Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Piero Fornasetti: Art in Common Things


When we think of art, we often think of watercolors by Monet, oils by Rembrandt, marble sculptures, bronze busts, objects of beauty inaccessible to us in the everyday, unless we visit a museum, or buy a small, inadequate replica for the bookshelf. We don't think of use. And when we think of household goods, we imagine linens, furniture, cups and plates-utilitarian objects for utilitarian functions. We don't think of art.

We don't think of Piero Fornasetti. But we should.

It's relatively easy to see beauty and wish to commit to canvas. It takes a special sort of genius to see that same beauty and find a way to recreate it in a common object-to make art with function. Italian artist Piero Fornasetti (1913-1988) dedicated his life and unique vision to creating art in every possible form, from wallpaper depicting the city of Jerusalem to window blinds which, when closed, became row upon row of ornate Italian arches.

One of Fornasetti's most well-known and enduring works is his "Variations and Themes," a series of plates depicting the face of 19th century operatic soprano Lina Cavalieri in 350 different poses.

Here, she's sipping from a teacup, there, she's gazing out at you from behind bars. Here, she's wearing a veil, there, she's split in two, a broken classical artifact. Each pose celebrates her beauty, and beauty itself, with creativity and wit.

After his death, Fornasetti's son Barnaba, dedicated himself to replicating his father's most famous work in the same time-honored methods Piero used, including some of the most popular and evocative plates in the " Variations and Themes " series. An intelligent mixture of traditional beauty and modern artistry, these decoupage "canvases" bring art to the everyday life of the kitchen and living room. They can provide an unexpected, gentle touch of humor to a serious conversation, bring a traditional room into the 21st century, or give a splash of visual activity to a neutral palette.




Many of us dream of having a beautifully decorated home, only to settle for old college bookshelves, a value-store dining table and our parents' cast-off sofa and chair. Our "art" consists of a generic print that would look at home in any bank branch or dentist's office. Just because you live an everyday life, don't succumb to the dullness of everyday art. Allow Piero Fornasetti to inspire you to find beauty, comedy, and joy in the common.




How to Decorate Flower Pots


Add color to your garden, patio or indoor space with simple flower pot crafts. Flower pots are functional blank canvases, encouraging a wide range of creativity. You can paint, decoupage, stamp and embellish as part of your flowers pot crafts. Come up with your own flower pot craft projects with these ideas.

How to Decorate Clay Pots by Heidi Borchers & Tiffany Windsor

Painting

After purchasing a flower pot, sand the pot down before painting. You should also seal the inside of the flower pot with an oil-based polyurethane to protect your painted design from water penetration. If you are painting pots for outdoor placement, use a paint specifically designed for outdoor use. DecoArt Patio Paint is water and weather-resistant and adapts well to changing temperatures. Outdoor paints also mean your pot will be easy to clean.

Try painting sections of the pot in different colors. Use painter's tape to mark off the top lip of the pot and paint a coordinating color. Or, create several bands around the flower pot with the painter's tape and create stripes on your flower pot.

Bright colors work well in gardens. To select a color scheme, look at design or craft resources on colors like Paper Crafter's Color Companion by C&T Publishing. Paint two to three coats of each color on your pot. If you want to add a design to your pot, paint the background a nice, muted color such as light yellow.

Use stencils to paint words or shapes onto your flower pot. You can also use this technique to label the contents of the flower pots decoratively, such as "Basil" or "Chives." Use a sponge to paint your flower pots. Paint all over in one or two colors, or create bursts of colors with a round sponge that look very much like flowers. You can also cut a normal kitchen sponge into a shape such a heart or star.

Decoupage

Cut out words and images from scrapbook papers, magazines and even junk mail to decoupage your pot. Create a theme by selecting similar words or images, for example Spring. Tissue paper is a great material to decoupage pots. You can use one color or a variety of coordinating colors for a fun, semi-transparent look. Crinkle the tissue paper in your hands and tear into pieces. Use a foam brush to apply decoupage glue (such as Mod Podge) to your pot. Smooth tissue paper pieces over pot in a random pattern. Cover with another coat of decoupage glue.

For fun, add a coat or accents of glitter or sparkle, such as with Tulip 3D Sparkle Paint. For outdoor placement, you will need to cover your decoupage work with a coat of UV-resistant acrylic coating, like those made by Krylon.

Embellishment

Yarn - Wrap yarn or twine tightly around the lip of your pot, gluing as you go. Yarn-wrapping creates an interesting textured look.

Buttons - Flat buttons are a fun way to decorate pots. Paint flowers on your pot and glue buttons as the centers the flowers. Add a line of buttons around the top of the pot. Randomly glue buttons all over the pot.




Caley Walsh is an editor for the crafting and DIY website http://www.FaveCrafts.com. http://www.FaveCrafts.com has 1000's of free home decor ideas and craft projects in every area of crafting, including patriotic crafts for Memorial Day. We add new projects and tips everyday. Some of our readers favorites include Christmas Crafts, Free Knitting Patterns, Free Crochet Patterns and Crafting with Kids.




Monday, December 12, 2011

How to Create the Perfect Crackle Glaze Finish


How to Decoupage and use a Craquelure Finish. -A two-part crackle glaze that imitates old cracked varnish. When dry, the craquelure glaze on your decoupage item can be improved by adding a dark wax.

YOU WILL NEED

• A surface to decorate.

• Fine sandpaper

• Water based paint

• Crackle Glaze varnish

• Small rollers and brushes

• Cleaning cloth

• Gift Wrap Paper

• Glue

• White glue

• Cutting instruments

• Embellishing wax

How To

Clean the surface with garnet paper and apply a water based paint. Mix up a small amount of wallpaper paste and cut out your paper designs. Stick paper cut-outs onto your prepared item press firmly, eliminating bubbles and any excess with a damp cloth or roller.

Paint on the base coat of the crackle glaze. Leave to dry and then paint another coat.

Add second layer of varnish with soft paintbrush Wait until the varnish is totally dry. Rub dark wax into the surface of the cracks. Rub away the excess wax with kitchen paper.

Cover the inside, non decorated parts of your item with paint. Seal the insides with a light topcoat of clear Varnish.

Once the PVA glue is dry, you can apply a coat of clear furniture wax to the surface. Lightly burnish the waxed surface with mutton cloth.

For the final touch, apply gilt cream to rims and edges.

Now you can show your finished article to your friends and start finding new items to decoupage and decorate. Make more decorative items and presents for friends and family using your new-found skills!.




Gill Fothergill has been creating and writing about decoupage techniques and resources since 1995. To find out more visit her website
http://www.decoupagepapers.co.uk




Decopatch Glue And Papers To Beautify Your Home


Decopatch is a special kind of paper that is thin at around 20 gsm and can be used to decorate virtually any type of surface. It can be very helpful for artists, interior decorators and furniture designers in beautifying surfaces such as porcelain vases, wooden furniture, plastic fixtures and many others. To use Decopatch, you definitely need to have special Decopatch glue that will be used to melt the paper into the surface.

When you have Decopatch papers and Decopatch glue in your own home, you are given total liberty as to the many designs and patterns that you can add to any fixture in your house to make it more lively and appealing. No matter what that type of fixture might be, there is always a pattern or a collage design that can make it look better.

Decopatch makes it easier for you to beautify items in your home. This type of paper is easy to use and can even be torn without scissors. It is thin enough to give you many choices but is also sturdy and strong which makes it resilient to varnishing and sanding. These papers also give you a variety of colors and even patterns to choose from.

When you are designing an item in your home, you can use several paper patterns or utilize a single Decopatch sheet to achieve a certain look. It gives you a chance to take any old objects that you already have, create a new pattern, pattern or color scheme and transform that old object into something new.

