[How-To Tuesday: "Trick or Treat" Frame Tutorial by Crafts & Sutch]

Check out this ADORABLE "Trick or Treat" Frame Tutorial made by Erin at Crafts & Sutch! Perfect addition to your Halloween decor!

Well, if you are anything like me, you are in full swing Halloween/fall mode!  I love this time of year and I love to create new things to update my holiday decorations.  Today, let's dive into creating a cute Trick or Treat frame that will sit perfectly next to your candy bowl.  :)

Here is what you'll need:  a frame without the glass, scrap fabrics, glue gun, glue sticks, batting, needle and thread, iron on letters, Heat-n-Bond, ink pad, buttons or other embellishments.

To get started, take the cardboard insert out of the frame (if you are using an open back frame, then cut an insert out of cardboard) to use as the base.  Cut the batting about 1" larger than your cardboard on all sides so it can wrap around the base.  Using your glue gun, wrap the cardboard with the batting.

Now using the same process, wrap the cardboard with your base fabric.

Cut two more pieces of fabric, one will be the middle layer (I used black) and one will be the top layer (I used khaki).  The sizes will depend on your frame size.

Iron on the letters following the package's directions to the top layer of fabric.  If you don't have iron on letters, you could use a fabric marker or create a freezer paper stencil and use craft paint.

Use the Heat-n-Bond to adhere the top layer of fabric to the middle layer of fabric.  I cut the Heat-n-Bond about a 1/4" smaller on all sides so I can sew around it later (see yellow arrows).  Distress the edges of the top piece of fabric with ink.  My favorite tool to use here is a paper towel. :)

Now run a stitch around the outside of the top layer of fabric.  I used three strands of orange embroidery floss.

Apply Heat-n-Bond to the back side of the middle layer of fabric and adhere it to the base using the package's directions.

Now for the fun, decorate your base with some fabric rosette "lollipops" or "gumball" buttons, put the finished product in the frame, and swoon! :)

The best thing about this project is that you can make it in any size, in any color, and for any occasion...other holidays, make one with your kiddo's name on it for their room, or for a wedding gift with the bride and groom's last name and their wedding date!  :)  The possibilities are endless!

What a creative and fun way to add some festive Halloween decor to your home, office, etc.! And I love how versatile it is so that you can make it your own for any occasion! The best thing is that it all goes perfectly in a frame. :0) Awesome job, Erin!

[Don't forget to stop by Crafts & Sutch for her other amazing craft tutorials! You'll be glad you did!]

[Jen]

[Motivational Monday: Bedroom Makeovers]

Does your bedroom look like this? Nice but a little "ho-hum". I know some of you may be nodding "yes" (I know I am!). So here's a little motivation to get you started on your next bedroom makeover! Check out this "after" photo from the photo above:

(House Beautiful)

[Wow! Can you believe this was all transformed in a day?? Amazing! I love the color palette of this room: bright yellows, soft blue, all paired with some nice neutrals. And I can't get over those lanterns on the wall! Who knew that adding outdoor lighting would add such sophistication to a room!]

[Another "blah" room. This one just looks empty. But check out this makeover:]

(House Beautiful)

[So nice! I LOVE the headboard! Very classy. And those tall lamps with the retro shades add lots of character to the room. And I really like those doors. Especially how the trim is dark brown while the door is white with some gray outlining. Really adds depth. And the fan with the cathedral-like ceilings...magnificent!]

Okay, now to tackle the bedroom (decoratingly speaking, of course). :0)

[Jen]

[Scrapperday: Happy 10th Birthday!]

Next month my nephew will be turning 10. I wanted to make him a card but not make it too girly looking. I am sure he won't really appreciate it because, let's face it, he's 10. But it's the thought and effort that counts, right?

[This card was SUPER simple to make. And granted, there isn't a whole lot of embellishment-ing going on, it still looks appropriate for a boy turning 10. For the life of me, I cannot remember all the materials that I used to make this card, but throw in some rub-ons, chipboard stickers, & some fun patterned paper...you're good to go!]

Happy Scrapperday!

I will be linking this card up to these parties!

[Jen]

Happy First Day of Fall!

Don't you just love the Fall season? Today in the U.S. marks the first day of Fall. So exciting! I love how the leave change into the most beautiful colors making everything feel warm even on those brisk, cold days. And, to those of you who enjoy decorating your home, there are endless ways to add natural decor to give the inside of your home that same warm feeling.

