How to Create a Wedding Memories Card Box

February 18, 2016February 9, 2023Leave 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.

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.

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)

Walnut Hollow Unfinished Wood Box, Cornice*
DecoArt Americana Decor® Chalky Finish Paint: Vintage, Timeless and Whisper
Deco Art Americana Decor Clear Crème Wax*
DecoArt Americana Decor Stencil 12 x 12 in. Mod Quatrefoil*
Americana Stencil 6″”X18″”-Simple Script Alphabet 3“*
Graphic 45 Deluxe Collector’s Edition Pack, 12 by 12-Inch, Baby 2 Bride*
Offray Ribbon: 7/8” Antique White Double-face Satin Ribbon
Canvas Corp Mini Clothespin 25-Pack: White*
Cream Cardstock
Paintbrush
Sanding Block*
Stipple Brush or Stencil Brush*
Removable Blue Painters Tape*
Soft Clean Rag
Paper Cutter
Scissors
3M Advanced Tape Glider*

Finished Size: 9” x 12” x 3 1/2”

Directions:

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)
Lightly sand the box to smooth out the finish.
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.
Remove stencil.
Position and stencil “Mod Quatrefoil” pattern onto the sides of box.
Allow paint to dry for a few hours and lightly sand over the stenciled area to give a slightly worn look.
Apply clear crème wax onto the inside and outside of the box.
Wait one hour and buff box using a soft, clean rag.
Measure and apply decorative paper onto the inside of the box.
Tie a long length of Antique White Satin ribbon around the top of the box, tying a bow on the top.
Cut cream cardstock into five 2 1/4” x 3 1/2” pieces.
Stencil the letters to spell “CARDS” onto cream cardstock using the 3” Simple Script Alphabet.
On the inside of the box: Clip the letters onto the ribbon using the mini clothespins.

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!

DIY Etching on a Mirror

February 10, 2016June 7, 20181 Comment

It all started with an inexpensive gold mirror that my daughter didn’t want anymore.

I had spray painted it red and left it like that for a couple of years. (it was o.k.)

I took it off the shelf, while cleaning the other day, and decided it needed an immediate update.

Of course, I had to stop cleaning. (when inspiration strikes)

This is how I etched my mirror… (*affiliate links)

I removed the mirror from the frame. I gave the red frame a light sanding and then painted it with Tattered Angels Decor and DIY Paint, Ebony*.
I cut an oval mask using etchall etchmask* vinyl and centered it on the mirror. 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 Etching Crème* over the sides of the mirror using the squeegee. It’s important to get an even coat of etching crème to achieve a consistent even etch. (remember more is better)
Wait 15 minutes. Scrape excess etching crème from the mirror and return the extra etching crème back into the bottle. (it’s reusable)
Rinse mirror with warm water to clean.
Remove mask and dry.
Return the mirror back into the frame. Apply the gold “love” rub-on onto the mirror.

New to Etching? You might want to check out the video on the Etchall getting started page.

The Etched Mirror project was created for and sponsored by Etchall®.

*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!

Love You?

February 3, 2016February 9, 202310 Comments

True story…

I occasionally submit cards and projects to various magazines for publication.

In return I sometimes get a small check.

Usually, the check comes several months later after I’ve completely forgotten all about it.

So…when I opened this check and saw the handwritten note on the stub,

I thought (gee) that’s kind of a personal message.

It had me scratching my head…

That was until I remembered the name of the card. (silly me)

My “Love Ya” Card was featured in Crafts Ideas Winter Edition.

“Love Ya” Card…

A sweet card for Valentine’s Day or any day you want to spread a little love.

