tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63522657995570657712024-03-14T04:47:27.688-07:00Artfully CraftStephanie @ Artfully Crafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12100518168327605643noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352265799557065771.post-16826941863973744442013-03-15T17:38:00.004-07:002013-03-15T17:38:39.958-07:00Best 2 minutes of my day!<i>This post is in no way sponsored by anyone. I took a break from blogging and now my stats are not legit enough to warrant sponsorship. ;) I am not being paid to tell you the following things, I am only telling you so that your life may be enhanced.</i><br />
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I'm going to tell you about two of my favorite things. One I have loved for a long time, one I just found. Do you know what <a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/" target="_blank">stumbleupon</a> is? That's not a typo, it's a website. Stumbleupon is magical because it's sort of like Pandora for websites. You thumbs-up or -down sites as the generator "stumbles" you through them. You can spend as much time as you want on any site. You can find all the ones you've "liked" later. The more you thumbs-up and -down, the more the site gets to know your likes and dislikes and before you know it, almost every single site you stumble upon is AMAZING! It's like having the entire internet at your fingertips. You find pages you didn't even know you were looking for. I have enjoyed myself a good stumble for years, now. In fact, you can find a stumble button at the top of this page and feel free to click it and recommend my site so others on the internet might stumble upon it. Do yourself a favor, <a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/" target="_blank">check it out</a>.<br />
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I just experienced my first 2 minute guided relaxation. If you've never done any sort of guided relaxation or meditation before, let me just tell you that you are missing out. I started doing them in a high school wellness class, and have since downloaded several, but they're all 30+ minutes long. Who has that kind of time in the day to just sit and listen to a soothing voice? Okay, probably me, but it seems like an awful big commitment. Long story short: I just found <a href="http://www.calm.com/" target="_blank">this site</a> and it has changed my existence! (Or at least my day!) When you visit Calm.com, you are greeted by a beautiful scene with soothing sounds. You then select whether you would like a 2, 10, or 20 minute guided relaxation. I just did a 2 minute relaxation and I can't even describe how refreshed I feel! I guarantee you that we each have 2 minutes of our day that could be dedicated to making ourselves happier, healthier, and more productive. I remember from that high school health class that brief periods of true meditation or relaxation can do just that. Please join me in being less frantic, crabby, and anxious. THE WORLD IS A BEAUTIFUL PLACE, MY FRIENDS! <br />
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I hope you have two minutes available right now and can jump on over to calm.com and try it out. I also saw that they even have an app. I may have to look into that.<br />
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Enjoy your day!Stephanie @ Artfully Crafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12100518168327605643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352265799557065771.post-57005928023821222512013-03-13T12:25:00.002-07:002013-03-13T18:16:27.710-07:00100% Real Fruit Roll-UpsI confess, I have an addiction. I have eliminated ingredients I can't pronounce from my diet as much as I can on a very tight budget. I don't claim have the perfect diet, but I do what I can. My addiction: fruit roll-ups. I'm not kidding you, I could sit down and eat a whole box at any given moment. Do you know what are in fruit roll-ups? ME NEITHER! I am also trying to get more fruit and vegetables into my daily diet. My one stone for these two birds? 100% real fruit roll-ups. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqh6GbjMnJKBEySTs2mAfzYMCKkGm0gF5A3__RHC_WapvQjDqzSJza0GcXTjn_70qY-MFALjFmZonKzchcGL76pGYJbgiDfVJPGJ_uPQWxz5XbAQHDlVaaybmTWeM51Ae-HlYjooAlk1FO/s1600/20130312_233102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqh6GbjMnJKBEySTs2mAfzYMCKkGm0gF5A3__RHC_WapvQjDqzSJza0GcXTjn_70qY-MFALjFmZonKzchcGL76pGYJbgiDfVJPGJ_uPQWxz5XbAQHDlVaaybmTWeM51Ae-HlYjooAlk1FO/s320/20130312_233102.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Are you excited? You should be! Here's the tutorial:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk9BK_ywNjdMbQ7c27wO-bfmTIH6otx61rxACbkm6megG6-0JThkemNitaff5BoyS5zxqzFKbRnU2g_kWnEOhRM_yzAvy89IRY7rkOhMlNI-JBu7VUGp3WsqN6Q-u_HzGc0P8rmzpPb5fh/s1600/20130312_181858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk9BK_ywNjdMbQ7c27wO-bfmTIH6otx61rxACbkm6megG6-0JThkemNitaff5BoyS5zxqzFKbRnU2g_kWnEOhRM_yzAvy89IRY7rkOhMlNI-JBu7VUGp3WsqN6Q-u_HzGc0P8rmzpPb5fh/s320/20130312_181858.jpg" width="320" /></a>Step 1: Start with fruit. You can use any kind of fruit you want. Berries, grapes, bananas, apples, seriously, go nuts. I used blackberries and bananas, with a little grape juice squeezed in. I should tell you, my measurements are not precise... I am a cooking snacker. It's true. So here's what I did, but keep in mind, it is almost impossible to mess this up. So I used about 1 1/2 mason jars of blackberries and about 1 1/2 large bananas that were very ripe. I used 1 1/2 because I ate the other half while I was peeling them! Hahaha, I am really enjoying this post so far. (Are my perfectionist readers angry yet?) Put your fruit in a mediumish saucepan on the stove, low heat. I also squeezed a handful of grapes' juice over the fruit. <br />
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Step 2: Mash and mix. As the fruit warms, get out your favorite masher and mash!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1N9bMZoSvqEVY5CUwKDyHSftwHmv-VnNmE0xBMHxmRx6BQeq52DHZDg73GFwS0C708Q079po5MZko4OWfmjwm_E_GDsqK1sR3vJ3KdLM7I7I2ISZuYBF1Br2VqMK44aSzWoK1CfiMakV/s1600/20130312_182206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1N9bMZoSvqEVY5CUwKDyHSftwHmv-VnNmE0xBMHxmRx6BQeq52DHZDg73GFwS0C708Q079po5MZko4OWfmjwm_E_GDsqK1sR3vJ3KdLM7I7I2ISZuYBF1Br2VqMK44aSzWoK1CfiMakV/s320/20130312_182206.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Once you have everything thoroughly mashed together it will look something like this. I am sure if you are more dedicated to hand-mashing than I am, you could mash to a smooth puree by hand. I do not have that many hours in the day, so once I got it to a rough mash, I whipped out the ol' hand mixer. Keep in mind, the hand mixer is going to be messy. VERY, EXTREMELY MESSY! I don't know if I'm just terrible at being clean, but I had berry goo all over my hand, shirt, mixer, and stove top. I am a messy cooker, but this was nuts. sheesh! I started at the lowest speed, went to medium for a while, then whipped it up to high for just a few seconds. Again, these things are not an exact science, I was just winging it until my puree looked like this:<br />
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(Since I used Blackberries, mine are quite seedy. I don't mind the seeds. If you do, choose a less seedy berry, like blueberries, or other fruit.) </div>
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Step 3: Slap it on a pan! Lay some parchment paper over a cookie sheet and spray it with non-stick spray. Do not skip this step. Trust me. It lifts off so easy when sprayed. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to spread the mix evenly. My pot of fruit made about 2 cups of puree, which was the perfect amount for my large cookie sheet. Spread evenly, so as to avoid thin spots which will become crunchy rather than chewy and roll-up-y. <br />
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Step 4: Pop it in the oven. Set your oven to the lowest temperature. I have the oldest, ugliest, crappiest electric oven on the PLANET. My lowest temp setting is 200*, but there's also this ambiguous "warm" temp... I went somewhere between 200 and warm. Between 150* and 175* is ideal. Leave your oven open just a little. Again, my oven is the worst, so it will only hold itself closed, halfway open, or completely open... ARGGGG! ...so anyway, I stuck a wooden spoon in the door to keep it open just a crack. You have to let some of the moisture out. The cooking process will take about 5 hours... It can take more or less than that depending on what fruit you use. You have to keep an eye on it starting at around 4 hours. When you're done, the roll-ups will be a nice, dark color. Poke it as you go. It should feel slightly squishy but not sticky when it's done. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3EOO1G570LWK8hFNMbTxpsuFcXfagt037dh18dlL7CdUDfD6ya-p2JtfWsQCOlVOdXZoLb3cfZSX-603R28GLlMElm9JPHRJapxP1Q9GcCTaMO-CqcvC2n4wuLqydvZrRMOKFIx6vxHr/s1600/20130312_232357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3EOO1G570LWK8hFNMbTxpsuFcXfagt037dh18dlL7CdUDfD6ya-p2JtfWsQCOlVOdXZoLb3cfZSX-603R28GLlMElm9JPHRJapxP1Q9GcCTaMO-CqcvC2n4wuLqydvZrRMOKFIx6vxHr/s320/20130312_232357.jpg" width="320" /></a>If it stops feeling squishy, and is crunchy, you've gone too far or spread too thin. I'm not 100* sure, but I bet if you squeezed some fresh juice over it (think grape or apple) and let it set (covered) for a while, you could probably moisten it back up some.</div>
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I am not perfect, so I always have a few crunchy spots. I tear them apart from the nice chewy bits and put them in a baggy to crumble over oatmeal or yogurt later. <br />
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When your roll-ups are finished cooking, pull the parchment paper to a cutting mat and use a pizza roller to slice into rolls. All that's left is to roll 'em up and enjoy! I would love to hear about the fruit combos you choose to try!<br />
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So, what do you think? The pictures were a little better, huh? In other news, I GOT ENGAGED THIS WEEKEND!!!! I'm so happy, and since my wedding will (obviously) be almost completely hand-made DIY projects, you can expect plenty of pretty new projects coming your way. I am one happy gal!<br />
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[Linked up at: <a href="http://www.acreativeprincess.blogspot.com/"><img src=" http://hotbliggityblog.com/custom/terri/terributton3.png" /></a> , <a href="http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Under $100 Linky Party</a> ]Stephanie @ Artfully Crafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12100518168327605643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352265799557065771.post-76940167758350097912013-03-07T16:32:00.000-08:002013-03-07T16:32:30.003-08:00WHAT DID I JUST DO?!Can I tell you about the scariest moment in my life? This is coming from the girl who has brought you the need of ER frequent flier miles, who moved across the country alone, and who has lived in the woods with bears, cougars, who-knows-whats, and NO ELECTRICITY for the last 20 summers... The scariest moment of my life was looking at an empty "My Pictures" file on my computer. The phrase "This folder contains no files" will be permanently imprinted upon my brain. My chest got tight and my eyes filled to the brim. I accidentally texted my boss that I was freaking out about it. That was supposed to go to Mainah, but in my panic moment, I sent it to the woman who has left her child alone with me... cute. She, however, is apparently a problem-solver, because while I was apologizing that I sent that to the wrong person, she was suggesting that there had to be a way to recover the files. It turns out, she's right. It was a little tricky figuring out how to do it, so I made a step-by-step tutorial video. Pin it or bookmark it, do whatever it takes to have it somewhere easy to find when you have that moment of "WHAT DID I JUST DO?!" and you need to get those files back. My pictures are back in the folder (though I did lose some of the folder reorganization I had been working on this afternoon).<br />
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Anyway, here is the step-by-step tutorial video:<br />
