Category: Tutorial

How to make a Beach Inspired Windchime

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A Beach Inspired Windchime for those us that LOVE the beach.

If you’re one of the lucky ones that live on the ocean or have a Beach House.

Here is a simple project to make that you can hang on the back porch.

Or if you don’t live on the beach or have a beach house.

The Windchime is a fun reminder of trips to the ocean,

and a great way to use some of those shells you collected. 

How to Make a Beach Inspired Wind Chime.

Disclosure:  “This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Deflecto Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas, views and opinions.”

Supplies Used:                 (*affiliate link)

Featured Storage:

 

*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!

Gather Your Supplies…

The Caddy Storage Tray* is so handy to use. It’s perfect for sorting the various sizes of wood beads. And it fits into the large container of the Deflecto Stackable Caddy Organizer*.  I used the Deflecto Interlocking Marker Organizer* in the caddy to hold my paintbrushes.  I put all my supplies in the caddy and took it onto the deck, where I worked on the wind chime under my umbrella on a beautiful Summer day.  (and wished I was on the beach)

Faux Driftwood…

Because I didn’t have an actual driftwood stick from the beach.  I used a stick found in the yard and broke it down to size.

  • Scrape the bark off the stick.  (I used an old table knife.)
  • Paint the stick with white acrylic paint and a couple of stripes of pale blue and aqua.
  • Give the stick a light sanding with fine-grit sandpaper to rough it up and make it look more natural.

  • Cut five pieces of twine approximately 24″ long.
  • Tie a knot on one end of the twine.
  • Wrap a small piece of blue removable painters tape on the other end of the twine to keep the twine from fraying.
  • String Wood Beads onto the twine.

  • Tie beaded twine to the painted stick.
  • On the center of the stick, I glued a medium-sized Starfish purchased at a Beach Gift Shop.
  • Add a couple of beads to a piece of twine. Tie twine to each end of the stick to use as a hanger.
  • Stick the loose ends of the twine through the beads to hide.

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Sweet Summer Flower Stand Card

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Sweet Summer Flower Stand Card

It’s always a good day when I get to buy flowers.  

I stopped by the Garden Center this morning to pick up a few more.  (can you have too many?)

I LOVE FLOWERS!

I was so excited when I got the opportunity to make a sample for Maker’s Movement using

the new Lemonade Stand Stamp and Die Set.  It is so versatile. 

It makes a cute little Lemonade Stand, Flower Stand, and Fall Cider Stand.  

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

Here’s what I used to make the Sweet Summer Flower Stand:            (*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!

Building the Flower Stand

  • When clearing out my mom’s paper collection, I found this woodgrain cardstock.  I never knew what to use it for until I made this card.  Now I wish I could tell you where to find it.
  • The flower stand die has three sizes of dies to use as the board to build the stand.
  • I adhered two pieces of paper together to create thickness.  Run paper and dies through the Crossover II die-cutting machine to cut the shape.
  • I used basic building construction to make my stand.
  • For the awning, I die-cut two pieces.  (one striped, one blue floral)  Cut two sections from the blue floral and adhere to the striped awning piece.

Super Simple Watercolor Background

  • The key to the background is to use watercolor paper.
  • A simple swish with a wet brush and blue watercolor paint to create the background.

Lots of Dimension and Details

  • What makes this card special is all the little details.
  • I used a lot of foam dots behind the various pieces to create a lot of dimension.
  • I doubled up the foam dots under the awning and sign.

I loved the way the card turned out.   I will be making a Cider Stand for fall soon.

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Red, White and Blue Star Shaker Tags

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Star Shaker Tags

I love making cards and tags that move and shake.

Generally, making Shaker Tags are fun and easy to make.

But I sometimes tend to make things harder than they need to be?

That was the case with the Star-shaped Shaker Tag.

After working on it and getting frustrated because the vision I had wasn’t quite working out,

I set it aside and went for a simpler version.

As you can see, I did finish the Star Tag and like how both of them turned out.

