Grow Creative

Paper Butterfly Art Tutorial

2013-05-24T07:00:00.000-06:00

My butterfly paper punch is one of my favorite craft tools. I seriously can't get enough of making tiny paper butterflies, even if I don't know what to do with them all! haha! They're just pretty so I keep making them! Maybe I'm a little addicted :)

Here's an idea I came up with to use some of them up........

Paper Butterfly Art Tutorial

Materials:

Card Stock or Watercolor Paper - cut to desired size

Other colored or decorative patterned papers

Butterfly paper punch (optional- you can make this without it, but this makes it much easier)

Photo Stickers

Ballpoint Pen

Step 1: Using a butterfly paper punch, cut out butterflies of different colors and patterns. I used two plain colored papers and then some fun patterned paper I made before by stamping with watercolors.

If you don't have a butterfly punch, cut butterflies out of paper by folding the paper in half and and cutting the shape of a butterfly's wing out of it- similar to cutting paper hearts. You can find a tutorial for butterflies HERE.

Step 2: Arrange your paper butterflies on your card stock paper. You can line them all up in rows or place some in a corner and have them flying up from there to make it more interesting.

Step 3: One by one, place a photo sticker on the back of each butterfly and press it into place on the card stock. I had to cut the photo stickers in half for them to fit my butterflies.

Step 4: After you have all the butterflies stuck on your paper, you can add a little more interest by drawing the antennae with a ballpoint pen.

Step 5: Don't forget to sign your masterpiece!

And the winner is.......

2013-05-23T08:21:00.001-06:00

We have a winner for the Blogiversary Giveaway!

Kelly Thompson..... you are the winner of a Giclee Print from my shop! Congratulations! I'll be contacting you soon!

And to all of you who participated, a big THANK YOU! It was fun! I think I'll do more of these in the future :)

9 Petal Summer Flower Motif: Free Pattern

2013-05-21T07:30:00.000-06:00

Ready for a new free crochet pattern? Here's a fun one I came up with for summer!

9 Petal Summer Flower Motif

(Copyright Elise Engh 2013: Please do not distribute this pattern as your own)

Materials: Any yarn of choice

Any size crochet hook

Darning needle

Abbreviations: ch = chain

sl st = slip stitch

sc = single crochet

hdc = half double crochet

dc = double crochet

st = stitch

sts = stitches

Round 1: ch 12, sl st into first ch to form a ring.

Round 2: ch 1, work 18 sc into ring, sl st in first sc to join.

Round 3: ch1, sc in same st as last sl st, *ch 3, skip next sc, sc in next sc, repeat from * around 8 times, ending in ch 3, sl st in first sc. (9 loops for petals)

Round 4: sl st into next ch 3 space, ch 1, work (sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc) in same space for petal. *(sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc) in next ch 3 space, repeat from * around 7 times (work in new color of yarn before the join, if desired), join with sl st in first sc. (9 petals)

Round 5: *ch 6, skip next 4 sts, sc in next st (space between petals). Repeat from * around 8 times. (9 petal loops)

Round 6: sl st in next ch 6 space, ch 1, work (sc, hdc, 3dc, hdc, sc) in same space for petal. * (sc, hdc, 3dc, hdc, sc) in next ch 6 space. Repeat from * around 7 times, (work in new color of yarn before the join, if desired) join with sl st in first sc. (9 petals)

Round 7: *Ch 8, skip next 6 sts, sc in next st (space between petals). Repeat from * around 8 times. (9 petal loops)

Round 8: sl st into next ch 8 space, ch 1, work (2sc, 2 hdc, 3 dc, 2 hdc, 2 sc) into same space for petal. *(2 sc, 2 hdc, 3 dc, 2 hdc, 2 sc) into next ch 8 space. Repeat from * around 7 times. Join with sl st in first sc. (9 petals)

Fasten off and weave in ends.

These flowers whip up pretty fast and are great stash buster projects. I've made five of them now and am trying to decide if I want to make a purse with them or just stick them on a pillow. What would you use them for?

