DIY Phone Tripod Mount

I take all of my photos using my iPhone's camera, even my product photos for my shop's website.  I decided that it was time to invest in a phone mount for my tripod, so I can take better photos and selfies (for when I model the clothes I sell).  Then I thought, "Hey, why should I buy one when I could probably just make one?"  So I looked online, and sure enough, I found a DIY video.

If you watch the video, he shows everything a bit more clearly.  And I didn't have the exact same tools that he did, but thanks to Dad, I was able to improvise.

Here are the things I needed:

     

• Flux (or whatever you have that attaches solder to things)
• A pencil
• Some 1/8" solder
• A 1/4" nut
• A binder clip
• Sandpaper
• Something to cut the solder with (hence the giant shears)
• A torch
• A thick rubber band.  I didn't have a thick rubber band, so I used fabric glue and some thick elastic to make a decent substitute until I can find an actual rubber band.

First, I used the sandpaper to remove the paint from the bottom of the binder clip, until it was mostly just the metal.

Next, I wrapped some solder around the pencil, to make a little spiral.

Then, I secured the binder clip using a vice (in the video, the guy uses a second larger binder clip, which I didn't have).  I put some of the Flux on the binder clip and on the nut.

Then I made a nut/solder sandwich, with the nut on top, some Flux, the solder, more Flux, and the binder clip at the bottom.

Next, I had my dad use the torch to melt the solder, so that it secured the nut onto the binder clip.

We waited for it to cool down, and we were a little skeptical that it would work at first, but it seems to be holding on pretty well!

I brought the clip inside and used it to hold the makeshift band.  If you watch the video, you can see this next part more clearly than I can explain it.  I wrapped the ends of the band around the corners of the binder clip, so that it looked like this (I know it's tough to see, since the elastic is the same color as the clip... just watch the video!):

I used it to hold a phone, and then I twisted the mount onto my tripod.  Voila!

So far, it works really well!  I can set a timer on it to take photos of myself, or I can just keep the phone in one place while I switch products out and take photos of them.  It's super useful!  And if the nut happens to break off or something, I can just make another one!

I hope you guys find this project as useful as I did!  :)

DIY Skater Skirt

I've had this plain black skirt skirt for a long time, but it just never really looked right, so I never wore it.  So I decided to turn it into a cool skater skirt with straps.  :)

First, I put the skirt on, and I measured where the straps would go.

I cut two pieces of elastic to this length.  Then, I used chalk to mark where the straps would be going.  I put the chalk marks on the inside of the skirt, so they can't be seen when I'm wearing it.  Next, I flipped the skirt inside-out so I could sew the straps onto the inside.

Next, I used fabric glue to attach the elastic straps to the chalk markings.

Once that was dry, I put the skirt back on with the straps over my shoulders.  It still looked a little bare, so I decided to add one more strap.

I measured around my waist, about two inches above the top of the skirt, and I used chalk to mark the insides of the straps where I wanted this new strap to go.

I cut another piece of elastic to this length, and I used fabric glue to attach it to the inner sides of the shoulder straps.

Here is what the finished project looks like:

       

How to Wear Dread Falls

I recently started accepting orders for custom dread falls, so here is a short tutorial video on how to wear them.  If you would like to order some for yourself, you can do so here:  www.lunamidnight.com

Knick-Knack Shelf Revamp

I saw this shelf at Goodwill for $12, and I knew I could turn it into a really cool piece.  I wanted to paste a pretty card stock background onto the back of the cubbies, and paint the whole thing.

I took it home, and the first thing I did was measure the individual shelves to see how much paper I would need to cover them.  I wrote all of the measurements down, so that I could use them later to cut the paper to the proper size.

I went to Michaels, and found a few sheets of some gorgeous card stock.  I chose black and white because then it won't clash with anything that I might put on the shelf.  Next, I used a brush and acrylic paint to paint the entire shelf black.

While that was drying, I cut the card stock to the sizes that I had written down earlier.  I used a straight-edge cutting tool from Cricut.  Then I carefully pasted them into the backs of each cubby using Mod-Podge (on the front and back of the paper) and a paintbrush.

Here is what the finished project looks like:

What do you think I should display on the shelf?  I have a collection of bones and crystals... that could be a cool idea.  :)

Three Hobbies

I found this image on Pinterest, and it really got me thinking about my purpose in life.

So, I thought I’d share it and talk a little about my personal hobbies and how I feel that they make my life a little better.

1.  A hobby to make you money

I’ve started making natural homemade cosmetics and cleaning supplies.  It’s much cheaper than buying makeup and shampoo and all the things I might need to keep a clean home.  Also, it’s better for my health because it’s natural.  Plus, they’re fun to make!  I enjoy shopping for the raw supplies and putting everything together and finding pretty bottles and containers to put everything in.  So, I’ve decided that I should start selling them.

This first point is kind of a two-fer, because I also like to make accessories.  I tend to lean toward the kind of jewelry and hair accessories that have studs and spikes and look a little outrageous.  Lately, I haven’t had much time to put things together though, with work and planning the move to California.  But handmade accessories are another hobby that I think could make me a little extra money.

2.  A hobby to keep you in shape

This one is a lot of fun:  I like pole dancing.  I know, kind of cliché and maybe a little desperate-sounding, but if you’ve never tried pole dancing, you’re missing out!  I installed a tension pole in my room a few months ago, and it’s the best thing I think I’ve ever done!  I also enjoy club/gogo dancing, but pole really is a genuine workout!

3.  A hobby to be creative

Music.  I love singing and playing piano.  If I’m being completely honest, my dream has always been to be a professional musician, playing huge concerts and the whole nine yards.  I know it’s a bit far-fetched, but in the meantime, I can always play and create music for fun.  It’s a great outlet for me, and it helps me get my thoughts and emotions out in a creative and productive way.  I’m still learning how to use amateur recording software and everything, but once I figure things out, I’m going to start posting to Sound Cloud.  I think you’ll like it.  ;)

Let me know what your three hobbies are and how they make you happy!