Sunburst Mirror made with basic Craft Store Materials

I love to create what I like to call Craft Store Home Décor.  I see a few items as I am wandering the aisles of my local scrapbook or craft store and an idea starts brewing to create something I have seen in a high end store or catalog.  My item will cost much less and all of the items are readily available. 

 

Such is the case with a recent package I received from a new company called STICKY STICKS™ !   My mind was full of great ideas for these versatile craft sticks.  Sticky Sticks™ are self adhesive jumbo wooden craft sticks which can be used for a large variety of crafting projects and they are sponsoring our Designer Crafts Connection blog hop today!

 

Now on to my project!

 

Materials:

Sticky Sticks™

Round Wooden Plaque - 7"

Round Mirror - 6"

Spray Mists - Art Anthology Colorations Color Spray - Pesto and Peacock

Spray Mists - Ranger Ink Perfect Pearls Mists - Biscotti

KOOL TAK - Ultra Clear Double Sided Tape - 1/2" by 16 yards

Pencil, Ruler, Scissors, Cardboard or Newspaper and a Picture Hanger

Layout the wooden plaque and Sticky Sticks™ on a large piece of cardboard or several layers of newspaper.  Mist with Pesto, making sure to get good coverage then let dry.  Mist very lightly with Peacock, let dry.  Mist with Biscotti, let dry.  The Perfect Pearls spray will give your piece glimmer and shine!  To speed up drying time use your heat gun.
 

The spray mists will give your unfinished wood pieces the look of a colored stain, which I love because it allows the grain of the wood to show through.  Attach the mirror to the front of the plaque with KOOL TAK Ultra Clear double sided tape.

 

Using your ruler and pencil, find the center of the back of your plaque and draw eight intersecting guidelines. 

 

Peel the liner paper and begin by placing Sticky Sticks™ at 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock.  Fill in the first layer by placing four Sticky Sticks™ in each blank section.  The adhesive is permanent and strong!

 

The first layer, when finished, will look like the photo above.

 

Add a second layer of Sticky Sticks™ by overlapping a new stick in the center of each pair on the first layer.  Attach a picture hanger to the back of your Sunburst Mirror, then hang and enjoy!

 

The Sunburst Mirror also makes a great centerpiece on any table to feature a favorite vase or other keepsake.

 

Thanks for joining me on the Sticky Sticks™ Blog Hop!  Now you can HOP around to see what the other Designers have created with their Sticky Sticks™ - I can't wait to see the creativity!  Just click the HOP BACK and HOP FORWARD buttons in the Designer Craft Connection icon on the right hand side of my toolbar!

 

Thanks for stopping by!  -Beth


DESIGNER CRAFT CONNECTION - FIRST MONDAY IN OCTOBER!

Let's just say that I "cherish" my paper crafting supplies.  That in no way, shape or form implies that I am a hoarder - wink, wink - know what I mean?!?

This Haunted line from Cosmo Cricket is a classic!  I have had it in my stash for several years, but thought it was so cute I could never bring myself to use it - REALLY?  Isn't that the whole point of creating is to use our supplies?  Well, there lies my dilemma.

 

I have had this project (and the supplies) in my head for a while now, but I finally sat down this past weekend and created these cute BOO Halloween Houses.

 

 

Here's how I made them:

 

Cover three Paper Mache House forms with patterned paper using a decoupage medium.  I like Claudine Hellmuth's Studio Multi-Medium in Matte.  It sets up quickly and the paper does not buckle. 

 

Add shingles using a scalloped border punch and Xyron's Mega Runner.  This is the stickiest double sided adhesive I have ever used and it is reasonably priced!

 

Make a patterned paper rosette for the center of each house, securing with Xyron's Mega Runner.  Punch out a 2" circle in a contrasting patterned paper and top with a black glittered chipboard letter.

 

Punch out Cosmo Cricket Haunted chipboard shapes and apply Haunted stickers.  Attach shapes to houses using Xyron's 3/8" Adhesive Dots.  This product gives you dimension, but the clear dot literally disappears on a project like this - brilliant!

Above are details of each House.  I embellished with a few rhinestones for sparkle.



Now you can HOP around to see what the other Designers have created with a Fall/Halloween theme in mind - I can't wait to see the creativity!  Just click the HOP BACK and HOP FORWARD buttons in the DCC icon on the right hand side of my toolbar!



Thanks for stopping by!  -Beth

More Exciting News to Share!

Good afternoon bloggy friends - I wanted to share this new magazine from Cloth, Paper, Scissors called I HEART PAPER!  Which, of course, I do! 

