Author Archives: lhoman

Cross-stitched Frog Sign

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Stitch this whimsical frog as an attractive addition your flower bed or garden.

Materials

  • Darice 14-count brown plastic canvas, 1/2 sheet
  • Brown paper
  • DMC 6-strand Embroidery Floss
  • Copper wire, 18-gauge, 36” length
  • Assorted beads, six

Tools

  • Tapestry needle, #26
  • Therm O Web PeelnStick Double-Sided Adhesive, 3-3/4”x5”

Stitch Types

  • Backstitch: 2 strands
  • Cross-stitch: 3 strands
  • French Knot: 2 or 3 strands (wrapped two times)

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, wire cutter

Directions

Size / Stitch Count

Sign size: 4”x8-1⁄2”; stitch count: 50 w x 62 h

Sign

1. Print cross-stitch chart and key. (Note: The blue words “chart” and “key” are links. To access these, select the link, then download and print items.) Use three strands floss to cross-stitch design centered on canvas. For French knots, use three strands DMC White for frog’s eyes, and two strands DMC 307 Lemon for fly’s eyes.

2. For backstitch, use two strands for the following: DMC 310 Black for dashed lines, fly’s body and antennae, frog’s mouth and tongue; DMC 318 Steel Gray, Lt. for flower; DMC 414 Steel Gray, Dk. for bow tie, fly’s wings; DMC 890 Pistachio Green, Ultra Dk. for frog, flower stem, and leaf.

3. Cut design to two squares beyond stitching on right/left sides, six squares beyond stitching on bottom, and five squares beyond stitching on top. For indents, cut out four squares from top and bottom edges, three squares in.

4. Remove backing from adhesive sheet; apply to back of design. Press brown paper onto adhesive; trim paper and smooth edges.

5. Cut wire length in half. Wrap one length around bottom indents; twist ends together and curl into spirals. Add beads to spirals. Wrap remaining wire length around top indents; twist ends together at center for hanger. Add beads and cut ends.

by Kathy Wirth

Fleurs Garden Pot

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Use stencils and Delta’s Texture Magic Dimensional Paint to transform an ordinary clay pot into extraordinary garden décor.

Materials

  • Clay pot and saucer, 6” tall
  • Delta Ceramcoat Acrylic Paints: Light Foliage Green, White, Antique White
  • DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paints: Hauser Dark Green, Antique Green

Tools

  • Stencils: floral background, small script alphabet
  • Delta Ceramcoat: Gel Stain Medium; Exterior/Interior Varnish: Matte; Satin Découpage Medium
  • Delta Texture Magic Dimensional Paint, Cashmere
  • Daler-Rowney Robert Simmons Expression Paintbrushes: Flat Wash, Series E55, 3⁄4”; Flat Shader, Series E60, #4; Filbert, Series E67, #4, #8
  • Palette knife
  • Dover Publications Redouté Flowers and Fruits CD-Rom and Book
  • Computer with printer
  • Stencil adhesive

Basic Supplies

sandpaper, soft cloth, ruler, pencil, masking tape, paper towels, newspaper (to cover work surface)

Directions

STEP 1

Sand pot; wipe dust with soft cloth. Mark 2-3⁄4”x3-1⁄2” rectangle below rim and inner rectangle, leaving 1⁄4” border. Apply masking tape along inside lines of larger rectangle to prevent seepage.

STEP 2

Use palette knife to apply Cashmere to pot, leaving rim unpainted. Adhere background stencil around pot; apply Cashmere to openings. Mix Light Foliage Green, Antique Green, and White to make green mix; basecoat rim and inside pot. Stencil “Fleurs” Cashmere.

STEP 3

Mix Antique White with White; paint inner rectangle. Use computer and CD-Rom to print Anemone clip art to fit inside inner rectangle; cut out. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to découpage Anemone to rectangle. Basecoat frame and saucer with green mixture.

STEP 4

Mix Gel Stain Medium with Hauser Dark Green; apply to pot and saucer, wiping excess with paper towels. Apply varnish.

by Barbara Greve

Happy Father’s Day

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Welcome to the Crafts ‘n things Blog. Father’s Day is less than a month away! I encourage you to make a card for the father in your life. Perhaps you are like me and your father has passed away, but you have an older brother, an uncle, of a close family friend that you wish to honor. Perhaps you wish to help your kids make a card for their father or grandfather. Both my father and my father-in-law have passed, but I make my husband a card every year on Father’s Day to honor him as the father of my children.

