Mini-Light Lanterns

Posted on by
2

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Slip these little lantern covers over ordinary mini-lights – they’re quick-to-make, inexpensive, and can be customized to fit any occasion!

Materials

  • Mini-light strand
  • Pastel vellum, assorted colors

Tools

  • Hot glue gun and sticks

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler

Directions

STEP 1

Cut 2-1/2”x4” rectangle from paper for each light bulb. Fold in half to measure 1-1/4”x4”. Cut evenly spaced slits, 1/4” to 1/2” apart, along folded edge, stopping 1/8” from open edge (See Fig. 1).

STEP 2

Open rectangle. Use hot glue gun to glue short edges together, forming cylinder.

STEP 3

Cut small strip for handle. Adhere one handle end inside upper lantern edge. Position lantern over light bulb and adhere remaining handle in place.

Other Options

  • Try ultra-thin metal sheets for more durable outdoor lanterns.
  • Seasonal options might include: alternating red and green lanterns; orange pumpkins with green handles and black triangle eyes; red, white, and blue lanterns with streaming ribbons. Get creative!

by Rebecca Ortinau

Spring Welcome Mat

Posted on by
Reply

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

What better way to greet guests than with a smile? This easy-to-paint, smiling flower welcome mat is a great way to add a touch of spring to your outdoor décor.

Materials

  • Green doormat, 18”x24”
  • DecoArt Patio Paints: Cloud White, Sprout Green, Petunia Purple, Wrought Iron Black, Citrus Green, Fuchsia, Pansy Purple

Tools

  • Round scrubber paintbrushes: sizes #0, #4, #6, #14
  • Poster board, 18”x24”

Basic Supplies

scissors

Directions

STEP 1

For stencil, print and cut out patterns. (Note: The blue word “patterns” is a link. To access these patterns, select the link, then download and print patterns.) Fold poster board in half. Trace patterns onto poster board; cut out.

STEP 2

For flower, center stencil on mat, aligning bottom edges. Use #6 to stencil petal edges Petunia Purple. Use circular scrubbing motion to force paint into grooves in mat. Remove template. Use #14 to fill in petals with Petunia Purple. While still wet, use #14 to paint Cloud White along petal edges and Pansy Purple along flower head edges. Use #6 to paint flower head Fuchsia. While still wet, use #6 to paint flower head edges Cloud White.

STEP 3

Use #14 to paint cheeks and nose Pansy Purple and to add Cloud White highlights. Use #0 to paint eyes, smile, and border Wrought Iron Black.

STEP 4

For border, position leaf stencil as desired. Use #4 to stencil edges Citrus Green. Paint leaves Sprout Green and veins Wrought Iron Black. Add Fuchsia and Petunia Purple mini-flowers and dots around border as desired.

by Annie Lang

Ruby Rock-It Carnival Queen Giveaway

Posted on by
23

Recently, I was given the opportunity to try out some products from an Australian company called Ruby Rock-It. In addition to papers and stickers, they have a fantastic variety of embellishments – all sorts of paper and fabric die cuts, pockets, printed cards and stitched paper garlands – that made it hard to decide which to try first.

Ruby Rock-It is sponsoring a giveaway where one lucky Crafts ‘n things blog reader can win their new Carnival Queen line. I think you will love all of the fun images that are incorporated into these products as much as I do.

Who doesn’t love a carnival or fair? Between all the rides, games, and interesting exhibits, not to mention the seemingly endless variety of tempting things to eat, there is usually something to make everyone happy. To be entered in the giveaway, leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite thing to do, see, or eat at a carnival by Monday, May 6, 2013. Winners will be announced here on May 7th.

My favorite carnival treat would have to be cotton candy. (We were at a festival in Maine last summer where I tried a version made from maple sugar and it was completely addictive).

I thought it would be fun to use this line to create a party set. These products could easily be adapted to all sorts of parties or showers, and they are versatile enough to be used on baby- or girl-themed projects too. (If you are looking for a similar line with bolder colors, check out the Ruby Rock-It Carnival King collection.)

The embellished picks come in several different varieties and I used them as-is to decorate cupcakes – doesn’t get much easier than that. They would also be adorable on the front of a card or gift bag.

Every single piece in the collection has wonderful detail. The ticket stubs in the background are included in the die-cut pack.

The popcorn bags were really easy to create using double-sided scrapbook papers and a box template. The hardest part was deciding which embellishments to add.

An easy party favor is a cellophane bag filled with candy or other treats and topped with paper. Staple the bag closed, apply double-sided tape to the paper and fold in half over the bag. I used foam adhesive under the die-cut embellishments to add more dimension.

This is a recycled tin that was covered with paper and decorated to become fun gift packaging.

