Stamped Ribbon Grad Frame

Posted on May 19, 2013 by lhoman

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

Beaded Safety Pin Jean Charms

Posted on May 13, 2013 by lhoman

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

Kids can express their personality while adding a bit of flair to their wardrobe with these fun-and-easy safety pin charms.

Materials

Darice 2-1/4” safety pin: gold or silver
Gold or silver charm of choice
Large beads

Directions

(Note: Materials listed are for one charm.)

STEP 1

Open safety pin.

STEP 2

Add beads and charms as desired.

STEP 3

Attach charm onto belt loop.

by Chris Malone

Straw Flowers

Posted on May 11, 2013 by lhoman

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

Kids, surprise Mom this Mother’s Day with a special garden of flowers to let her know how much you care!

Materials

2-1⁄2” clay pot
2” plastic-foam ball
Crazy straw in choice of color
3-1⁄4” pre-cut craft foam flower and flower center in choice of color
Green felt, scrap
1⁄2 cup of deer moss

Tools

Thick craft glue
Acrylic Paint in color of choice (optional)

Basic Supplies

scissors, pencil, ruler

Directions

(Note: Materials listed are for one flower.)

1. Press plastic-foam ball into bottom of pot, securing firmly in place. Adhere deer moss to top of foam ball. Let dry.

2. Adhere flower center to flower. Adhere 1” of top end of straw to back of assembled flower.

3. Freehand cut leaves from green felt and adhere to each side of straw as desired.

4. Insert bottom of straw into center of moss and foam ball.

Tip

For extra pizazz, paint flower pots in bright colors!

by Julie Streapy

Mosaic Flower Key Holder

Posted on May 10, 2013 by lhoman

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

Forget grout and breaking tiles as in traditional mosaics! This key holder is easy enough for even a beginner. Mom will surely be amazed at your gift this Mother’s Day!

Materials

Wood frame (with glass), 8″x10″ opening
Sheet glass, 8″x10″
Diamond Tech Jennifer’s Mosaic Stained Glass Chips: green, blue, yellow, white
Blue ribbon, 7/8”, 25” length
Metal hinges, 3-1/2”, two
White porcelain doorknob, 1″
Gold cup hooks, 1″, three
Screw eyes, 1″, two

Tools

Acrylic paints: light blue, white
Glass nippers or hammer
Screwdriver
Aleene’s Glass & Bead Adhesive

Basic Supplies

ruler, paintbrush, newspaper (to cover work surface)

Directions

STEP 1

Remove glass from frame. Basecoat frame mixture of light blue and white and hinges blue. Print pattern. (Note: The blue word “pattern” is a link. To access this pattern, select the link, then download and print pattern.)

STEP 2

Use nippers or hammer to carefully break glass chips into assorted sizes. Position pattern underneath glass. Adhere chips to areas as follows, leaving small space between each: blue flower; green leaves; yellow center of flower; white background. Accent background with blue and green chips as desired.

STEP 3

Use hammer to attach hinges to frame, leaving 2″ between. Screw doorknob, hooks, and screw eyes into frame. Refer to photo for placement.

STEP 4

Place sheet glass over mosaic design; place glass in frame. (Note: Sheet glass is needed to ensure safety from glass chips.)

STEP 5

For hanger, thread ribbon through screw eyes; tie bow.

by Frances Lopez for Duncan Enterprises

Iris Vase

Posted on May 8, 2013 by lhoman

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

At first glance, you might think this is a rusted-metal vase, but it’s actually made from flexible polymer clay! The technique is easy and you’ll love the results. With Mother’s Day less than a week away, this would make a great last-minute gift for Mom.

Materials

Glass vase, 6” tall
Kato Polyclay Oven-bake Polymer Clay, 3 oz. blocks: Blue, Green, Copper
Iris stencil or stencil of choice

Tools

Craf-T Products, Inc. Metallic Rub-On Color Kit #1, Blue
Clay accessories: slicing blade, six-sided ruler, craft knife, clay-dedicated pasta machine
3M Scoth-Brite Multi-Purpose Scour Pad

Basic Supplies

parchment-lined baking sheet or ceramic tile, oven

Directions

STEP 1

Mix together two 10mm sections each of Blue, Green, and Copper, following manufacturer’s instructions to measure and condition. Condition six 10mm sections of Copper.

