Ribbon Board

In a Christmas swap, my friend Ann Marie made me this ribbon board.  It will look great with all of our cards tucked into it for the Holidays.  I have seen them at the store, but never thought to make my own. After looking at hers and THIS tutorial I found, it seems VERY simple and creative to make!  

Pledge of Allegiance

In a patriotic swap, I was given this gem by my fellow crafter Stephanie!  I love it!  I mean, what isn't there to love.  It's in the shape of a flag.  It's wood.  It's our pledge of allegiance, which sadly I think is going out of style and it's super patriotic! Plus it works for several holidays or even as all year decoration! Wanna make one too?  Follow the link to directions below.

The original idea came from HERE and if you love it as much as I do, then you will for sure want to whip up one for yourself!

Story Starter Picture Cubes

My friend Angela sent this amazing craft to me during a swap.  Ok, really it's for my daughter, but I can still play with it too!  I have never heard of this and LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea.  

You've never heard of it either?  Well here is the concept:  Roll each dice to figure out the Who, What Where and When - then YOU get to put all these together along with the Why and create a story!

You can buy story starter blocks but nothing as amazing as these!  So why not whip up your own!

Items Needed:

(4) 1" blocks

Gel Pen

Notebook & Pen

Cute box to hold the blocks in (found at any craft store)

Cheat sheet (as pictured above)

Directions:

1.  On each block draw the pictures as seen in the cheat sheet photo with the gel block.  

2.  Decorate your box with fun colorful pictures

3.  Decorate your notebook if not already decorated.

4.  Print out or make a cheat sheet

5.  Assemble all and include a cute note.

Button Wreath

I love button art.  I love how subtle it is and how elegant it can be.  For a Christmas themed swap I made my girls button wreath.  Each one was slightly different but overall the same basic idea.  

Items Needed:

10" Canvas or 10" wooden board

Scrapbook Paper

Buttons

Adhesive or Glue of choice

Ribbon

Modpodge

Glue Dots / Zots

Directions:

1.  Cut scrapbook paper to fit canvas/board.  I chose to cover the edges of my board with paper as well.

2.  Modpodge paper to canvas/board and allow to dry.

3.  Using 3 different sizes of buttons, begin with a center circle.  Mine were 16 small buttons to create my center.  Glue them in a circle, center to your canvas/board.

4.  Once your inner circle is glued down, begin with the next size of button and go around the first button ring, gluing down all your buttons.

5.  Once you have two rows of buttons down, using your largest buttons, glue down your third row.

6.  With your ribbon, tie a bow to your preferred size.  

7.  Using Glue Dots/Zots attach bow to top button.  (I originally tried to glue the bow on but that did not work.)

Clipboards & Clips

For a home office swap, I made my girls each a decorated clipboard and fun clips.  Paper clips are so boring so why not use a cute clip to hold your papers together?

Items Needed:

Clipboard (any style wooden or plastic)

Scrapbook Paper

Modpodge

Ribbon

Embellishments

Fun Clips found at dollar store

Glue Dots / Zots

Directions for Clipboard:

1.  Cut scrapbook paper to fit clipboard up to clip.

2.  Modpodge the paper to the clipboard and let dry.

3.  Modpodge the top of the scrapbook paper and let it dry.

4.  Add embellishments to paper - words, ribbon, anything.

5.  Add various ribbons to the clip part of the clipboard.

Directions for Clips:

1.  Choose what items you want to decorate your clips with - buttons, flowers, ribbons etc.  Anything will work.

2.  Attach items to clips using Glue Dots or your preferred method.

3.  Tie with a double knot ribbon to clips.  

Patriotic Mirror

In a patriotic swap, I received this amazing mirror.  The idea is so clever and so easy and it adds the perfect touch to my home!

