DIY: Painted Kitchen Utensils

On the 3rd day of holiday DIY my true love gave to me, a bunch of kitchen utensils that will help to stir my tea. OK, I tried with something kitchen-y to rhyme with me...twas harder than I planned! After scouring Pinterest, like you do, I saw a bunch of kitchen utensils (serving spoons, spatulas) that were painted!  I thought that they would make an easy and practical gift that you can bring to your party hosts or to stick in stockings!!

DAY 3: Painted Kitchen Utensils

New Dress A Day - DIY - painted kitchen utensils

Here's what you'll need...

New Dress A Day - DIY - painted kitchen utensils

1. Kitchen utensils (I found these wooden and bamboo spoons at the 99 cent store)

2. Acrylic paint (go for holiday shades, or ones that match the kitchen of the recipient!)

3. Clear shellac (this Zinsser spray is genius - it's non-toxic so it works on things like these utensils or any other craft projects!)

4. Painter's tape (This Scotch blue roll works well or you can always use masking or duct tape that might be in your house already)

My first step was taping the utensils.  I chose how low I wanted the paint to go and put a piece around the area picked.

New Dress A Day - DIY - painted kitchen utensils

Next it was paint time!  I had some foam brushes that I used, but feel free to go at it with your fingers!  This is also a fun project that kids can get involved with too - nothing like some family finger painting!

New Dress A Day - DIY - painted kitchen utensils

With fun shades painted first...

New Dress A Day - DIY - painted kitchen utensils

...I finished up my last two utensils with a subtle shade of gold.

New Dress A Day - DIY - painted kitchen utensils

Once the paint is dry, spray the clear shellac on top of the painted areas and let dry for at least an hour.  After it dries, take off the painter's tape and your project is complete!

My mom is definitely not going to be surprised when she sees these popping out of her stocking next week.

New Dress A Day - DIY - painted kitchen utensils

This is a fab hostess gift year round too!  I should make a stash to have on hand...

More DIYs coming tomorrow!!

Holiday Looks from Goodwill!

Hello friends!  The airports have been braved and my travel day is complete.  A full post comes tomorrow along with another fun giveaway but in the interim, how about some holiday wardrobe help?? I worked on a piece for Goodwill scoring three separate holiday looks from their racks.

Goodwill - Holiday Trio Collage - New Dress A Day

Couldn't have been happier with what I found!  Click on over here to see the entire piece!

I'm looking forward to the treasure trove that is NC to scour for more fun pieces.  I think my mom is excited for a shopping buddy!  I didn't check any bags coming here, but I might have to check one going back!!

What have you guys been wearing to your holiday shindigs??  FYI, pictures are always welcome... xo

Giveaway: Cardboard Sheek

I spent some time at the amazing Unique LA craft/gift fair a week ago checking out tons of amazing goodies from the most fantastic handmade artists.  When I came across Cardboard Sheek, I couldn't leave their booth! New Dress A Day - Cardboard Sheek - UniqueLA - cardboard banners

Really, I couldn't leave it.

New Dress A Day - Cardboard Sheek - UniqueLA - cardboard banners

Boss lady Sarah and her mom rock the cardboard/paint/twine game with the coolest garlands.  From tasseled garlands to big paper flowers, I've been seeing wallhangings everywhere and really need one in my life!

New Dress A Day - Cardboard Sheek - UniqueLA - cardboard banners

They hand cut each piece of cardboard which in itself is a feat!  I'm not the most handy with my x-acto knife, so I can only imagine that it would take me forever to make one of these.

New Dress A Day - Cardboard Sheek - UniqueLA - cardboard banners

But because I loved them so much, we're doing a giveaway here.  YAY!!

New Dress A Day - Cardboard Sheek - UniqueLA - cardboard banners

One lucky reader will win a holiday banner for themselves as well as a banner to give a friend/family member of their choosing!!! Nothing better than sending cheer to someone else over the holidays, right?

New Dress A Day - Cardboard Sheek - UniqueLA - cardboard banners

To enter, head over to Cardboard Sheek, scope out all the options, and leave your favorite in the comment section below.

New Dress A Day - Cardboard Sheek - UniqueLA - cardboard banners

I love the "Be Merry" one just because it works for everyone!  Also for anyone wanting to place an order, Sarah is offering a 20% discount for NDAD readers on all the holiday garlands!!  Just use NEWDRESSADAY20 as the coupon code when you check out.  I think I'm going to snag a few to decorate my place with.

This is the first time that I'm using Rafflecopter to sort the giveaway, so we'll see how it works out!  This giveaway ends on Friday 12/20 - just in time for the holidays - and the lucky winner will be notified immediately so the goodies can get sent out pre-Christmas!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Yay for handmade holiday wares!!