Mel Designs

Stuffed Snowman Ornament

Welcome to the May Arts and Buttons Galore and More Blog Hop. I'm Mel, part of the Button Bevy and I designed these stuffed snowman ornaments using my some of my favorite products from Buttons Galore and More and May Arts.

Stuffed Snowman Ornament Materials and Supplies

Inkjet Fabric Sheets

Text book page of choice

Buttons Galore and More Hand Dyed Buttons by Laura Kelly in  Radically Red, Jazzy Brads  Flowers  

May Arts Fabric Ribbon

Fairfield Poly-fil stuffing

6/0 pebble beads in black

12mm flat backed rhinestones

thin natural sticks

Scraps of orange felt

Beacon Adhesives Gem Tac

Fusible webbing

Sewing machine and thread, hand sewing needle and thread

Computer, scanner and printer

Scissors

I have been looking high and low for plain white fabric with text printed in black. I couldn't seem to find any locally so I created my own by scanning in a plain white bookpage and printing it onto these EQ Printables inkjet sheets found on the QuiltWoman website. The fabric sheets are paper backed so they go through your inkjet printer easily.

I then traced two different sized circles for the head and body of the stuffed snowman ornament on the paper backing. I then cut the circles out. You will two circles of each size for the front and back of the snowman.

To make the snowman nose, fuse some orange wool felt to fusible webbing with an iron and cut out a tiny triangle. Peel off the paper backing and fuse the nose to the snowman head. At this point you will want to peel the paper backing off of the fabric sheets too so you can begin to stitch the details in place.

 Blanket Stitch the edges of the felt with the hand sewing needle and thread, or you can machine stitch it using a straight stitch or a blanket stitch if your machine has one.

Hand stitch the pebble beads in place for eyes.

Of course, every snowman needs buttons so I used these from Buttons Galore and More.

After the details are all stitched in place, it is time to sew the circles together using your sewing machine. Using a straight stitch, sew the circles about 1/4" from the edge and leave a 2" opening for stuffing.

 

 Stuff the pieces and sew the opening closed.

Now you can sew the head and body together using a straight stitch.

Another snowman must have, is a scarf. That's where I used some adorable ribbons from May Arts.

I tied the ribbon in a loose loop and secured it with a Jazzy Brad.

Cut another piece of ribbon for the hanger and sew to the top of the ribbon. Hide your stitches by sewing on another button.

Once my snowman was completed, I still felt like he was missing something. Ah-ha stick arms! But it was a cold and rainy day here in East Tennessee and I did'nt want to go out. Then I noticed this tree within arms length from my upstairs bedroom window. Open the window, remove the screen and Viola!

I simply glued the arms in place with the glue, tucking the ends under the ribbon.

You can get the buttons and brads used to make these stuffed snowman ornaments on sale this weekend!

Buttons Galore and More Sale:

Save 20% off at Buttons Galore this weekend. *enter the code “HBH20” – offers may not be combined* Sale starts Friday and ends Monday.

  For a chance to win Laura Kelly buttons and ribbons from May Arts, leave a comment on each of these links. The official Start Time is December 6th at 8 am EST. 

Buttons Galore

Laura Bray 

Allie Gower 

Laura Kelly

Holly Gagnon

Niki Meiners

Tracy McLennon

Angie Holden

Melony Bradley (that's me!)

Live Life Creatively,

 

 

 

 

Handmade Aprons Free Ebook

Are you a big fan of handmade aprons? Then you might want to take a good look at this adorable new free ebook sponsored by Craft, Chat, Eat.  I ♥ Aprons features 10 "Make It Pretty"Sew & No Sew Apron Projects all FREE in this charming free ebook when you sign up for Craft. Chat. Eat.'s e-newsletter. You will receive a link to I {Heart} Aprons™ in your confirmation e-mail. (make sure you check your spam folder for the confirmation email).

Craft Craft Eat launches in late 2013 with five (5) original, long-form crafts, DIY, and cooking lifestyle online video series. You'll meet people who dare to live a creative life. Some will be entrepreneurs. Some will be passionate about food. Some will build (or rebuild) things. As creator Judith Norman explains "It' won't be your grandma's craft TV." 

