How to make a Christmas Tree in a Bottle Necklace

December 20, 2016November 3, 20211 Comment

How to make a Christmas Tree in a Bottle Necklace

I got this idea from a project I’d seen made by Tim Holtz. Of course, I had to find a cheaper way to make it. I’ve seen small bottles like these at Hobby Lobby with the jewelry supplies. (I got mine online.)

Very Important…Make sure the base of the tree is small enough to fit in the top of the bottle.

Materials Used: (*affiliate link)

Mini Glass Bottles with Cork Top*
Small Loop Screw
Necklace
Miniature Bleached Bottle Brush Trees
Distress Ink Reinker, Peeled Paint*
Ranger Inkssentials Mini Misters*
Ranger Stickles Glitter Glue, Diamond
Quick Grip All Purpose Permanent Adhesive
Reverse Grip Tweezers*
Clear Micro Beads* or Glitter
Q-tips Cotton Swab*
Plastic Disposable Gloves*

Dollar Tree-Everything always $1 – Shop Now*

*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!

Directions:

Squirt several drops of peeled paint ink* into the mini mister* and dilute it with water.
Place a bleached bottle brush tree onto a protective surface. Generously spray the tree with the diluted ink. (You may want to wear rubber gloves. I took 3 days until the ink came entirely off my fingers.)
After the tree is dry, rub glitter glue* onto the tree. Allow glitter glue to fully dry before continuing.
Apply a small bit of all-purpose adhesive* onto the end of the Q-tip. Insert the Q-tip into the bottle and add the glue to the bottom center of the bottle.
Using the reverse grip tweezers, insert the tree into the bottle, and stick onto the glue.
Pour glitter or micro beads into the bottle.
Add a thin layer of adhesive around the side of the cork and place it back into the bottle.
Screw a loop screw onto the top of the cork and add a necklace.

If you’re feeling a little funky…how about making your tree pink or purple?

If you liked the Christmas Tree in a Bottle here’s another project you might like.

Click here for the Mini Ketchup Bottle Snow Globe Instructions. ↓

How to Make Wood Slice Snowmen

December 16, 2016October 23, 202414 Comments

**What to do with a basket of Wood Slices*…**

This past summer, when my husband was trimming the old pine tree,

I asked him to save a few logs from the branches.

I wasn’t sure then what I was planning to make but I knew I wanted

to save some just in case.

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. Thank You.

I asked my husband to cut wood slices out of the smaller logs using a circular saw.

If you don’t have access to a pine log or don’t feel like cutting Wood Slices*

you can also purchase them online.

I picked out four wood slices of varying sizes.

I laid out the wood slices to determine placement of how I wanted them to go together.

I drilled small holes on the end of the wood slices with a fine drill bit approx. 1/4-1/2″ into the

end of the wood.

Using small dowel rods or bamboo skewers for reinforcement,

I inserted the rods into the holes with a squirt of Wood Glue*.

Each wood slice has a small wood dowel piece in between to

hold the snowman together.

Once the wood slice snowman was completely dry and stable,

I drilled a hole in the center of the largest wood slice to use as my base.

The Snowman is attached to the base using a small dowel and wood glue*.

To decorate the snowman…

Cut a piece of flannel slightly larger than the area around the head.
Fold and glue a small cuff using Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive*.
Glue the ends of the flannel together to create a tall “tube”.
Glue tube onto the top of the Wood Slice Snowman’s head,
Tie the top of the tube with a piece of string or thread.
Trim and fringe the excess fabric on the top of the tube to make it look like a hat tassel.
Cut a longer 1″ wide piece of flannel to tie around the neck of the snowman. Don’t forget to fringe the ends.

To make a Reindeer Wood Slice Ornament…

Paint the center of the wood slice with black chalkboard paint.
Paint the reindeer cut out with silver acrylic paint.
Glue reindeer onto wood slice with quick dry glue.
Glue glitter holly berries embellishment onto reindeer.
I used a push pin to start a small hole on the end of the wood slice.
Screw a loop screw into the hole and add a ribbon to hang.

For more Wood Slice Projects Click on the Pictures below.

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Two of my Favorite Snowman Projects

December 15, 2016August 6, 2021Leave a comment

Sharing two of my all time favorite Snowman Projects…

This little guy is perfect for those times when it’s too cold to go outside and play.

If you’re not loving the cold…

Here’s a snowball fight you can have while snuggling up inside.

