marker

4. Black paint

5. White paint

6. Paint brush

Image source – aileencooks.com

What to do:

Step 1

Make a list of all your daily and weekly chores around the house.

Step 2

Take a regular plain exam or clip board and paint it black (or any dark color). Let it dry completely.

Image source – A girl and a glue gun

Step 3

Now take the white paint and divide up the board into four sections by making a large cross (one vertical line running across the center of the board, and one horizontal one). On the top half write “Daily” as a heading, and on the bottom half, write “Weekly” as a heading. Both the left hand columns will get the sub-heading “To Do”, and both the right hand columns will get the sub-heading “Done”.

Step 4

As you wait for the white paint to dry, take your list of chores and write each one on a wooden clothes’ pin using a permanent marker.

Image source – The Happy Housewife

Step 5

Clip all the daily chore pins on the top of left side of the board, and the weekly ones on the bottom.

Step 6

Hang up the board in a place where your family members/roommates will all see it.

Image source – Pinterest

And there you have it! Now all you have to do is move them to the right side as and when someone does them. That way, you never forget any of your chores!

PRO TIP:

You can use different colors of markers for each member of the household (or even make dots of different colors) so that each person’s chores are divided.

Image source – Value seekers club

HAPPY CRAFTING!

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Tags: arts and crafts, chores, craft, diy, diy project, do it yourself

DIY of the Week – CD Wall Art

Monday, March 18th, 2019

Technology has really (I mean really) changed over the last decade or two. Those born in the eighties can easily attest that they’ve seen music technology go through so many changes that it’s making our collective heads spin. From gramophones, to cassette players, boomboxes, CD players, walkmans and diskmans, to mp3 players and iPods, from mix tapes to compilation CDs, and now to online streaming apps. What a roller-coaster ride it has been!

Image source – Boredom Therapy

One sad fallout of the quick changes has certainly been that our storage areas now have boxes full of old audio cassettes and CDs. So how about we show you how to turn those old CDs into some quick wall art!

What you need:

1. Old CDs

2. Black acrylic paint (or any dark color of your choice)

3. Paintbrush

4. Sharp metal object (flat screwdrivers are perfect for this)

5. Pencil

Image source – Boredom Therapy

What to do:

Step 1

Paint the entirety of the bottom side of the CD with your black paint. (The bottom side has a wonderful shine that reflects well in light, and that is why we use this side). Ensure a nice and thick coat of paint. Feel free to do a second coat, as this will help later.

Image source – DIY Ideas Craft

Step 2

Once the paint has completely dried, trace out designs of your choice on the paint. You can draw anything you like, including tribal designs, flowers, musical notes, or even write out a message or names of family members.

Image source – fabartdiy

Step 3

Trace over your pencil design with the screwdriver, scratching off the layer of paint to reveal the shine of the CD underneath. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, otherwise you’ll damage the shine of the CD. You can play with the thickness of the scratches you make, to add dimension to your design.

Image source – fabartdiy

Step 4

Stick them finished CDs on the wall directly using sticking strips or wall tac. You can even put them in frames and hung them up that way.

Image source – Pinterest

Et voila! Your very own customized art piece is ready to be shown off!

Happy crafting!

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Tags: cd, craft, diy, diy project, do it yourself, Music, project, upcycle, upcycling

DIY of the Week – Keyboard Wrist Rest

Monday, February 25th, 2019

Ola! We’re back, and unfortunately with a little hint of carpal tunnel. The woes of working constantly with a laptop. But we’re not too worried, because this week’s DIY project is just what the doctor ordered! (Well, maybe not in so many words, but you get the point, right?)

Let’s get started so that we can do our next blog piece with a little bit more comfort.

What you need:

1. Cotton fabric of your choice

2. Needle and thread

3. Rice (approx 3 cups)

4. Dried lavender, basil, oregano (optional)

5. Scissors

What to do:

Step 1

Lay your cloth across the length of your laptop/keyboard and cut the cloth to that length, with approx 4 inches in width.

Image source – LiveLaughLovePost.com

Step 2

Fold the cloth in half across the width, with the design side towards the inside of the fold, and stitch close one of the side edges and the full length of the cloth, creating a pocket.

Image source – Right Where I Left Off

Step 3

Turn the cloth inside out using the open edge of the pocket you have sown. Now fill it with rice. (If you are using the dried herbs, mix them into the rice before filling the pouch).

Image source – The Artisan Life

Step 4

Once the bag has the right amount of rice depending on firm or loose you want the wrist rest to be, sow the final open edge closed.

Image source – The Artisan Life

Step 5

Keep the finished pouch in the freezer for 24-48 hours to ensure that weavels or other bugs do not nest inside the pouch due to the rice. (Or you can add bay leaves to the rice)

And it’s all ready for use! And it makes a great gifting option for friends and family too.

PRO TIP:

You can make a matching wrist rest for your mouse too! The length of the cloth will be shorter, but the rest of the process is the same.

Image source – Updates from the Copper State

Happy crafting!

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Tags: arts and crafts, carpal tunnel, computer, craft, crafting, diy, diy project, do it yourself, keyboard, laptop, QTube, typing, wrist pain, wrist rest

DIY of the Week – Mini Pallet Coasters

Tuesday, February 19th, 2019

We love starting our week with a little creativity. Using our hands and putting our efforts towards making something to brighten up the spaces we live in, work in. Or even the thought of doing that for someone we care about (we love gifting our creations!).

