Quick and Easy Golfer Gift

June 29, 2019June 25, 2019Leave a comment

Monogram Golf Towel

Make something special for your favorite golfer using

Joy® embroidered iron-on monogram letters!

To make the Monogram Towel you will need:

Joy® Monogram Left Letter
Joy® Monogram Center Letter
Joy® Monogram Right Letter
Plain Golf Towel
Iron and pressing cloth

Instructions:

Check care label of towel to check heat tolerance.
Heat iron to cotton setting 300-350°.
Position letters onto towel, heat seal side down, threads up.
Carefully cover letters with a clean cloth.
Using firm pressure, iron over the letters in a circular motion for 30 seconds.
Turn towel over and iron the back for another 30 seconds.
Let cool for a minute before handling.

Joy® iron-on embroidered letters and appliqués can be found at your local 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!

Gnome Gardening with Kids

June 26, 2019July 13, 2021Leave a comment

Gnome Gardening with Kids

One of our favorite Summer traditions is creating our annual Gnome Gardens.

The boys and I look forward to making them every year.

I started the tradition of Gnome Gardening several years ago when Nick was only 3.

You can see our first garden here.

To create our gardens we use a variety of containers and objects we’ve picked up along the way.

For the plants, we use succulents and flowers that won’t grown too big.

I like using Asparagus Ferns to mimic trees.

As mini gardens grow in popularity… there several places you can find accessories

for your gardens. We like to get something new for our gardens every year.

This year we added items picked up at Dollar Tree*.

This is Nick’s 6th year making Gnome Gardens so he’s pretty proficient with his garden.

Check out last years garden. (always an adventure)

This is Warren’s 3rd year making a Gnome Garden.

He lets me help him. (maybe that’s why his is my favorite)

His garden is all about the house placement.

You can see Warren’s first Gnome Garden here.

I love seeing how much they’ve grown from their first gardens.

The extra credit award goes to my daughter-in-law (the boys mom).

She found this little gnome house at Dollar Tree* and repainted it with a Mario inspired look.

The tiny Camper and firepit was from last years garden and is available at Leisure Arts, Inc.

Leisure Arts Mini Garden Supplies… (*affiliate link)

This year was Emerson’s turn for his first Gnome Garden.

He always wants to do everything his big brothers are doing.

Water bottles are a great item to have when Gnome Gardening.

It helps the boys control how much water goes on the garden, and they’re fun too.

This little stinker sprayed me as I stuck my head out the window for a quick pic.

(I may have sprayed him first.)

Creating mini Gnome Gardens is a fun and memorable project to make with kids.

We always have a good time.

It gives them something to take care of all summer long.

And…it adds a little whimsy to my front porch.

To create a Gnome Garden you’ll need:

Container for your garden. I like finding unusual items like the top of a broken wagon. It adds a little extra whimsy to the garden.
Good Potting Soil
Small Garden Tools
Gnome or Fairy Figures
Rocks, Twigs and other found objects
Store Bought Accessories such as the gnome houses
Succulents
Annuals that won’t grow too big or tall
I like to use Asparagus Ferns to mimic trees
Water Bottle

Start the Gnome Garden by adding potting soil to your container.
Allow the kids to loosen up the soil before adding plants.
Small gardening tools are also fun to have.
Add plants to the container before adding accessories.
I like to add the largest plants first near the back of the container.
Allow the kids to add their special pieces to the garden.
Give the garden a good spray of water using the water bottles.

A Special Thanks to Leisure Arts, Inc. for providing the Mini Garden Supplies.

Creating a Summertime Essentials Bag

June 18, 2019June 13, 2019Leave a comment

With Summer and Vacation time here…

it’s a good idea to make a Safe Travels Essentials Bag to pack in the car.

There are so many things to remember when taking a vacation.

So…whenever we take a road trip I like to pack a few essentials to have handy.

When you have kids you never know what can happen.

For my Safe Travels Bag I used:

Joy Iron On Embroidered Letters
Black Vinyl Bag*
Beacon 3 in 1 Craft Glue*

If you use a fabric bag… cover with a soft clean cloth and iron on cotton settings for 30 seconds. Turn bag inside out and iron for an additional 30 seconds.
Because I used a leather bag… I glued the letters onto the bag using a craft glue.

There are so many items that you might need to have on hand this summer.

These are just a few:

band-aids or first aid kit
sunscreen
anti itch spray
bug spray
rain poncho
scissors
small sewing kit
tweezers
toilet paper?