No one can certainly go wrong with Decopatch designing. If you want to make it more customized or to make the object stand out more, you can also use the glue to embellish the object with decorative stones and sequins. Patchliner, a special type of adhesive material that is used with Decopatch can also be used to highlight focal areas or to accent a region in the object.

If you want to add Decopatch to items that are regularly exposed to harsh elements which can promote wear and tear, you can also add a weather proofing varnish. This protective varnish gives you the freedom to decorate items such as mugs, plates, glasses and even outdoor furniture without worrying too much about the design wearing too soon.

Decopatch might be expensive compared to the typical table napkin or colored paper but they are worth every penny with all the styling opportunities that you can do with them.




Katia is the author of a 10-page guide, "30 FAQ's to Help You Master the Art of Decopatch". For your complimentary copy, visit http://www.paper2play.com - a website that specializes in provided craft related tips, advices and resources to unlock your creativity with Decoupage!




Sunday, December 11, 2011

Making Handmade Birthday Cards


I love creating handmade birthday cards and have been doing so for around 20 years. I have found it very gratifying, relaxing and rewarding to create my own handmade cards. It can be a good method to relax, by sitting with all of my papercrafts things all spread out next to me and to really allow the inspiration to flow!

A hand crafted card can be as complicated or as simple as you wish it to be. A very simple design can be extremely attractive and exceedingly effective. Uncomplicated designs are perfect for first-timers to card making to begin with. You could try mounting a die-cut decoupage image onto a plain blank card with a peel off sticker message to finish the handcrafted card, a super easy design to create without a great deal of gear required, but nonetheless very interesting and effective.

Once you have mastered simple designs, have a shot at adding to those designs. Introduce an additional embellishment like a bow or perhaps a pre-made topper. Start incorporating background papers to a section or all of the card blank and include glittery or pearlised accents with decorative glues. Rather than a decoupage image, have a go at rubber stamping a picture onto some card, colour the rubber stamped image with colored pencils or watercolour paints, trim around the stamped picture in a rectangular shape or square shape and then put that stamped picture on your card blank. Your own ideas will soon come to be bigger, better and more elaborate designs. By using a minimal amount of work you can actually come up with some very impressive designs.

Whenever you begin to create a Birthday card, first of all it is advisable to give thought to whom the greeting card is for. Is it for a teenager or an adult, might it be for a male or a female, precisely what are their passions and hobbies?. It is usually good to integrate a little something personalised into the birthday card. If for example your card will be for a soccer player, a soccer picture, with soccer embellishments will create the ideal birthday card and would suggest that a large amount of deliberation has gone in to the card.

Once you have decided upon the concept for your card, you will need to decide on the colour scheme. A colour scheme for a card could be guided via the colours in a decoupage image or perhaps a pre-made decoration that you have already decided on. Pick out a couple of colors from that decoupage picture or decoration and work with those colours with the entire card, colour co-ordinating any ribbons, accessories or backing papers to those two colours. If you use a rubber stamped picture then you'll be able to colour that picture using your individual colour scheme and build on that scheme by using colour co-ordinated additions.

To personalise the hand made birthday card, you could have the person's name within the theme of the card. This can be accomplished with the use of peel off sticker lettering, clear alphabet stamp lettering or should you have a steady hand, you'll be able to hand write his / her name using a decorative ink or glitter glue.

Lastly printing an insert for the card which has a lovely personalized message like a poem or lovely message definitely finishes off your hand-made birthday cards.




On the lookout for craft supplies? Check out http://www.glittermonster.co.uk for a big selection of decoupage sheets, rubber stamps, card, paper and card making materials.




Crackle Effect and Decoupage Go Together So Well


Decoupage is nice way to embellish something itself, but you will give it a special touch if you add crackle technique. There are different crackle mediums, most common is one component crackle medium. It is used to break second color as I will explain soon.

When you are using this kind of crackle medium you will need darker and lighter acrylic colors. First paint your item with dark acrylic color, leave it to dry, than cover it with crackle medium. It looks like honey, it is mostly transparent, sticky and thick. Leave your item to dry completely, you will know it has dried when surface is no longer sticky. Now paint it with lighter acrylic color. If you want to add decoupage on it, you must use very light color such as white, light beige or any other pastel color with lots of white in it. You can apply this second color with brush or with sponge. Be careful to go ONLY ONCE over same part of the surface because otherwise you could ruin crackled look. If you are using sponge, crackles will be smaller and in many directions, with brush you will get your color break in streaks. Upper color, which is light, will break and in those cracks darker colors will become visible creating a vintage look.

After few hours your item will be dry and you can start applying napkins if you like.

Two components crackle medium is used differently and gives totally different look. It is used over finished item, meaning your item was colored in light color, napkin was applied and everything is totally dry. Then you apply first component thoroughly using dry brush. Leave it to dry and when it has dried you can apply second component. Take a look at manufacturer's instructions, but usually second component should be applied thicker. Thickest the second component and shorter the time of drying, your crackles will be bigger. When everything is dry crackles are not very visible so now you should use metallic powders and rub them into cracks to emphasize them. You can even use your old eyeshadow. Wipe off excess powder with soft cloth and finish everything with transparent varnish in spray-make sure it is not water based because it could eat up your metallic powder. Enjoy and results will be smashing.







Saturday, December 10, 2011

What’s New @ScrapMatters

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Look What’s New at ScrapMatters.com 11/11/2011!!

Hello! I hope you had an awesome DSD. Personally, I need a new external hard drive. Mine is now literally full and my “to be filed” download file hovers around the 3-4 gigabyte range.
Please help us welcome our November guest designer, MHK Scraps.

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Related Posts with Thumbnails This entry was posted on Friday, November 11th, 2011 at 7:25 am and is filed under Guest Designers, What's New at ScrapMatters. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.


View the original article here

Decoupage Your Own Decor


Decoupage is a true art form that's perfect for all of your home accessories and décor. This great arts and crafts project creates a complicated look that's not really all that complicated. Small pieces of cut out papers from magazines, tissue paper and even gold leaf can be used to layer decoupage into any design you like. After the pieces are attached to your favorite décor item, a few layers of decoupage lacquer are applied to the surface. This not only seals in the cutouts, it also makes it appear that the design is one smooth piece like a photo or drawing. Use this guide to decoupage and you'll be on your way to getting an affordable and adorable design on any home décor item in your home.

Prepping the Surface

Before you begin any decoupage project on your home accessories, you'll need to prep the area first. The area must be able to accept a glue to work. Plastic surfaces may need to be scuffed up with some light grain sandpaper to allow the glue to adhere correctly. Glass surfaces may need a quick acid etch with one part muriatic acid and four parts water. Acid etching is dangerous so use the correct safety equipment when handling this material.

Cutting out the Pattern

Materials like paper are easy enough to cut out and can be easily done with a regular pair of scissors. Paper conforms well enough to work with most decor and can easily wrap around round objects with ease. Stiffer materials like cardboard may need to be softened to bend around curved house décor.

Glue it Down

The medium that is used to glue down decoupage is as simple as it gets. Regular white Elmer's glue works great with most materials like wood or cloth. Some synthetic fabrics may require the use of special fabric glues. Wood glue can be used for most craft materials like ceramics, but some materials may require the use of special fixatives to provide a surface for the adhesive to bond to. Glue and place your decoupage materials on your favorite wall art and décor. Allow the materials to dry for 24-48 hours before applying a varnish. This way, if any decoupage materials peel away from the décor, you'll know you need a different adhesive.

