Snaps of Ginger

4 Easy Heat Transfer Vinyl Projects

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 14:47:00 +0000

Personalized Tea Towels

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 13:05:00 +0000

I'm posting late because I had a busy weekend of errands, housecleaning, and Vacation Bible School decorating.

I want to share these fun tea towels I made. While shopping at Ross I found a set of 4 tea towels with a red stripe for only $2.99. I am all about a bargain!! I still had 2 red sheets of heat transfer vinyl (HTV) from a bundle pack I bought from Expressions Vinyl so I knew exactly what to do with them.

I recently read a post on the Silhouette School blog about using dingbat fonts to add images on the Silhouette Cameo. I downloaded a cooking/baking themed dingbat font and found the cupcakes and whisk I used in this project. Such a great way to find new FREE images!!

I made 4 separate designs for the towels then combined as many of the images and words as I could onto one sheet so I could make them in one cut. I was able to fit all but one set of text and one image so I only made 2 towels so far.

I used the same method as in my earlier HTV post here.

The towels look perfect in my kitchen.

Linking up with:

Au Revoir Graphic Tee

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 19:02:00 +0000

I am loving the graphic tees that are so popular right now. When you can make them yourself it's even more fun because the possibilities are endless.

One of the advantages of being crafty is that when I see something I like I can make it. And usually I can make it for a fraction of the price. As I took my daily stroll through the photos on People.com I saw this t-shirt worn by Kate Bekinsale and my daily mantra of "I can make that!" ran through my head. The shirt she has on is $78. I made mine for less than $5!

Source: People.com

Supplies: Old Navy T-shirt, Silhouette Cameo, Black Heat Transfer Vinyl, Iron

First, I designed the text using the Silhouette program on my computer. I simply played around different fonts until I liked the way it looked. REMEMBER: You will need to reverse the text for this project!!

Next, I measured the front of the shirt to determine the size of the text.

I placed my Silhouette Heat Transfer Vinyl shiny side down on the cutting mat, set my blade to 9, and cut the design 3 times to ensure a complete and sharp cut. Then I weeded the extra vinyl off of the clear backing to leave on the text.

Finally, I placed the vinyl where I wanted it on the shirt shiny side up this time. I used a dry, hot iron on the vinyl until the clear backing peeled off cleanly. I wasn't sure if the fine print font I had chosen would work well but it turned out perfect.

This is an example of how I would style my shirt. How would you style yours?

Au Revoir by snapsofginger featuring a fuchsia purse

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Wild Graphic Tanks

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 13:32:00 +0000

I recently worked on a tie-dye graphic shirt project for Rit Dye. I ended up with 6 designs but only needed 2. I loved all the designs so I am slowly using all of them on various projects.

I have a good blogger friend who volunteered to edit my wordier posts. As a thank you I created these shirts for 2 of his daughters. I let them pick the design and colors they liked best.

I bought 2 tanks from Walmart. You can't beat the $4.00 price! I ordered the Sunrise Heat Transfer Vinyl Pack from Expressions Vinyl. From there I used the Pink and Hibiscus colors. I also used Silhouette Heat Transfer Vinyl in Black.

First, I inserted a piece of cardboard into the tank to stretch the shirts out as if it was being worn. Next, I measured the area the graphic would be placed.

Since I had pre-designed the graphic, I needed to resize the images of the graphic and text to fit the shirts. In this case, 11x11.

Next, I moved the arrows off of the cutting area. Then I offset the text and removed the inner line of text. I did this to widen the font. IMPORTANT: You need to reverse the image if it contains text.

Next, I placed the pink vinyl (shiny side down!!) on my cutting mat. I ended up having to set my blade to 9 and cut 3 times to get a clean cut all the way through the vinyl. My blade may be getting dull... I repeated this process using the hibiscus vinyl then cut the sheet around the text and weeded away the extra leaving only letters.

Next, I removed the text from the cutting area and added the arrows back in. I duplicated the set to cut all the arrows in one cut. I cut the black vinyl using the process above.

