Tag: Home Decor

Diamond Art…a new trend in crafting

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Diamond Art by Leisure Arts 

This past week-end was a stormy, nasty, stay indoors kind of week-end.

The perfect time for crafting and learning/trying something different.

I’d been wanting to start the new Rose Diamond Art kit that I received from Leisure Arts.

I knew the kit was going to take a little time and I was just waiting for the perfect opportunity

to give it my full attention.

What is Diamond Arts?

It is a new trend in crafting.

It’s similar to cross stitching and paint by numbers.

“A little bit tedious, curiously addicting and extremely satisfying.”

It was so addicting that I didn’t want to stop…

I had to bring it down onto the kitchen counter so I could work on the it while cooking dinner.

Leisure Arts makes kits for beginners, intermediate and advanced.

They have a great selection of Diamond Arts Kits for both kids and adults.

The Rose Diamond Art kit includes:

  • One High Quality Printed Fabric
  • Gems Pre-sorted by Color
  • Stylus
  • Craft Tray
  • Wax Piece
  • Comfort Grip
  • Instructions

*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!

The rose design is pre-printed on the fabric with the symbols for the Diamond Art gems and

is coated with a special adhesive.  You pick the gem up using the stylus and place the gem

onto the corresponding symbol on the printed fabric.

It really is that easy.  Great for kids age 8 and up.

The kits comes with photos and great instructions.

If you’re a visual learner like me, check out the video below.

LeisureArts.com has a great selection of Diamond Arts kits that you can purchase online.

If you sign up for email updates you can get 15% off your first order.

THANK YOU Leisure Arts for providing this awesome Rose Diamond Art kit.

Sew Simple Fall Welcome Banner

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Sew Simple Fall Welcome Banner…

Welcome your guests all season long with this easy to make Fall Welcome Banner.

To make the Fall Welcome Banner you’ll need:

  • Two pieces of 8″ x 12″ plaid flannel
  • JoyⓇ Gold Iron-on Embroidered Letters
  • Felt:  Cream, Green and Tan
  • Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive*
  • Various Trims and Buttons
  • Sewing Machine
  • Iron
  • Bamboo Skewer

Directions:

  • Cut simple pumpkin shape out of cream felt.  You can find several simple pumpkin images online that you can trace onto the felt.
  • Cut a pumpkin stem from tan felt and leaves from green felt.
  • Glue shapes and trim onto flannel with fabric glue*.

    • Top stitch around pumpkin and trims on flannel using the sewing machine.

    •  Place second piece of flannel over the decorated piece and sew together leaving space for turning the right side out.  Sew banner closed.
    • Set iron to cotton setting, approx. 350°.
    • Iron banner to flatten.
    • Position letters with shiny side down onto flannel.
    • Cover letters with a clean soft cloths, with a firm pressure iron cloth over letters for 25 seconds.
    • Turn flannel over and iron the back of the letters for 25 seconds.
    • Create a small pocket by folding and sewing down top of banner.
    • Insert a bamboo skewer or small wood dowel on top of banner for hanging.

Joy® iron-on, embroidered letters and number sheets are available in a variety of sizes, colors, and fonts at your local craft stores.

“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.

Shop Your Fav Brands at Scrapbook.com

*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!

Personalizing My Ikea Finds for the Kitchen…

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Personalizing My IKEA finds for the kitchen…

When you live 3 hours in any direction from the nearest IKEA,  you make your husband

stop anytime you’re close.

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Since I didn’t have advance notice to prepare and my husband only has the patience to

go around once.  I just grabbed without real purpose.

I really wish I would have bought more, a return trip is needed.

Here are the plain Ikea finds before being personalized!

This summer, we’ve been working on updating our kitchen.

It’s been a slow process.

Recently we had a kitchen sink dilemma…which halted choosing a backsplash tile.

For a distraction…a couple cute little DIY projects were in order.

A “Rae Dunn” inspired planter.

I love working with vinyl.  For my “Rae Dunn” inspired planter,

I used a Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine*to create the words “be happy”

out of Matte Black Removable Adhesive Vinyl* from StyletechCraft.  (*affiliate links)

I simply applied the words onto my planter using Vinyl Transfer Tape*.

So easy to do.

Removable vinyl makes it easy to change out my words with the seasons.

Did you know that this vinyl will remove cleanly for up to two years?

This vinyl film is great for decorating a kid’s room, a classroom or just about

anywhere you just need a temporary graphic.

And, with 27 colors available, it’s not hard to find the perfect color

for whatever you can dream up!

I have dish soap issues.

I like to keep it handy, but, hate the way the regular sized

plastic bottle looks on the counter.

I usually buy the smaller bottles.  (just slightly better)

Solution… I picked up the cute soap dispenser during my last trip to IKEA

and also personalized it with the Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine*.

This time I created a small label using Matte Black Removable Adhesive Vinyl*  

and words using Matte White Removable Adhesive Vinyl*.

It looks so much better than plastic soap bottles.

Fingers crossed, I’ll be sharing the kitchen project soon!

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

Shop Your Fav Brands at Scrapbook.com

*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!

