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Archive | Mixed Media

Embellish a Seashell Coloring Canvas with 28 Lilac Lane

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This project combines two of my favorite things: coloring and sequins! Using a pre-printed canvas, markers, and new sequins from 28 Lilac Lane, I made a fun project that is an easy way to decorate an ocean-themed room. This project is so easy that even the kids can do it!

To make this project, you will need:

How to:

  1. Color in the coloring canvas using markers. 
  2. Fill in “water” areas of the canvas with clear drying glue. Only work on a small section at a time so the glue doesn’t dry before sequins have been applied.
  3. While the glue is still wet, shake on sequins from the 28 Lilac Lane Sequin & Bead Mixes and the 28 Lilac Lane Sequin Tins. When the glue has dried, shake off the excess sequins onto a piece of paper. You can then reuse those sequins!
  4. Use clear drying glue to mark accents on selected seashells on the canvas. Use sequins from the 28 Lilac Lane Sequin Tins. Shake off the excess.

This canvas was so fun to make. I absolutely love to color so I really enjoyed getting out of coloring books and onto a canvas, and the addition of a little sequin bling just makes it even better!

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This Easy 3 Step Mixed Media Canvas is Fruity Fun!

Our fabulous 28 Lilac Lane designer May Flaum is at it again, showing us all the beautiful things that can be done with her exciting new 28 Lilac Lane products that were announced at Creativation in January! This time, it’s a mixed media canvas with a profusion of pink flowers that will brighten your day – especially if winter is dragging on a little longer than you’d like!

Fruity Fun Mixed Media Canvas by May Flaum

This surprisingly easy mixed media canvas project can be made in only three easy steps, with just a few supplies, and is easy to customize o a theme or color scheme for your home or occasion.

May’s project uses her fun new 28 Lilac Lane “Fruity Fun” embellishment bottle that features an assortment of shades of (what else?) fruity pink! These brilliant shades bring to mind summer berries, watermelon, a cool glass of punch, or  even flamingoes. It’s great for summer themes, flowers, and oh-so-many things!

28 Lilac Lane Fruity Fun

To see more of this mixed media canvas project – and get the full 3 step instructions – visit May’s blog. Also, don’t miss the challenge on the mixed media challenge blog this month that is based on this project! (Did I mention that there is a giveaway?)

Mixed Media Canvas close-up

Our “Fruity Fun” embellishment bottle is just one of six new 28 Lilac Lane embellishment bottles that are shipping now from our online store: Fruity Fun, Queen Bee, Fiesta, Gemstone, Stormy Skies, and Farmhouse. Get them all!

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Make an Altered Notebook Travel Journal

Travel journals are hot, and altering notebooks with mixed media is a great way to make them. In a recent journal project, 28 Lilac Lane designer May Flaum showed how her embellishment kits can make mixed media beautiful!

28 Lilac Lane travel journal by May Flaum

For this project, May used one of her brand new 28 Lilac Lane embellishment kits that was just unveiled at the Creativation show in January. “Let’s Go” is a beautiful combination of turquoise, brown and butter yellow with a few touches of gold mixed in – plus a gorgeous camera charm!

lets go embellishment kit

To see how to make this travel journal cover, visit May’s blog, or watch May’s video below to see the step by step techniques that May used!

With beads, sequins, pearls, and buttons, 28 Lilac Lane embellishment kits are a great match for mixed media techniques. Whether it’s a journal cover, a canvas, a scrapbook page, or another project…you’ll find just what you need in one of our handy embellishment kit boxes!

28 Lilac Lane travel journal by May Flaum

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28 Lilac Lane | Easy Home Decor Canvas by May Flaum

Whether you are looking for a last-minute gift idea, or to brighten your home decor for the new year…this mixed media wall art project by 28 Lilac Lane designer May Flaum is just the thing for your walls. It’s an easy home decor canvas that can be completed in just a few minutes, but packs a visual punch!

easy home decor canvas

easy home decor canvas by May Flaum

Only a few basic supplies are needed for creating this project:

The mixed media technique for this easy home decor canvas is messy and random looking – and therefore very forgiving and difficult to screw up! Just smear the shades of paint in one direction across your canvas – and remember to make sure it is nice and thick for a beautiful textured look.

Next, use your palette knife to smear a shape into the paint. Use liquid adhesive to add your embellishments and gold leaf on top of the smeared shape. Finally, spritz with gold mist for an extra touch of shine!

easy home decor canvas

easy home decor canvas by May Flaum

It’s that simple to create beautiful wall art! And don’t forget that May’s mixed media technique on this easy home decor canvas can be adapted very simply to many color schemes and shapes. Try the 28 Lilac Lane Hello Sunshine bottle with shades of yellow and white paint to create a beautiful moon for a nursery wall. Or create a heart in shades of pink using Pretty Princess to add a touch of artsy elegance to a dorm room. The possibilities are as endless as our color palette of 28 Lilac Lane embellishment bottles!

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Simple Mixed Media Tag with 28 Lilac Lane

Our 28 Lilac Lane embellishment kits designed by May Flaum make the perfect finishing touch for projects like this mixed media tag! This tag thinks “outside the box” with our Paws & Pets kit, using its lovely brown tones as the perfect partner for some vintage style Tim Holtz products.

Mixed Media Tag by Nancy Nally featuring 28 Lilac Lane embellishment kits

Supplies:

To make this tag, begin by cutting the dapper man out of the patterned paper sheet. Then flip the sheet over and cut the tag base out of the Tim Holtz paper and glue down the hole reinforcer.

Paint and stamping on mixed media tag

Using the Distress Paint dabber, stencil the harlequin design across the middle of the tag. Once dry, glue the dapper man on top of it. Stamp the clock image with Ground Espresso ink, allowing it to bleed off the edge of the tag.

Mixed Media Tag detail

Lay down an area of glue in the bottom right corner of the tag and spread a random assortment of buttons and seed beeds throughout the area. (In addition to the Paws & Pets kit, I used one ivory button from the Vintage Findings kit.)

Mixed Media Tag close-up

Lay down another area of glue in the upper left corner and spread another assortment of seed beads in that area. Loop a short length of the Melissa Frances ribbon through the tag’s hole, and stitch a button through it to keep it in place.

To finish off the mixed media tag, select some phrase stickers from the Small Talk set and place them over the dapper man. I selected phrases that reflected the man’s confidence and effortless sense of personal style.

Our pre-coordinated 28 Lilac Lane kits are the perfect quick & easy embellishment for all your mixed media projects. Don’t forget to look past the name to the color scheme, and “think outside the box” about all the wonderful things that they can do!

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Inspirational Mixed Media Canvas with 28 Lilac Lane

This time of year sees a lot of people we love embarking on new adventures, headed off soon to new schools, or new jobs. Wouldn’t it be nice to send a piece of ourselves, and a positive message, along with them? This inspirational mixed media canvas using 28 Lilac Lane products will remind them to reach for their dreams!

Inspirational Mixed Media Canvas by Nancy Nally using 28 Lilac Lane

Supplies from Buttons Galore:

Other Supplies:

  • Blank 8″x10″ canvas
  • Plaid Milk Paint (Lexington Blue)
  • Quick Quotes “Farmhouse” Paper Collection
  • Plaid FolkArt Stencil (Single Rose)
  • Plaid FolkArt Sencil Creme (Rainbow)
  • Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Antique Linen, Broken China, Ground Espresso)
  • Stamper’s Anonymous Rubber Stamp “Always Move…”
  • Prima “Say It In Crystals” embellishments
  • Wilton Doilies (4″)
  • Tim Holtz idea-ology Small Talk Stickers
  • Tim Holtz idea-0logy Jute String
  • Embroidery Floss
  • Manila Tag
  • Sizzix Big Shot Machine
  • Sizzix Tim Holtz Alterations “Tiny Tabs & Tags” Die

To get started on your inspirational mixed media canvas project, paint the front and edges of the canvas with the blue Milk Paint. Let the paint dry.

Tear the floral “Farmhouse” paper and adhere it to the front of the canvas using the PPA Matte Adhesive. Use a baby wipe or damp paper towel to smooth down the edges of the paper and adhere them firmly. (This will have the effect of also distressing the milk paint finish on the canvas.)

Once the paint and glue is dried well, use the stencil and stencil creme (in orange) to apply a rose design to the lower right hand corner of the canvas, over the paper.

Stenciled Rose on Mixed Media Canvas

In the upper left hand corner, glue down a doilie on top of the patterned paper. When the glue is dry, smudge some Antique Linen Distress Ink on top of the cut outs in the doilie to highlight the design in them. Next, apply the twill ribbon from the “A New Leaf” kit across the top of the canvas.

To make the tag, die cut the tag shape out of a larger manila tag. Ink the edges with Broken China and Ground Espresso Distress Ink, and stamp the sentiment in Ground Espresso. Tie the charm from the “A New Leaf” kit onto the tag with some jute string, and glue some seed beads from the kit to the tag’s corners to finish it off. Glue the tag down.

quote tag on mixed media canvas

Apply some PPA Matte Adhesive in the corners of the canvas and embed some seed beads from the “A New Leaf” embellishment kit in it. Once that is dry, you can begin building the stickers, rhinestone and button elements in the rest of the canvas. Don’t forget to thread your buttons before adhering them so they look finished!

Mixed media canvas embellishments

mixed media canvas embellishments

This inspirational mixed media canvas is fun and simple to make…and will let someone you care about know how much you believe in them. Who will you give it to?

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Embellish an Artist Trading Card with Buttons

Artist Trading Cards are a fun way to experiment with colors and techniques. They are also a great way to use up random leftovers from other projects, like I did on this Artist Trading Card wth buttons and trim!

For those unfamiliar with the concept, an ATC (Artist Trading Card) is a 2.5″ by 3.5″ piece of art that is intended to be traded with other artists. The rear of an ATC is usually signed by the artist and indicates if the card is part of a series. A wide variety of substrates are used as bases for ATC’s but popular ones include manila, watercolor paper, mat board, and ephemera like old book pages.

