Dad’s Day T-shirt

Posted on June 14, 2013 by lhoman

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

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

Baseball Pedestal

Posted on June 13, 2013 by lhoman

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

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)

Tackle Box

Posted on June 6, 2013 by lhoman

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

Paint a tackle box for Dad or Grandpa as a special Father’s Day gift. They’ll be proud to bring it along on their next fishing trip!

Materials

Wooden box with handle, approx. 4”x6-1⁄2”x10”
Delta Ceramcoat Acrylic Paints: Pine Green, Black, Light Ivory, Burnt Sienna, Latte, Antique Rose, Autumn Brown, Trail Tan

Tools

Royal & Langnickel Golden Taklon Paintbrushes: Angular Shader, Series 160, 1⁄2”; Shader, Series 150, #4-12; Liner, Series 595, #2; stylus
Delta Ceramcoat Matte Sealer
Black extra-fine-tip permanent marker

Basic Supplies

scissors, pencil, sandpaper, damp cloth, newspaper (to cover work surface), transfer paper

Directions

STEP 1

Basecoat box Latte; shade edges Autumn Brown. 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.) Transfer outlines only to box.

STEP 2

Paint the following: fish Pine Green; stars and top bobber halves Light Ivory; remaining bobber areas Burnt Sienna; lettering Pine Green.

STEP 3

Shade fish Black, Light Ivory half of bobbers Trail Tan, and lettering Black. Brush fish with mixture of Pine Green and Light Ivory, leaving darker green around edge of fish. Add Trail Tan to mixture to shade lower portion of fish as shown. Add Antique Rose and Light Ivory highlights to fish belly and along bottom of tail. Highlight Light Ivory around outside edge of fish. Add Light Ivory highlight dots along belly using stylus.

STEP 4

Transfer remaining details. Use marker to trace details. Add Light Ivory highlight dots to fishes’ eyes. Add Light Ivory details to lettering. Highlight Light Ivory around outside edge of lettering. Where letters overlap, add water to paint to mute highlight. Lightly spatter box surface with Black paint.

STEP 5

For “distressed” look, lightly sand box edges; wipe with damp cloth. Apply sealer.

by Cheryl Seslar

Potted Baseball Player

Posted on May 27, 2013 by lhoman

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

Fill this Potted Baseball Player’s head with gift cards or treats and you’ll have the perfect coach’s gift! Or, use this fun little guy to hold silverware at your next baseball party.

Materials

Terra cotta items: 8” pots, two; 10” saucer
DecoArt Patio Paints: Geranium Red, Cloud White, Antique Mum, Sprout Green, Wrought Iron Black, Pinecone Brown, Citrus Green
Black craft foam, 2mm, 9”x12” sheet

Tools

Robert Simmons Expression by Daler-Rowney Paintbrushes: size 8 flat shader; sizes 12, 5, 3 pointed round; size 0 liner; sponge brush
Painter’s tape, 1” wide
Beacon Adhesives Kids Choice! Glue

Basic Supplies

paper, pencil, scissors, ruler, paper plate (for palette), paper towels, transparent tape, transfer paper, newspaper (to cover work surface)

Directions

STEP 1

Print and cut out patterns. Follow directions on patterns. (Note: Apply two and possibly three coats of paint to each surface, allowing paint to dry between coats.) For base, turn saucer upside down; use sponge brush and Sprout Green to paint bottom and outside surface of saucer on covered work surface. Use Cloud White to paint bottom and outside surface of one pot (body) and rim of other pot. For head, use Antique Mum to paint remaining portion of pot with white rim.

STEP 2

Paint the base by applying two coats of Citrus Green to saucer rim and rim ledge; allow paint to dry between coats. For grass blades, fill or load liner brush with Citrus Green; starting at rim ledge, pull brush up and away from rim. Continue to paint grass blades around entire saucer, applying strokes in different directions and overlapping into each other.

STEP 3

For body, turn white pot upside down on work surface. To create shirt stripes, apply painter’s tape vertically to body, spacing each piece approximately 1⁄2” apart; use pencil to lightly trace along edges. For shoes, place transfer paper between pattern and rim of pot; trace pattern onto rim so bottom edges are aligned. In same manner, transfer arm pattern onto body so arms are centered to shoes and aligned with top edge of body.

STEP 4

To paint the body, see photo. (Note: Apply two coats of paint as needed, allowing paint to dry between coats.) Paint Pinecone Brown mitt, Antique Mum hands, Cloud White baseball, and Wrought Iron Black shoes. Use Geranium Red and shader brush to paint stripes on shirt and sleeves; use liner brush to apply curve lines on baseball. Use Wrought Iron Black and liner brush to outline sleeves, hands, mitt, and baseball; apply stitch lines on baseball curve lines. Use Geranium Red and shader brush to paint a collar line around top of shirt as shown.

