Picture Frame Chalkboard

We're thrilled to have Laura & David from We Design Studios here today to let us embrace in some creativity! Let the fun begin!!!!!



Okay, maybe a better idea of what David & Laura look like!

 Picture Frame Chalkboard

Level: Beginner

Time: About one hour (plus 24-hours for drying)

Topic: Home Accessories

Hello! I’m Laura from WE Design Studios, a design and art education company dedicated to bringing out the creative genius in everyone! While recently re-designing my studio work space I repurposed an old mirror into a chalkboard so I could jot down notes and to-do lists. It was super easy to make. Today I will show you how you can make one using old picture frames.

Here’s what you need to get started:

1. A picture frame or mirror with a nice decorative frame (I got this one for $10 at an antique shop!)
2. Painter’s tape

3. Chalk
4. Newspaper
5. Glass cleaner

6. Chalkboard spray paint  (Note: You can also use the kind that comes in a can and is applied by brushing. I find the spray version coats more evenly. Both can be found at a hardware store.)

Step 1: Using glass cleaner and a rag or paper towel, wipe down your picture frame glass or mirror. Make sure the surface is clean and clear of any debris. The surface should be as smo <!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->oth as possible when you apply the chalkboard paint.

Step 2: Apply painter’s tape to the inside edge of the frame. Be sure to cover the entire frame but keep the glass exposed.

Step 3: Find a well-ventilated area to apply the chalkboard paint. Lay down newspaper to protect your frame from scratches and the ground below from the chalkboard paint. Outside is an ideal option.

Step 4: Place your frame or mirror on the newspaper and begin to apply the chalkboard paint. Be sure to read and follow the directions on the paint can. You usually need to shake the can vigorously for two minutes before spraying. Test out the paint by spraying on the newspaper before applying it to the glass.

Step 5: After 15 minutes apply a second coat of chalkboard paint.

Note: It is normal for the chalkboard paint to initially be reflective and glossy. Once it dries it will have the opaque, flat quality of a chalkboard. Just be patient!

Step 6: Allow the chalkboard paint to dry for 24 hours before using. Your particular paint may call for more or less time. Follow the paint label instructions.

Step 7: Once the chalkboard is completely dry prime the surface by rubbing the entire writing area with the broad side of a piece of chalk. Then erase the surface. Doing this will prevent permanent chalk marks from forming on the chalkboard.

Step 8: You now have your very own picture frame/mirror chalkboard. If you have left over chalkboard paint you can get creative and see what else you can make into a chalk board. Enjoy!

Thanks to We Design Studios for visiting....please be sure to check them out often and share with your friends!

The WINNER of the FUZZY NOGGIN PATTERNS!

Thanks to http://www.random.org/ for choosing the winner of our latest giveaway.

Evoors - You're the winner! I will email you with contact info to receive your prize!

Keep checking back for more inspiration of creative projects and of course, more giveaways!

-Beck

Dining Room Chalkboard

Do you have the same obsession that I do? If it's stalking scrolling through Shannon's blog, Bless Our Nest then we have one more thing in common! I soak in so much inspiration from her tutorials and ideas it's unreal. I'm thankful she's taken the time to come over and share  a tutorial with us today! I have an unhealthy love for chalkboard paint, so this tutorial is right up my alley! Thanks Shannon for feeding into my obsession, now I have to go buy another can of paint! Enjoy getting inspired!


Level: Beginner
Time: 1-4 hours, depending on skill level

Topic: Housewares, Repurpose, Furniture

I was completely inspired by Miss Mustard Seed's dining room chalkboard. I never would have thought to put a chalkboard in the dining room but hers looked great so I decided to try it. I'm so glad I did!

St. Paddy's Day Banner

Hi, I'm Kalleen and I blog over at Second Street. I'm a mother of four who loves making my house a home. I've always loved to create and design, doing it for my family in my home keeps me sane.


I especially like celebrating any and all holidays and wanted to share a how I made our St. Paddy's banner with you.  

These banners are super simple. It only took me about 20 minutes to make this one.

*No cricut was used in the making of this banner.

Here is how I made them:

First I cut large circles from card stock, one for each letter (mine are 4-1/2").

Then I cut circles the same size from tissue paper ( I had four layers of tissue paper).

Finally I cut and a third circle a couple inches smaller with a letter printed on it.

(I printed the letters on the card stock first then cut them out).

* I used a circle cutter to make it go fast, but you can trace bowls and such.

Scrunch all your tissue paper circles up into a ball, then smooth it out again into a flat circle.

Next I put applied glue to my first layer.

Then I placed my tissue paper on top and twisted the middle into a spiral. I did this by pinching the middle and twisting the paper. You don't need to glue each layer of tissue paper down twisting the paper will hold it all together.

I glued the top circle into place. I cut slits with a razor blade on each side, about an inch in from the sides. Then I strung ribbon through each slit.

That's it!