Finally, I arranged the pieces shiny side up and ironed each piece of the graphic starting from the middle with the text. I used a hot, dry iron and pressed firmly, moving the iron back and forth over the vinyl until I was able to peel the clear film up.

The finished products:

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Kid's Art Display Center

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 12:13:00 +0000

My friend recently asked me to design an art display center for her boys. I came up with a couple projects and then some fun decorative pieces to help pull it all together. We went shopping at Michael's for all of the materials and then I had some very special helpers for the projects.

For these fun initials I used two wooden initials, coordinating paper, and craft glue. First, I traced the initial backwards onto the back of the paper and cut it out. Next, my helper used a foam brush to paint the initial with craft glue. And then we smoothed on the paper.

For this project I used a wooden yardstick, small clothespins, craft paint, and glue. First, my helper painted the clothespins. After they were dry I glued them on the yardstick.

For these fun chalkboards, I used wooden conversation bubbles and my helper painted it with chalkboard paint. After, it was dry, we primed the board by coloring fully with chalk and then erasing it.

For more art display, I bought 12x12 cork squares and then made fun dinosaur tacks using plastic dinosaurs and gluing tacks to them with E-6000 glue.

My friend and her sons were really excited with their new display.

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Painted Flag T-Shirt

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 12:31:00 +0000

I really wish I had a funny story or words of wisdom to add to this post. But I got nuthin'... SO you get boring old Cheryl.

This flag shirt came together in less than an hour which is my favorite kind of project. I wasn't going for precision. I wanted it to have a bit of a worn, rustic look. Probably because I was watching Junk Gypsies while making it!!

Materials: Cotton T-shirt // Rit Color Perfect Dye // Painter's Tape // Foam Stars

All the materials except the dye came from Michael's.

First, I fit a piece of cardboard into the shirt so the dye would not soak through to the back. Then I taped off the star section with painter's tape and laid the stars out. They are adhesive foam stars but I didn't adhere them to the shirt.

Next, I used Enamel Blue Rit Color Perfect with the spray nozzle and sprayed in the taped off area. Then I carefully removed the stars and the tape.

Next, I taped off the stripes and used Apple Red Color Perfect dye with the brush to paint on the stripes.

After the shirt was dry, I cut the hem off of each sleeve, rolled the sleeve up and tied the cut piece through the neck and sleeve to cinch it up.

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Perfect Summer Tote

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 13:50:00 +0000

Meet my new love: Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV). HTV may seem a little intimidating but, let me tell you, it's a cinch!

I worked with Expressions Vinyl to create this Perfect Summer Tote using the Pacific Ocean HTV Pack. It's the perfect mix of blues and just encompasses summer to me.

Materials: HTV Pack c/o Expressions Vinyl // Liquid Rit Dye in Lemon Yellow and Kelly Green // Canvas Tote via Michael's Stores.

I dip-dyed the tote using Liquid Rit Dye in Lemon Yellow; and a mix of Lemon Yellow and Kelly Green to create the lime green color. I simply dipped one side in the yellow and the other in the green for a couple of minutes then rinsed in cool water and let dry.

I designed the images and text for the bag using the Silhouette Cameo application. I wanted to do a beach and summer theme on each side of the bag. I played with designs and placement until I had something I was happy with.

Next, I determined what color HTV I would use for each image. I then grouped them by color on a new work board on the application and arranged them to make maximum use of each sheet of HTV.

REMEMBER: Be sure to reverse your images before you make your cuts, especially text.

I placed the HTV on the cutting mat shiny side down and set the blade to 6. The application recommended 2 but 6 worked well for me. I repeated the process for all 4 colors of the HTV.

Next, I separated each image by cutting around it with scissors. Then peeled off and weeded the extra HTV around them leaving the clear backing. This left just the image that would go on the bag.

Using a hot, dry iron I ironed on each image. I pressed firmly, but kept the iron moving back and forth until I was able to lift the clear backing off. I repeated this process until all the images were ironed on.

To create the layered images, I ironed the bottom image, then ironed on the next layer.

I LOVED working with the HTV and with Expressions Vinyl. I have already ordered another HTV Pack for more projects!