Items Needed:

(1) Ikea Malma Mirror (or any wooden mirror)

Several sheets of patriotic themed scrapbook paper

Wood Stain & Brush

Scissors / paper cutter

Modpodge

Directions:

1.  Stain your wooden mirror in the color of your choice.

2.  Cut out snippets of scrapbook paper as seen above in squares or rectangles.

3.  Modpodge scrapbook paper squares & rectangles to your mirror spacing them as you see fit.

3.  Once dry, modpodge over the top of paper as well.

4.  Once the modpodge is dry, lightly stain edges of wood again for distressed accents.

Patriotic 2x4 Craft

My friend Casey made this for me in a swap.  I love how simple and yet amazing it is and it's even something I had pinned!  These directions are based on the one she sent me, though can be adapted to your specific preference. 

Items Needed:

 30" piece of 2x4 wood

Wooden Star

Red Paint

White Paint

Blue Paint

Wood Stain

Wired Ribbon

Directions:

1.  Cut 2x4 down into the following incriments:

(2) 7" Pieces

(4) 4" pieces

2.  Stain the blocks of wood (or skip this step and go to #3 - your choice)

3.  Paint the fronts only in alternating colors as shown above. (Though you could easily just paint the entire block)

4.  Attach star onto the blue wood block using the wood glue of your choice.

5.  Stack all the blocks - one on top of another laying flat with the blue block 

(and blank block behind it) standing up. 

6.  Tie wired ribbon around entire block set to keep them together.

Wooden Block Picture

So this concept can be used for any photo.  I however LOVE LOVE LOVE this photo of Christ's hand making the sign of I love you and showing his nail print.  I think the message is so simple and so powerful that I can't help but continue to make these for everyone I know.  The best part is that they work for just about any holiday.  Christmas, Easter, Valentines etc.  I've made them in two versions.  The black with red ribbon and the gray with gray/silver ribbon.  

Items Needed:

2x8" board

5x7 Photo of choice

Sand Paper

Paint color of choice

Wired ribbon of choice

Glue Dots or Zots

Directions:

1.  Cut 2x8" board into 9" length pieces.

2.  Sand board edges as they will be rough.  Also sand out any rough spots in the wood.

3.  Paint the entire block using your paint color choice.  

4.  Once dry, if you choose (see left block) sand edges to give it a distressed look.  If you do this, ensure that you wipe the block very well before attaching photo.

5.  Using 5x7 photo of choice, put glue dots or Zots on the back along the edges of the photo and attach to wooden block.  If you want to use the same photo I did, then order it from the actual artist (Don't Steal!).  It can be ordered from Darin Ashby and will take a few days to arrive.

6. Attach wired ribbon to block to add an extra element to photo.   

Heart String Art

I saw this idea on Pinterest.  It looked easy enough and I just happened to have all the materials laying around the house.  So I whipped it up for a friend for Valentines!

Items Needed:

 Solid Wood Block (mine was a 8" piece of 2x8)

Sand Paper

Paint

Computer & Printer

Tape

Nails & Hammer

String (I used quilters thread as it's stronger and thicker than regular sewing thread)

Scissors

Directions:

 1.  Cut wood to desired size.

2. Sand rough edges and rough spots on wood until smooth.

3.  Paint wood desired color

4.  Using computer print a heart out using desired size.

5.  Tape 8 x 11 paper to wood block.  DO NOT CUT HEART OUT!

6.  Hammer using your paper heart as your stencil, nail through the paper and wood as many nails as you choose.  The number of nails you use will be based on how far spaced you want your nails.

7.  Once all your nails are in place, tear paper off of wooden block.

8.  Using your thread, tie a knot around your starting nail.  Any nail will work.  I used the bottom point of the heart.  Once your thread is tied and knotted to that nail, wind the thread around the nail next to it.  MAKE SURE YOU GO ALL THE WAY AROUND THE NAIL HEAD!  Once you've done that, continue to do them all.  Also remember to pull your thread tightly as you don't want limp thread.  You are creating a base outline for your heart.  Trust me, it looks better in the end this way. Once you get back to your starting nail, wrap your thread around it all the way again.  

9.  Now comes the fun.  Using your imagination, and any pattern or non pattern you want, begin to crisscross the thread over the heart.  Remember to wrap the thread all the way around each nail head pulling tightly after each wrap.   Do this as many times and in as many directions as you want until you get the desired look.

10.  Once you have the desired look, tie your thread around any nail as your ending point and knot it.  Double knot it.  Then cut the string as close to the nail head as possible without cutting any other threads.

