Category: Smoothfoam

Sparkle your 4th…

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Sparkle your 4th…

For the 4th of July, I decided to create a round-up of my past 4 favorite patriotic projects.

Enjoy!

Recycle your old blue wine bottle into a festive display.

Enjoy the party with friends.  (maybe even empty another blue wine bottle)

To make the project… read here.

Red White and Blue Table Top Decoration

White picket fences, fireworks and the good old red white and blue. 

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

rolled into one.     To see how I made it… read more.

Welcome your visitors with an Americana Wreath for your front door.

How to make the Americana Ribbon Wreath

  • I used a 14″ ruled wreath from Smoothfoam.
  • Glue one end of the ribbon down onto the foam wreath and wrap the ribbon tightly around the first section.  Glue second end of the ribbon in place before starting second color. (I used Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive* to glue my ribbon in place.)
  • Using a thin floral wire, wire the small floral stems onto the base of the wreath.
  • Glue larger flowers and leaves onto the wreath over the wire.
  • Add large stemmed butterfly and ribbon to hang.

So many possibilities.

For more information… read more.

Deck out the deck with a fun denim banner made from old jeans.

Got any old worn blue jeans ready to be thrown out?

I started with my old blue jeans and 3″ Iron-on Embroidered Varsity Letters from Joy

in red and blue.

For more pictures and instructions read here.

Shop Dollar Tree for Red White & Blue Party Supplies*                      (*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!

      

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“Celebrate” with a Banner made from old blue jeans

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Create a banner using Joy Embroidered Iron On Letters and old blue jeans.

When inspiration hits in the middle of the night, it usually ends of being one of my favorite

kind of projects.  (This one  was fun.)  

Got any old worn blue jeans ready to be thrown out?

I started with my old blue jeans and 3″ Iron-on Embroidered Varsity Letters from Joy

in red and blue.

I created a 3 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ banner pattern using grid paper and traced it onto the jeans.

To add a little interest…I incorporated the seams from the sides of the jeans to use for the

front of the banner.  For the word “C-E-L-E-B-R-A-T-E”  I cut 9 banners for the front with

seams and 9 plain ones to use to line the back of the banner.

The Iron-on Embroidered Varsity letters are sticky backed so I went ahead and placed

them onto the front of my banners before sewing.

Next came my jar of red ribbon scraps.  (I love red so much, I have a jar just for “red”)

I sewed the ribbon scraps onto the tops of each banner.

I then sandwiched the front with a plain back and simply sewed around each banner with

my sewing machine.  After the third banner, I finally got smart and started using straight pins.

As you can tell, I was going for a casual simple look.  (that’s my story and I’m sticking to it)

After I was finished sewing all my banners, I used my We R Memory Keepers Crop-A-Dile*

to punch two holes.  (I used the 3/16″ sized hole.)

I used We R Memory Keepers Eyelets Cool Metal* (affiliate link) for my eyelets.

Did you know that the  Crop-A-Dile* easily goes through both layers of jeans.

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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!

 

The “Celebrate” banner was created for and sponsored by Joy.

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

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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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Two of my Favorite Snowman Projects

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Snowball Fight 2

Sharing two of my all time favorite Snowman Projects…

This little guy is perfect for those times when it’s too cold to go outside and play.

Snowball Fight 3249

If you’re not loving the cold…

Here’s a snowball fight you can have while snuggling up inside.

Snowball Fight Supplies

Here’s what’s you’ll need:                                                 (*affiliate link)

Directions:

  1. Cut the 2″ Smoothfoam ball in half.  Cut the top off the rounded side of one of the balls.
  2. Poke two holes into the bottom of the Snowman body using the craft pick.  Break a toothpick in half, dip ends into craft glue and insert in holes.  Attach the sliced ball onto the Snowman body.
  3. Apply Snow-tex with palette knife over the newly formed Snowman and the 6″ disc.  Allow both to dry fully.
  4. To Create a Snowball Wall… Poke holes into the 1″ balls with the craft pick.  Insert toothpick halves with craft glue on the ends into balls.   Build wall by sticking the balls together.
  5. Apply Snow-tex onto wall using the palette knife.  (Allow to dry.)
  6. Create scene by attaching snowman and wall onto the disc.  Reinforce the pieces with toothpicks and craft glue.
  7. For a shimmery snowy glow…paint all the pieces with Crystal Craft Twinkles paint.  (Allow to fully dry.)
  8. Add shadows to the snowman and snowballs by gently applying vintage photo ink using a stipple brush.
  9. To Create the Snowman Hat… Measure and cut fabric to fit around snowman head.  Fold over and glue one of the long edges of the fabric to create a brim.  Glue fabric ends together to create a tube.  Tie top of the tube with a piece of string, cut excess fabric off top of the tube and fray the ends by making small cuts with the scissors.  Glue to the top of the Snowman head.
  10. Add arms to the Snowman using small twigs.  Warm him up with a fabric scarf and mittens cut from the fabric scraps.
  11. For the Snowman’s Face… Use two small black micro brads inserted into the snowman face for the eyes.  Paint the tip of a bamboo skewer with orange paint, cut and insert into the face for the nose.  Add a smile to the snowman’s face using a extra fine black paint marker.
  12. Make a small snowball using a small pieced of paper wadded up and covered with Snow-tex.  Glue finished and dried snowball onto mitten.