I have a few cards to share with you to help you get started on making your card. I will share a tutorial for this first card, because I think the technique is very “manly”!

1. Make a 5″x5″ black top-fold card.

2. Trim printed paper to 4-7/8″x4-7/8″; adhere to card.

3. Create the aged and embossed panel next. Cut kraft cardstock to fit inside the embossing folder. Apply Clearsnap ColorBox Creamy Brown Chalk Ink to the “front” or “top” side of the folder; this is the side that will deboss, or press into, the cardstock. You want to ink the debossed areas of the cardstock, not the raised, embossed areas.

4. Carefully place cardstock inside the inked embossing folder and run it through the machine. Let ink dry completely.

5. Using a foam or sponge applicator, ink raised areas of the embossed cardstock with green, blue, and brown ink, in that order, to create a patina. I used Clearsnap ColorBox Graphic 45 Decades Antique Moss, Bon Voyage, and Dark Cashmere Antiquing Ink. Let ink dry completely. (Note: It is very important that all ink is dry before moving to the next step.) 

6. Ink a few of the raised, embossed areas with watermark or clear embossing ink.

7. Heat emboss with copper embossing powder.

8. Edge the embossed panel with brown ink and trim to 3-1/2″x4-1/2″. Mat on black cardstock and adhere to card front as shown.

9. Stamp a masculine image onto kraft cardstock with coordinating ink. Dig through your stamp stash and see what images you have that would be good for Father’s Day. Look for cars, boats, sports images, vintage items, etc.

10. Using photo as guide, trim image to size. Distress edges of image panel using scissors blade, paper distressing tool, or fingers. Mat image on black cardstock and adhere to card front as shown.

11. Decorate the card with a “coil” of twine and a vintage image or postage stamp. Tie twine around the top of the card and add a charm.

12. Make sure to “grunge up” your papers and cardstock for a unique, masculine look. This technique works with any embossing folder. You can try other ink and embossing powder colors to create alternate results.

13. Add kraft cardstock to the inside of the card and stamp or write a Father’s Day message.

Remember, when creating cards for the special men in your life, try to use dark and neutral colors, and natural elements like twine, jute, and cork. Add metal items as I have done with this vintage-inspired card.

If you don’t have access to many embellishments, you can still create depth and interest with papers. I have simply added a few vintage buttons to the above card. I used several papers and the circles to create movement and contrast.

Supplies:

  • Cardstock: American Crafts Black, Stampin’ Up! Whisper White
  • Designer paper: Graphic 45 A Proper Gentleman (retired)
  • Stamps: Stampin’ Up! Thinking of Father (retired)
  • Clearsnap Ink Pads: ColorBox Creamy Brown Chalk; ColorBox Graphic 45 Decades Antiquing Dark Cashmere, Antique Moss, Bon Voyage; Top Boss Watermark Ink; ColorBox Archival Dye Ink Wicked Black
  • Embossing powder: Hampton Art Copper
  • Embossing folder: Sizzix Tim Holtz Alterations Collage
  • Die-cutting or embossing machine
  • Twine: Really Reasonable Ribbon Natural Jute String
  • Charm: Tim Holtz Idea-ology Muse Tokens
  • Adhesives: 3M Scotch Brand Double-Sided Tape, Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L 3D Foam Squares, Aleene’s Tacky Glue, Cosmo Cricket Glubers Glue Dots

Enjoy creating for your dad, or other special man, this month!

Gloria Stengel from Scraps of Life (www.gloriascraps.blogspot.com)

Congratulations Class of 2013

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Use leftover pieces from a graduation-themed scrapbook kit to create cards or photo gifts for your favorite grads. This card design would make a fun mini album cover, too!

 Materials

  • Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Starburst Metallic, Papertrey Ink Stamper’s Select White
  • Me & My BIG Ideas Graduation mambiKIT
  • Therm O Web Gold Glitter Dust Photo Corners

Tools

  • Papertrey Ink For The Graduate Clear Stamp Set
  • Acrylic block
  • Ink Pads: Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Black Soot, Tsukineko Memento Paris Dusk
  • Therm O Web XL Permanent Tape Runner

Basic Supplies

paper trimmer, scissors, ruler, pencil, scoring tool, sponge dauber

Directions

STEP 1

Make 5”x5-1/2” Starburst Metallic side-fold card.

STEP 2

Cut patterned paper slightly smaller than card front.

STEP 3

Use Paris Dusk ink to stamp “Class of 2013” onto White cardstock; see Tip at end of instructions. Trim stamped image to width of paper; adhere strip. Sponge panel edges with Black Soot ink. Adhere panel to card.

