How to create an Embroidery Hoop Pumpkin…

September 22, 2018October 6, 2018Leave a comment

How to Create an Embroidery Hoop Pumpkin

A Quick and Easy Fall Decoration.

What do you get when you find an outdated plaid Fall shirt, a small oval embroidery hoop

and then you add a few simple embellishments and some Joy Iron On Embroidered Letters?

You get a cute little Fall Pumpkin and A Quick and Easy Fall Decoration.

For my Embroidery Hoop Pumpkin I used: (*affiliate link)

Joy Iron On Embroidered Letters in Orange and Gold
3 1/2″ x 5″ Oval Wooden Embroidery Hoop*
Old Plaid Fall Shirt
Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive*
Ribbon and Trim
Acorn Embellishment
Scissors

Lay the embroidery hoop onto the fabric first and then place the letters inside the hoop to help you figure the best placement.

Set Iron to cotton setting, approx. 350 degrees, or follow garment care label.
Position letters with shiny side down onto fabric.
Cover letters with a fine cloth. With a firm pressure, iron cloth over letters for 30 seconds.
Turn fabric over and iron the back for another 30 seconds.

Loosen the screw on the top of the embroidery hoop and insert fabric making sure to keep the letter alignment straight. (re-tighten screw)
Trim excess fabric from outside of embroidery hoop.
Glue the green braided trim around the outside of the embroidery hoop.

Tie ribbon and leaves to the top of the frame.
Glue small acorn embellishment onto ribbon.
Super cute and simple to make.

“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!

How to make a DIY Memo Pad Holder

May 24, 2018February 9, 202316 Comments

How to Make a DIY Memo Pad Holder…

I’m a list maker.

I make lists for things to do, groceries to buy, photos to edit, ideas, gardening…

I’m actually using the “Choose Joy” Memo Pad Holder as I sit and write this post.

The Choose Joy Memo Pad Holder with its sweet florals reminds me of everything summer.

And speaking of summer…it’s going to be a busy one. (which means more lists)

DIY Memo Pad Holder Supplies Used: (*affiliate link)

- Xyron Mega Runner*
- Xyron 1.5 inch Sticker Maker*
- Xyron 3″ Sticker Maker*
- XYRON Adhesive Eraser*
- Scrapbook Paper from Jen Hadfield Simple Life Collection*
- Pink Dots Scrapbook Paper from Adornit*
- Shimelle 346611 Thickers Stickers, Navy*
- Black Iris Cardstock
- Prima Marketing Rose Quartz Flowers*
- 18″ Ivory Dot Ribbon
- Scoring Board 12×12*

How to make a DIY Memo Pad Holder…

Cut cardstock to measure 8 ¼” x 10 ½”.
Score the cardstock at 5 1/8″ and 5 3/8″

Cut a 5″ x 2 ½” piece of decorative scrapbook paper to go around the top of the memo pad.
Place the paper, design side up, into the end of the Xyron 3″ Sticker Maker* and pull the paper through. Rub the protective covering and peel back to expose sticker.
I use the XYRON Adhesive Eraser* to remove any extra adhesive from the edges.

Align paper on the top of the memo pad band and wrap around to the back of the pad.

Did you know that you can use the Xyron Sticker Maker with ribbon?

Run ribbon though the Xyron 1.5-inch Sticker Maker*.
Center and adhere onto the middle of the scrapbook paper border. Wrap extra ribbon around back of the memo pad.

Use the Xyron Mega Runner* to adhere the notepad onto the inside cover.
On the other side of the inside cover, create a pocket using coordinating paper and embellishments.
Add adhesive to three sides of the pocket and adhere inside cover. Perfect place for receipts and additional lists.

Embellish front cover with an inspirational quote, ribbon and flowers.

(a cute picture of the kids would be nice too)

XYRON MEGA RUNNER GIVEAWAY…

Xyron is giving me a Xyron Mega Runner to give away to one lucky blog reader.

It’s super simple to enter.

Leave a comment on my blog mentioning the Xyron Mega Runner by 5-31-18 to be eligible.

One entry per day. US and Canada Only (color may vary)

“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 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!

DIY Bloom Floral Plaque

March 20, 2018February 9, 20232 Comments

Bloom into Spring with this DIY Bloom Floral Plaque.

I admit it…I’m an adhesive snob.

