Zen- Inspired Necklace featured on the ICE Resin® Blog

Zen-Inspired Necklace

Happy Thursday!!  Today on the ICE Resin Blog is one of my favorite (and easy) jewelry pieces.  Zentangles are a favorite of so many.  The simplicity of  the black and white, the rhythm of the patterns and the serenity that comes as we move pen to paper was my inspiration for this necklace.  With a few simple supplies and a little time, you too can be Zen-inspired!  Hope you will take a few moments and visit the blog to see just how simple and stress-free this can be!!  Here are a few close-up photos ....

The Zen-Square Bezel

Close up of the charm dangles and the Zen Heart

Until next time, I hope you get your "zen" on and try this technique with ICE Resin®.

Chantal

The Joy of Journaling - the Opposites

Recently I shared with y'all the joy of journaling with two word lists.  Each morning, before the world begins and by world, I mean, dogs, hens, children, husband and the to do lists, I sit quietly at the kitchen table.  To my left is  my special bag of pens, my gratitude journal, another study journal and my Bible.  To my right, is coffee...always coffee.  The rest of the house is dark and quiet. the light in the kitchen is all I need to see what is in front of me - the Light of the World and the whisper of the Spirit.  I start with my gratitude journal, even on mornings when I am not feeling particularly grateful...I start the same way, each and everyday.  I am grateful for this day, a good cup of coffee, and then the list begins...Yesterday, I wrote some general things and then my mind began to wonder in two different directions, as it often does...and then so did my list.  Isn't that how life is at times?   Full of faith and full of doubt.  Full of laugher and full of tears. Depending on the season of life or even in  the split second like when children are laughing together and then their laughter turns to tears... I thought about the familiar and the new... One adventourous and unknown; the other, known and safe.

Here's a portion of my list..a good way to view life as not one thing or the other.  It's a blending of both, balancing mind and soul and leaning forward...all the while, being grateful for both.

I am grateful for...

*dreams and to do lists
*the planned and the carefree
*the pursuit and the pause
*the do-ing and the be-ing
*Highs and lows
*the new and the old
*the routine and the spontaneity
*the tried&true and  the risk
*my past and my present


Then my list shifted to this...

*The Lord being in all of my opposites
*Life's stages - May I play my part well
*Life's seasons- May I savor and learn from each of them
*Life's Opposites - May I handle them with Grace and Faith.


They say opposites attract and for relationships perhaps that's true.  But I have found the in all opposites there must be a common thread that connects the two.  For me it is my faith in the Lord who has made everything perfect in his time.  In Ecclesiastes, Solomon wrote about opposites and that there is truly a time for everything. Life is filled with opposites. Life is also, filled with connections.  Connections, threads, faith - like cable wires in the ground, they are ever present but protected by the soil.  Buried but most definetly not forgotten.  We need these deep rooted connections to weather the changes, the opposites in life.  We don't want our root system to be only a few inches beneath the surface.  We want it to be well- planted, well-watered and well-protected.

Each morning, as I listen for the whisper, this is where my blending of life and it's challenges happen..through time, prayer and leaning in to what the Lord has to share in the opposites in my life, he'll show me in perfect time how these opposites attract and become part of my root system, my growth, my story. It doesn't happen overnight, it takes a life- time of tending, planting and pruning.

So what opposites can you be grateful for? Start a list in your journal and see how your thoughts become ways to see life not just as black or white but a blending, a time of connecting.  Some opposites are fun like our sons and daughters, new and old but some are a little more challenging such as staying and leaving, risk and routine, and some will take all of our faith to find the connection such as gain and loss, joy and sadness...and what I have found to be true, is that in all of this, the grounding of our Faith will be the right balance for the nurturing of our lives.

Until next time, may you find joy in journaling...

