It's a Great Day for DIYs

Woke up with crafty projects on my mind and as luck would have it you get to journey with me as I show all the goods on Great Day Houston this morning. 

CLICK HERE FOR GREAT DAY SEGMENT OR WATCH CLIP BELOW

 

Duck Taping It

 


  • Pull tape the entire length to the belt buckle so the majority of the belt will be wrapped with one consistent piece of tape. 
  • Lay belt on top with the front side down toward sticky part of tape. 
  • Next tear tape into custom pieces to fill remainder empty spots. 
  • Use an ice pick or large needle to puncture hole in tape after you wrap belt. 
  • * punch hole from the front to back so the tap will go inward to back of belt. 

 

T-Shirt Time 

 


  • Take an old t-shirt fold into half and then half again. 
  • Cut 1' strips (that look like a big ole loop) stretch it out like you are shooting an arrow. 
  • Then wrap around your hand 4x to create circles. 
  • Make at least 14 circles. 
  • Take two circles and tie them with an extra small strip of fabric. 
  • Continue to you have attached all circles, on the last circle attach it to the first circle you started with. And Voila' you have a rad scarf perfect pairing with an awesome outfit. 

 

Re-purposing a Bill Cosby dad sweater

 

I was bummed when I realized I didn't have an old dad sweater but then I thought I love thrift shopping, i'm sure to find the perfect sweater at the goodwill for cheap and there it was... my Bill Cosby looking sweater. SCORE!!!! I got it and one more sweater to create a fabulous looking sweater vest for the fall. And this is how to achieve it...

  • Grab your sweater and spread it flat on a table.
  • Create a pattern on top with a thick marker, draw across the collar, along the armpits, down the side and across the bottom.
  • Grab your (sharp) scissors and start cutting along your pattern
  • When you're finished, it's all about how you put it on -- put both arms through the circle and let it fall like a vest!

*to create a longer vest get a bigger size sweater than you normally would wear. to do a cute cropped vest cut try using a larger sized kid sweater. Thrift stores are perfect for this DIY one you can find tons and too they're cheap without the emotional attachment so if you mess up no biggie. 

Click here for my mirror mirror segment where I do the same technique with a t-shirt! 

 

Chain Weaver

 


  • Grab that old chain that you never use anymore and spruce it up with colorful thread.
  • Take at least three to four pieces of thread and gather evenly on one end and tie a knot with them 1/3 from the bottom of chain.
  • Begin twisting or braiding thread through loops.
  • When equal on other side, cut and tie off. 

Cuteness just happened, you're welcome.

*Taping ends of threads together will help you weave through the chains a lot quicker after you knot it off at one end.

 

Paperclip Dangles 

 


  • Grab a paperclip and shape into a triangle or any shape you like. Its sturdy enough to manipulate to a shape you desire. 
  • Next apply glue on paperclip this will allow the thread to stay in one place and not slip around. 
  • Tie off end of threads (I would have at least 3 strands to help process go faster.) 
  • Wrap the outer edge of triangle and then go across to create a solid space. You could also to random zig zags across triangle to shake things up. Don't limit yourself to one color mix it up and make it yours. 

*adding adhesive dots in places that seem to be unraveling will help clean it up, not get messy and after you can cover with thread.

 

 

Had a great time with Debra as always!

 

Until next time...

kjoy

PS if possible I'd love your thoughts and comments. :) xo

I'll put a Hex Nut on You.

I love trending jewelry but dear lord it can be crazy expensive. Check out my latest Mirror Mirror segment where I turn hardware hex nuts into crazy awesome jewelry. I promise it won't disappoint!

>>> HEX NUT JEWELRY...YES PLEASE <<<

Hex it Up

  • Create your design with any color of hex nuts. You can paint them to change it up with nail polish.
  • Glue the sides of your hex nuts together into the shape you want. I totally love E3600 glue, it allows you to mold design but it also works to keep pieces of metal together. Let it dry.
  • Attach a large jump ring to sides of your design and attach a chain to the jump rings. The length of chain depends on if you are making a necklace or bracelet. Attach a clasp and you got yourself a fancy pancy piece of jewelry. 

To Braid or not to Braid That is the Question.

  • Cut three very long pieces of twine, thin rope, or thick string and tie it off and wrap with tape so it doesn't unravel when you start to braid.
  • Before you start to braid attach the end of strings to a pillow or tablecloth to stabilize it. Now let the braiding begin.
  • Braid the strings half-way down.
  • Lace one hex nut on center string then cross over like you would braid regularly then lace another hex nut on the center and cross over. Keep adding until you desired length. I did 16 nuts on my bracelets.
  • Continue to braid without nuts and tie off at the end.
  • Cut off any frayed strings from ends and put that bad boy on and work it. :)

I love finding things and repurposing them into something awesome.  Hardware is not just for boys, just sayin'. 

