My Americana Crafternoon…

Yesterday, I had an amazing time with a few of my crafty friends thanks to an opportunity to

host an Americana Soiree from Adornit.

The weather was beautiful for a get together and I decided to hold our Americana Crafternoon

in my Garage/Party Room.  A couple degrees cooler would have made it perfect, but, no one

complained.

We crafted and talked…  (and made some really cool projects)

Even my little buddy stopped by at the end and helped me finish one of my projects.

And the best part for me…

because everything was pre-kitted and ready to go, I even got to sit down and make something.

I had a wonderful time.  Thanks, ladies, for coming over and crafting with me.

Next time, I’ll remember to take a group picture.

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“Celebrate” with a Banner made from old blue jeans

Create a banner using Joy Embroidered Iron On Letters and old blue jeans.

When inspiration hits in the middle of the night, it usually ends of being one of my favorite

kind of projects.  (This one  was fun.)  

Got any old worn blue jeans ready to be thrown out?

I started with my old blue jeans and 3″ Iron-on Embroidered Varsity Letters from Joy

in red and blue.

I created a 3 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ banner pattern using grid paper and traced it onto the jeans.

To add a little interest…I incorporated the seams from the sides of the jeans to use for the

front of the banner.  For the word “C-E-L-E-B-R-A-T-E”  I cut 9 banners for the front with

seams and 9 plain ones to use to line the back of the banner.

The Iron-on Embroidered Varsity letters are sticky backed so I went ahead and placed

them onto the front of my banners before sewing.

Next came my jar of red ribbon scraps.  (I love red so much, I have a jar just for “red”)

I sewed the ribbon scraps onto the tops of each banner.

I then sandwiched the front with a plain back and simply sewed around each banner with

my sewing machine.  After the third banner, I finally got smart and started using straight pins.

As you can tell, I was going for a casual simple look.  (that’s my story and I’m sticking to it)

After I was finished sewing all my banners, I used my We R Memory Keepers Crop-A-Dile*

to punch two holes.  (I used the 3/16″ sized hole.)

I used We R Memory Keepers Eyelets Cool Metal* (affiliate link) for my eyelets.

Did you know that the  Crop-A-Dile* easily goes through both layers of jeans.

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The “Celebrate” banner was created for and sponsored by Joy.

How to make a Patriotic Red, White and Blue Etched Wine Bottle

Celebrate the holidays with a Red, White and Blue Etched Wine Bottle.

I’m getting ready for a Americana Crafternoon this week-end with a fun group of ladies

and thought I’d make up a few decorations.  As luck would have it, I just happened to

have an empty blue wine bottle.   I thought to myself, that would make a perfect vase.

I added red flowers to a 50 cent Garage Sale-Flag Basket and now I have a festive display.

Shop Dollar Tree for Red White & Blue Party Supplies*                      (*affiliate link)

To make the Red, White and Blue Etched Wine Bottle I used…             (*amazon affiliate links)

Directions:

  1.  Clean and remove the label off a blue glass wine bottle with warm soapy water.  (Dry)

 

2.  Mask off a 2 ½ to 3 inch section on the center of the wine bottle with blue painter’s tape.  Burnish the edges of the tape with your fingertip, the tape should lay flat against the bottle.

3.  Punch stars out of the etchall etchmask* Remove backing from the stars and stick randomly on the bottle.  Burnish the stars with your fingertips onto the bottle.

4.  Apply a heavy coat of etchall Etching Crème*   onto the bottle using the squeegee.

5.  Let crème sit for 15 minutes.  (You will need to keep an eye on the bottle to make sure etching crème doesn’t run past the blue painter’s tape.)  Scrape excess etching crème from the bottle and return the extra etching crème back into the bottle. It’s reusable.

6.  Rinse bottle with warm water to clean.  Remember to keep crème away from porcelain or ceramic tiles.  Remove tape and stars and dry.  The bottle will have a nice subtle etching.

7.  While I liked the subtle look… I decided I wanted something a little bit brighter for my patriotic bottle.   I dried brushed white acrylic paint over the etched surface.  Wipe off excess paint with a damp cloth for a white washed look.  The paint only sticks to the etched surface.  (How cool it that.)  It really makes the stars pop.

8.  Re-mask the bottle with the blue painter’s tape, this time covering the etched surface.  Paint the bottom of the bottle with the colonial red spray paint.

10.  Mask a small section on the top of the bottle and spray with gold spray paint.

11.  Cut a small black vinyl rectangle and round two of the corners with the corner punch.

12.  Stencil the word “welcome” from the family words stencil onto the black vinyl using a stencil brush and the multi-surface acrylic paint.

13.  Use the gold paint pen to add a thin border around the black vinyl tag.  Punch a small hole on the top of the tag and tie onto the neck of the bottle with ribbon.