I have a project article published called FUN FLOWER FRAMES! 



You can create these cute flower frames from simple wooden plaques from the craft store along with scrapbook paper and trims to match your home décor or party décor!

Thanks for stopping by! -Beth

Whim So Doodle Design Team!

I just wanted to pop in an make an announcement.  I have been selected to be a part of the Design Team at Whim So Doodle, my favorite LSS in St. Petersburg, Florida!

We were humbled and overwhelmed by the outpouring of talent represented in all of you who applied to be a part of our Design Team.  Thirty-two {32} amazing submissions were received.   

 

We are so thankful for each and every one of them. We had an "outside panel" of three experts come in to make the decisions. 

 

Congratulations to the following for being chosen...

 

Linda Alexander
 Jules Eickmeier

Tracy Gregory
 Nicole Guincho

Jackie Lynch

Kim Mathura
 Kay Mitchell

Joan Morrison 

Amanda Newberry

Beth Watson

Lindsay Weiser

Lori Wilbanks

 

    Thank you! - The Doodle

 

Check out their Website and Blog and like them on Facebook and follow them on Pinterest!  Whim So Doodle carries a wonderful variety of scrapbook, stamping and mixed media supplies - they also bring in big name teachers to host classes!

 

Thanks for stopping by!  -Beth







DESIGNER CRAFTS CONNECTION - FIRST MONDAY IN AUGUST!

Welcome to the Designer Crafts Connection Blog Hop for August - This month we will be crafting with School Supplies!

I LOVE roaming the aisles of my local Target or Office Depot and checking out all of the new and trendy supplies and colors each year.  That just makes me HAPPY!

I wanted to think a bit outside of the box for this one, so instead of using the supplies literally, I used a simple #2 Pencil Eraser as a stamp to create CONFETTI CARDS!

Now, on to my project...

MATERIALS:

• Hero Arts Clear Stamp Set - Guess What?
• Clearsnap® - Colorbox Fluid Chalk Ink Queue - Primary Elements
• Clearsnap® - Colorbox Fluid Chalk Ink Mini Ink Pad - Blackbird
• White A1 Cards and Envelopes
• #2 Pencils - 6
• Acrylic Stamp Block

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Place your sentiment stamp on the acrylic stamp block, ink with Blackbird Chalk Ink and stamp on card.

 

2.  Select your first color and randomly stamp by dabbing your pencil eraser in the ink and then on the front of the card.

 

3.  Continue stamping in the same manner with your second color.  Use a new pencil with a clean eraser, so your colors don't get muddy.

4.  Stamp on your third color, making sure to allow some of your stamps to go off the edges of your card.

5.  Create a card set by stamping similar sentiments from the same set.  Use different color combinations.  Stamp some cards horizontally and some vertically.  Package up with colored envelopes, tie together with a ribbon and give as a gift!

Now you can HOP around to see what the other Designers have created with their school supplies.  Just click the HOP BACK and HOP FORWARD buttons in the DCC icon on the right hand side of my toolbar!

Thanks for stopping by!  -Beth

 



DESIGNER CRAFTS CONNECTION - ROWLUX® ILLUSION FILM BLOG HOP!

Recently, my Designer friend, Marisa Pawelko started working with ROWLUX® ILLUSION FILM - and WOW what a fabulous and interesting product!  The films have intensely saturated colors and very cool three dimensional effects.  They are flexible and easily cut with scissors or a craft knife, so they are perfect for many different applications within your craft projects.

Now, on to my project!

I love Christmas year round - making and giving ornaments is my favorite thing!  I have always wanted to make one of these spheres, but never had the right materials.  Now with the flexible Rowlux® Illusion Film, the sphere will keep it's shape when packed and not be crushed like scrapbook paper.

MATERIALS:

• Rowlux® Illusion Film in Red Moire
• Scissors, Ruler, Pencil, Plain White Paper, 1/8" Hole Punch, 4 Buttons, 24" length of thin Ribbon or Cord, Pattern and Black Pen.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.)  Measure and draw propeller style pattern on plain white paper with pencil.  Make each blade 2" long with 1/4" circles at both ends and the middle.  Cut out pattern.  Trace pattern four times on film with black pen.



2.)  With scissors, cut out four pieces.

3.)  Punch holes in top, middle and center of each piece.

4.)  Measure and cut a 24" length of thin white ribbon.  Thread button on to ribbon, placing in center, leaving two 12" "tails".  Knot ribbon.

5.)  Thread on each piece, using center hole.

