Wedding Box

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

Clay Flower Hair Accessories

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Wear your bridal or prom look from head to toe with these lovely clay flowers. Shown here as pretty barrettes and combs, the flowers can also be attached to shoe clips or a purse clasp for a coordinated look.

Materials

  • Staedtler FIMO Translucent Clay
  • Barrettes or combs of choice

Tools

  • Decorating chalks
  • Jacquard Products Pearlescent Powdered Pigment
  • Aleene’s Fast Grab Tacky Glue

Basic Supplies

ruler, craft knife, paintbrush, oven, parchment-lined baking sheet, toothpick

Directions

Sizes

Flowers, 1⁄2”-3⁄4” diameter; Leaves, 1” long

Hair Accessories

1. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to condition clay. Roll into 3” long, 1⁄4” diameter snake; cut into 1⁄4” long sections. Roll each section into ball.

2. For rose center or rosebud, see Figure 1. Flatten ball and stretch into 1⁄4”x1” rectangle. Pinch right edge until thin and “ruffled.” Roll clay from left to right, forming “bud”.

3. For petals, flatten seven balls (for large roses) or five balls (for small roses); pinch edges to ruffle. Press petals one at a time to bud, proceeding in clockwise direction.

4. Dip paintbrush into chalk. Apply chalk to petals, working from outer edges toward petal center. Apply pearlescent powder to petals as desired. Trim bottom of rose flat using craft knife.

5. For leaves, flatten balls; shape into teardrops. Gently indent vein lines in leaves with toothpick. Shape as desired. Dust center with light green chalk and edges with dark green. Apply pearlescent powder as desired.

6. Place finished pieces on baking sheet. Bake at 265° for 35 minutes. Remove; let cool. Adhere to hair accessories as desired.

by Linda Welsh

Floral Heart Ring Pillow

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Delicate embroidered details accent this beautiful satin heart pillow to create the perfect keepsake of your wedding day.

Materials

  • Fabrics, 1/3 yd. each: ivory satin, unbleached muslin
  • Fairfield Industries Poly-fil Polyester Fiberfill Stuffing
  • Sheer ivory ribbon, 1/3 yd.
  • Light avocado silk ribbon, 3 yds.
  • Scallop-edge ivory bridal lace, 3/4 yd.
  • DMC 6-strand Embroidery Floss: Lavender Lt (#211), Pistachio Green Vy Lt (#369), Yellow Lt Pale (#745), Delft Blue (#800)
  • Plastic wedding rings, two

Tools

  • Chenille needles: #22, #24
  • Embroidery hoop
  • Sewing machine and white thread
  • Mechanical lead pencil

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, straight pins, iron and pressing surface

Directions

STEP 1

Cut two 12”x13” rectangles from satin fabric. Print pattern. Center pattern face down on wrong side of one fabric rectangle. Tape fabric, right side up, to light box or sunny window; use mechanical pencil to trace pattern. (Note: Inner heart line is seam allowance; do not trace.) Circles on pattern represent French knots; use very small dashes when tracing pattern onto fabric to ensure knot will cover pencil mark. (Note: Mechanical pencil draws much thinner lines than traditional pencil; floss must cover pattern lines.)

STEP 2

Sew zigzag stitch around raw edges of fabric to prevent raveling. Baste heart outline. Place fabric in embroidery hoop.

STEP 3

(Note: For all embroidery, use two strands floss and #24 tapestry needle. Use #22 needle for silk ribbon leaves.) Stem stitch Pistachio Green Vy Lt vines. Use silk ribbon to stitch lazy daisy leaves. For flower petals, wrap floss three times around needle to stitch Delft Blue French knots on solid circles, stitch Lavender Lt French knots on open circles. For flower centers, wrap floss two times around needle to stitch Yellow Lt Pale French knots.