“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.

Look for Joy® iron-on embroidered alphabet letter sheets at your local craft store.

The Ugly Planter Box

June 7, 2019May 13, 202513 Comments

It’s true…I have a soft spot in my heart for sweet old gentlemen.

(and apparently, so does my husband)

While on a call, my husband met this nice older gentleman.

The two began to talk and one thing leads to another and my husband walks away

with this wood planter box that the gentleman had made.

“This is a sponsored post. I have been provided product from Wagner and DecoArt in exchange for my creative ideas. The views and opinions are my own.

As he unloaded it from the car he actually apologized. (it’s like he doesn’t know me at all)

It was a little unique with the hand drawn pictures on the side.

But, I thought it was great.

All it needed was a couple coats of Farmhouse White Curb Appeal Paint from DecoArt*.

Earlier this year… I received the HomeRight Super Finish Max Extra Power Painter*

along with the HomeRight Large Spray Shelter* from the awesome folks at Wagner.

I’ve been wanting these for a while now and have been eagerly waiting for the weather to turn

nice and the rain to stop so that I could use them.

With the exception of trying the sprayer at the Creativation Trade Show,

it was the first time I’d used a power sprayer. It was super easy to use and clean up.

And…it comes with three sprayer tips for different uses.

The portable spray tent is great to use on days with a little breeze or even indoors.

I can’t wait to use it on even bigger projects.

Ok, I’ll admit, because of the marker drawings on the side it took more than a couple coats.

It really was easy to use and the Curb Appeal Paint dried really quick.

After all the coats of paint were dry I gave the box a light sanding to make it smooth.

The box looked a little too plain, so I decided to stencil a design on the sides.

DecoArt Americana Classic Jacobean Floral Stencil
“Dolphin” Americana Multi-Surface Satin Paint*.

To stencil the design…

Position the stencil onto the box and tape down the edges with removable painter’s tape to keep the stencil from moving. Use stipple brush to apply paint inside open stencil areas.
Carefully remove stencil from box. Make sure there is no excess paint that’s seeped under the stencil before moving the stencil to the next area on the box.

I painted the edges of the box with a thin layer of “dolphin” paint.
After everything was completely dry I lightly sanded the box with a piece of extra fine sand paper. The sand paper gives the box the worn and weathered look I was going for.

Now onto the fun part, the fruits of my labor.

I picked soft pink geraniums, vincas, pink coleus and vinca vines to fill my flower box.

I put the box on an old white bench and sat it in front of my window.

It’s one of the first things I see as I come down the stairs in the morning.

I love how soft and delicate the flowers look inside the box.

It’s a great addition to my front porch.

And to think my husband apologized for bringing it home. (I think it’s lovely.)

If you liked this post you might like to read A Trash to Treasure Love Story

Simple Summer Vase

June 5, 2019February 9, 20231 Comment

Create a Simple Summer Vase using Transparent Adhesive Vinyl from StyleTechCraft.

Transparent vinyl is great when you just want to add a subtle touch of color.

It’s great for using on windows, glassware and just about anywhere else you want a unique look.

To create my Simple Vase I used: (*affiliate links)

StyleTechCraft Transparent Vinyl in Sky Blue and Teal*
StyleTechCraft Vinyl Transfer Tape*
Styletechcraft Vinyl Tool Kit*
Inexpensive Cylinder Vase from Dollar Tree*
Silhouette Cameo Wireless Cutting Machine*
Flower SVG file from the Silhouette Store

Directions:

Cut several flower shapes using the Silhouette Cameo* and the Sky-Blue Transparent Vinyl. Don’t have a electronic die cutter? The transparent vinyl can be cut using various metal dies.
Cut leaves out of the teal vinyl.
Using the weeding tool, I carefully removed the negative spaces in and around the flowers and leaves.
Place a piece of Vinyl Transfer Tape* over the flower image. Apply transfer tape onto the cylinder vase and rub over the vinyl using a vinyl scraper tool to eliminate bubbles.
Remove transfer tape.
Repeat with the leaves.

Allow vinyl to cure for several days. (Hand washing is recommended.)

I added a piece of white paper inside the vase so you can see the pattern better.

It’s hard to see in this picture the variation between the sky blue and teal vinyl.

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

You can now find the full line of StyletechCraft online at ATSM.

