Melrose Trading Post Thank yous!

Well, my show at the Melrose Trading Post yesterday was a success! Maybe I didn't make a ton of money but, I got my crafts out there! I got a lot of great feedback from various people stopped by to peruse my goods. I had a great time, in spite of the tremendous heat. I could not have done any of this with out the help of some great friends. I would like to Thank everyone who donated materials to me for my "Recycled Love" projects. (Jamie Bullock, Thomas Burling, Minta Mullins) I have been able to make some really great items with the things that you no longer had a use for. I want to thank my crafty girls (Katie Banuelos, Ann Villella, Heather Toms) for coming over for craft night to help me get everything done and for giving me some great ideas for the next show. I NEED to thank Heather and Eric Toms for there "FULL ON" dedication to making this the best show ever! I seriously could not have done the day alone. And of course, words can not express the gratitude I have for the love of my life, Ryan "Fury" Turi. Your support and love has been so appreciated through the last few months. I promise to clean the house! I could not have gotten through with out all of your help and support. I have some amazing friends. Thank you again!! More great crafts and ideas to come. See you at the CraftZone!

Crackle Crafts! Refinished wood using crackle paint.

If you thought making chalk boards was easy, then you're going to LOVE this article about creating functional art using crackle paint! Even though this is a 2 to 3 step process, it could NOT be easier. You can create fantastic original original pieces of furniture or home decor. I started off with a few square wood mirrors that I found at a yard sale. I think I paid .50 cents for each. The people who had them before me had actually white washed the mirrors, which I loved but, they didn't exactly go with MY home decor. I painted each of the mirrors with very vibrant colors. I used lime green, blue, red, orange, green and purple. Of course, you can use whatever colors suit you. Once the paint was dry I used "crackle Paint", which I found at home depot for $14.99. That may seem like a lot for your first project but, keep in mind that you will use this paint for several projects and will have it for a long time to come. You want to be sure that you have a nice even coat of crackle paint all over the area you want to have the crackle effect. The paint will look a little milky but, mostly clear. The can of crackle paint will come with user instructions of their own but, I found that letting the crackle paint dry for at least 24 hours gives the best results. After the crackle paint is dry you will apply your top coat. This will be the primary color of your project, as it will be the color you see the most of. I chose to use black. You want to use a flat based paint for the top coat. Satin and latex tend to peel off. If you want your project to have a glossy finish you can always use a clear coat of spray paint or polyurethane; or if it is an outside project you may want to use a water proof polyurethane after your top coat is dry. When you begin to paint on the top coat you will instantly start to see some crackling streaks. The crackle will continue to take effect as the top coat drys. Be sure not to paint over the same area twice. The crackle will have the best effect with just one top coat. So, once your done with the top coat an it is dry you may choose to give your project a shine or leave it as is. And that really is all there is to it! Enjoy your creation and be excited when all of your family and friends ask you where you got such an amazing piece of art! As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions. You can visit my website and check out more great craft ideas or make special Epurchases at www.mycraftzone.com

Chalk Boards Made Easy

I LOVE CHALK BOARDS! Chalk boards are so much fun because they are so functional. You can use them as a giant post it to remember events or to go shopping. You can leave messages to members of the family or use them as an ever changing work of art! I have even painted the front of a picture frame to write on with chalk. But, lets face it chalk boards are expensive. They can cost anywhere from $10 for an ity-bity one to $100 for a large wall hanging one. If your like me, you just can't afford something like that. Well, I'm going to let you in on a secret. You can have as many chalk boards, as big as you want, for about $10. The Secret is chalk board paint from Home Depot. It's so easy. Just find a surface that you would like to make into a chalk board and paint it with a paint roller. I find using a roller, as apposed to a brush, is best brushes tend to leave a bumpy surface. I have made chalk boards out of old picture frames, planks of wood, and I have even just painted straight onto the wall. In this case I found some really cheap wood trim and made a frame for the board. Everyone asks me who custom made my chalk board to fit my wall. I laugh and say "Oh, it was imported from Italy and was VERY expensive"! I think the trim cost me $2 and I still had Chalk board paint from the other projects I had done. You really can use chalk board paint just about anywhere. Use it on table tops for the kids. You'll save on paper and markers. Paint it on your wall. You'll be the best parent because you can encourage your kids to write on the walls! Be as creative as you want. This project is SO easy! There are tips and instructions on the can of paint, don't forget to read those. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like to share ideas. I would love to hear from you if you create your own board. Happy Crafting!
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