Author Archives: Katie

Quick Be Mine Valentine Banner

Woah! Valentine’s Day is coming up quick and an easy Be Mine banner is the perfect addition to your decor. You can get heart cut outs of wood or even felt and make this banner! I just happened to make my hearts on the Glowforge and I’m using Therm O Web’s deco foil® to decorate it!

Materials I used:

Wood Hearts that I cut on my Glowforge. You can get wood heart cutouts at a craft store or Amazon!
Wood Dye but you can use paint. I used Plaid® Folk Art Hot Pink Ultra Dye.
Therm O Web deco foil®
Therm O Web deco foil® Liquid Adhesive
Twine or ribbon long enough to attach the hearts
Sponge Brush

How I made it:

I painted the hearts with the dye. And let it dry. TIP: I used a heat gun to help the drying process go a little faster!

2. Once the dye was dry, I used the deco foil® Liquid Adhesive to draw out the letters for BE MINE. This adhesive does have to dry before you can apply the foil. So, let it dry about an hour.

3. Cut the foil into pieces that would fit on your adhesive. Cutting it to size helps cut down on waste of the extra foil. Apply the foil over the dry adhesive and smooth down making sure to get the sides of the glue as well. Remove the waste.

4. String the hearts on the twine. TIP: If you are using hearts from felt or store bought hearts that don’t have holes in it, you an just hot glue the hearts to the twine or ribbon.

5. Then hang it up and look at your quick, easy and cute project!!!

Be sure to click the button below to check out other last minute Valentine craft ideas!

Also, be sure to enter to win this awesome craft supply stash!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Creative Christmas Crafting featuring Sculpey

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It’s time for the Creative Crafts Christmas Edition and together with Sculpey, we are creating for the holidays! Sculpey is the perfect medium to make Christmas ornaments with. Here in the south, monograms are all the rage and everyone loves a monogram. Sculpey® provided me with with Sculpey III and Sculpey Bake Shop clay and a modeling tool kit to create this adorable monogram ornament. This ornament could be attached to a gift and then placed on the tree afterwards!

Materials:

Sculpey® Clays: Sculpey III in Granny Smith, Sculpey Bake Shop® in White and Red
Sculpey Bake Shop® Modeling Tools
Round Cookie Cutter
Parchment Paper
String or Ribbon
Oven or Toaster Oven

How I made it:

I started by cutting the amount of clay that I thought I would need from each block and kneading it to soften it.

Once the clay was soft and easy to work with, I rolled out the white clay until it was about 1/4″ thick using the roller that came in the modeling tools pack. I also cut a small square piece to create the top of the ornament.

Using the pointed tool stick, I created a hole in the top part and then I scored the ornament to give it a shiplap look.

I then rolled out the green clay to create the border and then the red clay to create the monogram. I then added them to the white clay and pressed them down gently so that they stuck.

I preheated my toaster oven to 275 degrees and baked my clay for about 15 minutes per the instructions. Then I let it cool and added the ribbon.

Be sure to click the Creative Christmas Crafts button below to check out other Christmas crafts!

Happy Crafting! Until next time…..

Felt Rainbow Ornament featuring Fairfield World Poly-fil

Sculpey’s Pluffly Clay Fall Leaves Earrings

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Autumn is a great season to put on a sweater, boots and new earrings. These clay earrings are super light because they are made with Sculpey’s Pluffy clay. The great thing is that they are simple to whip up so can be made it batches. This means you can make a pair for yourself and some for friends too.

Materials Needed:

Sculpey Pluffy Clay (Red, Orange, Yellow, Brown, Green)
Baking Sheet
Oven
Leaf Cutter
Clay Tools (To roll out clay and poke holes)
Jump Rings
Earring Hooks

Directions:

1. Use the same amount of each color of clay and roll it all together in your hands.

2. Use a rolling pin to roll it our then fold it over and do this a couple of times. This marbleizes the look. Stop when you roll it out and like it. The thickness should be about a quarter inch.