Stay awesome because you are awesome. 

kjoy

link chain washer love

Ok I'm in love with these chain gang layering necklaces...perfect pairing for any outfit. Watch my latest segment by clicking on link below. You'll see how easy it is to throw down and look freaking awesome. Side note the flower necklace DIY would be a perfect craft for any little lovebug girls in your life...next time I see my Maddie Joy (my 5 yr old niece) it going to be a DIY par-tay. :)

>>>Link Chain Layering Necklace Segment<<<


 LINKS AND CHAINS NECKLACE
the finished look


  • 1 large washer
  • 8 medium washers
  • 8 small washers
  • Jump Rings
  • Jewelry Pliers
  • Necklace Clasp (optional)

small medium large washers
  • Grab a large washer-open a jump ring-attach it to the washer- then lock it up.
  • Grab the smallest washer-open jump ring-attach smaller washer-link small washer to the jump ring on the large washer you just locked up.
  • Do the same with medium washer- repeat pattern until you get four small and four medium washers on the largest washer.
  • And the pattern goes... Jump ring - jump ring - small washer - jump ring - jump ring - medium washer - jump ring - jump ring - small washer.
  • Repeat steps on the other side of largest washer.
  • When you are done with all the meticulous steps...whew! Attach chain (any length you choose) with jump rings to create your fantastic looking layering necklace.
Happy linking.

kjoy

Hardware Gone Awesome

This DIY has to be my absolute favorite...seriously. I wear these gems almost everyday and the best part about it, its so easy to make. Check out my latest mirror mirror segment via the link below.

  • cut two three-inch pieces of chains possibly shorter if you have thinner wrist. lucky you. :)
  • attach the end of chain to the side of one hinge using one jump ring and attach the other end of that chain to the other side of hinge. Repeat on other side.
  • in the center of the chain on one side, attach a jump ring to the center link, repeat on other side.
  • on one end attach your clasp to the jump ring.
  • now you are ready to clasp and go. 

Chevron L-bracket Necklace

  • grab your brackets and determine length of chain between both. make sure they are the exact same in length on both sides so it doesn't go lopsided on you. 
  • connecting the brackets to chain using jump rings.
  • attach a jump ring to the end of the chain and attach the top bracket, repeat on other side.
  • cut chain at the center and attach a jump ring to each cut side of the chain.
  • attach a clasp to one of the sides and you're done and doner!

For less than 5 bucks and in 5 minutes to make, I call that a totally win! 

Kjoy

Ps i would love to hear your feedback! xo

Leather Love and Polka Dot DIY

You know that old sweater you're yawning over or how about those also pants that are looking rather dull??? are you thinking of throwing them out well hold your horses and check out link below to resuscitate your dead wardrobe back to life back to reality! 


Click on the link below for my latest Mirror Mirror segment, we'll repurpose and spruce up those almost Salvation Army worthy pieces.

>>>LEATHER LOVE AND POLKA DOT DIYS<<<

Leather it up! 

What you're going to bring to the Leather DIY party:

  • An old cardigan or t-shirt
  • Faux leather fabric for the cheap route, real leather if you bringing your big guns. If you get an eighth of a yard on sale its like a buck and you only use a wee bit...so cheap.
  • Scissors
  • Thick Needle (i love working with thick needles because the eye of it is so easy to thread)
  • Upholstery Thread- you can either match thread to the fabric or use some funky cool colored thread to add interesting detail.
garment in need of love

supplies: faux leather, thread, large needle and scissors

you don't have to stick to threads that match the leather, branch out with color to add funk and interesting detail

How to:
  • Cut the appropriate size and shape of leather depending on what you are going to leather up. ie elbow patches, shoulder patches, pocket squares, ect.
  • Thread your needle and tie a knot in the end.
  • Start sewing your fabric onto your old clothing piece. Start on the inside of the clothing item. If you are covering a pocket work in a U shape.
  • After you're finished sewing, tie off the thread on the inside of the garment.
stitching doesn't have to perfect its like a monet, up close its a mess but from a distance its beautiful

finished look is too cute


Do the Polka!

