Ready for VALENTINE Projects?

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Hi, all.  Can you believe it’s almost time for a holiday again? By now, I’m actually glad for another little spruce up opportunity, though.  Christmas is gone and with all of Winter’s white, windy weather, things need some sparkle again.  But, because it isn’t so friendly outside, now is a good time for one of my EZ-PZ projects.

This one is super easy, using things you’ll already have around the house.  AND you don’t need any fancy tools!

SUPPLIES

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PAINT SAMPLE CARDS and TISSUE BOXES are two of my favorite recycled/reuse craft items. They have beautiful colors and designs and are a great weight for cut-outs.

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This project I also used WRAPPING PAPER CUTOUTS & A RED FELT PLACEMAT from among my post-season stash. The mat had a whopping $0.24 price tag. Though I did use a few punches here, I also did many things the old fashioned way … folding and cutting out larger heart shapes to use.

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The wonderful set of punches featured in some of these projects – are not mine. They were on loan from my daughter. I mention this so people won’t be discouraged. Most of my work is done with ordinary, everyday items like scissors, exacto knife and salvaged papers. Same goes for glue. You don’t have to have a hot glue gun or a glue wheel for everything. Less expensive double-sided tapes, tacky glue or elmer’s are available everywhere, and get the job done just fine.

(Not pictured is a small tension-rod for your window. If you don’t have one, they are found in curtain departments and are very inexpensive.)

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SIMPLE STEPS:

Cut five pieces of string. I used twine here. A number of things work; yarn, curling ribbon or fish line. You it light weight enough to have a bit of movement as it hangs down. I cut my longest piece at 25”. Two more pieces were cut at 20” and finally, two pieces at 17”.

TIP: You’ll want to measure your window and see how long you want your pieces. REMEMBER that longer is better, so you have enough to tie to your rod, and more is always good because too much is better than not enough.

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Here I laid out my string. Tops are held down with fun-tac putty and I’ve added my jingle bells at the bottom to help straighten out the twine. Trying a few dry design placements with my cutouts, when satisfied, I began to glue items to the twine.

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NOTE: The paper shapes are all doubled. You NEED TWO IDENTICAL PIECES for each display on your string. When applying, you will lay one cutout FACE DOWN, then place your string over it, and glue the matching cutout over the top. As well as helping the pieces adhere to the string, this gives you a pretty view from either side.

Valentine’s Day is winter of course, so your window will be closed. But you’ll still get movement and in my example, I’ll have lots of movement since this window is above a heat register. In summer, you’ll get breeze from the open window.

Now all I have to do is tie my strings to the curtain rod.

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In my Christmas Window Project SEEN HERE I used coordinating wrapping paper to make a sleeve for the rod. For today’s project, I simply tacked some matching ribbon to the front of the rod so I could hang it higher in the window.

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See you soon for more fun.

As always, try not to stress about it, just start your project.

Later – Cheryl

This original article “VALENTINE Projects” appeared first on Artzzle.com. No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

Copyright © 2013-2017 Artzzle All Rights Reserved

Advertisement

Marvelous No-Mess Project

What are we crafters and DIYer’s always on the hunt for?
Besides FREE stuff, I mean.
Something we just cannot find enough of.
C’mon, you know this one.

GRAPHICS of course! And yes, free graphics, right? No royalty or fees.

Well, I have em’ for you . . . tons of them even!
Just visit THE GRAPHICS FAIRY
and enter a wonderful world of vintage graphics.
Everything from fonts to flowers, birds to children, all kinds of pretties.

ARTZZLE.COM
Last summer, I found this brand new wooden tray at a garage sale for $3.00. It had a dark finish, which I liked, and a glass insert on the tray. Ooh, but it gets better, because it also has a matted sheet . . . you know, one of those multiple photo cutout frame dealies. I wanted a quick, clean project for today, and I still hadn’t done anything with my tray. I was also trying to develop an idea for Mother’s Day. My mom isn’t here any longer but I was thinking about all the things she loved.

ARTZZLE.COM
Long story short. I headed over to Karen’s place at The Graphics Fairy and searched for flowers and birds and nature offerings. It was difficult to decide on favorites because there were so many beautiful options, but I chose birds and flowers . . . in honor of Mom. All I did was copy them onto my desktop. Then I printed them, sizing each down close to the openings in my frame mat. Some couldn’t fit just right, so I used a coordinating sheet of craft paper to back the frame and fill in where needed.

