My 2016 Personalized Planner

January 6, 2016January 6, 20162 Comments

Have you noticed how popular Specialized Planners have become?

You can find them all over in stores and online in almost any color or size…

with places to doodle, write scriptures, stay organized, you name it.

I am a planner, a list maker and a person who likes to stay organized.

I’ve used planners for years and I’m picky. I know exactly what I want.

I’m also simple and don’t want or need a big fancy planner.

I need a month at a glance, thin, big enough space for writing, with lines planner.

The last couple of years, I have found this super cheap planner for $1.00 at Walmart.

The color selection was bright, but, I knew that didn’t matter.

It was perfect for decorating.

And… better yet, it came with a clear protective cover.

So armed with my inexpensive planner and a few sheets of scrapbook paper and stickers.

I personalized my planner, just how I want it. I now have the perfect planner.

From Drab to Fab, Cheap to Designer. I love it and I couldn’t be happier!

Plenty of space for notes.

(FYI: I save my planners each year, it’s a handy reference to vacations and special occasions you might want to document in your scrapbooks)

Simple Stories Simple Set Collection Kit 12″X12″-You & Me

Quick and Easy Stenciled Holiday Pillows

December 14, 2015January 11, 20163 Comments

Stenciled Holiday Pillows 2422

Add a little warmth and coziness to your home with Quick and Easy DIY Holiday pillows.

Today’s pillow projects have a couple of unique twists to make these projects super easy.

For the “Believe” pillow I started with a .79 dish towel that I picked up at IKEA.

To give my towel a creamy vintage color… I soaked my towel in a tub of hot tea.

I wanted my towel to stay light so I only left it in a minute or two.

Leave towel in longer for a darker brown color.

Rinse the towel in hot water and then throw in the dryer to set.

Iron the towel to make crisp and stencil the towel using the 12″ Word Xmas Tree stencil from Clear Scraps and dark red acrylic paint.
Fold the towel in half, stenciled side in, stitched the towel together and fill with a soft stuffing.

The Snowflake pillow is a No Sew Pillow. (I really cheated with this pillow.)

I used a plain 14″ x 20″ canvas placemat from Canvas Corp Brands which I stenciled with the Snowflake stencil from Stencil 1 using Tattered Angels Chalkboard Mists. Make sure to cover and mask any areas that you wouldn’t want sprayed.
Glue the ribbon, lace and buttons onto the placemat using Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive, 4-Ounce, tucking ends to backside of the placemat.
Glue place mat together and fill with a soft stuffing.
No Sewing Required. (for decorative use only)

Polka Dot Peppermint Parfait

December 9, 2015October 17, 2019Leave a comment

A Quick and Easy Etched Glass Project

I picked up some sweet green parfait glasses at a estate sale awhile back.

I’ve been wanting to do something special with them and thought they’d look cute

with some polka dots. (I mean who doesn’t like polka dots?)

The Polka Dot Parfait glass is a project you can make in under a half hour.

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

Here’s what you’ll need:

*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:

Measure the width of your parfait glass. Cut the vinyl to fit around glass.
Using a standard hole punch, punch random holes onto the vinyl to create a polka dot pattern.
Wrap the vinyl around the side of the parfait glass.
Make sure to burnish the vinyl to get out air bubbles and to make sure the all edges all down.
Wrap additional areas around the glass with removable painters tape to protect the area from splatters.
Apply a thick coat of Etchall® etching crème over the polka dots using the squeegee. (more is better)
Wait 15 minutes. Scrape excess etching crème from the side of the glass and return extra etching crème back into the bottle. (it’s reusable)
Rinse glass with warm water to clean.
Remove Stencil and dry.
Wash glass thoroughly before using.

For a Light and Festive Holiday Treat try adding crushed Candy Canes to vanilla ice cream.

Place ice cream back into freezer to set up.
Don’t forget to save some crushed candy canes to sprinkle on top.

