553 posts categorized "arty & crafty"
MARCH ON: HOW TO MAKE A PROTEST SIGN

Tula jeng womens march protest signs model minority

kittens! i'm back. like a magic-deprived unicorn, i've returned to the land of whorange and rainbows for rejuvenation. 

yes, the cheeto tornado in the white house is overwhelming and the political climate feels precarious. it's not good for the hair and it's not good for the soul. pushing through and resisting is necessary, but it never feels like enough -- so many phone calls to make, town halls meetings to attend, organizations to support, trolls to block, vulnerable communities to protect, news stories to absorb, strategies to plan, and congress people to micro-manage.

at times like this, i find community building very healing and empowering. around the country, folks are gathering in congressional town halls, protesting at airports, and organizing en masse down city streets to resist this administration.

protests and marches have the awesome power to bring people together and provide an amplified voice. they remind our officials we are watching and they show people around the world we are not backing down. the tornado hears us, too.

one of the best ways to express yourself in a crowd is with a sign. personalized signs are easy to make and can be done on a minimal budget depending on your degree of fancy.

wanna make one? here's what you'll need:

Protest poster sign making foam core boards

foam core boards. i prefer boards that are 20" x 30" x 3/16". they are light, but study enough for the outdoors. plain white boards are $2.99 and color boards are $6.99 at michael's.

i like two-sided signs, so i get two boards per sign.

Protest sign making paints and glitter

paints. i use acrylic paints for my poster boards. fabric paints are great for cloth banners and for signs that need to withstand rain. spray paints work well with stencils and large scale signs. also, a sprinkle of glitter on semi-dry paint makes everything awesome.

Protest sign poster making pens pencils

pens and sharpies. these are especially good for smaller signs, fine lines, and illustrations. have pencils and erasers handy for sketching. 

Protest sign making letters stencils

optional -- pre-cut letters, glitter letters, and stencils. these are available at most craft stores. i prefer to use them for tracing only (so i can reuse them), but many of my friends directly apply them to their signs. this is a more costly, but it's quick and easy.

Protest sign making paper cutter star hole punch

paper shapers  -- totally optional, but i can't live without them. i prefer working with paper appliques, so a good paper cutter and some paper punches are super handy.

How to make a protest sign color paper

for my signs, i cut letters from colored paper and affix them using permanent glue sticks. i prefer cardstock paper over construction paper. it's more durable and will not quickly fade.

How to make a protest sign lettering

i cut even-sized strips of paper using my paper cutter. i free-hand the letters using a pencil and scissors.

Protest sign making womens march

looks like this!

How to make a protest sign painting

another sign-making option is paint. painting is quick and easy.

tip: do not water down your paint. it will warp your foam boards.

Hot pink glitter on paint

optional (but fabulous!) -- sprinkle glitter on your sign when the paint is semi-dry. 

How to make a protest sign womens march

tip: bold color backgrounds and black text are easy to read from a distance!

Womens march puppet president sign making

we had a sign-making party with friends. the kids loved making signs, too.

How to make womens march signs

as mentioned, paint can warp foam boards. if this happens, wait until your signs are completely dry and use heavy books to flatten corners.

How to make a protest sign staple gun

for sign handles, please check with your city or town's sign regulations. some cities do not allow wood handles. others require specific dimensions. for example, los angeles allows wood sticks that are no more than 1/2" thick and no more than 2" wide.

if your location does not allow wood sticks, use a hollow cardboard tube instead (wrapping paper tubes work well). use a hot glue gun to affix your sign to the tube.

or, opt not to use a handle at all!

if your location does allow wood sticks, affix your signs with a staple gun:

Protest sign making staple gun

staple away!

Cardboard sharpie protest sign

remember, you do not need to be fancy. a piece of cardboard and sharpie marker will always do the trick. 

Protest signs immigrants we get the job done

think about your message and the climate of the march. some marches are more somber and others are more playful. design your signs accordingly.

Free The People Immigration March Los Angeles Here To Stay Tula Jeng

above: my "here to stay" sign for the "free the people immigration march" in los angeles. the forecast called for rain, therefore, i used fabric paint because it is waterproof.

Womens march los angeles protest signs

above: our signs for the women's march in los angeles.