There’s nothing worse than spending hours on a project and then it comes undone

from using the wrong adhesives.

I tell people all the time “not all adhesives are created equal”.

That’s one reason why I was so excited to be on the Xyron 2018 Design Team.

Xyron has Good Adhesive!

The DIY Bloom Floral Plaque is the first of many projects to come using Xyron.

DIY Bloom Floral Plaque Products Used: (*Affiliate Links)

*Xyron Creative Station, 9″
Xyron Acid-Free Permanent Adhesive Refill Cartridge*
Xyron Sticker Maker 1.5 inch*
XYRON Adhesive Eraser*
Electronic Die Cutting Machine*
Scrapbook Paper and Cardstock
Paper Flowers* and Leaves*
8″ Wood Flower Shaped Plaque
Sanding Block*
Craft Knife* and Craft Cutting Mat*
Gold Paint Pen*

*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!

How to make a DIY Bloom Floral Plaque…

Lay a piece of a 8 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ piece of decorative scrapbook paper (design side up) on the Xyron Creative Station, 9″* crank the handle to run the paper through the machine. As it moves through the Xyron Creative Station it adds adhesive to the back side of the paper.
Easy to use and it doesn’t need any electricity.

You get complete coverage, no gluing, no wrinkling, no bubbles!

Lay Wood Flower Shaped Plaque onto the adhesive side of the paper.
Carefully cut around the wood shape with a craft knife and craft cutting mat.

Gently sand away rough-cut edges on the paper using an extra fine sanding block.

I used my electronic die cutting machine and cut files to create pieces for my background. The Xyron Creative Station* is great for adding adhesive to the back of intricate pieces.

After the layers are adhered together, I use the XYRON Adhesive Eraser* to remove any extra adhesive from the edges of my pieces. Remember to use a gentle touch.

The XYRON Adhesive Eraser* is one of my favorites must have tools. I keep it on my desk at all times.

I think every paper crafter should carry one in their supply box.

For smaller pieces, like the word “bloom”, I used the Xyron Sticker Maker 1.5 inch*.
Easy to use and no waste. Just rub and peel.

For added detail…use a gold paint pen to edge around the outside of the Wood Flower Shaped Plaque and the decorative scrapbook paper oval.

My Xyron Creative Station* makes quick work of assembling all the pieces of my DIY Bloom Floral Plaque.
Finish embellishing the plaque with a few paper flowers glued into place with craft glue.

“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.”

Merry Little Sticky Note Holder

December 12, 2017February 9, 2023Leave a comment

Need a inexpensive gift idea to give a teacher or co-worker?

The Merry Little Sticky Note Holder is a quick and easy project that you can make

in just minutes.

How to make a Merry Little Sticky Note Holder

Supplies Needed: (*affiliate link)

3″ x 5″ Sticky Notes*
Cardstock
Warm My Heart Sticker
Wood Christmas Sharpes
Bone Folder*
Scotch Restickable Tabs*
White Acrylic Paint
Red and White Baker’s Twine*
Pine Craft Stem

*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:

Score a 5 ¼” x 9” piece of cardstock at the 2 ¼”, 2 ¾”, 6” and 6 ½” mark.
Fold along scored lines.
Make a ½” guide line on end of the scored cardstock for applying sticker border. Apply a small border on the guide line. Add a second border to the back of the first.
Paint “merry” and “small ornament” from wood cut outs with white acrylic paint.
Wrap red and white twine around top flap and tie ornament and greenery. Glue merry onto front flap.
Add restickable mini tab to the inside of the flap and add sticky notes.

You can purchase the Warm My Heart Sticker Sheet and Christmas Wood Shapes from Adornit.com.

Shop Amazon Scrapbooking Supplies*

Sea Glass Milk Bottle Vase

August 28, 2017March 6, 201816 Comments

How to create a Sea Glass Vase…

I love the light and airy look of sea glass.

Inspired by a recent trip to the ocean… I decided to try my hand at making a Sea Glass Vase.

I used these cute Milk Bottles* from LeisureArts* and Krylon Sea Glass Spray Paint, Aqua*.

The Sea Glass Paint is available in several colors like Sea Glass Ruby*. (I’m thinking Christmas!)

I contemplated the best way to paint my bottle. Because I wanted to also paint the bottom of

the Milk Bottle*, I came up with the idea of inserting a paint roller handle into the bottle.

