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Mr. Elfsnail’s Garden

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Mr. Elfsnail's Garden 8202

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.

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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?

adding the water feature

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.

this is how my other grandma told me to get them out

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

the path

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

the path now a beach

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)

the frogs

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?)

Wishing Well

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

admiring the garden

Our Finished Garden.

Nick and Mr. Elfsnail's Garden with insert

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 ↓

Slimer

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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Craft Sticks… not just for Kids!

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Stenciled Chalkboard Sign

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”.

Learn More

Americana Sign

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)

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!

Americana Sign Collage

Directions:

  1. Create a sign by gluing together 8 tongue depressors on the front and 4 tongue depressors on the back.
  2. Paint both sides of the sign with blue paint.
  3. Using select sections of the stencil, tape stencil in place using removable painters tape.
  4. 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.
  5. Apply paint with stencil brush in a straight up and down motion called stippling.
  6. Drill small hole in the top corners and insert red twine to use as a hanger.
  7. 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. 

Deck the Halls with Sticky Sticks  Sticky Stick Frame Basic Construction

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

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Americana Ribbon Wreath

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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 

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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.

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

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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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New Use for an Old Basket

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On the Porch 2

Need a quick front porch project…

Got any old baskets lying around the house?

Old Basket Before 7232

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)

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

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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.

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

of the basket.

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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.

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

New Look for an Old Basket

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.

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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!

Vintage French Inspired Keepsake Box

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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)

*The Vintage French Inspired Keepsake Box was created for and sponsored by Walnut Hollow and DecoArts.

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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!

Buy the Planner Value Kit

Making a place for Dad’s coffee

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Making a place for Dad's Coffee 5605

Dad comes over every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings for dinner.

It’s our weekly ritual.

He arrives at 5:30, sits in the leather chair closest to the television, in time for the evening news.

While he watches the news, I make dinner.  That’s the routine.

Dad sits in that particular chair so he can read the closed captioning.

Unfortunately, that’s the one chair that doesn’t have an end table.

Occasionally… he’ll give me a hard time telling me I need a table so he can put his coffee

cup down.  Problem is there’s no room to put one there.

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Problem Solved…

I noticed this old stool down in the basement, paint splattered and water stained.  (a little ugly)

A make-over was in order and I knew exactly what I wanted to do.

I wish you could of saw the smile when I told him why I did this.  (I had to sneak the first picture)

He thought it was perfect.

Easily put away when not in use.

*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!

Finished Stool with coffee cup 5592

Old Stool Make-0ver Products Used:                                                   (*affiliate link)

*FTC Disclosure… “This is a sponsored post.  I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas.  The views and opinions are my own.”

Old Stool Make Over Steps

Directions:

  1. I gave the top of the table a quick sanding with my palm sander to smooth out the paint splatters.  (I could of sanded the legs but I was lazy.)
  2. I used Tattered Angels Decor and DIY, Ebony*, I love that you don’t need to do any sanding or priming.  I love the smooth matte finish that it gives.  I gave the table 2 coats of paint and some touch ups.
  3. Allow the paint to fully dry and cure before starting the stenciling.
  4. I custom mixed Americana Décor Chalky Finish paint relic and everlasting for a light contrast to the ebony black finish.
  5. Center the stencil onto the middle of the stool and tape down the edges with removable painter’s tape to keep the stencil from moving.
  6. Use stipple brush to apply Chalky Finish paint inside open stencil areas.
  7. Remove Stencil.
  8. For the time being, I’ve decided to leave the stool as is.  You may want to apply a finishing wax to help protect the paint.

   

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Homespun Rag Ball Ornaments

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This year, I wanted to do a small little tree for the dining room.

A simple homespun tree with strung cranberries and hand-made ornaments.

I had grand ideas and a galvanized pail.

But reality hit, a long with the cold and flu, which knocked me out for a week.

It took my creativity level down to a one.

And sad to say… My small little tree didn’t get done.

I did string the cranberries…  (a first for me)

They were so bright and colorful.  I loved the look and took lots of pictures.

After a week or so, the cranberries started getting a mushy.

So… I put them out on the tree in the front yard for the birds to eat.

It looks pretty out there too.

Next time, I’ll make them last minute.

For the Rag Ball Ornaments…

Instead of just wrapping the strips of fabric until it formed a ball,

I made the rag ball using a Smoothfoam 2-Inch ball*.

Supplies used:                     (*affiliate link)

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Directions:

  1. Lightly sand the ridge around the ball.
  2. Cut the fabric into 3/4″ strips.
  3. Apply Mod Podge onto the back of the fabric and adhere to the ball.
  4. Continue until the ball is fully covered.
  5. Add an additional coat of Mod Podge over the ball to finish and seal.
  6. Poke a hole on the top of the ball and add a dab or glue into the hole.
  7. Insert twine into the hole to use as the ornament hanger.
  8. Embellish ornament by gluing a bow on top.

