FaveCrafts

1000s of free craft projects, home decor ideas and DIY tips

Best DIY Hair Accessories

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DIY HairLadies, like makeup, we accumulate a ton of hair stuff. Blow dryers, curling irons (of different sizes and shapes because there is a difference between a wand and an iron), hair creme, hair mousse, anti-friz, heat protector, hair spray, bobby pins…and more bobby pins. That doesn’t even cover the hair accessories! I used to rock a pixie cut. In order to “dress it up,” I would put flower barrettes or sparkly clips in my hair. It was super adorable, a lot of times they were difficult to find without going into the kids’ section at the store. Kids get to have all the fun, right? Wrong! Why should you let retail dictate what you get to wear? You should be making your own clips. And you should also be making these easy hair accessories for you and your child. They will save you money and you can cater to your taste.

Personally, I’ve always adored cute headbands. I have very thick, wavy hair that gets unruly pretty quick. These headbands are the best in the business because you get to make them yourself! My favorite is the upcycled scarf because I have so many scarves that I would hate to get rid of, but can’t wear anymore. In the list below, there is a mixture of both kid and adult craft tutorials. I encourage you to check out both kinds because you never know when inspiration will strike! You can adapt each to your own style and preference.

 

Featured Hair Pieces

 

Frozen Elsa HatOkay, so this isn’t quite a hair accessory, it’s a straight up hat, but it is too cute to pass. This Frozen Elsa hat will be a great gift to make for your child who adores the Disney movie. She will love the soft yarn and the long braid that would go perfectly with an Elsa costume. Check out these other Frozen inspired costumes for more cool fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crochet Hair Band

I am constantly on the go. That’s why I love this easy braided headband. It pulls back all the fly-away-hairs and it is adjustable as it gets stretched. These are a 10-minute craft, so you can make one of these DIY headbands in every color.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beach Pebble BarretteAnd then there’s some days where you want to put your hair up, but, you know, society dictates you look put-together at work (who makes these rules), and you want to go half-up, half-down. This barrette craft is a great homemade hair accessory for when you are looking for a statement piece without too much effort.

 

 

 

Check Out More Best DIY Hair Accessories

Frozen Elsa Hat Crochet Pattern

Back to School Hair Bows

Beaded Victorian Hair Comb

Marbled Silk Hair Bands

Frozen DIY Hair Accessories

Frozen Inspired Headband

Sparkly Hair Clips

Frozen Elsa Crown

10-Minute Crochet Headband Pattern

Scrap Fabric Rosette Barrette

Beach Pebble Barrette

Floral DIY Hair Accessories

Scrap Fabric Rosette

Upcycled Scarf Headband

How to Make Hair Accessories

Colorful Braided Headband

What is your favorite hair accessory?

7 Lucky Horseshoe Crafts

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You don’t have to have a western themed home to embrace the horseshoe. Horseshoes are now almost a staple in modern and rustic decor. There are some really talented Etsy sellers that have mastered the art of crafting with horseshoes and I envy them most days! I only have horseshoes from my horseback riding days and finding them at the barn. I also have some vintage horseshoes from my grandfather when he worked on a farm in Wisconsin as a boy. I treasure those horseshoes and I don’t think i could alter them in any way. However, I do plan to look for some horseshoes at antique shops this summer – and you can too!

There is a debate as to which way horseshoes are to be hung in a home. Some say that hanging them with the open side upwards keeps all the good luck in the home. If the horseshoe is turned upside down, the luck will fall out, which will bring bad luck to the home. Others seem to say that turning the horseshoe upside down lets all of the luck pour out into the home. For me, an upside down horseshoe makes me cringe!

