Mothers Day!

 It's Mothers Day in a little over a week! Are you ready?

Mothers Day is always celebrated the 2nd Sunday in May in the US, but in England "Mothering Sunday" was celebrated on the fourth Sunday in Lent - not quite as easy to remember since, like Easter it would change from year to year.  You can read about the history of Mothers Day here if you're interested, but nowadays the biggest question top of mind is, what to get mom! 

How about a gift basket?

            Everybody loves a gift basket, right? This mom loves the beach so a basket filled with something special for the beach would be my top choice.  I loved these "Seas the Day" flip flops from my local Dollar (& a quarter) Tree, but they needed a little extra pizzaz. I had some white, star studded suede ribbon, blue Taffy striped and white grosgrain ribbon from Gwen Studios. I also found two, star shaped, silver buttons in my stash and got to work.

1. Measure then adhere pieces of the suede ribbon to the top of each strap. NOTE: I planned to use double-sided adhesive tape, but found it did not stay securely on the plastic straps, so I used hot glue instead. Please use an adhesive that works best for the flip flops you plan to decorate.

2.  To make the rosettes, cut a 7" piece of the blue Taffy ribbon and a 5" piece of white grosgrain ribbon.  Gather each piece with a small running (up and down) stitch along the bottom edge. Pull the ends together to create the ruffle, leaving a larger circle at the center of the stripe ribbon as shown. Stitch ends together to secure.  Place the white ribbon ruffle on top of the stripe ribbon and the button shank thru the center hole, then glue to the top of the flip flop straps to finish.

Don't they look cute!

All that's needed now is a sun hat, sun glasses, beach towels and sunscreen and mom is good to go to her favorite beach where she can "seas the day" in style.

But wait! Not just for beach flip flops, I can see all kinds of potential for up-cycling some older flip flops for later in the day.  I also had some Gwen Studios satin and rhinestone trim and decided to go all out and bling it on!!!

1. Measure then cut the wide trim to fit over the fabric straps on these older flip flops. Secure with double sided adheive since it works well on fabric. You can also stitch the trim in place to make it really secure.

2. I covered the center with additional trim from the same card.  To make the short piece a little wider, I adhered one layer of trim at the center of the satin trim. Cut to size then adhere to the center as shown.

 

This mom is definitely walking out in style when heading out for a sunset cocktail don't you think...

It's amazing what can be done by simply adding ribbon and trim!

                You can find more Mothers Day project inspiration using Gwen Studios ribbons from industry designers on the Designer Crafts Connection blog. Check it out and let us know what you think!

Yours truly,

Julie 💝

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON CRAFTING

Ribbons and trims used in these projects was provided by Gwen Studios. It is available at your local Walmart store and Walmart online 

 

Subway Tile for Home Dec

Not just for a kitchen or bathroom, single subway tiles can be used to create unique Home Dec items for your own home, or to give as a gift...

You will need the following supplies:

• etchall® etching crème
• etchall® etchmask and transfer sheets
• etchall® pik tool and squeegee
• 3" x 6" white subway tile
• Rub'n Buff
• 5" x 7" Frame
• 6" x 8" scrap of burlap
• White glue

1.  Cut the word "Believe" in a script font from etchmask using an electronic die cutting machine.  Size to fit inside a 3" x 6" rectangle. Tip: I placed "Believe" inside a 3" x 6" cutting line, so the finished stencil would fit the tile with the word centered.  Option: Multi-purpose stencils can be applied to the tile with etchall Reposition/Reuse Stencil Spray.

2.  Weed the design and outline from the etchmask while still on the mat.  Cover with a 3" x 6" piece of transfer paper then lift the stencil from the mat.

3.  Remove the waxy backing from the stencil then with the edges of the stencil aligned with the edge of the tile, adhere the stencil.  Use the squeegee to flatten securely then remove the transfer paper.

4.  Cover the design with creme.  Leave for 15 minutes then scrape the crème back into the container.  Rinse away any remaining residue.  DO NOT rinse over a porcelain sink. Etching creme will remove many types of glaze it comes into contact with.  If you haven't used etching creme before, please read all the directions on the container and previous posts on this blog.  You can also find video tutorials at www.etchall.com

5.  Remove the stencil then buff the tile dry with a soft cloth.  Look carefully and you can see how the glaze has been removed, but the design can be enhanced with Rub'n Buff.

6.  Squeeze a small amount of Rub'n Buff onto a soft cloth then rub onto the etched design.  The color will adhere to the etched areas, but will rub off the unetched surface of the tile.  Work quickly to remove the excess from around the letters.  Use two or three coats as needed to deepen the color.

7.  Decorate with the tile as is, or place in a frame.

8.   Remove the glass and backing from the frame.   Cover the backing with a piece of burlap then push back into the frame.  The glass is no longer needed.  Glue the tile to the front of the frame.

  

Subway tiles are inexpensive and readily available at local home improvement stores.  They are so easy to personalize, especially if you have the ability to cut your own stencils with an electronic shape cutting machine.  They are easy to make,  economical and perfect for a housewarming gift for friends and family......  Enjoy!  Y'all come back now.........

Yours truly,
Julie :)

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON CRAFTING!