From The Couch: DIY Bracelets

So I know it's been a while since I had a "From the Couch" project.  I have a really good excuse though! I have been making a sweater.  I'm not kidding....I'm also not finished.  I'm THIS close though...and somehow I have lost motivation. Maybe it's because I am tired of looking at the color??  Whatever the reason, I will share that with you one day....soon-ish. =)
I made some bracelets though! I am really happy with the way they turned out!
This first one was inspired by a girl at work.  She had one SUPER similar that she bought.  After looking at it, I knew for sure I could make something that resembled it. Ta-da!

It's fun and different. =)

This one didn't have any inspiration.  I knew I wanted a bracelet that 'jingled' or had a dangly 'charm' type theme going for it. 

The initial bracelet was too big, so I took a section out that was perfect for an earring! Consequently I had to make a second matching earring.  I love them =)

In other news, a good friend and her husband are coming over for dinner and we will be making the invitations for our 2nd Annual Christmas Party!! I'm SO excited!

From the Couch {Tutorial}: Etched Mug

This project was kind of done all over the place BUT it's a 'From the Couch' project.  Since discovering a coffee I will drink, I have had aspirations of using a cute and CUSTOMIZED mug.  I thought about painting one but didn't think that would be the safest route to take.  Then I remembered that I have Glass Etching Solution!!! WOOO!! Now to find that perfect glass mug....
WalMart was the winner in this scavenger hunt.  AND for $2.50 how could I pass it up?!?
I took my new treasure home and thought about what I would etch into the glass...the letter "W" for sure -- since it IS the first initial of OUR last name (for those who are close to me, you know it was also the first initial of my maiden name lol). 
I looked through my cricut cartridge books {Sorry Tami -- this is another project with my Cricut ;)} to try to figure out what design I wanted on the other side.  I thought a hibiscus would suit very nicely. 
I cut out the shapes with my cricut on VINYL.  This is important, as the vinyl sticks to the glass...which is necessary when applying the etching solution.

I put the vinyl on my mug.  Be sure to use the the 'scrap' cut -- as in not the MAIN cut out piece you would NORMALLY use.  You want to use the outline of it.  Here, a picture can explain better =)

Then, I covered the exposed glass with the etching solution using a paint brush.

I left it on for about an hour: which is WAY longer than needed but HEY too long can't hurt it =)

 Rinse the dried solution off the glass and remove the vinyl. VIOLA!!!

Enjoy your personalized etched mug =)
The best part is since the glass was chemically etched, it won't rub off or wash off or anything! SCORE! =)

 

From the Couch: Paint Brush Holder

I have acquired a lot of paint brushes in the last couple years.  I don't do a lot of paintin but I say I am going to ALL. THE. TIME! I collect brushes but not paint so it is more of a threat than anything. =) Oh well! 

I wanted something to do From the Couch one night this weekend so I rummaged through our cabinets for a can or something cylidrical in shape.
VIOLA!! A Morton's Salt canister would work -- especially since it was almost empty.

I was hell bent on removing the label...although I'm STILL not sure why? Since the next step would be to cover it and make it pretty??  No matter!

I wrapped it in pretty paper and added some ribbon. 

SUPER simple and ultra cute for my paint brushes.  Now I have no excuse to lose them AND I don't need to keep buying any...for the time being.

From the Couch: Halloween Projects

I really enjoy being in my craft room but at the end of the day, J and I really like to spend time together. When he is home, he doesn't like for me to be in another room without him. SO to accommodate his (and my) desire to be together when we are home at the same time and my desire to craft, I have found some small projects to do from the comfort of the couch.

I have wanted to buy some of those decorative balls that you place in a bowl. I haven't found any I REALLY like and the ones I have are like $15 ea! WHAT?! No thanks, not when I can DIY it! So I found some Styrofoam balls, pretty paper and mod podge and went to work. Here are 5 so far:

I am considering adding something to them, but haven't really decided. I really like the texture though - it definitely adds a little umph to them. =) I have one more to finish and then I will determine if I need more. They are going to go on the that glass 'plate' on the bottom right of the picture. The sea glass is going to be placed in a thin rectangular vase.

The most recent "From The Couch" project, are countdown blocks. Total cost = $3. yes, you are reading that correctly! I used my cricut to cute out the numbers and words and mod podge to put it all together. =)

It's fun and I can't wait to make one for Thanksgiving and then Christmas! I can't believe how I've really gotten into the spirit of things lately...I blame it on the crafts. =)

Happy Friday people!