Category: Techniques

How to Make a Mini Rose Topiary

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How to Make a Mini Rose Topiary 04034

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

How to make a Mini Rose Topiary

Here’s what I used:                                                                    (*affiliate link)

 

Directions:

  1. Spray Roses and small wood heart with the Mistable Paint.   Allow plenty of time to dry.
  2. Paint the 2″ Smoothfoam Ball  and the wood dowel with the green acrylic paint.
  3. Poke hole into the end of the 2″ ball.  Squirt a little glue in the hole and insert the painted dowel.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

"Painting

*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

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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!

DIY Etching on a Mirror

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Etched Mirror 4197

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)

Etched Mirror Collage

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.

Frosted Mirror Close UP 3711

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!

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Love You?

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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.

Love You Check Stub 3997

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)

Craft Ideas Winter 2015-2016

My “Love Ya” Card was featured in Crafts Ideas Winter Edition.

Art Play Paintables Love You Card

“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:

  1. Cut “love you” image from the Art Play Paintable Sheet leaving a thin white border.          (approx. 2 3/4” x 3 3/4”)
  2. Give the background of the image a light watercolor wash using ink from the Stonewashed Adirondack inkpad and the #553 Mist Purple marker.
  3. 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.
  4. Watercolor the skirt with Victorian Velvet inkpad and the top and hearts with Fired Brick ink.
  5. Adhere image onto a 3 1/4” x 4 1/4” piece of the Red Chevron plain side.
  6. Adhere those layers onto a 3 1/2” x 4 1/2” Blue Chevron layer.
  7. 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.
  8. Add four heart buttons to each side of the layers using mini glue dots.
  9. Tie a red gingham bow around the front of the card.

Snowball Fight

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Snowball Fight 2

Ready for some good old fashioned fun?

How about a snowball fight?

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:                            (*amazon 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

This project was created for and sponsored by Smoothfoam the crafter’s foam.

Shop Amazon Scrapbooking Supplies*

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!

My 2016 Personalized Planner

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Have you noticed how popular Specialized Planners have become?

You can find them all over in stores and online in almost any color or size…

with places to doodle, write scriptures, stay organized, you name it.

Sue's 2016 Planner

I am a planner, a list maker and a person who likes to stay organized.

I’ve used planners for years and I’m picky.  I know exactly what I want.

I’m also simple and don’t want or need a big fancy planner.

I need a month at a glance, thin, big enough space for writing, with lines planner.

The last couple of years, I have found this super cheap planner for $1.00 at Walmart.

My 2016 Planner

The color selection was bright, but, I knew that didn’t matter.

It was perfect for decorating.

And… better yet, it came with a clear protective cover.

So armed with my inexpensive planner and a few sheets of scrapbook paper and stickers.

I personalized my planner, just how I want it.  I now have the perfect planner.

From Drab to Fab, Cheap to Designer.  I love it and I couldn’t be happier!

Inside of Planner 2466

Plenty of space for notes.

(FYI:  I save my planners each year, it’s a handy reference to vacations and special occasions you might want to document in your scrapbooks)

Simple Stories Simple Set Collection Kit 12″X12″-You & Me

Quick and Easy Stenciled Holiday Pillows

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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

Polka Dot Peppermint Parfait

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A Quick and Easy Etched Glass Project

I picked up some sweet green parfait glasses at a estate sale awhile back.

I’ve been wanting to do something special with them and thought they’d look cute

with some polka dots.  (I mean who doesn’t like polka dots?)

The Polka Dot Parfait glass is a project you can make in under a half hour.

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

Here’s what you’ll need:

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!

etched polka dot parfait with maskEtched Polka Dot Parfait covered with Etching Creme

Directions:

  1. Measure the width of your parfait glass.  Cut the vinyl to fit around glass.
  2. Using a standard hole punch, punch random holes onto the vinyl to create a polka dot pattern.
  3. Wrap the vinyl around the side of the parfait glass.
  4. Make sure to burnish the vinyl to get out air bubbles and to make sure the all edges all down.
  5. Wrap additional areas around the glass with removable painters tape to protect the area from splatters.
  6. Apply a thick coat of Etchall® etching crème over the polka dots using the squeegee.  (more is better)
  7. Wait 15 minutes.  Scrape excess etching crème from the side of the glass and return extra etching crème back into the bottle. (it’s reusable)
  8. Rinse glass with warm water to clean.
  9. Remove Stencil and dry.
  10. Wash glass thoroughly before using.

For a Light and Festive Holiday Treat try adding crushed Candy Canes to vanilla ice cream. 

  • Place ice cream back into freezer to set up.
  • Don’t forget to save some crushed candy canes to sprinkle on top.

Holiday Diamond Art

Christmas in a Pickle Jar

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Christmas in a Pickle Jar 1127

Christmas Crafting with Repurposed and Recycled Items…

Sometimes you have to find and save something for awhile before their purpose is revealed.

Like the base used on my Christmas in a pickle jar.  (the inspiration for this project)

This past summer we had a new ceiling fan installed in my son’s room.

It was flush mounted to the ceiling, so, they didn’t use all of the parts that came with the kit.

I came across the unused parts in the garbage and decided to save them.

FYI…It’s not hoarding if you use them.  (I’m just saying.)

Because I wanted to be informative when writing this post,

I emailed my brother for the correct name of the part.  I am told it is called a canopy.

I glued the canopy onto the jar using Beacon Glass, Metal & More Premium Glue*.

Here’s what I used for my Christmas in a Pickle Jar:  

*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!

I painted the pickle jar lid and the old knob with semi gloss black spray paint.

I added a circle cut from a decorative scrapbooking paper and glued it onto my lid before

gluing on the knob.  (I could have added a hole and screwed on the knob, this was easier.)

I spruced up the plain little wreath by adding a new bow and jingle bell and a small holly

berry embellishment.  I added the ribbon to the neck of the jar before gluing on the wreath.

The little wood deer would of looked fine just as it came.

Instead, I decided to rub brown ink onto the deer to give it a stained look.

I used Vintage Photo Distress Inkpad* with a Ink Applicator & Blending Tool* (*affiliate link)

To make installing the deer a little easier, I glued the finished deer onto the front of one

of the trees before I placed it in the jar.

The Cream Bottle Brush Trees* come with a little wood base.

I added a super sticky craft glue dot under the base of each Cream Bottle Brush Tree*

before adding to my jar.

You can use a liquid glue instead of the sticky glue dots.  (this was just faster and easier for me)

Next, I added Epson Salts into my jar for snow.

A great Holiday Gift Idea.   

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How to build a Snowman with Smoothfoam…

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How to make a Snowman Using Smoothfoam balls and snowtex

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

(and a few ingredients) ↓

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

*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!

Shop Your Fav Brands at Scrapbook.com

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.

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

This project was created for Smoothfoam and sponsored by Smoothfoam and DecoArt.

Love Snowmen?  Create your own “Snowball Fight” here.

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