This week, we make these cute coasters that not only ensure that you don’t leave glass or cup marks on your tables, but are super cute to look at too!

What you need:

1. One dozen (12) Popsicle sticks per coaster

2. Scissors

3. Glue gun

4. Ruler and pencil (optional, if you want to measure)

5. Tea or coffee liquid and bowl (optional, if you want to stain the wood)

Image source – Doodle & Stitch

What to do:

Step 1

Mark off all the rounded edges from the sticks so that all would be the same length once cut. You can use a ruler while marking to ensure that they are the same length.

Image source – wikiHow

Step 2

Cut off all the rounded edges.

Image source – Shared.com

Step 3 (Optional)

If you would like to make stained wood pallet coasters, instead of using expensive wood stains, you can make your own DIY staining liquid. All you need to do is make a strong tea or coffee concoction and pour that hot liquid into a bowl, and then dump the sticks in it to soak the color. Place a spoon or fork across the sticks so that they remain submerged in the liquid. 5-10 minutes of soaking is sufficient. Once soaked, remove and allow to dry completely. (They need to be completely dry for the next set of steps.)

Image source – wikiHow

Step 4

Lay down two sticks parallel to each other, and using the glue gun, stick one stick upright on each edge, making a square, as shown in the picture below.

Image source – Shared.com

Step 5

Follow with laying another stick across the center.

Image source – DIY Projects

Step 6

Now lay two new sticks flat across the edges, right above the first two you had placed.

Image source – Instructables

Step 7

Laying a piece flat across the center with the help of the glue gun, proceed to lay more pieces between the center and edge pieces, leaving a bit of space between each stick to mimic the look of a pallet.

Image source – Make Magazine

PRO TIP:

You can further personalize these by painting individual sticks different or alternating colors, or even use washi tape (but do this at step 3).

Image source – Pinterest

Happy crafting!

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Tags: arts and crafts, coaster, craft, crafting, diy, diy of the week, diy project, popsicle stick, QTube, wood

DIY of the Week – The Easiest Bird Feeder Ever!

Monday, October 8th, 2018

It’s Monday! And so, we’re back again with a brand new DIY project. This week, we’re going to learn how to make the easiest ever bird feeder in the history of DIY bird feeders ever! (OK, so we might be a little over enthusiastic about how easy this one is to make, but we’re not kidding about how easy it really is)

So, let’s get started then!

What you need:

1. Cardboard egg box

2. Scissors

3. Jute thread

4. Bird feed

Image source – Homemade Bird Food

What to do:

Step 1

Carefully cut the top half of the egg carton off, and proceed to make four small holes in each of the corners of the remaining bottom portion.

Image source – Pbs,org

Step 2

Run the string through each of the four holes, leaving enough length to hang over a tree branch, and tie together at the top.

Step 3

Fill each egg compartment with the assorted bird seed.

Image source – DIY Health Academy

Step 4

Head outside and hang your bird feeder. Ideal location would be on a tree branch, but if you don’t have a tree right near your house, you can even hang it in your balcony, or off the grill outside your kitchen window.

Image source – Homemade Bird Food

And there you go! See? We weren’t exaggerating about the simplicity of this project.

Image source – greendiary.com

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Tags: bird, bird feeder, birdfeeder, birds, blog, craft, diy, diy project, egg carton, nature, nature project, project, QTube

DIY of the Week – Upcycled Mobile Charger Holder (Method 2)

Monday, October 1st, 2018

And we’re back, as promised. Last week, we learned how to make an upcycled mobile charger holder from a plastic bottle. This week, we’re making one with the back pocket of your jeans! (Just maybe don’t try to wear them after the fact).

Not only does your charger no longer need to lie there on the floor while it charges, it also looks great while it charges. And now that old pair of jeans doesn’t need to hide in the back of your closet either, it can finally be put to work!

Method 2 – Denim Jeans’ Pocket

Image source – Pinterest

What you need:

1. Old Jeans

2. Scissors

3. Needle and Thread

What to do:

Step 1

Cut around the back pocket area of the jeans.

Image source – Instructables.com

Step 2

Now you need to make a hangar. To do that, you need to cut the side seam section of the leg of the jeans.

Image source – Instructables.com

Step 3

Sew the hanger section into the pocket, and your charger holder is now complete.

Image source – Instructables.com

Now all you need to do is stick your phone into the pocket, connect that charger, and hang it over the charger head.

Image source – Pinterest

Hope you like your swanky new charger holder.

Posted in DIY | No Responses »
Tags: blog, Cafe, charger holder, craft, diy, diy project, do it yourself, mobile, mobile charger, project, QTube, upcycle

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NSPA : Songs from the Streets

- Bringing Art to People

diy project

...now browsing by tag

DIY of the Week – Indian Flag Paper Chain

DIY of the Week – Paper Snowflakes

DIY of the Week – Button Cluster Key Ring

DIY of the Week – Twine Lanterns

DIY of the Week – Chore Chart

DIY of the Week – CD Wall Art

DIY of the Week – Keyboard Wrist Rest

DIY of the Week – Mini Pallet Coasters

DIY of the Week – The Easiest Bird Feeder Ever!

DIY of the Week – Upcycled Mobile Charger Holder (Method 2)