STEP 4

Adhere “Congratulations” sticker to card as shown. Trim glittered photo corner to fit end of sticker, creating arrow shape. Adhere chipboard stars and graduation cap stickers as shown.

Tip

  • Stamp numbers individually to make them fit within brackets, and use school colors for background cardstock and stamping. Most papers in kit are neutral and will work with any school colors.

by Alice Golden (www.alicegolden.com)

Cross-Stitch Flag Pin

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Stiffening stitching cloth is a great way to turn a simple design into a sturdy wearable. Don’t be without a handmade sign of your American pride this Memorial Day!

Materials

  • White 14-count Aida cloth, 4”x5”
  • DMC 6-Strand Embroidery Floss
  • Bar pin, 1” long

Tools

  • Iron, pressing cloth, and pressing surface
  • Beacon Adhesives Sparkling Stiffen Stuff Spray Fabric Stiffener
  • Beacon Adhesives Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive

Stitch Type

  • Cross-stitch: 2 strands

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler

Directions

Size / Stitch Count

Approximate size is 2-5/8″x1-5/8″; Stitch Count: 38W x 24 H

Pin

1. To find center, fold cloth in half and in half again opposite way. Mark center with contrasting thread. Print chart and key. (Note: The blue words “chart” and “key” are links. To access these, select the link, then download and print items.) Use two strands of floss to cross-stitch design. Press from back through pressing cloth.

2. Trim fabric to 1⁄2” from stitched area. Spray front and back with stiffener; let dry. Trim fabric to 1⁄8” from stitched area.

3. Adhere pin to back.

by Ursula Michael

Stamped Ribbon Grad Frame

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Create a special graduation keepsake for a loved one. An inexpensive frame and simple ribbon can be stamped to express your sentiments!

Materials

  • Flat wooden frame, 6-1⁄2″x8-1⁄2″
  • Cardstock: graduation-themed; leather texture, black
  • Black ribbon, 1⁄2″ wide, two each: 6-1⁄2″, 8-1⁄2″
  • Photo of choice

Tools

  • Stamps: diploma, graduation cap, lowercase alphabet
  • Wood primer
  • Black acrylic paint
  • Metallic gold ink pad
  • Adhesives: Aleene’s Fast Grab Tacky Glue, adhesive mounting squares

Basic Supplies

scissors, paintbrush, sandpaper, soft cloth

Directions

STEP 1

Apply primer to frame; let dry. Sand and wipe dust with soft cloth. Basecoat frame black.

STEP 2

Place frame front on back side of graduation-themed paper. Trace and cut around frame; adhere to frame.

STEP 3

Use alphabet stamp and ink pad to stamp “congrats” on both 6-1⁄2” and 8-1⁄2” ribbon lengths. Adhere ribbon around frame opening.

STEP 4

Cut two 2″ squares of leather paper; adhere back sides together. Use ink pad and diploma and graduation cap to stamp both images. Cut out images; apply mounting squares to back. Adhere cap and diploma to frame as shown. Insert photo.

Tip

  • To personalize your frame, stamp the bottom ribbon with the year or the graduate’s name.

by Debbie Rines for Duncan Enterprises

Painted Paddle Flag

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Old Glory has never looked better! Make this quick-and-easy version for the upcoming Memorial Day holiday.

Materials

  • Wooden paint paddles, 14” long, nine
  • Darice: Rusted Tin Sheet, 4” square; Rusted Wire, 22-gauge, 28” length, 36” length
  • Delta Ceramcoat Acrylic Paints: Barn Red, Midnight Blue, Trail Tan, Spice Brown
  • Jute twine, 22” length

Tools

  • Drill with 1⁄4” bit
  • Delta Ceramcoat Painter’s Helper Crackle medium
  • Eclectic Products E6000 Industrial-Strength Adhesive

Basic Supplies

scissors, pencil, handsaw, sandpaper, soft cloth, heavy books, paintbrush

Directions

STEP 1

Cut handles from seven paddles, so each paddle measures 12” long; cut one end into point. Sand and wipe dust with soft cloth. Cut 9” lengths from remaining uncut paddles; drill hole 1⁄2” from one end of each. Lightly sand; wipe dust.

STEP 2

Arrange 12” paddles into flag with points facing left and straight ends aligned. Perpendicular to paddles, place 9” paddles on top and 1-1⁄2” in from each side, with holes overlapping top edge of flag 3⁄4” (for hangers). Adhere in place. Place heavy books over paddles to secure while drying.

