Canvas Corp Brands Creative Crew

Creative Crew Badge  I’m so excited to finally let you know that I’m now part of

Canvas Corp Brands New Creative Crew.

So many wonderful brands to work with…  Canvas Corp Home Basics, Tattered Angels and 7 Gypsies.

I can’t wait to dive right in.

One of our first challenges as a crew was to make a 4 x 4 canvas that represents our style.

Sue Eldred's 4 x 4 Canvas 1336

Here’s mine….  clean, simple with a shabby vintage feel.

(tag from the New “Gypsy Moments” Collection)

Don’t Forget to SMILE Today!

Don't forget to smile 2243

A fun little project to brighten your day.

Along with the Art Play Paintables that I used for the ADORNit Blog Hog,

I also received some great wood pieces, a pad of Blender Basics and some fun Art Play Prints.

Adorn It Blender Basics 2139

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To make the project:

  1. Paint the edges of the wood pieces with black acrylic paint.
  2. Glue paper from the Blender Basics pad onto the wood pieces using Mono Adhesive glue.
  3. Trim around the shapes with a craft knife and lightly sand the edges with a sanding block.
  4. Distress the edges with Vintage Photo Distress Ink and a Ink Applicator.
  5. Glue the two pieces together.
  6. Cut around the inner circle from the “Smile” Art Play Prints and glue to the center.

Have a great day and don’t forget to SMILE!

This project was created by me, materials provided by ADORNit. 

*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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ADORNit Blog Hop and Giveaway

Have you seen ADORNit’s Art Play Paintables Collection by Lindsay Ostrom?

These papers are a card makers dream.

All these wonderful images without having to buy a ton of stamps.

The papers are perfect for coloring with color pencils, markers or painting

with water colors or inks.

I like to watercolor with my inks and markers and a waterbrush.

If my inks have a flexible lid, I squeeze color into the lid and use that as my palette.

If not, I dab the ink onto a non-porous surface and paint away.

(These cards were created for and sponsored by Adorn It.)

How to Make a Snowflake Hair Bow

Snowflake Bow 2047

To make my Snowflake Hair Bow you’ll need:

Snowflake Box Supplies

Supplies Needed:

Putting together the pieces 2070

Directions:

  1. Cut four 4″ pieces of 7/8″ Tranquil Blue Ribbon and four 4″ pieces of the Arabesque Ribbon.
  2. Remove wire from the Arabesque ribbon.  (white sheer)
  3. Cut four 3 1/2″ pieces of 3/8″ Tranquil Blue Ribbon and four 3 1/2″ pieces of Navy Satin.
  4. Thread needle and thread, tie with a knot leaving a long tail.
  5. Lay the 4″ white sheer ribbon over the 7/8″ Tranquil Blue Ribbon, fold the ribbon in half and stitch together with a simple running stitch.
  6. Lay the 3 1/2″ Navy Ribbon over the 3/8″ Tranquil Blue ribbon, fold the ribbon in half and add with a simple running stitch to the first section of ribbon.
  7. Continue stitching ribbon sections together.  (as shown in the picture above)
  8. Gather both ends of the thread, pull the ribbon together and tie with a knot.
  9. Cut eight 4″ of Arabesque sheer ribbon.  Remove wire from ribbon.
  10. Stitch ribbon together like in previous steps.  (see steps 6-8)
  11. Glue the two ribbon sections together with Fabri Tac glue.  (see picture below)
  12. Lightly apply blue ink onto white snowflake brad.  Wipe off excess ink.
  13. Remove prongs from the back of the snowflake brad and glue onto the white button.
  14. Glue button to the center of the bow.
  15. Glue or sew bow onto the metal barrette base.

Putting the pieces together 2038

Offray Logo

I would like to thank Offray Ribbon for generously providing the ribbon used in this project.

This project uses Amazon Affiliate links.  If you choose to purchase an item from Amazon from this link, I receive a small commission that helps defray the cost of running this blog.

Vintage Inspired Hearts

 When we think Valentine’s Day we think hearts, right?

These DIY vintage hearts would also make a sweet gift for a special friend

or they could be used as a decoration in a vintage inspired wedding centerpiece.

Hearts are not just for Valentine’s Day.  

 How to make Vintage Inspired Hearts                    (*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:

  1. Cover Smoothfoam Heart with Newsprint paper using glue stick.
  2. Apply a thin coat of cream acrylic paint over heart.  Wipe off excess.
  3. Add Fired Brick Ink to heart using the ink applicator.  Accent the edges of the heart with the Vintage Photo Ink.
  4. Stick small word stickers onto center of heart.
  5. Apply mod podge over heart for added shine.

