How to build a Snowman with Smoothfoam…

December 2, 2015November 28, 20184 Comments

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)

Smoothfoam 2″ Foam Ball*
Smoothfoam 3″ Foam Ball*
4″ Smoothfoam Ball*
DecoArt DAS9-4 Snow-Tex, 4-Ounce*
White and Orange Acrylic Paint
DecoArt Craft Twinkles Paint, 2-Ounce, Crystal*
Palette Knife*
Paint Brush
3 Inch Felt Top Hat, Black*
Strip of Gingham Fabric
Strip of Grey Felt
Small Brads and Holly Embellishment
X-ACTO 1 Knife*>
Craft Glue*
Bamboo Skewer*

*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 a small section off the bottom of the 4″ Smoothfoam ball so that it sits flat.
Cut a couple of 3″ sections from the bamboo skewer. Stick the skewer into the center of the 2″ and 3″ Smoothfoam balls.
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)
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.
Paint the entire Snowman base with white acrylic paint. This fills in and helps cover any area missed by the Snow-tex.
For a Frosty Look…paint the Snowman base with Craft Twinkles Glitter Paint.
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.
Cut a strip of gingham fabric and tie around neck. Cut small slits into the ends of fabric for fringe.
Use two small black brads inserted into the head for the eyes. Use five micro black brads insert as the mouth.
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*

Countdown to Christmas

December 1, 2015February 18, 2017Leave a comment

I had this idea to make a Countdown to Christmas using a small wood clipboard.

I’d been thinking about it and planning it in my head for a while.

When I went to the store all I could find were bright colored acrylic ones.

I knew if I kept searching I could find a wood one…

But, I really didn’t want to go running around to more stores so I picked one up

and decided I would change my plan.

The more I looked at this neon clipboard, I knew I wasn’t happy.

So… I decided to improvise.

I lightly sanded both sides of the clipboard with a fine grit sanding block.

Next, I gave the clipboard a couple of coats of Red Chalky Finish Paint.

After it was completely dried, I masked off an area with removable painter’s tape

and painted the inside of the masked area with black chalkboard paint.

“Hello December” is from a sheet of scrapbook paper from Simple Stories “Claus & Co.” Collection.

I embellished the clipboard with a silver ribbon, jingle bell and sparkly red berries.

I’m never satisfied with my own handwriting on these things…

so I added letter stickers on the bottom. (now I’m happy!)

Here’s what I used:

These products available at your local craft stores or online on amazon.com*

*Disclosure: I am a Amazon Affliate.

Mini Ribbon Wreath Ornaments

November 28, 2015November 3, 20213 Comments

No matter how you decorate for the Holidays…Shabby, Homespun, Country or Cute.

You can easily customize these Mini Ribbon Wreath Ornaments to fit your personal style.

Easy to make and sure to impress.

How To make Mini Ribbon Wreath Ornaments

Finished Size : 3”

Materials Used:

3″ Foam Ring*
3 yards of Ribbon (1/4” or 3/8”)
1/8″ Scor-Tape*
Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive*
Jingle Bell and Jump Ring
Adhesive Pearls*
Mini Bottle Brush Trees
Computer Generated Greeting printed on Cream Card-stock
Burlap or Scrapbook Paper Backing
Thin Metallic Trim for Hanging
Chipboard*
Scissors

*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!

Directions:

Apply a strip of 1/8″ adhesive around the outside edge of the Smoothfoam wreath. This keeps the ribbon securely in place while wrapping.
Wrap ribbon tightly around wreath. When you’ve wrapped the ribbon half way around wreath add the jump ring with jingle bell to ribbon so that it hangs on the bottom of the wreath and continue wrapping. When finished wrapping the ribbon, glue ribbon end onto back of wreath.
Add metallic ribbon trim on top of the wreath as the ornament hanger.
Glue mini bottle brush tree inside wreath.
Glue a piece of burlap or scrapbook paper onto a piece of chipboard and cut into a circle that will cover the inside of the wreath and glue to the back of the wreath.
Print a computer generated greeting on to a piece of cream card-stock. Cut down to size and notch out both ends to create a banner.
Give the banner a quick wave using your fingers and glue onto the bottom of the wreath.
Add adhesive pearls on to the wreath.
Add bow on the top of the wreath to finish it off.

Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial

Together is my Favorite Place to be…

November 26, 2015November 26, 2015Leave a comment

We took this photo a couple of months ago, the last time we were all together.

I always make them do a group picture. (it’s what I do)

My youngest son had the idea to take the picture in front of the old barn.

So we set up the tri-pod and self timer and I got this fun shot.

I am so Thankful for my Family.

After we got this picture, the real run began.

The boys started kicking the soccer ball around.

There were foot races, push ups and a lot of good family fun.

I found The Story of Family Collection by Echo Park and knew it was perfect for these pictures.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Warren’s Masterpiece

November 21, 2015November 19, 2015Leave a comment

I love watching little kids as they create.

At almost two, Warren doesn’t always get to use markers.

He just quietly worked on his Masterpiece for at least 10 minutes or more.

Just happy creating.

I wish I had that freedom. (my head gets in the way)

For Warren’s frame I decorated a clear flat acrylic frame from Deflecto Craft Solutions by adding a

couple strips of Washi Tape along with some Lime Green Iron-on Letters from Joy SA Inc.

I glued the letters onto the frame (since I couldn’t iron them) and added a couple magnet strips

to the back.

Warren was so proud of his Masterpiece.

*This project was created for Joy SA Inc. and sponsored by Joy SA Inc. and Deflecto Craft Solutions.

Etched Snowflake Candy Jar

November 19, 2015June 7, 20182 Comments

When it comes to the Holidays I love Quick and Easy Gift Ideas.

For the Snowflake Candy Jar…

I used a small canning jar etched with snowflakes and filled with candy.

It’s a project that I was able to put together in under a half hour.

To make the Snowflake Candy JAR…

etchall Etching Creme*
etchall etchmask*
etchall® Squeegee*
snowflake punch
ribbon
greenery craft stem
jingle bell and jump ring
red button and twine
Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive*

Punch a strip of Snowflakes using etchmask™ vinyl and a snowflake punch.
Carefully cover the jar with the vinyl.
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 over the snowflake cut out using the squeegee.
Wait 15 minutes. Scrape excess etching crème from the side of the jar and return extra etching crème back into the bottle. (it’s reusable)
Rinse jar with warm water to clean.
Remove Stencil and dry.
Add adhesive rhinestones to the center of each snowflake.
Wrap craft stem around the neck of the jar and glue on a red button.

Cut a small circle from decorative scrapbook paper and adhere to lid of the jar.
Embellish jar with greenery stem, jingle and bow.

This would make a great Teacher, Hostess, Bunco, or Gift Exchange Gift.

This project was created for and sponsored by Etchall®.

Don’t Miss a Thing…Make Sure to Follow me.

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!

Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial

Home Sweet Home Recipe Book Class

November 15, 2015November 14, 2015Leave a comment

♥ “Home Sweet Home” Recipe Book ♥

at The Paper Forest in Washington, IL

Tuesday, December 8th from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Cost: $35

Create a spiral bound recipe book using Graphic 45’s “Home Sweet Home” scrapbook paper and stickers. Inside the album is several heavy duty pouches from Deflecto just waiting for your own special recipes. Perfect Gift Idea!

Contact The Paper Forest www.thepaperforest.com or 1-309-745-3440 to sign up.

French Country Fall Stenciled Burlap Table Runner

November 13, 2015October 5, 2018Leave a comment

French Country Inspired Stenciled Burlap Table Runner for Fall.

This table runner is a Quick & Easy DIY project with no sewing involved.

To make the table runner you’ll need: *(affiliate links)

Directions:

Make sure to lay paper down before stenciling on burlap.
Tape around stencil with removable painter’s tape so that the stencil won’t move.
Using a stencil brush, dip just the tip of your brush into the paint. Tap off excess paint.
Stenciling is a “dry” brush technique.
Apply paint with stencil brush in a straight up and down motion called stippling.
Clean Stencil between each image.
Glue lace trim onto each edge of the runner using Fabri Tac glue.