Earlier this year, I was invited to design and submit a handdyed apron that incorporates hand dyed shibori indigo fabric scraps, red ticking strips and burlap. The result, a rustic country half apron with heart motifs and down home sentiments.  

This is just one many free handmade aprons featured in this free ebook from Craft Chat Eat. There are ten delicious aprons featured in the ebook with free downloadable patterns, helpful illustrations and three FREE video tutorials. The photography is downright charming as is the beautifully designed aprons from some very talented artists.

Creating an apron can be a fun, satisfying project for beginning sewers and non-sewers alike. Whether you like rustic country, sophisticated or patchwork, I ♥ Aprons is sure to inspire you.

Don't miss you chance to download this free ebook. Visit Craft, Chat, Eat today.

Live Life Creatively,

 

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Raw Edged Dresden Plate Pillow

Win a Free Subscription to Crafts n Things

If you are interested in winning a FREE 1 year subscription to the leading magazine for Crafter's read on for THREE chances to win.

Crafts n Things is giving away one subscription randomly when their Facebook page reaches 3,000 fans.
"Like them" for a chance to win.

Here are two more chances to win... Leave a comment on this post by Friday, August 30th, 2013 before 12:00 AM EST and I will choose two winners at random to be announced on my blog on Tuesday, September 3rd.

Good luck!

Live Life Creatively,

 

 

Polymer Clay Vintage Ruler Bookmarks

 
 
When I scored these fun old rulers at a recent thrift shop going out of business sale, I left with so many ideas of how to use them. In an effort to preplan for the holidays I want to start organizing my gift giving for people such as teachers, co-workers, clients I would like to thank and friends, sans a big budget. I think these bookmarks will be perfect for the ladies on my list, as the materials are easy to come by (even the old rulers) and fairly quick to make in multiples. I will have to think about a man version- ideas welcome!

Choosing the Right Paints

Enter my favorite paints, Lumiere by Jacquard Products. These paints produce beautiful sparkly effects and really work well for producing antique results. The colors I chose for base coating and dry brushing are some of my favorites, Pewter, Crimson, Halo Violet Gold (fast becoming my fav even taking the place of my beloved Citrine) and Metallic Silver. Throw in some Neopaque colors like White and Magenta and you have the beauty that will make these bookmarks really stand out!  

So now the clay roses. Jacquard not only makes beautiful paints but they also carry a high quality polymer paint, Cernit clay, which is perfect for making both sophisticated and whimsical arts and crafts projects, including: miniatures, dolls, buttons, beads, jewelry, and for adding sculptural elements to any project, including bookmarks. 

Tips on Using Clay Molds and Conditioning Clay

The molds are from Mad About Molds, which carries high quality polymer clay bisque molds in so many themes and shapes it will make your head spin. I recently discovered their site and was unable to get away without $50.00 bucks worth of molds in my shopping cart. Delivery was professional, prompt and the molds more than lived up to my expectations. Surprisingly easy to use, they benefit from a light coat of cornstarch before placing the conditioned clay inside the mold. If you have never conditioned clay before, it entails working it with your fingers until it is soft and pliable. Clay that has been under-conditioned will result in cracks while baking. There are some tried and true tricks for quicker conditioning, including placing a small amount (about 1/4 of a block) into your pocket or even your bra. Regarding this last idea, I have been surprised more than once at the end of the day when I undressed and discovered a wad or two of clay on the floor, somehow forgotten about over the course of a busy day.

Once I molded and baked my roses, I gave them a couple-three coats of the Lumiere and Neopaque paint. Then I chose contrating colors of white and metallic silver to give the molded roses interest and depth. Dont forget the back! You want your rose to have that professional touch to them.

Cutting the Rulers to Bookmark Size 
"Vintage" (i.e. old advertisng rulers that can be found in some delightful colors) rulers are easy to find in almost any antique, flea or thrift shop. I used the no so colored ones since I did not want to compete with the beautiful molded roses.

