Category: Tutorial

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!

Homespun Rag Ball Ornaments

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This year, I wanted to do a small little tree for the dining room.

A simple homespun tree with strung cranberries and hand-made ornaments.

I had grand ideas and a galvanized pail.

But reality hit, a long with the cold and flu, which knocked me out for a week.

It took my creativity level down to a one.

And sad to say… My small little tree didn’t get done.

I did string the cranberries…  (a first for me)

They were so bright and colorful.  I loved the look and took lots of pictures.

After a week or so, the cranberries started getting a mushy.

So… I put them out on the tree in the front yard for the birds to eat.

It looks pretty out there too.

Next time, I’ll make them last minute.

For the Rag Ball Ornaments…

Instead of just wrapping the strips of fabric until it formed a ball,

I made the rag ball using a Smoothfoam 2-Inch ball*.

Supplies used:                     (*affiliate link)

Shop Your Fav Brands at Scrapbook.com

Directions:

  1. Lightly sand the ridge around the ball.
  2. Cut the fabric into 3/4″ strips.
  3. Apply Mod Podge onto the back of the fabric and adhere to the ball.
  4. Continue until the ball is fully covered.
  5. Add an additional coat of Mod Podge over the ball to finish and seal.
  6. Poke a hole on the top of the ball and add a dab or glue into the hole.
  7. Insert twine into the hole to use as the ornament hanger.
  8. Embellish ornament by gluing a bow on top.

Wouldn’t a whole bowl of rag balls would be cute?  (maybe next year)

Shop Amazon Scrapbooking Supplies*

*Disclosure:  This post is sponsored by Smoothfoam and 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!

Christmas Brag Book

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Christmas Brag Book

This year make a Christmas Brag Book for all your fun Holiday Memories.

For my brag book I used clear flexible pouches from Deflecto Craft Solutions and paper

from Canvas Corp Brands Farmhouse Christmas Collection for a Quick and Easy project.

A Great Gift Idea for the Grandparents.

Christmas Mini Album Stephanie and Zach 7413

A fun way to share Holiday Silliness and the Sweet Little Moments shared between generations.

Christmas Mini Album Inside Back Cover 7414

The Christmas Brag Book was created for Craft Ideas Magazine’s Holiday Issue

and has my Christmas photo’s from last year.

Craft Ideas Holiday 2015

Craft Ideas is a great magazine for creative inspiration.

Christmas Mini Album Inside Pages 7411

Finished Size: 3 1/4” x 6”

Christmas Mini Album Supplies 7388

Materials:

  • Deflecto 20019CR Flexible Pouch (1 package of 10)
  • Canvas Corp Brands CCP2827 Farmhouse Christmas Tags on Ivory 12 x 12 paper
  • Canvas Corp Brands CCP2826 Farmhouse Christmas Stripe on Ivory 12 x 12 paper
  • Canvas Corp Brands CCP2638 Red & Ivory Mini Dot Reverse 12 x 12 paper
  • Canvas Corp Brands CCP2639 Red & Ivory Ribbon Stripe 12 x 12 paper
  • Canvas Corp Brands Binding Ring-Small Antique Silver
  • Canvas Corp Brands Optical Lens Antique Brass
  • Canvas Corp Brands PaperTape: Christmas Wrap
  • Paper Source 5/8” Ivory/Red Striped Ribbon
  • Red Mini Rick Rack
  • Small Red Button
  • Photos
  • Black Cardstock

Basic Supplies:

  • Paper Cutter
  • 1 11/16” Circle Punch
  • Scissors
  • 1/8” Hole Punch
  • Double Stick Tape Runner
  • Glue Stick
  • Craft Glue
  • Thermo Web Mini Glue Dot

Directions:

  1. For the Cover: Cut a piece of black cardstock 3” x 5 1/4”. Cut “It’s the most Wonderful Time…” from the Farm House Christmas Tags just slightly smaller than 3” x 5 1/4” and adhere to the black cardstock. Add a 1/2” x 3” strip of Red and Ivory Dots to the left side of the tag. Glue a 3” piece of red mini rick rack onto the right side of the tag.
  2. On the Inside Front Cover: Cut a piece of black cardstock 3” x 5 1/4”. Cut a 3” x 5 1/4” piece of Red & Ivory Ribbon Stripe just slightly smaller than the 3” x 5 1/4” and adhere to the black cardstock. Adhere two strips of 1/2” x 5 1/4” Red and Ivory Dots to the top and bottom of the striped paper. Adhere “I’ll be Home…” from the Farmhouse Christmas Stripe layered on black cardstock onto the center of the striped paper.
  3. Insert Cover and Inside Front Cover into the Flexible Pouch.
  4. Add Paper Tape around the plain end of the Flexible Pouch.
  5. Punch a 1 11/16” Snowflake Circle from the Farmhouse Christmas Tags and glue onto the back of the Optical Lens by adding craft glue along the outside edges of the lens. Glue small red button onto front of the lens in the middle of the snowflake.
  6. Cut a 10” piece of Ivory Red Striped Ribbon. Tie onto front cover adding the Optical Lens.
  7. Choose pictures that can easily be cut down to 3” x 5 1/4”. Add to inside of flexible pouches.
  8. Create Back Cover using the Red & Ivory Mini Dot Paper, Red & Ivory Striped Paper and Farmhouse Christmas Strip.
  9. Add Paper Tape to each of the pouches.
  10. Mark and re-punch the holes using 1/8” hole punch on each of the pouches and gather the mini album together using a small book ring.

Christmas Mini Album Inside front cover 7412

Christmas Mini Album Back Cover 7417

This project was created for Craft Ideas and was sponsored by Deflecto Craft Solutions

and Canvas Corp Brands.

How to build a Snowman with Smoothfoam…

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How to make a Snowman Using Smoothfoam balls and snowtex

Making a Snowman is pretty easy.  All it takes is a little patience and time.

(and a few ingredients) ↓

Here’s what you’ll need to make a Snowman:                  (*amazon 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!

Shop Your Fav Brands at Scrapbook.com

Directions:

  1. Cut a small section off the bottom of the 4″ Smoothfoam ball so that it sits flat.
  2. Cut a couple of 3″ sections from the bamboo skewer.  Stick the skewer into the center of the 2″ and 3″ Smoothfoam balls.
  3. Add craft glue to the ends of the skewers before sticking the three balls together to form the snowman base.  (Allow glue to fully dry before continuing to the next step)
  4. Using a palette knife, smooth Snow-tex over Snowman base.  Here’s where the patience comes in… Allow a couple of hours for the Snow-tex to completely dry.
  5. Paint the entire Snowman base with white acrylic paint.  This fills in and helps cover any area missed by the Snow-tex.
  6. For a Frosty Look…paint the Snowman base with Craft Twinkles Glitter Paint.
  7. Cut a thin strip of grey felt and glue around the base of the hat to create a band.  Glue holly embellishment onto band to cover seam.  Glue to the top of the Snowman head.
  8. Cut a strip of gingham fabric and tie around neck.  Cut small slits into the ends of fabric for fringe.
  9. Use two small black brads inserted into the head for the eyes.  Use five micro black brads insert as the mouth.
  10. Cut the pointed end from a bamboo skewer and paint with orange paint.  Stick into head for the nose.

Here’s a Close up of Mr. Snowman.  Isn’t he Handsome?

This project was created for Smoothfoam and sponsored by Smoothfoam and DecoArt.

Love Snowmen?  Create your own “Snowball Fight” here.

Shop Amazon Scrapbooking Supplies*