Dazed. And then some...

Hot Off the Press!

2012-11-20T22:40:00.001-08:00

Hello All,

I know it's been awhile, but I've taken a break (a lonnng one) from being crafty in order to be more artsy! I just started a new blogger page for all of my art related posts (new pieces, prints, exhibitions, etc), so I do hope you might decide to follow me on there, as well. :) Click here for Art by Rachelle.

So - Due to the upcoming holidays, I've been working hard and am excited to announce a brand new line of postcards!

They are 4" x 6" each and printed on 14 PT CS2 High Gloss coated card stock. Available in sets of 10. I think they would make great stocking stuffers, don't you? ;) One less item to check off of the list and it's unique! Perfect for any fashionista in your life. <3

Find them on Etsy to make them yours! This is a trial run though, so quantities are very limited.

Shop Postcards Here

Happy Thanksgiving!

Film-tastic.

2012-01-06T03:56:00.000-08:00

Blogworrrrrrld!!! Oh I have missed you... yes I have, indeed.

Life changes a lot over here for me, so forgive my absence. I hope everyone had an absolute smashing holiday season!! To tell you the truth, December came and went and OH! hello, twenty-twelve.

1:50 a.m.
So, here I am- back to my old bad, bad habit of floating into the night completely unaware of the fact that the hours are just sneaking out the door behind me. Ah well... all in the sake of riding the creative wave when it comes. To use the words of my husband: "Nectar brah." (He's the coolest!) Eh-hem.

My in-laws are too good to me and gave me a shiny new Canon T3i Camera for Christmas...

Still seems peculiar without snow.

k-nine.

Zeus reminds Athena of the old adage:

"It's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog."

Zeus lives by example.

Just do it.

Dogs know it's not bacon. They don't care.

fin.

DIY Golden Cork Coasters

2011-10-31T11:33:00.000-07:00

How was everyone's weekend? I wish I could have seen all the fun costumes this weekend, but alas, I stayed in and was lazy. SO needed sometimes!!

The hubs and I watched creepy movies and TV shows instead. (Dracula!!!! swoon...)

Anyway, I have to admit that while Halloween is a lot of fun, I am very much looking forward to Christmas! Already went and bought a bunch of colorful Christmas fabric for some place mats and can't wait to start making them. :D Anyone else itching to get started on Christmas crafts?

But until then, I wanted to share something else I made with you. I bought some pretty scrap book paper the other day and decided to make some coasters with it!

Supplies:

Cork sheets
Scrap book paper
Clear gloss paint/brush
Scissors
Felt

Instructions:

Measure your cork and paper to 4" x 4" and cut (4) of these.
Measure your felt to 3.5" x 3.5" and cut (4).
Apply a layer of gloss to your cork pieces and lay the paper on top. Flip over and do the same with your felt. Place these under a heavy book to dry.
Once dry, apply another coat of gloss over the top and sides and allow to dry.

Now you're done!

~Rachelle

DIY Burlap Photo Board

2011-10-28T21:26:00.000-07:00

Let me preface the tutorial by saying that this week has been exhausting! The hubs has been battling pneumonia and I have felt strangely fatigued...

Anyway, the crafts and tutorials should start flowing a bit more again now, so stayed tuned!

Onto the project!

I am happy to share with you yet another World Market knock-off! I saw one of these guys and knew I could tackle it on my own (with a few tweaks). Here is the final result.

So very easy to do!

Love burlap and twine!!!

Here's the newest project next to my previous Primitive Wall Decor!

Here's how you can make your own photo board-

Supplies:

Cork Bulletin Board (Any size you like.)
Patterned Burlap
Twine
Scissors
Hot Glue/Glue Gun
Any little trinkets you want to add to the cross points of the twine
Tacks (optional)

Instructions:

Measure out your burlap by laying it over the top of the cork board and allow and extra 2" on each side before cutting. (Be sure of whether or not you want your board vertical or horizontal before you cut your fabric!)
Using your hot glue gun, glue the edges down around the back of the board, making sure to keep your burlap stretched as you go for a smooth surface.
Now lay your twine diagonally across the board, starting with the corner. Cut each piece to size with an extra few inches so you can glue the end to the back of the board. Think about how much spacing you want to allow between strands and stay consistent. I spaced mine about 4" apart. Glue as you go and remember to keep your twine pulled tight.
Repeat step 4 moving the opposite direction, creating a criss-cross pattern.
Once you are finished with the above, you can now add any final buttons, tacks or embellishments to the center of the crosses. I found the cute little star buttons at JoAnne's and placed them randomly on the photo board.

