Monthly Archives: February 2013

Erin Go Bragh

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Even if you’re not Irish, St. Patrick’s Day is a day to celebrate. Greet guests for this fun celebration with this gorgeous Erin Go Bragh cross-stitch design.

Materials

  • Zweigart White 28-count Lugana, 13”x12”
  • DMC 6-strand Embroidery Floss

Tools

  • Embroidery needle

Stitch Type

  • Backstitch: 1 strand
  • Cross-stitch: 2 strands
  • French Knot: 2 strands wrapped two times
  • Specialty Stitch: 3 strands

Basic Supplies

scissors

Directions

Size / STitch Count

Approximate finished size: 6-1/2”x5-1/4”; Stitch Count: 90 w x 75 h”

Erin Go Bragh

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. Backstitch design using 1 strand floss. Stitch French Knots with 2 strands (wrapped two times) and stitch Specialty Stitch using 3 strands.

4. Finish as desired.

by Pamela Kellogg

Brand New Birthday Collection Giveaway!

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Hi there! Alice Golden back with you today to share a project created for the Karen Foster Design booth at the Craft & Hobby Association trade show that took place in California last month. Karen Foster Design is known for their wide variety of themed crafting products and this project features papers, stickers, and embellishments from their fun, new Birthday Collection. In addition, they have donated a fabulous assortment of these products for one lucky reader to win!

All you need to do to be entered in the drawing is answer the following question in the comments section of this post by Tuesday, March 5, 2013. Winners will be announced here on March 6th.

“What is your all-time favorite birthday treat?”

(Mine is my great-grandmother’s chocolate cake).

Now, onto crafting! The base of this project is one of Karen Foster Design’s popular 3-D Countdown Calendars, which is a set of 25 mini drawers that can be used in lots of different ways, in addition to counting down to a special occasion. I thought it would make a fun party decoration – the drawers could hold favors for the guests to take home, or be used as part of a game or scavenger hunt to hold clues – lots of possibilities!

I started by covering the front of each drawer and sides of the box with papers from the Birthday Collection.

Then came the fun part – adding assorted decorations to each drawer.

I really like using things that add texture, such as these colorful brads,

as well as adding dimension with stickers or foam adhesive.

I might have gone a bit overboard with the glitter glue, but couldn’t help myself.

My favorite embellishment would have to be these new Party Bubble Brads – I especially liked the balloons, which I tied with Scrapper’s Spool Floss.

Supplies

  • Karen Foster Design: 3-D Countdown Calendar, Birthday Collection Papers, Cardstock Stickers, Birthday Lil’ Stack Sticker, Party Time Stacked Statement, Crazy Coil Brads, Scrapper’s Spool Floss, and Party Bubble Brads
  • Ranger Stickles Glitter Glue in assorted colors

Don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered into the giveaway.

So glad you stopped by today. Until next time – Happy Crafting!

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

You Are Beautiful Card

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Create this gorgeous greeting using Imperial Gold dies, the newest shape-cutting technology from Spellbinders. Cut, emboss, stencil, and deboss in multiple layers with a single die template.

Materials

  • Stampin’ Up! Very Vanilla Cardstock, 8-1/2”x11”, two sheets
  • Melissa Frances Attic Treasures Collection 6”x6” Paper Pad
  • Melissa Frances Attic Treasures Collection Cream Pearl Embellishments
  • Decorative pearl stick pin
  • May Arts Champagne Silk Ribbon

Tools

  • Spellbinders Grand Calibur Die-Cutting System and Dies: Imperial Gold Circles One S4-390; Nestabilities Standard Circles Small S4-116 and Large S4-114; Grand Nestabilities Grand Rectangles LF-132
  • Spellbinders Junior Magnetic Placement Mat
  • JustRite Papercraft Amazing Paper Grace Just the Right Words Stamp Set
  • Ink Pads: Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Pumice Stone, Tattered Rose; Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black
  • Adhesives: double-sided tape, foam tape, masking tape

Basic Supplies

paper trimmer, scissors, ruler, pencil, small stiff-bristled paintbrush

Directions

Size

5-1/4”x7-1/8”

Card

1. Fold Very Vanilla cardstock in half to measure 5-1/2”x8-1/2”. Place Grand Rectangles #5 die template over folded cardstock so folded edge is just inside cutting line of die. Die cut/emboss card base.

