During the spring season people begin spring-cleaning around their homes, and during the summer it is the perfect time to do some in house decorating. This summer in case you are looking for a way to brighten up your home, we’ve got a great project to show you today. This flowers and polka dot lampshade designed by Kindra Boroff makes the perfect addition to any room in your home.

This vibrant lampshade is sure to capture everyone’s attention. To make this project you will need to use items from our new line of mod melts and mod molds. Cathie and Steve designed this line, and with it you can make all kind of crafty embellishments to add to your projects. This new line is available at Michaels. We are so excited about this line, and be on the lookout for us to show you even more projects featuring the new items. Below are all the supplies you will need, along with the complete instructions.

It’s time to pack up the fall and winter clothes, and bring out the summer fashions. While bringing out those summer wardrobe pieces, don’t forget to unpack your sandals and flip-flops. The right summer shoes are critical to completing any outfit. In case you would like to refresh your shoe collection, consider this summer making some stylish shoes.

Not sure where to begin, we today we would like to share these refashioned flip-flops with you. What do you think? We love them, and believe they would be a great fit in your summer wardrobe. Although these flip-flops may look like trendy designer flip flops, actually these were handmade. This summer become a shoe designer and make a pair for yourself. We found these vibrant flip flops on the blog, Crafts Unleashed.

We are absolutely amazed at how with just a few supplies, you can transform a pair of ordinary flip-flops into some extraordinary. One thing we really love about this project is that it shows you just how versatile Mod Podge can be. It can be used on several surfaces, and for several types of craft projects including DIY fashion projects. Jazz up your summer shoe collection and learn how to make this project here.

T.G.I.F. The weekend is upon us and we hope you take this time to unleash your creativity. Weekends are the perfect time to tryout new project ideas, or to finally do that project you’ve been eying on Pinterest. In case you’re still stumped on what to create let us suggest this charming lavender sachet.

Not sure what this is? Well this project is a great way to package your favorite scent, and then use to give as gifts to loved ones or keep for yourself and place them throughout your home. We discovered this unique project on the amazing blog, Pink Cake Plate. While most people have been creating jewelry pieces with items from the new Martha Stewart jewelry line, Laura designed this charming sachet.

This is a great example to show how jewelry pieces can be used in other ways besides the traditional necklace or bracelet. This project is a must to tryout. So what are you waiting for? Head on over to Pink Cake Plate to see all the supplies used, and there you find the complete step-by-step instructions. Enjoy!

One of the simplest ways to put a personal touch on a handmade craft project is by adding embellishments. Embellishments come in a variety of different styles. You can often find premade embellishments at your local craft store, or within your own knickknacks at home. This summer we have a special surprise for you from Cathie and Steve.

In this video hosted by Cathie Filian and Steve Piacenza they are super excited to show you their new line of Mod Podge Mod Melts and Mod Molds. With these products they allow you to create embellishments in any color you want in less than 10 minutes. These melts and molds require no mixing, and have no toxic smells. They create the perfect embellishments for mixed media projects, jewelry, and home decor crafts. This new line is available exclusively at Michaels. You can view the video by clicking the image below or watch it here.

Capture your beach memories this summer by storing them on a wearable item. Not sure how to do this? Well take a cue from Amanda and see how she made this Beach “Memory” Photo Pendant Necklace.

Regardless of the year there is one summer trend that never goes out of style, nautical. In this pendant necklace Amanda added several nautical elements, which can be found in the new Martha Stewart jewelry line. This is a simple project to recreate, and perfect for any level crafter.

With the new items in this new line, they make jewelry making so easy. Once you complete making this necklace feel free to add more pictures to other jewelry items. Try adding and storing memories to a bracelet or a pair of earrings. To learn about all the supplies used, and to see step by step instructions of this jewelry project visit, Serenity Now.

(The Martha Stewart jewelry line is exclusively available at Michaels)

Looking for a cool way to upcycle a basic glass bottle? Why not decorate it with a timeless silkscreen design? Well now thanks to Martha Stewart craft products, you can select from several beautiful silkscreen designs. Using these silkscreens you will then use etching cream to apply onto the glass piece of your choice. In the post below take a look at how designer and Plaid Enterprises craft expert, Ed Roth uses a Martha Stewart silkscreen to embellish a basic glass bottle. Enjoy.

Wrapping a stencil around a bottle is not so easy. Couple that with applying a thinner than paint etching cream, only adds to difficulty. Traditionally this type of cream seeps a little under a stencil, but luckily there is a craft solution. The new adhesive silk-screen stencils by Martha Stewart make glass etching a foolproof process.

Yes, Martha Stewart and the people at Plaid have created yet again an easy to use tool, so you can be creative and not worry about messing up! These silkscreens are really easy to use and there are lots of tasteful designs to choose from. Here’s what I did.

