Picture Tiles

I always take a LOT of pictures.  And, I do mean a LOT!  There is a camera with me 99% of the time.  When I go out the door I grab my camera before I do my phone, which is does nothing except help me locate my hubby while we shop, btw.  At any given time there is a camera, if not two, in my purse, pocket or hand.  ~smile~  It is only natural, then, for me to give gifts of pictures for all occasions.  Whether it is DVD's for the teachers at the end of school or my last project..picture tiles.  They can be placed on an easel on your desk, used as coasters and I'm certain I can find a way to hang them on the wall.  I made these for an end of the year present for my twins pre-k teachers.   I'm going to make them again for hubby as a gift for Father's Day along with a picture of our oldest son.  You can have your child draw or write something to put on the tiles instead of, or in addition to, the pictures.  These are so very easy to do and can be made in no time at all.  Run to Lowes to pick up some tiles and hurry back to make these adorable gifts in time for Sunday.  Have fun!  <3 and hugs!

Picture Tiles

tiles..any size you want

mod podge

foam paint brush

spray can of clear acrylic sealant that is moisture proof if using for coasters

newspapers, optional

Pick out your precious pictures and trim to fit your tiles.

Apply a layer of mod podge on the back of the picture.

Place picture on tile leaving a border, if desired

Once dry, apply a coat of modge podge.  

Let dry, takes 5-10 minutes, apply another coat.

Repeat 5 - 6 times.

Once dry, take outside and place on something you do not mind getting the sealant on.

Make certain the area is well ventilated. 

You may want to put newspapers down.

Spray according to directions on can.

Let dry and spray again.  

Repeat 5-6 times. 

There you go!  You have made an amazing gift for someone special! 

Happy Father's Day to all you wonderful Daddys!

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The Sunday Showcase Party #106

Clipboard/Chalkboard Picture Frame

Clipboard/Chalkboard Picture Frame

I saw a little clipboard used as frame on it the other day while roaming in the twilight zone of information on the computer the other day.  These were so cute!  I wanted to make them.  While I was at Walmart I looked around the office supplies and found little ones for $1.27 each.  Hmm, I  wondered how I would use them.  Since it is Teacher's Appreciation Week and Mother's Day, I thought the chalkboard paint I have at home would work great.  So, I bought them!

What you need:


Clipboard
Chalkboard paint
mod podge or other glue
sealant spray
jute twine or wire, for hanger

Directions

I painted them with chalkboard paint, added their pictures with mod podge (made a collage for my oldest son's sub teacher of the children), had the twins write their name and I added the year, sprayed with protectant sealant (Krylon Gloss Indoor/Outdoor),  and tied jute twine on them for hanging.  Done!  Easy gift and it only took a few hours, probably not that long but I was busy..you know how that goes.  There are so many different ways to use these and I have spare ones for me!  Off to finish more crafts!  <3 and hugs!

Easter Carrot Bags

So cute!  The boys are out of school this week and I wanted to start Easter fun!  I dyed some eggs..some worked, some didn't.  Some were beautiful some, well, not so.  ~smile~
I have seen cute carrot bags filled with goldfish in Wilton decorating bags.  Those are way too expensive for me.  I decided to make the carrots on my budget using plastic storage bags.  Super easy and a whole lot cheaper.  Have fun!

Giant Birthday Tissue Flowers

I used half pint canning jars as a vases.  I put them on the table to take a picture.  They were actually placed around the dining area.
These were made a few days ago, a little bit touched by the boys.  ;D  

Instead of balloons for the twins birthday, I wanted to do something that will won't be gone in a few days.  Something that can be used again and last for a long time.  Well, as long as two 5 year old boys will let them, that is.

I looked around the net and saw tissue flowers.  Perfect!  They will be lasting and still have the round concentric appearance of balloons.  Hung on the wall or from ceiling fans.  Placed in vases or attached to a stake and stuck in the ground outside, they will be ideal.

I'm afraid the pictures are complete and will update as I make more.  This is my first one, not to shabby for a beginner,  me thinks.  ~smile~  I'm going to see if the boys would like to make some also.  I hope they do!

What you need....

tissue paper, I used a package for one

scissors

pipe cleaners

that's it!!

Fold the tissue paper accordion style length wise.

Fold in half to find your center, this is where you will put the pipe cleaner.

Cut ends round or in points. 

Starting towards the center, gently pull tissue paper trying to keep the pleats as you go.

Once done with one side..do the same with the other.

I taped the two the open ends together to make the flower full.

Heart Crayons

I have been making these for Valentine's Day for Lucas to give to the children in his class for years.  Now I get to make them for the twins.  Luckily, their teachers had extra broken crayons..they even had the paper off and gave me a mini heart pan to use!  ~smile~

I came home yesterday and chopped and chopped and chopped until my fingers had a blister.  Well, close to it!  ~smile~  It's a good idea to save your own broken crayons throughout the year.  Even, ask your child's teacher at the beginning of the year to save them for you.  It takes a lot of broken crayons to make a perfect heart!  Have Fun!

