I got this inspiration for this here http://secretleavespaperworks.blogspot.com/2008/11/new-old-things-from-secret-leaves.html

This was a fun one.  I simply traced a fish shape and punched various sized circles with a hole punch.  I used some really cool paintchips that had a blue crackle paint finish.
I saw several great paintchip notebooks on Etsy and decided to try my hand at it.

I created these coasters by cutting out a large circle from felt.  Then I used rope and hot-glue to wrap in a circular pattern I wrapped a simple dollar store wreath with rope and then used the technique shown above on the coasters to create some rossette flowers.  I topped them with some fabric and a button. This is a softer look for rope.  I wrapped a mason jar with a light colored rope and filled with flowers This was probably my favorite project.  I used an old frame.  Removed the glass, then simply stapled three strands of rope across the back.  Then you can use small clothespins to clip photos onto the rope strands. This is a tin milk jug I found at a garden center awhile back.  I just wrapped it with rope and then printed out the label below onto printable fabric and attached it to the front.  You can download the label by clicking the photo below.  (You could also cover a glass milk jar or something similar)

This ended up being my favorite project.  And if I liked butterflies I would probably actually use it lol.  I actually added some jeweled stick pins after I took this photo that made me like it even more.  I simply ironed the butterflies onto some thin canvas type fabric then I cut around them leaving a bit of an edge and then I frayed the edges.  I used a little bit of hot glue to attach the center of the butterfly onto a larger piece of fabric (cut to fit in the frame 14X16). Then I ironed on the numbers TIP: I would iron on the numbers first.  It was kind of difficult to do it after I had already attached the butterflies. To get the butterfly images and the numbers simply click on the download button below.  Make sure you print it out in the “flip image” mode for iron-ons.

Okay, this one isn’t all that unique, but I wanted to add a twist to the typical flower embellishments that you see on sweaters these days.  I simply cut out a bunch of butterflies and lightly adhered the centers to the sweater with fabric glue and then attached the pearls.  Make sure you use fabric that doesn’t fray or some kind of fray-check product on the edges.  It is also best to hand wash.
Shadow boxes are HOT HOT HOT right now.  My favorite ones are from 7 Gypsies.  They happen to be one of my favorite companies. However, they can be pricey.  This is kind of a quick inexpensive alternative.  It is made from a set of boxes found at the dollar store.  I actually purchased two different sets and then mixed and matched.  The cool thing is that it is kind of like a two-for-one because you can use the tops for one box and the bottoms for a second shadow box.  I simply glued it together with hot glue (Imaginisce’s cordless glue gun of course!!!) Then I sprayed it with off-white spray paint and embellished it with patterned paper (restoration collection by Crate Paper).  I attached a drawer pull/handle to the top and added some ribbon and bling.  I absolutely LOVE the quote that I added to the inside.

This project isn’t all that impressive. However, the technique is actually pretty cool. I used a butterfly paper punch to punch out some butterfly shapes out of . . . an empty pop can (a full one would have made a mess lol). I simply cut the pop can open and laid it flat and then punched out as many shapes as I could. It took a little bit of muscle power, but it totally worked!!! Then I painted and layered them and glued them to the outside of a glass candle holder. Pretty sweet technique.

These cones were made with a 12X12 sheet of paper.   Simply turn the edges inward to create a cone as shown in the video. I love hanging these on the backs of chairs.

These vintage goodies are a quick and easy treat that look like a million bucks. It is made from an empty box purchased at the dollar store.  Then I simply covered mini candy bars with the wraps provided below (simply click to download).


These are what I call “almost home-made”.   The suckers are made by melting hard candy disks in metal sucker molds.  Then embellished it with ribbon and other fun trim to create a wand.

Doilies are all the rage right now. I tried to class up this simple take on an old fashioned kid’s craft. I used two small doilies for the wings and I threaded beads onto thin wire for the antennas. I think it ended up pretty cute : )
I found this adorable idea at Family Fun.   It’s simply patterned paper wrapped around a box of “Sweethearts” and embellished with the free pattern available on the Family Fun web-site.  The ear phones are made by covering mini Reese’s Peanut Butter cups with tin foil.  Even my 13 year old daughter loved this one!
As I said earlier, the cookies were my favorite!! I think this is such a good investement.  You can use it for just about every special occation.  All of the items needed to make these adorable cookies can be found at:   http://www.kopykake.com/

This is a simple key holder. The point of this project was to show that you can use sheet music to update anything. The best part about crafting is recycling things you already have.

This book actually reminds me of the classic “Book of Life Savers”. I remember being in grade school and knowing that if one of my friend’s gave me that (instead of just a lame candycane lol) that they were “really” good friends. This is kind of the grown up version of that. It it made from a paper mache book which I purchased at Hobby Lobby for $3.99 (full price). First, spray paint it gold inside and out, Cover the front and back with green paper, print out the free download, cut and adhere the santa picture on the front, the book title on the spine, and then the tag on the inside of the box. Then fill the box with cookies or some other fun treat.


