1 Cindi Bisson McGee - Behind These Eyes : Designer Craft Connection
Showing posts with label Designer Craft Connection. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Designer Craft Connection. Show all posts

Monday, October 5, 2015

Spoooooky Pumpkin Full of Fun and More! DCC Blog Hop time!

I LOVE Halloween!  I love Halloween decorations, costumes, the creepy and silly fun of it all.  No gifts required, no stress, no big meals to prepare and clean up.  Just family fun, not taking life too seriously.    I have created a lot of Halloween projects over the years, most of which you can find here on my blog.  My last 3 blog posts highlight some of them including fabric pumpkins, a witch's apothecary, and a bottle of "boo-s".   This month the Designer Craft Connection Blog Hop theme is Halloween Decorations. I've been out of town taping the latest series of When Creativity Knocks and didn't get my newest project finished in time but I knew exactly what I wanted to share with you all today!  This AMAZING pumpkin panorama is full of fun pieces created with Makin's Clay®!  It was designed by artist Patricia Krauchune.  Patricia is a fabulous polymer clay artist who specializes in Steampunk designs, at least I used to think so, but now that I've seen this, I think she specializes in SPOOKY FUN projects!  :0)     You can find a link to Patricia's original post with this project here on her blog. I encourage you to follow her blog as she is always sharing new projects to inspire you!

Be sure to follow the Designer Craft Connection link in the column to the right to see what other spooky fun decorations our participating designers are sharing with you today!  For an even quicker way to access our participating designers - check out the Designer Craft Connection blog here! 

 Happy Halloween!!!!!

The awesome coffin full of bones below is actually 3-D and has depth - which you can see better in this "in progress" photo - Pat hand made the pieces using a number of techniques including liquifying the clay! 




Friday, February 6, 2015

Offray® Ribbon Blog Hop - Polka Dots & Sparkle Little Girl's Apron


The Designer Craft Connection group is participating in a blog hop featuring projects made with Offray® Ribbons.  We each received as shipment of pretty ribbons to create our designs with.  I used the pretty pinks they sent for the hop, along with some other fun polka dot Offray® ribbons I had from a prior project, added some pretty fabric from ADORNit® and just a bit of BLING with Connie Crystal crystal sheets to create this "Polka Dots & Sparkle Little Girl's Apron"!   And of course, for those of you who follow my creative projects, you know I very seldom actually sew - I use Beacon®'s Fabri-Tac™ Adhesive to hold it all together!

Be sure to click through the DCC link on the right to see what the other participating designers are sharing with their Offray® projects!

And - Sign up for Offray.com email newsletters to receive information about new products, project ideas, and special savings. Plus, receive 15% Off your first order at Offray.com when you sign up for email!

Materials: 

Offray® Ribbons - Gross grain - assorted polka dots, solid pale pink sparkle
ADORNit® Basics Fabric - Tiny Check - blue 
Connie Crystal White Crystal Sheets
Beacon® Fabri-Tac™ Adhesive
Westcott Brand® Titanium Bonded Non-Stick Scissors

Instructions:

Cut fabric to 18 1/2" x 22".   Fold in left and right edges approximately 1/2", fold over top edge approximately 2", iron to make crease.

Cut bottom edge with pinking shears, or create small folded seam and glue in place.

Use Fabri-Tac to glue down folded left and right seams.

Place Fabri-Tac on outer edge and glue down top edge to create pocket for ribbon to tie apron.

Cut several pieces of assorted ribbons approximately 4".  Fold in half, use Fabri-Tac to glue ends together to form loops.   Glue loops along bottom edge of apron extending approximately 1/4" beyond bottom of apron.

Glue light pink sparkle ribbon along top edge of ribbon loops.

Cut piece of white crystal sheet about 1/2" wide (3 rows) x width of apron.  Glue in center of pink sparkle ribbon over ribbon loops.

Create pocket by cutting piece of fabric 5" x 6".  Fold all edges over to make 1/2" seams and iron seams.   Use Fabri-Tac to glue strips of ribbon over front of pocket, wrapping top edge over and glueing to inside of top of pocket.   Glue pocket in place on apron.

Cut strips of 1/2" (3 rows) of white crystal sheets to create monogram letter and glue in place.

String pink sparkle ribbon through pocket at top of apron to create ribbons to tie in place. 

Monday, February 2, 2015

Love This! Valentine Heart Clay Earrings

This week the Designer Craft Connection's blog hop theme is "Love This!"  We were asked to share projects featuring something we love - a product, tool, technique, etc.   I'm sharing a project featuring several products I love, and a few techniques too!