With St. Patrick’s Day coming up and my love of horseshoes and anything related to horses, I’ve gathered up 7 Lucky Horseshoe Crafts we can all try. Similar to the horseshoe debate, there is also the “lucky” debate between four leaf clovers and three leaf clovers. Growing up, I always knew that finding a four leaf clover was next to impossible – but after hours in a field at day camp, I finally found one. But if you’re Irish (and I am a little bit Irish), you know that the three leaf clover is the traditional symbol, the shamrock. People tend to get hot-headed over this difference for some reason. I promise you, no matter which way you hang your horseshoe or which clover you like best, there’s lots of good luck to spread around before St. Patrick’s Day!

horsehoe-crafts

  1. Horseshoe Plate Holder from Elizabeth Jones Designs
  2. A Wee St. Pat’s Pallet Sign from Fynes Designs
  3. Horseshoe Candle Holder from Simply Country Life
  4. Lucky Horseshoe Pallet Sign from Fynes Designs
  5. Good Luck Horseshoes from Texas Craft House
  6. Lucky Golden Horseshoe Sign from French Knots
  7. Horse Shoe Photo Frame from Cut Out + Keep

 

 Horseshoes up or down? Three leaves or four?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Color Blocking and Upcycled Clothing Ideas

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9 Ways to Transform Old T-Shirts

Color blocking is slated to come back in full force over the next few months. As the sun comes out and our world gets just a bit brighter, our clothes should be doing the same. Color blocking is an amazing way to wear bright, stunning colors while still looking chic. Plus, many color blocking pieces are extremely flattering and slimming. Mostly black pieces can really help you look trim and adding color blocking to those pieces means you do not have to sacrifice flair. Whether you are looking for a color block dress pattern or searching for a DIY t-shirt reconstruction, one of these 9 Color Blocking and Upcycled Clothing Ideas will surely become a staple in your already fantastic wardrobe.

I personally love color blocking on clothes. It never really goes out of a style and always looks timeless and vintage. One of my favorite dresses in my closet is a mod color blocked dress that features big splashes of blue. Plus, color block pieces are so simple that you can pretty much pair them with anything. If you like big jewelry, you can go totally 80s with chunky, costume jewelry. If you are more of a subtle girl, you can wear a simple pearl necklace with a color blocked piece to look like a sassy Audrey Hepburn.

I have compiled these particular projects together because they combine my love of color blocking and bright colors with my love of t-shirt reconstruction. Many of these mod and fab pieces are created by upcycling t-shirts and other clothing. I just love to be able to give new life to an old piece. It saves you money and gives you a sassy new wardrobe in the process.

15 Minute Tuxedo SkirtColor Block Dress and Skirt Projects

Refashioned 1960s Mod Dress
Color Block T-Shirt Dress
Tank Top Make Over Dress
15 Minute Tuxedo Skirt (Pictured left)
How to Make a Skirt Longer
Party-Ready Jersey Dress Tutorial

 

Thrifty Refashioned Infinity ScarfOther Color Block Upcycled Projects

Thrifty Refashioned Infinity Scarf (Pictured right)
Draped Color Block Tee
Color Block DIY Pants

 

 

What other 60s trend do you wish would come back in full force?

Save That Fancy Frame For This DIY Decor Project

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This tutorial is brought to you by Latrice Murphy for Any Occasion.

Chalkboards are all the rave right now and making them has become my new DIY favorite. I found this amazing gold frame at my local thrift shop for just $3! It’s about 24” X 18” and chunky. It just needed a good cleaning and a backing of some kind. Which made me think … CHALKBOARD!

Materials:

  • Vintage or thrifted frame
  • Plywood
  • Hot glue gun
  • Chalkboard spray paint (I use Rustoleum brand)
  • Table saw or other cutting tool
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Staple gun and staples

 

Instructions:

Give your frame a good cleaning by just wiping it down with warm soapy water.

Have your plywood cut down. (My husband does this for me if he’s home)

Give your plywood two or three coats of chalkboard spray paint and let dry between each coats (at least 15 minutes).

When it is totally dry, turn your frame over and hot glue all around the four sides.

Next, you want to let that hot glue cool and them using your staple gun with at least ½” staples. Staple all around the four sides as well.

Season your chalkboard by rubbing a piece of chalk vertically all over and then horizontally. This will prevent any ghosting or shadowing when you’re ready to write.

Find ideas on Pinterest and other places around the web for chalkboard art and have fun.

