Category: Tutorial

DIY Up-cycled Jar…a little trash to treasure

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Ikea Toothbrush Holder

I was about to throw away this inexpensive toothbrush holder

(from IKEA) while cleaning my bathroom, when I got the idea.  I’m always looking for items

to use as a base on repurposed projects and thought this was perfect for a quick project.

Inspiration and ideas can be found anytime, anywhere…

even while cleaning your bathroom.
Upcycled Jar and Toothbrush Holder 3964Upcycled Jar and Toothbrush Holder 3988
Great Storage or Gift Idea.  So many ways to customize using items destined for the trash.

How to make an Up-Cycled Jar…

Materials Used:                                            (affiliate links)

Upcycled Jar Collage

Directions:
  1. Disassemble toothbrush holder.  Set aside the top portion of the holder for future projects.
  2. Paint the bottom of the holder, the lid of the jar and the cabinet knob with black semi-gloss spray paint.
  3. Glue the bottom of the jar to the painted base.
  4. Cut a circle from the decorative paper and adhere it to the top of the lid.
  5. Glue knob onto the center of the lid.
  6. Add chalkboard label to front of the jar.

craft-ideas-garden-2016

The DIY Up-cycled Jar was featured in  2016 Craft Ideas Garden Issue. (page 72)

This project was created for and sponsored by Craft Ideas Magazine.

Check out Craft Ideas Magazine for Craft Ideas for Every Occasion, Every Skill Level.

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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!

Party like it’s your Birthday

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Party like it's your birthday 6158 4

My MUCH OLDER and wiser sister recently turned 60.

Being the sweet little sister that I am… I thought I’d embarrass her with a pair of fun

party glasses.  (since she a bit shy, I’m modeling them instead)

cutting the foam 6113

Supplies:

  • Smoothfoam Sheet
  • Computer Generated Clip Art
  • Craft Knife
  • Acrylic Paint and Paintbrush
  • Mod Podge
  • Glamour Dust
  • Wood Dowel

Here’s how I made the glasses:

  1. Print clip art numbers onto white printer paper and cut them out.
  2. Tape the number together before tracing them onto a Smoothfoam sheet.
  3. Cut numbers out with craft knife.
  4. Paint the numbers a lipstick pink.  (my preference)
  5. After the painted numbers have dried, coat the letters with Mod Podge and sprinkle with glamour dust.glittering the numbers 6130
  6. Decorate the glasses with white paper flowers.
  7. Paint a thin wood dowel with gold paint and insert into glasses as a handle.

60's glasses 6150 2

This project was created and sponsored by Smoothfoam™ The Crafter’s Foam.

DIY Seashell Lamp

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DIY Seashell Lamp 5998

Oh…to be by the ocean listening to the waves and picking up shells.

Lately, I’ve been dreaming of summer vacation and relaxing on the beach.  (it’s my happy place!)

Like most people, I love to walk the beach and collect shells.

During the summer, I like to display my shells in a large clear vase on the mantle.

It reminds me of fun summer family vacations.

Last month, when I received the Lighten Up Kit from Etchall®, I thought…

“wouldn’t it make a cute Seashell Lamp to put on the patio to use on those

warm summer nights?”

I used shells collected during our trips to South Carolina.  (some even from the Isle of Palms)

Lamp Close Up 5992

Here’s what I used to make the DIY Seashell Lamp:        (*affiliate link)

Seashell Lamp Collage 2

The shade measures 4″ x 7″.

Directions:

  1. Clean mason the jar to remove all dirt, fingerprints and oil.  Dry with a coffee filter, paper towel, or lint-free cloth.
  2. Mask off a 1″ area around the mason jar with removable painters tape.
  3. Apply a heavy coat of etchall® etching crème to the masked area using the etchall® squeegee.  Leave etching crème on for 15 minutes.  After etching time has elapsed, use the squeegee to return the crème back into the original container for later re-use.
  4. Rinse etched surface with hot water to remove any remaining crème.  Remember to keep crème away from porcelain or ceramic tiles.
  5. Dry mason jar and apply the “relax” peel and stick stencil onto the middle of the first side.  Mask the sides of the stencil with removable painter’s tape.
  6. Using a stencil brush and the multi surface paint, fill in the open areas of the stencil.
  7. Carefully remove stencil and clean before stenciling on the other three sides of the jar.
  8. Fill Jar with sand and shells.
  9. Using the plastic sleeve template, trace onto a piece of burlap. Cut the burlap leaving a 1/2″ allowance around traced template.  Craft Confession:  I tried using a “stick it adhesive sheet” on the burlap first before cutting it out.  It didn’t work.  (see next step)
  10. Use spray adhesive to coat the back of the burlap.  Apply onto the lampshade and trim.
  11. Glue twine around edge of lampshade.

Optional:  The top of the shade is removable so I spray painted it black.

DIY Seashell Lamp 05959

The Lighten Up Kit is pretty easy to customize.  Lots of possibilities.

It comes with a self-illuminating lampshade with LED lights, template and instructions guide.

