A Matter of Imagination

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.

Foam Stamp Transformations

What comes to mind when you think of foam stamps? Simple? Plain? Country? Not any more. These three cards, featured in the December 2008 issue of Crafts 'n Things, prove that great products can change the effect from the look of a chunky stencil to one of sophistication, glamour, or just plain fun!
What could be easier than mixing colors on your stamp with Adirondack® Acrylic Paint Dabbers or Adirondack® Metallics Acrylic Paint Dabbers.

Stickles™ Glitter Glue, Liquid Pearls™, Adirondack® Dimensional Pearls, and Perfect Pearls™ can provide real pizzazz.

I used an Inkssentials™ White Opaque and a black pen (Pitt Artist) to add detail to continue the transformation.


No chunky stencil look here. For additional tips, see pages 88-89 in the December 2008 issue of Crafts 'n Things.