Month: December 2008

THis is the present tree I was inspired to try and recreate (at target- you can see it here) I’m thrilled to tell you I just finished mine!!! (you can see part 1 & part 2 if you want to see the beginning stages)

Now that I found my hot glue gun I can assemble it. WOO HOO! I glued that dowel down (and used a LOT of hot glue. Then I filled/packed that base full of foam peanuts I had laying around for a little support. I also put the first gift on the tower low enough that it touches the base, and I used plenty of hot glue on the spots it touches so that it’s more stable.

then I just went a building, making sure I was generous with glue and not worrying about details (yet)

When I got to the top I cut out two stars (thank you Fiskars template + UltraShapeXpress tool!) out of paper. I barely adhered them to the tippy top of the dowel so that I could shove ribbon in between them to make a bow for top.

At this point I started worrying I wasn’t going to like the results. (and I stopped taking pics) But I was wrong! Some paint, flowers, and ribbon later and I was back in business.

I am back in love with the quick ‘n easy solution to so many crafting issues (hot glue!) but remember- hot glue is dangerous stuff!!!

so here is the final tower-

and there it is. My tower! I’m happy with how it came out, and look forward to enjoying my creation all season. I know it’s a busy season, but really this didn’t take all that long (3-4hrs total?) and it was broken down over several days. I’m off to find something else to  make merry and bright…

That is how I describe molding paste. You can find it in the isle with artist canvas/acrylic paints at the craft store, and it’s lots of fun. I think of it as frosting because you can spread it thin or thick and it has a similar consistency. I prefer golden brand– it comes in heavy, light, etc. and I like the options.

Of course, I don’t live anywhere near a store that sells golden, so sometimes I go with whatever brand M’s has (liquitex?) and that’s ok too. Not quite as nice, but cheaper and more available so I’ll make do.

Here’s that Pride & Prejudice canvas piece I’m currently working on. It started to look muddy, so I just added some white paint and gold leafing pen. I’m liking it more now, and it’s ready for the 3-d/embellishing faze once dry.

You can see here all the texture, how it’s higher in some areas? That’s thanks to my friend molding paste. It’s frosting without the calories for your crafting.

I’ve “carved” dollhouse roofs, doodled, and otherwise created texture on flat surfaces with this wonderful stuff. I’ve only used it once in a tiny amount on a scrapbook layout directly. I think it needs a sturdier surface that won’t warp so easily. I’ve got some drying on that present/decor/centerpiece tower I am making right now… hoping to finish that off in the next 24hrs or so.

If you’re ever in the mood to craft and play like a kid… try this stuff out. It’ll make a royal mess out of your fingers and it is totally worth it.

Scrapbooking in Season (my new BPS class!) is going to be so. much. fun. i love, love, love working with the Big Picture team and to see this class coming to life is just so super exciting for me. It’s all scrapbook layouts  (12×12 for most part) and of course with sketches and such so you can totally use the ideas on anything you fancy. I’m pumped about the special audio/visual presentations I do (2 of them!) + the on-line socials (think on-line crop!!!) we’re doing 2 different weeks as well. Oh, and there’s just so much more to say about this class- I’ve been working on it for a long time and I’m still working on it now!

Want a first peek?

I’m working on content for week #6 at the moment, and finishing up the handouts, presentation, and on-line social plans. F to the U N!!!!!!!!

So much scrapbooking to do, so little time! I’m going to go work on class some more and then finish some home decor (holiday) projects as well that I will be sure to share.

Happy Crafting!

(ps- a little bird told me new give away coming SOON!)

A seasonal scrapbooking class by me!

http://www.bigpicturescrapbooking.com/seasons.php

Now if you’re thinking that you don’t “do” seasonal stuff… think again! We’re talking about all kinds of fabulous stuff that happens (and deserves to be scrapbooked) throughout the year, and it’s a lot of fun. I’ll be back (gotta run!) to chat more about the class and answer q’s if you’ve got them!!!

Hope to see you in ’09 in class!!!

I bought this fabric with a special person in mind, and I am so excited that I finally got my act together and made her a pillow!! Did you know making a (square or rectangle) pillow case is about the easiest sewing project I know of? It really is- and way fun too.

I started with a 16″ pillow form. Then I folded fabric up (inside out), and did the math so that I’d be sewing about a 16 – 16 1/2″ square. When I do pillow covers I overlap fabric (meant for backside) so that you can slip the pillow in/out. Don’t know what I mean? Check out pillow cases. That’s how I learned.

So the other reason I love this method is that I only have to sew along 2 sides since the other 2 sides are folded over (therefore not requiring sewing). Alright, so above you see a picture of the inside out fabric with black line (indicating 16″ mark where I ought to be sewing). The pins you see are there holding down folded ribbon…

See? I’m doing this just along the one (sewn) side that will be the top. After I get it all pinned down I put a very loose stitch through the ribbons so I can take the pins out. Then I put it together (inside-out) and sew closed.

See? I love how it is all wild and seemingly random. I’m going to be making more people pillows for Christmas, and I’ll be sure to share here.