Kids Craft: Red, White, & Blue Flower Headband

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 12:44:00 +0000

One of my favorite things to do with my nieces is crafts. It's a love we have in common and a special way to bond. We had a craft day while I was home visiting for Father's Day and made these adorable Red, White, & Blue Felt Flower Headbands.

As always, I try to keep my projects budget-friendly. We were able to make 4 headbands for less than $10.

Materials:
1 sheet each of red, white, and blue felt (only .29 cents at Michael's!!)
Clear Gemstones
Elastic Headband
Craft Glue
White Foam Sheet (Optional)

First, cut 3 circles out of each color felt. You can trace a circle or freehand, precision isn't essential here. We varied the size of each circle.

Next, cut the circle into a spiral.

Working from the center, wrap the felt around in a circle, spiraling out and gluing as you go.

Glue the end.

You will end up with a flower like this.

Glue a gem in the middle of each flower.

For this version, cut a circle out of the white foam and glue on the 3 flowers. Once dry, glue the foam to the headband.

For this version, glue the 2 smaller flowers on the largest flower. When dry, glue the large flower to the headband.

The girls had a lot of fun making these headbands. They were able to customize the flowers and the arrangement any way they wanted. And they are set for the 4th of July!!

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a437a30dff4356bee4dd7e72e024d99728d6a7138e3c57646d

Reflect Your Style with One Kings Lane

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 13:56:00 +0000

1. Line Mirror // 2. Preserved Hydrangea in Vase // 3. Gold-Plated Leaf & Aqua Quartz Necklace // 4. Decorative Geometric Glass Box // 5. Wooden Cottage Tray // 6. Nantucket Lanterns // 7.Ceramic Temple Jar // 8. Crystal Lotus Flower Bracelet

I get a lot of my inspiration for crafts and decorating by browsing online home and decor websites. One of my favorites is One Kings Lane so when they contacted me about participating in their Reflect Your Style campaign it was a no-brainer. I was in!

The challenge was to choose a mirror from a pre-selected set and style a vanity around it. I really like the rustic feel of this wood mirror. At first glance, you might think it could only fit in a cabin or lodge but I knew, with the right accents, it could fit anywhere.

I love color so I knew I had to work it into the vanity somehow.The mix of yellow and blues is a classic combination but, with the unique patterns and shapes, it's far from boring.

Storage is a must-have on a vanity. The glass box can double as a jewelry or trinket box; and the wooden tray is perfect for make-up, brushes, bracelets, etc.

I think the yellow lantern is be perfect for hanging earrings and for stacking bracelets on top. The blue lanterns could double as a place to hang your necklaces.

I really like how all the pieces came together to create this look. Not too rustic or girly. Plenty of storage to keep away the clutter. Timeless and functional.

Find your perfect style here.

*I was not compensated for this post. All opinions are my own*

Silhouette Sketching

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 13:00:00 +0000

Today is a blah, headachy kind of day for me. You know that kind of day, right? I'm totally unmotivated to do even the smallest things. So rather than a tutorial, I thought I would just share with you a few sketches I have done while playing around with my Silhouette Cameo.

While I consider myself creative, I am not particularly artistic. My drawing abilities are along the lines of a preschooler. To have the ability to "draw" whatever I want using the Silhouette makes me supremely happy.

I decided to jump right in and try layered sketches using multiple colors on this first picture. Thanks to Melissa from the Silhouette School blog (check her out people, she rocks!!) I was able to fill in the sketch somewhat instead of it just being a single outline. I chose designs I had in my library, sized them to fit my paper, and let the creative juices flow.

This second sketch is for my bedroom. I have several dress designs I plan to use and hang in a group on the wall.

These next two sketches are for my nieces. They'll love them!!

And this last one is for my dad. Shhh! Don't tell!!

linking up with:

Coffee Filter Flower Topiary

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 10:32:00 +0000

Having a craft blog is expensive! I try to keep all of my projects budget-friendly but, even so, it still takes a big chunk of change to post 3 projects a week. This is why I love projects like this topiary. The entire project cost less than $10 to make. Really, probably less than $5 considering I could make multiple topiaries with the materials.

