Guest Blogging today at Meremade

I'm guest blogging over at Meremade today! When Jennifer asked me to participate I couldn't resist in not participating in "Back-to-School" month on Meremade. I instantly knew what I wanted to make and thus I've created a customized notebook with supplies I already had in my craft room. What's wonderful about this notebook is that you can customize it to your own supplies, color pallet, and taste! I made this notebook for my friend Chisty's daughter, Chloe! She loves making  paper crafting, and when she comes over our house I give her all my cricut cut-out scraps. Chloe, just started Kindergarten, and I know she will need to work on her handwriting. This customized notebook (primary journal), should help motivate her to work on her handwriting. 

Make sure you head over to Meremade where you'll find the tutorial on how I created this cute little notebook! 

(Tutorial) Customized Magnetic Frame

Last week my Aunt  Millie turned 88. After her birthday last year she requested that no one buy her gifts, anymore. She has more than she will ever need and doesn't need any more materialistic things in her life. So, we bring her flowers or gift cards... because gift cards to restaurants are not materialistic *at least in my book. Mr. Woodsy, myself, and my parents drove up to Palm Coast (about a 2-1/2 hour drive) last Friday to celebrate Aunt Millie's birthday. I didn't want to just bring her flowers. I wanted to make something that she could have and look at, and although she did not want gifts I didn't really feel that this qualified as a "gift"! I had a House Party two months ago and had quite a few of the magnetic frames left. Me being the craft hoarder I am--I had kept them. I instantly thought of a very unique gift to bring Aunt Millie. I'd make her a magnetic frame with a picture of the three of us in the frame, for her refrigerator! I literally did this project 15 minutes before we were about to leave for Palm Coast. *Hence, the reason why some of my pictures aren't the sharpest... I was crafting and photographing at rapid speeds! 

I took a piece of scrapbook paper and taped it to the magnetic frame. (I taped the inside of the paper since you won't see that part.) I then used my exacto knife and carefully cut around the corners and the inside of the frame. *Carefully as in speeding through and if I would have taken my time I would not have had a few uneven spots. 

Here is what your paper will look like once your done. 

 Next, I used a small slathering of mod podge on the area I wanted to adhere the scrap book paper too. 

Then I carefully placed the scrapbook paper on the magnetic frame. 

Next, I found some floral embellishments and hot glued them on to the frame. 

Here is what the final product looked like. 

Mr. Woodsy, Aunt Millie, and Mrs. Woodsy. 

January Craft with Me: Rosette Frame {Mini Tutorial}

I got quite a few craft projects completed this weekend, and one of them is one I've been wanting to work on ALL month! Ucreate hosted a few "create with me" sessions in 2010, and they are planning to host one each month in 2011!  For those of you who aren't familiar with Ucreate you should go check them out--right now! 


This month's "create" session was to create a rosette frame. I bought a very inexpensive frame a few months back at Goodwill. Actually, to be more precise I bought two wooden frames for .69 cents each! I knew I'd make something cool out of it--I just didn't know what. With some mod podge, fabric, and a little help from the cricut I made such an awesome Valentine's inspired frame. I'm super happy with how it came out and of course I love the picture I choose! That's our dog, Lola, aka the furbaby (the closest thing we have to a child, and at times I feel can be even more needy than a child). 

Supplies: 

-Picture Frame

-Scrapbook paper

-Exacto knife

-Mod Podge paper

-Foam brush

Scissors

-Fabric

-Hot Glue Gun

-Picture

*Any other embellishments you please (I pictured buttons, but changed my mind at the end of the project)

First, you will want to cut out your paper leaving a few inches on each side. 

Next, you will want to apply a generous amount of mod podge to the front of the frame, then press down firmly. *If you want your paper to lay perfectly flat you will need to watch your paper and as bubbles pop up you will need to start smoothing the paper. I on the other hand did not want the paper to be flat and I wanted the little bit of added texture. After the paper has dried to your frame {about 5 minutes} you will want to carefully use your exacto knife and cut out the center of the frame. Cut a slit on each of the corners to make it easy to wrap the inner pieces of paper. 

Next you will want to wrap the paper around the frame, applying generous coats of mod podge. Once all the sides are wrapped you will want to start applying a few thin and even coats of mod podge all around the front and sides of the frame. *This is also when I applied the "love" cut out from my cricut. 

Next, you will want to plug in your hot glue gun, cut your fabric, and tie your knots. I follower THIS tutorial, from The Secret Stitch Club, on how to make the fabric rosette (can you believe this was my first time?)! Overall, it was pretty easy and I learned a lot! 

