arts and crafts – user's Blog!

December 24, 2016

7 Super Cool Hobbies That Require Zero Skills

If you have ever wished you had a hobby but you know you’re too lazy to pursue one, this is your lucky day. While a two-week intensive course on beekeeping or private guitar lessons sound super fun (and you’d probably look amazing busting out the guitar solo from “Free Bird” in full protective bee gear), we’re betting those things are pretty pricey and require some natural ability, like, say, manual dexterity or a non-fear of bees (which is totes a skill). So let’s lower the bar just a tad and consider one of these easy and cheap hobbies. Ebates has everything you need to get into some majorly cool hobbies while you rack up some Cash Back.

Meditation: If you can sit still and listen quietly to your own breath, you can meditate. Treat stress and get in touch with your body with only a few minutes of meditation a day. Up the ante by increasing your meditation time gradually and you’ll find your center in less time than you think. To help you get started, search for free meditation apps on your phone. Some provide calming sounds or voice direction to help you melt into your meditation practice.

Coloring: Coloring in adult coloring books, like this adorable one featuring calming cats, is another hobby for the overly stressed. All the hard work of illustrating is done for you, leaving you free to create with color and even tape it to the fridge if you do a gold-star job.

Podcasts: Now you can finally know what the heck all your friends have been talking about. Download podcasts for your car commute or morning train ride on any subject you choose. Go for popular podcasts like “This American Life“ and “Modern Love“, or find top podcasts on special interests like history, pop culture, comedy and more.

Hiking: You don’t have to be an Eagle Scout to get into exploring local trails and landscapes. Hiking is for everyone, and all you need is a map and a good pair of boots like these Danner cascade boots from REI. REI also has a great blog and buyer’s guide so you can find the perfect footwear for your next trek.

Upcycling: Even if you’ve never crafted or taken on a DIY project in your life, upcycling is as easy as it gets. Take the things you no longer use and give them new life with just a few supplies you can get at crafts stores like Michaels or Jo-Ann Fabric. To get you started, seek some inspiration from top blogs such as Upcycle That and ReFashionista.

Calligraphy: In this digital age, you can easily stand apart from the pack by mastering the thank-you note and spiffing them up with some calligraphy. It’s easy to learn and incredibly calming. This starter kit from Etsy will provide everything you need to get scrawling in style.

Blogging: Got some daily musings or rantings to share with the world? Build your own creative space while keeping your writing skills sharp by starting your own blog. WordPress has free blog templates, or you can create your own custom website with GoDaddy. Their site builder is easy to use, and web hosting is affordable for any budget.

Which of these hobbies piques your interest? Let us know with a comment below!

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

August 6, 2016

How to Master the Art of Patched Denim

We’re sure you’ve noticed grown women reliving their punk rock high school days in the form of a patched denim jacket or vest and we’re here to say we officially love it. Why? Any fashion trend that is built around customization is key for creating a look that is “in” but still entirely you. Not to mention, denim vests are a great tool for dressing down evening wear for a daring daytime style, like this metallic dress/vest combo:

Want to try your hand at the patched denim trend but feeling intimidated? Let us walk you through the experience of planning, shopping, assembling and styling your very own patched jean jacket or vest while getting some Cash Back at Ebates. We’ll help you find the iron-on denim patches that tout your personality to a T and offer a few handy tips from first-hand experience.

To sleeve or not to sleeve? This may seem like a simple decision but here are a few questions to ask yourself when shopping for what will be the canvas to your wearable masterpiece.

What do you own that can be layered with a vest?
Which piece would you get more mileage out of?
Is your patched denim vest or jacket something you would like to wear regularly or only occasionally?
Would a dark wash or light wash coordinate more with your current wardrobe?

Once you have selected cut and color, now it’s time to dive into the infinite world of patched and pins!

This step can seem overwhelming but trust us, it’s too fun to be stressful. Here are three simple tips to remember when shopping around.

