Tag: Home Decor

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!

      

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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.

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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!

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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*

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.

How to make a Floral Chalkboard

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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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*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!

 

When your Spring Mantel needs a pop of Red…

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Spring Mantel

With the beautiful days we had in February…

My Spring Fever has set in big time.

Last week-end, I removed any and all remnants of Winter Decorating and re-did my Mantel for Spring.

little red racer

Inspired by a picture a friend posted online,

I ran upstairs and grabbed my little red racer from my office.

Gumball machine

There’s been a lot of serious jelly bean eating out of this old gumballs machine.

I added a second bag this week.  This could be a problem 🙂

Spring Mantel

Any one who knows me even just a little knows my decorating philosophy…

“Every room needs a pop of red.”

Now, I’m wishing and thinking warm thoughts.

Let it Snow Canvas…

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Sue Eldred's Let It Snow

After all the Holiday Decorations are down, I like to decorate the house with a Winter theme.

Even though I may not like the cold winter months.

I still find beauty in a blanket of newly fallen snow.

So “Let it Snow”.  (just not too much)

Let it Snow Supplies 1724

Supplies Used:

  • 12 x 12 Denim Canvas (or painted blue canvas)
  • White Acrylic Paint
  • White Embroidered Iron Letters from Joy S.A.
  • Old Firm Toothbrush
  • Snowflake Embellishments
  • Lace and Ribbon
  • Silver Berry Sprig and Greenery
  • Jingle Bells
  • Fabri Tac Glue

Directions:

  1. Squirt a small bit of white acrylic paint on to a piece of scrap paper.  Lightly apply paint to the bristles of an old toothbrush.  Wipe excess paint off.  Gently flick paint spraying paint over the canvas.
  2. Glue embroidered letters and snowflake embellishments onto the canvas.
  3. Glue lace and ribbon onto the canvas, wrapping and gluing ends around on the back of the canvas.
  4. Gather up silver berries and greenery, tie them together with a jingle bell and satin ribbon and glue to the bottom corner of the canvas.

DSC03353

This project was created for and sponsored by Joy SA.

A little Holiday Sparkle…

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Sue Eldred's Holiday Sparkle Frame

Thinking of adding a little Holiday Sparkle this year?

Adding a little Holiday Sparkle doesn’t get much easier than this.

Holiday Sparkle Bow 2007

Gather up a few sparkly holiday sprigs…

tie them together with a jingle bell and satin ribbon and then glue them onto

your favorite frame.  Your frame will be dressed to impress.

Holiday Sparkle Frame in the Snow

I loved the way this frame turned out, so sweet and simple. 

But let me tell you… I really struggled trying to get a good picture to show you.

Taking good pictures of clear acrylic frames is really hard.

I took over 150 pictures of this frame.  (no joke)

When it started snowing yesterday morning, I decided to try again.

It was such a beautiful snow, I didn’t even mind getting cold.

Holiday Sparkle Supplies 1808

For my Holiday Sparkle Frame I used the NEW Clear Magnetic Curved frame

that will be available from Deflecto Craft Solutions in January 2016.

I love the original curved magnetic frame* and I am so happy that they decided to

make it in a smaller size without a border.  (can’t wait to get my hands on a few more)

This new frame measures 5″ x 7″ and is perfect for a 4″ x 6″ picture or graphic.

(you can find the larger size here*)

“Tis the Season to Sparkle” comes from the 4×6 Horizontal Journaling Card Elements

from Simple Stories “Claus & Co.” collection layered on red glitter cardstock.

*Disclaimer: “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.” This post uses Affiliate links if you choose to make a purchase, I receive a very small commission that helps maintain this site.  Thank You for your support!