Materials List:

Waterbrush
AdornIt Art Play Paintables: 22646 Love You Paintable
AdornIt Blender Basics: 22480 Blue Chevron 12 x 12
AdornIt Blender Basics: 22504 Red Chevron 12 x 12
Denim Fabric (Canvas Corp Brands)
Red and White Gingham Ribbon
Tim Holtz Distress Inks: Fired Brick, Victorian Velvet, Stormy Sky
Tombow Markers: #969 Chocolate, #553 Mist Purple, #850 Flesh, #800 Baby Pink
1/8” Score Tape
Mini Glue Dots
Piece of Acetate

On the card, I used a simple watercolor technique that uses ink from markers and inkpads and uses a small piece of acetate as the palette. By scribbling directly onto the piece of acetate with the marker or by applying the ink directly from the pad, I have a variety of rich color to watercolor with. I simply color in the image using the water-brush.

Directions:

Cut “love you” image from the Art Play Paintable Sheet leaving a thin white border. (approx. 2 3/4” x 3 3/4”)
Give the background of the image a light watercolor wash using ink from the Stonewashed Adirondack inkpad and the #553 Mist Purple marker.
Watercolor the girl’s hair using the #969 Chocolate marker. Color in the face with #850 Flesh marker. Highlight the cheeks with #800 Baby Pink marker. Watercolor the leaves with Peeled Paint ink and color the center of the flower with #993 Chrome Orange.
Watercolor the skirt with Victorian Velvet inkpad and the top and hearts with Fired Brick ink.
Adhere image onto a 3 1/4” x 4 1/4” piece of the Red Chevron plain side.
Adhere those layers onto a 3 1/2” x 4 1/2” Blue Chevron layer.
Cut a piece of denim fabric 4” x 5 1/4”, adhere onto a 4 1/2” x 5 3/4” card using scoretape. Adhere layers onto denim using score-tape.
Add four heart buttons to each side of the layers using mini glue dots.
Tie a red gingham bow around the front of the card.

You & Me Valentine’s Frame

January 28, 2016February 18, 2017Leave a comment

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner…

I wanted to share a simple little project that’s really quick and easy to put together.

A Valentine’s Frame using the You & Me Collection from Simple Stories.

This cute little frame, from Canvas Corp Brands, is only 6″ x 6″ and I love how versatile

it is to decorate. The larger section is perfect for a 4″ x 6″ picture and if white’s not your

style it’s available in wood stained. I added dimension to the frame by adding

cubes made from cardstock behind the “love you lots” and “pail of flowers”.

I dressed it up by gluing on metal corners from Tim Holtz.

Click on the pictures below for ordering information. (affiliate links)

Disclaimer: This post uses affiliate links. If you choose to place an order using one of the links, I will get a small commission that helps maintain the cost of running this blog. Thanks!

Let it Snow Canvas…

January 27, 2016January 26, 2016Leave a comment

After all the Holiday Decorations are down, I like to decorate the house with a Winter theme.

Even though I may not like the cold winter months.

I still find beauty in a blanket of newly fallen snow.

So “Let it Snow”. (just not too much)

Supplies Used:

12 x 12 Denim Canvas (or painted blue canvas)
White Acrylic Paint
White Embroidered Iron Letters from Joy S.A.
Old Firm Toothbrush
Snowflake Embellishments
Lace and Ribbon
Silver Berry Sprig and Greenery
Jingle Bells
Fabri Tac Glue

Directions:

Squirt a small bit of white acrylic paint on to a piece of scrap paper. Lightly apply paint to the bristles of an old toothbrush. Wipe excess paint off. Gently flick paint spraying paint over the canvas.
Glue embroidered letters and snowflake embellishments onto the canvas.
Glue lace and ribbon onto the canvas, wrapping and gluing ends around on the back of the canvas.
Gather up silver berries and greenery, tie them together with a jingle bell and satin ribbon and glue to the bottom corner of the canvas.

This project was created for and sponsored by Joy SA.

Snowball Fight

January 25, 2016January 1, 2023Leave a comment

Ready for some good old fashioned fun?

How about a snowball fight?

