How to make a Floral Chalkboard

DIY Chalkboard with Adornit…

The Floral Chalkboard makes a fun decorative Home Décor piece and is really easy to make.

To make the Floral Chalkboard you’ll need…        (*affiliate links)

Shop Your Fav Brands at Scrapbook.com

Directions:

  1. Apply an even coat of Mod Podge* over the larger Wood Bracket shape.  Lay decorative scrapbook paper over shape and smooth with your hand.

2.  Using an x-acto knife and cutting mat, cut excess paper away from the Wood Bracket.

3.  Rub Vintage Photo Distress Ink*onto the outside edges of the wood shape using the Ink Blending Tool*.

4.   Paint the smaller wood shape with the Black Chalkboard Paint*.  Add small white dots around the outside of the wood shape with the white paint marker*.

5.  Stencil the words “be Happy” onto the chalkboard using white acrylic paint and the Deco Art Americana Decor Stencil, Inspiration*.

6.  Cut a few flower shapes using the second sheet of scrapbook paper.  Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge* to the back of the flowers and glue to the front of the chalkboard.  Add decorative pearl embellishments to the inside of the flowers.

7.  Glue chalkboard to the front of the floral base using Beacon’s Quick Grip All-Purpose Permanent Adhesive*.

8.  Drill two holes on the top of the chalkboard and add Twine* for hanging.

    

This Chalkboard was sponsored by Adornit as an“it girl” Ambassador.

If you liked the Floral Chalkboard, you might also like the DIY Bloom Floral Plaque.

You can see the full tutorial here.

     

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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!

 

How to make a 4th of July Centerpiece with Fireworks, Flags, Banners and Pinwheels

What do you think about when you hear the words “4th of July”?

For me it’s… White picket fences, fireworks and the good old red white and blue. 

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

rolled into one.   I created this 4th of July centerpiece a couple years ago, since it’s one

of my favorite projects, I thought I’d share it again.   Enjoy!

How to make a 4th of July Centerpiece…

Products Used:                 (*affiliate link)

Directions:

  1.  Paint the round disc with Navy Blue paint.

2.  Cut two 1” x 12” strips of the red striped paper and one 1” x 2” piece. Adhere to the side of the disc with double stick tape roller.

3.  Die-cut 7 fence sections.

4.  Paint 15 round toothpicks white. (set four aside to use later.)

5.  Cut 11 toothpicks in half. Glue one toothpick half on each end and middle of the fence with the pointed end facing down.

6.  Insert fence sections onto the top edge of the disc.

7.  Paint the 4” cube red.

8.  Cut five 3 ¾” x 3 ¾” pieces of Navy & Ivory dot paper. Adhere to the sides and top of the cube. Glue cube to center of the disc.

9. Paint two bamboo skewers white. Cut skewers to 5”.

10.  Glue small blue beads to top of each skewer.

11.  Create small ½” flags from scraps of paper and cardstock. Adhere onto a 12” piece of blue and white twine.  Tie ends of the twine to top of the skewers to make a flag banner. Insert into disc.

12.  To create Bottle Rockets:  Paint two bamboo skewers red.  Cut two pieces of red striped paper 1 3/4” x two. Wrap around pencil to curve paper. Remove pencil and roll tightly to form a small tube. Wrap a 1/2” strip of navy dot paper around tube.  Glue a small piece of twine inside of tube to create the bottle rocket wick. Glue tube onto red bamboo skewer and insert into disc. Create second bottle rocket for other side of the disc.

13.  Punch two 3” Navy and Ivory Dots scalloped circles.

14.  Cut two strips of red card-stock: 1 1/4”” x 12” and 2 1/4” x 6 1/2” . Adhere the two strips together to form one long 2 1/4” x 18” strip of red card-stock.

15.  Using scoring board and scoring tool. Score card-stock every 1/4” down the entire length. Fold strip accordion fold. Glue ends together with a strong adhesive to form a cylinder.

16.  On a flat surface, gather the bottom of the cylinder tight while spreading and pushing down on the top to create the Rosette.

17.  With a strong adhesive, attach one of the scalloped circles to the center of the Rosette. Hold into place until the adhesive starts to hold.

18.  Turn the Rosette over and attach the second scalloped circle onto the other side of the rosette.

19.  Create a second smaller rosette using a 1” x 12” strip of red striped paper. Score strip every 1/4”.  (repeat steps 16 and 17)

20.  Glue blue button into center of the rosette to hold in place. Glue onto center of the scalloped circle. Add star sticker to center of button.

21.  Paint a bamboo skewer with Navy paint. Cut into a 5” piece. Insert into back of finished Rosette.

22.  Insert finished Rosette into top of the 4″ cube.

23.  Create small pinwheels by adhering two pieces of 1” x 1” paper together.  On each corner, cut diagonally two-thirds of way to square’s center, dividing each corner into two points. Bring every other point to center so that the points overlap. Glue into place.

24.  Glue small red button to center of each pinwheel.  Glue onto white painted toothpick and insert into base.

25.  Create and print computer generated “CELEBRATE” and “4th of July” onto white card-stock.  Cut and layer to size and adhere onto picks and skewers and insert onto centerpiece.

This project was created for and sponsored by Smoothfoam and Canvas Corp Brands.

For more summer fun…click on Slimer 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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Almost Famous…

My grandson said to me the other day while he was sitting at my desk,

“Grandma you’re famous.”

“No, honey, I’m not”, I said.

“But… Grandma, you’ve been in a magazine”.

Well now dear Nicholas… so have you.

I received the very last issue of Craft Ideas magazine in the mail today.  (insert sad face)

Along with two projects, I also had the honor of being the Contributor Spotlight.

You can read my interview with Molly on page #96.

Now we’re both almost famous.

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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I love my Calendar Girls

I love, I love, I love my calendar girl.

You ever get a song stuck in your head?  (over and over again)

When I finished up with these samples last night, I couldn’t get that song out of my head.

For those of you not old enough to remember the song Calendar Girl by Neil Sedaka,

I suggest you “google” it.  Then you’ll have it rolling around your head just like me.

(*amazon affiliate link)

It all started with the Calendar Girls Mini Coloring Book* from ADORNit.

I simply water colored the image using a variety of inks from ink pads and a waterbrush.

(It makes me feel like an artist)

The mini coloring books are now available on Amazon*.

And… if you use the code MINIBOOK (all caps) you will be able to buy 2 and get 1 free!  

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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!

for the love of reading… “Books for Nick”

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.

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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DIY a Colorful Garden Chair for your Gnome

diy-a-colorful-garden-chair-for-your-gnome-2

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
  1. Lightly sand any rough spots off the chair.
  2. Paint the chair in a variety of colors.
  3. 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 ↓

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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Easy Photo Transfer on Wood Slices with Mod Podge

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:

  1. Do not use actual photographs, you must use photo copies made from a dry toner type copier.
  2. Lay wood slice over picture and trace around wood slice.  Cut around traced lines.
  3. Using a 1″ Foam Brush*, brush over image with a medium application of Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium*. The medium will be opaque.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

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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

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)

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

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!

Easy DIY Golf Themed Party Ideas

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.

Easy Golf Themed Party Ideas

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

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

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How to make a Relaxing Guy Card

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)

 
Directions:
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Create a 5″ x 7″ side fold card from the kraft cardstock.
  4. 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.

Mini Tape Runners

*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!