Feminine Artist Trading Card with Buttons

Supplies:

This ATC card was created from manila cardstock, cut from a #8 manila tag. I actually stamped the trading card background stamp on the tag first, and then cut out my card base, to make sure that I got perfect placement of the stamp on my card.

Once the base was created, I used a tag stencil with some texture paste to create a flower in the corner of the card on top of the stamped design. Rubbing some Distress Ink on top of the flower gave it a nice pink shade, and I also colored in the image that I wanted to highlight with markers.

Artist Trading Card close up

I used a scrap of crochet trim from the 28 Lilac Lane “Attic Findings” embellishment kit to fill in the area in the upper left of the card. Then I opened up the “On Lilac Lane” bottle and went to town! The pretty lady got some embellishment for her outfit (see how shiny her buttons are?) from some of the small beads and sequins in the bottle. Then I placed buttons and pearls around the card for pops of color. Some of these elements highlight certain design elements like lines in the stamp or the flower. I purposely varied the size and color shade of the embellishments that I chose to create a more random, artsy effect in the design.

The final step was to use the Archival ink pad that I had stamped with to edge the card and give it some extra “pop”.

Our embellishment kits and bottles are perfect for making Artist Trading Cards with buttons, trim, sequins, beads, and pearls. Their great assortment of embellishments will help you create a one of a kind work of art! Try one today!

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Dress Up A Button Dress Form

Today Buttons Galore is pleased to be welcoming guest artist Candy Rosenberg to share her beautiful button dress form project.

Vintage craft designer Candy Rosenberg

Going out on the town always requires a fancy dress, and this occasion is no different – 0nly this girl is dolled up with buttons from Buttons Galore! Buttons are so fun and versatile in crafting and I am really excited to show off this project.

Button Decorated Dress Form

My button fetish is no secret to those who know me so I am always looking for ways to use them in unique ways. I’d had this bare “girl” laying around for awhile when I got this invitation to guest post for Buttons Galore. Buttons…dress form…The lightbulb went off and I thought that I could make a dress from buttons for my girl!

Button collage on dress formCovering an item like a dress form with buttons is not much different than covering a canvas or other flat surface. The major difference is that you have to consider three dimensions instead of two when placing a button in your collage. I poured out my bags of buttons and adhered them one at a time, seeing which ones worked best especially around her curves.

Button collage dress form close-up

This button dress form is super easy and such a great project to give as a gift or to use to decorate a studio!
finished button dress form - rear
 Buttons Galore Supplies:

If you like Candy’s mixed media creations like this button dress form, don’t miss her previous guest post for Buttons Galore that featured Artist Trading Cards!

Candy Rosenberg resides in beautiful Southern Oregon and has been crafting since she was a little girl. Known for her vintage steam punk style and beautifully crafted dress forms, she still likes to color outside the lines so to speak. Keep tabs on her latest creations at her blog, A Vintage Girl, or follow her on Facebook,Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube and Google+.

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ATC Cards with Button Flowers

Today Buttons Galore is pleased to be welcoming guest artist Candy Rosenberg.

Vintage craft designer Candy Rosenberg

Artist Trading Cards (ATCS) are miniature artworks about the same size as modern trading cards or baseball cards at 2.5 x 3.5 inches. They were popularized in 1996 from the mail art movement and have their origins in Switzerland. They are produced in various media, including dry media (pencils, pens, markers), wet media (watercolor, acrylic paints), paper media (collage, die cuts, found objects) or even metals, fibers and now buttons!
I love clear acrylic and mix it with an Artist Trading Card and buttons…and I am in heaven.
ATC cards with fun button flowers by Candy Rosenberg on acrylic ATC cards
 I used Prima stencils andStazOn ink to create the background right on the acrylic of each card using two different colors.
Stinking on Acrylic ATC card base
I then added the Black & White assortment from the Buttons Galore Haberdashery collection on one and the Natural assortment on the other to create button flowers using Beacon 3 in 1, a great adhesive for attaching buttons to acrylic. Note that most paper-only adhesives will not hold to the acrylic.
Beacon 3 in 1 adhesive for acrylic and buttons
A little snippet of pearl string and a leaf and you have beautiful button flowers!
Close-up of black and white button flower ATC on a fun acrylic base.
Close-up of wood button flower ATC with acrylic base.
Candy Rosenberg resides in beautiful Southern Oregon and has been crafting since she was a little girl. Known for her vintage steam punk style and beautifully crafted dress forms, she still likes to color outside the lines so to speak. Keep tabs on her latest creations at her blog, A Vintage Girl, or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube and Google+.
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Personalized Family Magnets

Holly here from Ribbons & Glue sharing with you a lil’ sneak  of Laura Kelly‘s  Me and My Peeps, Personalized Family Magnets made from Expressionery  Stationary and Buttons Galore buttons.

Peep Mom BGM

Personalized Family Magnets

 

Head over to my  Blog to see the full tutorial on how I made these Personalized Family Magnets and enter into the Rafflecopter for a chance to win a $200 Expressionery Gift Set.  

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Button Ladybug Valentine

Holly here from Ribbons & Glue sharing with you a 3D Button Ladybug Valentine that is sure to make the “Love Bug” come out of you.

Button Ladybug Valentine

I’ve has this wood ladybug for a while now and always thought it would look really cute with Buttons Galore black  Haberdashery Buttons on it.  I finally busted her out of hiding and did just that.

How to make a Button Ladybug Valentine:

Wood Ladybug dyed with RIt Dye

I dyed the Ladybug Cherry Red using Rit Dye.

DecoArt painted Ladybug

Then, painted the body of the ladybug with  DecoArt Glamour Dust paint

Ladybug with black buttons

and adhered black Haberdashery Buttons from Buttons Galore.

button ladybug

I hot glued the pretty lil’ Lady on a wood block to make it into a 3D Valentine and added a few embellishments from the Pebbles Inc Yours Truly collection.

Supplies Used to make a Button Ladybug Valentine:

For more Valentine’s Day inspiration check out my blog Ribbons & Glue.

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Fall Button Serving Tray

My fall button serving tray is one of my favorite buttons projects I have ever made.  Plus it is easy to make which is a win win right?  Grab your buttons and a thrift store tray to get started making your own version.  Don’t need a serving tray for fall?  Maybe use this same idea with a button ornament in the center for Christmas?  Or a heart in the center for Valentine’s Day?  I can think of all sorts of different tray designs for all seasons of the year.

Fall Button Serving Tray -- an idea to spruce up a plain thrift store serving tray for all of your fall parties.

I started with a tray from the thrift store for 99 cents and a bottle of Americana gloss enamels in Antique Gold.

Fall Button Serving Tray -- an idea to spruce up a plain thrift store serving tray for all of your fall parties.

I painted my entire tray with 2 coats of the paint then grabbed some fall themed buttons from Buttons Galore and More.

Fall Button Serving Tray -- an idea to spruce up a plain thrift store serving tray for all of your fall parties.

I laid the buttons out on my tray until I was happy with the arrangement.  I then used my 3 in 1 Beacon adhesive to glue them directly to the tray.

Fall Button Serving Tray -- an idea to spruce up a plain thrift store serving tray for all of your fall parties.

Once the glue was completely dry, I mixed a two coat epoxy to make my tray nice and smooth.  Don’t be afraid of epoxy!  Just mix and pour according to the package directions.  I spent quite a bit of time using a flame to pop bubbles that come up from the epoxy itself and the buttons.  Yes my finished project still has a few bubbles but overall it looks amazing.  The buttons seem to create more bubbles than is normal with an epoxy project.

Fall Button Serving Tray -- an idea to spruce up a plain thrift store serving tray for all of your fall parties.

Allow your epoxy to dry for a nice long time before you touch it (don’t be tempted to touch!!).  You will be left with a glossy flat serving tray with buttons in it!  Now some of my buttons stick up just slightly out of the epoxy (there is a slight hump in the epoxy).  This can easily be fixed with a second epoxy pour however the bumps do not really bother me for my needs so I am leaving them.  You could also be extra careful when choosing buttons for your design and choose only the flattest buttons to include.

Fall Button Serving Tray -- an idea to spruce up a plain thrift store serving tray for all of your fall parties.

Just so you can see my entire button fall scene here is a picture of the entire tray.

Fall Button Serving Tray -- an idea to spruce up a plain thrift store serving tray for all of your fall parties.

It is so darn cute I could eat it up.  Speaking of eat it up, use your fall tray to serve snacks to the kids or for a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving and fall themed parties.  Want more buttons on your Thanksgiving table?  Be sure to check out my rustic burlap napkin rings as well.

Fall Button Serving Tray -- an idea to spruce up a plain thrift store serving tray for all of your fall parties.

Will you be adding buttons to a tray anytime soon?  Don’t let that epoxy pour scare ya!  My fall button serving tray will make an appearance at our Thanksgiving meal and many snacks in the meantime.

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Rustic Pallet Wall Art

Completed project (873x1024)The Autumnal Equinox officially starts September 22nd, 2013. It’s time to start thinking of all of the decorative projects you will be making to usher in this transitional season. How about making some Rustic Pallet Wall Art?

Materials for Rustic Pallet Wall Art

Walnut Hollow’s 14″ x 12″ Rustic Pallet

DecoArt Americana Acrylics in Espresso and Buttermilk

Fabric Scraps, wool felt scraps

Buttons Galore and More Laura Kelly Hand Dyed Buttons

Rub on sentiment

Wax candle, sanding block, sewing machine and thread, hand sewing needle and thread, tacky glue

Taking notice of the recycled wood pallet craze, Walnut Hollow recently introduced their new line of rustic pallets. I have to honestly say that I am super excited about all the cool possibilities for this line. Walnut Hollow came up all kinds of fun ideas for this line. These products can be ordered directly from Walnut Hollow’s website. By the end of December, you will be able to purchase them in Joann’s Fabrics and Crafts and in AC Moore in January.

