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Welcome Trick or Treaters

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Welcome Trick or Treaters 9833

When it comes to Halloween Decorating, I’m not one to go all out.

Usually a couple of jack-o-lanterns and that’s it.  (I’m pretty low-key)

How do you Welcome Trick or Treaters?

I remember the year my oldest decided that he was too old for trick or treating…

He dressed up in costume… sat in the chair on the porch with a big bowl of candy to pass out.

He sat very, very still.

All the kids thought he was a decoration.

When they’d start to reach and grab the candy he’d scare them.

As I was walking down our street from taking my daughter Trick or Treating that night,

we were warned about the house on the end of the street.

I think that might of been his favorite Halloween.

black craft frame

Deflecto Craft Frame, Black Border, 8.5 x 11 Inches (69775CR)

My “Welcome Trick or Treaters” sign was made using a large frame from Deflecto Craft Solutions

and computer graphics.

The bat and pumpkin chipboard was old K & Company embellishments.

deflecto logo

"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."

My Friend the Ghost

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Happy Halloween Mr. Boo 9065

Meet Mr. Boo, my newest Halloween Decoration.

I had all Mr. Boo’s parts finished when my Grandson showed up the other day.

I thought I’d let him help me decide what face Mr. Boo should end up with.

(he likes stuff like that)

To him it was like a game of Mr. Potato Head.  (actually… we all had fun with it)

The Many Faces of Mr. Boo 2

Angry?  Surprised?  Confused?  Happy?

So many looks for one little ghost.

And… before you say it, yes, he does look a little like a Pac Man Ghost.

Smoothfoam Ghost Parts 9045

To Make your own Mr. Boo you’ll need:          (*affiliate link)

Directions:

  1. Trace and cut a ghost shape on the Smoothfoam Sheet using the Hot Wire Foam Cutter*or cutting knife.
  2. Cut the 2″ ball in half to use for the eyeballs.
  3. Paint the ghost shape and the eyeballs with white acrylic paint.
  4. Mix the black and white paint together to create a light grey paint.  Paint around the ghost shape to create a shadow.
  5. Glue buttons on the top of the eyeballs.
  6. Glue eyeballs onto ghost.
  7. Paint eyebrows and mouth using black acrylic paint or cut pieces out of black cardstock and glue onto ghost.
  8. I added magnet to the back of my ghost so it will stick to my metal front door.

The Many Faces of Mr. Boo

The Many Faces of Mr. Boo

This project was created for and sponsored by Smoothfoam.

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!

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Making a Playhouse Banner with oly*fun

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Making a Playhouse Banner with Oly Fun 9634My grandson Nicholas is celebrating his 5th birthday in just a few days.  (but who’s counting?)

He’s having two parties this Saturday.  One for the kids and the other for family.

Such a lucky little guy.  (Born on his Daddy’s birthday.)

Since the family party is at his house, I had an idea to make a bright colorful banner to decorate

the new playhouse.

I had recently received a selection of oly*fun to work with and thought it would be perfect to use.

It was super easy to put together.

Playhouse 9651

What exactly IS oly*fun? 

oly*fun is a specially engineered material that features some of the best things about fabrics AND

papers.  Easy to cut or die-cut and it will not fray.  It is great for outdoors

Supplies 9625

 Here’s what I used:

Supplies 9631

Directions:

  1. Stencil the check pattern using the black acrylic paint on the orange oly*fun.
  2. Create a banner pattern on cardstock.
  3. Cut out the banner pattern and trace onto the stenciled oly*fun.
  4. Trace and cut several banners out of the black and green oly*fun.
  5. Cut strips and circles to decorate the banners.  Glue onto banner with Fabri Tac Glue.
  6. Fold top of the banner and staple onto the piece of twine.
  7. Tie the banner onto the top of the playhouse and watch the kids play.

Playhouse 9644

A Special Thanks to Fairfield World for generously providing the oly*fun for this project.

 

Creating a Garden Stepping Stone

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Creating a Garden Stepping Stone 08274

Every one in my family thinks of me when they see Red Toile dishes.

It’s my thing.  (one can never have too many right?)

So… when my daughter saw a set of Red Toile dishes on clearance for $25 at her local thrift store

she immediately called me to see if I wanted them.   (um, yes!)