6.)  Thread on a second button and knot ends of ribbon.

7.)  Measure 2" and make a knot in the ribbon.  Thread on a third button and knot ends of ribbon.

8.)  At this point the pattern pieces are stacked on top of each other.  Thread the left end, then the right end of the first pattern piece on to the ribbon.  Repeat with the other three pattern pieces.

9.)  Knot the ribbon.  Thread on a fourth button and knot the ends of the ribbon.  Trim the ribbon tails to 8" and knot at the top to create a hanger.

Experiment with other shapes, punches, stamps and stickers to create an ornament of your own.  This product is also very kid friendly, since you can cut it with scissors!

Now HOP on over to Marisa's Blog and see all of the other imaginative projects that the other Designers have created with Rowlux® Illusion Film!

MORE DETAILS:
This revolutionary material has been utilized in award winning point of purchase displays, packaging, signage, artwork, footwear, lighting, interior design, retail display fixtures and beyond. Our new frontier is the craft industry! There's absolutely nothing like it on the market, and I personally believe without a doubt that Rowlux® Illusion Film is THE future of crafts!

Rowlux® Illusion Film is made in the USA and comes in a diverse range of spectacular eye-catching colors and patterns.  These durable, translucent, 12" x 12" polycarbonate sheets add instant pizzazz to craft projects, seasonal accents, party decorations, scrapbooks, greeting cards, jewelry, furniture, frames, gifts, favors, accessories, art and DIY home decor projects. Easily cut with scissors, Rowlux® is also the perfect material for scoring, folding, embossing and die cutting. The creative possibilities are endless. This innovative and inspiring new craft material manipulates light to create dazzling visual effects. The illusion of depth and motion is the result of thousands of tiny parabolic lenses that are molded into the surface of both sides of the material. These lenses create a pattern of light reflection and refraction resulting in stunningly brilliant optical effects.

To instantly add "POP" and "WOW" to your projects, just add Rowlux®!

For special promotions, giveaways and to keep up to date on the exciting Rowlux® Illusion Film craft revolution, be sure to:

Follow Rowlux® on Twitter

LIKE Rowlux® on Facebook

Follow Rowlux® on Pinterest

Subscribe to Rowlux® on YouTube

Helpful Hints for Crafting with Rowlux®:

Adhesives: The optical effects are diminished when the product gets wet, therefore the ideal method for adhering translucent Rowlux® is with a light coating of spray mount. This works very well when you are applying flat pieces to flat surfaces. Liquid adhesives and resins will fill the lenses and diminish the optical effects.

If you wish to manipulate the material and create a stronger bond than can be accomplished with spray mount, I recommend hot glue. Just be sure to glue strategically in spots that are hidden, such as in the back or on corners, since the liquid nature of hot glue will diminish the optical effects and the glue will be visible due to the transliucent nature of the material. You can always cover any areas where the glue shows and effects are diminished with a button, gem or other embellishment.

Tools: Rowlux® can easily be cut and scored with paper trimmers. Scissors, Sizzix® steel rule dies, Sizzix® embossing folders and Sizzix® Scoreboards (which cut and score) by Eileen Hull also work well. Rowlux® can be manually bent, rolled and folded and is also great for flatwork.

If you come up with inspiring new ideas, techniques and methods for working with Rowlux®, we invite you to share what you’ve come up with in your posts!

Thanks for stopping by!  -Beth

DESIGNER CRAFT CONNECTION - FIRST MONDAY IN JULY

Good Monday Morning everyone! 

Well, it is the First Monday in July, so the Designer Craft Connection is hosting our monthly Blog Hop and the theme for July is CELEBRATIONS!

There are ALOT of Celebrations throughout the year, so I have created a Chalkboard Banner - this way the message can be changed to suit each Celebration!

Now, on to my project!









Materials:
Maya Road canvas banners - 6
Americana paint by DecoArt - chalkboard paint in black
Tim Holtz Alterations tiny attacher
Ranger ink Tim Holtz distress ink in Tea Dye
Hero Arts stamp design block  Dots and Flowers - S5213
Xyron Mega Runner - 1/2" by 100'
Xyron 3/8" Adhesive Dots
Aleene's Original Tacky glue
Scrapbook papers - black and white stripe, flowered, solid coral and patterned turquoise.
Wooden circles - six that are 3" in diameter
Ribbon - 1" ivory gross grain - 60" long
Buttons - ivory, six
Rhinestones - amber, six
Mists in turquoise and mocha

Pencil, ruler, paper trimmer, flower punch, scalloped border punch, paper plate for palette, water basin, paper towels, scissors, corner rounder punch and chalk.



