Add a splash of patriotic color to picnic tables with these easy-to-make placemats and napkins.

Materials

• Red placemat, 12”x18”
• Red dinner napkin, 18” square
• Denim fabric, 1⁄6 yard
• Red Felt, 6” square
• Thread: navy rayon embroidery; all-purpose navy, white
• White embroidery floss
• White star buttons, 1⁄2” across, four

Tools

• Sewing machine
• Needle
• Pellon: Wonder-Under Iron-on Adhesive Regular, Heavy-duty; Sof-Shape Tear-away Interfacing; Stitch-N-Tear Stabilizer
• Pressing cloth (optional)

Basic Supplies

scissors, iron and pressing surface, straight pins

Directions

(Note: Materials listed are for one placemat and napkin.)

Step 1

Wash placemat, napkin, and denim without fabric softener. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to apply interfacing, then regular iron-on adhesive, to back of denim. Apply heavy-duty iron-on adhesive to one side of felt.

Step 2

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.) Cut stars and hearts as indicated. Position three stars and hearts on left side of placemat, and one star and heart in one corner of napkin. Remove paper backing; fuse shapes in place.

Step 3

Using two floss strands, blanket-stitch around hearts. Use white thread to sew button to center of each heart.

Step 4

Cut squares from stabilizer to fit over design areas; pin in place on back. Using navy rayon for top thread and navy all-purpose in bobbin, satin stitch around stars.

by Angie Wilhite

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The paper and stickers are from Me & My BIG Ideas. This little set made its way across the country to be displayed in their booth at the most recent Craft & Hobby Association show in California. Today, the folks at Mambi have generously offered to give one lucky reader a chance to win a variety of summer-themed products, including those used to create this set.

To be entered in the drawing, simply leave a comment telling me about your favorite summer spot by Monday, June 24, 2013. Winners will be announced here on June 25th.

In our backyard, we have two Adirondack chairs that sit under a willow tree that we planted when our boys were babies. The tree has grown right along with our kids and is now over 30 feet tall and provides just enough shade on a hot summer day to make the perfect spot for sitting with a cold drink and good book.

Just thinking about how much I love sitting outside on a beautiful day with a great read almost makes me want to stop what I’m doing and head out there now… but I guess I should finish this blog post first.

After painting the chairs and birdhouse with acrylic craft paint, I cut strips of paper to fit the various sections, inked the edges, and then adhered them to the painted wood using découpage glue.

For the front of the house, I created a template out of printer paper in order to figure out where to cut the circular opening and then used this to cut the patterned paper. I added a few additional die-cut pieces to decorate the opening and embellished it with dimensional stickers. I also cut a piece of paper to use as a welcome mat on the front step.

Using papers from the same paper pad meant that all the colors and styles went together, but this would also be a fun project to make using assorted paper scraps. The edge of the roof is finished with strips of paper that I trimmed with my pinking sheers (an old pair of sheers that is used for paper only - I have a newer pair for fabric). Couldn’t resist adding a tropical touch with the glittered palm tree sticker.

Even the back of the house gets jazzed up since I thought this would be a fun centerpiece for the table on our porch and wanted it to look good from all angles.

The roof sections took a bit of extra time because each strip of paper had to be cut on an angle at each end, and they all turned out to be slightly different sizes, so had to be measured and cut one at a time.

The top of the house was painted yellow, and I wrapped orange-and-white baker’s twine around the base where it met the pink section. This provided a nice transition and also helped cover up any painting imperfections. A bright, glittery sun sticker tops it off.

Originally, I was just supposed to make the birdhouse for Mambi, but when these adorable mini chairs caught my eye at the craft store (for only $1 each), I couldn’t resist.

One piece of paper was used for the back of the chairs, and then that piece was cut into strips to fit the slats.

Supplies

• Me & My BIG Ideas Sunny Summer Days PADX-231: paper pad and assorted stickers
• Wooden birdhouse and chairs (available at craft supply store)
• Plaid Mod Podge Découpage Medium
• Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Spiced Marmalade Ink Pad

Here’s to spending lots of time in our favorite spots this summer!

Alice Golden from Golden Moments (www.alicegolden.com)

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Thank you to everyone who entered the contest. The winner, as chosen by Random.org, is Naomi, who said: “Absolutely fabulous examples of how to use Rachel’s products!!  Would love to be able to win some of them!!”

