DESIGNER CRAFTS CONNECTION - BUTTONS GALORE & MORE BLOG HOP

Today a group of Designers from the Designer Crafts Connection are hosting a Blog Hop with Buttons Galore & More!  BGM has generously donated buttons for us to create with. 

 

The give away from Buttons Galore & More and Viewtanier starts today and ends on March 17th. Leave a comment to enter. There will be a prize for one participating Designer and one Reader who comments. Drawings are random, so leave comments on all the blogs for more chances to win!

 

We were given a theme of Wedding, so I decided to make a keepsake tin.

Start out with a new or recycled tin in any shape or size, mine was round.  It was already silver, so I decided to put a more modern twist on the gold buttons I received.

Begin by cutting the shank from the back of your buttons with wire cutters.  Then dry fit the buttons on the top of your tin until you are pleased with the composition.  I always take a picture on my cell phone when I have items that are dry fit, so that if I bump or shift the piece I always know what my original design looked like.  Glue each button into place with Aleene's Original Tacky Glue from I Love To Create, then let dry.  This is my go to glue for my craft projects.

 

The next step is to lightly spray paint your button embellished lid with Krylon's Indoor/Outdoor Primer in White this blocks the base color of your project and primes it to take other types of paints and finishes.  It works on metal, glass, wood, plastic and alot of other surfaces.  I use this primer all of the time. 

Next paint your lid and base to match the color scheme of your Wedding.  I chose to keep it modern and country chic by using Design Master Super Silver to color my container. 

Add two lengths of crocheted lace trim, one around the edge of the lid and another around the bottom edge of the tin.  Secure lace with Tacky Glue, let dry.

 

Make a tin for each Bridesmaid in your Wedding party and fill with a lovely pearl necklace or earring set that you would like them to wear on the day of your Wedding.  Make a tin for yourself and keep memories of your Wedding Day inside.  I think it would be nice to inscribe the bottom of the tin with the Bride & Groom's names along with the date to truly create a keepsake.

 





Use the DCC hop button on my right side bar to see hop around many more fabulous button projects!

If you have the time, stop by and see the Buttons Galore & More NEW RELEASES visit the BG&M Blog at and follow them on FaceBook for projects and give aways!

Viewtainer has donated the containers for the contest winners, VIEWTAINER containers have clear walls, come in fun bright colors with an easy dispensing cap and NO spilling! Proudly made in the USA!  To see the complete line of Viewtainer products visit their website at www.viewtainer.com blog http://viewtainer.typepad.com/blog/ and like them on FB at www.facebook.com/Viewtainer!

 

Thanks for stopping by!  -Beth

DESIGNER CRAFTS CONNECTION - FIRST MONDAY IN MARCH

THE DCC THEME FOR MARCH IS - FAVORITE TECHNIQUES!

I pondered over this post for a while, because I have discovered and been taught so many wonderful techniques over the years, but I kept coming back to my favorite technique of all time - CRACKLE!  Crackle is so very versatile, textural and just down right amazing that I had to share it with you today!

 

 

I have been layering and crackling paint on various surfaces since I first started crafting as a child.  Back then my tools and supplies were limited and the first time I achieved the crackled paint effect it was purely an accident, but I have been in love with the effect ever since! 

 

When I was 9 or 10 I received a hand-me-down kitchen table and chair set from a family friend for my dollhouse that was already painted red.  Some of the pieces were loose, so I glued those first and wasn't very neat with my technique, so a smeared the extra glue over the surface of the chair seat to dry because I knew I was going to repaint them.  When I painted the blue over the areas that had the dried glue this wonderful feathery crackle finished appeared and I was hooked! 

 

Using traditional white glue (like Elmer's) is less expensive than using a medium, but you have a very small window of opportunity with the White glue and the result is not as consistent.

 

Over the years I have tried many products for crackling, but I keep coming back to one for it's ease of use - Americana Paints Weathered Wood Medium by DecoArt.  This particular medium stays workable for quite a long time - I have event left it overnight, then applied a top coat in the morning and the crackle effect was wonderful.

OK, enough talking, let me show you the wonderful examples of this technique.

Above is a simple piece of white foam board that I painted with Americana Paints Burnt Umber.  I let the base coat dry completely then applied the Weathered Wood Medium in a thin coat (top - this will give you smaller cracks) and a very heavy coat (bottom - this will give you larger cracks). 

