French Vintage Birdhouse February 22, 2012

The calendar might say February, but this project will help put you in the mood for spring! Today I’m sharing a project created recently for Crafts ‘n things. I started with an inexpensive wooden birdhouse and used five different types of adhesive to apply the various finishes and embellishments – including the brand new iCraft sheets which will be available in late March.

(Photography by Joe Kay for Crafts ‘n things)

To make the glittered trim for the roof, I used a border punch to create a scalloped edge on a sheet of iCraft. (See that thin strip that is left over after punching? don’t toss it… save it for another project – something I really like about the iCraft sheets is that you can use up every last bit!)

Then I trimmed the scalloped piece to the width I needed using a paper trimmer (click on the photo to see a close up… notice how cleanly the punch cut through the iCraft)

After cutting one end to fit the peak of the roof, the strip was adhered to the edge. Then I removed the liner paper from the front of the adhesive and applied glitter. This was repeated three more times to finish off the front and back edges.

(Photography by Joe Kay for Crafts ‘n things)

Looks like glittered vellum, doesn’t it? While iCraft might have been the star of the show, several supporting characters played important roles too:

Tape Runner XL

(Photography by Joe Kay for Crafts ‘n things)

ZOTS for Bling

Ultra Thin ZIPS

1/8″ SuperTape

 

 (Photography by Joe Kay for Crafts ‘n things)

What do you think? Can you almost hear baby birds chirping and smell freshly cut grass? Hope this project has put a little spring sunshine in your day. Complete instructions and a detailed supply list are available in Crafts ‘n things most recent newsletter. If you don’t already subscribe to it, you can sign up for free here: Crafts ‘n things Newsletter.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Glitter Dust! February 21, 2012

Hello and Happy Tuesday Therm O Web friends!  It’s Erin here today, and it’s all about the new GLITTER DUST right now:)

At CHA Winter, Therm O Web introduced this fabulous new product!

It’s a beautiful dusting of glitter, that comes in FOUR brilliant colors:  GOLD, SILVER, PINK, and IRRIDESCENT!

It’s a clear varnish that will dry within 1-2 minutes, and it isn’t water based, so it won’t warp any of your projects!

Here’s a few samples I created with the gorgeous new product:)

Here’s a little ceramic pot that I coated with the SILVER Glitter Dust:)  I went in pretty close and did two coats.  I didn’t wait in between the layers drying, so it formed this cool drizzle look!

I shared this card for my last post, and this time I will focus on the little corrugated heart!  I sprayed two layers of the Gold Glitter Dust, and I love how it turned out!

I’m happy to share that I’ve sprayed it on just about everything we can think of…fabric, ribbon, our tshirts from the show, ceramic, foam letters and it all looks so very pretty:)

Thanks for stopping by today!

Erin

Moments to Cherish February 19, 2012

I used a new product that will be debuting soon and absolutely fell in love with it!  It’s ThermOWeb’s new glitter spray and I had the iridescent one to use and it was beautiful and so fun to play around with!  I took some cardstock and cut out some hearts and then sprayed them with the glitter spray and loved the look it gave them. It’s just subtle enough not to be overwhelming and gave my layout the perfect effect I was looking for!  I also sprayed a title I cut out with my Silhouette since I loved how the hearts turned out I had to do some more!  :)  I placed all of it down with some 3d zots.

Pretty folded paper border… February 18, 2012

Hi everyone! I know a lot of readers are hoping Spring comes soon, but as for me, since I live in the South…I long for more Winter!  So for this month, I created a vintage Winter wall-hanging and I’m going to show you how I made the pretty folded paper border used at the bottom using one of my favorite adhesives, SuperTape.  I love SuperTape for so many reasons!  When it comes to adhering heavier embellishments, creating borders, (like the one below), or just when you need that extra “support” of a stronger adhesive, nothing works better than Therm O Web‘s, SuperTape.  It also comes in a ton of different widths so you always have the size you need for your project.  For my project, I used the 1/4 inch.  I hope you enjoy!

 

This is how I made my folded paper border:

First cut 2 strips of pattern paper 1 x 12 and then a strip of cardstock 3/4 x 12, (you can trim of any excess to fit the size of your project).  Then, using your Therm O Web, 1/4 inch SuperTape, adhere it the length of the cardstock on both edges as close as you can get it.  The reason for this is, you want the center free from any tape so you can machine stitch the layers down. Now take your strips of pattern paper and free fold it back and forth to create “folds”.  Remember…it doesn’t have to be perfect, in fact it looks better if it’s kind of messy.  Once your pattern paper is folded adhere it to the strip of cardstock that has the SuperTape on it.  This will keep it firmly in place.  Then, when your strips have all been adhered, bring it to your sewing machine and stitch right down the middle.  It’s completely secured now, then when your ready to use it on your project, cut it to the desired length, distress it if you’d like and adhere it to your project using the same SuperTape.  Below are some pictures to help guide you.

