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.

Changes Coming

Posted on August 26, 2013 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Hi all.

Saturday’s wedding is now over and done and the happy couple are onto honeymoon fun. This is just a short post today, to let you know Artzzle has changes in play.

The Happy Couple

A New Look
I’ve acquired lots of new WordPress toys and tools, and will be playing with those often, tweaking Artzzle’s look. It’s EZ software though, you don’t even have to write your own code. Anyone should be able to quickly master it … even me 🙂 I’m looking forward to “playtime” and collecting comments on what you think about all the changes.

More Contact Options
While I love getting comments, soon you’ll also have a second contact option, where you’ll be able to attach photos you’d like to share.

Silk Flower Tutorial
I promised a little info on how to make the silk boutannaires, so here you go.

1 Rose Bud, 1 Leaf, 1 Small Piece variegated green

When working with silk flowers, I always use hot glue, as you need something to set up instantly. The lower temp glue and guns will work fine.

Glue (front side) of leaf to back of rose, then glue greens at base of (front) of rose

Here’s what you have now, a bare bout. Now we need the ribbon jacket

Before beginning the final step, adding the ribbon, I like to tightly wire-wrap the stems together, to give you a tight end to work with when you wrap the ribbon. I used a 26 gauge floral/craft wire here, as it is thin but still very strong, easy to work with and get very tight.

1 1/2 inch width Ribbon, cut in a 4 inch long piece

Glue over a small “hem” on each end of your ribbon. This gives you a finished look and prevents your ribbon from fraying

My next two pictures aren’t the best but I think you’ll be able to get the idea.

Glue one end of ribbon to the back of your rose, at a bit of a downward angle.

Begin wrapping ribbon around stem, carefully gluing as you go.

When your open end is about 1/2 – 3/4 in below the end of your stems, glue and fold it back up onto the stem. Continue wrapping and gluing remaining ribbon, around end of stem.

These are the finished bouts. Notice on is different. This is the groom's bout. This one was altered a bit after this shot was taken. The groom felt it was too big, so I simply carefully snipped off the two side rose leaves, and trimmed down the white hydrangea.

These are the finished bouts. Notice the groom’s bout is different. This one was altered a bit after the shot was taken. The groom felt it was too big, so I simply carefully snipped off the two side rose leaves, and trimmed down the white hydrangea. Now it’s still different but a more comfortable size.

I couldn’t close without including some of my gorgeous grandchildren. But I have to note, there are five more that weren’t in attendance.

: All four Bridesmaid Grandaughters

: Bridesmaid Grandaughters and Flowergirl Great Grandaughter

: Guest Grandaughter

Until next time, don’t stress too much about it, just start your project.

Thanks for visiting. You’ve just read “Changes Coming” on Artzzle.com. I love comments and questions so send “em” my way. And be sure to spread the word about Artzzle to your friends. The more the merrier!

Remember, all content on Artzzle, text and photography, is copyrighted and cannot be used in any form, without my expressed permission, or approval from material’s originator(s). You can leave a comment below with any questions on this.

Oxymoron Mondays

Posted on August 12, 2013 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Some Sunday stroll lovelies.
This is not a formal, structured arrangement; no tape, wire or frogs.
I’ve just filled the vase with water, insert taller pieces, then clump a few similiar flowers together and begin placing them here and there.
Here I’ve used 3 types of wild flowers – Brown Eyed Susans, Daisies and Alfalfa; 3 fillers – Russian Sage, and two wild grasses are added for height, texture and filler.
Continually watered, these will last for several days.

Words are fun aren’t they? One of my favorites is “oxymoron”.

Merriam Webster says: “Definition OXYMORON
:a combination of contradictory or incongruous words (as cruel kindness); broadly: something (as a concept) that is made up of contradictory or incongruous elements”

Monday is a big ole oxymoron for me. It can be slow and draggy, because I didn’t want the weekend to end, but it might also be energized and inspired from events of the previous two days. Monday this week is just a big mix of moods and must do’s.

Awoke to beautiful sunshine, but 7:00 am was way too early, as 2:00 a.m. was bedtime last night (remember we’re night people because of Hubs’ job). So a little draggy, but we have to drop off a vehicle at the shop before DB leaves for work, so I need to get going.

I assembled tools to begin making bouts.
* Two widths of satin ribbon in two colors
* Tin snips
* Wire (this is 26 gauge, suitable for small projects and beaded strips)
* Hot glue gun
* Optional Crimper (sometimes it’s fun to crimp some of your ribbon)
* Pearl tipped strait pins

Lots to do today; usual cleaning but also have to begin the boutonnieres for the wedding. That word never looks right no matter how you spell it, so I always have to check! Anyway, have to at least start the “bouts (boots)” but only have 5 so not a huge chore. Haven’t done any recent projects that work for a good post, but have lots of ideas for upcoming slots. Because of short night, I’ll probably need an afternoon nap. And the list grows. You know what I mean.

Our primary flowers are the roses, with 3 sizes of blooms on each stem.
For the bouts, I’ve cut the smallest bud, which will be the main flower in the boutonnaire.
Always give your cuts as much of the stem as possible; too long is better than too short!

I’ve also cut the smallest clumps of our neutral flowers, to be used in the bouts, and pulled 1 small section from the variegated filler as well.
TIP: When doing your cuttings, always keep any remnants of flowers, leaves and wire. They may come in handy somewhere along the process.

Here are little extra pieces that fell from the main stems. I always keep EVERYTHING, until the project is finished.

TIP: Always take as much stem wire as possible when making your cuts. You can snip off excess later if you don’t need it.

Each of my days start with an email check, but Monday’s are especially nice, because I get so many inspirational tidbits from my blogger buddies. Today was not a let-down. Wanting to start quietly, I opened LEAF AND TWIG first to see the wonderful words and images awaiting there. Next I was energized with that beautiful voice over at CHARLOTTE HOATHER’s site.

Now I was ready for whatever mixed media piece THE SEASONED HOMEMAKER was sharing today. This time it was about sewing which isn’t one of my talents, BUT I learned something to pass on to Hubs, as he begins his upholstering adventures. Then colorful inspiration hit me from Donna’s post at DECORATING WITH DONNA.

And finally I followed up on comments from BENJAMIN VOGT‘s weekend gardening discussion over at HOUZZ. Benjamin one of HOUZZ’s regular contributors on gardening, and specializes in natural or native species plants.

Well, the day is half over and there’s still more to do. I’ll post a full tutorial when I work on the boutonnieres. Lot’s of great links today and more on the FUN PLACES list to check out too!

Meantime, our entire week here is supposed to be beautiful weather. Hope yours is too. And remember, don’t stress, just start.

Later – Cheryl
Thanks for visiting. You’ve just read “Oxymoron Mondays” on Artzzle.com. I love comments and questions so send “em” my way.

ARTZZLE

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

Tag Archives: hot glue

Thanksgiving Thinking

Halloween Handout Fun

Changes Coming

Oxymoron Mondays

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