Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Santa Scrapbook layout

I made a very simple and quick layout for when my kids visit Santa! I used the Santa page from the Martha Stewart holiday paper pad, 4 6 1/2x4 1/2 sheets of card stock, one red gem, and sticker embellishments. 



 I started by trimming the brown card stock by 1/4" on the side and top. I wanted to have a double frame around my photo so I will trim my 4x6 slightly so it will fit.  I used my ATG gun and apllied the papers to the layout. 


Next I added a red gem to Santa's nose, and the number 2012 to the chimney (stickers I had on hand from my local craft store).



Then I applied the HO HO HO to the top of my layout for my title!


Now all it needs is photos! This layout only took me 15 minutes!! I hope you enjoyed it! 

 (excuse the white balance in the photo, I don't photoshop my craft pictures!) 

Christmas Tree Decor

 For this project I used a 12 inch styrofoam Christmas tree, 4 sheets of 12x12 scrapbook appear, and sewing pins with pretty pearly ends. I started by cutting out circles that are 1 1/2 inches (2 full sheets and 2 half sheets) 



Next I used the sewing pins and applied the circles on the styrofoam, beginning at the base.  You can do any pattern you'd like, for mine I alternated the paper every row, overlapping the circles. 


Once you are done applying the circles you can add a star on top as a topper or place the tree on a candle stick holder, just get creative. I left this one plain, but I am thinking a ribbon flowing from the top would be beautiful as well. =) 


I really hope you enjoyed this post! Thank you for stopping by!! 

Up-cycle a Can

This is a rather simple project, and I am sharing it to show my technique to get the paper and ribbon to size. All you need is a can (any size), ribbon, scrapbook paper, tape measure (I use a soft sewing one to get an accurate reading) and a hot glue gun. 


First I measure the height of the can and cut my scrapbook paper accordingly. I leave my paper at 12x12 length. 


Next I use my ATG and apply glue to the back of the paper. I carefully align the paper to the top lip of the can and slowly wrap it around pressing it firmly down.

I apply a small line of hot glue to the last strip of paper (any fast drying glue will work). This is easier than applying a large amount of glue with the ATG gun and trying to maneuver it without tearing the paper.


Now cut the ribbon to the length of the circumference of the can. (Make sure you use a lighter to stope the ends from fraying) I apply a small amount of glue to the tip of the ribbon and apply it to the area my paper ends at (I like keeping all the stopping points on the same side). I slowly add glue to the ribbon and wrap it around the can until it is done. I repeat this for the bottom ribbon. 




Now I have a custom can for my crafting supplies. You can also add labels to the front of the can with coordinating papers. Hope this post was helpful!!


Wood Art

I have had this wood plaque and W for a while and decided I wanted to use them for some craft room decor! This project was quite simple. I used a sheet of scrapbook paper, acrylic paint, Mod Podge, and the wood plaque and W. 

 I started by painting the edges of the plaque and the W blue. 



Next i cut my scrapbook paper with an Xacto knife to the size of the plaque face (would be easier if it was a square or rectangle shape). Then I used Mod Podge to glue the paper down. (You could take a nail file to the edges to take away any gap between the paper and the plaque) 


Now I hot glued the W to the plaque where I wanted it.



I had some floral embellishments from my local craft store, I added a brad and put three of the together, then I hot glues two of the flowers to the W. I painted Mod Podge all over the plaque. 



Last I added ribbon to the back of the plaque for hanging (you could also hardware). Now it is hung in my craft room (not on that hook, that was just for a photo op!). I love the way it turned out and how simple it was to make!


Sunday, December 9, 2012

Glass etching

This tutorial can be done in a few different ways. I used two different methods, but it all depends on the supplies you have available and what you are looking to make. 

I started with a picture frame, glass etch, my Cameo, and some vinyl. I removed the glass from the frame and washed it with soap and water, then dried it off. Then I cut a baseball and the name Noah in vinyl using my Cameo. Usually when using the vinyl as a stencil for glass etching you want to use the negative piece. I peeled off the vinyl pieces from the areas I wanted etched. Then I placed the vinyl on the glass where I wanted the design. I repeated the step with the baseball. 

Next I applied a generous amount of etching cream with a brush to the glass frame.  Make sure you apply the etching cream evenly and in multiple directions to avoid any lines. also, it is a good idea to apply tape around the stencil if you need a larger working area. 

I let the cream sit for 25 minutes then I washed it with soap and water. After all of the etching cream was washed off I removed my vinyl from the glass. Now I have a customized sports frame for my little buddy Noah!! 

The second project I did the same way except I used a stencil from the Martha Stewart glass etching kit. I placed it around the top of a glass vase (I had to do it twice because the stencil was not long enough to do the entire vase at once! 

Thanks for stopping by and checking this out! I will have another example of some glass etching ideas soon! 

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Wood Letter tutorial



So this is a quick and easy way to add a little color and individualization to a room (or a craft room!). 
I made this one for my son Logan, who loves to play baseball! 

I started with a wooden L from my local craft store. Next I took a 12x12 sheet of scrapbook paper and used an xacto knife to trace the edges. 

Then I added Mod Podge to the back of the paper and on the wooden L. I placed the paper on the letter lining up the edges.  Next I added Mod Podge to the entire face of the letter. 

Once it was dry I glued a pice of ribbon the back of the L for hanging (can be hung without). 

You can add embellishments or ribbon to your liking! Just have fun and get creative!!

I know I already posted one menu board, but this one is slightly different, and made especially for someone else! 

I started with a magnet box 12x12, 2 sheets of 12x12 scrapbook paper,  a few sheets of 6 1/2 x 4 1/2 cardstock, some vinyl and alpha stickers, and bottle caps. 

I began by cutting the paper for the pocket to hold the menu items 6 inches. Then I scored three sides of the paper at 3/4 inch. I folded the sides over and added adhesive with my ATG gun. Then I placed the pocket on the 12x12 scrapbook paper. 

Next I cut out the label using my Cricut Expression and the CTMH Art Philosophy cartridge. I used a 2 3/4 inch setting at fit to length. I ran this through my xyron sticker maker and added it to the pocket on the 12x12 scrapbook paper. 

Next I used some alpha stickers to put the word "meals" on the pocket. 

I cut out 7 1 inch circles from the scrap of paper used for the pocket. I glued these down to the bottle caps and added alpha stickers for the days of the week. 

To glue the bottle caps down I used my foam adhesive. Since it wasn't thick enough I used three foam pieces per bottle cap, and placed them on the 12x12 paper. 

I cut the word "Menu" out with my Silhouette at 2 inches, using the same scrap paper from the pocket. I ran this through the xyron sticker maker as well, and added it to the 12x12 paper. 

Next came the fun part!! First I cut out strips  of cardstock at 1x6 1/2. Then I used my silhouette and a sheet of vinyl to cut out each meal item. Then I used my blue painters tape and added each meal item to the strips of cardstock. After everything was ready I added Mod Podged to the entire board and the strips of paper (including the bottle caps). 

I placed some magnets on the bottom to hold the meals on their respective days.  (not pictured)


I hope this gave you some inspiration to make your own menu!!