Fun Finds Easter Wreath Project

Posted on April 12, 2014 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Easter Wreath from Fun Finds

This week I wanted to do another quick project, and keep it at under $5.00.

Thrift shops are no different than any other stores . . . they always have lots of seasonal items. Two of my favorite locals are DISCOVERY THRIFT and our FAMILY PATHWAYS. These stores have lots of craft supplies, papers and fabrics along with everything else.

Here’s some of what I found.

From Discovery Thrift
• Easter grass: $0.50
• Green flocked wreath with finished back: $2.00
From Family Pathways:
• Packaged Easter table kit: $0.50
From my supply cabinet stash
• Some little green wooden garden stakes: FREE from a garage sale
• A sheet of scrapbooking paper: From a book of 100 sheets for $2.00 at a craft sale long ago

Here’s how I put it together.

I separated the Big Bunnies piece into two individuals. I used only one for this project so have the 2nd for another time.

Then I eyeballed the bunny behind the wreath to see where to place it.

Now, I trimmed the piece, leaving a TAB on the bottom and one on top.

Next, using an Xacto knife, I carefully made slits on the top/bottom of the wreath, for the tabs.

TIP: Note that my wreath form is about 2 ½ inches deep; so I cut mid-way into the form. This gives the rabbit more depth than just gluing it flat to the back of the wreath.

As always, I puttied a piece of wax paper on my work surface. Just to keep the mess contained a bit.

After the glue gun warmed up, I took four full length stakes and glued them as pictured, to make the cross piece sections for my little fence.

Next, I cut down several plant sticks, to make fence pickets. I used the pointed ends for this project, but saved the cut-off pieces for another day.

Here’s where we are in the project.

Now I took some paper eggs from the kit. Removing the paper from the stem left a tiny hole in the egg. So, little flowers were cut-out of the scrapbook paper, and used to disguise the holes when needed.

Next, I glued several paper eggs behind and throughout my little fence. And then, eggs with the flowered coverings were added around the top of the wreath.

Last part was to add some texture with the Easter grass.

Gathering a clump of grass, I then wired the middle, and after three clumps were made, I then glued them onto the back (or inside) of my fence.

I pulled strands through the pickets, then gave everything a jagged haircut . . . and here it is!

Of course this is just an example of how I used my “fun finds”. Yours will be completely different . . . and speaking of yours . . . I always like to see what you’ve done. You can connect with me on PINTEREST or HOMETALK or FACEBOOK and share your photos.

TIPS:
1. For More Depth: I made large dobs of hot glue behind some of the eggs and flowers. This makes them stand away from the surface, for more depth and added interest.
2. On The Fence: The eggs were glued behind the fence and in & out some pickets. This way, after grass is added and adjusted . . . the eggs look “hidden” for the hunt.
3. I glued flat, a few partial flowers to the front and ground of the fence. This helps s tie everything together throughout the wreath.
4. You Regulars all know that I like things a little WHONKY . . . no perfect here. That’s why I glued my fence pickets on a little crooked . . . more fun to do . . . more fun to look at too! 🙂

So, it’s time to say “don’t stress too much, just start something!”

Thanks again for all of your well wishes after my “broken ribs” fiasco. Each week is a little bit better!

And naturally, I LOVE COMMENTS so keep em’ coming! Thanks.

OH, I’m linking this post to THE SCOOP linky party.

Find them through Anita at CEDAR HILL FARMHOUSE

This week’s host is Barb at THE EVERYDAY HOME
Lot’s of fun there. Take a look!

Later – Cheryl

Thanksgiving Thinking

Posted on November 3, 2013 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Hi All,

Thanks for the wonderful comments and emails on the Halloween posts. So glad you enjoyed them. Karianne at THISTLEWOOD FARMS has inspired me to come up with some cutout printables for Thanksgiving as well, so expect a project soon. Checkout Kari’s site over there. She is a Hoot! 🙂

With that said, I know I’m not the only one who’s glad that Halloween is done. The pumpkins are pooping out and any color other than orange, is much welcomed at this point. Still, it’s a bit odd that the BIG BOX stores are already decked out in red and green. What about that holiday in between? You know, the big Gobble-Gobble with the green bean casserole and pumpkin pie.

