Universal Upcycling

I was so sick of having to untangle all of my cords just to find one wire! I decided to use an empty shoebox to organize all my cords. It is super simple and doesn't take long. Materials:  - x-acto knife - paint (you choice) - extension cord - masking tape 1. Cut out 5 evenly-spaced holes for the cables.  Cut out another hole on the side of the box to allow the extension cord go through the box.  2. Put masking tape around the edges of the holes to soften the edges of the holes.  3. Apply two coats of paint on the box.  4. You can decorate as you wish, but if you would like to use my design, you may. I used decorative tape to design the border of the box.  5. Then, I painted "home, sweet home" on the top of the box.  6. To finish the box, I labeled the holes. This is totally optionally, but I think it looks more organized this way. 7. Place the extension cord ...

I have so many things stored in my attic from when I was in elementary school. I was sorting through all of my stuff from back then when I saw a magnetic blackboard that I used to draw/write on. Instead of just leaving it in the attic, I decided to give it a "modern look" and hang it up in my room. This project is easy to do and doesn't require many materials. Materials: - a magnetic board - paint (metallic looks best) - alphabet magnets (they don't cost a lot, maybe $1;00) 1. Set up a clean working area. I made a mistake and bought only one pack of magnets, but I later realized that you can't make a lot of words without a letter repeating itself. I would advise you to buy two packs of magnets. 2. Paint one coat of paint on the border of the board (if you have a border). 3. While you are waiting for the paint to dry on the board, you can begin painting the magnets. You don't have to paint all of the magnets; you can only paint the magnets t...

You know those accordion folders that everyone uses for their homework? Well, I have one of those folders and boy, are they easy to break! I broke the button-hook that holds the folder together. Then I thought what is a better way to upcycle than to make another button? Materials: - Cardboard (if you have a very large button, that also works) - masking tape - a rubber band (string is easier to use) 1. Because I didn't have a very large button, I was forced to use cardboard. To make the button, cut out 3 congruent pieces of cardboard and poke 2 equidistant holes on each piece. These holes are similar to the ones on the folder. 2. Use masking tape to tape the edges. 2. After cutting the rubber band, align the "button" and put the rubber band through the 2 holes. 4. Knot the rubber band, and you are ready to go! 5. To add some color, you can paint the button. - Shruti

California Vacation         Usually, my idea of a perfect vacation is staying at home bundled up in a cozy blanket while sipping hot cocoa and watching a movie with my friends or family. This vacation however, my family went to California. We left Portland International Jetport and flew to Dulles International Airport in Washington D.C.. From there we flew to San Francisco International Airport. After staying at my uncle's new house for a few days, we booked seats on a 4-day tour bus.         The first day we drove to Los Angeles where I saw the Hollywood sign and the Hollywood Walk of Fame (the stars).  Although I don't believe her, my cousin claims to have seen "Diggy" from the show Liv and Maddie .           On the second day, we drove to Death Valley. On the way there, we saw the world's largest thermometer in memory of Death Valley being having the record of the highest temperature. Th...