Clear Scraps Blog

Gingerbread Advent Countdown Calendar

Over the years, I've had several Christmas countdown calendars, especially when my kids were little.  Each one is unique in it's own way, but most counted only the days of December.  Hi - it's Maureen today!  I want to share a project using the newest item in the Clear Scraps catalog, the Advent Countdown Kit!

Yes, I'm working on Christmas stuff, but this kit will allow me to countdown from 99 if I want!  And, oh by the way...that's not far from now.  Ha!  Oh my goodness, this kit is so cute, and the possibilities with this project were endless...I admit, it took me a few days to decide what colors I wanted to do.  After much debate, I decided a peppermint swirl and gingerbread plaid was the way to go.

To start, I've taken the main easel board and base-coated it in a spice brown color.  I did sand it once and painted a second coat on top - it gives it a much smoother finish that way. 

Next, I used a gingerbread brown and burgundy card stock paper to back the board.  To cut it to the right shape, trace it on the back with pencil.  Also make sure to trace the holes for the pegs.  I used a small pin tool to poke them out before I glued to the board.  Then glue the top panel over it.

For the number panels, I've painted them a burgundy red.  I'm using all acrylic paint for this project.  Sand and add a 2nd coat as necessary.

I had a peppermint swirl die cut so I cut several sheets of white card stock with this panel, then laid them on top of the panels, gluing them into place.  Then I took a detail scissors and trimmed off the ends.

The chipboard numbers that come with the kit are painted in a pine tree green and the script font is painted in white.  Set these aside to dry, then later glue them on the center of each peppermint panel and on to the main board.

Now, I also saw this really cute Holly Tag Chipboard Embellishment, and thought the outline to the holly looked like gingerbread icing!  I've painted the tag in the same burgundy red, but added some green where the holly will lay over the shape.  Next, I've painted the trim in white and glued it together.  I'm also using a small die cut in a peppermint shape and adding some red and white card stock candies to the berries on the tag, as well as some additional ones on the easel.

I've also painted the holly leaves that come with the kit in the same manner.  Both the holly leaves and the tag embellishment were added to the top left and bottom right corners of the easel.  To glue all the items together, I'm using a white tacky glue.

Now let's assemble the back.  When the kit comes to you, you will break apart the joint panels and then insert the tabbed piece to the joint on the back.  Next, glue the panel to the easel back.  Let this dry completely before you put pressure on it - hot glue or a tacky glue works really well and holds nicely.

Okay, for the gingerbread trim, I've cut a few strips of rickrack shaped paper in white card stock and glued them to the edges of the easel board.  If you don't have a die cut like this, you could cut a few strips from an electronic cutting machine, purchase stickers or even paint them on!

And now we look all ready to countdown...I even am in the mood to do some holiday baking!  Although it might be too hot yet to do so, ha ha.  Now - I'm curious; how will you decorate YOUR Advent Calendar Kit??

Until next time,

Maureen

Additional supplies used:  acrylic paints in burgundy, green, brown and white; die cuts of a peppermint swirl, mini peppermints and rick rack border shapes; white card stock; plaid card stock; tacky glue.

Life is Better on the Farm

Hello Craft Friends!

I'm Dana and I'm back on the Clear Scraps blog today with a Farm styled Home Decor project to share. These new Shiplap shapes from Clear Scraps come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, and they are ready to decorate to match any decor! For my project today,  we'll be using the Clear Scraps Square Shiplap shape- Large Click here and the Clear Scraps Chicken Shiplap Small shape Click here

We also will be using Clear Scraps new mini cloud shaker! Click here

To begin,  I took some acrylic paint "Wicker white" and using a paintbrush, I white washed the paint over the square Shiplap surface leaving some of wood showing through. Then I took some light blue acrylic paint and white washed this over the surface to create a look that resembles the sky. Set aside to dry. 

Take your Chicken Shiplap Small shape out of your package. I traced around my shape onto one of the patterned papers from Echo Park's "Farmhouse Kitchen. I cut out along the edge, glued my paper to the front of my Shiplap Chicken shape, using Beacon glue. Then with my xaco knife, I trimmed around my shape removing any excess paper. Then Distressed around the edges till smooth with my Distress tool. Then I took some Distress Ink "Gathered Twigs" and inked around the edges of my chicken shape. I glued a black round disk for the eye on my chickens head. I also painted my chickens feet with a black paint pen. Set aside for now.

Shaker: Remove your shaker pieces from your package. Take your top shaker piece and using a sponge brush, I dipped my sponge into some the white and light blue acrylic paint, using a light pouncing motion, apply your paint over your top shaker piece. 

Then with a small paintbrush, paint around the sides of all your chipboard shaker pieces. Let dry.

Take your bottom shaker piece and trace around your shape onto some white card stock paper.  Cut out and glue on top of your bottom piece. Trim away any excess paper using your x-acto knife. Smooth any rough edges using a Distress tool. Then I glued one of the stickers from my Echo park "Fun on the Farm" collection.

Then glue your next 2 chipboard shaker pieces on top of your bottom piece. Add any shaker filler you prefer. Then remember to peel off the protective film on both sides of the acrylic shaker piece before gluing in place. Add your top shaker piece and set aside to dry. Do not shake until throughly dry or your filler will stick to the sides. I added another bee sticker on the top of my cloud!