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P.S. By the time Mainah did respond, I had finished filming the tutorial and was in upload mode... His response: "It's okay babe. Are they in your recycle bin?" I love a man that can keep a cool head, but OBVIOUSLY THEY ARE NOT IN THE RECYCLE BIN OR I WOULDN'T HAVE TEXTED YOU IN A FRENZY! I thank God daily for that fella.Stephanie @ Artfully Crafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12100518168327605643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352265799557065771.post-11797177461872956072013-03-06T18:27:00.000-08:002013-03-14T17:14:40.629-07:00Don't call it a comeback ... or do.Well, well, well... What do we have here? A mighty neglected blog, I would say. You've been weighing on my heart recently, blogfans, and I am here to officially announce that I'm back in action. It has been over a year since my last post, and I just can't believe it. I've got some big announcements coming up and plenty of blog ideas / projects that I've piled up while I didn't have time to actually sit and write the posts. <br />
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<i>Disclaimer: This next chunk of yada yada yada is going to be aaaaaall about my life for the last year. For the shoe tutorial, scroll down a little bit.</i><br />
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Last winter, things got a little overwhelming trying to balance work, blogging, and being a full-time biology major. There was no time for blogging at the end of Spring term, because it was off to camp I went. I spent my 20th summer at camp as an admin at a super amazing Girl Scouts camp, and I'm going to another one this summer! Yay! After camp last summer, I moved to southern Oregon with the fella (we'll call him "Mainah", since he is indeed from Maine and sometimes gets a really cute New England accent... especially when he says "wicked" instead of "really"). We live in the smallest apartment outside of Manhattan. Okay, it's not that small, but it requires imaginative, functional decorating. People say to us all the time, "There are only two of you! How much room do you really need?" That question does not earn a response from me. I have a craft closet of sorts that is overrun with camping equipment. I finally found my desk/worktable surface under the avalanche of who-knows-what that was piled on it for far too long. We are fairly settled right now, and since I'm headed back to camp in 3 months, there's no better time to get this show on the road. I have missed blogging almost every single day since my last post. I am not going to promise daily posts, but I will make some commitments to myself and my blog:<br />
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<li>I will post at LEAST once a week, by Saturday night. Rain or shine, there's going to be some magic.</li>
<li>I will practice my "blogtography" skills. I am by no means a photog and it shows... I'll try to make my pics as pain-free to look at as possible. </li>
<li>I will remember that this blog is a creative outlet and journal of sorts. Not pressure, no stress, just fun.</li>
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On to the good stuff... I would love to share with you some of my favorite projects from the past year! </div>
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<u>Dip-dyed Shoes</u><br />
I should start by telling you that as a "camp person" I have worn an unreasonable amount of tie-dye in my life. Do you remember that weird period in the late 90's when tie-dye wasn't cool and it made you look like a throwback 70's weirdo? Yeah... I was that kid. Flash forward to the 2000's and it came back! It's starting to fade a bit in popularity again (to my dismay), but there is a sweet newish trend --Ombre-- that everyone is loving right now. I think these shoes make a great transition for people who love the hand-crafted effect, but have less of a HEY-LOOK-AT-ME-I-JUST-CAME-HOME-FROM-SUMMER-CAMP look. <br />
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I will say that the Ombre effect of the black pair is somewhat lost in this photo, but that's what I get for using my old cell phone. Since these pics are about a year old, I can't exactly re-take the photos, but trust me when I say this was a fun and easy craft, and possibly the most useful thing I've ever crafted. I flat wore these out!</div>
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To start, all you need is a couple of pairs of canvas sneakers (I picked mine up at Goodwill for $1/pair), some dye (I like the liquid Rit dye because it's so easy to manipulate the "strength" of the color, and because it comes in real colors people wear, not just lime green and hot pink). You may also choose to use a "dipping container" rather than just filling a sink or bucket. It allows you to waste a LOT less of the dye. I used empty bottles out of the recycle bin. <br />
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Step 1: Remove laces and anything else you don't want colored. I left the insoles in, but you could snatch those out if you don't want them to have the ombre effect. I will say that I wore dark socks for about the first week I wore them just in case, but I never noticed any dye bleeding.<br />
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Step 2: Fill your dip stations. I kept a little of the undiluted purple aside to do my laces dark. It was just the look I was going for. I left the other pair white. Since the rubber and eyelets don't change from white, you may want to leave the laces white. It's up to you!</div>
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Step 3: Dip! There are many different techniques, and since my hands were full, I don't have pictures. Don't freak out about dye getting in the wrong places because either it won't show, like on the insides/bottoms of the shoe, or it won't matter, like on the rubber and eyelets, where it won't stick. There is a lot of individual style and technique involved (just like in tie-dye), but I'll share some of my faves:</div>
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<li>Ombre: submerge your shoe completely under the dye and sing your favorite nursery rhyme, then pull it out a couple of inches and repeat the process until your entire shoe is dyed. Depending on the strength of your dye and the material of your shoe, you may want to time about two minutes between raises. Go shorter times rather than longer, because if you pull a shoe out and it's not the desired shade/darkness, you can just dip it in and repeat the process. It will get a bit darker each time.</li>
<li>Alternative: Try doing this technique but start with it only dipped half-way up the shoe. Flip the shoe over an repeat for the same amount of time. Your outcome would be a dark-light-dark effect... very cool!</li>
<li>Dip-dye: I did the "ombre technique: with purple dye, then briefly dipped the toe and heel in the black for a multi-color look. </li>
<li>Alternative: For a brighter, more colorful look, you could dip one end 2/3 down with yellow and from the other end, 2/3 with blue and you would get a yellow-green-blue shoe!</li>
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Step 4: Let it dry overnight. I put mine out in the garage, but at the time I was living in Eugene, OR, where it's rainy and cool and things DO NOT dry overnight. If you live somewhere balmy, throw them out back on a sunny afternoon. Once they're dry (or have been wet for at least 12 hours) toss 'em in your washing machine and follow the directions on your dye packet for rinsing/washing. That's it!</div>
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This (and the pic at the top) is as close as I have to a good "after" shot. I promise I will get better at taking pics, and I can't apologize enough for the quality. Please give it a shot because these pics don't do it justice. I would love to see some of your creations (and photography skills)!<br />
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Thanks for sticking with me through this post, I'm a little rusty, but it's great to be back. I would love to hear what you think. I'm going to be posting crafty, foodie, and who-knows-what-else in the near future, so stop back by. Feel free to "follow" so you can keep up with all my adventures. If you enjoyed the tutorial, please share!<br />
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[Linked up to: <a href="http://www.thetraintocrazy.com/" target="_blank">Make It Wear It Thursday</a> <a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/2013/03/transformation-thursday-no-194.html#more" target="_blank">Transformation Thursday</a> <a href="http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Under $100 Linky Party</a><br />
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<a href="http://acreativeprincess.blogspot.com/2013/03/its-party-96.html" target="_blank">It's a Party</a> <a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/" target="_blank">Hookin' up with HOH</a> ]</div>Stephanie @ Artfully Crafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12100518168327605643noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352265799557065771.post-82218601949626306282012-01-19T17:45:00.000-08:002012-01-19T19:12:08.273-08:00No Cash Trash Bash: Beautiful Boozy Bookend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmh0Ovi3f4SLZG3Op6nfcLCMiCkvIlbmy_so3kd0E8lHoJo7gfodkjukJfRyfv9oWLk7UgQ4H797n6MfyMzKw4gUyAOC5-M45ScZBZr0KZHbvnW9eLgGMs4e_1WIT0v3PjbbmmnRlOx5y/s1600/DSC02527-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmh0Ovi3f4SLZG3Op6nfcLCMiCkvIlbmy_so3kd0E8lHoJo7gfodkjukJfRyfv9oWLk7UgQ4H797n6MfyMzKw4gUyAOC5-M45ScZBZr0KZHbvnW9eLgGMs4e_1WIT0v3PjbbmmnRlOx5y/s320/DSC02527-1.jpg" width="320" /></a>I'm a little pleased with myself right now, so please bear with me. It cost me $0 to make this craft. Absolutely freeeee is my favorite craft budget! I have been stashing all the materials to make this craft for a while, until I finally had everything together. <br />
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All you need is an empty 6-pack. Keep the whole thing: cardboard pack and the bottles. I say keep the bottle caps too, because you know I'm going to come up with something to do with 'em in no time. Luckily, I live with a young man in his 20's and so these are ALWAYS stacked plentifully in the recycle bin and I can have my pick. I highly recommend that you wash these out with dish soap and let them dry for a good long while. I called this a "Boozy Bookend", but let's get real; I do not want my desk or bookshelf to reek of old beer. Gross. To be fair, if you don't have access to beer bottles because you don't drink, you could do the same thing with Coca-Cola glass bottles in a 6-pack, but I don't live in 1954, so they're not readily available to me. I think there are flavored sodas in glass bottle 6-packs at the grocery store, but as I said before the appeal of this craft for me was that it was FREE materials. Deal with it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8Issnr5eGWyKH8JlfCZtsg63ggLe6gNXz9OlgpAWI-ks_mRnHaNRowjQDIclN7g20lpL68Y9Y7okc-nvGLBDKxetrks57pIiLuFhDQ5FkTVXGCM2kQLnrmQQ1MY2ZH20TOHu1bMxNiEJ/s1600/DSC02522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8Issnr5eGWyKH8JlfCZtsg63ggLe6gNXz9OlgpAWI-ks_mRnHaNRowjQDIclN7g20lpL68Y9Y7okc-nvGLBDKxetrks57pIiLuFhDQ5FkTVXGCM2kQLnrmQQ1MY2ZH20TOHu1bMxNiEJ/s320/DSC02522.jpg" width="320" /></a>I really don't know what came over me yesterday. One minute I was waking up at 7a.m. to get ahead on homework (confession: I had a post due for one of my online classes at 9a.m. and may or may not have procrastinated a touch.) The next thing I knew, I had done a day's worth of school work in less than two hours and by 9a.m. I had three crafts going an one time! (Look for the frame and magazine pages in upcoming posts) I may have lost my mind for just a sec, but it worked. I found out that my white acrylic paint is alarmingly thin, so I was able to work on other crafty projects between the million or so coats it took to achieve full-coverage. </div>