I hope you enjoyed my project!

Easy no pattern girls skirt February 17, 2012

Supplies:

• Fabric for Skirt, I used a fine corduroy
• Elastic
• 357-34-04 Corduroy Velvet Aqua
• 389-18-04 1/8” Velvet
• 392-58-17 Sheer box pleats Pink
• Heat N Bond Lite by Therm O Web

This skirt is really super easy and doesn’t require a pattern.  It is basically a bunch of rectangles.  The first thing you need to do is take a couple measurements.  You need the waist measurement and the length of the skirt measurement.  My daughter’s waist is 21” and I wanted it to be 23” long (plus 2” for elastic casing and hem).  Cut out 3 rectangles to your measurements, mine were 21″x25″.  Cut 1 of your rectangles in half 10 1/2″x25″ these will be the sides that you will sew your ruffles to.  Then determine what size and how many ruffles you want.  Mine are 5”x21″ and I have 3 on each side.  You could do 2 6” ruffles, this is where you make the choice.

Hem all your ruffle pieces and then ruffle the other end (I ran mine thru a ruffle foot for my Sewing machine.)  Evenly space your ruffles on your side pieces and sew them down.  Sew down your ribbon over the top exposed seam to enclose it.

Sew the ruffle sides to the front and back rectangles, making sure your ruffles are laying down properly.  At the top fold down the edge ¼” and then fold it over again 1” down and sew your elastic casing leaving a 2” gap to insert the elastic.  Insert the elastic and sew it together and close the gap.

Hem the bottom of the skirt, I used a ½” at the bottom.  Find some fabric scraps, apply some Heat N Bond and hand draw a little bird and wing or any cute little shape you like.  Sew down the 1/8” velvet for the legs.  Cut out and Iron the bird to the front of your skirt.  For fun I added the sheer box pleats to make it look like the bird was wearing a cut little ruffle skirt as well.

Thanks so much for reading my tutorial today.  Please leave a link if you make one of your own I would love to see it.

Jenifer Cowles

3D Foam Adhesive February 16, 2012

Hi everyone! Daniela here today.  I have a tip  using 3D Foam Adhesive by Therm O Web.

I cut out the stamped image and I wanted to add dimension with 3D Foam Squares by Therm O Web.
I used the 1/4″ squares, but they were still too big. To make them smaller use your scissors, I used non-stick, and cut the 3D Foam Squares while they are still on the sheet and then remove them. That was so much easier than removing each individual square and cutting it.

I cut each 1/4″ 3D Foam Square in half.

I used Sticky Strip Runner by Therm O Web to adhere all my  paper elements on the card.

Thank you for stopping by and I hope you find these tips helpful.

Have a great day.

Daniela Dobson

Sandy Beaches February 15, 2012

I know many people are dreaming of summer weather right now. Myself, I can wait awhile before the summer desert heat kicks in, but even I am longing for the easy living of summer. Sometimes pulling a few photos and making a summer layout helps! For this beach photo and layout I wanted to create a seashore filled with sand and seashells.

1. I decided I wanted to sprinkle buttons on the under the beach picture but rather than glue each button individually…

2. I used Therm O Web SuperTape. 3. I cut the SuperTape using my paper trimmer to the width I needed. 4. Next I removed the backing of the SuperTape and adhered to my layout. Then I removed the top red backing. 5. I quickly and easily adhered the multitude of buttons. 6. Finally, to make “sand” I sprinkled UTEE in the open spaces between the buttons and voila! A quick and easy sandy beach with seashells!

Rebecca

Supplies Used:

Scrapbook Circle February Kit Remember This, Echo Park paper, My Minds Eye brads and chipboard, Crate Paper and American Crafts Alphas, Therm O Web Memory Tape Runner XL, SuperTape and Zots

  

Valentine Dance Layout February 14, 2012

Happy Valentine’s Day!  I will be spending this Valentine’s Day with my family doing what we do… school, Girl Scout meeting, hit the gym, playdate, clean up the house, laundry, dishes, and maybe, just maybe, we will go out to eat as a family.  Not super exciting, I know.  At least my girls and their dad got to celebrate Valentine’s Day on Friday with our park district’s Daddy Daughter Dance.  In our neighborhood, this dance is a BIG DEAL!  My husband waited in line for tickets for about 45 minutes and they sell out every year.  The girls talked about it for weeks, got special outfits, corsages were bought, and dinner reservations were made.  Of course I had to document this big dance for our family album!

