How To Make a Mermaid Valentine Card With Stencils

Little did I know that when I posted this Mermaid Valentine card using Funfare Stencils that the technique I used to make the ocean and waves would interest so many people! This project was posted 4 years ago. I loved the process and am thrilled to share it for you again. It was a long and artsy process so settle in for a LIST of photos. 

~ Oceans of Love ~

Paper Supplies in Inches:

Heavy cardstock for card, 4x6

Medium to heavy weight cardstock for image base, 3.5 x 5.5

Scraps of paper for tearing. 7x3

Tear your paper scrap in half. Tear slowly and with lots of "dips".

Don't feel silly practicing this!

The torn paper is the key to the wave look.

Coloring Products:

 White embossing powder (Zing), white pigment ink (Clearsnap), and three colors of mist.

I used a mint green (Heidi Swapp), a teal (Tattered Angels)

and London Blue (Dylusions).

For tools you will need sponges or cotton rounds and a pointed stick (mine is for applying rubons).

Adhere the torn paper strip with the strait edge 1/4 of the way from the top. Apply the adhesive just to the ends so that no debris remains on the image base.

Mist the sponge with the lightest color and spread it on the base in a circular motion. The color should cover all the paper beneath the torn strip.

Repeat the process with the medium color but do not cover the entire paper.

Sprinkle the darkest color onto the base by removing the spritzer and tapping the tube. Be sure to cover the top of the base with a scrap paper to catch oops drips. Leave the drops on the paper about 10 seconds before spreading them in a circular motion.



 The base needs to be completely dry before begin this next step.

Using the pigment ink daub the base right at the edge of the torn paper. The width of the ink strip will be the width of the white caps on the waves.



Dust the ink with embossing powder. Tap off the extra and use a paintbrush to remove any unwanted portions. Use the stick to scrape circular lines in the powder. Heat to set. 

Place the mermaid stencil over the ocean and apply ink.

Dust with embossing powder, heat to set.



To complete my mermaid I used Clearsnap ink and WOW embossing powder. The Sentiment is MME and the sticker is Heidi Swapp. All papers used are Craft Smith.

I can't wait to see this technique showing up on projects!

Be sure to share.

Scrap On!

~charity~

How To Make an Unforgettable Anniversary Card

We all have that amazing couple in our life. The one that's deeply in love, thinks the world of each other, and has everything they could ever want. How do you celebrate their special day?
With an anniversary card as incredible as they are.

Endless Love

Supplies:

12x12 sheet of patterned cardstock

1 yard of twine

1 extra-length brad

yarn needle

Paper Trimmer

Paper Piercer

Border Punch

Directions:

Step 1. Cut 12 x 12 sheet of cardstock in half. Punch length of the paper with border punch.

Step 2. Cut punched paper into 1 x 6 inch strips. Use a corner rounder on the ends of the strips. This will make 12 ribs.

Step 3. Cut 2 strips of paper, 1.25 x 6.5 inches. Punch the tops with border punch and the ends with a corner rounder. This will make 2 guards. 

Step 3. Pierce a hole 1/4 inch from the end of the rib, at the center of the paper. Pierce a second hole 4 inches from the end and 1/4 inch from the left side of the rib. Pierce a third hole 1/4 inch down from the second hole. Use the first pierced rib as a guide for all the ribs to be sure the holes line up exactly.

Step 4. Pierce a hole 3/4 inch from the end of the guard, at the center of the paper. Lay the first pierced rib over the guard, line up the center, end holes. Pierce the top two holes using the rib as a guide.

Step 5. Stack the strips of paper so the holes line up and the ribs are sandwiched between the guards. Feed all the strips onto a brad and secure. 

Step 6. Tie a knot in the end of the twine. Beginning with the last guard string the twine through the two upper holes 2 times.

Step 7. Lay the first rib against the last guard so that the edges over lap just a little. String the twine through the two upper holes 2 times. Over-lap the next rib and repeat with twine. Knot the twine after the final guard has been stitched onto the fan.

