Fun, right?  Thanks, Marie, for taking the time to share with us!

The “Original” was made from mostly recycled materials- a  cardboard box that I salvaged was decoupaged with left-over Christmas tissue paper. I then sponge-painted some gold paint & drew over it with a silver Sharpie to make the hearts.

The "Original" Boo-Boo Box

The decorations on top were some rusty metal heart shapes, wire, and leftover beads from another project. The corrugated black cardboard & torn paper label give it a more “folk-primitive feel.”

Box fully stocked!

And then there’s a secret message inside…

...because she does.

Hope this inspires you to make your own Boo-Boo Box to keep handy- or maybe make one to keep at Grandma’s house? It would make such a cute and thoughtful little gift!

Everyone needs a boo-boo box at hand for little emergencies!

Here’s a sweet little decoupage craft that is right in time for the summer- after all, summer at our house means bike rides, sports, outdoor play…and boo-boos!

You can use any cardboard box you might have saved from the trash, or in my case, used a sweet little cardboard purse from ConsumerCrafts.com.

So, here’s what I did: I took some pretty scrapbook paper and cut the following:

• 2 pieces for the top and bottom (trace these and cut about 1/8 smaller than your traced line.)
• 1 piece for the bottom edge
• 2 pieces for the sides

I decoupaged them all using Mod Podge Matte.

Love that Mod Podge!

Decoupage all of your scrapbook paper on the box.

As you can see, my Craft-N-Spin really came in handy on this project! Read my review of it HERE.

To help tie it all together, I used my Worn Lipstick Tim Holtz Distress Ink pad & rubbed over the edges and areas not covered with scrapbook paper. I really feel like it’s the ink that unifies it all.

Then I used an unmounted rubber stamp and some Archival Ink to stamp on the swirls.

I cut some Nestabilities dies with my Cuttlebug to make the label, and my “Typewriter Keys” Stamp set to put the title on. I decoupaged all of this with Mod Podge, because I know this little box will get some wear and tear, and don’t want to risk ripping off the label. This is also why I chose not to have any 3-d elements.

I did add a little “pop” with some Mod Podge Dimensional Magic on my stamped letters- in person, they almost look like epoxy stickers! I love Dimensional Magic, and if you like, read my review HERE.

I finished it off with a little Stickles to add a bit of contrast color and sparkle. Because, you know, when you’ve got a boo-boo you need a little sparkle to cheer you up!

Here's what the bottom looks like- also cute!

So now, fill your boo-boo box with adhesive bandages from your kid’s favorite TV show, some gauze, antiseptic wash, hydrocortizone cream, and some antibiotic cream.

So there you have it! Fun, easy, and handy to have around (I keep mine in the kitchen) for those times when the wee ones have a little mis-hap.  Craft on!

Disclosure: The scrapbooking papers and Mod Podge were given to me by ConsumerCrafts.com for use in designs I make for them on their awesome (!) blog, www.CraftsUnleashed.com,where I am the editor.

Memory Frame for the "Dads & Grads" Challenge on CraftsUnleashed.com

We’re doing a little “grads and dads” memory frame challenge on CraftsUnleashed, and I have to confess I was stumped on this for a while. Of course, my inclination was to make something for my husband from the kiddos, since Father’s Day is right around the corner. But then I realized that no one was working on a grad frame, and it would be fun to see one of those.

One problem: I don’t know any high-school or college grads!!! And I’m the kind of crafter that likes my crafting to tell a story, to be connected to a person or event. So I was really struggling then.

Then it dawned on me that there are TONS of “graduations:” graduations from Elementary school, driver’s ed, and yes…even Pre-Kindergarten. And it just so happens that in 4 days my sweet baby girl will leave the world of early childhood education and become a grade-schooler. So THERE’S my inspiration!

I staged the photo with my son’s Kindergarten graduation pic, but at will be swapped out with a new “graduate” photo in just a few days!

