Mr. Elfsnail’s Garden

June 14, 2016May 24, 20172 Comments

This marks the third summer since Nicholas and I started the tradition of creating our

Mini Garden. And…as we exclaim every year… “this one’s our favorite”. (it really is!)

Each year we like to add something new and different for our garden.

It has been noted, that at some point, we may have to get a bigger wagon.

Our Garden has never had an official occupant.

So, this year we added Mr. Elfsnail. (named by Nicholas for obvious reasons)

We picked him up along with a wishing well and a pair frogs at our local Hobby Lobby.

Nick and I (mostly Nick) spent the evening before laying out the garden on the kitchen counter.

We like having a plan and being prepared.

Nick had me outside working on the garden by 7:45 a.m. the next morning.

Have I ever mentioned I’m not a morning person?

For those of you that may not know about our garden, you can read about

the original garden here.

For our garden…we start with an old broken rusty wagon.

After arranging the fence and arbor, Nick quickly set off to work adding a new water feature

using a small, round, black dish (from a microwave desert) into the dirt.

Now that he’s five and a very confident gardener….he didn’t need any help placing the plants.

The “plan” was to add a small path to the new wishing well using crushed shells.

And because more is always better… MORE CRUSHED SHELLS.

It’s starting to look a little more like a beach.

We added cocoa bean shells around the plants to make it looks nice. (love the smell)

N ♥ S

That just warms my heart.

Even though it should be Nick loves Grandma instead of Nick loves Sue.

(Maybe he named the frogs after us?)

Nick loved adding water to the wishing well and making sure it worked.

admiring the garden

Our Finished Garden.

This really is such a fun project to do with kids.

You don’t need anything fancy to use for a container.

And you know what? I enjoy making it as much as him and maybe even more.

It’s important to take time and do something together. (Planting the gardening seed.)

Making memories… My buddy and me.

For more summer fun… click on ad below ↓

Disclaimer: This blog uses ads and affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog. Thanks for your support!

Join Amazon Kindle Unlimited 30-Day Free Trial

Craft Sticks… not just for Kids!

June 8, 2016May 11, 2020Leave a comment

Craft Sticks for Grown-ups?

Who knew the craft medium we used as kids could produce a grown-up look.

I was messing around one day, looking for something different to stencil on.

Inspired by my favorite “Fixer Upper” show, I decided to create my own mini shiplap.

The projects below are the result of my “playtime”.

This one’s for anyone who loves Americana, old signs, topography and the look of old shiplap.

Or for anyone who loves playing with wood craft sticks.

How to make the Americana Sign: (*Amazon Affiliate Links)

12 Wood Sticky Sticks with Adhesive Tips*
Decoart Americana Decor Stencil American Tribute*
DecoArt Americana Multi-Surface Satin Acrylic Paint: Night Sky*, Dark Scarlet*, Cotton Ball*
Red Twine*
Deco Art Americana Decor Angle Flat Brush, 1-Inch* and Stencil Brush*
Craft Glue*>
Drill
Fine Sandpaper or Sanding Sponge*
Removable Painters Tape*

Finished Size: 6” x 6”

*Disclosure: This blog uses ads and affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog. Thanks for your support!

Directions:

Create a sign by gluing together 8 tongue depressors on the front and 4 tongue depressors on the back.
Paint both sides of the sign with blue paint.
Using select sections of the stencil, tape stencil in place using removable painters tape.
Using a stencil brush, dip just the tip of your brush into the paint. Tap off excess paint before applying to prevent the paint from seeping under the edges of the stencil.
Apply paint with stencil brush in a straight up and down motion called stippling.
Drill small hole in the top corners and insert red twine to use as a hanger.
Optional Step: For a distressed look, lightly sand the edges of the sign with extra fine sand paper.

Here’s a project I did a few years ago using a product called sticky sticks.

The paint and stencils used in these projects were sponsored by DecoArts.

Shop Amazon Scrapbooking Supplies*

Happy Summer Frame

June 3, 2016February 9, 2023Leave a comment

I’m really starting to love this new summer schedule.

Everything seems a little more laid back.

I feel like I’m getting lazier by the minute.

