Easter Tree

When I go to Michaels I sometimes stop at the Dollar Tree next door to see if they have anything interesting to use for crafting.   

This time I found a potted tree there. So I thought I would give making a Easter tree a shot.

I found these cute little wooden hen eggs at Craft Supply House on Etsy.

They are just under a inch long and the perfect size for this tree. I added a eye screw to them and then coated them with glass glitter.

Of course I had to change the pot color!  I had some MS Weather Crackle effect that I had not used before so I experimented.  I painted the base brown. Then painted my weather crackle effect and once that was dry I painted the top with a antique white.  For my first try I was pretty happy with the results.

I cut a organza bag I had into strips and used that to tie the eggs onto the tree.

Valentines

Last night I started making my Valentines with some heart notecards I had found at Michaels.  I wanted to try to keep them simple.  

First I printed Happy Valentines Day on some clear mailing labels and used some valentine borders I had from last year. Then added the bakers twine along the edge.

Now I am off to to the post office to get them in the mail!

Recycled Sweater Mittens

While doing my January clean out I discovered this cashmere sweater I had saved to use for felting or mittens. I decided to try the recycled sweater mitten pattern I had.  You can find several free patterns for recycled sweater mittens on the internet.  I washed the sweater in hot water and put it in the dryer to shrink it up.

From the sweater I cut out the mitten pieces and the cuffs which will be used for the cuff portion of the mitten.  The pattern suggests I used fleece for the lining but I chose to use a cotton flannel.

On the cuff I needled punched a wool flower and added a button that was attached to the sweater.

  One less project off my to do list and just in time, the past few days Minnesota has been unbearably cold.

Adhesive Fabrics

I have been busy reorganizing everything in my office/craft room after the holidays.  January is always the perfect time to get everything back in order and ready for the new year.  Of course mid stream of organizing I have to make some cosmetic changes.  For instance these wood storage boxes needed a major change.  I had some adhesive fabric I have been longing to use and it would be perfect for this project. I also decide to repurpose a empty candy can I had from Christmas.

The adhesive fabrics made a quick and simple change to this can. First, I applied a shipping label to the can so I would start with a white base and then added my adhesive fabric.  I masked off the can and then applied some crackle effect and antiqued. I wanted it to have a old worn feel.

On the wood boxes I used a Ralph Lauren Faux Technique Glaze I had left over from another project.  After I applied and let dry I roughed up the corners and little with some sand paper.  Then I added my adhesive fabric. I used a black Sharpie marker to changed the color of the hardware on the boxes. Then sealed everything with a thin coat of Mod Podge.