Womens-march-sign-tula-jeng

consider making a two-sided sign so your messages can be read from the front and back.

finally, have a sign-making party! ask people to bring their own foam core boards and a few items (paint, paint brushes, drop cloth, adhesive letters, pens, glitter, wood sticks, cardboard tubes, etc.). research previous marches for slogans and inspiration. read the rules, regulations, and platforms for each march and prepare accordingly. also, consult these handy march tips before you go.

that's it! remember, keep showing up! stay active and be engaged. gather your people and let your voices be heard.

WE CAN BE HEROES

David bowie bouncy cat

Happy Birthday, David Bowie. The stars look very different since you have left this earth. We miss you. But, today, we dance.

NOT MY PRESIDENT

Annette Lemieux left right left right whitney museum

These are fists of protest. Two weeks ago, I stood in front of this powerful art by Annette Lemieux and thought about all who had marched before us to fight for civil rights, women's rights, and gay rights. I thought about how proud I was that our country was on the brink of electing our first woman President. I believed that collectively, we were going to reject a candidate who sold bigotry, misogyny, xenophobia, homophobia, fear, conspiracy, and toxic masculinity as his platform. I thought we were going to honor those who came before us and nurture our future generations.
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I was wrong. I went to bed crying and woke up scared. As a woman of color, how do I move forward with hope and strength when so many people in this country don't care if I am objectified, profiled, or sexually assaulted? How do I lead with love when the rights of marginalized and underserved people are threatened and the three branches of government don't have our backs?
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There is so much more I want to say, but I am numb and at a loss for words. I want to take action. I do. But, I cannot today. Today I'm hugging my loved ones tightly. Tomorrow I will raise my fist in protest.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
We will organize and stand strong. As @sallykohn says, "Love will still trump hate. It may just take longer than we expected." This fight has only begun. Expect us.

{art: "Left Right Left Right" by Annette Lemieux at the Whitney Museum.}

old brand new: louisiana flood relief

Louisiana-flood-relief-fiber-art-dabito

in light of the devastating floods in louisiana, my dear friend and new orleans denizen, dabito of old brand new, is selling his gorgeous fiber art with 100% of the proceeds going to the louisana red cross.

if you're an artist or crafter, please consider selling some of your work to donate to flood relief. it's an impactful and important way to give to those in need.

thank you, dabito. we are glad you and ryan are safe. our thoughts and actions are with your louisana neighbors.

xo

L.A. Summer

Lazy-mom-melt-shoe

102 degree hollywood glamour.

{another amazing gif by lazy mom.}

OH! YOU PRETTY THINGS: DAVID BOWIE PAPER DOLLS

David Bowie Paper Dolls Mel Elliot Ziggy Paperboy Aladdin Sane_19

i never played with dolls as a kid. but, times change, darlings. times change.

a few weeks ago, i stumbled across mel elliot's ziggy paperboy wonder book at book soup on sunset blvd. the book contains two david bowie paper dolls and 16 fabulous outfits ranging from freddie burretti's mustard yellow and ice-blue suits to kansai yamamoto's 'wonderland creature' leather leotard and 'tokyo pop' vinyl bodysuit.

my fantasy to be bowie's stylist has finally come true! all i needed was an x-acto knife to cut out the pieces, my bowie playlist, and a whole lotta dreaming.

damn, i miss him.

David Bowie Paper Dolls Mel Elliot Ziggy Paperboy Aladdin Sane_13

{above: mustard suit by freddie burretti during bowie's diamond dog days. also, bowie's aladdin sane asymmetrical, knitted bodysuit by kansai yamamoto.}

David Bowie Paper Dolls Mel Elliot Ziggy Paperboy Aladdin Sane_15

{above: kansai yamamoto's 'wonderland creature' leather leotard worn by bowie for both aladdin sane and ziggy stardust tours. also, airbrushed body as seen in the inner-gatefold of aladdin sane album. airbrushing designed by philip castle.}David Bowie Paper Dolls Mel Elliot Ziggy Paperboy Aladdin Sane_04

David Bowie Paper Dolls Mel Elliot Ziggy Paperboy Aladdin Sane_21

David Bowie Paper Dolls Mel Elliot Ziggy Paperboy Aladdin Sane_05

{above center: bowie's "life on mars" video ice-blue suit. designer: freddie burretti.)

David Bowie Paper Dolls Mel Elliot Ziggy Paperboy Aladdin Sane_17

David Bowie Paper Dolls Mel Elliot Ziggy Paperboy Aladdin Sane_07

{above: kansai yamamoto's 'tokyo pop' vinyl bodysuit for the aladdin sane tour.}

get yourself a copy (or two!) at book soup.

pantsuit power

Eugenia Loli Dry Cleaning

...don't underestimate it.