Enjoy the party with friends.  (maybe even empty another blue wine bottle)

      

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Jazz Up your Flip Flops with Patent Leather Paint

Old or New…Jazz Up your flip flops with Patent Leather Paint from Deco Arts.

While attending the Creativation show in Phoenix earlier this year, I received a bottle

of “new” Garnet patent leather paint to play with.  You could say, I was smitten.

This paint was so fun and easy to work with.

 A quick and easy way to jazz up old or new flip flops.  (also pumps and purses)

To jazz up your flip flops you’ll need…              (*amazon affiliate link)

Directions:

  1. If using old flip flops… Make sure to wipe flip flops well with damp towel to remove any dirt or dust.
  2. Apply patent leather paint evenly with a soft-bristled brush.  The paint will have a slight tacky feel as it is drying.
  3. Apply 2-3 coats of paint to get the desired coverage.  Allow paint to dry between coats.
  4. Cut the shank off the back of the button with Wire Cutter*.
  5. Adhere the button onto the front of the flip flops using Quick Grip Adhesive*.
  6. Allow paint to cure 24-48 hours before using.

Next… Get a pedicure and ENJOY!

The Jazzed Up Flip Flops were created for Craft Ideas Magazine’s Summer 2017 issue.

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Create a Beach Votive with a few Dollar Store Treasures.

Create a Beachy Votive with a few Dollar Store treasures.

A cheap and easy beachy decoration.

A great way to display those small shells collected on vacation.

I purchased the Parmesan Cheese Shaker* and a Flameless Candle Votive*

To make the Beachy Votive here’s what I used:                             (*affiliate link)
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!

Directions:

  • Wrap wire around a pencil for a spiral handle.

  • Using the needle nose pliers, make a small loop on each end of the wire.

  • Find two small shells with natural holes on the end.  Tie them together with a small piece of string.

  • Thread burlap ribbon through both looped ends of the wire and tie around the top of the parmesan shaker.  Add shells on string as you knot the ribbon.
  • Glue top of broken shell onto the knot of the burlap ribbon with Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive*.
  • Add approx. 1″ of sand into the parmesan shaker.  Add small votive and shells.

The Beachy Votive looks good with or without the lid.

SRM Planner Stamps

I’m a list maker and a planner.   

So…when I got the chance to play with some SRM Planner Stamps,

I jumped at the opportunity.  I received the Wedding Plans Set from SRM and even

though there’s no wedding plans in my future, it was fun to play.

Today, I’m participating with the lovely ladies of Designer Craft Connections in our

June Blog Hop.  For more inspiration and to see what the other ladies have created

go on over to the Designer Craft Connection blog and start hopping.

Is wedding Plans in your future?

   

   

I’ve created a Round Up of my favorite Wedding projects from Sue’s Creative Workshop.

Click on picture for project details and instructions.

Shop Handmade – The Wedding Store

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How to make a Floral Chalkboard

DIY Chalkboard with Adornit…

The Floral Chalkboard makes a fun decorative Home Décor piece and is really easy to make.

To make the Floral Chalkboard you’ll need…        (*affiliate links)

Shop Your Fav Brands at Scrapbook.com

Directions:

  1. Apply an even coat of Mod Podge* over the larger Wood Bracket shape.  Lay decorative scrapbook paper over shape and smooth with your hand.

2.  Using an x-acto knife and cutting mat, cut excess paper away from the Wood Bracket.

3.  Rub Vintage Photo Distress Ink*onto the outside edges of the wood shape using the Ink Blending Tool*.

4.   Paint the smaller wood shape with the Black Chalkboard Paint*.  Add small white dots around the outside of the wood shape with the white paint marker*.

5.  Stencil the words “be Happy” onto the chalkboard using white acrylic paint and the Deco Art Americana Decor Stencil, Inspiration*.

6.  Cut a few flower shapes using the second sheet of scrapbook paper.  Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge* to the back of the flowers and glue to the front of the chalkboard.  Add decorative pearl embellishments to the inside of the flowers.

7.  Glue chalkboard to the front of the floral base using Beacon’s Quick Grip All-Purpose Permanent Adhesive*.

8.  Drill two holes on the top of the chalkboard and add Twine* for hanging.

    

This Chalkboard was sponsored by Adornit as an“it girl” Ambassador.

If you liked the Floral Chalkboard, you might also like the DIY Bloom Floral Plaque.

You can see the full tutorial here.

     

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How to make a 4th of July Centerpiece with Fireworks, Flags, Banners and Pinwheels

What do you think about when you hear the words “4th of July”?

For me it’s… White picket fences, fireworks and the good old red white and blue. 

