Category: Tutorial

A little Americana for your front porch swing

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The quickest way to spruce up the front porch swing for summer is with new pillows.

And if your a little bit handy and have a sewing machine why not try making a few of your own.

When it comes to sewing I’m very simple and it doesn’t get much easier than this.

A simple stenciled and stitched pillow.

Deco Arts has so many 12″ stencils in a variety of patterns, you’re sure to find one you’d love.

Supplies 270 2

DecoArts® Products Used:                           (*affiliate link)

  • ADS16 American Tribute Stencil*
  • Americana® Multi-Surface Satin Acrylics: Dark Scarlet, Cotton Ball, Night Sky
  • Splendid Gold Dazzling Metallics® Acrylic Paint

Additional Products:

Directions:

  1. Lay paper under muslin fabric before stenciling.
  2. Center and tape stencil onto muslin with removable painter’s tape so that the stencil won’t move.
  3. Work one color at a time and mask off with painter’s tape the areas that won’t be painted.
  4. Remove the “star section” of the flag using a craft knife and set aside.
  5. 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.
  6. Apply paint with stencil brush in a straight up and down motion called stippling.
  7. Once you’ve added the red, blue and gold colors. Replace the star section of the flag back onto the stencil and stencil the stars with white paint.
  8. Create a simple pillow by sewing the muslin onto the red and cream ticking fabric.
  9. Stuff pillow with Poly-fil®.

God Bless America Pillow 572 2

This project was sponsored by DecoArts.

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!

No. 14 How to age a Terra Cotta Pot with Chalky Finish Paint

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It’s front porch sitting time…

Time for sitting on the porch swing, sipping a glass of iced tea and relaxing the evening away.

But before I can relax, I need to finish putting flowers in containers and I need to give a couple

of old boring terra cotta pots a little sprucing up with a little paint and stencils.

I decided to give this plain terra cotta pot an aged looked with

Americana Décor Chalky Finish Paint from DecoArt.

Terra Cotta Pot Close Up 7478

How to age a Terra Cotta Pot with Chalky Finish Paint

Supplies Used:                                                                (*affiliate link)

Terra Cotta Pot Collage

Directions:

  1. Paint the terra cotta pot with “yesteryear” (gray) chalky finish paint.  I gave the pot some white highlights with “everlasting” chalky finish paint.
  2. Wipe the pot with a clean soft damp cloth (or white paper towel) to remove some of the paint.
  3. To give the pot a mossy look… Dry brush “new life” (green) chalky finish paint around the base of the pot, under the ridge and on the top edge.  Soften the green paint by wiping with a damp cloth if needed.
  4. Apply reusable stick on stencils to painted pot.  Mask around the stencil with removable painter’s tape.  Use a stipple brush to apply “relic” Chalky Finish paint inside open stencil area.
  5. Remove stencil.
  6. Lightly sand pot with extra fine sand paper.
  7. Apply Americana® Décor “golden brown” crème wax over pot using a clean lint free cloth.  Wipe with cloth to create an aged look.

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Front Porch 2

This post was sponsored by the good folks at DecoArt.

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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!

Mini Floral Wreath

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Mini Floral Wreath 7122

I get some of my best creative inspiration late at night…

I was planning on making a card using these 3-D puffy stickers from Paper House Productions

when a light bulb moment happened and I decided to make a wreath instead.

I’m really happy with the way it turned out, a little different and very easy to make.

Tip:  Use a good craft glue to adhere the stickers to the ribbon.

Mini Floral Wreath Collage

Paper House Productions Stickers Used:

Additional Supplies:

How to make a Mini Floral Wreath using 3D Puffy Stickers:

  1. Wrap wreath with satin ribbon.
  2. Start with the large pansy flowers and glue evenly around wreath.
  3. Fill in wreath by gluing on the smaller flowers, butterflies and leaves. (The leaves are from the lady bug sticker sheet.)
  4. Tie a thin silver ribbon around wreath to use as a hanger.
  5. Make a bow from the sheer ribbon and glue onto the top of the wreath.

This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Paper House Productions Design Team.

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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!

Making Mini Resin Frames

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Resin Frame and Magnet 2788

I had this idea that I’d been wanting to try…

to create little dimensional framed artwork using miniature frames filled with resin.

It really is pretty easy to do.  The only hard part for me was waiting for the resin to cure.

They would be great for weddings or parties.

Customize the frames to use for table numbers, centerpieces, desert tables and more.

There’s a lot of possibilities.

Resin Magnet Supplies 916

To Create a Mini Frame…

Materials:

Directions:

  1. Remove the backing and glass from frame.
  2. Apply Rose Gold Metallic Lustre or paint of choice onto frame.
  3. Adhere decorative paper onto mat-board.   Cut mat-board to fit frame back and adhere.
  4. Embellish the inside of the frame with computer generated words or small embellishments. Make sure embellishments inside the frame is lower than frame top.
  5. Measure and mix resin following manufacturer’s instructions. Pour mix into frame to cover embellishments. Blow air onto the resin using a thin straw to help remove bubbles. Let dry completely.

Resin Frame 0957

The Mr. & Mrs. and LOVE table frames were featured in Craft Ideas Spring Issue. (page 36)

Make sure to check out Craft Ideas Magazine for Craft Ideas for Every Occasion, Every Skill Level.

Craft Ideas Magazine Spring 2016

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

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

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®.

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*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!