Gift Giving with Joy

May 6, 2019May 18, 2019Leave a comment

A Blanket for Peyton…

Make a simple gift personal by adding a little “Joy” to your gift with iron-on embroidered letters.

You will need:

Joy Baby Monogram Iron-On Letters in White*
Thermal Baby Blanket

Directions:

Set iron to cotton setting, approx. 350° or follow blanket care label.
Remove letters from sheet. Position letters with shiny side down on blanket.
Cover letters with a fine cloth. With firm pressure iron cloth over the letters for 25 seconds.
Turn blanket over and iron the back of the letters for 25 seconds. Allow to cool for 1 minute before handling.

Look for Joy® iron-on embroidered letters and floral appliqués at your local craft store.

“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.

Storing Guy Stuff with Style

May 3, 2019February 9, 2023Leave a comment

Getting to the nuts and bolts of Guy Storage.

Just because it’s in the Garage doesn’t meant it can’t have a little style.

After watching every episode of Tidying Up and a few episodes of Hoarders,

I’ve got the urge to organize everything.

I’ve been going through the house bit by bit (not quite the Marie Kondo way).

It’s going to take some time.

There are so many storage options out there.

When it comes to organizing all the bits and pieces out in the garage,

I’m a fan of Deflecto’s Tilt Bin Storage.

For this project I decided to add a little personalization using StyletechCrafts polished metal

adhesive vinyl and Interlocking Tilt Bins* from Deflecto.

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!

For a little masculine style…

I measured and cut the black polished metal vinyl* to add to the top of the bins.

I did the same with silver polished metal vinyl* to the sides of the bins.

Using my Silhouette Cameo Wireless Cutting Machine* and a SVG cut file

I cut the frames, words and background.

Using Vinyl Transfer Tape* I applied the silver frames onto the black background.

(I created the black background by cutting a slightly bigger frame and using the inside.)

The bins are interlocking and stackable.

Great for little storage needs in the garage, craft room, nursery, kitchen and even the kid’s room.

Wherever you need a little extra storage.

The nice thing about the interlocking tilt bins* is that you can use just one or use several.

You can also hang them on the wall or use them with a mounting bar*.

Storing Guy Stuff with Style.

I love adding a little personalization to everyday items.

Storing Guy Stuff with Style-Sue's Creative Workshop www.sueeldred.com 2609

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

You can now find the full line of StyletechCraft online at ATSM.

You can purchase the Deflecto Interlocking Tilt Bins* by themselves or as a set of four from Amazon*. Use on table, mount direct to wall or hang using the Deflecto Mounting Bar* (sold separately).

Easter Tags with Xyron and Photoplay Paper

April 18, 2019April 18, 2019Leave a comment

Even when the kids are all grown up you’re never too old to have fun.

This year I’m trying something new.

After the Easter Egg Hunt with the little ones,

I plan on having another Easter Egg Hunt for the Big Kids and Grown Ups.

(We’re all just big kids at heart.)

For the Easter Egg Hunt…

I decided to whip up a few quick tags to go along with some of the prizes using my

Xyron Creative Station* and Xyron Mega Runner*, a few sheets of paper from

Photoplay Paper’s Easter Blessings Collection along with a few simple embellishments.

When I want to make quick work of any project, I grab my Xyron Creative Station*.

Did you know that you can interchange the Xyron 9” Creative Station Permanent Adhesive

Refill* with the Xyron 5” Creative Station Permanent Adhesive Refill*?

Being able to use both sizes of cartridges with the Xyron Creative Station* is super convenient

when working on both big and medium sized projects.

Just lay your paper design side up onto the Xyron Creative Station* crank the handle to run

the paper through the machine. As it moves through the Xyron Creative Station* it adds

adhesive to the back side of the paper. Easy to use and it doesn’t need electricity.

To make the tag…

I layered and trimmed the 3″ x 4″ element cards from the scrapbook paper and embellished it

with a thin strip of paper and prima flower*. Tie tag with a simple sheer ribbon onto the bag.

I added a few enamel dots from Waffleflower on the tag and a little “small talk” sticker from

Tim Holtz idea-ology.

With a little more candy for the plastic eggs and I’ll be ready for fun.

“This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Xyron Makers Program I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas. The views and opinions are my own.

Bunny Table Favor with Rinea Foil

April 17, 2019April 15, 20204 Comments

Create a cute little Bunny Treat Box to adorn your table this Easter.

