Archives for June 2013

Daisy Bracelet Tutorial With Mod Melts

[pinit]Mod Podge Mod Melts Bracelet Tutorial @PlaidCrafts from @savedbyloves #ModMelts[pinit]

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Blueprint Social and Plaid. All opinions are my own.

Have you seen the new Mod Melts and Molds by Mod Podge yet?  This stuff is fantastic!  As one who works with resin and polymer clay, I am in love with the ease of use, the detail of the pieces you can create and the speed of the process.  Today I will show you how to quickly create a beautiful daisy bracelet.  You will be seeing several more pieces in the near future made during my afternoon of creating with Mod Melts.

#ModMelts #diy daisy bracelet from @savedbyloves #jewelrymaking

Supplies:

#ModMelts

Mod Melt Mold

Mod Melt Sticks (Sea Glass used here)

Metal Filigree flower

Metal Chain and Toggle Clasp

Metal leaves

Acrylic paint white, yellow and green

Matte Mod Podge

E6000

Jewelry Pliers

Small Paint brush

Paint sponge daubber

Toothpicks

High Temp Hot glue gun

#ModMelts

Tutorial:

how to make flowers with #ModMelts

Heat the Mod Melt stick in your HIGH temp hot glue gun and squeeze into the larger daisy on the flower mold.  Work from the center out, making sure to not overfill.

How to use hot glue gun diy embellishments

Let cool for about 5 minutes.

ModMelts9

The pieces easily pop out of the flexible mold when you bend it.  This is so freaking cool.  Have you ever used resin in a flexible mold?  Hours upon hours of waiting.  No more.

ModMelts11

Now you just paint your daisy.  Mod Melts can be painted with acrylics, alcohol inks, embossing powders and more.  See Cathie Filian’s great photo examples of different ways to color the embellishments.  I show you FolkArt and Martha Stewart acrylic paint in this tutorial.  I also tried alcohol inks and Vintaj patina.  So awesome!

ModMelts13

I painted the middle of the daisy with a toothpick.

ModMelts14

Here are the three pieces I sandwiched for the focal point of the bracelet.  I sealed them with 2 coats of Mod Podge Matte finish, painted on with small, soft brush.

ModMelts12

I used E6000 to attach the pieces.  Let dry for at least 30 minutes before handling.

How to make a metal filigree bracelet

To make the bracelet, I opened chain links and attached them directly to the metal filigree flower using jewelry pliers.

ModMelts4

Using pliers and a jump ring, I added toggle clasp to the ends for closure.

Mod Podge Mod Melts Bracelet Tutorial @PlaidCrafts from @savedbyloves #ModMelts

Give it a try.  You are going to love it! You can find more great ideas and products from Plaid by via Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Paint Me Plaid.

Check out what others have made with Mod Melts:

Easy Mini Pallet Patriotic Canvas Art


[pinit]
Easy diy patriotic wall art #washitapecrafts #washitape #fourthofjuly @savedbyloves

 [pinit]

While we are on a roll with patriotic decor around here, I thought to keep the momentum going with a quick and easy washi tape stars n’ stripes canvas.  See how to use craft sticks for a mini pallet on canvas that you can dress up to fit any occasion!

Easy diy patriotic wall art #washitapecrafts #washitape #fourthofjuly @savedbyloves

SUPPLIES:

How to make washi tape art diy

Jumbo Craft Sticks

Fabri-Tac craft glue

An old canvas (can be used; grab one for cheap at a garage sale or thrift store)

Star Template printed to size, and scissors

String, letter stickers, other embellishments

White Gesso

Sponge brush

Acrylic paint in choice of colors

Washi tape in coordinating colors and prints

Scrap white card stock or cardboard

Foam mounting squares or other adhesive

TUTORIAL:

For this project, I updated the Easter Faux Mini Pallet Art I showed you before.  Head to that tutorial for how to make the canvas.

Recycle old art with spray paint

I took the bunny silhouette piece and spray painted with blue Krylon I had on hand.

free star template

 Right click this star image and print to size for your project.

how to make patriotic decor #fourthofjuly

Apply strips of washi tape to scrap white cardboard or card stock.  I used the cover flap for a scrapbook paper pad.  Cut out your star template and tape on top of washi tape stripes where you want your cut out to be.  Cut along template edge to get a washi tape striped star.

How to make easy diy wall art

Adhere to mini pallet canvas with foam mounting stickers.  Embellish with stickers for words, baker’s twine, buttons and more!

