Merry Album

Merry Album

Is it too early to start thinking about Christmas?

I bought this “Merry” Album from October Afternoon with hopes of using it during

my Annual Christmas Workshop.
To decorate my album:

  • I painted the chipboard with red acrylic paint.
  • After the album dried, I splattered it with white acrylic paint using an old toothbrush.
  • I added an extra 5″ x 7″ page of green cardstock behind the cover to make the word “merry” stand out.
  • I decorated the album with paper and stickers from Graphic 45’s “Twas the Night before Christmas” Collection.
  • Tie it off with some gingham ribbon, jingle bell and greenery.

October Afternoon Make it Merry Album

 

Creating a Garden Stepping Stone

Creating a Garden Stepping Stone 08274

Every one in my family thinks of me when they see Red Toile dishes.

It’s my thing.  (one can never have too many right?)

So… when my daughter saw a set of Red Toile dishes on clearance for $25 at her local thrift store

she immediately called me to see if I wanted them.   (um, yes!)

While packing the car for their visit home, my son in law picked up the box to rearrange the car

and the bottom fell out.  Most of the dishes survived.  Five of the large plates did not.

Broken China 08190

Deciding to turn lemons into Lemonade…

I kept the broken plates to make a few garden stones.

Nick and I making Garden Stones 2

I enlisted the help of my little buddy.  He was eager to lend a hand.  (with gloves of course)

Laying out the pieces in the pan 8187

Creating a Garden Stepping Stone:

  • Cover the sides and bottom of an old cake pan with Petroleum Jelly for easy removal.
  • Arrange the pieces of the broke china pattern side down in the bottom of the pan.  Make sure to use the flattest pieces.
  • Add glass stones in between the pieces for added color and interest.

Smoothing out the cement 8199

  • Mix a quick setting cement according to the directions on the package.
  • Fill pan with cement approx. an 1″ thick.
  • Shake pan a little to fill in the gaps and smooth.
  • Allow a couple hours for the stones to set.
  • Remove stepping stones from the pans and clean excess cement from the top of the stones with a stiff wire brush and water.
  • Allow a few days for the cement to cure before sitting outside in your garden.

close up of stone 8267

*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.

my flowers 8329

Any content on this website is created for inspiration purposed only.  Creating with my suggested methods, products used, and tools is under your own risk.

 

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The Very Hungry Caterpillar

The Very Hungry Caterpillar 8205

Have you read the story of the little caterpillar that ate and ate and ate?

And then turned into a beautiful butterfly?  (spoiler alert)

the hungry caterpillar

My project was based off the book The Very Hungry Caterpillarby Eric Carle.

the very hungry caterpillar 08216

Here’s what you’ll need to make the Caterpillar:

  • Six- 2″ Smoothfoam Balls
  • Sanding Block or Very Fine Sanding Paper
  • Deco Art Americana Acrylic Paint:  Olive Green, Sea Aqua, Watermelon Slice, Marigold, Brown
  • Paint Brushes
  • Bamboo Skewers
  • White Craft Glue
  • Craft Knife
  • Mod Podge

Directions:

  1. Lightly Sand the ridge around the middle of the Smoothfoam ball.
  2. To help the caterpillar sit and not roll.  Cut a slightly flat side in two of the balls.  Use them as your first and last green balls.
  3. Paint five balls with Olive Green and Sea Aqua acrylic paint.  For added dimension, stipple or sponge the opposite color on the balls.
  4. Paint the last ball with the Watermelon Slice acrylic paint.  Add a cute little face.
  5. Cut a bamboo skewer into 1″ pieces.  Connect the balls together using the skewers and white craft glue.
  6. Cut the tip off of two skewers and paint brown.  Insert into the top of the caterpillar’s head.
  7. Paint a coat of mod podge to seal the paint and give a shiny finish.

Disclaimer:  This project was created for and sponsored by Smoothfoam.

How to Etch a Mason Jar…

I love the look of daisies in old blue canning jars.  It just says summertime.

It’s simple, beautiful and it makes me happy.

I recently got the opportunity to work with a new product, etching crème from Etchall®.

While looking around for something to etch, I noticed the daisies sitting on the table.