[I LOVE this Indian corn wreath! And it looks pretty simple to make. I would assume you could take an ordinary hay wreath and hot-glue the corn to the wreath with the shucks flared out. Seems easy peasy! Hmm...do I see a "How-to Tuesday" tutorial on this in the near future??]

[Wouldn't this be the perfect table setting for your next Halloween/Thanksgiving dinner party? Different sizes and colors of pumpkins on top of dark-colored books add a sophistication to the entire look. Plus it's a great inexpensive way to liven up any centerpiece.]

[This looks like a fairly easy centerpiece to make. And miniature pumpkins are so much fun to decorate with! Just carve a hole in the center of the pumpkin, place a votive or tall taper candle inside it, and secure it all with some museum wax. These would look lovely placed on a platter or in a shallow bowl filled with rocks or stones]

[Of course, this one I absolutely adore! I love the rich, deep red color of this frame. And the leaves strung along some orange ribbon really give it that extra flare. Perfect for decorating a mantel or shelf.]

All photos courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens

[Jen]

[How-To Tuesday: Ribbon Weaving]

Do you remember this card from last week's Scrapperday? Well, as promised, I am going to share with you how to ribbon weave. This skill can be used in card-making, scrapbooking, or even home decor. It's very similar to the basket weaving we did when we were in elementary school. :0)

Supplies needed:

• ribbon (either 1 or 2 colors of the same size)
• scissors
• cardstock, any color
• adhesive tape
• glue dots

1. First you must cut your cardstock in a square to fit 4 strips of ribbon on each side. Since the size of my ribbon was 5/8" in width, I need to cut my cardstock to a 2.5" square. Then cut your ribbon so that its is about an inch longer than your square cardstock. Cut 8 strips (or 4 strips of each color, if you are using 2 colors).

2. Place adhesive tape along 1 side of the square and adhere 4 strips of ribbon (all the same color, if you are using 2 colors).

3. Begin weaving the remaining strips of ribbon through the already adhered strips, as shown.

4. Place adhesive tape on the opposite end of the already adhered strips to adhere the ends tightly.

5. Place more adhesive tape on the remaining sides of the square and 4 glue dots on the corners to adhere ribbon to ribbon.

6. Fold the ends of the strips down and press firmly.

All finished! A simple way to jazz up any card, page, or even artwork inside a pretty frame. :0)

Hope you enjoyed this week's tutorial! Happy Tuesday!

Check out where I party!

[Jen]

[Motivational Monday: What color are your kitchen countertops"?]

The color of my kitchen countertops are tan and just, well...blah. I would love to change out my countertops to give my kitchen a whole new look. So I was looking around for some motivation.

[I am liking this countertop. It looks like it was made from scraps of glass. Perfect for hiding those stubborn food stains!]

[White is a very modern look. Not really my style, but it does look very clean.]

[Ahhh...granite. How I love thee. And this black color goes very well with these white cabinets. Really makes them pop.]

[I love everything about this kitchen. The wood countertops, the wainscot backsplash, the deep tub sink, the window cabinets. I'll take one of these please!]

[Actually what I am really considering is this granite laminate countertop from Lowe's. Right now we have the tan-ish ugly laminate countertop and were possibly thinking of just putting this color over top of the original laminate. It's pretty easy to install. I am thinking it's similar to one big sticker. :0) And this granite color would make it look like we have granite countertops without spending all the money. Very cost effective.]

photos courtesy of:

Construction Informer

ChicTip

Counter Intelligence

Country Living

Lowe's

[Jen]

[Scrapperday: Ribbon Weave Christmas Card]

I know what you're thinking...Christmas already?? But this Christmas card is just too fun! And you can never be too prepared. This card was originally inspired by KWerner Design. She made this card a couple years ago, and I knew I just had to make it! Plus, I thought the mixing the red and green ribbon would be perfect for this year's holiday card. :0)

[The ribbon weave was super easy to make. You can check out Kristina's tutorial video to make your own in whatever color you choose. I will also be posting a tutorial on how to do this ribbon weave on next week's "How-To Tuesday". So stay tuned!]

I will be linking up to these parties! :0)

[Jen]

[Framed Friday: New Frames at Etsy shop!]

I've decided to add a couple more frames to my Etsy shop! And I am planning on adding more soon! (they are currently in the works) These two frames were requested by my aunt for her to give to her younger family members (one I believe will be born very soon!). But I thought they were just too cute to not want to sell and share to everyone! And remember, all my frames are only 20 bucks, including S&H!!