You're done!

Add photos, postcards or whatever strikes your fancy to your awesome new photo board and display!

~Rachelle

AUTUMN PAINTING

2011-10-25T11:35:00.000-07:00

I have been so tired after this weekends festivities (and recovering from an awful headache) that I didn't think I would feel up to making anything new yesterday. However, the hubs has been recovering from a mild fever and went to bed early last night.

What to do... What to do...

I sat there on the couch thinking I may as well just call it a night myself-- but that feeling was there.

I needed to daze and let my mind melt into my art!

About

Multimedia.

Painted with acrylics on wood.

Measures 2' x 2'.

Wood-burned signature.

~Rachelle

A Weekend of Wine

2011-10-24T18:12:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Sheesh, I've only been away for a few days and I already miss my friends in the blog world! I hope everyone had a fun weekend. It was perfect weather out this way. Very "un-fall", but I cannot complain! :)

So because I haven't had any time to make some new fun projects for you yet, I thought I would share some photos from the weekend. Here's a little snippet!

Luscious grapes still on the vine.

We were lucky enough to be able to taste the wine right out of the bin. The flavors were sweeter than any wine I have ever tasted.

This kitty made himself right at home in a basket conveniently located on the tasting counter. Puurrr-fect for some lovin!

The countryside was breathtaking. This is my dream location.

Gorgeous day. Couldn't have asked for better.

A grand selection!

One of the bigger wineries had a bit more going on.

Whites, reds and blends made for a beautiful melody on the palette.

A beautiful end to a beautiful day in the country.

I will have some projects coming up for you-- I promise!

Have a blessed week!

~Rachelle

DIY Scrap Necklace

2011-10-20T15:20:00.000-07:00

It's almost Friday!!! Can I get an "Amen!"

So I was at World Market the other day and spotted a cute necklace and cowl. However, I could only have one or the other according to the Hubs, so I bought the cowl. (I cannot crochet!)

I went home and decided I would make my own version of the necklace. You can do it too!

This is so so easy to do! I used scrap fabric I already had and added the beads.

Supplies:

Silky fabric of your choosing that measures around 32" in length and a few inches wide
Silver beads ( I found mine at JoAnne's)
Scissors
Needle and thread
Fray stop

Instructions:

Lay out your fabric. Cut (3) strips about 1" wide lengthwise.
Apply fray stop and wait for it to dry.
Using the loop end of your needle, feed the corners of your fabric through the beads. (My package came with 8 beads, so I applied 3/3/2 per strip.) Move them around to your liking.
Pulling the strips together at one end, tie a knot about 9" to 10"down on one end only.
Secure that end (I clamped it in my sewing box) and create a very loose braid.
Tie another knot at the opposite end the same way as before.
Collecting all of the ends together and overlapping them a bit, sew them together. (It's okay if it looks a bit "unkempt" since that is the overall look of the necklace.)

Ready to wear!

**Just a side note to my readers: I will be out of town starting tomorrow and returning Sunday. Sadly, I will not have an opportunity to create and post. Have a wonderful and blessed weekend!

~Rachelle

DIY Speckled Paint BALL Jar

2011-10-19T13:15:00.000-07:00

Okay, I admit it. I go through phases with creativity.

Right now, its a "What-can-I-gloss-over?" phase. I've pretty much emptied my bottle of Triple Thick Gloss within the past couple of days.