24" x 12" Pallet

24″ x 12″ Pallet

 

Rustic Arrow Pallet

Rustic Arrow Pallet

 

Paneled Wood Clock

Paneled Wood Clock

 

These are just a few examples of the yummy surfaces offered in this product line. For this Rustic Pallet Wall Art project, I used the 14″ x 11″ rustic pallet.

pallet painted brown (768x1024)

First I used DecoArt’s Americana Acrylics in Espresso to paint the front this brown shade. I waxed the surface once the pallet was dry in random areas and painted the surface Buttermilk.

painted and waxed pallet (818x1024)

Once I painted the entire surface of the pallet, I sanded the surface to reveal the distressed finish. Areas where the wax was applied will rub away easily resulting in a chippy looking finish. This technique also works well with Vaseline but the effect is a little more dramatic.

Fabric Scrap circles and buttons

One of my favorite things to do with my leftover fabric and felt scraps is to create different sized circles and fuse the fabric circles to the wool felt circles. I use my sewing machine to play with the various stitches by sewing around the edge of the fabric to hold it in place on the felt. A button, sewn  in the center makes the look complete. These are some of my favorite. I love the Laura Kelly Hand Dyed Buttons from Buttons Galore and More!

Arrange circles (976x1024) (2)

Use tacky glue to adhere the circles to the rustic pallet. Arrange an outer circle first, leaving a gap at the bottom so you can paint on a simple tree truck with the espresso brown paint.

Rub on sentiments (768x1024)

I finished the rustic pallet wall art with a couple of rub on sentiments to celebrate Autumn. This is wall art that you can display from the end of September into Thanksgiving before the holiday decorations go up! If you are not a huge fan of inside seasonal décor, use colors to coordinate with your home décor and a general sentiment instead. Then you can display it all year long!

Completed project (873x1024)Happy Autumn (soon),

Live Life Creatively,

Melony

 

 

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Dog Treat Jar

Your dog is an important part of your family so why not make a Dog Treat Jar?  If you’re a dog lover,  you’re gonna love the Buttons Galore  Dog Gone It buttons.

Dog Treat Jar

Ya know anything looks great in displayed in a Mason Jar.  Even plain ole’ Milk Bones.

dogbuttons1

To embellish the jar lid, I adhered a piece of patterned paper on the lid then used Ultra Thin Glue Dots to adhere  various Buttons Galore Dog Gone It buttons.

buttonstartups1

Buttons Galore makel  Blank Craft Shapes that are perfect to use if you want to customize a tag.

1. Choose a Blank Shape

2. Ink with color

3. Set the ink with a heat gun. 

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Taa Daa-There you have it, a cute Dog Treat Jar tag!

 

dogbonejarlidbgm

My dog has no interest in eating plain Milk Bones.  She’s only interested in the  gravy covered Milk Bones like the  in the jar.  When I was done taking the photos of this project, I came back in the room a few hours later and noticed my dog bone props were missing off the table.    Hmmm…I wonder who might of snatched them??

Supplies Used for Dog Treat Jar:

 

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Quilting Arts Bookmarks

Bookmarks up close (1024x768)

Quilting Arts Bookmarks – A recent post on Facebook asked “do you give teacher appreciation gifts for teachers at the beginning of the new school year?” While completing a quilted inspired pillow recently, it occurred to me that I could use the scraps to create a fun bookmark that any teacher would love and appreciate.

Quilted Arts Pillow 1 (2)

I am seriously loving the Dresden applique look that I am seeing on so many inspirational blogs and Pinterest.  Some inexpensive fabrics sold by the fat quarter caught my eye at Walmart the other day and I knew they would be perfect for this Dresden pillow project. I cut lots of Dresden shapes using a pattern and had several leftover.

Leftover Dresden shapes

How to make Quilting Arts Bookmarks:

So, what to do with these fused pieces of shaped fabric? Quilting Arts Bookmarks, that is what.  How about creating a row of houses on a burlap bookmark? (I had this out already too since I created the pillow back and front from burlap).

Cut house shapes from fabric

Trace a rectangular shape onto burlap using a cardstock rectangle pattern (mine were approximately 2 1/2″ x 9.” Leave some room on both the short and long edges for fraying. I used a permanent black marker to trace my shapes. You can also use a rotary cutter and self healing mat in lieu of the cardstock pattern if you wish.

Traced burlap (1024x746)

Cut the shapes out and zig zag stitch the edges approximately 1/4″ from edge to leave some room for fraying. once you fray the edges, the stitches will stop further fraying.

Sewn burlap edges

Now you can use your iron and pressing surface to fuse the house shapes to the burlap. Peel off the paper backing and fuse in place.

8.20.13 053 (1024x768)

Now its time to back to the sewing machine and free motion stitch the house details. Often, you will notice that artists who free motion stitch intricate details such as text, intricate shapes (think animals, arm-chairs,etc) will use a free motion foot. But I have discovered that you can stitch simple free motion shapes with your regular sewing foot. After you have stitched your details, its time to sew on your inkjet fabric sentiment.

Inkjet fabric quote

You can purchase specialty inkjet fabric that is paper backed so it’s easy to use with most inkjet printers. I love this sentiment because its so basic, but I also found another great one that would be perfect for educators. “If you can read this, thank a teacher.” How true!!

Buttons Galore and More (1024x768)

Last but certainly not least and once again the perfect finishing touch, add buttons from a variety of the wide selection from Buttons Galore and More with a hand sewing needle and thread.

Sew on Buttons (1024x768)

Make the Quilting Arts Bookmarks in multiples using your fabric scraps, burlap and buttons to thank those  teachers for all the hard work they do!

Live Life Creatively,

Melony

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Distressed Serving Tray embellished with Buttons

So, you’ve been eyeballing a distressed serving tray in a home decor store that you’re  totally in love with but can’t seem to justify spending the money.

Well, no worries ’cause here is a simple tutorial on how to make your own distressed  serving tray by using a  Walnut Hollow Serving Tray  and Buttons Galore buttons that will make the perfect {inexpensive} addition to your home decor.

 

 Distressed Walnut Hollow Serving Tray

 

Supplies Used to Make Serving Tray:

 

1. Paint  2. Sand 3. Stain

 How to create a distressed look

 

 To give this tray a distressed look,  I painted it white,  used an electric sander to randomly distress areas and then applied a light coat of stain. ** Tip…A little stain goes a long way**

I applied the stain with a sponge brush then used a paper towel to quickly wipe off the excess.  As you apply and wipe off the stain, you’ll begin to see the distressed areas become darker in appearance developing into your aged look.   Just like magic!

 

tray2

Use Mod Podge to adhere patterned paper on tray

 

While I was waiting for the stain to dry,  I tore the edges off a piece of patterned paper and inked them with Colorbox ink  to create a distressed look.   When the stain was dry, I adhered the paper onto the tray using Mod Podge Matte.

tray1

Add buttons to wood projects

To complete my serving tray,  I added some buttons from Buttons Galore  Vacation &  Zesty Lemon  packs on to the four corners and tied the handles up with Hemptique Natural Cord.   Adding simple buttons on  to your projects can be an inexpensive way make them  beautiful.

 

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Use buttons as Home Decor accents

 

I’m totally in love with this tray.  I even like how it’s displayed with a vase full of buttons.  Buttons just make everything look better!

 

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Red White and Blue Button Flower Vase

I love decorating empty cans and turning them into something fun and useful again. All those canned beans and soup can really be a DIY project waiting to happen. Add some fabric, ribbon and brightly colored buttons and you have yourself a whole slew of possibilities. For today’s project I decorated a can with patriotic colors and turned it into a pretty little flower vase, perfect for adding to the table for July 4th.

Red White and Blue flower vase

Red White and Blue flower vase

Materials:

  • Empty aluminum can, washed and dried
  • Blue fabric
  • Red ribbon
  • White card stock
  • White and Blue embroidery thread
  • Red, white and blue buttons
  • Red eyelet and eyelet tool
  • Glue
Patriotic flower vase DIY

Patriotic flower vase DIY

Instructions to make your own patriotic flower vase decor

  1. Cut fabric and wrap around the outside of the can. Glue in place.
  2. Wrap ribbon around the can, tie in a knot, trim edges. Tie a red and blue ribbon together using white embroidery thread. Tie to center of ribbon covering the knot.
  3. Make a mini gift tag using the white card stock. Apply ribbon, wrap with blue embroidery thread and attach a white button. Add an eyelet with eyelet tool and then attach the tag to the button/ribbon on the can.
Recycled can to patriotic vase

Recycled can to patriotic vase

Simple patriotic flower vase

Simple patriotic flower vase

 

You can make a bunch of these patriotic flower vases to decorate for your July 4th festivities. I use these same kind of decorated cans as utensil holders and pencil/marker holders for parties. You can add a little sparkle by using glitter or rhinstones to the tag and ribbon wrap. You can even add buttons all around the can. Get creative and make your own fun patriotic decorations!

 

1

Mixed Media Necklace

I created a mixed media necklace to share with you today. Mixed media to me means having fun. It’s more about the journey, and not so much about the results.

I like to incorporate elements that have meaning to me, or to the person I’m creating for. I love butterflies. They are all about change.

Mixed Media Necklace

Supplies for creating a mixed media necklace

Note – this is what I used – use what YOU love. But of course, include some fun buttons! You don’t need everything on this list – you could play with paint, beads, remake an old necklace… The sky is the limit. Enjoy the journey!

  • buttons – Shop by color at Buttons Galore
  • chain and jump rings (Fire Mountain Gems)
  • shrinky dinks
  • napkin
  • dies (Spellbinders)
  • craft metal (Ten Seconds Studio)
  • glitter and liquid adhesive (Art Glitter)
  • copic markers and an ABS (air brushing system)

Here’s a fun little video showing some close ups and tips.

animoto_high_res

Thanks for joining me today. Please share something you make with buttons, I’d LOVE to see it.