Pick your centerpiece or large patches first. Whether you have one big back piece or a few larger patches, select them first so you can get an idea of how much space your will have left for smaller pieces like enamel pins.
Choose a tone. Will most of your pieces be sweet, sassy or edgy? You can definitely mix it up but it helps to have a general theme in mind.
Pick your top five favorite things in the world. It could be pizza, Parks and Rec or Paris. It doesn’t matter. You can find a patch or pin to represent it.

Our Favorite Patch and Pin Stores on Etsy!

Strawberry Moth
That’s Sew Bethany
Wildflower + Co.
Sarah Duyer
For the Love of Patch
Buried Diamond
Lizmiera
Heartificial
Anchor and Stitch

You’ve got the outwear and the hardware. Now it’s time to patch. We recommend throwing a little party with a friend or two to make a couple of hours with the ironing board a little less tedious. We say hours because:

Not all patches are created equal. Some take longer to iron. Make sure to use the highest temp with full steam unless instructions for each patch note otherwise.
Ironing blind is hard. It is recommended for most patches that you not iron the front of the patch. That means you have to lay it upside down them place the jacket on top of it. If you have a glass table you can climb under, that really helps to see that the placement is correct before ironing.
Touch ups may be required. You can iron to the best of your ability and a patch could stubbornly refuse to fuse. Avoid the urge to rip your hair out by purchasing some Liquid Stitch from Joann beforehand. It really is a lifesaver when patched go rogue.

Your labor of love is officially done and now it’s time to strut. Let those colorful patches catch eyes from across the sidewalk by wearing neutrals underneath. And never, NEVER wear them with blue denim bottoms, regardless of wash. You remember that infamous Brittany and Justin look, right?

We get it. You’re a busy girl and you would much rather dish out a little extra money than get your hands dirty. Luckily, a lot of patched denim pieces are pretty reasonable and all of these come with Cash Back! It may not be your own hand-made baby but you can still give it a good home.

August 2, 2016

8 Unusual Coloring Books for Adults Who Need to Chill

Of all the de-stressing techniques out there — from massage to yoga — coloring is definitely the cheapest and easiest. Anyone can pick up crayons or colored pencils and let their imagination take over. And what better time to do it than today on National Coloring Book Day?

We know you’ve seen your fair share of mesmerizing mandalas, blooming bouquets and cute cats in coloring-book form. So we’ve rounded up a few options that are a little outside the box for all you pop-culture junkies and appreciators of absurd humor. Treat yourself to some of these unusual coloring books with Cash Back at Ebates. Warning: Some of these are not appropriate for kids. But you weren’t going to share anyway, right?

Vogue Colors A to Z: A Fashion Coloring Book

After a long day of screaming kids or boring meetings, you can pretend you are a world-famous fashion designer sketching away on your Parisian balcony with this super chic Vogue coloring book.

The Official “Game of Thrones” Coloring Book

Go medieval with your me-time. This intricate “Game of Thrones” coloring book from Michaels will help you create fan art in less time than it takes to binge-watch a season.

Swear Word Coloring Book

Color some choice words and phrases instead of screaming them into a pillow or inside your car during rush hour. Trust us: It feels better and reduces frown lines.

Dinosaurs With Jobs

Remember when you were obsessed with dinosaurs? And that was when you only saw them walking around in books or eating people in movies. Now you get to see them face the everyday obstacles you know all too well in this coloring book available at The Book Depository.

Bun B’s Rap Coloring and Activity Book

Coloring is great and all, but what about paper dolls? And what about rap-star paper dolls? Fill in the lines and play dress-up with some of the baddest hip-hop artists, including (but not limited to) Queen Latifah, Drake, Wiz Khalifa, Childish Gambino and Questlove.

Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel Coloring Book

You may not have the time or the funds to travel the world, but you can see some of your favorites in non-living color.

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Happy Snacks Coloring Book

Stress eating: The struggle is real. Quash those pesky snacking habits by coloring cute versions of your favorite junk foods.

