DIY: Mini Crate Make-Over

Red Crate 5878

DIY Mini Crate Make Over…

Because sometimes a girl changes her mind.

crate 4158

It all started with this…  My Sweet Earth Day Tea Party Crate. (←original post)

A cute cream and pink crate with a pretty pink flower.

It was perfect for what I wanted at the time.

But… always resourceful, I decided to reuse the mini crate* (*affiliate link) in my work space.

Because my work space has a vintage vibe… a mini make over was in order.

Paint with Red Chalk Paint 5173

I took off the flower embellishment and gave the mini crate* a light sanding.

Then I painted the crate with FOLKART Home Decor Chalk, Imperial*.

Being an impatient crafter, I was tempted to start my next color right away.  Make sure to wait.

Allow a couple of hours for the piece to dry before adding the next color.  (trust me)

Paint a thin coat of black paint 5182

Next, I gave the crate a light coating with Black Home Décor paint.

Use a small paint brush to get into those corners.

With a soft, damp, clean cloth, wipe off the black paint to give it an aged distressed look.

I used Tattered Angels Décor in Ebony*.

extra red highlights5200

If you start to think it looks to dark, just add highlights with the red paint directly over the

ebony paint.  If you like a matte finish, you can stop right here.

I wanted a little more sheen, so I applied FOLKART Plaid Clear Home Decor Wax*.

With the wax, you apply a thin coat, wait one hour and buff with a clean soft cloth.

I’ve always loved furniture with that aged red finish and wanted to give it a try.

Now that I’ve started with something small, (which is always a good idea)

I’ve got my eye on a couple more pieces I’d like to refinish.

FYI:  If you’d like a mini crate like mine you can get it at online at Amazon* or Walnut Hollow.

This project was sponsored by Walnut Hollow, Canvas Corp and Plaid. 

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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!

Frosted Holly Wreath Ornament

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.

 

Kindness Matters

Kindness Matters.  All Day.  Every Day. 

This card was made using Art Play Paintables and Blender Basics.

I water colored the image using a waterbrush and a variety of inks from markers and inkpads.

Happy Friday Everyone!

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!

Quick & Easy Washi Tape Make-Over

Quick & Easy Washi Tape Make Over 7015

Quick and Easy, Keep It Simple.  Sounds like a great DIY plan. 

With a little creativity you can transform plain into something fun and personal.

Deflecto Black Pencil Cup 6944

I started with a plain pencil cup from Deflecto.

With a little Washi Tape wrapped around the top and bottom of the cup, a couple of stickers and

accessories…  I now have a cute pencil cup to set on my desk.

I added a couple of my favorite pictures of my special guys from last year.  (boy have they grown)

Quick & Easy Washi Tape Make Over 7014

Need a couple “brownie points” for the upcoming back to school?

This would make a great teacher gift.

Just add the Teacher’s Name, Grade or “Welcome Back to School” along with a apple sticker or two.

Great for Dorm Rooms too.

“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.”

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American Vintage Travel Dungaree Album

American Vintage Travel Dungaree Album 06693

With Summertime comes the Road Trips.

Whether you’re hitting the beach or hiking up trails, you’ll want to savor these memories forever.

My Travel Album made using Canvas Corp Brands  “American Vintage Collection” and Dungaree

Album is a great place to save all the pictures and memorabilia you’ll be collecting along the way.

American Vintage Dungaree Journal Open 6705

Instructions to make the American Vintage Dungaree Travel Album…

Canvas Corp Brands Products Used:

Additional Products Used:

(Disclosure:  I will get a small commission if you click and purchase through my product links.)

American Vintage Album 6178

  1. For the Travel Album, start with the Dungaree Journal.  (available in three sizes.)
  2. Glue a piece of plain canvas around the spine with Fabri Tac glue and cover the edges of the canvas with a piece vintage lace.
  3. Tear a strip of gingham fabric and tie it around the album for a bow.

American Vintage ALbum Close Up 6244

4.  Take a photo from the American Vintage Photo’s and punch it into a 1″ circle.  Apply glue with a gluestick to the front of the picture and place inside the optical lens.