After my latest budget “fun finds”, I’m into some fun Thanksgiving designs. I found several great fabric pieces in the remnant bin at Wal-Mart. Two are for more easy make table runners, like the one I’ve already finished, pictured. The tutorial is at the end of this post.

The others are for another RAG WREATH . If you missed that post, check it out. I’m tickled to tell you that the Wreath for All Seasons was one of my most popular posts yet! A friend wants help making hers so thought I would do another along with her as a demo.

The wonderful works of world renowned artist MARIE THURMAN have inspired me to get creative with some decorative glass and ceramic ware. You’ll love this easy, inexpensive project. Found the perfect glass and plates to use, at my local Discovery Thrift Store. Article coming soon. Also coming up, a twenty-five cent TV tray will get a remarkable re-do and new use.

My continued search for cool, new blogger buddies means another “FEATURED FAVORITES” spot in the very near future as well.

But today, look how easy and inexpensive this table runner is to make. And it only takes about an hour.

I’m using two compatible fabrics and some decorative wired ribbon to make three runners that will criss-cross over the table top.

First, I cut the polka-dot fabric lengthwise, to create two equal pieces. Then I trimmed off the end edges.

Next I pressed the fabric with my iron on a low-steam setting. It had some heavy wrinkles, so I placed a lightly dampened wash-cloth over those areas and did another light press over. Just don’t have the wash-cloth too wet or the steam setting too hot.

Now, I cut four pieces of my metallic, wired ribbon; two that are two inches longer than the length sides, and two that are two inches longer than the width. You want your ribbon to have an extra inch on each end, so that you can miter/match your corners a bit later.

While my low temp glue gun was heating, I covered the top of my ironing board with wax paper. This will catch any glue goofs and protect the pad. Place your fabric FACE SIDE UP on the ironing board. Beginning on a length side of the fabric, I lined up my ribbon (with one inch hanging beyond the end) then pinned down the ribbon and pinned down a few areas of the fabric. TIP: be sure to allow a one inch overhang of ribbon, beyond the end of the fabric. AND start your glue line down an inch or so from the end of your fabric. You’ll have one inch of ribbon unglued to the fabric and one inch over hang.

Now begin to glue. I ran a very thin line of glue about a quarter inch in from the edge of the fabric, going as far as one glue pull would take me. Now begin placing the ribbon on top of the glue line, gently because it is hot.

Go back and pat down the ribbon onto the glue. Continue until you are an inch from the opposite end.

When your first edge is done, go back to the beginning and glue your inside edge, following the same procedure, placing glue about a quarter inch above the inside edge of your ribbon.

If you go crooked and off line with your glue, DON’T WORRY, just leave it alone for now. Correct your line and continue gluing.

When your ribbon is attached, and glue is dry, you simply go back to the extra glue on your fabric, rub back and forth a couple times and gently pull it up and snip it off.

Complete both glue lines of one length edge and then do your width edge next. BEFORE YOU BEGIN to glue this second ribbon piece, overlap your loose end pieces. Then cut a miter cut through both pieces. Pull away the excess ribbon and you’ll have a mitered corner. Now begin gluing this edge, following the same steps as before.

Do each remaining side in the same manner.

Here’s the final project.

SUPPLY LIST
FABRIC, cut to preferred width and length; this project was 13.25″ width by 43″ length.
GLUE GUN, low temp and 2 GLUE STICKS were used for this project
SCISSORS
STRAIGHT PINS
WIRED RIBBON; I used a 1 1/2 inch width ribbon.
WAX PAPER
IRON and IRONING BOARD

I’m going to make an identical runner, and then two long runners in the striped fabric. Not sure if I’ll use the same ribbon on those. One will be used in the table group, and the other in the next room on the piano, to keep the look going.

This is a quick and easy, economical project that can add a little perk to any table. I’m using mine for Thanksgiving! Let me know what you do with yours.

Later – Cheryl

This original article “Thanksgiving Thinking” appeared first on Artzzle.com.

