Archive for ‘Make It Monday’

April 30, 2012

Make It Monday: Whimsical ‘Love Birds’ Collage Frame

Happy Monday! Today is the last day of April. Isn’t that crazy? This month flew by so quickly. On this last day of the month we wanted to share with you a romantic project to create. Debbie Saenz designed this Whimsical ‘Love Birds’ Collage Frame. Tell a beautiful story about the image you place in the frame, by creating this project. Debbie used a mixture of texture and embellishments to achieve this look. This frame collage was created with Mod Podge, FolkArt acrylic paints and mediums. Full instructions can be found below on how to make this frame.

PLAID Supplies

  • FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors – Light Blue, 2 oz.
  • FolkArt ® Artists Pigments™ – Burnt Umber 2 oz.
  • FolkArt ® Mediums – Antiquing Medium – Apple Butter Brown, 2 oz.
  • Mod Podge ® Matte, 16 oz.
Other Supplies

Wood frame, 2 pieces of coordinating antiqued blue scrapbook paper, Sheet music, Words from magazines or typed words, Bird templates, Branchlike stamp with swirls, 2 yards 1″ ribbon, 1 wooden tag, 3 small blue silk flowers, Key charm, Heart charm, 5 jump rings, Two 1½” antique brass handles, Hot glue, Hand drill, Sandpaper, and Black inkpad

Instructions

  1. Sand rough edges of frame; wipe clean.
  2. Paint the outside edges of the frame and tag and inside frame opening with Burnt Umber; allow to dry then dry brush with Light Blue.
  3. Decoupage scrapbook papers onto frame with the upper right and bottom left corners beings the same pattern and the upper left and bottom right corners being the same pattern; refer to photo. Decoupage tag. Once dry, sand edges of frame and tag smooth.
  4. Trace and cut out birds using the sheet music, cut out 5 musical notes and words that say “Let Us Sing A Sweet Love Song” or any saying of your choice. Dilute Brown Antiquing Medium with water to desired color and paint over birds, musical notes and words; allow to dry then antique edges with full strength Brown Antiquing Medium; allow to dry.
  5. Stamp branches where birds will be perched; refer to photo.
  6. Decoupage birds, musical notes in place; refer to photo. Decoupage words on tag, antique edges of tag; allow to dry. Give the entire frame and tag a coat of Mod Podge to seal; allow to dry.
  7. Drill a small hole in the bottom of the tag and attach a jump ring with heart charm then use Mod Podge to attach the key in place on the tag, aligning holes; dry and attach 4 jump rings.
  8. Attach antique brass handles on each side of the top edge of the frame. Tie ribbons on each side of the front of the frame (attach tag on right side) then, with remaining ribbon, make a loop through handles and tie a bow at the top; refer to photo. Use hot glue to adhere the flowers.
April 23, 2012

Make It Monday: Jewelry Box for Her

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, why not make something cute and useful for Mom? This jewelry box by Cathie and Steve is a great craft to make and gift to give. Mom can keep all her trinkets, and jewelry organized in this classic looking box. Here’s how to make it.

First, gather these supplies:

PLAID Supplies

  • Plaid ® Hot Glue Gun Helpers
  • Mod Podge ® Professional Tool Set
  • FolkArt ® Metallics – Royal Gold, 2 oz.
  • FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors – Parchment, 2 oz.
  • FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors – Autumn Leaves, 2 oz.
  • Mod Podge ® Matte, 8 oz.
Other Supplies
Wood jewelry box, Small screwdriver, Foam paintbrush, Loose bristle paintbrush for dry brushing, Ruler, Scissors, Scrapbook papers, Hot glue, Ribbons, and Silk Flowers

Instructions

1. Using a small screwdriver, remove the hinges from the jewelry box. Paint the lid of the box with Autumn Leaves (You will only need to paint the base of the lid and the edges). Paint two coats if needed. Paint the base of the box with Parchment paint.

2. Dip the end of the loose bristle brush into Royal Gold paint. Tap of the excess paint so the brush is almost dry. Lightly and quickly brush over the entire lid and base of the box. Use a real light hand so the colors still show through.

3. Trim the scrapbook papers to fit the top and side of the box. To create a tattered edge, tear the tops of the papers so the core shows.

4. Working on top of the lid, apply a thick coat of Mod Podge. Apply Mod Podge to the back of the trimmed paper. Position the paper on top of the lid. Use the brayer to smooth the paper and to prevent air bubbles. Wait 15 min. and top coat with a layer of Mod Podge. Repeat this step on the sides of the box.