Unicorns Are Jerks

We hate to disappoint you, but unicorns aren’t all majestic and sweet, as demonstrated in this coloring book from BooksAMillion. But at the end of a long, hard day that has brought out some of your choice character defects, isn’t it kind of a relief that they aren’t perfect either?

September 30, 2015

Fall Activities for All That Won’t Break the Bank

Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of the year. You get to witness the majesty of nature and how it changes before your eyes as a whole new color palette forms. These changes bring along fun seasonal activities that all ages can enjoy. Gather up your family and friends and check out these fun fall activities that won’t have you digging deep into your pockets.

1. Reach up high to pick some apples. When the next rainy day comes around, you can use your freshly picked apples to make pies, muffins, caramel apples and more.

2. Hit up the local pond with stale bread and feed the ducks. Pack a picnic and a blanket to make the trip even more memorable.

3. Take advantage of the autumn breeze and go fly a kite. For an extra challenge, make your own kite for a family-fun project.

4. Pull on some cozy socks and drink hot apple cider. For extra fun, make your own cider!

5. Find a local hay ride for the whole family to enjoy. Better yet, if that hay ride includes a trip through a corn maze, that’s a whole day of family fun on the cheap.

6. Gather the whole family up for a nature hike at a local park. Look and listen for different types of wildlife and keep a list of every one you find.

7. Watch “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” and “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving”. Get a great big dose of nostalgia. If you have young ones, introduce them to this childhood favorite!

8. Enjoy homemade ice cream in a can. It’s easy enough for toddlers and kids to make. Follow this recipe and roll back and forth before enjoying this tasty treat.

9. Plan a pumpkin patch day. Instead of buying your pumpkin from the local grocery store, head to a pumpkin patch and pick one out for a fun night of jack-o-lantern carving. After carving the pumpkins, gather up the seeds for roasting!

10. Rake up all the leaves into a pile and jump into them. Just make sure to wear clothes you’re okay with getting a bit dirty!

11. Create an outdoor fall scavenger hunt. Have your little ones look for pumpkins, acorns, scarecrows, fallen leaves and more.

12. Collect leaves and make a leaf rubbing for handmade fall home decor. Enjoy quality time with the family while beautifying your home for very little money.

13. Volunteer to help others. Find your local food bank or soup kitchen and see how you can donate your time or host a local food drive in your neighborhood.

14. Warm up during cool evenings with a campfire. Roast hot dogs and veggies and finish off with delicious s’mores. End the night with some spooky “ghost stories” (as long as the little ones don’t get too scared!)

15. Make a bird feeder. Gather up pinecones and create this kid-friendly bird feeder using peanut butter and birdseed.

Whether you do these activities with your friends, significant other or family, enjoy the changing seasons while saving more. Look for more autumn activities at LivingSocial and Groupon and get Cash Back at Ebates.

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

September 18, 2015

New Fall Decor Ideas to Freshen Up Your Home

With summer over and fall beginning, it’s time to give your home a little refresher. Fall decor is warm, cozy and inviting, making it easy to add to any room. These DIY decorations are very easy so gather up your family or friends for a craft night with a mug of hot apple cider! We’ve gathered eight decor ideas that are easy (and fun) to make. Remember to shop for any craft supplies you need at Ebates with Cash Back at stores like Michaels, JoAnn and WalMart.

Add a little sparkle to traditional fall foliage with this beautiful DIY Falling Leaves Garland from House of Jade Interiors. Garlands are an easy way to dress up a plain wall and bring the outdoors into your home.

Pumpkins are usually associate with Halloween, but they make a perfect vase for dried flowers. This monochrome design from The Daily Basics is perfect as either a centerpiece or decor on a side table. Who knew pumpkins could be so classy?!

Cozy up this autumn by adding a pop of color with this easy leaf pillow from Better Homes and Gardens. It seems intimidating but by using an iron on transfer and a couple of stitches.

