Category: Deco Art

No. 14 How to age a Terra Cotta Pot with Chalky Finish Paint

2 Comments

It’s front porch sitting time…

Time for sitting on the porch swing, sipping a glass of iced tea and relaxing the evening away.

But before I can relax, I need to finish putting flowers in containers and I need to give a couple

of old boring terra cotta pots a little sprucing up with a little paint and stencils.

I decided to give this plain terra cotta pot an aged looked with

Americana Décor Chalky Finish Paint from DecoArt.

Terra Cotta Pot Close Up 7478

How to age a Terra Cotta Pot with Chalky Finish Paint

Supplies Used:                                                                (*affiliate link)

Terra Cotta Pot Collage

Directions:

  1. Paint the terra cotta pot with “yesteryear” (gray) chalky finish paint.  I gave the pot some white highlights with “everlasting” chalky finish paint.
  2. Wipe the pot with a clean soft damp cloth (or white paper towel) to remove some of the paint.
  3. To give the pot a mossy look… Dry brush “new life” (green) chalky finish paint around the base of the pot, under the ridge and on the top edge.  Soften the green paint by wiping with a damp cloth if needed.
  4. Apply reusable stick on stencils to painted pot.  Mask around the stencil with removable painter’s tape.  Use a stipple brush to apply “relic” Chalky Finish paint inside open stencil area.
  5. Remove stencil.
  6. Lightly sand pot with extra fine sand paper.
  7. Apply Americana® Décor “golden brown” crème wax over pot using a clean lint free cloth.  Wipe with cloth to create an aged look.

Shop Your Fav Brands at Scrapbook.com

Front Porch 2

This post was sponsored by the good folks at DecoArt.

Join Amazon Kindle Unlimited 30-Day Free Trial

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!

Vintage French Inspired Keepsake Box

Leave a comment

Vintage French Inspired Keepsake Box

I am a guest blogger on the Walnut Hollow Blog sharing my Vintage French Inspired Keepsake Box.  Make to stop by their blog to check out the full tutorial here.

Supplies Used on the Vintage French Inspired Keepsake Box…           (affiliate link)

*The Vintage French Inspired Keepsake Box was created for and sponsored by Walnut Hollow and DecoArts.

Shop Amazon Scrapbooking Supplies*

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!

Buy the Planner Value Kit

Making a place for Dad’s coffee

29 Comments

Making a place for Dad's Coffee 5605

Dad comes over every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings for dinner.

It’s our weekly ritual.

He arrives at 5:30, sits in the leather chair closest to the television, in time for the evening news.

While he watches the news, I make dinner.  That’s the routine.

Dad sits in that particular chair so he can read the closed captioning.

Unfortunately, that’s the one chair that doesn’t have an end table.

Occasionally… he’ll give me a hard time telling me I need a table so he can put his coffee

cup down.  Problem is there’s no room to put one there.

old stool 5552

Problem Solved…

I noticed this old stool down in the basement, paint splattered and water stained.  (a little ugly)

A make-over was in order and I knew exactly what I wanted to do.

I wish you could of saw the smile when I told him why I did this.  (I had to sneak the first picture)

He thought it was perfect.

Easily put away when not in use.

*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!

Finished Stool with coffee cup 5592

Old Stool Make-0ver Products Used:                                                   (*affiliate link)

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

Old Stool Make Over Steps

Directions:

  1. I gave the top of the table a quick sanding with my palm sander to smooth out the paint splatters.  (I could of sanded the legs but I was lazy.)
  2. I used Tattered Angels Decor and DIY, Ebony*, I love that you don’t need to do any sanding or priming.  I love the smooth matte finish that it gives.  I gave the table 2 coats of paint and some touch ups.
  3. Allow the paint to fully dry and cure before starting the stenciling.
  4. I custom mixed Americana Décor Chalky Finish paint relic and everlasting for a light contrast to the ebony black finish.
  5. Center the stencil onto the middle of the stool and tape down the edges with removable painter’s tape to keep the stencil from moving.
  6. Use stipple brush to apply Chalky Finish paint inside open stencil areas.
  7. Remove Stencil.
  8. For the time being, I’ve decided to leave the stool as is.  You may want to apply a finishing wax to help protect the paint.

   

Don’t Miss a Thing…Make Sure to Follow me

Shop Amazon Scrapbooking Supplies*

Nick’s Garden Caddy (for Easter)

Leave a comment

Nick's Garden Caddy 5510

As soon I walked into Target, a few weeks ago, I was stopped in my tracks by their adorable gardening

supplies for kids.  (in the one spot area)  I am a sucker for cute little things.

Sweet little metal tools and polka dot gardening gloves (oh my) and when I found the plain wood

caddy…  I knew exactly what I wanted to use for Nicholas’ Easter basket.

Nicholas, as you may know, is my gardening buddy.