Burlap is a rough fabric. You may want to add a layer of fabric or felt underneath the runner to protect the finish of your table.

Because I really liked how the table runner turned out…

I decided to create a pillow for the comfy chair in my dining room

I used muslin as a lining for the burlap and on the reverse side of the pillow.

(The pillow, of course, consisted of some sewing.)

Shop Amazon Scrapbooking Supplies*

How to make a Holly Jolly Flip Album…

November 11, 2015October 26, 2016Leave a comment

I wanted to share with you today one of my favorite projects from my Holiday Workshop

last Saturday. It is the “Holly Jolly Flip Album” using paper from Canvas Corp Brands

Farmhouse Christmas Collection and a 5″ x 7″ Black Acrylic Frame from Deflecto Craft Solutions.

It’s a fairly simple project and the ladies were able to complete the album in just a couple of hours.

Holly Jolly Flip Album

Here’s the complete supply list:

Deflecto Craft Frame, Black Border, 5 x 7 Inches (69575CR)
Canvas Corp Brands Binding Rings-Medium: Antique Brass
Canvas Corp Brands CCP2915 Better Not Pout Tags on Kraft 12 x 12 paper
Canvas Corp Brands CCP2914 Red & Black Stitched Diamonds on Kraft 12 x 12 paper
Canvas Corp Brands CCP2370 Red & Kraft Ribbon Stripe 12 x 12 paper
Canvas Corp Brands CCP2913 Farmhouse Christmas Patchwork on Kraft 12 x 12 paper
Canvas Corp Brands CCP2912 Snowflakes on Kraft Reverse 12 x 12 paper
Canvas Corp Brands CCP2722 Kraft Damask 12 x 12 paper
Canvas Corp Brands Optical Lens: Antique Brass
Canvas Corp Brands Fluted Corrugated Paper: Black, Kraft
Canvas Corp Brands Trims: Red Waxed Cotton Cord, Jute Cord Natural Twine
Canvas Corp Brands 17960 Tickets: Journal
Canvas Corp Brands Mini Kraft Bags
Red and Black Cardstock
Offray Charade Metallic Craft Ribbon, 5/8-Inch Wide by 25-Yard Spool, Gold
Decorative Trimmings 01317-003 Trim Aztec Gold
Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L 01617 Thin 3D Foam Squares Mix-Black
We R Memory Keepers Eyelets Cool Metal
Drill
We R Memory Keepers Crop-A-Dile Eyelet and Snap Punch, Blue Handle
1 11/16” Hole Punch
Paper Cutter
Double Stick Tape Runner
Craft Glue
Beacon Adhesives Fabri-Tac
Ruler
Jump Ring

Directions:

Mark and measure hole placement on black acrylic frame.
Drill 3/8” holes into frame.
Cut a 7” x 9” piece of Red & Kraft Ribbon Stripe paper and insert into frame.
Album Cover: Cut the “Holly Jolly Christmas” section from the Better Not Pout Tags on Kraft. Layer it onto black cardstock, kraft corrugated paper and then another back cardstock layer.
Cut a 4 3/4” x 6 3/4” piece of Red & Black Stitched Diamonds and adhere it onto a piece of 5” x 7” Red Cardstock layer. Add a 3/4” x 4 3/4” strip of Red & Kraft Ribbon Stripe. Adhere “Holly Jolly” layers onto the Red & Black Stitched Diamonds.
Punch a 1 11/16” circle from the Better Not Pout Tags and glue onto the back of the Optical lens by adding craft glue along the outside edges of the lens. Add jump ring to Optical Lens.
Mark and measure holes to line up with black acrylic frame on the Album Cover and punch holes. Add eyelets to holes with the Crop-a-dile.
Tie a piece of gold ribbon around the front of the album cover.
Cut several pieces of black 5” x 7” cardstock layers to use as the pages of the album. Decorate album pages using additional scrapbook paper layers, strips, flips, pockets, trim, cords, tickets and mini bags.
Align, measure and punch holes in the top of the album pages.
Add album cover and pages to the black acrylic frame using medium book rings. Add Optical lens to ring.
Embellish the stand by adding gold decorative trim with Fabri-Tac glue.

“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.”