Quick and easy crafts Archives * Moms and Crafters

The Best Nail Polish Crafts

Menucha — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Got old, colorful nail polish? Craft with it! These fun nail polish crafts are easy, doable, and a great way to use up the polish you don’t wear. I love finding new, unique things to make with stuff I already have and this is one of my favorite “unusual supplies!” Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

Nail polish has been my favorite unconventional craft supply for a while now. I always have colors that I did not end up liking, or older polishes that are too thick to really use. I also love getting fun colors on the cheap from inexpensive brands.

If you’re just getting started with nail polish crafts, start with your collection, and add in a multi-pack of colors to have handy. Some nail polish crafts require special polishes. For example, some will call for a crackle effect, some a glitter. But having a rainbow of colors handy will definitely jump start you for most of these. For effects, go for a brand you trust. For solids, use up the cheap brands that you didn’t like!

14+ Fun Nail Polish Crafts

Fashion Upgrades Using Nail Polish

Upgrade an old pair of bangles in minutes! Painted bangles are so much prettier than plain ones. Notice how the texture shows right through.

These neon chain earrings by A Splendid Assemblage are genius and chic! Jewelry making skills involved are very basic and the result is awesome.

Funky and fun seashell earrings use nail polish in a surprising way! (Hint: it’s not used a a paint in this case).

Upgrade sunglasses to mimic a designer pair in a simple craft by Real Girl Runway. I can see any teen or tween digging this one!

Make a gorgeous faux Druzy bottle cap necklace as well as druzy studs, using nail polish for a beautiful gilded edge. Using glass glitter really upgrades things on these.

The possibilities are endless for these mini sunglasses charms! You can adapt it as a pair of shades for your child’s favorite Barbie-style doll too!

Turn acrylic cabochons into beautiful jewelry using nail polish in this wire wrapped cabochon tutorial!

Pair Eyewear are glasses with interchangeable toppers/fronts so that you can easily switch up your look. Snack Rules teaches how to customize your own toppers using nail polish (and other methods).

Make faux gemstone beads and then turn them into fun wrap bracelets with an easy and trendy tutorial!

Colorful Craft Corner made a super cool dragonfly pendant from wire and… you guessed it! Nail polish, of course!

This is one on the top of my to-do list! Make these minimalist color blocked stud earrings by In Honor of Design in minutes!

Make these color blocked bobby pins by The Thinking Closet on the quick and cheap! Stack ’em up and give ’em to friends!

I was always a big fan of these washer necklaces by Sunhats and Wellie Boots. Make a bunch, wear a few at once, and give them out to friends.

Nail Polish Crafts for the home

Get crafty in the kitchen with these enameled teaspoons. What a lovely hostess or housewarming gift!

One of my favorites of all time, this dipped rainbow candle is a beauty! It uses one color at a time, with the translucent quality of nail polish really shining, and the hydrodipping technique giving a gorgeous texture.

Color code your keys with a fun idea from A Bubbly Life:

If you can create art on nails, why not make it on canvas? This art canvas by Inner Child Fun can star in the perfect gallery wall.

Use puffy fabric paint and fill in the spaces with nail polish to make pretty decorated bowls for condiments, keys, jewelry, or whatever you’d like.

Gilded agate coasters from Thou Swell are chicer than plain agate coasters and so easy to make!

These marble dipped vessels by Sugar and Cloth look like they’re made of real marble! The result is amazing.

More things to make with nail polish

This heart magnet has a beautiful enameled look thanks to nail polish. You can also make this on flat wood squares to place on a card.

Check out these chunky wooden alphabet magnets by Arts and Crackers – they are so cool. I am sure your little one will love it!

Crafting Ireland teaches how to make versatile enamel dots as used in this pretty card.

Glitter Magnets by Finding Zest are another easy and functional craft your tween will love!

Make these adorable custom pencils for back to school, by Arts and Crackers. Click the image for the full tutorial.

The Craft Train shares this rock painting genius – use nail polish to craft ladyrock bugs! She shares some tips for using the nail polish with kids too.

You’ll want to store these marbled makeup brushes by A Bubbly Life out in the open. (A clear makeup container does the trick.)

Add sparkle to your home with glittery snow flakes by Muslin and Merlot.

Want to learn how to make jewelry out of anything (including nail polish!?) Get the book!

What nail polish craft ideas can you add to the list? Comment below!

Want more? Check up my follow-up post – featuring NAIL POLISH HACKS – alternative ways to use your nail polish (other than crafting).

