for the love of reading… “Books for Nick”

June 2, 2017June 3, 2017Leave a comment

My grandson Nick learned to read this year in Kindergarten.

This new ability has renewed his love of books.

Not just any old book will do, it has to be a chapter book.

To keep Nick from rummaging through all the bookshelves…

I created a small book stand for him to use with all the age appropriate books

I’ve saved through the years. (He hasn’t seen it yet, I think he’s going to like it.)

To create Nick’s bookstand…

I used a Square Display Riser* (affiliate link) from a set of 3 acrylic risers I received from

Deflecto as part of my monthly Design Team box.

I covered the outside of the Square Display Riser* with ScotchBlue Platinum Painter’s Tape*.

I sprayed the inside of the Square Display Riser*

with Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Multi Purpose Spray Paint*.

I die-cut a scalloped square from black chalkboard vinyl (Sign Tags w/Wet Erase Marker)

and roughed it up with extra fine sandpaper for better paint adhesion.

I then painted the vinyl square with green spray paint.

For the Mini Chalkboard…

I cut a smaller piece of the black chalkboard vinyl and punched holes on each of the four corners to add decorative brads before gluing with Beacon’s Quick Grip Glue* onto the painted scalloped square.
I glued the completed scalloped square onto the Square Display Riser*.
The mini chalkboard is a great place to write encouraging reminders.

“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.”

For more summer fun… click on ad below.

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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DIY a Colorful Garden Chair for your Gnome

May 24, 2017May 24, 20171 Comment

A Colorful Chair for Colorful Little Gnome…

Every year around this time, my Grandson and I start making our mini gardens.

It’s our special annual tradition.

Last year, we added a Gnome named Mr. Elfsnail.

This year, I decided to create a chair for him to sit on while working in the garden.

We take our gardening seriously. Read about Mr. Elfsnail’s garden.

For Mr. Elfsnails chair…

I found this cute little wooden chair in the toy area of Dollar Tree and knew it’d be a cute

mini garden chair for my gnome.

How to make a Colorful Gnome Chair

Supplies Used:

Miniature Wood Doll Chair
DecoArt Americana Paint: Watermelon Slice, Marigold, Olive Green
DecoArt Multi-Surface Satin Acrylic Paint: Night Sky, Cotton Ball
Paint Brush
Sand Paper

Lightly sand any rough spots off the chair.
Paint the chair in a variety of colors.
Create small flowers on the top of the chair by dipping the end of the paintbrush in paint and adding small dots as the petals.

Chair measures 3″ tall.

I might have even left it here (glued to the tree) if I didn’t think it’d drive the boys crazy.

A little fun and whimsy.

For a dollar and some paint, it might be fun to let the boys paint a chair of their own.

For more summer fun… click on ad below ↓

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Easy Photo Transfer on Wood Slices with Mod Podge

May 18, 2017June 4, 202118 Comments

Easy DIY Photo Transfer project using Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium…

I’ve used Mod Podge® several times over the years, but had never tried

Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium*. (*affiliate link)

I was surprised at how easy the process was and how well the project turned out.

For my project…

I used a color copy of my son in his favorite Woody pajamas and favorite Woody toy.

It’s hard to believe that this sweet faced boy is now graduating from High School.

I also used a wood slice from Walnut Hollow* for my project.

The wood slice had been previously kiln dried, sanded and was ready to use.

Directions:

Do not use actual photographs, you must use photo copies made from a dry toner type copier.
Lay wood slice over picture and trace around wood slice. Cut around traced lines.
Using a 1″ Foam Brush*, brush over image with a medium application of Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium*. The medium will be opaque.
Carefully lift image off, making contact only slightly with the image edge. Flip the coated image over and position over the wood slice. Lightly press from the center out to release any air bubbles. Wipe away any excess medium that may have been squeezed out from the image. Allow to dry overnight.
Wet a sponge with water, squeeze excess water from sponge then dampen the exposed backside of the image transfer. Immediately as the paper is wet, an image will appear. Allow the wet image to rest a couple moments to soften the paper.

5. Using your damp sponge or a fingertip, begin to lightly rub over the damp paper to peel away layers. Be careful not to be rough with the wet paper as it may be fragile. After removing several layers of paper, stop and allow transferred image to dry. Once dry, white areas will appear where paper remains. Repeat steps to moisten and lightly rub the surface to remove the remaining paper layers. Allow to dry.

6. If desired, brush a coat of Mod Podge Matte Finish* or Mod Podge Gloss Finish* over the project surface to seal and protect.

Basic Directions from plaidonline.com

Did you Know…

In 1967, Jan Wetstone created Mod Podge in her garage as an easy-to-use decoupage solution for crafting enthusiasts. Since then, the brand has gone beyond just decoupage with 17 different formulas that include Matte, Gloss, Dishwasher safe, and Sparkle as well as top coats for Brushstrokes and Chalkboard. The introduction of the Mod Melter made embellishing your craft projects a breeze, along with the endless creative options found in Dimensional Magic, Photo Transfer Medium, and Collage Clay.