Decoupage It

Once the paper is in place and your design looks good, it's time to cover it all up with a decoupage medium. A varnish or lacquer is commonly used to create the decoupage. Some decoupage materials are already premixed and ready to go. For a cheap alternative to store bought decoupage medium, wallpaper paste can work perfectly. Add several layers until the decoupage medium is flat and smooth across the décor. This may take many layers, so be patient and let each coat dry before applying another.




For all your home decor needs for all kinds of furnitures, check out Arcadian Home Decor.




Decopatch Step-By-Step Guide For Newbies


A Decopatch step-by-step guide is always helpful for newbies who are still starting on the wonderful hobby of decopatching. When embarking on a styling project with the use of Decopatch, you need to have the right tools and the useful supplies before doing the project.

Some of the most important tools include bristle brushes, the Decopatch papers, a special varnish or glue made especially for Decopatch and maybe some special coats that you might need for special cases such as weather proofing varnishes and others.

If you already have everything that you need and all the Decopatch supplies that you might be using for your project, it's now time for a Decopatch step-by-step guide. You will be delighted at how easy this project is especially when you consider how good the end-results are. Make sure that you fully understand these instructions before starting.

Begin by making sure that the object which you will be coating with Decopatch papers and glue is clean and dry. A dry and clean surface makes it easier for the paper to stick to the surface and will also provide a more beautiful result. You also have the option to paint the object to match the papers but make sure that the paint is thoroughly dry before starting.

Next is to cut out the patterns of the pictures that you want to Decopatch into the object. If you are going for patterns, make sure that you have everything planned out and visualized before starting so you will go on making the project with no distractions and errors. Before gluing, arranged the patterns you are decopatching in any way you want. Whether you want them to overlap or not is entirely your choice.

Work on a small section at a time to avoid any errors and to slowly but surely build your entire patching project. Apply a generous layer of glue into the item that you are pasting and make sure that you put an ample amount on every area that the pattern will be touching. A more efficient way to do this is to spread the glue on the back of the paper.

Once you have everything glued, let the entire object dry. After at least a couple of hours depending on the size of the object, coat your item with varnish or glue or any protective proofing of your choice. Apply several layers until you get your desired results. After your Decopatch craft has completely dried, it is now ready for display in your home or to be given away as a gift.




Katia is the author of a 10-page guide, "30 FAQ's about Decopatch". For your complimentary copy, visit http://www.paper2play.com - a website that specializes in provided craft related tips, advices and resources to unlock your creativity with Decoupage!




Friday, December 9, 2011

Decopatch on Furniture, A Unique And Interesting Way To Decorate Your Furniture


Are you tired of looking at your old furniture? Are you trying to find ways to make these old relics look new? Here is a perfect solution that does not require having to buy new furniture. Decopatch on Furniture, A Unique And Interesting Way To Decorate Your Furniture.

As time rolls by, we see changes in our favourite pieces of furniture. You see that same piece day in and day out. Wouldn't it be good to do something to spice up that relic? Are you at a loss as to what to do? What if you cannot afford to buy new furnishings? What do you do?

The answer is very simple. You can use Decopatch. This is a quick and easy way of making an old piece of furniture look new. You do not have to get rid of an old table because it's been there for a while. You can always do something to make it look new and unique. Decopatch can be the solution you want.

Decopatch is a piece of paper that can be used to accentuate your furniture. The paper is glued with a specifically formulated glue-varnish. Hence the paper can be attached to any surface. Decopatch is a very thin and flexible paper based material. It adheres to almost and surface and is pretty easy to apply. can be stretched and is very flexible. This makes it easy to apply to almost any surface.

Another interesting thing about Decopatch is that it also comes in various designs. You can use it to spice up an old piece of furniture. You can do this by using the different designs that are available. Each design is unique and gives your furniture a new and unique look. It does not stain or leave marks on the surface.

Using colorful and lively patches, your old piece of furniture gets a new look. This gives your furnishings a new original look that is entirely your own creation. You can now make a statement with your new piece of furniture, a piece that reflects your creativity and originality!




Katia is the author of a 10-page guide, "30 FAQ's to Help You Master the Art of Decopatch". For your complimentary copy, visit http://www.paper2play.com - a website that specializes in provided craft related tips, advices and resources to unlock your creativity with paper craft ideas!




Thursday, December 8, 2011

How Can We Apply Decoupage to an Object in a Few Simple to Follow Stages?


Decoupage at the moment seems to be in style! It is used to swathe plant pots, cases, boxes, vases, bottles plus even candlesticks, to good effect. We regularly happen to come across it in souvenir shops while we are looking for presents along with the canvas art, candles, ornaments etc.

This really is not an expensive pastime, except you do require a degree of patience for this! Once you have grasped the idea there are unlimited bits and pieces that you could without a doubt cover. Therefore, with the various delightful papers that you can draw on for this, it is possible to make use of pictures like you observe on art posters, representing times from a different era.

Luckily enough, within craft shops, they do sell some lovely sheets principally for this. If not you may well cut up Christmas or birthday cards, magazine pictures, or, I suppose, even snaps of your pets or family!

If it is terracotta or wood clean your article in the first place and ensure that it is dry before you go on. At the outset you will need to gather your cut outs and then shuffle them around to make up your composition. Now choose a suitable colour for the background of your article and give it a coat of acrylic paint.

Should you be using an open type of article, such as a bowl, this will require painting both inside and out. Right now be patient and put it somewhere to become dry where it will not accumulate dust. In the meantime mix up a bowl of some run of the mill household wallpaper adhesive. We have currently arrived at the tricky bit!

You can at this point use a narrow household paintbrush, say around an inch wide, to painstakingly paste your cut out pieces on the reverse of them and then firmly attach them to your article. As you put on each piece conscientiously use an old rag to push it downward and give it a wipe over.

Depending on how big your cut outs are, I would odds-on paste larger cut outs on first. Allow plenty of time for these to dry thoroughly. So, in this instance, I would at least give it a day. Once you have reached this stage you should now apply a coating of polyurethane to your work.

If your article is a garden tub with an inside to it which is wide open, paint the interior surface first. After that place it to dry once more over night. The next day you can carry on and polyurethane the outer surface. At this point you can wash your paint brush with some mineral spirit.

Your next stage is to use a somewhat darker color of paint to encompass your article, equally inside as well as out. On the other hand, before this really dries, use a piece of kitchen roll to get the paint off, enabling your cut outs to gleam through. Leave overnight!

The next day you can draw on your polyurethane yet again to put on yet a further coat on top of the whole of your chosen article.




The author of this "How To" article, Anna Meenaghan, also operates an online interactive art community where you can find more helpful articles on art & crafts as well as all things related to art ranging from canvas art through to art posters. The site also serves as a meeting point for artists & art enthusiasts alike.




Decopatch on Furniture: Perfect For A Bit of Flair


Learning to Decopatch on furniture is a great way to be able to successfully transform any piece of furniture into a work of art. It doesn't matter how beat up a table, chair, or book shelf is. Covering furniture with Decopatch can turn even the shabbiest furnishing into a magnificent new creation.

The first step involved with adding this to furniture is to first find the pieces of furniture that will be covered with the paper. There can even be a variety of objects covered to create a matching set out of a completely mismatched collection of furnishings. After each piece has been chosen, it's time to pick out the paper to be used for covering these items.

A variety of papers can be used, but special paper used specifically for this is available at many craft stores. This is a fairly thick paper that doesn't tear easily. The patterns and colors Decopatch paper comes in are very extensive. It's best to get a variety that complement one another, in order to be able to combine them without worrying if they go well together or not.

Paper being used needs to be torn into small pieces. The size of the paper will depend on the furniture piece to be covered. For instance, a small nightstand will look better covered in paper that is torn smaller than pieces being used on a large bookshelf. Before each piece of paper is laid upon the item to be covered, a layer of glue needs to be brushed on the item.