The post The Best Nail Polish Crafts appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

Infinity Cube Fidget Toy DIY

Menucha — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 14:16:44 +0000

A while ago, I made this infinity cube for M and I figured it’s time to share! I recreated it for you so that I can share it. This tutorial is quite simple and when you’re done, you’ll have a fun inexpensive fidget toy that’s a great alternative to a fidget spinner – it’s less of a choking hazard to have around (if you use larger cubes), and it’s much quieter!

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links.

Update: this post was originally published in 2017, when fidget spinners were the rage. Now, with Pop-its a fun sensory trend, I realize kids are once again driven toward fidget toys, and decided to update and republish, with working links. My kids both play with these now – and yes, the original ones I made four years ago are still in great shape and get plenty of use!

A while ago, I made M a fidget spinner case and cool weighted sensory toys that he loved so much, I decided to make him another toy.

I was inspired to recreate this toy. I wanted it without all the nails and screws and connectors….

In this post (and especially in the video that you’ll find right before the written instructions) you’ll find THREE sizes of cubes.

One is a jumbo size made with one-inch cubes. It’s not as easy to use as the others, but it’s great for people who like to hold some weight in their hands. Get 10% off your wooden cubes from Woodpeckers using code momsandcrafters at checkout!

One is a medium size made with 3/4 inch cubes. It’s the ideal size.

The last is a mini one (the one that I used to demonstrate the tutorial) which is made from 5/8 inch cubes. It’s really mini – perfect for when you need a one-handed fidget toy, or if you need something compact and lightweight.

M enjoys playing with all of these (he did NOT want to lend them to me to photograph them all for the post!)

They are made from simple wooden craft cubes and thin duct tape. On the tiny one, I did need to cut the duct tape in half the long way too.

The duct tape adheres extremely well. I did duct tape it back-to-back – meaning after I placed the basic tape to hold the cube in the right places, I added another piece backing that one.

On the tiny one, I decided to make it more colorful. I dyed my cubes using Martha Stewart soft gel watercolors that I received for free as part of their ambassador program in the hopes I might share it with you.

The color absorbs nicely into the blocks and I love how natural it feels! M loved that I added color to it (the older versions I made him I left natural) and I’m happy I did.

All-in-all, this is a fun DIY fidget toy, a great party craft for older kids and a fantastic DIY gift that can be made in bulk in a reasonable amount of time (hello teachers!)

What you need to make an easy DIY infinity cube fidget toy:

8 Wooden cubes – 3/4 inch is the “magical size” but you can make functional jumbo and mini versions using 1 inch cubes and 5/8 inch cubes. Get 10% off your wooden cubes from Woodpeckers using code momsandcrafters at checkout!
Thin duct tape
A craft or utility knife if you’re making mini ones (it’s easiest to cut it in half along the roll using a knife)
Non-stick scissors
Martha Stewart soft gel watercolors, water, paper towel, and craft sticks if you want to paint your cubes

How to make an infinity cube:

Watch the video below to see it in action! Or scroll down for the step-by-step instructions:

1. Add a small squirt of watercolor paint to a bowl and dilute it with water. I like to have a very thin wash for this so that the wood really shows through. Stir it so that the paint is totally dissolved. Mix in your cubes and let them sit for a few minutes. Remove, place on paper towels to dry, and wait until it’s totally dry before proceeding.

2. Place your cubes on a flat surface in two rows of four cubes each.

3. Tape them horizontally into four groups of two as pictured: The two top right together, the two top left, the two bottom right, and the two bottom left.

4. Turn the entire thing on its side, and a piece of tape horizontally connecting the two center cubes. Repeat with the other side.

5. Flip your cubes so that the side you taped in step 3 is now facing down. Add two vertical pieces of tape to the right two and left two cubes.

6. Your cube is now totally taped in place, but to reinforce it, you’ll want to find the spots where the back of the tape shows – as pictured….

And cover it with corresponding pieces of tape.

Your infinity cube is ready to be played with!

What is your kid’s (or your) favorite fidget toy? Have you ever tried to DIY an infinity cube? Comment below!

The post Infinity Cube Fidget Toy DIY appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

A Zillion Things to Make at Home!

Menucha — Wed, 13 May 2020 16:26:31 +0000

There’s nothing quite as therapeutic as creating something new. This enormous list of things to make is organized mostly by material . You’ll find something for every skill level and every age group – including many unique ideas! And you’ll love that you already have most of the materials for these handy! This post contains affiliate links and was originally published in November 2017.

I have a personal craft challenge that I like to do all by myself. I choose a random material and see what I can make with it. It’s a really simple challenge, and a great craft room purge.

