Monday, October 25, 2010

Chalkboard Gift Boxes...

I love all the different scrapbook papers BUT I'm not into scrap-booking...
I have finally found a new use for the paper AND my trusty chalkboard  spray paint~
The chalkboard part actually came to me in a dream.

 I found this pumpkin scrap-booking paper.
(Tim Coffey "Fall Pumpkins" Code: 30-159815)


 Love it...


Here's how to make them:

Find the perfect gift box-These are a wood composite.

But you can use inexpensive
Paper Mache boxes too.
(I already applied the chalkboard paint to the one above.)

Spray chalkboard paint to the top of the box-I applied 3 coats letting it dry in between each coat.

I made a template of the box (top and bottom) using parchment paper.

Using the parchment paper template cut out the design. 
(Sorry this picture is fuzzy-I had to take it myself while holding the Xacto knife in one had and the camera in the other.)

Mod Podge is the key... Don't use a glue stick or tacky glue. Just use a foam brush and Mod podge the box then put the paper on. This makes it to where you can slide the paper around easily on the box to adjust it perfect. Plus it keeps all the air bubbles at bay.  After applying the paper with Mod Podge put another coat on top of the paper to seal it.

Here are some more that I made:

 So many different Christmas papers!
(BoBunny "Noel Postcards" Item # 12NP785)

 Accessorize the top and write what you want on it.
As you can tell I wrote mine free hand-You could use a stencil.
I used a damp Q-tip to clean up the chalk edges.

 A great box for a special baby gift.
(Top: be inspired "Brooke Argyle" Item # 27080
Bottom: Simply Fabulous "Brooke Paisley" Item # 27181)

Don't forget to add some chalk to the top so they can re-use this gift box. 
***********

I had so much fun making these~I already decided to make up some really big Paper Mache boxes for under the Christmas tree. I will add chalkboard paint to the top of some and to the sides of others.
Remember, many stores have 40-50%off coupons~You can get some really great deals on Paper Mache boxes that way!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Wordful Wednesday...

~Fall In The Pacific Northwest~

Front Door Mums.


Front Porch Squirrel.


Fall Foliage in Forks Washington.


 Douglas Squirrel in the Hoh Rain Forest, Stocking up for the Winter.



La Push Sunset.


It's been a really busy two weeks, my parents came for a visit! But I wanted to let you all know... I've started the chalkboard project and hope to finish it by tomorrow.
Bare with me, I think it will be worth it!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Rainy Day Hummingbirds...

It's raining here in Seattle... So I decided to take some pictures of the hummingbirds around our place-They tend to love the rain. These little guys will most likely stay around throughout the winter.

It looks like the above hummingbird is a teenager-He is just starting to get some color...

This colorful one however is an adult who has been around for years~He definitely rules the roost!

The leaves are turning color...


Hope you all had a great weekend!
P.S. I'm crafting something new and exciting with chalkboard paint-I'll post about it sometime this week~IF it turns out! HA!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

What's Making Me Smile Today...

 Sitting back, relaxing and enjoying all the craft ideas from
(photos are from bhg.com)










While Drinking the new Starbucks VIA® Ready Brew Flavored Coffees!
(Half a packet per cup is perfect in my opinion)
ADDED NOTE: You can purchase them online or at your local Starbucks, by the way Starbucks is not paying me or giving me anything to post this-I'm just loving my Starbucks, it's making me smile!

(photo from Starbucks online)
 
It's the little things in life!
What's making you smile today?

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Fall Ribbon Garland Wreath...

My little Sister Lori made me a Ribbon Garland (Swag) last year...Last night I made it into a wreath.
This wreath took me all of about 4 minutes to put together. I took the ribbon garland, put it around a grapevine wreath, added a nest with eggs then scattered a few artificial leaves into the nest.  
 I love how it looks on my front door~
Thanks Lori~

Up Close View~

Full View~



To make the garland Lori just cut a rope to the length she wanted, cut a variety of ribbons and knotted them onto the rope.
 Easy Squeezy! 


Here's one Lori made for her mantle a couple of years ago...
To see that post click HERE.

This is a perfect craft to do while watching a movie!