Next, you will want to add on your embellishments. I choose to use some of Jolee's Jewel's Swarovski crystals. I dabbed a little bit of hot glue to the rosette and with tweezers from my awesome hot glue gun helpers I placed the gems on the flower. 

Here is the finished product! 

Dimensional Magic Bracelet {Mini Tutorial}

Last summer I finally got my hands on Mod Podge's Dimensional Magic. I had read about it for months on end and I finally found it one day while at JoAnn Fabrics. I started using it to add an additional dimension to my cards. Then one day I saw you could use it to fill jewelry! My good friend, Anngela, beat me to it! As soon as our Hobby Lobby opened she found an awesome variety of jewelry to fill with Dimensional Magic. She did a tutorial on it here. She did a fabulous job on her tutorial that I didn't feel that I needed to recreate it in as much detail as she did! These bracelet's make for great gifts or you can spoil yourself and make yourself some jewelry too! 

Supplies: 

-Paper of choice (I found two prints I liked from one of my magazines I was throwing away)

-Paper Mod Podge

-Mod Podge Dimensional Magic

-Sponge brush

-Scissors

-Bracelet with bezels

-Round hole punch (to start the circle and then I used scissors to bring it down to the exact size I needed it)

Cut circles from your desired paper, dab a little bit of paper mod podge onto each circle, and place the paper circles into the metal circles. Once that dries fill in each circle with dimensional magic.

This is what it will look like once you've filled the bracelet with the Dimensional Magic. Let this dry for a good hour or two.

Here is the finished product! 

Christmas Magnets {Mini Tutorial} + Giveaway

Remember, a few months back when I posted about the skeleton magnets I made? They were such a huge hit and yet so simple to make! I decided I would make some Christmas magnets. I decided to try and make them a little different this time since I received some very valuable feedback from a 10 year old who made them. Because of her fabulous feedback I felt the need to revamp my tutorial instructions! 

Supplies needed:

-glass stones (large bag for $1 at the dollar store)

-magnets (18 round magnetic buttons w/ adhesive backing for $2 at walmart)

-Christmas scrapbook paper 

-foam brush (used) 

- Paper Mod Podge ($10)

-scissors

 The 10 year old suggested I apply mod podge directly on to the paper and stone--then press the stone on to the paper, let it semi-dry and then begin to cut out. I tried this method this time around and it was ten times faster! This is the way to go! 

You'll want to apply a dab of Mod Podge on to the paper area of your choice. Then lightly coat the back of the glass stone. Place the glass stone on the paper and push down firmly, so that all the excess mod podge goes to the outside of the paper (look at the front of the stone you'll see the glue move to the outside). Once the glue is semi-dried start cutting around the paper. You will most likely get some Mod Podge on your scissors. Don't fret--just wash it off as soon as you are done working on the project!  Place a little bit of Mod Podge on your finger and pat the glue around the edge of the paper. Repeat this step until all of your stones are complete. Once they have dried {about 30 minutes} you can place your magnetic button on the back of the paper stone!

Here is what I like to call my Winter Wonderland magnet set.

Here is my Santa magnet set!

Here are all three sets together; 

Winter Wonderland, Ho Ho Ho, and Santa magnet sets! 

I'm feeling very generous today, and would like to giveaway one set of Christmas magnets! 

Just tell me which set is your favorite by leaving a comment below. One entry per follower (you must be a follower of the blog to participate). I will draw one person at random to win the set of there choice.  Contest ends on Sunday, December 5th at 11:59 pm. Winner will be announced Monday, December 6th.  

This giveaway is now CLOSED.

Disclaimer: I classified this as a $1 project because you won't use all the materials purchased. Since the $1 bag of glass stones contained about 50 stones: the cost per stone is 2 cents. You are only using but maybe a teaspoon of mod podge. The foam brush is one that I reuse time and time again. I already owned the scrapbook paper. 18 magnets come in a pack for $2, so that breaks down to .11 cents per magnet backing. Depending on how many magnets you make will depend on how much your project will cost. 

{Tutorial} Inexpensive Wall Art

 

 Last month we completed a mini-bathroom revamp on our guest bathroom. I was so pleased with the outcome, but I needed some wall art. I waited a few weeks and looked at a variety of art pieces. It wasn't until one afternoon when I was perusing through the clearance bins at Michael's when I stumbled across 4 ugly small canvases. I instantly grabbed them and knew I could do something with them--I just didn't know what. It wasn't until later that night when I got pulled them out of the bag that I had an "aha" moment. I could transform them into my new bathroom art! 