No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

Halloween Handout Fun

Posted on October 30, 2013 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Well, tomorrow is Halloween! Whether you’re in the “can’t wait” or the “can’t wait till it’s over” category, it’s almost here. For anyone needing something last minute, try this low to no stress, quick and cost-effective project.

I purchased some plain, brown paper, lunch bags at Wal-Mart; $1 for a package of 50 bags (so you’ll probably be seeing more projects with these).

Using some of the FREE HALLOWEEN PRINTABLES
that I’ve shared lately, I just cutout a few and hot glued them to each side of the bag. They don’t have to be double sided, so just use any fun paper you have. I always use funky designs for the spiders and bugs!

I wanted to have some depth and movement, so instead of just gluing them flat onto the bag, I made a gentle fold down the center of the piece, then applied a strip of hot-glue just along the back side of the fold and attached it to the bag. The bats and the bugs are the best, because they flap around.

Where we live, handout bags are fine because we don’t get many trick or treaters. Our house is in the country, sitting at the back of a 5 acre parcel. True, there’s a county road at the front, but with only seven houses in our development, we just don’t have a lot of people stop in.

So, I decided to make individual bags for each of the seven young kids in our little community, and I’m actually going to fill them and deliver them personally … this evening. Then just close up tomorrow night. The dogs won’t be as noisy that way, but we’ll still have fun for the kids.

However you and yours spend the evening, have a happy … and safe Halloween.

Later – Cheryl

This original article “Halloween Handout Fun” appeared first on Artzzle.com.

No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

Easy Make Halloween Mobile

Posted on October 24, 2013 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Hi All.

Hope you’re having fun with the FREE HALLOWEEN PRINTABLES I sent you last time.

Here’s the mobile I made using mine.

Could this be any easier? And all you need besides papers for your cutouts, is a nice open branch, a cuphook ( a hook with a screw top) and some light weight, clear fishline (I used 8 LB line). Seriously, the hardest part of this project for me was … tieing the stupid fishline, as I’m all thumbs with fine work!

I put this in our family room and it looks great out there in it’s own little corner of my world.

These are the cutouts I showed last post … FREE HALLOWEEN PRINTABLES

Have fun with these and as always, don’t stress about it, just start!

Later – Cheryl

This original article “Easy Make Halloween Mobile” appeared first on Artzzle.com.
Copyright © 2013 Artzzle All Rights Reserved

No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

A Wreath for All Seasons

Posted on October 19, 2013 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

At my age, I’ve done too many crafts, DIY and decor projects to ever remember them all. As I searched through HOMETALK the other day, I was reminded of a wonderful rag wreath project we did as kids. This really is one of the best crafts out there, because almost any age can do this, and the beautiful results are foolproof. Supplies are things we all have around the house, or items easily found at any Big Box store. All you need is fabric, a wire frame and scissors, and any decorations or ribblon you want to add. That’s it!

Above is my version of a rag wreath. You can use almost any fabric. As kids we used to experiment with all types of fabrics, including tulle and netting. Today’s project is a Make-Do for me as I’ve had this pretty material around for many moons. I saw it at a garage sale and knew there would be some use for it! And I’m using a wreath form that was on hand (couldn’t come up with a hanger). My form is multi-leveled so I made a double wreath, which is the same process as Claire’s HOMETALK project, with a few alterations.

Cut your fabric into strips that are approximately 6 inches long and 1 – 1 1/2 inches wide. You don’t have to be exact here so don’t worry if some are a bit bigger than that. Now all you do is tie the strips to your form. It’s best to work from the top (front) of you wreath form. On a hanger you won’t have to worry about that.

I’m using the first inside circle and the second ring from the top.

Just slip your fabric strip under the wire and then tie. You don’t need to knot it, just tie once and pull tightly. Do your next and slide it over, and so on.

Remember to have your wreath form face up (back side down) as you work.

Above we’re in progress and this is a top view.
Below shows what the back side of the wreath looks like, on the almost completed wreath.

Finally, we see again the completed wreath, sans decoration.

If you have a few random longer pieces, just give them a quick haircut.

I added some silk accents and burlap ribbon. As you can see flower stem was only $1 at my local Family Dollar store. I’ve had the ribbon for ages so can’t tell you price there. But you know I’m a frugal spender so it couldn’t have been much. You can use whatevery ribbon or trims you like.