Hmmm…Wouldn’t that look great with a etched flower and a greeting?

It’s a super simple project.  (just how I like it)

Here’s what you’ll need:                                   (*affiliate link)

Shop Your Fav Brands at Scrapbook.com

Directions:

  1. Clean jar to remove all dirt, fingerprints and oil.  Dry with a coffee filter, paper towel, or lint-free cloth.
  2. Apply Stencils to jar.  Burnish the edges of the stencil.  You’ll want to make sure no edges are coming up.
  3. Mask around the stencil with removable painters tape for extra surface protection.
  4. Apply a heavy coat of etchall® etching crème to the masked area of the stencil.
  5. Leave etching crème on design for 15 minutes.  After etching time has elapsed, use the squeegee to return the crème back into the original container for later re-use.
  6. Rinse etched surface with hot water to remove any remaining crème. Remember to keep crème away from porcelain sinks or ceramic tiles.

Mason Jar with Stencils 8839Mason Jar with Stencils and Masks 08841Mason Jar with Etching Creme 8842

             Step #2                                        Step #3                                      Step #4

The etched flower looks subtle against the water in the blue jar.   

“This is a sponsored post.  As a member of the Etchall 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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Colorful Chalkboard Frame for Kids and grownups

Funky Pallet Frame 8798

A simple paint and stencil project, fun for kids or grown ups.

I decided to finish painting this colorful Rustic Pallet Frame* that I started working on

yesterday evening.  As the name suggests, the frame is rustic and somewhat rough.

Because I was planning on stenciling on it…  I sanded the front of the frame to make it smoother.

I wasn’t worried about making it completely smooth.

The Colorful Chalkboard Frame would be a great project to make with the kiddos.

Funky Pallet Frame painted 8792

Directions to make the Colorful Chalkboard Frame:

  1. Sand the front of the frame.
  2. Paint the frame with white acrylic paint.
  3. Paint the top of each pallet section with different acrylic colors.  Sort of a modified rainbow.
  4. Because the stencil had four unique patterns, I decided each color needed its own pattern.
  5. Mask off each section of the wood before stenciling.
  6. Stencil using a stipple brush and white acrylic paint.
  7. Allow to dry completely
  8. To mute to colors:  Lightly sand the frame with a sanding block.  (optional)
  9. For an added sheen:  Apply clear crème wax to front of frame, allow to sit for one hour and buff.
  10. I added a small chalkboard to the inside of the frame.

Funky Pallet Frame Supplies

Supplies Used:                                          (*affiliate link)

*Thanks to Walnut Hollow and DecoArt for providing the materials used on this frame.

For more Summer fun with the kids…click on SIime 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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Creating a Decorative Display Board for all my Little Pretties

Smoothfoam Display Board 07114

My project started as a Memo Board and… 

While I was looking for some push pins I stumbled across a collection of little pretties.

Tucked away in a cabinet along with a lot of other embellishments were these little

metal frames.  Something that I’d been hoarding since my K & Company days.

I added those frames along with some other little pretties onto my board.  (Love!)

Memo Board Products

To make my Memo/Display Board I used:            (*amazon affiliate link)

Directions:

  1. Paint wood frame with cream acrylic paint.
  2. Cut the Smoothfoam sheet a 1/4″ larger than the center opening of the frame.
  3. Apply spray adhesive to the front of the Smoothfoam and lay onto the fabric.
  4. Wrap and glue the fabric around the back of the Smoothfoam.
  5. Glue the frame onto the front of the covered Smoothfoam.
  6. Decorate the top and bottom of the frame with dimensional flowers.

*My little pretties are stuck into the display board with decorative garment pins.

A really fast and easy project.

This project was created for and sponsored by Smoothfoam.

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!

American Vintage Travel Dungaree Album

American Vintage Travel Dungaree Album 06693

With Summertime comes the Road Trips.

Whether you’re hitting the beach or hiking up trails, you’ll want to savor these memories forever.

My Travel Album made using Canvas Corp Brands  “American Vintage Collection” and Dungaree

Album is a great place to save all the pictures and memorabilia you’ll be collecting along the way.

