Dog Treats for the First Day of School

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Yesterday was Dexter’s First Day of School.

Dexter is our 9-month Shichon puppy.  He is a sweet, loving, energetic ball of fluff.

We adopted him two days before Valentine’s Day and about a month before everything

went nuts.  He’s not a quarantine puppy, but he’s sure been a bright spot during that time.

I’ve been on more walks and talked to more neighbors because of him.  He loves everyone!

Anyway…

In the list of instructions for the first day of class was to bring dog treats.  (lots of treats)

So, I decided to decorate a little jar for his treats.

I found the little plastic jar at Dollar Tree* and used vinyl to decorate it.

*Disclosure:  This blog uses 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!

Here’s what I used to make my treat jar:

StyleTechCraft™ products brought to you by ATSM Craft 

Directions:

  • Using a “Dog Bone Treats” SVG file from the Silhouette Store and the Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die-Cutting Machine*, cut out the images using StyletechCraft Transparent Vinyl in Sunflower and Brown.
  • Use the vinyl pick to remove the letters from dog bone, leave the inside pieces of the letters.
  • Cut a piece of Vinyl Transfer Tape* to fit over the vinyl image.  Gently rub over the transfer paper using the squeegee tool.  Remove the vinyl image from the white liner.
  • Overlay the brown bone onto the large orange bone silhouette.

  • Carefully apply the vinyl to the jar.  Give the vinyl a gentle rub using the squeegee to make sure everything has transferred and remove the transfer tape.
  • Add paw prints randomly around the jar using the transfer tape.
  • Tie with a paw print ribbon and fill with dog treats.

FYI…The First Day of School Sign was made by painting a small wood sign with black chalkboard paint and applying words created with StyleTechCraft White Craft Vinyl*.

Dexter is such a smart, sweet little boy. 

He’s our first dog and, he’s been a great addition to our family.  He brings a lot of smiles.

And by the way…he did really great during his first class!

“This is a sponsored post.  As a member of the StyleTechCraft Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas.  The views and opinions are my own.

Fall Leaves Thank You Card

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The Fall Leaves Thank You card…

is an easy to make card, with die-cut embossed leaves that were colorfully distressed with ink.

How to Make the Fall Leaves Thank You Card…

Materials Used:        (*affiliate links)

*Disclosure:  This blog uses 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:

  • Place the leaf dies on the cream-colored cardstock and layered on the cutting plates included with the Mini Maker.  Crank the handle of the Mini Maker to run the cutting plates through the machine.  The machine cuts and embosses the leaves as it goes through the Mini Maker.
  • To create a “thanks” word sticker, place a piece of cream card stock through the Xyron Create-A-Sticker Mini*.  The Xyron Create-A-Sticker Mini* puts an even coat of adhesive on the entire backside of the cardstock.  Place the cardstock with the “thanks” die through the Mini Maker to cut out the word.

FYI…The Mini Maker is perfect to use when working with small dies, and space is an issue.

  • Using the Ink Blending Tool, ink the leaves with the various colors of distress inks to create beautiful Fall colors.

  • Layer and overlap the leaves on a piece of fall scrapbook paper.
  • The top layer has a scalloped edge created using a border die from the Borders 1 Die Set from The Maker’s Movement.
  • Apply previously made thanks word sticker on top of the leaves.
  • Tie a piece of twine around the top of the card and add a small acorn embellishment.
  • Add three enamel dots on the bottom right corner of the card.
  • Finished Card Size 5 1/4″ x 6″.

The Fall Leaves Thank You card was created for and sponsored by The Maker’s Movement.  I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas.  The view and opinions are my own.

Palm Springs Junk Journal

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How to make a small pocket-sized journal.

Whenever I travel to a new location, I like to keep memorabilia like brochures, maps, and ticket

stubs.  As a scrapbooker, I never know when I’ll want to reference the information for journaling

or even add it to a layout.

The Palm Springs Junk Journal uses a combination of memorabilia and a little bit of recycling.