How to Make a Star Shaker Tag for the 4th of July

The Maker’s Movement Products Used:         (*affiliate link)

  • MOD284 Nested Stars Dies
  • MOD282 Large Nested Tags
  • MOD276 Mini File Folder Die Set (banner)
  • Crossover Fabric & Paper Cutting System*
  • MMT211 Double Sided Adhesive Craft Foam
  • MMT212 Clear Acetate Sheets
  • Rainbow Shaker Sprinkles
  • MOS204 Home for the Holidays Stamp Set

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

Additional Products Used:            (*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!

Directions: 

  • Cut two tags using the Nested Tag Die Set.  The larger out of red cardstock and the smaller out of red, white, and blue floral print.

  • Adhere the tags together using the tape runner.
  • Die-cut both layers with the star die. Once happy with the placement, put a small piece of removable painters tape* over the star to keep it from moving when it is die-cut.
  • Lay banner die onto the tag to help figure the correct placement for the star hole.
  • Place the tag and die onto the Crossover II Die-Cutting System*
  • .Place clear acrylic protective plate over the dies and crank the handle to run the die through the machine.

  • Cut a small piece of acetate to fit over the star opening.  The acetate comes with a protective liner on both sides.  You will need to remove both sides before adhering it to the tag.

  • Pick out Red and Blue Shaker Sprinkles, from the Rainbow Sprinkles, to use for the inside of the shaker tag.

  1. On the back of the die-cut tag, place tear it tape adhesive around the opening of the star.
  2. Remove protective liner off the tape.  Place acetate over the star opening.
  3. Cut a second red tag.  Place strips of adhesive craft foam around the star to make a well around the star.  Add additional strips around the bottom and top.
  4. Add red and blue sprinkles in the well around the star.  Remove protective liner off the back of the foam strips and adhere to the second red tag.

  • Center two star together, place a piece of removable painters tape* on the dies to keep them from moving.  (The smaller star is the same size as star opening.)  Run the dies through the Crossover II die-cutting machine to create a star frame.

  • Adhere star frame over the star opening.
  • Cut a banner out of plaid paper.
  • Stamp “Celebrate with a bang!” (from the Home for the Holidays stamp set) Trim down to fit onto the plaid banner.
  • Glue pleated ribbon around the bottom and top of the tag.
  • Punch hole in the top of the tag.  The Crop-A-Dile Punch* easily goes through all the layers.
  • Tie twine together and loop through the hole.
  • Glue small star and flag embellishments onto the tag.

Close up of the Star Shaker Tag

  • I used the largest of the Nested Star Die for the outline of the star.
  • What made the process a little more difficult for me was that I also cut a foam star the same size.  I had problems getting the foam star to line up and had to set it aside momentarily.
  • A small star cut out of foam and scrapbook paper was used as the dangler on the tag.
  • I cut several banners to use on the front of the tag.
  • You can find the small banner instructions here.

Here’s another tag that I made for The Maker’s Movement using the Nested Star Dies. 

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Spring Watercolor Bouquet Card

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Spring Watercolor Bouquet

I love the soft look of a handmade water-colored card.

This card was made using the Hello Spring Stamp and Die Set from the Maker’s Movement.

Just for you…I’ve created simple step by step instructions on how to make the card.

How to make a Spring Watercolor Bouquet Card

Materials Used:                (*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!

  • In the Hello Spring Stamp and Die Set, there are several stamps that have a coordinating die that matches the stamp.
  • Stamp a flower using blue ink onto a piece of watercolor paper.

  • Place the mask onto the stamped flower image and stamp a second flower image slightly overlapping the first flower.

  • By using the mask, you create the look of one flower behind the other.

  • Place masks on both of the stamped flower image.  Start adding the background images by stamping small pink flowers, ferns, and leaves.

