How to serve & Display Treat Cones and Snow-Cones!

I love party cones but it can be hard to figure out how to display or serve them. The other day I was at the supermarket and saw the perfect solution (and it was free!)

The top of this caddy was made from a yogurt display. Some grocery stores have the yogurt in these boxes on the shelf but if not you can ask for them. Other items in cups are shipped this way too so they are sure to have something similar and free is good! Watch the video to see how I made this!

Supplies:
Yogurt box or another box with holes in it (you can get these free at the supermarket)
Shoe box close to the same size as the yogurt box
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Crepe Paper
Bakers Twine
6″ paper Doilies
Paper Straws
Hook & Loop Tape aka Velcro
Buttons

Tip! Papermart sell the clear cello cones that fit perfectly in the box. The ones I used were the 12″ which are good for candy, for popcorn you might want the bigger one though.

They have snow cone cups too!

Directions:
1. Cut the bottom off of the yogurt box and the top off of a shoebox and glue together. This is the base we will decorate. You can attach the lid to the box with Velcro if you wish or glue it in place.

2. Cut crepe paper to fit the box and glue it to the edge of the lid pleating as you go.

3. Fold doilies in half and glue over crepe paper.

4. Wrap with bakers twine and glue on buttons.

5. Add paper straws sat the edge of the crepe paper to neaten it up. Add cones to the holes and you are all set!

I hope you try this for your next party! Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

Sponsored by Papermart.

 

 

Live Die Cutter Hangout with EXPERTS!

Hi friends! I just wanted to let you know that I have Melody Lane, Scrappy DIVA, Julie Fei-Fan Balzer and Joe Rotella joining me this afternoon for a live hangout discussing the current die cutters on the market, This is my first ever live event and I am sure there will be bumps along the way but the valuable info they share should more than make up for my lack of experience in the “LIVE” broadcast department. Please check out their youtube channels and websites listed below for more info on the cutters they use and free tutorials.

Find and follow our guests!
Melody Lane https://www.youtube.com/user/MelodyLane815
Karin the Scrappy DIVA https://www.youtube.com/user/homevidka
Julie Fei-Fan Balzer http://balzerdesigns.com/ and https://www.youtube.com/user/milkcannyc
Joe Rotella http://www.createncraft.com/

I want to thank my guests for being available on such short notice and for helping me get this broadcast off the ground. Happy Crafting!

Stamp School 12: Talkin’ ’bout Dies & Die Cutting Machine!

Hi friends! Tonight I have a very broad general video about they types of dies and die cutting machines (computerized/electronic vs. manual) and what each kind is good for. Keep in mind the machines I use are about 8 years old and they are still doing everything I need them to do so I have not upgraded. I may have been a bit harsh and unfair of a certain brand of cutter (due to my past experience with the company but newer customers are saying they are great now) so I do intend to provide a more thorough discussion of die cutters. I actually am looking to do a google hangout with some advanced die cut machine users so we can have a discussion of different machines and you can ask questions live. If you know of a crafter I should ask to be a guest let me know. Now here is a very general discussion on die cutters.

OK, so maybe I was a bit harsh on Cricut but having to be connected to the internet is a deal breaker for me. I did just find out that the new Scan and Cut can be hooked to your computer for fonts and SVGs now (oh the temptation!) but I have not used the Scan ‘n Cut, I am merely drooling over others recommendation. I mentioned the blog Clever Someday as a great resource of several popular die cutting machines, Kay also has great tutorials, I have learned a lot from her, if you want more info on computerized die cutters check her out. If you want to watch the Google Hangout live make sure to follow me on Google+ because I can send an invite to everyone that follows me I think… I will likely post it here and Facebook as well. Also you can post a question here in the comments if you can’t make it but live questions will be answered first. I am hoping to do this in a day or two so stay tuned.