It really doesn’t take long to add a few special touches that can have a big impact on your celebration. Let us know if you give some of these ideas a try.

Supplies

Happy Crafting!

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

Disclaimer: Please be assured that no cupcakes were wasted in the creation of this blog post.

 

So Delightful Card

Posted on by
Reply

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Make this whimsical card with Ranger Archival Inks and Claudine Hellmuth Studio Stamps. The permanent nature of Archival Inks allows you to layer stampings and get clear and crisp images.

Materials

  • Ranger Inkssentials Gloss Paper, 8-1/2”x11”
  • Core’dinations Tim Holtz & Ranger Distress Collection Broken China Cardstock
  • Clear vellum

Tools

  • Ranger Archival Ink Pads: Sap Green, Coffee, Jet Black, Chrome Yellow, Venetian Orange, French Ultramarine
  • Stamps: Ranger Claudine Hellmuth Studio Creative Layers Nature Stamp Sets, Clear and Foam; Stampers Anonymous Claudine Hellmuth Studio Clear Stamps Words & Frames 2 and Spring Garden Stamp Sets
  • Ranger Inkssentials Tools: Paper Creaser, Heat it Craft Tool
  • Stampers Anonymous Tim Holtz Acrylic Grid Blocks
  • Self-healing craft mat
  • Ranger Inkssentials Adhesives: Popit Shapes, Collage Glue Stick

Basic Supplies

paper trimmer, scissors, ruler, pencil

Directions

STEP 1

Cut Broken China cardstock to 8-1/2”x5-1/2”. Place cardstock on self-healing mat, score down center using paper creaser and ruler, and fold to create 4-1/4”x5-1/2” card base. Set aside.

STEP 2

Stamp Sap Green foam treetop onto vellum; heat set with Heat it Craft Tool until ink is dry. Stamp Jet Black clear treetop over foam-stamped image; heat set until dry. Cut out treetop with scissors and set aside.

STEP 3

Stamp French Ultramarine foam treetop onto matte side of gloss paper scrap. Stamp Jet Black bird from Spring Garden stamp set in treetop. Detail cut bird and set aside.

STEP 4

Stamp Jet Black tree trunk outline on matte side of another piece of gloss paper. Detail cut bottom 2” of trunk to use as mask. Set aside.

STEP 5

Cut 3-1/4”x5” gloss paper panel. On matte side of panel, stamp Coffee foam tree trunk on left side. Stamp Jet Black outline tree over foam-stamped image. Stamp Sap Green foam treetop over tree trunk image.

STEP 6

Stamp Chrome Yellow foam sun in upper right corner of panel; stamp Venetian Orange outline sun over foam-stamped image.

STEP 7

Place mask from Step 4 over base of tree trunk on gloss paper panel. Ink foam treetop stamp Sap Green. Holding mask in place, randomly stamp portions of treetop multiple times along bottom to create grass. Re-ink stamp between stampings. Remove mask.

STEP 8

Stamp Jet Black “so delightful” sentiment from Words & Frames 2 set on bottom right of panel.

STEP 9

Using glue stick, adhere vellum treetop from Step 2 over stamped treetop on gloss paper panel. Adhere panel to card base with glue stick. Use Pop It Shape to adhere bird from Step 3 in tree as shown.

Tip

  • Pre-stamp and cut all of the various pieces first and your card will come together quickly.

By Patti Behan for Ranger Industries (http://www.rangerink.com/)

Filigree Delight Card

Posted on by
2

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Cards created to encourage or thank a cherished friend should be extra special. Nestabilities Card Creator Dies from Spellbinders make it easy to get stunning looks like this!

Materials

  • Neenah Classic Crest Natural White 80 lb. Cardstock
  • Papers: Pink Paislee London Market 6”x6” Paper Pad, Die Cuts with a View The Garden Tea Party Paper Stack, Colorbök Gold Foil Paper
  • Maya Road Trinket Pin
  • Clear earring back
  • Michaels Bead Landing Floral Filigree
  • Michaels Recollections Signature Pearl Stickers
  • May Arts Silk Ribbon SK19, 1-1/4” wide, 1-1/4 yds.
  • White lace trim, 2-1/2” wide, 1/6 yd.

Tools

  • Spellbinders Grand Calibur Die-Cutting System and Nestabilities Card Creator A2 Filigree Delight Die S5-177
  • JustRite Papercraft Good Friends Labels Twenty-Nine Stamp Set CR-04345
  • Our Daily Bread Designs Becca’s Peg Bow Maker
  • Tsukineko VersaFine Onyx Black Ink Pad
  • Michaels Recollections Detail Clear Embossing Powder
  • Adhesives: Tombow Stamp Runner Adhesive, 3M Scotch Brand Foam Tape

Basic Supplies

paper trimmer, scissors, ruler, pencil, heat tool, scoring board, wax paper

Directions

1. Cut two 5-1/2”x8-1/2” panels from Natural White cardstock. Score and fold one panel 1” from one short end. Adhere second cardstock panel to front of flap. Trim finished card base to 5-1/4”x6-3/8”.

