Working in Wire

Hi!

Thanks for stopping by!

Today I'm sharing some wirework that I did for the Now That's a Jig! monthly challenge with Brenda Schweder and the JigUFacturers.  I got to work with the jig when I participated in the Project Embellish challenge at Creativation in January.

This month's theme was desert greenery-inspired.  Here's the photo collage from the challenge.

There is such variety in the desert, and sometimes, you get the impression that there is no color.  You just have to look a little harder for the color in some seasons, but the textures are always there.

I don't have a Now That's a Jig! (yet), but working with the small plastic jig I had and some pliers, I shaped a saguaro cactus in brass wire.  Then, I took a smaller gauge of wire and wove it across the frame.  I bent the smaller gauge with pliers back and forth to crinkle it.

Here's how that came out:

I brushed the brass wire with Moss Patina from Ranger Inks.  It turned out pretty bright, and needed some bright cactus flowers.  I used some howlite beads and tied them on with waxed thread.

Saguaro

Right now it's hanging from a brass jump ring and silk ribbon, but that may change.
This was a fun challenge and like all challenges, stretched my creative ability.  What creative stretches are you trying?  Gotta keep those artistic muscles in shape!

Burlap and Lace with Sparkle

Hi Everyone!

Today, I'm creating some quick and easy wedding ideas using trims and accessories from Expo International.

Here's what I received:

When I saw these trims, the colors just said wedding décor to me.  But, I like a more rustic look , so I decided to add some burlap to the lace and sparkle.

I wrapped a mason jar to hold a bouquet or a candle and made a matching napkin ring, which combines burlap ribbon with the lace and the daisy trim that I received.  I love the fresh look of the daisy trim against the burlap.  It would be so cute for a country wedding or bridal shower.

Napkin Ring and Wrapped Mason Jar

These are very easy to create.  Just cut the burlap ribbon to fit the jar and napkin.  Then, glue lace to the back of the ribbon.  Glue the ends to create a ring, then adhere the daisy trim.

This embroidery hoop orb decoration can be used to decorate the table or hung above it.

To construct this hoop decoration, paint an embroidery hoop white, then sand the edges to show some of the wood.  Glue the smaller hoop inside the larger with hot glue.  Glue ivy and flowers of your choice inside the hoop and on top.  Glue the bird among the flowers inside the hoop  Add pieces of burlap ribbon, pieces of lace and loops of the rhinestone and pearl trim in the top arrangement.  For this hoop decoration, I used the white dove accent, the rhinestone and pearl trim and pieces of the organza and lace trim.

Here are the links to the trims I used:

Krystal Rhinestone Daisy Trim
Alessana 1/8" Rhinestone and Pearl Trim
6" x 5" White Dove Bird Accent
Organza and Lace Trim

And, there were a few that I received that I didn't use in this set:

3-D Mini Bow Sequin Applique
Sequin Trim
Asai 1/2" Centerpiece Rhinestone Trim
Lorlana Baby PomPom Fringe

Be sure to check the Expo International facebook page.  There are frequent giveaways of selections of their wonderful trims.  Here's the current one:

Expo International Inc.

4 hrs ·

Our next spring assortment pack is ready! We’re giving away this awesome assortment of fun trims and patches to one lucky winner!

1. Like and follow this page
2. Invite 2 friends to like this page.

Tag a friend who loves FREEBIES!

giveaway winner will be announced Friday March 29. Continental US residents only over 18, please.

Giveaway not sponsored or affiliated with Facebook or Instagram.

So cute!  But, better hurry and get in soon!  The deadline is noon on Friday, but if you miss this one, there are a couple of giveaways a month.

Designer Swag Bag Challenge

Hi Crafty People!

Today, I'm participating in a blog hop using products we received in the Designer Swag Bag at the Creativation show.

We received some wonderful products at the show and in appreciation, we are creating a project using five of them.

One of the items we received is a Book Box from Graphic 45.  I decided to paint the box with some beautiful Spa Blue paint from DecoArt.

We also received other paint and pouring medium from DecoArt.  Go to this project on my blog for the project I did with those.

After I adhered a piece of coordinating paper to the top of the box, I added a piece of turquoise blue Rinea foil paper.

I love this set of colors and they were perfect with the paint and paper I had already used for the box.  I die cut some flowers and leaves using the turquoise and jade foils.

To adhere the paper and foils to the box, I used Beacon Quick Grip.  Beacon creates a variety of glues for any craft purpose.

And, for the centers of the flowers, I used Sculpey's Souffle clay and molds.

Here's the flower-decorated box I created with these products.

Thanks to all the companies who donated product to our Designer Swag Bag.  I look forward to working more with your fine products in the future!

Check out these blogs for more great designs:

Erin Reed

Janet Trieschman

Ann Strecko Koeman (Annmakes)

Susie Bentz

Donna Budzynski Marjolaine Walker

Mod Podge Ultra Blog Hop

Hi Crafty Friends!

Today I'm participating in a blog hop with Designer Craft Connection and we are featuring projects using Mod Podge Ultra.  Those on this blog hop were given samples of a new Mod Podge formulation that comes in a spray bottle.

I decided to use it to make fabric beads and create a necklace with the beads.  Here's the fabric I used.  It's a roll of coordinated fabric designed for quilting.

 These are my materials:  a strip of fabric, a bamboo skewer and the Mod Podge Ultra.  I covered my work surface with some waxed paper.  Before spraying, shake the Mod Podge Ultra.

 After spraying the fabric, I rolled up the bead around the skewer.

Then, I sprayed the bead again and wiped up the overspray with the bead so it was thoroughly coated.  I slid it off the skewer and set it aside to dry.  Just like a paint brush, Mod Podge Ultra Spray tops need to be cleaned after every use.  If they aren't, they will clog and become unusable.

Here are some of the beads that I created:

Rolled Fabric Beads

As I said, these are just a few of the beads I created.  I liked the way the process and the Mod Podge Ultra worked so much, I just kept on rolling!

I created more beads from old jeans.  I rolled them in the same way as before, then held them down with toothpicks to dry.  The heavier denim takes longer to dry.  I let mine dry overnight.

Then, I created a statement necklace with the long fabric beads and some shorter denim beads.

Fabric Bead Necklace

I used more upcycled denim to create the leaf beads on the end and the toggle for the clasp.  In the center, I wrapped a cloth strip around a long denim bead.

Fun to make and fun to wear!  And, so easy with Mod Podge Ultra!

Starting on March 23rd, head to the Designer Crafts Connection for the rest of the fabulous designs using Mod Podge Ultra.

National Craft Month

Hi Everyone!

March is National Craft Month, so I hope you are having fun creating in whatever medium you like.  I'm all over the place as usual.  Sometimes, I wish I didn't like so many different types of media.  My vision is that someday all of these different media will come together in one spectacular project combining them all!  But, in the meantime, here's what I have been making...

a copper cuff

free motion embroidery

card making with beautiful Rinea papers and a Spellbinders die

In none of these am I an expert.  The above card, which I am happy with, was my second try.  The leaf is my first attempt doing free motion embroidery on my sewing machine.  I already broke one needle.  And, next time I make a cuff with a hole in it, I need to measure more accurately.

There are a couple of other items that I will show you later in the month on special blog hops, so check back for those!

But, I keep on making!  And, learning!  You should, too.  Don't be afraid to try something new.  Or, pick up one of those UFO's and continue on... Keep on making!

Need some free ideas?  Check out FaveCrafts and sign up for totally free ideas!  (This is an affiliate program and I get some $$ to buy more craft goodies if you sign up!  Thanks in advance.)