STEP 5

To paint head, see photo. For face, place transfer paper between pattern and side of pot; trace pattern onto pot. To paint hair, turn pot upside down. In same manner as grass, fill or load liner brush with Pinecone Brown; starting at rim ledge, pull brush up and away from rim. Continue to paint hair strands around entire pot applying strokes in different directions and overlapping into each other. Let dry. Turn pot right side up. Paint eyes Cloud White. Use Wrought Iron Black to paint pupils and inner mouth. Let dry. Use Geranium Red to paint nose and tongue. For cheeks, load #12 round brush with Geranium Red and tap brush straight up and down a few times on paper towel to work paint into bristles; gently tap brush to each end of smile. Use Cloud White and liner brush to highlight dot eyes, cheeks, and nose. Use Wrought Iron Black and liner brush to outline eyes, nose, smile, and chin line.

STEP 6

To assemble, turn head pot upside down. See photo. Place hat brim on pot ledge, centering brim to face; use pencil to mark ends of brim on pot. Remove brim. Apply glue to pot ledge between pencil marks; allow glue to set for a minute or two. Adhere brim in place. Let dry. Turn head right side up. Apply glue along bottom edge of body; adhere bottom of body to top of base. Apply glue to top of body; adhere bottom of head to top of body.

by Annie Lang

Fleurs Garden Pot

Posted on May 22, 2013 by lhoman

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

Use stencils and Delta’s Texture Magic Dimensional Paint to transform an ordinary clay pot into extraordinary garden décor.

Materials

Clay pot and saucer, 6” tall
Delta Ceramcoat Acrylic Paints: Light Foliage Green, White, Antique White
DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paints: Hauser Dark Green, Antique Green

Tools

Stencils: floral background, small script alphabet
Delta Ceramcoat: Gel Stain Medium; Exterior/Interior Varnish: Matte; Satin Découpage Medium
Delta Texture Magic Dimensional Paint, Cashmere
Daler-Rowney Robert Simmons Expression Paintbrushes: Flat Wash, Series E55, 3⁄4”; Flat Shader, Series E60, #4; Filbert, Series E67, #4, #8
Palette knife
Dover Publications Redouté Flowers and Fruits CD-Rom and Book
Computer with printer
Stencil adhesive

Basic Supplies

sandpaper, soft cloth, ruler, pencil, masking tape, paper towels, newspaper (to cover work surface)

Directions

STEP 1

Sand pot; wipe dust with soft cloth. Mark 2-3⁄4”x3-1⁄2” rectangle below rim and inner rectangle, leaving 1⁄4” border. Apply masking tape along inside lines of larger rectangle to prevent seepage.

STEP 2

Use palette knife to apply Cashmere to pot, leaving rim unpainted. Adhere background stencil around pot; apply Cashmere to openings. Mix Light Foliage Green, Antique Green, and White to make green mix; basecoat rim and inside pot. Stencil “Fleurs” Cashmere.

STEP 3

Mix Antique White with White; paint inner rectangle. Use computer and CD-Rom to print Anemone clip art to fit inside inner rectangle; cut out. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to découpage Anemone to rectangle. Basecoat frame and saucer with green mixture.

STEP 4

Mix Gel Stain Medium with Hauser Dark Green; apply to pot and saucer, wiping excess with paper towels. Apply varnish.

by Barbara Greve

Painted Paddle Flag

Posted on May 18, 2013 by lhoman

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

Old Glory has never looked better! Make this quick-and-easy version for the upcoming Memorial Day holiday.

Materials

Wooden paint paddles, 14” long, nine
Darice: Rusted Tin Sheet, 4” square; Rusted Wire, 22-gauge, 28” length, 36” length
Delta Ceramcoat Acrylic Paints: Barn Red, Midnight Blue, Trail Tan, Spice Brown
Jute twine, 22” length

Tools

Drill with 1⁄4” bit
Delta Ceramcoat Painter’s Helper Crackle medium
Eclectic Products E6000 Industrial-Strength Adhesive

Basic Supplies

scissors, pencil, handsaw, sandpaper, soft cloth, heavy books, paintbrush

Directions

STEP 1

Cut handles from seven paddles, so each paddle measures 12” long; cut one end into point. Sand and wipe dust with soft cloth. Cut 9” lengths from remaining uncut paddles; drill hole 1⁄2” from one end of each. Lightly sand; wipe dust.

STEP 2

Arrange 12” paddles into flag with points facing left and straight ends aligned. Perpendicular to paddles, place 9” paddles on top and 1-1⁄2” in from each side, with holes overlapping top edge of flag 3⁄4” (for hangers). Adhere in place. Place heavy books over paddles to secure while drying.

STEP 3

Basecoat front and back of flag Spice Brown. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to apply crackle medium to front.

STEP 4

Trace 3-1⁄2”x6” rectangle in upper left corner; paint rectangle and hanger Midnight Blue. Let dry completely. Paint remaining paddles alternating Barn Red and Trail Tan, and remaining hanger Barn Red.

