make it: baby yoga mat

make it: baby yoga mat

Babies can stretch out with this no-sew yoga play mat that seamlessly combines soft fabric and padding.

Supplies:
Fleece – green and brown
1/2” foam
Scissors
Yardstick

Steps:
1. Prewash and dry your fabric before starting. Cut the foam into a 24” x 36” piece. Cut a piece from each of your fleeces that is 30” x 42”. (To make a mat with your own dimensions, cut the foam to the desired size of your mat, and cut the fleece to that dimension plus six inches.)

2. Lay down one of your pieces of fleece. (If the fleece has a right and a wrong side, the wrong side should face up.) Center the foam on top of the fleece, and place the second piece of fleece on top of the foam, right side up (if applicable).

3. Cut a 3” square from each corner, cutting through both layers of fleece but not cutting through the foam. Lay your yardstick on top of the mat so that the yardstick edge is flush with the edge of the foam. Make cuts through both layers of fleece at one-inch intervals, stopping when you reach the foam. Do this on all four sides.

4. Use an overhand knot to tie the green fringe and the brown fringe together along all four sides of the mat.

5. To care for the mat, remove the fleece by untying the knots and wash. Place the foam in between to two pieces of fleece and retie the knots.

make it: baby snapuit and nursing necklaces

make it: baby snapuit and nursing necklaces

These cool breakaway necklaces look stylish on mom, but are totally safe for little hands. They are made with magnetic clasps and links so they won't break. Alter a baby snapsuit with homemade flavor by using patches and glitter fabric pens.

Nursing Necklaces

Supplies:
Jewelry beading wire
Heavy-duty magnetic clasp
Round-nosed jewelry pliers (two pairs)
Jewelry wire cutters
Glass beads in birthstone colors, donuts and crystal shapes
Large jump rings
Donut shaped pendants (acrylic or shell)

Steps:
1. Use the wire cutters to snip a 3-4” length of jewelry wire. With the round-nosed pliers, create a loop in one end. Thread on an assortment of crystal beads. Clip the un-curled end of the wire with enough room to make another loop. Loop the end.

2. Use the round-nosed pliers to open a large jump ring and attach to one end of the beaded wire. Continue making links for the necklace in this way until you reach the desired length.

3. Thread a donut shaped pendant onto the necklace.

4. Use the round-nosed pliers to attach jump rings to each end of the necklace, and attach either piece of the magnetic clasp to each of these jump rings.


Buddha-ful Onesie

Supplies:
Solid, non-printed onesie
Iron-on Buddha patch
Iron
Pressing cloth
Blue painters tape
Glitter fabric paint pen
Wax paper

Steps:
1. Pre-wash and dry the onesie to remove sizing. Position the Buddha patch on the onesie in the desired position. Set the iron on high and place a pressing cloth over the patch. Put the iron on the pressing cloth and apply even pressure for 30-40 seconds. Turn the onesie inside out and iron the back of the patch for 20 seconds to reinforce.

2. Turn the onesie right side out and slide a piece of wax paper inside to prevent paint bleeding through to the back of the shirt. To help you keep the text straight, place a piece of blue painters tape on the onesie where the bottom edge of the text will be.

3. Write “Buddha-ful” on the onesie with a glitter fabric paint pen; you can use a computer printout of the text to refer to as you write. To activate the pen, press the spring-loaded tip down on a piece of scrap paper until paint flows. Allow the paint to dry flat overnight and heat-set with a hot iron.

4. Care for the onesie by washing and drying on the delicate cycle.

Arrange it: Hydrangeas and Roses

Arrange it: Hydrangeas and Roses

Elegant urns make the perfect bases for beautiful bouquets of lime green roses and plum hydrangeas.

Supplies:
Long-stemmed roses
Two-three hydrangea heads
Urn-shaped container
Wet-type floral foam (such as Oasis)
Water
Lemon-lime soda
Pruning shears
Matches and a candle, or a lighter

Steps:
1. Wash the urn and dry it. Drop floral foam into the urn and fill with water. Pour in ¼ can of lemon-lime soda.

2. To cauterize the hydrangeas: use pruning shears to cut the stem at the appropriate length at a 45-degree angle. Use a candle flame or a lighter to burn the end of the stem. Alternatively, place the end of the stem in boiling water for 10 seconds. This prevents any sap from seeping into the water and causing bacteria growth.

3. Remove any leaves that would fall below the top of the urn. Insert the stems into the floral foam in the urn, arranging so that they fill the space.

