Crafts Inspire Me

What's Your Inspiration?

About Crafts Inspire Me

Arts and Crafts are my passion. Inspiration is everywhere. Each new project is a journey to be shared.

Inspiration: Lost & Found – Part 1

Posted on August 10, 2022 by Crafts Inspire Me

Sometimes it feels like inspiration is impossible to find. It hides in plain sight, masquerading as mundane items in our daily lives. Once you find it, you are faced with another question: What should I do with it? In this three-part series, we shall delve into several inspirations and interpret creative expressions for each one. Please join me on this artistic journey in search of inspiration.

Inspiration – A Beautiful Day at the Beach in Maui, Hawaii:

Spending time at the beach is so relaxing and refreshing. Fluffy clouds drift across the azure sky, palm trees sway in the gentle breeze, and the foamy surf tickles your toes as it ebbs and flows. What’s not to like? Tranquil blues and greens abound, while the soft sand cushions every step as you wander aimlessly picking up scalloped shells in this tropical paradise. Below are a few ways to express this inspiration.

Paint Pouring / Fabric & Apparel Design

Monkey Carved Coconut Sculpture / Sea Turtles Sand Sculpture

Seashell Wall Art / Tropical Illustration

Tropical Leaf Wall Sconces / Hibiscus Fabric Placemats

Ceramic Sea Turtle / Abalone Shell Earrings

Inspiration – Scuba Diving:

Dive beneath the waves into a hidden world of exotic creatures, bold colors, intricate patterns and textures soft as sand or razor sharp as coral. Each new discovery becomes a snapshot in your memory, filling you with excitement and the need to creatively express these newfound treasures.

Sea Life Wreath / Fish & Coral Throw Pillow

Fish Sand Sculpture / Humpback Whale Carved Wood Sculpture

Framed Fish Collage / Aquatic Wall Mural

Aquatic Stained Glass Dome / Tropical Fish Wall Art

Sea Horses Ceramic Tile / Aquatic Mosaic Wall Mural

Inspiration – Garden of Irises:

World renowned artists, including Monet, Van Gogh and Georgia O’Keeffe, have been inspired by flowers for centuries. Delicate petals in the most exquisite colors beckon us to come closer to appreciate these living works of art.

Hydrangea Wreath / Hydrangea Hand Hooked Rug

Floral Fabric Painting / Hydrangea Fabric Placemats

Flower Garden Painting / Floral Embroidery

Garden Gazebo Needlepoint / Beaded Jewelry

Butterfly Watercolor / Stained Glass Flowers

This completes part one of this artistic inspiration post. I hope you have found some interesting ideas for your future projects. What inspires you? Please let me know in the comments section and stay tuned for part two next week.

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting!

What do Pigs & Cats have in Common? Decoupage

Posted on August 3, 2022 by Crafts Inspire Me

Look at that little face! Is he cute or what? The inspiration for this project is an adorable spotted piglet. In a previous post, “Year of the Pig 2019,” I mentioned my brother’s affinity for pigs. We usually find a way to include a pig at any gift-giving occasion. Sometimes it’s just a card, or a flying pig ornament for the Christmas tree. We all share the same sense of humor, and the more ridiculous the pig, the greater the laughter.

Pig Plaque Details
For my brother’s birthday this year, I decided to combine two of his favorites: pigs and cats. Believe it or not, he and his wife share their home with 11 feline fur babies. Yes, you read that correctly. That’s a lot of mouths to feed! Each cat started out in life under very difficult circumstances, but after being rescued, they live comfortable, happy lives filled with play and lots of tender loving care. Such an unusual family deserves an equally unique family portrait.

How to Create a Wooden Pig Photo Plaque
On a recent visit to AC Moore, I noticed a large wooden pig plaque. It was really cute, but I held off buying until I could come up with something my brother would appreciate and ended up liking the idea of a family portrait. The pig is large enough to accommodate photos of all eleven cats with my brother and his wife in the center. Any size or shape plaque will work as long as it is large enough to fit all the images. You could also create a plaque to commemorate a special event, such as a graduation, a birthday, or your favorite vacation. Let’s get started.

