Personalizing My Ikea Finds for the Kitchen…

Personalizing My IKEA finds for the kitchen…

When you live 3 hours in any direction from the nearest IKEA,  you make your husband

stop anytime you’re close.

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Since I didn’t have advance notice to prepare and my husband only has the patience to

go around once.  I just grabbed without real purpose.

I really wish I would have bought more, a return trip is needed.

Here are the plain Ikea finds before being personalized!

This summer, we’ve been working on updating our kitchen.

It’s been a slow process.

Recently we had a kitchen sink dilemma…which halted choosing a backsplash tile.

For a distraction…a couple cute little DIY projects were in order.

A “Rae Dunn” inspired planter.

I love working with vinyl.  For my “Rae Dunn” inspired planter,

I used a Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine*to create the words “be happy”

out of Matte Black Removable Adhesive Vinyl* from StyletechCraft.  (*affiliate links)

I simply applied the words onto my planter using Vinyl Transfer Tape*.

So easy to do.

Removable vinyl makes it easy to change out my words with the seasons.

Did you know that this vinyl will remove cleanly for up to two years?

This vinyl film is great for decorating a kid’s room, a classroom or just about

anywhere you just need a temporary graphic.

And, with 27 colors available, it’s not hard to find the perfect color

for whatever you can dream up!

I have dish soap issues.

I like to keep it handy, but, hate the way the regular sized

plastic bottle looks on the counter.

I usually buy the smaller bottles.  (just slightly better)

Solution… I picked up the cute soap dispenser during my last trip to IKEA

and also personalized it with the Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine*.

This time I created a small label using Matte Black Removable Adhesive Vinyl*  

and words using Matte White Removable Adhesive Vinyl*.

It looks so much better than plastic soap bottles.

Fingers crossed, I’ll be sharing the kitchen project soon!

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

Shop Your Fav Brands at Scrapbook.com

*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!

Creating Word Art with Monograms

Create Personalized Word Art for your home with framed Monograms.

A Quick and Easy DIY Home Décor project to make using Joy Embroidered Monogram letters.

Here’s what I 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!

  • Cut the paper to fit inside frame.
  • Glue monogram letters to paper.
  • Insert into frame.
  • Glue flowers to outside of frame.

 

Try creating a custom wall display using the word “FAMILY”.

Additional sizes of embroidered monograms are available for endless word fun.

You can find Joy Iron-On letters at your favorite craft stores!

This project was sponsored by Joy SA.

Shop Your Fav Brands at Scrapbook.com

Shop Amazon Scrapbooking Supplies*

So many reasons to Laminate…

Laminating with Xyron…

When Xyron sent me the Double Sided Lamination Refill Cartridge* to use in my

Xyron Creative Station* you might say I got a little carried away.

There are so many uses and things to laminate I couldn’t stop at just one project.

My favorite project and one of the easiest was using the laminating as an overlay…

I cranked the handle of my Xyron Creative Station* with the Laminate Cartridge* inserted

and actually laminated nothing.                              (*affiliate link)

I wanted a clear sheet of laminate to use as an overlay on my “all about ME” mini album*

I added glitter vinyl letters on top my laminated sheet before putting the album together.  

After creating the overlay, I inserted the Xyron Permanent Adhesive Refill Cartridge*

back into the Xyron Creative Station*  to add adhesive on the paper used to cover my album.

Complete coverage and no wrinkling!

I also wanted to make a bookmark using freshly pressed flowers.

I grabbed a few blooms from the garden and stuck them into a heavy book overnight.

Ideally, you’re supposed to leave them alone for 2-3 weeks.

Since I’m an impatient crafter,

I found online that you can speed up the process with a low temp iron.

I used craft glue to lightly and gently glue the flowers onto cream cardstock.

Insert the cardstock in the Creative Station with the Laminating Cartridge.

Laminate, trim, punch a small hole for twine and your ready to read.

Almost every one in the airport has a black suitcase.  (am I right?)

I’m getting ready for vacation in a few weeks and I want my bag to stand out for easy

recognition.   I created a small 3″ x 4″ decorated name tag and added my business card

to the back of the tag.  Then I laminated it.  (so easy)

Technically, this could almost be chalked up to a craft fail…

There’s always the question floating around my house, is the dishwasher clean or dirty?

To solve the problem, I decided to create laminated signs to put on the front of the dishwasher

and added magnets to the back.  Smart?  Right?

I forgot that magnets do not stick to stainless steel dishwashers.

My Mom worked at a middle school for several years before she retired.