Materials Needed: 

-4 small canvases (.50 cents each; normally sell for $1)

- 4 sheets of scrapbook paper (I found 2 patterns I liked out of a paper stack I had)

- Paper Matte Mod Podge

- Exacto knife

- Scissors

1. Cut one sheet of the scrapbook paper, so that it will fit over the canvas plus wrap to the back. 

2. Lather the top of the canvas and place your scrapbook paper on top. Smooth it out, so that there are no air pockets in between the paper and canvas. Then fold each side of the paper so that you create a crease. Let your canvas partially dry (about 15 minutes).  

3. Next you will want to place some mod podge on the side of the canvas and on each of the corners. Gently fold the paper over the canvas and wrap the corners (like you would if you were wrapping a gift). Repeat until all sides have been covered.

Repeat the steps above until you've completed all canvases. This is how the backs of the canvases will look. You'll be able to see the writing on the back, but not on the front! 

{Sneak Peak} of the finished guest bathroom (post to come) with its new wall decor. 

{Sneak Peak} Apothecary Bottle

I found this gem at the thrift store the other day for $3.99. As soon as I saw it I instantly knew it was a great investment and had potential. I envisioned a few cut outs from my cricut and some mod podge. I'm so happy with how it came out. I can't wait to show everyone the rest of the bottles I'm working on {post to come next week}! 

Skeleton Magnets {Mini Tutorial}

Some of you might know this, but my craft room is non-existant right now. Our guest bedroom has turned into craft room storage, and frankly, looks like an episode of Hoarders {minus the dead cats}. My husband has been working on custom shelving and table top for quite some time now, and unfortunately, it's no where near complete. Since we had friends over our house last weekend I had to pack all my craft stuff up {again} since it was residing on top of our pool table, and that was not practical for entertaining! 

Let me just say that I'm so glad I had the energy to pull a few items out of this hoarders type room! I managed to find my glass stones (large bag for $1 at the dollar store), magnets (18 round magnetic buttons for $2 at walmart), remnants of skeleton scrapbook paper (.55 at Michaels), a foam brush (used), and mod podge ($10). All the items you would need to make some cool skeleton like magnets! 

Once you have all of your supplies gathered you'll want to place a glass stone over the portion of the image you want to cut out and cut around it. As you can tell from the photo below I don't cut circles well (thankfully you won't see this with the end product)! Once you've cut out all of your circles you'll want to dab a little bit of mod podge onto the glass stone and carefully secure the paper to it. You'll want to push on the paper and stone so that all the excess mod podge goes to the outside of the paper (look at the front of the stone you'll see the glue move to the outside). Once this happens you'll use your finger and pat the glue around the edge of the paper. Repeat this step until all of your stones are complete. Once these have dried {about 30 minutes} you can place your magnetic button on the back of the paper stone!

Here's your finished product! 

Creepy-cool skeleton magnets to put on your refrigerator! 

Disclaimer: I classified this as a $1 project because you won't use all the materials purchased. Since the $1 bag of glass stones contained about 50 stones: the cost per stone is 2 cents. You are only using but maybe a teaspoon of mod podge. The foam brush is one that I reuse time and time again. The scrapbook paper was 55 cents at Michaels and I literally used a remnant of paper. Depending on how many magnets you make will depend on how much your project will cost. 

I entered: 

Halloween Coasters

Here is an awesome twist to the monogramed tile coasters; perfect for Halloween! Check out my tile coaster tutorial to make your own. *I used the Happy Hauntings Cricut Cartridge for the "J" cut out in the Vampire Font option, travertine 4x4 tiles, and one sheet of spooky halloween scrapbook paper!

Tutorial: Monogramed Tile Coasters

I've scene this tutorial on mutltiple blogs--so many that I think it would take up my whole post to name all the tutorials. I figured I would host my own tutorial; to add to the hundreds of others out there! This is a pretty simple project, and makes for a great inexpensive gift (or simply to just spice up a boring coffee table)! The first time I made these was for a house warming gift (see the picture in our header). *I labeled this as $10 project giving the cost of all the supplies involved. Once you own the supplies this comes out to less than $5 for the set of 4 coasters.

Supplies Needed:

- 4 Ceramic 4.25” x 4.25” inch tiles

- 4 (4x4 inch) pieces of foam (or cork)

- Mod Podge, Matte

- Spray Adhesive & super glue

- Old gift card (for spreading glue)

- Sponge brush

- 1 piece of 12x12 scrapbook paper (cut into four, 4x4 pieces)

- 4 letter cut outs of choice

- Crystal clear acrylic spray

First you will want to adhere the foam onto the bottom of the tile using spray adhesive. (This will help protect the surface the coaster will reside on.) You will also want to add a drop of super glue to each corner of the foam. This will guarantee that the foam will not come off the tile. 