 

Let the medium set up for at least 30 minutes, but like I said earlier, I have let it sit overnight before.  The crackle effects works the best when you apply a contrasting top coat and I like the dark base coat with a light top coat effect the best for a Shabby Chic finish.  To apply the top coat you must move quickly and only paint over the surface once - do not go back over your paint strokes or the crackle will not appear. 

 

 

In this first example (above) I have painted a thin top coat of Americana Buttermilk over my thin Weathered Wood coat with my strokes all going in the same direction to reveal fine, thin almost feathery cracks.

In the second example (above) I have painted the Americana Buttermilk in very thick and random strokes over the thick Weathered Wood coat to reveal thicker and chunkier cracks.

 

I played around with some colors and application thicknesses of the paints and Weathered Wood medium, just to give you an idea of how versatile this technique truly is. 

 

 

Lighter base coats with darker top coats.

 

 

Different color combinations and thicknesses of the Weathered Wood medium.

 

Then I tried some metallics, which I had not worked with the crackle.  The sample to the left is Dazzing Metallics Glorious Gold base coat and Burnt Umber top coat, which looks very nice, especially up close.  The sample to the right is Burnt Umber base coat with Patio Paint Pot O' Gold top coat.  Not sure what the Patio Paint has added to it for durability in exterior applications, but it did not crackle well at all.

 

The surfaces that you can apply a crackle technique to are endless.  In my sample projects above I have crackled on Smoothfoam Balls, a Canvas, Wooden Candlesticks and scrapbook Paper, but the applications are endless.  Try crackle on air dry clay, paper mache, plaster, scrapbook paper, cardboard and even ceramic bisque!

 

I hope you have enjoyed my favorite technique today.  Please use the Designer Crafts Connection icon on my right hand task bar to hop around to all of the other DCC Crafters to see what their favorite techniques are!  I can't wait to check them all out!

We also have a contest for March from FABSCRAPS!  Don't forget to "like" their FB page

To enter to win, hop through the blogs and then leave a comment on whichever blogs have the technique you think will be your new favorite (pick me, pick me!) and then visit Julie McGuffee's Life in the Craft Lane blog to leave a comment there saying which technique(s) you liked...you have so many chances to win! Julie will pick a winner from all the comments in the hop at the end of March. Good luck!

 

Thanks for stopping by! - Beth
 



DESIGNER CRAFTS CONNECTION - FIRST MONDAY IN FEBRUARY

Our theme for February is - of course - Handmade with Love!

Today I want to share a 3D mixed media heart that I made to hang on my front door instead of a traditional wreath.

I started out with a paper mâché heart form purchased at Michael's. Then covered randomly with crumpled patterned scrapbook paper and vintage music sheet pieces. Dry brush with coordinating Americana Paints from DecoArt - I used Petal Pink, Country Red and Barn Red. Create texture by dipping a cardboard tube, end of paint brush and bubble wrap in various paints and layer over the papers.

Die cut flowers from colored tissue paper and vintage book pages using the Big Shot from Sizzix. Layer flowers on a brad, crumple and distress with Coffee Glimmer Mist by Tattered Angels. Attach three flowers to top of heart. Cut two leaves from green patterned scrapbook and attach to either side.

Embellish with rhinestones, pearls and metal charms. Attach patterned and satin ribbons for a hanger. Finish with a bow. Hang and enjoy!

Hop around and take a look at all of the projects that my fellow Designers have created for Valentine's Day by using the DCC navigation on the right hand toolbar.

Thanks for stopping by - Beth

DESIGNER CRAFTS CONNECTION - FIRST MONDAY IN JANUARY!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Today is the first Monday and that means it is our Designer Crafts Connection Blog Hop!  This month's them is HOME DECOR. 

I create quite a few home decor items out of found objects, craft store items and thrifted treasures, so this month's theme is right up my alley!



First, I want to share a set of candlesticks that I created for my mantle.  I had seen chunky decorated candlesticks like this at Pottery Barn and Anthropoloy, but didn't want to spend the money, so I looked around until I found some items I could alter into exactly what I wanted!

Two are thrift store finds and the third I created to match with a candlestick and wooden plaque purchased at the craft store.  They are painted in a distress finish with Americana Paints from DecoArt.  The wire bird and birdcage were also craft store finds and the apothecary jar was made from a recycled salsa jar and wooden knobs.