While packing the car for their visit home, my son in law picked up the box to rearrange the car

and the bottom fell out.  Most of the dishes survived.  Five of the large plates did not.

Broken China 08190

Deciding to turn lemons into Lemonade…

I kept the broken plates to make a few garden stones.

Nick and I making Garden Stones 2

I enlisted the help of my little buddy.  He was eager to lend a hand.  (with gloves of course)

Laying out the pieces in the pan 8187

Creating a Garden Stepping Stone:

  • Cover the sides and bottom of an old cake pan with Petroleum Jelly for easy removal.
  • Arrange the pieces of the broke china pattern side down in the bottom of the pan.  Make sure to use the flattest pieces.
  • Add glass stones in between the pieces for added color and interest.

Smoothing out the cement 8199

  • Mix a quick setting cement according to the directions on the package.
  • Fill pan with cement approx. an 1″ thick.
  • Shake pan a little to fill in the gaps and smooth.
  • Allow a couple hours for the stones to set.
  • Remove stepping stones from the pans and clean excess cement from the top of the stones with a stiff wire brush and water.
  • Allow a few days for the cement to cure before sitting outside in your garden.

close up of stone 8267

*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.

my flowers 8329

Any content on this website is created for inspiration purposed only.  Creating with my suggested methods, products used, and tools is under your own risk.

 

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Etched Family Frame

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Etched Family Frame 09191

Whenever I get a chance…

Whenever they’re all home together…

I try to get a family picture.

It only seems to happen a few times per year.

When we’re all together, there’s so much excitement, talking and laughter that I  forget.

Like this summer, after swimming and naps….

I set up the tri-pod, gathered the kids and set up the self timer.

(it’s always good for a few laughs)  All 18 eyes were open,

all those who were running away were captured and everyone was looking.

Phew… not an easy task.  But always worth it in the end.

It was starting to get dark, so the picture’s not as clear as I’d like it.

I decided to print it in black and white and put it in a simple black frame.

Family close up 09196

To capture the sentiment of the picture I etched the word “family” on the glass.

Etched Frame Supplies 08943

Etched Family Frame Products Used:               (*affiliate links)

Directions:

  1. Remove glass from frame.  Clean glass to remove all dirt, fingerprints and oil.  Dry with a coffee filter, paper towel, or lint-free cloth.
  2. Apply “Family” stencil to glass.  Burnish the edges of the stencil.  You want to make sure no edges are coming up.
  3. Mask around the stencil with removable painters tape for extra surface protection.
  4. Apply a heavy coat of etchall® etching crème to the masked area of the stencil.
  5. Leave etching crème on design for 15 minutes.  After etching time has elapsed, use the squeegee to return the crème back into the original container for later re-use.
  6. Rinse etched surface with hot water to remove any remaining crème. Remember to keep crème away from porcelain sinks or ceramic tiles.
  7. To make the etched letters stand out more, apply picket fence distress paint over the letters.  Wipe surrounding area of the glass clean.

Poof and he's gone

and for your viewing pleasure…

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*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!

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Preserving Summer Memories

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Summer Layout 9108

I’m holding on to Summer as long as I can.

This summer Nicholas learned how to swim the entire length of the pool without the aid

of a floatie and he learned how to float on his back.

Warren learned how to jump off the side of the pool.

Pretty impressive when you consider they’re only 4 and 1 1/2.

Nicholas loves the water, we call him a polar bear because it doesn’t matter how

cold the water is.

Yesterday… we had our last pool party of the season.  Thanks to a little 95º heat wave.

I’m going to miss summer.

My Summer Layout uses:

  • Simple Stories Collections: Summer Vibes and Freedom
  • Bo Bunny’s Boardwalk

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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!

How to Etch a Mason Jar…

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I love the look of daisies in old blue canning jars.  It just says summertime.

It’s simple, beautiful and it makes me happy.

I recently got the opportunity to work with a new product, etching crème from Etchall®.

While looking around for something to etch, I noticed the daisies sitting on the table.

Hmmm…Wouldn’t that look great with a etched flower and a greeting?