STEP 2

Roll mixture and copper into separate logs. Roll and twist logs together, roll into a ball, then roll into log again. Twist log and roll into ball again. Flatten ball and run through pasta machine on thickest setting. Run clay through pasta machine on #2 setting. Gently stretch sheet so it is the same width as rollers on machine. Run through machine several times, beginning with highest setting (#1) and reducing until #6 setting is reached.

STEP 3

With more attractive side facing out, fold clay in half and run through machine several times until desired color mixture is achieved. Cut one end of sheet even. Cover vase; trim excess at overlaps. Smooth seam. Trim excess clay.

STEP 4

Position stencil on vase, aligning bottom stencil edge with bottom edge of vase. Use craft knife to cut out clay; carefully remove cut-out sections. Remove stencil and reposition so top edges are aligned. Cut out and remove clay in same way. Repeat to create one additional iris between first two.

STEP 5

Press scour pad onto clay for texture. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to randomly apply rub-on cream to vase. Bake on parchment-lined baking sheet or ceramic tile at 275° for 30 minutes; let cool in oven.

by Gail Ritchey

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

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

Wedding Box

Posted on April 27, 2013 by lhoman

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

Capture wedding day memories when you place keepsakes from your special day inside this beautiful personalized wedding box.

Materials

Walnut Hollow Large Lancaster Wooden Trunk, 9”x5”x5-1/2” (38219)
Plaid FolkArt Acrylic Paints: Wicker White, Licorice, Ivory White, Metallic Silver Sterling, Metallic Copper
Darice Wooden Ball Knobs, 1”, four
Color copy of wedding photo

Tools

Plaid FolkArt Down Home Brown Antiquing Medium
Plaid FolkArt Satin Artists’ Varnish
Paintbrushes: round, #5; flat, #12
Plaid Bottle Top Tip Writers (30728)
Plaid Mod Podge Découpage Medium
Wood glue

Basic Supplies

paper trimmer, ruler, sandpaper, pencil, transfer paper, soft cloth, newspaper (to cover work surface)

Directions

STEP 1

Basecoat box Wicker White; sand lightly. Wipe clean with soft cloth.

STEP 2

Print pattern. Transfer heart pattern around sides of box bottom.

STEP 3

Paint the following: lid, wooden knobs, and top box section Metallic Copper; base and bottom of pattern Silver Sterling; hearts Ivory White. Let dry. Adhere wooden knobs to each corner of box bottom.

STEP 4

Transfer lettering to lid and names and wedding date to underside of lid. Use bottle top tip set and Licorice to add pattern details and write lettering. Spatter paint box and lid Licorice; let dry.

STEP 5

Trim photo to desired size. Following manufacturer’s instructions, use découpage medium to apply photo to lid. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to antique lid and box. Apply varnish.

Tip

To create a bridal bouquet keepsake display, adhere floral foam inside box, then arrange dried flowers and ribbon from the bridal bouquet as desired. The wedding couple’s name and date on the lid are the perfect background for this floral display.

by Kirsten Jones

Spring Welcome Mat

Posted on April 18, 2013 by lhoman

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

Doily Wedding Invitation

Posted on April 10, 2013 by lhoman

Spring and summer means wedding season and the Summer 2013 issue of Crafts ‘n things is full of wedding inspiration. From reception centerpieces to bridesmaids accessories and wedding favors, brides are sure to find a variety of ideas to make their wedding vision complete.

It’s Jill Cornell here today to share a simple, stylish wedding invitation idea that is so easy to duplicate. (For complete instructions, visit page 58 of the Summer 2013 issue of Crafts ‘n things). This particular invitation is displayed in a Nimbus Transparent Display Frame to create a special keepsake for the bride and groom. Visit www.amosadvantage.com to order. (Look for another fun idea using these frames in Melony Bradley’s April 5 blog post.)

The text was designed and printed at home and then stamped with a doily image. A light ink color provides a subtle texture in the design. Patterned paper strips, including a punched doily border, provide a splash of color when adhered to a neutral woodgrain background paper.

Be sure to pick up your copy of the Summer 2013 issue of Crafts ‘n things for more gorgeous bridal projects!

Happy crafting!

Jill Cornell from Blessed Scrapper (www.jillcornell.blogspot.com)