You can find me at My Card Party.

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Buttons and birdhouse – Designer Challenge

 

 

Buttons Birdhouse Blog Party

Buttons and birdhouse Spring Design Team Challenge is on!

Each of the designers were sent buttons and birdhouse.  We  asked them to decorate them in any manner they desired.  Any theme, any materials and any colors could be used on the birdhouses.

Niki our DT Coordinator created the pieces below.  She is ever the overachiever and decorated a trio. But, since she is in charge of the team she does not get a chance at the prize.  PRIZE?  Yes a prize.  Vote on this post at the bottom.  Vote for your favorite designers project.  Her projects were inspired by a cool and relaxing color combination of coral, poppy, grey, brown, aqua and cream.

                           *****WIN A PRIZE!*****

How to win a Buttons and Birdhouse Prize:

  •  The designer with the most votes at the bottom of this post will win a $10 Starbucks Gift Card
  •  A commenter on this blogpost will win a $10 Starbucks Gift Card, a $10 pair of FISKARS scissors
  •  Two commenters on the DT blogs will get a package of buttons.

We would love new follower in Facebook and on Pinterest

buttonsbirdhouses uncropped

The designer with the most votes at the bottom of this post will win a $10 Starbucks Gift Card and one commenter on one of the DT members blog will also win a $10 Starbucks Gift Card, a $10 pair of FISKARS scissors and a button assortment.  Total value of prize is $25.

The blogs are listed bellow – visit them and then come back here and let us know your favorite.  You could win a prize

Allie

http://wp.me/p2Ys5f-gj

Tracy

http://scrappychick101.blogspot.com/2013/04/its-for-birds.html

Angie

http://www.thecountrychiccottage.net/2013/04/barn-button-birdhouse-and-designer.html

Mai

http://creandocondetalles.blogspot.com/2013/04/totally-shabby-rose-garden-birdhouse.html

Holly

http://www.ribbonsandglue.com/2013/04/shabby-chic-birdhouse.html

Jen

http://www.100directions.com/birdhouses-are-better-embellished-with-buttons

Laura Bray
http://laurabraydesigns.com/button-birdhouse-pincushion

Laura Kelly

http://www.laurakellydesigns.com/laurakellydesignsblog/index.php/2013/04/25/attention-little-birdies-these-houses-are-all-buttoned-up-for-the-fairies/

Carla

 http://carlaschauer.com/painted-floral-spring-birdhouse/

How to win a Buttons and Birdhouse Prize:

  •   The designer with the most votes at the bottom of this post will win a $10 Starbucks Gift Card
  •  A commenter on this blogpost will win a $10 Starbucks Gift Card, a $10 pair of FISKARS scissors
  •  Two commenters on the DT blogs will get a package of buttons.

Upcyle Recycle Repurpose Mel Designs – Featured Designer

Upcyle Recycle Repurpose savant queen, Mel Designs – Melony Bradley has a way with truly turning trash into treasure.  Her creativity never ceases to amaze me. If you would like see other projects that she has created you can check out her blog.  She does fantastic tutorials and almost every post has one. She accents many pieces with sewing, ink, buttons paint and sew much more

 

I love the little tid bits she adds to every  project.  This is a cool desk set.

Upcycle recycle repurpose cool desk set with buttons Upcyle Recycle Repurpose

A fantastic laundry room organizer.

Upcyle Recycle Repurpose laundry-room-organizer

 

2

Ivory Pearl Haberdashery Wedding Favor Sachet

With Spring just around the corner, many young couples are planning their weddings. What better gift than a Ivory Pearl Haberdashery Wedding Favor Sachet Set.  Buttons Galore & More offer more than just buttons they offer young couples the ability to create lovely wedding invitations and favors with their lovely line of buttons.

For my project today I used one that I have totally fallen in love with.  The  Ivory Pearl Haberdashery.  The ivory pearl finished buttons come in a variety of sizes and its truly something that can be used over and over again regardless of what the occasion is.

Now who wouldn’t want a scented wedding favor? Especially one with lovely buttons such as the Ivory Pearl Haberdashery?  These favors  can be used to provide scent to any room in your home  after the wedding is over.

wedding set

wedding card to make the  Ivory Pearl Haberdashery wedding favors:

Wedding favor sacket

These Ivory Pearl Haberdashery Wedding Favor Set can be created for any occasion it doesn’t necessary have to be done for weddings, but I think that anyone attending a wedding would truly love receiving such a lovely favor.

MATERIALS to make the  Ivory Pearl Haberdashery wedding favors:

 BUTTONS GALORE & MORE:

Cross Promotional Supplies:

  • Fiskar Scissors
  • Jacquard – Velcro Press & Close Fasteners

Additional Materials:

  • Hot Glue
  • Glass Beads
  • Fabric of choice
  • Trim
  • Potpourri – Cinnamon
  • Seam Binding Ribbon
  • Canson – Tracing Paper
  • Canvas Corp – Heavy White Cardstock
  • BoBunny – Back to Basic Paper collection
  • Sewing Machine
  • White Floral Wire
  • Black Staz On Ink
  • Teresa Collins Stamp – Vintage Finds Acrylic Stamps

How to make the  Ivory Pearl Haberdashery wedding favors:

Now I know it may seem like a lot of materials.  Trust me it makes a lovely  Wedding Favor Sachet.  I started out by cutting my fabric that I picked up at my local fabric store.  I cut the fabric 4 1/2″ x 5″ and sewing the edges leaving an opening.  Now, I’m not that great at sewing.   So I glued my ivory trim with Beacon adhesive Fabri-Tac.  Wow this glue is amazing.  I was really amazed on how quick it dried up and how well it glued the trim to the fabric.  Once you have this all done you can begin beading the flowers by using a floral wire.  I twisted the wire once all the glass beads were on the fabric wire to create a flower.  To make the swirls on the side of the flower I did the same thing.

I applied the flowers to the fabric using Beach Adhesive  Fabric-Tac.  It was just that easy to adhere to the sachet bags.  Next  I applied my buttons from Ivory Pearl Haberdashery collection and Sunny.  They are on  Buttons Galore & More website.  I placed a piece of Velcro Press and Close Fastener to the inside of the sachet bags. This will allow you to refresh or replace your potpourri bags anytime you want.

The potpourri is something I picked up at my local Walmart.   I used Canson Tracing Paper to hold my potpourri.  I cut about 3 3/4″ x 4″ tracing paper.  I hot glued the edges leaving an opening and then placed my potpourri inside and sealed the top with more hot glue.   I placed it  inside of my Wedding Favor Sachet and sealed with the Velcro Press & Close Fasteners.

I couldn’t stop just here I had to make a card to accommodate this lovely Wedding Favor Sachet Bags.  The card is 5 x 5 1/2″ and I used the same technique to create the flower.   I added the Ivory Pearl Haberdashery buttons to the flower petals which I glued using hot glue.  I  also saved a piece of the fabric that I used for the bags and applied it my card and to top this card off I used Teresa Collins Vintage Find Acrylic Stamp, Staz On and Buttons Galore & More Sm. Rectangle Sliders .  I stamped the word “LOVE” using Black Staz On Ink and stamped it directly to the Sm. Rectangle Sliders.  I used Glue Dots to attach my seam binding ribbon to the card and finished my card up.

I hope this inspires you to create something lovely and amazing for your Wedding using Buttons Galore & More buttons for your wedding favors.

4

Altering Buttons

Altering Buttons

There are lots of ways of altering buttons. Today, we cut off shanks and paint.

Altering Buttons to match a Poppy Card


Altering buttons to match a butterfly card.

I’m back with more buttons from the Butterfly Kisses collection. I needed to do something to make these butterflies match the cards I was wanting to make.

Butterfly Kisses

Butterfly Kisses Collection

Here’s how to get started.

Altering Buttons - Start by removing the shank

Gesso is like paint, but different – it’s almost like a crafty primer coat.
Altering Buttons - Apply Gesso to your Button

Once your button is primed, you can try lots of products.
Here, I use Smooch in a couple of colors.

Smooch comes in a nail polish style bottle with it’s own brush. So convenient. It’s made by ClearSnap.

Altering Buttons

To finish off this card, I added some ribbons from May Arts. As a kid, I grew up watching my mom sew. When she passed away, I received her sewing basket, and inside were her orange handled Fiskars scissors. Her scissors were carefully hand labeled – for sewing, for ribbons, and for paper. I still have them all.

You can also ink your primed buttons.

Altering Buttons

No button should ever go to waste!

Alter buttons to match your next project.

Supplies Used:

  • Butterfly Kisses buttons
  • Gesso – Claudine Hellmuth
  • Ink, Spritz and Smooch – Clearsnap
  • Ribbon – May Arts
  • Images – Gina K Designs
  • Paper – Cosmo Cricket
  • Other – Copic Markers

Tools Used:

  • Fiskars scissors
  • Toe nail clippers

 

1

Wedding Decorations – DIY Candle Wraps Two Ways

Looking for DIY wedding decorations for your wedding?  These candle wraps with buttons are perfect for your ceremony.  Plus there are two different looks to choose from.  These wedding decorations can be modified to work with any style.

Wedding Decorations Wedding Candle Wraps

Materials needed for candle wrap wedding decorations:

Wedding Decorations Wedding Candle Wraps

 Directions for making candle wrap wedding decorations:

For the blue candle wrap, cut a sheet of paper so that it fits your candle.  Punch out a pattern of windows in your scrapbook paper with the Fiskars Everywhere Punch.

Wedding Decorations Wedding Candle Wraps

Cut a sheet of tissue paper slightly smaller than your paper and tape to the back.

Wedding Decorations Wedding Candle Wraps

Use various stamps to decorate each window of your candle wrap.

Wedding Decorations Wedding Candle Wraps

Wrap the candle and secure with tape in the back.  The candles I am using are wax sleeves that accept battery power tea lights.  There is no threat of fire when using these types of candles.  Add random buttons from the Something New button pack around your candle wrap.  Use hot glue to secure your buttons.