 

I haven’t quite decided on what to write on mine yet. I’ll be sure to share it over on my blog when I do. This chalkboard will be the one that is up most of the year and the wording will change with the seasons. Thanks for stopping by. This was a fun and quick DIY. I hope you go out hunting for a great deal to create this project, too.

 

Link Love: Chevron Crafts

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Chevron is one trend that just won’t go away … and there’s nothing wrong with that! Those little squiggles seem to be popping up everywhere – from clothing designs to decor motifs. You can also add chevrons to knit and crochet patterns for added texture and dimension.  This is a simple design that anyone can replicate on their own, making it a fantastic choice for beginning crafters.

I like chevron because it can be seamlessly added to almost any craft project. I have a ton of bobby pins lying around, so DIY Bobby Pin Earrings seem like the perfect craft. You can add a chevron design using acrylic paint or nail polish – talk about an easy jewelry craft! I also love the look of Neon Chevron Cards. Why spend money on generic greetings when you can make these bright and sunny cards? You won’t believe how easy it is to create the intricate designs featured on each of these cards. If you’re more comfortable with a crochet hook, never fear – there are plenty of ways to add chevrons to your favorite crochet projects. Start working on a Crochet Chevron Table Setting now so you can use the pieces all winter long. Knitters, don’t think we forgot about you! A Chevron Scarf is a beginner friendly pattern that makes a great gift for the holiday season!

Chevrons have never been more popular, so now is the time to get in on the trend! Experiment with colors and sizes – you can’t go wrong with this simple yet striking design.

  1. Chevron Paper Garland from My Sister’s Suitcase
  2. Gold Placemat from Ruffled
  3. Chevron Glitter Vanity Tray from Craft A Doodle Do
  4. Mixed Metal Chevron Necklace from Erin Siegel Jewelry
  5. T-Shirt Chevron Pocket Update from A Bird’s Leap
  6. Gold Chevron Vase from Le Zoe Musings
  7. Party Bags from Pointless Pretty Things
  8. Inspiration Board from This Is Happiness
  9. Ombre Chevron from A Geek In Glasses

Link Love: Lampshade Makeovers

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I’m moving this weekend, which means that I’ve been spending a lot of time at hardware and home decor stores. While I am so excited to decorate my new space, I am also becoming more and more aware that the cutest items often cost a pretty penny. I’m realizing that it’s important to cut corners and save money where I can, so I’ve been looking for new and unexpected DIY ideas to spruce up my new apartment. One trend I’m noticing is upcycled lampshades – crafters are taking old, plain store-bought shades and adding fabric, rope and more. Some people are even getting rid of the lampshade entirely and creating their own lighting from unexpected items like wire and paper plate holders. Either way, these projects are a creative, innovative and inexpensive DIY option!

There are so many ways to upcycle a lampshade and create a stylish home decor piece on the cheap. If you love the look of tie-dye (it’s a huge trend right now), you can create an Indigo Fabric Flower Lampshade. While you’re at it, be sure to cut out muslin flowers to stick on to the lampshade! Show off your colorful side and make a Scrap Ribbon Lampshade. This is a great excuse to dip into your supply stash and use up those old scraps.  Another fun way to upcycle fabric is by creating a Casual T-Shirt Rosette Lampshade. The pretty florals add a cool and unexpected look and texture.

If you want to change the look of your space, stay at home and makeover a lampshade. You don’t have to drop a ton of money on supplies, either. As these home decor projects show, scraps, old t-shirts and paint can certainly come in handy. Get creative and experiment – you’re sure to love the results.

  1. No-Sew Fabric Lampshade Makeover from Jacque Lynn Steves
  2. Paint Sample Lampshade from Marie Oh Marie
  3. Rope Lampshade from Blog a la Cart
  4. Fabric Rosette Lampshade from A Swell Place to Dwell
  5. Fabric Scraps Lampshade from The 36th Avenue
  6. Gilded Lampshade from Eclectically Vintage
  7. Industrial Lampshade from Tara Dennis
  8. Paper Plate Holder Lampshade from My Pondokkie
  9. Lampshade From Paper Circles from Tally’s Treasury

Save Big, Craft More: Use Upcycled Materials for Your Next DIY Project

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This post is brought to you by Mary Egan of Craft Foxes.