STEP 4

To make pillow form, trace two hearts onto muslin; cut out hearts 1/4” beyond traced line. (Note: Sew with right sides together with 1/4” seams throughout.) Sew pieces together, leaving 4” opening on one side. Clip curves; turn right side out. Stuff with fiberfill. Whipstitch opening closed. Set aside.

STEP 5

Sew satin pieces together, 1/4” inside basted line, leaving 4-1/2” opening on one side. Clip curves; turn. Carefully press as needed.

STEP 6

Sew center of sheer ribbon length to center of embroidered pillow front. Place pillow form inside pillow; whipstitch opening closed.

STEP 7

Beginning at center top and using photo as guide, sew lace to pillow edge with scallops toward embroidered center. Tie rings onto ribbon.

Other Options

  • Use white or off-white floss and silk ribbon on white or pastel satin pillow.
  • Replace French knot flower centers with seed beads.
  • Stitch flower/vine design on bouquet ribbons.

Lasy Daisy Stitch Using Ribbon

To create the Lasy Daisy stitch using ribbon, bring needle up at A. Keep ribbon flat, untwisted, and full. Insert needle down through fabric at B and back up through at C, keeping ribbon under needle to form a loop. Pull ribbon through, leaving loop loose and full. To hold loop in place, insert needle through on other side of ribbon near C, forming a straight stitch over loop.

by Linda Wyszynski

Gift Card Ideas for the Ladies

Welcome to the Crafts ‘n things Blog. Before we get started with the project today, it is time to announce the winners of the two $25 Inspired by Stamping Gift Cards!

The two winners as selected by Random.org are Emerald Perez and Barbara MacAskill! Thank you to everyone for all your kind comments. Emerald and Barbara, please contact Joanna (joanna@inspiredbystampin.com) to claim your prize!

As we get closer to May and June, many of us are sure to need gifts for the ladies in our lives. We may need a Mother’s Day gift, a wedding shower gift, or a graduation gift.

I made a card with a removable bookmark tag, but you can also add a gift card! The recipient can remove the gift card from the tag and still use the bookmark!

Tuck the bookmark and gift card into a decorated library card pocket.

Use stamped sentiments in a reading theme and attach a gift card to a local book store to the book mark. If you  have a friend or sister who loves tea or coffee, use tea-themed stamps and tuck a gift card to a local tea or coffee shop into the pocket.

Here is a look at the inside of the card where I stamped a reading-themed sentiment.

Supply List

  • Cardstock: American Crafts Coffee, Neenah Natural White
  • Designer paper: Graphic 45 A Ladies’ Diary Collection 8″x8″ Paper: Garden Stroll, Moment in Time, Fashion Plates, Ageless Beauty
  • Simple Stories Odds and Ends Memorabilia Pocket
  • Prima Fairy Belle Collection Flowers
  • My Favorite Things Well Read Stamp Set
  • Clearsnap ColorBox Graphic 45 Decades Dark Cashmere Antiquing Ink Pad
  • Spellbinders Grand Calibur Die-Cutting System
  • My Favorite Things Die-namics Fishtail Flag Stax Die 
  • Really Reasonable Ribbon Champagne Chevron Striped Twill
  • Large manila shipping tag
  • Bow Easy Bow-Making Tool
  • Adhesive: Beacon Adhesives Fabri-tac Permanent Adhesive, 3M Scotch Brand ATG Tape Runner, Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L Foam Tape

Gloria Stengel from Scraps of Life (www.gloriascraps.blogspot.com)

Crocheted Lacy Wrap

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Whether it is cool and breezy in the summer months or a bit brisk in early autumn, this soft and cuddly wrap has just the right amount of warmth, elegance, and style for your wedding day.