Be sure to follow the Designer Craft Connection link in the column on the right to see what other creative projects the designers are sharing!









Materials (A few that I LOVE!):

Makin's Clay® - White & Red
                         - Clay roller, Heart Cutter Set
Connie Crystals - red and clear
Beacon® Adhesives 527
JudiKins French Script rubber stamp
Clearsnap® Ann Butler's Crafter's® Ink -
Silver French earring wires, silver flat head pins
Jewelry pliers

Instructions:

Mix small amount of white and red clay to swirl and create shades of pink.  Roll thin (approximately 1/8" thick.  I love blending clay and leaving it slightly swirled - I think the effect is so pretty and each piece is totally unique. 

Ink script stamp with red ink and stamp into rolled clay.   Use medium heart cutter to cut 4 hearts.  Let dry (should only take an hour or so since clay is rolled so thin).  I love to rubber stamp Makin's Clay® - you can stamp it when it's wet or dry - use the stamp to make impressions in wet clay, etc.  Endless creative options!   And this JudiKins French Script stamp is truly one of my must have stamps - I've used it on so many projects I've lost count! 

Cover back of 2 hearts with Beacon 527.  Place flat head pin with head at base of back of heart.  Place second heart on top to seal pin within.  Let dry.  Beacon's 527 is one of my "go-to" adhesives - it works on virtually anything, is super strong, and dries clear! 

Add clear crystal bead and then red crystal bead.  Create loop at top of pin.  Add to earring wires.  Connie Crystals are a great embellishment for many projects - I love having them in my creative stash to go to for not just jewelry, but paper crafts, mixed-media and more! 

Monday, December 1, 2014

Decoupaged Ornaments Cluster Swag

The theme for this month's Designer Craft Connection blog hop is "last minute" holiday decorations.  This simple cluster swag is easy to make with just a few materials.  You can use patterned paper, fabric, or decorative holiday napkins like these I found in the $1
bin at the local craft chain store!   

Be sure to click through the Designer Craft Connection link in the right column to see what other projects participating designers are sharing! 

Materials:

Three 4" Smoothfoam™ balls
FloraCraft SimpleStyle™ Burlap Garland
Beacon Adhesives® Fast Finish Decoupage 
Aleene's® Fast Grab Tacky Glue 
Jute 
Foam brush





Instructions: 

1) Tear decorative napkins into assorted pieces about 2".   Pour Fast Finish Decoupage in bowl and use foam brush to apply to each Smoothfoam™ ball, then apply napkin pieces to ball, leaving hole in ball open, overlapping to cover the balls.  Coat surface each covered ball with Fast Finish Decoupage to seal.  Let dry. 

2) Cut 3 strands of jute 16", 3 strands 13" and 3 strands 10".  
Squeeze Fast Grab Tacky Glue into hole in ball, twist ends of each group of jute strands, insert into hole (use tip of scissor if needed to push strands into hole).  Let dry. 








3) Make large bow from burlap garland.   Insert piece of wire through back of bow loop and twist to create hanger loop.  Tie ends of jute together and tie to wire loop on back of bow.   











Monday, November 3, 2014

Say THANKS to a Friend with a Laugh

This month's Designer Craft Connection blog hop theme is Thank You cards & Gifts.   This card, created with Graphic 45 papers, The Buckle Boutique bling, and a humorous saying stamp from KellyCraft's® Jimbo Lojik™ stamp line is a fun way to say thanks to a friend for having your back during tough times!

Be sure to click on the the Designer Craft Connection icon in the column on the right to see what other creative ways the Designers have found to say THANKS!



Materials: 

KellyCraft™ Innovations Jimbo Lojik Stamps - Set A
KellyCraft™ Innovations Get-it-Straight™ Laser Square & Multi-Mat™
Graphic 45 Domestic Goddess collection
Clearsnap® Crafter's Ink - Stone
The Buckle Boutique Gold Rectangle Dazzling Diamond self-adhesive rhinestone sheet
Westcott® Titanium Bonded Scissors & Self-Healing Mat
AdTech dot runner
Black, rust card stock
Gold photo corners

Instructions: 

1. Cut black yardstick to 5 1/2 x 8 1/2" and fold in half to form card.

2. Cut piece of rust patterned paper approximately 4 x 5 1/4".   Use Get-it-Straight™ laser square to mount centered on front of card.


3. Cut woman dressing image from paper, ink edges with Stone ink pad.  Add gold photo corners.

4. Cut mat from rust card stock slightly larger than image. Use Get-it-Straight™ laser square to mount image centered on mat.

5. Cut strip of Dazzling Diamonds about 1 1/2" x 5 1/2".  Use  Get-it-Straight™ laser square to align and then mount onto front of card.

