Woven Basket

Posted on May 6, 2013 by lhoman

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

You can never have enough baskets! Not only are they stylish and versatile, they’ll help organize your clutter. This simple weaving technique is a quick-and-easy way to create a variety of baskets for Mom this Mother’s Day for all her storage needs.

Materials

Wire-mesh basket
Coordinating fabrics, three prints or solids

Tools

Beacon Adhesives Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive

Directions

STEP 1

Tear 1″-wide fabric strips to fit around basket. Weave alternating strips through basket holes; adhere ends at back.

STEP 2

Apply glue to one inside edge of two strips; fold strips in half. Wrap folded strip around basket rim; adhere ends.

STEP 3

Wrap two fabric strips around handles; adhere ends. Weave one strip through top, center side of basket; tie bow. Repeat on opposite side.

by Madeline Arendt

Blooming Cards For Mom

Posted on May 5, 2013 by lhoman

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

Create multiple Mother’s Day card looks using just a few supplies and PSA Essentials’ Topiary Peel & Stick Stamp Set.

Materials

Cardstock: white, pink, light blue
BoBunny Press Country Garden Collection Charm Paper
Scrap paper
White adhesive pearls

Tools

Stamps: PSA Essentials Topiary Peel & Stick Set, Papertrey Ink Fillable Frames #10 Set
PSA Essentials Stamper Body
Die-cutting system
Dies: Spellbinders Nestabilities Standard Circles SM, Papertrey Ink Fillable Frames #10, My Favorite Things Die-namics Little Open Scallop Strip
Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pads: Worn Lipstick, Shabby Shutters, Tumbled Glass
Adhesives: paper adhesive, foam dots

Basic Supplies

paper trimmer, detail scissors, ruler, pencil, sponge dauber

Directions

STEP 1

Make 4-1/4”x5-1/2” white top-fold card. Determine vertical or horizontal orientation.

STEP 2

For vertical card, cut smaller white cardstock panel. Cut slightly larger pink cardstock mat; set aside.

STEP 3

Stamp flower from Topiary set a few times onto scrap paper; detail cut flower group to use as mask. Using mask, stamp flower repeatedly in different colors onto white cardstock panel.

STEP 4

Adhere panels together and to card. Cut thin green Charm paper strip to same width as stamped panel; adhere to card.

STEP 5

Stamp Worn Lipstick sentiment onto white cardstock; die cut/emboss into small circle. Lightly sponge circle with Tumbled Glass ink before removing template. Adhere circle to card with foam dots.

STEP 6

For horizontal card, cut striped Charm paper panel slightly smaller than card front; adhere to card. Die cut scalloped strip from light blue cardstock, trim to width of striped panel, and adhere to card.

STEP 7

Stamp Tumbled Glass frame image onto white cardstock; die cut frame. Stamp Worn Lipstick sentiment inside frame; adhere to card.

STEP 8

Stamp three Worn Lipstick flowers onto white cardstock scraps. Detail cut flowers and curl slightly with fingers to add dimension. Adhere pearl to each flower center. Adhere centers of two flowers directly to frame edge, leaving petals free. Adhere center of third flower to card with foam dot.

Tip

If you only need one or two Mother’s Day cards, use up the remaining paper scraps to create birthday, thank you, or congratulations cards. Just stamp an appropriate sentiment.

by Vera Winters Yates for PSA Essentials (www.psastampcamp.blogspot.com)

Mother’s Day Photo Frame

Posted on May 4, 2013 by lhoman

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

Mother’s Day is quickly approaching! Kids, create this easy-to-make frame for Mom with a memorable picture of yourself!

Materials

White craft foam, 1 sheet
Felt: dark pink, light pink, green
Recycled plastic berry basket
Pink rick rack, 1/2” wide, 4” length

Tools

Thick craft glue

Basic Supplies

paper, pencil, scissors, pinking shears, ruler, adhesive tape, stapler

Directions

STEP 1

Print and cut out patterns. (Note: The blue word “pattern” is a link. To access this pattern, select the link, then download and print pattern.) Follow directions on patterns. Use pinking shears to trim flower edges.

STEP 2

For frame, cut 4-1⁄2” x 5-1⁄2” piece from foam. Center and trace window on frame 1-1⁄2” from top. Cut out window. (Note: For ease in cutting, cut small “X” in center of window and work your way to edges.) Cut 1-1⁄4”x6” strip from foam for frame stand. Staple short ends of strip together, overlapping edges 3⁄4”. Staple or adhere loop to back center of frame, 1⁄4” from bottom edge. See Figure 1.

