Feather Earring

In Brazil, we were with the most wonderful people everyday and in every city.  They were so nice, and all so very stylish!

One of our translators, when we first met her, was rockin' one long feather earring. 

Just one - and it was awesome!

We went to a bunch of different craft markets and I saw them everywhere!

I had to resist buying one because I knew I could figure out how to make one.

The earrings in Brazil did have much more beautiful feathers!  

I don't think Ohio has any exotic birds, so I just used leftover feathers from my hair extensions ... still love the color!

Here's one way to make your own feather earring:

You will need to buy these little rings.  

You can find them at any store that sells jewelry supplies.  I got a pack at Jo-ann Fabrics with 3 different sizes for under $3.

 Use the rings to make 2 chains just by interlocking them with each other.  

1 short chain and 1 long chain.  

You can use pliers to separate and then press back together.  

 To attach the feathers, you will need these tools called a jewelry crimp.  (Also got at Jo-ann Fabrics.)

Crimp each feather into one of these.

Use pliers to close down the sides first, then the top.

 I attached a smaller feather to the smaller chain, because it will hang a little bit above the longer one.

 Finally, attach the featherless end of the chains to a fishhook earring by using your trusty pliers and now you have a little bit of a Brazilian flair!

Loving it already!!!!

I like how they kind of flow with my hair and add a little pop of color.

Back to The States

Well, here I am, back from Brazil!

I got back Sunday evening, and spent all yesterday catching up on my forgotten Ohio life.

It was an amazing experience, and definitely unlike anything I have ever done before.

We visited many museums, art spaces, schools, food places. 

(the list goes on...)

The people we met were all as warm as the environment they are apart of.

Relationships were present instantly, and it was heartbreaking to say goodbye as we carry on with our lives separated by a large ocean.

There is too much to say about the past two weeks.

I have many ideas from what I've seen, and plan to adapt them to my American lifestyle!

As time goes on, and more projects come out, more will be revealed about Brazil.

 But for now (as I am still wrapping my head around the whirlwind of the trip), here some pictures to do some explaining:

 There was graffiti EVERYWHERE! The whole country was one big canvas covered in so many images, words, and colors.

 The buildings, alone, created a breathtaking color palette.

 We got to spend many moments by the sea.

 Visited Brazilian artist, Jose Francisco Borges' printmaking studio.  

His prints were full of life and expression.  

....I stocked up!

Spent time in a school's art room which was also covered in images and color. 

(as an art room should be!)

Off to Brazil!

I cannot believe that tomorrow morning I am leaving for Brazil!  

I am so excited and increasingly getting more and more nervous. 

I'm not so nervous to actually be there, but to be away from what I am used to.  However, ironically, that is what I am excited about and is the exhilarating part of travel.

While I am there, we are supposed to be researching a topic of our choice.  

So, I am planning to focus a lot on where individuals get their artistic influences and inspirations from.

I am keeping a journal and camera with me at all times, while I am on the hunt for :

 

I intend to gather personal inspiration as a result from everything I see, hear, and feel.

Of course, I'll come back with pictures and experiences to share, as well as more projects!

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So many good things are waiting for me -  I am off!

Make Your Own Braided Belt

Here is a great way to make a belt out of an old tee-shirt which is my new favorite material to use for everything!

I got this dress for when I need to look all professional and stuff in 90 degree weather, but I was wearing it my cowboy-kind-of-boots and belt and I felt Taylor Swift-esque! Lovin it!

 First, you'll need a big t-shirt in the color you want your belt.  

I got an XXL tee from the dollar store. ( I would love to make another one with a purple shirt!)

Cut off the seam from the bottom, and measure up 1 inch for each of the 3 strips that you will then cut across.  

I measured on both ends and in the middle to draw a line across in pencil to get a straight cut.

You'll end up with 3 large loops, just cut them on one end so you have 3 long strips of fabric.

 Next, I used a large button which will work as the buckle, but you can use whatever you please.  

If using a button, just thread the strips through the holes in the button and tie a tight knot so it doesn't come undone.

( When threading, you may need something to help push it through, I used a bobby pin, but whatever you have around you should do the trick.)