Cutting the rulers is easy, you just need a hand saw (you may also want to wear safety gloves) and a cutting surface to protect your working surface from the obvious. I cut my rulers to 6" in lenth, which gives you two per 12" ruler (really?) or more from yard stick lengths (you do the math).

Assembling the Vintage Rulers 
Gluing the roses to the rulers is rather easy, the roses have a flat back. I also added these cute beaded scrapbooking embellishments by Recollections that I just love!

For a final vintage touch, dry brush the edges of the rulers with Neopaque in black.

 
A pretty gift a bookish friend will adore. They look great when paired with old torn books.

How to order the Materials or BookMarks

If you are interested in cernit clay, neopaque or lumiere, visit Dick Blick. For the truely time-strapped, I am offering these in my etsy shop. If you don't have time to put these these together, go to my etsy shop and order them!

Want to see another cool project using these products? Hop on over to my tutorial creating unique shadow box napkin rings.

Thanks for letting me share- remember...

Live Life Creatively,

 
 
 
 
 

  
 
 

 

 
 
 
 

Painted Wood CardKeeper Box with Canvas Die Cut Embellishments

Use Jacquard Products Neopaque and Lumiere paints to cover a variety of surface including Sizzix layered die cuts. Follow along with me on this tutorial as I show you how I did it...

You will need the following supplies:

Sizzix BigShot Machine and Fringed Flower die and Tim Hotlz Alterations Heart with Wings

Jacqaurd Products Neopaque and Lumiere paints in colors of choice (I used Neopaque White, Neopaque Black, Lumiere Metallic Gold, Lumiere Crimson, Lumiere in Metallic Olive Green)

Walnut Hollow CardKeeper Box

Ranger by Claudine Hellmuth Sticky Back Canvas Sheets

Dritz  Button Covering Kit- for four buttons

Crafters Workshop 12 x 12 stencil-Birds TCW185

Script Stamp, dream stamp or another sentiment you would like to use, Staz on ink in black

Aleenes Liquid Fusion

Scrap of muslin fabric

Misc supplies- paint brushed, stencil brush, sanding block and tack cloth, sewing machine and thread, scissors

Die cut flowers from sticky backed canvas. Paint the large and small flower Neopaque White. Paint the medium flowers Lumiere Crimson.

Use the inkpad and stamp to stamp across the surface of the white flowers.

L:ayer the flowers together. For the leaves, use the winged shapes on the dies cut wings from the canvas which will become leaves for the flowers. Paint the leaves Metallic Olive Green.

Sewn the small fringed flowers in a free form pattern on the edges of the die. Remove paper backing from each of the pieces and layer together as shown.

Create the polka dotted pattern by painting one side of the fabric Crimson. When dry, use the end of a small paintbrush dipped in Neopaque white to make dots. You will need an approximate 6" square to cover buttons.

Use the button cover kit in the following manner to cover four buttons.

Refer to the instructions on the back of the package to cover buttons. Cut am approx 2" circle from the polka dotted fabric for each button.

Sand the wood box and wipe clean with a tack cloth. Base coat Lumiere Metallic Gold, inside and out. Use the stencil, stencil brush and Neopaque Black paint to stencil on birds and leaves, branches. 

Glue the buttons to the center of each flower embellishment with the tacky glue. Let box side on appropriate sides when paint is drying and glue from button sets.

This is what the top of the box looks like.

 Here is the completed box.

I added a teardrop wing, painted white and stamped with the script stamp, some self adhesive embellishment rows and a stamped sentiment directly to the box.

These adorable boxes were meant to house A2 sized cards and envelopes but I'm going to put it in my bathroom to hold various items usually just randomly laying around the sink.

Jacquard Products is offering a great giveaway. Go to their blog, leave a comment you saw it here, and we will send you a FREE bottle of their new Lumiere 3D paint and adhesive. But hurry, the offer ends at midnight, June 1st Pacific Daylight time.

Live Life Creatively,

 

 

Alcohol Inked Metal Mosaic Frame

When a friend of mine spotted these wood square frames on sale at a popular discount department store, he said he immediately thought of me and the kind of work I do. When I saw them, I knew they would be perfect for crafty do-overs. I love that the frames have thick, flat sides perfect for showing off your latest cool techniques.