5.  Stick the vintage pin into the knot of the bow and hang the optical lens and key.

6.  Cut the letters “travel” from one of the pieces of paper from the 8″ x 8″ paper pad and glue onto a piece of chipboard for added dimension.  Edge around each of the letters using Vintage Photo Distress Ink and a ink applicator.  Glue the letters on the front of the album with Fabri Tac glue.  Wrap a length of twine around the album.

7.  Add pictures and memorabilia into the album.

American Vintage Dungaree Album Inside Front Cover 6700

The Dungaree Journal includes two chrome rings for binding as well as 10 page protectors. 

American Vintage Dungaree Album Inside Pages 6683

American Vintage Dungaree Album Page #1 6673

American Vintage Dungaree Journal Inside Pages 6675

Have a Great Summer.

DIY No Sew Pillows to Dye for…

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 personalize 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.

*DisclaimerThis 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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Tie-Dying With Nick

Tie Dying with Nick

CUTE KID ALERT:  I love working on crafts with Nicholas and his Mommy.

Last Sunday, we decided to Tie Dye t-shirts.

It all started because of a Tulip One-Step Mini Tie-Dye Kit-Neon* (affiliate link) I received

free last February after a CHA Fave Crafts Designer Event from Tulip and I Love to Create.

I had been meaning to use it, but, hadn’t gotten around to it yet.

Using the squeeze bottles made it so much easier and less messy than the old way of tie-dying.

We had so much fun with this project that Bonnie (Nick’s Mommy) went out and bought a

larger kit the next day.  This past Sunday, when everyone came over for Father’s Day,

we tie-dyed Red White and Blue t-shirts and socks with the kids.

Just saying “a little addicting”.

Choosing the design

The kit came with a large full color sheet of designs, techniques and instructions.

For the boys shirts we did the “swirl” technique.

Nicholas and Warren Fronts and Backs

For Bonnie’s shirts we did the “crumple” and “ombre” techniques.  (no pictures, darn)

Nicholas and Warren 2

It doesn’t get much cuter than this!

I used this picture in a frame for their Daddy’s Father’s Day gift.

Many Faces of Nick Collage

This post would not be complete without including the “Many Faces of Nick“.

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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DIY Wedding Projects Day #5: Gift Tag

DIY Wedding Project Day #5 Wedding Tag

Congratulations on your Special Day!

Weddings, Anniversaries, Birthdays… customize a tag to fit the celebration.

I hope you enjoyed my DIY Wedding Projects this week and feel inspired to make

a few DIY projects of you own.

For me… The joy is in the making.  (and the giving, of course)

Shop Handmade – The Wedding Store

Wedding Tag Supplies Needed:

Directions for Wedding Tag:

  1. Cut a 3 1/2” x 6 1/4” tag out of scrapbook paper.
  2. To create the pleated ribbon you will need 12” of the Pierre Ivory ribbon. Fold 1/2” end of the ribbon under and secure with a mini glue dot.
  3. Turn ribbon over and create pleats by folding and gluing each fold inside and under securing with mini glue dot.
  4. Glue pleated ribbon onto bottom of the tag.
  5. For added detail, glue Galena 1/8” silver ribbon over pleated ribbon.
  6. Glue Design Chain Tracy-Silver onto tag above pleated ribbon.
  7. Cut 12” of Antique White 7/8” ribbon.
  8. Using the needle and thread with a long tail, make a simple running stitch down one side of the ribbon.
  9. Gather ribbon together with thread and tie in the center to form the ribbon rosette flower.
  10. Glue a gem cut from the Design Chain Tracy onto the center of the flower.
  11. Create and print computer generated greetings on to cream card-stock.
  12. Cut greetings down and edge card-stock with silver leaf pen.
  13. Adhere first greeting to tag using double stick tape runner, allowing part of the greeting to hang over edge of the tag.
  14. Glue Ribbon Flower onto tag above first greeting.
  15. Glue Gleaming leaves under flower.
  16. Add second greetings to the Deco Ice stick pin. Leave enough room on the card-stock greeting to fold around the pin and adhere.
  17. Stick Deco Ice pin into the glued flower.
  18. Insert remaining 7/8” Antique White Satin Ribbon into top hole on tag.
  19. Fold 5/8” Antique White Satin Ribbon to form a bow. Tie and knot around the center of the bow with the cream twine.
  20. Tie bow around 7/8” ribbon and secure.
  21. Thread small cream button on ends of the twine and secure on the front of the bow with a knot.