Using glue that is made for this project works is best, since it is made to dry clear and won't cloud the overall appearance of the Decopatch project. Once the glue has been brushed on, just where the piece of paper is going to be placed, the paper can then be applied. Another coat of glue should be brushed over each piece of paper as it is applied as well.

When the entire piece of furniture has been covered in Decopatch, it should be allowed to dry. After it is completely dry, all surfaces should be coated with a varnish to seal and protect the Decopatch. This step will then complete this on furniture project. The varnish needs to be applied in thin coats with an hour drying time in between. It's better to apply many thin layers of varnish, instead of on thick layer.




Katia is the author of a 10-page guide, "30 FAQ's to Help You Master the Art of Decopatch". For your complimentary copy, visit http://www.paper2play.com - a website that specializes in provided craft related tips, advices and resources to unlock your creativity with decoupage supplies!




Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Happy DSD!

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Look What’s New at ScrapMatters.com 11/04/2011!!

Good morning! Happy DSD to you!!!! Are you ready for our biggest sale of the year? Our entire store is 40% off this weekend! So make sure you pick up some adorable goodies for AMAZING prices. It’s time to make your wish list a purchased list. ;)

We have a whole weekend full of games and speed scraps just waiting for you in the forums, so make sure you check out the schedule at the end of this post!

Plus, with every $20 purchase, you will receive Love Yourself, which is the latest totally gorgeous design team collab.

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Related Posts with Thumbnails This entry was posted on Friday, November 4th, 2011 at 5:53 am and is filed under Speed Scrap, What's New at ScrapMatters. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.


View the original article here

Learn How To Decopatch Now


If you would like to learn how to decopatch, you need to begin by getting the recommended materials, such as decopatch paper, paperpatch glossy glue, a hog bristle brush, aquapro or similar commercial varnish, a cup of water (for brush cleaning), and scissors. Select the item you want to do this to, and then select the decorative paper. Once that is done, all you need is a brush and decopatch glue varnish.

The first thing to do is to cut or tear the Decopatch paper into tiny pieces - approximately the size of a standard postage stamp or perhaps slightly bigger. It would be best if you tear it for this step since torn edges blend together more smoothly than edges cut with scissors. After this, you need to put glossy glue to the area you will be placing the paper. Then place one piece of Decopatch paper on the glued surface, and apply a new coating of paperpatch glue on your paper. Now, it is time to make the surface smooth, working from the center to the edges. Make sure you take away the extra glue. Cover the target object completely with paper and glue.

Each one of the pieces should be overlapping over to the next. For the best results, make sure the overlap is not too much - only enough to cover the edges of the previously glued piece. If possible, use professional varnish on objects for everyday use or where a shiny finish is desired. Placing two or even three coats is important, with an hour to dry between each application. Once fully decorated, leave the project to dry for 15-30 minutes

The paper can also be employed to revamp any old items you may have around the house, such as a chest of drawers, chairs, and mirrors. Among the endless possibilities, you can even use the paper to decorate shoes, handbags, and other items for weddings! Many people have these types of parties - use the paper to decorate items at the party including but not limited to animals, mirrors, photo frames.

A big advantage to a Decopatch party is that guests get to take home their items on the same day! You can instead choose one or more gift bags and take them home to do on a rainy day for an innovative party or family activity.

Once you master how to decopatch, you will find these projects everywhere you turn. Almost anything can be done up in this manner, including old furniture, glass, wood, stone, cardboard. It's that simple, enjoy and have some great fun!




Katia is the author of a 10-page guide, "30 FAQ's about Decopatch". For your complimentary copy, visit http://www.paper2play.com - a website that specializes in provided craft related tips, advices and resources to unlock your creativity with Decopatch!




Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Two Ways to Spruce Up Old Garden Planters


Don't toss out old or worn out garden planters. Sometimes all it takes is a little makeover to breathe new life into them. For the crafty gardener, decorating is a fun and worthwhile project. Here are two techniques you can use to easily give planters an antique, rusted look or the bright and endless patterns of decoupage.

Rusted Metal Look

Wrought iron and aluminum garden planters are some of the most beautiful and ornate looking models available in today's market. However, they are also usually expensive, or if not, will start to rust before you know it. Even the top shelf planter models, coated rustproof sealant and zinc hardware, will one day or another also begin to rust. That is just nature's way, and if you keep your garden planters outdoors, it's something to expect. If your planter is already starting to rust, or else you just enjoy the look of antiquated rusted metal, like that which you might see on a weather vane or garden accent, here is a quick and easy technique for controlling the rust in your favor.

Materials:


table salt
water
a spray bottle.

Starting out, it is much easier if the metal you are working with is not already coated with a rust-resistant sealant. If it is, this process will take a lot longer. If possible, either by hand or using an electric sander, attempt to slough off as much sealant as there is to expose the unfinished metal beneath.
Once the metal is smooth and clean, it's time to make your saltwater solution. Using the ratio of approximately 1-2 tablespoons of salt per pint of warm water, fill up your spray bottle. Stir or shake the mixture in order to fully dissolve the salt.
Making sure your garden planters are outdoors and away from other metal objects, spray them down each day with the solution. Left outside, the planters will begin to rust over time due to oxygenation. Once rusting has begun, you can control just how rusty you want your planter to be by spraying more or less often.
Once your planters have reached your desired look, you may want to consider applying a coat or two of sealant on top to make sure that rusting does not continue.
Decoupage

Another fun and really easy way to decorate garden planters is with the arts and crafts hobby known as decoupage. From the French word "decouper" meaning to cut out, decoupage has been around as a handicraft for centuries. Even such acclaimed artists as Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse were known to dabble in the craft. For our purposes, we'll keep things simple. Terra cotta and ceramics work best for this method, but don't be afraid to play around with other materials if you'd like.

Materials:


Images/patterns
scissors
X-acto knife
craft glue
glue spreader
lacquer

Start by picking images and patterns you like from magazine, greetings cards, really anything you can think of. If the image is on a thick surface, make a color photo copy.
Next, using scissors, or an X-acto knife for detailed pictures, cut out your desired shapes.
Once you have enough images to cover the entire surface of the garden planters, affix pictures on using standard white glue or specialty craft glue.
Using a popsicle stick or brayer, smooth everything down and spread any uneven glue around using cotton swabs, a sponge or paint brush.
Finally, use a lacquer or sealant of some kind. Spray acrylics, Mod Podge and polyurethane work well. If you're planning on using planters outdoors, apply a few coats of the strongest waterproof sealant you can find.




Tonya Kerniva is an experienced research and freelance writing professional. She writes actively about Garden Planters and Large Garden Planters.




How to Mod Podge or Decoupage a Picture Frame


I love using scrapbooking ideas to decorate my home. The colors of scrapbooking supplies and papers give me inspiration for the color schemes in the rooms of my house. I also like to use the actual scrapbooking supplies to make accents around the house. The most recent idea I had was mod podging a picture frame with scrapbooking paper. I had seen this idea many times before, but the frames looked too cutesy for the last room I was decorating - our master bedroom (don't we all put ourselves last?). I wanted our bedroom to have a more classic look to it. So I checked out some of the latest designs and ordered a few new supplies. The frames turned out so great that I wanted to share my idea with you. Check out photos of my frames to help guide you as you complete your masterpiece.

1. Purchase some plain wooden frames at a local craft store (I used 2 different sizes - they only cost me $2 and $3 each). You can even use old frames you already have.

2. Pick a paper that matches your decor. I chose to do a plain, but textured paper in a solid color (yellow) so that my rub-ons would stand out.