It’s a super simple project.  (just how I like it)

Here’s what you’ll need:                                   (*affiliate link)

Shop Your Fav Brands at Scrapbook.com

Directions:

  1. Clean jar to remove all dirt, fingerprints and oil.  Dry with a coffee filter, paper towel, or lint-free cloth.
  2. Apply Stencils to jar.  Burnish the edges of the stencil.  You’ll want to make sure no edges are coming up.
  3. Mask around the stencil with removable painters tape for extra surface protection.
  4. Apply a heavy coat of etchall® etching crème to the masked area of the stencil.
  5. Leave etching crème on design for 15 minutes.  After etching time has elapsed, use the squeegee to return the crème back into the original container for later re-use.
  6. Rinse etched surface with hot water to remove any remaining crème. Remember to keep crème away from porcelain sinks or ceramic tiles.

Mason Jar with Stencils 8839Mason Jar with Stencils and Masks 08841Mason Jar with Etching Creme 8842

             Step #2                                        Step #3                                      Step #4

The etched flower looks subtle against the water in the blue jar.   

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

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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!

      

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Crafting with Office Supplies

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crafting with office supplies 2 07793

When you think of crafting do you ever think office supplies?

Would you believe…

the “be happy” sign, which is now sitting happily on my fireplace mantel,

started out as a office name plate holder

A few stickers, chipboard letters, washi tape and voila a happy little reminder.

There are surfaces everywhere just waiting to be embellished.

Name plate 2

Deflecto Interior Image Sign Holder, 8.5 x 2 Inches, Nameplate (89105) (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.”

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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!

Colorful Chalkboard Frame for Kids and grownups

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Funky Pallet Frame 8798

A simple paint and stencil project, fun for kids or grown ups.

I decided to finish painting this colorful Rustic Pallet Frame* that I started working on

yesterday evening.  As the name suggests, the frame is rustic and somewhat rough.

Because I was planning on stenciling on it…  I sanded the front of the frame to make it smoother.

I wasn’t worried about making it completely smooth.

The Colorful Chalkboard Frame would be a great project to make with the kiddos.

Funky Pallet Frame painted 8792

Directions to make the Colorful Chalkboard Frame:

  1. Sand the front of the frame.
  2. Paint the frame with white acrylic paint.
  3. Paint the top of each pallet section with different acrylic colors.  Sort of a modified rainbow.
  4. Because the stencil had four unique patterns, I decided each color needed its own pattern.
  5. Mask off each section of the wood before stenciling.
  6. Stencil using a stipple brush and white acrylic paint.
  7. Allow to dry completely
  8. To mute to colors:  Lightly sand the frame with a sanding block.  (optional)
  9. For an added sheen:  Apply clear crème wax to front of frame, allow to sit for one hour and buff.
  10. I added a small chalkboard to the inside of the frame.

Funky Pallet Frame Supplies

Supplies Used:                                          (*affiliate link)

*Thanks to Walnut Hollow and DecoArt for providing the materials used on this frame.

For more Summer fun with the kids…click on SIime Ad below.

Slimer

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My Fabulous Thrift Store Make-Over

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I almost passed on this plain 8 drawer cabinet last April while visiting my daughter in Madison.

I didn’t really need it, I have too much stuff, would there be room in the car?  (geez!)

It was sitting there in the Thrift Store for only $8.  They had just put it out that day.

I had to take it home.  (I just had too.)

Stenciling the drawer 8355

As soon as I got it home, I painted it with a couple coats of black paint and gave

it a clear wax coat.  It sat in my office that way for the next four months.

(I’m starting to notice a pattern here.)  Anyway…. I decided that the cabinet needed more.

After receiving these cool number stencil,

Deco Art Americana Decor Stencil, Old World Numbers*    (*affiliate link)

and Whisper Chalky Finish Paint* from DecoArt as part of their Blogger Outreach Program,

I stenciled each drawer 1-8.

To keep the numbers from looking too new or bright, I lightly sanded over the letters with a

extra fine sanding block and applied another coat of clear wax.

Drawer Close Up 8446

My hubby helped me put on these vintage looking drawer pulls I’d found on Etsy.

I spent more than twice as much on the drawer pulls than I did the cabinet.

Black Cabinet 8444

I’m so happy with the way it turned out.  Doesn’t it look beautiful?

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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!