STEP 5

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.) Cut seven stars from rusted tin sheet. Adhere to flag as shown.

STEP 6

Wrap 28” wire length around upper left edge of flag as desired; curl ends. Attach remaining length around bottom right corner in same way.

STEP 7

For hanger, insert ends of jute length through holes from back to front. Knot and trim.

Tip

Make a larger version from fence pickets or a smaller version from craft sticks.

by Linda Bauer

Welcome Friends Garden Sign

Posted on May 14, 2013 by lhoman

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

Look closely! Use an old chair seat to create this welcome sign, or any sign, for your garden!

Materials

Vintage chair seat or wooden plaque, 15” square
DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paints: Lamp Black, Cadmium Yellow, Warm White, Olive Green, Leaf Green, Salem Blue, Sapphire

Tools

Stencils: floral vine of choice; lowercase alphabet, 1-1/2” tall
DecoArt Americana Gel Stain: wood stain of choice
Royal & Langnickel Paintbrushes: Crafter’s Choice Stencil, Series 1⁄4”, 3⁄8”, 1⁄2”; Golden Taklon Liner, Series 595, #1
Drill and drill bits
Sisal rope

Basic Supplies

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

Directions

STEP 1

If using vintage chair seat, remove old finish and sand. Apply stain to seat or plaque; wipe with soft cloth.

STEP 2

Stencil “welcome friends” with Lamp Black; shade top right side of letters Warm White. Let dry.

STEP 3

Stencil vines and flowers across top left and bottom right side of sign. Add additional vines and flowers as needed. Stencil leaves and vines Olive Green; shade undersides Warm White. Stencil flowers Salem Blue; shade centers Sapphire. Stencil dots in centers Cadmium Yellow. Use liner brush to paint Leaf Green vein through leaf centers. Let dry.

STEP 4

Drill two holes in top of sign. Insert two sisal rope lengths through holes and knot ends at top.

by Mary Ayres

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

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

Dog and Cat Pots

Posted on April 21, 2013 by lhoman

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

Not only is this the cat’s meow, but it’s perfectly fine that this project has gone to the dogs. Create the perfect treat container to reflect your special pet’s personality.

Materials

Terra cotta pots: 2”, 3”
Polymer clay: dark brown, brown, grey, white, pale pink

Tools

Acrylic paint: dark orange, grey
Paintbrush
Glue gun and glue sticks

Basic Supplies

toothpick, baking dish, oven

Directions

General

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

1. Preheat oven to 275° F. (Note: When assembling clay pieces, be sure all pieces are pressed and stuck together.)

Dog

1. Paint dark orange on outside and inside top half of 3” pot. Let dry.

2. To make body pieces, use photo as guide. For head, roll brown clay into 1”x1-1/4” oval. See Figure 1. To shape head, use thumb and first finger to slightly squeeze one end of oval. For ears, roll two 1”-long teardrop shapes from brown. For nose, roll dark brown clay into 1/4”x3/8” oval; press nose onto front of head. Press ears onto sides of head. For eyes, use toothpick to poke two small holes into head above nose. For muzzle, use toothpick to mark slit below nose. For feet, roll four 5/8”-wide balls from brown; flatten one end of each ball for bottom of feet. Place bottom of feet on work surface, spacing feet so bottom of pot rests on top of each foot; press bottom of pot onto feet. Use toothpick to cut toe slits into each foot as shown. Remove pot. For tail, roll brown 1-1/8”-long tube. Bend tail as desired.

3. Place clay pieces on baking dish. Bake 1/2 hour. Remove from oven. Let cool.

4. Adhere back of head onto one side of rim. Adhere tail on back top of rim. Adhere feet onto bottom of pot.

Cat

1. Adhere back of head onto one side of rim. Adhere tail on back top of rim. Adhere feet onto bottom of pot.

2. To make body pieces, use photo as guide. For head, roll ball approximately 1” wide from grey clay. See Figure 2. Shape ball so head comes to slight point. See Figure 3. For muzzle, roll two 1/4” balls from white clay and slightly flatten. For bottom lip, roll tiny white oval. For nose, roll tiny pink ball. Press muzzle, bottom lip, and nose onto front of head. For ears, form two 1/4” triangles from grey. Press tiny ball of pink onto front of each ear. Press ears onto top of head. For eyes, use toothpick to poke two holes into head above nose. For feet, press white and grey clays together; roll four 1/2” balls; flatten one end of each ball for bottom of feet. Place bottom of feet on work surface, spacing feet so bottom of pot rests on top of each foot; press bottom of pot onto feet. Use toothpick to cut toe slits into each foot as shown. Remove pot. For tail, roll grey 1/8”x3/4”-long tube; flatten one end. Bend down tail.

3. Place clay pieces on baking dish. Bake 1/2 hour. Remove from oven. Let cool.

4. Adhere back of head onto one side of rim. Adhere tail on back top of rim. Adhere feet onto bottom of pot.

by Billie Ciancio