Okay, if you are looking for QUICK and inexpensive this is the one for you. Glass etching is one of the quickest ways to get a WOW impact. I love that you can personalize each gift. Simply choose the glass piece that you want to use. The dollar store has a large selection of glass items, you can also save and recycle jars and add fun drawer pulls for toppers, or one of my favorite pieces is a glass bowl (available at Walmart for $3.97). Then purchase a pre-made stencil, or create one using vinyl and an electronic cutter. Follow the instructions on the back of a bottle of glass etching (it literally only takes minutes), then rinse with water and remove the stencil. Voila!!!! Handmade, personalized etched glass.
This was a really fun project to create.  First cover a small box or tin with patterned Christmas paper.  I used Echo Park’s (I LOVE THEM!) new Merry Christmas collection.  Then You simply add beads to either existing ornament hooks or you can use heavy gauge wire to create larger hooks.  I simply used a bit of hot-glue on the top and bottom to hold the beads in place.  However, if you are a true jewelry maker you can use bead crimps . . .someday I’ll learn.
This project was created by using a 4″ round wooden circle for the base, a wooden candlestick for the center, and a wooden finial for the top (all available at Hobby Lobby. Purchased at 50% off it makes this gift under $10.  The raw wood usually goes on sale aprox. every other week). I simply used Hot glue to attach the pieces then I drilled a small hole in the finial to insert a wooden dowl and topped it off with a small wooden ball or finial. Paint the project and distress if desired.  I also added a bonus gift to this one.  It is a small decorative pillow/ornament.  I used a picture of the family that I intend to give it to.  I simply printed it onto Avery iron-on paper and then transferred it to the fabric.  This is a great way to personalize any gift.

Did you know that you can purchase a box of 12 ornaments from Hobby Lobby for $3.99? At that price you could give away a whole box. The best part about this project is the ability to customize each and every ornament for the intended person. I simply used my cricut to cut out monograms onto vinyl and then I added a beaded hanger (from above) and a ribbon. I love that you can use monograms, an icon of something that person loves . . .or a silhouette which is GREAT for grandmas. I think it would be such a fun idea to give an entire box of ornaments with all of the grandchildren’s silhouettes. You can really do a lot of fun and unique things with this project.

Maps are EVERYWHERE in home decor. This is close to my heart because I love to travel. Studio 5 challenged me to see what I could come up with. I have to be honest . . . This is one of the hardest segments I have ever prepped for. I had a ton of ideas but once again my imagination far exceeded my skill. NOTHING seemed to turn out how I envisioned so please bear with me and use these ideas for inspiration rather than something to duplicate.


The first idea I had was this adorable tote bag made out of pieces of random fabric shaped like the states. After two fabric stores and three anxiety attacks I went back to what I work with best . . . paper. I used my favorite line this season called Restoration from Crate Paper. I ended up just cutting out the shapes using my Cricut and the 50 states cartridge (you can also use this to cut fabric-just put heat ‘n bond on the back first). After I had my shapes cut I used photoshop to scan them in and size them to what I needed. Then I simply printed it onto Avery iron-on paper. The hardest part about this project besides my pathetic attempt to actually use fabric was remembering the order of all of the states . . .yes I graduated from high school lol. I trimmed closely around the design and then ironed it onto a thin muslin, then I trimmed around it leaving about 1/2″ so that I could fray the edges. Then I used fabric glue to center it onto the front of a canvas bag. Then I ironed on a strip of the polka dot paper in the same fashion on a strip of thin muslin leaving just enough to slightly fray the edges and then I used fabric glue to attach it around the top of the bag. Then I just attached some buttons and a cute bag label (metal art frame from Fancy Pants). I also attached some travel bling from 7 Gypsies and used some travel stamps and Staze on ink on the handle. So, my thought process with this bag was to use it to collect pins from the different states and attach it to the bag. I didn’t get the bag completely finished before my deadline was up but I hope to go back and stitch around the states and sew thread on the buttons. Wish me luck! If you would like to make this bag . . . and I’m sure yours will be ten times cuter , you can click on the download below.  Make sure that you set your printer to print a transfer (flip image).

I purchased this old make-up trunk at a second hand store for $5 and then I covered it with some maps that I cut out of an old Atlas that I also purchased at the second hand store for $1.25.  I simply used a semi-gloss Modge Podge.

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I LOVE these new metal frames from Fancy Pants. There are so many possibilities! I decided to make several pendants and a bottle label. The great thing about owls is how versatile they are. You can go with so many looks such as vintage, retro, whimsical, etc. These frames come in many different sizes and it even comes with a template which makes tracing the design easier. Once you have the design adhered to the center of the pendant you can top it with epoxy or diamond glaze to give it a finished look

Okay . . . don’t judge lol. I don’t love this wreath yet, it definetly needs HELP! But I really do like how the owl turned out. I found these old owls on clearance with the harvest decor at ShopKo. I simply popped out the eyes and nose, spray painted them black, and then put the eyes and nose back in. As far as the wreath goes . . . I used burlap for the ribbon and some vintage Halloween ornaments.