 

We all know that times are tough and you can’t always afford to buy new crafting materials or supplies. But never fear – there are crafting supplies and opportunities right under your nose! Your teacup collection can become a new dessert stand and old sweaters can become smart accent pillows for the couch. The possibilities are endless when you start to view everything through the lens of upcycling. Upcycling is a great way to create new and exciting items out of things you already own and may not use. Here are four fun upcycling crafts that might just spark your innovative side.

This book purse is one of the most popular upcycled craft ideas. It may pain some bibliophiles to dismember their favorite stories, but this is a great way to show your appreciation of the written word and display your crafting skills. For this craft, you’ll need an old book, some fabric to line the inside of your handbag, glue, a utility knife, and a sewing machine. It’s a great craft for book lovers of any age, but also a great craft for teens. Use this craft as an opportunity to teach them that they can make their own fun and unique handbags without spending a great deal of money.

Let’s face it—we all have t-shirts lying around that could use some jazzing up. Rather than leaving that blank, white t-shirt all crumpled at the back of your dresser drawer, why not upcycle it and create a whole new piece of clothing? This cool, DIY t-shirt design can be done simply with some fabric paint and the eraser on a pencil. Simply dip your eraser into the paint and begin creating a pattern you’d like on your T-shirt. Create any shape or design — it’s up to you! For more great upcycling ideas, check out 11 Creative T Shirt Crafts for Kids and Teens on FaveCrafts.

Visit CraftFoxes for more information on how to upcycle an old T-shirt!

Teacups are a beautiful accessory to keep around the house and you can even use them to create new home decor pieces. For instance, teacups make great candleholders! They can become light fixtures, flower pots, dessert stands or even wall clocks. The great thing about teacups is that they come as ready-made crafting pieces. They already have gorgeous designs on them—all they need to add is your imagination. Once you’ve finished creating a Teacup Candleholder, create a Teapot Flowers Topiary for your table.

At the end of winter, you might find that you have some sweaters that no longer fit you, or you simply don’t like the look anymore. Here is a fun and frugal way to recycle those sweaters and create a pretty patchwork accent for a couch or armchair. You’ll need to cut your sweaters into eighteen 7-inch squares to cover a 20-inch square pillow form. Simply sew the squares to the pillow and you’ve got a great new piece with which to decorate your home. Still in the mood to create? Check out another creative tutorial for Recycled Sweater Throw Pillows.

 

Have you tried any upcycled crafts lately? What did you make?

Upcycled Camera Strap Cover Tutorial Plus Earth Week Giveaway!

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It’s amazing what you can do with leftover materials lying around your house. Your closet, for example, is a treasure trove of material perfect for refashion projects. This Earth Week, celebrate by creating upcycled projects that are totally simple to make and useful. Reusing fabric and material you have on hand will not only help you make awesome new projects, it will help reduce your carbon footprint. FaveCrafts is happy to offer up crafty ideas that will inspire you to create with the earth in mind!

Day five of our special Earth Week celebration includes a tutorial for an Upcycled DSLR Camera Strap Cover. With just a few supplies and these easy steps, you can make yourself a lovely little cover free of a heavy price tag.  And since we’re celebrating all things Mother Earth, this project calls for shirt material you already own. It’s time to reduce, reuse and refashion with our friend Calley, from The Eco Chic.

Upcycled DSLR Camera Strap Cover

upcycled-camera-strap-cover-tutorialMaterials:

  • Scissors
  • Measuring tape
  • Sewing machine
  • Pins
  • Fabric measuring approx. 27”X8”
  • Optional: Padding and/or extra fabric for lens pocket

materialsInstructions:

Step 1: Cut a piece of fabric approx. 27”X8” and option lens pocket (to desired size).

Step 2: Place the lens pocket in place at one end of the fabric (on half of the fabric only). Sew around 3 sides of pocket leaving the top open.

lens-pocket

Step 3: If you prefer a padded strap you can add the padding to the back at this time. Hem both ends (the 8” width) of the strap cover about 1/2”.

