Category: Tutorial

How to Create an Easy Pickled Finish with Vintage Effect Wash

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How to create an Easy Pickled Finish with Vintage Effect Wash from Deco Arts.

I had this unfinished wood tote that I wanted to use the new Vintage Effect Wash on.

My first thought was to just give the tote a cool white wash using the paint.

But after further thought and a little experimentation, I decided to warm up the look by

staining it with a Walnut Gel Stain first.  I love the way it turned out.

This would make a great garden tool holder, picnic caddy, or my favorite…a Craft Tote.

DIY Pickled Crate

Supplies Used:                (*affiliate link)

 Directions:

  1. Lightly sand the wood crate if necessary.
  2. Paint or brush crate with DecoArt Americana Walnut Gel Stains Paint*.
  3. Rub off excess stain with soft clean rag.  Allow stain to dry.
  4. Apply Decoart Vintage Effect Wash Grey* onto crate with brush allowing the stain to show through.   Wipe with clean soft rag if necessary.  (It’s that easy!)
  5. If desired, add stenciling onto the crate.
  6. Apply a sealer to protect the finish.

The Love Beyond Words Pickled Crate was sponsored by DecoArts.

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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!

Painting Basics

“Celebrate” with a Banner made from old blue jeans

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Create a banner using Joy Embroidered Iron On Letters and old blue jeans.

When inspiration hits in the middle of the night, it usually ends of being one of my favorite

kind of projects.  (This one  was fun.)  

Got any old worn blue jeans ready to be thrown out?

I started with my old blue jeans and 3″ Iron-on Embroidered Varsity Letters from Joy

in red and blue.

I created a 3 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ banner pattern using grid paper and traced it onto the jeans.

To add a little interest…I incorporated the seams from the sides of the jeans to use for the

front of the banner.  For the word “C-E-L-E-B-R-A-T-E”  I cut 9 banners for the front with

seams and 9 plain ones to use to line the back of the banner.

The Iron-on Embroidered Varsity letters are sticky backed so I went ahead and placed

them onto the front of my banners before sewing.

Next came my jar of red ribbon scraps.  (I love red so much, I have a jar just for “red”)

I sewed the ribbon scraps onto the tops of each banner.

I then sandwiched the front with a plain back and simply sewed around each banner with

my sewing machine.  After the third banner, I finally got smart and started using straight pins.

As you can tell, I was going for a casual simple look.  (that’s my story and I’m sticking to it)

After I was finished sewing all my banners, I used my We R Memory Keepers Crop-A-Dile*

to punch two holes.  (I used the 3/16″ sized hole.)

I used We R Memory Keepers Eyelets Cool Metal* (affiliate link) for my eyelets.

Did you know that the  Crop-A-Dile* easily goes through both layers of jeans.

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The “Celebrate” banner was created for and sponsored by Joy.

How to make a Patriotic Red, White and Blue Etched Wine Bottle

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Celebrate the holidays with a Red, White and Blue Etched Wine Bottle.

I’m getting ready for a Americana Crafternoon this week-end with a fun group of ladies

and thought I’d make up a few decorations.  As luck would have it, I just happened to

have an empty blue wine bottle.   I thought to myself, that would make a perfect vase.

I added red flowers to a 50 cent Garage Sale-Flag Basket and now I have a festive display.

Shop Dollar Tree for Red White & Blue Party Supplies*                      (*affiliate link)

To make the Red, White and Blue Etched Wine Bottle I used…             (*amazon affiliate links)

Directions:

  1.  Clean and remove the label off a blue glass wine bottle with warm soapy water.  (Dry)

 

2.  Mask off a 2 ½ to 3 inch section on the center of the wine bottle with blue painter’s tape.  Burnish the edges of the tape with your fingertip, the tape should lay flat against the bottle.

3.  Punch stars out of the etchall etchmask*.  Remove backing from the stars and stick randomly on the bottle.  Burnish the stars with your fingertips onto the bottle.

4.  Apply a heavy coat of etchall Etching Crème*   onto the bottle using the squeegee.

5.  Let crème sit for 15 minutes.  (You will need to keep an eye on the bottle to make sure etching crème doesn’t run past the blue painter’s tape.)  Scrape excess etching crème from the bottle and return the extra etching crème back into the bottle. It’s reusable.

6.  Rinse bottle with warm water to clean.  Remember to keep crème away from porcelain or ceramic tiles.  Remove tape and stars and dry.  The bottle will have a nice subtle etching.

7.  While I liked the subtle look… I decided I wanted something a little bit brighter for my patriotic bottle.   I dried brushed white acrylic paint over the etched surface.  Wipe off excess paint with a damp cloth for a white washed look.  The paint only sticks to the etched surface.  (How cool it that.)  It really makes the stars pop.

