Lavish Hand Painted Flowers

Hand painted flowers are extra lavish when completed with Canvas Corp products. The 8x8 Mixed Media paper pack of Bohemian Romance papers includes some lovely handmade papers. Check out the Canvas Corp blog to see how I turned those papers into the flowers on the layout below.

The Creative Studio

Scrap On!

Charity Hotrum

Burlap and Canvas Valentine Card

I love to make elaborate burlap and canvas Valentine's Day cards. My goal was to try out a variety of Canvas Corp Brand Products. They all performed exceptionally well. This shabby chic stitched card is thick with layer after layer of texture and color. Instructions for the flowers and the leaves are included below.

~ Love You ~

Here is a look at the supplies I used.

 Knot Rose

Step 1:Tie a loose knot in the middle of the fabric.
Step 2:Fold top piece back into knot as show.
Step 3:Add a drop of hot glue inside. Leave tail for attaching.

 Canvas Leaves

Step 1:Cut canvas in half length wise and width wise.
Step 2:Fold canvas with raveled edge to the left, color side in.
Step 3:Stitch diagonal line from raveled edge to straight edge.
Step 4:Trim excess. Open to reveal leaf.

After preparing my roses and leaves I arranged everything in layers. I glued and stitched the pieces to the card base. My final step was to stitch the sentiment to the top lace.

You can find more details and instructions for this card on the Canvas Corp Brands Blog.

Supplies:
Paper:Recollections
Dies:Peachy Cheap
All others:Canvas Corp Brands

Scrap On!

~charity~

Pastel's and Misty Moments Layout

This month's mood board at the International Scrapbook Garden is all pastels and misty moments. It instantly reminded me of a rainy day photo I took of my hometown, Spokane. The sketch offered with the mood board made putting this page together a cinch!

~ Mist ~

 The misty photo melded perfectly with this grey dotted paper by Craftsmith and my Lavender/Gold Glossy Rinea Foiled Paper, embossed with a Crafter's Companion folder. To add a little warmth I die cut a lacy, circle frame from Gold/Gold Glossy Rinea Foiled Paper. 

 A thin line of ScraPerfect's Best Glue Ever is all I needed to hold the foiled paper down. The No-Clog Writing Cap helped me apply the glue only where I wanted it. 

 A few more dots of BGE and I was ready to add a canvas hot air balloon shape. I used a die to emboss the shape onto the Canvas Corp Brands 10oz Natural Canvas and hand cut it.

 After a little houndstooth embossing with a Darice folder I added strips of the Lavender and Gold Rinea Foiled Paper to the title area. With the irregular shape and slick surface, ScraPerfect's BGE was the best adhesive for the job.

 This double balloon cutout is thanks to a pair of die's from Pink and Main. I cut the larger balloon, then centered and cut the smaller balloon. The smaller balloon I placed in the photo. The larger balloon frame I reserved for the title area.

 Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist: Mardi Gras is misted through Aladdin's Screen, a stencil by Kite and topped with modeling paste applied through Drip Rings, a stencil by Memory Box.

 Hand lettering adds an elegant, personal touch to projects. I interpreted this skill with thin strips of Rinea Foiled Paper, folded and turned to spell out my title in script.

This misty layout is brightened by the scraps of Canvas Corp Colored Burlap in Turquoise and Light Pink.

The mood board and sketch contest starts with the image above. Details can be found on the International Scrapbook Garden Blog. Stop by for a peek at the latest kit reveal and enter the contest!

Scrap On!

~charity~

How To Make an Attractive Coffee Cozy

A coffee cozy is not only useful for protecting your hands, it marks your cup as different from the others at the table.While enjoying an afternoon coffee with a friend I made a DREADFUL mistake. I picked up the cup that looked exactly like mine and took a sip. The liquid streaming down my throat was clearly not my coffee! I quickly prepared her a new cup and made a mental note to do something about my look-alike cups.

 These are the products I used. The lace, pleated canvas garland, and glimmer mist are all Canvas Corp products.

 The tutorial for this project can be found on the CCB Blog. 

Adjustable Canvas Cup Holder

Here is a quick explanation of why this coffee cozy is different from others. The buttons on either end of this cozy are double stacked. A large one on top of a small one gives the band a notch to rest in so it doesn't go "flying off the handle" so to speak.

  The double button idea makes is possible to use an elastic hair tie for the cozy. One wrap works for a large cup, two or three wraps work for smaller cups. Not to mention, a hair tie is something I always have an extra of.

Craft On!

~charity~

Canvas Cover for Spiral Bound Journal

 Ric rac and paint decorate a canvas cover for a spiral bound journal. Hand made memory books are common this time of year. This particular one is a Gratitude Journal. This journal cover protects the spiral binding so that I can toss my book into my bag and not worry about it getting caught on things. It also gives me one more surface to embellish!

Directions:

Step 1 Measure the width of the journal and the length from page tip to page tip.

