Nick’s Garden Caddy (for Easter)

Nick's Garden Caddy 5510

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.

Wood Caddy 5459 2

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.)

Back of Nick's Garden Caddy 5538

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.

Wood Caddy with Paint 5462

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

ball and of course marshmallow peeps.

Nick's Garden Caddy Haul 5493

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

Warren's Easter Bucket 5545

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.

How to Create a Wedding Memories Card Box

I am honored to have had my Wedding Memories Card Box featured as a special project in

DIY Wedding Magazine’s Holiday Issue.

Wedding Memories Keepsake Cards Box 1

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.

Wedding Memories Card Box 8032

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)

Finished Size: 9” x 12” x 3 1/2”

Wedding Memories Card Box Collage

Directions:

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

Wedding Memories Card Box closed

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!

Quick and Easy Stenciled Holiday Pillows

Stenciled Holiday Pillows 2422

Add a little warmth and coziness to your home with Quick and Easy DIY Holiday pillows.

Today’s pillow projects have a couple of unique twists to make these projects super easy.

Tea Staining Ikea Towel 2248

For the “Believe” pillow I started with a .79 dish towel that I picked up at IKEA.

Tea Staining the Towel

To give my towel a creamy vintage color…  I soaked my towel in a tub of hot tea.

I wanted my towel to stay light so I only left it in a minute or two.

Leave towel in longer for a darker brown color.

Rinse the towel in hot water and then throw in the dryer to set.

Stencil the Towel

  • Iron the towel to make crisp and stencil the towel using the 12″ Word Xmas Tree stencil from Clear Scraps and dark red acrylic paint.
  • Fold the towel in half, stenciled side in, stitched the towel together and fill with a soft stuffing.

Stenciled Holiday Pillows 2316

The Snowflake pillow is a No Sew Pillow.  (I really cheated with this pillow.)

Placemat Supplies 7385

  • I used a plain 14″ x 20″ canvas placemat from Canvas Corp Brands which I stenciled with the Snowflake stencil from Stencil 1 using Tattered Angels Chalkboard Mists.  Make sure to cover and mask any areas that you wouldn’t want sprayed.
  • Glue the ribbon, lace and buttons onto the placemat using Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive, 4-Ounce, tucking ends to backside of the placemat.
  • Glue place mat together and fill with a soft stuffing.
  • No Sewing Required.  (for decorative use only)

stenciled snowflake pillow from a placemat

French Country Fall Stenciled Burlap Table Runner

French Country Fall Stenciled Burlap Table Runner 681 2

French Country Inspired Stenciled Burlap Table Runner for Fall.

This table runner is a Quick & Easy DIY project with no sewing involved.

Supplies 223

To make the table runner you’ll need:                                     *(affiliate links)

*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!

Stenciling 269

Stenciled 380

Directions:

  1. Make sure to lay paper down before stenciling on burlap.
  2. Tape around stencil with removable painter’s tape so that the stencil won’t move.
  3. Using a stencil brush, dip just the tip of your brush into the paint.  Tap off excess paint.
  4. Stenciling is a “dry” brush technique.
  5. Apply paint with stencil brush in a straight up and down motion called stippling.
  6. Clean Stencil between each image.
  7. Glue lace trim onto each edge of the runner using Fabri Tac glue.
  • Burlap is a rough fabric.  You may want to add a layer of fabric or felt underneath the runner to protect the finish of your table.

Close UP 0666

Fall Display

Because I really liked how the table runner turned out…

I decided to create a pillow for the comfy chair in my dining room

I used muslin as a lining for the burlap and on the reverse side of the pillow.

(The pillow, of course, consisted of some sewing.)

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Making a Playhouse Banner with oly*fun

Making a Playhouse Banner with Oly Fun 9634My grandson Nicholas is celebrating his 5th birthday in just a few days.  (but who’s counting?)

He’s having two parties this Saturday.  One for the kids and the other for family.

Such a lucky little guy.  (Born on his Daddy’s birthday.)

Since the family party is at his house, I had an idea to make a bright colorful banner to decorate

the new playhouse.

I had recently received a selection of oly*fun to work with and thought it would be perfect to use.

It was super easy to put together.

Playhouse 9651

What exactly IS oly*fun? 

oly*fun is a specially engineered material that features some of the best things about fabrics AND

papers.  Easy to cut or die-cut and it will not fray.  It is great for outdoors

Supplies 9625

 Here’s what I used:

Supplies 9631

Directions:

  1. Stencil the check pattern using the black acrylic paint on the orange oly*fun.
  2. Create a banner pattern on cardstock.
  3. Cut out the banner pattern and trace onto the stenciled oly*fun.
  4. Trace and cut several banners out of the black and green oly*fun.
  5. Cut strips and circles to decorate the banners.  Glue onto banner with Fabri Tac Glue.
  6. Fold top of the banner and staple onto the piece of twine.
  7. Tie the banner onto the top of the playhouse and watch the kids play.

Playhouse 9644

A Special Thanks to Fairfield World for generously providing the oly*fun for this project.

 

Etched Family Frame

Etched Family Frame 09191

Whenever I get a chance…

Whenever they’re all home together…

I try to get a family picture.

It only seems to happen a few times per year.

When we’re all together, there’s so much excitement, talking and laughter that I  forget.

Like this summer, after swimming and naps….

I set up the tri-pod, gathered the kids and set up the self timer.

