DIYs | Artsy Teen

DIY Spring Makeup Bag

Posted on April 25, 2016 by maya

It’s been a while since I’ve posted a sewing tutorial and this little project is perfect for springtime! Seeing as I’m extremely lazy and my bursts of artistic motivation only last a couple of hours, I made sure this DIY could be finished in an afternoon. You’ll notice that I’ve included more photos than usual, partly because I feel that having a visual guide is a huge help in sewing tutorials, and partly because I got a little carried away with my camera. Let me know what you guys think and have a great week!

What you need:

11 x 8 inch piece of felt
12 x 9 light fabric of your choice
8 inch zipper
pins
scissors
sewing machine/ needle and thread

Note: These are the dimensions I used for my bag, but feel free to adjust them depending on how big/small you want your bag to be!

Method

Cut fabric and felt to size. Then, place the felt on top of the inside of your fabric, like in the photo below.

2. Fold the overlapping fabric over the edges of the felt to create neat seams. Pin them in place.

3. Using a sewing machine, or needle and thread, stitch the seams.

4. Next, use pins to attach your zipper to the fabric like I’ve done in the photos below. You can see that my zipper was slightly too big for the fabric, but don’t worry – you can just trim that off. Once your happy with the zipper’s positioning, sew it on.

6. Fold over your fabric so that your makeup bag is inside out. Make sure that both sides are aligned and stitch them together.

6. Flip inside-out…

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DIYs inspired by India

Posted on March 23, 2016 by maya

As some of you may already know, tomorrow is Holi, an Indian springtime festival which is renowned for its unique celebrations that involve throwing colourful powder and water at random strangers on the street. Seriously, that’s not even an exaggeration – look it up. I’ve personally never celebrated this festival, but I’ve always thought it seemed like tons of fun!

So this year, in honour of Holi, here are three fun DIYs that are inspired by India. Let me know which one’s your favourite in the comments below!

1. Elephant Garland

What I love about this DIY is that you can make it using things you probably already have at home. Elephants are always the one animal everyone associates with India (accept maybe peacocks, but they’re way to complicated to draw) and fun fact, Indian Elephants can weigh 2,000 – 5,000 kg. Now that you’ve learned that useless piece of information, let’s move on to the DIY…

What you need:

different coloured card paper
black marker
paint (I just used nail polish – it works fine)
jewels, stickers, sequins… you can decorate them with anything really
twine
sticky tape

Method:

Cut out as many elephants as you can from the card paper. If you’re not a skilled elephant artist, then you can print out my template.
Using your paint and various decorations, make your elephants as colourful and glittery as possible.
Outline your elephants with black marker and add a couple of fun designs. This step is optional, but I thought it gave the elephant shapes a bit more definition.
Lastly, tape your elephants onto some twine and hang them up on your wall!

2. Jeweled Perfume Bottle

This glammed up perfume bottle would make an Indian Princess jealous! Gluing on all the jewels is a little time consuming, but the end result is definitely worth it!

What you need:

a perfume bottle
glue gun
fake jewels
black glass paint

Paint the top and sides of your perfume bottle with pretty, abstract designs (spirals, dots, lines etc.) using the black paint. Leave to dry.
Carefully glue the fake jewels onto the perfume bottle in any pattern you choose.
You’re done! Now all that’s left to do is proudly display it on your dressing table 🙂

3. Painted Glass Frame

This glass painting DIY looks a little daunting, but I promise it’s very simple. This was actually my first time ever painting glass, and I was thrilled with the result!

What you need:

A4 glass frame
glass paints
black relief outliner
paintbrush
A4 sheet of white paper
A4 sheet of paper with a sketch of desired design (for my design, you can print off my template)

Method:

Place your sheet with the design inside your frame.
Using your rough design as a guide, apply the black outline directly from the tube onto the glass. Make sure that your lines are continuous as paint will bleed through any gaps. When you’re happy with the design, leave to dry.
Once your outliner is totally dry, you can start applying colour with your paintbrush. Leave to dry, remove your reference sheet from inside the frame and replace it with a sheet of white paper.

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Well, that’s all for today. I hope you’re all having a great week and if you are celebrating Holi, have a wonderful time! Oh and before I forget – I recently got an Instagram account which I am on constantly, so you guys should definitely follow me@artsyteenblog 🙂

How to paint a Shamrock

Posted on March 17, 2016 by maya

shamrock collage hey

Just a quick post to say Happy St. Patrick’s Day! As you may already know that I’m Irish, so I felt obligated to post something today. Here’s a quick tutorial for making adorable little shamrocks in about 30 seconds. They are perfect for decorations or face painting.