6. Use Get-it-Straight™ laser square to align and mount woman image on left front of card as shown.


7. Ink "Put your BIG Girl Panties on and DEAL with it!" stamp with Stone ink.  Stamp onto tan parchment card stock.  Trim around verse.  Ink edges of verse.   

8.  Cut mat for verse from rust card stock.  Mont verse to mat, use  Get-it-Straight™ laser square to mount verse  onto center of card slightly overlapping woman image.  









Friday, October 17, 2014

Sullivans USA Gothic Goes Girly Macrame Bracelet


What does a Halloween obsessed designer think of first when she receives with a package of two lovely shades of pink Hebe Cord from Sullivans USA?  Why, SKULLS of course!  The result is this Gothic Goes Girly Skull bracelet.   Thinking back over my crafty past, I don't ever remember attempting to macrame - but after searching the web for easy to follow instructions I found great site that was able to walk me through creating this piece.  I went back to school at www.MacrameSchool.com!    Here's the link to the video tutorial that will walk you through the easy to follow instructions for what they call a "cool wave" or "snake" style bracelet. This project is part of a special Designer Craft Connection blog hop - Be sure to click the Designer Craft Connection button in the right column to see what the other participating Designer Craft Connection designers have done with their Sullivans USA Hebe Cord!

http://www.macrameschool.com/resources/bracelets/222-easy-wave-snake

Materials: 

Sullivans USA Hebe Cord - Two shades of pink
The Beadery pink skull beads - 10
Westcott Craft Titanium Bonded Non-Stick Scissors & Ruler
Needle
Duck Brand Tape (optional - but sure made it easier!)

I'm including a few photos to give you a close up of the steps in the video.  It took me a couple of tries, but once I got rolling, it was quite simple to do!









Monday, October 6, 2014

Beaded Spider - DCC October Blog Hop


It's time for the Halloween edition of the Designer Craft Connection blog hop!  Be sure to follow the link to the right to see what the other participating designers are sharing to add some BOO to your world! 

This beaded spider was a snap to create - I followed the directions in the most recent episode of When Creativity Knocks - We visited Crafted at the Port of LA and Mary Austin from Twisted Sisters showed us how easy it was to create these little bejeweled crawlers.  I couldn't resist whipping one up for myself!    Add a pin back, or make  a necklace for him to hang from as a pendant - or perch him on a pumpkin like I did for a little creepy fun.   

Materials: 

22/24 Gauge wire
Jewelry pliers
Black seed beads, black bugle beads, round glass bead for head
Connie Crystal blue bicone beads, large blue glass bead for body
Bead caps 

Follow the instructions in the episode below to create your own spider you don't want to squish! 










Sunday, July 13, 2014

Burlap Apples & Display Bowl


BurlapFabric.com is sponsoring this amazing blog hop featuring projects from 20 Designer Craft Connection designers - Be sure to follow the links below to visit their blogs and see what they are sharing too, and sign up to win the amazing prize package BurlapFabric.com is offering!

I decided to try making burlap apples with the red burlap I received in my box of burlapy goodness from BurlapFabric.com - and a decorative "bowl" to display them in (I like the "bowl" so much I plan to display other seasonal goodies in it too!).   Don't let the multiple steps overwhelm you - it's easier than it looks to create your own burlap apples!

Materials: 

BurlapFabric.com red burlap, regular burlap, frayed edge 1" burlap ribbon, 3 1/2" burlap ribbon with black stripe top and bottom
Smoothfoam™ balls - 3 7/8"
Westcott® Craft Knife, Self-Healing Cutting Mat, Titanium Bonded® Non-Stick Scissors
AdTech® Glue Gun & Glue Sticks
DecoArt® Americana Multi-Surface Craft Paint - Apple Green
Spanish moss, paintbrush
Real apple for reference and mid-project snack (optional lol!)

Instructions:

1) Use craft knife to cut approximately 2" circle, then add 4 cuts inside.

2) Remove foam from top of ball.

3) Use craft knife to carefully trim/scrape away around edges of removed portion to create curve of top of apple.

4) Use craft knife to cut approximately 1" circle from bottom of ball, remove foam.

5) Use craft knife to create 4 small arcs/curves around hole on bottom of ball (like the arcs on the bottom of a real apple).

6) Carefully use end of scissor to create hole inside top and bottom openings on ball (you will tuck burlap ends into these holes).

7) Cut 5 petal shaped pieces from red burlap, approximately 5" x 2" in the center (I used my cutting mat as a guide for sizing each petal).

8) Add small amount of hot glue to one end of first petal, tuck into hole on top of apple.