  • Remove masks and watercolor the stamped flowers using a water-brush*.
  • I like to use dye ink to watercolor.  I apply the ink to a simple grid that I printed onto copy paper and laminated.   Dip the wet tip of the water-brush* into the ink and paint your images.  (You can also use a small paintbrush and water.)

  • After the painted images have dried, stamp the center of the flowers using small stamps from the Hello Spring Stamp and Die Set.

  • Cut frames using the Nested Stitched Rectangles Dies.
  • Adhere water-colored image, frames, and layers onto a 4 ½” x 5 ½” blue dot card.
  • Stamp another flower with blue ink onto watercolor paper.  Watercolor the flower as before.  Cut the flower out using the coordinating die and the Crossover II Fabric & Paper Cutting System*.
  • Mount onto the lower right corner of the card using a thin foam mounting square.
  • Stamp “Hello” onto a small white banner cut from the small banner die found in the Hello Spring set.  Trim banner to size and adhere under the raised flower.
  • Add a simple sheer ribbon to the top of the card to finish.

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

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Shaving Cream Art

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Create Unique One of a Kind Art with Shaving Cream.

Shaving Cream Art is a fun project that the whole family can participate in.

How to Create Shaving Cream Art

Materials Needed:

I use the Deflecto Stackable Caddy Organizer* to hold my ink refills and other crafty supplies.

*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!

Shaving Cream Art can get a little messy so a little prep work is necessary.

  • For easy clean up…Place a piece of wax paper* over a large baking sheet.
  • Add shaving cream onto wax paper.
  • Add several drops of ink onto the shaving cream.

  • Use a craft stick* to swirl the ink into the shaving cream.
  • Do not over stir or the shaving cream will become muddy.

  • Place card-stock directly onto the shaving cream and lightly Smoosh.

  • Carefully lift the card-stock from the shaving cream.

  • Use the scraper tool* to scrape the excess shaving cream from the card-stock.

  • Without re-stirring the shaving cream, you can repeat the process several more times.
  • The first one will be the most vibrant and will get subtly lighter each time.

Each one will be different and will lighten as they dry.

You can use this process to create even larger pieces of art. 

Shaving Cream Art also makes a great background for card-makers.

Disclosure:  “This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Deflecto Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas, views and opinions.”

  

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How to make a Mini Gift Bag out of an Envelope

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The Quick and Easy way to make a Mini Gift Bag from an Envelope.

The Envelope Gift Bag is a great way use large envelopes and recycle old ones.

The gift bag was decorated using the Farmhouse Market Collection from Carta Bella.

Supplies Used:          (*affiliate link)

*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!

Directions:

  • Seal the envelope closed.
  • Cut the end off one side of the envelope.

  • Score the envelope 3/4″ on the remaining three sides of the envelope.  You will need to use medium to firm pressure when scoring to crease through all the layers.  Score on both sides of the envelope.
  • Fold the envelope on each score line.  Use the scoring tool to go over each line to make sure you have a good sharp crease.

  • Put your hand inside of the envelope and gently start opening it up.  Refold the lines as you open it up.   Create gusset folds on the sides of the bag.
  • Once the bag is fully open you will have two pointed flaps sticking out on each end.  Add adhesive to the flaps and adhere to the bottom of the bag.  (you can also add a piece of decorative washi to the bottom of the bag to hold the flaps in place.)

  • Start decorating the bag.
  • Add a decorative strip of washi tape around the bottom of the bag.
  • Add stickers to the front of the bag.  Stickers are a great way to cover up a name when re-using an envelope.

  • Fill the bag with your gift.
  • Fold the top of the bag over and crease.
  • Punch two holes in the top of the bag and add ribbon.

Remember the next time you get a card to carefully open the envelope on the side so

that you can recycle it into a cute little gift bag.

How to Personalize a Wine Glass with Glitter Vinyl

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One of my favorite snack combinations is Wine and Popcorn.

It’s great for a casual party or a perfect movie night snack!

For your next party, try personalizing inexpensive Wine Glasses from Dollar Tree*.

