Cucumbersome » DIY

Chocolate! Chocolate! Chocolate! Aack!*

britt — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:24:18 +0000

If the complete decimation of the candy (subsequently followed by crazed dancing, and the inevitable sugar crash) is any indication, the candy buffet at my brother’s wedding was a success. There was a lot of dashing around the morning of because we had planned to gather supplies the day before, but hadn’t anticipated all of the stores in Ontario being completely shut down (this was the long weekend, but BC doesn’t close up shop like Ontario does). There were a few other things I had wanted to add to our candy buffet (it’s no Amy Atlas table), but as I said, it seemed to still go over quite well.
Anyone else who thinks individually wrapping hundreds of chocolate bars sounds like a good time, read on for more details.
That sounded sarcastic, but sometimes performing simple tasks over and over again really is soothing to me. I was really inspired by the packaging of Mast Brothers Chocolates, but I used Hershey’s Miniatures, which come in variety packs (one of the four types is gold-wrapped, so I set those aside for, um, another use). Higher-quality chocolates would be nice here, but keep in mind that you don’t want to be handling the chocolate directly at any time so something with a neutral wrapping is best. I recommend using gift wrapping paper, because it is thin enough to fold around these tiny guys. For reference sake, you’ll need a 1.5″ x 3″ piece of paper for each bar. Using a cutting mat, clear ruler (like a quilting ruler), and an x-acto knife makes the cutting really easy and quick. To secure, use roll-on adhesive (like this). The whole thing ended up only taking one evening, but if you gather some friends and set up a bit of a factory line you could get it done even quicker.
The candy sign at the top of the post is another example of my new favorite technique. It was set up in a little frame beside the candy, along with the bags. Originally I wanted flat bags (without the square bottom) which you can run through your printer, but I wasn’t able to find any in time so we made striped labels for them.
I wish I had better photos of the whole table, but when the realization hits you that your brother is getting married(!), the color-coordinated candy doesn’t seem all that important.
* Completely unrelated.

Printing on Fabric, the Lazy Way

britt — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:39:08 +0000

Here’s the short story for you skimmers: Freezer paper + fabric + inkjet printer = banner.
And now for the slightly longer version: When thinking of how to make a banner for my brother’s wedding, I contemplated the freezer paper stencil method which I have used before (seen here, forgive the bad photos) with some success. The idea of cutting out intricate letters wasn’t thrilling me though. Suddenly I remembered reading that you can use freezer paper to stiffen fabric enough to feed through an inkjet printer so you can print directly on the fabric. I was skeptical but I had a bit of freezer paper lying around and a designer to help execute the idea (he wasn’t lying around mind you, but kindly offered to help with the type. Thanks, hon!).

All you do – and it’s really deceptively simple – is iron the glossy side of the freezer paper onto the wrong side of the fabric and then cut it down to fit in the printer (8.5″ x 11″). Then just print on the fabric side, and peel the paper off.

This example (above) shows the heart with the backing on the left, and the same heart sans freezer paper on the right. I love how pulling the backing off pulls at the threads and warps it ever so slightly.

For the banner part, I cut the letters down to the same size and folded and sewed over the tops to make a pocket for the twine. The whole project – from start to finish, from layout to threading the letters onto the twine – took less than an hour. Easiest banner ever.
I recommend checking out this instructable, which goes over the process in better detail and discusses what to do to make the fabric washable.

Teach a Man (or Girl!) to Fix

britt — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:00:58 +0000

I have realized that my most popular posts have all been project-related, whether it’s hacking some bedside tables or crafting a necklace. That must mean that you are all pretty interested in doing things yourself. Who isn’t, really? It’s so rewarding to successfully tackle projects you weren’t sure you could.
For years and years, my dad has talked about writing a book about being handy. Not a typical step-by-step instruction book, but about learning how to think like a handy person. Being mechanically inclined is not something you’re just born with, contrary to popular belief. It’s just a matter of learning the main principles, and building up your confidence.
I’m so excited to tell you that he has decided to start a blog to get his ideas out there – to demystify handiness. It’s called “Teach a Man to Fix” and I think you’re really going to like it. And I’m not just saying that because he’s my dad! I know that you won’t find this information elsewhere. He has planned out the blog meticulously to make sure that each post you’ll actually learn something valuable, something that will help you become more independent and resourceful.
I have a list of (fourteen!) projects I want to do around our new place, requiring varying degrees of know-how so I’m looking forward to the reminders, too! Here’s a good place to start.

