Nick’s Garden Caddy (for Easter)

March 26, 2016March 26, 2016Leave a comment

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.

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.)

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.

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

ball and of course marshmallow peeps.

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

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.

Speckled Eggs for Spring

March 23, 2016February 9, 20232 Comments

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.

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…

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

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.

all things are possible if you believe…

March 14, 2016March 14, 201631 Comments

Today, I’m joining the Paper House Design Team for a Easter Blog Hop.

For this hop, we were all given adorable Easter stickers along with the Faith Paper Crafting Kit.

I was racking my brain trying to come up with a cute Easter Bunny layout

(ready to steal pictures from my daughter-in-laws Facebook page) when it hit me.

Why not make a card instead.

Easter’s so much more than candy and eggs.

The Faith kit came with lovely white puffy words that wasn’t quite right for this card.

So…. I used my Tsukineko StazOn Midi Ink Pad, Spiced Chai(which is permanent)

along with an ink applicator and rubbed brown ink onto the white letters.

I used the “HOPE anchors the soul” sticker and stuck it onto a small scalloped

circle. I mounted the circle onto the corner of the card.

A simple card of encouragement. (who doesn’t need that?)

Would you like a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Paper House?

Good Luck and Happy Hopping!

*This project was created for and sponsored by Paper House Productions.

At the Lake…

March 11, 2016March 17, 2016Leave a comment

I recently asked my daughter Stephanie to send me some pictures for a family album I was working on.

Stephanie sent me these lovely pictures of her and her husband Zach at the lake.

His parents own a little place by the lake in Conover, Wisconsin that they love to visit.

I love these pictures. It looks so peaceful there. (I want to visit.)

I find it hard to believe that she took these beautiful pictures with her phone.

The “At the Lake” layout is my first Design Team project for Paper House Productions.

When it comes to scrapbooking, I consider myself to be fairly simple. I like layers and clean lines.

I used a variety of Paper House Products from several different collections on this layout.

I love how the Paper House collections work well with each other.

Here’s what I used for my “At the Lake ” layout…

This project was created for and sponsored by Paper House Productions.

Stitched Sampler

March 7, 2016September 16, 2021Leave a comment

I hate throwing anything away that might possibly be used on a project later.

In an effort to make room and not become a hoarder,

I actually threw these little scraps of fabric away. (It was hard, I love these prints.)

But…Only minutes later, while I was making a permanent home for my new sewing machine

that I got for Christmas, (thanks Nick and Bonnie) I got the idea to make a stitched sampler.

What a great use for little pieces of fabric.

Now, bear in mind that this is my first real project on my new machine.

I misted the iron-on embroidered letters from Joy SA and the white decorative trim with

Tattered Angels Ruby Slipper Chalkboard Mist Paint and stitched to my hearts desire.

I cut a large die-cut square out of premium gray felt using my Accu-cut machine.

I’m pretty please with the way it turned out.

This project was created for and sponsored by Joy SA.

Graphic 45… A Time to Celebrate Frame

March 1, 2016Leave a comment

I have a hard time resisting the beautiful patterns of Graphic 45 paper and love using

it in my creations whenever possible. The other day, while I was shopping at my local

Scrapbook Store I picked up a few sheets of the “Time to Celebrate Collection”.

I thought it would be perfect for a Spring Frame I wanted to make. I couldn’t decide on

which way I wanted to go with the frame so I created two looks for the same frame.

For a slightly more contemporary look….

I used a older black and white picture of my daughter. (I love the contract.)

There’s a bit of fussy cutting involved with this frame.

I used the border on the Time to Celebrate paper to create a border around my green frame.

Then, I started cutting out the butterflies and flowers, giving them slight bends with my fingers

before layering them onto the frame with foam mounting squares.

The finished frame is 6″ x 8″ and is made to hold a 4″ x 6″ picture.

Here’s what I used:

Deflecto Craft Frame, Green Border, 4x 6 Inches (69574CR)

I used two sheets of paper from Graphic 45’s “Time to Celebrate” collection.

Graphic 45 Time To Celebrate Paper Pad, 12 by 12-Inch(available on Amazon*)

“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 Affiliate links. I am an Amazon Affiliate

How to Make a Mini Rose Topiary

February 24, 2016September 12, 2017Leave a comment

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

Here’s what I used: (*affiliate link)

2″ White Smoothfoam Balls*
Mini Paper Roses (I used approx. 60 mini roses)
Glimmer Mist Chalkboard-Ruby Slipper*
4″ wooden dowel (approx. the width of a Tinker Toy stick)
green acrylic paint
paintbrush
fast drying craft glue
small wood spool
red and cream ticking material
crinkle ribbon
small wood heart

Directions:

Spray Roses and small wood heart with the Mistable Paint. Allow plenty of time to dry.
Paint the 2″ Smoothfoam Ball and the wood dowel with the green acrylic paint.
Poke hole into the end of the 2″ ball. Squirt a little glue in the hole and insert the painted dowel.
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.
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.
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.

*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!

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.