Guest Posting at Someday Crafts!

Here it is mid late July, and the summer passes me by like rushing whitewater against the sandy shore.  I have so many creative ideas that need to be channelled from my right brain to my coffee-themed craft room.  I'm not even going to begin with my excuses...that would be an entire post in and of itself! 

Well, today is a new day!  And to spice things up a bit, I am guest blogging on one of my favorite blogs, Someday Crafts.  Michelle just had a beautiful baby boy and needs all the sleep she can get.  So while she's catching up on some much needed zzz's (right, who are we kidding?), Michelle  is graciously sharing her popular site with guest bloggers--and today is my turn! 

Here is a sneak peek of my guest post:

 You'll have to click over to Someday Crafts

to see the entire project and tutorial.

When you do, come on back and leave me a comment that you did!  It's Monday, and I can use all the affirmation I can get today (LOL). 

Have a great week!
Doreen

fun in the sun

College Graduation - check!  So both girls have now graduated, one from high school, and one from college.  It's been a busy week full of smiles and photo ops.  What now you ask?  SUMMERTIME!

What better way to kick off summer than with May Arts' Back to the Beach contest.  [This is a re-post from June 2011.]

May Arts provided the ribbon, and I chose an aqua, yellow and tan color combination as the basis of my project.  Here is the finished plaque:

And here are photos of the creative process with a brief tutorial.

Paint outside edge of the plaque with "Bahama Blue" acrylic paint [by  Americana].

Let dry.  Cover area with painter's tape. 

Paint inner edge with "Bleached Sand", creating a picture mat effect.

While paint is still wet, CAREFULLY remove painter's tape. 

[Ignore the messy center because that will be covered with paper.]

Mod Podge paper to inside portion of the plaque.  [photo not available] 

My favorite part:  Embellishments!

 Ruched flower using two different May Arts ribbon

Looped ribbon, adhered to back of acrylic photo frame; 

Chipboard letters, ribbon

 More ribbon tied to hanging wire

 Ribbon and sand dollar attached to letter "n"

 Close-up of ribbon combo

 A lot more ribbon, flip flops,

suntan lotion and seahorse charms pocketed in loops

 Flowers made with ribbon and buttons

Insert photo and Voila!

Now grab your towel and meet us at the beach

so you can create your own beach memories.

Sharing here:

Positively Splendid

THE CSI Project Life at the Beach Challenge

Katherine's Blog Hop

Paisley Passions

the36thAvenue

Someday Crafts

Whatever-goes-wednesday

Next Step: Real Life

I'm sure you have been on the edge of your chairs just waiting to see how

this little $1 spiral notebook was transformed.  Well, wait no more. 

This 4-1/4" x 3-1/4" has been altered, despite its pocket-sized appearance.  Take a look:

Materials used include:

graduation-theme scrapbook paper

blue cardstock, stamped with graduation cap image

one small gold brad, yellow embroidery floss

square cutout chipboard

"Good Luck" & "Dream BIG" stickers

rosebud button, chipboard key

assorted ribbon, pink pearl bling

label maker, blue acrylic paint, Mod Podge

 

Put together with the photo frame and candy jar,

your graduate will cry tears of joy over all the work that went into this thoughtful gift ensemble. 

Yeah, right.  Who are we kidding?

Well, at least they were fun to make.   Pass me the candy jar.

Next Step:  Real Life.

Linking to:
The Answer is Chocolate BFF Open House
http://itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com/

http://www.houseofhepworths.com/
beyondthepicketfence

chic on a shoestring/flaunt-it-friday

Hats off to You!

AP tests - check.

Prom - check.

Senior Awards Night - check.

GRADUATION!

As promised, here is my second project for graduation gifts. 

What better way to say "I'm so proud of you" than with a jar full of chocolate?

Supplies needed:

1 bag* Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

[*note:  If you can resist eating any of the candy yourself,

then you only need 1/3 of a bag.]

