Make This: Painted Beach Balls DIY + Meet Amanda (Officially)

Things have been ramping up around here lately, which is great! I’ve been working on more involved projects (with a photographer + model) to share very soon. Which is allowing me to spend more time on the concept and styling.

But as things get more and more busy around here, it has become more and more difficult to get everything done all by my lonesome. Especially with all the plans I have for Paper & Stitch as it continues to grow. Sooo, I decided it was time to hire someone to help me out. And that someone is Amanda Toman (who also happens to be my sister-in-law: keepin’ it in the fam!). You can follow Amanda on Instagram and Twitter.

You’ve probably already seen Amanda around here, modeling for a few DIY shoots (here and here), but she is also helping me behind the scenes with mailers, gift guides for the exhibition site, etc. Yay! Which means I will have more time to bring you more awesome projects /original content and tackle some things I would never be able to do on my own. AND I also get a new DIY contributor out of the deal because Amanda will be contributing yummy recipes and fashion DIYs on a regular basis as well. Her first recipe goes up tomorrow. 

As I’m sure you’ll see, Amanda is a pretty cool girl, with loads of talent (and fashion sense). I’m so happy to have her around here helping out and I hope you’ll join me in making her feel welcome!

On that note, I wanted to do something special to welcome Amanda to P & S. So I set up a little summer shoot with her and made some DIY props that I thought you might be interested in recreating for the last few pool parties before summer comes to a close. Here’s how to make painted summer beach balls…

All you need is a big bouncy ball or beach ball (I picked mine up from Target for $3 a piece), acrylic paint and a paint brush. You can paint directly onto the balls with a message or design. Customize them for pool parties, birthdays, and more. So easy! Note: If you want to use them around water (in the pool or at the beach), you may want add a spray sealant once the paint is fully dry.

Amanda is wearing Rachel Comey heels (similar), a vintage romper + belt, and Karen Walker sunnies.

Modeling by Amanda Toman // Concept, styling and photography by Brittni Mehlhoff 

Looking for more DIY ideas? Click here.