Category: Techniques

Easy Photo Transfer on Wood Slices with Mod Podge

18 Comments

Easy DIY Photo Transfer project using Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium…

I’ve used Mod Podge® several times over the years, but had never tried

Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium*.     (*affiliate link)

I was surprised at how easy the process was and how well the project turned out.

For my project…

I used a color copy of my son in his favorite Woody pajamas and favorite Woody toy.

It’s hard to believe that this sweet faced boy is now graduating from High School.

I also used a wood slice from Walnut Hollow* for my project.

The wood slice had been previously kiln dried, sanded and was ready to use.

Directions:

  1. Do not use actual photographs, you must use photo copies made from a dry toner type copier.
  2. Lay wood slice over picture and trace around wood slice.  Cut around traced lines.
  3. Using a 1″ Foam Brush*, brush over image with a medium application of Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium*. The medium will be opaque.
  4. Carefully lift image off, making contact only slightly with the image edge. Flip the coated image over and position over the wood slice.   Lightly press from the center out to release any air bubbles.   Wipe away any excess medium that may have been squeezed out from the image. Allow to dry overnight.
  5. Wet a sponge with water, squeeze excess water from sponge then dampen the exposed backside of the image transfer. Immediately as the paper is wet, an image will appear. Allow the wet image to rest a couple moments to soften the paper.

Shop Your Fav Brands at Scrapbook.com

5.  Using your damp sponge or a fingertip, begin to lightly rub over the damp paper to peel away layers. Be careful not to be rough with the wet paper as it may be fragile. After removing several layers of paper, stop and allow transferred image to dry. Once dry, white areas will appear where paper remains. Repeat steps to moisten and lightly rub the surface to remove the remaining paper layers. Allow to dry.

6.  If desired, brush a coat of Mod Podge Matte Finish* or Mod Podge Gloss Finish* over the project surface to seal and protect.

Basic Directions from plaidonline.com

Did you Know…

In 1967, Jan Wetstone created Mod Podge in her garage as an easy-to-use decoupage solution for crafting enthusiasts. Since then, the brand has gone beyond just decoupage with 17 different formulas that include Matte, Gloss, Dishwasher safe, and Sparkle as well as top coats for Brushstrokes and Chalkboard. The introduction of the Mod Melter made embellishing your craft projects a breeze, along with the endless creative options found in Dimensional Magic, Photo Transfer Medium, and Collage Clay.

 

*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!

 

Life’s a Journey

1 Comment

Of all the goodies I received from ADORNit as part of being an “it girl”  this wood plaque

was the first project I wanted to tackle.

So…on a night when I had so many things I could/should have done,

I spent a relaxing evening just painting.

I haven’t done this in such a long time.  It was just what I needed.

I started with this plain life’s journey plaque from ADORNit.           (measures 11″ x 13″)

I used a small flexible nail file to run through the grooved channels to clean it up a bit.

I base coated the entire plaque with gray acrylic paint.

Having the gray paint, deep in the grooves of the plaque, works as the outline between colors

to make the colors stand out.

For me, having grooved channels made it so easy to paint and stay in the lines.

FYI…You might want to seal coat your project once your finished.

I’ll be honest… I’ve never been camping in my life. 

I’m not sure what drew me to this plaque so much.

My idea of roughing it is a bad hotel room.

Hmmm…Maybe if I had a cute little camper like this, I might even try it.

Life’s a Journey, Make the Most of it!

How to make a Relaxing Guy Card

Leave a comment

I’ve always found making cards for a guy  to be tricky. 

Making feminine cards come easy to me.

For the upcoming summer season, I decided to make a “guy” card

that would make a perfect birthday, Father’s Day and even  Retirement.

To make the Relaxing Guy Card…

TIP:  Before removing the back off the 3D foam mounting squares.  Brush baby powder to the back of the stickers to remove the tackiness.  The stickers become like die cuts and will only stick where you want them too.