First, I peeled the silkscreen off of it’s backing and placed it where I wanted the design to appear on the bottle. The back is sticky, re-positionable, and reusable.

Here’s a better shot so you see it really is a screen. This helps control your paint or in this case etching cream.

Then with protective gloves on, I brushed a generous amount of the cream onto the open areas of the stencil. Craft Tip: Go in a few directions so you don’t see brush strokes.

After 15 minutes, I rinsed the bottle with the screen still attached in the sink.  I peeled the screen completely off at this time, and washed the bottle, the brush, and the screen/stencil.

I dried off the bottle and that’s when you can really see your etched design!

To finish it off, I carved an old champagne cork for the top and tied some twine around the neck to give it a vintage look.

It was so gratifying, that I went hunting for even more glass bottles! Hope this inspires you and please show me what you make.

To see even more creative projects from Ed check out his blog, Stencil 1.

Happy Monday! Welcome to the beginning of a new workweek, and the official countdown to Father’s Day. Father’s day is only a few short days away, and in case you didn’t spend last weekend getting your special guy a gift we’re here to offer some last minute suggestions.

If you Dad is a sports fanatic then he’s sure to love this sports theme triple frame. It makes a great gift for the sporty man in your life. Let them know you are their number one fan! Jane Chandler created this frame using several supplies including various FolkArt paints, and Mod Podge.

Once you’ve completed the frame, add pictures of your Dad. He is sure to love this thoughtful handmade gift. This project will take a little bit of time to complete, but if you start on it today it’ll be ready before Father’s Day. All the supplies needed for this project are below, along with their instructions.

PLAID Supplies

• Plaid ® Wood Surfaces – Frames – Triptych Square Hanging
• FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors – Pueblo, 2 oz.
• FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors – Teddy Bear Brown, 2 oz.
• FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors – Wicker White, 2 oz.
• FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors – Licorice, 2 oz.
• FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors – Christmas Red, 2 oz.
• Mod Podge ® Gloss, 8 oz.

Other Supplies

Scissors Black fine tip permanent marker
Foam plate for paints
Spray sealer
¾” Flat paintbrush
#8 Flat paintbrush
#1 Round paintbrush
Scrapbook papers

Instructions

1. Remove all frame inserts.
2. Paint top frame with Pueblo; let dry.
3. Paint middle frame with Wicker White; let dry.
4. Paint bottom frame with Teddy Bear Brown; let dry.
5. Referring to photo for placement, use permanent marker to draw seams on baseball.
6. Referring to photo for placement, use #8 paintbrush and Licorice Black to paint lines of basketball on top frame. Let dry.
7. Referring to photo for placement, use #1 round paintbrush and Christmas Red to paint lines of baseball on middle frame. Let dry.
8. Referring to photo for placement, use #8 paintbrush and Wicker White to paint lines of football on bottom frame. Let dry.
9. Referring to photo for placement, use permanent marker to write words and draw stitches on football.
10. Apply a coat of sealer to frame; set aside.
11. Using paper insert as a pattern cut one piece from each scrapbook paper pattern.
12. Use Mod Podge to attach scrapbook paper to wood frame inserts, smoothing out any wrinkles. Let dry.
13. Attach photos as desired over scrapbook papers; place protective insert over pictures and reassemble frame.

We hope you’re weekend is off to a great start. In case you plan on crafting today, we wanted to share some information about a new item from the new Martha Stewart jewelry line. Martha Stewart Crafts Jewelry Glaze gives the jewelry crafter multiple options to apply finishes to their pieces. Paint metal a bold fashionable color or give it an antique look. The water-based Jewelry Glaze is available in eight colors, and can be painted directly on metal, resin, and most jewelry surfaces.

In this video learn how to apply the Martha Stewart Crafts Jewelry Glaze to any jewelry project. This entire new Martha Stewart Crafts Jewelry line you can be found exclusively at Michaels, and to learn more information on this new line visit www.plaidonline.com and www.michaels.com. Watch the video by clicking the image below, or by clicking here.

(Video Moderated by Candie Cooper)

Step out in style this summer by showing off some fabulous accessories. Not sure where to find some head turning pieces, why not make your own this summer? One of the hottest trends right now is DIY fashion. Unleash your inner designer and become a craftinista. Not sure how to channel all your fashion sense into a DIY project, why not tryout jewelry making?

If you’re new to making jewelry don’t fret, because with the new Martha Stewart jewelry line it makes jewelry making an easy crafting experience. Not only is the line extensive, it is versatile and you can create pieces to fit your style. If you have a bit of a dainty/classic style then you will love this charm bracelet and cocktail ring. These two pieces were created using items from the new Martha Stewart jewelry line, which is exclusively sold at Michaels. Over on the blog, Trinkets in Bloom you can find step by step instructions with images of how you can recreate these items. Both pieces are very fashionable, and would compliment almost any summertime look. Enjoy and happy jewelry making.