8.  Re-mask the bottle with the blue painter’s tape, this time covering the etched surface.  Paint the bottom of the bottle with the colonial red spray paint.

10.  Mask a small section on the top of the bottle and spray with gold spray paint.

11.  Cut a small black vinyl rectangle and round two of the corners with the corner punch.

12.  Stencil the word “welcome” from the family words stencil onto the black vinyl using a stencil brush and the multi-surface acrylic paint.

13.  Use the gold paint pen to add a thin border around the black vinyl tag.  Punch a small hole on the top of the tag and tie onto the neck of the bottle with ribbon.

Enjoy the party with friends.  (maybe even empty another blue wine bottle)

      

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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!

Jazz Up your Flip Flops with Patent Leather Paint

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Old or New…Jazz Up your flip flops with Patent Leather Paint from Deco Arts.

While attending the Creativation show in Phoenix earlier this year, I received a bottle

of “new” Garnet patent leather paint to play with.  You could say, I was smitten.

This paint was so fun and easy to work with.

 A quick and easy way to jazz up old or new flip flops.  (also pumps and purses)

To jazz up your flip flops you’ll need…              (*amazon affiliate link)

Directions:

  1. If using old flip flops… Make sure to wipe flip flops well with damp towel to remove any dirt or dust.
  2. Apply patent leather paint evenly with a soft-bristled brush.  The paint will have a slight tacky feel as it is drying.
  3. Apply 2-3 coats of paint to get the desired coverage.  Allow paint to dry between coats.
  4. Cut the shank off the back of the button with Wire Cutter*.
  5. Adhere the button onto the front of the flip flops using Quick Grip Adhesive*.
  6. Allow paint to cure 24-48 hours before using.

Next… Get a pedicure and ENJOY!

The Jazzed Up Flip Flops were created for Craft Ideas Magazine’s Summer 2017 issue.

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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!

Create a Beach Votive with a few Dollar Store Treasures.

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Create a Beachy Votive with a few Dollar Store treasures.

A cheap and easy beachy decoration.

A great way to display those small shells collected on vacation.

I purchased the Parmesan Cheese Shaker* and a Flameless Candle Votive*

To make the Beachy Votive here’s what I used:                             (*affiliate link)
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!

Directions:

  • Wrap wire around a pencil for a spiral handle.

  • Using the needle nose pliers, make a small loop on each end of the wire.

  • Find two small shells with natural holes on the end.  Tie them together with a small piece of string.

  • Thread burlap ribbon through both looped ends of the wire and tie around the top of the parmesan shaker.  Add shells on string as you knot the ribbon.
  • Glue top of broken shell onto the knot of the burlap ribbon with Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive*.
  • Add approx. 1″ of sand into the parmesan shaker.  Add small votive and shells.

The Beachy Votive looks good with or without the lid.

How to make a 4th of July Centerpiece with Fireworks, Flags, Banners and Pinwheels

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What do you think about when you hear the words “4th of July”?

For me it’s… White picket fences, fireworks and the good old red white and blue. 

Or a 4th of July Celebration Centerpiece with Fireworks, Flags, Banners and Pinwheels all

rolled into one.   I created this 4th of July centerpiece a couple years ago, since it’s one

of my favorite projects, I thought I’d share it again.   Enjoy!

How to make a 4th of July Centerpiece…

Products Used:                 (*affiliate link)

Directions:

  1.  Paint the round disc with Navy Blue paint.

2.  Cut two 1” x 12” strips of the red striped paper and one 1” x 2” piece. Adhere to the side of the disc with double stick tape roller.

3.  Die-cut 7 fence sections.

4.  Paint 15 round toothpicks white. (set four aside to use later.)

5.  Cut 11 toothpicks in half. Glue one toothpick half on each end and middle of the fence with the pointed end facing down.

6.  Insert fence sections onto the top edge of the disc.

7.  Paint the 4” cube red.

8.  Cut five 3 ¾” x 3 ¾” pieces of Navy & Ivory dot paper. Adhere to the sides and top of the cube. Glue cube to center of the disc.

9. Paint two bamboo skewers white. Cut skewers to 5”.

10.  Glue small blue beads to top of each skewer.

11.  Create small ½” flags from scraps of paper and cardstock. Adhere onto a 12” piece of blue and white twine.  Tie ends of the twine to top of the skewers to make a flag banner. Insert into disc.

12.  To create Bottle Rockets:  Paint two bamboo skewers red.  Cut two pieces of red striped paper 1 3/4” x two. Wrap around pencil to curve paper. Remove pencil and roll tightly to form a small tube. Wrap a 1/2” strip of navy dot paper around tube.  Glue a small piece of twine inside of tube to create the bottle rocket wick. Glue tube onto red bamboo skewer and insert into disc. Create second bottle rocket for other side of the disc.