Raw Wooden Pig
You may need to do some light sanding to ensure the surface and edges are smooth.

Pig Photo Plaque Supplies
Supplies:
Wooden Pig (20-1/2” wide x 11-1/4” high x 1/2” thick)
Acrylic Paint – tan & black
1) Jar of Mod Podge Gloss
1) Oval Mop Paintbrush
1) Elmer’s Permanent Glue Stick
2) Paintbrushes – one for base coat, and a fine brush for details
Heavyweight Matte Finish Photo Paper
Sandpaper
Scissors

Photo Layout
You might want to print a quick draft version of your photos to make it easier to lay out on the plaque. This will also give you a chance to experiment with different ways of cutting them out to make your design look more attractive. Be sure to reprint your photos on heavyweight paper for the final project. If you try to use regular printer paper, it will bubble and curl as soon as you apply the Mod Podge, and you’ll have to peel it off and start over. How do I know this you ask? Because it happened to me! It was awful!

How NOT to Complete a Photo Plaque
I watched a tutorial video to learn how to use Mod Podge for decoupage. They made it look sooooo easy but looks can be deceiving. They mentioned you could use laser printer color copies but said nothing about needing heavyweight paper. All my photos had been meticulously cut out and glued down using Mod Podge on the backs. Initially there was a little bubbling, but it smoothed out as it dried. While the Mod Podge does dry clear, the recommended sponge applicator leaves streaks behind and it dries that way! Instead, I recommend using an oval mop paintbrush, which produces a smoother finish. Next, I applied an even coat over the entire plaque. This should have been the finale, but I knew I was in trouble after the first few cats had been coated. Within seconds, the photos bubbled and curled up into little blobs! It was horrifying! They didn’t mention that in the how-to video! Frantically, I scraped the photos off and then used soap and water to clean the surface of the plaque. Back to the drawing board!

The Correct Way to Create a Pig Photo Plaque
This time I suggest a few changes to the process:
First, print your images on heavyweight matte finish photo paper.
Apply one coat of Mod Podge over the entire page of photos, using an oval mop paintbrush.
Allow drying time.
Cut out the individual photos. I chose to cut out the cat’s ears and round the bottom edges so that they would resemble spots on the pig.
Lay out the photos upon the plaque.
Trace the photos to determine the locations of the spots.

Painted Black Spots
Paint each of the black spots a little larger than the photos. I ended up making all the spots solid black to prevent tan paint from peeking out from behind the photos.
Paint the pig’s face, ears, hooves and tail. A painted smile goes a long way to give this little guy some character.

Glued Photos & Sealer Coat
Trim the photos and/or adjust the painted black spots as needed.
One at a time, paste each photo using Elmer’s Glue Stick.
Place a clean sheet of paper on top and firmly rub the surface and edges to ensure a good seal. Repeat this process. Let dry.

Finished Plaque
Apply a coat of Mod Podge over the entire plaque. Congratulations! Mission accomplished!

This is a fun and unique way to display family photos. Although pigs may not be for everyone, there are plenty of interesting wooden plaque shapes to match your family’s unique style and personality. Deciding which photos to use is a fun and adventurous activity. Let your creativity soar and be open to new possibilities as you create this memorable family portrait for everyone to enjoy.

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting!

Sculpting in the Sand

Posted on July 27, 2022 by Crafts Inspire Me

Child’s Sandcastle

For a child, a day at the beach would not be complete without building a sandcastle.

Buzz Lightyear

Overachievers among us have honed their sand sculpting skills “to infinity and beyond!”

Sculptor’s Sandcastle

During worldwide competitions, we admire these incredible, albeit temporary, masterpieces. Let’s explore the amazing world of sand sculpture.

Relief Sculptures:

Adam & Eve in the Garden of Eden

The details are remarkable, including the serpent’s scales, human anatomy, grainy tree bark, and dimples on the apples. The glass eyes of the serpent appear to glow.

Librarian

Each book and every nook and cranny in the bookcases were carved by hand.