Wedding Decorations Wedding Candle Wraps

Add this one to the center of your wedding table for a beautiful centerpiece.  A collection of these would look great at your wedding reception.

Wedding Decorations Wedding Candle Wraps

Now for the second version just to show that these can be customized to any wedding theme.  For this version, again I cut the paper to size.  This time I used my Fiskars Everywhere Punch to make an elongated hole.

Wedding Decorations Wedding Candle Wraps

I cut some sheet music to size and taped it to the back of the paper over the window.

Wedding Decorations Wedding Candle Wraps

Stamp the blank shape with the monogram of your choice.  Then thread through some ribbon.  Glue the shape and the buttons to the ribbon ONLY.  Do not adhere to your wrap in this step.

Wedding Decorations Wedding Candle Wraps

Wrap the paper only around your candle first and secure with tape.  Then add your ribbon and secure with hot glue.

Wedding Decorations Wedding Candle Wraps

You can change up the paper and buttons on your candle wraps to match your wedding theme.  These are a quick and easy addition to any wedding decor.  Not getting married anytime soon?  These could also be customized for any season or home decor.  Grab your buttons and get started on your wedding decorations today.

1

Hand Stitched Birds – Button Embellished

You can create these adorable hand stitched little birds using a wide array of materials. Use your mixed-media mojo to create birdies with your own unique look and then embellish with pretty buttons to add color, sparkle and dimension. I absolutely love the new wedding buttons, so I had to use these little glittery hearts for my bird ornaments. Today I’ll share with you how you can make them too.

Button Embellished hand stitched birdies

Materials to make the hand stitched birdies:

From the Buttons Galore and More Store:

Other materials used:

  • Neutral colored fabric
  • Coordinating brightly colored fabric
  • Scissors
  • Needle and thread (white and black)
  • Polyfil
  • DecoArt SoSoft® Fine Glitter fabric paint (Ice Crystal) and paint brush
  • Twine or ribbon

Colorful buttons

How to make button embellished hand stitched birds

  1. Cut 2 identical bird shaped pieces of fabric
  2. Stitch both pieces of fabric together, 1/4″ from the edge leaving a 1″ opening. Do not cut thread. Stuff with polyfil. Stitch closed and tie off.
  3. Cut 1 wing shape from colored fabric. Adhere in place (stitch or glue).
  4. Cut a small triangle for the beak and glue in place.
  5. Paint accents using sparkly fabric paint. Allow to dry.
  6. Stitch buttons in place as desired. For buttons that do not lay flat, snip off the button hole ring and glue button in place.
  7. Using black thread, stitch a small eye.
  8. If you’d like your bird to be able to hang to display, stitch a small twine or ribbon loop at the top.
Sparkly wedding buttons

Sparkly wedding buttons

 

Cut off button back before gluing

Cut off button back before gluing

 

Pretty button embellished birds by Jen Goode

Pretty button embellished hand stitched birds by Jen Goode

These hand stitched birdies make a great decoration you can add to any centerpiece, accent other key piece or even include as a gift tag accessory. Mix and match the colors of fabric and buttons to create pretty handmade pieces you can include in any occasion.

 

 

0

Make an embellished tote with Hand Dyed Buttons

embellished tote

An embellished tote

Hand journaling is becoming more and more popular in mixed media crafts these days. This tote is a basic pre-made black tote I ordered online and embellished with hand journaled muslin, Jacquard Products paints and dyes (for the hand dyed fabric) and finally, fun buttons!

Jacquard products makes a wonderful product called IDye. It comes in both liquid form and powered packets. I used the powdered packets to machine dye white cotton muslin. Once the muslin was dry, I created happy bright colored fabric flowers using various techniques. Instructions for making flowers by hand from fabric can be found in abundance these days. Search for a myriad of techniques on sites like Pinterest.  You can find other ideas for an embellished tote there, too.

How to make an Embellished Tote:

I started with creating a dry brushed background using Jacquard’s Neopaque and Lumiere paints. Starting with one color, I waited for the colors to dry in between coats before adding the next to create an interesting canvas.

Believing that I have the absolute worst hand writing on earth, I was very timid about hand journaling on these muslin strips. I took on the challenge anyway and pinned and sewed them to the front of the bag. Swiping a coat or two of the paints allows them to blend in nicely with the background while standing out at the same time.

An Embellished Tote bag with hand dyed buttons and fabric

Bright, fun, hand dyed buttons  add the final touch to the flowers. They are perfect for this project since the fabric is hand dyed as well. I used three strands of six ply embroidery floss to sew through the holes of each button. I wanted to create the impression that the buttons were sewn to the bright flowers but in reality, I knotted off the threads in the back and glued them on with Beacon Adhesives Fabri-Tac.

The message of the sentiment speaks well to me. Instead of constantly complaining about how things should be, or how they are not what we envision as “right,” we should lead by example. Show the world what a better place it could be by being just that – better.

Live Life Creatively,

Melony

0

Napkin Rings with buttons – A Mixed Media Masterpieces Shabby Chic Style

 

Mixed Media Napkin Ring Ideas

Mixed media shabby chin napkin rings with buttons

My love of mixed media runs deep. Very deep. Seldom is there a project that I complete without adding paint, sewn elements, stamped components and especially glitter. When I opened up a delightful assortment of buttons from an ordinary corrugated shipping box last week. my heart leapt when I discovered these fantastic carved wooden buttons from Buttons Galore and More from the Haberdashery line. I immediately started rifling through the remainder of my goodies and discovered these fabric covered Cozy Brads and these amazing camoes.

productsI grabbed some wooden napkin rings, some Gem-Tac Glue by Beacon Adhesives, some art glitter and some Neopaque paints from Jacquard Products so that I could make these fantastic wooden napkin rings.

Directions to make the napkin rings:

I played with the arrangement several times before coming up with one that suited me. I used the button shank remover to remove the wood shank from the wood carved buttons and the cameos. I also discovered that is could be used to remove the flange from the fabric covered brad.

sand wood pieces

I carefully sanded the pieces before setting about painting them. I nail file works well with wood napkin rings since it allows you to get inside the ring in order to sand away the rough areas.

stamped piecesOnce the front of the wood disks are dry enough and while you are waiting to add additional coats to the napkin rings, use an ornate motif and solvent ink to stamp the front of the napkin rings.

add glitter to edges

Coat the edges of the disk with some of the gem-tac glue and sprinkle on glitter to give your napkin rings some extra sparkle.

arrange buttonsNext arrange your buttons as before and glue down using the gem-tac. I also added an appetizing sentiment stamped with alphabet stamped and solvent ink. I placed the de-flanged cozy brad in the center of the carved wooden brad.

gem tacSewn elements were added in the form of small scraps of hand dyed fabric that were gently stitched and then glued to the rings.

sewn elementsUse Neopaque in black to add a very heavy dry brushed coat to the napkin rings.

dry bushed ringsFinally, use a generous amount of gem-tac to glue the embellished disk to the napkin ring.

gluing rings to disksEnjoy your artfully buttoned embellished shabby chic napkin rings!!

finished rings 2Live Life Creatively,

Melony

www.mel-designss.typepad.com

3

Mini Easter Egg Art – make your own art

Mini Easter Egg Art is fun to make.  Combine paint and buttons to create a pretty vintage look when decorating this Easter. Create your own mini Easter egg art in just a few steps. You can make a whole pile of these cute little art canvases and use them to accent your Easter decor throughout the house, just change the design and alternate the colors and you’ve got a new art piece.

Easter Egg canvas art by Jen Goode

Easter Egg canvas art by Jen Goode

Easter Egg canvas art with buttons

Easter Egg canvas art with buttons

Materials you need for Mini Easter Egg Art:

  • Small brown buttons
  • Mini canvas
  • Twine
  • DecoArt Americana Craft Paint – tan, white, pink, purple and yellow
  • DecoArt One Step Crackle
  • DecoArt Gel Stain
  • Liquid glue
  • Cardstock
  • Scissors
  • Paint brushes
  • Black fine tip marker

Steps to make mini Easter Art

Allow materials to dry between applications.

  1. Paint each canvas tan.
  2. Dry brush paint over tan with white.
  3. Create an egg shape stencil using the cardstock.
  4. paint the egg art on each canvas. Alternating tan and white, create an egg shape on each canvas with the stencil. Layer color until you get the look and texture you’d like. Lightly paint color on each egg. Create a pattern or apply in various areas for each piece. Coat with One Step Crackle. Using a cloth, rub on gell stain. Immediately wipe off.
  5. Using black marker, doodle outlines and patterns on each egg design.
  6. Tie twine through each button. Glue buttons in place as desired.
paint canvases

paint canvases

 

close up of Easter Egg art

close up of Easter Egg art

 

Easter egg button art by Jen Goode

Easter egg button art by Jen Goode

 

Tip: Use colorful Spring buttons in mini Easter baskets to accent your Easter decor instead of jelly beans. Just make sure not to leave the buttons where young children can reach them. Have a Happy Easter!

Basket with spring buttons

Basket with spring buttons

4

Mixed Media Canvas by StudioBeeCreations – Guest Designer

Mixed Media Canvas by StudioBeeCreations

Mixed media Canvas

OH ME…OH MY!!!….I am soooo “over the top” excited about my guest designer post here at Buttons Galore & More!
Buttons have ALWAYS been a passion of mine…one of my favorite “collections”.
I have been crafting some way or another most of my life….Recently I have been drawn to mixed-media….because I can use bits & bobs of all my “stuff” to make ART!
I also enjoy music…and wordage….so, here I have encorporated my “loves” into this canvas.