I love using alcohol inks on metal. For this colorful mosaic tiled frame, I used Jacquard Products Pinata Colors Inks and Walnut Hollows Creative Metal.

I grabbed every color of Pinata Inks in the collection of 17 colors. Beautiful, highly saturated and acid-free transparent colors. Piñata inks are alcohol-based, indelible and moisture resistant when dry. They can be used on most any clean surface. I love how they look on metal. I also LOVE the fun color names such as Senorita Magenta and Sangria.

To give some texture to the metal, I used my Sizzix BigShot and texture plates to emboss the metal.

I used a paper trimmer to cut the metal pieces into dimensions that matched the width of the sides of the frame. This will vary depending on the frame you use. Cut them into varying lengths for a more mosaic look. Determine the number of pieces you need by laying them out onto frame.

I left a small space between my "tiles." Base coat the frame with a basic color like Black or White. I used Neopaque by Jacquard. It covers most surfaces very well in as little as one coat.

For the next step, I highly recommend wearing disposable latex gloves and working on a well covered surface. Alcohol inks dry very quickly and can stain hands, finger and under nails like crazy. Simply mix colors of inks on each tile and allow to dry on a covered surface. Experiment with different color combinations. I found that using light and dark combinations yielded the most dramatic results.

To attach the pieces to the frame, use an adhesive like Aleene's Tacky Line Roll placed on the back of each tile.

I chose a sweet, summery family photo and rub on as the focal point of the frame.

Alcohol inks are a such a fun way to produce beautiful results with little drying time. Have you used alcohol inks? What is your favroite way to use them?

As a special treat to my readers today- visit Jacquard Products Facebook Page from now until May 31st, 2012,  Like them, leave a comment that you saw my post here and get a FREE bottle of their new Lumiere Dimensional Paint and Adhesive. This phenomenally strong adhesive is an amazing glue, a super strong fabric adhesive and will firmly attach beads onto surfaces. Based on Jacquard's popular Lumiere line, this metallic & dimensional paint is perfect for embellishing, painting and writing on: T-shirts, greeting cards, scrapbooks, fabric, ribbon, leather, gourds, shoes and much more! The Lumiere 3D can be used directly from the bottle or with the addition of our fine line tips. It is completely washable after allowing piece to dry for 72 hours. The true color develops when dry.

This offer is good for the first 300 readers and at last check, there are about 100 bottles left to be given away!

Live Life Creativelty,

Melony

 

 

ImpressArt Metal Stamp Blog Hop and Challenge

Happy Saturday! Today I am fortunate to be participating in a blog hop sponsored by ImpressArt. I have had little experience with stamping on metal, so it was a bit of a learning curve for me.

Once I got going, I was inspired to pull out some of my metal foil from Walnut Hollow and use it in my Frozen Charlotte Doll Bracelet. To make this bracelet I used the following ImpressArt products; 

-ImpressArt Design Stamp, Whimsy heart 

-ImpressArt Metal Stamping Hammer

-ImpressArt Steel Stamping Block

-ImpressArt Stamp Straight Tape

To start stamping, I cut small strips of metal foil and taped them to the Stamping Block using the Straight Tape.

I drew lines with a pencil to indicate where I would be stamping the hearts. In the end, I decided to completely cover the metal foil strip with the heart stamp.

I happened to turn over the metal foil strip and noticed it made beautiful embossed images on the opposite side, which I really liked.

I am mad about wrist cuffs. I am not a huge fan of wearing bracelets that dangle, but cuffs feel so much better on my wrist. This is why I decided to use the embossed/stamped metal strips on a fabric bracelet cuff. I had some pretty orange colored fabric I used on a previous project for Rit Dye. I really liked the color of the dyed fabric, so I am so glad I kept these scraps.

First I fused a strip of fabric (warpped to fit my wrist) with fuseable interfacing to give the bracelet more body. I added some pretty script fabric and sewed that together.