3. Get some rub-ons that fit your style . I chose my rub-ons from miniMARKS because of the more classic style.

4. Trace the frame onto the backside of the paper. Don't forget to trace the outside and the inside opening. After tracing, cut the outside and the opening, keeping the cut on the inside of the traced outside line and on the outside of the traced opening line (you want the paper to be exactly the size of the frame or slightly smaller).

5. Paint the frame (if it came unfinished) with craft paint. I used the contrasting color of black. You don't need to paint the whole front of the frame because it will be covered. Just concentrate on painting the sides and inside of the opening.

6. Once the paint is dry, using craft glue or mod podge (I have actually used Elmer's glue too), paint the backside of the paper with glue using a paint/craft brush or spread around with your fingers. Quickly lay the glue side down on top of the frame. Using a bone folder or popsicle stick, press along the paper to get rid of any bubbles and even out the glue. (At this point you could just go to step 8 if you are not doing rub-ons or other decor on the paper).

7. Cut your rub-ons out and lay them on the frame where you would like them. Once they are in the correct position, rub them on using the bone folder or popsicle stick.

8. Paint the edges of the frame and inside the opening edges with the same paint you already used to paint the frame. This gives it an antique or distressed look (you could sand it too). I usually use a foam brush and lightly brush the paint along the edges.

9. Cover the whole frame with the craft glue or mod podge, painting all over and pressing out any bubbles that might form on the paper. Make sure you cover the rub-ons and sides of the frame as well. The mod podge will protect the frame and give it a glossy finish. Use matte mod podge if you do not want it shiny.

9. Let completely dry. If you will be hanging these in a high moisture area, I would then spray or paint with a clear finisher for more protection. Then your frame is ready for a picture!

This project can be great for a gift idea or to add that personal touch to any room. I love that you can use your scrapbooking skills to make such a perfect decoration!

Let me know how yours turns out!




Robin M. King is a photographer and long-time scrapbooker. She is a contributer to ScrapbookFinds.com, a comparison shopping tool for scrapbooking supplies. Read her ScrapBlog and ?Ask Robin? questions.




Monday, December 5, 2011

What's new @ ScrapMatters

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Look What’s New at ScrapMatters.com 11/11/2011!!

Hello! I hope you had an awesome DSD. Personally, I need a new external hard drive. Mine is now literally full and my “to be filed” download file hovers around the 3-4 gigabyte range.
Please help us welcome our November guest designer, MHK Scraps.

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Related Posts with Thumbnails This entry was posted on Friday, November 11th, 2011 at 7:25 am and is filed under Guest Designers, What's New at ScrapMatters. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.


View the original article here

What is Decoupage?


Decoupage sounds very grand, doesn't it? With this method you can decorate an assortment of items. Designs are formed from printed paper, cut out and glued on to objects. You can do this with special effects made with paint like gold leaf, for instance. It is quite possible to cover items of furniture or boxes etc.

This is often done with magazine cuttings, very effectively. However, you can use this for many other things such as scrapbooking, making cards and various other paper crafts. You can, in fact, buy papers specifically for this type of work, with designs on them for your purpose. For example, butterflies, fruit or flowers.

The cut out pieces are stuck on and then layers of varnish are used and often sanded, to make them look polished at the conclusion. For instance, you can use decoupage on plates, mirrors, frames, boxes, albums etc.

So. what items are used for this craft? You need something to cut paper with, a craft knife, scissors, or I have known some people to use razor blades! Also something to spread glue with, possibly a sponge or cotton wool would do, but most of us own paintbrushes. An ordinary white glue can be diluted with a small amount of water, or get special glue from your local craft shop, or use wallpaper paste.

Tissue paper, or any old rags, are useful for cleaning up as you go along. Acrylic spray varnish and a small rolling pin to flatten paper and remove any excess glue. Of course you need an object and plenty of magazines, papers, cards, material scraps etc. to cut out.

This art dates back a long way, Picasso and Matisse even used it. So let us suppose you wanted to cover a wooden box. Your first step would be to strip the box of any old paint or varnish and sand it down. Then clean and prime it. As a start you would need to apply about three coats of paint. If you are using an old box, seal this with a varnish.

Cut out what you have decided to use and paste on to your item. Some people, in fact, do this with a wallpaper paste, but this is likely to take quite some time to dry. At this stage you could move your cut outs around if you wanted to. This will be quite time consuming.

You need to eliminate any excess glue from your box and make sure that your pieces are all well stuck down. Now it has to be left to dry. Once this is dry it will require a seal on it, so you can do this with a PVA glue, watered down.

Now for varnishing. You can buy special varnishes in the stores, but a water based acrylic varnish should be fine. However, you need patience here, as many coats of varnish will need to be applied. This can take days, as you will probably need about sixteen coats. When you have reached this stage, you can then sand it down gently with wet and dry sandpaper using a sanding block.

If you do not want to see the edges of your cut pieces, you will need to add more layers of varnish, the more the better! But, you will need to sand again at about every five coats. There are various grades of sandpaper. You can buy wet and dry for these final touches. Your art shop should stock these. A wet sand 400 paper is quite good though!




More great articles from this author are available at her website. Anna Meenaghan has been involved in the arts most her life and her online, interactive art community covers everything from landscape paintings to realism. So why not visit and see for yourself?...




Sunday, December 4, 2011

Get Well Card Making Ideas


Receiving a hand made get well card really shows someone you are thinking of them when they are not feeling well and it will be received with love and thanks.

One idea for a get well card is to use a decoupage piece that can either be 'get well' themed or something floral that will make someone smile and feel at ease.

You will need to cut out your decoupage and layer the pieces together using foam pads ready to be applied to your card.

Teddy bears or flowers are also a good choice for get well cards, as they are soft and have a warm look to them.

When choosing the type of card for a card base I really enjoy working with pearlescent card, as it is excellent quality and is perfect for lace. The card is usually different colours on the back and front so will give a stunning effect.

Once you have cut out your decoupage piece and stuck the layers together and have chosen the type of card you are going to use you need to determine how you will fold the card, do you want the card to be DL size or A6? The easiest way to decide is to place your decoupage piece onto the card to see how it looks, remember if you are going to use lace then depending on the style you will need the card to also fit that.

If your decoupage piece is small and the lace is long then a DL card is probably the best option.

Fold your pearlescent card so that it is DL size then place your lace template over the card where you would like the design to show, you can also score your lace along the fold, which really does look eye-catching. Use a craft knife to score the pattern and fold the pieces as directed.

Then place your decoupage wherever it looks best and attach to the card using double sided tape or sticky dots if you prefer.

It is always nice to have the words get well on the front of a card, use a rubber stamp, peel offs or rub ons for the desired look. You can mount these if you like to match the rest of the card or emboss them if you prefer.

If you do decide to mount the wording, try using brads to attach to the card for a high quality effect.

You can not use an insert with this type of card as you will be able so see through the lace effect, that said, this type of card is double sided and beautiful on both sides so any insert would be wasted.




Vicki Churchill writes for a site that specializes in Card Making Ideas providing you with excellent tips and ideas for Rubber Stamping and Get Well Cards including where to find the best bargains




How to Make Fall Crafts for Kids


Since the kids are now back in school, it's more important than ever to make an effort to spend time together. And what better way to do that than by crafting with each other on the weekends (after the homework is done, of course).

Fall craft projects for kids are a great way to nourish the bond you already have with your children, as well as help it grow. One of my favorite fall crafts for kids is this Brightly Striped Pot project.

Painting clay pots is a wonderful kid's project because it's easy and super fun. Even as an adult, I love painting unique designs onto pottery. There's something therapeutic about it. Aside from being fun, like most fall crafts for kids, it's extremely versatile. You can paint whatever you want and should encourage your kids to do so. Let your kids explore the depths of their imagination and express themselves through the painting.

