Showing posts with label creative. Show all posts
Showing posts with label creative. Show all posts

Thursday, February 23, 2012

chick magnets: the sequel

 I LOOOVE MAKING CHICK MAGNETS!
It's been a while since my original Chick Magnets post, so you may or may not remember these.....
click ----------> HERE <---------- to refresh your memory or just to check 'em out :)
These are also very similar to the Hope pins I made for all the church girls ----------> HERE
So now my Chick Magnets are BACK, and just as cute as can be! HAH! 
I put together a quick little tutorial to show how I made them, so keep-a-reading.....
 First off, I take out all my scrap book paper, and start punching shapes.
Then I figure out what looks good with what, and place all the matches together.
Then I use a glue dot applicator to lightly adhere the small shapes to the large shapes.
Easy enough, right? And fun too :)
 I only have a few paper punches, and these are what they look like, above.
The red case contains the long strip of adhesive I use to stick everything together.
(it's the same adhesive I use to attach my photos to my notecards) 
 I use this Diamond Glaze because it dries absolutely clear (you could also use Mod Podge)
The glass discs I used this time are DIFFERENT than the ones I used w/ my first Chick Magnets!
The same size - 1 3/4 inch..... well a little over that..... perfect for my 1 3/4 inch punch -
but thinner, and perfectly clear glass. I found this was both an advantage and a disadvantage!
I'll tell you my reasons as we move along.....
 First you use the Diamond Glaze right smack on the front of the paper set you've created.
Use enough to cover it well, but not so much that you lose more than you use.
I had to experiment a bit..... less is more, as long as everything is covered.
And keep some damp paper towels near, cuz you'll want to wipe the disc and your fingers!
 Flip the pretty side over and smear it on the flat side of your glass disc.
Don't lift the paper on and off - just slide it around until glue has covered everything.
Then begin applying pressure - from the inside out - to get as many air bubbles out as possible.
This step is CRUCIAL! Air bubbles are the bane of any project like this!
I discovered that, because I was working with paper on top of paper, there WILL be air bubbles!
After narrowly escaping a nervous breakdown, I finally had to just ACCEPT the inevitable :/
And the thinner, clearer glass discs are beautiful, but they WILL make the bubbles more obvious.
Just squeeze as many out as possible and GET OVER IT, cuz they will still look adorable!
 SEE? SEE? SEE? ARE THEY TOO CUTE OR WHAT!!!
Yes they are - bubbles and all :)


CUTE!!! I LURVE THEM!!!
You'll want to finish them by attaching a small, strong magnet on the back - like the ones below:
If you're an anal type, you'll punch out card stock and glue it to the back first..... then the magnet.
If you're really anal, you'll trace and cut felt circles and glue those to the back before the magnet.
And if you're so anal that everything must be perfect, you'll throw them all away cuz of the bubbles :/
I may or may not be one or more of the above  :D  but most of the time I can enjoy what I've made!
I HOPE YOU LIKE THEM TOO!
It's a really fun, easy project - and something useful you can have for yourself or give as gifts!
I hope this inspired you to give it a try yourself!
My 2 best sources are on Etsy - great prices and service - I highly recommended them:

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

quilt show pics #2


Quilt show time again - YAY! Did you enjoy yesterdays photos? I hope you did :)
The above quilt really captured my attention - not only was it an EXQUISITE crazy quilt,
but look at all the cross stitching and embroidery incorporated into EVERY single patch!
So much amazing detail - so much work! And of course a darling megibug ladybug too :)

I encourage you to click on each photo so you can see all the INCREDIBLE detail!
Once again, I'm sad I didn't write down the names of the quilters behind all this time and effort.
But I'm sure I speak for them when I say, please ENJOY these GORGEOUS quilts! 

 One of my personal favorites :)
 This gorgeous quilt incorporated 13 redwork squares - LOVE!


 This quilt was one of the big winners... detail below...

 The above and below photos showcase the most innovative "quilting" I have EVER seen!



I hope you enjoyed all these breathtaking quilts!
Lauren and I sure did!

Monday, January 30, 2012

quilt show pics #1


Last weekend my friend Lauren and I attended the Ontario quilt show, and it was..... wait for it.....
FREAKING. AMAZING.
Upon entering the convention center, we were greeted by rows of beautiful quilts
 such as the one above, hanging from the vaulted ceiling. 
I was astounded as we wandered back and forth inside the enormous main room.
To say the show quilts on display were STUNNING doesn't even do it.
Quilters never cease to amaze me in the first place... but to see all the new innovations
and the level of creativity these quilters have and have put into their quilts is beyond words.
The photos I took are a mix of quilt store (vendor) displays and show quilts -
these are barely the tip of the iceberg as far as the volume of quilts at the show...
but these are the ones that caught my attention the most regarding color and pattern :)

The only thing I'm sad about is that I didn't think to write down the quilter's names
and where they are from... to go along with each and every one of these quilts...
these outstanding, EXCEPTIONAL quilts! So I sincerely apologize for my oversight :/
That being said, I'm sure they'd agree with me when I say I'd like you to...  
ENJOY! 










Stay tuned for more gorgeous quilts in tomorrow's blog post!

Monday, October 17, 2011

if you like it then you better put a frame on it

I love beds. Love them.
I especially love bed FRAMES!
In particular, headboards and footboards!
Especially if they are creative and unique.
My dear friend Lauren knows this about me too.
She recently sent me some pics of FAB headboards!
And that got me searching for even MORE fab ideas!
So the next few days are dedicated to headboards -
starting with the lovely old shutters, above. LOVE!
This idea even made me do a double-take!
Old book covers, flattened and attached together,
to resemble and play off the patchwork quilt.
Makes me start thinking of even more ways 
books could be incorporated into a headboard!
Now my mind is racing!    
I thought this bamboo headboard was great.
I especially love the different height levels.
And it is a good example of another easy project.
I'm not a big bamboo lover, however...
how cool would a headboard out of vintage skis be?
Or colorful skateboard decks? Or used snowboards?
Heart... beating... fast!
Now, that is one huge black headboard/wall!
Well, it's actually a chalkboard!
Okay... I've said before, that I just CAN'T 
understand the whole chalkboard paint craze :/
The thought of chalk dust makes me want to sneeze!
But these are nice, shiny vintage chalkboards :) 
 This headboard idea has become very popular:
The use of old (or even new) DOORS! LOVE IT!
Stained, painted, distressed... so many choices!
You can add moulding (or little side tables, above)
or any creative detail of your choice -
I've even seen screen doors! Endless possibilities!
Brain... on... overload! 
Now this "headboard" idea speaks for itself -
useful shelves flanked by antique columns.
This is a unique and creative "non-headboard"...
but it works, and I think it's LOVELY!
I'm going to dream "non-headboards" all week!
Who says you can't add a little humor with style?
I love the simplicity and wit of this headboard,
and that it blends fun with the room's modern decor.
Here, they've used great unique combinations!
The custom-built wall itself is a headboard of sorts -
beautifully decorated with a macro photograph.
Personally, I love large photographs on walls,
and more places are offering those services.
Then your eye floats down to see the actual headboard:
plush, colorful, and comfy buttoned cushions!
I saved my fave for last, cuz it blew my mind!
This bed is obviously not DIY but I had to add it!
Entirely made of a heavy, custom steel frame,
 and embellished with gorgeous stained glass...
this is definitely an amazing, one-of-a-kind bed!
~
I hope you enjoyed seeing these headboard examples,
and that your creativity is flowing with ideas!
MORE awesome examples coming next time!
*today's images from: Home to Life Online Designer Directory from Catherine Christie