It uses 3 AA batteries so it’s portable and can be used almost anywhere.

The DIY Seashell Lamp was created for and sponsored by Etchall®.

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!

Making a place for Dad’s coffee

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Making a place for Dad's Coffee 5605

Dad comes over every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings for dinner.

It’s our weekly ritual.

He arrives at 5:30, sits in the leather chair closest to the television, in time for the evening news.

While he watches the news, I make dinner.  That’s the routine.

Dad sits in that particular chair so he can read the closed captioning.

Unfortunately, that’s the one chair that doesn’t have an end table.

Occasionally… he’ll give me a hard time telling me I need a table so he can put his coffee

cup down.  Problem is there’s no room to put one there.

old stool 5552

Problem Solved…

I noticed this old stool down in the basement, paint splattered and water stained.  (a little ugly)

A make-over was in order and I knew exactly what I wanted to do.

I wish you could of saw the smile when I told him why I did this.  (I had to sneak the first picture)

He thought it was perfect.

Easily put away when not in use.

*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!

Finished Stool with coffee cup 5592

Old Stool Make-0ver Products Used:                                                   (*affiliate link)

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

Old Stool Make Over Steps

Directions:

  1. I gave the top of the table a quick sanding with my palm sander to smooth out the paint splatters.  (I could of sanded the legs but I was lazy.)
  2. I used Tattered Angels Decor and DIY, Ebony*, I love that you don’t need to do any sanding or priming.  I love the smooth matte finish that it gives.  I gave the table 2 coats of paint and some touch ups.
  3. Allow the paint to fully dry and cure before starting the stenciling.
  4. I custom mixed Americana Décor Chalky Finish paint relic and everlasting for a light contrast to the ebony black finish.
  5. Center the stencil onto the middle of the stool and tape down the edges with removable painter’s tape to keep the stencil from moving.
  6. Use stipple brush to apply Chalky Finish paint inside open stencil areas.
  7. Remove Stencil.
  8. For the time being, I’ve decided to leave the stool as is.  You may want to apply a finishing wax to help protect the paint.

   

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Paper Sculpting made easy…

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Another Fun Blog Hop!

As a Deflecto Design Team member, I am super excited this week to play with our friends over at Stampendous.  With two amazing teams joining in the fun you will want to check in everyday of the hop.  There will be some fabulous projects and we’re going to be showing them off all week long.

Make sure to scroll all the way to the bottom for a chance to win some awesome prizes.

Deflecto Stampendous Blog Hop Logo 2

 Paper Sculpting made easy…

Deflecto Stampendous Blog Hop 5022 1

Years ago, when I still had my store, we had a Paper Sculpting Card Class

using of all things a sunflower stamp.  (oh, my…cutting all those petals!!!)

While the end look was beautiful, I thought the ladies were going to revolt.

They held that card over my head for years.  (it was not for the faint of heart)

Matter of fact, I was reminded of that card not that long ago.

   

Do you love the look of paper sculpting but hate all that fussy cutting?

With this stamp and die set from Stampendous, there is minimal cutting and the flower assembly

goes together very quickly.

The Cling Rose Bouquet Rubber Stamp Set from Stampendous comes with various sizes

of flowers each meant to be used separately or layered together to create one large dimensional flower.

When used with the matching die set, you get amazing results.

Flower Close Up 5015

Here’s what I used on my frame:

Paper Sculpting made easy

Directions:

  1. Stamp the flowers and leaves onto the patterned paper.  (see above image)
  2. Die-cut the shapes using the thin dies and big shot die-cutting machine.
  3. Cut the leaves off the rosebud and the bottom portion of the second stamped rose image.
  4. Use a gray marker to go around the outside edge of each image to hide the white core of the patterned paper.
  5. Using a foam mat or mouse pad and a large ball stylus, turn the shapes over onto the mat and gently rub the shapes with medium pressure on the back of the shapes.  This will give the shapes added dimension.
  6. Using thin foam mounting squares, adhere the flower sections together in this order: large rose, medium rose, rosebud and bottom section of medium rose to create one large rose.
  7. Cut out the 4″ x 6″ What a Wonderful World section and adhere onto a 5″ x 7″ polka dot paper layer.
  8. Add layers inside the clear acrylic beveled frame from Deflecto.
  9. Mount dimensional flowers and leaves onto the front of the frame using thin foam mounting squares.

You’ll want to get your commenting fingers ready!  Each comment on a post this week will enter you to win a fabulous prize package! (one comment per post, per person)  Contest open to USA residents only.  We have three prizes, and each will have a 3 Tiered Cake Stand from Deflecto AND the Stamp and Die Sets from Stampendous.

Cupcake StandCRS5087_DCS5087_SSH57

Now click on the links below and get to hoppin’!  Remember to comment on each blog and then return to the Deflecto Blog and leave a comment there for your chance to win.

Are you social? We are too! Please check us out at the following locations…

 

“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.”

*This post uses Amazon Affiliate links.  I am an Amazon Affiliate

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!