Springtime!

Hi Crafters!
It's spring as of last week and, ever since, we've been getting our winter weather.  Oh well, we need the water here in California.  But, it's springtime in my craft room.  I'm ready for fresh greens and blues, corals, pinks and sunny yellows.  I'm ready for birds and flowers.  So here is another of my vintage ornaments for a little spot of spring-y home decor.

Vintage Bird Ornament
Side 1



Vintage Bird Ornament
Side 2


These use the same chipboard shape as in my previous Renaissance Rose ornament.  The brand is Paper Accents(TM).
First, I painted the shape with DecoArt(TM) acrylic paint in Blue Mist.  Then I sponged on Mint Julep Green.  It was pretty dried up so it left a nice textured edge to the ornament.
After the paint dried, I drew leaves and stems freehand with a pen (Pentel(R)).
I added some lovely spring stickers.  These are dimensional adhesive-backed stickers from K&Company.
I glued on some filigree, added jump rings, chain and a few dangles in coordinating pressed-glass beads.

Happy Spring!
Terry

PS  Only a few more days to enter the drawing for my new book.  I'll be selecting the winner on April 1.  Leave a comment or follow my blog!

Christmas Card Stockings

Hello Crafters!

I love kids' crafts and every month I have a group over at my house putting together something fun.  Since this group ranges in ages from about four to thirteen, I try to have a fairly simple craft that the younger ones can make and the older kids can adapt.  They always amaze me with their creativity and they take a little inspiration and run with it!

This craft is a simple one.  I am always looking for a way to use the beautiful cards that we get for Christmas, and this is another way to recycle your cards.

This craft uses the front of a card cut in a simple stocking shape.  You can draw your own keeping it about the size of a card or you can use a cookie cutter.  Cut a back for the stocking using another card, cardstock or construction paper.  Glue them together, punch a hole for hanging and add some yarn or thread to the hole.  They are super quick and very easy. 

To add more decorations, use the borders and message inside the cards.  Add sequins, stickers, stuffing or any leftover trims.  Vary the shape by using any large cookie cutter.  We made puffy star-shaped ornaments also and stuffed them with a bit of polyester stuffing.

Here are a few that I made (they are addictive!).  You can fill them with a few candies, a gift card or small gifts.  Of course, this craft is great for crafters of all ages!

Here is the front and back of one.

Happy Crafting, Everyone!

I hope crafting brings you joy!

All the best of this Holy Season,

Merry Christmas!

Terry

PS.  This craft is featured on FaveCrafts December blog hop!

Picket Fence Votive

Hi Crafters!

I've always loved cottage gardens with picket fences. This votive holder is reminiscent of that look with its bead flowers and the wire vining around the wood pickets. It's a craft that you and the kids can do together. Make it to decorate your Easter table or as a gift for Mother's Day.

Here are the materials you'll need: Picket fence, craft wire, acrylic beads and a votive candle holder.

You'll also need wire cutters, pliers, paint and a paintbrush.

Cut the picket fence where it meets when wrapped around the votive.

Press the wire ends against the pickets with the pliers.

Paint the fence in your favorite spring color.

Cut a piece of wire about 8" long and leaving a tail, wrap it around a picket on one end of the fence and then the other end to hold the fence in a circle. Add beads to the ends of the wire and curl the ends of the wire. Craft wire is easy to curl using a pencil or a dowel, or you can use round nose pliers. Cut another piece of wire and make another wrap in the same way to secure the ends together.

Continue the process varying the lengths of the wire and placement on the fence until it's covered as much as you like. Slide it over the votive.

Here's a set in green. You can also use this design as a napkin ring. Or, you could put it around a small vase or flower pot.

I'm sure you can think of a few variations of your own. Have fun adding your own touches and being creative!

Happy crafting!

Terry