Cut to Edge (Tutorial) in Silhouette Studio

As I was checking my default settings after reading a post from Melissa at Silhouette School Blog on 10 Silhouette Studio defaults you can and should change, (I must say she is my go to for wanting or needing to know something about my Silhouette Cameo machine.)Ok so when I was checking my settings I noticed a setting that said cut to edge.

And knowing how I am (always gotta something) I thought I'm gonna see how this works, so I changed setting doing test and here I will show you how to cut to edge. Its saves a little bit of vinyl. It might not be much but I'm frugal with my vinyl so I will keep my cut to edge default checked.

OLD MILK CAN PORCH DECOR

This was an easy project using an old milk can.
All you need is
 an old milk can
burlap
raffia
gingham or any other country material you like
some pip berries
rusty star
hot glue gun and glue sticks

First measure around your milk can so you know how much burlap and material you will need to cut the length. Then measure how much you want to cover of the can for your width. I cut the material smaller than the burlap leaving about inch and half space on top and bottom to allow for my burlap to show. But you could cut any way you prefer, this is just how I liked the burlap and material to look.

Ok now after the burlap and material are cut I then attach the burlap first by hot gluing the one end piece to what would be the back of my finished milk can. Then as I was wrapping the burlap I also hot glued here and there so it would stay in place finishing up at the back of the can meeting my starting pieces. Do the same then with the material.

Take raffia wrap around the neck part of the milk can. I wrapped several times til I like the way it looked. I just tied it off but you could make into a bow if that's what you like.

Next took the rusty star, mine had a hole in the one point, added a piece of wire and then wrapped the wire around my raffia in the center to hold star in place. 

Finally took a hand full of pip berries and wrapped their ends around the raffia to secure them in place.

And that was it for my old milk can decor that I kept on my porch. Pretty simple and easy project to do with an old milk can.

***I do recommend that you display anything with the berries in a place that does not get wet.*** 

As always happy crafting.

Spray Paint and Vinyl Stencil Signs

Lately I've been doing some projects with spray paint and stencils. This method seems to work a lot better for me.  I've tried doing the method that people call PVPP (paint, vinyl, paint, paint), but it just doesn't seem to work for me.  Seem to always getting bleeding under my vinyl and have to touch up. With using the spray paint and vinyl. Below the pictures is explained on how I made these signs using spray paint and a stencil I made using my Silhouette Cameo

 I have not had to touch up these spray paint and vinyl stencil projects at all.

First off I had to figure out what signs I wanted to make.  Then got my boards around. Sanded them good. Decided on the paint colors then painted my base color, which is the color of my wording.  Then went to my Silhoutte Cameo to cut the designs out. Next placing the stencil cut from the Cameo onto my painted board.

Then I used a can of Rustoleum Spray Paint, any paint would work but this is what I had on hand.  First a very light coat, then a second coat covering completely but still not too heavy.  Last a third coat just to make sure everything was completely covered.  Letting it be til almost completely dry, before moving on to working on removing the stencil.  **I tried a little too soon and I was getting my prints on the sides of the board.**

Final step I used a dental pick to remove the stencil poking into a corner of each letter and pulling it off the painted board.

If you look pretty close the half done picture you will see how I have no bleeding under the stencil. For now on spray paint is what I will use to make my signs, at least until I figure out how to do the PVPP method good.

So give it a try and let me know how it worked out for you using the spray paint and vinyl stencil method.

As always I've Gotta have Projects.
Happy Crafting

Picture on Pallet with Tutorial

After seeing all these picture on pallet ideas going around I decided to make my first one. Love how it turned out.

For those of you who would like to DIY on a piece of pallet or really any kind of wood. Here is how I did mine.

Supplies

Piece of Pallet or any other kind of wood

A Picture

A spray clear sealer

Sand Paper

Mod Podge

Stain

Polycrylic or other such type sealer

A quote 

(I used my Silhouette Cameo and created one but you could buy or paint one on.)

