Festive Paper House Decor... 12 Days of Christmas Ornaments Bloghop

 

  

Hello creative friends! Welcome to DAY FOUR of the 12 Days of Christmas Ornaments Bloghop. Pop over to Try-It, Like It for the details on all each days ornament tutorial. 

 

 

Today I am sharing how to create this adorable festive birdhouse ornament. This is a fun stash-busting project and can be done using what you have on hand. All you need is a few paper scraps, buttons or metal findings and ribbons & trims, this sweet house is ready to adorn the tree!

I was inspired by the red & white checks on this 1 1/2" wide wired burlap trim - it's perfect for the rooftop of my whimsical little bird house.

PLEASE NOTE: This was put together in a free-form fashion... like one of those recipes that you throw together using a handful of pantry staples. This project came together with ease and the size was determined by the size of my paper scraps & width of ribbon trim that I selected for the roof. No precise measuring! 

Let's get started!

To begin: from my stash I found and cut two matching strips of patterned paper. My paper has a distressed painted texture on both sides and I made width match the wired burlap trim I am using for the roof which is approximately 1 1/2" wide

Overlap the two strips together like a "plus sign", then glue together with white craft glue. Next cut a matching triangular peak to support roof from top and bottom of one strip. This overlapped section will be the base of house. When glue is dry, fold up the sides at edges of the base section. Punch a series of equally spaced holes along each edge. I used six – this may vary depending on your size paper. Keep in mind that an even number of holes are needed to complete stitched X shapes along each side.

 

Using a contrasting yarn, embroidery floss or baker's/burlap twine, stitch house walls together using a cross stitch "X" pattern and and knot off on the inside.

Completed house with all sides stitched – no glue necessary. 

I cut a section of a decorative wired burlap trim, folded in half, then folded edges over twice to add extra dimension. Any kind of ribbon or even decorative paper could be used. Cut a matching size section of patterned cardstock and fold in half. 

For extra stability, adhere the piece of scrap patterned cardstock using double-sided tape. For this step, I opt for a dry adhesive method as some glues may seep into and discolor ribbon. Please use your choice of adhesive based on your materials.

Create a hanger by tying a knot to form a loop with green burlap thread. Poke a small hole in center of roof with a pushpin and feed through keeping knot on the inside. To add extra detail, I strung on a bead cap. 

 

 

 

To create a base, I mount a red cardstock rectangle on the bottom that is slightly larger and added a thin natural burlap twine around the base. I nipped the tips off the corner edges with scissors.

To add a roof overhang, I cut and adhere a piece of red cardstock below that is slightly wider on each size under burlap roof piece. To finish: I glue the roof assembly onto the house structure using white craft glue and set aside to dry.

 

 

 

The finishing touches are a keyhole brad embellishment glued to the front of the house and a beautiful tied bow made of burlap ribbon adhered with a heavy-duty glue-dot. This ornament is so adorable! As you can see it can fit in my hand. Fully embellished this house is about 3 1/2" tall and 2 1/2" wide.

This ornament comes together easily using a minimal amount of supplies. Grab up all the little bits and bobs and make a whole bunch in different colors and sizes! These will be my handmade ornament gifts for family this year.

 

I invite you to join me and subscribe to my YouTube channel where I will share a video process of this ornament in a different color and pattern range on December 8th! While you are there you can view a video on a mixed-media Junque Fairy ornament.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment and your contact information spelled out {ie: youremail at service dot com} and I will be happy to respond. 

 

Thank you for stopping by. Check back for more fun projects!  :) Sb

Trim the Tree with Handmade Holiday Ornaments...

Hello creative friends! Handmade holiday gifts are my jam – especially ornaments. It's a tradition that I share with my Grandmother which has spread to other family members too. I am also into all sorts of art & crafts, sewing and of course, I just can't resist making ALL THE THINGS! 

That being said, I am excited that my creative friend Janet invited me to be a part of a special handmade event where each day brings a new craft tutorial to follow along and make some new handmade holiday ornaments... the 12 Days of Christmas Ornaments!

