The tray had been a fixture on our porch for years, and the once rich finish showed the effects of constant exposure to the elements. When Crafts 'n Things editor Dawn Gehring suggested a Christmas home decor project, I knew this was the perfect project to repurpose a favorite piece. You'll have to check the December 2008 issue to see the tray itself, but a few swipes of Espresso paint with an Adirondack® Acrylic Paint Dabber gave the tray new life.
I envisioned big, bold flowers and leaves. Since the poinsettia stamps that I had on hand were not the size that I wanted, I turned to large foam leaf and circle stamps to create the images that I envisioned. As with the foam stamp Christmas cards, I used Adirondack® Acrylic Paint Dabbers and Adirondack® Metallic Acrylic Paint Dabbers to mix my paints right on the stamps. I believe I achieved the bold look that I had in mind!
Now for a closer look. When I think of Christmas, I think of glitter and glitz, and the fun part of the project was adding those details. Adirondack® Dimensional Pearls, Stickles™ Glitter Glue, and Perfect Pearls™ pack a glamour punch and the Inkssentials™ White Opaque Pen adds subtle accents.
As for the glass charms, Tim Holtz™ Adirondack® Alcohol Inks and Metallic Mixatives quickly transformed jewelry findings into coordinating pieces. Rather sophisticated if I do say so.
For additional details, see pages 52-53 in the December 2008 issue of Crafts 'n Things.
You may have noticed there is no longer a RSS FWD link to subscribe to my blog. The explanation is simple: After the recent RSS FWD upgrade, my subscription link no longer functioned, and I could not find information to upgrade. While you may still add my URL as an RSS FWD feed here and continue to receive RSS FWD blog updates, I decided it was time to provide the FeedBurner option. Personally, my RSS FWD results continue to be inconsistent, and I'm ready to try something different.
I feel like a little girl who's been waiting for Santa for a long time and his arrival is imminent. Earlier this week, I noticed that the home page for Crafts 'n Things now features the December issue of the magazine. That means that my copy of the magazine should arrive any day. (One of the advantages of a subscription: having your copy in hand before it's on the newsstand!)
I never tire of looking through holiday idea books. Although I primarily consider myself a paper crafter, there is inspiration to be found everywhere. Just look at this cover and you'll see what I mean.
I must admit that there is another reason that I'm excited. I can't wait to see my Christmas projects in print. Although I've had projects published in several issues now (since Amos Publishing acquired The Rubber Stamper,) these are the first that I designed specifically for Crafts 'n Things.
Have you seen the mail carrier?