9) Bring bottom of petal to base of apple, add small amount of glue and tuck into hole at bottom of apple.  Add small amount of hot glue on each side and adhere to foam ball.

10) Add small amount of glue to second petal, tuck into top of foam ball, slightly overlapping first piece of burlap.

11) Turn apple over, add small amount of hot glue to sides of petal, and mount to foam ball overlapping first piece of burlap.

12-13) Add small amount of hot glue to bottom point and tuck into bottom of apple.
Repeat with remaining petals until Smoothfoam™ ball is completely covered and your apple is ready for the stem & leaf.

14) Cut 3" piece of frayed edge burlap ribbon.   Tightly roll and use small amount of hot glue to adhere to create stem.

15) Use hot glue to mount stem into hole at top of apple.

16) From plain burlap, cut leaf shapes.

17) Paint both sides with Apple Green multi-surface paint and let dry.

18) Use hot glue to mount leaves to stems on top of apples.

To create the display bowl - I upcycled!   I used a clean chipboard potato stick can (and sadly, I had to eat the rest of the potato sticks in order to empty the can - it was a hard sacrifice but worth it for the finished project), but any sized can would work depending on how big you want your finished display bowl to be.

19) Use Westcott® Titanium Bonded® scissors (I love these scissors!  They are STRONG enough to cut through almost anything!) to remove top of can and leave 3" sides from base of can.

20) Use hot glue to mount burlap ribbon around can (it will extend about 1/2" off the top edge of the can).  Add Spanish moss.


Here are the links to the blogs for the other participating designers:

Carmen Flores Tanis   http://www.florestanisstudio.com
Jennifer Priest   http://www.hydrangeahippo.com
Lisa Fulmer    http://www.lisalizalou.com
Sue Eldred   http://www.sueeldred.com
Susan Brown   http://www.sbartist.com

And here's how you can win the fabulous prize package valued at $100 that includes a really nice variety of natural and colored burlap yardage, ribbons, embellishments and totes.  They have several ways to enter by leaving a comment on my blog and by following the DCC, BurlapFabric.com and Craft Foxes on social media. - http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/73bd0b11/







Monday, July 7, 2014

Country Style Luau Mason Jars


Summer is here and it's time for backyard barbecues and parties!  This month's Designer Craft Connection theme is Party Decor - so it's a perfect time for me to share these Country Style Luau Mason Jars I'm using to hold silverware and straws for our country style backyard luau!   Be sure to follow the DCC clickable link in the right column of my blog to see what other creative Party Decor projects our amazing designers are sharing to inspire you!

Materials:

Ball Mason Jars - Heritage Green pint size (you could use regular - but I love the combination of the green glass with the red & yellow - seemed more tropical to me!)
BurlapFabric.com Red Burlap
Westcott® Titanium Bonded® Non-Stick Scissors, Self-Healing Cutting Mat
DecoArt® Americana® acrylic paint - White Wash
Small paintbrush
Yellow ribbons (I used 3 different styles)
Wood Attitude® printable craft film
Conputer & printer
Wooden tags, string
AdTech Glue Gun & Glue Sticks
Elmer's Craft Bond Glue stick

Instructions:

Use cutting mat as a guide to measure out 4" x 11" strips of red burlap - cut with scissors.

Use small paintbrush and white acrylic paint to paint hibiscus flowers onto red burlap (I found an image of a hibiscus flower online to use as a guide).  Let dry.

Following manufacturer instructions, type and print Hawaiin words onto sheet of Wood Attitude® printable craft film (I googled Hawaiin words, then printed off words to create a custom message on my tags….. can you figure out what the message says?)

Trim words and mount to small wooden tags using glue stick, add string to tags.

Fray edges of painted red burlap by removing threads about 1/4" in on top and bottom edges.  Wrap around mason jars and adhere with small amount of hot glue.  Add decorative ribbons to top rim of jars, tie on wooden tags.


Be sure to come back on July 13th for 20 more creative projects featuring burlap products in a DCC Blog Hop sponsored by BurlapFabric.com - and enter to win their fabulous prize package valued at $100 that includes a really nice variety of natural and colored burlap yardage, ribbons, embellishments and totes.  They will have several ways to enter including leaving a comment on my blog and following the DCC, BurlapFabric.com, and Craft Foxes on social media!  