Escort Card Holder

My neighbor emailed me a link to an escort card holder she found on Etsy.  She LOVED it and wanted it for her own wedding.  However, Etsy wanted $175 for it!  I told her that I thought we could whip this bad boy out for less than $50.  And sure enough we did!  

We looked at the photos on the Etsy page and saw the basic measurements of what it was.  My husband, then scrutinized the photo to figure out the dimensions of EACH piece of wood needed.  He then cut the wood, sanded the wood and assembled the entire thing in half a days time.  Once it was all done, we stained it, added the string and she and I later cut out all the escort cards with my cricut.    It was exactly what she wanted for a FRACTION of the cost.  I sure am lucky to have a hubby who will do all kinds of silly projects whenever I ask!

Valentines Love Blocks

My friend Julie made this for me in a valentines swap.  I 'LOVE' it and will be displaying it EVERY year!  I especially love how I can stack the blocks any way I choose so it can fit just about anywhere!

Items Needed:

Wooden Fence Post

Sand Paper

Paint - color of choice

Scrapbook Paper

Wooden Letters

ModPodge

Glue Gun

Paper Trimmer

Directions:

1.  Cut wooden Fence post into 5" pieces.

2.  Sand each block so there are no rough edges or spots.

3.  Paint each block with color of choice.

4. Cut paper to 5x5" pieces.

5.  Modpodge paper onto wooden blocks.  

Once paper is on, add another coat of modpodge to top of paper.

6.  Paint your wooden letters with color of choice.

7.  Using a hot glue gun, glue wooden letters onto wooden blocks as pictured above.

Spring Door Hanger

A friend of mine in a craft swap sent this to me.  She hand painted it and added the little touches with the bow.  It looks super cute on my front door and will be cherished for years!  What a great idea outside the typical wreath!

Christmas Countdown

I decided to whip these up from a kit I purchased over Thanksgiving.  I debated on how to do them for quite some time.  Paper accents, rough edges, colors etc.  I had the supplies to do them all different ways and finally decided that I wanted simple.  Plain colors, basic, roughed up and perfect.  Though mine came from a kit, you could easily whip this up yourself.

Items Needed (if you made this yourself and not from kit):

(2) 5" x 5" wooden blocks.  These can be cut from a wooden fence post.

(1) 2x4 cut to be 11" long

Paint colors of choice

Paper (if you choose to add paper)

Stickers or Vinyl.  (Mine is vinyl)

Sand Paper

Directions:

1.  Once your wood is cut, sand the edges and rough spots.

2.  Paint blocks and base color of choice.

3.  Add paper to blocks and base if you choose

4.  Sand edges to give a distressed look if you choose.

5.  CLEAN blocks and base VERY WELL.  

This is to ensure there is no dust on blocks before placing vinyl/stickers on.

6.  Place Vinyl / Stickers onto blocks and base.

Photo Block Cubes

For one of my craft swaps, the theme was "photo."  So I decided to make this wooden block puzzle for one of the girls using photos she had sent me. 

The final product turned out great, however this is a VERY LONG and time consuming project as there is a lot of "drying time" involved.

Items Needed:

(9) 2" blocks

(6) 8x10 Photos.  Each photo needs to cover a 6x6" area so be choosey 

when deciding which pictures to use as you'll be cutting them down.

Modpodge

SPONGE paint brushs

Paper cutter

Directions:

1.  Cut each 8x10 photo down into a 6x6 photo.

2.  Cut each 6x6 photo down into (9) 2" pieces.  3 across and 3 down.

3.  If you are cutting the blocks yourself then sand them so there are no rough edges.  

4.  Using ONE photo (9 squares) begin modpodging them onto your cubes.  One square per cube.  Once the photo is on the block, let dry.  

5.  Once dry, modpodge over the top of each photo.

6.  Once that entire photo is on the blocks turn all the blocks over to a blank side and do the entire process again.  You will do this a total of 6 times (as each block has 6 sides.

This makes a fun gift for grandparents or for your kids as they will get to assemble puzzles together and be reminded of wonderful family memories.

