Scrapbooking and recycling...

Here is a video I found on youtube with ideas on how to use "non-traditional" papers for scrapbooking. You can use them for making cards and for other crafts as well but I love this ad because it is basically what I do! So, enjoy it and get creative!

Looking for Shell Necklace Instructions Found This...

So, I was just looking for ideas or instructions on how to make a necklace using the shells I have found on the beach that already have holes in them and I found this great blog on typepad called Vintage Chica. This lady has all sorts of wonderful projects and great images! The images are copyrighted so you must ask for permission to use them but she seems to have no problem giving the permission so long as you ask. I have included the link to her site on my links list but will add it here just in case: http://www.vintagechica.typepad.com/. I love to share what I find with friends and this seems like a great find! Check it out!

If I find anymore interesting sites I will place them in the links section so you can check them out as well! I hope to soon be able to make some necklaces with the shells I have found and post the instructions on here. In the meantime, enjoy the pics I took of the ones I found which I will be using for crafting purposes. Cheers!

Mom holding some shells she found, me holding two cute little shells....

Pencil Holder Craft

I love recycling things that one uses daily and am constantly collecting papers, clippings, cardboard and the like! Yesterday I recycled a can of salmon and made it into a cute pencil holder. I used the following materials so you can do the same if you like:

• cleaned can of salmon (taller than a soup can and more slender at the bottom)
  
• 3 shades of fibrous tissue paper- teal, blue and purple
  
• circle and flower clippings from decorative papers
  
• Elmer's Craft Bond: Paper Craft Glue Gel
  
• PROART White Bristle Paint Brush #10
  
• small piece of brown felt, for bottom
  
• small piece of self-adhesive corkboard for inside bottom
  
  

Stage 1:

Make sure you start with a clean and completely dry can. Begin to glue down shredded pieces of tissue paper.

Choose the papers and pattern according to your taste. I used 3 tones of the tissue paper that would be dark on the background so that the dots and flowers would stand out and have a bit of a contrast. I like vivid colors, you might want to try earthy tones, primary colors or pastels. It just depends on your taste. Go wild!

The papers I used you can find at any crafting/scrapbooking store. For the flowers I used a scrap of wrapping paper. You can use magazine cut-outs, you can choose a theme. For the dots I cut around the circles on the designer scrapbooking page choosing a few of each size.

Stage 2:

After you have glued down all of the tissue paper pieces, brush over them a bit of decoupage such as Mod Podge or make your own using 2/3 parts craft glue and 1/3 part water. Apply a coat over top with the paint brush. Let dry completely.

Pictures: can as it dries, can with Craft Bond

Decoupage glue mixture

Stage 3:

Once the can is dry you can begin to apply the embellishments, in this case I chose to use the dots I cut-out and the flowers of various sizes. Apply the decoupage glue to the back and extend firmly over the surface of the decoupaged can. Repeat until you have reached the amount of embellishments you desire. Coat with another coating of decoupage glue mix and let dry.

Dots and flowers for embellishing

Can with decoupage and embellishments

Stage 4:

Lastly, once the can is again dry, trace a circle with the bottom of the can on the piece of felt and then cut-out. Glue the circle to the bottom with silicone glue. Trace the same bottom on the piece of self-adhesing corkboard and cut within the traced circle to fit inside. Take adhesive backing off and place carefully inside. Then step back and look at your wonderful finished product!

Felted bottom, Finished product on display

Card-Making: Some old projects...

I am adding today images of cards I have decorated, collage style:

A French Kitty Birthday Card I made a while back

Christmas Cards made with cardstock and cut-outs

Simple card for a child....

Combinations of cut-outs and paper scraps

With a little bit of edging...

Figuring out these templates..

So I was finally able to figure out the whole template issue although I am still learning about the widgets and how to save them and things like that. Even so, I like this layout template that I am currently using and do not think I will be changing it anytime soon. It has been raining all day and I had thought I would try my hand at drawing which was a total flop. Instead my Dad drew me a dog and I worked some on my knitting. I have been knitting the same scarf for about 2 almost 3 years now! LOL! I wanted to add a picture of one of my favorite projects which I made, a decorated picture frame for my niece Alyssa for her 3rd birthday. I have to find something to top it for this coming year...no clue yet...but she did enjoy her gift last year.

This project was quite enjoyable for me and I think I might make other ones like it in the future. My next immediate project involves an old salmon can, some Mod Podge and some decorative papers, mag cut-outs, pink felt and corkboard. I will post that one on here soon! YAY!!!

Trying something new...

I have created this blog to post things about my arts and crafts projects. This is also an initial post to see how this new template I am trying out will look. Cheers!