Richly Ruffled Dress

I'm ecstatic to have Jenn from A Jennuine Life today to offer a super duper fab tutorial! Be sure to check her out on her site and show her some Liberate Creativity Love! Come back soon Jenn!

Richly Ruffled Dress

Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Time to complete: Depends on ability, but you'll have fun doing it!

Topic: Clothing, Children, Sewing

Pattern Giveway from The Fuzzy Noggin

Adrienne from The Fuzzy Noggin is joining us today to throw some creative inspiration our way! Be sure to read the whole interview, as she's been kind enough to do a something special for our readers....

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself.
A: I am a 33 year old stay at home mom of 4 kids (8, 6, 4 & 2), enough said. No but seriously, my day is filled with all things that pertain to having kids and running a household, it is very glamorous. I drink way too much Dr. Pepper and don't work out nearly as much as I should. I love all things crafts and get such enjoyment out of seeing something transform from nothing to something! I have knit for about 8 years and crocheted for only about 2 years, but once I started to crochet I could not stop. I love blogging and I think I may be the last person on earth still not on Facebook.

Q: What events and/or people have led you to become an artist?
A: I have always loved art. My brothers were very artistic and I wanted to keep up with them. I took a lot of art classes in high school and college and actually started out as a dance major (but it was way too time consuming so I switched degrees). Anyway I have always created things mostly just for my own pleasure. I see something and wonder if I could make it, and usually it doesn't turn out too bad. So anyway as far as my crochet patterns go, one day I saw this adorable hat on a little girl and I looked at it closely and realized it was not knit so it must be crochet. I did not know how to crochet so I went and bought an "I Taught Myself to Crochet" kit, watched some video tutorials on Youtube and before I knew it I was crocheting. Not long after that a friend of mine asked if I could make a monkey hat for her little girl. I could not find any patterns I really liked so after a few trials and errors I came up with my own. I put the pattern for sale on Etsy and it was a hit. Since then I have not been able to create all the patterns in my head fast enough.

Q: How do you come up with your creative ideas?
A: I find inspiration everywhere...changing fashion trends, hats my kids want, holidays, different yarns and textures, colors, requests etc.

Q: What’s your quirkiest attribute?
A: I am a bit OCD about organization. It drives me NUTS when things are out of place. I used to have dinner plates in 4 different colors (4 plates of each color) and I would make my husband put them away in the cabinet in sets of 2 and in the correct color order. It is much easier for him now that all of the plates are white. Just typing this makes me realize I have issues.

Q: What would you say to someone who says they aren’t creative?
A: I hear this all the time and I don't buy it. My response is always the same...you will never know how creative you are until you actually TRY to create something.

Q: Where are your items available for sale?
A: Etsy, Ravelry, & Annie's Attic (on their website as well as their catalog)

Q: What project/s do you currently have on your plate?
A: I want to branch out from just hats, although I do have like 5 hat patterns in my head right now. I want to do some leg warmers, bags, and a couple of other accessory type things.

Adrienne has been kind enough to offer our readers a GIVEAWAY from her Etsy store, The Fuzzy Noggin! Check out The Fuzzy Noggin and comment at the bottom of this post sharing which is your FAV pattern in her store! Every comment will be an entry to Adrienne's giveaway for 2 FREE PATTERNS! HOT DOG!!! Comments will be accepted until Monday, March 14th. Be sure to include your email address so I can easily contact the winner.

Shamrock Button Shirt

Hi, I'm Valerie from Occasionally Crafty!  On my blog, you'll find fun projects for home decor, clothing, accessories, and more.  Today I'm going to show you how to make a cute St. Patrick's day shirt.  I know it's coming up quick, but seriously, this only took me a little over an hour to whip up!  And the great thing is, you can adapt this idea, using different shapes, for any holiday!


Level: Beginner
Time to Complete: Expect less than an hour
Topic: Clothing, Children & Sewing

Materials needed:
Shirt
Shamrock template (see below)
Green buttons- various sizes
Needle and coordinating thread, embroidery floss, or glue (if you don't sew)


Directions:
1.  Cut out your shamrock template to use on your shirt.  I traced a clipart image. You can print out mine by right-clicking on the image below, then save it to your computer, resize as necessary, and print.  Or just trace your own!

2.  Trace your shamrock onto your shirt.  (Shh---I used a pencil because I knew it would be covered up, but if that makes you nervous- go for the disappearing ink fabric marker from the craft store).

3.  Determine placement of your buttons.  I only had two sizes of buttons, so I had to adjust from my template a little.  

4.  Hand stitch each button to the shirt.  This is EASY but a little time consuming.  What worked best for me was to put a tiny dot of hot glue on the back of the button and press it into place.  Then, after all the buttons were adhered where I wanted them, I used a needle and embroidery floss to attach the buttons to the shirt.  Hot glue will not hold up in the wash, so this makes them secure.  Feel free to experiment with fabric glue and such if you don't want to sew!