Surf on over to read the step-by-step instructions and supply list…and on Friday, make sure you go back and vote for my frame in the show-down!

Quilled Creations Booth at CHA

Close up of the "I" in Inspire

I’m not sure if it’s the color or the texture, or just the fact that it’s just simple paper strips that captivates me…but I LOVE the look of quilling, so I decided to give their Beginner Quilling Kit a try!

Basic Quilling Kit Photo courtesy of Quilled Creations

I opened this cute purple box and was really happy with the tools inside. You get:

• Slotted quilling tool
• Needle quilling tool
• Circle sizer
• Quilling papers
• Elmer’s brand glue
• 2 white tags and 2 card templates
• Instruction book…
• and of course the sturdy 2-sided box to keep your goodies in!

That’s a lot of happiness for just under $30.oo! (And puts it right into the “great gift idea” category!)

So I started with actually READING the instruction book. (I know, I rarely do this…) and  decided to make each of the shapes using the instructions provided. First I make a circle using the slotted quilling tool:

Insert paper into slot, and twirl, applying slight pressure with your thumb.

I ended up with a circle that looked like this:

Yay! Perfect. Just a dab of glue on the end holds it together!

Then I tried using the needle tool. There’s no slot to put the paper in, so you have to just get it going and keep it taut:

Wrap the paper around the tool, and then hold it taut while twirling.

I, unfortunately, didn’t keep it taut enough…so this circle….um…..

Not so hot.

So, I went back to the slotted tool and went through all of the shapes in the instruction book. In no time I was zipping along and feeling like a pro. I made a “sampler” of all of my shapes for easy reference:

So once I got through the basics, I went on to try some of the beginner projects- a flower, a butterfly, and a dragonfly. Here are how they turned out:

Cute, right?? By the way, I used a little of my favorite shimmer spray Radiant Rains on that one in the middle.) I figure these would make the world’s cutest gift tags. And I’m thinking that if I get super-snazzy, I just might try a picture frame, too!

So now for the nitty-gritty…..

PROS:

• This kit is complete- everything you need to get going, and it includes a storage box.
• It’s great to have a set of tweezers in your kit.  (I made a puddle of glue on my work-table, and used the tweezers to grasp my quilled piece lightly to dip in the glue, then place on the project.) Quilled paper is delicate, and it’s hard to grasp with bare fingers.
• Good price point, and great for gift-giving.
• Appropriate for ages 8 and up.
• Easy to get started and see good results.
• Instruction book is easy to read & understand
• Builds confidence!

CONS:

• Might not be great for folks with low vision, poor dexterity or arthritis/hand conditions.

(Really, I’m stretching here. Can’t find many “cons!”)

So, all in all, I love my little kit. I think it would be fun to do with my son, and it’s one of those crafts you could take on vacation for rainy days. Since it uses so few tools and just simple white glue, it’s also an inexpensive craft to keep up- no electricity to use, and there are probably books with advanced designs available at your library.

I rate this one: CRAFT-TASTIC!

Do you quill? Have this kit? I’d love to hear your thoughts! OH…and look for some fun quilling projects on CraftsUnleashed.com coming soon!

Disclosure:

Stamped Resin Bangle for CraftsUnleashed.com

So, my “Stamped Resin Bangles” went up on CraftsUnleashed.com yesterday, and I was pretty pleased with the results. It’s a stamped-and-painted paper strip that’s then decoupaged into the resin form that comes from ConsumerCrafts.com.  (See the full tutorial HERE.)

Of course, when you are designing crafts for an international craft-supply company, you use only what they carry, right? However, after I created the craft using their products, I started rummaging around my studio for other ways to trick out these bangles.

I pulled out some Magenta “Peel Offs” stickers, some origami paper, and some Precious Metals Paints by Viva Decor and come up with another version .

I found that true origami paper- the stuff with the high linen content- takes very well to the Mod Podge. I used some gold accent stickers (!) on the on on the left.