To make the ball I used coffee filters, liquid Rit Dye in Scarlet, a paper lantern, hot glue, and a stapler. The coffee filters and stapler are from Dollar Tree; the lantern and glue are from Michael's; and the dye is c/o Rit Dye.

First, I dyed the filters. This is a super-easy process. I mixed 1/8 cup of liquid dye with 1 cup hot water in a small container. Next, I folded the filters into quarters and dip-dyed them. I did bunches of 10 or so and line-dried them in my shower overnight. I ended up using almost 150 filters.

To make the flowers I took 3 filters and folded them into quarters. Then I cut a scallop design into the edge and unfolded it. Next I grabbed the center into a small bunch and stapled it.

Next, I used my fingers to crimp and fold up each layer to make the petals.

To make the topiary, I simply hot-glued the flowers, making sure the coverage was even and full.

Finally, I set it on large pedestal. I think it's gorgeous!

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Wrapped Bangle Bracelets

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 13:58:00 +0000

I have a lot of jewelry. It really borders on the ridiculous, but that never seems to stop me from buying more. I also have a love of color. I was searching through my jewelry chest looking for some colorful bracelets when I came across a large stack of thin metal bangles. Since I have about 30 of them I decided to change a few of them up and create something new.

These bangles are so easy to make. All I needed were bangles (you can use any size and type), embroidery thread (which I already had in my stash from Michael's), and craft glue. And of course a good movie to watch while you make them!

First I cut a fairly long length of thread and tied it around a bangle using a simple double-knot.

Then, keeping one finger on the wrapped section to hold it tight, I wrapped the thread around the bracelet. Once the bracelet was completely wrapped, I tied another double knot and added a drop of glue to keep the knot tied and tight.

I'm going to make more this weekend so I have one of every color.

Mixed-Media Collage & Embellished Candle

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 12:43:00 +0000

Tonight is one of those nights when everything has gone wrong. I spent 2 hours working on a project I was really excited about only to realize the spacing was off. This, of course, put me in panic-mode and made me very grumpy.

But that just goes to show how quickly a project like this can be put together. From start to finish, both pieces were done in an hour.

I put together this mixed-media collage from some items I had in my crafting stash. I found the keys on clearance for $1 at Michael's. Major score in my opinion! The wording is part of a stamp set and I always have one or two of these burlap panels laying around. The doily came from an antique mall I visited a while back.

First, I glued the doily on the panel. Then I used my Silhouette Cameo to cut a simple label shape out of card stock and added the stamp in the center. Next, I glued on the two keys. I used Weldbond glue for all of this since it works on all mediums.

I felt like the collage needed to be paired with another piece so I used the coordinating key stamp on a piece of burlap ribbon and glued it around the candle.

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White-Washed Memo Board

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 00:31:00 +0000

My weekend was full of projects. Some were a success and some weren't (yet!!) This project I consider a success.

This is a simple project with big results. I created a shabby-chic display to organize all those little notes and receipts we all have lying around. Also perfect for displaying photos or cards!

I was originally going to use chalk paint on the board, but after seeing a project by Gina at Shabby Creek Cottage, I decided to try white-wash instead.

I found these adorable clothespins in the bin section at Michael's. My first thought was, "I can make these myself." (As always!) But they were only $2 a pack. I couldn't make this many patterns for that price.

I used a long plank of balsa wood for the board. To make the white-wash, I mixed 4-parts paint to 1-part water. Using a sponge brush, I painted it on, let it sit for a couple minutes, then wiped it down with a rag. I repeated this process twice.

After the paint was dry, I laid out the clothespins on the board then marked where each would be glued.

I tried Weldbond glue for the first time and loved it. I wanted the ability to adjust the clothespins after gluing to make sure they were straight so hot glue was out of the question. This glue dries quickly and holds firm.

I applied a small amount of glue to each pin and the board, pressed it in place, then adjusted to make sure it was straight.

Finally, I hot glued a piece of twine to the back as a hanger.

Ready for all the reminder's!!

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MAD SKILLS LINK PARTY #209

No-Sew T-Shirt Necklace and Pin

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 30 May 2014 10:33:00 +0000

Clutter. I can't stand it! My house is fairly clutter-free except in two areas: My shoes and my craft supplies. The shoes? There's no help for that. I am a woman who loves her shoes!