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A couple years ago, Hubs and I took an old chair apart and made a little bench. Our tray sets atop that and we use it as an end table most of the time. It’s double duty and we can always remove the tray and have extra seating!

TIP: On a plain tray with no photo mat or glass, you can decoupage some beautiful graphics on, let it dry completely (let it sit for a day or two) and put a piece of clear vinyl contact paper over top.

Hope you enjoyed today’s idea.  Your comments are always welcomed! (hey, I love em 🙂 )

Later – Cheryl

***
This original article “Marvelous No-Mess Project” appeared first on Artzzle.com. No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission and accreditation.

Copyright © 2013-2014 Artzzle All Rights Reserved

Another Easy “Inside Day” Project

Artzzle Project Feature

Hi All.

Artzzle has been building for nearly a year already.

This project was one of the first, and a favorite of mine. Now that I actually have readers and followers, I wanted to share it again. Thought it needed a little more attention.

So ENJOY. And don’t stress about it, just start! This one is REALLY EASY.

With all of the cold and snow of winter, we need lots of “inside day” ideas. This is one of my “Make Do” projects. That’s a – no store shopping, no spending, make do with what’s available -project. My office/studio needed a new bulletin board. So I shopped my house to see what materials I had on hand.

Artzzle Project Feature

My foam core supply was limited to a couple small sheets but my vision was a much larger board. No more cork rolls either, but in Hubs’ shop I found a huge section of cardboard … poof … a backer board! Nothing big enough in my fabric pieces box, but the remnants bin gave me two pretty options for the cover. And that old, faded quilt I had saved for some reason, was plenty big enough for the lining.

The rest is easy, but just involves several steps

  • Measure the wall space and decide what size I want for the finished piece
  • Cut my cardboard to those measurements
  • My liner must be SMALLER than the backer so I subtract two inches from my measurements, EXAMPLE: My back board is 20″ x 40″ so I cut my liner material at 18″ x 38″.
  • Centering the liner on the cardboard; I have an inch of cardboard showing on each edge
  • Next begin taping the liner to a long side of the board

Artzzle Project Feature

  • Once that edge is taped, pull it back and put glue all over the CARDBOARD surface
  • Pull the liner back over the glued cardboard and smooth it out

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Now TAKE A BREAK and let that dry for a bit. You can put a few heavy books on top to help press it down onto the glue.

  • Next finish taping the remaining three sides to the cardboard
  • Now measure the covering material and it needs to be BIGGER than the cardboard
  • I added four inches to give myself plenty of extra material to work with EXAMPLE: With our 20 x 40 example, we would cut our cover fabric at 24″ x 44″ (and trim later if desired)
  • I ironed my fabric, then spread it face down (the side you want to see on the finished piece)
  • Place your cardboard piece on top of this, so you’re now looking at the raw cardboard back, the liner is in between the finish fabric and your backer, and you see a border of extra front fabric around the edges.

Artzzle Project Feature

  • Now begin the final steps, wrapping and taping the raw fabric edges to the exposed cardboard
  • I like to complete a long edge first, then put just a few pieces on each short side to help position and tighten the fabric
  • Flip it a few times to see how the front is progressing. You don’t want it too loose on the front, but don’t pul and stretch too tightly either
  • When you like how it looks, finish taping the short sides and then the final long one

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I hung the finished board using two inner screws and one at each corner.

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To cover the screw heads I glued some buttons and beads on top.

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Whew, that was a bit long, but it really was easy. Start to finish took about four hours.

Hey, I love hearing from you. What do you think? Leave a reply below . . . and let me know!
Later – Cheryl

This original article “Another Easy “Inside Day” Project” appeared first on Artzzle.com. No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission and/or accreditation.

Copyright © 2013-2014 Artzzle All Rights Reserved

VALENTINE Projects

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Hi All. Here’s another super easy project using things you’ll already have around the house.  NOTE: YOU DON’T NEED A LOT OF FANCY TOOLS.

SUPPLIES (Not pictured is a small tension-rod for your window. If you don’t have one, they are found in curtain departments and are very inexpensive.)

