March 22, 2013

A Bracelet and a Necklace with an Angel


An angel and beads are threaded onto a piece of elastic beading cord and tied with two or three tight knots.
Angel necklace: Beads and an an angel are put onto a head pin. Twist to form a loop. This is attached onto a piece of leather cord with a round jump ring.

Eggs made from Hard Foil with Masking Tape


These eggs are made from transparent hard foil sheets. Use a Fiskars shape template and draw inside the template onto the hard foil using a thin marker pen. Then decorate the eggs with masking tape.


1. Use a thin marker pen for drawing inside the template onto the hard foil. Use a Fiskars shape template.


2. Turn the hard foil with the marker pen line face down towards the cutting mat to avoid the marker pen line from staining the masking tape when it is attached.


3. Cut out the egg along the thin marker pen line. Make a hole at the top of the finished egg and attach a piece of cotton string for hanging or attach the egg onto a greeting card.

March 21, 2013

Chalkboard Planters with Folkart Stencils and Paint


Spring is just around the corner and if you’re like me, you’re getting the itch to start planning and planting your garden! Depending on where you live, it might be a little bit too early to plant anything in the ground so why not get a head start on your garden with these lovely Chalkboard Planters made with FolkArt stencils!

Materials:
- FolkArt Stencil (Bird)
- FolkArt Paint (Seashell Pink, Buttercream, Apple Orchard)
- FolkArt Chalkboard Paint
- FolkArt Medium Spouncer
- Sponge Brush
- Terra Cotta Pots
- White Spray Paint
- Mod Podge Sealant (Gloss)
- Spray Adhesive
- Chalk


1. Gather supplies. Pre-treat each pot with a light coat of white spray paint. Allow to dry completely.


2. Using light and even strokes, apply the first layer of acrylic paint. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying additional layers. I had to use three coats before I was happy with the coverage.


3. After pots have dried completely, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge sealant.


4. Trim the top of the stencil so that it will wrap around the pot nice and flat.


5. Apply spray adhesive to the back of the stencil (allow to dry slightly for a temporary hold). Stick in place.


6. Using the spouncer, dab a thin layer of the chalkboard paint over the stencil. Resist the temptation to apply too much paint at once! It’ll soak under the stencil and make the image look messy. Wait until the paint has dried completely before applying the second coat. Carefully remove stencil.


7. Repeat steps 1-6 with any additional pots.


8. Once the paint has dried, condition the chalkboard paint by rubbing chalk all over the design. Clean off the chalk and you’re ready to go!

Now you’ll never forget what seeds you planted because you’ll have your handy chalkboard label to remind you. Happy planting!