The crafts? That I can tackle. While I organized, I noticed how many scraps of this and that I had around. I hated the thought of throwing them away so I found a way to use them instead.

To make the necklace I used a t-shirt. I laid it flat, then folded it in half longways. This made it easier to cut strips across the trunk section of the shirt. I continued to cut strips all the way up to the sleeves. I didn't worry about making even, clean cuts since the edges would not show in the end.

Next, I grabbed the two ends of the strips and stretched them apart. This caused the edges to curl.

I wrapped a single strip around the two ends of the loops to hide the seams of the shirt.

For the flower I used a circle of felt and jute ribbon from Michael's.

I folded the end of the ribbon to a point and glued it in the middle of the felt.

Next, I twisted and wrapped the ribbon in a circle around the point, gluing along the way. I continued to twist and wrap until I had the size I wanted.

I glued the tail of the ribbon underneath the felt then trimmed the felt so that it didn't show around the flower. Then I hot glued a pin.

Finally, I attached the pin to the wrapped ends of the necklace.

This can also be worn as a scarf!

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Tie-Dyed Graphic Tees

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 28 May 2014 12:38:00 +0000

Summer is here and that means it's time for cool and comfy clothing. But this doesn't mean you have to do without style. Tie-Dye is everywhere in stores and online but the prices can be outrageous.

I decided to make a couple t-shirts myself. This way I could customize the entire process from the color of the shirt and tie-dye method, all the way through to the design. And it was much more budget-friendly this way too!

To see the full tutorial, go to my Rit Studio page here.

**This post was sponsored by Rit Dye**

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Enjoying the Ride (and Photobombing)

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 26 May 2014 13:22:00 +0000

Enjoy the ride. We hear that a lot, but what does it mean?

What is the ride? I see it as our journey through life. We maneuver through the twists and bumps along the path. For some, it's straight and even. For others, it's a roller coaster of ups and downs. For most, it's a combination.

But, do we enjoy it? Do we savor the journey? Do we appreciate our spot on the map right now, or do we crane our necks to see around the next turn?

I struggle with this. It’s not wrong to have goals and work hard to reach them. But sometimes you need to take your eyes off the horizon and look in other directions. Left, right, behind you.

Think about Highway Hypnosis. I learned about this in Driver's Ed years ago. You arrive at your destination, but don't remember the drive. We do this with life as well. All of a sudden, we're 70. What happened to all those years? Did we miss them as we did the scenery on that drive?

I’ll make a conscious effort to enjoy the ride. To not wish away today because tomorrow might be more exciting. Today could hold something beautiful. I don't want to miss out on that one moment of time I can never have back.

(Thanks, EJP, for being my editing partner in crime!)

On a recent trip to an antique mall I found this 1983 Map of the Deep South.

Using the glass from a frame I bought at Michael's, I decided what section of the map I wanted to use then traced and cut it out. Then I glued it to a large, thick sheet of paper.

I used my Silhouette Cameo to cut the phrase and bicycle out of black cardstock.

I used Mod Podge to glue the phrase and shape onto the map. After it was dry, I inserted it in the frame.

I had a little photobomber while taking the pictures...

He's a pretty cute one though!!!

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Easy Burlap & Seashell Vase

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 23 May 2014 13:27:00 +0000

It has been a busy May for me. I have traveled the last two weekends so I'm looking forward to a quiet long Memorial Day weekend at home. I have some cleaning and crafting planned and a lot of couch sitting and movie watching. I am ready to chill!

Since I'm already in chill mode I wanted to share this super-simple project. I love keeping fresh flowers in my house. They just make it feel happy and cheerful. I stopped by Publix on the way home and grabbed this simple bouquet.

To make the vase a little more special I used Liquid Gold Leaf to paint more of the shells I bought from CVS. Then I hot glued them to wide, fringed burlap ribbon from Michael's and hot glued the ribbon around the vase.

This was a 30 minute project, including drying time. A simple, easy project to start off my relaxing laid-back weekend. I hope you all have a great holiday.