Wouldn’t a whole bowl of rag balls would be cute?  (maybe next year)

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*Disclosure:  This post is sponsored by Smoothfoam and 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!

Christmas in a Pickle Jar

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Christmas in a Pickle Jar 1127

Christmas Crafting with Repurposed and Recycled Items…

Sometimes you have to find and save something for awhile before their purpose is revealed.

Like the base used on my Christmas in a pickle jar.  (the inspiration for this project)

This past summer we had a new ceiling fan installed in my son’s room.

It was flush mounted to the ceiling, so, they didn’t use all of the parts that came with the kit.

I came across the unused parts in the garbage and decided to save them.

FYI…It’s not hoarding if you use them.  (I’m just saying.)

Because I wanted to be informative when writing this post,

I emailed my brother for the correct name of the part.  I am told it is called a canopy.

I glued the canopy onto the jar using Beacon Glass, Metal & More Premium Glue*.

Here’s what I used for my Christmas in a Pickle Jar:  

*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!

I painted the pickle jar lid and the old knob with semi gloss black spray paint.

I added a circle cut from a decorative scrapbooking paper and glued it onto my lid before

gluing on the knob.  (I could have added a hole and screwed on the knob, this was easier.)

I spruced up the plain little wreath by adding a new bow and jingle bell and a small holly

berry embellishment.  I added the ribbon to the neck of the jar before gluing on the wreath.

The little wood deer would of looked fine just as it came.

Instead, I decided to rub brown ink onto the deer to give it a stained look.

I used Vintage Photo Distress Inkpad* with a Ink Applicator & Blending Tool* (*affiliate link)

To make installing the deer a little easier, I glued the finished deer onto the front of one

of the trees before I placed it in the jar.

The Cream Bottle Brush Trees* come with a little wood base.

I added a super sticky craft glue dot under the base of each Cream Bottle Brush Tree*

before adding to my jar.

You can use a liquid glue instead of the sticky glue dots.  (this was just faster and easier for me)

Next, I added Epson Salts into my jar for snow.

A great Holiday Gift Idea.   

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Mini Ribbon Wreath Ornaments

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Mini Ribbon Wreath Ornaments

No matter how you decorate for the Holidays…Shabby, Homespun, Country or Cute.

You can easily customize these Mini Ribbon Wreath Ornaments to fit your personal style.

Easy to make and sure to impress.

How To make Mini Ribbon Wreath Ornaments

Finished Size : 3”

Materials Used:

*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:

  1. Apply a strip of 1/8″ adhesive around the outside edge of the Smoothfoam wreath. This keeps the ribbon securely in place while wrapping.
  2. Wrap ribbon tightly around wreath. When you’ve wrapped the ribbon half way around wreath add the jump ring with jingle bell to ribbon so that it hangs on the bottom of the wreath and continue wrapping. When finished wrapping the ribbon, glue ribbon end onto back of wreath.
  3. Add metallic ribbon trim on top of the wreath as the ornament hanger.
  4. Glue mini bottle brush tree inside wreath.
  5. Glue a piece of burlap or scrapbook paper onto a piece of chipboard and cut into a circle that will cover the inside of the wreath and glue to the back of the wreath.
  6. Print a computer generated greeting on to a piece of cream card-stock. Cut down to size and notch out both ends to create a banner.
  7. Give the banner a quick wave using your fingers and glue onto the bottom of the wreath.
  8. Add adhesive pearls on to the wreath.
  9. Add bow on the top of the wreath to finish it off.

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Etched Snowflake Candy Jar

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Quick and Easy Holiday Gift Idea

When it comes to the Holidays I love Quick and Easy Gift Ideas.

For the Snowflake Candy Jar…

I used a small canning jar etched with snowflakes and filled with candy.

It’s a project that I was able to put together in under a half hour.

Snowflake Candy Jar Supplies 1274

To make the Snowflake Candy JAR…                 

  1. Punch a strip of Snowflakes using etchmask™ vinyl and a snowflake punch.
  2. Carefully cover the jar with the vinyl.
  3. Make sure to burnish the vinyl to get out air bubbles and to make sure the all edges all down.
  4. Apply a thick coat of Etchall over the snowflake cut out using the squeegee.
  5. Wait 15 minutes.  Scrape excess etching crème from the side of the jar and return extra etching crème back into the bottle. (it’s reusable)
  6. Rinse jar with warm water to clean.
  7. Remove Stencil and dry.
  8. Add adhesive rhinestones to the center of each snowflake.
  9. Wrap craft stem around the neck of the jar and glue on a red button.

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  • Cut a small circle from decorative scrapbook paper and adhere to lid of the jar.
  • Embellish jar with greenery stem, jingle and bow.

Snowflake Candy Jar 1472

   This would make a great Teacher, Hostess, Bunco, or Gift Exchange Gift.

This project was created for and sponsored by Etchall®.

      

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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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