Step 8. Decorate the top fan guard. Add sentiment to the fan ribs with tiny type.

Scrap On!

~charity~

How To Make a Paper Circus Tent

Send In The Clowns!
The juggler, the trapeze artist, the tight rope walker...between my three kids my house is a three ring circus until bedtime. What better way to commemorate their death-defying acts then this circus tent mini-album? Don't be scared away by its intricate appearance. Just grab a chair and enter the lions cage, you know you are DYING to see if you've got what it takes!!!

Supplies:

Thick Cardboard

Patterned Cardstock

Compass or large Circle Cutter

Paper Trimmer/Scorer

Scissors

Stapler, Sewing Machine, or other instant lock Adhesive

Tent Base

Cut 1 Circle 9.5" Diameter of Small Flowered pattern paper

Cut 1 Circle 8.75" Diameter of Black Cardstock

Cut 3 Circles 7.5" Diameter. 1 of thick cardboard, 1 of patterned paper

Cut 2 Strips 1"x 11" of Black Cardstock

Directions:

Step 1: Trace 7.5" circle onto thick cardboard, cut out, adhere to center of 8.75" circle. Top with 7.5" circle of patterned paper.

Step 2: Score strips of patterned paper lengthwise. Cut slits in paper strips from edge to center at 1" intervals down one side. 

Step 3: Adhere strips to edge of large circle so that a narrow gap remains between the upright edge of the strip of paper and the cardboard circle. Overlap the strips by one inch so that a 2 inch gap is left at the opposite end of the circle.

Step 4: Trace a 7.75 " circle onto the center of the 9.5" circle. Cut out center so that only the edge remains. Place 9.5" circle over Tent Base to cover the paper strips and edge of the base. Adhere.

Tent

Cut 1 Circle 7.5" Diameter

Cut 8 Triangles {2.75x4.5x4.5} from Narrow Striped pattern paper

Cut 8 Trapezoids {3.25x4.5x2.25x4.5}Coordinating pattern paper

Cut 4 Rectangles {5x5.5} Wide Striped pattern paper

Directions:

Step 1: Score all Triangles at 1/8 inch on both 4.5" sides. Adhere scored 1/8 sides together with seams

on the outside.

Step 2: Score all Trapezoids at 1/8 inch on both 4.5" sides, and at 1/2inch on 2.25" side. Adhere scored 1/8 sides together to form second tent tier, leaving top 1/2 inch loose. Fold these 1/2 inch sections down and to the outside of tent.

Step 3: Trace 7 inch circle at the center of 7.5 inch circle. Cut circle from edge to traced line at 1/2 inch intervals. Fold flaps toward the center of the circle.

Step 4: Adhere flaps to inside of large end of second tent tier. This step will create a "ceiling" for the third tent tier to rest against.

Step 5: Adhere tent peak to second tier by placing adhesive on inside of folded 1/2 inch sections from step 2 and matching them up with undersides of the tent peak triangles.

Step 6: Evenly space 5 eyelets on both 4.5" sides of 2 rectangles, and on one 4.5" side of the other 2 rectangles. Use twine to lace 4 rectangles together to form third tent tier.

Step 7: Place third tent tier in the narrow gap between the tent base and the black side strips. Top with first and second tent tiers (do NOT adhere). Decorate at will.

Step 8: Cut multiple 7.5 inch circles for Mini album, using ribbon to connect instead of rings. Store album in lowest tent tier.

....and that's all folks!!!

Scrap On!

~charity hotrum~



How To Make A Treasure Pocket Pillow

This tutorial for how to make a mermaid pillow includes a treasure pocket for secret letters and tiny trinkets. Painted scales suggest a nautical theme while the script printed canvas makes the perfect heart shape pocket. Your favorite mermaid enthusiast will be tail-over-fins for this fanciful pillow cover.