You can Download the Printable PDF HERE too, so you can get busy making your own! Happy Crocheting!

Photo of the Week

2013-05-20T07:51:00.000-06:00

Love this time of year....... love the lilacs! These are from a neighbors yard that I walk by often. We've planted two tiny lilac bushes in our yard and I can't for them to grow up and produce blossoms like these :)

Hope you're all having a good start to your week!

A Happy Three Years of Blogging

2013-05-17T08:00:00.000-06:00

Today marks three years since I started this blog! It's been a fun journey. I never thought I would be doing so much when I started it, but it has been a blessing in my life. It's helped me grow in many ways.

But on the flip side, the more involved I get, the more time it takes. I'm constantly trying to find the right balance with blogging and the rest of my life. I'm sure one day I will have to slow down. We've been waiting for what seems like for-ev-er to have more kids while we sorted through my health problems and now that things are going well and I'm off all my meds, we may be getting close to that! We couldn't be happier! We'll see what this next year brings!

Here are my favorite posts from my third year of blogging:

Tin Can Lanterns

Bike with Balloons Painting

Infinity Scarf Pattern

Ocean Painting on Fence Boards

Decorative Stones

Watercolor Portrait Tutorial

Bag of Flowers

Watercolor Birds

P.S. Don't forget to enter my Blogiversary Giveaway for a chance to win a Giclee Print from my shop! It ends May 23rd!

Blogiversary Giveaway

2013-05-16T00:00:00.000-06:00

Guess What?! Tomorrow is my 3rd blogiversary! Whooooowhooo!

In honor of all of you readers out there I'm hosting my very first ever GIVEAWAY! You get a chance to win a Giclee Print from my Etsy Shop!

Details:

Giveaway starts Thursday May 16th 12:00 AM Mountain Time and ends Thursday May 23rd 12:00 AM Mountain Time.
I'll announce and contact the winner on Thursday May 23rd.
Make sure to visit the Giclee Prints Section of my shop and leave me a comment on this post about which one is your favorite and you could win it!
Don't forget to leave your email with your comment so I can contact you if you win!

Just follow the form below and have fun!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mother's Day Postcards

2013-05-14T07:24:00.000-06:00

Since I was vacationing at the beach before Mother's Day, I took the chance to do a little painting.....

These watercolor postcards are what I sent to the Mother's in my life. I wish I could paint at the beach every week!

Photos of the Past Two Weeks in California

2013-05-13T00:36:00.000-06:00

I'm back from California! Bet ya didn't even know I was gone, right? I try not to advertise online when I'm going away, especially if it's for two whole weeks like this time. Southern California is crowded and not too kid-friendly, but man, is it gorgeous! This trip was worth saving for! Here are a few- ok actually a lot- of photos of what I enjoyed :)

We visited LOTS of beaches, always my favorite, and a few other places in LA,Orange County, and San Diego you might recognize. My little Porter LOVED Disneyland and it turns out that the beginning of May is the best time to go there - 68 degrees and not crowded- awesome!

I tried to keep up with emails and comments while away. I think I replied to all of you who have your emails linked to your comments at least. As always, thanks for your comments- they mean a lot to me!

A Look at my Sktechbook

2013-05-09T08:00:00.000-06:00

Playing with more arrows and feather-type designs.....

I bought these awesome fabric markers I'm dying to try out on a t-shirt sometime, but I gotta get all my ideas down first. I have too many and I can't decide!

What designs do you like best?

T-shirt Up-cycle: Flower Embroidery

2013-05-07T09:00:00.000-06:00

This is the first time I have tried to embroider since I was about 10 years old. Embroidering pillow cases with my grandma as a kid wasn't too exciting, but now I'm starting to like it. It's way more fun when you can up-cycle a t-shirt with some pretty flowers!

I found this cute free pattern and tutorial HERE. Mine didn't turn out as nicely as the tutorial... I'm a bit rusty.

I cut out the embroidery patch and sewed it on my once-long-sleeved-tee..... it had to be turned into a short sleeve thanks to a chain link fence that caught the sleeve and ripped it. Oh well..... sometimes those accidents turn out to be a good thing. Now I have something new for summer!