Materials

  • Coats & Clark Red Heart Baby Clouds Yarn, 3 skeins, Cloud

Tools

  • Crochet hook, size Q
  • Yarn needle

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler

Abbreviations

ch = chain
dc = double crochet
sc = single crochet
st(s) = stitches
v-st = V stitch

Special Stitches

V-st: – A V-stitch resembles a “V” when it is completed and is actually three stitches created in one stitch. To create a V-stitch, work the following all in a single stitch: one double crochet stitch, then one chain stitch, and then another double crochet stitch (Dc, ch 1, dc – all in same stitch).

Directions

Size

24”x72”

Gauge

2 rows = 2”

Wrap

1. Ch 37. (Note: For wider shawl, use a multiple of three, plus one to increase size.)

2. Row 1: Beginning in 5th ch from hook, work 1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc, for a V-st. *Skip 2 ch, 1 V-st in next ch, repeat from * across, ending with 1 dc in last ch. Ch 3, turn.

3. Row 2: Work 1 V-st in space of V-st of previous row. Continue in same way across, ending with 1 dc in top of turning ch. Ch 3, turn.

4. Repeat Row 2 until shawl is 72”, or desired length.

5. For side borders, sc in each of the 37 sts, ch 1, turn. Repeat for four additional rows. Fasten off.

6. Attach yarn to opposite end of shawl. Crochet border in same way. Fasten off. Use yarn needle to weave in yard ends.

7. For fringe (optional), see Figs. 1-4. Cut three 8” strands for each fringe. To attach, fold strands in half. Insert hook through shawl edge from front to back. Hook folded strands at center. Pull strands half way out to form a loop; bring strand ends through loops and pull to tighten.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

by Madeline Arendt

Keepsake Cake Serving Set

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Cutting the cake at your wedding is a popular time-honored tradition. Create this Keepsake Cake Serving Set to add a tone of elegance and flair to this special moment.

Materials

  • Metal cake knife and server set
  • Clear glass plate, 6-7⁄8” diameter
  • Pebeo Porcelaine 150 Oven-Bake Enamel Paints: Parma, Ivory, Citrine, Opaline Green, Malachite
  • White sheer ribbon, 7⁄8” wide, 1⁄2 yard (optional)

Tools

  • Paintbrushes: flat shader, #4; liner; filbert, #4 or #6
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Oven and oven thermometer

Basic Supplies

newspaper (to cover work surface)

Directions

Sizes

Knife, 12” long; server, 9-3⁄4” long; plate, 6-7⁄8” diameter.

General

1. Wash knife, server, and plate in warm, soapy water. Dry thoroughly.

2. Wipe surfaces to be painted with rubbing alcohol. Let dry. (Note: Practice techniques on paper before beginning.)

Knife & Server Set

1. To paint flowers on knife and server, dip one tip of flat shader brush in Parma and other tip in Ivory. With Ivory to outside, stand brush on edge, apply pressure, and make an “m” motion. Bring brush back up on edge and lift. Full flowers have four petals; vary flowers with one, two, or three petals as desired. Use tip of liner to dot centers Citrine and to paint Parma, Ivory, and Citrine bands around top of handles.

2. For leaves and vine, pull main vine with liner dipped in Opaline Green. Dip one tip of filbert in Opaline Green and other tip in Malachite. With Opaline Green to top, stand brush on edge, apply pressure, and quickly turn, pull, and lift brush to left or right depending on desired direction of leaf. Use liner and Opaline Green to connect leaves to main vine and add curly tendrils.

Cake Plate

1. For cake plate, turn plate over to paint on back side of plate. Paint flowers in same way as knife and server, but paint centers first so they will show from front of plate. Full flowers have five petals; partial flowers have three petals.

2. Paint vines and leaves in same way as knife and server. For border, use flat shader to paint three Parma lines as shown at each clock hour position. Add three horizontal Ivory dots along rim between purple lines.