Second, is a set of silhouette plaques to match the candlesticks!  The plaques are craft store purchases that I distressed painted to create an aged look.  I then covered them with old book pages that I found at a local thrift store.  The silhouettes are a K & Company find from the craft store, but they were originally ivory.  I selected the images I liked the best and lightly sprayed them several times with Design Master Colortool Spray Paint in Flat Black.

Look around, take inspiration from everywhere and create some home decor items that have greater personal meaning - because YOU MADE THEM!

Please visit the rest of the Designers in our DCC Blog Hop ring to see the Home Decor items that they have made by clicking on the HOP FORWARD and HOP BACK buttons on the navigation icon in my right hand tool bar.

Thanks for stopping by!  -Beth

MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR!



Just wanted to post a quick share today!

I was featured in the Holiday 2012 issue of Stitch Craft Create magazine with my Peace on Earth Wreath.  Check out their website here and their blog here to get lots of great ideas!

There are three pages of photos along with complete instructions!  I used a technique that was new to me - I wrapped the wreath form in stitched paper ribbon by cutting lenghts of scrapbook paper, crumpling them and then joining them all together on my sewing machine.  The look is very Shabby Chic!

I was also featured in the Winter issue of Crafts n' Things magazine with my Santa Button Beard Pillow.  Check out their website here and their blog here for lots of ideas and inspiration!



This project was special to me because most of the buttons that I used were from my Grandmother's button box.  I painted the Santa face on cross stitch fabric, then sewed the buttons and jingle bell on.  I have this pillow prominently placed on my couch this Christmas!

I wish everyone a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year in 2013!

Thanks for stopping by!  -Beth

FABER CASTELL GELATOS

FAUX LEATHER MASKING TAPE JOURNALS

I worked with these Gelatos from the Faber Castell Design*Memory*Craft line at the CHA Summer Show and then I picked some up in several different color families at Michael's to play with them.  I was looking around my studio for a surface and saw four rolls of masking tape that I had on hand from another project and thought that the tape would make a versatile surface.  I also had some small blank books on hand, so decided to create some colorful journals.

Here's how I made it:

• Lay out several lengths of masking tape on a workable surface.  I used my Inksentials Craft Sheet from Ranger.

• Next, just start scribbling - what fun!  I mixed and matched colors, then misted the maksing tape with water and blended with the paint brush included in the Gelatos Mix & Match set.

• Keep layering and blending until you get the effect you are looking for. This was actually extremely fun and relaxing! Crafting as therapy - LOVE IT!  I blotted some strips with a paper towel and others with my paint brush, but I think that they all look like faux leather!

• Once all of the masking tape strips are colored and dry, measure your book cover (or surface of your choice) and cut to length.

• I used the widest strip of masking tape on the spine of the book, so I had enough to wrap around the front and back covers.  Cut a small "V" at the folds of the book and wrap the edges of the masking tape in on inside of the front and back covers.

• Lay out different colors and widths of the colored masking tape until the front and back covers are completely covered.  Make the final piece of masking tape wide enough to wrap around the inside edge of the book.  Cut the tape at an angle, so the finished edge is as neat as possible.  Then burnish all surfaces with a bone folder (or old credit card) to smooth out and bubbles and create a good adhesion to the surface of the book. 

• Using the Stamper's Big Brush Pen in Black I inked the clear stamps that came with the Gelatos Mix & Match set and stamped the Damask and Flower pattern on the front cover of my journal books.  I found that the stamping worked better on the masking tape if I lightly misted the stamp after I inked it with the Big Brush Pen.
• The last step is to measure, cut and adhere a coordinating paper to the inside front and back covers to hide all of the tape edges and finish the Journal.

I am going to be giving out these mini Journals as stocking stuffer Christmas presents.  They are the perfect size to carry in your purse for important notes and ideas!

Thanks for stopping by!  -Beth

WINTER HOLIDAY HOP

Today, I am joining a group of talented Designers in the Winter Holiday Hop, organized by Jen Goode, who is hosting the linky party on her blog.  So, happy to have been invited to share my Holiday Inspiration with everyone today!  Click on the WINTER HOLIDAY HOP button in my right hand sidebar to hop around!