Mixed Media Canvas – “Sunshine on a Cloudy Day”

Mixed media Canvas

Directions and materials to make a Mixed Media Canvas:

 

I have taken an 8×10 canvas….added loads of texture….vintage music pages,along with (believe it or not) babywipes that I used to wipe up some inks and paints from a previous project…..some inks, rubber stamps,rub-ons, great alpha stickers from my stash and an ANTIQUE quilt piece “rescued” from a dresden plate quilt piece….it realy looks like sunshine…doesn’t it?…..and to top it all off….a YUMMY assortment of buttons from ButtonsGalore&More….these just make me HAPPY!
With my favorite medium Mod Podge, it all comes together in a fun piece of art…..Each time I create these canvases…even tho the same products are used, they all come out uniquely OOAK!(one-of-a-kind)
I currently have my wares for sale at my etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/Studiobeecreations
..more items being added this week!
Loveeeeeeeeeeee all of the assortments BG&M offer for my creative pleasure!
creative blessings, Debbie

Mixed media Canvas

3

Make a DIY Gift bag rosettes…

dress up that kraft bag with burlap and buttons!

I love the blank canvas of a brown kraft gift bag!  While keeping it simple is a great way to go with the brown bag, going a little fancy and fabulous is pretty fun too!  Follow me as I upcycle a brown gift bag by adding a fun handmade rosette to add a punch of color to this gift wrapping staple!

Nothing like the summer skies to inspire a bright pop of yellow and blue!  Today’s project uses the following supplies:

Let’s get started!

I began with a piece of burlap, approximately 5×10 inches.

Cut burlap with a metal ruler and rotary cutter into 1×5 inch strips.

Loop and glue strips of burlap around a scrap of paper that will serve as the base for our rosette.  Continue gluing and layering paper strip, doily, flowers, ric rac and buttons until you get a fun rosette that can be added to your brown bag like this….

Hello sunshine!  We just went from drab to fab with a very simple addition to this bag!

Thanks so much for joining me!  I hope you’ll try fancy-ing up your gift bags with burlap, buttons and other craft supplies!

2

Button-embellished ~ GLAMOUR~ Keepsake Frame

Taking a little break from our “Christmas in July” theme we have a delightful project of Mixed Media Art in this great Keepsake Frame by Elise! :)

Glamor, art and intrigue – a perfect recipe to play with buttons!

Teaming up with some HEAVENLY materials, including burlap, Lumiere Dimensional Paint by Jacquard, Glitter, Ink and Smooch Accent ink by Clearsnap, MICRO PEARLS {Yes!  Micro pearls!} and a whole lot of GORGEOUS buttons form Buttons Galore and More, I was COMPLETELY inspired to alter this simple “value” artist canvas to become “priceless” in no time!

Supplies:

Button Tote Bag Assortment – Cornucopia

Mixed Rectangular Sliders

Lumiere 3D Metallic Paint and Adhesive

Glitter, Smooch and Ink – Clearsnap

Trimmer, Knife, Ruler & Mat – Westcott

Adhesive – Beacon via Buttons Galore and More

Acrylic Paint – Eco Green Crafts

Burlap

Micro pearls

Tissue Tape

Faux Wood Grain tool (Local Hardware supply)

Other – Vintage light bulbs, twigs and fabric flowers (Misc. stash)

 

To begin, select a glamor shot of your choosing, to feature in finished frame. {I chose a cool, black and white shot of my sweet Mama at the wee-age of 17!  Wasn’t SHE a dish!}

By accessing the back side of a traditional canvas, there is a whole wealth of crafty potential to play with.  To customize the “frame” of this look, I created faux wood grain with a simple wood grain tool (available at most hardware stores!), Lumiere 3D paint, as well as regular acrylic paint and some strips of chipboard, cut and sized to metier together to match the stretcher bar framework of the canvas.  Start by applying an acrylic base to the chipboard.

For rich wood grain effect, the MORE color, the better…  I used FOUR different Lumiere colors for this look!  In case you’ve never dabbled in faux wood grain – it’s TOTALLY easy and addicting…  Apply Lumiere on top of dried, painted (with regular acrylic paint) chipboard strips, then pull and rock the tool to create the MOST amazing effects!  If you don’t like how it looks, keep working!  The 3D quality of the Lumiere gives you some decent working time – you’ll see!  (G’head – TRY it!)  Once you get all four strips done, set to the side to dry.

Paint the outside edge of canvas with color of your choosing.

Line the INSIDE of the frame edge with printed tissue tape.

Glue faux wood grain strips to frame.  I love, love, LOVE how beautifully Beacon 3 in 1 works for an assignment like this!

Westcott fabric scissors cut burlap, flawlessly!  Cut burlap to size of your choosing.  I decided to let some canvas frame the edge of the burlap, just because it looked YUMMY!  So many textures!  What’s a girl to DO!?!

Arrange picture and embellishments to your liking.  For this project, I mounted the photograph on chipboard, mixed micropearls and glitter and then adhered with Beacon 3 in 1 adhesive for a luscious, tactile effect.  Having TOO much fun to stop there, I added micro pearls to button centers, as well…  OMG!  {My middle name is DANGER!}

If you’ve never ventured, I can’t recommend HOARDING, uh, I mean, collecting some of our Blank Craft Shapes, in every size!  Love the mood that can be created with theses!  Easy to stamp and beautiful to behold – Je t’aime!  {See what I’m sayin’!}

YOU can get your glamor on, too!  Just pick up a selection (or TWO/FIFTEEN!) of some lovely button assortments from Buttons Galore and More, toss in some HEAVENLY crafty supplies, a canvas and old picture or two…  I guarantee you’ll beat the heat if you spend a few hours crafting away on a cool keepsake, like this!  I hope so!

Thanks for visiting!  Here’s to a glorious, button-craft filled day!  Keep CALM and BUTTON onnnnnnn!

 

1

Happy- A Burlap and Button Banner

Hi all!  Ryann here with a quick and easy tutorial to share with you today featuring burlap and buttons.  Making little banners is a great way to use up scraps of paper or fabric because it doesn’t take much of either to put together a great little project to use for family celebrations!  Your banner can be as big or as little as you want it, it all really depends on how large of a word you want to use.  I find it’s best to use an odd number of pennants to achieve the “best” look for a banner.

Supplies Used:

1.  Die cut enough pennants to make your banner.  If you do not have a pennant die cut, trace a triangle shape on a piece of heavy weight cardstock and use it as a template.

2.  Cut out enough scalloped circles to place one on top of each burlap pennant.  Place alphabet stickers onto scalloped circles to create message.

3.  Decorate with buttons.

4.  Thread burlap pennants with twine.

 

The possibilities are truly endless when making pennant banners from burlap and buttons.  If you wanted to make a longer banner such as “Happy Birthday”, you could split your sentiment into two banners and have one hanging below the other.  I’m going to hang my little “Happy” banner in my craft room!  :)  I hope you will give pennant banners a try – they are so simple to make and fun to have!  Thanks for joining me today!

 

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Bulk Buttons: Be Free!

I have been having fun embellishing with buttons from the Color Bulk Button collection. I decorated a fun frame that houses a favorite picture of my son going away on his first fishing trip. This was his first sleep away experience and he had such fun. While he got to get away, and be free, my daughter and I had the first of many mother daughter nights. FUN! June kind of kicks off vacation season for most families.

I started with a simple wood frame and papered it and added a few embellishments. I then set to work on the big embellishment, a jumbo bottle cap from Maya Road. I cut some burlap that I received in my monthly box from Buttons Galore. It was a gift from our DT Coordinator, Niki Meiners. I die cut the burlap and placed it in the bottle cap.

color bulk buttons be free frame close up allie gower

Also in our DT box was some Jacquard products, these wonderful bottles of 3D Lumiere – which is a glue, and a dimensional paint. I painted some Maya chipboard letters. Before they dried, I actually stuck them to some scratch paper and ripped off some of the paint, then went over them with ink and added some copper balls (also in my DT Box). I decorated with some buttons from the Color Bulk Buttons set. This is a great collection of buttons on all colors and sizes. It’s perfect for all projects!

color bulk buttons be free frame allie gower

I finally added a punched butterfly and some beaded letters, and it reads “BE FREE!” At the top it says “The end is nothing, the road is all.” from Willa Cather – this was a rub on from the paper collection – which is from my very old travel stash.

Supplies

  • Buttons – Buttons Galore
  • Bottle Cap and Chipboard Alphas – Maya Road
  • Scrapbook Paper and Die Cuts – unknown
  • Burlap – Niki Meiners
  • Ink – ClearSnap
  • Paint – Jacquard
  • Beacon Adhesive

Thanks for looking today!

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Sharpies, Buttons and Bows!

Good morning friends,

Killarney-Not Just For St. Patty’s Day

Pinky here with a post sure to make you smile. Buttons are so versatile, especially the high quality buttons from Buttons Galore & More, today I wanted to share a summer project using the beautiful Killarney Buttons, not just for St. Patrick’s Day! You can use these from everything.

Card By Pinky

  • Trim white card-stock to 9X6″.
  • Using score board, score card in half at 4.5″X6″.
  • Trim patterned paper to 4.5X6″.
  • Adhere patterned paper to card base.

Card with buttons

  • Using green baker’s twine and Killarney buttons, thread each button with twine and tie into a bow.
  • Using hot glue gun, adhere buttons to card base.
  • Using cloud punch and card-stock, punch out 2 clouds.
  • Using Sharpie Paint pen, coat cardstock with paint, making clouds a lime green.

Sharpie with cloud

  • Using SRM sentiment stickers- adhere to cloud shapes.
  • Adhere cloud shapes to card using foam pop dots.
  • Using Jaquard Luminiere Pearl Paint, paint around clouds.

Clouds1

  • Adhere chipboard flower and butterfly sticker.
  • Using Jaquard Luminiere Pearl Paint create butterfly trail.

Pearl1

  • Set aside to dry for 20-30 minutes. (completely dry after 72 hours)
  • Add gemstones.

Card By Pinky
That’s it! Your beautiful “Thank You” card that will make anyone see your appreciate them.