Now we're ready to decorate and glue all your pieces in place. I like to add a variety of different embellishments and sentiments. Don't glue them down until you are happy with their placement. 

I added foam tape to the back of my chicken shape and adhered on the bottom of my Shiplap square shape. Using foam dots I added a sentiment from my ephemera pack in the center of my chicken's body. 

At the top I took some jute cord and tied a knot on each end. Glue each end down onto my wood surface. Then I applied some foam dots to the back of my FARM sentiment letters, from my ephemera pack, then glued in place on top of my jute cord. 

Here's a closeup:

I cut out one of the 4x6 Journaling cards from the paper pack and glued on the left side of my wood shape. Adding some foam dots on the back of my tree sticker, I adhered it over the duplicate image on my Journaling card. This adds nice dimension. In my craft stash, I adhered some Farm animals 3D stickers around my journal card and on the bottom left side of my wood surface. I also adhered some of the grass stickers around the farm animals feet and also my chickens feet. 

To finish, I adhered my mini shaker cloud at the top right of my square Shiplap surface. Then with foam dots, I added another sentiment piece above my chicken. You can add a metal hanger on the back or even some jute cord and it's ready to hang!

Here's another closeup!

I hope you enjoyed this project today and I have inspired you to create your own Home Decor piece! Don't forget to visit the Clear Scraps website to see all the new products that are available for purchase! Click here

Thanks so much for stopping by the Clear Scraps blog! Remember to share your crafty makes on our Facebook Creative page! We love to see what you create!

Until next time we meet, Happy Crafting!

Dana

Other Supplies Used: Echo Park's Farmhouse Kitchen collection and Fun on the Farm collection, Plaid Wicker white paint, light blue acrylic paint, foam tape and foam dots, Beacon glue, sponge brush, small paintbrush, Distress tool, Tim Holtz Distress Ink Gathered Twigs, black round disk, jute cord, x-aco knife, white card stock, Jolee's "Petting zoo" stickers.

 

 

Birthday Gnome

                                                          Hello Friends,

It's Sandy Diller here with a fun and easy card for somebody special.  I used the Mini Shaker Gnome to create this card. 

              This is an easel card so it is easy to display.

 

After assembling the cute little gnome and filling it with shaker elements I picked out some fun paper.

 

Thanks for stopping by,

Sandy

 

 

Wings Chipboard Embellishment Shapes Layout

Hello crafty friends and happy Monday!  It is Jennifer here on the blog to share a layout I created using some Clear Scraps goodies! And I'm going to show you my easy techniques that you can recreate on your own pages!  

I started with a 12x12 piece of white cardstock as my background and lined up approximately where I would adhere my photo.  

I then secured the 5x9 Geo Burst Stencil with washi tape to my cardstock.  Using blending brushes and Distress Oxide Inks in pink and green, I added color to my background around my photo as well as under my top border.

Here is a close up of the end result!  I did not worry about it being perfect as I knew some of the ink would be covered by my photo or paper.  

I set aside my layout to work on my embellishments.  Using white acrylic paint, I added a thin coat the Wings Chipboard Embellishment (I only used one out of the set).  Once my paint was dry, I added a light coat of crackle effect and allowed ample drying time. 

Once the crackle was dry, I painted my wings with chalk paint in pink.

I then adhered my Chipboard Embellishment using my Beacon 3-in-1 Adhesive as it works great and dries quick! 

I added and layered smaller embellishments under and over my photo.  I also like to use foam dots to pop up my embellishments for extra dimension. 

Thank you for stopping by the blog today! You can find all Chipboard Embellishment Shapes by clicking HERE! Have a great day!

Additional products used:  patterned paper, stickers, die cut shapes, brads, foam words/stickers:  Simple Stories; cardstock: Bazzill; adhesive: Beacon, Tombow, Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L;  paint: FolkArt, DecoArt; crackle effect: Martha Stewart Crafts; Distress Oxide Inks, pigment ink: Ranger;   date stamp: Heidi Swapp; sewing machine: Janome; misc: thread

Red, White and Blue Candle Ring

What kinds of decorations do you put on your table?  Do you love to decorate a table for the season like I do?  Hi everyone - it's Maureen!  Today I wanted to show you a centerpiece idea that you can use for your Summer entertaining.

This year I've decorated my dining room in red, white and blue.  There are so many patriotic holidays that come in the Summer, and this color scheme works well all the way through Labor Day.  I was excited to incorporate some of the Clear Scraps goodies in my display this year!

I'm starting with a basic cardboard circle, with the middle cut out.  This one I bought on Amazon, as it has an adhesive backing to it and is great for crafts, but you can cut your own.  This one is about 9" in diameter.  I've set out to wrap this with a white cord I purchased at a craft store.

As I wrap the wreath, I am securing pieces with a hot glue gun.  Even though the wreath is adhesive, this will hold up year after year.  When the wreath is completely covered, I secure the end with more hot glue.

Next, I'm taking the Award Ribbon Mini Shaker and choosing some beautiful Americana paper to back it with.  I've traced it around the base of the shaker, then cut it out.  As I apply the other layers with tacky glue, I'm also going to fill this shaker with an assortment of Lovely Pink and White Sequins from Clear Scraps and added a few blue stars I had in my stash.  I've painted the top trim blue, then glued all the layers together.