{image: "dry cleaning" by eugenia loli.}

CREEPY CUTE: A SUPER KAWAII PARTY!

Creepy Cute Pastel Goth Halloween

darlings...

we have conjured the ghost cookies, constructed our frankenbunny fashion, and painted the pumpkins pastel. this can only mean one thing -- #creepycute2015 has commenced! let the party begin.

jonathan and i celebrated in true kawaii fashion with potent pastel potions, sinister sweets, and to DIY-for decor. come frolic in the candy-hued underworld with us!

Pastel goth party decor lavender cat and eyeball cupcakes

blue food -- the life-blood of any pastel goth gathering! jonathan created these aqua-swathed, purple cupcakes using this magical mixture and a touch of blue and yellow food coloring for the frosting.

generously adorn your sweets with candy eyeballs. after all, why settle for a third eye when you can can have a thirtieth eye?

Pastel goth ghost royal icing sugar cookies

a parade of pastel ghost cookies! here's how to make 'em.

Pastel goth party desserts bat cucakes and ghost cookies

Pastel goth gradient pumpkins and gummy teeth candy 2

SPECIAL TREATS: gummy teeth and skulls for the kawaii kandy karnivore.

SPECIAL TRICKS: behold how jonathan transformed creepy halloween decor into creepy cute, camera-ready creations. these gradient jack-o'-lanterns are absolutely spellbinding!

Pastel goth lavender bat Halloween cupcake

Pastel goth kawaii purple cream soda and bat

a most curious cream soda. learn how to concoct this magical, foggy brew on happy mundane.

DIT pastel goth pumpkin halloween decor with cat head maryjanes

drippy pastel pumpkins -- see how to make them here.

Pastel goth lavender martini cocktail with gummy eyeball

for the witching hour -- a soothsaying lavender martini! i took inspiration from this recipe:

soothsaying martini:

2 oz. vodka
1 part concord grape juice
1 part chambord
crushed ice

pour ice, vodka, grape juice, and chambord into a martini shaker and shake vigorously. strain well and serve up.

garnish with gummy eyeball. after all, soothsaying requires clear vision.

Happy mundane pastel goth creep it real

jonathan creeps it real.

Whorange Pastel Goth Pink hair kawaii

i made a new friend.

Smoking-pastel-goth-cocktail-shooter-skull

more DIY decor magic from the laboratory of happy mundane.

Frankie-bookcase-pastel-goth

Pastel goth fashion happy mundane and whorange

Pastel goth fashion bat caps happy mundane and whorange

and finally, the most important ingredient to a super kawaii, pastel goth party: friendship and kindred spirits!

jonathan and i wish you a very happy halloween! creep it real, darlings!

xoxo

CREEPY CUTE DIY: PASTEL GOTH FRANKENBUNNY

DIY bunny felt applique costume on sweatshirt

in celebration of my #creepycute21015 halloween adventures with the eerily talented jonathan lo of happy mundane, i'm embracing a 30-minute costume in pastel goth fashion.

behold - frankenbunny!

i admit, i'm queen of the lazy, last minute costume. it usually involves a mask and something vintage from my closet. nothing too advanced, but enough to get me into a costume-required party.

DIY bunny felt applique costume on sweatshirt-04-skull

all that is needed for this quickie frankenbunny costume is the following:

1). pastel sweatshirt. i chose a long one in order to wear alone with tights, but you can chose a shorter one to wear with jeans or a skirt.

2). felt 9" x 12" sheets in pink, black, and white. available at most craft stores.

4). scissors.

5). round head straight pins.

6). pellon fusible web, iron, and damp cloth.

7). frankenbunny template printed onto 8.5" x 11" paper. DOWNLOAD THE PDF TEMPLATE HERE!

DIY bunny skull felt applique costume on sweatshirt

step 1:  iron felt to fusible webbing. this adds weight to the felt makes it easy to iron your bunny directly onto your sweatshirt. see how to use fusible webbing here. it's soooooo easy!

DIY bunny felt applique costume on sweatshirt-02-skull

step 2:  after you have fused your felt, pin template to fabric. you may also draw the bunny design directly onto the paper side of the fusible felt and skip this pinning step.

DIY bunny felt applique costume on sweatshirt-03-skull

step 3:  cut bunny head shape.