Step 4: Fold the 27” length in half with fronts facing each other and pocket on the inside (it should be folded to approx 27”X4” at this time). Using your lens cap as a guide, measure the desired width and pin both sides of the strap cover. Sew along the length of the fabric being sure to leave the short ends open on each end.

Step 5: Trim the edges and flip so that the right-side of the fabric is now facing out with the pocket at the bottom of one end. Iron flat and feed your camera strap through the cover.

Step 6: You are now a trendy photographer! When taking pictures you’ll never lose your lens cap again because it will be stored safely inside the pocket. Depending on how wide your pocket, you may be able to fit your cell phone in the pocket also.

upcycled-camera-strap-cover-tutorial

Note: The sample shown here was not padded but some photographers prefer padded straps. Also, adding elastic to each hemmed end will help keep your strap cover in place.

About the author: Calley is an eco-junkie and mom of 2. I love crafting with repurposed or upcycled materials and have recently taken up photography along with my numerous other hobbies. For more upcycled crafting projects please visit my blog The Eco Chic.

Earth Week Giveaway

Return daily to comment on the blog for your chance to win one of the two Earth Week prizes. One lucky winner will win a Wool Felt Bug Kit and an Art Journal Kit from Arterro, and another lucky winner will win two hanks of At the Bahamas: Multi Colored Recycled Sari Silk Ribbon Yarn from Darn Good Yarn.

Bonus! As a gift to all Earth Week participants, when shopping with Arterro enter the coupon code FAVE20 for 20% off any order through May 1st.

Art journal kit Upcycled Chair with Yarn Plus Earth Week Giveaway!Wool Felt Bug Kit Upcycled Chair with Yarn Plus Earth Week Giveaway!hanks of yarm Upcycled Chair with Yarn Plus Earth Week Giveaway!

OFFICIAL RULES

  • There is a maximum of one entry per person per day. The entry will be based upon a comment left on this blog post. Duplicate comments will be deleted and are not tallied. You can comment once a day on each blog post.
  • Winners will be selected at random from the comments on the Earth Week blog posts.
  • Winners will be announced here on the blog on April 29th as well as contacted by the email address provided.
  • You have until April 28th, 2013 at 11:59p EST to leave your comment on any of the Earth Week posts. Comments posted after that will not be counted.
  • Contest open to anyone 18+ in US and/or Canada.

What’s the most creative thing you’ve made with an old shirt?

 

 

 

 

Upcycled Chair with Yarn Plus Earth Week Giveaway!

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One way to cut down on the waste cluttering our planet is to use what you already have in your house or that you can easily get, but you also don’t have to fill your house with old things.  Upcycled crafts are the perfect way to renew and reuse things that you might think are out of style or useless.  Giving a used item a makeover is a fun way to exercise your creativity, save some money, and show respect for our planet.  Today, FaveCraft.com’s celebration of our lovely blue planet continues with another innovative, Earth-friendly craft.

*This contest is now over. Please enjoy the free tutorial below.

Day three of Earth Week brings us to a fantastic tutorial involving a chair.  Nicole from Darn Good Yarn walks us through the surprisingly easy process of giving an old chair a new look.  With a couple of simple materials you can create a fun and funky chair for your household.

 

Refurbish An Old Chair With Yarn

 

Refurbished-Chair

Materials:

  • 4.5 skeins of 4-ply Sari Ribbon Rope
  • 1 Reclaimed Silk Scarf
  • Scissors
  • Glue

Instructions:

1. Cut the yarn into strips and tie them where you want them. For my chair, I wrapped the yarn around the chair legs and tied them, then tacked it down with a dab of glue.

2. I popped off the seat cushion and reupholstered it with one of my Reclaimed Silk Scarves. You can also re-foam the chair if you need to.

Close-Up-Chair

Thanks again to Nicole from Darn Good Yarn for allowing us to share this tutorial!

 Easiest Yarn Wrapped Spring WreathLooking for more ways to use yarn and ways to refurbish other items in your home? You’re in luck!