I’m headed off to a parade now, but I hope you all have a fantastic day!

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You Know You’re An Artsy Teen When…

Posted on March 15, 2016 by maya

1. You never throw anything away because you’re convinced that “it’ll come in useful”
Admit it. There’s a box under your bed full of useless objects that you’ve been hanging onto for ten years and that you’ve NEVER used. And to be honest, you probably never will!

2. Pinterest is your kind of social media
Facebook and twitter are OK, but the day you discovered Pinterest changed your life forever. And whats more, you don’t just spend hours browsing Pinterest. Well OK, yes you do, but unlike most people, you actually make the DIYs you pin!

3. You can wield a gun better than James Bond – a glue gun that is 😉
Its no secret that a glue gun is every DIY-er’s best friend. And no wonder – there’s basically nothing that a bit of hot glue can’t fix!

4. You refer to your messy bedroom as your “artistic space”
So yeah, technically speaking you haven’t cleaned your room in six weeks and maybe you can’t see your desk underneath the pile of junk on top of it. But honestly that’s just because you’re an artist. The creative mind doesn’t like structure. Also your lazy, but that’s besides the point.

5. You’re the ‘art’ kid at school
Ever since you made that awesome poster in primary school or won that drawing competition, everyone knows you as the ‘art’ kid. You rule the art classroom and all the other students calls you the ‘Art Master’ (OK, no they don’t – but you get the idea 😉 ) .

6. You doodle on everything
Literally, its slightly worrying. Your notes, your homework journal, your hand… everything around you is just covered in ink.

7. Since you were a kid, you’ve been getting craft kits for Christmas
All artsy teens have that one cabinet in their room full of all the craft kits they’ve collected over the years. Candle making, crocheting, vase painting, DIY jewlery… seriously, we own every craft kit imaginable.

8. You get random bursts of motivation that can last anywhere from 2 minutes to 4 hours

We all have those mornings when we wake up and suddenly we’re inspired to write a novel or redecorate our entire room. Unfortunately this motivation usually doesn’t last long enough for anything really important to get accomplished.

9. You’re a problem solver
Artsy teens love a challenge. In fact, coming up with ideas to solve a problem is our idea of fun!

10. You’re unique and individual
Where’s the fun in ‘following the crowd’? You have your own sense of style, your own ideas, your own opinions and don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise.

DIY Button Accessories

Posted on March 3, 2016 by maya

Am I the only one who possesses a random collection of buttons in my room? Probably. Still, I’m sure you have a few lying around that are just waiting to be turned into beautiful accessories! All these DIYs are amazingly easy, fashionable and double as great gifts.

1. Chunky Button Bracelet

As you can probably tell just from looking at the photo, to make this bracelet all you have to do is a string some elastic/twine through a bunch of buttons and tie the ends together. If you want the bracelet to look really fun, try using buttons that are large and colourful.

2. Bold Button Ring

Again, this DIY is so simple and really unique! Just take a button and, using a glue gun, glue it onto a metal ring. Now you can buy always buy a cheap ring, but if you’re like me you’ll probably have a few old rings lying around that you can use.

3. Vintage Button Bracelet

To make this vintage bracelet you’re basically going to use the same method as for the chunky bracelet, except that you’re going to string the elastic through two holes of each button, so that they lie flat against your wrist . For the ultimate vintage look, you can use metal buttons and few beads as well.

4. Button Hairband

Looking for a new fashion statement this spring? Jazz up an old hair band by simply gluing or sewing on some colourful buttons.

5. Button Bobby pins

Bobby pins are just one of those things that everyone has lying around their bedroom. It doesn’t matter if you have long or short hair, at some point in your life you’ve probably bought a multi-pack of bobby pins that were on special and now, every so often, you’ll see one pop up here and there. So next time you find one, glue a few buttons on to it- try layering buttons for a really cool effect- and voilà! You have a stylish one-of-a-kind hair accessory.

6. 5-Minute Belt

Do you ever put on an outfit and think “a belt would make this”? Next time you’re wearing a loose top or a plain dress, add a pop of colour with this 5-minute button belt. Just take a piece of cord the length of your waist, thread it through a few large buttons and tie the ends together.

7. Simple Button Bracelet

Last but not least, this simple button bracelet is both casual and chic, and all you need to make it is one button and two pieces of string. Thread one piece of string through the two holes on the right side of the button, and thread the other piece of string through the two holes on the left side. Tie both pieces of string together and you’re done!

