Sue’s Fussy Cutting for Beginners

May 29, 2015October 9, 2015Leave a comment

What is Fussy Cutting you ask?

Fussy Cutting is a quilting term meaning: the selective cutting of a fabric based on a particular element or design. To cut pieces of fabric so that a particular part of the printed design is centered or featured.

Scrapbookers and Paper Crafters have adopted the term using it to select and cut around specific images on a printed paper.

When I fussy cut, I look for larger, whole images that are easy to cut out. You’ll need to have a good, sharp pair of scissors with a fine tip so you’ll be able to cut smaller detailed images. For layering, my favorite thing to use is thin 3D foam mounting squares from Scrapbook Adhesive by 3L.

Above is a picture I created using Hot Off the Press Artful Watercolor collection. The paper pack comes with two sheets of each design.

Below is the framed picture broken down into sections.

I used a second sheet of the scrapbook paper (with the large white flower) and cut along the design to create a pocket. The pocket was inked with brown ink to make it stand out more.
I added my daughter’s picture right at the top of the pocket. I cut post cards from a another sheet from the collection and inserted into the pocket covering the bottom of the picture. The picture and postcards are secured into place with my double adhesive tape.
I cut out two white flowers from the floral scrapbook sheet from the collection. Cut close around the image. I gave the flowers shape by rubbing the back of the flower with a large ball stylus tool on a soft foam or rubber surface. Adhere the flowers together with a thin foaming mounting square.
Cut the center only from two additional flower images. Round the centers (step #3). Adhere to the center of the white flower using a small thin foam mounting squares.
Place finished picture into the floating beveled frame. Mount layered flower on top the large white flower that is under the glass.

Close up of the flower. Maya Angelou Quote in a 4 x 6 clear acrylic frame.

“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.”

How to make a Farm House Kitchen Recipe Book

May 26, 2015January 21, 20211 Comment

The Farm House Kitchen Recipe Book

was made using papers and embellishments from Canvas Corp Brands Farm House Kitchen line.

This recipe book is a fairly easy but still detailed, I’ve included lots of photos and instructions

so you can make one for yourself. If you have any questions on the project please leave them in

the comments and I will answer them as soon as I can. Enjoy!

Designed by Sue Eldred for Canvas Corp Brands.

Canvas Corp Brands Products:

CCP2868 Black & Ivory Fleur De Lis Reverse
CCP2609 Black & Ivory Ribbon Stripe
CCP2745 Black & Ivory Pin Dot
CCP2785 Little Black Pages on Ivory
CCP2631 Black & Ivory Bon Appetit (2 sheets)
CCP2845 General Store On Ivory
CCP2829 Black & Ivory Zig Zag
CCP2844 Bake & Can Recipe Cards (3 sheets)
CCP2817 Journal Lines on Ivory
Black Corrugated Paper
12717 Charms Kitchen
Cream Cord
Silver Jump Rings

Additional Products Used:

Chipboard
Black Cardstock
Dbl. Stick Tape Runner
Bind It All & Coil
Black Foam Mounting Squares
1/16” hole punch

Finished Book: 7 1/2” x 8 3/4”

Inside Pages: 7 1/4” x 8 3/4”

Cut two pieces of chipboard 7 1/2” x 8 3/4”.
Cut one piece of Fleur De Lis paper 8 1/2” x 9 3/4” for the front cover and one piece of Black and Ivory Zig Zag 8 1/2” x 9 3/4” for the back cover.
Generously apply adhesive to the back of the scrapbook paper, make sure to go to the edge of the paper. Lay and center the cut chipboard onto the back of the paper.
To make mitered edges: Cut at a diagonal a triangle off each edge of the four corners of the scrapbook paper. Leave approx. 1/8” space between chipboard when cutting. (tip-save triangles to cover edges if corners don’t meet.

5. Fold over and adhere each edge to the reverse side of the chipboard. Repeat with the second piece of chipboard and scrapbook paper. Rub with bone folder for better adhesion.