While the idea was good in theory, it was hard to rotate the jar evenly when spraying.

(see first at tempt picture below↓)

After the first attempt… I got a little smarter and wrapped the handle in paper, making a

snugger fit. (that worked great) I was able to rotate the bottle using the handle as I sprayed

the bottle with short thin coats of paint to avoid drips.

The more coats applied the less translucent the finish will be.

Once painted, I was able to use the handle to aid in drying.

To go with the Beachy Sea Glass look, I wrapped twine around the neck of the Milk Bottle*

and added a small seashell I picked up on the beach. (FYI…vase should be hand washed only)

A perfect addition to the dinner table.

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!

Shop Amazon Scrapbooking Supplies*

“Celebrate” with a Banner made from old blue jeans

June 30, 2017May 24, 2017Leave a comment

Create a banner using Joy Embroidered Iron On Letters and old blue jeans.

When inspiration hits in the middle of the night, it usually ends of being one of my favorite

kind of projects. (This one was fun.)

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.

I created a 3 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ banner pattern using grid paper and traced it onto the jeans.

To add a little interest…I incorporated the seams from the sides of the jeans to use for the

front of the banner. For the word “C-E-L-E-B-R-A-T-E” I cut 9 banners for the front with

seams and 9 plain ones to use to line the back of the banner.

The Iron-on Embroidered Varsity letters are sticky backed so I went ahead and placed

them onto the front of my banners before sewing.

Next came my jar of red ribbon scraps. (I love red so much, I have a jar just for “red”)

I sewed the ribbon scraps onto the tops of each banner.

I then sandwiched the front with a plain back and simply sewed around each banner with

my sewing machine. After the third banner, I finally got smart and started using straight pins.

As you can tell, I was going for a casual simple look. (that’s my story and I’m sticking to it)

After I was finished sewing all my banners, I used my We R Memory Keepers Crop-A-Dile*

to punch two holes. (I used the 3/16″ sized hole.)

I used We R Memory Keepers Eyelets Cool Metal* (affiliate link) for my eyelets.

Did you know that the Crop-A-Dile* easily goes through both layers of jeans.

Join Amazon Kindle Unlimited 30-Day Free Trial

The “Celebrate” banner was created for and sponsored by Joy.

Jazz Up your Flip Flops with Patent Leather Paint

June 26, 2017May 22, 20183 Comments

Old or New…Jazz Up your flip flops with Patent Leather Paint from Deco Arts.

While attending the Creativation show in Phoenix earlier this year, I received a bottle

of “new” Garnet patent leather paint to play with. You could say, I was smitten.

This paint was so fun and easy to work with.

A quick and easy way to jazz up old or new flip flops. (also pumps and purses)

To jazz up your flip flops you’ll need… (*amazon affiliate link)

Pair of Plain Flip Flops (old for me)
DecoArt Patent Leather Paint
Soft Bristled Paintbrush
Decorative or Vintage Button
Wire Cutter*
Beacon Quick Grip All-Purpose Permanent Adhesive*

Directions:

If using old flip flops… Make sure to wipe flip flops well with damp towel to remove any dirt or dust.
Apply patent leather paint evenly with a soft-bristled brush. The paint will have a slight tacky feel as it is drying.
Apply 2-3 coats of paint to get the desired coverage. Allow paint to dry between coats.
Cut the shank off the back of the button with Wire Cutter*.
Adhere the button onto the front of the flip flops using Quick Grip Adhesive*.
Allow paint to cure 24-48 hours before using.

Next… Get a pedicure and ENJOY!

The Jazzed Up Flip Flops were created for Craft Ideas Magazine’s Summer 2017 issue.

Shop Amazon Scrapbooking Supplies*

How to make a Christmas Tree in a Bottle Necklace

December 20, 2016November 3, 20211 Comment

How to make a Christmas Tree in a Bottle Necklace

I got this idea from a project I’d seen made by Tim Holtz. Of course, I had to find a cheaper way to make it. I’ve seen small bottles like these at Hobby Lobby with the jewelry supplies. (I got mine online.)

Very Important…Make sure the base of the tree is small enough to fit in the top of the bottle.