It’s also great for when you’re looking to repurpose and make use of what you have.

Below, you’ll find things to make with unusual materials, with recyclables and trash, with craft scraps, and nature crafts.

In this post, you’ll find links to lists that use a specific material. The challenge: use this post as your prompts/challenges. I’ll include some thought starters within this post and then click through to that material for specific ideas.

Happy crafting!

You’ll need to click on the image or title to find things to make with each material. This is a category page organized so that you can find your ideas by material. It would be impossible to browse through if each idea was spelled out. Find the material you want and click through to that post to find really cool things to make with it.

Things to Make with Unusual Household Materials

Sometimes you just need to think a bit further than your craft closet! And sometimes inspiration can be found in your craft closet… but not in the way you think.

Material #1: Nail Polish

My long-time favorite, nail polish crafts are a score mainly because it’s so much fun to paint and cover surfaces with a little polish… But they also make for a very hard-wearing paint.

When looking for things to make with nail polish think: updated fashion accessories, things that look great with a glossy, hard-wearing finish. You’ll find that nail polish chips much less when you’re not washing dishes with this – I have it last on updated jewelry for years!

Tip: buy cheap assortment packs from inexpensive brands.

Find ideas for nail polish crafts here!

Material #2: Balloons

From decorated balloons, to making use of the flexible rubber sheet that you get from dismantling a balloon, you get surprising possibilities. There’s really no specific direction to take when brainstorming things to make – some balloon crafts even just enjoy the bright colors that balloons come in.

Find loads of balloon crafts here!

Material #3: Drinking Straws

Between plastic straws and paper straws, you really have lots of possibilities for things to make with straws. You’ll want to go for a better quality straw when crafting with them if you want your craft to last. Some cheaper options can be quite flimsy.

Of course, you can start with beads – and they don’t need to look like a toddler made them. Wrap them with string, spray paint them, make ’em look cool!

Another cool idea with straws is Himmeli – a Finnish craft originally using actual natural straw. Of course, your options are diverse, for kids and adults, so check out the full list of straw crafts.

Material #4: Pool Noodles

While not a “common household item”,pool noodles are a common dollar store item and an unusual material that open up lots of new possibilities.

First of all, they float – so they’re fantastic for water toys or activities. They are also easy to cut with a knife but have a big, solid form, making them fantastic for easy large-scale projects.

But there’s lots more so check out the full list of pool noodle crafts and activities!

Material #5: Clothespins

Clothespins are so versatile for crafting, they’ve become a staple in my craft room! First of all, I use them as a “clamp” to secure glued projects until they set.

As for things to make with clothespins, my favorite is puppets with mouths that open and close (I’ve made a few styles of clothespin puppets) but you can make all sorts of cool crafts for kids and grown ups.

Find some awesome clothespin crafts right here!

Material #6: Zippers

Colorful zippers make a cool craft supply beyond sewing, and one of the ways I’ve challenged myself was to find things to make with zippers that are somewhat unusual.

I’ve made three different types of bracelets but beyond jewelry , there’s more you can do with zippers! Think of them as a glorified strip of ribbon with a little edge. I stock up on colorful zippers and keep them handy in my craft room as a non-sewing craft supply.

Find loads of zipper crafts here!

Crafts made with Recyclables and Trash

Instead of throwing it out, why not craft with it? These super cool things to make use materials that would otherwise probably go right into the garbage bin. Some of them might be recycled, but the most eco-friendly solution is to turn them into something new!

And the best part? These craft supplies are F.R.E.E.

Material #7: Jars

One of my first regular-stock supplies, baby food jars come in a small size that’s unique. When M was a baby, I used a lot of baby food and so we emptied a few jars a day. I saved loads of these for crafting.

While lots of these crafts can be made with full-size jars, many make use of the small size. Think first of storage solutions, then globes, candle holders and more!

Click for endless things to make with baby food jars!

Material #8: Promotional magnets

You know those business card magnets that you might have plastered all over your fridge? While slightly less versatile than other recyclables, they’re still free and make fantastic magnets for lightweight crafts.

I’ve even used these to turn printables into magnetic toys for the kids.

Score on things to make with promotional magnets here!

Material #9: CDs and DVDs

When decluttering and scaling down, one of the big steps is to go digital with all media. That means backing up movies, home movies, old music and more on more compact high-capacity media, or even on the cloud.

That leaves loads of CDs and DVDs to be thrown out… or used! The best things to make with these are those that make use of the iridescent back or translucency. We’ve done scratch art that shows the beautiful back. We’ve also made use of the fact that it’s a hard plastic surface for other art projects.

