Decoupage and Beer

It isn't often that "decoupage" and "beer" come up in the same sentence. However, this is one of those rare occasions when the combination is perfectly logical!

Empty beer (or other glass beverage) bottles are some of my favorite items to repurpose. While there are multiple techniques and mediums that can be used to transform a simple glass bottle, one of my all time favorites is decoupage!  I love the simplicity of decoupage and that it is a relatively inexpensive craft for all ages and skill levels.  Decoupage mediums like Mod Podge make it super easy since you can attach and seal using the same product.  Paired with torn book pages and printed paper napkins, and embellished with beads, buttons, and/or silk flowers, this project becomes the perfect mixed media vase for all those beautiful summer flowers!

I like to get  an early jump on the holidays and have already made several for gifting. These would also make great craft fair items.

So sit back and enjoy a summer brew...then hop over to the Favecrafts site for a full tutorial with step-by-step instructions!

VIP Favecrafts Best Blogger contest is LIVE!

Do you to love to upcycle, recycle...and decoupage!  Well, here is the perfect project for you! Not only have I created a whole new purpose for coloring book pages, the results are stunning!

But...I really need your help!
This project has been entered a contest over at Favecrafts and every vote counts!

Please vote for my project!  Here is the link:
https://www.favecrafts.com/voting/Blogger-Contest-2017 

Happy Spring! Happy Crafting!

Spring has sprung, the grass.....oops.  Well, here in Chicagoland, spring is still hiding.  We may have had a very mild winter by Chicago standards, but it has decided to stick around a bit longer and give spring a bit of an attitude.  Kind of a seasonal sibling rivalry thing.

So, while outdoor temps are not at all tempting, the indoor crafting climate is still quite warm and inviting! I was recently let loose and unsupervised again in my craft room last week to develop techniques and projects for Prime Publishing.

Here is a sneak peak.....more info to be posted next week....

Faux Hammered Metal Frame with Dimensional Flower Power (shown below)

Can you believe this frame was made just using an ordinary pre-cut mat (plus a secret ingredient)?  Now...can you guess how I made the dimensional flower?  I'll reveal all next week.....

And...here is yet another approach to this cool look.  This time, the project takes a more literal 3-D approach, transforming a GLASS container into something totally upscale!

I call this my Mixed Media Faux Hammered Metal Container

I used a double embossing faux antique hammered metal technique to create the container.

Here you see the same container in both photos BUT with different approaches to the container lid.  Stamped and inky sprayed canvas flower and leaves above.....button collage below....

Stay tuned for more info on these projects......