*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!

ADORNit: “Embrace Each Day” card

May 12, 2017February 9, 2023Leave a comment

A bright and cheerful card for all you Moms out there.

It doesn’t matter if put your feet up, take a walk, plant those flowers or hug those little ones…

What ever you need to do to embrace the day. (fyi…I plan on doing all the above)

Happy Mother’s Day.

Card Details… (*affiliate link)

81034 Daisy Delight -Artplay Mini Coloring Book
22744 Embrace Art Play Paintable
Garden Fun Aqua Floret (Adornit)
Inklings Colors-Hot Pink Dots (Adornit)
ADORNit Bloom Washi Tape*
Ranger Stickles Glitter Glue, Diamond*
Marvy Color In Markers
Waterbrush*
Mini Foam Mounting Squares
Cardstock: White, Sunflower

This card was sponsored by ADORNit as part of being an ADORNit “it girl” ambassador.

Easy DIY Golf Themed Party Ideas

May 3, 2017May 13, 2025Leave a comment

Easy DIY Golf Themed Party Ideas

How to Throw a Golf Themed Birthday Party…

We recently celebrated a milestone birthday for my husband,

who is quite the avid golfer.

He’s been playing golf since he was a kid and even caddied as a teen.

It only seemed fitting that we celebrate with a Golf Themed Birthday Party.

Easy DIY Golf Themed Party Ideas

The Centerpiece was quite easy…

I used a cylinder vase from Dollar Tree* along with decorative sand and

inexpensive plastic practice golf balls*.

I cut pennants from red cardstock and glued them onto Bamboo Skewers*,

then added White Chipboard Numbers Stickers*.

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!

Easy Golf Themed Party Ideas

I kept the menu simple with his favorite foods, fried chicken, pasta,

sandwiches, chips and salad.

For fun… I used golf lingo to create little signs to label some of the food.

I used a “free golf clipart” that I found online and customized each sign using

a photo editing site.

Easy Golf Themed Party Ideas

To clip the signs onto the serving dishes,

I used Wide Clip Sign Holders* and

Versa Grip Double-Clip Sign Holders* from Deflecto Craft Solutions.

Disclosure: “This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Deflecto Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas, views and opinions.”

Easy Golf Themed Party Ideas

Of course… there was the Water Hole and an Arnold Palmer Station.

Easy Golf Themed Party Ideas

Create your own Arnold Palmer drink with lemonade and tea (or sweet tee).

Easy Golf Themed Party Ideas

To keep with the theme… I used a Grass Tablecover*on the serving table,

Golf Party Paper Plates & Napkins* and hung Inflatable Golf Balls* from the ceiling.

They also make large golf ball balloons.

I also purchased a large Golf Party Banner from Amazon* to hang on the wall.

Easy Golf Themed Party Ideas

The party wouldn’t be complete without a golf themed birthday cake.

Easy Golf Themed Party Ideas

I purchased the cute little Pull Back Golf Cart* from Amazon only to find out it was also

available as part of the themed cake from Walmart. (oh well)

The golf cart was a huge hit with both the young and the old.

My husband said he’s keeping this one for himself.

I had to get these “Oh No The Big 60” Candles* for the cake.

The golf themed birthday party was shared with our large and wonderful

extended family on a beautiful, sunny (and cool) evening out in our garage/party

room. I had so much fun planning this special “Par-Tee” for him.

It was easy thanks to a little help from Deflecto Craft Solutions

and purchases from Amazon, Dollar Tree*, Party City and Oriental Trading.

For another Fun Golf Themed Party Idea ↓

Just for Fun…DIY Golf Menu Board (Click here)

How to make a Relaxing Guy Card

April 30, 2017April 29, 2017Leave a comment

I’ve always found making cards for a guy to be tricky.

Making feminine cards come easy to me.

For the upcoming summer season, I decided to make a “guy” card

that would make a perfect birthday, Father’s Day and even Retirement.

To make the Relaxing Guy Card…

TIP: Before removing the back off the 3D foam mounting squares. Brush baby powder to the back of the stickers to remove the tackiness. The stickers become like die cuts and will only stick where you want them too.

Materials Used: (*affiliate link)

Paper House-Lake Life Cardstock Stickers*
Paper House Productions PP-0052E Lake Life Paper Pads, 12″*
or individual sheets ↓
P-2001 Dock on the Lake 12″ Double Sided Scrapbook Paper
P-2002 A Day at the Lake 12″ Double Sided Scrapbook Paper
P-2005 Lake Time Tags 12″ Double Sided Scrapbook Paper
3L Scrapbook Adhesive Permanent Pre-Cut 3D Foam Squares*
Tape Runners*
Kraft Cardstock
Twine
Baby Powder
Paintbrush
Scissors
Paper Cutter

Directions:

Cut a 4″ x 6″ piece of green scrapbook (dock on the lake) layer. Add border sticker strip onto the top and bottom of the layer leaving approx. 1/8″ border.
Adhere the green layer onto a 4 1/4″ x 6 1/4″ piece of brown scrapbook paper (day at the lake) and then onto a 4 1/2″ x 6 1/2″ piece of red (lake time) scrapbook paper.
Create a 5″ x 7″ side fold card from the kraft cardstock.
Adhere scrapbook layers onto kraft card.