While this is drying, I've also selected the Multi Stars Chipboard Embellishments to fill in my ring.  I've painted the open stars in blue and the closed stars in red.  Then, taking a die cut in a similar size, I've cut more of the cute Americana paper and glued the blue stars down on top.  For the red stars, I'm attaching some wooden buttons.

Now, I've got some leftover wired ribbon in my stash, so it was a great opportunity to use it up!  I've picked a navy blue and a red/white striped pattern, and laid one over the other.  I tie it into a simple bow, then turn the ribbon so that all the patterns are facing up.  Trim off the ends to a length you desire.

This bow is attached to the ring with some floral wire.  I inserted the wire through the bow and again through the back of the ring.  Twist the wire until it lays flat and then cut off the ends.

It's time to attach my embellishments!  I've chosen another sentiment from the same Americana paper pad and glued it to the front of my award ribbon shaker.  I've also cut out a couple pinwheels from a die cut I own and assembled those too.  All the items are glued on with some hot glue, and then left to sit until they are secure.  And now it's time to put it around my candle!

When the patriotic holidays are over, this ring stores nice and flat in a storage box.  But, it won't be long before I'd be able to get it out again for, say, Veteran's Day too!  What other ideas could you create using the Clear Scraps Embellishments and Shakers??

I hope you've been inspired to try something new on your table this season.  As always, it's been great to create with you today - see you next time!

Maureen

Additional tools:  cardboard circle wreath, white rope, hot glue gun, Americana Paper Pad (from Joanns), red/blue acrylic paint, wooden buttons, star sequins, red/white striped ribbon, blue wired ribbon.

 

Vintage Chipboard Album

Hello Craft Friends!

Dana here! Today I have a vintage style mini album. I love vintage style and have so many old photos that match perfectly with this album. 

For our project we will be be Clear Scraps Regular chipboard album.  Click here 

The papers I chose are from Blue Fern "Life's Vignettes." 

To begin our project,  I covered all my album pages with different coordinating papers from this paper collection. All papers will measure 5x7 inches. I recommend using Beacon glue. It creates a strong bond when working with chipboard. 

Set your album aside for now. We will work on a border piece next. I chose Clear Scraps Fancy Chipboard border Click here I think these borders add such a nice touch and there are so many different styles to chose from. Using Vintage White acrylic paint I applied the paint to  both the front, back and along the sides of my border. Let dry. Then I inked around the edges of my border using Distress Ink. I added a few gems to my flower centers on my border piece on both sides. Don't forget to mark and punch two holes on the left side of your border piece. 

Now we can decorate the front cover of this album. I fussy cut a floral piece from one of the scrap pieces, added Distress Ink around the edges before adhering to the right corner of my album, using foam dots. I also fussy cut a pretty butterfly, bent the wings slightly and adding some Beacon glue in the middle I adhered below my floral piece. I also glued a cute vintage girl along the bottom edge of my album cover!

For the back cover I chose to not to add anything. I just couldn't cover this cute paper with the little vintage boy! But of course you could decorate if you prefer. 

Page 2:  I fussy cut out a bow and added some foam dots to the back and adhered at the top of my page. I applied some Stickles glitter to acouple Butterflies wings. 

Set your album aside for now. Next we will be applying some rust pastes to our Clear Scraps Cog gears chipboard embellishments pieces Click here 

I had two of these Cog Gears leftover from a previous project. Cut them apart and save the outer frame piece. We will be using this piece later.  I love using these chipboard gears on Vintage or Steampunk projects! I applied the rust paste in gold and brown layering on top of each other. I think this adds such a rusty effect that I love! Let dry. 

Next I fussy cut out some more pieces from my Journaling cards and scrap papers from this collection. I inked all pieces with Distress Ink. I chose a vintage photo to use on page 3. I cut apart one of my Journaling cards into 2 pieces. I adhered one at the top of my photo and one at the bottom.

 Then I took a piece of cardboard and glued to the back side of my photo, 

 I adhered this centered on the left side of the page. This adds dimension. I adhered a butterfly, on the right side of my photo then using a tiny clip I added a sentiment at the top! I glued the smaller Cog gear to another sentiment piece from the ephemera pack, and adhered below my photo and finished this page with a vintage button at the top!

Page 4: I chose another photo and adhered at the top of my page and a butterfly on the right. I cut a piece of a filmstrip from Tim holtz idea-ology and glued across the top portion of my photo! I glued my larger Cog gear at the bottom and glued a metal wheel on top!

Page 5: I cut a piece of paper measuring 3 &1/2 inches x 6 & 1/2. I scored 1/2 inch on the left, and adhered as a flip page. I added another photo in the center of my page. I cut out a stamp with the butterfly on it, inked my edges and adhered using foam dots towards the top. I tore another small piece of paper, inked along the edges and glued along the bottom of my page, slightly over my photo bottom edge.

Last page: take your leftover chipboard frame piece, cut apart and mighterd my corners to fit around the edge of my photo. I took some Pebeo Renaissance Gold wax and rubbed over the top of my chipboard frame pieces, using my finger. Alittle wax goes along way. After the wax is dry I adhered my pieces around my photo. Added another sentiment and flower piece and adhered at the top of my photo frame. To finish I added some sticker numerals to mark the year this photo was taken.