You win some, You lose some

2013-05-02T10:00:00.000-06:00

Hey guys! Today I want to share a few paintings..... one that I mostly like and one that I really don't like much at all. They are far from perfect, but I'll share them anyway.

Mostly I just post the paintings I'm really happy with, but in reality, about half of my paintings don't turn out the way I want. I have quite a collection in my art cupboard of the experiments, the rejects, and just the plain mess-ups.

So this poppy painting here, I'm pretty happy with. The purple poppy has a weird looking petal hanging off the bottom, but I love the colors. This would be worth another go for sure!

This one here is of some kind of roses (I forget which kind) and was a bit of an experiment. Not my fav,but I think I learned how not paint with this one. Hopefully with each painting I can figure out watercolors a little bit better. They can be so temperamental, but have a lot of possibilities :)

Thrifted Mirror Make-Over with a Mustache

2013-04-30T08:00:00.000-06:00

Hey guys! I have a fun post up today that I originally guest posted at Chic On A ShoeString Decorating a few weeks ago.

Here's a little before and after thrift store find. Check out this mirror I found for $2!

After covering the glass with paper and masking tape (that was seriously the hardest part) I gave it few coats of spray paint. Amazing what a little aqua paint can do! It's now hanging in my living room :)

My brilliant husband thought it would be cool to draw a mustache on it too......I love how his brain works! I drew one with some window crayons (yes, they are washable) and let me tell you, it took MANY tries with my camera to get it lined up just right on my face....but I always knew I'd look cool with a twirly mustache :)

Photo of the Week

2013-04-29T07:30:00.000-06:00

Yea! After weeks of cold and snow, spring has finally decided to come back to us!

I spent some time photographing the cherry tree blossoms at different times of day in different light. This is my favorite shot.... it's in the morning as the sun's coming up. It was a hard shot to get because I had to look into the sun, but I guess it was worth it! It's so light and happy!

Melted Crayon Art Tutorial

2013-04-25T08:00:00.000-06:00

So, you may have seen some lovely melted crayon abstract art on canvas somewhere out there on the inter-webs..... I have! It inspired me to try out some melted crayon on paper with my son.

Here's a little tutorial for ya, so you can go make your own Melted Crayon Abstract Art with your kids, your spouse, your friends...... whoever!

Materials:
Paper
Masking Tape
Crayons
Hair Dryer

Step 1: Lay out some paper (I used 90 lb drawing paper because it's a little more durable, but regular computer paper will work too) and tape it down to a table or board. This will make a nice border and keep the paper in place for the next steps.

Step 2: Start coloring and scribbling with the crayons. This is supposed to be abstract, so don't worry about making it look like something. Just go with the flow. You can even get the kids involved with this part.

Step 3: Start melting some crayon wax on your paper by blowing a hair dryer on high heat on the tip of the crayon (this part should not be done by children). Be careful not to blow that heat directly on your fingers or hands... that can hurt. You can wear gloves or even hold the crayon with some tongs if you want.

It takes a few seconds for the crayon wax to melt enough to start dripping, but once it gets to that point, let it drips and flow on your paper. You can hold the blow dryer right next to the melted wax on the paper to blow it in different directions.

Step 4: Continue melting wax and doodling all over paper until you feel like you're done. You can do as many layers as your paper can take! Have fun with it!

Step 5: After the crayon wax is all cooled, gently pull the tape off the edges and admire your abstract crayon work!

Crochet Collar

2013-04-23T07:30:00.000-06:00

A while ago I tried something new with crochet... I made a collar! It was much more simple than I thought it would be. You can find the pattern HERE for free.

I'm not sure I'll actually wear this, even though I think it's pretty. I like the vintage look, but I just don't know if it's me. Maybe I need an elegant sweater to go with it. But then again, how often do I wear anything elegant? ... haha! Most days I live in t-shirts and comfy pants. Yep, I like to be comfortable, especially when I'm just hanging out at home :)

Photos of the Week

2013-04-22T08:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Earth Day!