STEP 3

To decorate the frame, see photo. Cut 3-1⁄2” length from rick rack. Adhere rick rack to bottom of awning; trim edges. Adhere awning to frame above window. For window box, see photo to cut section from basket approximately 1-1⁄8” x 3-3⁄4”. Trim window box as shown; adhere to center bottom of frame. Adhere flowers side-by-side above window box. For flower centers, cut three 3⁄8” wide circles; adhere to center of flowers. Adhere leaves to window box as shown.

STEP 4

For Mother’s Day greeting, cut 1”x1-1⁄2” piece from paper. Write greeting on paper and adhere to frame. Tape photo to back of frame.

by Linda Bloomgren

Tuscan Candleholder

Posted on May 3, 2013 by lhoman

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

Create a warm and relaxing atmosphere in your home with the rich tones of this Tuscan candleholder. Or, gift this easy-to-make slice of Mediterranean décor to Mom as the perfect Mother’s Day present.

Materials

Clay pot and saucer
DecoArt Texture Stucco
DecoArt Acrylic Paints: Americana Lamp Black, Dazzling Metallics Champagne Gold
DecoArt Texture Stencils by Tracy Moreau Brocade & Berry Borders
Candles

Tools

DecoArt Palette Knife
Royal & Langnickel Paintbrushes: Royal Aqualon Glaze/Wash, Series 2700, 3/4”; Sable Standard Handle Fan Blender, Series 5030, #2
Beacon Adhesives Quick Grip All-Purpose Permanent Adhesive

Basic Supplies

newspaper (to cover work surface)

Directions

Note

Let dry between steps.

Candleholder

1. Place clay pot upside down on covered work surface. Position Berry Border stencil on clay pot.

2. Use palette knife to apply Texture Stucco on open areas of stencil. To remove stencil, hold one end of stencil down with fingers and carefully lift opposite end.

3. Repeat stenciling around pot. Wash stencil immediately.

4. Use glaze/wash brush to paint pot and saucer Lamp Black.

5. Use fan blender brush to drybrush pot and saucer Champagne Gold.

6. Adhere saucer to pot as shown. Place candles on saucer.

by Eve Leder

Flowers For Mom Card

Posted on May 2, 2013 by lhoman

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

Stamp and watercolor a masterpiece for Mother’s Day or Mom’s next birthday.

Materials

Stampin’ Up! Cardstock: So Saffron, Chocolate Chip
STAEDTLER Watercolor Paper
My Mind’s Eye Indie Chic Ginger Collection 6”x6” Paper Pad

Tools

Sizzix Big Shot Die-Cutting System
Spellbinders Edgeabilities Classic Scallop Die
Our Daily Bread Designs Stamp Sets: Happy Birthday, Mom
Ranger Ink Pads: Archival Jet Black, Tim Holtz Distress Gathered Twigs
STAEDTLER Ergo-Soft Aquarell Watercolor Pencils
Stampers Anonymous Tim Holtz Acrylic Grid Blocks
Scor-Pal Scor-Pal Scoring Board
Ranger Inkssentials Tools: Ink Blending Tool, Craft Nibs, Craft Nib Holder
Inky Antics Gamsol (odorless mineral spirits)
Adhesives: paper adhesive, foam dots, Ranger Inkssentials Glossy Accents

Basic Supplies

paper trimmer, scissors, ruler, pencil, stamp cleaner, non-stick craft sheet

Directions

STEP 1

Make 5-1/2”x4-1/4” gold top-fold card. Sponge edges Gathered Twigs using Ink Blending Tool.

STEP 2

Cut smaller panel from desired paper, sponge edges Gathered Twigs, and mat on brown cardstock. Adhere to card.

STEP 3

Cut paper strip same width as patterned panel, sponge edges Gathered Twigs, and mat on brown cardstock. Die cut brown border strip, trim, and adhere to back bottom edge of layered strip. Stamp Jet Black sentiment and adhere strip to card.

STEP 4

Stamp Jet Black watering can image onto watercolor paper. Using photo as guide, outline individual sections of image using watercolor pencils. To blend colors, dip edge of blending nib into Gamsol, then pull color into desired areas using circular motion. Repeat until entire image is colored.

STEP 5

Using paper trimmer, trim image down so only a few portions extend beyond edge. Detail cut those portions of image.

STEP 6

Sponge edges of image panel Gathered Twigs. Mat on brown cardstock and adhere to card with foam dots.