Artzzle.com

PAINT SAMPLE CARDS and TISSUE BOXES are two of my favorite recycled/reuse craft items. They have beautiful colors and designs and are a great weight for cut-outs.

Artzzle.com

This project I also used more wrapping paper cutouts and punches, and a big red felt placemat among my post-season stash. It had a whopping $0.24 price tag. Though I did use a few punches here, I also did many things the old fashioned way . . . folding and cutting out larger heart shapes to use.

Artzzle.com

 The wonderful set of punches featured in some of these projects – are not mine. They were on loan from my daughter. I mention this so people won’t be discouraged. Most of my work is done with ordinary, everyday items like scissors, exacto knife and salvaged papers. Same goes for glue. You don’t have to have a hot glue gun or a glue wheel for everything. Less expensive double-sided tapes, tacky glue or elmer’s are available everywhere, and get the job done just fine.

Artzzle.com

SIMPLE STEPS:

Cut five pieces of string. I used twine here. A number of things work; yarn, curling ribbon or fish line. You it light weight enough to have a bit of movement as it hangs down. I cut my longest piece at 25”. Two more pieces were cut at 20” and finally, two pieces at 17”.

TIP: You’ll want to measure your window and see how long you want your pieces. REMEMBER that longer is better, so you have enough to tie to your rod, and more is always good because too much is better than not enough.

Artzzle.com

Here I laid out my string. Tops are held down with fun-tac putty and I’ve added my jingle bells at the bottom to help straighten out the twine. Trying a few dry design placements with my cutouts, when satisfied, I began to glue items to the twine.

Artzzle.com

NOTE: The paper shapes are all doubled. You NEED TWO IDENTICAL PIECES for each display on your string. When applying, you will lay one cutout FACE DOWN, then place your string over it, and glue the matching cutout over the top. As well as helping the pieces adhere to the string, this gives you a pretty view from either side.

Valentine’s Day is winter of course, so your window will be closed. But you’ll still get movement and in my example, I’ll have lots of movement since this window is above a heat register. In summer, you’ll get breeze from the open window.

Now all I have to do is tie my strings to the curtain rod.

Artzzle.com

In my Christmas Window Project SEEN HERE I used coordinating wrapping paper to make a sleeve for the rod. For today’s project, I simply tacked some matching ribbon to the front of the rod so I could hang it higher in the window.

Artzzle.com

See you soon for more fun.
As always, try not to stress about it, just start your project.

Later – Cheryl

This original article “VALENTINE Projects” appeared first on Artzzle.com. No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

Copyright © 2013-2014 Artzzle All Rights Reserved

Valentines Cards . . . EZ-PZ Make-do Project

Don't forget to decorate and make matching envelopes

Don’t forget to decorate and make matching envelopes

Hi All.

Today begins my mini-marathon of fun projects for Valentine’s celecbrations.

Starting off with some very simple, make-do cards. Remember, my make-do projects are done with no extra shopping, just using what I have available in my stash at home. These turned out nicely.

Here’s my SUPPLY LIST:
1. Heavy card stock or construction paper for the actual card (8 1/2 x 11″ sheets)
2. Pretty papers to decorate the card – here I used wrapping paper and paint sample cards.
3. Decorative scissors and/or punches. I used both.
4. Glue – I used both Tacky Glue and my Glue Wheel. The wheel is cleaner.
5. Invitation size envelopes – I have these on hand, but you can purchase anywhere. Invitation size is 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″.

MAKING CARDS: Wrapping paper scraps, paint color and color range cards

MAKING CARDS: Wrapping paper scraps, paint color and color range cards

TIP: During my post-season shopping this year, I got some great deals on beautiful wrapping paper, in generic colors that can be used all year round. These cost $1.00 each a roll, opposed to the $4 – $5 seasonal price. So I got all five rolls for the price of one originally!

Paint sample cards available FREE at any paint department or store

Paint sample cards available FREE at any paint department or store

Any store with a paint department has various paint sample cards and sheets and they’re FREE.

Paint color range cards.  Use the colors seperately or cut shapes across two colors for a fun look

Paint color range cards. Use the colors seperately or cut shapes across two colors for a fun look

Decorative Punches.  You can also just cut out your own shapes.