Disney’s Snow White

Snow White’s likeness has been captured beautifully, including her delicate eyelashes and the lively twinkles in her eyes.

Sculpting Details

Feathers upon the wings of a bird, and a joey in a kangaroo’s pouch – no details are overlooked.

Freestanding Sculptures:

Three dimensional sculptures, with subjects ranging from movies and books to famous landmarks and historical events, draw us in for a closer look. At this level of competition, the details are so crucial because the audience and judges must easily recognize the scenes, subjects or ideas presented. Below are several sand sculptures based upon popular characters.

Movie: “The Wizard of Oz”

Sculpting Dorothy & Friends Wizard of Oz

Movie: “Avatar”

Movies: “Pirates of the Caribbean” & “Maleficent”

Movie: “Pirates of the Caribbean”

Movie: “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory”

Children’s Book: “Where the Wild Things Are”

Special Effects:

Color & Lighting are just a few of the special effects implemented to bring sand sculptures to life.

Dyed Sand – Crocodile

Dyed Sand – Zebra

Flames – Fire-Breathing Dragon

Illumination – Castle

Illumination – Fall of the Roman Empire

Illumination – Cave Monsters

Illumination & Scenic Backdrop – Mother Gorilla & Baby

Illumination – The Paparazzi

The Best of the Best:

Neuschwanstein Castle

Located in Bavaria, Germany, world renowned Neuschwanstein Castle was the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Cinderella’s Castle. Despite the enormity of scale, and pressures of recreating an historical treasure, these artists successfully accomplished their goal.

Neuschwanstein Closeup

Lifeguard Rescue

Watching lifeguards rescuing a victim is an intense, nail-biting experience. Those emotions are extremely well conveyed in this incomplete lifeboat sculpture.

Lifeguard Rescue Closeup #1

The near vertical pitch of the lifeboat implies rough seas. The rowing lifeguard is focused upon an approaching wave or the distant shoreline. Either way, there is doubt and worry in his facial expression.

Lifeguard Rescue Closeup #2

Fully engaged in the rescue, the second lifeguard struggles to pull his victim into the boat, while bracing for the next wave. It looks like they all may need to be rescued.

Jack & the Beanstalk

“Jack & the Beanstalk” is a classic fairytale known to children and adults. Seeing it come alive in this sculpture is both awesome and scary. In this modified version, the giant survives the fall from the gnarled beanstalk and now he wants blood. Tossed by the sudden impact, Jack helplessly lies nearby on the ground awaiting his fate. The entire composition is a textural feast for the eyes.

Closeup of Giant from Jack & the Beanstalk

Pure fury is exemplified in the giant’s furrowed brow and roaring mouth with bared jagged teeth, as his fingers mercilously tear into the soil in his quest for vengeance. Pointed ears and wart covered skin add a layer of horror to this fairytale villan. How does this version end? We may never know.

I hope you enjoyed seeing these amazing works of art. The next time you visit a beach, maybe you will give sculpting a try. I’ll never look at sand the same way again. Please let me know which ones are you favorites in the comments section, and best of luck with your next artistic project.

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting!

Choosing the Best Craft Tools

Posted on July 20, 2022 by Crafts Inspire Me

Art Supplies
Arts and crafts are more than a hobby – it’s a vocation. The passionate pursuit of beauty and self-expression is inspired by the world around us. When shared, it opens a dialogue of ideas and inspirations, reminding us that we are all connected.

Over the years, artists and crafters develop new skills and acquire lots of tools and materials. Along the way, we learn about time saving tools and media to simplify the creative process. Below are several suggestions to assist with your next project.

Fishing Tackle Box – See next photo
Open Tackle Box
A Tackle Box becomes an Art Bin – Every artist needs a place to store paintbrushes, pencils and other tools. In my experience, items made for artists cost twice as much. Instead of buying an Art Bin, get a fishing tackle box, which is inexpensive and has compartments for all your arts and crafts supplies.

Fabric Paints – The name implies they’re only for fabric, but these paints provide textured color on any surface and act like glue for small items, such as beads.