4. Cut six roses to the appropriate length so that they will sit just above the top of the urn. Cut them underwater at a 45-degree angle to prevent air pockets from forming in the cells of the stems. Leave the thorns on the roses and remove the leaves and outer petals of each rose. Be careful to not touch the other petals, as oils from your fingers can brown the roses.

5. Insert six roses along the base of the urn, working your way around and spacing them evenly.

6. Cut 5 more roses, approximately 2” longer than the first set of roses. Remove leaves and outer petals, as before. Insert these roses to form a dome shaped arrangement.

arrange it: simple orchids and silks

arrange it: simple orchids and silks

Bring out the beauty of orchids and silk succulents with minimalist displays that let the flowers speak for themselves.

Live Submerged Orchids

Supplies:
Large fishbowl style glass container
Cymbidium orchid stem

Steps:
1.Snip the blooms from the orchid stem, approximately ¼” from the bloom.

2.Fill the glass container just less than halfway full. Gently drop the blooms into the water and allow them to submerge.

Silk Orchid Display

Supplies:
Silk orchid spray
Shallow, wide-mouthed glass container
Shears
Pebbles

Steps:
1. Bend the stem of the orchid so that there is a flat section about a couple of inches long.

2. Hot glue the bent bottom of the stem to the bottom of the glass container. Fill the container with pebbles.

Artificial Succulent Resin Arrangement

Supplies:
Three artificial succulent stems
Shallow, straight walled glass bowl
Small pebbles
“Everlasting Elegance” resin
Disposable mixing container
Popsicle stick
Vinyl or latex gloves

Steps:
1. Thoroughly wash and dry the container, pebbles, and succulents.

2. Spread the pebbles 1-2” thick on the bottom of the container.

3. Wearing gloves, combine the two solutions included in the “Everlasting Elegance” package in a disposable mixing container. Follow the instructions and ratios provided by the manufacturer. Slowly stir for two minutes with a popsicle stick, until the cloudiness disappears. Scrape the sides occasionally.

4. Pour the mixture over the pebbles. Pour until the “water” secures all of the pebbles, but leaves some exposed and jutting out.

5. Cut the succulents with pruning shears so that they will be just higher than the pebbles. Cut them slightly different heights for interest. Nestle them into the pebbles. Allow it to set for three days.

arrange it: tall skinny vases

arrange it: tall skinny vases

Tall skinny vases are a great decorator item. But, they can be had to arrange. Here are a few quick ideas for showing off tall vases.

You can use bushy flower sprays, such as acacia, dendrobium orchids, and Australian tea rose or a single orchid spray. Dried pods, peacock feathers, beaded stems or silk silver dollar sprays are also good choices.


To make forward facing arrangements:

Lay stems of bushy flower sprays, such as acacia, dendrobium orchids and Australian tea rose on a tabletop. Trim to the correct lengths. For woody stems, such as the tea rose, hammer the ends of the woody stems after trimming at a 45-degree angle. (This technique enhances water absorption.)

Layer the stems, with the bushiest varieties on the bottom. Bind the stems together with a cable tie. Do any additional trimming necessary. Insert into the vase and display against a wall.

To make a single spray arrangement:

Simply insert a single dendrobium orchid spray into a narrow, tall vase.

To make a pod, feather or silk silver dollar arrangement:

Insert two or three stems of pods, feathers or sprays into the narrow vase. Repeat with additional stems for maximum impact.

Quick Tip: Reviving Roses

A Quick Tip for Reviving Roses

Bring sad up roses back to life with a water bath in under an hour.

Begin by cutting the rose stems at a 45-degree angle (working underwater). Submerge all of the roses, stems and heads, in a tub filled with water. Weigh them down with a plate, if necessary. Shade with a towel and place away from direct sunlight for approximately an hour.

101 Snappy Fashions Cover! Spring 2010!

We have a cover!!
Spring 2010 - Lark Books

Gone are the days of the plain white baby snapsuit! In my new book you will find more than 101 embellishing techniques and 156 designs for creating your own snapsuit. You will also find simple ideas on how to throw a snapsuit decorating baby shower!

To make it easy, the design ideas are categorized by technique. Chapters include dyeing, painting, appliqué, embroidery, ribbons, trims, ironed on, patches, cut, ripped and torn, bring on the bling and holidays.

Hits the bookshelves Spring 2010! I can't wait!

press: ABC NEWS

Here is a little press I did for an AP story on buttons and crafts.

Click here to view the story.

Make it: ribbon wrapped votive candles

Make it: ribbon wrapped votive candles
from the medieval lights episode of Creative Juice

Shed a little light on a candle project that looks small, but makes a big impact.

Supplies:
Glass votive cups
Ribbon
Hot glue or double stick tape
Embellishments: nail studs, charms, rhinestones, chain, etc.