Until next time-

Pinky- Buttons Galore & More Design Team

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Embellished Scrapbook Album Idea

 

I was scrap-booking the other day, putting my pages away in my plain black album and it occurred to me. If I can scrapbook and embellish all my pages why not do the same thing to my album??!

The first thing I grabbed was from Buttons Galore & More Animal Instincts Pack and went to town.

For this 8X8 Scrap book album I used a basic black 3 ring binder album.

Using sharpie or pen, draw or trace heart in middle of album

Carefully place Buttons Galore & More Animal Instinct Buttons, not adhering yet just placing them.

Using hot glue gun, carefully adhere each button, one at a time, covering any trace of ink on album.

Using hot glue gun and  Buttons Galore & More Animal Instinct Buttons adhere smaller buttons on top in second layer.

Using copper pearl pen, dab small pearls in the middle of 1/4 of the buttons.

Using the ribbon from  Buttons Galore & More Animal Instinct Buttons adhere all the way around the album trimming off excess. It will take 2 packages of buttons and ribbons.

Adhere title using chipboard letters.

 

Fill album with many memories and pages!

Pinky: Buttons Galore & More Design Team

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Mixed media button art with a little love

I really love collage and mixed media. I’m sure I’ve said it before already, but really, I love collage. The idea of mixing textures to create a cohesive piece of fabulousness is a fun challenge I really enjoy. It’s neat to see what you can come up with when you mix odds and ends and some fantastic color. So, today’s project is an example of such fun… button art using Jacquard Lumiere dimensional metallic paint, fabric, old book paper and of course buttons!

Heart and Swirls button art by Jen Goode

Heart and Swirls button art by Jen Goode

Materials you’ll need to make this button art:

steps to make button art

steps to make button art

How to make your own button art

This dimensional paint is also as adhesive, so while you can use it to create pretty pieces, you can also use it to “glue” things in place.

Something to note, The directions I’m sharing are not in the order I did things… I painted the heart and then did the background which turned out to be a bit backwards, so instead, I’m sharing steps in the order I should have done them.

  1. Download and print the heart art onto a piece of book paper or newspaper.
  2. Color the background. Put some paint onto a paper plate for easy use. Using a damp paper towel, rub some Brass paint on to the paper. Add a layer of Copper directly to the edge of the paper and then rub using the damp paper towel. Add dots of Brass paint to create a bit of a pattern inside the heart, then add another line of Brass paint directly to the paper on all 4 sides and let dry as it.
  3. Using a paint brush, paint the heart and flowers first Brass and then add accents of Copper.
  4. Once all paint dries, gently tear both the top and bottom of the art completely off, creating two strips of paper. Tear a bit to trim down the size, adhere extra embellishments as desired.
  5. Cut burlap to fit your frame opening. Adhere heart image in place and then both top and bottom pieces, leaving a bit of space to allow the burlap to show through.
  6. Finish by tying twine through buttons and then adhering in place.
  7. Frame as desired.
Button art and illustration by Jen Goode

Button art and illustration by Jen Goode

Layering buttons creates a more interesting look and compliments the dimensional paint. Choose buttons of different sizes and finishes to create a more interesting art piece. I really like mixing shiny buttons with flat finish buttons to add more dimension between  them. Use buttons in your own decor to add a little fun interest and detail!

Tell me about your favorite button art!

 

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Friendship Mixed Media Canvas with Jacquard Lumiere

Hi all!  Ryann here with my take on a mixed media canvas piece.  Now I am first and foremost a card maker, but every once in a while I like to stretch my boundaries a bit and try something new. I recently took a paper doll tag class from Julie Nutting and left feeling inspired to create my own paper doll.  After deciding on a mixed media canvas, I began my project!

Supplies used:

Directions:
  1. Tear book pages into small pieces, tearing off any large white spaces (you want to work with just the words).
  2. Adhere onto canvas using Mod Podge.  Cover adhered book page pieces with a layer of Mod Podge and allow to dry.
  3. Lightly paint a layer of light blue acrylic paint.  Let dry completely and follow it up with a lightly painted layer of light green.  Allow to dry.
  4. On a book page, draw out your doll figure and cut out.  Draw doll clothes on patterned paper and cut out.  Adhere onto canvas using Mod Podge.  Apply layer of Mod Podge on top of doll and allow to dry.  Do the same for the flowers.
  5. Lightly go around edges of doll/clothes/flower with white paint and allow to dry.
  6. Draw and then paint doll hair and allow to dry.
  7. Create sentiment in computer and print out.  Cut words out individually and adhere to canvas with Mod Podge.  Apply layer of Mod Podge on top of words and allow to dry.
  8. Stamp large polka dots with white ink onto canvas.  Stamp small polka dots with pink acrylic paint randomly around canvas.  Allow to dry completely.
  9. Adhere buttons onto canvas.
  10. Apply Lumiere 3D paint to doll to create texture on dress, neck and hair.  Allow to dry completely.
Thank you for joining me today.  I hope my story of creating outside my comfort zone inspires you to give it a try it too!  :)
Signing off,
Ryann

 

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Large Circle Start Ups: Charmed, I’m Sure

Hi y’all! Allie here… I got my hands on some of Button’s Galore’s Start Up craft shapes this week, the Large Circles. I had such fun making some charms with these blank circles. These blank craft shapes are blank poly plastic pieces that you can stamp on, rub on, ink, paint or embellish with anything you desire. I decided to get creative with some napkins and stamps, and some spritz.

I really love these blank craft shapes! They come in lots of shapes and sizes, from flowers to tags, to sliders and frames, and even holiday shapes. There are even start up packs, and collections including a variety of sizes. They are perfect for every project.

 

charms-cropped-edited-300x279

 

This picture shows the separate layers of the napkins I’m using. For my charms, I just used the very top layer.

I decided to collage with napkins. I start by separating the layers of the napkin, so I’m working with the top designer layer. I use Claudine Hellmuth’s Matte Medium from Ranger, with a flat brush. Some people like to use a wet Q-tip to “cut” through the napkin, but I prefer to tear, and sand off any excess.

I used a little round file to clean out the holes in the charms. You can use any decoupage medium, whatever you prefer. I also like to seal the top when I’m done.

 

I skipped a few photos, but this is what happens after the decoupage step. I stamped the Large Circles with an Itty Bitty bicycle stamp from Unity Stamp Company. I used Jet Black Stazon ink from Tsukineko. I also lightly tapped around the edges of the Large Circles with the same black Stazon Ink. Once the ink was set, I gave the Large Circles a light spritz with Mr. Huey’s Gold spray from Studio Calico.

Use your favorite spritz, or you could even make your own.

You can add anything you like to these little charms. I put a jump ring on each of them, and added little trinkets and bling. The metal pieces and the little pearls are from Ideaology, and are designed by Tim Holtz. I added bling to the sprocket, on the second row, the charm on the left. I love a little sparkle, don’t you?

Add some bling, little trinkets or baubles.

You could attach these charms to a chain, a hoodie, or anything you like. You can even keep it simple, and just thread it onto some crepe ribbon, as shown below. This ribbon is from Creative Impressions.

 

SUPPLIES AND MATERIALS

  • Blank Craft Shapes – Large Circles
  • Napkins
  • Decoupage Medium and a Brush for application
  • Stamps and Ink
  • Spritz
  • Trinkets and Jump Rings

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Mother’s Day Canvas With Pinky

Can you believe Mother’s Day is quickly approaching? It is right around the corner and I love to make a handmade gift.

I want to share this artistic canvas made just for “Mom” using vintage doilies from around the house.

For this Canvas use an 8×10 canvas, and paint it with a sand colored acrylic paint.

After allowing the canvas to dry, take a craft spritz and carefully spritz canvas in random places. Set aside to dry for 10 minutes.

Using coordinating ink color, ink edges or canvas.

Take a pencil with eraser and dab into coordinating paint or ink, ink or paint onto canvas as shown in photos.

Adhere vintage doilies.

Grab some packages of beautiful Buttons’ Galore & More Vintage Gold buttons and apply buttons between doily stitches using hot glue.

Mothers Day Canvas

Using rub-ons, carefully apply rub-ons in desired locations.

Mothers Day Canvas

Using shank & pearl keepsake buttons, adhere over rub-on using hot glue gun.

Mothers Day Canvas

Set canvas aside.

Choose a lightly colored patterned paper, using home printer, print quote onto page.

Trim out words and hand cut pennant edging.

Ink edges.

Adhere quote to canvas.

Wrap it up and give with love.

I hope you enjoyed the post today- Pinky: Buttons Galore & More Design Team

 [Note: some products used in this tutorial have been discontinued so we have provided links to similar substitutes.]
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Mixed Media Canvas Collage

Today’s Internet Inspiration is from a product partner Helmar.  Their Designer Trudy made a darling mixed media canvas collage.

Mixed Media Collage Canvas

This is a quote from Trudy about our products.

“I love buttons and am excited to share my mixed media canvas with you. I used lots of buttons form our prefered partner company Buttons Galore’s – Candy Apple Green mix and a few from some of their other beautiful assortments.”

You can see the post HERE

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Guest Designer – Melony Bradley

Buttons Galore and More is pleased to start a new segment featuring Guest Designers.  Not only do we have a fantastic Creative Team working diligently behind the scenes to bring you fabulous projects, we are bringing in some extra talent too.  I hope you will enjoy their creativity, crafty ideas and be as inspired by them as I am.  Our first Guest Designer is Melony Bradley, her work has graced the covers of many crafting and lifestyle publications.  Please enjoy her post below.   If you would like to check out more of work visit her blog or her etsy shop.

Finished Bracelets

Finished Bracelets

 

 

I am loving all the adorable versions of this throw back craft from my childhood I am seeing all the web these days. When I got a stash of Granny’s Button Box stitched buttons from Buttons Galore and More in the mail last week, I knew I had to give this old craft a new try and incorporate these adorable buttons.