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I use dried roses in this post. These roses from a bouquet I received after my fall were dried for 3ish days before I placed them in these bottles. If you don't know how to dry roses so that they keep their shape and color, comment below and I'll share that. I've been doing it since high school, so I will just go on assuming that everyone knows how to do that.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEkk69dKWvsvcyBrnLx4ZFafta3qtVNuA9SGZ_lh-IGQsDrl7Ue3IS9FkkwsnwiSt0NI4YGVWq1GT6P5j9PzOz5Cn4HCcMzirPr9gflVnGzl4ORrpA8nbtI4MUjOyHulEm4t7z_y_s6wt/s1600/DSC02526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEkk69dKWvsvcyBrnLx4ZFafta3qtVNuA9SGZ_lh-IGQsDrl7Ue3IS9FkkwsnwiSt0NI4YGVWq1GT6P5j9PzOz5Cn4HCcMzirPr9gflVnGzl4ORrpA8nbtI4MUjOyHulEm4t7z_y_s6wt/s320/DSC02526.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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On to the actual tutorial...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTIdAGQjF0G3lDoAA5qMyYc32J5YemckMVlUyKABTfubrPRNK4pMkFCOkf3ZkX2gd5089rEN1pLDY_NyNh3HY6EtaeFfeffnSP9ARCtWY-WE2TR478jXF58rhH8P0v8gQXGul95E3EpXZ/s1600/DSC02523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTIdAGQjF0G3lDoAA5qMyYc32J5YemckMVlUyKABTfubrPRNK4pMkFCOkf3ZkX2gd5089rEN1pLDY_NyNh3HY6EtaeFfeffnSP9ARCtWY-WE2TR478jXF58rhH8P0v8gQXGul95E3EpXZ/s320/DSC02523.jpg" width="320" /></a><b>Step 1:</b> Wash the bottles out. Seriously, this is non-negotiable. Let them dry completely before painting. <b>Step 2:</b> Paint the bottles with acrylic. Thinner gloss paints will require multiple coats (the white took 5 or more for full coverage) whereas thicker flat coats were full-coverage in only a coat or two. The purple was a flat paint, so after it dried I covered with Mod Podge to give a gloss finish and protect the paint. <b>Step 3:</b> Spray paint the cardboard container. I recommend priming with primer or acrylic paint. ESPECIALLY on the exposed raw cardboard on the inside of the container. It just soaks spray paint right up.</div>
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<b>Step 4:</b> Once everything is dry, plop them together and stick 'em on a shelf. TaDa!!! That wasn't so hard now, was it?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxON3DeFsezQXfI3SpJtErLk7U-gKipOBwmGPWA-hH1MlrLZ40TcDBFfYwh85OkeMhGIELthA5l6DKRL-iqTlVi_xBLT3Hy-O0K_qgPLAfVahqL6flfDxcojm04rEn0j_YJklNMTAXmfUT/s1600/DSC02528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxON3DeFsezQXfI3SpJtErLk7U-gKipOBwmGPWA-hH1MlrLZ40TcDBFfYwh85OkeMhGIELthA5l6DKRL-iqTlVi_xBLT3Hy-O0K_qgPLAfVahqL6flfDxcojm04rEn0j_YJklNMTAXmfUT/s400/DSC02528.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Linked up at the following parties: <a href="http://www.yesterdayontuesday.com/2012/01/crafty-soiree-73-getting-organized.html" target="_blank">Crafty Soiree</a>, <a href="http://thecraftyblogstalker.blogspot.com/2012/01/blog-stalking-thursday-24.html" target="_blank">Blog Stalking Thursday</a>, <a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/2012/01/18/hookin-up-with-hoh-83/" target="_blank">Hookin' up with HOH</a>, <a href="http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Show off your stuff party</a>Stephanie @ Artfully Crafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12100518168327605643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352265799557065771.post-79805355137647804612012-01-12T23:30:00.000-08:002012-01-19T19:59:30.159-08:00Hanging Bathroom Organizer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSkBfpF-t-HjEHb0xJSupDVknJW8Rsk1CPWtuo7vN7znjQ-CKcKjXHV-sfZrGqAE4XBnW9gY6NVXHvkeB5rKCxUecKluQ4iQGYgDo4PGi1SnnBy4vm7z0pN4UdEPDREVfbUhozS9KxYaJ/s1600/IMAG0142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSkBfpF-t-HjEHb0xJSupDVknJW8Rsk1CPWtuo7vN7znjQ-CKcKjXHV-sfZrGqAE4XBnW9gY6NVXHvkeB5rKCxUecKluQ4iQGYgDo4PGi1SnnBy4vm7z0pN4UdEPDREVfbUhozS9KxYaJ/s320/IMAG0142.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
This post is a super quicky post. I don't have a lot of detailed description because the instructions are so simple. Please enjoy all the pictures, though! <br />
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I bought this block of wood at Goodwill two or three months ago. It was half off, so I paid less than a dollar for it. I just couldn't resist the potential of something clearly crafted with a purpose, but left half-finished. It seemed to speak to me, but I waited until it was practically shouting before I got around to doing something with it. It became a wonderful bathroom addition.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTGWvckSX42OhYb7gTVSZZX1E2n4txuXxwPSaGco5q52mNEd6zdSmJBZdxLgMGkRqb8mboyhhbIsjuNr6xrblRIJShC7iimQPFXDeV9Lac5NbVYVGTki6bFpkm3X9-MXx6urJMFz8fw7or/s1600/IMAG0182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTGWvckSX42OhYb7gTVSZZX1E2n4txuXxwPSaGco5q52mNEd6zdSmJBZdxLgMGkRqb8mboyhhbIsjuNr6xrblRIJShC7iimQPFXDeV9Lac5NbVYVGTki6bFpkm3X9-MXx6urJMFz8fw7or/s320/IMAG0182.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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For starters, I purchased a can of spray on primer. I wasn't sure exactly how or what I was going to paint it, but I figured raw wood was going to drink up whatever I put on there. I actually primed it the week I brought it home. It proceeded to sit politely on my shelf and wait for MONTHS to be given a purpose. I finally figured out what I could use it for, and began my attack. I painted it all over a lovely "Tiffany Blue" color. I used E6000 to adhere the tops of three glass jars to the underside (to hold my bobby pins and hair ties). I replaced the too-short rope with a piece of white-ish ribbon. I hung it all up with a "Hercules Hook" which boasts a strength of 50lbs. I am so pleased with how this turned out! I love perusing the shelves of Goodwill for hidden treasures.<br />
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Linked up at these parties: <a href="http://www.yesterdayontuesday.com/2012/01/crafty-soiree-73-getting-organized.html" target="_blank">Crafty Soiree</a>, <a href="http://thecraftyblogstalker.blogspot.com/2012/01/blog-stalking-thursday-24.html" target="_blank">Blog Stalking Thursday</a>, <a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/2012/01/18/hookin-up-with-hoh-83/" target="_blank">Hooking Up with HOH</a>, <a href="http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Show Off Your Stuff</a></div>Stephanie @ Artfully Crafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12100518168327605643noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352265799557065771.post-2004213689232544922012-01-12T15:22:00.000-08:002012-01-18T20:37:19.518-08:00The Victorious Return of Bathtub LaundryI wrote the following as an entry in my old blog (completely unrelated to crafting) over a year ago. I revisited the idea last night and got my bathtub laundry on. I can't believe it's only been a year since I wrote this post. It feels like decades since I moved to STL to live with one of my best friends in the world. I have a washer and dryer now, and live in Oregon... but after becoming overwhelmed that my comforter wouldn't fit in the washer, I had to figure something out... that's when it hit me: I love bathtub laundry! So please enjoy this little blast from my past (just like I did last night). I'll meet you at the bottom with some more insight from the present.<br />
<br />
Wednesday, January 19, 2011 <br />
I watch documentaries every day. I am constantly searching to increase my
knowledge and expand my world views. I have recently become attached to
environmental documentaries because, realistically, we don't have much time left
until everyone has to get real about the environment.<br />
<br />
I have just moved to a new city and I don't have a washer and dryer in
my apartment like I have for the last 6 years that I've lived on my own.
While I have used laundromats before, I'm sorry if sitting in a St.
Louis laundromat alone all day does not sound like the safest or most
entertaining way to spend my day. Naturally laundry has piled up and I
just don't have $3.50 a load to spend washing it all. <br />
<br />
I was watching one documentary the other day called No Impact Man: The
Documentary. I highly recommend it. One tiny little moment in the movie involves
them doing laundry in the bathtub. I watched it two weeks ago, and it has
remained on my mind since then. I finally decided to do some research and make
it happen. There are about a bagillion different ways to do this posted online,
and I feel like I've read them all. I have tried a handful of the techniques and
cast some out without trying them at all. What follows is what I have devised as
the best method to achieve the following goals that I had for doing bathtub
laundry:<br />
1. Can be done with only things I have in my apartment.<br />
2. Takes
no more time to wash than a washing machine would.<br />
3. Is not a completely
miserable experience.<br />
4. Make a significantly lower environmental impact than
standard washing machines... just because I can.<br />
<br />
Now, I want to establish
that the temperature of water I use is based on the materials I'm washing. I use
the coolest temperature that can be used but still achieve my cleaning goals.
The amount of water I use is based on the size of the
load.<br />
<br />
Materials:<br />
Bathtub<br />
Dirty Laundry<br />
Laundry
Detergent<br />
*Plastic Storage Tub (I use an 18 Gal.)<br />
Bathroom CD player and
album "The Sign" by Ace of Base<br />
<br />
Step One: Wash<br />
Place the plastic tub
in the bathtub. Put a bit of water (no less than 1/4 of the way full, no more
than 1/2) and then add detergent. Use much less than you think you'll need. Some
places I read said to use half what you would use in the washer, but I found
even that was too much. You're wasting far less water and detergent. You will
really be surprised at how little it takes to have fresh smelling (and feeling)
clothes. Judge based on the amount of clothing and the dirtiness.<br />
<br />
Once
detergent has been added, stir it in a bit with your hand, just so it's not in a
glob. Add clothing. Add the remainder of your water, ensuring that the clothes
are good and covered. Some websites recommend filling to the top, but I would
only do that with a full laundry basket worth of clothes. just make sure they
can be covered by at least 2".<br />
<br />
At this point, I like to push everything
down and make sure the detergent water has saturated all items. Soak all items
for 15-25 minutes. Never soak for longer than 30 minutes because the detergent
will begin to break down and damage the fabric and color. When to add bleach? I
only do so in my warm whites, which soak for 25 minutes (the longest I soak). I
add the bleach 10 minutes before agitation.<br />
<br />
This is my favorite part. I
kick on my Ace of Base CD and step into the tub. Using a mix of Lucille Ball's
moves in the grape-stomping episode of I Love Lucy and Usher's 2010 VMA
performance (just sayin'... you should probably youtube it to see the
appropriate cleaning methods). The agitation should last 10-15 minutes (or the
first 3-4 songs on your chosen CD). You could use your hands to agitate, and I
even read of using a NEVER BEFORE USED plunger, but I like the free workout and
my back would not appreciate being bent over that long.<br />
<br />
At this point,
empty the tub of dirty water. I like to squeeze all the water out of the clothes
and dump that too. On to step two!<br />
<br />
Step Two: The Rinse<br />
With the
clothes in the bottom of the tub, fill with just enough water to cover clothing,
as cool as you can stand it. Get moving! Agitate again for 3-5 minutes (or one
song) and pour out dirty water. Repeat 2 more times. When the water in the tub
is no longer getting dingy, you're clean. If your water is still dirty, consider
doing small portions of the clothes in the rise tubs. You used too much
detergent. It's okay, just keep rinsing (even use running water if necessary)
because while your environmental impact is going up, you have to get that
detergent out or it can deteriorate and damage your clothing. <br />
<br />
Step
Three: Dry<br />
Squeeze out as much water as possible, then hang the items to dry.
Using plastic hangers (wire hangers will rust and cause me to scream "no wire
hangers! EVER!") or a dry rack, hang the wet clothing. I use hangers hung on my
shower curtain rod. <br />
<br />
<br />
When they're dry, you've succeeded.
Congratulations.<br />
<br />
Here are some helpful tips I discovered and read about
along the way:<br />
-I use the storage tub to reduce the amount of water I use,
but for bulky items such as jeans, towels, and sheets, using the entire bathtub
is more reasonable. <br />
--Do towels last so that you can use your dirty towels to
cover the "splash zone" in case you get too much Lucy action and not enough
Usher. I like to leave them under the clothing that's hanging to prevent water
from dripping on the floor then as well.<br />
---I have read of using a fan in the
bathroom to hasten dry time. I'm patient, and just let them hang overnight.
