Friday, August 17, 2012

DIY Dry Erase Calendar

Recently I was asked to get crafty for the Charleston City Paper's College Student Guide. I ran across a dry erase calendar months ago on Pinterest and have been looking for an excuse to sit down and complete it - so, perfect timing. Turns out, it's a pretty easy craft. Here's the how-to article:


Poach some paint samples to keep your monthly schedule organized 

Color Code

The dry erase board is a staple in every college dorm room. To-do lists, important phone numbers, and quick reminders quickly fill the space. Take this dorm room essential one step further by keeping up with your ever-changing daily schedule on a colorful dry-erase monthly calendar. And because your back-to-school shopping list is probably getting a little out-of-hand, you can DIY this project for around $10.
Materials NEEDED
• 35+ square paint samples from Home Depot/Lowes
• One frame with glass (size can vary)
• Glue or tape
• Scissors or paper cutter
• Dry-erase markers
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Commandeer 35 paint sample squares from your local paint store. Try creating a pattern, or make an ombre fade with different shades of one color. Lighter colors tend to work better.
2. Cut the squares to remove the writing on the front. This works best with a paper cutter, but scissors will do. They don't have to be perfect.

3. Most new frames already have a piece of paper inside, and you can just flip it over to its blank side and use it as your canvas. If the frame doesn't include paper, you'll need to find a piece that fits.
4. Lay out the squares in the general pattern you'd like to use. Play around a bit with the colors. Have fun with it.


5. Start with the middle (Wednesday) square and work out — it'll help keep the first line centered. Apply tape and affix the squares to the backing paper.


6. Once all your squares are attached, insert the back into the frame. The glass can be written on with a dry-erase pen and can be wiped clean with a paper towel.


Sunday, August 5, 2012

Maker's Market at Mixson

I swung by the Maker's Market at Mixson this morning. Here are a few of my favorite new finds:



Le Papillon Vert, who you've seen produce collars and wrist cuffs at a couple LAM's has moved into pillow cases and purses. I love the designs and colors. You can also find Evita at the Downtown Farmer's Market.



Tucker's Treats has unveiled their new line of cat treats, in addition to their homemade dog biscotti. Stay tuned for a video review of Mable losing her mind over cat nip treats!



Urbane Baby makes the cutest clothes! I love the tie onesie and the bow straps on their Ila dress.



And a vendor I've never met before - 4th Avenue Gardens. These succulents in handcrafted vessels are so fun; perfect for a desk or window sill. As someone who has recently moved into the cube life, it could use a little greenery!

I love the wine corks. I've been saving mine up for a DIY project ... not sure I have the skill/green thumb for this!

If you haven't checked out the Maker's Market at Mixson, add it to your 1st Sunday of every month's to-do list!