Chip Clips – These are great to use as clamps when gluing small objects together, although you may have to pry them out of the hands of your potato chip eating kids.

Fillet Glove & X-Acto Knife – If you do a lot of cutting, a fillet glove is a must to prevent accidents, and an X-Acto knife is a great tool for making very precise cuts.

Prismacolor Pencils – These thick, soft lead pencils have beautiful, saturated colors. Although they tend to be expensive, craft stores offer great sales and coupons, making them much more affordable.

Eraser Pencil – In case you never heard of this item, it is a pencil filled with an eraser instead of lead. It can be sharpened to a fine point for precise erasing and the brush on the other end can be used to remove erasures without smearing the surface.

Electric Pencil Sharpener – If you do a lot of drawing or coloring, having a sharpener nearby is a time saver because it keeps the points clean, sharp and consistent.

Hot Glue Gun – So many projects require glue. Hot glue guns are easy to use, fast acting, and low odor. You’ll want to keep extra glue sticks on hand because glue guns have voracious appetites.

Sharpie Markers & Paint Pens – If you need to write or draw on virtually any surface, Sharpies have a wide assortment of colors, finishes, and pen tip sizes.

Wire Cutters – Flower arranging is simplified with a sharp pair of wire cutters. They’re excellent for cutting zip ties too.

Tweezers & Crochet Needle
Tweezers – These are great for positioning small beads and working in tight areas. Crocheting Needle – Use to attach floral picks or weaving ribbon into a wreath.

Paint Brushes – Different crafts and media require many types of paintbrushes. In case you are wondering about the old brush on the bottom, I keep it for mixing small quantities of paint and for applying rough base coats.

Scissors – A good pair of scissors is indispensable. In fact, you might want to keep several pairs on hand for different tasks. I keep this pair for cutting fabric. If you cut other materials, such as plastic or cardboard, the blades can become damaged. This will not only dull the scissors but will also cause fabric fraying in the future.

Ott Light
Ott Task Light – These portable electric lights provide bright, true color lighting in a non-glare, energy efficient fixture, which folds closed for easy storage.

Multi-Drawer Storage
Art Supply Storage – This rolling, pullout-shelving unit was originally used in an accounting department. It’s so convenient for crafting because you can see everything, and each basket can be individually slid out and carried to a table for easy access.

Cotton Swabs & Toothpicks – Inexpensive everyday items such as these are so useful for removing excess glue or paint, and for touch ups and clean ups.

I hope these ideas will be helpful for your future creations. Do you have a favorite craft tool? Please share your suggestions.

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting!

What’s New in the Art Studio?

Posted on July 13, 2022 by Crafts Inspire Me

New ideas are always brewing at the arts and crafts studio. Here is a sneak peek at a few of the upcoming projects…

Cake Decorating

Cake decorating has been a popular topic on this blog, and I have lots of new cake designs to share.

Crafting with Feathers

Craft stores always have feathers, and there are many creative ways to include them in your artwork.

Full Color Makeover

This monotone crane has been standing next to a potted plant for years. It is high time he gets some much-needed attention. Believe it or not this makeover will transform him into a crowned prince.

Cookie Decorating

The only time of year my family decorates cookies is Christmas. This post will inspire you to create beautiful cookies any time of year.

Painted Wood Crafts

Wood crafts are inexpensive, easy to color or paint, and quickly produce attractive décor for your home.

Magical Creatures from Harry Potter

The world of Harry Potter is inhabited by some extraordinary creatures. With a little creative magic, you can conjure one to adopt into your family.

Art Studio Mascots

Speaking of adoption, our foster cats have become permanent members of the family, and they will be popping into the studio from time to time for a visit. Here are a few of their recent comments: “Being an inspiration is exhausting and we’re working for kibble. F.Y.I., the feather projects will be delayed indefinitely…you don’t have any. You’re welcome. Wake us when there’s a big juicy mouse project!”

I hope you enjoyed this brief look into future posts. Comments and suggestions are welcome, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting!