To Make the Junk Journal I used:                  (*affiliate link)

*Disclosure:  This blog uses 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:

  • For the front and inside cover of the journal, cut two 6″ x 8-1/2″ pieces from the brochure.
  • Lay the paper (design side up) on the Xyron Creative Station* crank the handle to run the paper through the machine.  As it moves through the Xyron Creative Station, it adds adhesive to the backside of the paper.  Easy to use and it doesn’t need any electricity.
  • Cut a piece of a thin recycled box the same size.
  • Adhere the decorative paper on each side of the cut box.

I like using the Xyron Creative Station…
when making mini books because you get complete coverage, no wrinkling, no bubbles!

  • I thought I was “so smart” because I cut the map so, the words “Palm Springs Aerial Tramway” would be at the top of the journal.  Being a little too confident, I didn’t measure my placement and “oops” I cut it too short.
  • To “fix” my mistake, I cut out a small picture of the tram with the words and adhered it to the front of my journal.

The inside if the journal.

  • I used an ink applicator and Vintage Photo Distress Ink to age the edges of my Junk Journal.

  • Add a strip of washi tape around the spine of the album for added interest.
  • Cut 5 cardstock pages using the notebook die.
  • Crease the cardstock on the center score lines.

  • Wrap the twine around the inside creases and around the outside of the book cover to secure the pages.
  • I did one page at a time tying the twine in a knot on the outside after each page.

After I had all my pages together, I tied the pieces of twine together in one knot on the spine and added a small metal tag charm that says the word journey.

Album ready to be filled.

In January, after the Creativation Trade Show in Phoenix,

my husband and I took a few days to relax and explore in sunny Palms Springs.

On a whim, we decided to take the Aerial Tramway up the side of the mountain.

It was a lovely warm sunny day.

Of course, we didn’t think about the temperature change at the top of the mountain.

I had on jeans and a light sweater, and my husband had shorts and a light jacket.

(We had just been in the sunny desert a few minutes earlier.)

Upon arriving, I immediately went into the gift shop and bought an oversized hoodie,

while he braved the elements.

The 15-minute ride up the mountain to 8500 feet was stunning,

and the views left us breathless. (literally)

After a nice lunch, and a brisk walk around in the snow, we headed back down to the desert.

Where we warmed our feet at the hotel, around a firepit.

Simple Vintage Garden Tag Album

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How to make a Simple Vintage Garden Tag Album.

In keeping with the pretty in pink theme, I created

a sweet little tag album made with the Simple Vintage Garden District Collection

from Simple Stories and several tags dies from The Maker’s Movement.

(To say I love this collection would be an understatement.)

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

Here’s what I used:                        (*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!

Directions:

  • Cut two large tags out of thin chipboard using the Crossover II Die Cut Machine for the front and back cover of the tag album.
  • You may need to run it through the roller twice before picking it up the tag to make sure it cut all the way through.
  • Cut additional tags using decorative scrapbook paper for the inside pages.

The Crossover II Fabric & Paper Cutting System* has adjustable rollers and pressure settings.  It adjusts for multiple layers and allows you to be able to cut a variety of thicknesses.  It can cut fabric, faux leather, craft foam, chipboard, felt and, several other materials.

  • You will need to use four tags for the front and back of the tag album cover.
  • Place the tag design side up on the Xyron Creative Station* crank the handle to run the tag through the machine.  As it moves through the Xyron Creative Station it adds adhesive to the back of the tag.
  • Remove tag from the protective liners and adhere to the front and back of each chipboard tag.

(FYI…I used the 5″ Permanent Adhesive Refill Cartridge* in the Xyron Creative Station.)

I used a lot of dimensions to create the front cover.

  • Cut a small banner from thin chipboard, cover it with decorative scrapbook paper the same way as the front and back covers.
  • Cover the small metal rimmed tag with circles cut from scrapbook paper.
  • Use twine to tie around the banner and a small teapot charm to hang from the book ring.
  • Create a “bloom” word sticker using the Xyron Creative Station and a small piece of off white scrapbook paper.  Use the bloom word die from the “In Full Bloom” stamp and die set and cut it using the adhesive paper.

  • Decorate and embellish the inside pages using pieces from the ephemera set, and banners.

  • This page was created using the Library Pocket Die Set and the Nested Square Tags Die Set.