STEP 3

Basecoat front and back of flag Spice Brown. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to apply crackle medium to front.

STEP 4

Trace 3-1⁄2”x6” rectangle in upper left corner; paint rectangle and hanger Midnight Blue. Let dry completely. Paint remaining paddles alternating Barn Red and Trail Tan, and remaining hanger Barn Red.

STEP 5

Print and cut out pattern. (Note: The blue word “pattern” is a link. To access this pattern, select the link, then download and print pattern.) Cut seven stars from rusted tin sheet. Adhere to flag as shown.

STEP 6

Wrap 28” wire length around upper left edge of flag as desired; curl ends. Attach remaining length around bottom right corner in same way.

STEP 7

For hanger, insert ends of jute length through holes from back to front. Knot and trim.

Tip

  • Make a larger version from fence pickets or a smaller version from craft sticks.

by Linda Bauer

Twinkle Star Blanket

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Whether baby is out and about or ready for a nap, this beautiful crocheted star blanket will keep your precious little one warm and cozy.

Materials

  • Pink worsted-weight yarn, 28 oz.

Tools

  • Crochet hook, size 5 (3.75mm)
  • Yarn needle

Basic Supplies

scissors

Abbreviations

ch = chain
dc = double crochet
rep = repeat
rnd(s) = round(s)
sk = skip
sl st = slip stitch
sp(s) = space(s)
st = stitch

Directions

Medallion

1. Ch 8, sl st to form ring.

2. Rnd 1: Ch 3, 2 dc in ring. (Ch 2, 3 dc in ring) five times. Ch 2 , sl st in top of ch-3.

3. Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in next 2 dc. (Ch 2, dc in ch-2 sp, ch 2, dc in next 3 dc) around. End with sl st in top of ch-3.

4. Rnd 3: Ch 3, dc in next 2 dc. *(Ch 2, dc in next sp) twice; ch 2, dc in next 3 dc. Rep from * around. End with sl st in top of ch-3.

5. Rnd 4: Ch 3, dc in next 2 dc. *(Ch 2, dc in next sp) three times; ch 2, dc in next 3 dc. Rep from * around. End with sl st in top of ch-3.

6. Rnd 5: Ch 3, dc in next 2 dc. *2 dc in next sp, (ch 2, dc in next sp) twice. Ch 2, 2 dc in next sp, dc in next 3 sps. Rep from * around. End with sl st in top of ch-3.

7. Rnd 6: Ch 3, dc in next 4 dc. *2 dc in next sp. Ch 2, dc in next sp, ch 2, 2 dc in next sp. Dc in next 7 sps. Rep from * around. End with sl st in top of ch-3.

8. Rnd 7: Ch 3, dc in next 6 dc. *2 dc in next sp, ch 2, 2 dc in next sp; dc in next 11 dc. Repeat from * around. End with sl st in top of ch-3.

9. Rnd 8: Ch 3, dc in next 8 dc. *(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next sp; dc in next 15 dc. Rep from * around. End with sl st in top of ch-3.

10. Rnd 9: Ch 5, skip 2 dc, dc in next dc. (Ch 2, sk 2 dc, dc in next dc) twice. *Ch 2, dc in ch-2 sp; ch 2, dc in same sp. (Ch 2, sk 2 dc, dc in next dc) six times. Rep from * around. End with sl st in third st of ch-5. Fasten off.

Joining Medallions

1. Join medallions on 9th round. (Note: Medallion in-progress is A; medallion being joined is B). Work Rnd 9 to first corner.

2. Dc in ch-2 sp, ch 1, sc in corresponding sp on B; ch 1, ch in same ch-2 sp on A.

3. *Ch 1, sc in next sp on B, ch 1, sc in next sp on A. Continue from * across to corner and join as for first corner. Continue Rnd 9 around.

Joining Multiple Medallions

1. When joining to more than one medallion, work corners as follows: Dc in ch-2 sp on A, ch 1, sc in corresponding sp on B; ch 1, sc in corresponding sp on third medallion; ch 1, dc in same ch-2 sp on A. Continue joining to adjacent side of third medallion and work across.

2. To complete afghan, join 27 medallions: five in Row 1, six in Row 2, five in Row 3, six in Row 4, and five in Row 5. Do not fasten off after finishing Rnd 9 of last medallion.

Edging

1. Row 1: Ch 6, (dc in next dc, ch 3) to corner. Work dc, ch 2, dc in ch-2 sp, (ch 3, dc in next dc) along side. Where medallions are joined at corners, work dc in dc before join, ch 1, dc in dc following join, and continue ( ).

