Project 17: Photo Transfer onto Canvas

This project yields some fun results. It's not always predictable but that's the fun in it.  I scored this project idea from this website. Click this for the tutorial.


Supplies used:
8 x 10 canvas
Laser printer
Black and white image
Gel medium
Brush

The instructions say to put the gel medium on thick - I highly advise this!

I found other tutorial variations that seem to be a lot simpler and only use Mod Podge (which is WAY cheaper).  I will try that out soon. Check that tutorial out!

Project 16: Airplant in a Votive

Okay - I do believe this is my last air plant project! At least for a while. :0)

This project is super simple.  I bought an inexpensive votive candle holder at Pier One. I took a small amount of decorative moss and placed in the bottom of the votive so that the air plant would sit higher when I glued it down. There you have it folks.  A project completed in 5 minutes!

Supplies used:
Air plant
Votive holder
Decorative moss
Hot glue gun

Project 15: Air Plant in a Light Bulb

This project wasn't exactly what I was planning. I wanted to make a light bulb terrarium and the light bulb was just too fragile.  When I was working with the light bulb the top of it broke off.  I didn't know what I would do - then I remembered that I had a mini propane torch.   With all my manly might, I sparked the flame and melted the jagged edges of the bulb.

Once the bulb cooled off I noticed that I had an air plant that could fit into the opening.  I put a bit of hot glue on the bottom of the plant and slid it into the bulb and adhering it to the center of the inside.  I added some decorative rocks to hide the gluing. :0)

Air plants that little care - just a submersion in water once a week.  The only problem I foresee is the need to make sure no excess water is inside the bulb. You can follow the instructions for this project here: Etsy Tutorials.

Supplies used:
Light bulb
Needle nose pliers
Gloves
Small stones
Protective eye wear
Air plant
Propane torch (if necessary) hahaha

Project 14: Air Plant Hanging Jars

I've seen this item a few times online.  I've always thought it looked cool and thought I'd give it a shot.  The toughest part was finding the jar to use that would hang from a string.  I already had the air plants and now I just had to figure out how to get a hole drilled into the ceramic glazed jar. You definitely need a high powered drill and a drill bit equipped for masonry. It takes some time to drill through the ceramic - be warned!

Supplies Used:
Air plants
Hot glue gun
Cord
Small Container/jar
Power drill

 

I drilled through the bottom of the jar slowly - it took about 10 - 15 minutes to finally get through it.  I had to put water  on the center of the jar to help keep the drill bit cool as I worked to drill the hole.  The key is taking your time!

 I tied a knot on one end once I pulled the cord through the jar to allow it to hang.  I then hot glued the air plant to the cord.  I'm sure there is a more sophisticated way to do that. hahaha

Project 13: Stylish Terrarium

An air plant was hot glued into this jar to create this terrarium.
Only the white rock and the plant are secured.

Building a terrarium is something I've always wanted to try.  It seemed pretty easy and it was.  I just needed to find a jar I liked to get started.

Supplies used:
Jar (open or with a lid)
Activated charcoal (can be purchased at a pet shop in the aquarium section)
Potting soil
Moss
Small stones
Succulents or air plant

When using a succulent in the terrarium, you will use all supplies that are listed.  Air plants don't use soil. 

The air plant terrarium will never be enclosed in the jar. It needs as much moisture as it can get without sitting in water.

I used this tutorial on how to make a terrarium.  ETSY Tutorial.  I did start off trying to use a light bulb and it is pretty difficult.  I guess the light bulbs I bought were cheap because the glass was so thin. hahaha

This terrarium used moss that was found in my backyard.  It'll be interesting to see how it grows.

A succulent is used in this terrarium.

Project 12: Terracotta Planter Decorating

I bought this large terracotta planter from IKEA a couple weeks ago and I was trying to figure out just what I would do with it.  Then I realized that I had a 2010 calendar with all these nature images. I have two circle punches of different sizes and a jar of Mod Podge - VIOLA!  Project created!

Supplies Used:
Terracotta pot
Mod Podge
Circle punches
Foam brush
Colorful paper

I punched out a bunch of circles and began adhering them with the glue onto the planter. I didn't really have an idea of how I would lay them out - I just went with the flow.  You have to be comfortable with that or else you'll spend more time that you're really willing to give. hahahaha

Once you've glued your circles down you should do a couple coats of Mod Podge over the pot and circles. The Mod Podge creates a waterproof seal.

Project 11: 3-D Star

I've seen these stars on a lot of homes in the last few years.  Yesterday I found instructions on how to make one and it was made by recycling a cereal box!

This is one of the simplest projects that I've done so far.  I have yet to paint it but you can see the results.

Supplies Used:
Recycled box
Paper creasing tool (bone tool)
Hot glue gun
Ruler
Pen
Spray paint

 

Project 10: Quote Jar

In my second attempt at glass etching I'm still seeing lackluster results.  But hey, it's a craft and practice makes perfect!

The concept for this project is to take a jar and fill it with quotes.  This project is semi-complete because I haven't printed the quotes yet - AND I'm just not happy with the etching. However, I am still claiming this as a project! hahaha  I learned from it and hopefully someone else will, too!

Supplies Used:
Glass Jar
Armor Etch etching cream
Masking tape
Vinyl letter stickers

Once the jar is complete you take your favorite quotes and you can roll them up or loosely place them into the jar. 

I'll be posting a photo of the complete project soon.

Project 9: Mason Jar Lights

I saw Mason Jar lights at a art market a while back and had always wanted to try making them.  Of course, in true Dennis style, I had to add another dimension to it and started this project as a series of  that involve glass etching.  Let me just say that I have learned a LOT with this craft.

Things I learned:

1. When etching on glass, you need a material that will adhere VERY WELL to the glass.
2. You should clean the glass with glass cleaner AND wear rubber gloves so that you do not get any smudges, smears, finger prints, etc on the glass.  You should do all of this before you begin taping.
3. Speaking of taping, I would probably not use masking tape. I'd stick with contact paper. The etching cream seeped under the tape and the lines aren't clean.
4. When the directions say to put on the etching cream in a thick layer - DO IT!
5. Don't try to cut the lid to attach the lighting with the improper tool!

With that said, here's what I used:
Armor Etch etching cream
Canning jars
Masking tape
Scissors
Lighting cord
Paint brush
Metal cutters

Project 8: Holiday Cards

Finding time to make these projects has been challenging to say the least.  It's like having a part-time job!  Today I made several projects and it took a LOT of time. HA!  I started with a simple project.  Making holiday cards using paint chip cards. 

This was relatively simple to do and results in some modern looking cards.  The only thing I would have added is the use of a rubber stamp.  This would have really put the emphasis on the holidays with a stamp that said "Happy Holidays" (duh!).  The other option is to hand write it - which can yield unfavorable results.

Supplies Used:
Paint chip cards
Mod Podge or some other glue
Paint brush
Blank greeting cards

Things I would do differently are:

• Choose more interesting paint chip cards.
• Made a stencil for cutting the shapes to different sizes. It would have saved time in the long run.
• I would have made sure the "trees" were glued down securely.
• Use a rubber stamp with a holiday statement - I would stamp the cards prior to gluing anything down. This is for the possibility of messing up with the stamping.  I am notorious for goofing something up and having to start over.