Finishing

1. To set paint, place painted items directly on middle rack of cool oven. Set oven to 300°; use oven thermometer to monitor temperature. (Note: Paint will brown if oven is too hot.) Once temperature is reached, bake pieces for 35 minutes. Turn off oven, open door, and let pieces cool gradually. Once cool, remove pieces from oven. Pieces are now food-and dishwasher-safe.­

2. If desired, tie ribbon bow around server handle.

Tip

  • Paint is not permanent until baked. If unhappy with design, wash off and start again.

by Sandy Kucyk

Doily Wedding Invitation

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)

Ribbon-Embroidered Jewelry Bag

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Personalized with the bride’s initial, this beautiful ribbon-embroidered jewelry organizer is a gift that every bride is sure to love.

Materials

  • White fabrics: moiré, 1⁄4 yard; satin, 1⁄2 yard; medium-weight fleece, 1⁄4 yard
  • Silk embroidery ribbon, 4mm wide: pale grass green, 3⁄4 yard; periwinkle, 1 yard; light pink, 1 yard
  • DMC 6-Strand Embroidery Floss: Light Pink, Avocado Green
  • White satin ribbon: 5⁄8” wide, 3⁄4 yard; 3⁄8” wide double-sided, 1⁄2 yard
  • White satin twisted bias cord, 3⁄16” diameter, 1-1⁄2 yards
  • Lavender/pink multicolored seed beads
  • Hook-and-loop tape, 1⁄8” wide, 2⁄3 yard

Tools

  • Sewing machine and white thread
  • Chenille needle, #22
  • Air-soluble marker

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, pencil, straight pins

Directions

Embroidering the Bag

1. Cut a 9”x13” rectangle from moiré fabric. Slightly round edges of one 9” end (will become front “flap”).

2. Print pattern. (Note: The blue word “pattern” is a link. To access this pattern, select the link, then download and print pattern.) To make initial pattern, draw 1-1⁄4” to 1-1⁄2” tall initial on paper. Use air-soluble marker to transfer initial and floral motifs to rounded end of fabric, centering initial between motifs.

3. Click HERE to print the Ribbon Embroidery Tutorial to use as a reference. Thread needle. Insert ribbon end through eye of needle, pulling through 3” length. Pierce 3” length with needle, about 1⁄2” from end. (See Fig. 1) Pull back on opposite end until it locks securely around eye of needle.

Figure 1

4. To secure ribbon, insert needle through fabric, leaving a 1⁄2” length at back. When taking first few stitches, catch the length with needle at back.

5. When finished stitching design, tie a slip knot to secure ribbon at back. (Note: Do not drag ribbon from one design to next. Fasten off and begin next design with new ribbon.)

6. For initial, use Light Pink floss and chain stitch to embroider letter, working from bottom to top. For stems, use Avocado Green and stem stitch. For buds, use periwinkle silk ribbon and lazy daisy stitch.

7. For spider web rose, use Light Pink floss for base and light pink silk ribbon for rose. For leaves, use pale grass green silk ribbon and lazy daisy stitch. Attach beads with white thread, sewing through each bead twice.

Sewing the Jewelry Bag

1. For lining, cut one 9”x13” rectangle from satin fabric and one from fleece. Set aside.

2. For pockets, cut three 8”x9” rectangles from satin fabric and three 3-1⁄2”x8” rectangles from fleece. Fold each satin pocket in half to measure 4”x9”; mark center. Open and place fleece rectangle on center line, just inside 1⁄2” seam allowance. Fold satin again; pin along folded edge.

3. Cut three 8” lengths from hook-and-loop tape. Center and sew “soft” half of each tape strip along back folded edge of one pocket. Cut a 9” length from 5⁄8”-wide ribbon; sew to pocket front over hook-and-loop tape stitching, sewing close to ribbon edges. Set pockets aside.

4. For lining, mark 9”x13” satin rectangle at 4”, 4-3⁄4”, 8-1⁄8”, and 9” points along 13” edges, measuring from straight edge up toward rounded edge. Sew remaining hook-and-loop tape halves to lining just below 4”, 8-1⁄8”, and just above 9” marks.