Christmas in a Pickle Jar

December 6, 2015November 21, 201816 Comments

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:

Small Pickle Jar
Canopy (base)
Old Knob
Black Spray Paint*
Cream Bottle Brush Trees* (*affiliate link)
Plaid Ribbon
Wood Deer Cut-out
Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad, Vintage Photo*
Ink Applicator & Blending Tool*
Small Bottle Brush Wreath
Adhesives
Epsom Salt*
Beacon Glass, Metal & More Premium Permanent Glue*

*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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A little Holiday Sparkle…

December 3, 2015February 9, 2023Leave a comment

Thinking of adding a little Holiday Sparkle this year?

Adding a little Holiday Sparkle doesn’t get much easier than this.

Gather up a few sparkly holiday sprigs…

tie them together with a jingle bell and satin ribbon and then glue them onto

your favorite frame. Your frame will be dressed to impress.

I loved the way this frame turned out, so sweet and simple.

But let me tell you… I really struggled trying to get a good picture to show you.

Taking good pictures of clear acrylic frames is really hard.

I took over 150 pictures of this frame. (no joke)

When it started snowing yesterday morning, I decided to try again.

It was such a beautiful snow, I didn’t even mind getting cold.

For my Holiday Sparkle Frame I used the NEW Clear Magnetic Curved frame

that will be available from Deflecto Craft Solutions in January 2016.

I love the original curved magnetic frame* and I am so happy that they decided to

make it in a smaller size without a border. (can’t wait to get my hands on a few more)

This new frame measures 5″ x 7″ and is perfect for a 4″ x 6″ picture or graphic.

(you can find the larger size here*)

“Tis the Season to Sparkle” comes from the 4×6 Horizontal Journaling Card Elements

from Simple Stories “Claus & Co.” collection layered on red glitter cardstock.

*Disclaimer: “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.” This post uses Affiliate links if you choose to make a purchase, I receive a very small commission that helps maintain this site. Thank You for your support!

How to build a Snowman with Smoothfoam…

December 2, 2015November 28, 20184 Comments

How to make a Snowman Using Smoothfoam balls and snowtex

Making a Snowman is pretty easy. All it takes is a little patience and time.

(and a few ingredients) ↓

Here’s what you’ll need to make a Snowman: (*amazon affiliate link)

Smoothfoam 2″ Foam Ball*
Smoothfoam 3″ Foam Ball*
4″ Smoothfoam Ball*
DecoArt DAS9-4 Snow-Tex, 4-Ounce*
White and Orange Acrylic Paint
DecoArt Craft Twinkles Paint, 2-Ounce, Crystal*
Palette Knife*
Paint Brush
3 Inch Felt Top Hat, Black*
Strip of Gingham Fabric
Strip of Grey Felt
Small Brads and Holly Embellishment
X-ACTO 1 Knife*>
Craft Glue*
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:

Cut a small section off the bottom of the 4″ Smoothfoam ball so that it sits flat.
Cut a couple of 3″ sections from the bamboo skewer. Stick the skewer into the center of the 2″ and 3″ Smoothfoam balls.
Add craft glue to the ends of the skewers before sticking the three balls together to form the snowman base. (Allow glue to fully dry before continuing to the next step)
Using a palette knife, smooth Snow-tex over Snowman base. Here’s where the patience comes in… Allow a couple of hours for the Snow-tex to completely dry.
Paint the entire Snowman base with white acrylic paint. This fills in and helps cover any area missed by the Snow-tex.
For a Frosty Look…paint the Snowman base with Craft Twinkles Glitter Paint.
Cut a thin strip of grey felt and glue around the base of the hat to create a band. Glue holly embellishment onto band to cover seam. Glue to the top of the Snowman head.
Cut a strip of gingham fabric and tie around neck. Cut small slits into the ends of fabric for fringe.
Use two small black brads inserted into the head for the eyes. Use five micro black brads insert as the mouth.
Cut the pointed end from a bamboo skewer and paint with orange paint. Stick into head for the nose.