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To visit all the stops for the 12 Days of Christmas Ornaments visit Janet at https://tryit-likeit.com/12-days-of-christmas-ornaments/

Here's the list of all the Ornament Makers in this bloghop:

Day 1 – Janet Trieschman: Fabric Ball Ornament
Day 2 – Donna Wirthlin: Santa Fabric Star
Day 3 – Natalie Shaw: Waterslide Decal Ornaments
** Day 4 – Susan M. Brown {sbartist}: Festive Paper House Ornament ** YOU ARE HERE
Day 5 – Michelle James: Old World Santa Ornaments
Day 6 – Julie Nyanyo: Felt and Button Stars
Day 7 – Christie Troxell: Pinecone Flowers Wood Slice
Day 8 – Gail Griffin: Bejeweled Decorative Ornament
Day 9 – Katie Adams: 3D Laser Cut Reindeer Ornament
Day 10 – Janet Trieschman: Alcohol ink Ornament
Day 11 – Terry Ricioli: Rustic Wood Slice Ornament
Day 12 – Janet Trieschman: Christmas Tree

Thanks for stopping by – I hope you enjoy creating along. Merry Christmas and Happy Making. I'd love to hear about what type of ornaments you like to make. :) Sb

No-Bake Holiday Earrings... Day Three of the Gingerbread Crafts Hop

 

 

Welcome to DAY THREE of the Gingerbread Crafts Hop! Did you enjoy Susan's hand-painted Gingerbread House ornament?! TODAY, Janet of @tryit2likeit is up on her INSTAGRAM acct sharing a fun & festive Shrink film gingerbread tutorial!

Make these SWEET Gingerbread Friends!

 

Shrink film gingerbread can be used for earrings, charms, or decoration. They are so fun to make.  

 

The Gingerbread Crafts Hop is SIX days of crafty Christmas fun for everyone! November 10th through Saturday, November 15th myself along with my Creative Friends will share a gingerbread themed creation – every day filled with sugar, spice and EVERYthing NICE! 

Follow along with us on INSTA to see some crafty inspiration! Please be sure to Like, Comment, Follow and Share the creative spirit!

Monday, November 10th – @juanitascasita Jane Rudolfo Shouse
Tuesday, November 11th – @sassyeyedsusan Susan M. Brown {sbartist} **THAT'S ME**
Wednesday, November 12th – @tryit2likeit Janet VanLone Trieschman
Thursday, November 13th – @ritzy_parties Christie Troxell
Friday, November 14th – @makeablecrafts Meg Daves
Saturday, November 15th — @ernavandyk Erna van Dyk 

See you tomorrow for DAY FOUR... Christie will be sharing her Sweet Make with you tomorrow!!

;) Sb

#Cre8time is Merry and Bright...

Hello friends! With just days until Christmas... this elf is in a frenzy making handmade gifts. I have most everything completed and shipped, but I have saved the special gifts for last. They are the best and several will get a finishing touch with Etchall® Etching Créme!

Today I'm sharing a quick and easy transformation of ceramic ready made ornaments from the craft store... you know the ones -- they cost about $1 and are ready for paint, collage or ETCHING!!

Etchall® is a REUSABLE, easy to use etching créme that creates permanent etched designs on large or small areas of glass, mirror, ceramic, porcelain, marble and slate. No curing, drying required... it just takes 15 minutes! CLICK HERE to read more about this fantastic product. I will also be using Etchall® Resist Gel which makes hand drawn detailing quick and easy.

I will also be using Etchall® Resist Gel which has a pointed applicator tip, but I am working small so I want to have more control over the detail, and the Etchall® Designer Tip Kit will help. I have done freehand designs using Etchall® Etching Créme, and I'm excited to put my penmanship to work in a whole new dimension.

The Etchall® Designer Tip Kit includes: three tips (small, medium, large) and two empty 1 oz bottles with caps and locks AND can be used with Etchall® Etching Créme and Etchall® Resist Gel.

The Etchall® Resist Gel is an opaque pale blue in color which when dry and ready to etch goes clear.

There's very little prep work for embellishing these blank ornaments. Just remove from packaging, remove hanger, and clean surface with rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth. This plain round ornament ready to be transformed into a priceless keepsake.

This ornament will be a very special commemorative gift. My husband and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary last month {seriously... twenty-five YEARS}. This is truly a milestone! Not too many folks my age are even married, and if they are... newly married {some divorced}. Twenty five years hasn't always been bright and shiny, some of it was gritty and hard, but we are still together and stronger for all life's ups and downs. This ornament is going to represent this momentous occasion and it must be handmade.

Supplies needed:

• Etchall® Etching Créme
• Etchall® Resist Gel 
• Etchall® Designer Tip Kit
• chipboard numbers {or stencils}
• wet erase chalk marker 
• blue painter's tape 
• cotton swab
• rubbing alcohol 
• soft towel 
• craft stick ribbon 
• Rub 'n Buff® {or wax embellishing paste} 
• timer 

I masked off the edges with some blue painter's tape so I can grip the ornament while I work. I select a couple chipboard numbers from my crafty stash to plan out my design, then trace around the numbers with a wet-erase chalk pen. This pen writes on glass and is easily removed with a wet cloth. I also write years in my own handwriting to give a personal touch. Now I'm ready to apply the Etchall® Resist Gel.

Using a craft stick, I transfer some of the Etchall® Resist Gel to the smaller bottle from the Etchall® Designer Tip Kit, and select a precision applicator tip.

Twist to remove the locking lid to the bottle, then twist on one of the nibs. I selected the thinnest and gently squeeze to get the resist gel flowing and draw a little to test the flow. I trace over my design applied with the chalk ink pen. I am going for an aged, distressed look and feel, so I am throwing caution to the wind...  

I outlined the numbers and it's thicker in some areas than others. I set this aside to dry. 

Depending on thickness of application the Etchall® Resist Gel dried in about 20 minutes to half-hour. 

While that one is drying, I'm going to have fun with freehand drawing designs on the other ornaments. This is as fun as decorating sugar cookies!

When Etchall® Resist Gel design is dried, I scoop out a bit of the Etchall® Etching Créme and gently spread over the hand-drawn design.

I placed a cotton swab into the hole of the ornament so I could rotate the ornament without touching it and also to keep the etching creme from oozing down onto the backside. A WIN -- WIN!

I evenly spread the Etchall® Etching Créme just to the edge of the ornament, leaving the sides as is. I set aside for about 20 minutes while I keep drawing with Etchall® Resist Gel on my other ornies. 

TIMES UP!!! I gently remove the some of Etchall® Etching Créme and place back into the container. 

Because the etching creme is wet, it made it really easy to also rub away the resist gel. I noticed part of the 5 had peeled back so I quickly removed as much creme as possible to reuse, then rinsed the rest away before it could etch into the masked areas.

Under running water, I gently rubbed away the remaining Etchall® Etching Créme with water. The resist gel design came off pretty easy in the process.

I pulled away all the dried resist gel and gave the ornament a final rinse. I set on a towel and patted dry. At first I couldn't see the etched design. I didn't realize that etched ceramic takes a lot longer to dry than etched glass. Ceramic is porous so it takes longer for the moisture to evaporate. I kept myself occupied drawing on the other ornies while I waited and after about 15 minutes... the magic could be seen!!!

When the ceramic is completely dry, I rub some Silver Leaf Rub 'n Buff® to the surface which only sticks to the etched surface. Using a paper towel, I rub away the excess to reveal the hand drawn design. I love the patina the rub n' Buff gives on the matte etched area. The un-etched edge of the ornament remains the original glazed ceramic finish.

I add two pieces of ribbon to make a hanger and this special ornament is ready to give to my husband for Christmas! I love how the design looks tattered and worn... like an old antique glass ornament. If I wanted it supremely perfect, I could have simply broke out my Cricut Expression and cut vinyl -- but for this gift from the heart only a HANDMADE touch would do. Merry Etchmas!!! 

Etch the halls with Etchall's December Special!

Get a FREE resist gel with the purchase of a 16oz etching creme. 

Thanks for dropping by! I'll be back shortly to share another gift that I've topped off with Etchall®. xo Sb

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** This is a sponsored post. Etchall® has provided products for use in this project in exchange for my creative ideas, views and opinions. My ideas and opinions are my own. 

Deck the #Cre8time Halls with ColoriQue...

 

Hello Friends! Are you ready for some holiday inspiration?! Today I am part of a Designer Crafts Connection Bloghop featuring ColorBox® ColoriQue paints and U-Paint metal Blanks... and we have been challenged to create holiday decor! 

For this challenge I was provided two U-Paint Acanthus Leaf Ornaments (6″ W x 1 1/4″ H) along with three colors of ColorBox® ColoriQue: Moss Landing, Ruby Slippers, and Verdigris.

ColoriQue brings artistic color to metal and more!

ColoriQue is an ink based product developed by Clearsnap® and jewelry artist Lisa Marie Jimenez. Colors are blendable and can be layered for unique effects. Easily applies to a variety of metals, working on both raw and plated. Not just for metal, ColoriQue can also be used on clay, ceramic, glass, wood and leather. Dries quickly and is studio safe. 

I love recycling and repurposing items and I have a box of "alterables" containing items from around the house and thrift store finds. I have grabbed some ribbon, Glue Dots® and holiday floral picks from my stash to accompany the U-Paint Leaf Ornament embellishments and ColoriQue paints. 

For today's project I selected a three-panel curved frame that was a thrift store score for 75 cents. With some paint, embellishments and some photos... I can transform this into some lovely holiday decor that will make a perfect keepsake gift too! I remove the backing and glass and give frame a rub-down with a damp towel to clean off any dust and dirt to prepare for it's transformation.

Using a cosmetic sponge, I daub on "Ruby Slippers" ColoriQue. I am more interested in quick coverage and getting color into all the nooks and crannies, and the sponge does the job and gives a streak-free finish.

The ColoriQue goes on bright with a slight shimmer that is a bit translucent. As the color dries, the red color dulls back. If the base of this frame was white instead of black, I would have a totally different look -- very bright. I don't know if this frame is wood or particle-pressed, but I love how with only one layer of color, it now looks like mahoghany.

When dry the "Ruby Slippers" ColoriQue looks like a deep cranberry over the matte black wood frame. I sponge along, daubing on the color, completely covering all edges. I wait a few minutes to let layer dry before applying a second coat to build up richness of color. I didn't have to wait long. I was painting in sections, so where I began was dry by the time I got all the way around the frame.

Now to paint the U-Paint Acanthus Leaf Ornaments. Using a cosmetic sponge I applied a layer of "Ruby Slippers" ColoriQue, then followed with "Verdigris", and finally with the "Moss Landing".

I repeated each color a second time, this time just on the high points -- building up depth and interest of colors in the intricate details.

I went back and lightly rubbed the high points with a little more "Ruby Slippers" to marry the color with the matching painted frame. I love how the color and sheen of the ColoriQue has quickly and easily transformed both of these items... and it dries in a snap! 

I gently bent the painted Leaf Ornament back and forth in the center to break apart into two sections. I trimmed away one sharp edge with heavy duty scissors. I'll be covering up these with some faux floral items, so I'm not concerned about the edges matching.

The detail is equally beautiful on both sides of the U-Paint Leaf Ornament. I took an extra step of adding color to the largest portion of the backside as portions will be overhanging the frame edges.

After bending each piece slightly to match arch of the frame, I used 3/16" multi-use Glue Dots® squares to attach in place flanking the outer squares and leaving space between to add some faux foilage.

I finished off the center with sections of holiday floral picks - reassembling bits and pieces to make a garland-like swag and join the center of the flanked painted Leaf Ornaments. 

So Merry and Bright!

This 75 cent thrift store frame has been transformed into a beautiful holiday display piece. I'm waiting on some new photos of my toddler nephews to replace Santa wrapping paper and this keepsake will be on it's merry way to my Grandmother for Christmas.

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For more information on ColoriQue by Lisa Marie Jiminez or to purchase products please visit website HERE.

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Thanks so much for visiting! CLICK HERE to pop over to the beginning of the Designer Crafts Connection "ColoriQue" Bloghop and enjoy more holiday decor inspiration.   Sb :)

** This is a sponsored post. Clearsnap® has provided Lisa Marie Jimenez ColoriQue paints, and U-Paint provided the metal blanks for use in this project in exchange for my creative ideas, views and opinions. My ideas and opinions are my own.