Ready to get started? Here's how to put a fun fall twist on pot painting:

1. Go on a scavenger hunt. Before you start painting your pots, take your children outside to find some leaves. Collect as many leaves as you want - the more kinds the better. These will be used for decorating later on.

2. Clean the pot. Make sure you remove all of the dirt and any labels off of the flower pot before painting. Dry completely.

3. Select your colors. Let your kids pick out what colors they want to use for their pots. If you're going to display your finished creations outdoors, it's a good idea to use weather resistant Patio paint. Otherwise, whatever paint you want to use is up to you!

4. Trace your leaves. Take a pencil and trace some leaves onto the pot. Use large and small ones to make a unique design.

5. Paint away! Have fun with your paint! Fill in the leaf outlines with any color you want. I love to use red and gold. If you have some Mod Podge on hand, you can also decoupage the leaves onto the pot. This gets a little more messy, but it adds great texture.

6. Protect your masterpiece. Once you're done painting, spray a coat or two of acrylic sealant all of your pot(s) to seal in the colors. Enjoy!

What's your favorite project to make with kids? Do you have any great fall crafts for kids that we should know about? Leave us a comment and let us know!




Caitlin Kavanaugh is an Editor for http://www.FaveCrafts.com - a popular online resource for all things crafting, from crafting with kids and Christmas crafts to free crochet patterns and free knitting patterns.




Saturday, December 3, 2011

Looking For a Fun Art Project? Decopatch Paper Makes Your Art Project Simple, Easy, And Affordable


Are you looking for a fun art project you can work on? Are you also looking for an art project that is affordable? One of the most fun, as well as one of the most affordable, art projects you can engage in is definitely a decoupage art project using Decopatch paper. What is a decoupage art project?

This type of project is very simple and easy to do. There are not very many tools that are required in order to complete one of these projects too, which makes them particularly perfect for younger people and anyone who is looking to have some fun with an art project. So, if you want a simple, cheap, and easy to do project, you will definitely like working with a decoupage project.

One of the first steps required for this type of project is the building of the structure you will be covering with colorful paper. You can also utilize pieces of furniture like chairs or even music boxes and other items if you do not want to build a structure to begin with.

Once you have selected the item you are going to decorate, or you have built the item you are going to decorate, you are ready to start applying the pieces of paper you will be decorating your piece with. The type of paper you use is truly one most important aspects of this type of project, so you should certainly make sure you purchase a well-made paper for this portion of your project.

There are a few different types of papers you can use in order to complete one of these projects. You can even use newspaper if you would like to keep the costs of this type of project down. The best kind of paper you can use for this kind of project is definitely Decopatch paper though, because this type of paper is specifically constructed for projects of this kind.

Another benefit to be had through the use of this type of paper, beyond the actual durability and thin nature of the Decopatch paper, is the fact that this company produces a variety of different papers for any project. This means you can implement any color you may want to add to your project, while also incorporating specific and special patterns into your project as well.

This kind of paper is definitely handy for projects mimicking specific structures like animals too. When you are constructing an animal, sometimes realistic patterns and colors are needed in order to make your animal look perfect. If you select your paper from the offerings of this particular company, you will be able to choose paper colors and patterns that match specific characteristics like the fur or the scales of the animal that you are constructing.

So, if you want to enjoy the process of creating wonderful artwork, without dealing with expensive project material prices, you should definitely look into a decoupage project. Once you get started with your decoupage project, you should definitely look into the Decopatch paper product offerings that are available today in order to make your project look as good as it can possibly be.




Katia is the author of a 10-page guide, "30 FAQ's about Decopatch". For your complimentary copy, visit http://www.paper2play.com - a website that specializes in provided craft related tips, advices and resources to unlock your creativity with craft supplies!




Decorating Jars for Your Holiday Gifts


Use paint, labels, stencils, decoupage, and embellishments to make your jars look special. Match gifts and jar decorations to the person receiving the gift. Then attach a matching gift card to your jar.

Use glass canning jars, glass bottles, old-fashioned wire bail jars, recycled jars, antique jars, or plastic storage jars. Jars must have tight fitting lids.

Sterilize Jars for Food Gifts

The jars you use to package food gifts should be glass and sterilized before use.


Check all jars for chips and cracks. If chipped or cracked, don't use for food. Use new lids.

Wash with hot, soapy water; then rinse.

To sterilize jars, place on a rack in a large pot and cover with water. Let water come to a boil and boil for 15 minutes. Remove from boiling water and let dry. Jars and lids can also be sterilized in your dishwasher.


Methods to Decorate Your Jars

Decorate With Paint

Always wash jar in hot soapy water to remove grease or residue.

Select a paint intended for use on the surface you are decorating. Read the label on the paint container to determine the paint's compatibility with your surface. This rule goes for painting on glass, metal lids, or plastic jars and lids.

Acrylic craft paints are not permanent and can be rubbed or washed off.



Acrylic Glass Paints are best for glass jars. They come in a wide variety of pre-mixed colors in convenient squeeze bottles to decorate your gift jars. These types of paints can be baked in a home oven to make them more durable and washable. (Read the label) To bake, let the paint dry on the jar for 48 hours. Place glass jar in a conventional oven (not preheated) and heat to 325 degrees F. Bake for 10 minutes. Turn off the oven and allow jar to cool in oven before removing. After baking painted jars can be hand washed. Washing in a dishwasher is not recommended.


Air-Dry Enamel Paints for Glass are opaque, brush-on glass paints available that air dry to a high-gloss, waterproof finish. Choose a brand that is water-based and non-toxic.


Paints for Plastic are brush-on paints especially formulated for adhering to plastic and dry to a durable, waterproof finish. Water-based types allow you to clean brushes and spills with soap and water.


Paint Pens are available in craft shops and come in a wide selection of colors. They are great for detailing and simple jar decoration.


Fabric Paints can be used for special effects like wording or facial features. Can also be used to decorate lids. They squeeze directly from the bottle.

Paint a design on the jar using pre-cut purchased stencils or a design you cut yourself from freezer paper. You can also paint the design on your jar free-hand. Draw the outline with a Sharpie Fine Point Permanent marker or paint free-hand. Use caution as the Sharpie marker will smudge on glass.

Decorate With Labels

Make paper labels created on your computer and then printed, or draw label on your choice of paper.

To give your labels an aged appearance spatter with brown acrylic paint thinned in water. Use an old tooth brush for spattering.

Lightly sponge the edges of the label using a dense foam sponge and the spattering mixture.

Allow labels to dry; then glue or decoupage to jar.

Decorate with Decoupage

Use Mod Podge Gloss Lustre decoupage medium for your jars.

Decoupage is done in three basic steps: cutting, gluing, and sealing.


Trim away excess paper from the image or picture you wish to use.

Using a foam brush, lightly coat the back of the image with decoupage medium. Position the image on the surface and smooth it with your fingers, pushing out wrinkles and air bubbles. Allow to dry.

Apply two or three coats of decoupage medium over the image with a foam brush to seal the paper. The image appears cloudy when wet, but will dry crystal clear.

Decoupaged jars can be wiped with a damp cloth to clean but cannot be washed in a

dishwasher or submerged in water.

You can create a paper collage jar using decoupage. A collage is a group of pictures or images layered and overlapped to form a display. Use printed photos, interesting paper, stamps, and stickers. Arrange the images by overlapping them for a decorative display. Attach and seal them with two or three coats of decoupage medium.

Decorate with Fabric

If you prefer not to decorate the outside of the glass or plastic jar, add decoration to the lid.