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Dad, Daddy, Father, Pop - This is for you.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 21 May 2014 01:57:00 +0000

Dads, Daddies, Fathers, Pops. The names vary by country, region, or even decade. The men the names represent, however, are universal.

Not in occupation. Some are story-tellers; some work with their hands; some mold lives as teachers.

Not in recreation. Some coach sports; some create; some fish.

Not in life. Some are single-parents; some struggle just to make ends meet; some have the house with a white-picket fence and two-car garage.

They are alike in the ways that matter, though. They're our rocks, defenders; our biggest fans. They worry, scold, and encourage us.

I am lucky to have a wonderful dad and to count other wonderul fathers as friends.

To celebrate these great men I made this Rit Dye Stained Tool Box. Find all the details in the Rit Studio here.

**This post was sponsored by Rit Dye**

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Kendra's Miami Fashion Challenge - South Beach Day to Night

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 20 May 2014 12:26:00 +0000

I was recently contacted by Kendra Thorton, a well-know travel expert, and asked to participate in her Miami Fashion Challenge. Here are a few words from Kendra about the challenge:

"I'm creating a fashion challenge for bloggers! I'm going with my husband to South Florida. We planned our vacation on gogobot, which helped us find the perfect hotel and gave us several ideas for where to go while we're exploring the area. I love South Beach. It looks like a paradise but with a lot of art, history, culture and of course, fashion. If you could help me pick out some outfits for my trip, I would be so grateful. These details provide a better idea of what we'll be getting into during our stay.

There are a variety of hotels in South Beach that looked absolutely stunning, but one really stood out to us. The Delano South Beach Hotel is known for its posh exterior and luxurious suites. From the plushly decorated rooms to thespa on the roof, I fell in love the moment I Saw this hotel and knew that it was the right place to spend our romantic getaway. My husband thought so too. He even splurged on a spa day for me at the hotel's spa Club Essentia.

I'm thrilled to be going to South Beach. I plan on getting some rest and relaxation at the beach and spa before heading out to explore all of the different parks and gourmet restaurants that are located right on the beach. While we are going around Miami, I would love some posh yet casual outfits that make me feel comfortable no matter what we're doing. We'll also spend a lot of time at the beach and maybe even take a boat out to visit some of the islands around the bay. I can't wait to see all of the fashion finds that you select. As a mother of three, I think my wardrobe needs a serious upgrade for this trip..."

I deciced to create an outfit for Kendra that would go from day to night. After all, a vacation should be about things being simple and easy! The day portion of the outfit is perfect for sightseeing and shopping, while the night portion is dinner and dancing ready.

South Beach Day to Night by snapsofginger featuring gold jewelry

Calypso St Barth blue dress
calypsostbarth.com

Nine West thong sandals
lordandtaylor.com

Dorothy Perkins black shoes
dorothyperkins.com

KOTUR clutch
$910 - net-a-porter.com

Accessorize beach bag
accessorize.com

Gold jewelry
$40 - oliverbonas.com

Alicia Marilyn Designs chain necklace
boticca.com

Pieces sterling silver earrings
$55 - pieces.com

Tiny Dancers, Twirlers, and Flower Cupcakes

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 19 May 2014 12:06:00 +0000

Scene 1:

My older niece's dance recital was today. My younger niece and other family members and friends filled the row. We waited for my niece to take the stage.

I sat in a sea of moms, dads, grandparents, siblings, and friends. I knew when she stepped out on stage, everyone would disappear but her. I'd wait breathlessly through pirouettes and leaps. My heart would swell with each step of her dances.

She wouldn't see us, although her eyes would scan the audience. She knows we're there. That's enough.

Scene 2:

A crowded stuffy gym. Hard bleachers. My bottom, sore; my back aches. It's loud and crazy amid the echoes. Girls are everywhere, and people brush by me to find a seat. Then music blares and a microphone squeals and the first set of twirlers takes the floor.

It's my younger niece's baton recital today. Again, family and friends surround me. This time, my older niece sits by my side. In my hometown, more faces are familiar.