The Jar

Supplies:

BALL Jar (Or any kind really.)
Paint of your choosing
Yarn
Gold Leaf (Flaked)
Triple Thick Gloss
Brushes
Gold paint

Instructions:

Paint your jar. Use 2 coats for good measure.
Tie your yarn around the rim of the jar. Continue wrapping around the rim until it is covered and start wrapping it down and around the base of the jar until you are satisfied with the appearance. ( Random always seems to come out the best, so switch directions as you are wrapping.)
Tuck the end of your yarn under one of the lines.
Whip out that Triple Thick Gloss and start gobbing it on! (Avoid the rim.) Use a paint brush to smooth it out.
Taking pinches at a time, start sprinkling your gold leaf around the jar.
Grab the gloss again and give it a second coat.
Use the gold paint to add the final touch to the yarn surrounding the rim of your jar.

GLOSS-TASTIC JAR FINISHED!

Note: If you try this project, send me photos! I would loovvee to see your creations. :)

~Rachelle

Jewelry Box Makeover

2011-10-18T12:19:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have moments where you need to make, paint or sew something; but are at a loss as to what?

It's like the creative juices are there and ready to rock 'n roll, but your mind didn't get the memo.

That was me last night. I had no idea what I really wanted to work on, so I grabbed this little raw wood box I bought recently and decided I would do something with it. I had no idea what. I picked up whatever happened to be laying around me and started applying. Here is the end result:

Most of the time, I just need to create...even if I don't know what will come of it...

I layered a ton of paint on this, as well as lots of gloss coating before sanding the corners.

The initial result of the border on top wasn't too great, so I scraped off gobs of paint until I stopped with this result. What do you think?

I could not decide what to do with the photo panel in the center, so I walked around the house thinking. Then it dawned on me that there were some little flowers outside on our porch.
Note: I don't make a habit of snapping flower heads, but this little flower just fit the bill.

I always forget a before shot, so below is a similar photo of what it looked like before I got to it:

I would try to give a tutorial on this for you, but to be honest, I went into a zone where I could not begin to tell you the process. Mostly because I changed it multiple times! I would suggest just going to the craft store and buying the first piece of anything that you think you could have fun with. Use what you have around the house and whatever paints you have laying around and create something inspired by that creative energy! :)

~Rachelle

DIY Aged Window Decor

2011-10-16T18:12:00.000-07:00

Yay!! I am SO excited to share this project with all of you!

This is another window frame conversion. However, I added different details to this one. I started with just the window frame (it came with the glass) and went from there.

Okay, so here's how I did it!

Supplies:

Window Frame w/glass
Crackle Paint
Country White Acrylic Paint
Brown Acrylic Paint
Sandpaper
Raw wood shelf
(3) Longer Nails/Hammer
Twine
(2) Screws
Screw Driver
Wall Decals (Optional)
Hot Glue Gun and glue

Instructions:

If the frame you chose already has a dark stain or dark color paint, you do not need to paint it again. Just take your Crackle Paint and brush on a nice layer in one even direction. Let it get tacky. Do NOT let it dry.
Using your Country White paint, brush on a nice thick layer. Within a minute or two you will start to see it crack! You can speed this process along using a hairdryer, as well.
Using the same brush you used for the white paint, start painting your raw wood shelf brown.
Sand both the shelf and window frame along the edges and even more so on the corners.
Flip your frame over and screw in your screws. (One on the top of each corner for hanging.)
Cut enough twine to fold over 4 times and tie a loop on each end. Apply to screws.
On your shelf, hammer in 3 nails. Make sure they are long and sturdy enough for keys (or whatever you think you will be hanging from them).
Now apply a nice thick layer of hot glue to the back of your shelf and press onto the bottom of the frame.
Finally, apply your decals to the windows. I used Designer Wall Accents in "Swirly Branches".

Note: You do not have to apply the decals at all if you prefer not to. If you like the idea of branches but don't want to buy decals, you can just paint them on the back of the windows. (That was my initial plan until I spotted the decals!)

HANG HER UP! :)

**I kind of forgot to take a before shot, so here is the back of the frame after I had already finished it.

Close up of the crackle effect... Cool, right?!

This is a shot of it without the decals. It looks great either way!