One of her jobs, among many others, was laminating things for the teachers.

When we went through her things this summer, we found…

  • Laminated Brochures
  • Laminated Maps
  • Laminated Ticket Stubs
  • Laminated Cartoon Strips
  • Laminated Newspaper Clippings
  • Laminated Recipes

I guess Mom liked laminating too.

“This is a sponsored post.  As a member of the Xyron 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 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!

“The Family Tree”

The Family Tree…

In the backyard of my childhood home stands a ginormous Silver Maple tree.

That gigantic tree has been the backdrop for tons of family pictures during it’s 40 plus years.

I’d always thought of it as “my tree” because I was the one who drug it up from the woods

and had planted it.  Up until recently, possibly last year, I found out that it wasn’t my tree.

Dad told me that my tree didn’t make it and he had replaced it with this one.   (Sigh!)

One of my favorite pictures was this one taken on Thanksgiving Day 2006.

The guys were out in the yard playing catch with the football and I asked my sister-in-law

to snap a family picture.  The guys lifted my youngest up in the tree, football still in hand.

As we get my parents house ready to sell, it dawned on me that I need to get another

family picture by “my tree” while we still have the chance.

This past week-end, we had one last large family get-together at the home

and took one enormous family picture around that old tree.  (35 in all with only 3 missing.)

We also took this one of my family…Just as we were, sweaty and all.

It was a beautiful evening spent celebrating family.

It was also a little bittersweet as I know Mom and Dad would have loved it.

For my Xyron Design Team project this week, the team got the opportunity to pick any

collection we wanted from Photoplay Paper.

The moment I saw the Memory Lane Collection I knew it was perfect for my pictures.

I received the collection which included 12 sheets of beautiful double-sided paper and a full

sheet of beautiful cardstock stickers and a package of the ephemera cardstock die cuts.

Everything went together smoothly with the help of my trusty Xyron Mega Runner*.

“This is a sponsored post.  As a member of the Xyron 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 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!

BTS Vinyl Pouch

BTS Pouch made with StyleTech Vinyl…

A little BTS project to make with the bigger kids.

I wanted my project to be bright, fun and colorful so I used

Styletech Fluorescent Craft Vinyl from Tape Technologies.

How to make the BTS Vinyl Pouch…                                                           (*affiliate link)

  • Cut two pieces of self adhesive vinyl 4 1/2″ x 8″.
  • Cut a piece of cardstock the same size.
  • Using Vinyl Transfer Tape*, apply vinyl onto cardstock.  Turn cardstock over and add second piece of vinyl onto the back of the cardstock.
  • Smooth out any air bubbles with Bone Folder*.
  • Trim vinyl and cardstock piece to 4″ x 7 1/2″.
  • Score vinyl using a Scoring Board* 2 3/4″ and 5 1/2″.  Fold pouch on creases.
  • Cut 1″ strips of vinyl.
  • Cut vinyl to size and score 1/2″ down the strip.  Use strips to cover sides of pouch.
  • Cut additional strips to decorate pouch.
  • Cut small flowers using Sizzix Triplits Dies ~ Flower 2* to embellish.
  • Add Doodlebug Adhesive Enamel Sprinkles* in center of flower.

  • Punch small hole in top corner and add book ring.
  • On the inside add a piece of hook and loop tape.
  • Use a corner round punch to round the corners of the flap.

For more fun, try making a larger pencil pouch.

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

Shop Your Fav Brands at Scrapbook.com

*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!

Cheery Little Birthday Card

A Cherry Little Birthday Card

Who doesn’t love receiving a Cheery Little Birthday Card?

I know I do.

This week the Xyron Design Team is all about Lawn Fawn…

and I had a blast.  I loved using their dies to make this fun card.

Here’s what I used:                     (*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!

  • When working with small dies, I like to run the paper through my Xyron 3″ Sticker Maker*.
  • Rub and peel the top cover off the paper.

  • Run the paper and die through your die cutter for the perfect little sticker.
  • Just the perfect amount of adhesive and so easy to use.

  • Look how cute this terra cotta pot turned out.
  • Ink the edges of the paper pieces with Vintage Photo Ink* for a realistic looking pot.

The card was so easy to put together using the Xyron Sticker Maker* for all my little pieces.

A really fun card to make.

A special thank you to Lawn Fawn for sending the dies and paper used on this project.

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

Celebrate with Matte Removable Vinyl

Create Festive Door Decals for the 4th of July!