2x4 Pumpkins

I made these for a craft swap a few years ago.  I love how simple they are and the simplicity of them.

Items Needed:

22" of 2x4 wood

Orange Paint & brush

Brown paint & brush

Scrapbook paper

Ink

Sand paper

Modpodge

Gorilla Glue (if desired)

Directions:

1.  Cut 2x4 into the following pieces: (2) 4 1/2" pieces, (2) 6" pieces.  Remaining 1" piece cut in half so you have (2) 1/2" by 1" piece.

2.  Sand each block down so there are no sharp or rough edges.  Round out 1/2" nub.

3.  Paint the "pumpkin" pieces orange.  Paint the "stem" brown or green.

4.  Sand edges of pumpkin to give a distressed look (if desired).

5.  Cut paper so that you have the following:  

(4) 1 1/2" x 4" pieces, (4) 3 1/2" x 4" pieces (for the 4" blocks)

(4) 1 1/2" x 5 1/2" pieces, (4) 3 1/2" x 5.5" pieces (for the 6" blocks)

6.  Using ink, lightly distress the edges of each piece of paper.

7.  Attach paper to blocks using modpodge.

8.  If desired, attach the blocks together & stem to blocks using gorilla glue.  Note: Gorilla glue EXPANDS so a little goes a LONG way.  I chose not to do this as I like having each piece separate).

Wooden Letters

I found this gem in a mom and daughter craft store.  It was small town USA and everything in the shop was made by this mom and daughter duo.  When I saw this, I wanted it; and since it only cost me $10 (which is a steal) I nabbed it.  However, it would be super easy to make myself. 

Items Needed:

Wooden Letters - buy or cut your own

Paint & brush

Mini Hinges

Sand Paper

Directions:

1.  Paint your letters in desired color.  If you wish to do the crackle effect, there are several methods and options so choose which one works best for your talent and budget.

2.  Once painted, sand the edges to give it a distressed look (if desired).

3.  Using mini hinges, attach one or two (as you see fit) to each letter and attach them to the next letter in the word.

Tile sign

Unfortunately, this is something I purchased before my true craftiness came to life.  But it is SOOOOO easy to make and I've had several friends copy them after seeing them.

I purchased three words.  Faith, Hope & Charity.  In reality, the cost of buying them was about the same cost as making them as they were SOOOO cheap.  And I love them.

So how do you make them?

Items Needed:

3" tiles (found at any Home Depot or Lowes)

Wooden board - 2x4 would be perfect.

Gorilla Glue

Vinyl Lettering

Ribbon

Drill 

Paint & Brush - color of your choice

Directions:

1.  Cut 2x4 to desired length (depends on the word you are spelling out)

2.  Sand wooden board.  If you want to be extra fancy you can miter the edges also.

3.  Paint board color of your choice.

4.  Clean the tiles really well.  You do not want any dirt or residue on them.

5.  Once the tiles are DRY apply vinyl lettering (can use Cricut or Silhouette or purchase)

6.  Attach tiles to board (evenly spaced) using gorilla glue.  NOTE: Gorilla glue EXPANDS, so a little goes a long way!

7.  Drill two holes at the top of board.

8.  Attach ribbon so that it can hang.

Candy Corn Wood Blocks

Last year I had a 2x4 piece of wood laying around.   So I had my husband cut it down into triangles.  They made great candy corns!  They are simple and add just the right touch to my fall decorations - Plus my daughter loves to play with them.

Items Needed:

2x4 wood piece - any size

Saw to cut

Paint: white, yellow & orange

Sand paper

Painters Tape

Paint brush

Directions:

1.  Cut your wood at an angle to get triangles.  A basic idea of geometry is helpful here.

2.  Sand your wood to smooth out the rough edges.  

3.  Using painters tape, tape off the middle section.  

4.  Paint the top white and the bottom orange.  

5.  Once dry, peal away the tape and then tape the white and orange sections.  

6.  Paint the middle yellow.  

As you can see they are great to create a candy corn pie, to jump over or even stack.  My daughter has come up with so many uses and games for these.  They are a great holiday addition to any home.