Cover the top of the jar lid with fabric or a small lace fabric or paper doily. Use holiday or gingham fabric cut with pinking sheers. Add three to four inches to the diameter dimension of the jar lid for coverage and decoration. A circular piece of batting can be used under the fabric for a stuffed appearance. A counted cross stitch design can also be used on top of the jar. Place the fabric over the lid on the jar or place over the lid seal and then add the screw-on band. Lace or braid can be glued around the band.

Embellishments

A variety of items can be used to embellish your decorated jar. Make your embellishment compliment the contents. If your gift jar contains a Gingerbread Cookie Mix attach a gingerbread man cookie cutter. Add a holiday cookie cutter to a Sugar Cookie Mix. Attach a tea ball or infuser to a jar of tea. Attach a wooden spoon, rubber spatula, or wire whisk to other mixes.

Make a tag or card to coordinate with the jar decoration or contents and attach with a ribbon or raffia.

Embellishments include ribbon, holiday garlands, gold braid or cord, raffia, lace, buttons, beads, charms, tassels, or bandanas.

Choosing Glues

For gluing items to jars, silicon-based glue for glass works best. It also works well for gluing wood to glass, metal to glass, or plastic to glass. It can also be used to attach items to metal or wooden lids. Silicone-based glue dries slowly so you will have to prop the jar carefully until the glue is dry.

A glue gun can be used for attaching light objects such as ribbon to the jar for instant hold.

White craft glue is used for gluing unbaked polymer pieces to a jar or lid before baking in the oven.

Gift Jar Contents

Use your imagination and consider who the gift is for when deciding on the contents. Food mixes are very popular. Gift jars can also contain sewing notions, keep sakes, games, snack foods such as trail mix, nuts n' bolts or chex mix, candied nuts, candied popcorn, Christmas candy or jelly beans, coffee, tea, flavored vinegars and oils in glass bottles, potpourri or fragrance gel, bath salts, and a baked cake-in-a-jar.

If you plan to give a food mix, first choose the recipe and ingredients. Food mixes often look better when the ingredients for the mix are layered in the jar. The recipient can mix the ingredients before using them.

If you plan to give a mix you will need:


A small bottle to tamp down the ingredients as you layer or place them in the jar.

A canning funnel or piece of card stock to make a simple funnel for filling jars.

Paper towels to wipe powdery ingredients off inside of jar.


Tips for Packing Food Ingredients


Layer ingredients in the jar in the order given in the recipe.

Wipe down the sides of the jar with a clean paper towel after adding powdery ingredients such as sugar, cocoa, or flour before adding the next ingredient for a better appearance.

Pack down all ingredients firmly as they are added. If you don't, you won't have enough space to fit in all the ingredients. Generally, a quart holds 6 cups of packed down ingredients; a pint jar holds 3 cups of packed down ingredients.

If ingredients do not come to top of the jar, fill space with crumpled plastic wrap or waxed paper to prevent the ingredients from shifting and mixing.

After packing ingredients into jar, seal with the lid. Attach a card with the recipe, instructions, a list of any additional ingredients, and a holiday greeting.


Baked Cake-in-a-Jar

Use a pint-sized wide-mouth canning jar with a two-part lid (flat seal and screw-on band) when baking a cake-in-a-jar. The wide mouth allows the cake to slide out of jar. Choose a cake-in-a-jar recipe or adjust your favorite cake recipe to make in jars. Place one cup of prepared cake mix in pint jar. Bake according to directions. Jars and lids must be sterilized before using. (Use new lids) Bake cake and add lid as soon as cake is removed from oven. Carefully place flat seal on top of jar and then the screw-on band. Jar is very hot so do not burn yourself. Allow jar to cool and then test to make sure the jar is sealed. If the cake does not seal properly, eat cake, refrigerate or freeze until ready to eat. The sealed jars of cake can be stored without refrigeration for up to two months. Attach a tag with the name of the cake and that says, "Best eaten before (two months from date the cake was baked)."

Give yourself plenty of time to decorate your gift jars and plan the contents for each person on your Christmas list. Fill the jars, then sit back and relax. Sip a cup of hot spiced cider and enjoy the holidays.




Eleisia Whitney is a Watkins home business owner. She publishes a Watkins Newsletter - Around the Kitchen Table http://www.everydaynecessities.com/atktnewsletter.htm Visit her at http://www.everydaynecessities.com Read VanillaSage Blog at http://vanillasage.blogspot.com




Friday, December 2, 2011

Five DIY Crafts For Dried Flowers


It can be hard to throw away a vase full of cut flowers. I'm sure I'm not the only one who receives them so rarely that I can't stand to dispose of the special treat. I suppose that's why I hang them upside down to dry out in my garage. Of course, after awhile, it can start to look like a strange and morbid garden has grown on the ceiling. But there are plenty of crafty ways to use your dried flowers to compliment your house or pass the gift on to another deserving soul (although for some uses, you may want to press flowers rather than hanging them to dry).

1. Card stock. You've probably seen those insanely high-priced greeting cards made from handmade paper with leaves and flower petals meshed into it. While you might not want to go to the trouble of making your own paper (although, then again, you may), you can still make a unique look of your own. Simply distress some pre-made paper or card stock (rub it with coffee grounds, stain it with tea bags, and crumple it a bit) and then rub on a little tacky glue and carefully press the petals on. You can even sew around the edges with some gold thread for an expensive look at little cost.

2. Sachets. Instead of buying these handy little baggies to keep your lingerie drawer sweetly scented, get a breathable bag (or make one from linen, lace, or a tight mesh, like pantyhose), fill it with petals, and tie it with a pretty ribbon. Voila! Instant potpourri. And you can always make a fancier version for gifts.

3. Decoupage. If you just can't figure out what to do with that old coffee table that's been in your house forever (you know, the one with the stained top), then consider giving it a floral makeover. Go to your local craft store and pick up some decoupage glue, a brayer (this is a smoothing tool that's sort of like a rolling pin, but if you don't want to buy one, opt for Popsicle sticks instead) and a sponge or paintbrush. From there, all you have to do is paint a layer of glue on the surface, place the petals in any pattern or arrangement you choose, and seal it with one or more layers of glue that you can smooth and flatten with the brayer (the end result should be fairly smooth, although you may need to sand it lightly).

4. Wall art. Old-timey hand-drawn flowers torn from the pages of flora and fauna guidebooks have recently made their way into home stores everywhere in the guise of chic, framed art for your powder room. So make your own by pressing small wildflowers, pasting them to yellowed card stock, and writing their Latin name in script. Then throw them in an old frame you found at a garage sale to give them that antique-y look you love (for less).

5. Hats. If you're one of the many women who appreciate a good chapeau, then pretty up your brim with some dried blooms. Probably the best method for drying them is to use glycerin (which leaves the flowers slightly malleable and lasts longer than other methods). Simply submerge them in a solution of two parts warm water to one part antifreeze (or other glycerin) for two to three weeks before you hang them to dry. Once they are completely dry, simply affix them to your hat with pins or ribbons. They won't last forever, and you'll want to avoid getting them wet, but they can make a nice seasonal addition to your favorite summer hat.




Do you love arts and crafts? The Art of Crafts blog brings you design ideas, how-to articles, fascinating interviews and previews of fellow crafters' creations. Take a look today ==> http://art-of-crafts.net/




Puzzle Picture


There are a lot of jigsaw puzzles to choose from today. Pictures of everything from beach scenes to mountain views, avant-garde art to reprint masterpieces, and everything in between. Not only is there a variety in the number of scenes you can choose from, there is also a variety of sizes and border shapes available. Puzzles are a fun challenge to put together. They can also be a very nice gift. Here is a way of preserving them to create that gift.

