Indigo Shibori Dyeing

July 13, 2019July 18, 20201 Comment

Indigo Shibori Dyeing

We had a little fun this past week-end and tried something new….

My daughter asked me to purchase a Indigo Dye Kit* for her birthday.

She wanted to use it when she came home. (I’m always up for trying something different.)

Shibori is a Japanese term for methods of dyeing cloth. Similar to tie-dyeing you create patterns by binding, stitching, folding, twisting, and compressing. In Japan, the earliest known example of cloth dyed with the shibori technique dates back to the 8th century where indigo was the main dye used.

Shibori Indigo Dye Kit from Made Kits by One-OneThousand*

The kit came with everything we would need:

Thiox
Soda Ash
Pre-reduced Indigo
Rubber Gloves
Rubber Bands
Acrylic Plates
Great Instructions

Everything except a very large bucket and items to dye.

It said right on the front of the box…”no chemistry degree needed”.

*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!

My daughter had purchased a few new items to dye and we quickly added other items like…

pillowcases, old doilies, vintage linens, old jeans and other miscellaneous items.

The kit comes with great instructions on how to mix the Thiox, Indigo and Soda Ash with water.

It is recommended to use a 5 gallon bucket with lid.

After everything is mixed cover the bucket tightly with the lid and let it rest for one hour.

When you are ready to start dyeing, remove the cover.

The liquid will be a greenish-yellow in color and you will see a cluster of bubbles called

“the flower” and a film on top. (It will have a smell, that’s normal, they said)

Carefully scoop out the bubbles “the flower” and set aside with a little of the dye liquid.

The instructions say that you can put “the flower” back in the bucket after your done

dyeing to keep the dye bucket going for future dye projects. (hmmm.)

The dye can be used for several dye sessions if carefully stored.

It’s always a good idea to pre-wash new items with a mild detergent.

We used several different twisting and rubber banding techniques on the fabric.

FYI…The dye reacts best if your item is wet first.

When you lift your item out of the dye mixture it will be a yellow greenish color.

As the air hits the dyed item, the indigo will gradually oxidize and the dyed item will turn blue.

The longer the item is in the dye, the darker it becomes once it hits the air.

They suggest ringing the item and letting it sit for 15 minutes and then re-dipping the item

in the dye for deeper hues.

Creating a Wax Resist

My daughter and her husband created dots on their shoes by using melted wax and the end

of a paintbrush. (We kept the melted wax hot in a old mini crock pot.)

The melted wax creates a resist that will repel the dye.

They covered the souls of the shoes with removable painters tape to protect it from the dye.

A large brush was used to paint the dye on the shoes instead of dipping them.

Once dyed…we hung the items on a clothesline tied between two trees in the front yard.

My husband said it looked real classy. I thought it looked beautiful.

We left them hanging overnight as they need 24-48 hours to dry and oxidize.

As with a lot of new techniques…there is a little bit of a learning curve.

We were pleased with the results and can’t wait until she’s home again to dye some more.

FYI…We used Shibori Indigo Dye Kit from Made Kits by One-OneThousand*

A Kid Sized Makeover

July 11, 2019April 25, 20243 Comments

Mini Park Bench Makeover

Tucked away beside my porch, next to my hydrangeas, was a wobbly, forgotten little park bench.

It had been left out all winter and hadn’t weathered very well.

I picked up the little bench a few years ago at a yard sale when it was still in good shape.

The bench has nice metal frame and a cute jungle theme inset.

I knew with a little tender loving care the bench could be almost as good as new.

I carefully took the bench apart and gave it a light sanding to get rid of the rust and grim.

I painted the frame with Rust-Oleum Dark Gray Paint and Primer*.

*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!

I had a difficult time choosing which color I wanted to use so I created a color sample board.

In the end I went with white. (bird poop doesn’t show up as much on white)

The wood slats were painted with DecoArt White Americana Decor Color Stain*.

DecoArt Color Stain has a semi-transparent, satin sheen for enhancing wood, concrete, terra cotta, and other surfaces that can be displayed indoors or out. Once cured, there is no reason to add an additional polyurethane or other sealant on top. The water-based formula makes cleanup simple while still offering a durable finish.

And because little details count…I also painted the screws.

Do you like how I used a long reach hole punch to make holes in my box for the screws to sit?

Finished Park Bench (well almost)

The white color stain paint* allows the wood grain to show through giving my bench

a “worn look” with out being worn out. (It’s hard to see by the pictures.)

When my husband got home and looked at the bench he thought the animals looked a little flat.

So…I rubbed DecoArt Champagne Ice Metallic Lustre™ Wax* on the metal to make them stand

out. I added a little metallic lustre™ wax* on the bench frame as well.

DecoArt generally recommends using a Multi-Purpose Spray Sealer* if you plan to keep a piece

with Metallic Lustre outside.

He was right, it really makes a difference.

I placed the bench in the shade under the maple tree in the front yard.

All I need is a couple pint sized buddies to come over and enjoy it with me.

Don’t Miss a Thing…Make Sure to Follow me

If you liked this post you might like to read A Trash to Treasure Love Story

Dream Create Inspire Wall Decor

July 6, 2019February 9, 2023Leave a comment

Dream Create Inspire Wall Décor

I have been working diligently for the last couple of months on my new craft room.

Moving, purging, organizing and very slowly decorating. (so much stuff!)

I’m almost ready for a “craft room reveal” but not quite yet.

This past week-end I decided to add a little inspiration to my freshly painted closet doors.

I like the look of inspirational quotes on walls and decided to create one of my own.

With the help of my Silhouette Cameo Wireless Cutting Machine* and

Matte Removable Adhesive Vinyl* from Styletechcraft the project was real easy to create.

(getting a good picture of the final project not so easy)

I measured the space on the door where I wanted the words to go and decided where the best spacing would be for all three words.
I cut the Gridded Vinyl Transfer Tape* to fit inside the space.
I used the bottom line of the grid and line on the door inset to line up my words.
Once you place your word onto your surface, smooth over word with the vinyl tool.

I found it easier to place the words Dream and Inspire first and then center the word Create in between the two.

I cut two small flowers using dark red removeable vinyl and placed them in between the words.

Did you know that Matte Removable Vinyl will remove cleanly for up to two years?

This vinyl film is great for decorating a kid’s room, a classroom or just about anywhere

you just need a temporary graphic.

“This is a sponsored post. As a member of the StyleTechCraft Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas. The views and opinions are my own.

You can now find the full line of StyletechCraft online at ATSM.

The Ugly Planter Box

June 7, 2019May 13, 202513 Comments

It’s true…I have a soft spot in my heart for sweet old gentlemen.

(and apparently, so does my husband)

While on a call, my husband met this nice older gentleman.

The two began to talk and one thing leads to another and my husband walks away

with this wood planter box that the gentleman had made.

“This is a sponsored post. I have been provided product from Wagner and DecoArt in exchange for my creative ideas. The views and opinions are my own.

As he unloaded it from the car he actually apologized. (it’s like he doesn’t know me at all)

It was a little unique with the hand drawn pictures on the side.

But, I thought it was great.

All it needed was a couple coats of Farmhouse White Curb Appeal Paint from DecoArt*.

Earlier this year… I received the HomeRight Super Finish Max Extra Power Painter*

along with the HomeRight Large Spray Shelter* from the awesome folks at Wagner.

I’ve been wanting these for a while now and have been eagerly waiting for the weather to turn

nice and the rain to stop so that I could use them.

With the exception of trying the sprayer at the Creativation Trade Show,

it was the first time I’d used a power sprayer. It was super easy to use and clean up.

And…it comes with three sprayer tips for different uses.

The portable spray tent is great to use on days with a little breeze or even indoors.

I can’t wait to use it on even bigger projects.

Ok, I’ll admit, because of the marker drawings on the side it took more than a couple coats.

It really was easy to use and the Curb Appeal Paint dried really quick.

After all the coats of paint were dry I gave the box a light sanding to make it smooth.

The box looked a little too plain, so I decided to stencil a design on the sides.

DecoArt Americana Classic Jacobean Floral Stencil
“Dolphin” Americana Multi-Surface Satin Paint*.

To stencil the design…

Position the stencil onto the box and tape down the edges with removable painter’s tape to keep the stencil from moving. Use stipple brush to apply paint inside open stencil areas.
Carefully remove stencil from box. Make sure there is no excess paint that’s seeped under the stencil before moving the stencil to the next area on the box.

I painted the edges of the box with a thin layer of “dolphin” paint.
After everything was completely dry I lightly sanded the box with a piece of extra fine sand paper. The sand paper gives the box the worn and weathered look I was going for.

Now onto the fun part, the fruits of my labor.

I picked soft pink geraniums, vincas, pink coleus and vinca vines to fill my flower box.

I put the box on an old white bench and sat it in front of my window.

It’s one of the first things I see as I come down the stairs in the morning.

I love how soft and delicate the flowers look inside the box.

It’s a great addition to my front porch.

And to think my husband apologized for bringing it home. (I think it’s lovely.)

If you liked this post you might like to read A Trash to Treasure Love Story

Simple Summer Vase

June 5, 2019February 9, 20231 Comment

Create a Simple Summer Vase using Transparent Adhesive Vinyl from StyleTechCraft.

Transparent vinyl is great when you just want to add a subtle touch of color.

It’s great for using on windows, glassware and just about anywhere else you want a unique look.

To create my Simple Vase I used: (*affiliate links)

StyleTechCraft Transparent Vinyl in Sky Blue and Teal*
StyleTechCraft Vinyl Transfer Tape*
Styletechcraft Vinyl Tool Kit*
Inexpensive Cylinder Vase from Dollar Tree*
Silhouette Cameo Wireless Cutting Machine*
Flower SVG file from the Silhouette Store

Directions:

Cut several flower shapes using the Silhouette Cameo* and the Sky-Blue Transparent Vinyl. Don’t have a electronic die cutter? The transparent vinyl can be cut using various metal dies.
Cut leaves out of the teal vinyl.
Using the weeding tool, I carefully removed the negative spaces in and around the flowers and leaves.
Place a piece of Vinyl Transfer Tape* over the flower image. Apply transfer tape onto the cylinder vase and rub over the vinyl using a vinyl scraper tool to eliminate bubbles.
Remove transfer tape.
Repeat with the leaves.

Allow vinyl to cure for several days. (Hand washing is recommended.)

I added a piece of white paper inside the vase so you can see the pattern better.

It’s hard to see in this picture the variation between the sky blue and teal vinyl.

“This is a sponsored post. As a member of the StyleTechCraft Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas. The views and opinions are my own.

You can now find the full line of StyletechCraft online at ATSM.

Let’s Go Fly a Kite

March 28, 2019February 9, 2023Leave a comment

Let’s Go Fly a Kite…

I’m so happy that Spring is finally here.

I’m ready to celebrate Spring with beautiful sunny skies and just enough breeze to fly a kite.

If you’re not into flying kites, you could always make a fabric one to hang up on the wall.

Kite Wall Hanging (*affiliate link)

Two pieces 9″ x 12″ cotton fabric (my fabric was from Adornit)
9″ x 12″ White Felt*
Joy Iron On Embroidered Letters*
Joy Floral Applique
12″ x 12″ White Cardstock
Scissors
Rick Rack
Jute Twine*
Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive*
Sewing Machine
Iron

How to make a Kite Wall Hanging:

Creating a kite pattern… Cut the white cardstock to 9″ x 12″. Fold the cardstock in 1/2 lengthways. On the two long sides make a mark at 4″.
For the top of the kite, draw a line from the top middle fold to the 4″ mark on each side. For the bottom of the kite, draw a line from the 4″ mark to the bottom middle folds.
Cut out Kite pattern.
Trace and cut out the kite pattern on the backsides of both of the printed fabrics and the white felt.

Sandwich the white felt between the two patterned pieces. Pin into place and top stitch around the kite.
Arrange the words “Let’s go fly a kite” onto the front of the kite with the shiny side down.
Cover with soft, clean cloth and iron on cotton settings for 30 seconds. Turn kite over and repeat for an additional 30 seconds.

Cut the top flower and leaves off the floral applique.
Arrange the flowers on the kite and iron onto the kite the same way as the letters.
Glue rick rack around the edge of the kite.

Cut strips of fabric and tie onto a 14″ piece of twine. Glue one end of the twine to the backside of the kite.
Make a small loop with a second piece of twine and glue to the top of the kite.

“This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Joy® Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas. The views and opinions are my own.

Don’t Miss a Thing…Make Sure to Follow me

Glittered with Mod Podge Ultra

March 20, 2019February 27, 202419 Comments

Rainbow Glittered Monogram with Mod Podge Ultra

I have used Mod Podge for years…

So, when Plaid gave me the opportunity to try out Mod Podge Ultra, I thought why not.

I always love trying something new.

What makes Mod Podge Ultra different?

America’s favorite decoupage medium is now available as a spray! Mod Podge Ultra is a super strong, non-toxic spray formula that works as all-in-one glue and sealer with a high adhesion level. Perfect for adding dimensional design embellishments to your projects. This versatile, water-based formula dries quickly and naturally self-levels, leaving no brush marks. It cleans up easily with soap and water and is available in both matte or gloss finishes.

For my Framed Rainbow Glitter Monogram I used: (*affiliate links)

Mod Podge Ultra*
Various Shades of Ultra Fine Glitter from Art Glitter.
Chipboard letter “S”
Inexpensive frame from Dollar Tree*
Silver Leaf Paint Pen*

Directions:

Protect your work area with newspaper or drop cloth.
Shake Bottle for 15 seconds.
Prime the nozzle with a few test pumps.
Spray the chipboard letter with Mod Podge Ultra using short even strokes.
Add various colors of glitter over the letter.
Pour excess glitter off. Allow project to dry for 30 minutes.
Seal letter with 1-2 coats of Mod Podge Ultra.
Allow the letter to fully dry.
Accent the outside edge of the letter using the silver leaf paint pen with a chisel point.
Spray or paint the back of the letter with Mod Podge Ultra and add to a piece of black chipboard.
Place inside frame for fun and funky framed art.
Just like a paint brush, Mod Podge Ultra Spray tops need to be cleaned after every use. If they aren’t they will clog and become unusable.

With most glittered projects… if you touch the glittered area you leave a little bit of glitter everywhere you go. Once I sealed the glittered “S” the glitter does not rub off. How cool is that.

A special Thank You goes out to Plaid the makers of Mod Podge Ultra*.

My project is part of a Blog Hop put on the Designer Crafts Connection Blog.

For more fun projects using Mod Podge Ultra and the list of participating blogs click here.

How to Create a Vintage Inspired Memento Box

March 15, 2019February 27, 2024Leave a comment

Vintage Inspired Memento Box

This Vintage Inspired Box is the perfect place to store special mementos for years to come.

For this project, I started with a Unfinished Cornice Box from Walnut Hollow*

which I lightly white washed with a soft gray chalky finish, stenciled and slightly distressed,

for a warm vintage-feel home décor piece with a soft timeless finish.

The Vintage Inspired Memento Box was sponsored by Walnut Hollow and DecoArts.

Supplies Used on the Vintage Inspired Memento Box… (*affiliate links)

Walnut Hollow Unfinished Cornice Box*
Deco Art Americana Decor Stencil, The French Inn*
Deco Art Americana Decor Stencil, Old French Script*
Deco Art Americana Chalky Finish Paint, Relic*
Deco Art Americana Chalky Finish Paint, Everlasting*
DecoArt Metallic Lustre Wax, Champagne Ice*
Brass Knobs*(similar to one used)
Paint Brush and Stencil Brush*
Very Fine Sanding Block*
Black Spray Paint*
Clean Soft Rag
Removable Painters Tape*
Decorative Scrapbook Paper
Craft Glue

How to Create a Vintage Inspired Memento Box…

Directions:

1. Paint the Cornice Box* with Relic Chalky Finish Paint* (inside and out).
2. Lightly sand the box to smooth out the finish.
3. Add a small bit of water to Everlasting* paint and give the box a quick white wash.
4. Rub excess paint off the box with a clean soft rag for a slightly distressed look.

5. Position The French Inn stencil over the top of the box. Secure the stencil in place with the painters tape to prevent slipping. Use stipple brush to apply a mix of Relic, Romance & Everlasting paint to the decorative element in the center of the stencil.
6. Stencil the remaining open stencil areas with “Relic” paint.
7. Position and stencil Old French Script pattern onto the sides of box.
8. Allow paint to dry for a few hours and lightly sand over the stenciled area to give a slightly worn look.
9. Apply Clear Crème Wax onto the inside and outside of the box. Wait one hour and buff box using a soft clean rag.

10. Spray the brass knobs with black spray paint.
11. Rub the knobs with Champagne Metallic Lustre Wax and buff.
12. Glue or Screw knobs in place.

13. Measure decorative scrapbook paper or wallpaper scraps to fit inside the box.
14. Apply a thin layer of craft glue on the back of the paper and stick to the sides and bottom of the box.

Create a Iridescent Birthday Card using StyletechCraft Opal Vinyl

March 4, 2019July 24, 2019Leave a comment

Create a Quick and Easy Iridescent Birthday Card with StyleTechCraft Opal Vinyl.

When making a card using StyleTechCrafts Opal Vinyl, a regular picture just won’t do.

You need to see the shimmery iridescent fun.

StyleTechCraft’s Opal Vinyl is one of the coolest vinyl they have.

The colors shift dramatically based on light and their surroundings and adds a little

razzle dazzle to this simple birthday card.

To make the Birthday Card I used… (*amazon affiliate links)

Directions:

Cut several 3/4″ strips of Opal Vinyl and stick it onto a 4 1/2″ X 6″ piece of black cardstock. For my card I used Pink, Blue and Green Opal Vinyl.
Trim the excess vinyl strips from the sides of the cardstock.
Cut the cardstock 4″ x 5 1/4″.

Place the cardstock into the Swiss Dots Embossing Folder* and run the paper and folder through the Big Shot Machine*.

The embossing folder creates a wonderful raised background.

Using my Silhouette Cameo Wireless Cutting Machine*…I designed the words “Happy Happy Birthday to You”.
I strategically placed strips of Opal Vinyl onto my cutting mat so that the words line up with the vinyl.
Cut the words using the Silhouette Cameo Wireless Cutting Machine*.

Using a weeding tool carefully remove the negative spaces in and around the letters.
Place a piece of Vinyl Transfer Tape* over the letters. Rub over the letters using a vinyl scraper tool to help the vinyl cling
Apply words onto a piece of 3 1/4″ x 4 1/2″ white cardstock.
Remove transfer tape.

To give the card additional dimension…I added a piece of thin foam onto the back of the white cardstock.

Adhere the layers onto a 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″ white card.

“This is a sponsored post. As a member of the StyleTechCraft Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas. The views and opinions are my own.

You can now find the full line of StyletechCraft online at ATSM.

Diamond Art…a new trend in crafting

February 26, 2019April 3, 20234 Comments

Diamond Art by Leisure Arts

This past week-end was a stormy, nasty, stay indoors kind of week-end.

The perfect time for crafting and learning/trying something different.

I’d been wanting to start the new Rose Diamond Art kit that I received from Leisure Arts.

I knew the kit was going to take a little time and I was just waiting for the perfect opportunity

to give it my full attention.

What is Diamond Arts?

It is a new trend in crafting.

It’s similar to cross stitching and paint by numbers.

“A little bit tedious, curiously addicting and extremely satisfying.”

It was so addicting that I didn’t want to stop…

I had to bring it down onto the kitchen counter so I could work on the it while cooking dinner.

Leisure Arts makes kits for beginners, intermediate and advanced.

They have a great selection of Diamond Arts Kits for both kids and adults.

The Rose Diamond Art kit includes:

One High Quality Printed Fabric
Gems Pre-sorted by Color
Stylus
Craft Tray
Wax Piece
Comfort Grip
Instructions

*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!