What you're going to bring to the Polka dot DIY party:
  • Old pair of pants in any color, shape or size. (or another article of clothing)
  • Fabric "Paint" Pens 
  • Ruler
supplies: old pants, ruler and a fabric paint pen

this is what the pens and paint look like...you're welcome. 

How to:
  • Lay your pants or clothing item on a flat surface and smooth out the wrinkles.
  • Lay your ruler across the garment where you'd like your dots to be. 
  • Make dots an inch apart all the way across, this is going to be your starter line that you will use to make the dots consistent throughout the garment.
  • Move the yard stick down about an inch and make dots and inch apart again, BUT this time make sure the new dots are IN BETWEEN the dot you just made. Its super duper simple. You got this!
  • Finish the front and let it dry and then do the same steps to the back side.
    finished look i've seen everywhere...the gap, khols, nordstrom oh yeah
Now aren't you glad you did give the ole heave ho to those dulled down pieces? I mean you wouldn't have gotten the chance to work that leather & polka dance those pants off!

Happy DIYing.

kjoy

shrinky dink a dink


Does this look familiar?


I don't know about you but growing up i LOVED shrinky dinks and easy bake ovens and when i got a chance to revisit my childhood I seized my opportunity. 



Check out my latest segment on Livewell Network's Mirror Mirror where I showed Rebecca Spera how to bring back your childhood while getting crafty and being green. (as in re-purposing your throw-aways) 

>>>>Here's the link to the Shrinky Dink Jewelry On Mirror Mirror<<<<


Shrinky Dink bracelets 

Supplies

#6 Plastic Takeout Containers
Permanent Markers
Scissors
Jump Rings
Bracelet Clasp
Hole Punch
Fingernail Clippers
Small Needle-Nose Pliers (Optional)


Make sure you have a recycled #6 plastic container. Cut the flat part out of your to-go container.

Color a pattern or scribbles with your markers onto the plastic container.

There are so many different colors with permanent markers so its easy to get creative!

Cut large circles (for earrings) or squares/rectangles (for bracelets/necklaces) out of the plastic. Use nail clippers to round the corners of your pieces. 
Arrange pieces on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. 
Pop in the oven for about 30 seconds to one minute on 350-degrees. Watch them until they shrink up and lay back down flat. 
Let the pieces cool. Use jump rings to connect the pieces to make your jewelry! 

Bubble Wrap Bracelet


I didn't take pics of the bubble wrap bracelet but you can always follow along the segment and/or the step-by-step instructions below.

Supplies:

Bubble Wrap
Scissors
Parchment Paper
Pen/Pencil
Pearls for jewelry (with holes punched)
Circle Pattern (optional)
An Iron
Jewelry Supplies (bracelet chain, necklace chain, jump rings, clasps)

How to:

Preheat iron on wool setting, no steam (dry).
Cut bubble wrap into eight large equal pieces.
Layer two pieces of bubble wrap on top of each other, inside two pieces of parchment paper (or folded piece).
Iron both sides of the parchment paper until the bubble wrap melts together into a thin sheet.
Put two more pieces of bubble wrap around the piece you just ironed, put back in between the parchment paper and iron on both sides again.
Repeat with the rest of your bubble wrap (two more times).
Cut circles out of the flattened bubble wrap sheet.
Punch holes at the top of each piece with a thick needle.
Attach pearls and bubble wrap charms to your bracelet or necklace in any pattern you choose!


Thanks Rebecca and Sabrina for another great segment!


That's a wrap!!!

kjoy

Lightboxes

I love lightboxes. I wish i could have them for every occasion and in every room. They remind me of the carnivals I never went to growing up. To me they convey whimsy and warmth.


When my dear friend Brandi Lisenbe asked me to inspire bloggers for the Houston Blogger Symposium Holiday party, I thought what a great opportunity to build my own lightbox.

So here I am sharing my lightbox love...

  • First get a foam board and cut to size of whatever you are going to frame it out with, I cut mine to fit this awesome antique frame. Also, I have found that foam boards run between $4-6 at most places but if you hit up the Dollar store you can score by paying only....you guessed it $1.00. 



  • Next you want to wrap your board in wrapping paper, I choose a gold foil for the holidays. Then write out what you are wanting to display. My personal choice was Kristenjoy.com but the options are endless...Congrats, Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas...you get the drift. I added circles within the letters where I would wanted to see the lights shine through.  


  • Grab a handy dandy ice pick and poke holes where you put those conveniently placed circles within the letters.



  •  Now it's time to flip over your board and start pushing through Christmas lights wherever you see a hole.