Now you can add acouple metal rings through the holes of your album pages. You could tie ribbon onto your rings if you like. 

Here are some closeups!

 

I hope this project has inspired you to gather some vintage photos and start creating an album that will last a lifetime!

Thank you for visiting the Clear Scraps blog! Don't forget to visit the Clear Scraps website Click here for all your crafty supplies! Be sure to check out all the new products available!

Until next time,  Happy Crafting! 

Dana

Other Supplies Used: Paper Trimmer, Distress Ink in Gathered Twigs and Rusty Hinge, Blue Fern Life's Vignettes paper Collection, Pebeo Renaissance Gold wax, Prima Patina Effects paste in Brass,  Gold and Brown Rust pastes, small scissors, gems, Foam dots, Beacon glue, Tim Holtz idea-ology film strip and tiny clips.

 

Birthday Banner

Hello Clear Scraps fans, 

It's Sandy Diller here with you today.  In our home there are plenty of birthdays in August so I have created a birthday banner of gift boxes that can be displayed for the birthday guy or gal on their special day.

 

 

I began with the Present Wood Accordion Shaker Album which has four panels including a fun shaker element.

 

 

I began by covering all the pieces with coordinating paper.  I sanded the edges and then added ink.

I traced out the shape of the bow so I could create a pattern and cut from paper to add on top of each present. 

 

 

For the next step - ribbon was added to the edge of each lid.  (not on the shaker section)

 

A festive stamp was added to each box.  I used my Misti Tool to do this but you can also do it with a stamp and block.  I waited until the paper was added to the box to do the stamping so I was sure the stamp would be centered.

 

The top of the shaker section was covered with double sided adhesive and then glitter was added.

 

 

The protective film was removed from each side of the acrylic piece and placed on the project after adding the shaker filling. 

 

 

Once all panels were decorated - they were attached with two strips of acrylic.  One at the top and on near the bottom. Each strip is about 2" wide X 18" long. There are holes in each panel so they can be connected with rings, so it can be used as an album, but I used the acrylic for a different look.

 

When this banner is not being displayed it can be easily stored until the next birthday comes along.

I plan to use it on the mantle but it would be easy to decorate the back so it can be used as a centerpiece for the birthday celebration.

 

Thanks for stopping by,

Sandy

Holy Cow! Christmas in July!

Howdy!

Tami here on the Clear Scraps Blog today. I have a project using one of the new Shiplap Wood Shapes that I'd like to show you.

Although it's about 100 degrees on any given day during summer here in Texas, I was thinking about Christmas! July IS a great time to start working on or think about working on projects for the holidays. 

It seems like once Halloween rolls around, it's a downhill slide into Christmas. The weeks between the holidays just seems to disappear. So why not do some of your holiday crafting during the summer?

I used the Large Shiplap Cow Head to make this Christmas decor piece for my front door...

Let me show you how I made it...

I started by painting the wood with 2 coats of black chalkboard paint...

I wanted the grooves in the shiplap to show up more, so I used a metal file to scrape down the lines to remove the paint...

Next I used a chalk writer and the ABC Lower Case Stencils to add the wording...

I gave the piece 2 coats of sealer to protect the chalk from smudging...

I made a bow from some holiday ribbon and added some stems of pine garland behind it. I tied rusty bells onto some silver cording and hung them from the bow. A hot glue gun secured the bow to the wood...

Don't forget about adding a hanger. I used my Crop-o-dile to punch holes in the wood, then used a heavy red and natural twine as the hanger...

I was thinking that doing any of the Shiplap pieces in a chalkboard paint would allow me to change out the wording as long as I didn't seal it. And I could use magnets to add and change out the embellishments to change up the design for different holidays. Might have to try that next!

Supplies:

Clear Scraps: Large Shiplap Cow Head and ABC Lower Case Stencils 

Other: Black Chalkboard Paint, White Chalk Writer, Matte Sealer, Ribbon, Pine Garland, Silver Cording, Rusty Jingle Bells and Twine

Envelope Mixed Album

Hello! It's Jennifer here on the blog to share one of the new mini albums that were recently released!  There are four designs to choose from that come in either chipboard or mixed (chipboard + acrylic).  Today, I'm sharing the Envelope Mixed Album in which I used a wedding theme! Summer seems to be the time when most weddings occur and thought this would be the perfect album to use! 

I began by painting the three chipboard pages with black acrylic paint.  I covered the "flap" of the envelope completely while only painted the edges on the two book pages.  I knew I  would be using patterned paper to cover the majority of the inside of the book. 

For the front of the flap, I cut two different patterns into a triangular pattern and stitched together before adhering.  I  then added in embellishments  such as die cuts, stickers, and enamel dots. 

My first page is acrylic which I covered the majority in patterned paper. I  found that using my Beacon 3-in-1 Adhesive works best with the Clear Scraps acrylic and and chipboard as it does not warp your product.  

I used one of the Embroidery Hoop Chipboard Embellishment Shapes as a focal point on my first page.  To color my Embellishment Shape, I actually used gold spray paint!  It's difficult to see in the photo the glitter in the gold paint. 

Here is a the back of the previous page which I  tried to "line" up to meet the elements of the opposite side.  I found using space for 3x5 or 4x4 photos worked best.  

Here, I used two different size of square photo mats followed by adding die cuts and stickers.  