To secure the stamped metal strips to the bracelet, I used liquid fusion and some brads inserted in both ends of the metal foil strip.

As a focal point, I chose this Frozen Charlotte Doll and a pretty embellishment. I glued the doll on and them secured with a few stitches.

 

Stamped metal adds a unique touch to your projects so I am looking forward to doing more with ImpressArt's products.

ImpressArt is offering a giveaway in conjuction with this blog hop!

The Grand Prize is valued at up to $120.00 and contains:

1- ImpressArt alphabet set of the winner's choice

1- ImpressArt Steel Stamping Block, small

1- ImpressArt Metal Stamping Hammer

1- ImpressArt Stamp Straight Tape

An Assortment of metal discs

To enter go to the following link and follow the directions: https://www.facebook.com/pages/ImpressArt/155664424487844?sk=app_194975693850063.

I hope you enjoyed seeing what I did with the products and will continue to hop through the remaining 19 projects from some of the industries most talented designers. Simply find the Designer Craft Connection logo on my right sidebar and hop forward or back! Happy hopping!

Live Life Creatively,

Melony

 

Craft Test Dummies Reviews Jacquard Pinata Inks

Today, one of my favorite blogs, Craft Test Dummies, gives a through review of creating with Pinata Colors by Jacquard Products. Pinata Inks are alcohol based inks which means they are perfect for non-porous surfaces and dry very quickly. I love using them on metal. Jenny from Craft Test Dummies gives us a complete run down including the pros and cons of Pinata Colors. You don't want to miss her review.

Don't miss her giveaway on later this week. Visit Craft Test Dummies on Friday to enter to win a Mini Exciter package of Pinata Colors.

Live Life Creatively,

 

 

Happy 2012 and Congratulations

What a Fantastic way to start 2012. Five luck winners randomly chosen from Jacquard's Facebook Page will receive a Lumiere Mini Exciter Pack as seen on Craft Test Dummies. Congratulations to Cat Winterfox, Sheryl Thrasher, Donna Russ, Andrea Odom and Carmen Lucero!

May the new year be prosperous, happy and creative to all!

Live Life Creatively,

Melony

Painted Glassine Treat Bags and Giveaway

I love glassine bags, I found that they are perfect for giving small treats and for sending little items out from my etsy shop. I don't always like the recipient to be able to see whats inside right away, though. So I decided to add some paint to the surface to disguise whats inside for the moment.

I gathered several supplies from my stash such as alphabet letter stickers, decorative tape and gem stone rows and other little goodies.

I lightly dry brushed the surface of the bag with Neopaque by Jacquard Products.The paint goes onto the glassine surface so easily with a foam or bristle brush.

I also decided to paint a metal rimmed paper tag using Lumiere in Citrene. Lumiere gives a pretty festive sheen and is perfect for a variety of surfaces including paper.

To embellish the tag, I used a variety of little trinkets including a molded clay rose using Cernit Clay and this bisque mold from Mad About Molds.

I used one of my favorite colors of Neopaque- turquoise to paint the rose. I also gave it extra sheen with Lumiere in Metallic Gold, which gives it an antique finish.

I used these tiny alphabet stickers to create holiday sentiments on the tags.

The tag looks so festive with the painted surface, cernit clay rose and these other little sequined pretties by Prima I purchased from Scrapbook.com.

After I folded the flap of the bag down, I added decorative tape from Tim Holtz's ideaology collection also purchased from Scrapbook.com, along with some gem stone rows.

Punch a hole in the top flap and add the tag and you have a simple yet sophisticated glassine bag perfect for giving away goodies like baked goods.

Gift cards, handmade dyed ribbons, holiday greeting cards, these little bags have so many uses!

What would you fill your treat bags with? Leave me a comment on the Jacquard Products Facebook page with your idea and I will send you all four of these bags. Additionally, I will include a copy of Cloth Paper Scissors Gifts for those last minute small gifts you may want to create.

One winner will be chosen at random on December 15th. The winner will be announced December 16th on the Jacquard Products Facebook page. Don't forget to "like" them while your there!

Live Life Creatively,