MATERIALS

1 Jigsaw puzzle

2 Craft paint brushes

(sponge brushes if you are going to wash it out with soap and water, dry it and use again for the next coat of paint)

1 Roll of wide paper tape (inexpensive painter's tan tape)

2 Pieces of flat cardboard (approximately 2" larger than the expected size of the completed puzzle)

Decoupage liquid (sold in any craft section)

INSTRUCTIONS

1) Decide which puzzle would be best according to the interests of the person who will be receiving the gift.

2) Put the puzzle together on one of the flat cardboard pieces. Find a place where it will be out of the way since it usually takes a while to get the puzzle completely connected.

3) When the puzzle is finished, brush on decoupage over the entire top picture surface and allow to completely dry. Be sure to get the decoupage liquid in the crevices between the pieces. This acts as a surface sealer and also helps in sticking the puzzle pieces together. The decoupage will dry fairly quickly and will dry to a clear finish.

4) Place the other piece of flat cardboard on top of the dried puzzle.

5) Tape the edges of the bottom and top pieces of cardboard together at several places on all the edges. The completed puzzle will then be sandwiched between the two pieces of cardboard. A few pieces of tape here and there will do to keep them the puzzle in tact until it is turned over.

6) Carefully and quickly flip the taped cardboard/puzzle/cardboard over to the other side. The completed puzzle will now have the back of the puzzle showing.

7) Gently remove the tape and remove the top piece of cardboard.

8) Cover the entire back of the puzzle vertically with tape strips. Gently press and rub the taped areas to make it stick better. Then repeat by taping the entire area again, placing the tape horizontally across the puzzle (tape on tape). And repeat once more, placing the tape diagonally across the puzzle, pressing and rubbing as you go. You should now be able to pick up the puzzle as one piece. However, if you want to be extra cautious, place the other piece of cardboard back on top of the puzzle. Then flip the cardboard/puzzle/cardboard trio over once more. There's no need to tape the edges again before flipping it this time.

9) Now that the taped puzzle shows the picture side again, paint the decoupage over it's surface again. Be sure to get the decoupage liquid in the crevices between the pieces. Allow to completely dry and paint the picture side with the decoupage once more. Allow to dry completely.

10) Frame the puzzle as you would any other picture.

NOTE: The puzzle becomes a gift of shared-time memories as well if the person it is meant for also helps you put it together. Just surprise them later by gluing it together and framing it.




Regenia G. Butcher is an author on a site for Creative Writers (http://www.Writing.Com). She is also a crafter and is currently working on a "quirky" word reference book. She usually not only sees the glass half full, but rejoices that there IS a glass. You can visit her portfolio at: http://www.sensity.writing.com




Thursday, December 1, 2011

Crafting - Can You Say "Free" - Using Recycled Items


Have you ever found yourself wondering how people come up with their innovative objects or furniture pieces that they have painted, stained, refurbished in some way? You know, that wonderful folding screen you saw at someone's house that added just the right touch to the room, or that cute little desk that was turned into a vanity that housed all the make-up and jewelry just right.

With a little bit of elbow grease, ingenuity, and just plain luck, just about anybody can acquire a unique piece to call their very own!

Where to start? The main thing is to keep your "eyes wide open" when you are driving around your neighborhood, particularly on trash day (hint: that's the Outdoor Market. Sounds much better than saying trash picking, doesn't it?)! Just yesterday, on my way to the little corner store, someone had put out the cutest little desk (no broken drawers, knobs intact, no loose joints, all oak wood including base).

It actually didn't even need to be refinished, but I would have still added my own little touch to it, such as leaving the drawers and the top in it's natural state and painting the base a color of my choosing.

It never ceases to amaze me the things that you can find at no cost! They could have taken this item to a local charity and received a receipt to use on their income tax as a donation. Fortunately, most people won't bother with hauling it anywhere. So, to the curb it goes!

There have been many times when I have needed just a piece of lumber, not 8'. Or a piece of wood/plywood, again not an 8' piece, to use on a project. Do I go to the lumber store? Nope. You can find these items everyday in the Outdoor Market.

I wanted to make a bench with a padded seat to put at the entrance area of my home. Some place to set my purse or mail down when I walk in the door, and also serve the purpose of having a place to sit to put my shoes on when leaving. I "found" a small outdoor bench someone had discarded (again, no loose joints, screws or nails). I then found some cushions from a couch, in order to make it a padded bench.

I painted the bench, cut the cushions down to size with an electric knife, bought material and trim on clearance at my local fabric store, and for about $10 I had a nice, solid, padded bench!

Total time spent on the project was about two hours. Well worth it in comparison to what it would have cost me if I had gone out and bought a brand new piece of furniture to fit my needs. And, a bigger bonus to me, no one else was going to have one like it!

Do you know the price of folding screens in the stores? Why not make your own? How many times have you seen by-fold doors tossed out? They are wonderful for making folding screens...either for hiding something behind, or just a decorative piece to place in a corner of a room to add interest.

You can paint and stencil them in a number of ways, or add fabric, molding, pictures, etc. The possibilities are endless! You end up having a one-of-a-kind piece at very little expense and could become an heirloom that your family members pass down for years to come.

How many times have you seen old dressers being tossed out? You drive by it and think...."That thing is really falling apart." Are you sure? Was it just one drawer, or all the drawers? If you don't need the dresser...that's fine, then just use the good drawers that are left. They are great for under the bed storage! Just ad some small coasters so that they move easily and a piece of fabric attached with Velcro on the top of the drawer will keep things dust free.

How about using them for storage in your garage? Easily done and if you don't want the "open" look, it's not that difficult to build a wood box around them to hide the items inside.

One last great use for a drawer if you happen to have someone in the family that is mechanically inclined: again, attaching small coasters to the bottom, it becomes a rolling tool holder for when they're under the car and keeps the tools easily accessible and all in one place!

It's time to take your blinders off, and just think of the things that can be created from objects that are easily available to you for no money, just by being observant. We have become a very "throw-away" society. Not only are you not going to burn a hole in your pocket, you're going to save the environment by not having these items end up in our landfills when they still have perfectly good use left in them.




Author Bio:

JayJay Martin is an avid pursuer of saving our environment and remaking or finding a “new” use for items that are discarded. You can find other cost saving information at her website: [http://www.wrinkledraisinreruns.com/] or her blog: http://wrinkledraisinreruns.blogspot.com




November’s Mix-a-Kit is Here!

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Look What’s New at ScrapMatters.com November 1. 2011

The November Mix-a-kit is here! This month’s gorgeous palette is by Danielle of The Design Girl.

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Related Posts with Thumbnails This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 1st, 2011 at 6:54 am and is filed under Mix-a-Kit. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.


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It is in the cards 10/27/11

Hello everyone! Tracy is here with another episode of the In the cards. I hope you enjoy this nice little template and play along with us!

Download here

I joyful ride used by sugary Fancy

and Karen (bydelstorp) created this fantastic Halloween card:

Using: a Wizarding world by Jady day Studio
Web spiders die on the memory
font: DJB ImNoWizard

The fine print:
-You will receive one point for creating a map, print, and then upload the & shooting in it's In the cards Gallery and books in this thread.

-You can create an additional point for the use of new ScrapMatters products; Make a note of new products in your post. And at the end of the month you will be entered into a random drawing that could earn you some bonus points!

-You have until the end of November to complete this challenge to MOSS to earn points.

-Remember that no double dipping … your layout must be unique on this challenge.

-You have to use, but don't forget your business waste products must contain at least 50% Gallery SM SM product starts July 8, 2011

I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Related Posts with ThumbnailsThis entry was posted on Thursday, October 27, 2011 at 5: 39 am Hybrid demolition, and is filed under Issue of scrap, ScrapMatters. You can follow any responses to this entry through RSS 2.0 follow the feed. Leave a comment, you can trackback or from your own site.


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