Ribbon Board

I have been on a mission to make decorative wall hangings for the babybee on the way. This craft idea came to me when I was at Target. They had ribbon boards for sale and the construction was just so basic. I had to try and do it at home. I had saved a Valentines Day chocolate box for some future craft, as it turned out this one was a perfect fit.

I am all about using what is on hand so instead of buying batting I used a worn out bleached stained towel that still had some fluff to it. Honesty it was just to unsightly to use for anything other than cleaning or a craft project. The fabric that was to cover the board was a lovely cotton sundress (at one point) that had also been worn to the point of rags. Over all this was a fun and easy project that cost me nothing and was fun to make.

Step 1 

I placed the shape to be covered over the fabric to make sure all edges would be evenly covered. Once the general shape was cut  I trimmed the towel as I hot glued it. I really want the towel to be smoothly placed and with out lumps. Once the towel was secure I add the next layer of fabric. 

 Step 2

I place ribbons over the covered board making a grid. I suggest pinning the ribbons together temporarily if you plan to sew buttons. If not sewing buttons put a drop of glue where the ribbons overlap you can then move the grid over the board freely until you find the right position.

Step 3

Once you are happy with the layout and size of the grid glue the ribbons starting at the top edges of the board then the bottom, lastly the sides. Once you have the grid inplace go back and place small drops of glue under the ribbon crossings, this should be the only glue on the top surface of the board. This is what will keep your pictures from sliding straight down.

Paper Machė Hot Air Balloons

Originally this was a project to hang over the baby crib, but the size and colors fit perfectly in the boy's room. I was really excited to do this craft. It had been ages since I worked with paper machė. I knew it was going to be a lot of work, but it was a whole new experience with two little boys running around. I thought I would never finish. I did think of the kid and husband factor when I started so I planned my craft in phases.  It was just hard seeing it sit while I had to care for the household.  

Step one -Preparation of newspaper strips. I decided thin was best. I had seen several people use wide cut strips of paper but the balloon size I was working with was on the small size so I figured thin strips would wrap easiest and give me a smooth finished surface. I also needed a way to store my materials and hang the balloons.  A settled for a small box that I could store easily on top of my refrigerator, and some thread and tacks.

Step 2- Making the paste.  Since I had little experience with paste I looked on line and found a simple supper cheap recipe.  All you need is equal parts flour and water. Don't bother trying to mix by hand, put the ingredients in the blender it is soooooo much easier.  You don't want to deal with lumps trust me. This paste is really thick and if you want to  add a bit more water you can, but the more flour the stronger it will dry. I only covered the balloons in one layer of paper and paste then let it dry. I TESTED for weakness and added another layer on the softer areas. 

Step 3 once I was ready to paint I consulted the net again, and I am glad I did. My original idea was just to paint with craft paint,  but I learned it was better to paint a layer of Gesso beforehand.  This really helped my paint cover the surface with out any hint of newsprint showing through. I also used paint that had a glossy finish. I accidentally did buy one color that was just a standard finish and it looked really bad. So stick to the gloss.

Step 4 - Once my balloons were painted I had to figure out how to make the baskets to hang from the balloons.  I will just say it was trial and error.  In the end I made them out of cereal boxes, a glue gun, and covered them with a layer of paper machė. Once dry I applied Gesso then paint. I had purchased some colorful twine like string from the dollar store and a small picture hanging kit when planning this craft . I used  the spooled metal wire in the kit to make little key ring hoops then notted the twine to the ring with two long ends hanging down. I then poked a hole on the top of the balloon, running the twine inside the balloon. I then used a hot gluegun to fix the two ends to the inside of the balloon. At the bottom opening I punctured to holes parallel to each other for the basket strings. My baskets are not square so on shorter sides I made two holes and ran the string threw the inside of the basket then up to the balloon where I fixed them with a knot and hot glue. 

In the end I added one last string from the top ring to the ceiling.  I was much relived when it was all over. I would definitely do this project again but maybe next time I will go X - Large and use my fitness ball!

Soap dish improvement

I am feeling very crafty lately!  I think it is my impending delivery date that has put me in overdrive.  Soon I will have no time for glue guns and paste it will be all bottles and burping.
This is a quick dollar store craft that costs about three dollars to construct. You will need: 2 Candlestick holders, a metal tray, and a glue gun. 

Step 1- Glue the two candle stick holders together. 

Step 2- Glue holder to the tray.I added an extra ring of glue to the outside of the two points I glued together. 

The important thing to remember is balance when placing objects on top.This arangment works for me because the glass dish is very heavy and centered on the tray. I wouldn't recommend pump dispensers.

Dreaming of Spring

I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL SPRING.. I desperately needed some color in the house to cheer me up this artic winter in Arkansas. This is a cute little craft that took me an afternoon and has brought me joy as I wash dishes  and look out at the frozen landscape.

You will need
★Paper streamers
★ floral wire
★floral tape
★scissors
★clear tape

I wasn't planning on blogging this craft so pictures are a but lacking, but I drew you a picture.
  It's a relatively simple idea.
1. I cut the streamers a little over a foot in length.
2. Take your floral wire and tape it to the streamer then twist and pinch the streamer around the wire.
3. Wrap the floral tape around the base of your flower and onto the floral wire.