DIY ! got it in the bag

The first thing i grabbed when i rolled out of bed last Sunday morning was my roll of brown paper. And no... i don't mean toilet paper.

For the past few weeks, i was a little irritated that i keep packing my gifts in recycled paper bags i found lying around the house. It's just that sometimes i get so wrapped up in making the gift that i forget about packaging it.

So, this time i finally thought to myself "Hello.... you've got all the things you need right here. Why don't you just make your own paper bag, you ding dong." So... i did.

I could tell you how to make your own paper bag but i thought i'd let mairuru show you. So, head over there for directions.... But wait! Before you head off, what i actually wanted to share with you was how you can easily decorate your paper bags to make it look a 'lil more 'home made'.

I know... not everyone has a roll just lying about. No problem... there are lots of other things you can use.


It was so simple too. Take it from a lazy bum like me. I made 3 within 20 mins.

You know what i love about it? I love the fact that it doesn't have to look perfect. Leave the frays and don't worry about it being crooked. Now, stick a card on or add a ribbon and you're all set.

special ! miss you moe.

I don't know when i'll be able to wish you in person... but till then

DIY ! a lil cup of chalk

I found this project a couple of months back on Wit and Whistle and i was so excited to start working on it. I decided then that it would be my valentine's gift to Efi. Why this particular project? Well, ever since he made plans to move into the new office, he was so hyped up on painting the feature wall with black chalkboard paint. He started looking around hardware stores and art shops looking for supplies. So, i thought i'd make him his very own chalkboard mug.

Again, it's easy... just like all my other craft projects.

Make sure you get a porcelain mug. Most of the shops stock up on ceramic mugs. However, it won't work on those kinds.

After you've covered the areas you don't want to paint... you can go ahead and start slapping it on.

You're probably going to need 2 layers. I suggest you let the the first layer dry before you start the next one because it might just brush away the paint and reveal some white parts. When you've covered everything, just let it dry for a day. After it's totally dry, you can stick it in the oven.

Note: if you happen to stick it in before it fully dries, you might find little bubbles on the surface. 

Let it bake for 35mins on 150C. Doesn't that look yummy.

 And finally...

And there you have it. Not too bad huh? Well, hope you guys give it a shot. Perfect for a housewarming gift or just to personalize your own at home.

 Have fun!

DIY ! message on a pillow

The location: Pinchos at Changkat

The theme: Wacky Headgear

The occasion: Ms. Independent's 30something Birthday Dinner

For her special night, i made sure i was there extra early, seeing how i'm usually the last to show up. Had myself a great time catching up with my girls...as usual. And the food was mmm yummy. Have to thank Khaylis for coming up with the great idea. 

For her gift, i specifically started on the project 2 weeks earlier, just to make sure it came out alright. I found this particular project while i was browsing through Wit and Whistle's blog and let me tell you, i fell in love with Amanda Wright. Basically read all her entries in one day. Her life and home was something i had always envisioned for myself...one day. 

Anyways, she featured a really simple DIY craft called Stencil Pillow which i thought would be perfect for Ms. Independent since she loved decorating her home. For the project, i chose the lyrics to Rihanna's Only Girl in the World - apparently it's the Island Girl's anthem. 

For more details, go visit Wit and Whistle to see just how she did it. But as for mine, this was how it turned out: 

Basically, you start drawing your guide lines and writing out your sentences using the stencils. It's best you start off with a pencil first, so that you can erase any mistakes. And believe me, there will be mistakes. 

Now, you can go over the pencil using your Sharpie or fabric marker. On Wit and Whistle, Amanda had used a sharpie. It did leak a bit on mine but to fix that i just lightly outlined it. However, if you use a fabric marker, it works way better. You don't have to worry if it runs or not. 

Outlining with marker, I was worried whether it'd leak through to the other side. So, i laid out my drawing block underneath one side of the cushion. Now, comes the fun part.

Start coloring in your letters. Make sure you erase any pencil marks and give it a good wash before you start using them. And voila! You're done.