But honestly, I’ve been busier this week than I have in a while.

This week has been full of gardening, cooking out, a couple of really cold dips in the pool,

movies, shopping, a soft ball game and to end out the week…

dance recitals and a retirement party.

And… I don’t want to miss a thing.

Summertime really is Memories just waiting to happen.

In case your wondering…

The Happy Summer Frame was made using clear acrylic frames from Deflecto Craft Solutions

and the “Echo Park Collection Kit 12″”X12″”-Happy Summer”*.

(affiliate link)

“This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Deflecto Design Team I have been
provided product in exchange for my creative ideas, views and opinions.”

Join Amazon Kindle Unlimited 30-Day Free Trial

Americana Ribbon Wreath

May 25, 2016May 22, 20186 Comments

How to Create a Americana Ribbon Wreath…

I’ve been concentrating a lot on sprucing up my front porch for Summer.

To complete the look, my front door needed a fresh fun new wreath.

I created a Summer themed Americana Wreath using one of the ruled wreaths* from Smoothfoam. (*affiliate link)

Smoothfoam Ruled Wreaths make design and layout easy.

They molded lines and numbers into the foam to make design and layout simple.

Even on one side, odd on the other.

The wreaths come in several sizes… 8″, 10″, 12″, 14″.

Proudly Made in the USA

How to make the Americana Ribbon Wreath

I used the 14″ ruled wreath.
Glue one end of the ribbon down onto the foam wreath and wrap the ribbon tightly around the first section. Glue second end of the ribbon in place before starting second color. (I used Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive* to glue my ribbon in place.)
Using a thin floral wire, wire the small floral stems onto the base of the wreath.
Glue larger flowers and leaves onto the wreath over the wire.
Add large stemmed butterfly and ribbon to hang.

So many possibilities.

The Americana Wreath was sponsored by Smoothfoam™, the crafter’s foam.

Join Amazon Kindle Unlimited 30-Day Free Trial

New Use for an Old Basket

May 16, 2016March 29, 20181 Comment

Need a quick front porch project…

Got any old baskets lying around the house?

I’m a total sucker when it comes to baskets. (a basket case one might say)

I’ve got quite the collection, I use them all over the house.

During my Spring Cleaning…this basket was headed for the trash when I decided to

repurpose it. I love the look of flowers in baskets. I had nothing to lose.

I can always throw it away later if it doesn’t wear well this summer. (look at how rough it is)

I gave the handle of the basket a quick fix with some craft glue held together with a binder clip.

I used a thin grocery store bag to line the basket and keep the dirt in place.

You might want to poke a few small holes in the bag for drainage.

Once you’ve filled the basket with dirt, tuck the remaining bag neatly around the sides

of the basket.

My basket will be on a shaded front porch.

I chose flowers that will grow well in shade.

I started with a couple larger pink geraniums and filled with smaller pink impatiens

and purple violas.

TIP: Don’t pack the basket so full that the flowers don’t have room to grow.

Now that Garage Sale season is upon us.

You may want to keep a look out for a cheap basket or two.

That is… if you don’t have any old baskets lying around waiting to be rescued.

Join Amazon Kindle Unlimited 30-Day Free Trial

Mini Floral Wreath

May 13, 2016May 17, 2017Leave a comment

I get some of my best creative inspiration late at night…

I was planning on making a card using these 3-D puffy stickers from Paper House Productions

when a light bulb moment happened and I decided to make a wreath instead.

I’m really happy with the way it turned out, a little different and very easy to make.

Tip: Use a good craft glue to adhere the stickers to the ribbon.

Paper House Productions Stickers Used:

Additional Supplies:

4″ Smoothfoam Wreath
2 yards of sage green satin ribbon
sheer ribbon and button
Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive* (affiliate link)

How to make a Mini Floral Wreath using 3D Puffy Stickers:

Wrap wreath with satin ribbon.
Start with the large pansy flowers and glue evenly around wreath.
Fill in wreath by gluing on the smaller flowers, butterflies and leaves. (The leaves are from the lady bug sticker sheet.)
Tie a thin silver ribbon around wreath to use as a hanger.
Make a bow from the sheer ribbon and glue onto the top of the wreath.