3. Use a cutter to make your shapes.

4. Poke a hole through the clay BEFORE baking.

5. Bake at 250 degrees for about 12-15 minutes. Follow the directions in the packaging.

6. Once cool, add the metal pieces to turn your clay creations into jewelry.

Be sure to click the Creative Fall Crafts button below to check out other fall crafts!

Until next time…..

Engraved Happy Fall Pumpkin Canvas Sign

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As I have gotten older, fall has become one of my most favorite times of the year and this engraved Happy Fall Pumpkin canvas sign is perfect for a little pop of decor in any space!

As most of you know, I am obsessed with my Glowforge Pro. I’ve found it great that I can engrave, cut or score lots of different items. I mean, come on….who would have thought that you can use a laser to engrave on canvas?! It is amazing!

Materials used:

Glowforge Pro (it can be any Glowforge model)
Computer with Glowforge software
Mix the Media Canvas Sign from Hampton Art
Illustrator or any design program
Pumpkin SVG (I purchased this one on Etsy)

How I made it!

First, I created my file in Illustrator using a font that I have and a pumpkin svg file that I purchased on Etsy.

I placed the canvas in my Glowforge Pro, adjusting as needed. I had to remove the Glowforge crumb tray and stack some scrap wood to allow for the height.

I then inserted my file into the Glowforge web based software, got everything lined up and set the appropriate settings for engraving on Canvas. TIP: When engraving on things other than wood, you either must research or do trial and error. I’ve done canvas before so I kind of knew what settings to use.

Settings:

Speed: 1000
Power: 15
LPI: 270

Then I hit the magic button for it to engrave!

After it was done engraving, it was ready to hang. TIP: The kids could also color it!!!

Be sure to click the Create Fall Crafts button below and check out other fall crafts!

Until next time…..

Wooden Pumpkin Door Hanger

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This week I’m joining my creative friends for the Creative Crafts Halloween Edition and my craft is this adorable little wooden pumpkin door hanger with a “B” in the middle. I am one of those crazy pumpkin lovers! I love the way they look, I love the way they taste and I love the way they smell!

As most of you may know, I love to work with wood. My Glowforge laser is like one of my best friends! So, my craft was created using the Glowforge.

Materials:

Plywood (This is 1/8″ Baltic Birch)
Glowforge or other laser machine. (If you cut thinner wood, you could possibly do this on the Cricut Maker)
Computer with software to add letter and weld it (I use Illustrator)
Pumpkin SVG file (I got this one from Etsy, and the file comes with 6 different pumpkins!)
Paint
Paint Brushes
Strong gripping glue (I used Beacon Multi-Grip)
Twine, Ribbon or String

Here is how I made it:

I downloaded the pumpkin svg file that I purchased from Etsy. I added the letter that I wanted in the middle and made sure to weld it to the center circle. I wanted this pumpkin to look layered so I created an offset path (set to 0) the same size as the original pumpkin. That gave me an extra pumpkin to use as a backing. I removed all of the extra pieces from the extra one. I then welded the stem and vines in place. I also added two circles to the solid pumpkin backing.

Next, I uploaded the file into the Glowforge Software, resized it to the biggest size that I could make it and hit the magic button to cut.

Don’t mind the silly mask. It keeps me from inhaling the fumes from the Glowforge! And well, mask are a thing now!

Once everything was cut out , it was time to paint it. I painted each piece individually.

Once the paint was dry, I used Beacon Multi-Grip glue to glue it all together.

Next was my favorite part…..adding the twine and hanging it up!

Oh my goodness, I love it so much!!!!! It’s definitely going to be hanging on my door for the next couple of months!

Be sure to click below to see other Creative Halloween Crafts.

A special thanks to my crafty friends Laura Kelly Designs, Makeable Crafts, Ann Butler Designs and Creatively Beth for hosting another addition of Creative Crafts!