Congratulations, Naomi! We will be contacting you via email with more details.

Thanks for stopping by!

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

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A kitty in a teacup? What a charming idea! Cross-stitch this simple and quick design onto a napkin to add a little something special to your next tea with friends.

Materials

• Ivory 14-count Aida cloth napkin
• DMC Six-Strand Embroidery floss

Tools

• Tapestry needle, #24

Stitch Type

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

Basic Supplies

scissors

Directions

Size / Stitch Count

Napkin

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. Count up 10 stitches diagonally from one corner of napkin. Use two strands of floss to stitch design on chart.

3. Backstitch stems on cup with one strand 3345. Work all other backstitch and French knots with one strand 310.

by Lois Winston

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Create a one-of-a-kind card for your favorite little freckle face using an adorable stamp set and a variety of fun die-cut shapes.

Materials

• Cardstock: My Favorite Things Hot Fudge, Whip Cream; X-Press It Blending Card; scraps of gold and yellow
• October Afternoon 8”x8” Paper Pads: Sasparilla Collection, Farmhouse Collection
• American Crafts Brown Brads

Tools

• Die-cutting system and My Favorite Things Die-namics Dies: Circle STAX 1 and 2, Woodgrain Fence, Notched Tag
• My Favorite Things Pure Innocence Collection Freckles Stamp Set
• Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black Ink Pad
• .Too Marker Corp. COPIC Markers: E00, E11, BV000, R20, YG93, YG95, Y21, E31, E35, W1, W3
• Stampin’ Up! Chocolate Chip Stampin’ Write Marker
• Adhesives: paper adhesive; X-Press It Foam Tape, 1/2”

Basic Supplies

paper trimmer, detail scissors, ruler, pencil, paper piercer and mat

Directions

STEP 1

Make 4-1/4”x5-1/2” brown top-fold card.

STEP 2

Cut three 1-1/4”x3” strips of blue diamond paper and adhere evenly spaced across top half of card front.

STEP 3

Cut and adhere 4”x1-1/2” striped paper strip to bottom of card front.

STEP 4

Die cut 2-7/8” STAX Circle from brown cardstock and 2-3/4” STAX Circle from yellow patterned paper; layer and adhere over blue diamond strips.

STEP 5

Die cut two Woodgrain Fence pieces, one from brown cardstock and one from woodgrain paper. Adhere woodgrain fence to cardstock fence, slightly offset. Trim to 4” long and set aside.

STEP 6

Die cut three yellow flowers and two gold flowers using Notched Tag die set. Position flowers on fence and pierce holes through all layers for brads; insert brads. Using a ruler and Chocolate Chip marker, draw stems and leaves for flowers. Set aside.

STEP 7

Stamp sentiment onto cream cardstock; trim and mat on brown cardstock. Adhere strip to card as shown. Adhere fence to card.

STEP 8

Stamp girl image onto Blending Card. Using photo as guide, color skin, hair, hair clip, and shoes with markers. Stamp pants onto denim paper; detail cut pants and adhere to main image. Stamp shirt onto floral paper; cut out and adhere to image. Detail cut entire image and adhere to card over fence and circle, placing foam tape beneath head to level layers.

Tip

• Look online for COPIC coloring tutorials for different skin and hair color combinations.

by Michele Boyer (www.papercuts.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com)

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B-I-N-G-O! You’ll be the big winner after making this fun bracelet-watch from antique-looking, wooden bingo markers.

Materials

• Watch base
• Wooden bingo call markers, eight
• Beads: red E, 10; silver small crimp, six
• Beading cable, size .015, 20” length
• Silver chain, 2” length
• Magnetic ball clasp

Tools

• Wire cutters
• Crimping tool
• Drill with 1⁄16” bit

Basic Supplies

sandpaper, tack cloth

Directions

STEP 1

Drill hole through each marker. Sand and wipe dust with tack cloth.

STEP 2

Cut cable length in half; thread two crimp beads onto one length. Insert end through loop on watch base, then back through crimp beads in opposite direction. See Figure 1. Use crimping tool to crimp beads, leaving 1” wire tail.