Tip

Create a coordinating fresh floral centerpiece for Mom inside a new watering can. It’s always fun to have new garden tools.

by Lisa Somerville (www.lisasomerville.com)

Earthly Angel Pillow

Posted on May 1, 2013 by lhoman

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

Show mom just how special she is this Mother’s Day with a one-of-a-kind crafted gift. This easy-to-sew pillow can be created in a variety of colors and fabrics, so make an angel that looks just like Mom, right down to a dress in her favorite color.

Materials

Cotton fabric, 45” wide: tan, 3/8 yd.; flesh-tone, scraps; medium brown print, 1/8 yd.; black print, 1/8 yd.; green print, 1/8 yd.; blue and blue/tan plaid, scraps
Lightweight cotton batting, scraps
Pillow form, 12” square
Fabric and Battenburg lace doilies, 3”, four
Off-white piping, 1-1/2 yds.
Light blue satin ribbon, 1/8”-wide, 1/4 yd.
Embroidery floss: black, blue, dark brown, flesh, gold, green, off-white.
Flat-backed buttons in colors of choice: 1/2” diameter, six; mottled brown, 5/8” diameter, four

Tools

Air-soluble marker
Pellon Wonder-Under Lightweight Fusible Web Adhesive
Optional: red acrylic paint; 1/4” stencil brush, tea bags, saucepan

Basic Supplies

scissors, pinking shears, pencil, ruler, transparent tape, sewing machine, matching threads, straight pins, embroidery needle, embroidery hoop, iron, pressing cloth, paper towel

Directions

Prepare and Cut Fabrics

1. Wash and dry fabrics. For small pieces of fabric, it is best to wash by hand and let air dry to prevent tangling. Press fabrics.

2. For center panel, cut an 8-1/2” square from tan fabric. For border, cut four 2-1/2”x8-1/2” strips from medium brown. For corners, cut four 2-1/2” squares from black.

3. If desired, tea-dye doilies for a vintage look. To tea dye, fill saucepan half full with water and bring to a boil. Remove from heat; add one or two tea bags for each cup of water used. (Note: The more tea used, the darker the final color.) Let tea bags steep for 15 minutes; remove tea bags and stir. Place doilies into tea, stirring fabric occasionally. Check every five minutes until desired color is achieved. Remove fabric from tea; squeeze out excess liquid. Line dry or place in dryer with old towel (to absorb the tea). Press doilies. Wipe out dryer before drying other items.

4. For appliqués, print and cut out patterns, cutting along dashed lines; set lettering pattern aside. (Note: The blue word “pattern” is a link. To access this pattern, select the link, then download and print pattern.) Trace outlines of remaining patterns onto paper side of iron-on adhesive, omitting halo on hair pattern and flower stems on grass pattern. For wings, trace one wing and one reverse onto paper side of adhesive. Cut out appliqués just outside traced lines; remove paper backing.

5. Following manufacturer’s instructions, fuse iron-on appliqués to wrong sides of following fabrics: hair to medium brown; dress to blue; face and legs to flesh-tone; shoes to black; grass to green; wings to cotton batting. Cut out appliqués on traced lines, using pinking shears to cut top edge of grass.

6. If desired, drybrush angel’s cheeks with red acrylic paint. To drybrush, dip brush into paint and wipe on paper towel until almost dry. Apply paint to cheeks in a circular motion.

Center Panel

1. Using lettering pattern and air-soluble marker, trace pattern onto right side of center panel. The “E” in “Earthly” should begin 5/8” from left edge and 9/16” from top edge of center panel.

2. Using photo as guide, position appliqués on right side of center panel and pin in place as follows: grass (side and bottom edges should be even with panel side and bottom edges), shoes, legs, dress, face, hair, and wings. (Note: Dotted lines on patterns show where a pattern piece is overlapped by another piece. For example, legs are overlapped by shoes and dress; wings are overlapped by hair and dress; etc.) When pleased with arrangement, use iron and pressing cloth to fuse appliqués to center panel.

3. In same way as lettering, use patterns to transfer remaining details to center panel: halo, facial features, dress details, line to divide legs, line to divide shoes, and flower stems.

4. (Note: Use three strands of floss for blanket stitching, one strand for hair bangs, and two strands for all other embroidery.) With matching floss, blanket stitch around outside edges of hair, wings, dress, legs, and shoes. In addition, blanket stitch lines dividing legs and shoes, working stitches toward the left. For grass, blanket stitch along top edge; stitches should begin between pinked points and end approximately 1/4” from top of grass.

5. With dark brown floss, stem stitch lettering and hair bangs. With green floss, stem stitch flower stems. With gold floss, stem stitch halo. With blue floss, stem stitch arm lines on dress. With black floss, straight stitch eyes.