Until next time……

Cozy Porch Reading Corner featuring Fairfield World

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Disclosure: I was provided product from Fairfield™ for this blog post. All opinions of these products are solely my own.

Creating a cozy porch reading corner featuring Fairfield World products is fun and easy. I’ve joined several crafty friends to create summer patio areas using products that we received from Fairfield World. Check out below how I created my cozy porch reading corner.

First off, I wanted to post a Before photo! And then show you individually what I created using the different Fairfield World products. Then I will explain how I created each one!

I started by creating a pillow and a cushion for my cozy Adirondack chair.. I used a simple envelope pillow case for both for easy removal for washing the fabric.

Poly-fil® Poly-Pellets® are so versatile. Here, I used them in a vase to hold my flowers in place. They are fake flowers and I didn’t want to use actual water, so the Poly-Pellets® made a great filler.

I also created epoxy coasters with the Poly-Pellets®. They are fun and durable and can be used inside or outside.

Here is a list of the materials I used and how I made each of them!

Materials:

Fairfield™ Foam Cushions (I used 2 pieces of the foam)
Fairfield™ Poly-fil® Weather Soft Pillow indoor/outdoor pillow insert
Fairfield™ Poly-fil® Poly-Pellets®
Fabric (I used 2 different patters)
Envirotex Lite® Pour-On Epoxy (measuring and mixing cups and a popsicle stick)
Coaster mold
Heat gun or torch
Scissors
Sewing Machine
Cutting Mat, Cutting ruler and Rotary cutting tool if your fabric needs to be cut
Pins
Vase (and flowers. You could use real, but I picked fake)

How I made it all:

I started with the cushion.

I cut my fabric to 21″ x 44″. I pinned and hemmed the 21″ edges so that they didn’t unravel.

I laid the fabric out, inside up and placed my 2 cushion pieces stacked on top in the middle. Nows the time to figure out where you want the flaps of your envelope pillow case. I put the top flap closer to the top. To do this, fold each end of the fabric up and over the cushions. Shift the fabric as needed. Remove the cushions and then pin the edges in place. Sew them closed. I sewed it 1 inch in on both sides.

Flip the fabric inside out and add the cushions.

Once I tried the cushions in the envelope pillow case, I tried my pillow insert inside the cushion pillow case to gauge what size pillow case I needed for the Weather Soft pillow insert. It fit perfectly, so I made my pillow case the same size as the cushion pillow case.

For my Poly-Pellets® Coasters, I used a coaster mold and Envirotex Lite® Pour-On Epoxy. I filled the mold with pellets.

I mixed up the epoxy following the directions included and poured it into the mold filled with Poly–Pellets®.

Using a heat gun, I allowed the heat to pop the bubbles, per the instructions for the epoxy.

Let it sit and cure over night. Make sure it’s in a place where it won’t get bumped or that no dust or pet hair can get in it!! Once it’s dry, you can remove it from the mold.

I love how it turned out. It almost looks like frozen water!

The vase was super easy.

I just poured the Poly-Pellets® into the vase and put my flowers in!

Easy Peasy!!!

My little reading space came together nicely and it’s such fun space to sit and read.

Be sure to check out Fairfield™ line of products and my friend Laura Kelly that put this all together!

Also, enter to win below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Until next time…..

Laser Cut Harry Potter Bookmark

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Harry Potter’s birthday is soon approaching. He’s going to be 40 on July 31st! In honor of his birthday, I’m joining other creatives this week to create Harry Potter crafts. Since my main focus lately has been wood, I create a laser cut wood Harry Potter bookmark.

Materials needed:

1/8″ or thinner wood. I’m using Baltic Birch.
Glowforge or other laser
Masking tape
Embroidery floss (I picked colors that matched Harry’s house colors.)
Harry Potter font
Harry Potter Clip art
Illustrator or another designing software

In Illustrator, I designed my bookmark and saved it as an svg file.

I prepped my board, covering it with masking tape to keep the give it a clean look once the laser is done.