Bangles made with Origami Paper

I am totally in love with the black Magenta Paisley stickers, so I used them in this duo- a ring AND a bangle!

Magenta Stickers, Mod Podge, and Origami Paper. Oh, yeah!

I also have to say that I feel that the real “finishing touch” is the Precious Metals Paints (read my review of those HERE) on the interior. It helps seal the layers and add that “brushed metal” look.

I’m kind of on a kick…I actually ordered a bunch more of these bangles and rings from www.ConsumerCrafts.com. So much fun, and so many options!

Disclosure: ConsumerCrafts.com supplied me with the materials to make the bangle for their blog, www.CraftsUnleashed.com, but I purchased my own materials for the subsequent designs featured on this blog.

Coffee filter blooms are a great recycling craft!

Yeah, I know this one is kinda an “oldie-but-a-goodie,” but I had such a good time making them today that I thought I’d share it here, too…just to remind you how much fun you can have with the garbage you generate!

My recycled objects were all collected after breakfast:

• 5 or 6 coffee filters (per flower)
• egg carton (yields 12)
• cereal box

Plus you’ll need some not-so-recycled objects, one each per flower:

• bamboo skewers
• chenielle stems
• button for the center

And some general crafty items:

• colored spray mists (I love my Radiant Rains- read my review of those HERE- but you can use Glimmer Mists or plain ol pan water colors)
• Hot Glue
• Floral tape OR yarn and white glue for wrapping the stem
• scissors

To start, you’ll need 5 or 6 used coffee filters. After I brew a pot, I usually just take out the filter, grounds and all, and lay it on a plate to dry out. That way I get interesting color variations on the filter. When they are dry, I just brush the grounds off of the filters with a stiff paintbrush.

I like to use 3 colors per flower- 2 each of a dark, medium, and one or two of a light shade. I used a dark pink, and orange, and a yellow for mine. (If you want the exact colors, just leave me a comment.) I placed the filters in an old box lid and gave them a nice spray of color:

The coffee staining adds nice shading.

While the filters are drying, cut the bottom cups out of the egg carton. I specifically only use a fiberboard egg carton, as the color spray won’t stick to the foam ones. After you cut out the cups, you can color them with a green magic marker or hit them with some fabulous green color mist.

If you want to paint them, use the paper egg cartons!

You can also rough- cut some “leaves” out of the cereal cardboard- just make sure to leave a 1/2 inch cardboard stem on each. I also sprayed the back (unwaxed) side of the cardboard with my green color mist.

When everything is fairly dry, crumple the “petals.” Do this by grasping the center of a filter, then pulling the edges up and crumpling as you go. It just adds some nice pleats that are reminiscent of a carnation:

Next, stack all of your filters in the order you’d like them: the center color on top, darkest color on the bottom. Poke holes in the middle of the filters using a craft blade. Also make a small hole in the bottom of your egg cup.

Now it’s time to assemble your flower:

Loop top 1/2 inch of the end of your chenielle stem through your button, and twist it on tightly. Then thread on your filter petals, in order from top to bottom. Lastly, thread on the egg cup. As you pull the button down, it’ll pull the filters into the cup and force the petals up. Be gentle doing this, and arrange your “petals” as you go:

Now take your bamboo skewer and place the pointy end in the hole in the egg cup. It’s going to make a nice, rigid stem. You might with to add a dollop of hot glue to the bottom of the egg cup to keep the stem/skewer from pulling out, or the head of the flower from flopping over. (I didn’t on my sample, and I wish I had.)

Now take your floral tape and start wrapping from the top of the stem (by the egg cup) and, pulling and winding as you go, wrap the skewer and chenille stem together. After you’ve wrapped about 2 inches, add in your cardboard flowers if you like.

OK, there you go! A little more trash OUT of the landfill, and a little more art in your life. I have to think that this would be a fun craft to make with older kids- either for Mothers (or Grandparent’s) Day, or to decorate for Earth Day.

