DIY- Dreamcatchers

 

I Love dreamcatchers. I think they are so unique and beautiful and represent a piece of my heritage that makes me love them even more. I took a personal day to unwind and relax yesterday, and nothing makes me relax more than crafting!

A few summers ago I made a point to learn how to make these and I was so surprised to learn how easy it was! I love the traditional leather wrapped and feather versions, but I quickly learned that that gets expensive fast. After a quick trip to the dollar store, I found these grape vine wreaths that look just as great.

 

 Here are a few images that show how easy it really is. 

To get started you will want to wrap your dream catcher in leather or string, or just use a grape wreathe, like the ones pictured above.

Then all you need to learn is the stitch and repeat until you reach the center. You can add beads and other trinkets as you please.

Then just knot the middle, add some hanging embellishments as you wish, then you are done!.

 

How to Apply Jamberry Nails

Application Instructions

To apply Jamberry, you need just a few tools:
A blow dryer or personal mini heater
cuticle pusher
scissors
nail clippers
nail file
alcohol wipes or nail polish remover (without moisturizers)

Instructions:
-Prep you nails like you would for any normal manicure. Push back your cuticles, file and shape your nails.
-Clean unpolished nails with alcohol or nail polish remover
-open your Jamberry Nails package and match the nail (finger or toe) to the wrap that best fits. It should not touch any of your skin. If the wrap doesn't perfectly fit your nail you can cut it down, but a smaller wrap will stay on much longer if it doesn't touch any skin.
-Peel nail wrap off clear backing and warm with blow dryer or mini heater for 3-5 seconds or until the shield becomes soft and flexible. You will begin to see this change pretty quickly. If you over heat the wrap, it will curl up on its self and become unusable.
-When warm, press the wrap onto the nail. Smooth down the center of your nail with a cuticle pusher, then smooth down the sides.
-apply firm pressure around the edges to adhere the wrap to the nail.
-use cuticle pusher to seal the wrap around the base of the cuticle.
-trim the top with scissors and trim wrap to remove excess.
-apply heat and pressure to the wrap again until it is bonded to the nail. This is the best time to smooth out any bubbles with your cuticle pusher.
-Trim off any remaining excess wrap at the top of your nail with clippers. You can also file in a downward motion to smooth out the nail edge.

The Story of Jamberry Nails

The story of Jamberry Nails begins with three sisters. After an expensive afternoon together at the nail salon, Lyndsey, Christy and Keri vowed to find a simpler, more cost effective way to keep their hands looking polished, while still spending time together.

After lots of trial and error, Jamberry Nails launched in late 2010. The DIY, at-home application and incredible variety of designs caught on quickly and sales soared. A new era of nail art was born through in home parties and vendor fairs.
Our apply-at-home nail wraps are made from an innovative material, that doesn't chip, doesn't have to dry and doesn't require a trip to the salon.

• See the Application process on The Vine

• Jamberry Nail Shields, Nail Wraps - Buy Jamberry Nails
  Jamberry Nail Shields offers the hottest trend in fashion. Wrap your nails in over 250 different designs.

Getting Crafty

I've always been a crafty person. I've tried it all: Scrapbooking, knitting, sewing, painting, drawing.... Since I am super broke right now I've been racking my brain for some side jobs and hobbys that I can do to put a little extra  cash in my pocket. And I think I found the answer. Along with selling my Jamberry Nails (PLUG: Check out my website here---they are amazing!, www.amandabrown865.jamberrynails.com, but more on that later), I think I am going to start restoring furniture!

A while back, I ended up with my great grandmothers old dresser when she passed away. It wasn't in the best shape, but it served its purpose. One summer, I had enough with how it looked and decided to restore it myself. I had NO idea what I was getting myself into and it was A LOT more work than I thought it would be, but to see how great it looked after I finished, it felt like a great accomplishment. And to top it off, for about $50 I had a whole new dresser!

 Here is the before. As you can see it is a pretty gross yellow color with chips and missing knobs. This pic doesn't do it justice for how horrible of shape it was in. The top was nothing but paint chips and one of the sides was about to literally fall off at any second. (how cute is my niece by the way? I'm corrupting her already with the shoes LOL)

 

Here is the finished project. I am still on the look out for the perfect replacement knobs, but it looks so much better than it did before!

 

So my goal this summer is to find hidden little treasures with so much potential and make a little business for myself! I'm so excited to see how it goes.

I came across this little project today, and I think it will be my first resoration! 

 

Do you have any little side jobs to bring in extra cash?