5.  Put it on your little lass and let her dance around the yard.  Or snuggle by the heater if it's still cold where you live :)

Thanks for having me here today!  Have a happy St. Patrick's Day, and I hope to see you all around my blog soon!

Digital Scrapbooking Help

Hi, I'm Jill from Women Who Do It All.  Today I have fun tutorial for anyone who likes digital scrapbooking.  If you get sick of the freebies out there and don't want to pay for more, start making your own background papers!  Here are a couple of my favorites that I've created lately.  If you like them feel free to click on them and then right click to save it to your computer. 

Ready to create your own?  Here's How (Using Photoshop):

Create a new document: 2 inches x 2 inches, 300 ppi.

Fill the square with a design.  Typically you start by choosing a color and using the paint bucket tool to add a background color.  From there you can draw in a design (which I have done and being no artist, it can still turn out!) or using the custom shape tool (which is what I did below). 

Don't have many custom shapes?  Lady Oak is a great place to download loads of free custom shapes!  I typically like to place my shapes randomly.  If you do place them in a tidy order like I did below, make sure to put them closer to the edges otherwise your finished product will end up boxy, as you'll see in the end.

Now, go into the edit menu and define a new pattern.

Now you're done with the 2x2 image, you can save it if you want, I usually don't.  Open a new image that's 12x12, also 300 ppi.

Once you have your new document open, go to "edit", "fill" and choose the new pattern  you just saved.  Voila!  You've got a 12x12 scrapbooking page.  Now we'll just add some finishing touches.

To do that, go into the texture tool and play around!  I almost always add a canvas or burlap texture to make it look like actual paper, but often I find other fun effects in there that add nice touches.  It's fun to play around with!

Once you're happy with your finished product just save it as a jpeg and you're good to go!

*************

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and that you'll stop by and visit me at Women Who Do It All!  I am having a Spring Mantel Linky Party starting today and going all month so come link up your spring mantel.  Thanks to Becky for having me as a guest here at Liberate Creativity.



Giveaway Winner & Introduction of Jeanette Lim

Congrats to Fit Moms Fit Kids for winning our giveaway! I will email you for the details.


As for our details of the giveaway....


Jeanette Lim from "Big Little Felt Universe" was kind enough to offer her book to us as a giveaway! Her book has published in the United States this week. Check out her book on Amazon.com and check out her Etsy site here.

Truly....check out Jeanette's Etsy site...it's AMAZING! I've never seen felt food products so incredible! Seriously! It's worth your time to check out her products, really!!! Check it out here!

Hutch Renovation

Okay, first off.....have you entered the weekly giveaway? If not, go here, leave a comment about what you're grateful for today and then come back to read this post. The giveaway ends TODAY, so do it! Go ahead, I'll wait.


I'm addicted to garage sales. I get a rush from map questing the Saturday morning sales, diet coke in hand and finding the good deals! Last summer I came across this gem for $5.00....

Did I mention $5.00!!!!! It was love at first site! It had to be mine, and with $5.00 as the price It wasn't even fair to haggle. The seller was over the moon that someone appreciated this beauty and shared with me that it sat in his mother's kitchen throughout his entire childhood. This was meant to be mine! And so, I brought her home and named her Hazel. 

Weekly Giveaway Hint

Have you entered our giveaway yet? Check it out here!

Here's your second hint for our super secret givewaway....

I have never "felt" so hungry in my life after staring at this giveaway item!

Photo courtesy of www.voorsphotography.com

To enter, go to the Giveaway page here and post a comment of what you're most grateful for today. Don't forget the deadline is TOMORROW!!!

Ottoman Repair (The Finale)

Did you stay awake all night in the anticipation of the big reveal today? No? Well that's just rude, but I'm not sensitive, so no worries!


So, here's what I did to make my ottoman pleasing to the eye and even more functional.


Level: Intermediate
Topic: Furniture
Time to complete project: Expect 1-4 hours


I cut away the tear of the ottoman into a square.

Then, I whipped out my handy dandy staple gun and got busy stapling all of the leather to the wood trim (don't worry about perfection, just make sure the staples aren't sticking up)

Happy Birthday Wilsonator!

My Wilson turns 1 today! Oh that little boy makes my heart literally swell. I feel privileged to be his mommy. For this reason, let's do a GIVEAWAY! Of course, you have to scroll through my photos to show off my beautiful miracle before I tell you more! 

 Photograph courtesy of Bob Voors Photography

Seriously??!! I recognize mommies are completely unbiased when it comes to their kids, but look at this baby! He cannot stop smiling! I have truly been blessed with both of my boys.
Okay, Becky, pull it together - now for the things that everyone else cares about....
What are we giving away???!!! Wouldn't you like to know! We're going to do what we like to say in our a family, a "super secret fun adventure!"


All you have to do is comment at this post and let me know what you're thankful for today. Easy-peasy, right?! Exactly! Entries will be accepted until Friday, March 4th. I will give a few hints throughout the week as to the giveaway. Secrets are sort of fun, right?!


-Becky


First Hint.....