For more patriotic project ideas to get you inspired, visit our 50+ DIY Patriotic Crafts, Jewelry and Decor Roundup:

50+ Things to Make from Cement Mix and Concrete Blocks

[pinit]

50+ things to make from Cement / Concrete and Cinder Blocks #DIY @savedbyloves

[pinit]

Did you know there are tons of cool, industrial chic DIY projects you can make using cement?  This week’s 50+ is all about concrete and you are going to love what you see!  I have never worked with it, but after creating this collection of awesome, that is will be changing.  I would love to see your DIY concrete projects too!


Upcycled Hubcap Patriotic Star Wreath

[pinit]

Upcycled #repurposed hubcab to patriotic star wreath #timholtz #distresspaint @savedbyloves[pinit]

I stopped and pulled a U-turn to rescue a hubcap roadside a few months ago, knowing I would use it for something.  This upcycled soda box star wreath was the perfect project for it since I was going for a grungy americana look.  This was super easy to make and I had everything on hand.  I used my Sizzix machine to cut the stars, but fear not, you can do this project without all that.

Make an upcycled patriotic americana star wreath with @savedbyloves #sizzix

SUPPLIES:

Recycled Hubcap to patriotic americana star wreath @savedbyloves

Hubcap or other wreath form

Empty cereal/soda/food boxes

Foil Tape (available at your local hardware store)

Tim Holtz Distress Paint; Barn Red, Salty Ocean and Picket Fence

Tim Holtz 3D Star Die Sizzix

Tim Holtz Star Bright Die and Sizzix Machine, or 3 D Star Templates and scissors

Hot glue gun and sticks or other adhesive

TUTORIAL:

PatrioticStarWreath7

Cut sheets from cardboard boxes and cover with foil tape, smoothing out wrinkles with your hands.

free 3d paper star template

Cut stars from foil covered cardboard using die or by hand with 3D star template like this one.  I made my stars in 3 sizes; 2 from the die and the middle size by hand from the template.  You can resize and print in small, med and large stars.

Why the foil tape, you ask?

I have made these stars in the past from aluminum cans, paper only, cardboard, heavy cardstock, grunge paper and chickens (I made the last one up).  The best result, in my opinion, in terms of shape and folds is cereal box thickness cardboard.  It holds the creases and 3D shape well, and is free.  Plus you are recycling.  Now doesn’t that feel nice?  Aluminum can stars are cool, but you bend them up while trying to make the creases, so they don’t look as nice.  The foil came into play because I love Tim Holtz Distress Paint on it, and I knew I wanted to use the red, white and blue for this project.  You could paint directly on the cardboard and skip this step if you wanted.  A happy accident happened when the red lettering on my foil tape showed through a the paint and I liked it.  I made a couple of stars with just the tape.

Americana 3D start wreath tutorial #fourthofjuly #patriotic @savedbyloves

Paint your stars as desired and let dry.

Upcycled #repurposed hubcab to patriotic star wreath #timholtz #distresspaint @savedbyloves

I started with the biggest stars, adhering them onto hub cab with 3D foam stickers.  Then I adhered stars to stars for the upper layers using hot glue.  Just play with the placement until you are happy with your design.

Make an upcycled patriotic americana star wreath with @savedbyloves #sizzix

For more patriotic project ideas to get you inspired, visit our 50+ DIY Patriotic Crafts, Jewelry and Decor Roundup:

Easy Mason Jar Solar Lights

[pinit]
Mason Jar Solar Lights; Quick easy way to make luminaries @savedbyloves

 [pinit]

If you want your outdoor decor to reflect your love for mason jars, these easy mason jar solar lights are just the way to make that happen.  With all of the new glass paints and mason jar decor ideas out there, the style options are limitless.  They would be cute in red white and blue for July 4th, and can be customized to any occasion.

Mason Jar Lantern DIY Easy Mason Jar Decor

It took me 5 minutes to make eight of them by purchasing these Solar Mason Jar Lids.  I got mine at Rural King, and you can find them on Amazon by clicking the link.  I also bought the jars already blue at Rural King for $10/6 pack.  You can get regular mason jars cheaper and paint them with glass paint.  DecoArt glass stain would work great for this translucent effect, as would Martha Stewart translucent glass paint.  Some people use Mod Podge with food coloring, though I have never tried that.