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I hope you guys enjoyed these DIYs! If you’d like more posts like this, let me know in the comments below. Also, don’t forget to follow me on social media to keep up to date with all my latest posts and news 🙂

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5 things to make with that random piece of cardboard

Posted on February 10, 2016 by maya

Yes, I know…that’s quite a bizarre title. Let me explain.

The other day, I bought something (isn’t that specific) and when I opened the packaging and took out this unnamed purchase, inside I found a thin, square sheet of cardboard. The thing is, this sheet of cardboard served no evident purpose whatsoever. It wasn’t there to provide support or give information. No, it’s sole purpose was to just… be there. Kind of like that one teacher at school who never really teaches anything, but just sits there for “adult supervision”.

And this isn’t the first time this has happened to me. Oh no, it’s happened several times, with several purchases – clothes, shoes, food, electronics, you name it.

And that got me thinking… is this some sort of conspiracy ? I mean, surely companies aren’t trying to waste money.Is there some sort of unwritten code around the world that cardboard has to be included with each purchase? Are packaging companies being blackmailed by cardboard manufacturers? Is it even cardboard, or is it some sort of espionage device recording our every move?

Yeah, that escalated quickly. Anyways, luckily for us artsy teens there are tons of ways to put these supposedly purposeless pieces of cardboard to good use. I’ve been working on this post for quite a while now (editing the photos took ages), so I hope you guys enjoy it!

A Makeshift Paint Palette

Now I’m no professional painter, but every once in a while I do like to pick up a paintbrush and attempt (unsuccessfully) to become the next Picasso. Seeing as I don’t own an actual palette, during these random bursts of motivation I tend to use a piece of cardboard instead and, trust me that works just fine!

2. DIY Bracelet Holder

If you’re anything like me, some part of your room/desk/shelf is covered with tangled heaps of jewelry. Or maybe you’re a normal, organised person -who knows. Anyway, for this simple DIY just take a square sheet of cardboard, cut it to desired size, roll it into a tube-shape and staple the sides together. Then, just slip on your bracelets and you’re done!

3. DIY Stencils

Stencils probably aren’t something you use on a regular basis, but now and then they do come in handy. Instead of wasting money and buying them in a shop, you can simply print off a stencil template at home and cut out the shape from cardboard. Then you can spend your money on something else. Like food 🙂

To download the flower stencil I used, click here.

4. DIY Vintage Bookmarks

I love reading and one of my greatest struggles in life will always be my inability to hold on to bookmarks. Every year, I’ll get about seventy eight bookmarks from friends, families, bookshops etc., but whenever I’m actually reading a book I can never find one. Then I end up using random bits and pieces laying about my room which will inevitably end up falling out of the book.

So, I thought I’d improve my chances of finding a bookmark by making a few more (which I’ve probably lost by now) out of my sheet of cardboard.

As you can probably tell, it’s not a very complicated process. Just cut out strips of cardboard and decorate them with pretty paper, drawings and just whatever takes your fancy. Making them look “Vintage” is not a requirement, but seeing as you can basically stick some old newspaper onto cardboard and call it “Vintage”, I decided it was my easiest option.

5. DIY Diamond Garland

This DIY is a simple way to add a pop of colour to your room. All you need to do is cut out your desired shapes from the cardboard (for the diamond design I used click here), colour them in with pencils and give them a black outline with a permanent marker. Then, simply tape them onto a long piece of string/wool and hang the garland up in your room!

Henna Tattoo Tutorial

Posted on February 6, 2016 by maya

So ever since I went to Dubai last year, I’ve become slightly obsessed with Henna (or Mehndi). For those of you who don’t know what Henna is, it’s a reddish-brown paste made from the leaves of the Henna plant, which has been used for thousands of years to make hair dye and temporary body art. In some cultures (especially in the Middle East and India), it is common for women to decorate their hands and feet with intricate henna designs during festivals, celebrations and weddings.

Basically, think of it as a tattoo without the commitment.

Obviously I’m in no way a professional henna tattoo artist, so if I can manage to make some simple designs, so can you!

NOTE: Nowadays, henna often contains chemicals. If you have sensitive skin, test a small bit of henna on your skin beforehand to make sure you don’t get an allergic reaction.

