I’ve been in search of some last minute Christmas decorations that could stay up after the big day – you know, those projects that don’t scream “Santa” or “gifts.” A beautiful winter project that was indicative of the general season. Plaid Designer Kinda Boroff did this holiday project using Liquid Leaf, and it completely meets my criteria. Liquid Leaf is completely awesome. It gives any project a rich, metallic luster like no other paint out there - it really makes the product looks like it’s made of a metal! You can hang this tray display and you don’t even have to take it down after the big day. The magnets also give it a level of fun functionality. Hang some of your favorite photos or cards from the holiday season. Here’s how to make one just like it.
Make a Snow Reindeer Wood Block
There are so many good projects to be had this holiday season – so many incorporating tons of paint! I’m loving wood blocks as home decor, and I especially love distressed wood blocks. The technique is simple, and the results are awesome. A wood block like this doesn’t take long to make, and adds a definite something special to your table or mantle decor. Here’s how to make one for yourself; we’ve even included a pattern for this one.
Plaid’s Holiday Party!
Hey crafters! We had a holiday party here at Plaid today, and I had to share an awesome picture. This is our executive assistant Laynne with Santa – he distributed presents and congratulated everyone at Plaid for a job well done. Who is Santa? The world may never know . . .
Thanks to all of you who have made this year possible for us. We appreciate the support and Happy Holidays!
PS – Okay, I’ll tell you who Santa is. It’s Plaid’s President Mike McCooey – he was the perfect Jolly Old Saint Nick, and spread so much holiday cheer with his funny costume.
Tuesday Huesday: Ribbon Wonderland
In a week or so many of us are going to be all about decorating packages. Beautiful packages can be nearly as fun as the presents in them. Have you ever had a hard time opening a present because it was so nicely wrapped? I have! I saw this gorgeous bundle of ribbon in Traditional Home’s Holiday 2010 issue, and I was inspired to create a color palette. I think this illustrates a few things. First, I need to go through my ribbon collection (every crafter has one) and look for some color inspiration to make beautiful projects. Second, it shows that even something as simple as ribbon can get the creative juices flowing.
This palette was created using FolkArt Acrylic Colors (from left to right): Graffiti Pink, Heather, Red Violet, Autumn Leaves
Make It Monday: Peace This Holiday Season Sign
I’m in love with gorgeous glitters this holiday season! I love all the shades of FolkArt Extreme Glitter – although it depends on which project I look at which ones I like best. It’s constantly changing! I love the red and greens in this Peace holiday sign by Plaid designer Kirsten Jones. The peace symbol continues to be all over everything this holiday season . . .
Simply Screen Kit Giveaway – They Are in Stores Now!
Have you gotten your Simply Screen kit at your local WalMart store yet? These make great gifts for kids and tweens! If you haven’t heard of Simply Screen, it’s a cool new way to silkscreen a design; it’s easy for a beginner and there’s a lot less mess than regular silkscreening. Learn more about Simply Screen here!
To celebrate the continued success of Simply Screen (and to provide you with a great holiday gift for someone), we’re giving away five kits today. If you don’t want to wait or know someone that needs a great gift, head to your local WalMart to grab one!
Rules:
1. Sign up for Plaid’s RSS Feed or Subscribe to Emails.
2. Leave a comment saying that you did one of the above on THIS blog post. Tell me what you would do with this kit!
3. Contest will end this Friday, December 17th at midnight EST.
4. FIVE winners will be selected by Random.org.
Last week’s winners of the Apple Barrel paint giveaway were Louanne, Noreen, Patricia L, Susa Spiers and catnap. All winners have been notified by e-mail. Thanks for entering!
TGIF Project: Glittery Beaded Ornament
I think one of the most gratifying holiday crafts is an ornament. Typically they aren’t large (unless you are decorating the tree in Rockefeller Plaza), and you can complete one in a few hours at most. I’ve also seen several fun shapes at the craft store . . . like the one above. The ornate aspect of the ornament above was achieved with FolkArt Extreme Glitter, gems and some gold ric-rac. A lot of bling for just a little investment! Designer Karen Embry made this beautiful ornament, and you can too. Find the complete instructions here.
How to Make a Stamped Bangle Christmas Ornament
I think this project from Ana of When Creativity Knocks is SUPER creative – and I had to share! Have you ever thought to make a christmas ornament out of a wood bangle bracelet? Using stamps, FolkArt Acrylic Paint and FolkArt Extreme Glitter? Neither have I, but Ana did. When Creativity Knocks actually filmed this video at Maker Faire in NY, and it’s completely appropriate for an upcoming weekend craft. View the full video here.
Making an Extreme Glitter Ornament
Have you made an ornament with FolkArt Extreme Glitter yet? No? Well you really must. Not only is the paint gorgeous as you can see, but it’s a fun and economical way to celebrate Christmas and holiday crafting. Making glitter ornaments is easy, and you can make several of these at once for fabulous gifts. I show you how make the ornament above (with free line art!) on Infarrantly Creative today for her Pennywise Presents series. Please visit here for the complete tutorial.
PS – the glitter comes in eleven fabulous colors. Go here for the palette.
Tuesday Huesday: Beautiful Shades of Gold
It’s pretty much a given that Martha Stewart is the queen mother of all crafts (especially holiday), so it’s no surprise that she knows the color gold quite well. I’m a sucker for metallics this year, and I found this gorgeous spread of varying shades of gold in Martha Stewart Holiday – I had to share. Even when the items aren’t really ”Christmas-y” (like the gilded eggs pictured above), gold gives it the right feel. What is my color palette today, you ask? Gold, of course.
This palette was created using FolkArt Metallic colors (from left to right): Pure Gold, Inca Gold, Royal Gold, Sahara Gold, Antique Gold