2. Die cut/emboss damask paper using Grand Rectangles #4 die template.

3. Wrap damask panel with silk ribbon, adhering ends at back using double-sided tape. Adhere panel to card base using foam tape.

4. Die cut/emboss Standard Circles Small #2 and Large #4 die templates from damask paper; set aside.

5. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to position all pieces of Gold Circles One die template together on magnetic mat. (Note: Junior Magnetic Mat will begin shipping in mid-March; in absence of mat, tape pieces together on back using low-tack masking tape.)

6. Die cut/emboss Gold Circles One from Very Vanilla cardstock; after die cutting, you will have three separate pieces.

7. Using dry, stiff-bristled paintbrush and Distress Inks, add color to Gold Circles One pieces as desired.

8. Adhere large die-cut frame to bottom half of card using foam tape. Stamp sentiment inside frame.

9. Assemble remaining Gold Circles One and Standard Circles die cuts as shown, placing foam tape between each layer. Adhere finished piece to card using foam tape. Adhere pearls to die cuts as shown.

10. Tie full bow; adhere to card with double-sided tape. Insert stick pin through bow, hiding end behind die cuts.

Tip

by Linda Duke for Spellbinders Paper Arts

Take Time to Laugh Bowl & Mug

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Steer away those mid-winter sniffles with a steaming mug of homemade soup served along with a friendly reminder to enjoy the lighter side of life.

Materials

  • Ceramic items: bowl, 7” diameter; mug with saucer, 3-3/4” tall
  • Plaid Apple Barrel Gloss Paints: Black, Beachcomber Beige, Mossy Green, Deep Purple, White

Tools

  • Paintbrushes: round brush, flat brush
  • Plaid Bottle Top Tip Writers (30728)

Basic Supplies

scissors, pencil, transfer paper, paper plate (for palette)

Directions

STEP 1

Wash and dry ceramic items. 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.) Transfer vine pattern randomly around bottom of bowl and on mug.

STEP 2

Use round brush to paint the following: vines and leaves Mossy Green, berries on vines mix Deep Purple + White (1:1). Use flat brush to paint checkered border around bowl and saucer rims with Black and Beachcomber Beige.

STEP 3

Following manufacturer’s instructions, use bottle top tip writer and Black to free-hand paint lettering. Lightly spatter paint mug, saucer, and bowl with Black.

STEP 4

For increased durability, set can be baked in the oven. Follow manufacturer’s instructions on paint bottles.

Other Options

  • Use fabric paint to make a matching set of place mats and napkins.
  • Paint design on a vase for matching centerpiece.

by Kirsten Jones

Color Fragments

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Stampendous has this fun new product called Color Fragments. You may ask what are Color Fragments? Color Fragments are just that, bits of pure color you can glue on to any surface with any adhesive. Sprinkle them into melting embossing powders for an amazing Encrusted Jewel look. Crush with your fingers for smaller particles. I have used them on several projects and I love how they add texture, color, and a touch of whimsy to my projects.

Here is close-up view of a few of the different color fragment colors. They come in all different shades to coordinate with any project.

On this card, I used them to actually color in my butterfly after I had stamped the image.

A close-up view of the butterflies:

I applied a layer of Beacon Adhesives Zip Dry Paper Glue to the surface of the butterfly, applying it only to the area I wanted to cover with the first shade of Color Fragments. After I put the glue on, I sprinkled the Color Fragments over the glue, pressed down with my fingers, and shook off the excess. I repeated the process until the butterfly was completely colored. Because the Color Fragments are thin, you can rub off excess fragment after the glue dries. When I had finished applying all of the colors, I added a layer of Beacon Adhesives Fast Finish to give the butterfly a glossy finish.