(it’s always good for a few laughs)  All 18 eyes were open,

all those who were running away were captured and everyone was looking.

Phew… not an easy task.  But always worth it in the end.

It was starting to get dark, so the picture’s not as clear as I’d like it.

I decided to print it in black and white and put it in a simple black frame.

Family close up 09196

To capture the sentiment of the picture I etched the word “family” on the glass.

Etched Frame Supplies 08943

Etched Family Frame Products Used:               (*affiliate links)

Directions:

  1. Remove glass from frame.  Clean glass to remove all dirt, fingerprints and oil.  Dry with a coffee filter, paper towel, or lint-free cloth.
  2. Apply “Family” stencil to glass.  Burnish the edges of the stencil.  You want to make sure no edges are coming up.
  3. Mask around the stencil with removable painters tape for extra surface protection.
  4. Apply a heavy coat of etchall® etching crème to the masked area of the stencil.
  5. Leave etching crème on design for 15 minutes.  After etching time has elapsed, use the squeegee to return the crème back into the original container for later re-use.
  6. Rinse etched surface with hot water to remove any remaining crème. Remember to keep crème away from porcelain sinks or ceramic tiles.
  7. To make the etched letters stand out more, apply picket fence distress paint over the letters.  Wipe surrounding area of the glass clean.

Poof and he's gone

and for your viewing pleasure…

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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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How to Etch a Mason Jar…

I love the look of daisies in old blue canning jars.  It just says summertime.

It’s simple, beautiful and it makes me happy.

I recently got the opportunity to work with a new product, etching crème from Etchall®.

While looking around for something to etch, I noticed the daisies sitting on the table.

Hmmm…Wouldn’t that look great with a etched flower and a greeting?

It’s a super simple project.  (just how I like it)

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

Shop Your Fav Brands at Scrapbook.com

Directions:

  1. Clean jar to remove all dirt, fingerprints and oil.  Dry with a coffee filter, paper towel, or lint-free cloth.
  2. Apply Stencils to jar.  Burnish the edges of the stencil.  You’ll want to make sure no edges are coming up.
  3. Mask around the stencil with removable painters tape for extra surface protection.
  4. Apply a heavy coat of etchall® etching crème to the masked area of the stencil.
  5. Leave etching crème on design for 15 minutes.  After etching time has elapsed, use the squeegee to return the crème back into the original container for later re-use.
  6. Rinse etched surface with hot water to remove any remaining crème. Remember to keep crème away from porcelain sinks or ceramic tiles.

Mason Jar with Stencils 8839Mason Jar with Stencils and Masks 08841Mason Jar with Etching Creme 8842

             Step #2                                        Step #3                                      Step #4

The etched flower looks subtle against the water in the blue jar.   

“This is a sponsored post.  As a member of the Etchall 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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Colorful Chalkboard Frame for Kids and grownups

Funky Pallet Frame 8798

A simple paint and stencil project, fun for kids or grown ups.

I decided to finish painting this colorful Rustic Pallet Frame* that I started working on

yesterday evening.  As the name suggests, the frame is rustic and somewhat rough.

Because I was planning on stenciling on it…  I sanded the front of the frame to make it smoother.

I wasn’t worried about making it completely smooth.

The Colorful Chalkboard Frame would be a great project to make with the kiddos.

Funky Pallet Frame painted 8792

Directions to make the Colorful Chalkboard Frame:

  1. Sand the front of the frame.
  2. Paint the frame with white acrylic paint.
  3. Paint the top of each pallet section with different acrylic colors.  Sort of a modified rainbow.
  4. Because the stencil had four unique patterns, I decided each color needed its own pattern.
  5. Mask off each section of the wood before stenciling.
  6. Stencil using a stipple brush and white acrylic paint.
  7. Allow to dry completely
  8. To mute to colors:  Lightly sand the frame with a sanding block.  (optional)
  9. For an added sheen:  Apply clear crème wax to front of frame, allow to sit for one hour and buff.
  10. I added a small chalkboard to the inside of the frame.

Funky Pallet Frame Supplies

Supplies Used:                                          (*affiliate link)

*Thanks to Walnut Hollow and DecoArt for providing the materials used on this frame.

For more Summer fun with the kids…click on SIime Ad below.

Slimer

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My Fabulous Thrift Store Make-Over

I almost passed on this plain 8 drawer cabinet last April while visiting my daughter in Madison.

I didn’t really need it, I have too much stuff, would there be room in the car?  (geez!)

It was sitting there in the Thrift Store for only $8.  They had just put it out that day.

I had to take it home.  (I just had too.)

Stenciling the drawer 8355

As soon as I got it home, I painted it with a couple coats of black paint and gave

it a clear wax coat.  It sat in my office that way for the next four months.

(I’m starting to notice a pattern here.)  Anyway…. I decided that the cabinet needed more.

After receiving these cool number stencil,

Deco Art Americana Decor Stencil, Old World Numbers*    (*affiliate link)

and Whisper Chalky Finish Paint* from DecoArt as part of their Blogger Outreach Program,

I stenciled each drawer 1-8.

To keep the numbers from looking too new or bright, I lightly sanded over the letters with a

extra fine sanding block and applied another coat of clear wax.

Drawer Close Up 8446

My hubby helped me put on these vintage looking drawer pulls I’d found on Etsy.

I spent more than twice as much on the drawer pulls than I did the cabinet.

Black Cabinet 8444

I’m so happy with the way it turned out.  Doesn’t it look beautiful?

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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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