American Vintage Dungaree Journal Open 6705

Instructions to make the American Vintage Dungaree Travel Album…

Canvas Corp Brands Products Used:

Additional Products Used:

(Disclosure:  I will get a small commission if you click and purchase through my product links.)

American Vintage Album 6178

  1. For the Travel Album, start with the Dungaree Journal.  (available in three sizes.)
  2. Glue a piece of plain canvas around the spine with Fabri Tac glue and cover the edges of the canvas with a piece vintage lace.
  3. Tear a strip of gingham fabric and tie it around the album for a bow.

American Vintage ALbum Close Up 6244

4.  Take a photo from the American Vintage Photo’s and punch it into a 1″ circle.  Apply glue with a gluestick to the front of the picture and place inside the optical lens.

5.  Stick the vintage pin into the knot of the bow and hang the optical lens and key.

6.  Cut the letters “travel” from one of the pieces of paper from the 8″ x 8″ paper pad and glue onto a piece of chipboard for added dimension.  Edge around each of the letters using Vintage Photo Distress Ink and a ink applicator.  Glue the letters on the front of the album with Fabri Tac glue.  Wrap a length of twine around the album.

7.  Add pictures and memorabilia into the album.

American Vintage Dungaree Album Inside Front Cover 6700

The Dungaree Journal includes two chrome rings for binding as well as 10 page protectors. 

American Vintage Dungaree Album Inside Pages 6683

American Vintage Dungaree Album Page #1 6673

American Vintage Dungaree Journal Inside Pages 6675

Have a Great Summer.

DIY No Sew Pillows to Dye for…

A Pillow to Dye For

Recently, I participated with a group of Designers in a Manufacturer Challenge sponsored by

Fairfield World the makers of Pillow Forms, Batting, Poly-fil®… and a whole lot more.

After a little good natured trash talking between the designers, the challenge was dubbed the

“Pillow Fight” and with that it was game on.

Not being much of a seamstress I knew I had to take it in another direction.

Hopefully, what I lack in sewing skills I’m making up for in quantity and possibly inspiration

for other non-sowers like me.

If you happened to see my post, “Tie-Dying with Nick” then you’ll know I’m on a little bit

of a tie-dying kick.  (why stop now?   oh… and make sure to check out the bonus project at the end.)

Nick's Tie Dye Pillow 6430Warren's Pillow

Here are a couple of pillows I made for my grandsons using a one-step tie-dye kit

and the Ombre Technique.  (see instructions below)

It was such a fun and easy project that I let my grandson in on the fun.

Thanks to canvas pillow squares and pillow forms there is no sewing involved.

(The red pillow above also uses the ombre Technique only with one color of dye.)

Iron-On embroidered letters allowed me to easily personalize the pillows for the boys.

Nick and the Ombre Technique

For my No Sew Pillows I used:                                                                  (*amazon affiliate links)

These are the instructions included with the Tulip dye kit.

  1. Apply dye.
  2. Dip brush into dye and apply.
  3. Dip brush into water and apply.
  4. Cover dyed fabric with plastic wrap to keep damp.
  5. Let set for 6-8 hours or longer for intense colors.
  6. Rinse well with water until excess dye is removed.
  7. Fill washer to “large load” setting with hottest water suitable for fabric and a small amount of laundry soap.  Wash and dry separately.  Wash separately for the first few washes.

Directions for Stenciling:

The pattern on the Red Pillow was made using the 12″ Doily Stencil*.

  1. Lay protective paper layer inside the canvas pillow square before stenciling.
  2. Center and tape stencil onto pillow with removable painter’s tape so that the stencil won’t move.
  3. 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.
  4. Apply paint with stencil brush in a straight up and down motion called stippling.
  5. Stuff pillow with pillow form or Poly-fil®.

And for an added bonus… Tie Dyed Socks!!!  (Someone stop me)

Tie Dyed Socks

This project was sponsored by Fairfield World, Canvas Corp Brand, Tulip Brand and DecoArt.

*DisclaimerThis 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!

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DIY Wedding Projects Day #5: Gift Tag

DIY Wedding Project Day #5 Wedding Tag

Congratulations on your Special Day!