5. Create dimensional stickers by adding and layers stickers with 3D foam mounting squares. Add stickers to the front of the card.

6. Wrap twine around the left side of the card and tie with a knot.

*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!

DIY…Bloom Garden Stepping Stone

April 27, 2017June 2, 2017Leave a comment

Create a little fun and whimsy in your Garden with a Bloom Garden Stepping Stone.

(The links and instructions to make the Garden stone are included down below.)

I just got the Garden Issue of Craft Ideas Magazine and I’m so excited that I can finally share

with you my “Bloom Garden Stone”. (you can find it on page #24)

Make sure to check out the entire Garden issue of Craft Ideas,

the issue is full of great garden themed ideas and inspiration.

Materials and Supplies: (*affiliate links)

8” Cake Pan
Petroleum Jelly
Rapid Set Concrete Mix
DecoArt DS17-9 Americana Multi-Purpose Sealer*
DecoArt Americana® Multi Surface Acrylic Paint: Night Sky, Cotton Ball, Woodland Green
DecoArt Americana® Acrylic Paint: Watermelon Slice, Marigold
Decoart Decor Stencil 8×8 Garden Bloom*
DecoArt Americana DuraClear Varnishes*
Paintbrush
Stencil Brush*
White Cardstock

Directions:

Cover the sides and bottom of an old cake pan with Petroleum Jelly for easy removal.
Mix Rapid Set Concrete Mix according to manufacturer’s instructions. Fill pan with cement approx. 1″ thick. Shake pan a little to fill in the gaps and smooth. Allow a couple hours for cement to set before removing from the pan. Let the cement stone dry for a day or two before painting.

3. To create a better surface for painting and stenciling, paint cement stone first with DecoArt DS17-9 Americana Multi-Purpose Sealer*

4. Mix together Night Sky and Cotton Ball acrylic paint and basecoat entire stone.

5. Tear a piece of white cardstock with an irregular edge as shown to create a mask stencil for cloud background.

6. Place cloud mask stencil onto stone and paint with an upward motion. Move mask stencil around stone to paint additional clouds and let dry.

7. Stencil bloom flower using a mixture of Watermelon Slice and Marigold and stencil “bloom” with Night Sky as shown. Paint leaves Woodland Green and let dry.

8. Apply DecoArt Americana DuraClear Varnishes* using paintbrush over stone to help protect the stone from the outdoor elements.

You also might like this stepping stone project I created with my grandson Nick.

The Bloom Garden Stone was created for and sponsored by Craft Ideas Magazine. Craft Ideas for Every Occasion, Every Skill Level.

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How to make a Springtime Delights Resin Magnet

April 4, 2017Leave a comment

I have to admit, working with Resin intimidated me at first.

With a little practice, I found that it’s really not hard and you can get some amazing results.

Especially when you start small. (Just make sure to read the package instructions)

My Springtime Delights magnet measures only 2″ x 2.

Materials: (*affiliate link)

Maya Road TIN003 Small Square Journey Tin
Envirotex Jeweler’s Grade Clear Epoxy Resin*
Paper House Productions STDM-0170 Welcome Spring 3D Sticker
Paper House Productions STDM-0176 Easter Egg Hunt 3D Sticker
Paper House Productions P-2007 Love 12” Double Sided Scrapbook Paper
Magnet
Beacon Adhesives Zip Dry Paper Glue*
Paper Cutter

Directions:

Cut and glue a small piece of scrapbook paper to fit inside of tin.

Arrange 3D stickers inside of tin. You may need to add extra glue under each sticker to make sure they stay in place.

Measure, Mix and pour the resin as directed in the product packaging.

Blow air onto the resin using a thin straw to help remove bubbles.

Allow plenty of drying time for the resin to cure before gluing magnet onto the back of the tin.

*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!

Easter Egg Hunt Sign

April 2, 2017Leave a comment

Any Easter egg hunts in your near future?

I whipped up this cute little sign for our Easter Egg Hunt using a DEFLECT-O Chalkboard Easel*

Simply embellish the easel with stickers and scrapbook paper for a quick DIY project.

Add your message with the chalk marker that comes with the easel.

For more fun, let the kiddo’s decorate the sign.

It also makes a cute sign to label your Easter Buffet.

(Easter stickers and paper from Paper House Productions.)

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“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.”