I then uploaded my design into the Glowforge software (it’s a web application).

I changed my settings to engrave the text and clip art at the depth that I wanted it and set it to cut the rectangle and circle.

I love sitting and watching the Glowforge do it’s thing! It’s so fascinating!

Once the Glowforge was done, I removed the masking tape.

I cut my embroidery floss into ten 8″ pieces.

I gathered the pieces and folded them in half. I then threaded the folded end through the hole, moving from front to back. Then I threaded the ends through the folded piece and pulled tight to create a knot.

Then the bookmark was ready to use! I love how it turned out. I’m thinking about making more with other characters with their quotes from books!

Hope you like this laser cut Harry Potter bookmark!

Click the photo below to check out other Harry Potter Creative Crafts.

Also, enter to win!!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Until next time……

From Icing Container to Gratitude Jar

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Do you ever think of ways that you could recycle food containers once you are done with them or do you just throw them in the recycling? I am always thinking about ways that I can reuse items like that. For instance, I sometimes save empty icing containers because they make great storage!

Today I am showing you how I made an icing container into a gratitude jar!

Materials needed:

An old icing container with a the lid or any container would work
Paint (I am using DecoArt’s Americana Decor Chalky Finish Chalk Acrylic)
Paint Brush
Box Cutter or Scissors
Paint pen or smaller paint brush and a different color paint
A mar for cutting the hole in the lid
Small pieces of paper to write things you are grateful for

How I made it:

1. Take the lid off of the container and paint both pieces. I did 2 coats of paint. Let them dry.

2. Using a paint pen, write Grateful or Gratitude on the outside of the container.

3. With the box cutters or scissors, cut a hole in the center of the lid. Be careful though!

4. Place the top on the container and get to work writing out what you are grateful for. You could do this once a day or once a week or as often as you would like!

https://www.asweetberrysblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/8ee947d9-2b9c-4fc0-8631-38315f3f49b1.mov

You can check out other recycled crafts by clicking the box below

Until next time…….Happy Crafting!

Poured Paint Birdhouse

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This post is sponsored by DecoArt but all ideas and opinions are my own.

Have your tried paint pouring yet? Have you been scared to try it? DecoArt has a line of Fluid Art Ready-To-Pour Acrylic paints that are made just for paint pouring and they are super easy to use. They have 26 individual vivid colors and seven variety packs. These paints do not require additional pouring mediums. Now available at Michael’s!

For this blog post, we were asked to use a 3-D object to do our paint pouring. I picked a birdhouse and I’m kind of in love with how it turned out!

Materials needed:

DecoArt Fluid Art Ready-To-Pour Acrylic Paint Pack (this is the Tropical pack)
3-D object (I used a wooden birdhouse from Michael’s)
Pan and Rack to pour over. I covered my pan in aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Craft Paper to roll up to place into the birdhouse hole.
Scissors
gloves are optional!

How I did it:

Remove the acrylics from their pack and lightly shake each bottle to get them ready. Do not over shake them or else it may create lots of bubbles.

Roll the piece of craft paper up so that it’s springy. Place the rolled up paper in the birdhouse hole so that the paint doesn’t run into the hole and into the birdhouse.

Since this birdhouse had a roof ledge, I turned the house on it’s side and poured paint under the ledge. I poured quite a bit so that it would run down the house sides once it was upright again.

Once I had enough paint under the ledge, I started pouring it on the sides allowing it to drip.

Once the sides were covered, I poured the paint over the top and let it drip. I kept adding layers, allowing it to just run off the roof of the house. TIP: Applying too much paint can cause crazing, so a thinner finish is desired.

Then it was time to just let it drip and dry. Allow for the paint to dry for at least 24 hours. It may require more depending on how thick the paint is.

Once the paint is dry, use scissors to cut the paper and remove it from the house. TIP: I took the tip of the scissors and slid it around the hole to cut the paint away from the paper. This kept it from pulling the paint away from the house when I took the paper out.