 

Materials Used:                                                                   (*affiliate link)

 
Directions:
  1. Cut a 4″ x 6″ piece of green scrapbook (dock on the lake) layer.  Add border sticker strip onto the top and bottom of the layer leaving approx. 1/8″ border.
  2. Adhere the green layer onto a 4 1/4″ x 6 1/4″ piece of brown scrapbook paper (day at the lake) and then onto a 4 1/2″ x 6 1/2″ piece of red (lake time) scrapbook paper.
  3. Create a 5″ x 7″ side fold card from the kraft cardstock.
  4. Adhere scrapbook layers onto kraft card.

5.  Create dimensional stickers by adding and layers stickers with 3D foam mounting squares.  Add stickers to the front of the card.

6.  Wrap twine around the left side of the card and tie with a knot.

Mini Tape Runners

*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…Bloom Garden Stepping Stone

Leave a comment

Create a little fun and whimsy in your Garden with a Bloom Garden Stepping Stone.

(The links and instructions to make the Garden stone are included down below.)

I just got the Garden Issue of Craft Ideas Magazine and I’m so excited that I can finally share

with you my “Bloom Garden Stone”.   (you can find it on page #24)

Make sure to check out the entire Garden issue of Craft Ideas,

the issue is full of great garden themed ideas and inspiration.

Materials and Supplies:                                                                                    (*affiliate links)

Directions:

  1. Cover the sides and bottom of an old cake pan with Petroleum Jelly for easy removal.
  2. Mix Rapid Set Concrete Mix according to manufacturer’s instructions.  Fill pan with cement approx. 1″ thick. Shake pan a little to fill in the gaps and smooth.  Allow a couple hours for cement to set before removing from the pan.  Let the cement stone dry for a day or two before painting.

3.  To create a better surface for painting and stenciling, paint cement stone first with DecoArt DS17-9 Americana Multi-Purpose Sealer*

4.  Mix together Night Sky and Cotton Ball acrylic paint and basecoat entire stone.

5.  Tear a piece of white cardstock with an irregular edge as shown to create a mask stencil for  cloud background.

6.  Place cloud mask stencil onto stone and paint with an upward motion. Move mask stencil around stone to paint additional clouds and let dry.

7.  Stencil bloom flower using a mixture of Watermelon Slice and Marigold and stencil “bloom” with Night Sky as shown.  Paint leaves Woodland Green and let dry.

8.  Apply DecoArt Americana DuraClear Varnishes* using paintbrush over stone to help protect the stone from the outdoor elements.

You also might like this stepping stone project I created with my grandson Nick.

The Bloom Garden Stone was created for and sponsored by Craft Ideas Magazine.  Craft Ideas for Every Occasion, Every Skill Level.

Join Amazon Kindle Unlimited 30-Day Free Trial

*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!

How to make a Springtime Delights Resin Magnet

Leave a comment

I have to admit, working with Resin intimidated me at first.

With a little practice, I found that it’s really not hard and you can get some amazing results.

Especially when you start small.    (Just make sure to read the package instructions)

My Springtime Delights magnet measures only 2″ x 2.

Materials:            (*affiliate link)

Directions:

Cut and glue a small piece of scrapbook paper to fit inside of tin.

Arrange 3D stickers inside of tin.  You may need to add extra glue under each sticker to make sure they stay in place.

Measure, Mix and pour the resin as directed in the product packaging.

Blow air onto the resin using a thin straw to help remove bubbles.

Allow plenty of drying time for the resin to cure before gluing magnet onto the back of the tin.

CreateForLess.com - Create More, Spend Less

*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!

Stamping in White Embossing Powder

3 Comments
 

Good Old Embossing Powder…                             

When I was introduced to stamping in 1996, do you know what hooked me?

It was the Gold Embossing Powder.

The first time I watched them melt that gold embossing powder.  WOW!

At the time, I had a gift store and was looking for something new.

I can’t tell you how many people I hooked with that gold embossing powder.

Here’s a little throwback to where I started.

Back to embossing powder.  (this time with a twist)

For this project, I started with a oval that was cut from chipboard.

I rubbed Colorbox White Embossing Pad*  onto the surface of the oval.

Next, I poured White Embossing Powder* over the entire oval.

After pouring the excess powder off, heat the oval with a

Multi-Purpose Embossing Heat Tool*.

Make sure all the embossing powder is melted.

Repeat that step 3 or 4 times, building up a thick layer of embossing powder.