Snowball Fight Close Up 3194

Another one of my Favorite Snowman Projects was titled “How to make a Snowman”.

Smoothfoam Snowman 887

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

(and a few ingredients) ↓

snowman parts

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

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.

put a stick in it

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

Snoman Face

These projects was created for and sponsored by Smoothfoam and also sponsored by DecoArt.

Smoothfoam Snowman Side view

*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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How to create a cute little Party Ant for your BBQ

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Party Ant 9648

Sometimes in the midst of all my creative endeavors and the business of everyday life,

when I need a break from all the seriousness.

I like to stop and make something fun and a little bit silly. 

It’s one of my ways of procrastinating.

Honestly, I would never invite real ants to a BBQ, but, this one is dressed up, too cute and

ready for a party.  (a great little conversation starter)

Party Ant Supplies 9537

To make a Party Ant you’ll need a few supplies…               (*Amazon Affiliate Links)


*Disclosure:  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!

Painted Balls on Skewers 9544

  • Dip the end of the bamboo skewers into craft glue and insert into the balls.
  • Paint balls with black acrylic paint.
  • After the paint has dried, cut the ends of the skewers approx. 3/4″, dip into glue and attach body and head of the ant together.

Ant Feet 9552

  • Cut six 1″ pieces of wire, bend the ends as show, dip in craft glue and insert into body of the ant.
  • Cut two more 1″ pieces of wire and curl the top of the wire with wire tools before inserting them into the head of the ant for the antennas.

Ant Eyes

  • Add two black dots to the center of the adhesive pearls to use as the eyes.
  • Punch a 1″ circle from decorative scrapbook paper, cut a notch from the circle and glue together to form a party hat.  Glue onto the top of the ant.  Top off the hat with a teeny tiny pom pom.
  • Cut a strip of adhesive pearls to use as a necklace.

Party Ant 9637

Mine is fairly small, but, wouldn’t a giant one make a cute centerpiece?  (think real big!)

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Americana Ribbon Wreath

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How to Create a Americana Ribbon Wreath…

I’ve been concentrating a lot on sprucing up my front porch for Summer.

To complete the look, my front door needed a fresh fun new wreath.

I created a Summer themed Americana Wreath using one of the ruled wreaths* from Smoothfoam.             (*affiliate link)

Smoothfoam Ruled Wreaths make design and layout easy. 

They molded lines and numbers into the foam to make design and layout simple.

Even on one side, odd on the other.

The wreaths come in several sizes… 8″, 10″, 12″, 14″.

Proudly Made in the USA 

wrapped wreath 7502

How to make the Americana Ribbon Wreath

  • I used the 14″ ruled wreath.
  • Glue one end of the ribbon down onto the foam wreath and wrap the ribbon tightly around the first section.  Glue second end of the ribbon in place before starting second color. (I used Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive* to glue my ribbon in place.)
  • Using a thin floral wire, wire the small floral stems onto the base of the wreath.
  • Glue larger flowers and leaves onto the wreath over the wire.
  • Add large stemmed butterfly and ribbon to hang.

So many possibilities.

Close Up 7505

The Americana Wreath was sponsored by Smoothfoam™, the crafter’s foam.

Shop Your Fav Brands at Scrapbook.com

*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!

Join Amazon Kindle Unlimited 30-Day Free Trial

Party like it’s your Birthday

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Party like it's your birthday 6158 4

My MUCH OLDER and wiser sister recently turned 60.

Being the sweet little sister that I am… I thought I’d embarrass her with a pair of fun

party glasses.  (since she a bit shy, I’m modeling them instead)

cutting the foam 6113

Supplies:

  • Smoothfoam Sheet
  • Computer Generated Clip Art
  • Craft Knife
  • Acrylic Paint and Paintbrush
  • Mod Podge
  • Glamour Dust
  • Wood Dowel

Here’s how I made the glasses:

  1. Print clip art numbers onto white printer paper and cut them out.
  2. Tape the number together before tracing them onto a Smoothfoam sheet.
  3. Cut numbers out with craft knife.
  4. Paint the numbers a lipstick pink.  (my preference)
  5. After the painted numbers have dried, coat the letters with Mod Podge and sprinkle with glamour dust.glittering the numbers 6130
  6. Decorate the glasses with white paper flowers.
  7. Paint a thin wood dowel with gold paint and insert into glasses as a handle.

60's glasses 6150 2

This project was created and sponsored by Smoothfoam™ The Crafter’s Foam.

