DinoRAWR Terrarium

I've wanted a terrarium for a long time. Today, I finally took the time (<5 minutes) to make one.

I used fish tank rocks leftover from my husband's aquarium and bought the succulents at Michael's when they were 50% off. The dinosaur is from a previous years birthday cake. The glass container was something my mother had and was in the process of getting rid of, but I rescued it just in time.

Supplies:

• assorted rocks (small, medium, large)
• small rocks of a solid color
• faux moss
• faux succulents
• specialty items (coral, shells, plastic dinosaur or other animal)
• glass container

Note: Save money by purchasing small rocks meant for fish tanks instead of the expensive stuff you see at Michael's.

Instructions:

1. Layer the smaller rocks and moss.

2. Trim the stems on your succulents and press them gently into the top most rock layer.

3. Top with the larger rocks and specialty items.

Note: The wooden tray above was a find from Michael's. It was in the summer clearance for 75% off; plus, I had a coupon for 25% off total purchase, including sales items. Original price was $25, but I took it home for less than $5! Woo!

Faux Beetle Display

Like most of the crafty population, I browse Pinterest a lot. Since we moved, I've been collecting ideas for decorating our dining room / game room. It's interesting that, what initially triggers an idea is sometimes not even related. I found a picture of a dining room with botanical sketches on the walls; just a small cluster, but that was the one element I liked and wanted to replicate. I like nature elements in my decorating (rock collections, mineral displays, agate coasters).

Thrifted Botanical Art

So, I decided to go to the thrift store and find some botanical artwork to frame. Turns out, the pictures I liked were from a really, really old book about "Common Garden Pests" for $1. I also found a shadowbox frame for $7, but it was 30% off all household items that day. So, only $5! Woo!

Framed Botanical/Bug Prints: $1 art + $6/6 Ikea frames = $7 Total!

Faux Beetle Display: $5 frame + $5 plastic bugs = $10 Total!

Faux Beetle Display Tutorial:

1. Decide where your bugs are going and identify them as best you can.

2. Print out the names, cut them out, and paste to black paper using a glue stick. Cut them out again leaving a black border.

3. Use the back of your frame to measure out a white sheet of poster paper to use as a background.

4. Put the frame back together, minus the glass, and use it as a guide as to where items should be placed. This is important because you may place items too close to the edge otherwise.

5. Place items, and make sure you know exactly where you want things to go.

6. Use the glue stick to attach the labels and a glue gun to attach your bugs. Note: a very small amount of glue can be used to position limbs if they aren't laying right.

7. Replace the glass and hang your new artwork!

New Kimono for Vacation

I made another kimono just in time for my beach vacation next month! These make perfect cover-ups. I am going to use the leftover fabric to make a removable strap. I used the same tutorial that I used for my other kimono.

I'm glad I linked that tutorial on my blog because there are so many different tutorials out there now; I couldn't find it anymore by just googling, and it is the best!

Silky Black Camisole with Lace

Here is an alteration of the original Silky Black Camisole. Lace border was added and the back is flat without the V plunge (Image 1).

Image 1

This was simple to do. The lace can be added to an existing camisole without needing to deconstruct it at all. It is sewn to the front edge. The only semi-difficult part is getting the turns lined up with the pattern of the camisole.

Image 2

The flat back is a small alteration of the pattern. You don't even have to make a new pattern piece. Just draw a straight line from the tip of your existing pattern to the fold of the fabric (Image 2).

Adding the lace took a little longer for me to do than was necessary because I harvested my lace from a failed bra project, and it took a long time to deconstruct. Once you have your lace, however, it is pretty straight forward.

Step 1: Make the same width by lining up your ruler with the top most part of your lace and cutting off anything below the ruler (Image 3).

Image 3

Step 2: Cut lace to the same length of the edges you want to add it to (Image 4).

Image 4

Step 3: Sew lace edges together by laying pieces on top of each other and sewing at a bisecting angle through the tip of the point (Image 5).

Image 5

Step 4: Sew lace to the front of your camisole using a straight or zig-zag stich (your preference; I used a straight stitch), and trim as necessary. Use a zig-zag stitch to attach the lace to your straps.