Steps:
1. Affix a strip of ribbon around a glass votive cup with hot glue or double stick tape. We like to use sheer ribbon and velvet ribbon for this project.

2. If desired, add extra embellishments like nail studs, charms, rhinestones or chain to the ribbon. The teeth of the nail studs can be pressed through the ribbon. Use a pencil eraser or small screwdriver to press the teeth down on the back of the ribbon.

Make it: Ikea Hack Gothic Candelabra

Make it: Ikea Hack Gothic Candelabra
from the Medieval Lights episode of Creative Juice

Check out this transformation: we give a modern IKEA candelabra a gothic new look straight from medieval times.

Materials:
Candelabra
Large pattern lace trim
Scissors
Small paint roller
Silver and black craft paint
Hot glue and glue gun
Jewel glue
Large rhinestones
Chain
Wire
Wire cutters
Round-nosed pliers

Steps:
1. Wrap the lace around the edge of the candelabra. Leaving some overlap, cut the lace to fit around the edge.

2. Working on a piece of wax paper, tape down the ends of the lace to secure them. Mix the silver metallic paint with a little black paint for a gunmetal look. Paint the lace with the small paint roller. Allow the paint to dry, flip over the lace and repeat on the other side.

3. Add rhinestones to the lace using jewel glue. Allow the glue to dry.

4. Every candelabra is different, so play with lengths of chain draping in different places along the candelabra. Attach the chain by inserting wire through the end link and wrapping it around the candelabra base. If your candelabra has loops for hanging crystals, these can be used to attach chain.

5. Once the rhinestones on the lace are dry, add dots of hot glue to a small section of back of the lace. Press on the edge of the candelabra rim. Continue gluing in small sections at a time.

Make it: Gothic Palm Wax Candles

Make it: Gothic Palm Wax Candles
from the medieval lights episode of Creative Juice

Capture the look of striking stained glass with these beautiful, simple palm wax candles. The red on glass is created with glass spray paint.

Supplies:
Clear glass container
Blue painters tape
Krylon “Stained Glass Color” spray paint in red
Palm wax
Medium saucepan
Aluminum pouring container
Candle thermometer
Candle colorant – gold
Candle fragrance
Mixing spoon
Wick
Wick clip
Pliers
Tacky wax
Heat gun
Bamboo skewers

Steps:
1. Apply blue painters tape to the candle to create a design. Place the tape where you do not want color.

2. Place the glass container upside down on a protected work surface in a well-ventilated area and apply the “Stained Glass Color” paint to the glass. Use three or four light coats rather than one or two heavy coats, allowing 30 minutes of dry time in between coats. After applying the final coat, allow the paint to dry overnight and remove the tape.

3. Prep the glass container: Cut a length of wick that is a few inches longer than what is needed for your candle. Thread the wick through the wick clip and close the wick clip around one end of the wick with a pair of pliers. Place a piece of tacky wax on the bottom of the wick clip and stick the wick to the bottom center of the glass container. Coil the excess wick around a bamboo skewer and rest the skewer on the rim of the glass.

4. Melt the palm wax in a double boiler, using an aluminum-pouring container to hold the wax. Use a candle thermometer to monitor the temperature of the wax. Shave some colorant off of the block(the package will tell you how much to use for the amount of wax you’re melting) and add it to the wax once the wax reaches 200˚F. When the colorant is melted, add a few drops of fragrance.

5. Next, heat the inside of the container with the heat gun (or hair dryer). Heating the container will not only prevent it from cracking, but will also slow the cooling time of the wax and create more crystals in your candle.

6. Carefully pour the hot wax into the glass container. The hot wax may cause the tacky wax holding the wick in place to melt slightly; if this happens and your wick comes unstuck, push it back into place with a bamboo skewer. Avoid moving the candle around as the wax hardens. Once the candle has cooled down completely, trim the wick to roughly ¼”.

Make It: Herbal Tea Soaps

Make It: Herbal Tea Soaps

from the Aromatherapy episode of Creative Juice

Materials:
1 pound glycerin soap-base
½ cup blend of: oatmeal, lavender, rose petals, and the contents of herbal tea bags (such as chamomile or mint)
1 rectangular small loaf pan
Large glass measuring cup
Med sized stock pot
Mixing spoon
Few drops of essential oil
Fork
Large kitchen knife

Steps:

1. Using a kitchen knife cut the block of glycerin soap into 1”X1” cubes. Place the cubes into the large glass measuring cup.