Figure 1

STEP 3

Thread one E bead between each four markers onto cable, starting and ending with E bead. Thread cable through silver-chain end link and one half of magnetic clasp. Thread crimp bead onto cable; crimp bead and trim excess cable.

STEP 4

Repeat steps to make other half of watchband on remaining cable length.

by Barbara Matthiessen

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Greet your golf-loving dad with a handmade card this Father’s Day. The layered papers add great texture, as do the button “golf ball” and twig signpost.

Materials

• White blank card, 5”x6-1⁄2”
• Purple/Blue paper: checked, sponged, dotted
• White embroidery floss
• White button, 5⁄8”
• Twig, 1⁄8” diameter, 5” long

Tools

• White gel pen
• Cutting mat
• Needle
• Paper adhesive

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, craft knife

Directions

(Note: Use photo as guide throughout.)

step 1

Open card; trim 3⁄8” from each front edge, except fold. Cover inside back of card with purple/blue checked and card front with purple/blue sponged papers.

step 2

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.) Cut grass border pattern from purple/blue dotted paper. Adhere grass to front of card.

step 3

Trace flag window pattern on front of card. Open card and use craft knife to cut out “window”. Outline window and front of card with white pen.

step 4

Using white floss and working from back to front, sew stick and button to card front; knot floss ends inside card.

step 5

Transfer lettering to inside back of card with white pen so only “Dad” is visible through window.

Tips

• Modify patterns slightly to create sailboat window card, floating along on rolling, blue waves. Or, cut grass from green crinkle paper for added texture.

by Shauna Berglund-Immel

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Kids will have as much fun making this special Father’s Day gift as they will enjoy the giant hug from Dad when he receives it.

Materials

• Cotton T-shirt in appropriate size
• Fabric paints in choice of color(s)

Tools

• T-shirt transfer paper, 2 sheets
• Shirtboard, cookie sheet, or newspaper

Basic Supplies

scissors, paintbrush, paper plate (for palette), iron and pressing surface, computer with printer 

Directions

STEP 1

Follow manufacturer’s directions to print and iron the following on one sheet of transfer paper for front of shirt: “Of course my kids don’t walk all over me. . .” Use remaining sheet of transfer paper to print and iron the following for back of shirt: “They just have me in the palms of their hands!”

STEP 2

To make the front of the shirt, place shirt board, cookie sheet, or newspaper inside T-shirt. Pour puddle of paint on palette. Have child sit in chair and paint bottom of foot and toes, spreading paint evenly. Repeat same for other foot. Help child place feet onto T-shirt; press across top of toes and feet for full impression. Lift child off shirt and wash feet immediately. Repeat same for each child, changing paint color for each child. Let dry completely.

STEP 3

To make the back of the shirt, pour puddle of paint on palette. Paint palm of hands, spreading paint evenly. Place child’s hands onto T-shirt and press firmly for full impression. Lift child’s hands off shirt and wash hands immediately. Repeat same for each child, changing paint color for each child. Allow paint to dry 24 hours.

STEP 4

Follow manufacturer’s directions to let paint cure before washing.

Tip

• Turn this shirt into a keepsake by adding each child’s name next to their hand prints and the date to the bottom of the shirt.

by Alessa Giampaolo Keener

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Does Dad have an autographed baseball he treasures from years ago? Use Krylon paint, a candlestick, and some vintage baseball paper to create a pedestal to showcase his special memento.

Materials

• Wooden candlestick, 9” tall
• Wooden 6” square, 1/8” thick
• Vintage baseball paper
• Black Rub-on alphabet letters
• Black electrical tape
• Krylon Indoor/Outdoor Spray Paint: Flat Ruddy Brown, Gloss Black
• Krylon Short Cuts Gloss Red Pepper Brush-on Paint

Tools

• Handsaw
• Découpage medium
• Craft glue

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, paintbrush, sandpaper, soft cloth, newspaper (to cover work surface)

Directions

(Note: Allow paint to dry before applying next color.)

step 1

Follow manufacturer’s instructions to spray paint candlestick Ruddy Brown.

step 2

Using photo as guide, paint candlestick cup top and bottom edge, top edge of center section, and base Red Pepper.

step 3

To create bat handle grip, wrap electrical tape around upper portion of center candlestick section as shown in photo.