13.  Punch two 3” Navy and Ivory Dots scalloped circles.

14.  Cut two strips of red card-stock: 1 1/4”” x 12” and 2 1/4” x 6 1/2” . Adhere the two strips together to form one long 2 1/4” x 18” strip of red card-stock.

15.  Using scoring board and scoring tool. Score card-stock every 1/4” down the entire length. Fold strip accordion fold. Glue ends together with a strong adhesive to form a cylinder.

16.  On a flat surface, gather the bottom of the cylinder tight while spreading and pushing down on the top to create the Rosette.

17.  With a strong adhesive, attach one of the scalloped circles to the center of the Rosette. Hold into place until the adhesive starts to hold.

18.  Turn the Rosette over and attach the second scalloped circle onto the other side of the rosette.

19.  Create a second smaller rosette using a 1” x 12” strip of red striped paper. Score strip every 1/4”.  (repeat steps 16 and 17)

20.  Glue blue button into center of the rosette to hold in place. Glue onto center of the scalloped circle. Add star sticker to center of button.

21.  Paint a bamboo skewer with Navy paint. Cut into a 5” piece. Insert into back of finished Rosette.

22.  Insert finished Rosette into top of the 4″ cube.

23.  Create small pinwheels by adhering two pieces of 1” x 1” paper together.  On each corner, cut diagonally two-thirds of way to square’s center, dividing each corner into two points. Bring every other point to center so that the points overlap. Glue into place.

24.  Glue small red button to center of each pinwheel.  Glue onto white painted toothpick and insert into base.

25.  Create and print computer generated “CELEBRATE” and “4th of July” onto white card-stock.  Cut and layer to size and adhere onto picks and skewers and insert onto centerpiece.

This project was created for and sponsored by Smoothfoam and Canvas Corp Brands.

For more summer fun…click on Slimer ad below

Slimer

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!

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for the love of reading… “Books for Nick”

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My grandson Nick learned to read this year in Kindergarten.

This new ability has renewed his love of books.

Not just any old book will do, it has to be a chapter book.

To keep Nick from rummaging through all the bookshelves…

I created a small book stand for him to use with all the age appropriate books

I’ve saved through the years.  (He hasn’t seen it yet, I think he’s going to like it.)

To create Nick’s bookstand…

I used a Square Display Riser* (affiliate link) from a set of 3 acrylic risers I received from

Deflecto as part of my monthly Design Team box.

I covered the outside of the Square Display Riser* with ScotchBlue Platinum Painter’s Tape*.

I sprayed the inside of the Square Display Riser*

with Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Multi Purpose Spray Paint*.

I die-cut a scalloped square from black chalkboard vinyl (Sign Tags w/Wet Erase Marker)

and roughed it up with extra fine sandpaper for better paint adhesion.

I then painted the vinyl square with green spray paint.

For the Mini Chalkboard…

  • I cut a smaller piece of the black chalkboard vinyl and punched holes on each of the four corners to add decorative brads before gluing with Beacon’s Quick Grip Glue* onto the painted scalloped square.
  • I glued the completed scalloped square onto the Square Display Riser*.
  • The mini chalkboard is a great place to write encouraging reminders.

 “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.”

For more summer fun… click on ad below.

Slimer

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!

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DIY a Colorful Garden Chair for your Gnome

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A Colorful Chair for Colorful Little Gnome…

Every year around this time, my Grandson and I start making our mini gardens.

It’s our special annual tradition.

Last year, we added a Gnome named Mr. Elfsnail.

This year, I decided to create a chair for him to sit on while working in the garden.

We take our gardening seriously.   Read about Mr. Elfsnail’s garden.

For Mr. Elfsnails chair…

I found this cute little wooden chair in the toy area of Dollar Tree and knew it’d be a cute

mini garden chair for my gnome.

How to make a Colorful Gnome Chair

Supplies Used:
  • Miniature Wood Doll Chair
  • DecoArt Americana Paint:  Watermelon Slice, Marigold, Olive Green
  • DecoArt Multi-Surface Satin Acrylic Paint:  Night Sky, Cotton Ball
  • Paint Brush
  • Sand Paper
  1. Lightly sand any rough spots off the chair.
  2. Paint the chair in a variety of colors.
  3. Create small flowers on the top of the chair by dipping the end of the paintbrush in paint and adding small dots as the petals.

Chair measures 3″ tall.

I might have even left it here (glued to the tree) if I didn’t think it’d drive the boys crazy.

A little fun and whimsy. 

For a dollar and some paint, it might be fun to let the boys paint a chair of their own.

For more summer fun… click on ad below ↓

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Easy Photo Transfer on Wood Slices with Mod Podge

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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.

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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!

 

How to make a Relaxing Guy Card

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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!