2. Place the glass measuring cup into the stock pot and fill the pot with water. This creates a double boiler. Make sure you only fill the water half way up the sides of the measuring cup. Place on the stove with medium heat.

3. Melt the glycerin cubes. Keep a watchful eye. Stir as needed. This should take about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and skim off any skin that may form on the surface of the melted glycerin.

4. Pour ¾ of the soap mixture into the loaf pan. Use a spoon to pop or remove any air bubbles. Set aside for 15 minutes or until you have a solid layer on top. Place the remaining glycerin back in the pan. Turn the heat down to a low simmer.

5. Once the poured glycerin has a solid layer on top, use a fork and firmly score the top of the poured, cooling soap. Scoring the soap allows the top layer of soap to adhere to the bottom layer.

6. Remove the remaining glycerin from the stove and add a few drops of essential oil and ½ cup of dry ingredients. Mix well.

7. Pour the remaining melted soap into the loaf pan. Let the soap set for 1 hour. Pop the soap out of the mold. If you are having trouble removing the soap you can quickly run the loaf pan under warm water. Slice the soap into six bars or keep as one large bar of soap.

make it: Fizzing Rose Petals

make it: Fizzing Rose Petals
Add a few scoops to warm bath and watch the magic begin.

Materials Needed:
1 cup baking soda
¾ cup citric acid
3 tablespoons cornstarch
½ cup sea salt
Handful rose petals fresh or dried
Glass bowl
Clean glass jar
Glass bowl

Steps:
1. This can be made with fresh rose petals or dried. If you are making this for immediate use you can use fresh rose petals. If you are planning on making a batch for use later or as a ift make sure you use dried rose petals. The moisture from fresh rose petals could cause premature fizzing.

2. Combine baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch and sea salt into a glass bowl and mix well. Add rose petals.

3. Fill the glass jar with the mixture. Make sure your jar is very dry. It is very important to keep the ingredients dry or else the fizzing will take place in the jar and not in the tub.

4. Draw a warm bath and drop in a scoop or decorate the jar and give as a gift.

Make it: Lavender & Rosemary Rice Heating Pad

Make it: Lavender & Rosemary Rice Heating Pad
from the Aromatherapy episode of Creative Juice

Sooth tired and sore muscles with this easy quick stitch project. You won't need to plug this heating pad in so it is safe for kids and older adults who may need extra care. The rice pads can be heated using a microwave and they stay warm for hours. Add lavender and rosemary to help you relax and rest easy.

Tools & Materials:
2 pieces of 100% cotton fabric cut to 12” X 13”
4 cups of uncooked rice (NOT minute rice)
2 T. of dried lavender and rosemary
Sewing machine
Matching thread
Scissors

Steps:
1. Place the two pieces of fabric right sides together and pin in place around the edges. Sew around 3 sides with ½ inch seam allowance, leaving one end open for turning and filling. After sewing trim the seams close to the stitching line and trim the corners at an angle. This will reduce bulk. Turn the heating pad right side out.

2. Mix the rice, lavender and rosemary together in a bowl. (You will have enough of the rice mixture to fill the heating pad very full.) Fill the heating pad with the rice mixture. (You can adjust the fill amount based on your preference.)

3. Working on the open end – turn the raw edges under ½” and pin the opening closed. Using a top stitch sew the opening closed as close to the edge as possible.


4. To use the pad, microwave the pad in one-minute ONLY increments, until the desired warmth is reached. Be careful because the pad gets hot, and ALWAYS test the temperature before placing next to the skin. Shake the rice pad to distribute the warm rice evenly. Apply to sore muscles.

Shake it: Mint Juleps

Shake it: Mint Juleps
from the derby days episode of Creative Juice

You’ll be chomping at the bit for this delicious recipe! It’s the ultimate derby drink: the Mint Julep.

Ingredients:
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
Sprigs of fresh mint
Crushed ice
Kentucky bourbon whiskey
Silver julep cups

1. Make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together for five minutes. Cool and place in a glass container with six or eight sprigs of fresh mint, and gently crush the mint with a wooden spoon. Refrigerate overnight.

2. Make one julep at a time by filling a julep cup with crushed ice, adding two tablespoons of mint syrup and two ounces of Kentucky bourbon whiskey. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup.

3. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

Make it: Derby Party Invitations

Make it: Derby Party Invitations

from the derby days episode of Creative Juice

Capture the bright and bold look of jockey silks with these colorful, crafty party invitations.