(although, for folded over pants or jeans, I do flip them right before
bed.)<br />
----To knock out the stiff hanger feel, I go over clothes with a
blow dryer for just moments to warm them and make them more malleable. <br />
-----I
read that to shrink denim back to it's correct shape, you should soak in VERY
HOT water for 5 minutes after your rinse is complete, before hanging. I didn't
find this until after I had done my jeans though, so I'll try it out next
time.<br />
<br />
Best of luck if you choose to try this out yourselves. I would love
to hear your questions, comments, or experiences.<br />
<br />
Back to the present: Now since I do have a washer and dryer in my current home, I decided to just toss the comforter in the dryer. I did not feel like dealing with hanging a sopping wet comforter over some furniture, so that's just that. This was one of my favorite posts that I wrote on the old blog. What do you think? I may have to get back into doing the occasional load this way. I am constantly running across recipes to make your own detergent on blogs, which would be another great way to minimize chemical pollution and waste. So there it is, the return of bathtub laundry.<br />
<br />
<3 Clean StephanieStephanie @ Artfully Crafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12100518168327605643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352265799557065771.post-89868333392232810162012-01-07T10:22:00.000-08:002012-01-18T20:24:56.485-08:00Giveaway Winner AnnouncementWell, folks the giveaway is closed. It was a wild ride. I got a little nervous there for a while.... This was my first giveaway and I couldn't have asked for a better product to review. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlXVxuAGgqlkw_ITdfnA8L3N81g7swLOFj7c5JB7CSI98m4PgL1V2xzxiTYAsLhpVIcCS8L8DfE5-yzEN6jKCwzR_kFitecH-70-AkOJXFglwIZXXxeO9TnuUnL_Qiu9v_zWIurbY9IlU/s1600/winner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlXVxuAGgqlkw_ITdfnA8L3N81g7swLOFj7c5JB7CSI98m4PgL1V2xzxiTYAsLhpVIcCS8L8DfE5-yzEN6jKCwzR_kFitecH-70-AkOJXFglwIZXXxeO9TnuUnL_Qiu9v_zWIurbY9IlU/s1600/winner.jpg" /></a></div>
Now, on to the winner! I'm proud to announce that the winner of this absolutely random selection was my very first blog-loving-friend! She has always been super supportive of ArfullyCraft, so it is my pleasure to announce that Brandy had won this giveaway! She took advantage of all 3 ways to win and it sure paid off! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLAm6wpjPUzwCgPHOmLfY71OeQ9P0JzQmt7XbCC9pTl8ijsBivzPiYB9ZQcAJGV0CNqVpwhcHSCO8So4cL2MGaxf96kc4CDSbmtK8wFTcamQmesuvkOXkS-XQ9-i3jloYCunf_y7BDAWsW/s1600/brandy%2527s+comments.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLAm6wpjPUzwCgPHOmLfY71OeQ9P0JzQmt7XbCC9pTl8ijsBivzPiYB9ZQcAJGV0CNqVpwhcHSCO8So4cL2MGaxf96kc4CDSbmtK8wFTcamQmesuvkOXkS-XQ9-i3jloYCunf_y7BDAWsW/s320/brandy%2527s+comments.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Brandy, I'll be in touch with the details of how to get your copy of the software.<br />
<br />
<br />
If you didn't win, stay tuned. You never know when there's gonna be another great giveaway! Thanks to everyone who participated... I thought this was fun!Stephanie @ Artfully Crafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12100518168327605643noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352265799557065771.post-23843113831317827462011-12-18T13:24:00.000-08:002012-01-18T20:24:04.987-08:00Quotable CanvasI do have a giveaway going on right now. Click <a href="http://artfullycraft.blogspot.com/2011/12/my-first-giveaway-my-memories-suite.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> to get in on it!<br />
<br />
"A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song." -Maya Angelou<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lzxCNZAVI5VQBoeKllmzeG3QEHW4hcFIqeItnbB0FH0zPFmkX9ST8LP3bWJDugl9O7nBPm6n4BdPYsmnmoGrHZRt2DgZh9zYmxFDHz1oz-7RelfjdGhLsLHnbtUySHGBMw4vKQARgMI_/s1600/Button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lzxCNZAVI5VQBoeKllmzeG3QEHW4hcFIqeItnbB0FH0zPFmkX9ST8LP3bWJDugl9O7nBPm6n4BdPYsmnmoGrHZRt2DgZh9zYmxFDHz1oz-7RelfjdGhLsLHnbtUySHGBMw4vKQARgMI_/s320/Button.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love quotes. I can find an inspirational quote to go with just about any feeling I'm having or any motivation I require. I have them posted on post-it's and index cards all over my bedroom and bathroom. I've been fiddling around with making quotes on canvas for a little over a year. I've tried acrylics under spray paint, paint-by-number under acrylic, and everything in between. I finally figured out one that I love enough to share with you, so here it is, quotes on canvas. There's just one other thing you should know. I love bird silhouettes. Owl, sparrow, crow, whatever... I love the way they look and I'm sort of making that a theme in my room.</div>
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NOTE: you do NOT need the spray paint. as I said, I've done it with spray paint before so I had it on hand because I wasn't sure how the acrylic was going to come out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nj_K0r1HESGfxSHmw8ST7U-1L8Pjam75lSFCUWwy7VeRdzgU0GrTsRpuXV1ne82iJkJSq9zPkvTBTIPVvRrpXWdpRC6FWWAbCSbDDMH26SKxWY96GrQtzWzHZ1I4Q496kr0k-qdqUuzv/s1600/DSC02217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nj_K0r1HESGfxSHmw8ST7U-1L8Pjam75lSFCUWwy7VeRdzgU0GrTsRpuXV1ne82iJkJSq9zPkvTBTIPVvRrpXWdpRC6FWWAbCSbDDMH26SKxWY96GrQtzWzHZ1I4Q496kr0k-qdqUuzv/s320/DSC02217.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The pictures of the first few steps show a different piece that I haven't even finished yet, but I didn't take pics of the first steps on the finished product for this tutorial. To start, I bought two canvases from Michael's. The day I went, the 2-packs were buy one get one free, so I now have 2 bonus canvases to play with next time. I took some scrapbook paper and pasted it to the canvas with mod podge and made a pretty background. I let this dry for a couple of hours because you're going to be putting stickers on and you don't want to peel off the mod podge with them. So once it's dry, get some foam stickers you like the shape of. They have these EVERYWHERE. Michael's, Walmart, you name it... I found these at Dollar Tree, but when I went back to get more last week they were gone. :( So if you find some you love at a good deal, BUY THEM ALL! haha. I use them for a lot of projects. At this point, lay them out and then stick them on where you want them.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrz___RvWp5cQ9dyBQvEYqs0F3U7LOp2cBQpVWkJ00jRdGgX_ge8CakFWmrRWAKfFCUxgqR7L722jkwgI3U6gnUBprpL3-eMJl7aOXife7MmKixwQxibOqwt-fU9vNJYZIu4nA2q7WtIqC/s1600/DSC02238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrz___RvWp5cQ9dyBQvEYqs0F3U7LOp2cBQpVWkJ00jRdGgX_ge8CakFWmrRWAKfFCUxgqR7L722jkwgI3U6gnUBprpL3-eMJl7aOXife7MmKixwQxibOqwt-fU9vNJYZIu4nA2q7WtIqC/s200/DSC02238.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4owrDoLIAsbtjILWsQOKgnPV_ypdSxZnb0VTXs9Wj6zaCCMOKtOcrK_a9ipAMQL_gz7tHGOKCKDrQrUvw4FP8PtFV5j4P4hso2LTSUB3-NNzP9z8SAsHn0P8QRBN4PBmIFkxDKYy2ag2/s1600/DSC02220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4owrDoLIAsbtjILWsQOKgnPV_ypdSxZnb0VTXs9Wj6zaCCMOKtOcrK_a9ipAMQL_gz7tHGOKCKDrQrUvw4FP8PtFV5j4P4hso2LTSUB3-NNzP9z8SAsHn0P8QRBN4PBmIFkxDKYy2ag2/s200/DSC02220.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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So once you have all your stickers stuck you can start painting. To clarify, your letters are going to be in the pattern of the scrapbook paper while your background is solid. So you paint a pretty solid layer of acrylic paint over the canvas. My layer was pretty thick and I could still almost see through it in some spots, so let it dry completely and if you need a second layer, go for it. I did.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9i31MVAzqIPBMF_yX1iD0ml7dc-CIV51QvRWNlo9xe_H2nteo3gVNk8X_pCy2eczPCP1qhZGbfCeIz1eNcxpP1RxyNtTqMUZkjDmt0vZZC62wlfHX8oPq7foEuyVX37vTsYtalwyeri3l/s1600/DSC02239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9i31MVAzqIPBMF_yX1iD0ml7dc-CIV51QvRWNlo9xe_H2nteo3gVNk8X_pCy2eczPCP1qhZGbfCeIz1eNcxpP1RxyNtTqMUZkjDmt0vZZC62wlfHX8oPq7foEuyVX37vTsYtalwyeri3l/s320/DSC02239.JPG" width="320" /></a>I would caution you not to "overload" with paint. I made sure and spread mine out with the brush pretty good to avoid pools of paint. You're going to get "walls" of paint when you peel the stickers if you make it super thick. Let it dry. I have timed my peel pretty good and get the best results if I peel it riiiiight before it's completely dry all the way down. I know that's confusing, but if you can time it to where the top layer is dry, but it's still a little gooey in the middle, you're golden. This project is pretty hard to really mess up. You can pretty much peel stickers whenever you want. Fair warning: you're going to smudge it if you do it right after you paint. How do you peel those stickers off when they're covered in paint? Get creative! I have used a pencil, a steak knife, a screwdriver, a pointy-nail-file-thing. You can really use anything you can get under the sticker. I did discover that with this project, it was nice to have the steak-knife on hand to nab any little bits of paint that went where they weren't supposed to. They came off very nicely.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFIz9uh3D1co9fAamPIHOxhxv5cVh0AQodE8Q8h4aSuJZb6RitkllPKVi9Vkvo4xMoBdUoG9EQvIB-5XGkxQ4HigzSk6RLNgpQvE5K0GbNbbqyZbyTgK3KyB-O-Sqsvf33QIMwuUxMXoG/s1600/DSC02241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFIz9uh3D1co9fAamPIHOxhxv5cVh0AQodE8Q8h4aSuJZb6RitkllPKVi9Vkvo4xMoBdUoG9EQvIB-5XGkxQ4HigzSk6RLNgpQvE5K0GbNbbqyZbyTgK3KyB-O-Sqsvf33QIMwuUxMXoG/s200/DSC02241.JPG" width="200" /></a>Peeling the stickers is my favorite part because you can really start to see how it's going to come out. When they're all peeled and you've dealt with any "whoopsies" you can seal in your end result with another two good layers of mod podge. Your paint needs to be completely, honestly, you-would-press-your-face-to-it-in-public dry before you mod podge or it's going to stay soft. You want this to be a sealing layer. This will keep your little paint ledges from scratching or peeling off. It also gives that flat acrylic a nice glossy look if you use glossy mod podge. It will stay flat but look more uniform and sealed if you use the flat mod podge. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QWRHwUG1kbdmLVhSmx9ftPOEwA4ikh25IwUgDjeozDDEynOzCWQqexbi42xIg0CjwkOHvS92dIsR6y5Nogo1GfYTAruiGbbrz0nkxX9aTFOZPRfVqw90Y1aP8p_FNHfNBWZwEgLHFuGG/s1600/DSC02254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QWRHwUG1kbdmLVhSmx9ftPOEwA4ikh25IwUgDjeozDDEynOzCWQqexbi42xIg0CjwkOHvS92dIsR6y5Nogo1GfYTAruiGbbrz0nkxX9aTFOZPRfVqw90Y1aP8p_FNHfNBWZwEgLHFuGG/s200/DSC02254.JPG" width="200" /></a>When you're done with this step, you could be done. I took mine a step further. I sketched a little silhouette of a bird that could be sitting on a wire, and cut it out, I then traced that shape to make a mirror image on another contrasting color. Stick 'em down with a thin layer of mod podge and do another layer to seal 'em in and TADA! This step literally took less than 10 minutes and I'm not very good at cutting along the lines. I think it added a whole new level of awesome to them. What do you think?</div>
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I'm going away this weekend for Christmas, but I would like to do a post this weekend that shows how all these crazy things I'm making look together on my wall. At this point, I'm thinking aloud, because my blog schedule is PACKED. Keep your eyes peeled for my next few blogs and give me all the feedback you've got.<br />
<br />
Want something for free? <a href="http://artfullycraft.blogspot.com/2011/12/my-first-giveaway-my-memories-suite.html" target="_blank">GIVEAWAY!!!</a><br />