After it was thick enough, I added a little red ink to the edge of the oval and

inked up the “Windmill” stamp.

I heated up the oval again, making sure the powder was really hot and melted.

I pressed the inked stamp into the hot, melted powder.  Success!

I love the way it looks like red toile.  (which is something I collect)

*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 make a Chippy Window for Spring

5 Comments

Happy Spring!

To celebrate the first day of Spring I’m sharing how I made this cute little Chippy Window.

To make the Chippy Window…

I started with a 7gypsies 8×8 Shadowbox Insert that I painted with white acrylic paint

 

To achieve the look of an aged, worn, old chipped painted window…

I alternated layers of Deco Art Media White Crackle Paint* and

Deco Art Media White Crackle Paste* from DecoArt.

Allow plenty of drying time between each coat.

*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!

For the background of the window…                                                                          

I cut a piece of 7 3/4″ x 7 3/4″ decorative scrapbook paper and adhered it to a thick piece of

mat-board.  I cut down  a couple of 3″ x 4″ journaling cards from the

“Tealightful” collection from Pebbles Inc. and adhered it to the back of the window

frame before attaching the covered mat-board.  Because the mat board is heavy,

I used a Beacon Adhesive Quick Grip Glue* to attach it to the frame.

I added loop screws onto each side of the window frame approx. 1/2″ in and added a thin chain

to the loop screws for hanging.  Ribbon would also work.

To create the floral swag…

I snipped a few sprigs of artificial flowers and attached them together in the center with

a thin floral wire.  I tied a simple bow to cover the wire.

I attached the floral swag and wood embellishments to the front of the frame with

Beacon Adhesive Quick Grip Glue*   

FYI…I found the “Welcome” and “Butterfly” embellishments at Michaels.

I added the Spring Window to the center of a wreath and hung it on the front door.

I found the greenery wreath yesterday at Homegoods.  It was just what I was looking for,

the perfect backdrop for my Chippy Spring Window.

FYI…Having a problem finding a window pane to use or would like one that’s even bigger?

  (*affiliate link)

Hampton Art Jillibean Soup Mix The Media Window Frame-14 X16 White* 

Shop Your Fav Brands at Scrapbook.com

 

Splatter Painting

1 Comment

splatter-painting-4001

After working in the booths all day on Saturday and Sunday at the Creativation Show,

I decided on Monday I was going to take some time to do something fun.

splatter-painting-4006

At the show they had a clear acrylic booth set up called the “Splatter Room”.

It was sponsored by Pinspiration, 3M and DecoArts.  (so much fun!)

splatter-painting-4002

Dressed in a hazmat suit and goggles…

I went to town choosing paint and splattering it onto a 12″ x 12″ canvas.

Oh, what a glorious mess.  It was the highlight of my day.

splatter-painting-4008

Here’s my finished Art.  (still need to remove the masking)

I already have it hanging on the wall.

If you ever get the chance to do some Splattering.  I highly recommend it.

 

I’m home from Phoenix, but I haven’t had the chance to sift through all the pictures and stuff I brought home.  I will be sharing my journey in the next day or two.

Holiday DIY with Old Kitchen Hardware

2 Comments

old-jar-of-hardware-sues-creative-workshop-3257

I have this old jar of assorted hardware on my shelf in my workshop.

I keep it just in case.  (Why you ask?)

Because I’m a “you never know” type of crafter.

old-hardware-before-sues-creative-workshop-3261

I had picked up a bag of old kitchen hardware at a garage sale a couple years ago

for fifty cents and used it on a few projects and even made a couple of ornaments.

(you can see them here)

 

While it may be too late for you to make this year…

it’s an idea that you can put away on the shelf, so to speak, for next year.

old-kitchen-hardware-spray-painted-cream-sues-creative-workshop-3263

Here’s how I made my ornament…

After disassembling the hardware, I spray painted the base plate cream.

What a difference spray paint makes.

go-around-edge-of-the-hardware-with-silver-leaf-paint-pen-sues-creative-workshop-3266

I added silver around the edge using a  Chisel Point Calligraphy Paint Marker, Silver*    (*affiliate link)

embellish-the-top-of-the-ornament-with-pine-stem-and-glitter-berry-sues-creative-workshop-3267

I used the small hole at the top of the hardware plate to string red and white twine.

