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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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)

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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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Getting Creative with Resin

Getting Creative with Resin 8181

I’ve always wanted to use resin in a project but have always felt somewhat intimidated.

Thanks to an opportunity with Environmental Technology Inc., the makers of

jewelry resin and much more, I finally got my chance.

 

EnviroTex Jewelry Resin

And… after watching this video.  I felt confident to start.

I couldn’t believe how easy it was and how happy I was with the results.

The hardest part was deciding what to make and what to fill.

Halloween before the resin 2880 Creative before the resin 2883

For my Projects:

  • I started with some over-sized bottle caps from Maya Road which I spray painted black.
  • I used a circle punch to make a background from scrapbook paper.
  • I used dimensional stickers, metal pieces, regular stickers and glued everything in place using  white craft glue.
  • I measured and mixed the resin according to the instructions and filled the bottle caps.
  • Then it was time to wait for the resin to cure.

waiting for the resin to cure

The original plan was to add a hanger on the back, and use them as a decoration.

But… I had a better idea and decided to add a magnet to the back instead.

I really, really like them.

Resin Work in Progress 2908

Now that I’ve seen how easy it is, I’ve got a few more things in the works.

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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!

Painting on Acrylic Frames

Painting on Acrylic Frames

With all this new Home Décor chalk paint out on the market…

with it’s claims of being able to paint on most anything.  I decided to give it a test.

I’ve used it on wood, old frames, stuff like that.

Acrylic frames?  It was worth a try.

Creating a mask 5889

I created a mask using blue painters tape and applied it onto the front of a

Mini 3″ x 4″ Sign Holder* (*affiliate link) from Deflecto Craft Solutions.

Make sure to burnish the edges of the tape.

adding red paint 5890

I painted the surface of the frame with:

FolkArt Home Decor Chalk Furniture & Craft Paint in Imperial*

I used 3 coats of paint.  Make sure to allow good drying time in between coats.

adding black paint 5897

After allowing plenty of time for the red paint to dry and cure.

I gave the frame an aged look by applying a layer of Tattered Angels Decor and DIY Paint*

I wiped it off with a damp paper towel.  Leaving bits of the black streaks.

Crackle Stamp 5899

I stamped around the edges of the frame with a crackle background stamp

and  Tsukineko StazOn Ink Pad, Jet Black*

Carefully remove the blue painter’s tape mask.

At this point, I stopped and admired my frame for almost a month.

Just waiting for inspiration….

Rachael Cunningham Parr 7560

Meet Rachael Cunningham Parr. 

I found Rachel, a tin type, years ago while hunting for treasures.

If Rachael is your relative, I’m pretty sure she wasn’t really a gypsy.

(She really is a beautiful woman.)

I embellished the frame with some vintage rickrack, key, and a tiny flower.

“R is for Racheal” was made with Metal Type Charms by Tim Holtz*

Once inspired…  I created a couple more frames.

The frames uses charms and hardware from Canvas Corps Brands 

and Chitchat Word Stickers by Tim Holtz*.

Now to try this on a bigger frame!

 “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.”

*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: 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!

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“.

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