5. Once all the Mod Podge is dry. Hot glue ribbon around the base of the box. Glue ribbons and silk flowers to the top of the box.

Tags: decoupage, , , mother's day crafts, mother's day gifts, ,
April 16, 2012

Make it Monday: DIY Bib Necklace with Mod Podge

Happy Monday! Hope you had an awesome weekend. Did you happen to do any crafting over the weekend, or discover a new craft to create? This weekend I did discover a very chic and creative project. Check out this DIY Bib Necklace, made with fabric Mod Podge. Stacie from Stars for Streetlights designed this necklace. Isn’t it so cute? I love seeing crafts that can be worn. Bib necklaces are very on trend right now and can be worn with a basic top or dress, to add a little pizazz. As you can see Stacie paired her necklace with a basic denim top. It is a great accessory to add to your wardrobe, and best of all you can make it yourself. Below you will find the supplies needed for this project, and the first few steps on how to create this. To see the full tutorial, click here.

You need:
-Fabric Mod Podge
-Fabric
-Sewing Machine
-Silk flowers
-Ribbon
-Brush to spread Mod Podge
-Needle & Thread
-Beads, sequins, etc.

Step 1: First you need to take your silk flowers and tear them off their stems. I used similar colors, but you can always use a variety of colors to make a more vibrant necklace.

DIY Bib Necklace

Next, you trace the outline of your necklace base on the fabric. Make sure you have 2 layers of fabric because you will sew them together. Stitch around your outline leaving two little spots on the sides where your ribbon will go.

DIY Bib Necklace

Flip your sewn shape inside out and stitch the ribbons inside the little bib. I took my iron and ironed the shape flat, I think it just makes it more flat and crisp.

DIY Bib Necklace

Click here to see the remaining steps on how to create this project.

Tags: bib necklace, diy bib necklace, , fabric mod podge, , ,
April 9, 2012

Make it Monday: Chalkboard Herb Pot

Spring is in full bloom, and that means it is time to get outside into your garden. There are so many flower pots out there to buy, but how about making your own? Try crating this chalkboard herb pot. This fashionable decorative pot is one of the Artsy Clay Pots projects by Cathie and Steve. This pot is very simple to make, and you can write whatever you want on it. Create this pot in several different colors, with several different messages. Your flower garden is sure to be a colorful one, with pots like these inside.

PLAID Supplies

  • Plaid ® Hot Glue Gun Helpers
  • FolkArt ® Chalkboard Paint – Hot Pink, 8 oz.
Other Supplies
Large clay pot
Foam paintbrush
Hot glue gun and glue
Ribbon and trim

Instructions

  1. Working in one direction, paint the clay pot with Chalkboard paint. Allow to dry. Paint a second coat in the opposite direction. Allow to dry. Paint a third coat in the direction you first painted. Allow to dry.
  2. Season the chalkboard paint by rubbing a piece of chalk over the surface. Wipe and clean and you are ready to write a message.Using Hot Glue Gun Helpers and hot glue, glue ribbons and trims around the top of the pot.
Tags: , chalkboard paint, folower pots, Hot Glue Gun Helpers, ,
April 2, 2012

Make It Monday: Vintage Glamour Makeup Brushes

It’s a new week, and that means it’s time to try a new craft project. I love craft projects that you can use. The other day I happened to notice how bland my makeup brushes were. I wondered what I could to do to jazz them up? Luckily I did not have to look to far for a unique idea. Kindra Boroff created these Vintage Glamour Makeup Brushes, that I absolutely adore. This is a perfect craft for all skill levels, that will take about an hour to create. You are sure to be the envy of your girlfriends, once they see these incredible makeup brushes.