But today I wanted to go over the basic advantages each type of machine has:

Electronic/Computerized Cutter (pros & cons)

• (con) larger initial investment $250-$500 for consumer models
• (pro) ability to cut designs in the size you want
• (pro) most let you cut computer fonts you have (or can download free or cheaply)
• (pro) most let you easily convert clip art into cutting files
• (pro) it gets cheaper the longer you use it because once you buy the machine you can do a lot without spending another dime
• (pro) you can make cutting files to cut stamped images *with some machines, difficulty will vary.
• (con) steeper learning curve than manual machine
• (con) blades and mats will need replacing
• (con) if something goes wrong it will probably be expensive to fix
• Best for cutting thinner/less dense materials but deep cut blades are available

Manuel Machines

• (pro) smaller initial investment $60-$300 depending on fanciness
• (pro) cuts with dies and embosses with embossing folders and texture plates (and stencils!)
• (pro) little learning curve other and figuring what plates you need for pressure.
• (con) you get what you get, no adjusting the sizes, if you want a bigger shape you need a bigger die.
• (con) you have to keep buying dies if you want more shapes
• (pro) easily cuts through thicker items with thick dies
• (pro) there is not much to go wrong with them especially if you invest in a quality machine, I’ve been using my Big Shot daily for 8 years with no trouble
• (pro) no blades to replace but you will need to replace the cutting pads occasionally
• (pro) can be used with letterpress plates
• Best for the crafter who does not want to mess with a computer when crafting and likes to cut thicker materials

I hope that helped a bit. Stay tuned for a more in-depth discussion. I will have the recording available if you can’t make it to the hangout, it will be my first live youtube thing so wish me luck! Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

DIY Halloween Coasters with Alcohol ink!

Hi friends! By request today we are playing with alcohol ink, photocopies (or lazer/toner based prints) and Xylene markers and white ceramic tiles. Let’s make coasters! Watch the video to see how!

Video!

Directions:
1. Clean Tile with alcohol.
2.  Transfer photocopy to tile with Chartpak (xylene) pen.
3. Color with alcohol ink or alcohol based markers.
4. You can spritz rubbing alcohol on the coaster for a cool effect if desired!
5. Add felt or cork to the back of coasters and protect with a coat of clear spray paint.

Happy crafting!

Art Marketing Monday & Marker Winner!

Happy Labor Day friends! Many of you are enjoying a day off work today and I am sure a lot of you are taking some of that free time to craft. I have been knitting with my girls and chilling out myself today. As you create your wonderful art I want you to keep today’s art marketing tip in mind. Do you want to get more exposure for your art? I’ll tell you how. Video!

It really is that simple. Now I do recommend you have a blog or website so people can find out more about you if they love your art. Then when you have your blog or website set up you can set that up to automate out to your social media every time you update it. You still want to craft these specific social media posts that I told you about in the video but the automation aspect can fill in between times so you can use your time to make art and not just post about it. To learn more about that please check out our sponsor RichMomBusiness.com’s free Social Media Automation course. Renae specializes in handmade businesses and I am proud to call her a personal friend.

I almost forgot, It is time to pick a winner for the CraftyCroc Liquid Chalk marker giveaway! And the winner is……. lilpiggy40 Please check your email for details to claim your prize! Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

 

 

Let’s Paint a Macaw {and learn to draw!}

Hi friends! Today we are going to paint a lovely bird. Don’t tell anyone but I am sneaking in some drawing too (maybe if I make it really fun people won’t realize that they are learning a lot, let’s keep this between you and me though, I don’t want anyone scared away!)

I was thrilled to read in YouTube comments that several of you tried it right away and had good success! I hope you try it too, if you do let me know in the comments below! I am using inktense water-soluble pencils (Derwent) but feel free to use whatever watercolor pencils, inks or paints you have.

I know many of you have a long holiday weekend so what better time to try some of my free painting tutorials. If you post your creations online please le me know so I can see them!

Supplies:

• I am using Derwent Inktense in the following colors:
  #0200, 0230, 1720, 1520, 1000, 2020, 0500
• #6 round brush (Loew-Cornell Comfort 3000)
• Strathmore 140# watercolor greeting card
• Photo Reference (by MarcoPolo23 courtesy MorgeFile)

BTW on the right hand side of my blog I have started a list of website who have royalty free images that can be used as artist reference photos. If you know of other reputable sites (besides Paint My Photo or MorgeFile) please let me know so I can check them out. I’d like to come up with a good resource for you guys.