Get some more ideas for things to do with CDs here!

Material #10: Wine Corks

Ah… wine corks! It’s one of those things that we, as savvy crafters, impulsively tend to save without really knowing what we’re gonna do with them.

They are from the more versatile materials, with things to make ranging from magnets (they’re lightweight so don’t require very strong magnets to back them) to jewelry. Some people like saving a lot and making larger scale projects, like cork boards.

More wine cork crafts this way!

Material #11: Cardboard tubes

For sanitary reasons, you may want to remove these before you use the roll, or stick to paper towel tubes. Either way, there’s no need for me to elaborate on how useful these are. But you might not realize that cardboard tube crafts does not end with kids’ character crafts.

I’ve seen these repurposed into gift boxes a lot, but my favorite is a pencil pouch I made from cardboard tubes. Ultimately, you’ll probably want to focus on the cylindrical shape and challenge yourself with things to make from there.

Or just find ideas for toilet paper roll crafts right here!

Material #12: Bottle Caps

Confession: I hoard bottle caps. And I’m far from done crafting with these. But for now, I’ll share with you two tips for brainstorming things to make with both plastic and metal bottle caps:

Think small and sturdy – so crafts like magnets and jewelry are a score
Round shape and a solid material. Use it in DIY toys, or use the round shape as a starting point for art.

Or make one of these amazing bottle cap crafts.

Material #13: Old jeans

While most fabrics can be repurposed into smaller-scale fabric projects, denim is especially sturdy and upcyclable.

Think jewelry, covers for smaller crafts, and patchwork ideas. But the possibilities don’t end there.

Click here to be amazed by how cool recycled denim crafts can look!

Want to learn how to make jewelry out of anything? Get the book!

Use up craft scraps and your craft room stash

Are you a scrap hoarder too? I know I am…

Bust your scrap stash with these cool things to make with scraps and leftovers. Or, make something unique with more common crafting materials that you aready have, to clear out some space for that new hobby.

Material #14: Felt scraps

Believe it or not, I sometimes buy my felt in scrap sizes because so many projects call for small amounts of different colors.

Many things to make with felt crafts fall in the toy category, but kids’ fashion and costume appliques are a great idea too! And there’s more!

Find more things to make with felt scraps here!

Material #15: Ribbon Scraps

I actually buy scrap packs of ribbons to begin with, because you can get such a good variety in those! But even if you simply collect from gift packs or have leftovers from things you’ve done, there are endless things to make with ribbon scraps.

First, group them by color family so that you have a better handle on making aesthetically-pleasing, scrappy projects. Then you can weave them, tie them, and sew them. You can make sensory toys, home decor, and even bookmarks.

Click for things to make with ribbon scraps – your whole bag of ’em!

Material #16: Colored coloring pages

Coloring intricate pages can be so cathartic but what do you do with them when you finish? Besides for accidentally wallpapering your craft room, of course…

First of all, they can be repurposed as a craft paper, preferably in a craft where the paper takes center stage. You can also cut out your favorite elements and use those in crafts.

More things to make with adult coloring pages here.

Material #17: Crayons

Besides for all those broken crayon stubs, we’ve also had circumstances where we just had extra. Once it was a cheap pack that we started using before we gave up and got some Crayola. Another time, someone bought my kids huge art cases and they stopped using the assorted packs they had.

Regardless, crayons make a fantastic craft supply beyond their obvious mission. They are sometimes melted down and used as a dye of sorts, and sometimes the fun, artsy look of crayons is enjoyed as the main decorative element.

Find your fix of things to make with crayons this way.

Material #18: Beads

Here’s the deal: I used to make LOADS of jewelry. And while I still do, it’s not my main craft. Back in the day, if I was crafting, I was making bling – other things were the exception. So I was left with lots of beads when my jewelry pace slowed.

For that reason I challenged myself to find things to make with beads that AREN’T jewelry.

Beads can be glued onto a variety of crafts as embellishments. There are also more bead-n-string/wire/chenille stem ideas that aren’t wearable.

More things to make with beads that aren’t jewelry!

Material #19: Craft Sticks

Not just for kids, these wooden popsicle sticks are so awesome!

Use these to frame things out, as sticks for puppets, to make wooden toys, and more. My favorite: These cool pallet coasters! Plus, learn how to curve your sticks to open up new possibilities.

Full lineup of popsicle stick crafts here!

Material #20: Scrapbook paper

And finally, if you’re like me and love exploring pretty papers… and then get stuck with loads you need to purge, you’ll want new things to make with scrapbook paper (besides scrapbooks).

Paper crafts are a favorite of mine, and all of these ideas make great use of the pretty patterns. You can decoupage scrapbook paper, fold it, or make wall art with it. There are so many FUNCTIONAL things to make with your scrapbook paper.

Get more scrapbook paper crafts if you click here.

Bonus: learn what you can make with leather scraps here!

Things to Make with Nature

Some of my favorite craft materials can be found for free in nature. Even better: they are sometimes collected from a favorite trip to a special place, making them nostalgic too..

Here are some cool things to make with these natural treasures. If you use a lot of these you might prefer to pick up more at your local craft store but otherwise they’re free.

Material #21: Rocks

Rock painting has majorly taken off lately, but besides for that there are many things to make with rocks.

I’ve used them in jewelry making and I’ve seen them used as mosaics in outdoor crafts, as garden decor, and more.

You’ll find 16 more ideas for things to make with rocks here!

Material #22: Seashells

But of course. Collect these on your trips and turn them into keepsakes. Paint ’em. Embellish with them. The possibilities are endless.

Not on this list: my mom used to use a large one as an ashtray.

More seashell crafts if you click here!

This list is far from done.

First of all, I’ve also made things with toy animals – totally out of the box.

Second, I still have a long list of materials to challenge myself with including:

Coffee filters
Twigs and sticks
Leaves
Paper clips
Nail polish bottles
Pasta sauce jars
Wine bottles
Milk jugs
Fabric scraps
Bark
Wooden cubes
Lego bricks
Chenille stems
Cardboard boxes
Yarn leftovers

and more…

As you can see, if you think outside the box a little, there are so many things you can make with the things you already have in hour home! I’d love to hear some of your favorite ideas.

What are your favorite things to make? Which odd material/craft combos do you love? Comment below!

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Paper Quilling Tulips – Paper Craft for Spring

Menucha — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 15:04:31 +0000

Paper quilling tulips are not only a fun paper craft for Spring, they’re also a great beginner project to learn how to quill paper. Check out this paper quilling flower pendant if you want a tutorial along those lines, or scroll down for this one. Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links.

This beautiful paper quilling tulips tutorial can be implemented a few ways. Make a cluster on card stock and frame it as paper quilling art.

Make it on a smaller card and turn it into a Mother’s Day card – or a card for any time of year.

Or make a bunch around a cardboard frame to make a pretty photo frame.

You can really do anything with paper quilling tulips and they make a super fun paper craft for Spring.

I love the Tulip shape for beginner paper quilling because it implements some basic techniques, but teaches you how to do a little more with the shapes.

I definitely recommend using pre-cut quilling strips, because they are cheap enough to be worth it, and that’s the best way to get a consistent size.

If you’re a true beginner, you won’t need a motorized tool (that’s convenient for when you’re doing regular quilling so that you don’t get a repetitive stress injury). However, I recommend having some basic convenience tools in your stash – they’re not that expensive and very versatile. They’ll help you gain accuracy with your paper quilling tulips and other projects that you do.

What you need to make paper quilling tulips:

How to make paper quilling tulips:

1. Select colorful quilling strips for this project. Take 2 strips approximately 12 cm in length and 1 strip 6 cm length. Use the slotted quilling tool to coil the strips and then allow the coiled strips to loosen up a bit. Pinch one side of the loose coils to make teardrop shapes. Apply glue on the open end to secure the shapes.

2. Place the 2 big teardrop shapes side by side, with curved parts on the bottom, and keeping the pointy sides slightly facing outward in opposite directions to one another.

3. Now stick the small teardrop in the middle of the big ones.

4. Take two green colored quilling strips and make loose coils with them.

5. Pinch the green coiled strips on 2 opposite sides to create thin leaf (slug) shapes.

6. Cut out a thin strip from green colored cardstock paper to make the stem of the flower (or use part of a quilling strip).

7. Paste your tulip stem on your surface. Leave the bottom loose. Paste your tulip layout on the top of the stem.

8. Stick the 2 leaf quilled shapes near the bottom end of the stem.

9. Use scissors to trim the bottom side of the stem by matching it with the shape of the quilled leaves attached to it. Reinforce it with glue if needed.

Repeat the process with more colors to make a bouquet of paper quilling tulips!

How will you be using these paper quilling tulips? What is your favorite quilled paper flower to make? Comment below!

Prefer to make stemmed paper tulips to place in a vase? Check out this fun paper tulips template that I designed!

Print the craft below!

Quilled Paper Tulips

5.0 Stars (1 Review)

Materials

Paper quilling strips
Scissors
Craft glue
Base cardstock

Tools

Instructions