I hope you love creating your aged frame/shelf as much as I did!!

~Rachelle

Found! Cute Vintage Items

2011-10-16T00:53:00.000-07:00

Right now I am currently in the middle of a longer project, so I thought I would share some a couple great finds with you! I stumbled upon these classy ladies at the market... ;D

(The chain and toothless key were actually separate when I found them. Sad right? They were meant for each other!)

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend! It has been a bit hot here this week, so it was a pleasant surprise when I woke up to cool, crisp air outside. Mmmmm. True Fall.

I should hopefully have my project for you tomorrow! :)

~Rachelle

Twine Candle Holder

2011-10-14T15:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!

The past day or two has been a bit busy for me, but I do a have a fun and very easy project to share with you:

Supplies:

Clear candle holder (I found mine at the $1 store)
Twine
Elmers Glue
Votive

Total cost- $4
*Note: You can use the ball of twine for many other projects. The votives come in sets, so you can use them in multiple candle holders!

Instructions:

Start wrapping your twine around the glass until you have your desired amount and cut it.
With that twine, completely cover it in Elmers glue and start wrapping it around the glass.
Allow to dry and you're done!

With this, feel free to add as much twine as you like. I left a lot of spacing for the light to come through, but it's up to your discretion. :)

Have a great weekend!

~Rachelle

Turn a Sad Window Frame into Primitive Decor! DIY

2011-10-12T20:05:00.000-07:00

Happy hump day!

(It's almost Friday... look for the light, it's getting closer!)

Okay, so amidst your weekend plans- you may want to consider a trip to your local flea market and go frame hunting.

I mean honestly, there isn't a better way to spend your weekend than to scour for new treasures just begging for some TLC!

Take this naked chicken for example. This is what he looked like before his makeover:

He's not all that bad. Just in need of a pick-me-up, right?

Here are the fella's that helped him out:

You will need:

A Dish Sponge
Sandpaper
A Foam Brush
Any Regular Paintbrush
Crackle Paint (This will be your new best friend. I'm not kidding- it's so addicting!)
Navy Acrylic Paint
Country White Acrylic Paint
Black Acrylic Paint
Chicken Wire
Wire Cutters
Staple Gun (Not pictured.)

Note: You obviously don't have to use the paint brands pictured above. I just happened to have those on hand.

Instructions:

Using your foam brush, apply a nice coat of crackle paint to the frame as is. Wait until it gets tacky, but DO NOT let it dry. That part is important!
While you are waiting a bit for the crackle paint to get tacky: mix the navy, black and white paints to desired color. (I find this method better myself since I don't have to go out and always buy a new color paint.)
Apply this new color with your regular paint brush in even strokes and moving in one direction. (If you apply the paint in all different directions, your paint will crackle that way.)
Now sit back and watch the magic happen. Crackle mania!!! (Since I have ZERO patience, I grab my trusty hairdryer to speed along the process.)
Next, cut out a star shape from your sponge. Apply some country white paint to it and dab on randomly. (The key here is NOT to reapply paint each time. Allow yourself to go off the edges here and there, as well. You don't want it to look like you tried too hard, so have fun with it and get messy!)
Now you sand. Go crazy on the corners! The more aged it looks, the better. (I did not wait for the stars to fully dry before I started sanding. I personally like the streaky texture it created, but it's up to you.)
Now, cut your chicken wire to the size of the frame and use your trusty staple gun to lock onto the back of your frame. Watch for pokers!
If you like, you can add some twine to the top for hanging. Just tie it on to the wire.

You're Done!

You can now hang random items from him such as: Dried flowers, clothes pinned postcards, etc.

(Thank you, mom for shipping over the bittersweet!)

Doesn't he look so handsome now? :)

~Rachelle

Bronze Feather Earrings

2011-10-11T19:12:00.000-07:00

So I did not "make" these earrings in my definition of the word. However, I did buy each piece separately and put them together! (That counts for something, right?) Ok then!

So to put these beauties together, just head over to Joann's or Michael's and buy your earring hooks and feather pieces! Bend the loop on the end to attach the feather and bend back. It's that easy. And guess what? I didn't spend more than a few dollars doing it. Is that savvy or what? ;)

Enjoy looking fashionable!