Earth Week Giveaway

Return daily to comment on the blog for your chance to win one of the two Earth Week prizes. One lucky winner will win a Wool Felt Bug Kit and an Art Journal Kit from Arterro, and another lucky winner will win two hanks of At the Bahamas: Multi Colored Recycled Sari Silk Ribbon Yarn from Darn Good Yarn.

Bonus! As a gift to all Earth Week participants, when shopping with Arterro enter the coupon code FAVE20 for 20% off any order through May 1st.

OFFICIAL RULES

  • There is a maximum of one entry per person per day. The entry will be based upon a comment left on this blog post. Duplicate comments will be deleted and are not tallied. You can comment once a day on each blog post.
  • Winners will be selected at random from the comments on the Earth Week blog posts.
  • Winners will be announced here on the blog on April 29th as well as contacted by the email address provided.
  • You have until April 28th, 2013 at 11:59p EST to leave your comment on any of the Earth Week posts. Comments posted after that will not be counted.
  • Contest open to anyone 18+ in US and/or Canada.

What is your favorite way to upcycle items?

 

15 Eco-Chic Jewelry Projects for Earth Day (and Every Day!)

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We’ve all heard the “reduce, reuse, recycle” mantra, right? Well we’re giving that old incantation a bit of an update… Get ready to “revamp, repurpose, and revitalize” with these eco-chic DIY jewelry projects! In honor of Earth Day, we at AllFreeJewelryMaking are pulling together some of our all-time favorite jewelry tutorials using recycled materials. “Go green” and get gorgeous with these Earth-friendly and fashion-forward DIY jewelry ideas. Not only will you save some trash from the landfill, but you’ll save yourself a bit of money by upcycling materials you already have at home into fresh and fabulous DIY jewelry.

 

Instead of going to the craft store the next time you need jewelry supplies, you’ll be heading to your favorite fast food restaurant after you see this DIY idea. Would you have guessed this Golden Neon Pyramid Necklace was made from drinking straws, paper, and paint? Bet you’ll think twice before tossing that fountain drink in the trash. Give yourself an excuse to swing by the drive-thru of your favorite burger joint by putting this knockout statement necklace on your “to-do” list.

 

poptabbracelet

 

Make a bracelet that really pops with this cool recycled bracelet project. Different versions of this DIY Pop Tab Bracelet have been popping up all over the blogosphere, but this one from Taking Off At Nine is really top notch. The pink satin ribbon gives it an ultra feminine touch and adds some softness to the silvery tabs. So cheap and easy to make!

 

 

Doing some redecorating? You might as well redecorate your wardrobe while you’re at it with this Paint Chip Petal Necklace project. Save those leftover paint chips the next time you’re giving your home a fresh coat and turn those colorful scrap cards into your next necklace creation. You can add a splash of color to your walls and your outfit all at once.

 

plasticbottleearrings

 

Got the itch to make some earrings? We prescribe this tutorial for Jewelry Made from Recycled Plastic Bottles to relieve your jewelry making urges. Poppy from Poppy’s Money Tree House is clearly doing her part to save our planet with these clever recycled jewelry designs. Use a prescription bottle to get the amber effect shown here, or use any empty plastic bottle you have lying around to create your own version of this project.

 

 

 

Not all repurposed jewelry projects have to come from the recycling bin. This 6-Minute Upcycled Necklace revamps an old piece of jewelry into something fresh and fun. Give new life to those old forgotten bead bracelets lying listlessly at the bottom of your jewelry box, or revitalize some retro accessories picked up from a second-hand shop. All you need is a few beads to make simple and sweet necklaces like the one shown here.

 

 

These jewelry projects prove that you can be elegant and environmentally conscious all at once. If you’re looking for even more ways to save the Earth and some cash while crafting, check out Chic Recycled Crafts: 10 Recycled Jewelry Tutorials to find a roundup of our top 10 most popular recycled jewelry projects on AllFreeJewelryMaking.com, as chosen by our readers. Go glam and go green at the same time with these Earth-friendly ideas.

Have you ever used recycled or upcycled items in a craft or jewelry project? Tell us about it!

 

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Jewelry

Knitting

Paper

Sewing

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