Products

  • Stampendous Stamps: Decorative Grate, Jumbo Cling Butterfly Trio, Leaf Sprig, Life is Art
  • Stampendous Color Fragments: Chiffon, Burgundy, Caramel
  • Stampendous Crushed Black Glitter
  • Inks: Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Inks in red, brown, yellow, orange shades; black permanent ink pad
  • Beacon Adhesives: Zip Dry Paper Glue, Fast Finish

Here is a different card, created using a mix of the new colors released in January:

On this card, I just dripped glue across random areas of the card and sprinkled a mix of Color Fragments to coordinate with the colors in the image and the paper. I love the confetti effect this creates.

Products

  • Cardstock: green, white, peach
  • My Mind’s Eye, Memory Box
  • Stampendous Kiddo Birthday Stamp
  • Stampendous Color Fragments: Hot Lime, Rose, Hot Yellow, Teal
  • STAEDTLER Karat Aquarell Watercolor Pencils
  • Water brush
  • Paper distressing tool
  • Beacon Adhesives Zip Dry Paper Glue

On my final project, you can see I just applied it to add texture in a coordinating color:

The Color Fragments were applied after I had added a layer of Embossing Enamel around the edges of the photos. I applied Versamark ink on the cardstock and sprinkled with Embossing Enamel. I heat embossed the enamel and, while it was still hot, I sprinkled the Color Fragments into the Embossing Enamel.

Products

  • Gray cardstock
  • Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist: Lavender Fields, Silver
  • Paper distressing tool
  • Tissue paper
  • White roses trim
  • Watercolor pencils
  • Water brush
  • Beacon Adhesives Zip Dry Paper Glue
  • Stampendous Stamps: Golden Tales, Married Monograms, Botanical Blooms, Petite Dragonfly
  • Stampendous Chunky White Embossing Enamel
  • Stampendous Crystal Micro Glitter
  • Stampendous Purple Color Fragments
  • Tsukineko Versamark Ink Pad

How about a give-away?  I have three of these kits to give away.

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post by March 3rd and I will pick three randomly selected comments to win one of these kits from Stampendous!

Good Luck!

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

Lap Quilt

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

If you’ve never quilted before, here’s the perfect way to start. Using the frayed edge method, imperfections in your cutting and sewing magically disappear! Give it a whirl! It’s as easy as 1-2-3!

Materials

  • Flannel: 6 coordinating colors/prints, 1 yd. each; cream, 3 yds.

Tools

  • Sewing machine and matching thread
  • Washing machine and dryer

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, straight pins

Directions

Size

42″x50″

Quilt

(Note: Do not prewash fabric.)

1. Cut 60 coordinating 10″ squares and 30 cream 10″ squares. Sandwich cream squares between pairs of colored squares (right sides of fabric facing out).

2. Arrange sandwiched squares into six rows of five. Pin pieces together with back layers facing so seams show on quilt front. Use 1″ seam allowance to sew squares together, forming rows. Sew rows together, forming quilt. Sew around quilt 1″ from raw edge.

3. Clip raw edges perpendicular to seam, spacing 1⁄2″-3⁄4″ apart. Wash and dry quilt; repeat until desired fray is achieved.

by Rebekah Meier

Tic Tac Snow Game

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Craft a little winter fun with Midwest Products’ wooden shapes, paint, and a foam snowflake stamp.

Materials

  • Midwest Products Co., Inc. Wooden Items: Craft Plywood, 1/4”x12”x12”; Basswood Sheet, 1/4”x3”x24”; Basswood Economy Bag
  • Midwest Products Co., Inc. Cellfoam 88, 1/8”x11-1/2”x11-1/2”
  • Wiggle eyes, 20
  • Button magnets, 19

Tools

  • Midwest Products Co., Inc. Easy Cutter Tool
  • Snowflake foam stamp
  • DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paints: Ultra Blue Deep, Orchid, Jack-O’-Lantern Orange, Snow White, Lamp Black, Winter Blue
  • DecoArt Glamour Dust Glitter
  • Beacon Adhesives Kids Choice! Glue

Basic Supplies

hand saw, paintbrushes, fine-tip black marker, craft knife and cutting mat, pencil

Directions

Size

12”x12”

Game

1. Use saw to cut ten 1-1/2” squares from basswood sheet. Use Easy Cutter to clip corners of each square.

2. Pull several 1/4” strips from Basswood Economy Bag. Cut six 3” lengths; leave two additional 1/4” strips uncut.

3. Paint five 1-1/2” squares Snow White. Using photo as guide, paint remaining squares Lamp Black on edges and Snow White in centers for penguins. Paint all 1/4” basswood strips Ultra Deep Blue. Paint plywood square Winter Blue. Let all pieces dry completely.