This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Paper House Productions Design Team.

Join Amazon Kindle Unlimited 30-Day Free Trial

DIY Up-cycled Jar…a little trash to treasure

May 9, 2016May 17, 2017Leave a comment

I was about to throw away this inexpensive toothbrush holder

(from IKEA) while cleaning my bathroom, when I got the idea. I’m always looking for items

to use as a base on repurposed projects and thought this was perfect for a quick project.

Inspiration and ideas can be found anytime, anywhere…

even while cleaning your bathroom.

Great Storage or Gift Idea. So many ways to customize using items destined for the trash.

How to make an Up-Cycled Jar…

Materials Used: (affiliate links)

Metal Toothbrush Holder
Grated Cheese Jar with Lid
Old Cabinet Knob
Beacon Glass, Metal & More Glue*
Black Semi-Gloss Spray Paint
Decorative Paper
3M Advanced PinkTape Glider*
Black Chalkboard Label

Directions:

Disassemble toothbrush holder. Set aside the top portion of the holder for future projects.
Paint the bottom of the holder, the lid of the jar and the cabinet knob with black semi-gloss spray paint.
Glue the bottom of the jar to the painted base.
Cut a circle from the decorative paper and adhere it to the top of the lid.
Glue knob onto the center of the lid.
Add chalkboard label to front of the jar.

The DIY Up-cycled Jar was featured in 2016 Craft Ideas Garden Issue. (page 72)

This project was created for and sponsored by Craft Ideas Magazine.

Check out Craft Ideas Magazine for Craft Ideas for Every Occasion, Every Skill Level.

Join Amazon Kindle Unlimited 30-Day Free Trial*

Create a Simple Vase Centerpiece

May 6, 2016January 8, 20234 Comments

Want to make a great impression but don’t have a lot of time?

Here’s a quick and easy centerpiece project for your next party or gathering?

I put together this simple vase using Washi Tape I received from Little B LLC

and an inexpensive dollar store cylinder vase.

TIP: I drew a line with a permanent marker halfway down the vase to use as a starting point to keep everything neat and all my lines straight. Simply wrap the vase with the washi tape. (it’s that easy) It only takes a few minutes to create an elegant look.

Next…I filled it with fresh flowers cut from my garden.

Or pick up a bouquet at the grocery store.

It would be great centerpiece vase for Weddings, Showers or any special gatherings.

It’s a temporary idea with elegant results.

Here’s the list of the Little B Decorative Tape Used:

100435 Silver Foil Black Pin Stripe
100562 Gold Foil Hearts
100047 Blk w/Sm Wht Polka Dots
100443 Gold Foil Toile
100344 Black and White Stripe
100011 Damask Black/White
100563 Gold Foil Love

A Quick and Easy DIY Gift for Her

May 2, 2016May 17, 20171 Comment

Need a quick and easy gift for Mom or that new Grad in your life?

Deflect-O Photo Frame Pencil Cup* (*affiliate link)

This pretty pink pencil cup from Deflecto is cute all by itself.

But add some decorative washi tape, a couple small pieces of decorative paper and

a few random stickers and you have a special gift ready to give.

♥ Make it extra special and add a couple photos of you and her together. ♥

I wish I could tell you where to find this cute pink rosebud washi tape.

My daughter gave it to me as a mother’s day gift a few years ago.

I’m sure with the huge variety of washi tape available you’ll find one just as nice.

If pink’s not your style?

Here’s a project I did last year using Deflecto’s Black pencil cup. ↓

Quick & Easy Washi Tape Make-Over

“This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Deflecto Design Team I have been
provided product in exchange for my creative ideas, views and opinions.”

AD↓

*Disclaimer: This post uses ads and affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog. Thanks for your support!

Join Amazon Kindle Unlimited 30-Day Free Trial

Vintage French Inspired Keepsake Box

April 18, 2016July 11, 2017Leave a comment

Vintage French Inspired Keepsake Box

I am a guest blogger on the Walnut Hollow Blog sharing my Vintage French Inspired Keepsake Box. Make to stop by their blog to check out the full tutorial here.

Supplies Used on the Vintage French Inspired Keepsake Box… (affiliate link)