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This post was shared on the following Linky Parties: <a href="http://cherishedtreasures-terry.blogspot.com/2011/12/sunday-blog-love-linky-party_31.html" target="_blank">Sunday Blog Love</a>, <a href="http://lambaround.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Not Baad Sundays</a>, <a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/2011/12/sundae-scoop-link-party-favorite-posts-from-2011/" target="_blank">Sundae Scoop</a>, Ju<a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/search/label/Just%20Something%20I%20Whipped%20Up" target="_blank">st something I whipped up</a>, <a href="http://www.lovelycraftyhome.com/" target="_blank">Lovely Crafty Weekend</a>, <a href="http://allthingsfee.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Calling All Crafters Monday</a>, <a href="http://singingthreelittlebirds.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Inspire Me Monday,</a> <a href="http://sarahndipities.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Make Something Monday</a>, <a href="http://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Market Yourself Monday</a>, <a href="http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">More the Merrier Mondays</a>, <a href="http://www.getouttamyheadplease.com/" target="_blank">Show It Off Mondays</a>, <a href="http://youaretalkingtoomuch.blogspot.com/2012/01/meet-me-monday-17.html" target="_blank">Meet Me Monday</a>, <a href="http://soverycreative.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">So Creative Party Time</a>, <a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/" target="_blank">The Gunny Sack</a>, <a href="http://caribbeanmissionarywife.blogspot.com/2012/01/t-time-51-and-link-party.html" target="_blank">T Time and Link Party</a></div>Stephanie @ Artfully Crafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12100518168327605643noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352265799557065771.post-88269134914377958802011-12-17T12:42:00.000-08:002012-01-18T20:18:18.658-08:00Delish Breakfast in 3 Minutes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobpqxYm5YUYyTfjJ36nS3H9XDwYgq_mWNlqUZsZ1BmOQLVKV76-ry3tt_19ygt1BwwtbcXj7vbzMmXyLNuY8bBTO40pgKgFamxAZ2T7TBk4vcwOla1CzcrygAVX_VP7MjVtx9W7QgbbFc/s1600/button+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobpqxYm5YUYyTfjJ36nS3H9XDwYgq_mWNlqUZsZ1BmOQLVKV76-ry3tt_19ygt1BwwtbcXj7vbzMmXyLNuY8bBTO40pgKgFamxAZ2T7TBk4vcwOla1CzcrygAVX_VP7MjVtx9W7QgbbFc/s200/button+image.jpg" width="200" /></a>This is what you'll get to make if you make it to the bottom of the post, but first I get to talk at you! Let the mouth watering commence.<br />
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Okay, blog pals. I am so far behind, but I'm about to get all kinds of caught up. Finals were nuttier than squirrel poop, but I'm past all that and I'm ready to get on a crafting binge. I already have about 8 crafts finished and with pictures, but I need to write up the blogs in addition, I am taking on a couple of HUGE projects this week (we're talking 12 feet across, huge... if everything goes according to my plan...which it never does) so keep on the lookout for that. And now, the big one! So, let's kick off this craft-mania with a super speedy recipe that every single person should have on hand for breakfast in a pinch!<br />
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Now, on to the yummies...<br />
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I don't know about you, but my roommates and I are starving in the morning, but it's not worth getting up 20 minutes early to make a good breakfast. I was inspired to try this one morning after seeing my roommate "Struggles" leave in a frenzy for the doctor. See, she had a doctor's appointment, so she had gotten up about an hour before she had to leave. That's plenty of time, right? Well, she had to get ready, which doesn't take too long, but she decided to have a "good" breakfast of cinnamon rolls as well. They were just your typical unwrap the can, put 'em in a pan kind. You know the name brand... with the little ticklish fellow... but they take 30 MINUTES to prepare! 20 to cook, then they need to cool enough to ice (another 5) and it takes at least 7 minutes for our oven to heat up. Needless to say, I had just come in the kitchen sniffing around for breakfast when Struggles took one bite and realized she was going to be late for the Doctor. So she ran out the door, leaving her two sad cinnamon rolls with only one bite missing, sitting on the counter. I was sad for Struggles. Thus was born my greatest yummy to date!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rQ3VC8cQTFQz5ZOl3BoaoHr9KKNVCZqp01qFYBTfUNH3X2K9YFEIsgWVcQOZ-4n-yGk3UlNfkmN6xS2DYHIW6d2NxJy8g7wzr0FsRYcfTtMBSglpGE5ONMqq7Dt0ovXD6NT4ikObeWcg/s1600/IMAG0156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rQ3VC8cQTFQz5ZOl3BoaoHr9KKNVCZqp01qFYBTfUNH3X2K9YFEIsgWVcQOZ-4n-yGk3UlNfkmN6xS2DYHIW6d2NxJy8g7wzr0FsRYcfTtMBSglpGE5ONMqq7Dt0ovXD6NT4ikObeWcg/s200/IMAG0156.jpg" width="200" /></a>What you need:<br />
A waffle iron<br />
A can of cinnamon rolls<br />
Some non-stick spray<br />
3-5 minutes<br />
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What you do:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCZ0hAuUSIWHtIa9Q9QdgDTIMZ7wXnWpDegpaYFUrS4yxBq4b4eB4hX-ZDgMoYMG0BoNwlxhEXAVjD7cN4klDmCDy7ORXbN0Vzp4KrLCsUTleGD6h4DT22bwvZ3hd9Lsm-woh6X_DmD-t/s1600/IMAG0157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCZ0hAuUSIWHtIa9Q9QdgDTIMZ7wXnWpDegpaYFUrS4yxBq4b4eB4hX-ZDgMoYMG0BoNwlxhEXAVjD7cN4klDmCDy7ORXbN0Vzp4KrLCsUTleGD6h4DT22bwvZ3hd9Lsm-woh6X_DmD-t/s200/IMAG0157.jpg" width="133" /></a>Crack open the can of cinnamon rolls. 4 can fit on the iron at a time, and the rest will keep in a tupperware in the fridge (but I don't recommend leaving them for more than a week.) so only use as many as you plan to eat right that second. Heat up the waffle iron (which takes less than a minute in my house). Spray that hot waffle iron with the non-stick spray of your choice and plop your cinnamon rolls on the iron and close it. Now, don't use the waffle-iron timer, just time it yourself. Caution: there's usually one side of the iron that gets done faster than the other. The half on the "opening" side takes 2 1/2 minutes to cook and the closed side takes 3. If you leave them too long, you've got yourself some burnt cinnamon rolls, which are still quite edible given enough of the icing. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUJYtihDL3rGEaytUbWFqvTFAA7rkQlMWV7yPzWiYfSMWPGSX9yk7Zd7YiSZMBwAvA4oJyhq_iwzt9IaSC48k6FwpAixtQ7rfVwUTH2siU5YfczfD-h8rDO_k69rBpil3iywdItwv5Q3t/s1600/IMAG0158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUJYtihDL3rGEaytUbWFqvTFAA7rkQlMWV7yPzWiYfSMWPGSX9yk7Zd7YiSZMBwAvA4oJyhq_iwzt9IaSC48k6FwpAixtQ7rfVwUTH2siU5YfczfD-h8rDO_k69rBpil3iywdItwv5Q3t/s200/IMAG0158.jpg" width="200" /></a>Once your rolls are done, fork them onto a plate (WATCH OUT, THOSE PUPPIES ARE HOT!) and ice 'em. Possible the best part of this is that the waffle iron has created cups for the icing to sit in, so you don't have to worry about all of it running off the roll like it does on traditional cinnamon rolls. They cool pretty fast, too. I usually take a bite as soon as it's iced without burning my mouth. So there it is: a super yummy cinnamon roll breakfast in less than 5 minutes from the time you crack the can open. I'm calling them "Cinn-fully Delicious Waffle Rolls" or... "Waffled Cinnamon Rolls" or... "Yummy in my Tummy". What do you think I should call 'em? Have a great Saturday! I know what's for breakfast tomorrow! ;)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobpqxYm5YUYyTfjJ36nS3H9XDwYgq_mWNlqUZsZ1BmOQLVKV76-ry3tt_19ygt1BwwtbcXj7vbzMmXyLNuY8bBTO40pgKgFamxAZ2T7TBk4vcwOla1CzcrygAVX_VP7MjVtx9W7QgbbFc/s1600/button+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobpqxYm5YUYyTfjJ36nS3H9XDwYgq_mWNlqUZsZ1BmOQLVKV76-ry3tt_19ygt1BwwtbcXj7vbzMmXyLNuY8bBTO40pgKgFamxAZ2T7TBk4vcwOla1CzcrygAVX_VP7MjVtx9W7QgbbFc/s320/button+image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Oh, and I read this last week in Women's Health Magazine, and thought you'd like to know... Check out this month's issue for more about it! [Sorry about the quality of the pic, I was riding the bus and snapped it on my phone.]<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Z6S72tJEvEzXvInRfKHKFJZQKl5VyoLIho1qDq1XxkOXMuIKZq3HldBHCYhAweLgz_lDP1oBJkUXHArBs2sBWUl2tykYX2r4JzB_lC4ZB7l9VCNLFwBC8qSbeHBHudnS5ogT32egTFzn/s1600/IMAG0161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Z6S72tJEvEzXvInRfKHKFJZQKl5VyoLIho1qDq1XxkOXMuIKZq3HldBHCYhAweLgz_lDP1oBJkUXHArBs2sBWUl2tykYX2r4JzB_lC4ZB7l9VCNLFwBC8qSbeHBHudnS5ogT32egTFzn/s640/IMAG0161.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Shared on <a href="http://allthingsfee.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Calling All Crafters Monday</a>, <a href="http://singingthreelittlebirds.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Inspire Me Monday</a>, <a href="http://sarahndipities.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Make Something Monday</a>, <a href="http://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Market Yourself Monday</a>, <a href="http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">More The Merrier Mondays</a>, <a href="http://www.talkingdollarsandcents.net/muffin-monday-candy-cane-muffins" target="_blank">Muffin Mondays</a>, <a href="http://www.getouttamyheadplease.com/2012/01/show-it-off-link-party-5.html" target="_blank">Show It Off Mondays</a>, <a href="http://youaretalkingtoomuch.blogspot.com/2012/01/meet-me-monday-17.html" target="_blank">Meet Me Monday</a>, <a href="http://soverycreative.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">So Creative Party Time</a>Stephanie @ Artfully Crafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12100518168327605643noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352265799557065771.post-68204386933657629472011-11-22T21:57:00.001-08:002011-11-22T22:00:20.583-08:00Being a Student Blogger......means that during finals, the student comes first. So I've been slammed this past week, but I'm getting all caught up this weekend. I'm taking advantage of the fact that I'm not going home for Thanksgiving by crafting all weekend and setting up a blog schedule... <br />
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I have super exciting news for my few faithful followers: my first giveaway!!!! It is coming soonish (I just got the offer) and I can't wait to share it with you! It's something I'm excited to get for free, so you should be too. Keep a look out.<br />
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Much blog love coming soon. <3 StephStephanie @ Artfully Crafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12100518168327605643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352265799557065771.post-15751100644468008212011-11-16T22:24:00.001-08:002011-11-16T22:47:11.396-08:00What do I do with this blog now? Linky Party?So I've been home sick for a few days and it has been nice having all the spare time in the world to get this thing off the ground while sipping tea and soup. The thing is, I'm a full time student with an after-school job, a rigorous course load, a church life, and had virtually no spare time <u>before</u> I started the blog. So, I'm probably going to make up a weekly schedule and release new blogs on certain days. I'm thinking a recipe day and a tutorial day, maybe two tutorials... So I'm thinking that since I love love love linky parties (and that and <a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/" target="_blank">stumbleupon</a> are equally responsible for the launch of this blog into the blogosphere) . So, dear readers, I come asking for advice. <br />
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Is it too soon for me to host a linky party?<br />
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What other posts could I fill my days with?<br />
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What is your favorite/least favorite thing about my blog?<br />
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Lay it on me. I'm going to sleep to the smell of melted crayons and acrylic paint overwhelming my room. It's not easy being a crafter when you live with a mischievous cat. <br />
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And on a side note: I have to thank my "real world" friends who have been so insanely supportive of this blog from the moment it was just a tiny idea in my head to getting this far (and of everything else in my live). Luckie, Bester, StaciB, Brandy, RoomieM, RoomieJ, and my most beloved sister, Fred. You people are my heroes. I wouldn't be who I am today without you. <3 <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyMQ-QC3tYMFIjSKL-AnqAfGPr0mkdThbRhfUNClRsrH0iQNgh9r5TzjON5BSxMNlDrfu45HNeYvs9f1Hm3WbN2EuzqsWwvJd6jjJiOU0XJ0lmLl4Sqqey_ndeG8soWUk8N8FeRKxsU1M/s1600/mustachio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyMQ-QC3tYMFIjSKL-AnqAfGPr0mkdThbRhfUNClRsrH0iQNgh9r5TzjON5BSxMNlDrfu45HNeYvs9f1Hm3WbN2EuzqsWwvJd6jjJiOU0XJ0lmLl4Sqqey_ndeG8soWUk8N8FeRKxsU1M/s320/mustachio.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with my sister "Fred"</td></tr>
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L.O.V.E.,<br />
Steph (or Bob, depending on who you ask)<br />
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P.S. I can see 1,000 views from where I'm sitting. Just saying.Stephanie @ Artfully Crafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12100518168327605643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352265799557065771.post-62746461436467507302011-11-15T23:47:00.001-08:002012-01-18T20:16:49.769-08:00My First 500 Views!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