Supplies:
12x12” piece of cardstock
Jockey silk template
Scissors
Cardstock scraps
Ribbon scraps
8 ½ x 11” ivory cardstock

Steps:

1. Fold the 12x12” cardstock and place the jockey silk template with the neckline on the fold. Cut out.

2. Cut pieces of cardstock to be sleeves, and ribbons to be stripes or other designs on the front of the silk.

3. On the ivory cardstock, print out the party details. Size the text so that it is no larger than 4” tall and 2 1/2” wide. Cut out the rectangle.

4. To make ribbon corners: apply a small amount of glue stick to the back of one corner of the rectangle. Place a small scrap of ribbon diagonally across the front of the corner and fold the ends back to meet in the back. Repeat for each corner.

5. Glue stick the party details to the inside of the silk, put in an envelope and mail (a 6x6” square works well, but requires additional postage).

click to download

DIY your own Derby Hat

DIY your own Derby Hat

from the derby days episode of Creative Juice

Put a feather in your cap with clever adorning techniques in the classic style of fanciful derby hats. This project begins with a .99 cent plain straw hat.

Supplies:
Plain straw hat
Craft paint
1” foam brush
½ yard hatband fabric
1-2 large wired feather picks (floral supply)
2 smaller wired feather tufts
1 sprig of accent material (jeweled twigs, more feathers, etc)
1 yard wire edged ribbon
Hot glue gun
Garment steamer or large pot w/boiling water

Steps:

1. begin by boiling a large pot of water. Hold straw hat crown over boiling steam for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until pliable. Gently push in the crown peak and pinch on the inside with your hand until you achieve the desired shape. Then curl up one side of the brim and hold it in place while it cools. Re-steam as needed but be very careful not to hold your hands too close, as steam can burn.

2. Use craft paint & foam brush to paint 1” trim around the top side of the hat brim.

3. To make the hatband measure around the crown base. Then cut a strip of hatband fabric 4” wide by 2” + the length of your crown measurement. Fold strip in half lengthwise, pin together and sew into tube lengthwise leaving the short ends open. Turn right side out.

4. Fold under one end of the fabric tube hatband and secure a hem with hot glue. Glue just this end of the hatband to the crown base, along the curled brim side, using hot glue.

5. Add larger feather picks at the back of the crown, cutting away any unnecessary wire, and using hot glue at the crown base. Then add smaller feather tufts to the side crown and front of brim. Add final accent sprig to the feather arrangement with hot glue, then finish wrapping hatband around crown. Be gentle when encasing feathers and decorations and fold under the tube’s raw end before securing with hot glue.

6. Create a bow by wrapping the wired ribbon back and forth 5-6 times, and then hot glue one end to the feather arrangement along the crown.

Mod Podge a Poster to a Dresser

Revamped Dresser with a poster

Give a boring dresser a quick new look by sticking your favorite vintage style poster on the front. We started with a simple dresser from Ikea and used a compination of Mod Podge and spray adhesive. This project is great for kids rooms also! Imagine a dresser with their favorite band or movie poster.

Materials:
Chest of drawers with flat-faced drawer fronts
One French advertisement or film poster
Yardstick
Pencil
Rotary cutter
Self-healing mat
Sewing or paper weights
Spray adhesive
Mod Podge
Brayer

Steps:
1. Remove any drawer pulls, if any.

2. Hold the poster up to the chest of drawers and determine and measure where the top of the poster will fall on the top drawer. Measure the height of each drawer and the distance between each drawer.

3. Measure and draw lines to divide the poster into sections corresponding to each drawer and each dividing space between each drawer.

4. Place the poster on the self-healing mat. Align the yardstick on each cutting line, weigh the yardstick and poster down with sewing weights. Use the yardstick as a guide to cut each line with the rotary cutter.

5. Keeping the poster strips in the proper order, apply each poster piece to the corresponding drawer or spacer piece by spraying each strip with spray adhesive and positioning in the center of the dresser section.

6. Use the brayer to flatten the poster and ensure it adheres well. Allow the adhered strips to dry.

7. Use a sanding sponge to slightly sand the edges of the dresser sections for an aged effect.

8. Apply decoupage medium or clear spray sealer to each dresser section to protect it.

Ikea Hack: Lack Table goes Modern Moroccan

Ikea Hack: Before

Ikea Hack: After

Lack Table goes Modern Moroccan! Add shape and color to a plain Ikea Lack end table with a simple technique for gluing paper right on to your surface.