Add names to the glasses, and they’ll be no more mixing them up .

*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!

How to Personalize a Wine Glass with Glitter Vinyl

Materials:    (*affiliate link)

The great thing about StyleTechCraft Transparent Glitter Vinyl is that it’s the only film in the world that is colored glitter on both the inside and outside.  

Styletech Craft products brought to you by ATSM Craft

Directions:

  • The flower and leaves image used on the wine glass was purchased online as a “cut file” from the Silhouette Store.
  • Using the Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine*, I resized the flower and leaves image to fit on the front of the wine glass.  (Mine was approx. 2 1/2″ x 1 3/4″)
  • Lay the vinyl on the cutting mat.  (Because my mat is old and not super sticky, I use a piece of removable tape to hold my vinyl on the mat.)
  •  Set machine on the vinyl setting, cut images out using the Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine*.  Cut the image out in red and green adhesive glitter vinyl.
  • Use the Weeding Tool, to carefully remove the negative spaces in and around the image.

  • Cut a piece of Vinyl Transfer Tape* a little larger than the flower shape.
  • Lay the Vinyl Transfer Tape*on top of the flowers. Gently rub over the transfer paper using the vinyl scraper tool to make sure the image has transferred.

  • To help the vinyl stick securely to the glass…Wipe the surface of the wine glass with the alcohol wipe to remove any oils.   
  • Lay transfer paper onto glass. Because the surface is curved, start from the center of the image and rub one side at a time using vinyl scraper tool. The tool allows you to smooth the image and get rid of air bubbles.
  • Remove Vinyl Transfer Tape*.
  • Center leaves over floral design and repeat process.

Allow the vinyl to cure on the glass for 4 days before using. (Hand Wash Only)

And of course, you’re going to need a cute coaster to go with your wine glass.

  • Apply adhesive Silver Glitter Vinyl to the front of a chipboard coaster.  Trim around the edge of the coaster with a craft knife.
  • Create the words using red and black transparent and apply onto the coaster the same as the wine glass.  Enjoy!

Cheers…looks like a Wine and Popcorn kind of night!

“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.

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Little Birdie Crafts Mixed Media Canvas

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Mixed Media Made Simple

In the past, I was intimidated at the thought of doing a Mixed Media project.

I was intrigued but intimidated.

After a few attempts, I found that Mixed media doesn’t have to be intimidating

if you break it down into a few simple steps.

What is Mixed Media?

Mixed Media is a visual art that uses more than one medium or material.  Two common examples of mixed media art are assemblages and collages.  Different materials include cloth, paper, paint, wood, and found objects.

Here’s the 4 basic steps I use:

  1. prep canvas
  2. create background
  3. add dimension
  4. composition

When it comes to Mixed Media, I am still a novice.  The steps I use are mere suggestions.

This month, I got the opportunity to work with Little Birdie Crafts in a Blog Hop with fellow designers of the Designer Craft Connection.  Little Birdie Crafts has a great selection of handmade flowers, chipboard pieces, stencils, paper and so much more.  Right now they have a great sale going on, make sure to check out the Little Birdie Crafts online store.

These are the Little Birdie Crafts products used:

  • 12 x 12 Burlap Art Board  (CR73782)
  • White Gesso (CR75625)
  • Antique Gold Metallic Wax (CR79830)
  • Mixed Media Paste-Slate (CR79374)
  • Natalie Pastel Flowers (CR70092)
  • Chipboard Ornate Clock (CR26249)
  • 2-Chipboard Honey Comb (CR56011)
  • Chevron Stencil (CR64149)
  • Jute Braided Twine  (CR82268)

Additional Products Used:                       (*affiliate link)

*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!

Step One 1

  • Prep burlap canvas with gesso using a palette knife or paintbrush to prepare the surface for paint.

  • Add white acrylic paint over the surface of the canvas, and drips of coral, marigold and aqua paint.

  • Blend horizontally across the canvas using a paintbrush to create a soft background.