I was decorating and getting the house ready for our 4th of July Pool Party…

when I got the idea to use my new Matte Removable Vinyl to create 4th of July door decals.

They were super simple to make and they add a fun festive touch.

To make my 4th of July Door Decals…

  • I cut the vinyl letters and number using my Silhouette Cameo 3*.
  • I cut additional small white stars to stick onto the blue number.
  • I easily transferred everything onto my door using the Vinyl Transfer Tape*.

I put one onto the backdoor heading into the pool area and the other onto the door leading

into the house from the garage.

Because family don’t use the front door!

I also used the vinyl to jazz up the plain metal tin to hold cutlery.

Did you know that this vinyl will remove cleanly for up to two years?

This vinyl  film is great for decorating a kid’s room, a classroom or just about anywhere

you just  need a temporary graphic.

And, with 27 colors available, it’s not hard to find the perfect color for whatever you can

dream up!

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

Shop Your Fav Brands at Scrapbook.com

*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!

Sparkle your 4th…

Sparkle your 4th…

For the 4th of July, I decided to create a round-up of my past 4 favorite patriotic projects.

Enjoy!

Recycle your old blue wine bottle into a festive display.

Enjoy the party with friends.  (maybe even empty another blue wine bottle)

To make the project… read here.

Red White and Blue Table Top Decoration

White picket fences, fireworks and the good old red white and blue. 

A 4th of July Celebration Centerpiece with Fireworks, Flags, Banners and Pinwheels all

rolled into one.     To see how I made it… read more.

Welcome your visitors with an Americana Wreath for your front door.

How to make the Americana Ribbon Wreath

  • I used a 14″ ruled wreath from Smoothfoam.
  • 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.

For more information… read more.

Deck out the deck with a fun denim banner made from old jeans.

Got any old worn blue jeans ready to be thrown out?

I started with my old blue jeans and 3″ Iron-on Embroidered Varsity Letters from Joy

in red and blue.

For more pictures and instructions read here.

Shop Dollar Tree for Red White & Blue Party Supplies*                      (*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!

      

For Creative inspiraton…Make Sure to Follow me.

Shop Your Fav Brands at Scrapbook.com

Scootin by with Newton’s Nook and Xyron

Scootin’ by to say hello!

This week the Xyron Design Team teamed up with Newton’s Nook for some fun inspiration.

And…a great chance to win some goodies for you.  (see below)

Click on each of the links below to leave your comments all week for a chance to win a Xyron Mega Runner and a $25 Newton’s Gift Card.

XYRON FACEBOOK

NEWTON’S NOOK BLOG

 

For my project, I picked out this cute little Newton Scoots by” stamp set and matching dies.

I also picked out the Floral Lace Stencil* to use on the background.

I used my stencil brush and a light blue dye inkpad to create the subtle background.

Using my Xyron Creative Station* made quick work in putting all my layers together.

I’ll be honest…this was the first time I’ve used a stamp and matching die set.

I love how clean it looks.  Super Easy to use.  No messy fussy cutting needed!

“This is a sponsored post.  As a member of the Xyron 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 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!

Personalized Pool Party Glasses

Keeping Cool and Living the Dream…

Here in the Midwest, summer has turned H-O-T!

And because we have a pool, we get a lot of extra visitors. 

To help us all keep cool…we keep the blender whirling.

This is one of my favorite Summer activities.

Today… I’m participating with several designers of the Designer Craft Connection

in a Designer Challenge using Adhesive Vinyl from Styletech Craft.

For a full list of the participating designer’s projects CLICK HERE.

How to make personalized Pool Party Glasses.                  (*affiliate link)

  • Pick up a couple of inexpensive glasses at Dollar Tree*.   While you’re there…don’t forget to pick up the cute palm tree swizzle sticks.
  • Clean the glasses with warm soapy water to remove any grease or residue.
  • I used my Silhouette Cameo 3* to create and cut the words “just chillin” and “living the good life” out of Self Adhesive Glitter Vinyl Sheets- by Styletech*
  • Remove the background vinyl from the words using a vinyl weeding tool or metal pick.

  • Pick up the words off the backing paper with Vinyl Transfer Tape* and apply directly onto glass.  Rub the words to make sure they’ve stuck before removing the transfer tape.
  • If you can…Wait 4 days for the adhesive to fully cure before using the glass.
  • It is recommended to hand wash only.

Ask for Self Adhesive Glitter Vinyl Sheets- by Styletech from Tape Technologies* at your local Scrapbook Store.

Shop Your Fav Brands at Scrapbook.com

*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!