And here is the finished product. I think it turned out quite nicely, don’t you!

I didn’t glue my decorations to the wreath. They are wired and I just slipped them through and bent the wire on the back to hold them in place.

I called this a “Wreath for All Seasons” because if you use a neutral or metallic color fabric, you can just change out your decorations for each season.

On her HOMETALK board, Claire featured a “rag wreath”. Hers is made from a different type of fabric, so you get two examples of what can be done. She’s using an old wire coat hanger for a frame. The wire hanger is a hint to how long this cute project has been around, because these days, those are hard to find! If you don’t have one, wire will work too.

Time for my project was a partial afternoon, and one evening in front of the TV. And for a one- tiered wreath, it’s even faster!

This makes a wonderful gift for a hostess, a co-worker or friend, AND kids can make them for grandparents and teachers! Finally, an easy, inexpensive teacher’s present!

Hope you liked this post. I’ll be sharing it on my HOMETALK board too.

I’m LINKING UP with Angie over at KNICK OF TIME

And I shared this with Linda over at COASTAL CHARM. Check out her place!

Thanks so much for visiting. Until next time, remember, don’t stress – just start something.

Later
-Cheryl

No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

Pretty Gift Box, E-Z Make-do Project

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

A bit of ambition and inspiration struck yesterday, so I decided to take on a quick, make-do project. Remember, my make-do ideas are strictly no spending, no store trips. The only shopping done is shopping my house to see what I can come up with.

After making some note cards as a gift for a friend, I needed something to put them in, so the search was on. There were two decent white board boxes, but one was too small and while the perfect size, the lid on the second box was yellowed and had some small dents; not good gift material! All the available decorative bags were winter themed and that was definately out. Any gift paper found was too heavy to wrap the small box lid smoothly. I have lots of wrapping tissue, so chose three bright colors for a collage effect for the box lid.

Adults and kids alike find this a fun, easy application with beautiful results, that can be used in many ways.

The supply list is simple.

Colored tissue wrapping paper, water based glue and plain water. That’s all you need. I use either Elmer’s white glue or as in this case, Tacky glue. Both work well, but Elmer’s is a bit thinner consistency and will dry a little quicker, which is nice for this project, but not a must. Tacky was in my cabinet so that’s what I used here. If you have a flat, synthetic craft brush, it comes in handy, but plain old fingers work fine too (they’re just a little messier 🙂 ).

1. Tear your tissue into pieces sized for easy work with your object. Here we’re covering the lid of a small box so don’t want very big pieces.

2. Squeeze some glue over a section of your object, then smooth the glue over that portion, adding just a drop or two of water to make a damp glaze.

3. Lay on a piece of paper, then gently pinch at the paper to create wrinkled texture.

4. Continue until the top is well covered, then wet a side of the lid and adhere smaller sized pieces. Work them into the wet top. Leave a dry edge hanging down at the bottom of the box’s sides. DON’T wrap glue and paper into the inside of the lid.

5. Repeat until you get desired look and texture. Let dry, then carefully trim off dry edges.

TIP 1: Tear your tissue rather than cut. Jagged, natural edges are more interesting in this application.
TIP 2: Don’t use a natural bristle brush as glue is difficult to remove completely. Even with synthetic, keep your brush wet when not in use, so that glue isn’t able to dry and damage brush. Wash up with warm water and ordinary dish liquid.
TIP 3: After completed project dries, add one final coating of glue over entire surface, to give a nice sheen to your finished piece.

Finally, I lined the box with tissue, then put the envelopes, more tissue and lastly the cards. This was a set of eight note cards and I always include two extra envelopes.
An inexpensive, quick and easy project that any age will enjoy making OR receiving.

My friend Linda loved her gift!

As always, don’t stress, just start.
Later – Cheryl

ARTZZLE

Helping with the Pieces in Life's Puzzle of Art and Design

Tag Archives: easy project

Fun Finds Easter Wreath Project

Thanksgiving Thinking

Halloween Handout Fun

Easy Make Halloween Mobile

A Wreath for All Seasons

Pretty Gift Box, E-Z Make-do Project

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