Decorative Punches. You can also just cut out your own shapes.

INSTRUCTIONS are so easy.

Take your sheet of card stock and cut it in half, so you have two pieces 5 1/2″ x 4 1/4″ diameters.

A half sheet heavy paper (half of an 8 1/2 x 11" sheet) An invitation sized envelope (4 1/4 x 5 1/2")

A half sheet heavy paper (half of an 8 1/2 x 11″ sheet)
An invitation sized envelope (4 1/4 x 5 1/2″)

Now BEFORE YOU MAKE YOUR PERMANENT FOLD, loosely hold the edges together and trim with a decorative scissors, cutting both at the same time. Or just fashion a design with regular scissors.

1/2 sheet with top/bottom edges trimmed.

1/2 sheet with top/bottom edges trimmed.

Once trimmed, make your permanent FOLD. Here, I wanted a tongue fold but you can just do a normal 1/2 fold if you want. I like the tongue fold because the inside hangs out below in the front and you get to see pretty decorations on the inside as well as just the front.

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I sat for a time and just punched out various sizes and shapes of designs. Then I played with shapes and laid out various designs.

Layout your design

Layout your design

Then just glue things on. I prefer a glue wheel, because it doesn’t get any overlap glue on the front of your card and decorations. But tacky glue works too, you just have to be more careful.

Glue onto card with tacky glue OR a dry-glue wheel.

Glue onto card with tacky glue OR a dry-glue wheel.

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For your message, you can handwrite a message. I often use metallic colored markers for this. Or as in the picture below, I just type a little verse in a fun font, cut it out and pasted it in. I thought this card’s front looked like eyes in glasses frames and I had used stars so I said “Your Love has me Seeing Stars”.

Inside, you can type up a little verser or write a message with a pretty marker (metallic colors are nice)

Inside, you can type up a little verse or write a message with a pretty marker (metallic colors are nice)

That’s it for today, but watch for another project soon.

As always, don’t stress, just start that project.

Later -Cheryl

This original article “Valentines Cards…an EZ-PZ Make-do Project” appeared first on Artzzle.com. No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

Copyright © 2013-2014 Artzzle All Rights Reserved

Thanksgiving … for the Kids

Hi All,

The next few days are all about those finishing touches for Thanksgiving. On the day itself, with all the adults talking over the cooking and eating, sometimes kids find themselves needing something to do, too. I played a while on the computer today and designed some cute print-ables just for them.

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Just print this file THANKSGIVING PRINTS

Cut them out and they become either …

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finger-puppets or …

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pins for the kids.

All you need … besides scissors and a little time … is

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1. White cardstock
2. Scotch tape … or
3. Adhesive Velcro dots

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Just print and cut out the images. TIP: For puppets just remember to cut side strips that can fold to the back and be taped in a loop. They’ll fit over one finger for older kids, or two for the little ones.

For pins, one velcro dot goes on the back of the piece, and the other goes on the front of the child’s shirt. Voila you have a cute little pin.

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Artzzle.com

Until next time, don’t stress, just start something.

And have a wonderful, safe and … HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Later – Cheryl

I love your feedback. Email readers can reply below and online you can click on the little cloud at the top of the article, by the title 🙂

This original article “Thanksgiving … for the Kids” appeared first on Artzzle.com.

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

Copyright © 2013 Artzzle All Rights Reserved

Reader’s Wreath

Hi All.

Here’s a short post today to share a shot of a reader’s project. This was made from our Wreath for All Seasons post tutorial.

This was made by some special Iowa readers; my step-daughter Cindra and granddaughter Brianna. They found their fabric at Walmart. It was one of those little scrap bundles for quilting. The bundle had several different patterns in colors they liked, so strips were cut, and they developed a design going around the wreath.

Reader's Wreath

Their wreath was done on a 9 inch frame. This was their first attempt and it was made to hang in Bri’s bedroom. The gals worked together and the project took just a couple of hours. It was so easy and fun, they’re going to do another one for the holidays! Send more pictures ladies.

Also coming up this week, Thanksgiving printables and some “fun find” projects.

As always, don’t stress, just start.

Later – Cheryl

This original article “Reader’s Wreath” appeared first on Artzzle.com.

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

Copyright © 2013 Artzzle All Rights Reserved