What you need

Henna cone
tissue paper
sheet of card paper / cardboard

Method

Henna dye is usually sold in cone-shaped tubes. To apply it, you simply cut off the tip of the cone and squeeze the paste onto your hand (a bit like piping icing onto a cake) to create a pretty pattern. Before decorating your hand, practice on a piece of paper until you can confidently create simple designs.
If you want you can use my design, or you can try creating your own (google images provides plenty of other amazing examples). Just remember, if you mess up you can’t wipe it off!
Once you have applied the henna to your hand, leave it to dry. This might take a while, so if you’re impatient like me, wait about 10-15 minutes until most of it is dry, then carefully dab the rest off with some tissue paper.
Once the henna is dry, wash it off with water and you will be left with a (slightly lighter) tattoo on your hand.
The henna tattoo will last about a week, although according to my Mum (who is Indian, by the way), putting lemon juice on your henna will make it last longer.

6 Clever Ways to Wrap Christmas Presents

Posted on December 24, 2015 by maya

It’s Christmas Eve and I know I’m not the only who still has a ton of presents to wrap for tomorrow! Here are some clever tips and tricks to make your presents extra special and professional looking, as well as some last-minute gift wrapping hacks. Remember, studies show that when someone receives a present that’s nicely wrapped, they will automatically like the present more (note: this is not actually true but it sounds like it could be).

1. Car Crazy

My brother, like most boys, love anything with wheels! This year I decided to make his gift a little extra special. I just wrapped the gift in regular wrapping paper then cut out a cardboard road (don’t forget to stick on a dashed white line!) and glued it ontop. To complete the look, I taped a cheap toy car on the road.

2. The Sweetest Thing

This is seriously my go-to wrapping technique for almost every single present. It works with practically any shape or size of gift, it looks cute and it’s really easy to do. Simply roll the wrapping paper around the gift, secure it with tape and twist both ends so that it looks like a sweet wrapper.

3. Tinsel pompoms

Instead of going out and buying bows, just get an old bit of tinsel and cut into little tinsel pompoms that you can easily stick on your presents.

4. For the musician in the family

Run out of wrapping paper? Some sheet music and a ribbon are a classy alternative. You can find tons of music scores online that you can print off easily.

5. Spell it out

A classic way to personalize a personalize is by simply cutting out the letters of a person’s name in coloured paper and sticking it onto the gift wrap.

6. 1 minute Paper Bag

Can’t find any gift bags at home? Don’t worry, all you need is a square of wrapping paper, some tape and about 60 seconds of your time. Just follow the steps indicated on the photo to make this cute and easy paper bag.

Note: Don’t forget to secure the side and bottom of the bag with tape.

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Well, that’s it for today. I hope these tips come in useful and have a Merry Christmas!

DIY Christmas Garland

Posted on December 13, 2015 by maya

Hey Arsty Teens,

If you guys are looking for an easy Christmas DIY, you should definitely try making this garland. I love working with felt because it’s pretty cheap, it doesn’t fray at the seams and it comes in all sorts of vibrant colours!

My mum and I made this project last year and we were both impressed with how well it turned out. It’s a really great way to add a bit of festive colour to your house/ bedroom and it can be made in an afternoon which is great if, like me, you can’t stay concentrated on one task for very long!

Actually, you could even use a glue gun instead of a needle and thread if you wanted to make the process even faster, but I think the stitches really complete the look.

What you need:

red and green felt
twine
ribbons
thread and needle
sequins/ beads (optional)

How to make it:

Cut out as many felt shapes as you think you’ll need for your garland. I chose heart and Christmas tree shapes as they were both simple and festive! I also cut out smaller shapes of different coloured felt and sewed them on top of the larger shapes.
Decorate the felt shapes with sequins and beads. You can sew around the edges of each shape for added decoration.
Form a loop with each ribbon and stitch them onto the top of each felt shape.
Cut a long piece of twine and string it through the ribbon loops on each felt shape.
Hang up the garland so everyone can admire you’re work!

How to make a simple pillow case

Posted on November 5, 2015 by maya

I’m always looking for quick and simple sewing projects that I’ll be able to complete in an afternoon. This was my first time making a pillow case and I was really happy with the end result!

What you need:

Fabric
Scissors
Thread and Needle*
old pillowcase

*note: for a no-sew version of this pillow case, you can use fabric glue instead of stitching – however your pillow case will not last as long.

Method:

1. Using an old pillowcase as a guide, measure out the amount of fabric that you’ll need, making sure to leave an extra 1 inch around the edges for the seams. To make this process easier, I would recommend printing out this pillowcase pattern.

2. Measure and cut out fabric.

3. Create a seam around the fabric by folding the edges of the rectangle inwards and stitching them.

4. Fold the rectangle in half so that the inside of the fabric is facing outwards.

5. Sew the bottom and side edges of the fabric together, leaving an opening at the top.

6. Turn the pillowcase inside out and you’re done!

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