Speckled Eggs for Spring

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Speckled Eggs for Spring 4927

Now that I only have a teen-ager at home, we don’t do the dyed eggs anymore.  (he’s no fun)

But… I still needed some soft pastel hued Speckled Eggs for Spring.

Putting my eggs in one basket 4847

So… I grabbed a few of my Smoothfoam Eggs.

I gave the eggs a light sanding to remove the ridge and painted them with a soft chalky finish.

Like the name suggests, these eggs have a smooth finish making them perfect for painting.

The best way to paint an egg 4895

The best way to paint an egg…

Use a small glass or candle votive to hold the egg.  Paint one half of the egg at a time.

Speckled Eggs Close Up 4943

I especially like the look of speckled eggs, so I grabbed an old toothbrush for speckling.

  • Speckled the eggs by lightly rubbing the old toothbrush into brown paint and gently flicking the paint onto the eggs.
  • Make sure to wear an apron to protect your clothing.  Flicking can be quite messy.

This project was created for and sponsored by Smoothfoam™, The Crafters Foam.

How to Make a Mini Rose Topiary

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How to Make a Mini Rose Topiary 04034

Maybe it has something to do with my short stature, but, I have always had a thing for

miniatures.  My momma always told me “Good things come in small packages”.

(which I whole-heartily believed)

The Mini Rose Topiary is a project that can be easily adapted to make larger topiaries.

I just happen to like mine mini.

How to make a Mini Rose Topiary

How to make a Mini Rose Topiary

Here’s what I used:                                                                    (*affiliate link)

 

Directions:

  1. Spray Roses and small wood heart with the Mistable Paint.   Allow plenty of time to dry.
  2. Paint the 2″ Smoothfoam Ball  and the wood dowel with the green acrylic paint.
  3. Poke hole into the end of the 2″ ball.  Squirt a little glue in the hole and insert the painted dowel.
  4. Starting at the top of the ball.  Glue roses, one by one, onto the ball with a fast drying glue until covered.  After the rose ball is formed, you may want to go back and re-mist the flowers for additional coverage.
  5. Cover the wood spool with the ticking material and glue the end in place.  Tie a small piece of crinkle ribbon around the ticking and glue the wood heart on top.
  6. Insert rose topiary into the small wood spool.

TIP:  Try making a topiary using larger Smoothfoam balls and silk flowers inserted into a pail, vase or containers.

The Mini Rose Topiary was created for and sponsored by Smoothfoam™ The Crafter’s Foam.

"Painting

*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!

 

Snowball Fight

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Snowball Fight 2

Ready for some good old fashioned fun?

How about a snowball fight?

Snowball Fight 3249

If you’re not loving the cold…

Here’s a snowball fight you can have while snuggling up inside.

Snowball Fight Supplies

Here’s what’s you’ll need:                            (*amazon affiliate link)

Directions:

  1. Cut the 2″ Smoothfoam ball in half.  Cut the top off the rounded side of one of the balls.
  2. Poke two holes into the bottom of the Snowman body using the craft pick.  Break a toothpick in half, dip ends into craft glue and insert in holes.  Attach the sliced ball onto the Snowman body.
  3. Apply Snow-tex with palette knife over the newly formed Snowman and the 6″ disc.  Allow both to dry fully.
  4. To Create a Snowball Wall… Poke holes into the 1″ balls with the craft pick.  Insert toothpick halves with craft glue on the ends into balls.   Build wall by sticking the balls together.
  5. Apply Snow-tex onto wall using the palette knife.  (Allow to dry.)
  6. Create scene by attaching snowman and wall onto the disc.  Reinforce the pieces with toothpicks and craft glue.
  7. For a shimmery snowy glow…paint all the pieces with Crystal Craft Twinkles paint.  (Allow to fully dry.)
  8. Add shadows to the snowman and snowballs by gently applying vintage photo ink using a stipple brush.
  9. To Create the Snowman Hat… Measure and cut fabric to fit around snowman head.  Fold over and glue one of the long edges of the fabric to create a brim.  Glue fabric ends together to create a tube.  Tie top of the tube with a piece of string, cut excess fabric off top of the tube and fray the ends by making small cuts with the scissors.  Glue to the top of the Snowman head.
  10. Add arms to the Snowman using small twigs.  Warm him up with a fabric scarf and mittens cut from the fabric scraps.
  11. For the Snowman’s Face… Use two small black micro brads inserted into the snowman face for the eyes.  Paint the tip of a bamboo skewer with orange paint, cut and insert into the face for the nose.  Add a smile to the snowman’s face using a extra fine black paint marker.
  12. Make a small snowball using a small pieced of paper wadded up and covered with Snow-tex.  Glue finished and dried snowball onto mitten.

Snowball Fight Close Up 3194

This project was created for and sponsored by Smoothfoam the crafter’s foam.

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!