[This one would be perfect for a little boy! You could incorporate it into their bedroom or nursery with a cars/trucks theme. And the brown and blue colors just scream BOY!]

[I think this would be perfect for a girl who loves to dance or just loves the color pink! I am planning on calling this frame "Twinkle Toes"]

Please feel free to go check out my Etsy shop for the other frames I have made! And spread the word to your family and friends who would love to buy any one of these frames. But order soon! They will sell out fast!!

http://FrameFanatic.etsy.com

[Jen]

[How-to Tuesday: Button Art at Modge Podge Rocks!]

Isn't this just cute as a button??

Do any of you have a bunch of miscellaneous buttons lying around that you've somehow accumulated over the years but haven't a clue what to do with them all? Well, here's a great project idea to put them to good use! Over at Modge Podge Rocks! she has created this adorable button art that's super easy to recreate for yourselves. I know I will definitely be doing this very soon! Check out her awesome tutorial here!

And if you aren't a follower of Modge Podge Rocks!, I suggest you become one immediately! There are TONS of amazing craft ideas that I know I'm just dying to try! And who doesn't love Modge Podge?! :0)

[Jen]

100 Posts Later...

In place of today's [Motivational Monday], I have decided to celebrate my 100th post!! I cannot believe all that has happened in just 100 blog entries! Since February I have been inspired by so many creative people (and hopefully inspired others as well!), built friendships, hosted giveaways, and, most recently, started my [Frame Fanatic] Etsy shop. Wow...I never knew I would be where I am today just 100 posts later. :0)

This past week I have been racking my brain trying to think of something special to do/say for this momentous occasion. I have finally decided that the most appropriate thing to do would be to take a look back at some of the highlights of my previous posts and to talk about what I am hoping to do in the future.

Here's a look back at a few projects that have been posted during these past 100 entries:

(Feel free to click on the titles to view the original post.)

1. First let's take a look at the thing that started my motivation for blogging: the frame. I have no idea why I have become so obsessed with frames. They are like little works of art. Plus everyone I know has a frame in their house. I have yet to find a home that does not contain at least one picture frame in it. So with this obsession, I hoped to inspire others with these "masterpieces" by sharing these little framing projects.

[My Little Creation] - my very first blog project!

[Flower Frame] - A personalized frame I made for my daughter

[Frames, Frames, Frames] - To this day I am still in love with this work of art. It is hanging in my laundry/craft room, and, as you can see, it is still the background of my header to this blog. :0)

2. Another passion of mine that I have shared with you is scrapbooking/card-making. About 2 years ago, I could have cared less about scrapbooking. But I think becoming a mom has taught me to savor those special moments with a little creativity. This past year I have learned the fundamentals of card-making and would rather make a special card than to buy a generic one at a drugstore.

[A Mother's Love] - page layout for those moments I cherish

[Cupcake Card] - a card I made inspired by Michael's - so much fun!

3. There have been many transformations going on in my house. And I can assure you there will be many more! Here is a room transformation that has caused quite the buzz on my blog.

[Laundry/Craft Room] - More people posted comments than on any other blog post. It became quite popular! But the purpose of this room was to create multiple functions in a very small space while still making it decorative and enjoyable. As I sit in this room right now (where I do all of my blogging), I can honestly look around and say I am still very pleased with how this room turned out.

4. There have been a few tutorials I have posted to let everyone know how to do particular projects. I always enjoy how-to's because it gives you an opportunity to recreate an idea.

[Distressing] - My first tutorial was about distressing anything that has been painted. I have always loved the rustic look. Gives it that extra character.

[Numbered Jars] - A simple how-to for creating these Pottery Barn inspired numbered jars

[EAT sign] - This was by far my most popular tutorial. Some painted/modge-podged chipboard letters created this fabulous "EAT" sign that still hangs in my dining room.

5. Finally, my Etsy shop. With the help from all my readers, I was inspired to start my very own Etsy shop. I currently have 5 handmade frames on sale now for $20 (which includes shipping!), but I am planning on adding a few more very soon. Very exciting!

[Frame Fanatic] Etsy Shop

There ya go! And 100 posts later, I am looking forward to what the future holds for this blog.

But I need your help! If there is something that you would like to see more of or an idea that would help better/enrich your reading experience here on my blog, PLEASE feel free to leave me a comment or email me. I am open to any suggestions! :0)

Thank you for making these past 100 posts so enjoyable and memorable!
[Jen]