TAKE TIME TO PLAY

Sunsets from Southport NC

I remember years ago I stayed so busy that there was no time to play.  Even grown ups need time to play as long as it stays in good balance. 

I remember wanting to make all those adorable crafts I would see and thinking, "Maybe God will give me a little craft corner in heaven so I can play with the crafts."  Well, my time has come and I am having so much fun.


Coasters For Outdoor Lovers



I can't post pics of all the different crafts I play with, but my latest endeavor is coasters.  They are so simple and pretty too. 

All you need is a ceramic tile, modge podge, pictures of your choice,  some felt and a sealer of some sort.  I have used personal photos and pictures from magazines.  Everything I have tried has worked.

I start with a clean blank tile.   Cut a picture the size you want it (I use 4X4 inches).  This size will leave a very small border on the edges.   Place your picture in a small bowl of water to soak for a minute.  Spread the modge podge on the tile.   Take the picture out of the water and remove as much water as possible.  Lay the picture on the tile and press down  until smooth.  I use a brayer to roll out the air bubbles (I learned the hard way).  Let this dry.

When this is dry you can apply a layer of modge podge.  At first I had trouble with brush strokes but did some research online and found if you wet your sponge brush before applying the modge podge the brush marks almost disappear.   When the modge podge has dried I seal it again with a polyurathane.  Some say this step isn't necessary but I feel like it really protects agains scratches and such.

Poinsettas taken from the front of Christmas Cards

Take some time to play today!  It's good for you.

Blessings,

GrandmaB

SWEET LIL' PUMPKIN

One of parents made this sweet sweet pumpkin for our kids at our childcare center and I thought you might enjoy seeing it.  Perhaps you might want to make one for your kids!

This is a medium size pumpkin and the mom said she put 160 suckers on it.  Trust me there are several rows of the sweet stuff on it!

If you decide to make one please post pictures so we can all see how yours turned out!

Blessings!

Grandma B

BOWLING BALL GARDEN ART

I don't know when it started but I have always loved all the beautiful and might I add, expensive, garden art. When I go to a craft show I'm always drawn to the home crafted benches, the paintings on old shovels, the old metals that some genius was able to salvage and turn into a giant bird or grasshopper.   I could be called the garden art hoarder if I could just afford it.

But a few weeks ago I attended the Midwest Herb and Garden show in Mt. Vernon, IL and found some garden art I could actually make and afford.  I took pictures, talked to the artist and couldn't wait to get home and get started.

The next day I got right to work;  first on my list was to find a used bowling ball.  Actually I already had purchased 2 of them at my local Goodwill Store.  I was going to spray paint them and sit them in my yard for gazing balls.   But after I saw these beauties at the show, I knew I could do more.

I brought them in from my garage and washed them in soap and water.  I then spray painted them with silver paint.  (I didn't know that I should have put a coat of primer on them first).

After the paint dried I went to work gluing flat marbles all over the surface.  I used E6000 glue on one, then learned that clear silicone works better.  We'll see....if the marbles fall off I'll just put them back on, but so far, so good.

My next bowling ball I began to learn that I could make patterns out of the marbles.  I really love the way these marbles glisten in the sun.  I love the fact that these won't break, like the 3 other ones I've owned.  Okay!  I'm hooked!  I have already been given 13 more bowling balls and oh, the possibilities are endless.

So if you're driving down the road one day and see all of these gazing balls and  excess garden art, stop in if you like.  I just might be interested in selling a few!

Blessings!
GrandmaB

Easy to Do Craft

Some of you have seen this fleece blanket craft done over and over, but for some of you it might still be new.
I love making these fleece blankets in all kinds of sizes.  For the blanket shown I have used 1 1/2 yard of fleece fabric.  One layer is patterned and the other is solid.

Lay your fabric one on top of the other and get them as even as possible.  They don't have to be perfect and that is one of the joys of this craft;  it is very forgiving!

I usually start by cutting the 4 corners of fabric first.  Just cut a square out of each corner the same length that you plan to make your cuts.  Then begin to cut the fringe all the way around.  Mine are approximately 1 inch wide but they could be thinner if you like.  I usually tie a knot in at each corner before moving the fabric from my cutting table.

Once all the fringe is cut I just start tying the knots.  I try to tie a square knot (one tie one direction, the next the opposite direction) so the knots don't come out during the laundry.

I have made countless fleece blankets for my grandchildren and gifts for adults who just enjoy a blanket over their lap during the winter months.  I have made smaller blankets for my dogs to lay on.  Fleece comes in so many patterns so I should warn you.....it's hard to choose.

If you should have questions regarding my directions don't hesitate to ask me.

Blessings!

GrandmaB

*Note:  Dogs love the fleece scraps to play with.  I braid them and tie them at the ends and they love to play with them.  I've actually seen the braided fleece toys for sale in the stores.

Junk Mail Gems

Although I consider myself frugal, even I have never thought about reusing my junk mail.  I came across this link today and thought I would share it.  www.junkmailgems.com Take a look.  Even if you don't use some of these ideas, I think your children would really enjoy trying some of these projects.

Blessings,
GrandmaB