Or a 4th of July Celebration Centerpiece with Fireworks, Flags, Banners and Pinwheels all

rolled into one.   I created this 4th of July centerpiece a couple years ago, since it’s one

of my favorite projects, I thought I’d share it again.   Enjoy!

How to make a 4th of July Centerpiece…

Products Used:                 (*affiliate link)

Directions:

  1.  Paint the round disc with Navy Blue paint.

2.  Cut two 1” x 12” strips of the red striped paper and one 1” x 2” piece. Adhere to the side of the disc with double stick tape roller.

3.  Die-cut 7 fence sections.

4.  Paint 15 round toothpicks white. (set four aside to use later.)

5.  Cut 11 toothpicks in half. Glue one toothpick half on each end and middle of the fence with the pointed end facing down.

6.  Insert fence sections onto the top edge of the disc.

7.  Paint the 4” cube red.

8.  Cut five 3 ¾” x 3 ¾” pieces of Navy & Ivory dot paper. Adhere to the sides and top of the cube. Glue cube to center of the disc.

9. Paint two bamboo skewers white. Cut skewers to 5”.

10.  Glue small blue beads to top of each skewer.

11.  Create small ½” flags from scraps of paper and cardstock. Adhere onto a 12” piece of blue and white twine.  Tie ends of the twine to top of the skewers to make a flag banner. Insert into disc.

12.  To create Bottle Rockets:  Paint two bamboo skewers red.  Cut two pieces of red striped paper 1 3/4” x two. Wrap around pencil to curve paper. Remove pencil and roll tightly to form a small tube. Wrap a 1/2” strip of navy dot paper around tube.  Glue a small piece of twine inside of tube to create the bottle rocket wick. Glue tube onto red bamboo skewer and insert into disc. Create second bottle rocket for other side of the disc.

13.  Punch two 3” Navy and Ivory Dots scalloped circles.

14.  Cut two strips of red card-stock: 1 1/4”” x 12” and 2 1/4” x 6 1/2” . Adhere the two strips together to form one long 2 1/4” x 18” strip of red card-stock.

15.  Using scoring board and scoring tool. Score card-stock every 1/4” down the entire length. Fold strip accordion fold. Glue ends together with a strong adhesive to form a cylinder.

16.  On a flat surface, gather the bottom of the cylinder tight while spreading and pushing down on the top to create the Rosette.

17.  With a strong adhesive, attach one of the scalloped circles to the center of the Rosette. Hold into place until the adhesive starts to hold.

18.  Turn the Rosette over and attach the second scalloped circle onto the other side of the rosette.

19.  Create a second smaller rosette using a 1” x 12” strip of red striped paper. Score strip every 1/4”.  (repeat steps 16 and 17)

20.  Glue blue button into center of the rosette to hold in place. Glue onto center of the scalloped circle. Add star sticker to center of button.

21.  Paint a bamboo skewer with Navy paint. Cut into a 5” piece. Insert into back of finished Rosette.

22.  Insert finished Rosette into top of the 4″ cube.

23.  Create small pinwheels by adhering two pieces of 1” x 1” paper together.  On each corner, cut diagonally two-thirds of way to square’s center, dividing each corner into two points. Bring every other point to center so that the points overlap. Glue into place.

24.  Glue small red button to center of each pinwheel.  Glue onto white painted toothpick and insert into base.

25.  Create and print computer generated “CELEBRATE” and “4th of July” onto white card-stock.  Cut and layer to size and adhere onto picks and skewers and insert onto centerpiece.

This project was created for and sponsored by Smoothfoam and Canvas Corp Brands.

For more summer fun…click on Slimer ad below

Slimer

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Almost Famous…

My grandson said to me the other day while he was sitting at my desk,

“Grandma you’re famous.”

“No, honey, I’m not”, I said.

“But… Grandma, you’ve been in a magazine”.

Well now dear Nicholas… so have you.

I received the very last issue of Craft Ideas magazine in the mail today.  (insert sad face)

Along with two projects, I also had the honor of being the Contributor Spotlight.

You can read my interview with Molly on page #96.

Now we’re both almost famous.

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I love my Calendar Girls

I love, I love, I love my calendar girl.

You ever get a song stuck in your head?  (over and over again)

When I finished up with these samples last night, I couldn’t get that song out of my head.

For those of you not old enough to remember the song Calendar Girl by Neil Sedaka,

I suggest you “google” it.  Then you’ll have it rolling around your head just like me.

(*amazon affiliate link)

It all started with the Calendar Girls Mini Coloring Book* from ADORNit.

I simply water colored the image using a variety of inks from ink pads and a waterbrush.

(It makes me feel like an artist)

The mini coloring books are now available on Amazon*.

And… if you use the code MINIBOOK (all caps) you will be able to buy 2 and get 1 free!  

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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!