Supplies:
Small table (The one pictured is Lack from Ikea)
Fine grit sandpaper
Paper towel or clean cloth rag
Blue painters tape
Primer
Latex paint
Paint roller and tray
Large piece of cardstock or poster board
Yardstick
Large bowl (ours was about 11.5 inches in diameter)
Pencil
Several pieces of large scrapbook paper, cardstock, or colored poster board
Scissors
Mod Podge
Glossy Polyurethane
Two medium to large sized foam paintbrushes
Aluminum foil
Craft knife

Steps:

1. You can use any type of shape to decorate your table – circles, triangles, flower shapes, etc. We used a rounded diamond shape. To make a template for this shape, use a yardstick to draw a straight line across the length of the large piece of cardstock or poster board, and draw another line across the width of the paper that intersects with the first line, so that your paper is divided into four sections. Use the large bowl to draw an arc in each section of the paper. Cut your diamond out and trim about 1/8 to 1/4 inches off of each point to create blunt edges. This will make it easier to use the template.

2. Using your template, trace several shapes onto the paper you have chosen for the table and cut them out. The size of your table will determine the number of cutouts you need.

3. Sand the top of the table with fine grit sandpaper. Wipe away the dust with a clean towel or rag.

4. Use painters’ tape to tape off the vertical edges of the table. Apply one to two coats of primer to the top of the table with a paint roller, allowing it to dry in between coats. After primer has dried, apply one to two coats of latex paint to the tabletop, allowing it to dry in between coats. Allow to dry completely before moving on to step 4.


5. With a large foam brush, brush over the back of each shape with decoupage medium and place them down on the table, corner to corner. Smooth out air bubbles as you go along. Brush decoupage medium on the entire tabletop. Allow to dry and apply a second coat. Trim away any shapes hanging over the edges.

6. Once the second coat of decoupage medium is completely dry, brush on a coat of glossy polyurethane on the tabletop, using the foam brush. Allow to dry. Apply a second coat.

7. Allow the second coat of polyurethane to dry for 2-4 hours before removing the blue tape. You may need a craft knife to help remove the tape.

paint it: mini refrigerator

Cool Cube Refrigerator

Transform a plain mini fridge with a little paint and patience. Perfect for dorm rooms, media rooms or garage workshops this personalized mini fridge is just as cool on the outside as it is on the inside.

Supplies:

Mini refrigerator
Sandpaper, coarse grit
Clean rag or towel
Primer
Low tack painters’ tape
Paintbrushes
Pencil
Three shades of semi-gloss latex paint
Round objects to use as circle tracers

Steps:

1. Lightly sand the outer front and sides of the refrigerator. Rub the refrigerator with a clean rag or towel to remove any dust.

2. Tape off any hardware or trim with low tack painters’ tape.

3. Prime. Allow the primer to dry and apply a second coat. Allow the second coat to dry. The primer will help the paint adhere to the plastic surface and prevent flakes and peels.

4. Paint the entire refrigerator with the medium shade of paint. Allow the first coat to dry and add a second coat. Allow the base coat to dry for about three days so that it completely cures.

5. Use round objects, such as mixing bowls, pots, and pans to trace overlapping circles on the refrigerator in pencil.

6. Apply the lightest and darkest shades of latex paint to the appropriate portions of the design. Allow the paint to dry and apply another coat. Allow the paint to cure for three days.

drawer maintenance

drawer maintenance

I am a sucker for vintage furniture. What I don't like, is how the drawers are usually squeaky and sad. Vintage or new, here are a few easy, inexpensive ideas help keep your drawers looking and working their best.

Get a wrap on things! Traditionally, wrapping papers from bridal and baby showers were saved to use as drawer liners. Use a measuring tape to measure the dimensions of the drawers of a dresser. Cut the wrapping paper to size and insert into the drawers.

Squeak no more! Rub the side of a candle along the edges of the drawers. Also rub along the drawer runners inside of the chest.

Knobs and Pulls! Switch out boring knobs and pull with ones that have pop and style. i especially love the ones from Anthropologie.

Make it: Handmade Lotion Bar

Make it: Handmade Lotion Bar

Smooth out those rough edges with a homemade lotion bar complete with personalized packaging. This makes a perfect gift for a gardener, crafter or anyone with dry hands.

Supplies:
Glass measuring cup
Small saucepan
Popsicle stick for stirring
3 Tablespoons beeswax pellets
2 Tablespoons regular cocoa butter
3 Tablespoons shea butter
2 Tablespoons sweet almond oil
2 Tablespoons calendula oil
¼ teaspoon vitamin E acetate
Essential oil – optional
Soap bar mold

Steps:

1. Mix all ingredients together in a very clean glass measuring cup. Place inside a large pot. Fill the sides of the pot ½ way up with water to create a double boiler.

2. Heat on medium and stir until all the ingredients except the essential oil are blended together.

3. Remove form heat and add a few drops of essential oil for scent if desired.

4. Pour into a mold, allow to cool for about 30 minutes. Pop the bar out of the mold.

5. To package as a gift, wrap in a cello bag and tie or staple on a handmade gift tag, silk flower and a decorative ribbon.

