Big Top Party Decor

I found this video titled Big Top Party Decor by Simply Kelly B. so inspiring, especially as I am in the process of putting together my own son's birthday party... which is this weekend.  Yikes!  I have so much work to do...  but it's FUN work. 

Here are some still shots of Kelly B's circus theme ideas.  There are some great tutorials on her blog as well, so be sure to check it out (Simply Kelly B.)

 

DIY big impact wall art

I have been looking for ideas for some easy and quick art project to hang in my Living Room.  Here are a couple that I will definitely try.  Anyone want to try them with me?

This first one is a Paint Chip Masaic Art piece, by Hope Studios. They have a great tutorial on their site for this project.  I love the look... and the price.  Looks like it is VERY easy to make as well... might not even need hubby's help with this one :)

The next one, is a Pottery Barn inspired piece.  I have been wanting a similar wall hanging from Pottery Barn for a while now...  I don't think they carry it any longer, but the price tag was $600, I believe.  I was SO excited when I found this tutorial by The Polka Dot Umbrella.  I will most definitely try to recreate this.  However, I will absolutely have to recruit my wonderful husband to help me with the construction.  Talk about big impact, though...  This piece measures 47"x47".

House Number Sign

We've been living in our house for over a year now... but until today haven't had our house number displayed anywhere.  Cricut to the rescue, once again.  I absolutely love the way this turned out.

I noticed that burlap is so popular these days.  You can see it in all the upscale stores.  It's so inexpensive but has great texture and is very easy to work with.

For this project, I started with a square of burlap and frayed the edges.  Then I cut out numbers 2 and 6 using my friend the Cricut out of fabric.  I used iron on thing-a-majigy (what is the name for it???) to attach the numbers to burlap.  I also cut out "Creme" on the Cricut, out of freezer paper this time.  Ironed that on the burlap and used it as a stencil.  Then I used some heavy duty glue to attach the whole thing to the wood plaque, which I painted using acrylic paints and a layer of mod podge (mainly for texture).  For the finishing touch I added some upholstery tacks to each corner of the burlap.

I frayed the edges of the fabric numbers a little to give it a more shabby look.



I just love all the textures on this sign.  Here is a closer look at the burlap and painted background... along with that really cool tack.



Savvy Cat Sign and Sunflower Saturday

I am loving my new Cricut Expressions.  This past week I purchased a software called Sure Cuts A Lot, which allows me to cut out images that I create on my own.  I have been playing with Adobe Illustrator, coming up with all kinds of ideas.  Here is a sunflower I made today.  I designed it in Illustrator and then used my new SCAL software to cut it out on the Cricut.  Then inked and curled the edges and glued all the pieces together.  This one measures about 3 inches around.

I am also in the process of making a wooden sign that says Savvy Cat.  Cricut has been a big part of this project as well.  I got some wooden flower shapes at the dollar store the other day...  a whole package of 10 was $1!!!  And for some reason I had 11 in mine, but I won't complain.  Painted them green (of course).  This paint is really cool.  It's metalic.  I also painted the edges with another green paint that's super glittery.  Then I added letters, which I cut out using my Cricut (love this machine!) in the middle and Mod Podged over the whole thing several times.  I am so happy with the way this project is turning out so far.  Hopefully I will have more time to play with it tomorrow...  teal and brown are the plan for the background.

Bird Cage Tutorial



I saw a simiar project online and just had to recreate it.  I really like birdies this time of year.

First I cut 6 strips of printed paper measuring .5"x12"

Then I stacked all 6 strips on top on one another.  Using a ruler I found the center and punched a hole.  Then I used a brad to attach the strips together.



For the base I used the lid from a Nutella jar.  Althought I don't have any idea why, but I have had it saved for a while now and was so happy to finally utilize it.  Then I measured the rim of the lid so I could cut an additional strip to cover it.  Mine measured .75" x 12" (I didn't quite need 12" but it's always better to have more than not enough)



Next I addred Sticky Strip (or you can use another very strong adhesive) around the lid.
In the background you can see that I spread the strips to form a sunburst sort of a shape.



To assemble the cage I started attaching the strips to the adhesive on the lid, one by one.  Make sure to leave an opening so you can more easily add the spanish moss and your birdie inside the cage.

One of the things I would do differently next time is attach the bird to the inside of the cage before attaching the top to the base.  It would make things much easier.  What I did this time, was punch two bird shapes (using my awesome Stampin' UP! punch) and sandwiched a string between them.  I used a silver cord, but a clear thread would look more like the bird is flying.  Then I tied the other end of the cord to the base of the brad (on top on of the cage), so my bird hangs in the center. 

Then I attached the last of the top to the base and covered the bottom with the strip I precut earlier. 

I also added a few flowers to the cage for an extra little touch.

Here are the latest "birdie" projects I created. 

My version of the milk carton bird house

So... the pictures aren't the best.  I had to take them with my phone and the lighting isn't great at 11pm.

I think it came out cute.  I added another birdie on the side of the "house" and put a baggie of Easter colored MMs inside. 

Oh, I just can't wait for spring!