How-To's Day: Summer Upcycling Refresher

Kevin here,

Make. Shop. Live. has had a hot summer and busy time for crafters and creative types.  We wanted to list some of the hottest How-To's from these past few months to get your creative juices flowing!

Bow Tie Wedding Decor

Using a variety of extra fabrics and clothes and some strong little magnets, our team completed an assortment of handmade cloth bow ties.  Upcycle those old outfits and learn how now!  

Record Bookends

Follow these 4 quick steps to make your own Bookends out of Vinyl LP Records.

Make your own Hairpin Lace Loom

Beer and BBQ should have been on your agenda this summer!  Use the leftover packaging and Skewers to settle in for the winter and start your Loom.

Lavender Infused Vodka

Using fresh Lavender flowers and your favorite vodka, mix it up and enjoy a handmade refreshment.

The Upcycling continues every Tuesday.  See you here next week for the How-To's Day Handmade Idea!

--Kevin

How-To's Day: Record Bookends

Recently we have been getting a lot of interest in our Record Bookends product at our first store in Crafted at the Port of Los Angeles.  Here at Make.Shop.Live we always prize process over product.  Sharing tricks and tips to reuse and upcycling materials is responsible and fun!  Follow these steps below to make your own Bookends out of Vinyl LP Records. 

Materials:

• Old Vinyl LP Records (preferably ones with music that will never come back in style -We prefer using one's that will no longer play without skipping )
• Heat gun/blow tool (~$40 found at most craft & hobby stores)
• Flat counter or table

Step 1:

Pick how much you want the height by overhanging the record on a flat surface.  Mark with a piece of tape to keep the height consistent.

Step 2:

Move the heat tool over the hanging edge alternating the focus between the far sides.  As the sides become soft, move the focus toward the edge's center and gravity will do the rest.

Step 3:

The record will cool quickly.

Note: You can use a heavy book to hold the right angle steady for a few seconds.

Step 4:
Enjoy the bookend and your book!

Thanks for tuning in for the tutorial ;)
--Kevin Sears