Mason Jar Solar Lights; Quick easy way to make luminaries @savedbyloves

Find out how to paint your jars, and other Mason Jar Decor Ideas:

50+ mason jar crafts mason jar ideas to make

For other DIY Lanterns and Luminaries:

DIY outdoor lanterns and luminaries to make

5 Ways to Flush Fat out of Your Body

[pinit]

Add these fat busting foods to your regular diet and eat to lose!  Tips from Dr. Oz @savedbyloves

[pinit]

It is swimsuit time again.  If eating could help you get rid of fat, would that be interesting to you?  Well, with certain vitamin packed foods, it can.  Dr. Oz recently aired a show on foods that you can add to your diet that will decrease fat absorption or increase its metabolism, getting rid of it so you don’t carry it with you!   Here are 5 simple additions to your diet that will help flush out the fat.
Chia Cocktail for weight loss Dr. OzCHIA SEED
Dolvett Quince, trainer from The Biggest Loser, shared a Chia seed cocktail that deceases fat absorption.  You just add water, a splash of lemon juice, a couple of tablespoons of chia seed and agave to sweeten.  Great for re-hydrating after excercise while incorporating high fiber, fat absorbing chia.

http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-images-pumpkin-seeds-image28783419

PUMPKIN SEEDS

Add these to salad and meat dishes.  They are high in protein, zinc and all the things you need to flush, as well as MG for muscle health .  Have one cup a few times each week for results.

http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-images-fresh-white-round-daikon-radish-image19600429DAIKON

Daikon is a member of the radish family that is high in fiber, vitamin C, phosphorus and potassium. It is common in Asian cuisine and speeds up the body’s metabolism of carbs and fat.   Add it to salads, soups, and anywhere you would use traditional radishes.

Quinoa Recipe

QUINOA

Quinoa looks like a mix between couscous and rice and is a versitile food that can be added to endless dishes.  It is high protein and vitamins, has a lower glycemic index that other whole grains, and has been proven to decrease appetite.  This quinoa, chicken, tomato salad recipe is a great way to incorporate this into your diet.

2 cups chicken stock
2 tomatoes
1/4 cup fresh basil
1/4 cup fresh mint
2 tbsp olive oil
2 celery ribs
3 garlic cloves
2 chicken breasts

http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photos-watermelon-image24033118

WATERMELON

I saved my favorite for last. Eating watermelon is known to aid in weight loss help strengthen the immune system.  This is good news if you love like we do in our house!

What are you doing to stay fit this summer?

Faux Pallet American Flag With FloraCraft

Make a Faux Wood Pallet Flag using #FloraCraft foam @savedbyloves

You have probably noticed that repurposed pallet decor is all the rage. I have been hooked since the first project I saw, and have created some pallet pieces myself. I will never forget the look on my husband’s face when he came home to find me mounting a pallet to the wall of my studio (Pallet Organizer DIY). His concern was it’s weight, and I have to say, they are pretty hefty.  Some people are opposed to bringing pallets into their homes because of possible toxins, or they don’t have the tools to work with pallet wood. That is why I was so thrilled when I learned about Smooth Finish™, a paintable coating for FloraCraft® Foam.  Learn to create this faux wood pallet flag that you could lift with your pinky, and enter to win a product pack from FloraCraft to make your very own!

DIY patriotic home decor

SUPPLIES:

FloraCraft SmoothFinish

Smooth Finish™

Make it Fun® Foam 2 – 1″ x 12″ x 36″ sheets

StyroGlue®

Styro Cutter Plus® (you don’t have to have a special cutter, but it makes the process much easier)

Serrated kitchen knife waxed with candle or soap if you don’t have a foam cutter

Red, white and blue acrylic paint

Mod Podge Mat Finish

Antiquing glaze

White star stickers or stencil

Yardstick and chalk pencil

Marker

Craft stick for stirring

Putty knife or spatula

1 inch paint brush

Measuring tape

Medium Grit sandpaper

TUTORIAL:

CUT THE FAUX BOARDS

FloraCraft7

I divided the foam sheets into three 4 inch wide pieces (36 inches long).  I measured each 4 inches and made my cut line with a sharpie.

FloraCraft StyroCutterPlus

Plug in the StyroCutter Plus and it is ready to cut in 30 seconds.  Be careful, it is quite hot.  The cutter works well, just be sure to let it do the job for you.  If you force it to move, there’s a chance that the wand/tip will snap off. If you don’t have the StyroCutter, you can use a serrated kitchen knife.  Waxing the blade with a candle or bar of soap first will help make the cutting smoother.  Just for fun, I cut one of the lines using my jig saw.  It worked fine, but there was a lot of flying foam dust.  The StyroCutter prevents this my cauterizing at the cut edge.

APPLY PAINTABLE COATING

FloraCraft SmoothFinish

Open the smooth finish and stir with a craft stick.  The consistency is like paste.

FloraCraft11

FloraCraft13

FloraCraft12

 I spread it onto the foam in about 5 inch sections at a time since it becomes difficult to spread and stick as it is exposed to the air.  Spreading in multiple directions helps fill more of the pockets in the foam for a smoother finish.  I wasn’t too concerned about having a perfect surface since I knew I was going for a distressed look, so I worked fast.  The coating was easy and quick to apply.  Each sheet took one tub of Smooth Finish.