Wood Caddy 5459 2

Instead of leaving the caddy plain (what fun would that be), I decided to paint and personalize the

caddy with a chalkboard on one side and his name on the other.

(I used Deco Art Urban Ink Stencil, 6″ by 9″, Sea Dogto stencil on his name.)

Back of Nick's Garden Caddy 5538

I went back to Target last week to see if I could find another wood caddy but sadly they were all out.

If you happen to spy one at your Target make sure to grab one, they make wonderful paint caddies.

Wood Caddy with Paint 5462

Along with the Gardening supplies, I added tie-dye chalk (for the chalkboard), jelly bellys, a light up

ball and of course marshmallow peeps.

Nick's Garden Caddy Haul 5493

And… I didn’t forget little brother Warren.  (I picked up all these goodies at Target)

Warren's Easter Bucket 5545

In case your wondering… No this isn’t a sponsored post for Target.  (but I wish it was)

 

*This post uses Amazon Affiliate links.  I am a Amazon affiliate.

How to Create a Wedding Memories Card Box

Leave a comment

I am honored to have had my Wedding Memories Card Box featured as a special project in

DIY Wedding Magazine’s Holiday Issue.

Wedding Memories Keepsake Cards Box 1

The Wedding Memories Cards Box is a dual-purpose box to hold cards at the Reception

and then to be used later to store the Wedding Memories to be cherished for years to come.

Wedding Memories Card Box 8032

I started with a plain wood box from Walnut Hollow and Chalky Finish Paint from Deco Art to create a soft timeless finish.

Supplies Used:    (*amazon affiliate links)

Finished Size: 9” x 12” x 3 1/2”

Wedding Memories Card Box Collage

Directions:

  1. Paint the top portion of the cornice box with “Vintage” Chalky Finish paint and the bottom portion of the box with “Timeless” Chalky Finish paint. (Inside and out)
  2. Lightly sand the box to smooth out the finish.
  3. Position “Mod Quatrefoil” stencil over the top of the box. Secure the stencil in place with the painter’s tape to prevent slipping. Use stipple brush to apply “Whisper” Chalky Finish paint inside open stencil areas.
  4. Remove stencil.
  5. Position and stencil “Mod Quatrefoil” pattern onto the sides of box.
  6. Allow paint to dry for a few hours and lightly sand over the stenciled area to give a slightly worn look.
  7. Apply clear crème wax onto the inside and outside of the box.
  8. Wait one hour and buff box using a soft, clean rag.
  9. Measure and apply decorative paper onto the inside of the box.
  10. Tie a long length of Antique White Satin ribbon around the top of the box, tying a bow on the top.
  11. Cut cream cardstock into five 2 1/4” x 3 1/2” pieces.
  12. Stencil the letters to spell “CARDS” onto cream cardstock using the 3” Simple Script Alphabet.
  13. On the inside of the box: Clip the letters onto the ribbon using the mini clothespins.

Wedding Memories Card Box closed

This project was sponsored by Deco Arts and Walnut Hollow. 

Shop Handmade – The Wedding Store

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!

Cupcake Stand or Craft Supply Storage?

1 Comment

Cupcake Stand or Craft Supply Storage 3310

Deflecto Craft Solutions has several new items debuting at CHA this week in Anaheim, California.

(CHA being the annual Craft and Hobby Association Trade Show.)

One of my favorites products being shown is this Three Tier Desert Stand.

Acrylic Stand and Supplies

The stand features adjustable heights and a easy knock down compact design for storage.

It is perfect for holding cupcakes and even comes with little holes to insert cake pops.  (Pretty Clever.)

The Cupcake Stand will be available January 2016 through local art, craft and educational stores.

 

Because I don’t make a lot of cupcakes, I decided to use mine for storage instead. ♥

tracing circles

This is what I used to personalize the stand:

  1. Trace each of the tiers onto the back of the kraft paper.
  2. Loosely cut around each circle.
  3. Liberally apply the glue-stick onto the back of the paper around and inside the circle.
  4. Lay tier onto the glued circle and trim excess paper with craft knife.
  5. Smooth paper onto tier.
  6. Cut out the center channels of the tiers with a craft knife.

Washi Tape Border

Apply washi tape around the outside lip.

decorated stand with out paint

Assemble stand and fill craft supplies.  (or maybe even your favorite cupcakes)

 

“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 Amazon links if you choose to purchase from Amazon, I get a very small commission.

How to build a Snowman with Smoothfoam…

4 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)

*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!