Creating Word Art with Monograms

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Create Personalized Word Art for your home with framed Monograms.

A Quick and Easy DIY Home Décor project to make using Joy Embroidered Monogram letters.

Here’s what I used:

*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!

  • Cut the paper to fit inside frame.
  • Glue monogram letters to paper.
  • Insert into frame.
  • Glue flowers to outside of frame.

 

Try creating a custom wall display using the word “FAMILY”.

Additional sizes of embroidered monograms are available for endless word fun.

You can find Joy Iron-On letters at your favorite craft stores!

This project was sponsored by Joy SA.

Shop Your Fav Brands at Scrapbook.com

Shop Amazon Scrapbooking Supplies*

Sparkle your 4th…

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Sparkle your 4th…

For the 4th of July, I decided to create a round-up of my past 4 favorite patriotic projects.

Enjoy!

Recycle your old blue wine bottle into a festive display.

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

To make the project… read here.

Red White and Blue Table Top Decoration

White picket fences, fireworks and the good old red white and blue. 

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

rolled into one.     To see how I made it… read more.

Welcome your visitors with an Americana Wreath for your front door.

How to make the Americana Ribbon Wreath

  • I used a 14″ ruled wreath from Smoothfoam.
  • Glue one end of the ribbon down onto the foam wreath and wrap the ribbon tightly around the first section.  Glue second end of the ribbon in place before starting second color. (I used Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive* to glue my ribbon in place.)
  • Using a thin floral wire, wire the small floral stems onto the base of the wreath.
  • Glue larger flowers and leaves onto the wreath over the wire.
  • Add large stemmed butterfly and ribbon to hang.

So many possibilities.

For more information… read more.

Deck out the deck with a fun denim banner made from old jeans.

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.

For more pictures and instructions read here.

Shop Dollar Tree for Red White & Blue Party Supplies*                      (*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!

      

For Creative inspiraton…Make Sure to Follow me.

Shop Your Fav Brands at Scrapbook.com

Grand Canyon Adventure & “Roughin’ It” Shadowbox Frame

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In January, after the Creativation Show in Phoenix, we took a little mini vacation.

We had decided earlier to visit Sedona and in a spur of the moment decision

decided to take a day trip to the Grand Canyon.

Neither of us had been and it was on our bucket list.

The day was beautiful and the views were AMAZING!

If you ever get the opportunity to visit the Grand Canyon, I suggest you go.

You won’t be disappointed.

For my Xyron Design Team Project this week, we partnered up with Paper House Productions.

I picked the Paper House Productions Great Outdoors Camping Kit*.        (*affiliate link)

I knew it’d be perfect for my Grand Canyon pictures.

Interesting Fact… I’ve never camped a day in my entire life. (and proud of it)           

Even it you don’t go camping, you’ve got to admit this Great Outdoors Washi Tape Set is cute.

“My idea of roughing it is a bad hotel room!”

This what I tell people whenever they talk about camping.  (it’s not for me)

To make the “ROUGHIN’ IT” shadow box frame…

Products Used:     (*affiliate link)

Directions…

  1. Remove the glass from the shadowbox frame to create a ledge for adding small found treasures.  (removing glass is optional…just a personal preference)
  2. Print the saying “My idea is…”  onto one of the scenic papers from the “Great Outdoors” kit and cut it to 6″ x 6″.  For extra dimension, I used my  Xyron Mega Runner* to adhere the layer onto green mat-board.
  3. Cut a 9″ x 9″ green gingham background from the paper crafting kit and adhere the printed paper to the center of the green gingham background.
  4. Use the 4″ x 4″ “ROUGHIN’ IT” square from the “Great Outdoor Tags” scrapbook paper and adhere it onto mat-board for extra dimension.  Adhere to center of the printed scenic square.
  5. Add the 3D tent sticker over the tent pictured in the “roughin’ it square” .
  6. Add 3D lamp and leaf to embellish.
  7. Insert into shadow box frame.

“This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Xyron 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 post 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!

“Dyeing” for Spring

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Welcome Spring with all your beautiful flowers, warmer days and everything renewed.

My Welcome Spring Banner turned into a real labor of love.

I began this project with the idea of using fun pink and purple hand cut felt flowers.

After I cut all the flowers and leaves, I decided to dye the embroidered letters.

The letters turned out so soft and delicate, I needed something softer for the flowers.

So…more flowers and more dyeing!  (make sure to read all the instructions below.)

I could of kept things simple and glued all the flowers in place, but noooo…

instead at the last minute I committed myself to stitching the entire thing.

Let me tell you…I’m not a stitcher!    (But, I am pretty satisfied by the way they turned out.)

To make the Welcome Spring Banner you’ll need:

  1. Add several drops of dye ink to each misting bottle.
  2. Remove letters from backing sheet and place on a Non Stick Craft Mat* or (wax paper).
  3. Spritz the letters with both blue and green ink for a variegated look.  Allow the ink to soak into the letters then dab away excess ink and water with a paper towel.  Let dry.

Look at how beautiful the letters dried.  ↓

4.  Create simple, hand drawn flowers (small, medium and large), circle and leaf patterns onto plain white paper.  Cut then trace around the patterns onto white felt.  Cut out.

5.  Spray the leaves green, set aside then spray the flowers and circles one color at a time.  Allow them to dry overnight.

6.  Layer the circle, small flower and large flower on top of each other then stitch in place.  Use a small amount of glue to hold the pieces in place while you stitch.

I love how the ink pooled at the edges of the pink flowers!

7.  To create the banner shape, fold a 10″ x 14″ piece of white felt in half lengthways.  Cut diagonally across the bottom from the center fold to a point about 3″ up from the bottom corner on the outer edges.  Stitch the flowers to the banner using a button at the center of each one.  Tuck leaves underneath the outer edges of the flowers then stitch in place.

8.  Set iron to cotton setting, approx. 350°, or follow garment care label.  Position letters with shiny side down on felt, then iron the letters in place as shown.  Cover letters with a fine cloth.  With firm pressure, iron cloth over the letters for 30 seconds.  Turn banner over and iron the back of the letters for 30 seconds.

9.  Use a sewing machine to stitch the banner to backing material, then stitch trim in place across the top and around the bottom edge if desired.

 If you need to finish your banner in less time, glue the flowers, leaves and trim in place, then use a fusible interfacing to adhere the felt banner to a backing.

Look for Joy® iron-on embroidered alphabet letter sheets at your local craft store.

My “Welcome Spring” banner was created for and sponsored by Joy SA.

Shop Your Fav Brands at Scrapbook.com

*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!

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A Creative Mess…

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 A Creative Mess is better than idle Tidiness.

I love this saying, it fits me to a tee.

I do like a neat and tidy craft space, but when I’m working on a project, it’s a complete mess.

To create the words…

I created the saying using a design file on my Silhouette CAMEO 3 Wireless Cutting Machine*

using 12″ x 12″ Adhesive Glitter Vinyl Sheets by StyleTech*.  I laid all three of my vinyl colors

down on the cutting mat at the same time and cut my saying with one pass of my machine.

Styletech Craft 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!

I Love Square Frames and a Good Bargain…

I found this 90’s framed print at a garage sale for 25¢ and painted it black.  

I added my words onto a piece of white cardstock using transfer paper.   I adhered the white

cardstock onto an extra piece of glitter vinyl and inserted it into the frame.

A Quick and Easy, Thrifty Home Décor piece for my Crafty Space.

“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.

Vintage School Desk Make-Over

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I was looking for a project when I went into the Goodwill that day.

I saw the old desk sitting there in back.   I looked it over and left.

It wasn’t until later that night when I envisioned the completed project in my head.

I ran back over the next morning.

The desk was in pretty rough shape from years of use and abuse.

The three holes in the front of the desk intrigued me…

Was it a combination of several kids over the years or one very bored individual.

How long did it take?

The top was screwed onto the base with 4 screws.  I contemplated how I was

going to fit my hand in the opening to unscrew it.  (I’m including this picture

just in case I’m not the only one. )  Under the desk, were four holes for inserting

an extra long screwdriver into the hole to unscrew the top.  Duh!

I picked up some additional supplies at my local home store.                                   (*affiliate link)

I sanded off the majority of the rust with a Palm Sander*.  (hand sanding would work as well)

Spray the base of the metal  desk with Forged Hammered Antique Pewter Spray Paint*.

This was the first time I’d used a textured spray paint.  I really like the finish.

To keep the project simple, instead of cutting and gluing boards together…

I picked up a large piece of Solid Aspen that was ready to go and just the right length.

I enlisted the help of my brother to help me cut the board.

For those of you that don’t have a circular saw, a regular hand saw could be used instead.

We cut the top 18″ x 24″ and the bottom shelf 15″ x 24″.

If you don’t have any of those fancy corner templates, use the edge of the spray paint can

as a template to mark the rounded corners.

A power sander was used to round the edges of the board.

You could also use a coping saw to cut off the corner and sand smooth with a sanding block.

For a smooth finished edge…  I used a router.

Prepare the wood for staining by lightly sanding the surface.  Sand in the direction of the grain.

Remove all the sanding dust with a clean damp rag.    (read all the directions on the can)

Apply stain on the wood with brush or clean lint free rag.   Allow the stain to  penetrate

the wood for 3-5 minutes before wiping excess stain off.   Allow time for the wood to dry.

Apply a coat of polyurethane over the surface of the wood.

After the polyurethane dries, smooth the surface with a fine steel wool.

Wipe surface and apply a second coat of polyurethane.

After all the pieces were dry…

I screwed the top back onto the base and added the shelf to the bottom bar. 

I added a couple of flat rectangle baskets in the desk opening for storage.

I love the vintage industrial feel of this piece.

No longer a desk.  It makes a great side piece.

*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!

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Create a Beach Votive with a few Dollar Store Treasures.

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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*

at <a href="http://Dollar Tree” data-wplink-url-error=”true”>Dollar Tree*.  (Total cost $2.00.)

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.