PS I Made This: Statement Necklace

britt — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:15:40 +0000

And by “I”, I mean Erica Domesek. I’m really loving this statement necklace that was featured on Refinery 29. She uses upholstery trim – that’s genius! It has my head spinning with possibilities.
Check out her site, PS I Made This, for other ideas.

Time for Tea Soap

britt — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:07:04 +0000

Drinking tea is such a lovely ceremony, what with the dainty cups and small spoons and little dishes reserved only for steeped tea bags. The aroma is such a huge part of that experience. Sadly, I’m finding that one can only drink so much tea in a day. So why not pull those luscious scents into our lives in other ways? This was my thinking when this idea popped into my head. I whipped up a batch of small Earl Grey tea soaps (see my instructions below) and folded them into individual tissue tea bags.

I have included a full, rather detailed tutorial for you to make these yourself. You can even download my tea soap tags, if you are so inclined. Each tag has a “Made by” and “For” on the back, so you can give these little soaps as gifts. You could also write a tiny message on the inside of the tag. I assure you that these are extremely easy to make, and cheap as well.
Click through below for the free tag download and how to!

You can buy all the materials you need here.
(a) Soap: I used a Melt & Pour Soap Base which some may think is cheating, but I think it’s fantastic. It’s incredibly easy – you just cut up the block of soap and melt it in the microwave (or if you are like me and don’t have a microwave, use a double-boiler) and add in whatever ingredients you want.
I used Earl Greyer Tea which has more bergamot than usual. Then just pour it into a mold or pan and let it set. After a few hours mine was set and I cut it into rectangles about 1″ x 2″. These are small (think hotel soap) and I was able to get eight soaps from a 1 lb. block, plus scraps that I can melt down into another one or two. You can see more detailed instructions here. I would recommend wrapping each soap in a dark-colored paper.
(b)Tags: You can create your own tags, or download mine here. Each sheet has tags for Earl Grey Tea Soap, Green Tea Soap, Citrus Mint Tea Soap, Ginger Peach Tea Soap, Rooibos Tea Soap, Jasmine Tea Soap, and Tea Soap (plain). Just cut them out, fold them in half, and snip little notches in the corners (see photos). [A note about the tags: Feel free to print out these tags for your personal, non-commercial use. Please do not redistribute in any way.]
(c)White tissue paper: Pieces cut to approximately 6″ x 9″, one per soap. *Not intended for use in the tub or shower.
(d)Tape
(e)String
(f)Stapler
(g)Scissors

How to fold, tea bag-style:

1. Place one soap on the tissue paper, centered vertically but slightly higher than the middle.
2. Fold the two sides over the soap so that they overlap slightly. Tape closed.
3. Pinch the edges to form a rectangular box. Pleat the sides inward.

4. Fold the bottom up over the soap and secure with a loop of tape (or double-sided tape)
5. Trim so that the front and back are the same height
6. Fold the two corners in to form a peak.
7. Pull the peak down and tape shut.

8. Flip over and staple the string onto the bag, tying a knot in the end to keep it from slipping through. Staple tag on the other end of the string.
If you have any trouble with these instructions it might help to inspect a real tea bag. For the sake of comparison, here is a real tea bag with mine:

Here are the tags that are available (click here to view and print):

Now I’m off to have a cup of tea…
Thanks for reading.