Have fun and happy crafting!

Disclosure

Easter Banner made for CraftsUnleashed~

I think it’s A) pretty, and B) is something you could make at home without a Cricut– and probably with the papers and old buttons you’ve already got lying around. You could use pre-cut chipboard for the letters, large stickers, or print out fonts and trace them from your computer.

My whole "mantle-scape"

I’m going to make a special version for my studio that says “create”….or maybe “inspire”… I’ll be fun to play.

By the way, I’ve still got a giveaway going on- so if you missed it, read up on it here. Thanks for stopping by, and comments are always welcome!

So I’m sharing. It has music, so if it bugs you, hit “mute.” Enjoy the next four minutes of art-y goodness!

Happy National Craft Month!

Spring-Assist Scissors by Westcott

Every crafter I know has a ka-jillion pairs of scissors. And every crafter I know probably needs or will buy one more pair if they are worth it. Today I’m talking about that pair- Westcott Spring-Assist Scissors.

Actually I have TWO pairs of Spring-Assist scissors- the 9″ Titanium Ultra-Smooth scissors and the 6″ “Blooms” .

Let’s start with the larger of the two, the Titanium Ultra-Smooth, which have a mildly blunted tip. The overall length is 9″, but the blade length is about 4″. The blades are also offset, which make them great for cutting large sheets of foam, cloth, or cardboard. The have a molded handle for the top and a contoured “loop” for the bottom handle. This is lovely for right-ies and left-ies alike! The loop also makes it easy to grip these scissors and hold them steady.

A yellow slide lock sits on top

There is also a handy-dandy lock that keeps your scissors safe and secure when they’re not in use. For that matter the Blooms scissors do, too, even though in the photo they’re open. I’m sorry to report that upon finding them, my 9-year-old son pried them open and broke the piece that locks them. Is the plastic too flimsy or is my son a brute? Hard to tell.

But back to the action. These scissors are called “Ultra-Smooth”, and they are! The cutting motion is smooth and clean, and with the spring-assist they glide back open, saving your hands half the effort of regular scissors.

With my background in Activities Directing, I wish they had had these at the nursing homes where I worked back in the day. My residents would have been so much more successful with these scissors. Lighter, easier to close with a power grip, bottom loop to hold them steady…why, even some of my folks with arthritis could have gone back to crafting with them. I really appreciate crafting tools that enable the elderly/disabled to return to crafting, and I feel these scissors to just that.

I used both scissors on foam, paper, cardboard, cardstock, and fabric, and regular paper, and I’m happy to report I was pleased with how they worked. Like all scissors, you should designate certain pairs for fabric and others for paper- otherwise the paper will dull the ones you want to use for fabric. These Westcott scissors are labeled for general use, not specifically for fabric, but I thought they did a great job!

"Blooms" spring-assist ultra-smooth scissors

While the 9″ scissors are great for the big jobs, the “Blooms” scissors (with their pointy 2.5″ blades) are great for everyday use.  I put them in the kitchen drawer and we’ve cut plastic bottles with them, snipped labels off of clothing, cut-out paper shapes (the aforementioned son’s homework), and more. These are sharp little buggers, too, and I would recommend keeping them away from children under 8 years old.

As you can see in the photo, this style features straight handles that are molded and contoured to rest nicely in the hand, but have no bottom loop. These save my hands that extra exertion, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend them for institutional use because of the sharp tip and the instability in the hand for older or disabled users. However, I really love them and they are my “go-to” daily scissors now.

One last thing: they’ve added a little loop on both of these models on the bottom handle- this is so you can add a tag or charm to put your name on them. That way if you go to crops or share an office,  your scissors won’t get confused with someone else’s. It’s a small thing, but a really nice touch.

All in all, I’m very impressed with these scissors- they have rapidly replaced my Fiskars ones as my faves. Look for them soon at a big-box or craft store near you.

Questions or comments? I’d love to hear from you!

FTC Disclosure