Rainbow of Gems – Part 3

Posted on July 6, 2022 by Crafts Inspire Me

This is the final leg of our gemstone tour as we explore the neutral color palette, followed by several multicolor gems that really know how to stand out in a crowd. Here we go…

Color: Black – mysterious, sexy, luxurious

Black Onyx

Historically, black onyx has been carried as protection for travelers. Used in jewelry, it provides great eye-catching contrast, showcasing any accompanying gems.

Black Diamonds

Have you ever seen black diamonds? The natural-color black has been growing in popularity, but unlike other diamonds, these stones are opaque.

Snowflake Obsidian

The product of volcanic activity, as molten obsidian cools tiny pockets of trapped gases burst forming the delicate snowflake patterns in this beautiful gemstone.

Tahitian Black Pearls

Tahitian black pearls, grown in the waters of French Polynesia, are the only true black pearls. All other black pearls have been dyed.

Color: Gray – sophisticated, timeless, well-balanced

Gray Jasper

Gray jasper brings a sense of calm and well-being to the wearer.

Color: Brown – relaxing, grounding, comfortable

Tigereye

Want to see a magic trick? When bright light reflects off fibers in a Tigereye stone, the color appears to change in a phenomenon known as chatoyancy.

Smoky Quartz

Also known as smoky topaz, this gemstone ranges in color from light browns to black, just like its namesake, smoke.

Natural Mother of Pearl

Mother of pearl comes from the shell of an oyster or mussel. These organic gems are cream, beige and tan swirled with white.

Color: White – peaceful, practical, cool

Onyx

This banded stone is believed to increase intuition and clarify dreams.

White Mother of Pearl

Because this organic gem comes from a pearl producing shell, it is associated with nurturing and motherhood. Cameo pendants and pins are typically carved from mother of pearl.

Pearls

Pearls have long been associated with female power. Cleopatra is believed to have worn makeup made from ground gemstones. Today we may wear pearlescent eyeshadows, but she wore the real thing!

Clear Quartz

Clarity of vision and creative inspiration are qualities associated with clear quartz. Because this gem resembles ice, it looks even more frosty when paired with blue or black gemstones.

Diamonds

Diamonds are the hardest gemstone in the world. Perhaps that is why they have become a universal symbol of love and commitment in engagement and wedding rings.

Multi-Color Gemstone Gallery: – multiple colors in one gemstone

Sardonyx

Fluorite

Abalone

Pink Labradorite

Opal

Blue Agate

Unakite

Chrysocolla

Watermelon Tourmaline

Turritella Agate

If you love gemstones and archeology, turritella agate is for you. Turritella is a midsize snail that lived millions of years ago. These fossilized creatures are forever preserved within the stones, resulting in a one-of-a kind, visually stunning piece of jewelry.

Carved Agate

Our final gemstone is this beautifully carved fish cut from a single piece of agate. It’s a gemstone and sculpture in one. How cool is that?

I hope you have enjoyed Mother Nature’s rainbow of gems. New gemstones are still being discovered, creating fresh possibilities in jewelry design. If you feel inspired to try jewelry making, Fire Mountain Gems is a wonderful resource for gemstones, supplies, tutorials and more.

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting!

Rainbow of Gems – Part 2

Posted on June 29, 2022 by Crafts Inspire Me

Welcome to part two of our rainbow of gems tour. The Warm Color Palette includes yellows, oranges, reds, and pinks. Qualities associated with each color are noted below. Warm colors call to mind images of blooming flowers, days at the beach, and barbecues in the backyard. Let’s find gems to inspire us.

Color: Yellow – cheerful, warm, motivational

Golden Beryl

You may not have heard of the gemstone called beryl, but I am sure you are familiar with two of its relatives, emerald and aquamarine. Although it comes in a few colors, yellow is the rarest.

Amber & Amber with an Insect Trapped Inside

Even when the sky is gray, cheerful gold and yellow amber beads will brighten your day. Amber is often found with very interesting inclusions like the famous mosquito in the movie, “Jurassic Park.”

Citrine

Want more light and positivity in your life? Citrine captures rays of sunshine you can wear day or night.