I love vintage signs almost as much as I love being sarcastic with my kids. “The $5 charge for whining” sign hangs in my kitchen and inspired me to make this vintage owl tin sign. Simply click on the download below and print it onto cream or off-white paper, distress with ink if desired, then adhere it to a piece of sheet metal with Mod Podge. Make sure you round the corners because they can be sharp. I used the Chomper by We R Memory Keepers.   It is an awesome tool that rounds the corners on wood, metal, plastic an other mediums. Then seal it with another layer of Mod Podge.

I really like how this pillow turned out. The best part is that I actually purchased the black pillow slip cover pre-made. So, I can switch out the covers for the holidays. I simply ironed the pattern onto thin cream fabric. You can download the pattern below for free simply by clicking on the download. MAKE SURE you print in the iron-on transfer mode. After ironing-on the design I frayed the edges slightly and then you can either sew or use fabric glue to attach it to the slipcover.

This photo is awful! However, it is made from 4 small picture frames with the edges glued together to create a box and then I measured and cut a square bottom from a piece of thin wood, then drilled a hole on each side to thread wire through to make a handle. After I attached the bottom I sprayed the entire project with black spray-paint, then I inserted the glass and adhered owl cut-outs to each side of the glass (I used the Oct. 31st cartridge from Cricut). You can add ribbon or some kind of tag to dress it up a bit. Then simply place a votive candle in the bottom of the lantern.

I saw a purse out of the corner of my eye at the mall.  It had funky flowers and I immediately thought . . .OWL EYES! I think it would look better if I added a few more petals but I do like how it turned out.  I also had my mom crochet the other hat.  She is very talented, I really like how it turned out.

I love vintage Halloween decor.  I think the thing that makes it so fun is the great trims.  So, I’ve had my eye on some vintage tinsel.  I finally broke down and purchased it . . .$15.  Steep I know.  However, after purchasing it I happened to stop at the Dollar Store and found some really tacky tinsel spiders.  Guess what????  The tinsel was almost identical to the $15 dollar stuff I just bought.  So, I purchased a couple and came home and sure enough, the tinsel came off easily and voila!  It only cost me $2 vs. $15.  Sweet!  My other great dollar store find was this awesome crow.  I simply dressed him up with a crown and a banner which you can download below if you’d like.  I put orange glitter around the top of the crown, then I simply covered a 4″ round paper mache’ box with patterned paper, added some of that great tinsel and adhered the bird on top. You can place it on a candlestick if desired.  It can be used as a decoration or a fun treat box.
I saw something similar at a boutique for $20 a piece.  I thought they were cute but I thought they needed a little something more.  So, I made up the little poem for the back, added some beans to turn them into rattles, and attached several ribbon and crete paper streamers.  I think these will be perfect for all of those little ones who are scared of ghosts and goblins and want to scare them away.  To create this I painted a 4″ round paper mache’ box.  If you are like me, and not much of a free-hand painter . . .it’s OKAY!!!  The sloppier and more uneven the better!  It’s meant to be creepy and whimsical.  Random items such as buttons work great and don’t forget . . . glitter always makes everything better! Then I used a craft knife to poke a hole in the bottom center of the box and inserted the painted dowel.  I pushed it all the way to the top of the box and secured it with a dab of hot glue.  Then, I placed several beans inside and glued the top on.  I attached several ribbon and crete paper streamers, and attached the poem to the back that to it the perfect finish!
I LOVE vintage postcards and they are readily available for download on line.  I wanted to create a canister that had a vintage feel.  So, I painted it black and then distressed it with brown paint to give it an antiqued look.  I simply dabbed on the brown paint with crumpled tissue paper and carefully repeated until it was blended in.  Then I added some hardware to the top and attached the label which you can download for free below.

I created this fun treat box by attaching fabric around the top of the box.  I turned down the top of the fabric before adhering and threaded a ribbon  drawstring though the top, then adhered the bottom to the inside of the box. I cinched it closed and attached an old key and the skeleton label (free for download simply click below). I covered the outside of the box with patterned paper and fringe.

When I saw this paper mache’ box at Robert’s Crafts awhile back, I knew I had to have it.  It was small with 6 film sized canisters inside.  I had no idea whatI was going to do with it, but I loved it.  This was the perfect project.  I created a faux Wizard’s Starter Kit.  This would make a fun decoration, party favor, or treat box.  Each canister has an apothecary label with fun ingredients such as “crushed bat wings”.  You can download it by clicking below.  I simply painted the box black, adhered the labels, distressed it with brown ink, attached some trim and placed a a metal bookplate on the front.  I also found a paper mache’ wand that was perfect. I simply painted it black and covered it with black glitter.

POST NOTE 10/10/2010: I have had several people ask what dollar store I shop at. I go to the dollar tree in spanish fork or the one in Provo (east bay) next to Roberts.
Also: Apparently Roberts is sold out of the canister boxes. You can alter the project by using a larger rectangle box or square box and use baby food jars (you may want to increase the size of the labels when printing) instead similar to this project I did for father’s day. IF you have any other questions please let me know.