Tiny Dancers, Twirlers, and Flower Cupcakes

Scene 1:

My older niece's dance recital was today. My younger niece and other family members and friends filled the row. We waited for my niece to take the stage.

I sat in a sea of moms, dads, grandparents, siblings, and friends. I knew when she stepped out on stage, everyone would disappear but her. I'd wait breathlessly through pirouettes and leaps. My heart would swell with each step of her dances.

She wouldn't see us, although her eyes would scan the audience. She knows we're there. That's enough.

 Scene 2:

Gold Leaf Seashell Wall Art

I recently discovered this liquid gold leaf at Michael's. All you have to do is paint in on. It dries super-quick and you have a completely different look with amazing shine.

For this project I used 4 wood frames, FolkArt craft paint in Sky Blue, Recollections Burlap Ribbon, Plaid Liquid Leaf in Gold, and assorted seashells.

First I painted the frames. I was going to add in another shade of blue but really fell in love with the beachy feel of the Sky Blue.

While the frames were drying, I used a stiff brush to paint the Liquid Leaf on the shells. It covered easily and quickly. It completely transformed the shells. I found this whole set of shells at CVS for only $2.00. A major score!

Next, I measured the burlap using the frame backing, cut it, and hot glued it to the white side of the cardboard. Then I inserted the backing into the frame.

Next, I glued a shell inside each frame. And finally, I glued the frames together.

Linking up with:

Photo Display Board

I was recently invited to join the Rit Dyesigner Network. This was really exciting for me because it means I learn about the new products coming out more quickly and I'm able to experiment with them. It also means I get to share these fun and new products with you. Win-win!!

Rit Dye can be used for much more than just fabric. One of my favorite uses for it is as a stain for wood. It adds gorgeous color while still allowing the natural beauty of the wood grain to show through.

For this project I used a 12x12 pressed cardboard plaque, a 12x12 piece of glittered scrapbook paper, a scrolled laser-cut plaque, a tiny clothespin, Aqua Blue craft paint, and Kelly Green and Lemon Yellow Liquid Rit Dye. I always find the most beautiful paper from Michael's!!

A thought for the day

Just a thought for today about plans, dreams, challenges, happy surprises...

Easy Painted Picture Frame

My sister's birthday was last week. This weekend we're having a birthday for her. Along with some other surprises I decided to make her this sweet picture frame to remind her that she's not just my sister, she my best friend.

I bought an unfinished wood frame and 2 laser-cut embellishments from Michael's. I used gray and aqua crafts paints.

Rit Dye Stained Jewelry Box

I saw a jewelry box very similar to this on several sites for around $60. When I saw this simple wooden hinged box at Michael's I knew it was the perfect opportunity to try to recreate it and try out Rit Dye as a stain.

My materials included the unfinished wooden box, Liquid Rit Dye in Aquamarine, metallic gold paint, black paint, a wood circle embellishment, a laser-cut scroll embellishment, and small wooden initial.

Easy Stenciled Burlap Place Mats

Still looking for a fun Mother's Day gift? These place mats are a quick and easy project that would make a perfect gift.

I found this laminated burlap a while back at Michael's. I knew it was a cool product but wasn't really sure what to use it for. Then I found one of their free project sheets with a tutorial for the place mats. I had to try it!