Tuscan Grapes Plaque

Tuscan Grapes Plaque
by
Terry Ricioli

Hi Crafty Friends!

As you might have guessed, I love crafting with paper bags.  I also love creating crafts with Smoothfoam.  Here, I combined the two to create this grapes plaque in a aged style that has the look of a plaster plaque.  It reminds me of something you might see on a stucco wall in Tuscany.

To make this plaque, I cut the foam balls in half and arranged them on a board.  Then I dampened the wrinkled paper bag and wrapped it over the balls and board pushing it around the balls and wrinkling it up around the bunch of grapes.  I added a couple of paper bag leaves and a stem.  I found the kids' watercolor box and added some color.  

I can't wait to try more in this style.  I'm so happy with the way it turned out that I'm making another one.  And, that never happens with me.  Usually I make one of something, then I'm on to the next idea!

I hope you'll try it, too.  For further instructions on how to make this easy plaque, go here:
http://www.smoothfoam.com/blog/add-texture-to-smoothfoam-with-a-paper-grocery-bag/

What should I try next?  Maybe apples or strawberries!

Happy Crafting!

Terry

Designer Crafts Connection - Crafting with School Supplies

Hi Crafters!

This month on the Designer Crafts Connection, we're crafting with school supplies.  I decided to make a craft with a paper bag.  After all, you can carry your lunch to school in them or cover your books with one, so I think they are definitely a school supply.  And, they are such a fun material with which to craft!  I like to layer the paper bags with glue and then shape them.  My project this month is a Leaf Bowl.

For this project, you'll need one large paper bag, tacky glue and paint. 

Cut the two sides from the bag. 

Draw a large leaf on one side and cut out the leaf shape.  Trace this leaf on the other side and cut out the second shape.

Place one leaf down on your work surface and add a blob of glue. Spread the glue out to the edges with your fingers or the side of a craft stick.   Place the second leaf on top of the glue.  Press the layers together.  The glue may ooze out the edges.  Just wipe it off with a damp paper towel.  Now, wrinkle up the layered leaf.  This will give it some texture. 

Curve the edges of the leaf upward to create a bowl in the middle of the leaf.  You may have to do this more than once to get the edges to stay in place.  You'll be able to play with the shape for awhile as the glue dries.  To help, you can lay the leaf over a bowl.

Now let the leaf bowl dry.  Once it is dry, you can paint it in colors of your choice using a brush or small piece of sponge. Then, you can use it to hold some fall items like nuts or other small items.




Paper Bag Leaf Bowl

If you don't want to use it as a bowl, you can hang it on your wall.  Or, make several and hang them from a branch for a fall mobile!

Happy Crafting!

Terry

Easy Angel Craft

Hi Crafters!

I love to make angels!  I've made them out of a few different materials - wire, hemp cord, cloth and plastic canvas to name a few.  

Here's a little baby angel that I made from Smoothfoam with added texture from Decoart Dimensional Effects texture medium.  I think she's sweet in pink, but you could make your angel in any color.  I added a strip of muslin for her wings, but a small print would look cute, too. 



Angel
for Smoothfoam
by Terry Ricioli

This craft is easy enough for most to make, so get a group together and make a whole host of angels! Make one for Christmas decorating or just everyday!  You can find further instructions on the Smoothfoam blog.

Happy crafting!

Terry