frosty

crafting is fun- and I like sharing the joy with my girls.

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I bought a cheap wood snowman (for decor) at the craft store for E to enjoy decorating. some paint, glue, buttons, and glitter later and we had Frosty!

snowman

She picked all the buttons and colors and such. Note in the photo below you can see a wee (little sister) finger. uh oh.

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Luckily lil B knew well enough to ‘step off’ from big sister’s masterpiece and fighting was avoided. We’re enjoying the quick and simple project that sits above the fireplace now. Good times indeed

from me to you

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It’s December, probably my favorite month of the whole year. Everywhere I look there is festive decorations, sweet treats, and people doing nice things for one another. I also see how slim this year is (gift wise) and how so many of us are struggling.

I’ve done some thinking, and I’ve come up with a fun little treat for you, my blog readers this year. I’ve got at least 12 gifts here that I want to give to you. Chocolates, scrapbook supplies, even a few books! Randomly between now and December 31st I will post them one at a time. When? How long will they be open to enter? That’s all part of the fun and surprise.

I’ve also got fun craft project ideas to share, and as usual more, more, more.

Oh yeah- the cute little box of chocolates pictured is gift #1. Some yummy sees chocolates in just the right (almost guilt free) size. ** WINNER HAS BEEN DRAWN! SEE PRIZE #2 POST FOR WINNER. More prizes coming… stay tuned!

Love Actually

It’s a great movie, one of my favorites probably. Though I have many favorites. Anyhow- today I keep thinking about it thanks to www.pandora.com radio (songs from the movie keep playing on my stations!). I went over to youtube and dug up some clips I want to share. Jump is a great dancing song, and I love this scene.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3o1si3FICg]

and this is just so sweet and cute.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkihOkI_7eM]

Hope your day is merry.

the tower: finished!

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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)

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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!!!

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so here is the final tower-

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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…

like frosting, but different.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.