4. Print, cut out, and trace patterns onto Cellfoam as indicated. (Note: The blue word “patterns” is a link. To access these patterns, select the link, then download and print patterns.) Cut out pieces with craft knife.

5. Paint noses Jack-O’-Lantern Orange; let dry. Paint snowflakes Orchid; sprinkle paint with glitter while wet. Let dry.

6. Stamp Snow White snowflakes randomly over plywood square; let dry.

7. Adhere wiggle eyes and noses to game pieces, and use marker to outline pieces as shown.

8. Adhere 1/4″ basswood strips to board in grid pattern. Adhere snowflakes to board between strips. Adhere magnets to snowflakes and to back of each game piece. Let dry completely.

Tip

  • Paint the game pieces to look like zoo animals, dinosaurs, or anything else your kids love!

by Melony Miller Bradley for Midwest Products Co., Inc. (www.midwestproducts.com)

Be Welcome Be Warm

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Nothing warms the soul like a warm beverage on a cold winter’s day. Give guests a hearty and warm welcome with this beautiful cross-stitched greeting.

Materials

  • Wichelt Imports Antique Ivory 28-count Jobelan, 17 x 10”
  • Crescent Colours 6-Strand Hand-dyed Floss
  • Kreinik Mfg. Blending Filament

Tools

  • Embroidery needle

Stitch Type

  • Blended Needle: 1 strand floss/1 strand blending filament
  • Cross-stitch: 2 strands

Basic Supplies

scissors

Directions

Size / Stitch Count

Approximate finished size: 10-3/4”x3-5/8”; Stitch count: 151 w x 52 h

Be Welcome Be Warm

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. Finish as desired.

Tip

You can find hand-dyed Crescent Colours fibers online at www.everythingcrossstitch.com  and www.123stitch.com.

by Lynda Orme for Forever In My Heart

Easter Ornaments in Felt

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At the recent CHA show in Anaheim, I renewed my acquaintance with the folks at the Kunin Group. This company makes felt fabrics but with a difference – they are made in the USA from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. It’s a product you can feel good about because it is helping keep plastic out of landfill and that’s a great idea.

There are all sorts of felt fabrics in the range but the one I particularly love is the one shown here – it is printed felt fabric with a floral pattern. It is colorful and cute and, if you love to do just a little bit of sewing, the shapes in the pattern make it fun and easy to embellish the ornament with as much or as little sewing as you like.

Materials

  • Printed felt
  • DMC #5 Pearl cotton, in assorted colors
  • Small buttons
  • Fiberfill stuffing
  • Scissors, pins, and needles

For this Easter Egg ornament project, I cut two pieces of patterned felt in an egg shape. On one side I sewed some small buttons and added just a touch of embroidery. I used DMC #5 Pearl Cotton – this is a twisted thread embroidery cotton of which you use the entire thickness so there is no need to separate it. It is lovely to work with and it has a beautiful luster which looks great on this project. I sewed some simple embroidery stitches following the printed shapes on the felt.

When you are done, cut a narrow strip of felt to use to hang the ornament. Sew around the edges of the two shapes (printed side out) with blanket stitch and catch the loop as you sew the edge. Before finishing, stuff gently with a little fiberfill.

by Helen Bradley (www.craftinggoodness.com)

 

Stampendous Cling Flower Stamp Giveaway

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The wonderful comments on my February 4 blog post Stamped Garden Gift Set are a sure sign that spring is in the air!

In my blog, I had announced a giveaway of one of the new Stampendous stamps that was introduced as a Winter CHA release. To enter the drawing, each entrant was to leave a comment on my post by Valentine’s Day, February 14th. First, I want to thank all of you for the unbelievable number of comments. Now, it’s time to announce the one lucky winner of a new Cling Flowers stamp from Stampendous. The winner, as selected by Random.org, is: Barbara Lassiter.

Barbara, I will be contacting you by email for your mailing address. Your kind comments are very much appreciated.

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