Tools:
Circle Punch
12x12 Cardstock
paint brush

needle

Supplies:

Gold Braid
14" Round Pillow Cover
Printed Canvas
Glitter Fabric Paint

 Step 1:Make a Mermaid Scale Stencil
Punch a series of circles along the edge of a 12x12 piece of cardstock. 

Cut the row of circles in half.

 Step 2:Paint Mermaid Scales on Canvas Pillow Cover

I chose two colors for mermaid scales and used an alternating color pattern. I placed the stencil at the edge of the pillow cover and painted the first row of scales. I centered the stencil on the first row of scales to paint the second row. This gave the scales an overlapped appearance.

 Step 3:Trace Heart onto Printed Canvas Fabric

I cut a heart shape about 5.5" tall from the 12x12 piece of cardstock. I folded the Printed Canvas Fabric in half with the printed side in. I laid the pattern on the fabric so that I had room for 1/2" seams around the sides and point. The top of the heart I laid flush with the edge of the fold. I traced the heart shape lightly with a pencil.

 Step 4: Cut Heart from Printed Canvas

I pinned the halves of the printed canvas together and cut out the shape leaving at least 1/2" of canvas outside of the shape for seams.

Step 5: Stitch Heart Shape on the Printed Canvas 

I machine stitched the heart shape along the pencil lines, leaving a 3" gap along the side. I made a series of shallow cuts in the seam allowance along the edge of the curves and at the point. These clipped lines ended close to the seem but did not go through it. Clipping the curves lets the fabric stretch and settle when you turn it right-side out.

 Step 6:Turn Heart Shape Right-Side Out

With the 3" gap along the side turning the heart is fairly easy. Run the eraser end of a pencil along the inside of the seams to ensure they are all turned properly.

Step 7: Stitch Opening Using the Blind Stitch

1) The stitch begins on side b. Pull the needle through, anchoring the knot inside the hem space. Insert the needle in side a, directly across from where the thread emerged in side b. Slide needle in the hem space for 1/8 to a 1/4 of an inch, exit the hem space still on side a.

2) Insert the needle in side b, directly across from where the thread emerged in side a. Slide needle in the hem space for 1/8 to a 1/4 of an inch, exit the hem space still on side b.
3) Continue this pattern for the length of the seam, alternating sides.
4) Pull the thread snug so that the edges match up exactly, but not so tight they pucker, and knot off thread.

When hemming a shape such as a heart with curves and points it is difficult to keep the desired shape. Tracing and stitching the pattern directly onto folded fabric, then turning it right-side out preserves the shape and prevents any edges that could ravel.

 Step 8:Pin Heart to Pillow Cover

Pin only the sides and point to the pillow. The top of the heart will be left open to form the pocket.

Step 9:Stitch Heart to Pillow Cover Using a Feather Stitch

The feather stitch is a series of "V's". Each new stitch begins at the point of the previous stitch.
The first stitch come up through the fabric at point a and goes back down at point b leaving a small loop. The thread comes back up at point c and catches that loop. The thread goes down into the fabric at point d, leaving a loop which is caught by the thread coming up at point e.

I used a flat foam pillow to stuff my pillow form. My chairs are not deep and I wanted to be comfortable with multiple cushions. Of course it didn't take long till the cats had to try out the new pillows. Noir is hoping Mermaids taste like fish. She is willing to wait all day for a nibble!

This project was originally posted on the Canvas Corp Blog in July of 2018.

Craft On!

~charity hotrum~

How To Make A Distressed Journal Cover With Monogram

This journal cover features distressed colors and a monogram. I started with a natural canvas cover and applied Tattered Angels mist. The monogram is navy jute held in place with a couching stitch of gold braid. I chose a cover so the notebook can be replaced as it is used up.

Directions:
Step 1: Place cardboard or canvas between covers of journal to prevent over spray.
Step 2: Measure journal cover. Cut cardstock 1/2” narrower on each edge and punch decorative shapes into the corners. I used the point of a star punch on mine. 

 Step 3: Place cardstock on cover. Mist or paint edges with a teal color. Remove cardstock.

