Painted Tiles - Crafts N Cocktails 5/31/2013

Painted Tiles - Crafts N Cocktails

Another successful Crafts N Cocktails night with the girls! I experimented with this craft quite a bit before having the girls over. I first learned about this form of artwork on the TV program, The Chew, as part of Clinton's Craft Corner. 
Clinton's Craft Corner: Ink Dye Coasters
Clinton demonstrated spraying the tile with rubbing alcohol and then dropping ink paint on the tile to make random designs.
So, off I went to Michael's to find the alcohol inks:

I found it very hard to control the paint, as it kept moving and spreading beyond my desired look. But, the inks were vibrant and even the random designs came out pretty. 

My first designs:

I did some more research on Pinterest and found a few tutorials for using these alcohol inks and learned a few more techniques. These techniques use a blending medium, which gives a similar effect as spray with rubbing alcohol. But, placing the ink and medium on a felt pad first allows you to control the effects a little better. 

Video Tutorial #1 from Two Peas in a Bucket

Video Tutorial #2 from Two Peas in a Bucket

Here's a link to someone else's blog with step by step directions. Very nice!

http://pinterest.com/pin/168181367304728905

So, this time I went to Joann's to find the felt and stamper. 

Although, these techniques are geared towards using them on glossy card stock paper or on clear plastic or glass, it worked pretty well on the tiles too and I liked that I could control the designs a little better using the felt stamper. I also like the look of stamping on top of the background colors. But, I had trouble rubbing off the ink to leave a "negative" or white impression of the stamp. It just smudged the ink. 

My tiles using these other techniques:

Commence Craft Night:

The girls arrived and after the wine is poured and some snacks were served, the art work began. 

I demonstrated the few techniques I learned and encouraged them to put their own spin on it, which they did! As you can see, everyone's art was unique and they all came out great! 

Tina's Designs using the stripe technique:

Lana used a couple of different techniques and did a freehand butterfly:

Barbara's Designs (Love how she depicted the ocean):

Beth blended color with metallic silver for this look:

Marie got very creative to make Bamboo to match her daughter's decor:

It was so much fun to see how unique and creative everyone was with their artwork. And, by the way, it's so easy a 6 year old can do it!

Also, keep in mind that you are not limited to doing this on tiles. Although I have some larger tiles that I thought I might try to make a larger design for hang or display. 

Let me know if you try these alcohol inks and how it turns out. Have fun! 

We did!

April 12, 2013 – Crafts ‘n Cocktails

As usual I searched Pinterest for ideas for this craft night and came up with some different techniques for painting on glass. Here are a couple of sites I found:

http://paperclipsandplaypens.com/?tag=thirft-store-vases

http://www.radicalpossibility.com/2012/06/easy-confetti-tumblers.html

So, I went to the dollar store and got a few glasses and vases. I also gathered up some empty mason jars I had lying around, got some inexpensive acrylic paint in pretty colors (Michael’s had Americana on sale for 50 cents each).

We used Q tips to paint dots on glasses (no artistc skills needed):

For the vases, I just poured the paint inside and swirled it around to coat evenly. Then turned it upside down to drain out the excess. We left the vases to dry overnight. To cure the paint on the glasses, we put them in a cold oven. Then preheated to 350. Once the oven was up to temperature, we turned it off and left the glasses in the oven to cool for 30 minutes. The acrylic paint was matte to the touch, so I’m not real confident that it won’t wear off. Perhaps, we did “cure” it long enough in the oven. I put them back in the oven for another 20 minutes the next day. We’ll see how they hold up.  

Marie decorated a jar she’ll use for sugar. It came out looking like impressionist flowers. Really pretty!

Beth painted her “therapy” wine glass:

My finished glasses:

My finished vase grouping:

DIY Project - Painted Vanity Desk

Just like the chair in a previous post, I also had a desk that I wanted to move into my bedroom to use as makeup vanity, but I needed to paint it to match the décor.

Before (first paint job I did about 15 years ago):
















I had heard about chalk paint and wanted to have that type of antique finish. But, the chalk paint is so expensive and I already had left over red paint from the accent wall in the bedroom. So, after some research, I learned that you can make your own chalk paint by mixing grout into the paint. So, I tried it. I found the paint really thickened up as I progressed through the project. So, I added some water as I went. But, I’m very happy with the end product. I used a wax finish on the red parts. But, I put a poly varnish on the desk top for added durability.

After (I also used the chalk paint on the mirror and sanded it to give it an old look):

My 2012 Christmas Crafts:

Here’s a list of the crafts I did for Christmas gifts this year:

For my nephews, I crocheted alligator scarves:
http://brightandshiny-lovelyandgood.blogspot.com/2011/08/crochet-gator-scarf-for-kids.html

I LOVE the purse organizer I made for myself. It makes it so easy to change purses – just lift it out of one purse and insert it into another in a snap!

Purse Organizer

For the ladies, I made wallets, purse organizers, and sashay scarves (mentioned in an earlier post). I found most of these patterns on Pinterest.

wallet pattern

Purse Organizer

I made a “tool” organizer for my dad:

Mug Organizer (I made my Dad’s a little larger, using a large margarine tub. This is not the one I made for Dad)

Happy Homemade Holidays!