  • From the back it might look like a hot mess but when you turn it around its a masterpiece in the making. Kristenjoy.com took 200 lights, which means you will probably use tons of lights depending on how long your words are, so choose wisely. 


  • Flip it back around and place it in your frame of choice and Wham-o Bam-o a personalized lightbox!


Let there be light!


I couldn't just do one, could I?!


I absolutely love it and I'm sure all you fellow friends out there will be seeing one of these gems at my next party. 


So lets Party, Karamu, Fiesta, forever...All Night Long!

kjoy



T-Shirt Time

Who doesn't have an old t-shirt that they either neglect or are thinking about tossing... 
                                                                                                                   ...We all do. 
So instead of forgoing them any longer how about re-purposing them . 

Check out my latest segment on Mirror Mirror with the ever so lovely Ms. Rebecca Speara. 

---> Click Here To Watch My DIY Re-Purposing T-Shirts on Mirror Mirror <---


Rebecca and I about to tackle 5 ways to re-purpose a T-shirt.

VEST
  • Spread an old t-shirt flat on a table
  • To create a pattern on top with a thick marker, draw across the collar, along the armpits, down the side and across the bottom
  • Grab your (sharp) scissors and start cutting along your pattern
  • When you're finished, it's all about how you put it on -- put both arms through the circle and let it fall like a vest!


RACERBACK
  • Lay your t-shirt flat on a table
  • Grab a marker and create a one-inch border around the collar, pressing hard with your marker so it bleeds through to the other side
  • Draw another dotted line about one inch from the bottom hem of the shirt
  • Then draw another dotted line about an inch above that line
  • Flip the shirt over and follow the same pattern on the sleeves
  • Create a V along the neckline
  • Cut out your pattern
  • To make the racerback part, take the extra piece that you cut from the bottom and stretch it out
  • Cut it open to make one long strip
  • Gather the sleeves about two inches from the top and knot the strip around the sleeves
  • Then wrap the strip around and around, pulling tight and knotting it at the end


ACCESSORIES
  • Fold a t-shirt in half, then quarters, then eighths
  • Cut one inch wide strips
  • Snip the pieces into long strips and pull to stretch out
  • Next, do a five strand braid...
  • Gather the ends of five stands together, knot them, and lay the strands out straight on the table
  • Starting at the right, take the end stand and cross it over the one next to it
  • Then take the middle strand and cross it over the one next to it in the same direction
  • Take the leftover stand and cross it over the stand next to it heading back in the other direction
  • Keep crossing the strands the same way, back and forth
  • Knot both ends and make a bracelet or necklace or headband!

 WATERMARK
  •  Grab an old t-shirt and lay it flat. 
  • Write out lyrics, poems or favorite quotes with Elmer's Gel Glue.
  • Allow the glue to completely dry, may take 45 min. 
  • Create your dye bath, instructions are HERE
  • Dunk shirt in for 5-15 min. in dye bath depending on desired. Make sure to wear gloves so your pretty nails do not find themselves dyed. 
  • Remove shirt from bath and let it dry. 
  • Wash in cold water and dry normally.


BLEACH OUT
  • Create your pattern and draw on contact paper, sticky side down.
  • Razor cut your image on contact paper.
  • Take your dark t-shirt and lay it flat.
  • Make sure to put a thick piece of cardboard imbetween shirt. 
  • Peel off back side paper from contact sheet and place sticky side down on t-shirt. 
  • Scrub Clorax Bleach Pen over pattern. 
  • Allow bleach to completely dry. 
  • Peel of contact paper.
  • Wash in cold water seperately and dry normally.
  • Enjoy your cute "T'.
    •  Behind the scenes with Rebecca where great memories were made.
    Trying something new and getting creative empowers you on so many levels. So grab your favorite friends, a bottle of wine, a great music playlist and have a ball empowering your creativity.
     Get crackin'
    kjoy
    Ps Big thanks to Rebecca and the Mirror Mirror crew! 

Making Memories with Ornaments!



Watch Sibila Vargas from Fox talk with me about Christmas traditions!




Now before each segment, I like to test out my ideas and crafts on the family. Here is Uncle Matt (my handsome bro) with our nephew Carson making ornaments of his little hand using glitter, paint, felt and more. Aprons are definitely neccessary!!!


I pulled a lot of these craft items from my mom's place and after squeezing that paint so hard my face turned red, I guess it's safe to say the paint quite possibly could be as old as I am!!

Share with me some of the fun crafty stuff you and your family do together around the table during the holidays! I'm all ears!
happy birthday jesus! boom.
kjoy