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

Smoothfoam Snowman Body
6″ x 1″ Smoothfoam Disc
1″ Smoothfoam Balls (I used 12)
2″ Smoothfoam Ball
DecoArt DAS9-22 Snow-Tex*
DecoArt Craft Twinkles Paint, Crystal*
Tonic Studios Tim Holtz 372 Retractable Craft Pick*
Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad, Vintage Photo*
Stipple Brush*
Paintbrush
Palette Knife and Craft Knife
Craft Glue
Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive*
Toothpicks, Bamboo Skewer and Sticks
Fabric Scraps, Micro Brads, Paint Markers
Scissors

Directions:

Cut the 2″ Smoothfoam ball in half. Cut the top off the rounded side of one of the balls.
Poke two holes into the bottom of the Snowman body using the craft pick. Break a toothpick in half, dip ends into craft glue and insert in holes. Attach the sliced ball onto the Snowman body.
Apply Snow-tex with palette knife over the newly formed Snowman and the 6″ disc. Allow both to dry fully.
To Create a Snowball Wall… Poke holes into the 1″ balls with the craft pick. Insert toothpick halves with craft glue on the ends into balls. Build wall by sticking the balls together.
Apply Snow-tex onto wall using the palette knife. (Allow to dry.)
Create scene by attaching snowman and wall onto the disc. Reinforce the pieces with toothpicks and craft glue.
For a shimmery snowy glow…paint all the pieces with Crystal Craft Twinkles paint. (Allow to fully dry.)
Add shadows to the snowman and snowballs by gently applying vintage photo ink using a stipple brush.
To Create the Snowman Hat… Measure and cut fabric to fit around snowman head. Fold over and glue one of the long edges of the fabric to create a brim. Glue fabric ends together to create a tube. Tie top of the tube with a piece of string, cut excess fabric off top of the tube and fray the ends by making small cuts with the scissors. Glue to the top of the Snowman head.
Add arms to the Snowman using small twigs. Warm him up with a fabric scarf and mittens cut from the fabric scraps.
For the Snowman’s Face… Use two small black micro brads inserted into the snowman face for the eyes. Paint the tip of a bamboo skewer with orange paint, cut and insert into the face for the nose. Add a smile to the snowman’s face using a extra fine black paint marker.
Make a small snowball using a small pieced of paper wadded up and covered with Snow-tex. Glue finished and dried snowball onto mitten.

Another one of my Favorite Snowman Projects was titled “How to make a Snowman”.

Making a Snowman is pretty easy. All it takes is a little patience and time.

(and a few ingredients) ↓

Here’s what you’ll need to make a Snowman: (*affiliate link)

2″ Smoothfoam Ball
3″ Smoothfoam Ball
4″ Smoothfoam Ball
DecoArt DAS9-4 Snow-Tex*
White and Orange Acrylic Paint
DecoArt Craft Twinkles Paint Crystal*
Palette Knife
Paint Brush
3″ Black Felt Top Hat (I found this at Jo Ann Fabrics)
Strip of Gingham Fabric
Strip of Grey Felt
Small Brads and Holly Embellishment
Craft Knife
Craft Glue
Bamboo Skewers

Directions:

Cut a small section off the bottom of the 4″ Smoothfoam ball so that it sits flat.
Cut a couple of 3″ sections from the bamboo skewer. Stick the skewer into the center of the 2″ and 3″ Smoothfoam balls.
Add craft glue to the ends of the skewers before sticking the three balls together to form the snowman base. (Allow glue to fully dry before continuing to the next step)
Using a palette knife, smooth Snow-tex over Snowman base. Here’s where the patience comes in… Allow a couple of hours for the Snow-tex to completely dry.
Paint the entire Snowman base with white acrylic paint. This fills in and helps cover any area missed by the Snow-tex.
For a Frosty Look…paint the Snowman base with Craft Twinkles Glitter Paint.
Cut a thin strip of grey felt and glue around the base of the hat to create a band. Glue holly embellishment onto band to cover seam. Glue to the top of the Snowman head.
Cut a strip of gingham fabric and tie around neck. Cut small slits into the ends of fabric for fringe.
Use two small black brads inserted into the head for the eyes. Use five micro black brads insert as the mouth.
Cut the pointed end from a bamboo skewer and paint with orange paint. Stick into head for the nose.

Here’s a Close up of Mr. Snowman. Isn’t he Handsome?

These projects was created for and sponsored by Smoothfoam and also sponsored by DecoArt.

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DIY…”Merry” Canvas

December 5, 2016October 18, 2019Leave a comment

Make the holidays “Merry” with this mini decorated canvas.

Create frosty, glittery goodness with this fun mini canvas project.