Monday, May 6, 2013

Designer Craft Connection Blog Hop - Wishes

Although there are endless ways to think about wishes - birthday wishes, good luck wishes, wedding wishes, bon voyage wishes, baby shower wishes, get well wishes, wishes that your children will have happy & healthy futures, when I thought about creating a post for today's blog hop following our "Wishes" theme was Jeannie.  Yes - Barbara Eden from the I Dream of Jeannie show many years ago.  It originally aired before my time, but I enjoyed the re-runs about a zillion times (and still do when I can find them on TV!)   I loved it so much that one Halloween many (many, many) years ago I even made a Jeannie halloween costume, complete with a jeweled bottle, and dressed my husband as Major Nelson for a party we were attending.   (What's one of MY wishes today?  That I could still fit into that costume lol!)     

I went to what seems to be a never-ending source of inspiration these days - PINTEREST - and searched "Genie" - the results were plentiful - and very interesting.   It seems "genies" inspire creativity of all kinds - photographs, costumes, paintings, cartoons, bottles, lamps, jewelry, and some of my favorites which I thought were completely amazing - this awesome, colorful cake, this enormous sand sculpture, and yes, there was even a genie costume for a dog!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/design_cakes/6763619611/in/photostream
http://pinterest.com/pin/205336064230926374/
pinterest.com/pin/205336064230926374/

I also found this quote, which I liked so much I decided to use for a mixed-media bracelet project.  I kept the basic bracelet very simple, as I plan to wear this regularly and wanted it to coordinate with many outfits. 

                “The absolutely awesome incredible power of belief is the genie in your life.”
                                                             ― Eldon Taylor

Materials:

DIY Bangle - 1/2"
EarthSafe Finishes Shimmer Opaque - Black Pearl, black acrylic paint, paintbrush
Silver foil tape
ImpressArt® Metal Stamps - Newsprint and Lower Case, steel stamping block, brass stamping hammer
E6000® Adhesive
Hampton Art collage rubber stamp
Clearsnap® ColorBox® Crafter's Ink - Night
JudiKins Diamond Glaze™ 




Instructions:

Paint bangle, inside and outside, with 2 coats of Black Pearl Shimmer Opaque.  Let dry.










Following manufacturer instructions, use ImpressArt® stamps and tools to stamp quote/verse onto silver foil tape.










Apply coat of black acrylic paint over stamped quote, gently remove paint from non-stamped surface with a soft cloth.





Use E6000® Adhesive to mount stamped silver foil tape onto center of bangle.







 
Ink rubber stamp with ColorBox® Crafter's Ink, stamp onto both outside edges of bracelet.  Let dry.








Coat entire bracelet with two coats of JudiKins Diamond Glaze™.   Let dry.








Don't forget to follow the Designer Craft Connection link in the right column to see what other creative projects the designers are sharing with the "wishes" theme - Cindi

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Shimmering Candle Balls with Smoothfoam


Give your cakes a pop of colorful shimmer with re-usable, customizable candle balls.   Choose your colors, make up a batch of these fun accessories and you’ll be ready for any celebration!

Materials:

Smoothfoam™ 1” Balls
Plaid® Mod Podge® - Glossy
Tulip® Fashion Glitter™ Assortment - Neons
Scissors, small plates, wax paper
Optional:  alphabet stickers, birthday candles

Instructions:

  1. Place approximately 1 tablespoon of desired colors of glitter into separate plates (*Note - amount of glitter needed will depend on desired number of finished balls.)
  2. Use fingers (or a small foam brush) to apply a layer of Mod Podge® over entire 1” Smoothfoam ball.  
  3. Roll in glitter, set on wax paper to dry.
    Repeat until number of desired balls is achieved.  Let dry.
  4. When dry, apply another coat of Mod Podge® over glittered balls, and roll again.  Let dry.
  5. Repeat a 3rd time.  Let dry.
  6. When dry, apply a final coat of glossy Mod Podge® to seal the glitter and prevent it from dropping into the food, and to make it easy to clean the balls with a damp cloth after use.  Let dry.
  7. To make holes to insert candles, carefully place tip of scissors through top of ball and rotate slightly.  Once hole has been “started” with scissors, insert a bamboo skewer, end of a clean ink pen, or other item that is approximately the same diameter as the candles you will be using.  Push in approximately 1/4” and remove. 
  8. Insert candles, add alphabet stickers to customize a message if desired. 
  9. When ready to serve the cake, remove the glittered balls, wipe with a damp cloth and they are ready to use on your next project.  
Follow the Designer Craft Connection Blog Hop button in the right column to see what other fun projects the designer group has created with Smoothfoam™ products!

To enter to win a prize package, leave a comment on favorite projects on the designer's blog and say what you would make with Smoothfoam.  The more often you comment, the more chances you have to win.  All the projects will be posted on Pinterest so readers can comment there too.  The winner will be announced on November 19th.
- Cindi