7 days 1 hour and 40 minutes ago, I posted my <a href="http://artfullycraft.blogspot.com/2011/11/artfully-crafted-introduction.html" target="_blank">introduction to this blog</a>. I just received my 500th view. My mind is blown! You guys are the best! I can't wait to find a way to pay you back. Now... how do I get more than 5 followers? Hahaha! Oh, the trials of a blogging rookie. :D I'm floating on cloud nine right now, you have no idea!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUZgqgU16SF39375sXHiJdBzWUgM2A-zd0hUHvp5hV8Yxnfxk1CanBNoG7cAvs57qI1i2R_Q10S_RKKn4KK4vIPIj4JnmPxrfNI4adrDbAWr-PbTU7bP6oeFJ_GjKtodFGqwHvmow67ii/s1600/wowface.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUZgqgU16SF39375sXHiJdBzWUgM2A-zd0hUHvp5hV8Yxnfxk1CanBNoG7cAvs57qI1i2R_Q10S_RKKn4KK4vIPIj4JnmPxrfNI4adrDbAWr-PbTU7bP6oeFJ_GjKtodFGqwHvmow67ii/s1600/wowface.jpg" /></a></div>
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Love Love Love,</div>
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Stephanie<br />
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Update 11/16/11 19:00 PST: I'm at 800 and at this rate, I'll hit 1,000 sometime tonight or early tomorrow. I am just BLOWN AWAY by your support! I am so excited for where this blog is going to take me. If you haven't already, I'd love for you to follow me. Thanks a million!</div>Stephanie @ Artfully Crafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12100518168327605643noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352265799557065771.post-6265309178082304462011-11-15T20:56:00.001-08:002011-11-22T22:08:31.871-08:00"Her"vival Kits!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
Get it? Like a survival kit... but for "her"! Who is "her"? Why it's all of us, of course! [Christmas Spoiler] I'm making these for all my female family members for Christmas because I love this one and I'm NOT about to give mine away! So here's this tutorial I hope you love:
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7NANK74Qszn7H58pFYloNlljkNm6wjR-lwCXyWL4tjRYcKscueejeXkmIcHKp3uxKdmQmHemjLjKMpgdTcDq9iroZNV8oU2KMDuW390yoIaSqTL0EPn40YJXSPCBt7IjMb5Gu9Wk7Aam/s1600/hervival+button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7NANK74Qszn7H58pFYloNlljkNm6wjR-lwCXyWL4tjRYcKscueejeXkmIcHKp3uxKdmQmHemjLjKMpgdTcDq9iroZNV8oU2KMDuW390yoIaSqTL0EPn40YJXSPCBt7IjMb5Gu9Wk7Aam/s320/hervival+button.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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How great is this?! Sorry to brag, but this is the first tutorial I'm really excited about. I like all the other ones (or I wouldn't have shared) but I <em>LOVE LOVE LOVE</em> this one! Honestly, with all the useless junk we carry around every day, why not throw something in your purse that could save your day? Okay, enough tooting my own horn, here we go:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfs7DzMKHImIZyrhGW5iFUW-NSaNxCD6mZ0YKGBRlAaqbu2aeR_QiUGAAgMtJkBbSovEMJ453jIthYzDFn97eCWVF8g1Fe7pGyOHqHgWQvA96anTfwKKzo9zcOjIXHOoiZs17g3ZL9ji9e/s1600/DSC02204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfs7DzMKHImIZyrhGW5iFUW-NSaNxCD6mZ0YKGBRlAaqbu2aeR_QiUGAAgMtJkBbSovEMJ453jIthYzDFn97eCWVF8g1Fe7pGyOHqHgWQvA96anTfwKKzo9zcOjIXHOoiZs17g3ZL9ji9e/s320/DSC02204.JPG" width="320" /></a>First, you need to make the pouch to hold your kit. The very best thing about this is that it fits in the palm of your hand... sort of. I was blog surfing the other day and saw this <a href="http://roseycornercreations.blogspot.com/2011/11/pins-and-needles-travel-sewing-kit-gift.html" target="_blank">Travel Sewing Kit</a> and absolutely loved it. The only problem is, I don't really do much sewing on the go. Carol from <a href="http://roseycornercreations.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Rosey Corner Creations</a> was gracious enough to let me repurpose her genius creation it in this tutorial, so I'm not going to link up the steps (because her pics are better anyway ;)) so just go there to see how to make the wallet container. Seriously, how brilliant is she? <br />
In some future versions, I am planning to put an initial on the front rather than the accent band, but we'll see...</div>
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So, what's inside? Let's see! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzTQmYdi4RyNLfI4CIt22U9al_F0lv5w95DLCF41F3yRXKcbIcKdzVhhCL_tFNv7m_fuPl-bkpH3y5xO2ql29AEqnJI_sGIdYICzFTheHDMDoioQv6s2AKTEbC9QBreORcv7vN_8yylfU/s1600/IMAG0138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzTQmYdi4RyNLfI4CIt22U9al_F0lv5w95DLCF41F3yRXKcbIcKdzVhhCL_tFNv7m_fuPl-bkpH3y5xO2ql29AEqnJI_sGIdYICzFTheHDMDoioQv6s2AKTEbC9QBreORcv7vN_8yylfU/s320/IMAG0138.jpg" width="320" /></a>2 Needles: One with white and the other with black thread.</div>
3 Safety Pins: Because you can never find one when you need it!<br />
2 Band-Aids: Because beauty is pain, especially when it comes in the form of new heels.<br />
A stain wipe: For the unexpected lunch invite to a mexican restaurant when you're wearing your favorite white blouse... dang salsa!<br />
And here's the kicker: a spongey piece...<br />
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"A spongey piece," you ask? Whatever could that be for? It's a brilliant secret I've kept to myself for far to long and I now gladly share with you (but you have to let me ramble for it). When I worked in retail (way back when) the worst thing that happened every day was when someone would come try on black clothes right after applying deoderant or white clothes with 6lbs of makeup on. Do I hate them for smelling and looking nice? No. But what do we do? Well, my manager taught me that the little foam strip on retail hangers can be used to rub it away. Is it magic? MAYBE! ...but it seriously works every time. Now, flash to my moment of genius. A few weeks ago I got all ready to go out in my fave little black dress and then changed bras (I had to give in to the strapless... ugh) and when I put my dress back on DUN DUN DUUUUUUN it was bad. I was frantic to get it off. Nothing was working! I had 5 minutes before my friends left me and I no longer own any foamy hangers! Why oh why did I ever switch to all matching hangers? What would I do!?!? That's when I spotted it: The sponge paintbrush. It is exactly the same foamy sponge. Night saved. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLsekBY5iHEMzg5whjZpns9-l1xcTsWTfJIuEpZL54sHSAPIMlJBeWdRqONuwugfAaW7N4zgINnYDizV2FYSk8bn0EoTjz9j3zbqzjw6BOLQ6fHiQ7QM7u5ajkZ8x7lGM_iqH6u_6N7Zl/s1600/IMAG0141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLsekBY5iHEMzg5whjZpns9-l1xcTsWTfJIuEpZL54sHSAPIMlJBeWdRqONuwugfAaW7N4zgINnYDizV2FYSk8bn0EoTjz9j3zbqzjw6BOLQ6fHiQ7QM7u5ajkZ8x7lGM_iqH6u_6N7Zl/s320/IMAG0141.jpg" width="320" /></a>This is why it's a perfect addition to this Her-vival kit. Fair warning: I've only ever used it on cotton or poly fabrics. I think it might not work as well on silk or fine fabrics because of the finer knit, but I could be totally wrong. It is a magic sponge, after all. All you have to do to make your own is remove the sponge from the brush. The glue sticks pretty good at the edge, but just slide your finger under the ledge and separate it from the base. I made two per sponge-brush by cutting the sides, then across the top of the slot already cut out of the sponge. </div>
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What do you think? I'm planning to give this to all the ladies on my gifting list this year! I don't know how I'm going to top it next year, but luckily I'll have a whole year to figure it out. </div>
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Linked on: <a href="http://www.handymancraftywoman.com/" target="_blank">Wicked Awesome Wednesday</a> , <a href="http://sweetpeasandbb.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">What I Made Wednesday</a> , <a href="http://measuredbytheheart.com/" target="_blank">Totally Tutorials Tuesday</a> , <a href="http://www.acreativeprincess.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">It's a Party - A Creative Princess</a> , <a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/" target="_blank">Hookin' Up with HoH</a> , <a href="http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/search/label/Show%20Off%20Your%20Stuff%20Party" target="_blank">Show Off Your Stuff</a></div>Stephanie @ Artfully Crafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12100518168327605643noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352265799557065771.post-91894318914364305162011-11-12T22:36:00.001-08:002011-11-22T22:09:41.176-08:00No-Cash Trash Bash: Bottle Shock<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOM9xtpOEuLMsjKB0Rr2_0v_h_UhO6TcBrPIBu_Hi89QP5eyUx5OxO73elH7LB1vaPHp4B4dC7-N_Ekz8CJCkjNddrJ5y-Vlzoicp85HO58mNEjQNu0e1lwZ-fH38v2diq0AiCguEQ7U0/s1600/DSC02096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOM9xtpOEuLMsjKB0Rr2_0v_h_UhO6TcBrPIBu_Hi89QP5eyUx5OxO73elH7LB1vaPHp4B4dC7-N_Ekz8CJCkjNddrJ5y-Vlzoicp85HO58mNEjQNu0e1lwZ-fH38v2diq0AiCguEQ7U0/s200/DSC02096.JPG" width="200" /></a>I was so in love with the idea that there were crafts waiting for me that I dove into my recycle bin this week, searching for inspiration. One of my roommates loves to try different types of beer (especially from microbrews) so we always have a few bottles in the bin. [I really want to emphasize that I dug these out of the recycle. My roommates would murder me if I let you believe we lived with all these beer bottles on the counter.] I pulled some out, determined to think of something to do. I peeled off the labels, then they sat around in my room for a few days (which is not a good look) and I finally decided I had to do something. I Initially liked the idea of wrapping them in yarn, then putting them on a floating shelf with maybe a simple decorative flower. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAoJ_D8pTeJ9fr6KRWcvAwjytzmVi_HYr2P9spLm9nxw7iKfLr1rQ3F-nIMw-HkICfec1meyJS0A0M-_Y2tVo29gbXSB2jhKfLCrwVhRDlPk0kIcQdIhez1jPZYSbE9511PZh8bRYqtTLD/s1600/IMAG0077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAoJ_D8pTeJ9fr6KRWcvAwjytzmVi_HYr2P9spLm9nxw7iKfLr1rQ3F-nIMw-HkICfec1meyJS0A0M-_Y2tVo29gbXSB2jhKfLCrwVhRDlPk0kIcQdIhez1jPZYSbE9511PZh8bRYqtTLD/s200/IMAG0077.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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[I was recently at my friend Bailey's apartment and she had these floating shelves which reminded me of how much I loved my bestie Shelby's bedroom decorations. I also had some in my apartment in St. Louis which I looooooved, so yeah. It had to happen.]<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYjhU2mSWeAsxUQTUPwb-L_kt_bHtLsHsuTPP9epNJrCBU8F90bx-G1aqdcCa0_E3fUMl9Zh7ikIUUshjB_Ruqlbjddu_-ZMr63QjbPbbSOqJJ0rhozq0WKtXJTxyJxWQVtwJP5UrjX_t/s1600/IMAG0117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYjhU2mSWeAsxUQTUPwb-L_kt_bHtLsHsuTPP9epNJrCBU8F90bx-G1aqdcCa0_E3fUMl9Zh7ikIUUshjB_Ruqlbjddu_-ZMr63QjbPbbSOqJJ0rhozq0WKtXJTxyJxWQVtwJP5UrjX_t/s200/IMAG0117.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNRu-oN5QJum5bydwU2iPsCySExXp6Qqc77_wHrIiZJk2Z1ZSjOkvaQTZIGoikYinali8yB6A5PErQHPzbHMJ-Nny7z6O62kFC66-1CBaz0qiodCRPwXGxqWbKJ1NzaaB8ynCTVyLMFQC_/s1600/IMAG0118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNRu-oN5QJum5bydwU2iPsCySExXp6Qqc77_wHrIiZJk2Z1ZSjOkvaQTZIGoikYinali8yB6A5PErQHPzbHMJ-Nny7z6O62kFC66-1CBaz0qiodCRPwXGxqWbKJ1NzaaB8ynCTVyLMFQC_/s320/IMAG0118.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(This one is the ledge-jumper)</td></tr>
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While I was making my first attmept, I hit a speedbump in the shape of the bottle. There are a few ledges that made gaps when the yarn "jumped the ledge". I tried using hot glue gun to keep it in it's place and it got weird and clumpy and still jumped off the ledge. So, typical me, I got super frustrated and gave up for a few more days. Then it hit me: double-sided tape! Problem. Solved. You just put the tape around the bottle, half on the widest part, half on the small part right below it, then press as you wrap the yarn around it. So here it is, super easy, super cute. When I get home from house-sitting, I'll get these all set up and take cute pics for ya. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlENOwATTyk8yMJK0LvnzSwRvNYg-XiuYKyuOHHWSWW5d-5HMKwI4NOFirPg92I2xmOxvL6XetQ1LFGr4dijLStPvQ6vtD4kzJqUI2gRmIJvSsDgy6BwqgjfFw4p7uXbo9KABntQZdXfZ/s1600/IMAG0120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlENOwATTyk8yMJK0LvnzSwRvNYg-XiuYKyuOHHWSWW5d-5HMKwI4NOFirPg92I2xmOxvL6XetQ1LFGr4dijLStPvQ6vtD4kzJqUI2gRmIJvSsDgy6BwqgjfFw4p7uXbo9KABntQZdXfZ/s320/IMAG0120.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