Fill your tag album full of fun memories and use it as a sweet gift for someone special.

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Pretty in Pink Mixed Media Canvas

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Pretty and Sweet, Delicate and Petite, a mixed media project made simple.

Every once in awhile, I like to do something I little different from my usual projects.
This mixed media canvas is one of those projects.
It reminds me of a crackling wall found in an old cottage.

How to make a Pretty in Pink Mixed Media Canvas

Materials Used:

*Disclosure:  This blog uses 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:

  • Prepare the canvas with a painted coat of Gesso.
  • Apply Crackle Paste onto the entire canvas using a palette knife.

  • Using a stipple brush*, rub rose-colored ink onto the canvas, giving it a subtle hint of pink.

  • Create a delicate scroll frame using white adhesive glitter vinyl, an SVG cut file, and an electronic die cutting machine.
  • Use Transfer paper to align and place the frame onto the mirror.
  • Center and glue mirror onto the canvas with DAP Rapid Fuse All Purpose Adhesive*.

  • The mantle was created by layering, stacking and gluing cut pieces of chipboard with craft glue. (nothing fancy just basic construction)
  • Paint it with white acrylic paint.
  • Glue the mantle onto the mirror using DAP Rapid Fuse All Purpose Adhesive*.

  • For added stability, glue the small floral scrapbook paper pieces onto the chipboard.
  • Decorate the mantle with a small jar filled with pink pearl beads, a miniature pewter pitcher and saucer, and the floral scrapbook pieces.
  • Adhere floral embellishments around the top and bottom corner of the mirror.

For another DIY Mixed Media project, click on the link below.  ↓

         Little Birdie Mixed Media Canvas

Easy DIY Football Themed Party Ideas

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Fall Football and Fun…

Fall is right around the corner, and with that comes Football Season.

Whether you’re watching the NFL, College or High School, a few simple football snacks

are always welcomed by the fans.

To keep the decorating easy, I used a few sheets of Football themed scrapbook paper.

I used one of the 3″ x 4″ sections and attached it to the front of a small caddy container

(from the Deflecto Stackable Caddy Organizer*) with repositionable tape to make a

silverware holder.

I used the Deflecto 3 Tier Dessert Stand* to hold my snacks.

The stand is the perfect tailgating companion.

It is easy to put together and folds flat for compact storing and transporting.

Use football-themed washi tape or strips of cut paper and adhere it around the edges

of the tiers for added fun.  (Make sure to use repositionable adhesive. )

Create a banner to hang on the wall using colored cardstock or construction paper in your

favorite team colors.  I created the letters using white craft vinyl from StyleTechCraft and cut

them out using my  Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine*.

You could also use letter stickers to spell out your words.

I picked up clear cups, napkins, condiment cups and silverware at Dollar Tree.

Entertaining doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

*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!

Having everything in clear cups makes for easy grab and go snacking.

I also found this cute little Football Game at Dollar Tree. 

It makes a great prop and sign holder.

Popcorn, Muddy Buddy, Pretzels, Mini Corn Dogs and Beer.  Oh My!

Now we’re ready for some Football!

Disclosure:  “This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Deflecto Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas, views and opinions.”

Pour Painting Techniques

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Have you ever wanted to try pour painting?

There are several different kinds of techniques:

The Dutch Pour, The Dirty Pour and The Swipe Technique to name a few.

Trying Pour Painting has been on my to-do list for over a year.

I’m not sure if I was intimidated or wasn’t sure if it’d be too much of a mess.

When I heard about my sister and her friend planning a time to play,

I casually mentioned my interest. Lucky for me, I got an invitation to join.

We tried all three different Pour Painting Techniques.  It was so much fun.

Just for you…I made a short video of each technique later in this post.

Before we started the process, we prepped the canvases with a coat of Gesso*.

We mixed acrylic paint with a pouring medium called Floetrol*.

It thins down the paint to help the paint flow easier.

(There are several different pour mediums available.)

*Disclosure:  This blog uses 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!

For each technique, we added the thinned down white paint to our canvas.

Make sure to spread it all over up to the edges.

The first one we tried was the Dutch Pour…

that uses a hairdryer and a straw to blow the paint around on the canvas.