2. Cut 5-1/8”x6-1/4” panels from Natural White cardstock and peach polka-dot paper. Adhere panels together. (Note: This helps to reinforce card front to support weight of trinket pin.)

3. Wrap lace and ribbon around layered panel as shown, adhering ends at back. Adhere panel to card base using foam tape.

4. Cut 4-3/8”x5-1/2” Pink Paislee floral/text paper panel and 4-1/2”x5-5/8” gold paper panel. Adhere panels together.

5. Stamp Onyx Black sentiment at center upper half of floral/text panel; heat emboss with clear powder.

6. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to tie multi-loop bow around layered panel; adhere panel to card using foam tape.

7. Die cut/emboss Filigree Delight A2 template from gold paper, using wax paper for ease of removal. Adhere filigree panel to card using tiny pieces of foam tape.

8. Adhere pearls to corners and midpoints of filigree panel. Insert trinket pin through center of bow; place earring back on tip of pin. Adhere filigree piece to bow.

Tip

  • To create oversized, top-fold cards, create a “hinge” by cutting the back piece slightly longer and scoring it to create a flap. Adhere front panel to flap.

by Becca Feeken for Spellbinders (www.spellbinderscreativearts.com)

Motorcycle Fun!

Posted on by
Reply

Stampendous is getting geared up to release their new stamps. I am sharing a sneak peek of one of their new stamps called Motorcycle Elements W097.  I was thinking this would be a great card for a boy on his birthday!

1. Stamp image on white cardstock using black ink. Repeat on another piece of cardstock. Cut first image into circle using die or circle cutter. Punch circles from various patterned papers and cardstock.

2. Cut patterned paper and cardstock into strips of varying size. Cut 4-1/4″x5-1/2″ white cardstock background panel.

3. Color both stamped images using STAEDTLER Karat Aquarelle watercolor pencils and waterbrush.

4. Sponge edges of the circle using blue and green dye inks. Sponge edges of background panel using the same dye inks.

5. Detail cut remaining motorcycle image and adhere to circle image using foam adhesive dots.

6. Adhere white cardstock panel to 4-1/4″x5-1/2″ card base of choice.

7. Adhere patterned paper and cardstock strips to background panel.

8. Adhere punched circles randomly around the background.

9. Adhere stamped circle element to card using foam dots.

Products

  • Cardstock: blue, green, white
  • Stampendous Motorcycle Elements Stamp W097
  • Dye inks: blue, green
  • STAEDTLER Karat Aquarelle Watercolor Pencils
  • Circle dies
  • Circle punches
  • Hole punch
  • Sponge
  • Adhesives: tape, glue, foam dots

Happy Stamping!

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

Light Rose Chandelier Earrings

Posted on by
1

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Think pink! Created with light rose crystal beads by Swarovski, these custom-made earrings are sure to be a sparkling sensation!

Materials

  • Silver chandelier components of choice with three lower loops, two
  • Swarovski Light Rose Bicone Crystal Beads: 4mm, 14; 8mm, six
  • Silver findings: head pins, six; ear wires, two

Tools

  • Pliers: round-nose, chain-nose
  • Wire cutters

Directions

STEP 1

For each earring, attach ear wire to top chandelier loop.

STEP 2

String one 8mm and two 4mm beads onto two head pins. Use round-nose pliers to make loop in each head pin after last bead; cut excess wire. Attach pins to outside loops.

STEP 3

String one 8mm and three 4mm beads onto third head pin; finish and attach to center loop in same manner.

Tip

  • Adhere pink flat-back crystals to chandelier component for added sparkle.

by Katie Hacker

Garden Glove Turtle Puppet

Posted on by
Reply

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Kids can turn a glove into a turtle and use their imaginations for endless hours of fun!

Materials

  • Brown jersey work glove or garden glove
  • Self-adhesive felt, one sheet each: kelly green, cocoa brown
  • Wiggle eyes, 10mm, two
  • Polyester batting, 3/4” loft, 5” scrap
  • Polyester fiberfill, scrap

Tools

  • Red dimensional fabric paint
  • Liner paintbrush
  • Beacon Adhesives Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive

Basic Supplies

scissors, paper

Directions

STEP 1

Print and cut out patterns following instructions listed. (Note: The blue word “patterns” is a link. To access these patterns, select the link, then download and print patterns.) Cut spots apart where indicated by dashed lines on pattern.