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Have you had any magical garbage rescues lately? I'm going to be keeping my eyes out for anything good in the recycle bin!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvJ6QlQ2G5FFm0sZP9XOk6y8DLRvKa821M8riLeBlLDPtZqGdcVEXc0ytvsbOIOZP5bsspTgddefkIbA0JEIQMeNVNJwEJgW2Drss00qSzJwjAcLJIHmvF5JuD4KxqJwbR50NjEGFhlMQ/s1600/IMAG0123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvJ6QlQ2G5FFm0sZP9XOk6y8DLRvKa821M8riLeBlLDPtZqGdcVEXc0ytvsbOIOZP5bsspTgddefkIbA0JEIQMeNVNJwEJgW2Drss00qSzJwjAcLJIHmvF5JuD4KxqJwbR50NjEGFhlMQ/s320/IMAG0123.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
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Here's a final-ish product. I added some super cheap-o flowers from the piddly flower aisle of walmart and cut of the stems. I love the way they look, though. Something super frilly just wouldn't go with the simple look of the piece. My new shelf isn't cooperating, so I need to get new mounting hardware this week. >:| I'll post pics when my shelf decides not to be a butt-head.</div>Stephanie @ Artfully Crafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12100518168327605643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352265799557065771.post-7589160098519009122011-11-12T17:46:00.001-08:002011-11-22T22:10:02.491-08:00No Cash Trash Bash: TP Wall ArtThis no-cash trash bash is somthing that makes me immensely happy. I am alway crafty and often broke. The total cost of this craft is probably less than $2, but it cost me NOTHING because it was all stuff I had around the house: 1/2 a hot glue stick, maybe 1/4 can of spray paint and stuff saved from the landfill.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7Ib_RLJb9azTgWahen-9YdTm80nM1n4oGLbvy-M8pnHkKLAAMIk4fItZmL0aap2EBiZ2tXqJvHrDIFjhPRy_QlVmqX8r8O7Z8tuIppqNAqg05uZg-M8GRuVBBt9zuPJYsTU3-XQJ9Ypw/s1600/TP+Wall+Art+Button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7Ib_RLJb9azTgWahen-9YdTm80nM1n4oGLbvy-M8pnHkKLAAMIk4fItZmL0aap2EBiZ2tXqJvHrDIFjhPRy_QlVmqX8r8O7Z8tuIppqNAqg05uZg-M8GRuVBBt9zuPJYsTU3-XQJ9Ypw/s320/TP+Wall+Art+Button.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This idea was totally inspired by my boss. She is quite crafty and she came in last week with an idea for wall art she was thinking about doing for the living room. I was in love with the idea and decided to give it a whirl. (I did warn her that I was jacking her brilliance and she was good with it. A few of us at work swap ideas regularly.) Working with elementary school kids, we know the value of a good toilet paper / paper towel roll. How brilliant would it be to turn something that is literally garbage into beautiful wall art? Well, that's just what I did.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqg7g5dKHJwl_DVaaKSbPOOYkm4FLG3ahXJf_O5Gf-ySDbQ7kjEAr28sjldnQTtKm1g6ZjrrcZRxrTidQ62uZl0GSYCq1-B93AzKirn5LRcJSs1CAW5Mk7Muc5U8qsOObkuS4lyfmtEi_8/s1600/DSC02150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqg7g5dKHJwl_DVaaKSbPOOYkm4FLG3ahXJf_O5Gf-ySDbQ7kjEAr28sjldnQTtKm1g6ZjrrcZRxrTidQ62uZl0GSYCq1-B93AzKirn5LRcJSs1CAW5Mk7Muc5U8qsOObkuS4lyfmtEi_8/s320/DSC02150.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzFYhPNR4yHChMRC0Y126AaroowryntmcjMWJTSzGBXyppb8oxA4A3gpLR0U9hbNN8vjPIbJ0g071dzfIMF5wdAl1uf76rDKJ476Twk1dz6TZ_y0xTZWXAd34tmhHNxZ2Gu33nU15OWyd/s1600/DSC02179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzFYhPNR4yHChMRC0Y126AaroowryntmcjMWJTSzGBXyppb8oxA4A3gpLR0U9hbNN8vjPIbJ0g071dzfIMF5wdAl1uf76rDKJ476Twk1dz6TZ_y0xTZWXAd34tmhHNxZ2Gu33nU15OWyd/s200/DSC02179.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
I should mention that I'm still house-sitting and some of my tools (like a ruler, for starters) are not here with me. To start, I took 3 paper towel rolls and measured lines the width of this pie looking tool thing I found in the drawer. I cut all these little sections out (and kept having to wrestle them away from the cat) then decided I had enough to get started. I was watching a movie ["Lost in Austen", available for instant viewing on Netflix. A really cute movie if you love Pride and Prejudice] during this whole part, it's definitely a mindless activity which is nice to have from time to time.
I then began to assemble the piece. It was a very organic process, I just kind of stuck one where it looked like it needed to go. The more I added, the more I liked it. When I had all the cut pieces glued on, I considered cutting the toilet paper rolls I had collected for this craft, but decided I should stop while I was ahead.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqygdW-yQ4-HwNE4ye7Sr_3JbdTBIKBRnxTC_9YjF7zS8F5TQ_9ioD8FAuGP4gOgc_kwDS00JvZpYWFg5eXB3V_vtFrVjyWDg9h15OxsTdEDm5HE_BYn3ZRw2zqAdT76Ms1a5rXCHSleu/s1600/DSC02186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqygdW-yQ4-HwNE4ye7Sr_3JbdTBIKBRnxTC_9YjF7zS8F5TQ_9ioD8FAuGP4gOgc_kwDS00JvZpYWFg5eXB3V_vtFrVjyWDg9h15OxsTdEDm5HE_BYn3ZRw2zqAdT76Ms1a5rXCHSleu/s200/DSC02186.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
After I had my piece all glued together, I took it out back to spray. In retrospect, spray painting it in this manner was not fun. Raw cardboard toilet paper rolls absorb so much spray paint that you have to do a zillion coats before you see full coverage. Also, you're trying to get in and around all the surfaces of waaaaaaay to many little circles. Next time, I'm going to paint the tubes with acrylic BEFORE I glue. This was really the most frustrating part of the project... other than the time my glue gun went rogue while I was trying to balance the piece I was about to glue on and catch the falling piece... Yeah... not fun.
All in all, though, I LOVE LOVE LOVE this project. <br />
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My final piece isn't exactly "final" yet, because I'm not home to hang it on the wall, but this is what I have right now.
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Have you ever done something surprisingly beautiful with toilet paper rolls?</div>
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Linked on: <a href="http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">More the Merrier Monday</a> , <a href="http://youaretalkingtoomuch.blogspot.com/2011/11/meet-me-monday-11.html" target="_blank">Meet Me Monday</a> , <a href="http://soverycreative.blogspot.com/2011/11/so-creative-party-time-12.html" target="_blank">So Creative Party Time</a> , <a href="http://www.hopestudios.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Tutorial Tuesday</a> , <a href="http://sewstylishboutique.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Crafty Lassie Tuesday</a> , </div>Stephanie @ Artfully Crafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12100518168327605643noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352265799557065771.post-15011147655146834712011-11-11T18:53:00.001-08:002011-11-22T22:13:55.700-08:00Chalk & AweI'm house-sitting this weekend with the best dog and cat ON THE PLANET! I'm serious, these guys are amazing. You'll see them in the pics later on. Now for the craft:<br />
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I've wanted a chalkboard forever. There are two main purposes I'm interested in. I have a few friends who have featured them in pictures. I love the idea that you could write something on the chalkboard and have it appear in the photo more organically than if you were to put it in with a photo editing program later. The other reason I wanted one is that I have wanted a cute, decorative way to feature inspirational quotes in my bedroom and a chalkboard is just the thing. Every time I look for them in craft stores or the school-supply and craft aisles of my neighborhood big-box store, I can't handle how much they cost. I'm looking at a minimum of $10 for a plain-jane one, then I have to decorate the raw wood edge. ...it would take all weekend. Blah. So, while wandering Walmart, disappointed that they hadn't magically gone down to 5 cents overnight, I had an epiphany! It went something like this:<br />
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Even better, I had a few hours to spare between Chem Lab and work, so I got a head start on it, since I knew I would need time to dry.<br />
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So here we go!<br />
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<u>Things you need:</u><br />
<ul>
<li>$2 picture frame. (Mine is actually a "document frame" because it was so much cheaper, just make sure it has the glass, because that becomes the chalkboard.) Go ahead and get an ugly one, because it won't matter later.</li>
<li>Spray paint</li>
<li>CHALKBOARD SPRAY PAINT!!!! (How have I not realized how much I needed this before?)</li>
</ul>
<u>What you do:</u><br />
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Take the frame apart. Discard the family photo or pretend document that came in the frame but mean nothing to you. Unless you really like it... then save it for another craft. Make sure you save the back so that you can put it all back together at the end!<br />
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Spray the glass (one side only) with 3 smooth, even coats (not too thick) of chalkboard paint. Let it completely dry between coats. (Mine took about an hour to completely dry because it was really cold outside.) Alternate spray direction between coats, so one is applied in landscape passes and the next in portrait. Does that make sense? I hope it does, because I can't really think of another way to describe it. Once your 3rd coat is dry, set the glass aside in a safe place. The paint needs to cure for 24 hours before we can chalk it up. <br />
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While you wait for the chalk paint to set up, go ahead and spray paint that ugly frame a cute color that will accent your room well (or one that just jumps out at you)! I went with the accent color on my comforter (which happens to be the color of my sheets). Mine was made of some sort of cheap plastic material which STRONGLY resisted being spray painted. With several persistent, super-thin coats I was finally able to achieve the color I was going for. It honestly took 6-8 coats before I was getting full coverage. (this pic is before)<br />
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Side Note: I strongly recommend getting a great cardboard box from the produce department of your local grocery. They are great for catching all the crazy spray dust from spray paint. Also, they have handles, so you can spray outside and move it inside to dry after the smell has dissipated some and you don't have to put fingerprints in it. Magical.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZCXTlurrSqY6bivtiaj3YDgFXJsdMuGTLjfadHtg7RTJRMQqY7uXPP1jwbq70hyDyTXyv67Vc2-iAI0tqlh8sgofPKfJyciGmeG_ZnITlKGv2pVuss7HrHKLnM4Hte1oR63fcXQyWHjG/s1600/DSC02152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZCXTlurrSqY6bivtiaj3YDgFXJsdMuGTLjfadHtg7RTJRMQqY7uXPP1jwbq70hyDyTXyv67Vc2-iAI0tqlh8sgofPKfJyciGmeG_ZnITlKGv2pVuss7HrHKLnM4Hte1oR63fcXQyWHjG/s320/DSC02152.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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After your 24 hours of settling is done, you have to "prime" the chalkboard by rubbing the side of a piece of chalk all over the board. It would be more stable if you put it back in the frame first, but I like a good struggle, so I did it before I put it back together. Once you erase the chalk, put the frame back together and get to chalkin'! If you're house-sitting, make your new furry friends pose with your creation! I have a feeling you'll be seeing this board again... What would you do with your very own chalkboard?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5TACVYXvgAxLizg0tLWmqafcsqcgq7ddLXQzrOrEd0_4peVKHoIbu9Ybr2bMw0TaoCe__8bOHcjFkzjSPcPzl445SK3dkI80IAChcjf97P_XbwrXHsCPPDJPRqqaAGxdqC8h5kZ_9elq/s1600/Juco+with+boardy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5TACVYXvgAxLizg0tLWmqafcsqcgq7ddLXQzrOrEd0_4peVKHoIbu9Ybr2bMw0TaoCe__8bOHcjFkzjSPcPzl445SK3dkI80IAChcjf97P_XbwrXHsCPPDJPRqqaAGxdqC8h5kZ_9elq/s320/Juco+with+boardy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Stephanie @ Artfully Crafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12100518168327605643noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352265799557065771.post-74380368300027936512011-11-10T00:47:00.000-08:002011-11-22T22:13:33.619-08:00Pump Up Your Cup...cake, that is.If you could taste what I'm tasting right now, you would be a happy, happy panda. These are seriously yumeroo.
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I came across this on a blog somewhere last week and now I can't find it (even though I could have SWORN I saved it in my favorites), so I sort of had to wing the details. Luckily, it's so simple, there was little opportunity for disaster. I still made a pretty good sized mess.
So here it is: A pumpkin cuppy recipe.