6. Cut two pieces of Black & Ivory Bon Appetit paper 7 1/4” x 8 1/2” and adhere to the inside of the album.

7. Decorate the front cover with a 1 1/2” strip of Black and Ivory Ribbon Stripe paper and a 1” strip of Black and Ivory Pin Stripe paper.

8. Cut two pieces of black corrugated paper, 4 1/2” x 6 1/2” and 1” x 6 1/2”.

9. Cut and the 4” x 6” section with the word “inspire” from the Little Black Pages on Ivory paper and adhere to the 4 1/2” x 6 1/2” piece of black corrugated paper.

10. Punch three small holes on the 1” strip of black corrugated paper and hang kitchen charms with silver jump rings.

11. Glue on top of “inspire” paper.

12. Tie White Cord around layers and adhere to the front of the album.

13. For the Inside Pages: Cut several pieces of black cardstock 7 1/4” x 8 3/4”.

14. Cut and add recipe cards from the Bake and Can Recipe Cards paper to your book.

15. Decorate your pages with additional strips of paper and cut outs from the General Store on Ivory paper.

16. Bind the Farm House Recipe Book with the Bind It all Machine and coils.

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

Smiley Face Graduation Pencil Topper

May 22, 2015February 9, 2023Leave a comment

What every Graduate needs. A Smiley Face Graduation Pencil Topper.

And because this little guy’s feeling really special, he needed a bow tie.

To make the Smiley Face Pencil Topper you’ll need:

2″ Smoothfoam Ball
Sanding Block or Fine Sandpaper
Craft Knife
Yellow and Black Acrylic Paint
Pencil
Black Cardstock or Black Chipboard
Red Twine
Black Brad
Black Gingham Ribbon
Craft Glue

Lightly sand ridge from the smoothfoam ball.
To make the top of the ball flat, cut a small portion from the top of the ball with a craft knife.
Paint the ball with yellow paint.
Paint the top portion of ball with black paint and paint on face.
Bore a hole into the bottom of the ball big enough to fit the pencil.
Using the red twine, make a small tassel.
Cut a 2″ square piece of black chipboard.
Punch a small hole in center of the chipboard. Insert ends of the tassel and black brad.
Glue Mortarboard onto top of the Smiley Face. Insert onto pencil
Make a small bow tie from black gingham ribbon and glue onto the front of the pencil.

This project was created for and sponsored by Smoothfoam.

The Cooker Guy

May 21, 2015June 6, 2019Leave a comment

Another fun kid friendly project with one of my favorite helpers. The Cooker Guy!

Kids love helping in the kitchen and this guy’s no exception. Whenever he catches me

working on something in the kitchen, a scooting chair is soon to follow.

I’ve been told several times, “Grandma you need a kid apron for me.”

So… I decided we should make a special one just for him.

I purchased a small apron from Canvas Corp Brands.

They call it a Toddler Apron, but it’s plenty big enough for this 4 year old.

We misted and sprayed the apron with various colors of Glimmer Mists from Tattered Angels.

We also used a couple of stencils to create designs on the apron.

Personally, I think it looks more like a Art Apron than a Chef Apron.

But really? Who’s to say? He’s happy and that’s all that matters.

To make this apron special I used these really nice iron-on embroidered letters I received from

I used the Funky Style Hobo Font in white.

I like getting the letters in white so that I can customize them any color I want.

Make sure to check out their Creating with Joy Blog. www.creatingwithjoy.blogspot.com

I asked Nick what he wanted his apron to say and he choose the words “Cooker Guy.”

Here’s my happy “Cooker Guy”, doing what does best. Helping out.

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

*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!

Happy Days Card Class Reminder

May 20, 2015May 18, 2015Leave a comment

It’s not to late to sign up for this fun card class at The Paper Forest…

Happy Days Cards

Enjoy life’s little moments with cards made from this fun collection of papers from the “Happy Days” Collection from Pebbles Inc.