Next, you just braid the 3 strands that are on the other side of your button.  

Don't know how to braid??
Check out my last post!

 The greatest thing about this belt is how simple it is - with your button, you can just slide it in part of the braid to make it tight.  The fabric is stretchy enough that it will fit under a spot and stay there.

 This is really why I wanted to make the belt. 

 I can rock the preppy look if I'm feeling it one day this sweet summer!

I made a skinny belt, so it can be worn in many different ways, but if you want a bigger belt, you just have to cut out larger strips. Easy peasy.

How to Braid

Basic tutorial on how to braid:

1. Start with 3 strands of string and tie in knot.

 2. Move left string (red) into the center of 3.

 3. Move right string (white) into center of 3.

4. Repeat pulling tightly.

Basically you just are always alternating sides, and moving them to be the center string.

Clothespin Calendar

Okay, so I am back - with a great way to organize your week in a colorful, playful way!

But, first, I must say how EXCITED I am after my experience last week.  I spent everyday with 1st graders creating art, singing, dancing, and acting.  It was so fun and completely confirmed my decision to be an art educator.  The creativity that kids have trump anything I could ever come up with - it was very refreshing to be around people who are constantly happy and looking for new answers.

For those of you who do not know me very well, one thing you probably don't know is that I love to organize!  I've been told it is deceiving about how much I love having things in order and in a place, but it is truly the only way I can get anything done.

If there's any others out there who have this same obsession or wish you did, here is a simple way to organize your week so nothing gets forgotten:

 Just start with regular, old clothespins.  I used 7, but maybe you only need 5.

 Next, just paint one side of the pins. 

  I picked some bright colors to liven up my dull office/computer area!

 When paint is completely dry, write each day of the week on the pins.

Then you just need a string of some sort to drape from each side on the wall ( I made a braid out of an old tshirt).  Clip on your clothespins and cut out some recycled paper to write your agenda on for each day.  

I imagine this would be really helpful if you have kids or an actual job perhaps, but right now, my weeks aren't too busy.  But now I have no excuse to forget anything!

And for those who can't read it, Saturday I am leaving for BRAZIL!  

I am going with a group from the art education department from my school and will be gone for about 2 weeks.  I can't believe how fast our departure date has crept up on us!  So this week, I have a bunch of crafts, diy fashion, and tips to share, but after that I will be m.i.a in South America!  But, I'll share more on that later this week.

Upcycle Old Jeans into New Shorts

I'm sure every person has an old pair of jeans that they no longer wear.  I have so many that are too short or have been branded with paint, so I decided to make a new pair of denim shorts with a playful touch added to them!

 Here is how I did it:

 1. Get out an old pair of jeans that still fit your waist and measure the length you wish to cut, mark, and cut. 

 I planned on folding them up so I cut them just an inch longer than I want them. (I actually ended up cutting them more times by the time I was done, I embrace the term short shorts!)

 2. Once you have tried them on and reached your desired length, move into a place that you can work with bleach worry-free. I worked in a kitchen (so I do apologize for the poor lighting in my photos).

Lay your shorts out as flat as possible with an old rag/towel in between the shorts to absorb the bleach so it won't bleed through to the backside.

 3. Use a sponge to trace and cut out a circle that you'll use to create the polka dots. The circle should be a little smaller than what you want because it will bleed out a little.

 4. Prepare your bleach by pouring it out in a container. I just used the lid to avoid any cleanup.

 5. I highly recommend using a glove, then dip in your circle sponge into the bleach.

 6. Blot onto shorts in random pattern. You will probably need to dip back into the bleach after 2 or 3 dots. You can use a hair dryer to speed up the drying process before flipping over and doing the same to the backside.

7. Let dry completely, then fold up bottom and iron bottom to have a solid crease.

And now you have some cute shorts that didn't cost you a dime!

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I do want to let my fantastic followers know that next week I am taking on an internship at a local arts camp here in Ohio and BEYOND excited! 

So I am either going to be completely inspired to work on projects, or completely exhausted after spending an 8 hour day with 6-7 year olds.  We will see!  

However, do expect more fun things to be shared at some point!