Here I am dribbling  paint onto the canvas.

Using a hairdryer, blow the paint around the canvas.

For added detail, use a straw to spread the paint in a small area.

After I finished blowing the paint around, we used a small portable torch lighter over

the canvas to pop air bubbles.

Below is a video of the Dutch Pour on a different canvas. ↓

I planned on taking pictures of the process, but as we were getting ready to pour,

I decided at the last minute to videotape the process.

Being a little more than unprepared (and a little bit excited) the videos are not as good as

I would have liked them to be.  Next time, I will be more prepared with a tripod.

The Dutch Pour

This process involves blowing the paint around the canvas using a hairdryer and straw.

The Dirty Pour

The Dirty Pour is where to pour several different colors of paint into the same cup and

then pour it onto the canvas. (Of course, we used paint medium with the paint.)

The Swipe Technique

Being my first try at the Swipe Technique, usually, you’d only need to swipe once.

Giving the forgiving nature of the technique, I added more paint on the top and swiped again.

Deciding it needed a little red, I repeated the swipe a third time. (not shown in the video)

The most important thing I learned (that I didn’t do) is to keep your canvas level.

After our canvases were dried, Jeanie, my sister’s friend, gave them all a coat of polyurethane.

The canvas shown above is my Dutch Pour Canvas. 

Not only did I have a frame from another painting that was the right size

but also the perfect color.  Currently, I proudly have the painting on my mantel.

I want to give a shout out and a big THANKS to my new friend Jeanie for letting me play.

She is a lovely and talented artist.

You can find her and her work on Instagram under ArtUnearthed.

Don’t Miss a Thing…Make Sure to Follow Sue’s Creative Workshop

    

Easy Peasy Upcycled Container

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I love a good upcycled, recycled project.

Creating a useful item from something that would be thrown away or put in the recycling bin.

This project was made using an empty Nesquik container.

I have been drinking chocolate milk for as long as I can remember. My dad used to use the Nesquik containers in his garage to store nuts and bolts and lots of other small items. We found several vintage cans out in his garage when we were going through it.

I LOVE making things using craft vinyl and my Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine*  There are so many things you can make and decorate.

Tip:  If you don’t have access to these products, you can still UPCYCLE/RECYCLE a container like the Nesquik Can using decorative paper, contact paper or stickers to personalize and embellish.  (Below are the directions and materials on how I upcycled my container.)

For my Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy Up-cycled Container I used:

StyletechCraft products brought to you by ATSM Craft

*Disclosure:  This blog uses 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:

  • Measures and cut two pieces of  vinyl to wrap around the container.  (I used one long piece and one shorter piece.)
  • Use the printed graphics on the side of the container to line up your edge.  Slowly wrap the vinyl around the container smoothing as you go to reduce the air bubbles.

  • Use the squeegee tool to smooth the vinyl.  If you can’t get rid of the air bubble with the squeegee tool you can use a small pin to poke a hole in the vinyl to release the air.

You can find the Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy SVG file at the Silhouette Design Store.

  • Use the vinyl pick to remove the letters from the vinyl lemon, leave the inside pieces of the letters.

  • Cut a piece of Vinyl Transfer Tape* to fit over the vinyl image.  Gently rub over the transfer paper using the squeegee tool.
  • Remove the vinyl from the white liner, center the image on the front of the can.
  • Gently rub over the Vinyl Transfer Tape* to make sure all the image has transferred.   Remove the transfer tape.
  • Repeat the process with the stem and leaf.

A fun little upcycled project, great for many different uses.  (not just in the garage)

Place several cans side by side for a cute and creative way to store supplies.

“This is a sponsored post.  As a member of the StyleTechCraft Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas.  The views and opinions are my own.

If you liked this post you might also like Organizing the Kids Craft Cabinet.

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Message in a Bottle Shaker Tags

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In continuing with the Beach Theme for July…

I’ve got a couple of cute projects using the Message in a Bottle Stamp and Die Set from

The Maker’s Movement to share with you.

MSD222 Message in a Bottle Stamp and Die Set  

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

Message in a Bottle Pirate Ship Shaker Tag Directions:

  • Stamp the ship on white watercolor cardstock.
  • Color the ship with Tombow Art Markers.