Chair: Before & After

britt — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:57:14 +0000

Months and months ago, when we still lived in Nelson, we found this chair at a thrift store for four dollars. It has been in storage at my dear parents’ house since we moved to Vancouver. We brought it back with us on our last visit there a few weeks ago. The wood was very unevenly finished – the arms had been worn right down to the wood. So I sanded it down and finished it with varathane. Nothing fancy, but a little more even. I added a thin layer of padding and reupholstered it in a sky blue ultrasuede.

The fabric was on sale for $15 per meter and because it was so wide I only needed one meter. Everything else I already had, so the grand total for this project was $19. The seat is a little too deep for short people like me (perfect for Ryan, though) so I will have to make a little pillow. I was thinking something with a contrasting texture, like one made out of recycled leather, or burlap. Other than that, it is incredibly comfortable. And the color just makes me feel happy.

Humble Materials, Flawless Execution

britt — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 20:36:02 +0000

These gorgeous necklaces by Lauren Manoogian taunt me. Yes, they are made out of paperclips and tape (maybe even this tape?). But there is a huge chance that a DIY attempt will end up looking like a kindergarten project. Those colors are so perfect. Moving on.

These items by Marion Vidal led to a similar I-could-totally-do-that moment. Such simple materials with obvious construction. Yet again I have decided to leave well enough alone. The beauty of these bracelets and necklaces is in the subtle proportions and tones.
I was incredibly relieved to find this necklace project (shown below) that is refined and completely do-it-yourself-able on Park & Cube, inspired by this tutorial. Hurray!

P.S. It’s our second anniversary today! I can’t believe we’ve been married two whole years already. We had a beautiful pre-anniversary weekend up in Whistler and had the best meal ever at Araxi. Happy Anniversary, Ryan!

Found Freebies, Part 3: Creature Comforts

britt — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:35:27 +0000

Creature Comforts is one of my favorite daily reads. Ez has such a beautiful style, and it comes through on every single post. I was so happy to be included in one of her blog roundups a couple months ago. She has a whole series of free downloads available and they are all really well done so I had trouble choosing just a couple. The first, an adorable stationery set, I printed and sent off with an anniversary gift not long ago. It’s really charming, and I love the linen look of the paper. The other download, shown in the two side photos, are these mailing labels, which are so cute and simple. I really love them all, so head over and check them out.

Thanks for sharing, Ez!

Beginner’s Quilting

britt — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 15:44:59 +0000

My brother and his wife are having a baby girl – she’s due in about a month. I’m so excited to have a niece! We threw a small shower yesterday here in Nelson for Jayce, my sister-in-law. Part of my gift was this crib-sized quilt. It’s my first attempt at a quilt so I kept it pretty simple. The backing is just a soft, pink flannelette and you will probably recognize the Amy Butler fabric I used for the top and binding. I wanted a fairly bold pattern so I could stitch around the lines. It worked out quite well. In the beginning, I was trying to decided if I should hand-stitch around the flowers and leaves or machine sew a grid of some sort. This tutorial from Purl Bee helped me to decide on hand-sewing, and gave some really great tips.

One of the most valuable things I learned was the quilter’s knot, as seen in this tutorial by Heather Bailey. How did I not know about this? This tutorial (also by Heather) really helped me with the binding.
If I ever make another quilt, I think I will try to do something like this gorgeous one on Flickr. Do you quilt?

Found Freebies, Part 2: The Small Object

britt — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:25:23 +0000

I’m sure most of you are familiar with Sarah Neuburger of The Small Object, creator of the best wedding cake toppers ever to be made. Seriously.

Look! The one on the right sort of looks like Ryan and me. If only I had known about these two years ago…
Sarah has generously provided some free downloads in her signature style. Above I have shown the Flying Floating Mailing Labels and the Little Notes, but there are more here. These make me so happy!
Thanks, Sarah!

We’re in Nelson right now visiting our families. I almost forgot how calm it is here (we unknowingly moved into the entertainment district in Vancouver). Hopefully we’ll be able to go sailing at some point with my parents. Have a good weekend, everyone!