6. For apron, use pinking shears to cut a 1-3/4”x2-3/4” rectangle from blue/tan fabric. Sew a gathering stitch along one long edge of apron, 1/4” from edge. Gather apron to measure 1-1/4”-wide at gathering. Pin apron to dress; gathering stitch should be even with dashed line shown on pattern. Sew apron to dress using blue floss and stem stitch.

7. From satin ribbon, tie a 1” wide two-loop bow with tails; trim tails even. Tack bow to center neck of dress. With off-white floss, sew to top of each flower stem one button in color of choice.

Assemble Pillow Front

1. (Note: Sew with right sides facing in 1/4” seams. Press seams outward away from center panel.) Sew one border strip to left side and one to right side of center panel. Sew corner blocks to ends of remaining border strips. Sew assembled corners/borders to top and bottom of center panel.

2. Using photo as guide, pin doilies to corner blocks; outer edges of doilies will extend over edges of pillow front. Trim doilies even with edges of pillow front. Sew doilies to pillow front using matching thread. With dark brown floss, blanket stitch around center fabric edge of each doily; stitches should point toward center of pillow. With off-white floss, sew one 5/8” diameter brown button to fabric corner of each doily.

Finishing

1. Beginning and ending in a bottom corner, sew piping around pillow front, 1/4” from edge. Clip piping seam at corners as you work, to round edges.

2. For pillow back, cut a 12-1/2” square from remaining tan fabric. Sew pillow front to pillow back along piping seams, leaving a 10” opening at bottom for turning and stuffing. Trim corners; turn right side out. Insert pillow form into opening. Hand sew opening closed.

Tip

To trace pattern in reverse, tape pattern to window during daylight hours, right side of pattern facing window. Position adhesive over pattern and trace.

Add Your Own Touch . . .

Create a treasured keepsake from packed-away baby clothes.
Use flower-shaped decorative buttons instead of round buttons.
Extend the lines of the angel’s dress, leave off the apron, legs, and shoes, and appliqué several angels onto a tree skirt or table runner for the holidays.

by Mary Ayres

Happy Mother’s Day

Posted on April 30, 2013 by lhoman

Today, I am sharing a Mother’s Day card made for my mother-in-law. I was playing with my sprays and decided to create a shimmery background.

1. Make dark brown top-fold card. Cut slightly smaller white cardstock mat; distress edges with distressing tool. Set pieces aside

2. Working on non-stick craft sheet, spray second sheet of white cardstock using yellow, green, and blue shimmery sprays. Let dry completely.

3. Use excess spray ink on craft sheet to dye seam binding ribbon to match. Let dry.

4. Follow diagram above to stamp Coffee butterflies randomly over background paper. Color images with STAEDTLER watercolor pencils. Start with one color and then apply second color. Blend with water brush; let dry. Highlight images with white gel pen; let dry.

5. Add shading around butterflies with brown or gray tones. Soften with water brush.

6. Sprinkle white spray across surface to add white spots; let dry.

7. Sprinkle Goosebumps spray across surface to add look of water drops; let dry.

8. Trim panel to fit card, slightly smaller than white mat. Distress edges and sponge with Toffee ink. Adhere panel and mat to card front.

9. Stamp sentiment near one edge of remaining misted background sheet using Coffee ink. Trim sentiment into small tag; distress edges and sponge with Toffee ink. Mat tag on dark brown cardstock. Punch hole in left end of tag; thread with brown twine.

10. Tie seam binding into loopy bow. Adhere bow and flowers to card. Tie tag to ribbon; adhere to card.

Products

STAEDTLER Watercolor Pencils
Stamps: Hero Arts Papillons, Old French Writing; Stampendous! Happy Mother’s Day
Petaloo Premier Spring Darjeeling Collection Seaside Mini Daisies w/Leaves
Tattered Angels Chalkboard Spray: Teal High Heel, Sprout, Decadence
Heidi Swapp Dijon Color Shine Spray
Studio Calico Mister Huey Opaque White Color Mist
Tsukineko Goosebumps Clear Texture Spray
Ranger Ink Pads: Archival Coffee, VersaFine Toffee
Paper distressing tool
Water brush
Ranger Inkssentials Ink Blending Tool and Foam
Small hole punch
Brown twine

Happy Stamping!

Suzanne Czosek from Suzz’s Stamping Spot (www.suzzstampingspot.blogspot.com)

Miniature Flower Quilt Sampler Box & Brooch

Posted on April 30, 2013 by lhoman

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

Cross-stich this beautiful flower quilt sampler box or a quick-and-easy brooch as a unique gift for Mom or Grandma this Mother’s Day.

