Spring Bling for your Garden

Spring Bling for your Garden 3640

Add a little Spring Bling to plain boring terra cotta pots.

With Spring Fever setting in, I decided I needed a new flower to perk up the place.

I chose a pretty little African Violet that reminds me of my grandma.

Grandma loved African Violets.

In no time at all, armed with a few simple products, I transformed a boring terra cotta pot into

something sparkly and fun.  Just what I needed.

Spring Bling 3596

 To make my Spring Bling Pot you’ll need:      (*affiliate links)

  1. Start with a 4 1/2″ Terra Cotta Pot painted with black acrylic paint.
  2. Cut Black Damask tissue paper the width of the lower portion of the pot.  Cut the strip into smaller sections.  (my sections were 2 3/4″ x 1 1/2″)
  3. Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to a small section of the pot, add tissue paper and apply another layer of Mod Podge over tissue.
  4. Continue adding tissue sections until the bottom of the pot is covered.
  5. Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge over the top of the pot to give it a nice shiny finish.
  6. Cut a strip from the Black Crystal Sheet to fit around the rim of the pot.
  7. Glue crystal sheet onto rim of the pot.
  8. Glue vintage button over seam for added sparkle.
  • FYI:  I could have used the Weldbond glue shown in the picture above which is a good permanent glue.  But, because of the weight of the crystals I decided to use my Quick Grip glue instead.

Spring Bling 3606  Spring Bling 3607

My Spring Bling Pot was created for and sponsored by Connie Crystal.

connie crystal logo

Disclosure:  I am an Amazon Affiliate.  If you chose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission that helps offset the cost of running this blog.  Thanks for your support!

Mini Desk Calendar

Deflecto Mini Calendar 2976

Today’s project is one of those quick & easy projects that just make me smile.

You can put together this Mini Desk Calendar in just a few minutes.

I started with a 3″ x 4″ clear acrylic frame from Deflecto Craft Solutions

and a Mini Tear Off Calendar from Taylored Expressions.

Along with some left over scrapbook paper from a class I was working on.

And… because the paper is inserted inside the frame you can easily change

it out with the seasons.  You can make the mini desk calendar with the acrylic

frame upright or laying down.  Either one is cute.

Mini Desk Calendar 3029

“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 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!

Make a Lucky Hat for St. Patrick’s Day

Feeling a little Irish? 

Need a Lucky Hat for St. Paddy’s Day?

Using only a few Smoothfoam shapes you can make yourself a Lucky Hat centerpiece

in no time.  A fun centerpiece for all your “GREEN” celebrations.

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

Directions:

  1. Paint 8″ Half Ball and 10″ Disc with English Ivy paint.
  2. Repaint Disc and Half Ball with Kelly Green paint, allowing some of the darker paint to show through.
  3. Paint sides of 8″ Disc with Black paint.
  4. Glue 8″ Disc onto the 8″ Half Ball.
  5. Center and glue onto the  10″ Disc.
  6. For a shiny finish, paint the entire piece with Mod Podge.
  7. To create gold letters, paint the chipboard letters with a gold paint pen.

Have a great day and may the “Luck of the Irish” be with you!

 
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Disclosure:  This post uses affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission that helps offset the cost of maintain this site.  Thanks for your Support!

This project was created for and sponsored by Smoothfoam.

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Cigar Box Washi Tape Holder

How to Make a Cigar Box Washi Tape Holder 2790

Making Creative Storage for my ever-growing collection of Washi Tape.

I have a small, growing collection of Washi Tape.

In addition to all its many uses, I find that they are just pretty to look at.

Previously, I had all my washi tape gathered in a canning jar, although pretty…

I found myself dumping the jar every time I wanted to use one.

Being on a “old drawer” kick, I decided to make a small washi tape holder using an old cigar box.

Materials 2764

I used two sheets of scrapbook paper from Carta Bella’s “Warm & Cozy” collection.

basic supplies:  craft knife, cutting mat, craft glue, double stick tape roller and a metal label holder, black marker.

pieces 2767

To Make a Cigar Washi Tape Holder:

  • Cut the lid off the cigar box.  Measure and cut the lid into two strips to fit inside your box as dividers.
  • Remove excess loose paper from box.
  • TIP:  Use a black permanent marker to color the inside corners of your box.  This will help keep any white from the box from showing.
  • Cover box with scrapbook paper.
  • Adhere paper over both dividers.
  • Apply craft glue onto bottom and sides of dividers and put into place.

empty box 2773

Cigar Box Washi Tape Holder 2808

Add metal label holder and fill with your favorite washi tape.