 

I LOVE SNOWMEN, there I have said it!  Isn't admitting you have a problem the first step to recovery?  Well, truth be told, I don't want to recover from my Snowman addiction, but I do want to share with everyone today, some of my most favorite Snowman projects!

 

This Snowman is made from a simple foam ball and painted craft foam pieces.

 

Glass Hurricane Snowman with painted features, a felt hat and plaid scarf.



 

Altered Altoids Tin painted to look like a Snowman on TV with wire and beaded antennae.

 

This cute little Snowman is painted on a hinge from the hardware store!

 

A $1 section basket from Michael's painted with a Snowman face, ear muffs made from the

basket handle and faux fur.

 

Snowmen (and women) treat cups made from peate pots, fabric scrap "carrot" noses and button eyes!

 



Don't forget to click through and see what all of the Designers have made and be inspired to start creating for the Holidays!

 

Thanks for stopping by!  -Beth

 

DESIGNER CRAFTS CONNECTION SMOOTHFOAM 2 X 4 SNOW FAMILY

Welcome to the Designer Crafts Connection Blog Hop with Smoothfoam!

Many of us have seen Smoothfoam display in our local Michael's stores, but beyond the normal projects with foam shapes, the Designer Crafts Connection was challenged with creating something "outside the box!"  I was thrilled to receive a few different shapes, but was drawn to the 2" by 4" foam rectangles. I have seen alot of 2" by 4" wooden crafting for the holidays, but I don't have access to power tools, so when I saw these rectangles, I knew I wanted to use the Smoothfoam 2 by 4's in the 8" and 12" sizes. Smoothfoam is a great base for a multitude of projects because it can be easily shaped, sanded, painted and decorated to create three dimensional projects without the weight of other materials, like wood.

 

Here's How I Made It:

• With a serrated kitchen knife, cut the 8" rectangle in two pieces - one 3" and one 5" for the Snow Baby.  Cut the first 12" rectangle in three pieces - one 3", one 4" and one 5" for the Snow Momma.  Cut the second 12" rectangle in two pieces - one 7" and one 5" for the Snow Daddy. 

• Then carve all of the edges off of each piece of foam to create a rustic look.  The Smoothfoam bits will get everywhere, so I did this outside over a trash can.

• Now the Smoothfoam won't be so smooth after this step, but the amazing part about this foam is that when rubbed together is sands itself!  Using one piece of Smoothfoam as a sanding block, rub your pieces together to smooth out all of the surfaces - amazing!
• Paint all of the pieces with Raw Umber Americana acrylic paint from DecoArt and let dry.

• Paint all of the pieces with Weathered Wood medium from DecoArt and let set for at least one hour.
• Paint all of the pieces with a combination of half Light Buttermilk and half Bleached Sand Americana acrylic paint from DecoArt and let dry to create a crackled finish.

• Decorate your Snow Family with button eyes, scrap paper carrot noses and black seed bead mouths.  Snow Baby received decorative buttons and ear muffs made from pom poms and a chenille stem.  Snow Momma received a Lamp Black painted hat with ribbon and holly trim, a scalloped paper collar and green buttons.  Snow Daddy received a Lamp Black painted top hat with craft foam brim, ribbon and snowflake trim, a paper bow tie and red buttons.
• Use simple toothpicks to attached the Smoothfoam blocks together for a finished display! 

Now make sure to click on the DCC link in my right sidebar to hop through and see the other DCC designers projects using Smoothfoam, as well as, a chance to enter to win a prize package from Smoothfoam consisting of the snowman kit below and more!

To enter to win, leave a comment about their favorite projects on the designer’s blog and say what you would make with Smoothfoam. The more often you comment the more chances you have to win. All the projects will be posted on Pinterest, so readers can comment there too. The winner will be announced on our Facebook Page at  http://www.facebook.com/DesignerCraftsConnection on November 19th.

Thanks for stopping by!  -Beth

DESIGNER CRAFT CONNECTION - FIRST MONDAY IN NOVEMBER

This month's theme is THANKFULNESS!

 

I cannot believe that another year has almost come and gone!  I have alot to be thankful for this year - I am heathly and surrounded by a loving family and wonderful friends, so I considermyself lucky as well!

 

Since both sides of my family get together for a big meal every Thanksgiving, I always like to make some kind of interactive project - a centerpiece or a banner - that brings everyone together and gives us the opportunity to reflect upon what we are all thankful for.