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<u>Ingredients:</u> (get ready, the list is long)<br />
<ul>
<li>yellow cake mix (1 box)</li>
<li>pumpkin goo (1 15oz can)</li>
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<u>Procedure:</u><br />
Pour the goo in a bowl. Add the mix. Pour into cupcake pan. Bake at 350ish for 20ish min. Tada.<br />
30 minutes after you crack open the can of goo, you should be chowing on pumpkin delight.<br />
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I know you're saying to yourself "WOAAAAAH! Slow down! That was intense!"<br />
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Since I can pretty much guarantee that you're going to try and complicate matters, allow me to elaborate on what is not required:<br />
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-Do not add the eggs, oil, or whatever else they tell you to on the box. Unnecessary.<br />
-Do not buy pumpkin crap. You want pumpkin goo. The ingredients list should look like this: "Pumpkin."<br />
-If you want to use cupcake paper, you'll have cupcakes. If not, they look like little cornbread muffins. I did half with, half without. Powdered sugar is nice on top. (Warning: it's super messy and presents a choking hazard if you're trying to take a big whif before biting in.)<br />
-Would this be delicious with spice cake or other mix? OF COURSE IT WOULD! I just wanted in and out of the grocery as quick as you please, so I nabbed the plain-ole yellow and bolted. <br />
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These muffin/cupcake things are seriously delish. The best part is that you can lick the bowl risk-free (no raw eggs)! I am so pleased with myself that I see this becoming a regular feature in my kitchen AND you family members will be seeing this number at Christmas. Prepare your tastebuds now!</div>
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Linked up on: <a href="http://www.talkingdollarsandcents.net/muffin-monday-bran-flakes-muffins" target="_blank">Muffin Monday</a>, </div>Stephanie @ Artfully Crafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12100518168327605643noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352265799557065771.post-48163948323974377572011-11-08T23:11:00.000-08:002011-11-22T22:12:10.149-08:00CrayoohlalaPlease hold while I continue to giggle about the title of this post. Teehee. Now, moving on. There has been some wild craze in the crafting scene this year about these melty crayon things: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJD0SoLMAam78El6zdf6gBle3DFXmMK1ZaeazZNwjkDI7sgRzsCKAgFvyEJABwJhzvbGnym9aqhoCwqUfOtiOdcuZwqi7IM3jWnSbp5zTS2rFzQAumQcYXuMKsvnKNLkm0H1BIe2oBeItv/s1600/DSC02073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJD0SoLMAam78El6zdf6gBle3DFXmMK1ZaeazZNwjkDI7sgRzsCKAgFvyEJABwJhzvbGnym9aqhoCwqUfOtiOdcuZwqi7IM3jWnSbp5zTS2rFzQAumQcYXuMKsvnKNLkm0H1BIe2oBeItv/s320/DSC02073.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Go ahead, take a moment to ooh and aah at all the pretty colors. It's exactly what I did. I have to think that this gained such popularity for three simple reasons: </div>
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It requires precisely 2 supplies and 2 tools. </div>
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Everyone likes rainbows. Everyone. Especially crafty people. </div>
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It's suuuuuuuuuuuuper easy! I'm pretty sure that given a half-hour of instruction, my beta fish could pull this one off. </div>
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So, since this is such a simple project, I happen to have loads of pictures of my first attempt, and it's the picture behind my blog title, here we go: My very first craft tutorial! </div>
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<u>What you need:</u></div>
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box of crayons</div>
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canvas</div>
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hot glue gun</div>
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blowdryer</div>
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<u>The Nitty Gritty:</u></div>
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Before you start, you should just cover EVERYTHING IN THE ROOM with those throw-out ads from the newspaper. The wax is gonna fly and the minute drops dry instantly leaving everything you own with rainbow freckles.</div>
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The box of crayons you need will be determined by the size of the canvas you're using. I got ambitious and went all 16"x18" on my first try. I bought a box of 96, pulled out all the black, white, gray, metallics, neons, and browns and still had quite a few leftovers.</div>
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I get asked often if you have to use Crayolas of if the off-brand crayons work. I have to assume that any crayon would work but since the wrappers are heavily featured in the end result, I don't recommend buying one that has "Carls Crappy Crayons" or whatever written on them in an ugly package. Also, it is theoretically possible to do this without the wrappers, but I haven't done it yet. I think so much of the crayons melt that it would just become a colored wax painting. You would lose the effect of the melted crayon, which is my favorite part. </div>
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I also got asked if this could be done with any type of glue. Again, I would assume so, but then you have to wait overnight for it to dry. I was reading the back of some glue in the store the other day (what? that's normal.) and saw that it takes "at least 24 hours" to dry. I'm a weekend warrior, folks. I do not have 24 hours to wait for glue to dry. Hot glue gun it is.</div>
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<u>Procedure:</u> (It makes me feel like I'm in lab)</div>
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Lay out all the crayons you intend to use. Keep in mind, you don't have to make a rainbow, but I would advise you that when the melting begins the colors blur so if your colors are not near each other on the spectrum, you're gonna have a whole lot of brown melty blah.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjHfqZE0_l1LuBImqo3HvT10fkNSoDjtJiD8itFpmubRk-stu-m-L1vtNrGxjXVS7d5cU1_WFC1IOxXo1p47Y6nGqyrXd5wWnjVXNRoEjZ_ON2Ur50R_vPwCz2hN_Q4Fu3Dfqdm1LWbqr_/s1600/DSC02069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjHfqZE0_l1LuBImqo3HvT10fkNSoDjtJiD8itFpmubRk-stu-m-L1vtNrGxjXVS7d5cU1_WFC1IOxXo1p47Y6nGqyrXd5wWnjVXNRoEjZ_ON2Ur50R_vPwCz2hN_Q4Fu3Dfqdm1LWbqr_/s320/DSC02069.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Once you know where you want your crayons, start gluing them down. Since you're probably a perfectionist like me, you want the labels all facing the same way; so only glue in sections of 5ish crayons at a time or the glue dries.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGGrdQiNw2Qb1Da6I4vKIAEZG5GtRUZo6uD09k_4_5Jco1NJ6ktjlq7LSVPVGOslzIOfQR3FLTUO9GtqXGpkZSVhWa_KdOB6Q_2_LX5-CssbMw-bkCdworXXsKVNneK55XDgQzK4k0yF_/s1600/DSC02070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGGrdQiNw2Qb1Da6I4vKIAEZG5GtRUZo6uD09k_4_5Jco1NJ6ktjlq7LSVPVGOslzIOfQR3FLTUO9GtqXGpkZSVhWa_KdOB6Q_2_LX5-CssbMw-bkCdworXXsKVNneK55XDgQzK4k0yF_/s320/DSC02070.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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To repeat myself for your personal sanity and well being, this is your absolute last opportunity to cover all surfaces you don't want bespeckled. On a similar note, never point the blowdrier toward yourself. You should have seen the look on my roommate's face as she walked in my room to check on my project the instant after I took on 52,063 purple freckles.</div>
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Now, kick on that blowdrier and show those crayons what you're made of. It takes a little while for the crayons to melt, but on a high heat setting at full blast you should see meltage within 30 seconds. </div>
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<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaD1PH5ZCLhySQ06dfpOndspdrupDXdOU_nvH9LytQ5r1niLMhpZqyHOrAaNny2KNbHAYCuUpYwinA4a6mE2737NZYhUU9HUof4QDFaRuQmi4jxy_j1-_RPsBBkpFSuq_ltUwxMLwhZY-d/s320/DSC02071.JPG" width="320" /></div>
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When I tried to go straight across, the drip was drying about 2 inches down, then the crayons hardened right back up. You'll develop your own technique, but don't try to get them all to melt at one time, stick to a range of 5-8 crayons. For best results, make several passes over each section.</div>
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Keep going 'til you have something you like, but know when to stop. Too much melting and you're going to get brown goo. Consider yourself warned. Now you might have something like this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0_y9WU67Tz9wyTKjveiJOlpt3QmYGmyQLwCHPbs__TjHvZ093Y_XWWbOTnmxOMmcoqsPFYWrjprrrceAZ76MBA7IqUlu5ek1g4bgtvLVzlU0hsLovAOwl3iL4cp-lT18HT68iHxxrumP/s1600/DSC02072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0_y9WU67Tz9wyTKjveiJOlpt3QmYGmyQLwCHPbs__TjHvZ093Y_XWWbOTnmxOMmcoqsPFYWrjprrrceAZ76MBA7IqUlu5ek1g4bgtvLVzlU0hsLovAOwl3iL4cp-lT18HT68iHxxrumP/s320/DSC02072.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'd love to see how yours turned out, so whip out that cam and send me a link!</div>
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Here's how mine looked when I hung it on the wall!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgyhnk_V2H4grm627L1p-Br-v76Erwb0VTmPrCFGVvsqs36DT1o-uSmi3G3XDVLiQNEP3fGO-24WRKnBqOMabS8vTZLPmqGlQ1k36LBCB5ank2LsJxnKn4tQjFbT2Egb9WKFVSTW3cgRz/s1600/DSC02084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgyhnk_V2H4grm627L1p-Br-v76Erwb0VTmPrCFGVvsqs36DT1o-uSmi3G3XDVLiQNEP3fGO-24WRKnBqOMabS8vTZLPmqGlQ1k36LBCB5ank2LsJxnKn4tQjFbT2Egb9WKFVSTW3cgRz/s320/DSC02084.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you learn anything about me in the coming blogs, you'll learn that I'm a one-upper. Here's how I tried to one-up the standard "melting crayons on canvas rainbow" shindig:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTExex46uh_38hyQJVYo4BQHdKrsKc5SEQ7xhexsWUv7hGQBIONqofiH4_F-BPPYsXF73ueGVISfzD9zsepz1B9jiGGubnakZDqbV83XT5BrGiAjnVdkVISuRb1gAiJTZP3HTqIQxxhNdm/s1600/DSC02102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTExex46uh_38hyQJVYo4BQHdKrsKc5SEQ7xhexsWUv7hGQBIONqofiH4_F-BPPYsXF73ueGVISfzD9zsepz1B9jiGGubnakZDqbV83XT5BrGiAjnVdkVISuRb1gAiJTZP3HTqIQxxhNdm/s320/DSC02102.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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This is how I took the pic, but it's hanging "upside down" of this on my wall. You wanna one-up me? I'd love to see your ideas (so I can try and one-up you back)!</div>
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I think I personally love this because as I've mentioned, I was terrible at drawing in elementary school (who am I kidding? I still am) and it's like I was going to make these crayons into art whether they cooperated or not! When I first saw this, I wanted to do it, but never thought of it when I had a canvas. It's hard for me to contribute this craft to any one blog, because it is on so many, but I definitely did check <a href="http://megduerksen.typepad.com/whatever/2011/08/you-knew-i-was-going-to-make-one.html" target="_blank">this one</a> out before I got started.</div>
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So here it is, my very first tutorial. What do you think?</div>
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Update: HOLY COW! LOOK WHAT I JUST FOUND! Sorry for the caps lock, but I was shouting in my head. Check out this topical blast from my past: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPUFic9AlAvjO-Ioq2rFWRlzvLf_AxwDblswn3N7EWv7zMeRs39lyAY432n1eQC1ElRmbl_5J2lEJXZ14QJeCidVRo4IYVW9PtThcqEFTeTtSLGIj0vHOYIRs6oKr8P3RnvI6v-ix276yN/s1600/crayon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPUFic9AlAvjO-Ioq2rFWRlzvLf_AxwDblswn3N7EWv7zMeRs39lyAY432n1eQC1ElRmbl_5J2lEJXZ14QJeCidVRo4IYVW9PtThcqEFTeTtSLGIj0vHOYIRs6oKr8P3RnvI6v-ix276yN/s320/crayon.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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YOU'RE WELCOME!</div>Stephanie @ Artfully Crafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12100518168327605643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352265799557065771.post-2208893343441901152011-11-08T21:27:00.000-08:002011-11-08T21:27:20.043-08:00An Artfully Crafted IntroductionRiding the bus today, I began thinking of how much my life has changed in the last year. A lot has come and gone, but depending on who my readers are, you might already know everything about me or nothing at all. Let's start fresh. <br />
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I suppose I've always been a crafter. It became apparent at a very young age that I was not a prodigy in art class. Even today, my stick figures are alarmingly devoid of any identifiable features. I never seem to get the arms the right length... But I always had a passion for the art supplies and the potential they held. It was in my early days as a Camp Fire Girl that I learned the magical art of crafting. I always find that the best place to stir up a little spark of creativity is a craft blog. I've been obsessively searching for and following many for years. It's my love of these that inspired me to start this very blog. I've been making crafts for so long, that it's only fair I share a few with the community that inspired me.<br />
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I will be the first to admit that not all of my crafts were completely original concepts. It has been said, after all, that "there is nothing new under the sun". (No, it's not The Beatles, it's Ecclesiastes 1:9, you silly billy.) What I lack in inspiration, I make up for with resourcefulness. When I find myself coming up a little short in the imagination, my cup runeth over with determination. My method of blending originality with adaptation was the inspiration for my blog title.<br />
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It is my full intention to always give credit where credit is due. I want to take the best ideas I find (and a few of my own) and be another vehicle for them. I would love to hear from fellow crafters if you have any suggestions or experiences with these or any other crafty endeavor. Thanks so much for stopping by!Stephanie @ Artfully Crafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12100518168327605643noreply@blogger.com0