~Rachelle

DIY Framed "FALL" Letters

2011-10-10T10:22:00.000-07:00

Yay! Another fun Do It Yourself project for Fall. :)

What you need:

(4) - 5 x 7 picture frames (I used some I already had, but you can also run to the thrift store and find some for a few dollars. Just spray paint them black!)

(4) Sheets of scrapbook paper (Any color you like, as long as it plays into the Autumn theme.)

Printer

Instructions:
Play with different fonts in Word or any program of your choosing. (I chose different fonts for my letters to make it more playful.) Once you have picked your fonts, make sure you play with font sizing on your computer and print on test sheets of plain paper before you print on your scrapbook paper. (Trust me, each font sizes differently, so you want to make sure it fits into the frame before you print it on your colored paper.)

Cut your colored paper into 8.5" x 11" so you can fit it in your printer. Print your letters!

Line up the glass from each frame over your letters and trace. Go ahead and cut them out and apply to your frame. Now you're finished!

Enjoy your display!

~Rachelle

Puppy Pee & Pumpkins

2011-10-08T18:54:00.000-07:00

Soooooo, I was very much looking forward to today- Pumpkins, craft store and some decorating. YES!

However, I had to take the pup to the vet to see what's going on with the funky limp she's had lately before I could do any of the above. No problem. She's never been a fan of the car, which results in a massive mess of you-name-it. (HUGE bummer since we do so much camping!) Anyway, I figured she would be better sitting on my lap with her head out the window. So far, so good!

And then it happened.

A nice rush of warmth flowing down my leg, onto the seat and everywhere else.

Awesome.

But, with a phone call to the hubs to come to my rescue, we got things cleaned up and squared away. Oh and the limp issue is just a part of puppy growing pains. She's good!

Now, off to the pumpkin patch!

Don't you just LOVE moon pumpkins?!

Here's some critters I thought were pretty darn cute!

(How fantastic is this guy?!! Sesame Street character, brought to life.)

This guy has my vote for "Cutest Critter". ;)

There's me n my 'kins to wrap up the patch-a-palooza!

Have a wonderful and 'pee-free' weekend, All!

~Rachelle

A Lil Southern for Your Sofa

2011-10-07T13:47:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I LOVE farms, barns and everything country!
There's something just so wholesome and natural about it all. What I wouldn't give...

Photo Credit: Captivating Image Photography (aka Dad)

For the moment though, I currently call a condo my home. Mind you, it is a lovely condo and it has been good to my husband, myself and our two little critters. But like me, I know the pups would love the open air and lots of land. I know when they're running in their sleep, it's through wheat fields, feeling free as a bird and chasing varmints... They told me.

Here they are.