For this page, I did mat a 4x6 piece of cardstock onto two different patterned papers.  

You can mix and match sizes of photos to fit whatever your needs are!  I left my photo spaces blank because I plan on giving this as a gift to a family member this summer! 

Thank you for stopping by the blog!  You can find all things new with Clear Scraps by clicking HERE! Have a wonderful day!

Additional products used:  patterned paper, die cut shapes, stickers, chipboard stickers, enamel dots: Simple Stories; cardstock: Bazzill; adhesive: Beacon, Tombow, Thermoweb; paint: FolkArt, Krylon;  ribbon: Snug Hug; bakers twine: Whisker Graphics; sewing machine: Janome; misc: thread, chrome book rings

Gnomie Celebrates the Seasons!

Hey everybody! Leslie here, sharing all the fun add-ons that are available for Gnomie 'big dude' I shared a few days ago which stands over 20" tall! I'm back today to share all his seasonal add-ons created with the Wood Fall Collection Shapes, Wood Holiday Collection Shapes, Wood Spring Collection Shapes and Wood Summer Collection Shapes! 

All the wood shapes were colored with acrylic paint pens. I adhered a small magnet to the lower part of the gnome's beard in the area where he'll 'hold' each of the seasonal add-ons (which also have a magnet on the back of each one). I adhered a tiny magnet to the back of each of his hands and two tiny magnets on the front of each of the add-ons for him to 'hold' them.

We'll start with the pumpkin, apple and maple leaf from the Wood Fall Collection Shapes.

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We'll move on to the bulb, snowflake and tree from the Wood Holiday Collection Shapes.

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Now we have the heart, shamrock and Easter egg from the Wood Spring Collection Shapes.

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And finally, we have the flower, watermelon slice and popsicle from the Wood Summer Collection Shapes.

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Clear Scraps products used:
Wood Fall Collection Shapes
Wood Holiday Collection Shapes
Wood Spring Collection Shapes
Wood Summer Collection Shapes

Other products used:
Acrylic paint pens, distress collage medium, disc magnets

I hope you're inspired to get out those craft supplies and play! Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Scrappy hugs,
Leslie

Clear Scraps Chip Banner Album--Hello Summer

Hi there all!  Laura here to share a fun mini album idea

to hold all those fun summer memory pictures!

Ooooo these new Chip albums from Clear Scraps!

The perfect size to showcase some special photos!

Here I used the Chip Banner Album--LOVE that

cute little banner across the top!  You could create

so many different mini albums with this great

design!  I used aqua acrylic paint on there first, then

went back and brushed it with white.  The page was

covered with summery patterned paper, the letters

and fun stickers add a festive summer vibe, and the

title finishes the cover off perfectly!  Bright colorful

ribbons are tied to the rings for a fun touch.

So simple to add the paper, and then some adorable stickers!

Plenty of room for full size photos and those extra touches!

3x4 journal cards make great embellishments in

these new albums too.  And still plenty of room

for those photos!  Makes it simple to create--

wouldn't these make a great gift?

Remember you can always paint, stamp, ink, whatever,

to create fun pages that are all your own!  And it's

fun to mix up the sizes of the pictures too!

One thing that's great is to have some of these albums

on hand to create and have ready to go to fill with

your memories, or to give as a special memento!

These types of albums are a great way to use scraps

of paper and cardstock too!

Nice to add something bright, colorful and

fun to the back of the album too!

 

Thanks for stoppin' by today!

If you haven't had a chance to check out our

new albums, you can find them all in the

Clear Scraps store right HERE.  And while

you are there, make sure to look at all the

fun new chip embellishments too!

 

Supplies Used:

Clear Scraps:  Chip Banner Album

Other: aqua and white acrylic paint, assorted

ribbon, Echo Park Best Summer Ever collection.

Gnomie is a Tall Drink of Water!

Hey everybody! Leslie here, sharing a super cool gnome that's definitely a 'tall drink of water' as my mom would say - standing over 20" tall! He comes with a stand but I fashioned him to hang on a front door to hold seasonal add-on elements all year long! You'll get a peek of only one of those add-ons in this post but you'll see all 12 of them in my post in just a few days! 

I painted Gnomie's hat with red acrylic paint. I painted his robe with light green acrylic paint and then swiped on bright aqua green acrylic paint over that to tone down the light green a bit. I painted his beard with white ash paint. Then finally, I colored his nose and hands with a flesh tone alcohol marker.

I adhered a small disc magnet toward the bottom of his beard in the area where he'll 'hold' each of the seasonal add-ons which also have a small disc magnet on the back of each one.



I adhered a tiny magnet to the back of each of his hands.



Each seasonal add-on has two tiny magnets on the front in the areas where his hands will 'hold' each one. 

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Clear Scraps products used:
XL Wood Gnome 2

Other products used:
Paints, alcohol markers, distress collage medium, disc magnets

I hope you're inspired to get out those craft supplies and play! Stay tuned for my post showcasing all the add-ons in just a few days! Thanks so much for stopping by today - we'll see you next time!

Scrappy hugs,
Leslie

Watermelon Phone Stand

Are you a watermelon fan?  I wasn't a big fan of it growing up, but the older I've gotten, I really enjoy some for the summertime.  Hi everyone, it's Maureen today, here with you during the heat of the summer.  I thought you'd enjoy a refreshing treat today - and even if you don't like to EAT watermelon, you might enjoy this cute project.

