Here you'll find some crafting ideas and tips,sent to me by friends and visitors to the site,hope you will enjoy them!
From Paul;
If you are going to be doing crafts that are white
in color try using a tube of liquid white shoe
polish that has a dabber on it. "Paint" it white
whith the dabber and let dry. You can either let it dry
as is or spray with a clear lacquer to seal it.
Clean up is very easy. My wife and I have used this
method over the years with Kindergarden to Third
Graders with real good results. The polish is real
long lasting. I have not tried it with other colors
but it should work with them also. The children
really enjoy this "painting" method.
Also from Paul;
Have you ever had the problem of misplacing your rings when you
do the dishes or cleaning up after a messey project?
A simple solution is to use a 1 1/2" or larger wooden car wheel as a base and insert a correct size, in diameter, axle in the hole with the "hub cap" facing upwards.
Glue the axle in. After the glue dries leave as is or
paint or stain any color you desire. Put one by
the sinks and one by the wife's dresser if she takes
her rings off at night. I had extra wheels left
over from a project I was doing and used up the
extra wheels in that manner.
From Lynda;
This idea is for a vase, is really simple.Using a lunch bag
sized brown paper bag, put the bag over a jar.
Put fabric stiffner on the bag. Turn the top of the bag
down to make a lip, "scruntch" ( a technical term),
the bag onto the jar. Spray or paint. I used rub
and buff over the paint. Then you can use ribbon
or just leave it the way it is. I also used
this for a witch. I put the ball on for a head and
made a hat out ot felt and used spanish moss for hair.
Use a half a popsicle stick and jute for a broom.
Also from Lynda;
Bag Lady Angel....Put some rice or beans or birdseed in the bottom of a lunch bag. Fill the bag 3/4 full with
crumpeled newspaper Turn the top of the bag down enough
to look like a collar. Secure under the collar with
a rubber band. Glue a styrofoam ball that has been
covered with a nylon to the top of the bag for a head.
Glue paper twist around the botton half of the bag to
look like a skirt, It is not necessary to gather this.
On the back of the doll glue a large paper twist bow.
That serves for the wings. Cut a paper doillie to fit
over the paper bag collar.Clue it on for the real collar.
Glue spanish moss on for hair and an untwisted circle of
paper twist for the halo. You may add a small bow to the
front of the collar if you like. For holidays I usually
put some sparkles on the hair.One
variation I have done on
it is to make a black felt hat and it becomes a witch.
From Jackie
An idea for using coffee cans,
How about using brown twine or jute and glue it around the can, starting at
the base. Great planter! Use your imagination for planters and base coat,
glue on shells, stiffen fabric around them? Also can be used to hold
kitchen utensils (the large cans) and desk organizers.
Another great idea....fill with water and freeze. When frozen, use
a nail to punch holes in the tin, forming some type of design. Throw out
the water, and you have a nice holder for outside candles this summer!
From a friend
Gel Air Freshener
You'll need:
2 cups of distilled water
Essential oil/fragrance of your choice.
4 packages of knox gelatin
Food coloring (optional)
Heat 1 cup of water almost to a boil. Add the gelatin
and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat add another
cup of distilled water, 10-20 drops of oil/fragrance,
and food coloring if desired.
You can replace food coloring and oil/fragrance with
premade liquid potpourri (available at most craft
stores, candle shops, etc.). The procedure would be the
same. Heat 1 cup of the liquid potpourri, almost to a
boil. Stir in 4 packets of Knox gelatin,stir until
dissolved. Then stir in 1 cup cool liquid potpourri.
Pour the mixture into clean baby food jars and set at
room temperature overnight until "set".Smells great!
Can be used like regular air freshner,anywhere you wish. For gift giving,
place a doily or piece of lace over the top,tie with ribbon.
From Carol
Recycling Old Shoes
I bought really high high heel shoes at a thrift store.
Spray painted them black...some victorian blue...
a couple coates of paint.
Then took piece of old sponge and dabbed the shoes with
acrylic. I glued the shoe to a heart shaped piece of
wood (sprayed gold). If the heel on the shoe is wide
enough you don't have to use the heart wood as they will
stand ok.
Anyway...then filled the shoe with floral foam
(pieced it in) covered with
moss and put dried roses, fill and greenery in arrangement in the shoe.
Walaa...
Victorian floral designer arrangement out of recycled shoes..:}
Can
add a nice bow if you like. Fun project.
My personal thanks to all of you for sending
me your tips and ideas to share with others!
I think you guys are the best!:o)
If you have a tip or craft you'd like to share with others,
feel free to send them to me! Would be happy to add them here
for all to see and enjoy!