Willow Hearts Tea Time In Texas - a mother/daughter tradition

The transformation of my backyard

Willow Hearts is a love of mine.  We started this girls group almost 5 years ago with the idea of creating community, a safe place, an inviting place, an accepting place, a loving place, a fun place where we could  share, learn and grow.  We have met at least twice a month, where art, faith and friendship collide.  We also have special days and traditions such as our Costume Party,  Christmas in Mexico (a service project), Secret Santa and Summer Fun days but one of the most special of all days is our annual Mother/Daughter Tea which also includes Grandmothers.  It's a time to sit and enjoy moms and daughters, teas and scones, love and friendship.  My backyard becomes center stage for our Garden Tea Party where glass plates, teacups and pretty napkins are placed on each of the round tables,  where food is served from tiered plates and laugher is heard from table to table.  It's a moment in time that seems to stand still, no distractions except maybe a bird or two. At the end of the tea, we all participate in a teacup swap.  Each mother/daughter/granddaughter brings a wrapped teacup whether new, old or somewhere in between.  It's an exciting time to see all the teacups- the varying styles from modern and sleek to floral and elegant.

The tables are set

But the most wonderful exchange is not the teacups but of  stories, friendship and love - for which I am forever grateful.   These girls and their moms have shared with me their time and creativity, their friendship and their love.  This year was no exception to the beauty and joy that was shared that afternoon.  My backyard is transformed to an elegant outing, an oasis from the busyness of life- we hide the pool rafts, clean up the flower beds and make sure there is no evidence of the three dogs that grace our yard on a daily basis.  We set rented tables with crisp white linens, fresh flowers and conversation starters.  We pull out the collection of glass party plates, teacups and vintage silver spoons, polished only on this occasion.   We begin to plate the glass tiers with chicken salad tarts, cucumber sandwiches (my mother's infamous tea treasures) and turkey triangles.  On another plate is scones accompanied with clotted cream and jam, and still on another is macaroons, cream puffs and mini Victorian sponge cakes made by Presleigh who loves all things British.

Snapdragons and hibiscus planted and in full bloom

the walkway filled with purple goodness

This year, we shared about the memories made by the exchanging not just of teacups but of time and presence.  I encouraged them to lean in and remember these special times with friends, moms and daughters, to remember the warm feelings of friendship  admist the warm Texas heat, the hands and hearts who selected the teacups.  We know that our teatime tradition only lasts a few hours, but in the moments forward, this teatime afternoon becomes a memory to savor and serve warm with a dollop of love!

Mothers, Daughters, Grandmothers - Friends!!

Until next time, Tea is always served at my home- join me!

Magazine Mosaic Necklace features in the Gallery of Belle Armoire Jewelry Summer Issue 2017

Magazine Mosaic in the spirit of Monet

Recently our ceiling fell (another story for another time but it was due to our A/C).  The only thing that was ruined was.... you guessed it- my magazines that were on the coffee table.  I am so very grateful that no one was hurt. Our furniture was cleaned and restored but…. Oh the sad state of a stack of my treasures (magazines), wet and somewhat crumpled.   What was I to do?  …. Get creating!

With my wet British County Living, I decided to try a paste paper technique to try and save some of the beautiful images..   What I love with this technique is that each pendant, collage or bezel will be different.  With the blending of the papers, the effects can be soft as Monet’s flower fields or vibrant as Georgia O’Keefe.   So if you are willing to part with your magazines, let’s get started and create these works of art…. if you can’t part with your treasured publications, just ask your neighbor for theirs…. Happy Creating!!

Gather

A few supplies

Brush the Paper Sealer onto the trimmed paper

Old Magazines

Paper trimmer

Collage glue stick

Cardstock

Metal bezel

ICE Resin®, disposable cup, stir stick 

*ICED Enamels, ICED Enamels Medium, Relique Powder or Acrylic paint (*Optional)
Heat tool

Wire, jewelry pliers wire cutters

Beads

Leather Cording or Chain

Make

1.  Using paper trimmer and pages from magazines, cut long strips of varying width

2.  With collage glue stick, glue strips next to and even overlapping each other on the base cardstock

3.  Once a large enough area is covered, lay the template down.

Paper strips glued onto base yardstick
 and the template for the bezel

4.  To cut out the bezel size, with pencil trace and then use scissors to cut out or with a Xacto knife cut around the template through the paper.  Make sure that the paper is on a self-healing cutting mat. Brush on two coats of Paper Sealer and  Set aside.