Resources:
The Sage
Majestic Mountain Sage
918 West 700 North Ste 104
Logan, Utah 84321

Wrap it: handmade gift bags

Wrap it: handmade gift bags

Simple clay tags and rustic embossed stamps give gift bags some organic style.

Materials:
Delight modeling paper clay
Wax paper
Rolling pin
Food grade silicone spray
Nature rubberstamps – leaf designs
Craft scissors
Bamboo skewer
Pearlizing medium – by Plaid
Craft paint
Small paintbrushes
Inkpads
Distressed embossing powder—by Ranger Ink
Heat gun
Kraft paper gift bag
Twine or waxed cotton string
Ribbon
Hot glue

Steps:

1. Place the paper clay in between 2 layers of wax paper and use a rolling pin to roll the compound to ¼ inch thickness.

2. Remove top layer of wax paper, and spray the stamp with food grade silicone spray to prevent sticking. Stamp nature images into the compound.

3. Using a pair of craft scissors to carefully cut around the stamped images. Punch a hole in the wet paper clay with a bamboo skewer. Allow to air dry for 2 days.

4. Add the pearlizing medium to the craft paint and mix well. Paint the mixed paint and medium onto the leaf shape. Add highlights by using gold craft paint mixed with pearlizing medium. Allow the paint to dry.

5. Rubber stamp the gift bag using the same stamps. Use different colors of ink and emboss some of the stamps with embossing powder and a heat gun. Work over a manila file folder to catch stray powder and funnel it back into the canister.

6. Thread the leaf on a piece of twine and tie to the bag.

7. Hot glue more leaves onto note cards.

Make it: Gold Leaf Chocolates and Fruits

Make it: Gold Leaf Chocolates and Fruits

These incredible, edible treasures are a cinch to make and taste like a million bucks. Make sure you use edible gold leaf!

Ingredients:

Edible gold leaf sheets
Vinyl or latex gloves
Small paintbrush
Pears, plums, grapes, strawberries, etc.
Chocolates
Strips of gold tissue paper (approximately ½ sheet)

Materials for Gift Wrapping:
20” square of clear cello
Ribbon
Cardstock
Pear stamp
Stamp pad
Hole punch
Embossing powder (optional)
Embossing gun (optional)

Steps:

1. Cut the gold sheets into small squares (about 2x2”). Wearing vinyl or latex gloves, place a square—gold side down—on a piece of chocolate. Use the bristle end of the small paintbrush to burnish the tissue side of the gold leaf square. This technique will press the gold onto the chocolate.

2. To apply the gold to a pear or other fruit, use the same technique as for the chocolate, but use the other side of the paintbrush to burnish the gold sheet onto the fruit. Press any loose flakes down. Highlight small areas of the fruit with smatterings of gold. Citrus fruits do not work well with gold because of the high oil content in their skins.

3. To create a cushion for the pear, fold the gold tissue strip in half and then fold 1” accordion pleats into the paper, lengthwise. Place the pear on one end, and roll the pear, wrapping with paper. Gather the extra paper at the bottom of the pear.

4. Place the wrapped pear in the center of the square of cello. Gather the cello around the pear and tie with a ribbon.

5. Emboss or stamp a pear onto a piece of cardstock. Cut out along the outer edge of the pear shape, punch a hole in the top and tie the pear shape with ribbon as a gift tag for the golden pear.

Make it: Silk Flower Gift Tags

Make it: Silk Flower Gift Tags

Put the petal to the metal with silk flower gift tags that make any present pop.

Materials:

Silk flower
Colored cardstock
Hole punch
Markers or pens
Scissors or large punch
Shank button
Thin ribbon

Steps:

1. Disassemble a silk flower. If the shank of your button is bigger than the hole in the center of each petal piece, enlarge the holes with your scissors.

2. Create a tag with colored cardstock – either cut out a shape or use a paper punch. Punch a hole in the tag. Write the recipient’s name on the tag.

3. There are two ways to assemble the flower gift tag. The first way is to have the paper tag in the center of the flower. The second way is so that the paper tag is underneath the flower, poking out on one side. To assemble the gift tag the first way, place the paper tag on top of the petals, lining up the holes in the petals and the hole in the paper tag. Poke the shank of the button through the holes and thread a piece of thin ribbon through the shank. To assemble the tag the second way, follow the above steps, but place the paper tag underneath the petals rather than on top of them.