Today I'm sharing an adorable item that's not only fun, but fun-ctional!  It's a watermelon phone stand, using the Clear Scraps Acrylic Phone Stand item.  This is a great project to try out your painting skills, because when you use acrylic paints, you can just wipe it off and start over if you don't like it!

My first step is to peel off the protective film from both sides of the stand.  Next, I'm taking a foam brush and doing one light green stripe down the side, center and opposite side of the back of the stand.  I'm only going about 3/4ths of the way down, because this will be the top of my watermelon pattern.

Next, I'm taking a white acrylic paint and the tip of the brush handle, and applying small dots down the sides of each green stripe, in varying sizes.  I'm also adding a stripe of white where the green stripes end.  This will be the rind of the watermelon.

To paint on acrylic, it's helpful to start with the top layer of your design so it will show through later.  It's like painting in reverse!  Here I'm painting the watermelon seeds on first, and to do that I'm making a black dot with paint, then pulling one side out with a pin tool.  This helps me make tear drop shapes more evenly across the stand.  I also take that tool and add small white highlights in the shape of a comma around the seed.

Make sure each layer dries really well - I actually left mine overnight to make certain I wouldn't have any streaking.  Once the seeds are dry, I set out to cover them in a watermelon pink background with a light coat of paint.  Don't overdo it - just one or two strokes are plenty, and the image is meant to be a bit transparent.

My top layer involves sponging some dark green paint over the open stripe at the top.  These are applied over the white dots too, and become highlights from the front.  I did go back and fill in my white "rind" again, so that it was more visually appealing from the back.

Now, I'm also choosing to add a front image for decoration, so I've picked the watermelon wood shape from the Wood Summer Collection.  I'm painting this piece in a similar color scheme to the phone stand.  I've base coat the front and back in a light green paint, then sponged stripes on with a darker green on the back, and a half circle of watermelon pink on the front.

I've also added the same highlight dots to the edge, making it look like a rind.  Let this piece dry thoroughly.

I am a growing fan of the items I can print in vinyl, and acrylic products are so great for this medium!  I've chosen a phrase from my electronic machine and printed in a black permanent vinyl.  I recommend following the instructions on your machine for how to apply vinyl, but I'm including basic steps below.

First, peel away the excess vinyl and weed away the small pieces.  Rub this upside down on some transfer tape and peel off the backing.  Take the transfer tape and lay it over the area you want to apply it.  Then rub with a squeegie tool and pull the transfer tape away.

I've added a few words to the wood piece and a phrase to the acrylic phone stand too.  I've then applied the watermelon wood piece to the top of the stand with some hot glue.

Your final step would be to seal the stand in an acrylic sealer, especially so the paint doesn't chip away over time or if you are using it outside.  Then, you are ready to take your smartphone with you, to any room in your house or even outside to listen to some music!

I hope you enjoyed this "no-calorie" treat today - would you consider making something like this?  I'm including a supply list below, if you choose to give it a try.  Hope you stay cool this week and now, if you'll excuse me - Summer is calling.  grin  I'll see you next time!

Maureen

Additional tools:  acrylic paints in bright pink, white, black and lt/dk green; black vinyl and an electronic cutting device (I used Cricut Joy); acrylic paint sealer, sanding paper for wood, hot glue gun.

Beach Themed Small Circle Shiplap

Hola!

Thanks for stopping by the Clear Scraps Blog today. Tami here with a project I'd like to share with you.

Have you checked out Clear Scraps NeW Shiplap Wood Shapes? They come in 2 sizes, large and small. I used the Small Circle Shiplap Shape to make this beach themed decor piece...

I collaged and decoupaged the designs from several different napkins to create it. Let me show you how...

I started by cutting around the words and deciding on their placement...

Next, to create the background, I separated the layers of a napkin and decoupaged the colored layer on first. Then I added the white layer on top to mute the design a little. Depending on the look you want, you could add several layers of white on top...

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I added some of background area of the napkin along the bottom to cover the rest of the wood and then adhered the words...

I cut some coral and shells out of the napkin and added them to the design...

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The light blue lettering got lost on the background, so I outlined the letters with a dark blue sharpie...

I used Clear Scrap's Sanding Stick to remove the excess paper from around the edges.

Using napkins to embellish wood pieces from Clear Scraps is a great way to quickly and easily change any piece from plain to fabulous!

You can find napkins in all sorts of designs, colors and themes. I like using a clear, thin product to decoupage with as I find it is easier to use on the napkins, especially if you are separating the layers. Don't forget to add a top coat when you are done to protect your work.

Supplies:

Clear Scraps: Small Circle Shiplap Shape and Sanding Stick

Other: Beacon Adhesives: Fast Finish, Napkin, Paintbrush and Dark Blue Sharpie

Gather The Ones You Love

Hi Craft Friends!

I'm Dana and I'm back to share my Home Decor project featuring one of the new Clear Scraps Shiplap shapes! I just love them all! They are a must have for creating home decor projects! 