This should be done with the journal closed. I used a bit of trim that was the same thickness as the material I planned on using to cover my journal. The length of fabric needed to cover an item will vary depending on the fabrics thickness. I stretched my trim from cover to cover and over the spiral binding then laid this on a yardstick for the final measurement.

Step 2 Add 1 inch to the width and 3 inches to the length. Cut fabric to size.

I was using scraps of canvas so I didn't have one the correct length. I knew I would have to piece my cover together. I choose two pieces the right width and an inch more than the right length when added together.

 Step 3 Sew a basting stitch 1/2 an inch from either edge down the length of the fabric. 

Although this step is not strictly necessary, I have discovered that my rolled hems are not very even when I just eye-ball them. If I give myself a folding line the rolled hem turns out much better. A basting stitch is a long loose stitch that is easy to remove.

Step 4 Sew a rolled hem on either side of the fabrics length.

The purpose of a rolled hem is to trap the raw edge so it doesn't ravel out. To do this, fold the fabric twice so that the raw edge is hidden in the second fold. Fold the fabric in 1/4" increments with the right side down and the wrong side up. When you have folded it correctly the basting line will run straight down the outside edge of the fabric. The right side is the outside with any decoration. The wrong side is the inside, with the seam edges and hidden stitching. After you have sewn your seams pull the basting stitch free.

 Step 5 Turn the ends of the fabric under 1/2 an inch and sew a seam 1/4 inch from the folded edge. We will not be making a rolled hem on the ends because the thicknesses of fabric increases with each roll and the needle has difficulty piercing all the layers. This end is rolled under when the pocket is formed and the raw edge will be protected.

Step 6 Make a pocket to slip over the journal cover at each end. Fold 1 inch of the fabric over (wrong sides together) so that the raw edge from Step 5 is hidden. Use a blind stitch along the overlap at each end to hold the pocket in place.

Blind Stitch Tutorial
The blind stitch is one of my favorite hand sewing techniques. When this stitch is done properly the thread is completely invisible. It makes me feel like a MAGICIAN! Side a and side b are both hemmed leaving a 1/4" space along the edges to be joined. I used red thread for contrast, a thread that blends with your fabric is preferable for this stitch.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 3 Continue this pattern for the length of the seam, alternating sides.
Step 4 Pull the thread snug so that the edges match up exactly, but not so tight they pucker, and knot off thread.

Because I used two pieces of canvas rather than one long piece, I joined them with a 1/2" seam. I covered the seam with ric rac.

Decorating Tips For The Journal Cover

To give my journal cover the look of a bound book  I added strips of ric rac trim where it bent around the spiral binding. The finished length of my cover is 16 inches, from edge to edge. The ric rac trim that curves around the binding is in 4" lengths.

 I chose felt trim because the ends do not ravel out. I sewed the pieces that run the width of my cover onto the fabric, then snipped the ends so they were the exact length I wanted.

 I added the flourish design to the front of the cover using Tattered Angels High Impact Paint and a stencil. I tend to get too much paint on my brush when stenciling which results in a smeared design. Instead, I prefer to use a cotton round (the sort for make-up removal) to apply the paint through the stencil.  

My final step was adding the Beaded Rose Ornament. A couple of quick stitches hold it in place, but a good fabric glue would do the same.

Supplies:

Canvas Scraps and Burlap Flower:Canvas Corp
Red Paint:Tattered Angels
Papers:7Gypsies

Stencil:Pebbles Inc

Felt Ric Rac:Little Yellow Bicycle

I decorated the Burlap Flower using the Beaded Rose Ornament tutorial.

Craft On!

~charity~

How To Make A Beaded Rose Ornament From Burlap Flower

A burlap flower makes a wonderful ornament for your tree. Add a bit of paint and some beads and your Beaded Rose Ornament is ready to go. Burlap flowers from Canvas Corp are the perfect starting point for this project.

 Supplies:
Burlap Flower (Canvas Home Basics)

High Impact Paint, Red (Tattered Angels)

Thread

Beads

 Step 1: Paint tips of flower red. 

Start at the back and paint a thin layer just on the edge. As you work around the flower the paint will dry quickly. 

Step 2: Leave to dry.

An extra 15 minutes should be enough to keep the paint from smearing where it isn't wanted.

 Step 3:Add three strands of red thread to the flower center.

Tie a knot in the end of three 10" strands of thread. Thread all three onto a needle and pull through the center of the flower. To anchor the strands take a couple small stitches through the top two layers.

 Step 4: Bead each thread strand.

A) Thread needle with one of the strands and add 5 beads.
B) Loop the thread through the last bead a second time.

C) Hold 5th bead about one inch from the flower and tie a knot between the last bead and the remaining four to hold it in place.
D) Thread the needle through the remaining four beads and back into the flower center. Tie a knot at the back of the flower to secure strand of beads.