4. Tie onto a package.

Make it: kids jungle bath towels and tissue cover

Make it: kids jungle bath towels and tissue cover

With a few pre-painted wood animals and a simple technique for painting leopard spots you can transform a plain tissue box onto a kids jungle themed one. Add a little ribbon to plain towels to create fun and flirty towels.

Materials for tissue cover:

Wooden tissue box cover
Folk Art Craft Paints—Linen #420, Nutmeg #944, and Black
Ruler
Pencil
Four pre-painted wooden animal shapes
1” foam brush
Cotton swabs
Hot glue and gun
Low-tack tape

Steps:

1. Apply a base coat of tan colored craft to the wooden tissue box. Allow the paint to dry.

2. Use the ruler and pencil to mark a 1” border around the base of the box. Tape the border off with low-tack tape.

3. Use a cotton swab to dab on amoeba-like shapes of brown craft paint below the taped line. The shapes should be closely spaced, non-repetitive, and organic. Cotton swabs cut in half will allow for more control.

4. Use another cotton swab to dab on black craft paint, framing and slightly overlapping the brown shapes. Allow the paint to dry.

5. Remove the tape border. Hot glue a wooden animal shape to each side of the box.

Materials for ribbon towels:

Towels
Animal print ribbon 5/8” to 1/1/4” wide
Sewing machine
Matching thread – match to towel color
Pins
Scissors

Steps:

1. Open the towels up and place right side up on your work surface.

2. Pin the ribbon along the band of the towel. Cut the ribbon so that there is approximately 1/2” at each end to fold over for a clean edge.

3. Stitch the ribbon in place using a sewing machine and matching thread. Stitch down both sides of the ribbon, as closely to the edge as possible.

Make it: Kids Hoodie Towel Wrap

This soft, cuddly, kids towel wrap is perfect for after the bath. Kids will the hoodie with ears. You can use bright colored towels or go wild with animal print towels.

Materials:
1 extra large bath towel –animal print
2 washcloths towel – tan color
Sewing machine
Upholstery weight needle
Matching thread
Sewing pins
Felt squares – tan
Hand Sewing Needle
Scissors

Steps:

Pin the two washcloths together on two sides so that the pins form an L-shape. Sew along the pined edges approximately 1/2" from edge using an upholstery weight needle. Lengthen the stitch length if it is difficult to get through the thickness.


Lay the large bath towel on the work surface and mark the center of one long edge of the bath towel with a pin. Working with right sides to right sides, align the stitched seam of the hood with the center of the towel and pin in place along the edge. Stitch the hood to the towel approximately 1/2" from the edge.

Add ears by cutting 2 triangle shapes from bits of felt and hand whipstitch the ears to the towel on both the right and left side of the center seam on the hood portion of the towel wrap.

Make it: Kids Jungle Nightlight

Wood cutouts in animal patterns and a simple store bout nightlight help make those dark jungle nights a lot less scary.

Supplies:
Store-bought night light with a plastic bulb shade
Pre-painted wooden animal shapes
Animal print felt
Tacky glue
High temperature glue gun
High temperature hot glue

Steps:

1. Hot glue a wooden animal shape to the front of the plastic bulb shade. Use high temperature hot glue so that the heat of the bulb does not affect the seal.

2. Cut out a rectangle of felt that will wrap around the switch base of the nightlight. Cut a small square window for the switch to be accessed. Glue the animal print felt to the switch base of the nightlight using Tacky Glue.

Shake It: Etched Bar Glasses

Shake it: Etched Bar Glasses
From Creative Juice - episode 113

Materials:
bar glass
letter stickers
glass etching cream
paintbrush
scissors
rubber gloves
sink

Steps:
1.Decide on a design plan. Cut around the letter stickers of your choice, leaving a space around the edge of the letter. Optional: If you want to use your own design, you can cut out a design from heavy duty shelf paper.

2. Clean and dry glass thoroughly.

3. Making a stencil from the cut letter: Peel the letter from the cut piece and discard it.Make sure you keep any “inserts” from the letters (like the inside of an O).This will be the stencil.

4. Apply the stencil and any letter “inserts” to the glass. You can line them up straight or go for a more whimsical look by applying them randomly. You can use a piece of tape to help you line them up straight. Burnish the stencil into the glass using your fingers.

5. Applying the etching cream: While wearing rubber gloves and working on a protected surface open the etching cream. Using a paintbrush, liberally apply the etching cream inside the stencils. Remember that wherever the cream touches the glass will etch, so be careful not to go over the stencil.

6. Wait 5 minutes for the etching cream to react to the glass. Wearing rubber gloves, wash the etching cream off the glass and pull off the stickers.