 4-1/2" tall Glass Hinged Jar ($1 at Mike's)

Scrapbook Paper in school colors

In addition to blue cardstock,

I used graduation-themed paper from TC Studio's "Hats Off" Pad.

Coordinating Ribbon

Graduation Stamp Set

Gold Brad

Embroidery Floss

Square, Circle & Scalloped Punches

Small Charms

(I made two versions.  This one uses two coordinating papers.)

Wrap jar with  1-3/4" x 10" strip of paper.

Add narrow strip of contrasting paper, if desired.

Punch scallop circle and plain circle, stamp with "Hats off to You" image.

Place ribbon behind stamped image.  Adhere to jar.

Punch out another scallop circle and adhere to top of jar. 

Punch out square cardstock, attach floss with brad.

Adhere to peanut butter cup, and adhere to jar top.

Add coordinating ribbon and charms to hinge.

I used a star charm and a tiny metal "congrats" tag. 

Here is the finished project:

These jars are so versatile, and can be embellished for any occasion. 

Click here to see the ensemble I made in February.

While I whipped up this candy jar, I decided to quickly transform the graduation photo frame I posted a few days ago, giving it a feminine touch. 

Either way, I hope your graduate will like it! 

Here is a preview of my third altered artworks graduation project.

Check back soon to see how I alter this mini spiral notebook.

Any suggestions?

Catch this tutorial for a special DIY graduation memento:



Who Doesn't Like a LINKY party?
Fireflies & Jellybeans
Craftionary Friday Link Party
Yesterday on Tuesday Crafty Soiree
House of Hepworth's
The Answer is Chocolate

Not Just a Housewife
The Blackberry Vine
Flamingo Toes Think Pink Sundays








beyondthepicketfence




Get Your Craft On-Todays Creative Blog

Pomp & Circumstance

Pomp & circumstance...and a cupful of [happy] tears!  Yes, it's graduation season.  Whether your child is graduating from kindergarten or college, it's an emotional time for us Moms.  Where did the years go?  Wasn't she just starting to crawl?  walk?  talk?  ride a bike?  sneak out of the house wearing make-up?  borrow the car keys?  go off to college?   Quick -- hand me the Valium!

Thanks.  I feel much better now.  Actually, the best Rx for times like this is

CREATIVE THERAPY! 

Here is the first in a series of graduation projects I would like to share, beginning with a photo frame.  

Here is the before-and-after picture.

I used a 10-1/2" x 4-1/2" MDF frame from Michael's. 
It holds a 4" x 6 photo. 

Assemble as many graduation-themed items from your stash,

or treat yourself to a quick trip to your local craft store. 

Choose paint to match your school colors. 

 

Remove the glass insert and set aside.  Paint the entire frame and let dry. 

Stamp graduation sentiment onto glossy paper.  Adhere to frame.

 [Hint:  I use Mod Podge to adhere most of the items to the frame.]

[Disregard streaky look in photo above.]

I am a sucker for my Label Buddy, so I typed out "Class of 2011." 

Stickers and rub-ons will work too.

Adhere to bottom of frame.

Add dimensional quote.  I chose the definition of  "wisdom."

Add decorative embellishments.

[I used stickers, silver sparkles and grad cap and diploma buttons.]

Lastly, I inserted a 4" x 6" graduation-themed scrapbook paper

[which will be replaced with a real graduation photo]. 

Replace glass insert.

Voila! 

Now pass the tissue box and save me a seat at the ceremony.

Linky parties:

Yesterday on Tuesday Crafty Soiree

http://www.atthepicketfence.com/

The Answer is Chocolate BFF

http://sassysites.blogspot.com/2011/05/ffa-friday

Frugalicious Friday

Tickled Pink #49
chic on a shoestring decorating
.inspiring creations friday-favorites
tatertotsandjello

katiesnestingspot
Making the world cuter Monday