create.

"As you take the normal opportunities of your daily life and create something of beauty and helpfulness,
you improve not only the world around you but also the world within you"

Dieter F. Uchtdorf






Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Blog Swappin' with Amy at {Mod Podge Rocks!}

Hi! I'm so pleased to be joining you today. I'm Amy, girl-behind-the-curtain at Mod Podge Rocks! Stacie was kind enough to swap with me, so come see her project today at my blog. Here's what I've been up to lately, and I hope you enjoy it. This is a great first time project if you've never used Mod Podge before.


I have recently been nursing an obsession with the $1 store - in fact, I recently did a guest posting at Dollar Store Crafts. This re-do was another surface purchased from that very same trip, and I had so much fun with it. It incorporates my favorite things, mainly the color blue and buttons. Even better - it was inexpensive. The original "Diva" mirror was only $1, and I had everything else on hand. I also decided to add a little punch with some glitter. Check it out.

Here's the original mirror. While I am a diva, I felt it needed a personal touch. So I gathered the following supplies and tools:

FolkArt® Acrylic Paint, Turquoise
Mod Podge® Silver Glitter
Diva Mirror
My Mind’s Eye
Scrapbook Paper – 2 sheets, 1 each of 2 designs
EK Success Scalloped Circle Punch
Buttons - 12 coordinating
Flat Paint Brush
Craft Glue
Scissors
Sandpaper
Mini Screwdriver

Remove the mirror piece and then the screws. That's easy enough, right?

Sand the frame of the mirror - you don't need to go to town on it, just rough it up so that it takes the paint well.

Oh no! The diva is disappearing! That's okay, she's being covered over with a wonderful shade of blue - Turquoise. Paint several coats. Get the sides and inside edge too. Paint several coats on the front, turn over, paint the back, and do it until it's fully covered. It's going to take a bit so have patience. Go make popcorn or take a bath in between coats.

Also while the frame is drying, go ahead and cut some shapes out of the papers. I chose to follow the flower shape with leaves on one paper - and then cut several circles and flower shapes after that.

I started laying the paper shapes out on my frame. I also busted out my scallop punch and punched out some small circles from the other coordinating paper.

I laid everything out to see out I liked it. Notice the tense foot below as I contemplated my choices. I was really happy when I started overlapping some shapes.

Once I was sure what I wanted, I started Mod Podging with the Glitter. I turned each shape over and coated the back, then glued it down.

Smooth each piece carefully. When all of the pieces have been glued, let them dry for 15 - 20 minutes.

Now go back and coat the entire frame with Podge! Do the front, let dry. Sides, let dry. Back let dry. Then repeat. I did two coats.

Time for button magic. I absolutely love buttons, and when I finished I realized that the mirror was missing this most important embellishment. My process was simple: open the button stash, pick out some mostly coordinating buttons and glue them to the mirror with craft glue. Done!

After your mirror dries overnight, replace the hardware and the mirror piece. Shine it up and you are ready to admire yourself. Note that you are still a diva, even though your mirror no longer says so.

To Stacie and all of her readers - thank you so much for having me. Come visit me any time at Mod Podge Rocks for projects and decoupage advice. Hope to see you soon.

That is sooo stinkin' CuTe!! Isn't Amy awesome!! If you haven't yet...go check out her blog now!! You'll be glad you did! She has sooo many creative tips and ideas! Amy...Thanks so much for swappin' with me today!! You Rock!!

Monday, September 21, 2009

Personalized Frame!


My nephew was married a couple of weeks ago...and I made this for them...and it was super simple! There is supposed to be a black and white pic of the temple in the frame...but when I took this pic...I didn't have it... so just pretend it is there. :) All I used was a little vinyl, a little tulle...and my Cricut. Sooo Easy!
Maybe...you could get really creative and make Christmas/ Mothers Day/Fathers Day gifts with your family pictures and a little vinyl. Hummmm....my wheels are a turnin'. :)
Happy Crafting!!

Sunday, September 20, 2009

FuN Giveaways!!

Amy @ Mod Podge Rocks...is hosting an awesome giveaway for this Mod Podge Starter Pack!! She will be giving away {5} of them!!! So...go enter HERE!!!Marissa @ Rae Gun Ramblings...is hosting a giveaway for an AdoRaBle Halloween skirt!! Tooo CuTe!! Go check it out HERE!!

Good Luck!!
Thanks so much for the AweSoMe giveaways Ladies!!!


Sunday, September 13, 2009

AdoRabLe Scripture Totes!

O.K....{AdOrAbLe!!!}

When I was blog surfin' a while back...I came across these adorable scripture totes here! Sooo CuTe!! Loree made these out of placemats!! How clever!! As you know...I am not too great when it comes to sewing...but these I am going to have to try! My daughter already picked out the one she wants. Wouldn't these make perfect Christmas/Birthday/ or a Baptism Gift??... or a great Super Saturday project!!
Check out more info on how Loree made these... here.

Also...Check out some additional how-to links on making these awesome totes here and here!

Thank you Loree!!
Have FuN!

Friday, September 11, 2009

{easy cupcake idea!}

I made these the other day... for my son to take to Preschool for his birthday...and I think he thought they were pretty CooL! These were super easy...and alot of fun to make. I used buttercream frosting...and used Wilton tip #2 for the grass...#199 for the football...and #4 for the white laces. For being a rookie...I think they turned out pretty good. So...give it a try...because... Tis' the season for FooTbaLL!! Which reminds me...
GO BRONCOS!! :) Have FuN!!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

DIY Scavenger Hunt

Hi everyone!!!

If you haven't yet...head on over to The DIY Show Off where Roeshel is hosting The DIY Scavenger Hunt ... and enter to win!! Thanks Roeshel!!!



HaVe FuN!

Friday, September 4, 2009

Blog Swappin' with {somewhat simple}!!!

Hey there Creative Crate-rs!


My name is Steph, and I am the creative mind behind somewhat simple.


I am so excited to be taking over this awesome blog today! Stacie is the best! I have been inspired by quite a few of her projects and want to be just like her someday!

I am a stay at home mom of 3 fantastic kids, and a wife to my very best friend. We have been living in sunny (and HOT) Arizona for 4 years now and we LOVE IT!

somewhat simple is my little corner of the universe where I share yummy recipes, craft tutorials and all things creative!

Here are some of the recent happenings you'll find when you stop by:






If you like what you see, you will love the "Popularity Contest GiveAway" going on right now. I will announce the winners Monday, so if you hurry over, you could be the lucky one and win some fun back-to-school related items- here's a sneak peak of some of the prizes:


I post something different every week day on somewhat simple, so there is always something new and exciting!

Make sure you check out our monthly challenge- this month is all about getting creative. Join in the fun and get inspired by others who are just like you!


I hope to see each of you soon! Thanks Stacie for swapping with me today! You are awesome!

Have a great weekend!!!
Don't stop here...Click on "OLDER POSTS"!!