Next you will want to apply a generous layer of mod podge to the top of the tile. Then add a single layer of 4x4 scrapbook paper to the top of the tile that has modge podge on it. You will want to use an old gift card to gently move the bubbles from underneath the paper. Once you've done this you will want to place mod podge on the edges of the title and seal the edges. I like the wrapped look, so I typically have a smidge of overage that I need to wrap around the tile. Once this is done apply a generous coat of mod podge to the top layer. Let it dry before continuing onto the next step. 

Next, you will apply another layer of modge podge onto the top of the scrapbook paper, then add your cut out letter of choice. I used the Happy Hauntings "spooky font" (can't remember the exact size) and cut it out with my cricut.  Make sure you modge podge over the letter as well, and then let it dry.

 Add two more layers of mod podge to the tile (letting it dry in between the two additional layers). This will ensure that the coaster is sealed and will prevent any future water damage. *You'll notice that the mod podge goes on white. It will dry clear. Don't worry! 

Lastly, you will want to spray a thin layer of crystal clear acrylic to each coaster top to ensure that no moisture gets into the coaster. This will also give a nice shine.  

Here is the finished product! 

As seen on: Craft Gawker

{office} Light Switch Plate Revamp

I have scene quite a few blogs recently showcasing a customized light switch plate. You can find a few {of many} examples HERE, HERE, and HERE! I also read about this last year when I purchased a very cool craft book called "The Big-Ass Book of Crafts". Since we've been focusing on trying to complete our office project I've obviously been on customization over load. You can check out the file cabinet & magazine holders I've completed in the past few weeks. And now... a light switch plate to match the file cabinet and magazine holders. This piece of paper is what started it all. It's my "inspirational" color pallet for our office {well craftroom} make over! One of the best parts to this project is the fact that this project did not cost me anything. I had all the materials, so no money spent (well there was money spent but not specifically for this project).

Materials Needed:

• Light switch plate (either new or the current one on your light switch)
• Mod Podge 
• Paper or fabric to cover switch plate
• Foam brush
• Exacto knife
• spray adhesive

First you will want to measure out your paper/fabric of choice. Leave a little overage so that you can wrap it around the plate. 

With spray adhesive you'll want to adhere the paper to the plate. 

Now you'll want to carefully cut out the switch hole(s) with an exacto knife. I left a little extra so that I could wrap that around the plate it's self. 

Next, you will start working on applying a generous coat of mod podge to one of the sides. Pressing down firmly to adhere the material to the plate. *Be careful if you are using paper like me. If the glue is on your hands and you start to rub the paper the color on the paper can come off. 

 

After all the mod podge is dried with something sharp poke the holes where the screws will go into. Place the screws in slowly, and then place it back on the wall. 

Voila! Now you have a revamped light switch plate that adds character to your room! 

As seen on: Craft Gawker

Halloween "Advent" Calendar

As soon as I saw this Halloween style "advent" calendar I knew I needed to make this for my husband. I think the number one reason why he loves Christmas is because of the advent calendar! Let me preface that I realize that "advent" really isn't the correct word for this project since the word advent has to do with: "a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas." I would prefer to call this more of a countdown then advent; however, this is the project that I choose to model after another, so I don't feel it's appropriate to change the name! 

Ok... now with that being said. Let's carry on: 

... I was even more excited to see that Oopsey Daisy had a download with all the numbers already designed and ready to be printed out, cut, glued, and placed on the cookie sheet. Yep, that's what makes this "advent" calendar so cool. The numbers are magnets that can be changed each and every year. This was pretty easy to make; however, cutting out all 31 numbers and then glueing them was probably the most time consuming part of the project! I used the Designer's Calendar cricut cartridge, and cut out the word "October" using both the script and script shadow features. I adhered it using a few zots *and realize that this may not be salvageable for years to come! Now thinking back I should have mod podged over the "October" as well, so that it would "laminate" it. 

You might be thinking to yourself... so where's the candy? I haven't added it yet. When I first showed my husband he just figured it was a calendar for the month of October... that's when I explained what it was, and instead of him being grateful for my hard work and thoughtfulness he simply replied "but there are no boxes hiding the candy--what's an advent calendar that isn't hiding the daily prize?" (something to that magnitude). Of course I replied something along the lines of "well then, this can be my countdown calendar, and you can construct your own countdown calendar using 31 little boxes, and lots of wood and more of your time that you don't have"! So that was the end of that story. I think he became instantly grateful for my thoughtfulness, and I know he will appreciate it even more once there is candy on it (and it's the first of October). 

The complete tutorial along with the free print out numbers can be found on Oopsey Daisy's blog! 

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