Keyboard magnets...

Here's another simple, low cost DIY that's also eco-friendly. What a great way to upcycle your old keyboard. My poor old laptop finally died so I'm giving part of it a second life :) I'm actually going to be using another (much older) keyboard for this particular project. I'll explain why in the next couple of pictures. Don't worry though, I will be saving these keys for another project. I just wanted to show how I popped the keys off the keyboard. They come off very easily, all you have to do is slide a flat head screwdriver under the key and lightly lift 'til it pops off. You can even do this with your fingers, but it is a bit easier with the screwdriver.

Okay, here's why I chose to use my old school keyboard for this project. I wanted to use those little button magnets, the kind that are tiny but very strong. The older keys are a little deeper, the perfect depth to completely conceal the magnet. If I used the thinner keys I would have had to go with sheet magnets which aren't very strong at all. I also think the old school ones are a little cooler :) Don't you?

Next I broke away the plastic parts on the inside of the keys. I had to pinch the plastic at the base. One piece at a time I twisted a little back and forth until it broke away from the key. I recommend using needle-nose pliers for this. I really don't know how else you could do it? I did this 'til all the keys were hollowed out.

Here's what it looks like once all the inner plastic is removed. I also kept the laptop key in the picture to show just how thin it is.

I used waterproof silicone to hold the button magnet in place. I know other people have used hot glue and it worked just fine. I just really hate working with hot glue. It's necessary for some projects, but I have had problems in the past with the glue not holding especially on smooth surfaces like plastic. I have too many kids in my house to worry about a magnet popping off and being swallowed. Silicone does have a longer dry time. I let mine sit undisturbed for 24 hours.

24 hours later...Our fridge is sporting it's oh-so-cute and eco-friendly keyboard magnets :)

Upcycled cards...

 Who doesn't love old typewriters? Well, maybe there are some people out there. I guess if I ever had to use one of these for work I'd probably hate it, but it's perfect for crafting (fun too!) I found mine at a local antique store for about $30. I had to force myself to buy the practical (aka-in good working order) one over the very cool (and old) black one that would probably never type again :(

You don't need a typewriter to upcycle cards, but like I said before it's just way more fun! You could use alphabet stamps, stickers, a calligraphy pen, clip letters from magazines for that sophisticated serial killer look? Anything goes in the craft world :)

I very seldom buy cards anymore because I'm really trying to slowly convert all my bad "disposable" habits into good "planet-friendly" habits. I'm not going crazy with it or anything. Every year I try to change 1 or 2 things. Though I have bought some blank cards from the goodwill, but that's just rescuing them at their last stop before the trash (so it doesn't count, right?) 

Some cards were just made to be upcycled. Look at the card on the bottom, I could get at least 2 more cards out of that. Some cards I crop to make a note card or punch a hole through it to use it as a gift tag. You can also make your own gift card holders. That card on the upper/left is perfect for a gift tag, just cut around the little square with the butterflies and use a hole punch.

This is my collection box. Besides cards and salvaged card pieces, I also throw in blank cardstock packing from tights, stickers, hair rubberbands etc. 

Porcupine pincushion...

 To make an original pincushion (the easy way) you must come to terms with performing surgery on an unsuspecting beanie baby. Find the main stitch on the belly and break it open with a seam ripper (or scissors if you don't have one). Pull out all the stuffing except for the face and feet. Replace stuffing with foam, I used memory foam leftover from another project. I'm sure any foam would work, you could even upcycle some packing foam to be extra eco-friendly. Then just stitch him back up, add straight pins and voila! You are now the proud owner of an adorable little sewing companion. Enjoy :)

Chalkboard labels...

Today's DIY is going to be chalkboard labels. Oh how I love chalkboard labels! When you spend the entire day with a roomful of kids it doesn't take much to get you excited :) I actually love all labels, my husband has threatened to hide my label maker once or twice. (I tend to get a little carried away) In my option chalkboard labels are better then the "print-n-stick" labels because you can be as indecisive as you want. All you have to do to change the label is wipe and rewrite. I do like to use the printable ones for other things, but sometimes you need a label that's a little more display worthy. This is one of my favorite DIYs because it's quick, easy and it costs very little. I will say that one of my mistakes was trying to use a regular chalk stick which you can tell by the picture produces very clumsy letters. You should really use a chalk ink pen.

All you'll need is some chalkboard paint (I prefer the spray kind because it's easier to apply evenly) and a few counter top sample tiles (these are free at most hardware stores) I use both small and large tiles depending on the project. You'll also need some glue if you're going to make the longer labels like the one I have on my basket. I used waterproof silicone instead of glue because I already had a tube opened but gorilla glue works much better.

To make the longer label you'll need 2 tiles for the label and an extra tile to glue to the back to hold both tiles together. Think brick laying :) The back tile should be right in the middle so that 1/2 is glued to the back of the 1st tile and the other 1/2 is glued to the back of the 2nd tile. Also, don't forget you'll need something to attach your label. I use loose-leaf rings, hair rubber bands(new), twine, safety pins etc.