STEP 2

For top shell, remove paper backing from spots; place spots on one side of shell. See photo. Turn over. Place 5” batting scrap on shell pattern; trim batting 1/4” smaller than outside edges of shell. Remove paper backing from shell; press batting onto adhesive in center of shell, leaving 1/4″ around all edges. For bottom shell, remove paper backing and press over batting so shell edges line up (see photo). Pinch edges together tightly.

STEP 3

Adhere shell onto top of glove. See photo for placement. For head, firmly stuff small amount of fiberfill into tip of middle finger. Adhere eyes to head. Use fabric paint to paint squiggly mouth below eyes.

by Sandy Parpart

Floral Welcome Sampler

Posted on by
2

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Are you a cross-stitcher who also loves to garden? We have the perfect project for you! Make this sampler and get ready for the planting season to come.

Materials

  • White 14-count Aida cloth
  • DMC 6-strand Embroidery Floss
  • Panoramic frame

Tools

  • Embroidery needle

Stitch Type

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

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, iron and pressing surface, pressing cloth

Directions

Size / stitch Count

Approximate finished design size: 2-9/16”x10-3/4”; stitch count: 150 w x 35 h

Welcome Sampler

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. To find center, fold fabric in half and in half again; mark with contrasting thread.

3. Use two strands of floss to cross-stitch and one strand to backstitch designs as shown on chart. Stitch quarter stitches where blue and gray meet near end of watering can spout. Use two strands for French knot (bird’s eye).

4. Press design from wrong side through pressing cloth as needed. Frame as desired.

Other Options

  • Stitch design on towel.
  • Use waste canvas to stitch design on tote bag or café curtain.
  • Use a single motif on a fingertip towel.

by Alice Okon

Wishy Washi Tape

Posted on by
52

I’m sure you’ve heard the expression wishy washy, right? It means you’re a little undecided, not quite committed, just not sure. That’s why the name of the company I’m introducing you to today is certain to make you smile. Wishy Washi Tape offers so many chic, trendy and affordable tapes that you don’t have to commit to just one. Isn’t that great?!

The tape collection shown above is called Around the Neighborhood. I think it’s one of my favorites, though it is truly impossible to pick just one. A 32-foot roll of tape is $2.75. Visit www.wishywashi.com to see more. Here are a few more favorites that I thought were really unique:

This collection is called Spot and would be perfect on anything that needs a little dose of happy.

Wood Grain is the name of this collection; each “finish” is available in wide or narrow versions. Wouldn’t this be perfect for “guy” cards and gifts?

This collection, designed by artist Yoko Inoue, is called Graffiti. Each roll contains almost 50 feet of tape and is priced at just $3.50; the six-roll combo pack is $19.50. You could place one strip of this across a blank card, stamp or handwrite “hello” and pop it in the mail in about five minutes. I love that!

Stacey Janning, owner of Wishy Washi Tape, shares some great information on the company’s Web site about the history of washi tape, including its environmentally-friendly properties. Be sure to check out the “What Is Washi Tape?” section of the site here: http://www.wishywashi.com/what-is-washi-tape

The staff at Wishy Washi Tape also maintains an ultra-cool Pinterest board filled with inspiring project ideas. http://pinterest.com/wishywashitape/washi-tape-projects/

I’m going to leave you with a list of easy ways to incorporate washi tape into your crafting, plus a fun contest.

10 Super-Easy Ways to Washi:

  • Food flags (cut tape and wrap around top of a toothpick)
  • Gift tags (apply one or more strips across bottom of a manila shipping tag)
  • Mini bud vases (wrap tape around any recycled glass bottle; tie with baker’s twine bow)
  • Pretty packages (dress up white or kraft gift boxes with tape strips)
  • Die cuts (apply tape strips to cardstock; die cut heart, flower, star, etc.)
  • Office supplies (dress up binder clips, file folders, even pens and pencils)
  • Jumbo monogram (buy huge papier-maché letter at craft store; cover with tape)
  • Journal cover (add tape strips; stamp “Journal” or name with permanent ink)
  • Party favors (put treats in glassine bag, add one strip of tape and a cute sticker)
  • Stylish storage (wrap tape around recycled cans; fill with pens, make-up brushes, etc.)

Wishy Washi Tape is giving away a Small Polar Bear Animal Tape Dispenser (the large polar bear is shown above), plus a few rolls of tape, to one lucky winner on our blog. All you have to do for a chance to win is to leave a comment on this blog post by April 25th with your favorite way to washi. We’ll announce the winner on April 26th.

For tape dispenser ordering information (in case you just can’t wait), here’s a link: http://www.wishywashi.com/product/animal-tape-dispensers

Happy Taping!

Dawn Gehring, Crafts ‘n things Editorial Staff