It's Fall

It's officially FALL and what better way to welcome the new season than to craft a Fall theme project.

When I made my little Halloween signs (here and here), I had a few people ask me if I had anything Fall related and a bit bigger (the Halloween signs were approx. 5x7). Well I didn't at that time but took the request as a challenge to come up with something fun and just as cute.

This project looks nothing like what I had floating around in my head (this happens to me a lot!), but I love how the creativity comes to me as I'm working on a piece - some of these projects take on a life of their own...LOL!

Anyway without further ado, here is what I came up with......

Everything I need to get started. The frame came with these great 3x3 squares that you'll see in another craft at a later date

I painted the frame with chocolate brown acrylic paint. The paper came from another project, so I didn't have a full 12x12 sheet. I measured and cut the paper to fit inside the frame and used Mod Podge to glue it down

Using my Silhoutte machine, I cut the pumpkin design in another shade of orange scrapbook paper and applied it before using Mod Podge as a sealer. Once it dried I sprayed the entire frame with clear acrylic

Since I had to use two pieces of paper to fill the frame space, I ended up with a seam down the middle that I felt needed to be disguised. I had some thin brown ribbon on hand that worked perfectly to create this window design as well as used it to cover the perimeter of the frame as well

Using the Silhoutte again, I cut the little pumpkin cart out in vinyl and applied it to the bottom square. Both the flowers and scarecrow I bought at the dollar store (removed the stick from the scarecrow) and applied using super glue

All finished! I added the letters using some 3-D stickers I picked up from the dollar bin at Target last year.

Before Meets After ~ Toy Bin

In my search to find stores with bargain items that can be used in my craft projects, I've found a hidden gem (at least it was hidden to me...hehe) that I never considered before. I've always known that my local Dollar Stores carried some great finds that could be turned into marvelous projects but had no idea that the local Goodwill would be a proverbial wonderland of inexpensive 'trash to treasure' items.

After a couple trips to the store, I've found a few things that can (and will) be transformed into great pieces. After giving some thought as to what to do with them, I've decided that I will begin a series titled "Before Meets After" - a chance to see these great bargains in their 'before' state and what they will look like 'after' a little crafting magic.

My first post isn't a dollar store or Goodwill find but it definitely qualifies for this category. As you know from my Art Center post, I'm working to complete my son's big boy room. Originally we put his toys in one of those 3-drawer plastic bins, but that just wasn't going to work anymore (it's now in my crafting corner) so I took an unused 3-shelf bookshelf and turned it into a cubbie.

A place for everything and everything in its place.......

An unused bookshelf from the basement playroom

Spray painted blue to match the room decor

Turned the bookshelf on its side to create cubbies. Cut out two guitar shapes using this great music note scrapbook paper. Using Mod Podge I applied them to the top on opposite ends

Bought these red bins from Target during their Back-to-School sale

Using my Silhoutte machine, I cut the letters in vinyl to go between the guitars (this was my first time using vinyl on my machine; I have a few tricks to learn about cutting and size)

Not the greatest picture, but a new toy cubbie filled with toys and ready for play!

It's not completely finished. I do hope that I'll get the chance to add a little curtain to disguise the space at the top where the bins don't quite reach, but that's a project for another day.

Stay tuned for more "Before Meets After" - but in the meantime.....

Blingy B-O-O!

Have I mentioned lately how much I am loving Mod Podge??? Well if I haven't I'm making it official now - I think I'm in love. Of course our relationship is still new and there is still so much for me to learn, but for now I am as giddy as a child on Christmas morning and as starry-eyed as a fan meeting their favorite superstar.

Since Halloween is right around the corner, I am trying to get some Halloween/Fall deocrations completed. Two weeks ago I posted the couple Halloween things I made. I then posted the 'Trick or Treat' sign on my facebook page and people fell in love - I ended up with three orders (YAY me)!

Since I had another small plaque on hand, I thought I would use my new love to create my next Halloween sign. A blinged out BOO plaque - check it out!

My little "BOO"

A close up of the little ghosts

With some spider ribbon to tie it all together

No good ghosts is complete without a bit of "bling"

I really wish I had more time in a day (or several days) to put all of these wonderful ideas in my head together, but for now I must be happy with what I can get finished. Now off I go...I have a few more 'Fall' plaques to finish, and hopefully some other decorations for the house.

Halloween Craftiness!

Well, I've been so busy over the last two weeks. School is back in session and that not only means getting the little prince together each day but it also means the same for me since I teach where he goes to school. I am certainly going to miss our 'lazy days' of summer and the time I had each morning to craft.

Getting a handle on our new schedule may take some time but I think I've now figured out a way to carve out at least two mornings a week to get some work done (let's see how this pans out) and it starts with some Halloween crafts.

No tutorials today, just some pics of a couple things I was able to get finished. There are a few more in the works but for now, check these out.

My little pumpkin hair clip. I was so happy with how well this turned out. Now to figure out how to make a Christmas tree one...hmmmm.

Cute clip with a bell on it using the same pumpkin ribbon

A Trick or Treat sign made with a small wood plaque, some curvy wooden letters and grosgrain ribbon

A close up view - love the way it turned out

I've been thinking about putting together a little Halloween party for the little prince and his friends so stay tuned for more Halloween craftiness.