Friday, April 15, 2011

Tip # 1 :: Paint and Pages

Today I thought I'd share a little painting tip.  I have discovered a nifty way to store leftover paint.

When I'm using acrylic craft paint for a project, I use an empty plastic container as a water dish and the lid as a palette.


Then, when I'm finished, I dump the water and if there's extra paint left on the lid...
I just leave it right where it is...  and put the lid back on the container.


The paint should be ready for next time and if your container has a good seal, it can last for quite a while.  If there's a lot of extra paint on the lid, I'd recommend storing it upside down so that the paint won't drip down into the tub.


Another thing that I'd like to share is the brand new Charcoal & crayons Facebook page.
The link to it can be found in the sidebar as well as below.
We have some exciting projects in the works which I'll be sharing updates about on the page.
I'd love to see you there!





Thanks for dropping by.


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Thursday, April 14, 2011

Tea Time, Old World Eggs, and Scrappier Sparrows

We like our tea around here.  Green, Earl Grey, Chai, Ginger Lemongrass, Jasmine... and even Blueberry flavours are a part of our collection.  So it was about time that I tried putting our teas to good use around here {other than drinking it}.

I tried my hand at dyeing some plain white paper...  and I am really pleased with the results.


Here's the how to...


Put pen to paper.
An ultra fine tipped permanent Sharpie marker is perfect for loose and loopy writing.  I used legal sized paper.



Bubble, bubble, boil and bubble.
Place a tea bag {I used Earl Grey} into a bowl and pour in boiling water.  Let cool.


I chose a small bowl... not exactly sure why... maybe because it took up less of our small kitchen?


Dip the tip.
Start by wetting the one end and then the other.



Moisten the Middle.
Fold the paper in half and wet the centre.



Scrunch it.
Crumple the paper into the tea.



Squeeze it.
Remove the paper and squish all of the liquid out.  Gently unfold.



Hung out to dry.
Either lay out or hang up to dry.  I just used my laundry drying rack.  Here's a look at my new vintage looking paper all dry...



I stored them under some heavy books for awhile.  Then I made these...



This Book Page Egg tutorial from Lemon Tree Creations showed me a great way to Mod Podge plastic Easter eggs.  I picked up a package of 6 large eggs for .94 cents and already had the little ones.  I love their aged look and I especially like that they're not screaming EASTER in bright pastel colours.



The little cloth bird was made the same way as the Scrappy Sparrows that I made earlier this week.  Instead of using scrapbook paper, I used fabric.  Well, actually I used these...



I was originally thinking of using burlap or drop cloth material.  But when I found these shop towels for less than $5 for a 10 pack, I couldn't resist.  And one bird uses up only half a cloth.

Once my bird shapes were cut out, I glue gunned around the perimeter, leaving an opening at the bottom.  Next, I stuffed the inside with cotton balls {That was my Mom's idea}.  Then I glued the opening shut while adding the paperclip legs.  Add some cloth wings, fray the edges a bit, and there you go... an even Scrappier Sparrow!

While I was working on my crafty projects, Oliver was working on his own little project...


...lunchtime finger painting on his chair tray.


Well, I think it's time for a cup of tea.  

Thanks for stopping in.

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Wednesday, April 13, 2011

An Unexpected Present

I am absolutely thrilled!

Debbie over at McCormick Madness {a journal about stuff} has picked Charcoal and crayons for her Blog of the Week.

It is such an honour to be featured there and I am truly touched by her kind words.
{Read them here}

Thank you so much for the support and encouragement, Debbie!



I received an unexpected present today...

While doing some Spring cleaning, I decided to organize the front hall closet.  It was about time - we've been tossing random things in there since we moved in.

Way up on the top shelf, I found a bag containing the birthday present that my Mom gave to me last year.  I had totally forgotten about it!  Inside was something special that I thought I'd share with you...




I think that's the best painting tip I've ever received.

Thanks for stopping by.

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Monday, April 11, 2011

Folding a Paper Lily


This post is dedicated to Melissa and David... who have just brought home their own precious Lily.
I can't wait to meet her!