I have to do another post with multiple photos this week. I was having waaaaaay too much fun with my camera and the grape hyacinth's I put in a vase. They're so pretty close-up and they almost smell like lilacs!

These cheer me up every time I see them on my kitchen table. I've needed it too... we've all been sick... yuck! And the worst part is that we were hoping to finally take our vacation to CA, which we've been planning and saving for, for like... for-ev-er! I wasn't sure I would be doing well enough with the migraines to go last weekend anyway, but a part of me was still hoping. Oh well, we'll make it another time. We'll just have to quarantine ourselves and be hermits for a while so we don't get sick again.. haha!

Watercolor Butterflies

2013-04-19T08:00:00.000-06:00

My latest, happy little butterflies.....

This time I tried painting them more wet on wet and I'm really happy with how they turned out. Watercolors are the perfect medium to paint butterflies! They let you show the translucence of the wings better than other paints.

The Blue Morpho Butterfly is my favorite... I guess you now know where the image for my new blog header came from! They are all for sale HERE.

10 Nature Projects for Your Home

2013-04-18T07:00:00.000-06:00

Is doing a round-up of your own projects allowed? I use nature in creating art and beautiful things for my home a lot, so I thought I'd share all these ideas in honor of Earth Day!

Here are some Earth Friendly Projects you can try with natural materials you might find right out in your own backyard:

1. Decorative Stones : Use sharpies to draw on stones (or you could use rub-on tattoos if you don't draw) and finish with a coat of modge podge for some fun home decor.

2. Love Rocks: Draw or paint hearts on rocks and leave around your home or the neighborhood to spread some love.

3. Paper Punched Leaves: Use paper punches on leaves to make fun cutouts for art or card-making projects.

4. Sharpie Decorated Leaves: Trace natural outlines on leaves with sharpies to make some leaf art.

5. Fruit Printing: Use fruit and watercolors to make fun fruit print cards or art.

6. Flower Printing: Use flowers, grass, and other plants to make some fun art.

7. Pineapple Top Centerpiece: Save the top of your pineapple for your table centerpiece.

8. Natural Spring Wreath: Use vines and acorns to decorate for spring.

9. Painted Birdhouse Gourds: Transform ordinary birdhouse gourds into works of art with acrylic paints.

10. Mini Paper Plate Diorama: Use leaves, rocks, branches and dirt to make fun dioramas with the kids.

A Look at my Sketchbook: Arrows

2013-04-16T15:07:00.000-06:00

I've been doodling a lot in my sketchbook and have tons to catch up on. I've been busy creating... my favorite thing to do!

We'll start with my arrow sketches. My husband says this one reminds him of transformers...haha! That is not what I had in mind when I drew it, but I have to agree with him..... maybe it's the colors... or the stripes.

And then I drew a much more muted version of arrows. This may be material for a watercolor painting someday. We'll see :)

Photo of the Week

2013-04-15T06:41:00.000-06:00

Of all the things happening in the spring, my favorite to see are the blossoms! I get so much joy from taking photos of them, smelling them, and just looking at them :)

I just read something really great last night. I had heard this before, but had forgotten it.
" As you take the normal opportunities of your daily life and create something of beauty and helpfulness, you improve not only the world around you but also the world within you." -Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Reading this reminded me of why I love to create so much. I can't explain how much it has lifted me and gotten me through tough times. It has helped me to truly be thankful for and find joy in the small things in life..... like cherry blossoms.

Printing with Flowers

2013-04-11T07:30:00.000-06:00

Grape Hyacinths..... so pretty, but so invasive. These little bulb flowers were once planted in flower beds and are now all over our front lawn.

Good thing I came up with a fun art project to put these to use! My son had a great time smashing flowers with me :)

Materials:

Flowers, grass, weeds- whatever kinds you like

heavy weight paper- I used 300lb watercolor paper

a sheet of regular printer paper

hammer (optional)

Step 1. Gather up and wash some flowers and grasses. Just to make sure they will work on your nice paper, test them out on some scrap paper first to make sure they will work. I couldn't get leaves to work with this method, but try whatever you like!