 Step 5: Attach ornament hanger.

Weave the lower hook through the bottom two layers of burlap so that it holds securely.

 This 30 minute Beaded Rose is so easy to make that you will find multiple uses for it. Fill your Christmas tree, use as Package tie-ons, or add several to a wreath. I've used one to decorate the cover for my journal. 

Friday I'll have instructions for you on sewing and decorating your own canvas journal cover.

Scrap On!

~charity~

How To Make A Beautiful Mermaid Pillow, Quick And Easy

Here's how to make a beautiful Mermaid Pillow Cover, the quick and easy way. Start with a Canvas Corp Brands pillow cover and the project will be done in an hour or two. Add vibrant color with High Impact Paint by Tattered Angels. The only difficulty is selecting which shade NOT to use.

~ Mer-Pillow ~

Supplies: Burlap Pillow Rectangle; 10" x 18" Pillow Form or Stuffing; Card Stock; High Impact Paint in Light Blue and Turquoise.
Tools: Wax Paper; Craft Knife; Washi Tape; Paint Brushes
Step 1: Print or draw mermaid silhouette. I used Whiteboard paper so I could redraw the lines until I got the angles just right.

Step 2: Cut out mermaid silhouette with craft knife and tape stencil to Burlap Pillow Rectangle. Cut 9" x 17" liner from wax paper. Insert into Rectangle to prevent paint bleed through.

Step 3: Use Stencil brush, sponge, or any blunt brush to dab Light Blue High Impact Paint onto burlap. Allow paint to dry 20 minutes.

Step 4: Dab Turquoise High Impact Paint onto burlap. Mix equal parts of both paint colors and dab onto burlap. Allow paint to dry 20 minutes.

Step 5: Remove Stencil. Use flat, stiff brush to dab Turquoise High Impact Paint around mermaid outline. Leave burlap to dry over night.

Step 6: Remove wax paper liner. Insert 10" x 18" pillow form or stuffing. Display Mer-Pillow with nautical pride.

  Supplies:
Cardstock:DCWV
Washi:My Mind's Eye
Paint:Tattered Angels
Pillow Rectangle:Canvas Corp

Scrap On!

~charity~

How To Make A Quick And Easy Tower With Foam Blocks

This tutorial on how to make a quick and easy tower using foam blocks makes a mess and creates a masterpiece! This month Rinea is collaborating with Floracraft: Make It Fun Crafts. I was given three foam blocks to create with and dug right in with my craft knife.

~ Escher's Clocks ~

If you have always wanted a piece of modern art, created by you then read right on through these directions and get started.
Supplies and Tools Needed:
3 Floracraft Foam Cubes of 3" each, Sharpie, Ruler, Craft Knife, Paint, and Silver Glossy Rinea Foiled Paper

 Step 1: Use a sharpie to mark a diagonal line that reaches around two sides of the foam block. Cut back the face of the foam block so that a 1/2 inch foam ledge protrudes.

 Step 2: Shape this ramp into steps by dividing the ledge into equal portions and leveling off each section. Cut the steps of the second block to rise opposite of the first and third blocks.

Step 3: Mark a square on the bottom of the second level of the tower. This square should extend from the under edge of the lower steps inward, to the center of the block. Carve away the block so that the square stands out 1/2 inch from the base. Repeat for the third level of the tower.

Step 4: Make a mark 1/2 inch from the edge of the upper-stair-side of the first block. Line up the square at the base of the second block with this mark. Trace the square onto the top of the first block. Cut a shallow crevice inside these lines. Test the pieces during carving, aiming for a snug but smooth fit. Repeat this process for the attachment between the third and second blocks.

 Step 5: Assemble the tower. The weight of the second and third block will balance each other out. Even though the tower levels hang over the edge of the one below, the tower will not tumble.

Step 6: Paint the blocks with bright colored acrylic paint. I used Tattered Angels High Impact Paint.

Step 7: Draw a variety of melted clock faces onto the Silver Foiled Paper. Cut out and attach the clocks to the painted foam. Form the foiled paper so that it appears to be dripping down the sides of the tower.

I discovered the best adhesive for this project is the Best Glue Ever. Other adhesives either didn't adhere to the foiled paper or didn't adhere to the foam. This project is a double whammy and a perfect test of the handy nature of ScraPerfect's glue. Squeeze a medium sized circle on the back of a clock. Let the glue dry to a semi-clear consistentcy before attaching the clock to the foam. Otherwise the glue will drip into the crevices and away from the foiled paper.

 If you have an appreciation for the surrealistic art of  M.C. Escher and Salvador Dali you will know this Never-Ending Tower and Melting Clocks are not my original idea. They are borrowed from the works of these great artists with my humble thanks and deepest admiration.

Supplies:Foiled Paper:Rinea
Foam Cubes:Floracraft
Paint:Canvas Corp Brands

Scrap On

~charity~