Athena- dreaming of what life would be like on a farm....
&
Zeus- well, go ahead and fill in the blank. He's always giving me quizzical looks and I wonder sometimes if there's a little person in there.

~~~

Because very few of us are afforded the luxury of country livin' (moo cows en tow), I thought I'd lasso a lil of that country and bring it home. I'll show you how you can do it too with coffee, fabric and basic sewing skills.

Here's a country pillow I made.

Instructions:

To get the rustic look of the pillow, take a cut piece of canvas cloth and drop it in a pot of boiling water complete with coffee grounds and instant coffee.

After you're satisfied with the stain, bake it in the oven on a cookie pan until it is dry.

For the tractor image, Google "free stencils". It doesn't have to be a tractor, so find one you like! Print it out on a piece of clear sheet protector and cut out the center. Once you are ready to apply the image, lay out your canvas cloth and apply a spray adhesive to the back of your stencil to ensure there isn't any "stray sprays" hitting the fabric. Once you center your stencil, spray the image in with brown spray paint.

After it dries, go ahead and sew up the pillow with fabric you chose for the back. That's it! Now you have some southern charm--minus the farm! Eh-hem. :)

It's hard to tell, but I think she's a fan.

~Rachelle

Fall Centerpiece - DIY

2011-10-05T18:58:00.000-07:00

Okay guys, it doesn't get much easier than this. If you want a snazzy Fall centerpiece for around $10 and want to say you did it yourself- keep reading! Everything about this project I bought at the dollar store, with the exception of the spray paint and glue (Walmart).

Here's what you need:
Spray paint (I used Gold) $2.50
A small package of faux leaves $1
Potpourri $1
Candle $1
1 Dinner plate $1
1 Martini glass $1
1 Bowl $1
Glass glue $3 ( I also hear super glue works, but I have yet to try it out)

Instructions:
Wash and dry your dishes. Apply glue to the top of the martini glass along the rim. Place this upside down in the center of the topside of the dinner plate. Give this a few minutes to dry before applying glue to the bottom edge of the martini glass and centering the bottom of the bowl on top. Let this site for about 30 minutes before spray painting your color in a well ventilated area. Spray your second coat about 30 minutes later. Flip it upside down to get the bottom, as well. Again, wait 30 minutes to allow for dry time. (Here you have the option to spray a layer of clear gloss, but it's not necessary.)

Now just add your faux leaves to the bottom dish and your potpourri and candle to the bowl on top and you're finished. Easy-peasy! Put it on display at the dinner table or coffee table for that warm Autumn touch and admire a job well done. :)

~Rachelle

Pillows for the Fall

2011-10-04T21:37:00.000-07:00

Mmmmm, I can smell Fall in the air! Yay! Autumn has quickly become my favorite season (sorry Summer) - The crisp cool air, pumpkin patches, apple pie, football and the COLORS! Thus, in the spirit of the season, I got creative.

These pillows are my first attempt at sewing my own. (Actually they are my first finished sewing project that I am happy with!) Yes, it is very easy to go out and buy some cute pillow covers to switch up your decor, but I knew I wouldn't find what I had envisioned. So here are a few of the ideas I had, and gave them life! Fun fun! ;)

Goldenrod pillows: Microsuede pillow covers, hand-made silk flowers.

Pumpkin pillow: Canvas cloth pillow cover, silk used for the pumpkin and free stitching on the stem. (My comfiest pillow out of the bunch. If I'm not using it, the dog is!)

Plaid front pillow: Canvas cloth, black swirly fabric, plaid & ribbon. (This one is not a pillow cover.) I wanted to try stuffing and sewing up a full pillow.

**I just want to add, that if you are just starting out in the sewing world - Congrats! I tried sewing purses, shirts, you name it. I always felt unsatisfied with how they were turning out. But pillows- now there is an easy-to-do sewing project and they will give any room a nice new look without having to spend a ton of money! Look for sales at your fabric store and use pillows you already own to save even more! Happy Sewing!

~ Rachelle

Crafts

A Temporary Angel

2011-10-03T23:03:00.000-07:00

Yes, yes. I know puppies chew (everything) and poop and pee (in all other places but those with grass!) and bark and whine (4:30am - Good Morning!) and just have a natural tendency to make you want to pull your hair out and vow that you will NEVER go the puppy route ever AGAIN.

However...

There are those brief moments when they are still. (Let me emphasize, BRIEF.) And suddenly the eyes that were once looking for trouble, now appear to have morphed into a melt-worthy blend of a Precious Moments doll and a Saturday morning cartoon character.

So please - take this moment to dribble into a puddle of goo with me as you are lucky enough to witness a calm Basset Hound puppy. These moments are few and far between, but make it all worth while!

~Rachelle

Welcome!

2011-10-03T16:47:00.000-07:00

Hello out there,

Here is the dawning of my first post. Very exciting. A friend of mine talked me into starting a blog for all my creations, and Wallah! - Here she be. I hope to use this site as a means of displaying new ideas to inspire like-minded, creative people or just those who like to stop by on a rainy day. :) I don't have one form of art or craft that I can say I have honed in on- just yet. I may never. But you will find sewing projects, paintings, random crafts, DIY projects (and some things that just make my heart smile) that I hope you will enjoy and maybe find helpful!

Happy Dazing
~Rachelle