Instructions:
1.) Ink flowers and dots stamp with tea dye and stamp on all 6 canvas banners.  Mist lightly with mocha and turquoise spray mists.  paint 6 wooden circles with at least 2 coats of black chalkboard paint, let dry. 
2.) Cut twelve 2" by 12" strips from flowered paper, fan fold.  Attach two pieces together with mega runner, then attach ends to form a tube.  Apply tacky glue to the backside of a wooden circle.  Gather fan folded tube with one hand and push down with the other to form a fan.  Center on BACK of wooden circle in glue.  Place glue bottle on top to weigh down until dry.  Repeat to create five more rosettes.
3.) Cut twelve 1/2" by 12" strips from black and white striped paper.  Punch one edge with scallop border punch.  Attach to backside of canvas banners with mega runner, trim excess paper to fit.  Punch six flowers from coral paper, attach buttons and rhinestones with adhesive dots then attach to point of each banner.
4.) cut six 1" by 6" strips from turquoise patterned paper and round corners with a punch.  Attach to top edge of each banner with mega runner.  Using tacky glue, attach rosettes to banners, let dry.
5.) cut a 60" length of 1" wide ivory ribbon.  Measure in 12" from end and attach first banner with tiny attacher stapler in an "X" pattern.  Attach rest of banners leaving 1" in between each.  Write message on banner with chalk, hang and enjoy!

 

There are ALOT of other messages that can be added to the Chalkboard Banner - here are just a few:

Spring
Summer
Winter
Autumn
Design
Create
Party!
XOXOXO
~HOME~
❤Love❤
{HUGS}
I ❤ Art!

Now you can HOP AROUND to see what the other Designers have created to CELEBRATE this first Monday in July!  Just click the HOP FORWARD or HOP BACK buttons on the DCC icon on the right hand side of my toolbar!

Thanks for stopping by! - Beth

SMOOTHFOAM Cupcake Shaped Gift Box

I have a project that has been featured over on the SMOOTHFOAM Blog!

Check out my Cupcake Shaped Gift Box and get the complete instructions!

Thanks for stopping by!  -Beth

DESIGNER CRAFTS CONNECTION - ETCHALL BLOG HOP!

I was so excited when Barbee, the "Etchall Lady" sent some of the Designer Crafts Connection members etching creme, masking film, a craft knife and full instructions. I am always interested to try out products that are new to me and see what I can create with them. 

 

I have not etched anything since I was in grade school (in the 70's) and etched a monogram on to a glass plate for my 5th grade teacher. My Grandmother helped me (as she did with many crafting projects) and I can remember how we had to wear gloves, be very careful and the smell was not great.  

 

Now, Etchall Creme has no smell, is mild and works in 15 minutes. I was so excited to try this out! I purchased a few different glass items and was all set to etch, but while researching, I came across a cool technique which is a combination of etching and embossed stamping. I decided to try this technique on a glass pebble pendant - so many possibilities!

 

Now on to my project!

 

Materials:
Etchall Etching Creme, Etchall Squeegee, Masking Film (or contact paper), Craft knife.

Consumer Crafts - Signed, Sealed & Remembered Crystal Drops (Circle Pendants with shank).
Sizzix - Big Shot die cutting machine.
Sizzix &Hero Arts Stamp & Die-Cut Butterflies #3.

Hero Arts Kaleidoscope Flowers wooden block stamp set.
Ranger Ink Archival black ink pad.
Ranger Ink Heat It tool.

Marvy Brush Markers.

Clear embossing powder.
Black Lacing or Ribbon.

Basic Supplies:
Soft cloth and rubbing alcohol, scissors, ruler.

Instructions:
1.)  Clean the surfaces to be etched with soft cloth and rubbing alcohol. 

2.)  Die cut the smallest butterfly from the masking film. Peel the backing paper and apply the negative outline of the butterfly to the back of one of the glass pendants, smooth with squeegee.  Using the squeegee, apply a generous, but even amount of Etchall Etching Creme to the back of both pendants. Let sit for 15 minutes. Remove as much creme as possible with the squeegee and return to the container. Rinse pendants under cool running water and dry completely with soft cloth. 

 

3.)  Ink butterfly, place stamp ink side up on work surface and stamp by pressing glass pendant on to the stamp. this will allow for precise placement of your image. Sprinkle with clear embossing powder, set aside. Repeat with flower stamp.

 

4.)  Using Heat It tool, emboss both images. This will set the ink on the back of the pendants.