Mason jars aren’t going anywhere and that’s a good thing because these mason jar vases from Anything & Everything are too chic! Fill them with either artificial or real flowers for a perfect fall mantle piece.

Wreaths are not just for the winter holidays! Fall wreaths bring warmth to your doorway, making you smile every time you enter your home. Little Lovely Leaders shows us how to make this perfect burlap wreath, which you can easily make your own.

Empty vases are perfect for year round decor because you can fill them with whatever color palette fits the season. AmandaJaneBrown fills her vase with popcorn kernels, dried beans and dried peas, showing off the colors of the autumn leaves.

Another pumpkin decor, but this time in white! Better Homes and Gardens shows off how to use twisted vines of bittersweet to make this fun fall centerpiece.

Yes, more mason jars, but now as a candle holder. Learn how to apply leaves to mason jars for this warm look from Spark & Chemistry.

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

August 6, 2015

9 Ways to Get Kids Excited to Go Back to School

As the final few weeks of summer approach, you’re likely starting to get your children prepared to return to class — which can fill them with either excitement or dread. If your child has the back-to-school blues, try some of these tips to get them excited for the new school year.

Let Them Pick Out Their Own Back-to-School Styles

Think back to your first day of school, when everyone was checking out each other’s new outfits. Your children will want to feel special on the first day of school, and a few new looks will give them that much-needed boost of confidence. Bring them along when you go back-to-school shopping, and teach them some life skills by giving them a budget and a shopping list to practice math and organization.

If online shopping is more your thing, earn Cash Back on all your back-to-school purchases with Ebates.

Get Them a New Haircut

Has your child been begging you to let them change their hairstyle? Now might be the perfect time. New school years are all about new beginnings, and a haircut is a great way to represent that fresh start. Have your kids look at popular hairstyles online (Pinterest is a great resource), then take them to a local barber or salon to get their ‘do done right! They’ll feel like a big kid knowing they picked out their own style, and they’ll be ready to rock to halls.

Set Up Play Dates

Whether your child is looking for new friends or rekindling friendships from previous years, call or email a few parents to schedule some playdates as soon as the class roster comes out. Once they get together, the kids should start to remember all the fun aspects of going to school. As an added benefit, they’re also guaranteed to have at least one buddy on the first day.

Sign Up for Extracurricular Activities

Even if your child isn’t looking forward to returning to the classroom, they might be looking forward to sports, theater, music or other after-school activities. With so many types of activities to choose from, there’s bound to be something for children of all ages, capabilities and interests. “Encouraging kids to get involved in extracurricular activities and after-school programs can help foster school spirit, especially at the beginning of the school year when back-to-school apprehension can run high,” says Dr. Fran Walfish, a child and family psychotherapist and author of “The Self-Aware Parent.”

Extracurricular activities are also a great place for children to make new friends who share similar interests. Waking up with something to look forward to after school will motivate your children to get up and go learn every day!

Create Back-to-School Crafts

Don’t wait until the first day of school to dive into some neat art projects. Together, you and your kids can create some handy school tools, such as a cool purse or pencil case made from construction foam, a study sign to hang on their door to let everyone know homework is in progress or even some nice gifts to hand out to the whole class on the first day back. There’s no better way to make a first impression with new kids (and maybe even some new friends) than with a thoughtful welcome-back treat.

Creative Breakfasts

Plan out special breakfasts for the first day of school so your kids will be excited to get up in the morning to see what you made. If you can, get them in on the fun and let them help plan the menu, shop for ingredients or even help with cooking. It will take their mind off anything causing them anxiety about the first day and make them feel important. For a little foodspiration, try these super fun breakfast ideas.

Download a New App

Let Daniel Tiger help your child adjust back to a school sleep schedule with games about morning and nighttime routines, sing-a-long songs and a musical timer to help keep routines on-track. Get more info here.