They all vanish when my niece takes the floor. Every baton toss, each twirl and trick find me breathless. My smile widens as I watch the steps of her routine. Her face shines with accomplishment when she nails that last step.

I feel like I've run a marathon after recital weekend. My nieces’ recitals usually end up the same weekend, on different days. It’s convenient for me, because I have to travel for them; it’s stressful for my sister, because she has to handle all the details of schedule, costumes, hair, and makeup.

I was so proud of my nieces! I wanted to give them something special for all their hard work, so I made them these Flower Cupcakes.

My materials included fresh carnations and mums; floral foam; and an ice cream bowl. I was going to use the Blistex as a cherry on top but the red top didn't quite look right. I had the toothpicks to use as support but didn't end up needing them. The flowers came from Publix and the rest of the supplies came from Dollar Tree.

First, I soaked the foam in water. Next, I cut the stems of all the flowers to 4 inches long.

After the foam was completely saturated I put it in the bowl then pushed the carnations into the foam along the rim of the bowl.

Once I had the rim completely lined with carnations, I inserted 2 mums to fill the middle.

The flowers should stay fresh for quite a while as long as the floral foam stays moist.

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Gold Leaf Seashell Wall Art

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 16 May 2014 14:02:00 +0000

I recently discovered this liquid gold leaf at Michael's. All you have to do is paint in on. It dries super-quick and you have a completely different look with amazing shine.

For this project I used 4 wood frames, FolkArt craft paint in Sky Blue, Recollections Burlap Ribbon, Plaid Liquid Leaf in Gold, and assorted seashells.

First I painted the frames. I was going to add in another shade of blue but really fell in love with the beachy feel of the Sky Blue.

While the frames were drying, I used a stiff brush to paint the Liquid Leaf on the shells. It covered easily and quickly. It completely transformed the shells. I found this whole set of shells at CVS for only $2.00. A major score!

Next, I measured the burlap using the frame backing, cut it, and hot glued it to the white side of the cardboard. Then I inserted the backing into the frame.

Next, I glued a shell inside each frame. And finally, I glued the frames together.

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Photo Display Board

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 14 May 2014 12:31:00 +0000

I was recently invited to join the Rit Dyesigner Network. This was really exciting for me because it means I learn about the new products coming out more quickly and I'm able to experiment with them. It also means I get to share these fun and new products with you. Win-win!!

Rit Dye can be used for much more than just fabric. One of my favorite uses for it is as a stain for wood. It adds gorgeous color while still allowing the natural beauty of the wood grain to show through.

For this project I used a 12x12 pressed cardboard plaque, a 12x12 piece of glittered scrapbook paper, a scrolled laser-cut plaque, a tiny clothespin, Aqua Blue craft paint, and Kelly Green and Lemon Yellow Liquid Rit Dye. I always find the most beautiful paper from Michael's!!

First, I mixed the Kelly Green dye with hot water in a glass jar to create the first layer of stain. I brushed two coats on the wood plaque using a sponge brush. I was looking for a lime green tint so I created a Lemon Yellow stain using the same method and added 4 more coats.

While the stain was drying, I hot glued the scrapbook paper to the cardboard plaque.
Next, I painted the clothespin my favorite Aqua Blue. I clipped the pin on the end of a screwdriver so that I could easily paint the whole surface.

When the wood plaque and clothespin had dried completely, I glued the pin to the wooden plaque, and then the wood plaque to the scrapbook paper.

I decided to clip a quote on the plaque so I used my Silhouette Cameo on the sketch pen setting to make a little card.

Linking up with:

A thought for the day

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 12 May 2014 13:04:00 +0000

Just a thought for today about plans, dreams, challenges, happy surprises...

Easy Painted Picture Frame

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 09 May 2014 20:19:00 +0000

My sister's birthday was last week. This weekend we're having a birthday for her. Along with some other surprises I decided to make her this sweet picture frame to remind her that she's not just my sister, she my best friend.

I bought an unfinished wood frame and 2 laser-cut embellishments from Michael's. I used gray and aqua crafts paints.

There was really nothing to making this frame. I simply painted the frame and the embellishments then glued them together.