 

4.)  Allow glass pendants to cool. 

 

 

5.)  Color in images with Marvy Brush Markers and set ink with Heat It tool. Measure and cut black lacing or ribbon to desired length, thread through shank and secure end with a knot. 

 

Wear and enjoy!

 

A great craft to make with your kids, etching with Etschall Creme is quick, easy and not messy at all. The kids will be wowed by the etching process and results! 

Now it's time to Hop around to the other DCC designers to see the wonderful projects they have created using Etchall Etching Creme. Use the DCC button on the right side bar and click the back and forward.

I am excited to create more projects using Etchall Creme - I think mirrors are next!

Thanks for stopping by! -Beth

KOOL TAK Father's Day Treat Jar!

I have a project being featured over on the KOOL TAK Blog! 

Check out my Father's Day Treat Jar and get the complete instructions!

 

 

Thanks for stopping by! - Beth

DESIGNER CRAFTS CONNECTION - FIRST MONDAY IN JUNE

June is here, the kids are done with school and Summer is just around the corner! 

 

It is the first Monday of the month once again and the Designer Crafts Connection is back with a creative blog hop loaded with tons of inspiration because our theme is HAPPINESS IS...

 

This theme swings open the doors of creativity and allows each Designer to showcase a craft or project that makes us HAPPY!

 

Now on to my project:

 

My happiest crafting projects are those that I can just create - they are not for a particular design team or magazine submission - they are just pure, wild and free!

 

I live in sunny Southwest Florida and some weekends are spent at the beach.  On a trip last year to Upper Captiva Island (which you can only get to by boat) we walked on the beach and collected shells.  I have collected shells from all over and they live in a dish on my coffee table.  I decided to feature several whole gems that I have found and decided to create a canvas shadow box to showcase them.

 

 

Materials and Supplies:

• Pre-stretched Canvas - 12" by 24"
• One conch shell, one sand dollar and one starfish - each approximately 2" wide
• Sea Glass Scrapbook papers and chipboard shapes from K & Company
• Vintage Lace - three 12" lengths
• Ribbon - half inch wide - 72" long (2 yards)  I used a light green
• Crepe Paper Streamer - four 24" lengths in White
• Glimmer Mist Spray Mists - turquoise, patina, olive vine, mallard from Tattered Angels
• Distress Ink Pad in Tea Dye from Ranger
• Square Jewelry Boxes - card board style available at craft stores.  Three box bottoms 3" by 3"
• Kool Tak Premium Extreme - 1/2" wide, Foam Adhesive Pads 1/4" by 1/4"
• Aleene's® Original Tacky Glue™ from ilovetocreate.com

Pencil, ruler, decorative edge punches, craft knife, three small shells, three small starfish, self adhesive rhinestones and pearls, gorilla tape.

 

Instructions:

1.  Measure 6" in from the left edge and draw a line down the center of the canvas.  Measure in 4 1/2" from left edge, draw a line down the length.  Measure in another 3" and draw a line down the length.  Measure down 4" from the top edge and draw a line across the canvas.  Measure and draw lines across at 3", 3,5", 3", 3.5", 3" and 4".  Draw an X through each of the three 3" by 3" squares.  Carefully cut each X with a craft knife and secure the backside of the triangles to the inside of the jewelry box with Tacky Glue.  Secure on the backside of the canvas with gorilla tape.

2.  Measure and cut three squares that are 5" by 5" from scrapbook paper.  Cut a 2" long diagonal slit at each corner, fold and insert in to each box to dry fit.  Attach with Premium Extreme to secure.  Spray mist four lengths of crepe paper streamer in each of the four colors, let dry.

3.  Measure 16 to 18 different scrapbook papers between 3" and 4" wide.  Cut, tear and punch in random patterns.  Distress papers and edges with Tea Dye Ink.  Layer and dry fit the papers until pleased with the configuration.  Starting at the bottom, secure each layer of paper and crepe paper with Premium Extreme.

4.  Embellish the canvas with lace, chipboard shapes, seashells, starfish, rhinestones and pearls.  Attach the conch shell, starfish and sand dollar with Foam Adhesive Pads.  Trim edge of canvas with ribbon attached with Premium Extreme.

 

Hang and enjoy your beachy memories!
 

I hope that you have enjoyed my post for today! Now you can HOP around to all of the DCC Designers to see the HAPPINESS IS... themed projects they have created! Just use the navigation box on the right hand side of my blog to hop forward or hop back!

 

Thanks for stopping by!  -Beth