Weddings, Anniversaries, Birthdays… customize a tag to fit the celebration.

I hope you enjoyed my DIY Wedding Projects this week and feel inspired to make

a few DIY projects of you own.

For me… The joy is in the making.  (and the giving, of course)

Shop Handmade – The Wedding Store

Wedding Tag Supplies Needed:

Directions for Wedding Tag:

  1. Cut a 3 1/2” x 6 1/4” tag out of scrapbook paper.
  2. To create the pleated ribbon you will need 12” of the Pierre Ivory ribbon. Fold 1/2” end of the ribbon under and secure with a mini glue dot.
  3. Turn ribbon over and create pleats by folding and gluing each fold inside and under securing with mini glue dot.
  4. Glue pleated ribbon onto bottom of the tag.
  5. For added detail, glue Galena 1/8” silver ribbon over pleated ribbon.
  6. Glue Design Chain Tracy-Silver onto tag above pleated ribbon.
  7. Cut 12” of Antique White 7/8” ribbon.
  8. Using the needle and thread with a long tail, make a simple running stitch down one side of the ribbon.
  9. Gather ribbon together with thread and tie in the center to form the ribbon rosette flower.
  10. Glue a gem cut from the Design Chain Tracy onto the center of the flower.
  11. Create and print computer generated greetings on to cream card-stock.
  12. Cut greetings down and edge card-stock with silver leaf pen.
  13. Adhere first greeting to tag using double stick tape runner, allowing part of the greeting to hang over edge of the tag.
  14. Glue Ribbon Flower onto tag above first greeting.
  15. Glue Gleaming leaves under flower.
  16. Add second greetings to the Deco Ice stick pin. Leave enough room on the card-stock greeting to fold around the pin and adhere.
  17. Stick Deco Ice pin into the glued flower.
  18. Insert remaining 7/8” Antique White Satin Ribbon into top hole on tag.
  19. Fold 5/8” Antique White Satin Ribbon to form a bow. Tie and knot around the center of the bow with the cream twine.
  20. Tie bow around 7/8” ribbon and secure.
  21. Thread small cream button on ends of the twine and secure on the front of the bow with a knot.

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 Wedding Projects Day #4: Wedding Album

Wedding Album 2

Preserve your memories from weddings, anniversaries, and more, in this beautiful burlap covered scrapbook or photo album. Embellish the cover with ribbon, gems, twine and more for a personalized look you will love.

Supplies Needed:

  • 1 yd. Gazette 2” Ribbon: Raw Silk
  • ½ yd. Antique White Double Faced Satin 7/8”
  • ½ yd. Lucy Ivory Lace
  • 2 Gems from Design Chain Tracy-Silver
  • Twine
  • Chic Silver Leaves
  • Pre-Made 5” x 7” Burlap Covered Scrapbook Album
  • 3” Chipboard Heart
  • Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive*  (affiliate link)
  • Needle and Thread

Wedding Album Directions:

  1. Cut approx. 16-18” of Gazette Raw Silk Ribbon. Using the needle and thread with a long tail, make a simple running stitch down one side of the ribbon.
  2. Gather ribbon together with thread and tie in the center to form the ribbon rosette.
  3. Create a second ribbon rosette using 12” of 7/8” Antique White Double-Faced Satin Ribbon.
  4. Glue Antique White rosette onto the center of the Raw Silk rosette.
  5. Cut a gem from the Design Chain Tracy-Silver and glue to the center of the rosette flower.
  6. Wrap 12” piece of Gazette Raw Silk Ribbon with the ends meeting centered on the front of the album. Glue ends to the album.
  7. Wrap a 12” piece of Lucy Ivory Lace around album, again meeting centered on the front of the album. Glue ends to album.
  8. Glue Ribbon flower onto front of the album cover the ends of the lace and ribbon.
  9. Bend slightly the ends of the Chic Silver Leaves and glue onto the album with the ends underneath the flower.
  10. Wrap twine around the chipboard a couple of times and tie with a bow.
  11. Glue a small gem cut from the Design Chain Tracy-Silver onto the center of the twine bow.
  12. Glue chipboard heart onto the front of the album.

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!