DIY bunny felt applique costume on sweatshirt-05-skull

step 4:  iron pink and black felt to fusible webbing. cut bunny eyes, teeth, nose, and ear inserts.

DIY bunny felt applique costume on sweatshirt skull 5

step 5:  place eyes, nose, teeth and ear inserts into white bunny head. iron and fuse them to head. again, consult this tutorial if you've never worked with fusible webbing. 

step 6:  place bunny design on your sweatshirt. pin design to your sweatshirt to determine placement. once you iron the bunny head on, it is FUSED, so do not skip this step! make sure you like the placement. iron frankenbunny onto sweatshirt.

DIY bunny felt applique costume on sweatshirt skull 8

step 7:  optional: for added hold and safe washing, sew fused bunny onto sweatshirt using a small running stitch.

step 8:  that's it! add black and white tights, a black parasol, and a pastel wig. oh, and false eyelashes, of course!

stay tuned for more creepy cute halloween from me and happy mundane this week!

for halloween decor DIY to DIE FOR, click on over to happy mundane to see the latest and greatest in creepy cute creations. jonathan creates pastel party magic with a spray paint can, and you can, too!

DIY bunny felt applique costume on sweatshirt pastel goth

CREEPY CUTE: PASTEL GOTH GHOST COOKIES

Royal Icing Pastel ghost cookies Halloween-50

darlings, it's time!

i have collaborated with the talented and mesmerizing jonathan lo of happy mundane to bring you the creepy cute world of PASTEL GOTH! prepare to meet lavender creatures and mysterious pumpkins that glow gloriously soft gradients.

visit happy mundane to see jonathan's latest bag of tricks. you'll be glad you did!

of course, i'm all about the treats at WHORANGE. pastel goth ghost cookies, in fact! take my hand and we will journey into the land of single-bite, sugary spirits.

for the recipe, i consulted the amazing sweet sugar belle for her easy-peasy sugar cookie concoction. i've tried several recipes and sweet sugar belle is my fave so far. she also offers tons of helpful tips for amateurs like me. please refer to sweet sugar belle's sugar cookie and royal icing recipe on her website as you follow along.

meanwhile, i'll show what it looks like to conjure the cookies.

IMG_5860 2-Exposure

rolling dough with friends.

Royal Icing Pastel ghost cookies Halloween-40-Exposure

Royal Icing Pastel ghost cookies Halloween 90-Exposure

the little 1.5" tall ghost is actually an upside-down, mini tulip cookie cutter. i first saw this trick on make me cake me. due to the tiny size, i coaxed over 100 cookies from one batch!

Royal Icing Pastel ghost cookies Halloween-45-Exposure

whipping up the royal icing requires only 4 ingredients: powdered sugar, meringue powder, clear vanilla extract, and water. so easy! i used wilton's meringue powder, although i hear there are much more tasty options available. explore and let me know!

Royal Icing Pastel ghost cookies Halloween-44-Exposure

who doesn't love a stiff peak?

Royal Icing Pastel ghost cookies Halloween-46-Exposure

mixing the royal icing color is tricky. be sure to start off with just a teeny tiny drop, mix it up, and add more color if desired. i used wilton's royal icing color because it's readily available at michael's. however, americolor is supposedly much, much better.

Royal Icing Pastel ghost cookies Halloween-80-Exposure

1 Pastel Royal Icing ghost cookies Halloween-90

pastel piping. i used a #2 tip size. i highly recommend this trick for fast and easy bag filling and clean up!

Royal-icing-sugar-pastel-ghost-cookies-halloween

my favorite step is flooding the cookie with thinned icing after the outline has dried. the flood bottles remind me of 2nd grade glue dispensers.

Royal Icing Pastel ghost cookies Halloween-49

Piping-Royal-icing-sugar-pastel-ghost-cookies-halloween-instructions

adding faces. :| :| :|

i used a #1 tip size.

Royal Icing Pastel ghost cookies Halloween-50-Exposure

the final step: RAINBOW DISCO DUST! because even ghosts want to feel fabulous!

there you have it -- the pastel underworld of cookie decorating! not too scary, right? 

these little ghosts are perfect for beginners. due to their tiny size, you can make a billion and practice your piping skills.

stay tuned for more creepy cute from me and happy mundane! follow our supernatural journey on instagram @happymundane and @whorange and snapchat, too! (snapchat: @happymundane and @tulajeng.)

R.I.P = Rest In Pastel. xoxo

Royal Icing Pastel ghost cookies Halloween-48-Exposure

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