To make the heart an ornament:

  1. Poke a small hole into the top of the heart.
  2. Fold a 6″ piece of twine in half, thread bead onto twine.  Knot on both sides of the bead to keep in place.
  3. Add small dab of craft glue into hole and insert loose ends of twine.

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

 

Vintage Frame Project (aka Plan B)

I woke up pretty darn proud of myself today.  All I had to do was put the final coat of wax

on my project and then “Wow” you with the finished masterpiece.

I even had a catchy title for the post called “When Procrastination Pays Off”.

I even took a picture of the pieces beforehand.

I was confidentially prepared for the win.  (you know, my awesome blog post)

Vintage Frame Project Supplies

Some may call me a procrastinator….

I like to wait until inspiration strikes.

Here’s the way I think…

The other evening, I received some awesome paint from the good people at Plaid.

I had this old frame that I picked at a garage sale last May for a quarter, an old needlepoint

tapestry that I made (um-hum) 25 years or so ago, old sheet music and a coupon for Jo-Ann’s

for framing.  All of a sudden I needed to use that frame.

The original plan was to have Jo-Ann Fabrics frame the tapestry and then see if I could purchase

glass and a mat for the frame.

(Side note:  Just because you have a framing coupon doesn’t mean your Jo-Ann’s have a frame shop)

So…the next stop, the hardware store for a $5 piece of glass.

How hard could it be?  I don’t need professional framing.  I can do it myself.

I guess I should of seen the sweat off the old man’s brow as a sign

that I was in for more than I could chew.

Last night I sanded, painted and distressed.  The frame looked lovely.

Today a coat of clear wax, wait an hour, then buff.

Armed with chipboard, tape, flat head screwdriver, old tapestry and good intentions

I went on to finish my masterpiece.  Only one problem… it didn’t fit.

The needlepoint tapestry was too fat for the frame.  (I didn’t see that one coming.)

So… on to “Plan B”.

Framed Clover Blossoms

I decided to stick the Vintage Sheet Music in the frame instead.  (maybe it’s really Plan A?)close up of distressed frame

Seriously, I love this chalk paint from Plaid.  (Did you happen to notice the date on the sheet music?)

tapestry

I guess I’ll leave this wonky shaped tapestry for the professionals.  (Michael’s here I come.)

from Drab to Fab: My Perfect Planner

Sue's 2015 Planner 1049

Every year around this time, I start searching for the perfect planner.

My sweet husband even picked up a couple of planners for a Christmas gift.

I’m really picky and he knows my requirements.  They came with the receipt and a disclaimer.

After taking one of the calendars back, I picked up a third one just in case.

I like to keep my options open before committing to something as important as a yearly planner.

After forgetting to pick up hairspray during our last trip to Walmart,

my husband volunteered to take the groceries to the car and pick me up at the door if

I went back and got it.   (after all, it was for him)  Besides it was really cold.

Anyway… on my way back to get the hairspray I ran across a huge display of

very cheap inexpensive planners for only $1.00.  Eureka!

Finally… exactly what I was looking for.

A month at a glance, thin, big enough space for writing, with lines planner.

Plain 2015 Planner

The colors were bright, but, I knew that didn’t matter.  It was perfect for decorating.

And… better yet, it came with a clear protective cover.

With the help of some scrapbook paper and stickers, I just happened to have on hand,

I now have the perfect planner.

From Drab to Fab, Cheap to Designer.  I love it and I couldn’t be happier!

On a Side-note:  I showed my husband my fabulous creation and he wasn’t nearly as

amazed as I thought he would be.  (go figure!)

Joy Tag with a Cool Metal Foil Technique

Impress your friends with an Easy and Elegant Metal Foil Tape project.

I love this technique and thought you might as well.

Start with a small piece of matboard or chipboard approx. 2″ x 2 1/2″ and chipboard letters spelling the word “Joy”.

Joy Tag products used:            (*amazon 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!

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Directions:

1. Glue letters onto the small chipboard with Beacon Adhesives Zip Dry Paper Glue*.
2. Apply Aluminum Foil Tape* over chipboard. I make the chipboard slightly smaller than the tape so that I don’t have any seams.
3. Using the bone folder, gently go around each letter to bring out the detail.

4. Paint the background with the paint pen. To give it a snowy affect, when
giving a second coat of paint, dot the paint with the tip instead of brushing.
5. Use the pale blue pen to color the letters. Allow both colors to thoroughly
dry.
6. Using a sanding block, lightly sand the letters and edges of the chipboard.
7. For a finishing touch, paint the letters with stickles glitter glue.

The tag also uses:
Prima Flowers (Holiday Celebration Snow Drop)
Vivid Ink: Aqua
Ink Blending Tool*
Scrapbook Paper
Cardstock
Corner Punch, Rounded*
1/8 Inch Round Hole Punch*
Lace, Silver Ribbon and Small Flat Snowflake Ornament
Silver Greenery

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Christmas Ornaments from Old Kitchen Hardware

Old Kitchen Hardware

I picked up a bag of old kitchen hardware for 50¢ at a Garage Sale.

I can’t resist a good bargain and knew I might even use them someday.

After disassembling and using them on a couple of projects,

I put the rest in a container high on the shelf for another day.

 

I ran across them again the other day and had an idea…

How would they look with cream spray paint?

I knew I was onto something and let the idea marinate in my head for a day or two.

This is what I came up with and I’m pretty happy with the results.

Shabby Chic Orn 86

For my Ornament:

  • Paint the base plate from old kitchen hardware with cream spray paint.
  • I added silver around the edge using my finger tip and paint from a  Chisel Point Pen Tip Calligraphy Paint Marker, Silver*    (affiliate link)
  • Remove the small wooden base from a small bottle brush tree.  With small pliers bend the remaining wire tip up into the tree.
  • Cut the back of the bottle brush tree to make it flat.
  • Glue tree in place with Beacon Adhesives Zip Dry.*
  • For a little extra sparkle, I rubbed clear glitter glue into the bristles of the tree.  Glue pearl beads and place directly into tree.
  • On the top of the ornament I used a piece cream twill ribbon with an inexpensive plastic star ornament on a silver jump ring.  Tied it in place with a piece of burlap twine and small cream button.
  • I added a silver jingle bell that I painted and distressed with sandpaper and tied on with a satin ribbon.
  • Place the word sticker onto a thin piece of chipboard, trim around sticker, lightly sand the edges for a distressed look and glue into place.

Berry Ornament 91

Here’s a simpler idea.  I love this one too.

I bet your going to start rummaging through that junk drawer in the garage and see what you can find.

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*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!

Updated… A New Look for an Old Snowman

Updated Sock Snowman

Last year at my Holiday Workshop we made cute little snowmen out of socks.

They were a big hit.

But… one thing, I noticed when I pulled mine out again this year,

was that they looked a little misshapen.  More like a kidney bean than a snowman.

That was because I used rice for the entire body.  (the rice settled)

My updated snowmen still uses rice in the bottom, it now has fiberfill in the top

so that it doesn’t loose its shape.

I also decided my Snowman was cold, so I re-purposed an old sock for his sweater.

For more Making More Sock Snowmen Ideas you can find them here.

Here’s What You’ll Need:                    (*affiliate Links)

Here’s how I made my Snowman:

  1. Tea dye a new white sock, crew length or bigger.  Or if you have boys you could use one of their dingy ones.  (It’s better not to use a sock with the grey toe and heel.)
  2. Cut the top of the sock off, right around the heel.  (save that for the hat.)
  3. Turn the sock inside out and attach a rubber-band tightly around the top of the sock.  Because rubber bands wear out with time, I added a good squirt of Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive* (*affiliate link) in and around the rubber band.  (I left the rubber band on)
  4. Turn the sock right side out and fill sock about 1/2 way with rice.
  5. Fill the remaining portion of the sock with Fairfield Poly-Fil Premium Polyester Fiber*
  6. Use an additional rubber-band to close the sock.  Again, I re-enforced the rubber band with glue.
  7. Tie a piece of twine around sock to create the head.
  8. I used mini black square brads for his eyes, the tip of a bamboo skewer colored orange for his nose and a simple sewn black thread for his mouth.
  9. I used some paper craft sprays to add color to the toe of the sock.  I tied the tip with a piece of red and white twine and finished with a bow.  Roll the edge to create a cuff.  I glued my hat to the top of my snowman with Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive*(*affiliate link)
  10. Dress with Snowman with part of an old sock.  Add a couple of buttons for added detail.  A  fringed piece of fabric works great for the scarf.

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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!

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