If you’re not loving the cold…

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

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

Smoothfoam Snowman Body
6″ x 1″ Smoothfoam Disc
1″ Smoothfoam Balls (I used 12)
2″ Smoothfoam Ball
DecoArt DAS9-22 Snow-Tex*
DecoArt Craft Twinkles Paint, Crystal*
Tonic Studios Tim Holtz 372 Retractable Craft Pick*
Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad, Vintage Photo*
Stipple Brush*
Paintbrush
Palette Knife and Craft Knife
Craft Glue
Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive*
Toothpicks, Bamboo Skewer and Sticks
Fabric Scraps, Micro Brads, Paint Markers
Scissors

Directions:

Cut the 2″ Smoothfoam ball in half. Cut the top off the rounded side of one of the balls.
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.
Apply Snow-tex with palette knife over the newly formed Snowman and the 6″ disc. Allow both to dry fully.
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.
Apply Snow-tex onto wall using the palette knife. (Allow to dry.)
Create scene by attaching snowman and wall onto the disc. Reinforce the pieces with toothpicks and craft glue.
For a shimmery snowy glow…paint all the pieces with Crystal Craft Twinkles paint. (Allow to fully dry.)
Add shadows to the snowman and snowballs by gently applying vintage photo ink using a stipple brush.
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.
Add arms to the Snowman using small twigs. Warm him up with a fabric scarf and mittens cut from the fabric scraps.
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.
Make a small snowball using a small pieced of paper wadded up and covered with Snow-tex. Glue finished and dried snowball onto mitten.

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

Shop Amazon Scrapbooking Supplies*

Cupcake Stand or Craft Supply Storage?

January 7, 2016January 7, 20161 Comment

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.

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. ♥

This is what I used to personalize the stand:

Kraft Gift Wrapping Paper
Tim Holtz Idea-Ology Design Tape 10 Yard Rolls 4/Pkg, Yuletide, 1875″ To .625″
Glue Stick
Craft Knife and Cutting Mat
Pencil

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

Washi Tape Border

Apply washi tape around the outside lip.

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.

Homespun Rag Ball Ornaments

December 20, 2015March 25, 2018Leave a comment

This year, I wanted to do a small little tree for the dining room.

A simple homespun tree with strung cranberries and hand-made ornaments.

I had grand ideas and a galvanized pail.

But reality hit, a long with the cold and flu, which knocked me out for a week.

It took my creativity level down to a one.

And sad to say… My small little tree didn’t get done.

I did string the cranberries… (a first for me)

They were so bright and colorful. I loved the look and took lots of pictures.

After a week or so, the cranberries started getting a mushy.

So… I put them out on the tree in the front yard for the birds to eat.

It looks pretty out there too.

Next time, I’ll make them last minute.

For the Rag Ball Ornaments…

Instead of just wrapping the strips of fabric until it formed a ball,

I made the rag ball using a Smoothfoam 2-Inch ball*.

Supplies used: (*affiliate link)

- Smoothfoam 12-Pack Balls Crafts Foam for Modeling, 2-Inch, White*
- Fabric Scraps
- Mod Podge Waterbase Sealer, Glue*
- Paintbrush
- Twine
- Ribbon
- Sanding Block*
- Craft Glue*

Directions:

Lightly sand the ridge around the ball.
Cut the fabric into 3/4″ strips.
Apply Mod Podge onto the back of the fabric and adhere to the ball.
Continue until the ball is fully covered.
Add an additional coat of Mod Podge over the ball to finish and seal.
Poke a hole on the top of the ball and add a dab or glue into the hole.
Insert twine into the hole to use as the ornament hanger.
Embellish ornament by gluing a bow on top.

Wouldn’t a whole bowl of rag balls would be cute? (maybe next year)

Shop Amazon Scrapbooking Supplies*

*Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Smoothfoam and 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!

Merry Christmas Gift Bag

December 18, 2015December 17, 20151 Comment

Make your Christmas Gift Bags a little more special with iron-on letters from Joy.

Start with a plain drawstring bag. (Mine was from Canvas Corp.)

Replace the drawstring cording on the bag with red and white gingham ribbon and add iron-on

letters in red and neon yellow. (in person the neon yellow looked lime to me)

Glue white lace, rick rack, buttons and a small wreath to the front of the bag.

For a truly personalized gift add a name instead of Merry Christmas.

This project was created for and sponsored by Joy SA.

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.