Lilies are one of my favourite symbols of Spring.  While the real deal are gorgeous, this paper version offers a unique flair in every colour of the rainbow.  Just pick the perfect paper to suit your style, decor, or even your mood.


Here's the how to...

{Get ready for a lot of pictures}


Start with a square piece of paper.
{scrapbook paper works great}
Fold corner to corner to form a triangle.



Fold corner to corner again, forming a smaller triangle.




Lift up the top fold (fig.1).
Push down towards the table surface(fig.2), creasing the edges (fig.3).

 

Flip over...



...and do the same to this side.  You should end up with a square (fig.3).



Lift up one of the folds.
Open it up.



Once again, push the fold down towards the table, creasing the edges (fig.1).  This makes a kite shape (fig.2).  Fold in the corners (fig.3) to create a diamond shape (fig.4).



Unfold those same corners and lift up at the centre.



Tuck in the sides (fig.1).
Fold the top triangle shape up (fig.2) and then back (fig.3).



Repeat on the other 3 sides.
It should look something like this...



Turn to one of the flat sides.



Fold in each side towards the middle.



Repeat on the other 3 sides.
It should look something like this...



Roll the tips around a pen or pencil.


Ta da!

You should now have yourself a paper lily.  If you don't, try watching this video.
Sometimes I like to stack 2 lilies together {sometimes 3 if I'm really ambitious}.

And I think they look lovely with my previous Scrappy Sparrow project.

 



Oliver sure does like this white one...



...and he's saving it...


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Sunday, April 10, 2011

Scrappy Sparrows

I love finding inspiration...

A BIG thank you to Sugar & Spice in the Land of Balls & Sticks for inspiring this project and post!

While visiting her lovely blog, a little bird told me that Spring is here!



Want to welcome Spring into your own home?  These little guys are made out of paperclips and scrapbook paper.


Here's the how to...


Gather the Gear.
Materials include: Card stock, Scrapbook Paper, Paperclips, Acrylic Craft Paint, Glue {optional - Mod Podge}.
Tools include: Pencil, Scissors, Paintbrush, Glue Gun.



Template Time.
Making a template out of card stock makes it easier to make a whole flock.  Draw out your own shapes or use my Scrappy Sparrow Template.



Cut & Paste.
Fold your sheet of scrapbook paper.  Trace out your template.  Cut out and then glue just the head, back and tail together.


Now that's a nice pair of legs!
Ordinary metal paperclips are easily reshaped...       {just pull up and straighten the centre}


 ...and then glued onto the paper bird.

 

These birds didn't hatch yesterday.
Make them look that way with a touch of dark brown paint to the edges.
After their wings are glued in place, a light coat of Mod Podge can also be added for extra durability.
I like to bend the ends of the paperclips in a little bit too. 



Now hopefully you'll get a chance to get out there and enjoy some lovely weather, but before you do... hop on over to Sugar & Spice in the Land of Balls & Sticks where you'll find the Spring Mantel that inspired these little guys.

 Thanks for stopping by.


I'm sharing this with...

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Friday, April 8, 2011

Goodbye Junk Drawer, Hello Craft Drawer!

I am excited to announce that I now have a Craft Drawer!




This drawer was formerly known as the Junk Drawer.
My awesome Husband cleared it out so I could organize my growing collection of crafty supplies.
There are several new projects that I'm very excited about.
I've been trying to contain the materials for these projects in a basket...




As you can see, that wasn't going so well.
Last night, I realized that some organization was in order (and perhaps a good night's sleep) when I tried to turn up the TV volume with a pair of scissors.

Now, I have a system for my arts and crafts addiction.




The new Craft Drawer is now home to the supplies that I use the most. There's a lot more in my Art Studio {which is actually what most people would use as a master bedroom walk in closet}.
The basket is now for the project(s) that I'm currently working on.



I'll be sharing these projects soon!

I'm choosing this drawer as my fifth and final Hot Spot for Project: Simplicity.
At times, it has been a tough project to get motivated for, but doing it as a group sure has helped.
I am very pleased with the results! 
Check out what others chose to work on this week here.
Find more details on the overall project here.


Thanks for stopping by.


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