 

The paper trimmed heart and 2 other bezels 

5.  Now prepare the bezel with a little bit of ICED Enamel Powder or Acrylic Paint.

Brush on ICED Enamel Medium in the bezel

Sprinkling on the Relique Powder.  Then
heat set with embossing/craft heat tool. 

 6.  Prepare the ICE Resin®  -

*Mix equal amounts of part A and part B in the disposable cup.  

*Using the plastic stir stick and gently fold the two parts stirring for two minutes.

6.  With the stir stick, drip the Resin into the bezel and fill to the edge.  Let dry 8-10 hours

 

Drying on the Studio Sheet

7.  With annealed wire, thread through the loop on the bezel.  String 3 beads and then create a loop at the top and wire wrap the longer tail.

8.  String the wire and heart bezel onto leather or chain

 

Sunlight  shinning on my Mosaic Garden

A few fun facts about my Love of Jewelry…

*When I was a little girl, stringing beads was a favorite in our home.  From there the love just grew and the little girl in me, loves to create jewelry pieces for others and myself.

I was inspired to make this piece so I could rescue wet magazines that I couldn’t bear to throw away.

The Best part of Jewelry making for me is the feeling of accomplishment and the absolute freedom to create each piece as unique as the person who will wear it.

 Until next time, Grab a few magazines and enter Monet's Gardens or Georgia O'Keefe's flowers 

A little more abstract bezel, ready for ICE Resin®

Amazing Appliance Makeovers featuring a vintage 1940's Kitchen Aid mixer and a little crockpot dipper and Mod Podge™

Covered in TLC and Mod Podge®

A new 1940's vintage Kitchen Aid

Mod Podge®…. who knew it would be the go to decoupage, sealer and more way back in the 70’s when as a little girl, I remember my mom using this amazing stuff that was in a funky orange and yellow bottle!! She would use it on everything from “Decoupage-ing” recipes onto wood breadboards to sealing hand painted home décor items and more.   I love the story of how it began by Jan Wetstone in the 1960’s!!  She has made a lasting impact on crafters everywhere and also on the beautifully crafted pieces that are made.  My mom’s breadboards are as perfect today as they were when she first made them. 

So when I was asked to participate in this blog hop, without hesitation, I added my name to the list.  I have been “Mod Podging” since I was a little girl and it is my go-to glue, decoupage and sealer. 

My Goody Box!!

To my surprise, I received a wonderful goody box that contained Mod Podge®, brushes that were made by Plaid for Mod Podge® and a few other treasures.  Thank you, Plaid®!! But what was I to create; the ideas are boundless, limitless…paper or fabric, glass or wood…and then I remembered how on a recent trip to London, I had fallen in love with  Liberty of London’s famous fabric patterned toasters, mixers and more. 

Liberty of London's Toaster and Tea Kettle!- My Inspiration!!

A few supplies....

Would there be a way to use Mod Podge on an appliance????  YES… it’s the Dishwasher safe Mod Podge®!! So to the treasure store I went, searching for an appliance to cover with originally designed paper and Mod Podge®!  On my first stop, I found (and purchased) a little Crockpot dipper for $3.99 and it was 30% off!!  I continued to look for more appliances but some were too big, too many hinges, too expensive… So this little dipper was just the right size to begin this endeavor.

While working with this project, I decided to use the brushes that were in my goody box.  I have seen them in the stores but truthfully,  I thought all brushes were equal and I always used sponge brushes…well, not anymore!  These are fantastic brushes and brushing on even coats has never been easier!!  They wash and dry beautifully and are ready to be used again and again!  These now will be special brushes only for Mod Podge® and as for the sponge brushes- they will get to be used with something else.

  

Now, that I have finished this little appliance, I am onto  covering a 1940’s vintage Kitchen Aid Mixer (see pictures below-blog post to follow)and is search of the perfect tea kettle!!  I feel that if Jan and I had met in person, we would be covering everything from dishes to doors and everything in between! 

Ready, Set…Mod Podge!!