Materials Used: (*affiliate link)

Mini Glass Bottles with Cork Top*
Small Loop Screw
Necklace
Miniature Bleached Bottle Brush Trees
Distress Ink Reinker, Peeled Paint*
Ranger Inkssentials Mini Misters*
Ranger Stickles Glitter Glue, Diamond
Quick Grip All Purpose Permanent Adhesive
Reverse Grip Tweezers*
Clear Micro Beads* or Glitter
Q-tips Cotton Swab*
Plastic Disposable Gloves*

Dollar Tree-Everything always $1 – Shop Now*

Directions:

Squirt several drops of peeled paint ink* into the mini mister* and dilute it with water.
Place a bleached bottle brush tree onto a protective surface. Generously spray the tree with the diluted ink. (You may want to wear rubber gloves. I took 3 days until the ink came entirely off my fingers.)
After the tree is dry, rub glitter glue* onto the tree. Allow glitter glue to fully dry before continuing.
Apply a small bit of all-purpose adhesive* onto the end of the Q-tip. Insert the Q-tip into the bottle and add the glue to the bottom center of the bottle.
Using the reverse grip tweezers, insert the tree into the bottle, and stick onto the glue.
Pour glitter or micro beads into the bottle.
Add a thin layer of adhesive around the side of the cork and place it back into the bottle.
Screw a loop screw onto the top of the cork and add a necklace.

If you’re feeling a little funky…how about making your tree pink or purple?

If you liked the Christmas Tree in a Bottle here’s another project you might like.

Click here for the Mini Ketchup Bottle Snow Globe Instructions. ↓

Making More Sock Snowmen

December 8, 2016October 8, 20203 Comments

It looks like everyone’s in love with making sock snowman.

They’re really easy to make, with so many ways to add personality

And…I just can’t seem to stop making these cute little guys.

This year, to add to the mix, I decided to create a Snow family.

Mom, Dad, a couple kids, all made from socks.

Here’s how I made my Snowman:

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.)
Cut the top of the sock off, right around the heel.
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 Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive* in and around the rubber band. (I left the rubber band on)
Turn the sock right side out and fill sock about 1/2 way with rice.
Fill the remaining portion of the sock with fiber-fill.
Wrap a piece of twine or string tightly around the top of the sock to close the sock.
Tie a piece of twine about 1/3 down around sock to create the head.
I used mini black buttons for his eyes, the tip of a bamboo skewer colored orange for his nose and a simple sewn black thread for his mouth. I purchased a small felt hat from JoAnn’s Fabrics for Dad’s hat. I added a band around the hat using a small folded piece of flannel.
For the flannel hat… Cut a piece of flannel that will go around the head of the snowman. Create a band on the hat by adding and gluing a fold on the long end of the flannel. Glue flannel together to create a “tube”. Allow to fully dry. Glue onto snowman. Tie top of the tube with twine to create hat. Trim if needed.
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.
For the kids… I used the left over piece of sock from the original snowman to create a smaller version.

And because I’m really into Red Buffalo Plaid again this year…

I made this cute little Snow Couple too.

The Snowmen measure approximately 7 1/2″ .

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Boo Door Hanger and Autumn Wreath

October 9, 2016October 12, 20162 Comments

The plan was to make the “Boo Door Hanger” and the “Autumn Wreath”

as two separate projects with two separate blog posts.

But… while I was working on decorating my front porch for Fall,

I tried them together and decided I liked it.

The “Boo Door Hanger” is a separate piece that I can remove after Halloween.

I assembled the wreath using a grapevine wreath, a couple of fall silk floral bouquets, ribbon and my

hot melt glue gun. After cutting the stems apart from the bouquet, I played around with the

arrangement of the flowers and glued them in place.

A simple bow glued into place finished off the Autumn Wreath.

The entire project took less than a half hour.

The Boo Door Hanger was a little more involved…

I used Black Sign Tags that come with a White Wet Erase Marker from Deflecto Craft Solutions

and Halloween paper and stickers from Paper House Productions.

I applied the Halloween paper onto thin chipboard and cut out three die-cut frames.

I cut the sign tags just slightly bigger than the opening of the frame and adhered it to the back.

I drew in my letters using the white dry erase pen.

Make a mistake? Just wipe the sign tag with a damp paper towel and start over.

I punched two holes in the top and bottom of the first two frames and the top only of the last frame.

I added a black eyelet to each hole and connected the frames with small garment pins.

I embellished each frame with Spooktacular 3D Stickers from Paper House Productions.

“This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Paper House Productions and Deflecto Design Team I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas, views and opinions.”