Lemon Quartz

Yellow quartz quenches your thirst for beautiful gemstones like a cold glass of lemonade on a hot summer’s day.

Color: Orange – joyful, playful, independent

Orange Coral

Coral has been used for centuries in jewelry. Because it is susceptible to damage from direct sunlight and excessive heat, care should be taken when wearing or storing your coral pieces.

Orange Carnelian

Carnelian has a blend of color from light to dark within the same stone.

Orange Chalcedony

Available in several colors, chalcedony may also have bands of color. I must be hungry because these beads remind me of an orange creamsicle.

Peach Pearls

Known for their iridescent luster, pearls have been a worldwide favorite for every type of jewelry, from single pearl earrings to priceless crown jewels.

Color: Orange Red – energizing, attention-getting, self-assured

Madeira Citrine

Named for a city in Portugal, Madeira citrine has a deep, reddish orange or brownish orange color.

Color: Red – bold, romantic, sexy, powerful

Red Carnelian

In ancient Egypt, carnelian was worn as jewelry for its beauty, carried daily to energize the body, and buried with the dead as protection in the afterlife.

Red Coral

Red coral is typically harvested in the deep waters of the Western Mediterranean.

Garnet

Garnets have a long history as symbols of love, power, and protection. Many rulers have worn garnet studded crowns as sign of their power and authority.

Rubies

Rubies, the birthstone for July, are one of four “precious” gemstones, which includes Sapphires, Emeralds, and Diamonds.

Red Jasper

Jasper can be spotted, striped or solid color. Warriors often adorned their weapons and armor with jasper to ensure success in battle.

Color: Pink – soft, feminine, sweet

Rhodochrosite

This beautiful pink gem is honored by Native Americans. With frequently occurring “floral” patterns within the stones, rhodochrosite is a popular gift of love.

Rose Quartz

Transparent rose quartz is very rare, and the most prized comes from Madagascar.

This completes the warm color palette and the traditional colors of the rainbow, but there is still a treasure trove of gems waiting for their turn in the spotlight. Please share your thoughts about your favorite gemstones in the comments section and stay tuned for part three. To read part one, please click here.

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting!

Rainbow of Gems – Part 1

Posted on June 22, 2022 by Crafts Inspire Me

Mother Nature created gemstones for every color of the rainbow. I thought you might enjoy seeing some of her greatest works. We will start with the Cool Color Palette, consisting of violets, blues, and greens. Qualities associated with each color are noted below. Let’s delve into the fabulous world of gemstones.

Color: Violet – exotic, dreamy, calming, majestic, regal, passionate

Amethyst Geode

Gemstones grow as crystals in a variety of colors. Amethyst is typically found in shades of purple, but as shown above, it also comes in green, which is known as mint quartz.

Amethyst Nuggets

Polished gemstone nuggets serve as decorative home accents and touchstones or may be displayed in jewelry designs by drilling or wiring.

Faceted Oval Cut Amethyst

Gemstones are graded according to several qualities including clarity, hardness (scratch resistance based upon Mohs scale), color, carats (weight), and luster (light reflection).

Purpurite

Colors for this opaque gemstone typically range from reddish purples to deep violets. Both ends of that spectrum can be seen in the photo above.

Sugilite

Although this gemstone is usually seen in soft shades of lilac, it can also be bluish purple or deep violet.

Color: Indigo – mysterious, ethereal, enchanting, intriguing

Tanzanite

Depending upon the viewing angle, tanzanite, which is rarer than diamonds, changes color from exotic violets to indigo blues.

Iolite

Iolite is the perfect marriage of violet and blue. With reflective properties like tanzanite, changes in natural or artificial light transform the color through the full range of blues to violets and back again.

Color: Blue – refreshing, tranquil, playful, inspiring

Lapis Lazuli – Rough Stones

Vibrant blue stones flecked with gold differentiate lapis lazuli from another blue gem called sodalite.

Lapis Lazuli – Polished Stones & King Tut’s Funerary Mask

Historically, lapis lazuli has been a favorite gemstone of royalty. The most famous example is the funerary mask of King Tut, which includes inlaid lapis lazuli, turquoise, and obsidian.