Twine

Burlap (only need if making a burlap rose)

rag and Sponge brush ( or whatever works for you to apply Mod Podge)

First I got my picture ready by spraying the top with a clear sealer. I do this so when I apply the polycrylic it doesn't smudge my photograph. Let dry. 

Next prepare your piece of pallet. I sanded the best I could then stained it with a cloth and wiped off access.

Then put a layer of Mod Podge on your pallet where your picture will be placed. I then take the picture and put a light coat of Mod Podge on the back of the photo making sure you get the edges. Oh forgot I tore down the edges of my picture not necessary, I just like the worn look. Now place your photo where you wanted it and smooth out making sure to get out all the bubbles. Keep smoothing. Let dry. 

Now you are ready to apply the Polycrylic. Mine took several layers as I needed a smooth surface for my quote that I did in vinyl with my Silhouette Cameo. After your polycrylic is complete dry you are ready to add your quote and other embellishments.  I wrapped twine across the top and added a burlap rose. 

I will be making more of these pictures with pallets. Would like to see some of yours as well. 

How to Make a Saltbox House from a Box

Recently learning how to make a saltbox house from a plain empty box.  I decided I would like to share how I made my Saltbox house from a Box.

Primitive Faux Bread Using Spray Foam

Some primitive looking breads I made using Spray Insulation Foam. They are fairly easy to make.

You will need:

Spray Insulation Foam (Touch 'n Foam, Great Stuff or any kind)

A pan or dish that you will be using. (see note below) 

for mine I used cinnamon, nutmeg, Epson salt, oatmeal, small beads, brown colored paints, and Mod Podge. White caulking. 

Use things in the liking for decorating the tops.  There are many ideas on Pinterest.

Take your spray foam and start on one side of your pan and fill about 1/2 to 3/4 full slowly working your way to the other end of your pan. I have done it also by filling the bottom first working my way to the top.  It will give you a different look. I found it to have a smoother look working from one end to the other and a lumpier affect fill bottom first. Just work with the foam and have fun trying different variations. If you fill too much it will puff all up and overflow.

Let it dry.

Once dry you can begin decorating to your liking.  Some I painted then mod podged. Some were mod podged and then my spices added. For my white topping I've tried white paint and glue, puffy white paint, and white caulking. I found that the white caulking worked the best for me.

Be creative. 

**Note** you will not be able to use this pan or dish again so make sure it is not one that you will want to reuse for cooking or eating from.

 Before 

After spice and paint 

 Finished 

I showed a friend my breads and explained to her how to make them and her creativity just went wild with them.  She had posted them on Facebook for sale and people were just loving them. She has done an excellent job at using her creativity and experimenting with the spray foam.

  

Here are a few examples of the creativity one of my friends have using the Spray Foam to create faux breads, pies and cupcakes..

 Tosha's Cherry Pie

***All pictures belong to Gotta have projects.  Please do not claim as your own. Give credit where credit is due.  As I do the same.***

Toilet Paper Roll Candles

Candle made from Toilet Paper Roll

I did not make this Toilet Paper Candle and these are not my instructions but I am giving credit to the one who did.  See below I hope she doesn't mind that I put this out to the world to share.  I don't know if she even has a website or blog as I got the information from one of my Facebook groups.  They are so many talented people out there with so much talent.  This is one project that I have tried but have come to realize that wax and me just don't mix to well.  I have tried several projects with candle wax beginning to think it just doesn't like me.  The directions are easy enough for anyone to follow so I thought I would share with others that might not have a problem working with wax.

So now for the instructions

What you need

Roll of Toilet Paper

Black or White or Tan Spray Paint (depending on light or dark candle)

Paraffin Wax

Double boiler or can  that can sit in a pot or crock pot (she uses regular pot)

Fragrance (spices or oils)

Coloring from (colored candles, crayons, food coloring, etc..)