step 4

Cut 2” corner from wooden square (home plate). Sand rough edge; wipe with soft cloth. Spray paint entire square Black; let dry.

step 5

Trace home plate on back of vintage baseball paper. Draw line 1/8” inside tracing line; cut on inside line. Apply rub-on letters to paper edge to spell “home” as shown. Adhere baseball paper to home plate using découpage medium; let dry.

step 6

Adhere candlestick to center of home plate.

by Colette George for Krylon (www.krylon.com)

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Add a touch of sparkle and vintage charm to your wardrobe with this pretty, spring-themed bezel necklace. The wire-wrapped hobnailed pendant holds a darling antique image encased in clear resin to create a piece with layers of dimension.

Materials

• Graphic 45 Secret Garden Collection Posy Patch Paper
• Spellbinders Media Mixáge Rectangles One Bezels
• Wire: Beadalon 7-Strand Silver-Plated Nylon-Coated; Artistic Wire Silver-Plated, 24-Gauge
• Beadalon Findings: Spacers, Crimp Tubes, Jump Rings, Wire Guardians
• Bead Shoppe Findings: Hook Clasp, Silver Spacers, Silver Ball Spacers, Silver Filigree Ball Spacers
• Halcraft USA Bead Gallery Faceted Glass Beads (Michaels): Sapphire & Ruby Crystal, 8mm; Lavender/Blue Crystal, 6mm and 8mm
• Small silver ball-head straight pins

Tools

• Spellbinders Artisan X-plorer Machine
• Spellbinders Media Mixáge Rectangles One Dies
• Susan Lenart Kazmer ICE Resin
• Pliers: round-nose, chain-nose
• Wire cutters
• Crimp tool
• Thick, white craft glue

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, pencil, disposable mixing cup, wooden craft stick

Directions

Size

18″ long

Step 1

Center girl/flower image from Posy Patch paper inside Rectangles One #3 die; die cut/emboss image. Adhere image inside Rectangles One #3 bezel using craft glue; let dry.

Step 2

Follow manufacturer’s instructions to mix ICE Resin in disposable mixing cup. Using craft stick, drip resin inside bezel until resin domes. Let resin dry completely for six to 12 hours.

Step 3

Wrap silver-plated wire diagonally around upper right and lower left portions of bezel and secure wire around top loop; trim excess wire with wire cutters.

Step 4

Add one 6mm lavender/blue crystal bead to a small ball-head straight pin. Wrap wire that extends past bead around round-nose pliers and wrap twice to create a loop. Trim excess wire with wire cutters. Make 67 total.

Step 5

Cut two 24″ lengths of nylon-coated wire and string beads onto first length in following order: silver ball, spacer, 8mm sapphire bead, 8mm ruby crystal bead, spacer, silver ball, spacer, 8mm lavender/blue crystal bead, spacer, silver ball, spacer, 8mm sapphire bead, 8mm ruby crystal bead, spacer, silver ball and four beads from Step 4. Repeat sequence four times on each wire length.

Step 6

To one strand, add silver ball, spacer, 8mm sapphire and ruby crystal bead, spacer, silver ball, spacer, 8mm lavender/blue crystal bead, spacer, silver ball, spacer, 8mm sapphire and ruby crystal bead, spacer, silver ball, nine beads from Step 4, silver ball, spacer, silver filigree ball spacer, spacer, 6mm lavender/blue crystal bead, spacer, silver filigree ball spacer, spacer, silver ball, crimp tube. Repeat on other strand.

Step 7

Thread wire guardian with end of one strand and insert opposite end of wire guardian through bezel loop. Thread wire through second crimp tube and silver filigree ball spacers.

Step 8

Crimp tube with crimp tool; trim excess wire with wire cutters.

Step 9

Add wire guardian and clasp hook to end of one strand. Crimp tubes and cut excess wire. Repeat on other end with second piece of clasp.

Step 10

Open a large jump ring with pair of chain-nose pliers. Thread with eight beads from Step 4 and add to top bezel loop in center of beaded strands.

Step 11

Add a jump ring with one bead from Step 4 to bottom bezel loop.

Tip

• Customize the bezel design with your favorite patterned paper or theme, or embed alphabet letters or a small photo to further personalize this design.

by Darsie Bruno for Spellbinders (www.spellbinderscreativearts.com)

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