For today's project, we'll be using Clear Scraps Shiplap Large house Click here and Clear Scraps chipboard mixed fancy windows Click here

To begin our project,  I'm using Carta Bella Flower Garden papers to decorate my Shiplap house. I chose 2 coordinating patterned papers from the collection, measuring each wood section of my house and adhering my papers using Beacon glue. The bottom section measures 10 & 1/2 x 2 3/4 inches. The middle section measures 10 & 1/2 x 3 1/4 inches. The other sections I traced around each and cut out and trimmed any excess paper away using my x-acto knife. I inked my papers using Distress Ink-Rusty Hinge before adhering onto my wood surface.  Using my Distress tool, I smoothed out any rough edges. 

Now take your chipboard windows and cut away the smaller window shape ( save the other window for a future project) with my finger I rubbed some Spectrum Noir Bronze wax over the top surface of my window. This adds a nice shimmer.

Next I cut out a window pane piece from one of my Journaling cards and adhered to the back of my window. Then adhere your window onto the top roof portion of your house, using Beacon glue. I added a Pearl Brad to the top portion of my window. I fuzzy cut out a pot of flowers from one of my ephemera pieces from this collection. I addsome pop dots to the back of the flower pot and adhered to the right side of my window. I adhered a Hello sentiment on the chimney portion of my house, using foam dots! 

Some photos for you!

Now the fun part of decorating your house! I like to add a variety different embellishments! I adhered a Hello Sunshine sentiment with foam dots and several butterfly stickers. 

The middle section I added an additional sentiment and a chipboard sticker Garden hat at the top of my sentiment. Then a few Pearl Brads on the left side. 

To finish this project, I added some pretty Prima flowers and Luna paste to add some glittery touches to my flower petals!

Then using my hot glue gun, I adhered a metal hanger to the back of my Shiplap house! Now it's ready to hang on your wall! 

I hope I've inspired you today! Thanks for visiting the Clear Scraps blog! Don't forget to share your projects with us on our Facebook Creative page! We love to see all your crafty makes! Visit the Clear Scraps website Click here to see all the newest products available to purchase!

Until we meet again, Happy Crafting! 

Dana

Other Supplies Used: Beacon glue, Distress tool, x-acto knife, Spectrum Noir Bronze wax, Carta Bella Flower Garden papers, Brads and ephemera, and stickers, Prima flowers, Luna paste- Moonlight Pearl 

Magical 50th Wood Frame

Well, friends, this was the year I turned 50!  It's hard to believe that milestone has come and gone.  Hi everyone, it's Maureen and earlier this year I had a very big birthday so we did a trip to Disney World to celebrate.  Now I have a lot of amazing photos printed and I've been trying to decide what to do with them.

The selection of wood frames at Clear Scraps are just the ticket to putting those all-important photos out on display.  Today I'm working with the Magical Birch Wood Frame and it is a fun, yet simple project to get those photos out of a box.

I started by doing a couple coats of white acrylic paint on the letters of the frame.  I didn't feel it necessary to sand them between coats, but if you like a smoother appearance, you certainly can.  The top mouse piece and frame overlay are both painted in a black acrylic paint.

Next, I took the tip of my paintbrush handle and dipped it in some black acrylic paint.  This is then applied to the white letters as one dot with 2 smaller dots to make it look like mouse ears.  I repeated this across all the white letters.  It's not necessary to feel like they have to be perfectly round.

As I looked at the frame, I thought it would be fun to mimic Mickey Mouse hands in the shape of a heart, and I just happened to find a cut file in my Cricut design library that did just that!  I cut it out at 4.25" in width in both a white and black card stock.  These were glued together, and then I added the number 50 in silver and and glued the frame overlay at the bottom.

Since I lost a picture spot when I covered it with the Mickey hands, I decided to add a chipboard mini shaker!  For this, I'm using the Mini Heart Shaker, and I've traced it on to some silver card stock as well as one of my photos.  These were both cut out, and then the picture was glued to the base of the shaker.

Next, I filled the shaker, applied the other 3 layers and the acrylic top (don't forget to take off that film on both sides!) and glued down with glue.  I also took a small bow and glued it to the edge of my shaker.  This is then glued to the corner edge of the letter M, and the frame is attached to the main piece, along with my photos.

My pictures had us wearing sunglasses for St. Patrick's Day, so I also dug out a die cut for some sunglasses that was in my stash at home, and added sunglasses to the mouse shape in the upper corner, as well as a star cut out too.  I've used a silver and metallic card stock for this.  Isn't that fun??

The frame can be set on an easel, or if you'd prefer, you can use a heavy duty stapler and staple some twine to the back to hang it up.  I think this will make a great addition to my craft area, since a lot of my artwork revolves around Disney.  I may be 50, but I sure haven't grown up!  Hee hee!

I hope this has inspired you to get a few photos out of those boxes or albums that you store them in.  Here's a quick list of tools you'll need if you decide to make one yourself.  Have a magical day, everyone!

Maureen

Tools used:  silver/black/white card stock, Cricut Joy and Design Files, acrylic paints in black and white, shaker embellishments of white/silver stars and pearls, shimmery silver ribbon, tacky glue

 

Fancy Gate Chipboard Card

HiYa!

Tami with you on the Clear Scraps Blog today with a project I'd like to share with you.

Clear Scraps has a bunch of chipboard embellies that you can use on cards, mini albums, scrapbook layouts, home decor and MORE! They come in a variety of themes and styles so it's easy to find just the right thing to set off your design.