To make the Merry Canvas you’ll need: *affiliate link

Joy Embroidered Letters
Artist’s Loft Back-Stapled Traditional Canvas 3″ x 9″*
Americana Multi Purpose Satin: Dark Scarlet* and Cotton Ball*
Paintbrush
Deco Art Media Crackle Glaze, 4-Ounce, Clear*
DecoArt Craft Twinkles Writers Paint, 2-Ounce, Crystal*
American Crafts Glitter, Extra Fine White*
Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive, 4-Ounce*
Red and White Twine*
Greenery
Jingle Bells
Ribbon

*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:

Paint the 3″ x 9″ canvas* with Dark Scarlet* paint and let dry.
Paint the red canvas with a thick coat of Deco Art Media Crackle Glaze*. The thicker the coat the deeper the cracks. Allow plenty of time for the glaze to dry.

Lightly white wash the canvas with Cotton Ball Multi Surface Acrylic Paint* to bring out the crackling.
Wipe excess paint off with a clean cloth.

Paint each letter with glitter glue*and sprinkle with extra fine white glitter*.
Glue letters onto the canvas with Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive*. (leave space on the left of the canvas for embellishing)

Wrap twine around canvas and embellish with jingle bells, greenery and bow.

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

Ring Toss Anyone?

October 31, 2016April 26, 2019Leave a comment

For Nick’s Carnival themed birthday party, earlier this month…

I was given the task to create the Ring Toss Game.

After washing and spray-painting all the bottles, I needed a cute sign for the game.

Joy letters to the rescue – I just adhered them to scrapbook paper I added to the outside

of the plastic bin that holds the bottles.

I used lightweight Smoothfoam rings painted with acrylic paint for the kids to toss.

Besides the Ring Toss Game there was a Hit the Can, Frisbee Toss, Fishing Game, Shoot Em Up, Tattoo Parlor, Fortune Teller.

Warren especially love the Fishing Game.

So much, he stuck his head in the tub. (it was unseasonably HOT that day)

There was Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes, Corn Dogs, Popcorn, Nacho’s and a ton of prizes.

The kids and adults had a really good time at the party.

This post was sponsored by Joy Sa and DecoArt.

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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The last time I cooked, hardly anyone got sick.

September 26, 2016June 6, 2019Leave a comment

For some people, cooking defines them.

I AM NOT that person.

Ask me to bring chips and soda to a potluck and I’m totally fine with that.

But… don’t let the apron fool you.

It’s not that I can’t cook. I just don’t like too.

If I had a personal chef, I’d be one happy girl.

So… If I’ve got to do it, I might as well have a little fun. (and keep the expectations low)

This apron should do the job.

Want an apron like mine?

A while back, I asked the good folks at Canvas Corp Brands if they made an

apron with Red Ticking (they only had blue) and they made this apron special just for me.

The lovely lettering is Iron-on Embroidered Letters from Joy SA.

Look for them at your local Hobby Lobby and Michaels craft stores.

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

*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!

Autumn Woods Pop-Up card and Fall Collage

September 23, 2016August 6, 20211 Comment

One of the best things about being on a design team is the opportunity to work with awesome

products. When I got my last box of goodies from Paper House Productions I instantly fell

in love with the Autumn Woods Collection.

The sweet water colored woodland animals are cute without being to cutesy.

I knew as soon as I saw them that they needed to be made into a pop-up card.

Tips…

I apply baby powder on the back of my stickers with a small paintbrush to remove the tackiness. That way I can use my stickers like die-cuts.
On the front of the card: I love adding dimension… so under the “Autumn is in the Air” and the “bunnies” I used 3-D foam mounting squares.
Add even more dimension to the inside of your pop up card by adding thin foam mounting squares to the stickers “tree” and “autumn woods” and strategically placing them on the background.
I created a couple of pop-up steps for my forest friends.

While cleaning up the Autumn Woods scraps laying on my desk, I decided to make a Fall

Collage using a rummage sale frame I picked up last month for next to nothing.

All in all… I would have to say that the Autumn Woods Collection has to be my favorite

Paper House Productions collection so far. (at least for the time being)

Here’s the list of the Paper House Products I used:

These projects were created for and sponsored by Paper House Productions.

Shop Amazon Scrapbooking Supplies*

Patriotic Tie Dyed Shirts for the 4th of July

July 4, 2016June 5, 20171 Comment

We’re at it again.

This past week, my daughter in law and I did a little Summer Tie Dying.

(see last year’s shirts here)

Inspired by photo’s she saw on Pinterest,

Bonnie made these cute Patriotic Tie Dyed shirts for the boys.

We used Tie Dye Kits that come with the premeasured squeeze bottles.

She gathered the shirt at one corner and rubber banded it in three sections and squeezed the

dye directly onto the shirt and then covered it with Saran Wrap.

We allowed several hours before rinsing out the dye.

Too Cute! (don’t you agree?)

For more summer fun… click on ad below.

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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 ↓

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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”

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.