The Paper Forest in Washington, IL

Saturday, May 30th

10:30-12:30

Cost: $20.00

Contact The Paper Forest at 309-745-3440 for more information or to sign up.

Supplies Needed: Scissors, Paper Trimmer, Tape Runner, Foam Mounting Squares

Art Play Paintables

May 8, 2015February 9, 2023Leave a comment

The other day while I was procrastinating…

I decided to get out my Art Play Paintables and do a little water coloring.

I love these fun sheets from Adorn It call Art Play Paintables.

So many wonderful images to fill in.

Great for watercolors, color pencils and markers.

You know… I think I need to take more time to just play.

Happy Friday!

It’s the little things….

May 6, 2015May 5, 2015Leave a comment

A kind word, a sweet smile, a warm hug…

It’s the little things in life that make me happy.

A simple act of kindness can change somebody’s day.

Have a great day. Make it a good one.

Oh… and DON’T FORGET TO SMILE!

DIY Graduation Frame with Tassel

May 5, 2015May 19, 2023Leave a comment

Some years I don’t have any Graduations to celebrate.

This year there are three. One from High School, Two from Junior High. (not mine!)

I decided to make a Graduation Frame to use as one of the gifts.

After the ceremony the Graduate can take out the greeting and add a picture.

For my frame I used: (*affiliate link)

deflect-o Superior Image Curved Magnetic Sign Holders, Black Back, 7×5*
Ranger Inkssentials Ink Blending Tool-with 2 Blending Foams*
Cobblestone Ink
White Adhesive Chipboard Numbers
Red Twine or Embroidery Floss
Thin Gold Wire
Computer Generated Greeting
Red, Gray, White Cardstock
Xyron Tape Runner*
Scissors
chipboard scrap

To make the tassel: Wrap the red twine around a piece of chipboard several times. The size of the chipboard determines the length of the tassel.
Cut a piece of twine to gather and tie tightly around the twine at the top of the wrapped chipboard.
Cut open the bottom loops from the chipboard.
Wrap thin gold wire around the top of the tassel to imitate the look of a gold band.
Trim the bottom of the tassel to even the length.
Create computer generated greeting and insert inside the frame.
Ink white chipboard numbers gray using the ink applicator. Stick on front of the frame.
Make a small garland from small 1/2″ strips of paper adhered to a piece of red twine.
Adhere the tassel to the back of the frame with a small piece of tape. That way the Graduate can reposition the tassel if needed after adding photo.

FYI: When my oldest graduated from High school his younger sister also graduated from Junior High. Four years later when it was time for her to graduate High School he was graduating from College.

SO….for all you young people thinking of starting a family.

Don’t space your kids 4 years apart. (The magic number is three.) Just saying!

“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.”

*Disclosure: 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!

Block Stamping on Canvas with Smoothfoam

May 1, 2015October 9, 2015Leave a comment

I had this great idea to make stamps using Smoothfoam so that I could do sidewalk stamping with my

Grandsons. After one messy (but fun) try, I decided it really wasn’t going to work the way I wanted.

So… I decided to use the stamps on a canvas instead.

(See Wednesday’s post: The Good, the Bad and the Messy)

I created the stamps using a Hotwire Foam Cutter. You could also use a craft knife.

Because the original plan was to use them with the kids, I glued handles on the back.

I made flower shapes, leaves, squares and triangles.

Supplies Used:

12″ x 12″ Smoothfoam Sheet
2″ Smoothfoam Ball
10″ x 10″ Canvas
Acrylic Paint
Sponge
Uchida of America Foam Cutter, Plug In or a craft knife.
Folk Art 30465 Peel and Stick Painting Stencil, Happy Words

Prime canvas with acrylic paint.
Sponge acrylic paint on the back of the Smoothfoam pre-cut square, stamp onto the canvas. You may need to press the back of the canvas with your remaining hand to get crisper image. Repeat three more times to create square background.
Stamp flower and leaves. Using a small Smoothfoam ball cut in half, stamp center of flower.
Stencil words on Canvas.