Shop Your Fav Brands at Scrapbook.com

Directions:

  1. Cut a small section off the bottom of the 4″ Smoothfoam ball so that it sits flat.
  2. Cut a couple of 3″ sections from the bamboo skewer.  Stick the skewer into the center of the 2″ and 3″ Smoothfoam balls.
  3. 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)
  4. 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.
  5. Paint the entire Snowman base with white acrylic paint.  This fills in and helps cover any area missed by the Snow-tex.
  6. For a Frosty Look…paint the Snowman base with Craft Twinkles Glitter Paint.
  7. 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.
  8. Cut a strip of gingham fabric and tie around neck.  Cut small slits into the ends of fabric for fringe.
  9. Use two small black brads inserted into the head for the eyes.  Use five micro black brads insert as the mouth.
  10. 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*

French Country Fall Stenciled Burlap Table Runner

Leave a comment

French Country Fall Stenciled Burlap Table Runner 681 2

French Country Inspired Stenciled Burlap Table Runner for Fall.

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

Supplies 223

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

*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!

Stenciling 269

Stenciled 380

Directions:

  1. Make sure to lay paper down before stenciling on burlap.
  2. Tape around stencil with removable painter’s tape so that the stencil won’t move.
  3. Using a stencil brush, dip just the tip of your brush into the paint.  Tap off excess paint.
  4. Stenciling is a “dry” brush technique.
  5. Apply paint with stencil brush in a straight up and down motion called stippling.
  6. Clean Stencil between each image.
  7. Glue lace trim onto each edge of the runner using Fabri Tac glue.
  • Burlap is a rough fabric.  You may want to add a layer of fabric or felt underneath the runner to protect the finish of your table.

Close UP 0666

Fall Display

Because I really liked how the table runner turned out…

I decided to create a pillow for the comfy chair in my dining room

I used muslin as a lining for the burlap and on the reverse side of the pillow.

(The pillow, of course, consisted of some sewing.)

Shop Amazon Scrapbooking Supplies*

Making a Playhouse Banner with oly*fun

Leave a comment

Making a Playhouse Banner with Oly Fun 9634My grandson Nicholas is celebrating his 5th birthday in just a few days.  (but who’s counting?)

He’s having two parties this Saturday.  One for the kids and the other for family.

Such a lucky little guy.  (Born on his Daddy’s birthday.)

Since the family party is at his house, I had an idea to make a bright colorful banner to decorate

the new playhouse.

I had recently received a selection of oly*fun to work with and thought it would be perfect to use.

It was super easy to put together.

Playhouse 9651

What exactly IS oly*fun? 

oly*fun is a specially engineered material that features some of the best things about fabrics AND

papers.  Easy to cut or die-cut and it will not fray.  It is great for outdoors

Supplies 9625

 Here’s what I used:

Supplies 9631

Directions:

  1. Stencil the check pattern using the black acrylic paint on the orange oly*fun.
  2. Create a banner pattern on cardstock.
  3. Cut out the banner pattern and trace onto the stenciled oly*fun.
  4. Trace and cut several banners out of the black and green oly*fun.
  5. Cut strips and circles to decorate the banners.  Glue onto banner with Fabri Tac Glue.
  6. Fold top of the banner and staple onto the piece of twine.
  7. Tie the banner onto the top of the playhouse and watch the kids play.

Playhouse 9644

A Special Thanks to Fairfield World for generously providing the oly*fun for this project.

 

Etched Family Frame

2 Comments

Etched Family Frame 09191

Whenever I get a chance…

Whenever they’re all home together…

I try to get a family picture.

It only seems to happen a few times per year.

When we’re all together, there’s so much excitement, talking and laughter that I  forget.

Like this summer, after swimming and naps….

I set up the tri-pod, gathered the kids and set up the self timer.

(it’s always good for a few laughs)  All 18 eyes were open,

all those who were running away were captured and everyone was looking.

Phew… not an easy task.  But always worth it in the end.

It was starting to get dark, so the picture’s not as clear as I’d like it.

I decided to print it in black and white and put it in a simple black frame.

Family close up 09196

To capture the sentiment of the picture I etched the word “family” on the glass.

Etched Frame Supplies 08943

Etched Family Frame Products Used:               (*affiliate links)

Directions:

  1. Remove glass from frame.  Clean glass to remove all dirt, fingerprints and oil.  Dry with a coffee filter, paper towel, or lint-free cloth.
  2. Apply “Family” stencil to glass.  Burnish the edges of the stencil.  You want to make sure no edges are coming up.
  3. Mask around the stencil with removable painters tape for extra surface protection.
  4. Apply a heavy coat of etchall® etching crème to the masked area of the stencil.
  5. Leave etching crème on design for 15 minutes.  After etching time has elapsed, use the squeegee to return the crème back into the original container for later re-use.
  6. Rinse etched surface with hot water to remove any remaining crème. Remember to keep crème away from porcelain sinks or ceramic tiles.
  7. To make the etched letters stand out more, apply picket fence distress paint over the letters.  Wipe surrounding area of the glass clean.

Poof and he's gone

and for your viewing pleasure…

Shop Your Fav Brands at Scrapbook.com

*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!

Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial