Category: Designer Craft Connection

Getting Creative with Resin

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Getting Creative with Resin 8181

I’ve always wanted to use resin in a project but have always felt somewhat intimidated.

Thanks to an opportunity with Environmental Technology Inc., the makers of

jewelry resin and much more, I finally got my chance.

 

EnviroTex Jewelry Resin

And… after watching this video.  I felt confident to start.

I couldn’t believe how easy it was and how happy I was with the results.

The hardest part was deciding what to make and what to fill.

Halloween before the resin 2880 Creative before the resin 2883

For my Projects:

  • I started with some over-sized bottle caps from Maya Road which I spray painted black.
  • I used a circle punch to make a background from scrapbook paper.
  • I used dimensional stickers, metal pieces, regular stickers and glued everything in place using  white craft glue.
  • I measured and mixed the resin according to the instructions and filled the bottle caps.
  • Then it was time to wait for the resin to cure.

waiting for the resin to cure

The original plan was to add a hanger on the back, and use them as a decoration.

But… I had a better idea and decided to add a magnet to the back instead.

I really, really like them.

Resin Work in Progress 2908

Now that I’ve seen how easy it is, I’ve got a few more things in the works.

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*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!

Frosted Holly Wreath Ornament

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Frosted Holly Wreath Ornament

While most of you are outside basking in the Summer’s warmth…

some of us are inside thinking “cool” thoughts.

 

robins nest smoothfoam blog hop

 

As you know… I love participating in the Designer Craft Connection’s Monthly Design Challenges.

The theme for the Challenge was Christmas in July.

This month’s Manufacturer Design Challenge was sponsored by Robin’s Nest and Smoothfoam.

 

Holly Wreath 7192

My project for the challenge is a simple ornament using a small Smoothfoam Wreath

and a variety of dew drops, tear drops, diamond drops and trim from Robin’s Nest.

 

To Make the Wreath:

  1. Apply a layer of embossing paste or Snowtex to cover the front and sides of the wreath.
  2. Allow time for the paste to fully dry before continuing.
  3. Glue tear drops and dew drops on the front of the wreath with a good liquid craft glue.
  4. Glue trim around outside of the wreath.  I originally had no trim on the outside of the wreath.  By adding the decorative trim around the outside it gave me the pop of green that I needed to accent the wreath.
  5. Next…Punch or cut a 3″ circle from red glitter cardstock.  Find the center of the circle and start forming the snowflake pattern using 12 diamond drops.  Glue small metallic dew drop in the center of the snowflake.
  6. Glue hanger on the back of the wreath before adding the red snowflake circle.

 

Wreath Close Up Side 7217

A Big Thanks to Smoothfoam and Robin’s Nest for providing the products to work with.

 

DCC image

To see what the other designers have come up with. 

Click on the Designer Craft Connection Logo on my right sidebar to start hopping.

 

DIY No Sew Pillows to Dye for…

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A Pillow to Dye For

Recently, I participated with a group of Designers in a Manufacturer Challenge sponsored by

Fairfield World the makers of Pillow Forms, Batting, Poly-fil®… and a whole lot more.

After a little good natured trash talking between the designers, the challenge was dubbed the

“Pillow Fight” and with that it was game on.

Not being much of a seamstress I knew I had to take it in another direction.

Hopefully, what I lack in sewing skills I’m making up for in quantity and possibly inspiration

for other non-sowers like me.

If you happened to see my post, “Tie-Dying with Nick” then you’ll know I’m on a little bit

of a tie-dying kick.  (why stop now?   oh… and make sure to check out the bonus project at the end.)

Nick's Tie Dye Pillow 6430Warren's Pillow

Here are a couple of pillows I made for my grandsons using a one step tie-dye kit

and the Ombre Technique.  (see instructions below)

It was such a fun and easy project that I let my grandson in on the fun.

Thanks to canvas pillow squares and pillow forms there is no sewing involved.

(The red pillow above also uses the ombre Technique only with one color of dye.)

Iron-On embroidered letters allowed me to easily personalized the pillows for the boys.

Nick and the Ombre Technique

For my No Sew Pillows I used:                                                                  (*amazon affiliate links)

These are the instructions included with the Tulip dye kit.

  1. Apply dye.
  2. Dip brush into dye and apply.
  3. Dip brush into water and apply.
  4. Cover dyed fabric with plastic wrap to keep damp.
  5. Let set for 6-8 hours or longer for intense colors.
  6. Rinse well with water until excess dye is removed.
  7. Fill washer to “large load” setting with hottest water suitable for fabric and a small amount of laundry soap.  Wash and dry separately.  Wash separately for the first few washes.

Directions for Stenciling:

The pattern on the Red Pillow was made using the 12″ Doily Stencil*.

  1. Lay protective paper layer inside the canvas pillow square before stenciling.
  2. Center and tape stencil onto pillow with removable painter’s tape so that the stencil won’t move.
  3. Stenciling is a “dry” brush technique. Using a stencil brush, dip just the tip of your brush into the paint. Tap off excess paint before applying to prevent the paint from seeping under the edges of the stencil.
  4. Apply paint with stencil brush in a straight up and down motion called stippling.
  5. Stuff pillow with pillow form or Poly-fil®.

And for an added bonus… Tie Dyed Socks!!!  (someone stop me)

Tie Dyed Socks

This project was sponsored by Fairfield World, Canvas Corp Brand, Tulip Brand and DecoArt.

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*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!

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The Cooker Guy

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Another fun kid friendly project with one of my favorite helpers.  The Cooker Guy!

Kids love helping in the kitchen and this guy’s no exception.  Whenever he catches me

working on something in the kitchen, a scooting chair is soon to follow.

The Cooker Guy

I’ve been told several times, “Grandma you need a kid apron for me.”

So… I decided we should make a special one just for him.

Misting the Apron

I purchased a small apron from Canvas Corp Brands.

They call it a Toddler Apron, but it’s plenty big enough for this 4 year old.

Stenciled and sprayed

We misted and sprayed the apron with various colors of Glimmer Mists from Tattered Angels.

We also used a couple of stencils to create designs on the apron.

Personally, I think it looks more like a Art Apron than a Chef Apron.

But really?  Who’s to say?  He’s happy and that’s all that matters.

Custom Letters

To make this apron special I used these really nice iron-on embroidered letters I received from

I used the Funky Style Hobo Font in white.

I like getting the letters in white so that I can customize them any color I want.

Make sure to check out their Creating with Joy Blog.  www.creatingwithjoy.blogspot.com

I asked Nick what he wanted his apron to say and he choose the words “Cooker Guy.”

Cooker Guy Collage

Here’s my happy “Cooker Guy”, doing what does best.  Helping out.

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

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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!

Creating a Keepsake Memory Box with Decorative Trimmings

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Sue Eldred's Keepsake Memory Box

I recently got a beautiful assortment of ribbons and trims from Decorative Trimmings to use

on a special project.  It was hard choosing which trims I wanted to use, because their selection

is wonderful.  I decided to Create a Keepsake Memory Box.

You know… for all those special little things that you want to keep and remember forever.

A perfect little box to fill with small gifts for Weddings, Mother’s Day, Bridal or Baby Showers.

Or maybe old love letters from your husband.   (Hmmm… I’d need a bigger box.)

Keepsake Box and Tag Close Up 4973

For my Keepsake Memory Box and Tag I used three of the trims.

  1. Paint a large paper mache box with white acrylic paint.
  2. Cover it with scrapbook paper.   (I purchased mine from Michael’s.)
  3. Glue the Decorative Trimmings using Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive* (affiliate link)
  4. Stamped greeting is from Serendipity Stamps.

Tea Cup and Tag 4969

Today’s post is part of a blog hop hosted by Decorative Trimmings.

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!

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Simply Beautiful Handmade Flower

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Learn how to make a Simply Beautiful Handmade Flower in a few easy steps.

To make the flower you’ll need:      (*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!

Directions:

  1. Punch 3 daisies from each one of the punches for a total of 12 punch outs.
  2. Using the end of a pencil or skewer, round each of the petals up.
  3. Turn the punched shaped over and press down into the center.
  4. Glue two of the largest flowers together slightly off centered.  Add the third flower.
  5. Continue adding and gluing the next size flower and glue on top.  Repeat with the third size.
  6. Pinch the smallest flowers up tight and stagger and glue onto the center of the flower.
  7. Spray the finished flower with Glimmer Mist until you get the desired shade of color.
  8. Once the flower is dry add a small adhesive pearl in the center of the flower.
  9. Create card using Captivating Squares shapes and layers misted with Glimmer Mist

*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.”

Spring Bling for your Garden

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Spring Bling for your Garden 3640

Add a little Spring Bling to plain boring terra cotta pots.

With Spring Fever setting in, I decided I needed a new flower to perk up the place.

I chose a pretty little African Violet that reminds me of my grandma.

Grandma loved African Violets.

In no time at all, armed with a few simple products, I transformed a boring terra cotta pot into

something sparkly and fun.  Just what I needed.

Spring Bling 3596

 To make my Spring Bling Pot you’ll need:                                                             (*affiliate link)

  1. Start with a 4 1/2″ Terra Cotta Pot painted with black acrylic paint.
  2. Cut Black Damask tissue paper the width of the lower portion of the pot.  Cut the strip into smaller sections.  (my sections were 2 3/4″ x 1 1/2″)
  3. Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to a small section of the pot, add tissue paper and apply another layer of Mod Podge over tissue.
  4. Continue adding tissue sections until the bottom of the pot is covered.
  5. Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge over the top of the pot to give it a nice shiny finish.
  6. Cut a strip from the Black Crystal Sheet to fit around the rim of the pot.
  7. Glue crystal sheet onto rim of the pot.
  8. Glue vintage button over seam for added sparkle.
  • FYI:  I could of used the Weldbond glue shown in the picture above which is a good permanent glue.  But, because of the weight of the crystals I decided to use my Quick Grip glue instead.

Spring Bling 3606  Spring Bling 3607

My Spring Bling Pot was created for and sponsored by Connie Crystal.

connie crystal logo

 Disclosure:  I am a Amazon Affiliate.  If you chose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission that helps offset the cost of running this blog.  Thanks for your support!

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How to Make a Snowflake Hair Bow

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Snowflake Bow 2047

To make my Snowflake Hair Bow you’ll need:

Snowflake Box Supplies

Supplies Needed:

Putting together the pieces 2070

Directions:

  1. Cut four 4″ pieces of 7/8″ Tranquil Blue Ribbon and four 4″ pieces of the Arabesque Ribbon.
  2. Remove wire from the Arabesque ribbon.  (white sheer)
  3. Cut four 3 1/2″ pieces of 3/8″ Tranquil Blue Ribbon and four 3 1/2″ pieces of Navy Satin.
  4. Thread needle and thread, tie with a knot leaving a long tail.
  5. Lay the 4″ white sheer ribbon over the 7/8″ Tranquil Blue Ribbon, fold the ribbon in half and stitch together with a simple running stitch.
  6. Lay the 3 1/2″ Navy Ribbon over the 3/8″ Tranquil Blue ribbon, fold the ribbon in half and add with a simple running stitch to the first section of ribbon.
  7. Continue stitching ribbon sections together.  (as shown in the picture above)
  8. Gather both ends of the thread, pull the ribbon together and tie with a knot.
  9. Cut eight 4″ of Arabesque sheer ribbon.  Remove wire from ribbon.
  10. Stitch ribbon together like in previous steps.  (see steps 6-8)
  11. Glue the two ribbon sections together with Fabri Tac glue.  (see picture below)
  12. Lightly apply blue ink onto white snowflake brad.  Wipe off excess ink.
  13. Remove prongs from the back of the snowflake brad and glue onto the white button.
  14. Glue button to the center of the bow.
  15. Glue or sew bow onto the metal barrette base.

Putting the pieces together 2038

Offray Logo

I would like to thank Offray Ribbon for generously providing the ribbon used in this project.

This project uses Amazon Affiliate links.  If you choose to purchase an item from Amazon from this link, I receive a small commission that helps defray the cost of running this blog.

DCC: Simple Little Valentine…

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Little B Valentine's Card 1607

I really love this new border punch that I received last month from Little B LLC.

This Little B 100366 Trim Punch, Honeycomb,punches both sides of the paper at one

time leaving you with a great border strip to uses on all sorts of projects.

For my “Simple Little Valentine”, I punched four border strips from white cardstock.

I glued the strips onto another piece of white cardstock, butting up the ends to create

a continuous pattern.  An easy way to create a simple and elegant background.

Another great thing I love about this punch is it’s locking feature.

It has a button on the side of the punch so that you can lock it in the closed position for easy storage.

How great is that?

Disclosure:  This project was created for me and was sponsored by Little B.  The post uses Amazon Affiliate links.  I am a Amazon Affiliate.

Handmade Holiday: Sew Simple Snowflake Pillow

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One of my favorite things to do during the holidays (besides eating Christmas cookies)

is to make things to decorate my home.  My snowflake pillow is a simple sewing project

that makes a warm and cozy winter accent.

You can leave this pillow out long after the holidays are over.

For my Snowflake Pillow I used:                     (*affiliate link)

Directions:

  1. Cut a 4″ x 12″ wavy piece from the cream felt.
  2. Add a small amount of Fabri Tac Glue on the back of the cream felt to keep it in place before sewing.  Place that piece 1/2″ up from the bottom of the grey 13″ piece of felt.
  3. Glue Snowflakes in place.  Hand sew the red buttons in the center.
  4. Machine sew around outer edges of the large cream piece.
  5. Machine sew between each of the snowflake arms.
  6. Turn felt pieces right sides together and sew with a 1/2″ seam allowance.
  7. Leave a 3″ opening at the bottom to add fiberfill.
  8. Turn pillow back around and stuff with fiberfill.
  9. Hand sew the pillow closed.

FYI…You can find die cut snowflakes in my Etsy Shop.

Thanks to the generous folks at Fairfield World for supplying the Poly-Fil.

*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!

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