Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Number 2 "the tutorial returns" awesome lanterns


This is the greatest idea ever!! well at least right now.

What you will need:
2 Dollar Store metal baskets
pliers
some ribbon and scissors

Found these amazing color baskets at the dollar tree.
Ok first step ....take off the handles and put aside we will use them.



So you're baskets look like this. Then take your pliers and pull off the handle thingy. You only need to do one basket.









Then bend one of the handles to become the hook or not it's a choice thing. I just didn't want to waste a handle.



Take the other handle and insert it to the bottom of one basket. You can take the pliers and squeeze the gap so it doesn't fall out.









Then cut some pieces of ribbon to tie the two baskets together. I used four just to secure it. I have also (on other pieces) used three on one side, like a hinge and then a bow in the front. So I could access it for tea lights or better yet battery tea lights. They look awesome with many bunched together, or other colors. I so thought it would be a great lantern for party decorations, a funky purse or lunch pail (just add a button for a latch) and also a fun lamp shade by cutting a hole in the top and adding a light. I love looking at them and finding ways to use them for something other than a basket. I hope you will too.












My Very First Tuturial- Ducktape Flower

What you will need: 2 colors of ducktape (for petals and leaves/stem)
5 wire coat hangers (the cheaper the better
2 smaller hangers (for leaves if you want)
foam sheet (any color you choose for center)
1 dowel rod (any size you like as long as it's thick enough to handle the weight)
Also if you want it to stand on it's own, you will need a container (can, flowerpot, etc) and a way to hold it up (rocks, cement, plaster a paris)


First step bend hangers to look like petals. I use my foot to put in the middle and then grab the hook and just pull. After I have it shaped into a tear shape I bend until it looks more like a petal.
Then rip off a piece of tape. Do the ends first. You want to keep in straight lines on top but underneath it will be pieced together and a little wrinkly.

When you have completely covered the petal do the rest of them and then tape onto dowel with green duck tape. One petal at a time. Make sure you pull the tape tight so they are secure

After you have your petals all secure and taped on continue to cover the dowel rod with green ducktape.
Now to work on the center of the flower. Many things can be done to cover this up. I cut strips of foam, like a false eyelash and then rolled it and glued it to the exposed wood with clear glue. Then just shoved other jagged pieces in before it dried. You could use pipe cleaner as well. Or what ever idea you can come up with.
I wanted to be able to put these outside so I made sure they were weather proof. Not sure about wind but should survive rain and sun.
I got the hangers and foam at the dollar store and tape at Walmart so all together I think it cost under 10 dollars.
I'm going to use them for parties, like girly flower parties or maybe Alice in Wonderland party.
So that was my tutorial I home it was understandable and you give it a try. It was fun and easy and kids soooo love them.