You will need....

broken crayons, peeled

something to cut on, something you don't mind crayon marks on

a sharp knife...don't let the kids use this!

heart shaped pan

cookie sheet

To make the Heart Crayons:

chop the crayons in to very small pieces.  I even go further and mince them, if I have the time.  

preheat your oven to 225 degrees when you are almost finished

put crayon pieces in heart shapes in pan.  put the pan on the cookie sheet

cook for 8 minutes, turn and cook an additional 3-10 depending on how they are melting.

once completely melted,  remove from oven.

when they are starting to set, take off the cookie sheet and place on a cooling rack.

You'll need to rub the tops on a piece of paper to smooth them out.  This was taken before I did that.  I had to find them...Reid grabbed them.  <3  I made twice this many and still need to do more.  

Poster Blackboard

I have been looking for something to make a blackboard for my boys.  I have been painting chalkboard paint on jars all week it seems.  ~smiles~  Today, I remembered the poster board I bought for Lucas.  There is a design around the edges, so he didn't want to use them.  I loved them of course!  <3  Anywho, here ya go.  An easy project to give you, and your kids, a place to be yourselves.  <3 and Hugs!
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Poster Chalkboard

What you need..

poster board with boarder

brushes

primer

chalkboard paint

painter's tape

Tape frame around the middle of the poster board.  

Paint one, or two, coats of primer.  Waiting until dry between coats.

Paint a coat of chalkboard paint.  Let dry and paint another coat.  You may need to give an additional coat if you see any bare spots.  Remove painters tape.  Follow directions on chalkboard paint can to write on board.  <3 and hUgs! 

Chalkboard Canning Jars

I am getting ready for the twins birthday and racking my brain trying to find something for the kids as a gift.  I decided, I would make them personalized glasses out of canning jars.
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To make them personal, I bought chalkboard paint and painted the label part of the jar.  For this you'll need....
Chalkboard Paint, I bought mine at walmart for $9.99.  I went to Lowe's and their's was twice as much.  I wanted to make my own, so I could make something other than black.  My hubby, Ted, talked me into buying it already made.  I'm so glad he did!
Primer,  You need to do this before putting the blackboard paint on.
Painters Tape, optional.  I used it on some and found it was easier to just paint freehand.  If it's out of the lines a little, it doesn't matter.  It just shows it's homemade!  <3
Paint brushes, I used a 1 and 1 1/2" brushes.
Lids, that go on fast food drink cups.  Ask next time you are there, chances are they'll give you some.  ~smile~
Chalk, to write names on glasses
Straws, to give with the glasses.  Plain or fancy ones.
Ribbon, to tie the straw to the glass.
Clear coat, to paint over the chalkboard, if desired.

Now, get everything set up on your table, turn on some music, put your newsfeed up on facebook and paint your day away!  Very simple to do!   


Start with the primer.  Let it dry.  Paint a second coat.  
Paint chalkboard paint once the primer is dry.  Repeat once or twice more.  I painted three times. 
Paint clear coat on if desired.  
There you go!  

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Parmesan lid from a plastic container transforms your jar into a shaker!  Perfect place to keep you already grated parmesan!  

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Show and Tell Saturday
Saturday Spotlight #75 

Christmas Candy Cane Mice

So cute for the little ones to make and receive!  I have been making these for years with my oldest and now with the twins.  <3

Christmas Candy Cane Mice

Here is what you will need...

9"x12" felt red for the mice...I was able to make Six or SEVEN, 5 1/2" mice.  Depending how you place them.

9"x12" felt different color, I used green and also white.  I made TEN, 5" ears...plus a little one Wade used to cut into and make two ears with.

7mm wiggly eyes

small pom poms for nose

scissors

glue

candy canes

Draw 5 1/2" teardrop on a piece of card stock, cut out.

Trace on felt and cut out.

Place the mouse body in the same direction on top line

You will be able to get 3 on the bottom

Draw 5" oblong on a piece of card stock, cut out.

Trace on felt and cut out.

The multiple lines on the bottom left was the one Wade made little ears with

5 1/2" mouse body

 Fold in half

 Nip a tiny bit to make a slit for the ears

Slide ears through the slit

 See, no need to make an indentation like some patterns show

Slide candy cane under the ears from the bottom

 Bottom view

 Tail and ears in place

Three dots of glue and you can add the wiggly eyes

and pom pom nose

 Wade and Reid making their Christmas Candy Cane Mice.  <3 

Little ones may need help pushing the ears and tail through.

I had everything cut out and ready for them.  

<3 and HUGs!

Wade made another one on his own.  Too Cute!