I embellished it with a glitter berry cut from a glitter berry sprig (see previous picture)

wrapped around a small craft pine stem to form a small swag.

I glued the pine swag and small red and white bow to the hardware with

Beacon Adhesives Zip Dry.*

painted-snowflake-sues-creative-workshop-3271   let-it-snow-christmas-ornament-made-from-old-kitchen-hardware-close-up-sues-creative-workshop

I painted a small wood snowflake, found at the craft store, with silver acrylic paint and added

the “let it snow” sticker from Small Talk Stickers by Tim Holtz Idea-ology*.

I added a small red pearl to cover the bottom hole in the hardware and glued the

snowflake on top.

let-it-snow-ornament-made-from-old-kitchen-hardware-sues-creative-workshop-3290

A quick and easy upcycled ornament for the Christmas Tree.

Join Amazon Kindle Unlimited 30-Day Free Trial

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!

Two of my Favorite Snowman Projects

Leave a comment

Snowball Fight 2

Sharing two of my all time favorite Snowman Projects…

This little guy is perfect for those times when it’s too cold to go outside and play.

Snowball Fight 3249

If you’re not loving the cold…

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

Snowball Fight Supplies

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

Directions:

  1. Cut the 2″ Smoothfoam ball in half.  Cut the top off the rounded side of one of the balls.
  2. 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.
  3. Apply Snow-tex with palette knife over the newly formed Snowman and the 6″ disc.  Allow both to dry fully.
  4. 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.
  5. Apply Snow-tex onto wall using the palette knife.  (Allow to dry.)
  6. Create scene by attaching snowman and wall onto the disc.  Reinforce the pieces with toothpicks and craft glue.
  7. For a shimmery snowy glow…paint all the pieces with Crystal Craft Twinkles paint.  (Allow to fully dry.)
  8. Add shadows to the snowman and snowballs by gently applying vintage photo ink using a stipple brush.
  9. 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.
  10. Add arms to the Snowman using small twigs.  Warm him up with a fabric scarf and mittens cut from the fabric scraps.
  11. 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.
  12. Make a small snowball using a small pieced of paper wadded up and covered with Snow-tex.  Glue finished and dried snowball onto mitten.

Snowball Fight Close Up 3194

Another one of my Favorite Snowman Projects was titled “How to make a Snowman”.

Smoothfoam Snowman 887

Making a Snowman is pretty easy.  All it takes is a little patience and time.

(and a few ingredients) ↓

snowman parts

Here’s what you’ll need to make a Snowman:                               (*affiliate link)

Directions:

  1. Cut a small section off the bottom of the 4″ Smoothfoam ball so that it sits flat.
  2. Cut a couple of 3″ sections from the bamboo skewer.  Stick the skewer into the center of the 2″ and 3″ Smoothfoam balls.
  3. Add craft glue to the ends of the skewers before sticking the three balls together to form the snowman base.  (Allow glue to fully dry before continuing to the next step)
  4. Using a palette knife, smooth Snow-tex over Snowman base.  Here’s where the patience comes in… Allow a couple of hours for the Snow-tex to completely dry.
  5. Paint the entire Snowman base with white acrylic paint.  This fills in and helps cover any area missed by the Snow-tex.
  6. For a Frosty Look…paint the Snowman base with Craft Twinkles Glitter Paint.
  7. Cut a thin strip of grey felt and glue around the base of the hat to create a band.  Glue holly embellishment onto band to cover seam.  Glue to the top of the Snowman head.
  8. Cut a strip of gingham fabric and tie around neck.  Cut small slits into the ends of fabric for fringe.
  9. Use two small black brads inserted into the head for the eyes.  Use five micro black brads insert as the mouth.
  10. Cut the pointed end from a bamboo skewer and paint with orange paint.  Stick into head for the nose.

put a stick in it

Here’s a Close up of Mr. Snowman.  Isn’t he Handsome?

Snoman Face

These projects was created for and sponsored by Smoothfoam and also sponsored by DecoArt.

Smoothfoam Snowman Side view

*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!

Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial