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Showing posts with label tutorial. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tutorial. Show all posts

Sunday, November 30, 2025

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!


+ + + + +

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

Thursday, November 13, 2025

NO-BAKE Gingerbread DIY Holiday DECOR... Day Four of the Gingerbread Crafts Hop



Welcome back creative friends!. It's DAY FOUR of the Gingerbread Crafts Hop and we're halfway there! Did you enjoy Janet's festive Shrink film earring tutorial? TODAY, Christie of @ritzy_parties is up on her INSTAGRAM acct sharing her take on the viral make of the season... and it's EASY-AS-PIE!

NO-BAKE Gingerbread Holiday DECOR!



Recycled cardboard boxes are magically transformed into a sugar coated row of holiday houses, fit for Candy Cane Lane.

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 FIVE... Meg will be sharing her Sweet Make with you tomorrow!!

;) Sb 


Wednesday, November 12, 2025

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


Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Trimming the Tree with Handpainted Ornaments... Day 2 of the Gingerbread Crafts Hop

 
 
Welcome to DAY TWO of the Gingerbread Crafts Hop! Did you enjoy Jane's glittering Gingerbread House Cards?! 
 
 
 
TODAY, I am sharing a tutorial over on my INSTAGRAM acct transforming a nearly vintage ceramic ornament blank found in my box of Holiday Goodness using DecoArt Glass Paints!  

Handpainted Gingerbread Ornie Sneak Peek!

 
I'm so thrilled to have transformed this craft blank into a new ornament to hang on my tree with my collection of handmade pieces over the years. How do you decorate ceramic ornament blanks?
 
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 THREE... Janet will be sharing another Sweet Make with you tomorrow!!

;) Sb

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

April Showers Bring #Handmade Paper FLOWERS


Hello Everyone! Another month is speeding along and the first Monday of April started another Designer Crafts Connection Bloghop... this month we bring you a floral fantasy! Our creatives are sharing projects and techniques with "Handmade Flowers" to inspire you for the Spring  and Summer seasons ahead.


What to do with that lone leftover piece of tissue... make flowers??! Can you believe these flowers are tissue paper??? Really - that's it! All you need is a sheet of tissue paper folded over several times, a circular or scallop paper punch, a pushpin and a brad. It's super easy and customizable to any colors you desire!


You punch 15-20 circles {I used a 1 1/2" scalloped circle punch and this punch with three mini blossoms} then layer them all together. You want to make sure your punch is sharp (or the tissue will just tear}. You can certainly do this with steelrule or thinlet dies too.


My selected punches haven't been used in a while and were a bit oxidized, so I had to prime them by punching though some aluminum foil. **A BONUS... THIS GIVES YOU A WHOLE SET OF METAL BLOOMS! **


Layer a stack of 15-20 punched pieces {less if thicker paper or foil}, and punch a hole in the center using a pushpin or paper piercer {or a small hole punch}, and affix with brad.


I used a pushpin to poke a hole in the center of my blooms.


After poking hole through stack, I poked a mini brad through the center and opened the wings to secure. Depending on how large the shape of the circle, the brad need not matter because after you scrunch up each layer of tissue towards the center, you won't see it anyway.


The flowers look pretty enough like this... but I'm going for some eye-popping 3D blooms here! Now it's time for the fun stuff - the fluffing! 



All the work is in the scrunching... to fuss about with the petals to make them just so. I find myself obsessing a bit at this point - LOL! These can be finished off with some paper cut into leaf shapes, or added directly to a frame or shadowbox project. 


These were so fun and easy to make - I made all of these in under an hour. These are so lovely - not even chalked or inked; and the more mushed up... the better! Grunged up with a little creamy brown chalk ink or dry-brushed with white they would be perfectly shabby chic. Embellished with some ink, glitter or shimmer spritz... oh the possibilities!

"Fanciful Flowers"




Thanks so much for visiting! Continue on the Designer Crafts Connection "Handmade Flowers" Bloghop by selecting hop back/forward on the logo below to enjoy all of the wonderful inspiration. Happy Creating! Sb :)

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Revisiting #Cre8time Haunts for #ThrowbackThursday


With Halloween just around the corner - I am re-sharing a quick and easy jewelry piece I created using Amazing Mold Putty and cast in Amazing Casting Resin!

I have this Halloween tombstone decor I picked up at the Dollar Tree a while back. It's a nice size and it has a cool spooky skull detail on the front. I thought this would make a great pendant to wear for the Halloween season. I also wanted to show you in REAL-TIME {un-edited} how I created the mold and casting of my spooky jewels.



PART ONE...
Creating the skull pendant centerpiece.
Please CLICK HERE if you have trouble viewing.


PART TWO...
Creating the outer border mold for pendant.
Please CLICK HERE if you have trouble viewing.




PART THREE...
Demolding each part and then creating composite mold.
Please CLICK HERE if you have trouble viewing video.



PART FOUR...
Final composite mold and pendant cast in Amazing Casting Resin with Alumilite Violet Dye and Alumilite Gun Metal Metallic PowderPlease CLICK HERE if you have trouble viewing video.


I took a worn emory board and sanded away some areas to let the gorgeous purple resin peek through the distressed metallic finish. To complete - I drilled a small hole and wire wrapped a small hanger with a bead finding, and strung on a ready made Darice Necklace cord... this beauty is "READY to WEAR"!


What Halloween goodness are you making in your Cre8time today?

Thanks for stopping by - have a great evening! :) Sb