Plaid Supplies

Mod Podge-CS11305 4oz Matte

FolkArt Acrylic Paint-938 Licorice

FolkArt Extreme Glitter- 2792 Back

Other Supplies

Makeup brushes

Cherry fabric

Red satin ribbon

Small clear rhinestones

Permanent fabric glue

Flat brush

Masking tape

Scissors

Instructions

  1. Measure 1” from the tip of the brush handle and tape off. Paint the tip of the handle with Licorice. When dry paint a few coats of Black glitter as shown.
  2. Cut the fabric to fit the remaining section of the handle. Mod Podge the fabric to the brush handle. Allow to dry.
  3. Cut the red ribbon the wrap around the handle where the painted section and the fabric meet. Glue with fabric glue. Attach a small rhinestone to the ribbon as shown with fabric glue.
March 26, 2012

Make it Monday: Metallic Bracelets

Have you ever used jewelry in a craft project? Well if you are looking for a new project to try, this is one you will love. With spring in full bloom, many are brightening up their wardrobes to reflect the new season. These metallic bracelets will make a great addition to any wardrobe, and anyone’s outfit. Wooden and colorful accessories are very big trend right now, and will make any ensemble you wear standout. This is a beginner level project that will take 1 to 1 and a half hours to complete. One of our talented designers, Trenice Bishop, created these bracelets.

Plaid Supplies

FolkArt Metallic Paint – 664 Copper, FolkArt Metallic Paint – 676 Inca Gold, FolkArt Metallic Paint- 654 Amethyst, FolkArt Metallic Paint – 652 Rose,  FolkArt Metallic Paint – 658 Antique Gold,  FolkArt Metallic Paint – 659 Pearl, FolkArt Artist’ Pigments – Aqua, ModPodge

Other Supplies

Small craft brushes, Wooden bracelets (find at your nearest accessory store)

Instructions

Colored Diamond Bracelet

1. Paint the center diamond shape of the wood bracelet with Metallic Amethyst.

2. Paint the top right and bottom left corners of the diamonds with Metallic Rose.

3. Mix the Aqua and Pearl White Metallic paints together and use the mixture to paint the top left and bottom right corners on the opposite sides.

4. Paint the outer tops of the bracelet with Metallic Antique Gold.

5. Let Dry.

6. Use a paint brush to coat the outsides of the bracelet with Mod Podge.

Wooden Golden Bangle

1. Take the wood bangle, and paint a 1/4 section metallic gold.

2. Paint two lines in Inca gold on opposite site of the metallic gold square.

3. Let dry.

4. Use a paint brush to coat the outsides of the bracelet with Mod Podge.

Here is the final outcome.

March 19, 2012

Make it Monday: Chevron Tray

The chevron pattern is one of the hottest craft trends this year. This pattern has been seen everywhere, from furniture to clothing. Here is a great project that incorporates this popular trend. This chevron tray is so cute. Trays are a great surface to craft on. Have you ever tried upcycling a basic tray? See below how you can create your very own chevron tray. This is a perfect craft project to create for spring. Have you created anything with the chevron pattern lately?

Plaid Supplies

  • FolkArt Acrylic Paint – 901 Wicker White
  • FolkArt Acrylic Paint – 2553 Lime Green
  • Mod Podge

Other Supplies

  • Painting trim kit with roller, Painter’s tape, Craft knife, measuring tape or small ruler, Paintbrush for touch ups, and Foam paintbrush

Instructions

1. Using the paint roller in the trim kit, coat the bottom and sides or the tray with Wicker White.

2. Let dry and repeat. Give the tray a second coat to insure even coverage.

3. Create the chevron pattern using the painter’s tape and measuring tape or ruler. Use the craft knife to cut the tape in corners or to remove excess.

4. To prevent bleeding a light coat of Wicker White can be applied over the edges of the painter’s tape pattern.

5. Use the paint roller to apply Lime Green paint over top of the chevron pattern and sides of the tray.

6. Let dry for several hours.

7. Remove tape revealing the completed pattern.

8. Use a paint brush to correct any bleeding.

March 12, 2012

Make it Monday: Silver Mirror

Hello, and welcome to the beginning of a wonderful week. We hope you had a good weekend, and remembered to change your clocks. Once we change the clocks, it signals that spring is fast approaching. Here in Atlanta it feels like spring is already here. We have had the pleasure of experiencing some nice weather recently. During the spring season many people begin doing some spring cleaning, and spring shopping. Home decor, is all the rage especially this time of year. In case you are looking for a cost effective way to spruce up some of your home items, may we suggest slapping on a new coat of paint. I know this may sound simple, but actually a new coat of paint on a piece of furniture can breathe new life into your home. Take this silver mirror, designed by Laura Whitlow. This mirror was given a new life, by adding some FolkArt paint to it. How chic is this? Give it a try for yourself. Enjoy!

PLAID Supplies

  • FolkArt ® Stains – Walnut, 2 oz.
  • FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors – Silver Metallic, 8 oz

Other Supplies

Primer
Paintbrushes
Sandpaper
Soft cloth for glazing
Fancy frame

Instructions

1.Roughly sand piece to remove factory polyurethane finish….then prime.

2. Paint with Folk Art Silver  - apply  two coats.  When completely dry, sand with 80 grit sandpaper to distress edges.

3. Using a soft rag, apply Walnut stain, using more on the distressed edges.

4. Add new hardware to update piece – we chose something with some “bling” – choose what fits your space and taste!

 

March 5, 2012

Make It Monday: Shamrock Garden Stakes

It is less than two weeks until St. Patrick’s Day. Time is winding down to create some festive crafts. Luckily we here at Plaid, can give you some inspiration. These cute shamrock garden stakes bring new meaning to having a “green thumb”. Whip-up a batch to sprinkle through your garden for St. Patrick’s Day or tuck one into a pot of clover for a sweet gift. This creative St. Patrick’s Day craft was created by, Laura Bray. This is a beginner skill level craft, that will take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete. See all the supplies you will need for this project, along with the instructions.

Plaid Supplies

FolkArt Extreme Glitter-2796 Hologram, FolkArt Paint-429 Winter White, Mod Podge-Outdoor

Other Supplies

3” x 4” wood shamrock blocks, Wood dowels (3/16” in diameter), Green and white scrapbook papers, Flower-shaped acrylic crystals, craft/wood glue, Black & white gingham ribbon

Instructions

  1. My shamrock shapes came painted, but if you purchase unpainted shamrocks, apply FolkArt paint in a shade of green to your block.  Allow paint to dry.
  2. Apply two coats of Extreme Glitter in Hologram to the shamrocks.  Set aside to dry.
  3. Using FolkArt paint in Winter White,  paint wood dowels.  Set aside to dry.
  4. Cut shamrock shapes, measuring smaller than your wood shamrock blocks, from scrapbook paper and apply to painted shamrock blocks using Outdoor Mod Podge.  Be sure to coat over the paper to protect the paper from light moisture. While Mod Podge is still wet, embed an acrylic, flower-shaped crystal into the center of the shamrock.

TIP: An easy way to create shamrock shapes is to cut out three heart shapes and join them at the pointed end of the hearts.

  1. Glue a painted wood dowel onto the back of your shamrock.
  2. Tie a black & white gingham ribbon to the dowel, directly beneath the shamrock.

Please note, these are delicate and care should be taken to protect them from the elements. Outdoor Mod Podge is protecting them, but there are also ribbons and acrylic crystals that can be compromised by the weather.

February 27, 2012

Make it Monday: Lucky Plaque

Happy Monday everyone. How was your weekend? Hopefully you had a good one. It’s a new week, and can you believe that the month of February is almost over? March will arrive this week, which means St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner. Are you still looking for some craft projects to make to celebrate this holiday? Well we can help. Here is a great project to try, this Lucky Plaque. This project was designed by, Laura Bray. It is a beginner level craft project, that will take up to an hour to complete. See below the supplies you will need, and instructions on how to create this plaque. Enjoy!

Plaid Supplies

FolkArt Extreme Glitter-2796 Hologram, FolkArt Extreme Glitter-2857 Royal Blue, FolkArt Paint-429 Winter White, FolkArt Paint-526 Soft Apple, FolkArt Paint-484 Brilliant Ultramarine

Other Supplies

Wood plaque (5” X 20”), Wood shamrock (4” x 4”), Wood letters spelling out “LUCKY” (4” tall), Craft glue, Green and white polka dot ribbon

Instructions

  1. Paint wood letters in FolkArt-Brilliant Ultramarine.  Allow paint to dry.
  2. Once paint is dry, apply two coats of Extreme Glitter-Royal Blue to the letters.  Allow to dry between coats.
  3. Using FolkArt paint in Winter White and Soft Apple,  paint the wood plaque.
  4. Once paint is dry, apply two coats of Extreme Glitter-Hologram to the plaque.
  5. Paint the shamrock shape.  Paint stripes on the shamrock using FolkArt Brilliant Ultramarine, Soft Apple, and Winter White.  Allow to dry, then apply two coats of Extreme Glitter-Hologram over the shamrock.
  6. Glue letters onto plaque, spelling out the word, “Lucky”.  Make sure you leave room to attach the shamrock later.
  7. Glue shamrock to the top right corner of the plaque.
  8. Attach green & white ribbon to the plaque.  Tie bows where attached.  Hang and enjoy your unique St. Patrick’s Day décor!