Organize Their Study Space

Providing your child with a designated space for studying and homework — and letting them decorate and organize it — will get their minds in gear for learning. Make sure they are as involved in the process as possible so the space can both express their personalities and address their needs. Together, you can create a special study nook that will put them on the path to academic success.

Check Off Their Summer Bucket List

As summer winds down, ask your kids if there is anything they would like to prioritize during their last school-free days. You can create a list of activities you can complete, within reason, before the starting bell rings. Maybe they wanted to go camping but the family didn’t get around to it. Have an impromptu backyard camp-out with hot dogs and s’mores! Not only are you taking their minds off of school worries, but you’re also creating memories that will last a lifetime.

With these nine tips and tricks, your children will be begging you to go back to school!

Stay in the loop to hear about great deals and tips!

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

April 27, 2015

5 DIY Mother’s Day Gifts She’ll Love

Remember the good old days when you went to school and crafted DIY Mother’s Day gifts with your tiny hands that made her lose her mind because they were way too cute? Who says we can’t do that just because we’re all grown up? Whether you feel like creating personalized handmade gifts for your own mom or helping your little ones up their gift game this Mother’s Day, here are five super easy DIY gifts for mom anyone can make no matter what your artistry level may be.

Mason Jar Picture Frame

mason_jar_frame — via Home Stories A to Z

Ditch the fancy crystal vase she probably already has and give her something with a little more heart. Mom loves pictures of her kids (or grandkids) at any age and this darling mason jar picture frame is a creative way to display her favorite photo.

Mini Polaroid Magnets

Another way to use family photos for your DIY gifts is this fun batch of mini photo magnets. Use this handy little template to print out your photos and glue them onto mounting board to create a practical gift she can use every day!

Homemade Bath Bombs

A luxurious bath with a bomb of essential oils will leave mom feeling invigorated and renewed after a long day of saving the world (like she does every day). Plus, these bath bombs are completely customizable so you can make bombs in her favorite scents and colors.

Handmade Terrariums

Terrariums4 — via Saved By Love Creations

Put a spin on traditional flowers and make mom something that will actually last with minimal upkeep. These gorgeous terrariums take less than an hour to make and will bring a little bit of the garden indoors to spruce her living space and make her smile.

Footprint Step Stool

Perfect for the mom of little kids (or grandma), this small piece of practical furniture is like a memory frozen in time. Mom will be reminded of the pitter patter of little feet for years to come.

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April 2, 2015

8 Eggstraordinary Easter Egg Decorating Ideas

With Easter just around the corner, many of us are gearing up to do some easter egg decorating. Eggs have been dyed in the traditional spring pastel colors for years, so why not get a bit more creative this year? Glitter, washi tape, and metallic markers have changed the way we decorate eggs. With so many amazing designs, you’ll want to decorate more than the usual dozen! We’ve chosen eight of our favorite designs for you to try, but there are hundreds of creative ways to decorate. On to the eggscellent decorations! (Bad pun – but we had to!)

Chalkboard paint is such a fun and creative way to spice up a wall, furniture, fall pumpkin and, now, eggs! The DIY gurus over at Shelterness show how to make these delightful eggs that can be redecorated over and over again.

If you want to keep decorating simple but allow for creativity, mom.me shows how easy it is to decorate eggs with permanent markers. The best part is there is little mess and even less clean up!

Do you love lace? Then these lace patterned eggs from DIY Til We Die will have you excited to break out the vinegar. You can use lace strips or completely cover the egg in lace for different effects.

The washi tape craze is still going and egg decorating has not been left out! Lovely Indeed explains just how easy it is to grab some tape and scissors and make fabulously festive egg decorations.

If you are planning on using eggs only for decoration, these sprinkle eggs from Studio DIY might be perfect for you. While they may look delicious, you definitely don’t want to snack on these eggs!

Marble patterns are so pretty and the creative geniuses at Camille Styles show us how to use nail polish to achieve the perfect marbleized eggs. It’s amazing to see just how differently each egg turns out!