Tongs

Wax paper

Electric Tea light

Elmer's Glue or Mod Podge

other embellishments (oats cinnamon, cloves, etc..)

Spray paint your tp with flat paint and let dry,  I use black spray paint for dark colors and white/tan for light colors..
Melt your wax or paraffin. I use a regular pot and I set on a bit above low.  Some ppl use crock pots or double boilers. At this time you can add your fragrance (spices or oils) and colors (colored candles, crayons, food coloring, etc).
When the wax is completely melted use some tool (I use tongs) to hold your toilet paper and dip your tp roll into the wax to add a thin coat of wax on it. Set it on a plate, wax paper or paper plate.
Let it cool.
At this time you can add a label or picture to the candle.  Simply glue it on.
Now you have to decide the look of the candle you want to make.  If you want a smooth candle, spoon the wax onto the candle and smooth it out. If you want a frothy candle continue on. Let the wax cool until it begins to form a crust.  Then skim a spoon across the top of the wax and transfer that to your candle.  If you have a label, be sure to put the wax around the label first. Then keep spooning until the candle is covered.
You may have to reheat the wax and let it cool again to finish.
Cover your tea light, too. Don't cover the bottom of the tea light. Let it all cool.
Then decorate. You can add oats, cinnamon, cloves.. well, anything you want to your candle. Just use Elmer's (some use mod podge, but Elmer's is cheaper... a lot!!).
To protect my candles I put a coat of Elmer's glue and water (half and half) all over everything except material. However, if you put this mix on material, it will stiffen it, so it's up to you.
Your candle is ready to be plated. Burn away! Well not really burn but turned on.

Hope you enjoyed her instructions



Picture and instructions are by Diana Hammond please do not use as your own. Give credit where credit is due.

Faux Brown Egg-Tutorial

Faux Brown Egg Tutorial

 I know its late for this tutorial but save for next year or if you could get a hold of some of these faux eggs.  I purchased mine from Wal-mart at Easter time.  The faux eggs came in little egg cartons with no seems and are dye able.

Basically all you need is the faux eggs, brown shoe polish (I used the kind in the small round container) and brown paint mixed with a little water and an old tooth brush. **Don't have paint and water mixture too watery or it will run.  I suggest testing the platter on paper first.

Take old rag and wipe on shoe polish covering whole faux egg and wipe off. I did whole dozen at a time. 

Then mix a little water with the brown paint dip tooth brush in paint and rub your finger across bristles to make it splatter off.  Let dry and turn eggs over and repeat the process with the paint and tooth brush. 

There you have it your Faux Brown Eggs that will look great in your country, primitive kitchen.

Other Tutorials Here

How to make Primitive Eggs using Plastic Eggs

Supplies 

Plastic eggs

Coffee grounds

White Paint

Elmer's school glue

Little bit of water

Acrylic paints (to color eggs)

Mini Wax stain

old rag

Glue gun and glue sticks

Since the plastic eggs have a little hole on the ends I screw screws into a board (see pic below) to hold the eggs so they can dry. Or I stick them on a skewer and place in a jar to dry. 

Glue the egg seams together. 

Place some paint in a disposable container, I like to use something that has a lid so I can keep it covered til I'm all finished. I mixed about 3/4 paint to 1/4 school glue.  Then add dry coffee grounds.  The amount you add depends on how much texture you want.

Paint away.  Don't load it on or it might run you can always go back and add more paint mixture later.   

Let dry completely. Paint in your choice of colors. Let dry again.  Using your stain and old rag wipe on your now Primitive Eggs

My acrylic paint colors I used in the photo below was Laguana, Sage and Sandstone

Making Labels with Microsoft Word

Abby from Just a Girl and her blog gives a great tutorial on Making Pretty Labels with Microsoft Word. Be sure to check it out here to see for yourself how easy it is to make labels with Microsoft word