I used Therm O Web Sticky Strip Runner for most of the paper-to-paper and photo-to-paper adhering.  However I did use a Super Stik glue stick to adhere the die cut frame. 

For the die cut flowers and the canvas die cuts I used 3D Zots to put them together.

 

I sprayed the paper and canvas die cuts alike with the Glitter Dust spray for a little sparkle!  I added the ribbon with the super easy Sticky Lines. 

 

I added a circle sticker to the layout by first popping it up with a 3D Foam Square. 

Once the glitter sprayed flowers were dry I added them to the layout with Jumbo Zots.  Journal and, voila!, done!

      

Give yourself a little love this Valentine’s Day… sit down and take some time to create!

Baby Bird Stitcheries February 13, 2012

It’s no secret that I love decorating for a nursery.  Last spring, I made some baby bird stitcheries using Therm O Web’s HeatnBond Lite iron-adhesive. It’s my favorite way to applique!

To create the sweet shapes I gather my supplies.  This project requires some HeatnBond Lite, scissors, a pen, and a lightbox (or sunlit window).

First, I trace the images (in reverse) onto the paper-side of the HeatnBond Lite.

I loosely cut around each image and place it with its corresponding scrap of fabric.  The gritty-side of the HeatnBond Lite should touch the “wrong” side of the fabric scrap.

Using medium-heat and no steam, I iron over the area to bond the HeatnBond Lite to the fabric. Just a couple seconds is all that is needed!

After it has cooled, I carefully cut out each shape and peel off the paper from the back.

After I have arranged all the images onto my stitchery, I iron over them to fuse them in place.

The final step is to stitch the shapes in place either by machine or hand!

If you’d like to know more about making a baby bird stitchery, just check out the full pattern available on my website: Baby Bird Stitcheries.

Easy Sewn Coin Purse from Tag Die Cut February 12, 2012

Back in November I shared how I made fabric tags for my Christmas packages using the Tim Holtz Tag and Book Plates Sizzix die.  I was looking at one of those tags a few days ago and it struck me how if it were folded in (almost) thirds, it was the perfect size and shape for a cute little mini coin purse.

To create the mini coin purse, cut two pieces of fabric and one piece of thin batting slightly larger than the tag shape on the die.  Iron and fuse HeatnBond Craft Fusible Interfacing to the back side of the two pieces of fabric.

Cut the two pieces of fabric (with interfacing fused to the back side) and the one piece of batting using the tag die.

Apply SuperStik Glue stick to interfacing side of the two fabric tags.

Place the batting between the two fabric tags (interfacing facing the batting) using the SuperStik on the fabric tags to hold all three pieces together.  Sew along the outer edges of the tag, about 1/4″ from the edge.

Fold the tag so that the bottom edge is about 1 3/4″ from the top edge of the tag.  Fold the top of the tag down so that it creates a flap.

Place a piece of Velcro fastener on the inside of the flap covering the punched tag hole.  Place the matching velcro piece on the outside of the coin purse so that it matches up with the Velcro on the flap when the flap is closed.

Cut a piece of double fold bias tape over the bottom edge of the tag.  Sew the bias tape in place.  Sew both pieces of Velcro in place as well.

Trim the outer edges with pinking shears making sure to not cut into the line of stitching.

Fold the tag again and sew along the sides to form a pocket.

A fabric label can be added to the outer flap to hide the stitching from the Velcro tab.

This little coin purse is simple and so quick to create from scraps of fabric.  It makes a cute gift that can be easily personalized, all in under an hour.  (To make your own stamped labels, check out the tutorial I shared for the original fabric tags to see how I made some with stamps.)

Supplies:

• adhesive: Therm O Web HeatnBond Craft Fusible Interfacing; HeatnBond Fusible Fleece; SuperStik Glue Stick
• fabric: Adorn It Vintage Groove Vintage Tweet Tan and Disarray Green
• tag die: Tim Holtz Sizzix Alterations Tag and Bookplates, die cutting machine
• label: Sweetwater Label Crew
• misc: Velcro Fastener Tape, thread, double fold bias tape, sewing machine, pinking shears, scissors

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