Blue Sapphires

Although blue is the most recognized color, it also comes in several rare varieties including green, yellow, pink, and star sapphire.

Sodalite

Sodalite is a blue stone with white and sometimes black inclusions, which are materials trapped within growing crystals. You’ll see a famous inclusion photo in the next post.

Blue Topaz

Light blue topaz gemstones are called Sky Blue, medium blue is referred to as Swiss Blue, and dark blue is known as London Blue.

Turquoise

Green and blue turquoise typically have black or brown veins called matrix. The most coveted turquoise is Robin’s Egg blue, which has only been found in one location, the Sleeping Beauty Mine in Arizona.

Color: Blue Green – successful, creative, luxurious, exotic

Paraiba Tourmaline

This beautiful blue green gemstone is among the rarest in the world and is highly sought by jewelry designers and gemstone aficionados.

Color: Green – abundant, grounding, renewing, prosperous, fortunate

Malachite

Bold green swirls and striations are hallmarks of this popular gemstone.

Emeralds

Emeralds have been treasured throughout history, but surprisingly they tend to be easily damaged due to the presence of inclusions, which weaken the stones.

Nephrite Jade

This is another ancient gemstone in beautiful shades of green, which can be carved for jewelry as well as decorative figurines.

Peridot

Peridot, the birthstone for August, is also known as Olivine. Inclusions and fractures often found in these stones make peridot more susceptible to damage.

Aventurine

The inherent shimmering quality of aventurine makes it stand apart from all other gemstones.

This completes our exploration of the gemstone cool color palette. I hope you have seen some old friends and met a few new ones. Do you have any favorites? Please let me know in the comments section, and please stay tuned for part two next week.

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting!

From the Heart – Jeweled Box

Posted on June 15, 2022 by Crafts Inspire Me

Finished Box
Treasure chest? Jewelry box? What could it be? There’s something so exciting about starting a new project. Sometimes you start out with one thing in mind, which slowly transforms into a beautiful butterfly. Originally. I intended to paint geometric designs all over this box. A roll of rhinestone ribbon became my inspiration, which revealed my hidden need for a lot of bling. Who knew? Where will your inspiration take you?

How to Decorate a Wooden Box:

Plain Wooden Box with Heart Shaped Window

When selecting a box for your project, look it over carefully for damage. Check for splinters or dents, and test the functionality of the latch and hinges. I often find smudges of glue on the glass/acrylic. If necessary, compare several boxes side by side at the store.

Wooden Box with Open Lid
Plain Box - Open
This box, available through AC Moore, is wood inside and out.

Painted Lid

I liked the look of the natural wood and kept most of it as-is, with the exception of the flat top, which was brushed with white acrylic paint to create a high contrast background.

Project Supplies:
Beads &; Paints
You will need a bag of loose rhinestones and fabric paints in turquoise, black and brown.

Additional Project Supplies:
Marbles & Rhinestone Ribbon
You will also need a bag of turquoise flat glass marbles, a roll of 1/2” turquoise rhinestone ribbon, Elmer’s glue and a glue gun. The rhinestone ribbon and marbles are available at dollar stores.

Outline the Heart with Rhinestones
Beaded Heart
Apply a large dot of fabric paint at the edge of the heart. Use tweezers to push a rhinestone down into the wet paint. Alternate the fabric paint colors to create your pattern. Repeat the process until the outline is complete. Just as reminder: the rhinestones are clear. It’s the paint that determines the color.

Apply Rhinestone Ribbon

Rhinestone ribbon is glued in horizontal bands across the top of the box. Use Elmer’s glue because it will allow you to reposition as needed. Use scissors to cut the ribbon to fit. At the end, fill in any blank spaces by cutting rhinestones from the ribbon and hand placing them with tweezers and Elmer’s glue.

Completed Beading on Lid
Completed Lid
As you work around the center heart, you may need to pry off individual beads to make the ribbon fit. They say hindsight is 20/20. If I had to do this over, I would probably apply the ribbon first and then outline the heart.