To all of my American friends have a safe happy holiday weekend and to everyone happy crafting!

How To Do A Gel Transfer!

Hi friends! Earlier this week I got a chance to experiment with the gel transfer technique, I made these:

I used the Image Transfer Kit that is available at Jerry’s Artarama. This technique was fun put it does take a bit of experimenting and practice which I did a lot of so I could troubleshoot any problems. Now I can transfer anything! Keep in mind that this is not an instant process, I recommend doing the gel portion of the process one day and the rest of the project the next so you are not tempted to lift the paper to early (no peeking people!) Watch the video to see my tips, tricks and troubleshooting so you can get good prints the first time!

To successfully execute a gel transfer you will need:
An image (toner based photocopy, magazine page, lazer printed image) *Your image will be reversed to plan accordingly!
A surface: A non porous surface like a SOHO painting board is preferred. Be gentle if using a slick surface like a domino, tile or canvas board.
Gloss Gel for transferring. I am using the SOHO gloss gel available in the kit mentioned above but all of these supplies can be purchased individually.
Brushes
Scraper (credit card works well)
Spray bottle with water

You can use Matte Varnish or more gel medium to coat the project when it is done.

Directions:
1. Coat the photocopied image with a thick coating of gloss gel medium.
2. Press the gel side to the surface you want to transfer the image to.
3. Smooth out bubbles with a scraper.
4. Let dry several hours or overnight.
5. Mist the paper with water and rub off paper.
6. Seal the panel with matte varnish and finish your project as desired.

I will share another way to transfer a photocopy image later, thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

Sponsored by Jerry’s Artarama.

DIY Kissing Ball Topiary {Centerpiece or Mantel Decoration}

Hi friends! Today I have a fun and frugal project that will decorate your home for fall. I picked up a bunch of square peat pots for 5 cents each at a garden center, I don’t have a green thumb but I thought they could be cute painted.

The “kissing ball” can even be used alone and hung from the ceiling for a party, Christmas or a wedding. Remember you are the crafter, you can make this project any color you like to match any décor! Watch the video to see how easy it was to make!

Video!

Supplies:
Kraft Paper (I have the 18″ wide roll of 60#)
Peat Pot or Clay pot (gardening center or craft store will have them)
Fringe scissors
Hot glue and white glue
Glitter (clear iridescent)
12″ dowel
Marbles (for weight)
Acrylic paint and brushes
Circle punch or die (or scissors to hand cut circles)
Orange grosgrain ribbon (5/8″ torrid orange)
Buttons or other decorations

Directions:
1. Paint pot and dowel.
2. Crumple kraft paper into a ball and secure with tape. Glue to dowel.
3. Cut strips of kraft paper and fringe edges to make the pot filler.
4. Punch circle from kraft and fold as shown in the video.
5. Glue the folded circles to the ball by the point.
6. Punch 4 holes on each side of the peat pot and weave ribbon in then tie ends in a bow.
7. Glue the end of the dowel into the pot and fill with marbles to stabilize the dowel and add weight to the topiary.
8. Add glitter and decorations to the top (kissing ball) of the topiary if desired.

These are great to make in batches and you have my permission to make these and sell them (more money for craft supplies, right?) I want to thank Papermart for sponsoring this post and that YOU for visiting. Hey, if you liked this project please pin it on Pinterest (handy links below) or share it on your favorite social media. Until next time, happy crafting!

Stamp School 11: Blending tools!

Hi friends! Tonight we are talkin’ ’bout blending tools! Many DIY version work as well as, if not better than, store-bought but luckily you can find a lot of option that won’t cost a fortune.

Watch the video to see the blending tools I use!

Video!

Bottom line, brush tipped blending tools give you a softer look (think of applying make-up with a brush as opposed to a sponge tipped applicator) and sponges can give you a more solid coverage. Look at the supplies you have around your house and see if you can get the results with what you already have. I hope this video will help you choose the right applicator for the look you want. Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

PS A lot of folks said they would like some tutorials with alcohol ink, leave a comment if you would like to see some too!

Sponsored by ArtNeko. Mention Thefrugalcrafter to receive 10% off your order or free shipping on orders over $50!