 

This year I have created a THANKFUL BANNER and each family member can write on a leaf what they are thankful for!

 

 

Here's How I Made It:

• Gather a variety of Autumn themed patterned papers and embellishments.  All of the supplies that I used were items that I already had on hand!  Most were from a Making Memories kit that I purchased at Michael's several years ago.
• Sketch out 4 or 5 different leaves on to cardboard, then traced them on the patterned papers and cut out with scissors.  You can also use a die and a die cutting machine if you have one.
• I crumpled all of my leafs, then flattened them back out and inked them with Tea Dye Distress Ink by Ranger.
• Cut a section of ribbon the same length as the banner you want to make, then sew the leaves on to the ribbon with a sewing machine.
• Spell out the word THANKFUL in chipboard letters - mine had a brown velvet finish and I added colored, self adhesive pearls to make them stand out.
• Decorate the rest of your banner with the variety of embellishments you have gathered - I used glittered swirls, fabric covered brads, felt pumpkins and acorns, along with colored pearls and rhinestones.  Some of my embellishments were self adhesive, but for the others I used Aleene's Tacky Glue from iLoveToCreate - I just LOVE that glue!

I will hang mine on the mantle on Thanksgiving Day and each family member can write their Thankful Message on a different leaf with their name and the date.  This will become a Family Keepsake that I am sure will adorn my mantle for many years to come!

I hope you enjoyed my project today!

 

 

To view all of the other projects from the rest of the Designer Craft Connection group please use the HOP FORWARD and HOP BACK navigation in the DCC Icon in my right hand tool bar and ENJOY!
Thanks for stopping by! - Beth

 



THANK YOU!

I would like to THANK everyone that voted for my Faux Metal Pumpkin in Plaid's 3rd Annual Trick your Pumpkin Contest - I came in Third Place!

Thanks for stopping by!  -Beth

CRAYON MELT ART PUMPKIN

Having seen crayon melt art all over Pinterest on everything from Mason Jars to Canvases, I wanted to try this technique on a Foam Craft Pumpkin.

Here's how I made it:

•  Purchase a Foam Craft Pumpkin of your choice at your local craft store - I selected a small white pumpkin from Michael's.
• Gather crayons - I used reds and oranges - unwrap the crayons and break into approximately 1" long pieces.
• Place your pumpkin on a base of newspaper or an old catalog.  NOTE:  I use mail order catalogs for these types of messy projects and they make great paint palettes as well - just start in the center and peel off the pages as you use them!
• Glue the pieces around the stem of the pumpkin with Aleene's Original Tacky Glue from iLoveToCreate - I love this glue and use it for everything!
• Most online tutorials used a hair dryer, but I used my Inkssentials Heat It Craft Tool from Ranger.  Once the crayons began to melt I used a pair of craft tweezers to rotate and move the melting pieces of crayon around the top of the pumpkin to get complete coverage.
• I let the first coat of red crayon dry and then repeated the process with orange crayon. 
• Make sure that you don't hold the Heat It Craft Tool too close to the pumpkin or all of the colored crayon wax will melt away and form a puddle at the base of your pumpkin.  When this happened to my project, I peeled the extra crayon off the bottom of the pumpkin and re-melted it around the top.

A quick and easy craft - peeling the paper off the crayons took the longest!  Entire project took 10 minutes.

I love how this turned out, so I'm going to try it out with the kiddos tomorrow!

Thanks for stopping by!  -Beth

EDIBLE MONSTER EYES

I made these at Christmas with chocolate Kisses and peanut butter M & M's and thought they looked like eye balls.

For Halloween I bought the white candy melts from Wilton and upside down chocolate chips for the pupils, then sprinkled red jimmies for the blood-shot Monster look.

I think they turned out great!  And they taste great too!

Then I tried some different color combinations and green eyes with orange jimmies were the most Monster-rific!

These are quick and easy to whip up with just a few ingredients and make great party favors and Teacher gifts.

Just pre-heat your oven to 200 degrees, layout parchment or waxed paper on a cookie sheet, line up your pretzels and top each one with a colored Wilton Candy Melt.  Place in oven for 5 minutes, remove and sprinkle colored jimmies on each cany melt, then press a chocolate chip in the center of each cany melt.  Let set for 30 minutes then store in an air tight container for up to 7 days.

Thanks for stopping by! - Beth