*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!

  • Align the ship die over the ship image.  Place a piece of washi tape or removable tape over the die to keep it in place.  Run the die through the Crossover II Die Cutting Machine* to cut out the image.

Aren’t these the cutest little ships?

You can add a skull and crossbones to the sail, or a sweet little heart. (included in the set)

You will need to cut out several pieces to create the Message in a Bottle Shaker Tag.

  • Cut a bottle shape out of clear acetate and a wavy-look scrapbook paper.
  • Place a small piece of distressed woodgrain look scrapbook paper into the Xyron Create-A-Sticker, Sticker Maker* to add adhesive to the backside of the woodgrain paper. Die-cut the woodgrain paper using the Bottle Frame Die. Creating a paper bottle frame sticker makes it easier to use when it comes time to place on the acetate.
  • Cut a second Bottle Frame using the double-sided adhesive foam sheet.

  • Remove one side of the protective blue coating from the acetate bottle.
  • Align and stick bottle frame sticker onto the acetate.
  • Remove the second side of the protective blue coating from the acetate.
  • Use a dryer sheet and rub on the blue wavy bottle die-cut to eliminate static created from the acetate.
  • Align and stick craft foam bottle frame onto the blue bottle die-cut.
  • Adhere die-cut ship in the center of the bottle.

I found a paper that replicated the look of cork.  I used that paper and cut several layers using the cork shaped die and glued them together to create a thick dimensional cork. I made the cork the same thickness of the foam.

  • Cut a piece off the top of the craft foam bottle to make room to place the cork.
  • Add Ice Cube Sprinkles (from the mixed drinks shaker sprinkles) into the well of the bottle frame.
  • Remove the protective coating of the craft foam frame and carefully place the acetate frame over the bottle.

  • Stamp your message on a piece of white cardstock and cut out using the banner die.
  • Punch a small hole at the end. Tie the banner die cut around the neck of the bottle with a piece of red and white twine.

If you’re not into Pirates and Pirate Ships…

the Message in a Bottle Die also makes a perfect Congratulations tag.

Use it for a Wedding, Anniversary, New Home, or Retirement.

Crafting Beach Vibes

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A few fun projects using the Beach Vibes stamp and die sets from The Maker’s Movement.

(If I can’t get to the beach, I might as well bring the beach to me.)

I am really loving the Beach Vibes Stamp and Die Set.  So many cute images to use.

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

Before I ever start creating my projects…

I stamp the images onto watercolor paper* and practice coloring.

It’s a great way to decide the best marker color to use.

Using watercolor paper* makes it easy to blend the markers.

Tip…I start with the darker colored marker and finish coloring the image with a complimentary lighter-colored marker, blending the colors as I go.

FIY…I have my markers stored in the Expandable Marker Accordion* from Deflecto.

Beach Vibes Frame

Using the Crossover II Die Cutting Machine*, I was able to easily line up the coordinating die

to the colored image to cut out.  I added a few extra dots to my colored image before mounting

the Sandcastle to the corner of the frame.

Tip…I used blue painters’ tape and masked part of the “beach vibes” stamp and stamped the words one at a time.

Life is Better in the Sun…

I may complain a little bit when it gets super humid, but I would trade the snow and cold for a warm summer day anytime.

Tip…The background on this card is super simple to create.  Using an ink blending tool and several colors of dye ink, rub the ink onto the watercolor paper.  Spray the paper with water and dry the paper with a hairdryer.  (Easy Peasy)

The Sandcastle stamp also makes a perfect Ice Castle for a cute little princess. 

  • I stamped the Sandcastle on watercolor paper*.  I had fun coloring the castle in purples and blues and blending the colors.
  • I added a thin layer of white liquid applique* to the castle to look like snow. I let the liquid applique dry before heating it with a Heat Tool* to raise it.
  • To make the castle extra frosty, I painted the castle with Clear Glitter Glue*.
  • I framed the Ice Castle with a white scallop frame cut from the MOD287 Nested Square Frame Set.  (It makes a perfect little gift tag.)

*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!