To make the Bunny Table Favor…

I used Rinea Foiled Paper, a paper lined with colorful vibrant metal foil on both sides.

This German inspired paper holds its shape, looks like foil and works like paper.

The Bunny Table Favor is a fun project to make even the littlest guest feel special.

Products used… (*affiliate links)

CP12V-PAS Crafter’s Variety Pack Pastels
CP12S-BLBL Crafter’s Pack Starstruck Blush/Blush
CP12S-SLSL Crafter’s Pack Starstruck Silver/Silver
Xyron Creative Station*
Xyron Acid-Free Permanent Adhesive Refill Cartridge for the Creative Station*
Sizzix Easter Elements Die or Sizzix Cottontail Die #664167
Sizzix Big Shot Machine*
Chipboard
Beacon 3 in 1 Glue*
DecoColor Premium Silver Leaf Pen*
DecoColor Silver Leaf Pen*
WFE003 Stardust Enamel Dots from Waffleflower
Bamboo Skewer

*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:

To add adhesive to the back of the Rinea Foiled Paper lay the paper onto the Xyron Creative Station* crank the handle to run the paper through the machine. As it moves through the Xyron Creative Station it adds adhesive to the back side of the paper. Easy to use and it doesn’t need electricity.

Apply Rinea Foiled Paper onto the front and back of pre-cut chipboard pieces.
Place the double sided foiled chipboard pieces onto the (discontinued) Easter Elements Die and run through the Sizzix Big Shot Die Cut Machine* to cut out the Bunny Shapes.
FYI…the Sizzix Cottontail Die is very similar to the bunny I used.

Cut two double-sided blush foiled bunny shapes.
Cut two 2 ½” x 1 ½” and two 1 ½” x 1 ½” pieces of double-sided silver foiled chipboard.
Cut a 2 ½” x 3 ½” piece of double-sided pastel green foiled chipboard.
To cover up the brown core of the chipboard, use the DecoColor Premium Silver Leaf Pen* to go around the edge of each piece of cut chipboard.

I used Beacon 3 in 1 Glue* to glue the four silver sides of the box onto the pastel green base.
Glue the pink foiled bunnies to both sides of the box.

Cut a 2″ x 2 ½” piece of pastel green foil. Tightly roll foil using a bamboo skewer, add a little glue along the edge of the roll to keep roll from unraveling.
Cut small cuts into the top of the foil to create fringe.
Create two and glue to the front and back of the box.

Punch a couple small pastel purple daisies, curl and form into a petite flower.
Glue flower to the front of the box.
Cut several thin 6″ strips of pastel green foil. Wrap foil paper around the bamboo skewer to form little spirals.
Use spirals as the filler inside the treat box. (The foil paper holds its shape well.)

Fill Bunny Table Favor with candy treats and add to your Easter Table.

“This is a sponsored post.” As part of the Designer Craft Connection Blog Hop I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas. The views and opinions are my own.

My project is part of a Blog Hop put on the Designer Crafts Connection Blog.
For more fun projects using Rinea Foiled Paper and the list of participating blogs click here

Upcycled Vintage Paint Palette

April 1, 2019February 9, 20232 Comments

Upcycled Vintage Paint Palette

Last year, going through my parents house, we found my mom’s old boards, brushes

and paints. We also found both of my grandmother’s paints and supplies as well.

In all those treasures my brother found this paint palette.

Old and Cool. Just my style.

This month the StyletechCraft Design Team was challenged to create an upcycled project

using vinyl. Because my paint palette is vintage (and special) and I like to change my mind,

I decided to use Matte Removable Vinyl*. (I’ll have the option to change it out.)

For my Vintage Paint Palette Upcycled Project…I used an SVG file and my Silhouette Cameo Wireless Cutting Machine* to cut and create the words “Be Creative”.
Using the weeding tool, I carefully removed the negative spaces in and around the letters.

Place a piece of Vinyl Transfer Tape* over the letters. Rub over the letters using a vinyl scraper tool to help the vinyl cling.
Apply words onto the paint palette.
Remove transfer tape.

With Grandma’s paint supplies, I found this calendar page from 1939

that she used for inspiration. (80 years ago, WOW!)

I’m currently in the process of turning my son’s old bedroom into a larger craft workshop.

I want to incorporate a little past into that space as well.

I want it to be a warm, inviting, eclectic space. (Kind of like me)

I think this palette will fit in just fine.

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

You can now find the full line of StyletechCraft online at ATSM.