I used the Fancy Gate Chipboard Embellishment on this card...

I wanted the gate to have a distressed gray color and thought at first I'd paint it or ink it. But I had a chalk writer out and thought I'd try it on the chipboard. It gave me the exact look I had in mind.

First I rubbed the chalk all over the design, then used my finger to lightly blend and soften the chalk...

 

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I picked out 2 printed papers to use behind the gate. I traced around the design on the backs of the papers. Then cut out the pieces and adhered them to the back of the gate...

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I made a card from cream cardstock and adhered printed papers to the top and bottom of the card, then adhered the gate to the card front...

For the sentiment, I cut a design out of printed paper, then adhered it to the lower right corner of the card...

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In just a few minutes and in just a few steps, I had my card all finished and ready to send!

Clear Scraps Chipboard Embellishments can help you create a special handmade card for any occasion. Snail mail doesn't get used very much, why not make a card and sent it to a friend or family member to let them know you are thinking about them.

Supplies:

Clear Scraps: Fancy Gate Chipboard Embellishment

Other: Simple Stories: Paper, Beacon Adhesives: Zip Dry, Dollar Store: Chalk Writer and Cream Cardstock

Small Mason Jar Shiplap Shape

Hello crafty friends!  It is Jennifer here to share another one of the fun Shiplap Shapes with you! If you loved the DIY Pallet Shapes, then you will adore these!  Shiplap Shapes come in small and large sizes and there are nine different designs.  Today, I'm sharing the Large Mason Jar Shiplap Shape that I used to create a summer themed home decor project! 

Using chalk in in light blue, I applied a thin coat to the front of my Shiplap Shape.  I did not worry if some of the wood was showing through the paint as I wanted a bit of a distressed look. 

I taped off the "top" of the Mason Jar with painters tape and applied grey chalk paint as shown.  After my paint was dry, I lightly sanded the front of my Shiplap Shape. 

Next, I secured my 12 Inch Spiral Mascil to the front of my Shape and blended Distress Oxide Ink in Fossilized Amber into the wood. 

Here is a close up of the end result of the Distress Ink + wood.  Again, I did not worry about my ink being perfect. 

For my focal point, I used the Bee Hive Mini Shaker Shape.  I painted the front chipboard frame using off-white chalk paint. I also painted the outside and inside edges of the two middle frames. 

I filled the spaces of my shaker with different colors of chunky glitter.  

And here is the Shaker on my Shiplap Shape!  I added some die cut shapes to the front for accent.  I also adhered patterned paper to the middle third of my Mason Jar for added color. 

Here, I used a die cut word with foam tape to give a title to my project. I also added smaller die cuts 

I had originally planned on adding another Mini Shaker here but thought it overwhelmed the space. So, I opted for embellishments from the collection I used. 

Thanks for stopping by today! You can find all of the new Shiplap Shapes by clicking HERE!  Have a wonderful day!

Additional products used:  patterned paper, stickers, die cut shapes, foam stickers, brads, enamel dots: Simple Stories; paint: FolkArt; adhesive: Beacon, Tombow, Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L; journaling pen: American Crafts; Distress Oxide Ink: Ranger; chunky glitter: Recollections; misc: x-acto knife, sanding tool, healing mat, twine. 

Gnome For Christmas!

Hey everybody! Leslie here, sharing a super fun gnome-themed Christmas home decor piece featuring the Medium House DIY Pallet Shape and Mini Shaker Gnome! The pallet shapes and mini shakers are so much fun to play with!

I covered the three sections of the Medium House DIY Pallet Shape with coordinating Christmas patterned papers, inked the edges of the sections with white pigment ink, and added a 3mm pink pearl bling strip to the roof outline. I stamped a sentiment in green ink and die cut it with a sentiment strip die, and adhered it to the roof section.

Next, I die cut two trees from dark aqua cardstock and adhered the outlines to the left of the house. I die cut the two trees once more from light aqua cardstock and adhered the negative space pieces on the tree outlines on the house.

Turning my attention to the Mini Shaker Gnome, I colored his hat and robe with alcohol markers and sponged white pigment ink on his beard. I added accents to his beard with an alcohol marker, added accents to his hat with an acrylic paint pen, and covered his shoes with light aqua cardstock. I assembled the shaker from the bottom up, adhering the two bottom chipboard forms and then adding 3mm clear droplets to the shaker compartments. I adhered the acrylic divider (with the protective film removed from both sides) and then adhered the front chipboard form. I clamped the shaker for about 10-15 minutes to be sure the layers adhered well, and adhered the gnome beside the trees.

Clear Scraps products used:
Medium House DIY Pallet Shape
Mini Shaker Gnome

Other products used:
Cardstock, patterned paper, rubber stamp, white and aqua inks, alcohol markers, dies, die cutting machine, glue, brayer, stamp positioner, clear droplets, pearl bling strip

I hope you're inspired to get out those craft supplies and play! Thanks so much for stopping by today - we'll see you next time!

Scrappy hugs,
Leslie

You're Invited

 Hello, it's Sandy Diller here today with a fun and easy party invitation.  With such great products from Clear Scraps it's easy to whip up a card in no time.  By using the 6" Party Stencil and some colorful paints along with the Surprise Chipboard Word Title you are good to go.  All that's left is to add the details on the inside.

 

Thanks for stopping by,

Sandy