 

Wood sticks and buttons

wood sticks and buttons

The concept is rather simple. Wood can be manipulated when soaked in water since it tears down the wood fibers. So, grab some jumbo craft sticks and lets get started.

Boil craft sticks.jpeg

Boil Craft sticks

First, bring a pot of water to a boil. Turn off the burner, Insert the craft sticks and let them soak for about 10-15 minutes. Put a few more in the water than you will think you need. I broke a few not being patient while trying to bend them.

Broken sticks.jpg

broken sticks

Once the sticks are soaked. Grab some appropriate sized glasses or plastic cups and patiently work them into the glass. Work slowly if you don’t want to end up with a lot of broken sticks like I did. It takes a little patience to get the hang of it

Sticks and glasses.jpg

sticks and glasses

These have to set up for 24 hours to completely dry. While they are drying, go ahead and grab some acrylic paints and pattern papers to coordinate with the buttons. I used Americana Acrylics by DecoArt and some older random simple printed patterned papers.

Paint and buttons,jpg

Paint and Buttons

Here is another step you can do while waiting for the sticks to set up, On the wrong side of the patterned paper, use a pencil and a jumbo craft stick to trace it.

Make a template

Make a template

 

Make a template 2.jpg

cut out the template

Use a pair of scissors to cut the paper out.

Cut out papers.jpg

cut out papers

Once the bracelets have dried, gently remove them from the glasses.

Paint bracelets

paint bracelets

Paint the bracelets in the colors of your choice.

Collage pauge

Collage Pauge

Use a decoupage medium like collage pauge and a foam brush to apply the papers to the front of the bracelets. Allow the medium to dry and gently sand the edges of the papers even with the wood.

Now comes the fun part! Glue some rhinestones in the center of the stitched buttons using a tacky glue like Aleenes Original Tacky Glue.

Glue the buttons to the front of the bracelet and let dry.

Finished Bracelets

Finished Bracelets

My bracelet’s didn’t turn out as snug as I wanted them to be, so I used some chain and jump rings to pull them a little closer in. I can still fit them over my hand without using a closure such as a lobster clasp but that still be another option. Learning from this, make sure you use a glass or cup that is slim enough if you want to skip this step!

Live Life Creatively,

Melony

 

 

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Fun button art with scraps from your stash

I love to make new fun with old scraps and recycled do-dads. Buttons are a perfect addition to any mix and match project because you can get buttons in a million different colors and sizes so you’re sure to find something that fits what you’re doing. Next time you’re looking for a little creative project that’s quick and easy, pull out your fabric stash and some buttons and make a pile of these mini art pieces.

Mini button art from craft scraps and buttons

Mini button art from craft scraps and buttons

You can either stitch everything together or use fabric glue, whichever you prefer. Mix in some paper, embroidery thread, fabric and whatever else you’d like to add. You can turn these mini button art pieces into pins to wear, keepsake gift tags or even frame them for a truly unique piece of decor.

make cute button art with fabric and buttons

make cute button art with fabric and buttons

The flower button in this project was one of the special crafter buttons called Start Ups. You can color them to make your own unique look so I put mine in some Rit dye along with some fabric scraps to get the vibrant new colors out of old drab fabric. You can also color the Start Ups with alcohol ink markers.

make your own cute button art

make your own cute button art

I used denim, linen and cotton fabric along with a variety of individual buttons, some Start Ups and embroidery thread. Any kind of extras would work. So the next time you find yourself wondering what to do with some of your craft scraps, grab a bag of buttons and make yourself some fabulous mini art pieces. They make great gifts and are simple enough that your kids can help too!

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Mixed Media Memories

Button memory quilted art

Button memory quilted art

This is a mixed media piece I made with items I found while cleaning out my Mother in Laws’ home.

The background is created like a Log Cabin Quilt by stitching strips of fabric one to another and around the photo that is printed on printable canvas. The pieces are not the same width or length. It’s more of a free form kind of piecing. I added some top stitches in pink.

I also used buttons from Bubble Gum Button Bonanza,  and added some fabric, buttons, a doily, piece of embroidery iron on, a flash card with the number 18 (which is about how old she was when the photo was taken), part of a greeting card, a key, the address from an old envelope and a small tassel.

Mixed Media Memories

I did a lot of remembering while I was putting this together. My mother in law has always been good to me.

Have you created a piece of art/craft to remember someone you loved?  What did you make?

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Haberdashery Heart

Haberdashery Button Heart by Laura Bray

Haberdashery Button Heart by Laura Bray

I love, love, love the Haberdashery Trim Collage Kits by Buttons Galore and More.  Just the word “haberdashery” makes me feel all happy & old-fashioned.  And the goodies included in the kit?  Well, once I started brainstorming for a Valentine project, I couldn’t stop myself.  There are a million ways to use this kit.  You could even buy a few, invite your friends over for a Valentine tea, and make these hearts. They’ll make great Valentine’s Day gifts, but would also be sweet in a baby’s nursery.

Haberdashery Hearts

Supplies:

Instructions:

  1. Paint the wood heart with pink and green paint.  Allow to dry for one hour.
  2. Glue buttons and embellishments from the Trim Collage Kit onto the wood heart.
  3. Glue a length of ribbon to the back of the heart for a hanger.

 

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New Year Button Journal Cover

Close-up of Laura Bray's Button Journal

Close-up of Laura Bray's Button Journal

I can’t believe another year is winding down.  Time to make your resolutions for the new year!  It’s always easier to do it if you have a cute journal to work in.  Why not make a little felt cover, embroidered with a cute design and embellished with buttons?

Supplies:

  • 5″ X 7″ Journal
  • 5″ x 7″ piece of white felt
  • Embroidery floss and needle
  • Buttons (the ones I used are from the Citrus Splash collection)
  • 1″ x 7″ piece of pink felt
  • Scallop rotary cutter
  • Craft glue

Instructions:

  1. With a pencil, lightly draw your design onto a piece of felt.
  2. Embroider over your pencil lines and stitch buttons onto your design.
  3. Using scallop rotary cutters, cut a “binding” strip from the pink felt.
  4. Glue your embroidered and embellished piece of white felt onto the cover of your journal.
  5. Glue the scalloped binding strip along the edge of the journal cover.
  6. Start writing your resolutions!

 

Button Journal by Laura Bray

 

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Start Up’s for Mixed Media Projects

Mixed media bracelet tag

Mixed media bracelet tag

 

I cannot help myself when I am given anything flat and white. It’s like a blank canvas to me and I have to doodle! This was so so so much fun to make. I started with the Start Up’s Large Rectangle Slider piece. This would be great on a card, scrapbook page or a mixed media piece. I made this one a ballet style bracelet.

 

 

I love the finished piece on my daughter’s tiny wrist! So, to begin, you want to sand the surface of the Start Up piece just to rough it up a bit and take off the shinny coating. Dust is off and start to doodle.

I used a Faber Castel PITT pen and doodled some different size pumpkins. The coloring was done by using just colored pencils.

Let it dry for a few hours before you coat it. I coated the top with DG3 from Judikins and spinkled in a bit of Ultra Fine Prisma Glitter and went to bed. This is important. The DG3 takes about 4 or 5 hours and I always want to touch it before it’s totally dry. So going to bed helps! I added a two toned piece of satin ribbon and it was all ready to wear.

 

 

The tall pumpkin pendant was done the same way. I used a Large Tag Start Up for my blank canvas on this one. I used some beading cord and a few beads on the ends to finish it off. I am having a great time playing with the new Start Ups… you will too!

 

 

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Fabulous Fall Clipboard from Spellbinders

Fabulous Fall Clipboard from Spellbinders

Fabulous Fall Clipboard from Spellbinders

The gals over on the Spellbinders blog have been making some very cute projects with Buttons Galore and More buttons.

Please visit the Spellbinders blog to see the instructions.

Oh! There are lots of cream and brown colored buttons for this project in our Confection button jar.

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Buttons at CHA Summer Show 2011

Canvas Corp button art

Canvas Corp button art

I spy with my little eye… BUTTONS! Buttons seemed to be everywhere at the CHA Summer Show. I even saw plenty of things that didn’t have buttons that might have been made just a tiny bit better if they had buttons on them. But I won’t show you THOSE photos. ;)

Buttons at CHA Summer Show 2011

Faber-Castell

Several of the CHA designers got into the act when they created their Crafty Couture gowns.

Buttons at CHA Summer Show 2011

Marisa Pawelko

Buttons at CHA Summer Show 2011

Jen Goode, Carla Schauer, Theresa Cifali, Suzann Sladcik-Wilson

Jen Goode and Carla Schauer are members of our own design team AND this dress won an award! :)

Buttons at CHA Summer Show 2011

Cards at the Buttons Galore and More Booth

Buttons at CHA Summer Show 2011

Buttons Galore and More Booth Display

That one bookshelf alone has more button inspiration than most of use would ever know what to do with!

Do YOU have button craft photos from CHA? Care to share a few with our readers? Send them to buttonsgaloreteam (at) yahoo (dot) com and I’ll get some of them up to share with fellow button crafters/lovers! :)

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Mixed Media- Encaustic Art

Encaustic Art mixed media collage with buttons

Encaustic Art mixed media collage with buttons

I wanted to share a piece of Encaustic Art that I made (using beeswax medium, both in natural and pigmented red.) If you’ve ever wondered if you can use three dimensional objects with beeswax collage, I’m here to show you that you can! And buttons make nice embellishments.

I used a kit to make this piece along with some Buttons Galore and More buttons, (you can read more about that on the Craft Test Dummies blog).  I found out that if you want to add heavy bits-like the buttons- you’ll want to build a base of wax where you want them to go, and then keep it warm with a heat tool. Then place your buttons and immediately drop some hot wax on top, so that it drips through the holes and bonds with the wax underneath. Let it cool completely- it’s hard not to keep fussing with it!

Bottom line: don’t be afraid to add your favorite buttons to Encaustic art- they add a wonderful texture and dimension.

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