Vintage Inspired Hearts

 When we think Valentine’s Day we think hearts, right?

These DIY vintage hearts would also make a sweet gift for a special friend

or they could be used as a decoration in a vintage inspired wedding centerpiece.

Hearts are not just for Valentine’s Day.  

 How to make Vintage Inspired Hearts                    (*affiliate link)

*Disclosure:  This blog uses 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:

  1. Cover Smoothfoam Heart with Newsprint paper using glue stick.
  2. Apply a thin coat of cream acrylic paint over heart.  Wipe off excess.
  3. Add Fired Brick Ink to heart using the ink applicator.  Accent the edges of the heart with the Vintage Photo Ink.
  4. Stick small word stickers onto center of heart.
  5. Apply mod podge over heart for added shine.

To make the heart an ornament:

  1. Poke a small hole into the top of the heart.
  2. Fold a 6″ piece of twine in half, thread bead onto twine.  Knot on both sides of the bead to keep in place.
  3. Add small dab of craft glue into hole and insert loose ends of twine.

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

 

Joy Tag with a Cool Metal Foil Technique

Impress your friends with an Easy and Elegant Metal Foil Tape project.

I love this technique and thought you might as well.

Start with a small piece of matboard or chipboard approx. 2″ x 2 1/2″ and chipboard letters spelling the word “Joy”.

Joy Tag products used:            (*amazon affiliate link)

*Disclosure:  This blog uses 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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Directions:

1. Glue letters onto the small chipboard with Beacon Adhesives Zip Dry Paper Glue*.
2. Apply Aluminum Foil Tape* over chipboard. I make the chipboard slightly smaller than the tape so that I don’t have any seams.
3. Using the bone folder, gently go around each letter to bring out the detail.

4. Paint the background with the paint pen. To give it a snowy affect, when
giving a second coat of paint, dot the paint with the tip instead of brushing.
5. Use the pale blue pen to color the letters. Allow both colors to thoroughly
dry.
6. Using a sanding block, lightly sand the letters and edges of the chipboard.
7. For a finishing touch, paint the letters with stickles glitter glue.

The tag also uses:
Prima Flowers (Holiday Celebration Snow Drop)
Vivid Ink: Aqua
Ink Blending Tool*
Scrapbook Paper
Cardstock
Corner Punch, Rounded*
1/8 Inch Round Hole Punch*
Lace, Silver Ribbon and Small Flat Snowflake Ornament
Silver Greenery

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Christmas Ornaments from Old Kitchen Hardware

Old Kitchen Hardware

I picked up a bag of old kitchen hardware for 50¢ at a Garage Sale.

I can’t resist a good bargain and knew I might even use them someday.

After disassembling and using them on a couple of projects,

I put the rest in a container high on the shelf for another day.

 

I ran across them again the other day and had an idea…

How would they look with cream spray paint?

I knew I was onto something and let the idea marinate in my head for a day or two.

This is what I came up with and I’m pretty happy with the results.

Shabby Chic Orn 86

For my Ornament:

  • Paint the base plate from old kitchen hardware with cream spray paint.
  • I added silver around the edge using my finger tip and paint from a  Chisel Point Pen Tip Calligraphy Paint Marker, Silver*    (affiliate link)
  • Remove the small wooden base from a small bottle brush tree.  With small pliers bend the remaining wire tip up into the tree.
  • Cut the back of the bottle brush tree to make it flat.
  • Glue tree in place with Beacon Adhesives Zip Dry.*
  • For a little extra sparkle, I rubbed clear glitter glue into the bristles of the tree.  Glue pearl beads and place directly into tree.
  • On the top of the ornament I used a piece cream twill ribbon with an inexpensive plastic star ornament on a silver jump ring.  Tied it in place with a piece of burlap twine and small cream button.
  • I added a silver jingle bell that I painted and distressed with sandpaper and tied on with a satin ribbon.
  • Place the word sticker onto a thin piece of chipboard, trim around sticker, lightly sand the edges for a distressed look and glue into place.

Berry Ornament 91

Here’s a simpler idea.  I love this one too.

I bet your going to start rummaging through that junk drawer in the garage and see what you can find.