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 Wedding Projects Day #4: Wedding Album

Wedding Album 2

Preserve your memories from weddings, anniversaries, and more, in this beautiful burlap covered scrapbook or photo album. Embellish the cover with ribbon, gems, twine and more for a personalized look you will love.

Supplies Needed:

  • 1 yd. Gazette 2” Ribbon: Raw Silk
  • ½ yd. Antique White Double Faced Satin 7/8”
  • ½ yd. Lucy Ivory Lace
  • 2 Gems from Design Chain Tracy-Silver
  • Twine
  • Chic Silver Leaves
  • Pre-Made 5” x 7” Burlap Covered Scrapbook Album
  • 3” Chipboard Heart
  • Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive*  (affiliate link)
  • Needle and Thread

Wedding Album Directions:

  1. Cut approx. 16-18” of Gazette Raw Silk Ribbon. Using the needle and thread with a long tail, make a simple running stitch down one side of the ribbon.
  2. Gather ribbon together with thread and tie in the center to form the ribbon rosette.
  3. Create a second ribbon rosette using 12” of 7/8” Antique White Double-Faced Satin Ribbon.
  4. Glue Antique White rosette onto the center of the Raw Silk rosette.
  5. Cut a gem from the Design Chain Tracy-Silver and glue to the center of the rosette flower.
  6. Wrap 12” piece of Gazette Raw Silk Ribbon with the ends meeting centered on the front of the album. Glue ends to the album.
  7. Wrap a 12” piece of Lucy Ivory Lace around album, again meeting centered on the front of the album. Glue ends to album.
  8. Glue Ribbon flower onto front of the album cover the ends of the lace and ribbon.
  9. Bend slightly the ends of the Chic Silver Leaves and glue onto the album with the ends underneath the flower.
  10. Wrap twine around the chipboard a couple of times and tie with a bow.
  11. Glue a small gem cut from the Design Chain Tracy-Silver onto the center of the twine bow.
  12. Glue chipboard heart onto the front of the album.

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 Wedding Projects Day #3: Wedding Votive

DIY Wedding Votive

Make a statement with Soft and Elegant candle lights on each table. 

This frosted votive will make quite the impact and will fit with several types of wedding décor.

It’s super quick and easy to make.

Tip…Pair with the DIY Vase Table Maker from Day #1

DIY Wedding Votive Supplies Needed:                                       (*Affiliate Link)

Time Needed for Completion: 1 hour plus drying time

Shop Your Fav Brands at Scrapbook.com

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

wedding votive applying glue

  • Generously apply Tacky Glue around the side of the jar. Do not put glue on the top neck or bottom of jar.

Wedding Votive Applying Epson Salt

  •   Cover jar with Epson Salt. Allow to dry.

Directions for decorating the votive:

  1. Thread two Blingella Beads onto a length of Quasar ribbon. Tie ribbon around neck of the jar with a knot. Trim and knot ends of Quasar ribbon to hold the beads in place. A little bit of glue on the ends of each knot will add extra security to the beads.
  2. Tie Pierre Ivory Ribbon around the neck of the jar with a knot. Trim ends.
  3. Cut approx. 12” of Antique White Satin ribbon.
  4. With the needle and thread with long tail, make a simple running stitch down one side of the ribbon.  (*see basic flower assembly picture)
  5. Gather ribbon together with thread and tie in the center to form the ribbon rosette.
  6. Glue gem to center of ribbon flower and glue finished flower onto the knot of the Pierre Ribbon.
  7. Glue gleaming leaf behind flower.
  8. Add Tea Light Candle.

Basic Flower Assembly from Wedding Frame (Day #2)

Make sure to check all the 5 days of the DIY Wedding Projects.

Shop Handmade – The Wedding Store

This project was sponsored by Offray Ribbon.