5. Place one pocket at top edge (opening downward) and one at bottom edge, matching hook-and-loop tape; pin to secure. Mark 1⁄2” from bottom of remaining pocket. With hook-and-loop tape facing up, align pocket marking with 4-3⁄4” marking on lining. Sew bottom seam of pocket, stitching twice for added reinforcement. Fold pocket up, aligning with hook-and-loop tape. Baste or stitch around edges of lining/pockets for stability.

6. Baste fleece rectangle to wrong side of embroidered front. Cut two 9” lengths from 3⁄8” wide ribbon. Pin one length to center front. Set aside remaining length.

7. Pin straight edge of bias cord around front of bag; sew in place. Place front/fleece and lining together with right sides together; pin to secure. Sew together just inside cording seam line; leave bottom open for turning. Clip corners and trim seams; turn right side out. Slipstitch opening closed.

8. Fold bag into thirds and mark center point of front; unfold. Center remaining ribbon length 4” from bottom edge of front on right side; pin to secure. Fold again to check ribbon placement. Sew in place through all layers of fabric. Fold bag and tie ribbon to close.

by Linda Wyszynski and Annette Calhoun

Beaded Unity Candle

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your wedding ceremony with this sparkling Beaded Unity Candle.

Materials

  • Clear glass cylinder vase, 3-1⁄2” diameter, 8-3⁄4” tall
  • White floating candle
  • Rub-on wedding sentiment of choice
  • Bead Treasures Crystal Oblong Czech Glass Bead Mix (available at www.hobbylobby.com, sku #410704)

Tools

  • Deckle decorative-edged scissors
  • Ultra-fine iridescent glitter
  • Thermo O Web PeelnStick Double-Sided Adhesive

Basic Supplies

scissors, tray, water

Directions

STEP 1

Follow manufacturer’s instructions to apply rub-on transfer of choice to upper center of vase as shown.

STEP 2

Use regular scissors to cut two long strips of desired width from adhesive to fit around top and bottom of vase. Trim one long edge of each with decorative-edged scissors. Remove backing and adhere to top and bottom of cylinder, aligning straight adhesive edges with top and bottom of vase and overlapping short ends. Add small pieces of adhesive to fill any gaps as needed.

STEP 3

Remove remaining backing. Holding vase over tray, sprinkle bead mix over adhesive. Gently tap off excess and use fingers to press beads to adhesive. Repeat until all adhesive is covered. Sprinkle glitter over beaded areas; tap off excess.

STEP 4

Fill vase with water to just above sentiment; place floating candle in vase.

Tip

  • For a subtle yet different effect, change the color of glitter to match your wedding colors.

by Dawn Gehring

With Love Card

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Background stamps allow you to quickly create your own background paper for any project. Set off this pretty paisley with soft colors and plenty of bling.

Materials

  • Cardstock: dark purple, lavender, white
  • Lavender vellum
  • With Love rub-on
  • Light blue self-adhesive gem lines
  • Light blue ribbon

Tools

  • Paisley background rubber stamp
  • Purple metallic ink pad
  • Clear embossing powder
  • Craft punches: 1”, 1-3/8”, 1-3/4” circles; decorative corner
  • Heat tool
  • Paper adhesive

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler

Directions

STEP 1

Make 6-1/4”x4-1/4” dark purple top-fold card. Cut 6”x4” lavender and 6”x2-1/4” white cardstock pieces. Stamp purple paisley background onto white panel; emboss.

STEP 2

Adhere stamped panel to bottom of lavender panel; punch corners. Cut blue ribbon length to fit around layered papers; knot ribbon slightly off center. Wrap ribbon around panel, adhering ends at back. Adhere panel to card and gem strips to ribbon.

STEP 3

Apply rub-on to white cardstock; punch out with smallest circle punch. Punch medium circle from lavender cardstock and large circle from vellum. Mat circles together and adhere to card.

by Tami Mayberry