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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!

Holiday Joy

I love using the word “JOY” in my holiday decorating.
It’s one of my favorite words.  Who doesn’t need a little more “JOY” in their life.
The Joy Frame is a Quick and Easy Holiday Home Décor Project.

 

Supplies Needed:                                           (*affiliate link)

Directions:

  1. Remove the backing and glass from an old frame and spray paint it black.  My frame holds an 8 1/2 x 11 picture.
  2. Cut the scrapbook paper to size and add to frame.
  3. Paint the chipboard letters red.
  4. Stencil Snowflake design onto the red letters with cream paint.
  5. Apply a light coat of red paint over the snowflakes.
  6. Antique the letters with Vintage Photo ink and ink applicator.
  7. Glue inside of frame.
  8. Embellish frame with some greenery and a red and cream gingham bow.
Craft Confession:
My original plan was to have cream snowflakes on red letters.  After I got through with the stenciling, I thought the snowflakes looked too bright so I decided to re-paint the letters.   As soon as I put on the first thin layer of paint, I loved the tone on tone result.  Happy Accident!
This project was created for and sponsored by Clear Scraps.

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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!

Updated… A New Look for an Old Snowman

Updated Sock Snowman

Last year at my Holiday Workshop we made cute little snowmen out of socks.

They were a big hit.

But… one thing, I noticed when I pulled mine out again this year,

was that they looked a little misshapen.  More like a kidney bean than a snowman.

That was because I used rice for the entire body.  (the rice settled)

My updated snowmen still uses rice in the bottom, it now has fiberfill in the top

so that it doesn’t loose its shape.

I also decided my Snowman was cold, so I re-purposed an old sock for his sweater.

For more Making More Sock Snowmen Ideas you can find them here.

Here’s What You’ll Need:                    (*affiliate Links)

Here’s how I made my Snowman:

  1. Tea dye a new white sock, crew length or bigger.  Or if you have boys you could use one of their dingy ones.  (It’s better not to use a sock with the grey toe and heel.)
  2. Cut the top of the sock off, right around the heel.  (save that for the hat.)
  3. Turn the sock inside out and attach a rubber-band tightly around the top of the sock.  Because rubber bands wear out with time, I added a good squirt of Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive* (*affiliate link) in and around the rubber band.  (I left the rubber band on)
  4. Turn the sock right side out and fill sock about 1/2 way with rice.
  5. Fill the remaining portion of the sock with Fairfield Poly-Fil Premium Polyester Fiber*
  6. Use an additional rubber-band to close the sock.  Again, I re-enforced the rubber band with glue.
  7. Tie a piece of twine around sock to create the head.
  8. I used mini black square brads for his eyes, the tip of a bamboo skewer colored orange for his nose and a simple sewn black thread for his mouth.
  9. I used some paper craft sprays to add color to the toe of the sock.  I tied the tip with a piece of red and white twine and finished with a bow.  Roll the edge to create a cuff.  I glued my hat to the top of my snowman with Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive*(*affiliate link)
  10. Dress with Snowman with part of an old sock.  Add a couple of buttons for added detail.  A  fringed piece of fabric works great for the scarf.

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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!

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Handmade Holiday: Sew Simple Snowflake Pillow

One of my favorite things to do during the holidays (besides eating Christmas cookies)

is to make things to decorate my home.  My snowflake pillow is a simple sewing project

that makes a warm and cozy winter accent.

You can leave this pillow out long after the holidays are over.

For my Snowflake Pillow I used:                     (*affiliate link)

Directions:

  1. Cut a 4″ x 12″ wavy piece from the cream felt.
  2. Add a small amount of Fabri Tac Glue on the back of the cream felt to keep it in place before sewing.  Place that piece 1/2″ up from the bottom of the grey 13″ piece of felt.
  3. Glue Snowflakes in place.  Hand sew the red buttons in the center.
  4. Machine sew around outer edges of the large cream piece.
  5. Machine sew between each of the snowflake arms.
  6. Turn felt pieces right sides together and sew with a 1/2″ seam allowance.
  7. Leave a 3″ opening at the bottom to add fiberfill.
  8. Turn pillow back around and stuff with fiberfill.
  9. Hand sew the pillow closed.

FYI…You can find die cut snowflakes in my Etsy Shop.

Thanks to the generous folks at Fairfield World for supplying the Poly-Fil.

*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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