Step 4:Mist cover with light colors. This colors and preps the surface for the bright colors. You want the bright colors to sit on top, not soak in.

 Step 5:Mist or splatter the cover with bright colors.

 Step 6:Allow to dry 20 min. Rinse with water. Fade is increased by warmer water temps or longer rinsing times.
Step 7:Allow to dry completely. Iron to remove wrinkles.

Step 8:Prep stamp with pigment ink. Add image to cover.

Step 9:Leave to dry. I left mine overnight, but pigment ink can be heat set to speed up the process. 

Step 10: Stitch Cord to the cover in the shape of a letter. Be sure to tie a knot in each cord end to control raveling. I used a straight couching stitch at the ends and points, and a zig-zag couching stitch along the length.

Journal covers in standard notebook sizes make a great gift. They can be decorated to fit anyone's style. The best part though is being able to reuse it at will.

Stop by my Instagram for more crafty inspiration.

Craft On

~charity hotrum~

How To Decorate a Ship With Patterned Paper

Scrap O' Luck

Here's a detailed tutorial for decorating a ship with patterned paper. It was originally posted as a Special Ops Training project for the SWAT blog in 2013. Don't let these pretty pieces of wood and paper intimidate you. The step by step instructions are a cinch!

Supplies:

Art Minds wooden puzzle: Military Sailing Ship

5 sheets patterned cardstock

Acrylic Paint

Twine

Rubber Cement

Glossy Accents

Craft Knife

Large Needle

Step 1:Purchase a wood puzzle ship kit. I get mine from Amazon. 

Step 2:Color the corresponding pieces as shown in the following schematic. 

A schematic is included in the kit.



Step 3: On the back of each wooden sheet of puzzle pieces, label each piece using a ball point pen.

Step 4: Very carefully punch each piece out. Keep in mind the pieces are fragile and will separate in layers or splinters if you are not VERY careful.

Step 5: Use the color clues in the above schematic to complete steps 6 through 9. Each color is a different piece of patterned cardstock. On the "Scrap O' Luck" I used the following colors of patterned paper for each color represented above:

Blue --- white with sparkle green pattern

Purple --- Solid black with a flourish

Yellow --- Black and Green polka dot

Orange --- Green polka dot

Green --- News Print

Orange and Green were made out of the same pattern of double sided paper. The Orange were traced on one side and the Green on the other.

Step 6: Orange and Green pieces are sails. Use different pieces of patterned cardstock for each color. Be aware that the sales will be seen from both sides so use double sided paper that compliments your ship theme. The first and third set of sales are colored orange in the above schematic.

Step 7: Four of the puzzle pieces will be covered with patterned paper on both side. Those are indicated with arrows.

Step 8: The remaining colored pieces will have paint on one side and paper on the other.

Step 9: The pieces without any color will be painted on both sides, but will not be covered.

Step 10: Paint sides and edges of all the puzzle pieces, let dry. One coat of paint is fine.

Step 11: Trace puzzle piece onto wrong side of patterned paper with painted side face up, cut out, and adhere. I prefer to work with Rubber Cement, but I am sure Mod Podge would work fabulously.

Step 12: Follow the step by step instructions included with the ship to assemble the pieces. Have your craft knife ready to trim the edges of the wood joints or of the paper. I found that many of my pieces looked like this before the ship would fit together properly:

Any places that I over cut or roughed up I camouflaged with ink. In a few places I broke the thin wooden pieces. These I re-attached with Glossy Accents.

Step 13: Because you are adding paper to many of the pieces the actual width will change. The pieces will not fit in the same way and some will not fit at all. I had the following pieces left over.

Step 14: If you plan to glue the ship, put it together without glue first to be sure you know where each piece will go and if you will need to leave any pieces out.

Step 15: Replace the string included in the ship kit with twine. Rig the sails as per the instructions.

During the months of June and July I will be moving my crafting space. I won't have time for much crafting so I will be posting previous projects. I'll be back with brand new content in August!!!

Scrap On!

~charity hotrum~