Here’s a Close up of Mr. Snowman. Isn’t he Handsome?

This project was created for Smoothfoam and sponsored by Smoothfoam and DecoArt.

Love Snowmen? Create your own “Snowball Fight” here.

Shop Amazon Scrapbooking Supplies*

Countdown to Christmas

December 1, 2015February 18, 2017Leave a comment

I had this idea to make a Countdown to Christmas using a small wood clipboard.

I’d been thinking about it and planning it in my head for a while.

When I went to the store all I could find were bright colored acrylic ones.

I knew if I kept searching I could find a wood one…

But, I really didn’t want to go running around to more stores so I picked one up

and decided I would change my plan.

The more I looked at this neon clipboard, I knew I wasn’t happy.

So… I decided to improvise.

I lightly sanded both sides of the clipboard with a fine grit sanding block.

Next, I gave the clipboard a couple of coats of Red Chalky Finish Paint.

After it was completely dried, I masked off an area with removable painter’s tape

and painted the inside of the masked area with black chalkboard paint.

“Hello December” is from a sheet of scrapbook paper from Simple Stories “Claus & Co.” Collection.

I embellished the clipboard with a silver ribbon, jingle bell and sparkly red berries.

I’m never satisfied with my own handwriting on these things…

so I added letter stickers on the bottom. (now I’m happy!)

Here’s what I used:

These products available at your local craft stores or online on amazon.com*

*Disclosure: I am a Amazon Affliate.

Mini Ribbon Wreath Ornaments

November 28, 2015November 3, 20213 Comments

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:

3″ Foam Ring*
3 yards of Ribbon (1/4” or 3/8”)
1/8″ Scor-Tape*
Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive*
Jingle Bell and Jump Ring
Adhesive Pearls*
Mini Bottle Brush Trees
Computer Generated Greeting printed on Cream Card-stock
Burlap or Scrapbook Paper Backing
Thin Metallic Trim for Hanging
Chipboard*
Scissors

Directions:

Apply a strip of 1/8″ adhesive around the outside edge of the Smoothfoam wreath. This keeps the ribbon securely in place while wrapping.
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.
Add metallic ribbon trim on top of the wreath as the ornament hanger.
Glue mini bottle brush tree inside wreath.
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.
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.
Give the banner a quick wave using your fingers and glue onto the bottom of the wreath.
Add adhesive pearls on to the wreath.
Add bow on the top of the wreath to finish it off.

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Etched Snowflake Candy Jar

November 19, 2015June 7, 20182 Comments

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.

To make the Snowflake Candy JAR…

etchall Etching Creme*
etchall etchmask*
etchall® Squeegee*
snowflake punch
ribbon
greenery craft stem
jingle bell and jump ring
red button and twine
Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive*

Punch a strip of Snowflakes using etchmask™ vinyl and a snowflake punch.
Carefully cover the jar with the vinyl.
Make sure to burnish the vinyl to get out air bubbles and to make sure the all edges all down.
Apply a thick coat of Etchall over the snowflake cut out using the squeegee.
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)
Rinse jar with warm water to clean.
Remove Stencil and dry.
Add adhesive rhinestones to the center of each snowflake.
Wrap craft stem around the neck of the jar and glue on a red button.

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

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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French Country Fall Stenciled Burlap Table Runner

November 13, 2015October 5, 2018Leave a comment

French Country Inspired Stenciled Burlap Table Runner for Fall.

This table runner is a Quick & Easy DIY project with no sewing involved.

To make the table runner you’ll need: *(affiliate links)

Directions:

Make sure to lay paper down before stenciling on burlap.
Tape around stencil with removable painter’s tape so that the stencil won’t move.
Using a stencil brush, dip just the tip of your brush into the paint. Tap off excess paint.
Stenciling is a “dry” brush technique.
Apply paint with stencil brush in a straight up and down motion called stippling.
Clean Stencil between each image.
Glue lace trim onto each edge of the runner using Fabri Tac glue.