I let it dry overnight, but I am sure that wasn’t necessary.  I would say 1 hour would be enough.

PAINT THE FLAG

DIY Patriotic Crafts

For 13 stripes, each one is 2.75 inches.  I marked and taped them off with painters tape, and taped off the blue square.  I painted with a flat brush using acrylic paint.

FloraCraft17

I did the blue last.  The stars were cut using my Sizzix machine, out of Duck tape white sheets.  I drew a grid with my ruler and chalk pencil to guide placement.

DISTRESS THE PLANKS

I wanted my pieces to look rough like pallet wood, so I sanded some edges to make them uneven, and removed paint in random areas to reveal the white layer.  The texture i left with my spatuala, combined with the distressing provide recessed areas for the antique glazing to highlight at the end.

GLUE PIECES TOGETHER

I used StyroGlue since I know not a lot of glues work with foam.  The workbench was the perfect spot for gluing.  I used clamps to keep pieces pressed firmly edge to edge while the glue dried.

It holds perfectly!

SEAL WITH MOD PODGE

FloraCraft19

I sealed the piece with Mod Podge matte finish.

FINAL ANTIQUING

American Flag Pallet Tutorial

I used Scupley antiquing glaze, which is no longer in production.  Any glaze is fine.  Just apply and wipe away quickly with paper towel.  If there is too much glaze left behind, use a damp paper towel.

FloraCraft2

Hot glue a loop of twine or wire to the back to hang.  You only need a small nail or tack.

DIY wood pallet flag knock off with foam

I love my flag, and my husband loves it’s weight.  This is a great option if you want the reclaimed wood look, but don’t have power tools or if you prefer light weight pieces on your walls.

Make a Faux Pallet Flag using Styrofoam

A big thank you to Sharon at Crafts n Coffee Blog for introducing me to the world of Styrofoam/Make it Fun Foam.  She shared a piece with me at a conference that inspired me to make this faux pallet flag.  She also sent me the products used in this tutorial, and is standing by to send them to one of you!!

For even more great foam projects to inspire you, check out Make it Fun on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/makeitfuncrafts/


50+ Things to Make From Picture Frames

[pinit]

50+ Creative Things to Make From Picture Frames #repurpose #upcycle #diy @savedbyloves[pinit]

Did you know that there are loads of ways to use picture frames other to displaying pictures?  If you love to think outside of the box like I do, you are going to want to check out these projects. Today’s collection is packed with creative ways to repurpose picture frames into storage, home decor, furniture that looks designer, costs way less and puts discarded frames to great use.

 

Make an Easy Bracelet From Vintage Buttons

Make a Button Bracelet #jewelrymaking @savedbyloves

I came across a jar of vintage buttons at a flea market last week (while on vacation, because who takes a vacation from scavenging for junk) and remembered this DIY Button Bracelet  from hopestudios.com.  It seemed like the perfect, quick project to get my creative fix without interrupting quality time with honey.  Making these bracelets is the easy, fast and gratifying.  Start hoarding your favorite buttons right now, and grab some 1mm cord.  Customize for outfits or holidays, like the red, white and blue one for July Fourth.  Hope Studios will show you the detailed how to.

DIY Button Bracelet Tutorial

How to make a bracelet from old buttons #buttoncrafts

This one I made for a more neutral, beachy feel, and pretty much wore it every day.  Three bracelets took 30 minutes, not even long enough for my husband to give me the “Are you seriously crafting right now… right here?” – look.

Make Easy Button Bracelets #jewelrymaking @savedbyloves4

Make-a-Button-Bracelet-jewelrymaking-@savedbyloves

Love buttons but not bracelets made from them?  No Problem.

Here are 50+ ways to Create using BUTTONS!

50 Plus DIY Sea Glass Crafts and Projects

[pinit]
50+ Sea Glass Tutorials with Jewelry, home decor and more @savedbyloves

[pinit]

Vacationing in South Florida has put me in a sea glass craft mood.  The stuff is so beautiful, and I love that it is just waiting on the beaches to be harvested.  Sea glass, also referred to as beach glass, comes in a variety of colors and is used to create gorgeous art,  jewelry and home decor.  I love the wire wrap pendants and charm bracelets featuring the ocean tumbled and smoothed recycled glass.  Don’t live near a coast?  No fear.  You can order sea glass on line, or try out one of the many faux DIY sea glass tutorials below.  As always, if you have a favroite sea glass project that I missed, let me know and I will take a look to see if it fits in the collection!

Privacy Policy