Starting the process of building the background.

  • Paint chipboard honeycomb with marigold paint and dry brush with white acrylic paint.

  • Lightly paint chipboard clock with white acrylic paint.  Rub antique gold metallic wax to accent the ornate edges and hands of the clock.
  • The shelf is a scrabble tile holder that was stained using Vintage Photo Ink.  It’s hard to see in this picture but the edge of the shelf is accented in the antique gold metallic wax.

Texture and dimension adds interest to the canvas.

  • Tape stencil to board using removable painter’s tape to mask the area that you want to add the mixed media paste.  Apply paste in a thin layer onto the board using a palette knife.

Step 2 Building the Background

  • Once the texture paste has dried.  Go over the paste with a thin layer of white acrylic paint to lighten it.  Apply antique gold metallic wax to accent the texture.
  • Glue vintage lace onto the canvas using mod podge.  Apply a thin layer of mod podge directly to the area on the canvas where I will be adding the lace.
  • Stagger the painted chipboard honeycomb onto the board to create interest and glue in place.

Step 3 and 4  Dimension and Composition

  • Create focus.  The place where you want the eye to land.
  • I like to use an item to anchor my canvas.  An anchor can be a photo or in this case the shelf.
  • To create stability and dimension…I add chipboard to the back of all my paper pieces.
  • Arrange and Rearrange your pieces on the canvas until you are satisfied.
  • Glue pieces on canvas using a strong glue.  (I always find that I add and edit as I glue.)

For the full list of Designers participating in the Little Birdie Crafts Blog Hop click here.

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Bloom with Grace Card

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How to Make Soft and Delicate Looking Paper Roses…

Bloom with Grace…A sweet and simple card using the In Full Bloom Stamp & Die Set

from the Maker’s Movement and the Spring Farmhouse paper from Simple Stories.

A great card for feminine Birthdays or Graduations

or anytime you want to send a little encouragement.

Bloom with Grace Products Used:                                  (*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!

To Create a Soft Realistic Looking Tea Rose…

  • Place the flower cut out on the craft molding mat*.  (approximately the thickness of a computer mouse pad)
  • Using a large ball stylus tool*, press down on the center of the shape until the paper starts to bow.  This helps the paper when you start to manipulate the shape.

  • Start at the outside end of the flower and use the reverse grip tweezers* to start slowly rolling the spiral.

  • When your finished rolling, glue the bottom tab to the rose shape to hold the flower in place.

  • Use the reverse grip tweezers* to grasp the side of the flower and roll it back to form the natural curve of a petal.

It’s really quick and easy to make these delicate looking roses.  

To finish the card…

  • Die-cut a  vase using the Spring Farmhouse scrapbook paper.
  • Assemble a card base using  coordinating decorative scrapbook paper.
  • Glue the small roses over the top of the vase.
  • Add stamped leaves and the die-cut words “bloom” .
  • Finish with a small cream tag with the words “with grace” stamped in green.

Maker's Movement

*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.”

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Spring Farmhouse Tiny Book

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If you love making mini albums you’re going to love Eileen Hull’s NEW Tiny Book Die from

Sizzix*.  I do believe this is the smallest mini album I’ve made so far.  (measures 2 ¼” x 3″)

The tiny book was made using Eileen’s NEW Tiny Book Die* and the Spring Farmhouse paper

collection from Simple Stories.

*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!

Directions:

  • Cut apart and use the small squares from the Spring Farmhouse 12″ x 12″ Element Sheet to decorate the inside and outside of the tiny book.

There is also another NEW die that Eileen created that works perfectly with the tiny book die.

It’s called the Tiny Book Case Die*.    (see link below↓)

It’s adorable.  The perfect size for storing your tiny book.

Add a gift card for the perfect gift combo.

Sizzix 664423 Tiny Book Die*

The Tiny Book fits perfectly in Eileen’s NEW Tiny Book Case!

Sizzix 664424 Tiny Book Case Die*

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