2. Row 2: Ch 5, dc in next dc. (Ch 2, dc in next dc) around. Work corners as for Row 1. In sp above medallion joins, work dc in dc before ch-1 sp, ch 3, dc in ch-1 sp, ch 3, dc in next dc. Continue around. Fasten off.

3. Use yarn needle to weave in all ends

by Darlene Polachic

Quilled Baby Frame

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Floral vines and whimsical quilled ducks accent this adorable handmade baby frame for your special little bundle of joy.

Materials

  • Papier-mâché frame, 8”x10
  • Cardstock: pink, blue, light green
  • Quilling paper, 1/8” wide: light green, medium yellow, orange
  • White pearls, 4mm, 12

Tools

  • Slotted quilling tool
  • Embossing tool
  • Paints: mint; dimensional: white, black
  • Gesso
  • Flat paintbrush, 1/2”
  • Paper punches: leaf; medium daisy; small flower; round, 3/16”
  • Beacon Adhesives Zip-Dry Paper Glue

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler

Directions

STEP 1

Follow manufacturer’s instructions to apply gesso to frame; let dry. Basecoat frame mint. Add white dimensional dots to frame front.

STEP 2

For vines, cut ten 3”-long light green quilling strips. Use fingers to give slight curve to each strip. Place slotted quilling tool into one paper end and curl five to six times. Gently remove tool. Adhere three vines together for left and top sides of frame. Adhere two vines together for lower right and bottom of frame. Adhere vines to frame as shown.

STEP 3

Cut ten 5”-long yellow quilling strips. Roll two strips into loose 7/16” circles (ducks’ heads) and remaining strips into 7/16”-long teardrops (buds). Adhere buds to vines.

STEP 4

Punch out five light green leaves; use embossing tool to make veins. Adhere leaves to vines on bottom right corner. Punch out seven additional leaves, emboss veins, and adhere to vines on upper left corner.

STEP 5

Punch out five pink medium daisies. Use embossing tool to make dimple in centers. Adhere pearls to flower centers. Adhere three daisies to upper left corner and two daisies to lower right corner.

STEP 6

Punch seven blue small flowers. Embellish flowers in same way as pink flowers. Adhere five flowers to upper left corner and two flowers to lower right corner.

STEP 7

For duck’s body, roll two yellow quilling strips into 3/4”-long teardrops. Adhere bodies to top right and bottom left frame corners. Adhere heads to bodies. Cut three small 1/2” orange strips for each duck; fold in half. Adhere two on body for legs and one to face for bill. Punch two blue circles for eyes; adhere to faces. Use black dimensional paint to dot pupils; let dry.

by Sandy Rollinger

Wishing You Happiness Card

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Create this elegant, embossed greeting to express graduation or wedding wishes.

Materials

  • White cardstock
  • Brown button
  • Cream embroidery floss

Tools

  • Sizzix BIGkick or Big Shot Die-Cutting System or Texture Boutique Embossing System
  • Sizzix Textured Impressions Doily & Lace Embossing Folder Set
  • Stampin’ Up! Heard from the Heart Stamp Set
  • Rubber brayer
  • Ink pads: dark brown, aqua, metallic gold
  • Paper adhesive

Basic Supplies

paper trimmer, scissors, craft knife, ruler, pencil, stamp cleaner

Directions

STEP 1

Make 5-1/2”x4-1/4” white top-fold card; set aside.

STEP 2

Cut 3”x4-1/4” white cardstock panel.

STEP 3

Using metallic gold ink, ink recessed side of Lace embossing folder. Carefully place cardstock panel cut in Step 2 onto inked surface. Close folder and follow manufacturer’s instructions to run folder through machine; remove cardstock and let dry. Immediately clean embossing folder with stamp cleaner.

STEP 4

Ink brayer with aqua ink; gently roll brayer over raised surface on cardstock panel and let dry. Clean brayer.

STEP 5

Adhere embossed panel to card ½” from left edge.

STEP 6

Stamp dark brown sentiment onto white cardstock. Trim sentiment to 5” long and adhere to card, aligning right edges.

STEP 7

Cut tiny slit in card fold 1” from left edge using craft knife. Insert embroidery floss through hole and wrap around card twice, running floss through button; cut and adhere end inside card.

Tip

  • For another look, emboss pearlescent white cardstock panel and adhere to card base for tone-on-tone texture.

by Debi Adams for Sizzix (www.sizzix.com)