Materials

Zweigart 32-count White Lugana (box)
DMC 18-count White Aida (brooch)
Wooden box of choice, 6”x6”
Dritz Flat Button Form, 1-1/8”, Size 45
DMC 6-strand Embroidery Floss
White lace, 1/2” wide
Pin back

Tools

Needle
Craft glue

Stitch Type

Backstitch: 1 strand
Cross-stitch: 2 strands
French Knot: 1 strand (wrapped two times)

Basic Supplies

scissors

Directions

Size / Stitch Count

Approximate finished size: box, 4”x4”; brooch, 1”x1”. Stitch Count: box, 63 w x 63 h; brooch, 15 w x 15 h

Box

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.)

2. Stitch design centered on fabric over two threads.

3. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to place project in box opening.

Brooch

1. Using only heart design from chart, stitch design on 18-count Aida.

2. Following manufacturer’s instructions for button form, cut fabric to size and form.

3. Sew gathering stitch along long edge of lace. Adhere gathered edge of lace to back edges of finished button

4. Adhere pin back to button form.

Tip

Sudberry House (www.sudberry.com) offers a complete line of products to display your cross-stitch creations. Instead of a box, try this design on a small tray, a trivet, or even a stylish key rack.

by Gail Bussi

Cute Baby Girl Card

Posted on April 29, 2013 by lhoman

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

Welcome the new baby with a trendy chevron background and an old-fashioned pram.

Materials

Cardstock: white rustic (flecked), Bazzill Basics Paper Kraft
SEI Cardboard Alphabet
BasicGrey Black Micro Mono Cardstock Alphabet Stickers

Tools

Computer and color printer
Sewing machine and white thread
Die-cutting system and Hero Arts Baby Motifs Frame Cuts
Hero Arts Stamp Sets: New Baby Clear Set, All Things Arrows Digikit
Acrylic block
Hero Arts Hero Hues Black Dye Ink Pad
Adhesives: foam tape, paper glue

Basic Supplies

paper trimmer, scissors, ruler, pencil, removable tape

Directions

STEP 1

Using computer and software, download digital stamp set. In blank document, insert arrow stamp, recolor, and copy/paste repeatedly to create a chevron background. Print onto rustic cardstock.

STEP 2

Cut 4”x5-1/4” chevron paper panel. Using photo as guide, position carriage die on panel and secure with removable tape. Die cut paper panel; remove cut-out and tape. (Note: Save cut-out carriage to use as an embellishment on another project.)

STEP 3

Sew border around carriage and panel edges.

STEP 4

Make 4-1/4”x5-1/2” Kraft top-fold card. Center die-cut paper panel over card front; carefully stamp baby carriage image through opening. Adhere panel to card with foam tape.

STEP 5

Stamp heart onto chevron paper scrap; detail cut heart and adhere to carriage with foam tape.

STEP 6

Adhere alphabet letters and stickers to card to create sentiment.

Tip

Create trendy background paper using digital stamps! This digi stamp set from Hero Arts includes 20 customizable images that you can recolor and resize as desired.

by Lucy Abrams for Hero Arts (www.heroarts.com)

May Day Pocket Full of Posies

Posted on April 28, 2013 by lhoman

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

Baskets of sweets or spring flowers mysteriously appear on doorsteps as the traditional custom for May Day, celebrated May 1. Use old blue jean pockets to create the perfect holder for your May Day flowers or treats, then secretly surprise your neighbors, family, and friends.

Materials

Old blue jeans with pockets
Ribbon in color of choice, 3/8”, 18” length per pocket
Miscellaneous scrap items: fabric, felt, buttons, pearls, ribbons, jewelry, etc.
Silk flowers

Tools

Fabric paint
Needle and thread (optional)
Adhesives: thick craft glue, glue gun and glue sticks

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, pinking shears

Directions

(Note: Adult supervision is needed when using a glue gun.)

STEP 1

To cut out pocket, use pinking shears to cut jeans approximately 3/8” from sides and bottom of pocket and 1-1/4” to 1-1/2” from top of pocket. See photo.

STEP 2

For hanging loop, adhere each end of 18” length ribbon to top corners of pocket. Adhere (or sew) buttons to top of each hanging loop end.

STEP 3

Referring to photo as guide, decorate front of pocket as desired using miscellaneous scraps and fabric paint. To create heart and butterfly shapes, refer to Figure 1.

STEP 4

Fill pocket with silk flowers.

by Vicki Felix