Is there anything that you can’t decorate with glitter? Maybe, but eggs aren’t one of them! Girl. Inspired. shows off the multiple ways to decorate eggs with a little sparkle (or a lot!)

While there isn’t a goose that lays golden eggs, you can add a touch of gold to your eggs this year with this how-to from Freutcake! Gold leaf looks amazing over both bright and pastel colors.

With all these amazing tutorials, there is no eggscuse to not decorate eggs this year. (Once we start, we can’t stop!) Let us know in a comment below how you plan on decorating your easter eggs this year!

Stay in the loop to hear about great deals and tips!

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

February 5, 2015

DIY Valentine’s For Kids

Parents, first let us congratulate you on the extra time you happened to stumble upon in order to put any extra thought into your kids’ valentines cards this year. Doing anything other than picking up a box of punch-cut Charlie Brown cards (because Charlie Brown is still totally cool, right?) legitimately makes you a superhero. Let us help you in your quest to make Valentine’s Day too cool for school with these seven super-cute handmade gift ideas.

You Color My World
If you have more than a few broken crayons laying around the house, this Valentine craft is perfect for you. By melting up broken crayons in a heart-shaped silicon mold, you’ve created a colorful gift any child would love. Learn how to make these Heart Shaped Crayons from Cherished Bliss.

“Doh” You Want To Be My Valentine?
These Play-Doh Valentine’s from Random Thoughts of a SUPERMOM are a great alternative to chocolate or candy. Another alternative is to make your own Play-Doh with your child and put them into plastic containers. Feel free to add sparkles!

May The Force Be With You On Valentine’s Day
Let your tiny Jedi be the talk of the classroom with this Star Wars Valentine from Brassy Apple. Add a glowstick to this simple Valentine’s card and it’s now transformed into a glowing lightsaber.

Our Class Would Knot Be The Same Without You
If your child loves to make friendship bracelets (or you don’t mind helping them learn), this DIY craft is unique and special. Friendship Bracelet Valentines from Dandee Designs is a bit more time-consuming than the other crafts, but definitely will be a hit among the classroom.

Follow The Trail To My Heart
If your child is allowed to bring snacks for Valentine’s Day, opt for this yummy and healthy trail mix! A Spicy Perspective has ideas on how to perfectly make the Homemade Trail Mix Valentine Snack, complete with cute bird!

Be Mine Craft-y
Kids love Minecraft, that is a fact. So these adorable Minecraft Valentines from Lolly Jane are perfect for boys who complain about how “girly” Valentine gifts are. If that’s too much work, fill the bag with bricks and instructions with how to DIY their own.

You Blow My Mind
To finish off the list, we’ve taken a cue from wedding receptions and love the idea of bubbles. Bubble Valentines from Pretty Prudent are super easy to whip up. Best of all, these bubbles don’t make a mess!

Which of these DIY Valentine’s are perfect this year for your kids? Comment below!

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October 8, 2012

DIY Crashing Witch from Hoosier Homemade

Although I love decorating for Halloween, I like keeping the decorations more whimsical rather than scary. Our street is very popular for Trick-or-Treaters, in fact we usually have around 800 kids. Many of them are little children, keeping that in mind, we put out fun Halloween Decorations like the Crashing Witch.

With just a few simple supplies, you can create your own Crashing Witch!Crashing Witch Supplies

Cauldron
Tights
Green Fluorescent Paint {we bought Bright Neon Rust-Oleum}
2 cans Dow Great Stuff Insultaing Foam Sealant {you will use about 1+1/2 cans, depending on the size of your cauldron}
Spray bottle with water {not pictured}
2 limbs for the legs {we used about 2 inch in diameter, the more knots on the limbs the better}
Plastic bags and filler material
Newspapers to wrap Witchy up
Shoes or Boots {we found these at Goodwill, last year we used some of my old boots, any will work as long as they fit the limbs}

To learn how to make a Crashing Witch of your own, head on over to Hoosier Homemade for the full instructions.