Gather

Mod Podge® brush set, decoupage

Mod Podge® - Dishwasher safe

Mini Crockpot or appliance of choice

Sand block or sandpaper

Paper - I used one of my Original Designs Collage Art Papers

Scissors

Pencil or marking tool

Rubbing Alcohol

Cotton pads

Damp Rag

Make

1.  Wash and Dry appliance.  If there is a sticky residue, use rubbing alcohol and a cotton pad to remove.  Wash and dry again.

2.  If the appliance has stainless steel or metal, use the sanding block to remove the finish and provide “tooth” for the paper to adhere.

 

Sand lightly with a sanding block to remove finish

3.  Lay the paper around the appliance in manageable lengths.  Use a pencil or marking tool to mark the area to be trimmed so as to fit the appliance.  Repeat this to cover entire area.

 

Mark paper around odd shapes or cords in the appliance

Trimmed and ready to apply

4.  With the Mod Podge® decoupage brush, apply Dishwasher safe Mod Podge® to the back of the paper and onto the corresponding area of appliance.  Gently Place paper onto the appliance smoothing it down in one direction; repeat this step until the entire area is covered.

5.  Once the entire area is covered, begin to seal the paper-covered appliance with DW Mod Podge®.  Coat the entire area making sure to smooth out any bubbles or “blobs” of the Mod Podge®.  Let dry for 1 -2 hours and repeat this 3-4 times to build up a strong seal. 

***Use the damp rag to wipe any excess Mod Podge® that may get onto parts of the appliance that is not being covered as you work on covering and sealing the appliance.

 

Need to smooth out the paper and the bubbles- the brushes
work great here!!

Until next time,  grab something that needs a little TLC and cover it with a little Mod Podge® Love!!

  

To find more Mod Podge® inspiration, visit their website and this wonderful blog hop by Designer Crafts

Two for Texas featuring etchall® creme and two techniques for two different styles for etching glass

Two jars found there way in to my studio....what to do? etchall®!!  This was such a fun and quick project and yet the result is Texas-size beautiful!!  

Using my Cricut and the etchall® etchmask, I cut a 3" stencil of Texas.  On the first jar, I used the stencil outline along with the etchall® creme...set the timer for 15 minutes...poured the creme back in to the jar of etchall®, rinsed, removed tape and stencil and....TEXAS!!!  I added some jute and a hand painted ICE Resined wood heart.  I just love this jar!!!  And whatever will go in it,  will shine as bright as the stars at night....

Nestle the jars between two rolled up dishtowels

Tape all around the jar so as not to spread the etchall®
creme in unwanted places

Pour enough creme to cover entire surface.this one could
have even had little more creme....

For the second jar, I used the solid Texas from the stencil and used a slightly different technique...texturizing or stippling for those of you in the "Stencil World." Once "Texas" was adhered to the jar, I used a sea sponge to dab etchall® creme to the entire jar (except the Texas area)...set the timer for 15 minutes... rinsed, removed the Texas etch mask and...the jar was etched in a beautiful allover textured pattern while Texas was clear and crisp just like our perfect Texas evenings in the fall.  To finish this jar, I added white seam binding, a heart etched with arrows and a little dangling heart!!

In this texture technique, do not reuse the etchall® creme as it is not
as thick and you do not want to smear the design!

I do love all thing Texas and with etchall®, it was easy to add the great state to a few repurposed jars!!

As an etchall® Ambassador, I love to share with you tips, techniques and projects for you to be inspired... Here's one more inspiration wishing you JOY as big as Texas!

This jar is filled with flowers of joy---the etched
 background is perfect for dry erase markers!!!

For more wonderful ideas for using and purchasing etchall® products and to learn more about etching, please visit their website.  

Until next time, I hope your day is etched with great memories and great joy!!

It's in the Bag....Ribbonry and French Knots with Hand Dyed Seam Binding

Today, my sweet little linen bag is featured on Ann Butler Designs Blog.  Creating your own dyed seam binding has never been easier and it's a great way to custom color your projects.  In this tutorial, you will also learn a few other techniques as well as how to manipulate ribbon while stitching with French knots.  It's all in this bag...color, stamping, stitching and filling.  Hop on over and great ready to create your own little goody bag!!!

Until next time,  I hope you will find a few moments to sit and stitch....