February 22, 2013 – Crafts ‘n Cocktails

We met back at Beth’s house. I found this craft on, you guessed it – Pinterest. I don’t have any little girls to make these for, but they are so cute.

Rose bud barrettes

I bought some iron on embellishments, we could use as well. 

Crafts ‘n Cocktails: July 2012 – Oct 1012

July 6, 2012 – Crafts ‘n Cocktails

Our gathering was at Beth’s house this time and we painted ceramic village pieces I picked up at Michael's. 

Sept. 21, 2012 – Crafts ‘n Cocktails

This time we met at my house again. This was my favorite craft to date. I found this idea on Pinterest:

Sock Snowmen

I told everyone to bring some inexpensive socks - a pair in white and another pair for the "sweater" like an argyle pattern. 

I gathered up buttons and embellishments. Got out the glue gun and we were off. We filled the bottoms with rice and the rest with polyfil. 

Everyone’s snowmen came out great!

Halloween Crafts ‘n Cocktails:

Marie found this one on Pinterest:

http://www.creativecapitalb.com/2011/09/witch-werewolf-and-their-little.html

Craft on!

June 22 - 24, 2012 – Mangofest

I invited a few girlfriends from out of town to come stay the weekend for what we’re calling #Mangofest. My mango tree produced an abundance of mangos.

So I researched for several recipes and mango cocktails for a fun weekend here is South Florida. Here are some of the items I prepared and we enjoyed.

I made these, but with Mangos instead of peaches:

Daphne Oz's Peach Maple Sherbet Sandwich

Made these crab rangoons and served with mango sauce:

http://www.foodpeoplewant.com/crab-rangoon/

And, of course – Mangoritas:

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/mangorita/detail.aspx

We also got in a paints and cocktails class:

April 29th, 2012 - Reupholster Project

In between crafts with the girls, I have a few DIY projects to get done. I’ve had this chair for about 20 years and want to use it in my recently remodeled bedroom.

But, I needed to make it match. So, again I researched the internet for how to’s. This time Pinterest came in handy.  This site was very helpful:

Reupholsteringa Chair

BTW – follow me on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/jenni694 

I used my embroidery machine to create a giraffe design for the back.

This project was a little harder than it seemed it would be. Pulling out all the brass tacks and staples took an entire weekend.

So, the following weekend was used to paint, then a 3^rd weekend to finally upholster. I used the old fabric as a template cutting the new fabric. I used brass tack strips to save the tedious of nailing as many tacks as I removed. As I said before - all in all, a lot more work and time than I thought, but in the long run I love the results!

Craft on!

March 31, 2012 – 1st Crafts ‘n Cocktails

As the one inspired to organize this gathering, I did some research and talked to my friends. Beth just found out she is expecting her first grandchild, so she wants to start knitting a baby blanket. Marie would like to get back into crocheting. As an experienced knitter and crocheter, I could offer some assistance to get them started. So, I searched the internet for some beginner patterns for baby blankets. Below are links to some of the basic baby blanket patterns I found.

Chevron Baby Blanket

Cluster Stitch Baby Blanket

Easy Peasy Baby Blanket to Crochet

In my searches, I also found this great Sashay scarf to knit. It’s really fun as it resembles a boa and I can knit one in about 4 hours. But, I did have to watch this video to figure out how to do it. I worked on this during our first craft night and I made several more for Christmas presents. 

I also wanted to start a baby layette for Beth’s grandchild. I have a layette pattern I have used for years. I think I made my first of these when I as in high school or college. I no longer remember the source of the pattern and I’ve had to retype the old Xerox copy I had as it was beginning to tear and fade. Knitted Layette instructions

Commence Crafts ‘n Cocktails:

Beth started her baby blanket:

Barbara started a crochet project:

Marie started her chevron blanket:

We all had a great time talking, drinking, eating, and crafting. We decided the next time we meet, we’ll continue these same projects since they will most likely still be underway. 

Please let me know if you try any of these crafts or any suggestions  or other craft ideas you would like to share. 

Introduction

When faced with the reality last year that my 12 year marriage was coming to an end, I turned to the two things that would keep me from being lonely – friends and crafts. I was inspired to keep busy with my love for a wide range of crafts and used it to gather my friends together at least once a month.  I didn’t want a pity party by any means. I like to think of myself as a strong, independent woman who is resilient when faced with adversity. I never want people to feel sorry for me. But, I knew that getting together with friends on a consistent basis would help in my pursuit of happiness.  This started our monthly Crafts ‘n Cocktails. I am happier (and busier) now as I have ever been!

So, now a whole year later, I am finally getting around to starting this blog in order to provide a journal of sorts of all of our craft ventures. So, I will go back now and try to remember each of our Craft ‘n Cocktails evenings and tell you about our fun and crafts. Warning: Each craft night does include a substantial amount of wine and “whining”! I will also include some other crafts or DIY projects I keep busy with in between gatherings with friends.