Step 2: Arrange your flowers and grasses on your nice heavy weight paper.

Step 3: Place a regular sheet of printer paper on top of your arrangement- you can fold your printer paper in half if you like.

Step 4: Without moving your flower arrangement, press the printer paper on top of it carefully, making sure to squish the juices and natural dyes out of the plants. This is where you might need a hammer. The grape hyacinths pressed easily with my fingers, but I had to pound the grasses to make any marks on the paper.

Step 5: Lift the printer paper off and see the prints you made with the dyes of the flowers. Remove the smashed plants and repeat the previous steps to add more to your artwork, if desired.

Step 6: Some plant remnants may still stick to your paper, so let it dry and then scrape off the extra stuff.

Yea! You're all done. You can frame your artwork or make custom cards out of them!

Zesty Lemon Pound Cake

2013-04-10T15:26:00.000-06:00

Like I've said before..... my husband is a much better cook than I am. I'm ok with that, especially when he makes us yummy food :) I'm pretty sure he's better at it because he enjoys cooking more than I do. If you enjoy something, you tend to be better at it. I mostly cook out of necessity, not for fun. So there ya go.

So here's the tasty treat my husband made for us last weekend.... a Zesty Lemon Pound Cake. The recipe comes from Nestle Toll House: you can find it HERE.

I didn't get any pictures of us eating it, but it was soooooo good with fresh strawberries and cream!

The Bag of Flowers

2013-04-09T08:00:00.000-06:00

Don't you just love spring? Birds sing, green things grow, and flowers start popping up everywhere..... even on thrifted canvas bags :)

Ok, so this bag make-over didn't just happen on it's own. It took a little work.

I started with an ugly 75-cent canvas bag from the thrift store and my horde of crochet flowers (I made all these flowers years ago. I had no idea what to do with them all... they were just fun to make)!

I hot glued the flowers (you can find a great pattern here) and a couple sea pennies on. So much easier than sewing them all on!

Now I have a cute bag to take to the library or the beach!

Photo of the Week

2013-04-08T07:49:00.000-06:00

Seeing Daffodils pop up in my front yard makes me so happy! After a long and cold winter, it's spring again and with it comes joy and hope.

Even though I took a break from blogging last week, I still worked on projects- most of which involve flowers in one form or another. I love creating! It's so therapeutic for me. Speaking of therapy, I also listened to General Conference over the weekend. It was very uplifting as well. I love this time of year!

New Strength

2013-04-05T08:31:00.000-06:00

Hey! I'm back. I've had a relaxing blogging break and I want thank you for all your kind comments, concern, and prayers. Your love and kindness overwhelm me. I am happy to know that there are so many good people out there that care. Thank you! I wish I could reach out through my computer and give each of you a hug! You are amazing.

Today I want to write about something I don't write about very often on this blog. I'm going to share something spiritual, something deeply personal.

I've suffered a lot of physical pain in my life. Most of the time I have had faith enough to get through the hardest times, but once in a while I start to lose hope. I start to wonder if my Father in Heaven really cares and how He can let me suffer so much. I want to give up because it is just too much. The last time I wrote, I was having such a moment. But I can tell you, no matter how hard your trials may be, the Lord always provides a way for you to make it through. It may not be easy, but He loves you and will help you.

While my life has not been completely pain free this past week, I have found new strength that I didn't know I had. I have learned to rely more upon my Savior, Jesus Christ, and I know I can make it through whatever trials I have to face with His help.

This video I'm sharing is something that I know was meant for me. I cried so hard the first time I watched it because the message applies to me so personally and I know that it is true. I cried because it was evidence to me of God's love for me. He sent me exactly what I needed when I needed it.

So, if you are struggling with any trial in your life, please watch this. It has helped me to take courage to keep moving forward with faith and made it possible for me to push through more pain that I thought I could. I hope I can always remember what is taught here, that
"acting on even a twig of faith allows God to grow it".

You can read the full talk given by Henry B. Eyring HERE.