Apply Flat Glass Marbles
Apply Flat Marbles
A glue gun will make this step quick and easy. Apply marbles on all sides. Ensure the marble placement will not interfere with the opening and closing of the lid. I found are marble that had broken in half, and placed it under the latch to complete the pattern, which you can see in the next photo.

The Completed Bejeweled Box

Large turquoise hearts are glued in each of the four lid corners. These hearts are actually jewelry pendants. A black onyx bead has been glued to each heart to cover the hole on top.

I’m considering lining the inside of the box with felt or velvet. It all depends upon how it will be used, and frankly I haven’t decided yet. What would you do? Please make suggestions in the comments section. I look forward to hearing your ideas.

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting!

The Ultimate Hair Accessory – Flowers

Posted on June 8, 2022 by Crafts Inspire Me

Spending time in nature brings a renewed sense of balance, re-energizing the mind and body and nourishing the soul. Wearing flowers in your hair is a lovely way of taking a little piece of paradise with you as a daily reminder to stop and smell the roses.

Accessories by Nature

Who needs an accessories store when Mother Nature provides everything we could possibly need and more?

The Power of One

Sometimes all you need is one bold flower as a focal point. Of course, there is no denying that having green hands tends to be an attention-getter as well. (lol)

Hawaiian Traditions

Native Hawaiians celebrate beautiful traditions with music, dance, and flowers, and visitors are encouraged to join in the fun.

Timeless Flowers

Weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries are all great excuses for floral accessories, but you don’t have to wait for a special occasion. Celebrate “Me Day” with flowers!

Flower Girls

Sweet and sassy flower girls are experts at charming audiences and stealing the show.

Back to Nature

Turn an ordinary picnic in the park into a portrait session for you and the kids.

Fairytale Princess

Start with an adorable portrait of your precious crowned prince or princess (a.k.a. child) and let the power of photo software magically develop a fairytale image to be treasured for years to come.

Fur Babies

If your kids are fur babies, a few flowers will render heartwarming photo results.

Love & Romance

Perfectly placed blooms evoke an exquisite romantic vibe.

Beaded Beauty

As the bride processes down the aisle, guests are dazzled by a delicately beaded headpiece and a ring of bold red flowers to complete this attractive updo.

All Eyes on Me

On the left, a copper headband wrapped in flowers, complemented by beaded copper earrings and shimmering eyeshadow, creates this lovely harmonious look. The more organic style on the right beautifully frames the bride’s face, while dramatic makeup and lashes draw attention to her eyes.

Confidence is Beautiful

Soft and ethereal like a fairy princess or bold and sensual as a siren of the sea, flowers let your personality shine through with confidence.

Floral Fashionistas

Makeup, hair, and jewelry accompanied by color-coordinated flowers are the key elements of these fashion forward styles.

Pretty in Pink

Peonies are so beautiful, and their scent is intoxicating.

Bold & Beautiful

If you want to stand out in a crowd, wear red. Flawless makeup with vibrant lip color will have them hanging on every word.

In Perfect Harmony

A white pearl headband and earrings mimic the white hydrangea blossoms and charming lace wedding gown. A filmy pink dress calls for delicate mini roses and pastel blooms of spring.

Poetry in Motion

Flowers, ribbons, and vibrant designs are an integral part of Mexican traditions. Her black dress and hair provide the perfect contrast for the fuchsia and green palette, with a brilliant smile as the cherry on top.

Belle of the Ball

Start with an intricately beaded evening gown, layered with fabric petals and pearl centers. Wispy greens serve as the foundation for a lovely peach floral crown and matching bouquet. A soft peach makeup palette completes this exceptional formal look. The belle of the ball will be dancing long after midnight.

Flower Power

If you love being the center of attention, a bold statement is the way to go, and this floral look is unforgettable. The makeup palette perfectly complements this jaw dropping composition. The only disappointment is not seeing how her bridal gown coordinates with such an over-the-top floral display.

Here we are at the end of our flower extravaganza. Hopefully you are inspired to incorporate more flowers into your life. Flowers bring smiles and we all benefit from more happiness.

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting!

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