Author: Kathy Zengolewicz

This is a simple etched rose vase that works as a great gift for almost any occasion. This is a beginners project so if you are not accustomed to working with etching cream, you can start here. It is simple to use the etching cream, but make sure to follow the safety precautions listed on the label.

Kathy Zengolewicz

Here is what you will need to get started:

• A plain glass vase
• Glass etching cream – I used Armour Etch
• Stencil – Armour #12-7042
• Rubber gloves
• Glass cleaner
• masking tape
• paper towels
• scissors
• Running water

Use the glass cleaner to clean off any fingerprints or grease that may be on your vase. With the scissors cut out a rose design and frosted backing sheet from the stencil #12-7042. Position the stencil on the vase with the tacky blue side touching the glass. Secure the stencil to the vase with masking tape.

Using the wooden stick that is enclosed, transfer the stencil to the glass surface using firm, even strokes. When the stencil is in place, remove the masking tape and peel back the clear top sheet.

Reapply the masking tape around the entire stencil. This is to keep the etching cream from hitting that part of the glass that you don’t want etched. Wear the plastic gloves when you work with the etching cream to protect your hands from exposure.

Apply a thick layer of etching cream to the stencil and let it sit for 60 seconds. That’s right, it only takes 1 minute (60 seconds) to work. Make sure to stay within the taped area. After a minute, wash off the etching cream with luke warm water and your vase is ready.

Remove all of the remaining stencil pieces and masking tape and clean the vase, again, using a glass cleaner.

This is one of the prettiest rose vases I have made. It may be a little hard to see the actual design, but it is very beautiful and delicate looking.

Post from: Blisstree

Etched Rose Vase

I have a pattern here for a Gingerbread gift bag. There are so many variations for this pattern, but I made this one as a gift for one of my girlfriends. I never know what to give her and she likes to bake, so this is the perfect present.

Kathy Zengolewicz

Here is what you will need to get started:

• 2 pieces of red felt 6 inches x 6 ½ inches
• 2 pieces of red felt 10 inches x 2 inches
• 2 12inch strips of red felt
• Felt scraps in tan/brown, white, red
• Black fabric paint
• White fabric paint
• White paint pen
• White floss
• White ribbon, 1 inch wide
• Mini whisk
• 1 twist or bread bag tie

Sew the two 10 x 2 inch pieces of felt together to make one 20 inch strip. Take one of the of 6 x 6 ½ inch felt pieces and sew the edges, all three sides, to one side (edges) of the 20 inch strip.  Take the other 6 x 6 ½ piece and sew the edges, all three sides, to the other side(edges) of the 20 inch strip to create the bag.  Attach one of the 12 inch strips of red felt to the inside of the 6 inch piece to form the handle. Sew the other 12 inch strip to the other 6 inch piece. If you don’t have a sewing machine, you can use fabric glue.

Using the picture as a guide, trace and cut out a gingerbread form from the tan/brown felt strip. Using the white floss, sew the gingerbread man to the front of the bag. Decorate the gingerbread man with white felt scraps for buttons, small red scrap for a tie and use the black and white fabric paint to create his eyes.

Use the white marker to create his mouth and to decorate the bag front with whatever design you choose.

Cut a 12 inch piece of white ribbon and attach it to one of the handles with the twist/bread bag tie. Slip one end of the ribbon through the whisk and tie in a bow.

I filled the bag with a gingerbread cookie mix, a cookie recipe and a colorful cup and a single serving of hot cocoa mix.

Post from: Blisstree

Felt Gingerbread Bag

I have a friend whose daughter is getting married in May and she wanted me to come up with an idea for wedding favors. She and her daughter said that they were tired of the same old favors you see everywhere. So, I came up with this idea. It’s a terra cotta pot decorated with roses and they loved the concept.

Kathy Zengolewicz

Here is what you will need to get started:

• One clay pot (you can really use any type of pot)
• White Patio paint
• A paint brush
• Ribbon roses (any color, I chose the color of the bridesmaid dresses)
• Spanish moss
• A glass votive holder
• Small candle
• Hot glue gun

Paint the pot with white paint and let it dry. You will probably need a second coat. Make sure the paint has dried thoroughly.

Hot glue the ribbon rose buds along the top of the pot, on the outside rim. Then glue one or two ribbon roses on the body of the pot. If you are using all white roses and leaves, you can add a little bit of gold metallic Patio paint by dabbing it randomly around the pot.

You can glue some white or green leaves around the roses on the body of the pot. Another option is to take a picture, maybe an engagement picture, of the couple and glue it to the front of the pot, but that will be a little more expensive to make pictures for all of the favors.

I am making the pot with the couple’s picture for the bride’s and the groom’s mother only and plain rose pots for the remainder of the guests. That was their choice.

Put some spanish moss in the bottom of the pot and top it off with a glass votive holder. Insert a candle, use a candle that is the same color as the roses you use. Finish it off by putting the Bride and Groom’s name under the picture or rose.

The cost for making this favor was minimal. There is no need to spend a lot on favors if you are willing to make them yourself. These turned out beautiful.

Post from: Blisstree

Rose Pot Candle Holder

I have a great project for you today, a kitchen herb garden that you can grow on your windowsill or your counter top.  All you need are a few supplies to get you started. Growing your own herbs to use while cooking is an economical way to feed your family healthy meals.

Kathy Zengolewicz

Here is what you will need to get started:

• Three 4 ½ inch terra cotta pots
• Patio Paint – Fern Green, Geranium Red, Cloud White, Wrought Iron Black, Pumpkin
• A paint brush
• Paper towels
• Foam plate or a paint palette
• Fine tip black marker
• Stencils – you can find these online for free (a chef and a chile pepper)
• Pencil eraser

First, paint all of the clay pots with Pumpkin/Orange paint and let them dry.

On the chef pot, mix Pumpkin and Cloud White to paint the face. I used a plain chef stencil. Paint the chef hat with Cloud White, the neckerchief Geranium Red and use the fine tip black marker or Wrought Iron Black to make the eyes, eyebrows, mustache and mouth. Write “Too many cooks” on the top.

On the Herb pot, Refer to the photo and write “Paprika, Garlic, Bay Leaves, Oregano, Parsley and Basil on the top and randomly on the pot, using fine tip marker or the Wrought Iron Black paint. Trace a small leaf pattern on the pot between the lettering and paint the inside of the leaves Fern Green.

For the Pepper pot, just trace small chile pepper on the pot. Paint the pepper Geranium Red and the leaves Fern Green. Make a small stem with the marker or Wrought Iron Black paint. Paint the words “hot” across the top.

You can also use a pencil eraser dipped in the Wrought Iron Black to make small black dots on the pots.

Now you have three colorful container to start your kitchen herb garden.  Enjoy!

Post from: Blisstree

Kitchen Herb Garden

There are so many different ways to make a holiday wreath. I like the fact that making your own wreath makes it a one of a kind decoration. You can put anything you choose on the wreath and it is not only for hanging outdoors. I have a wreath hanging in just about every room in my house.

Kathy Zengolewicz

Here is what you will need to get started making a Santa Face Wreath:

• An artificial wreath ( I suppose you could use a real wreath too)
• A Santa face ornament (This time of year you can find them everywhere)
• Hot glue gun
• Floral wire
• Pinecones (optional) I have small pinecones on my picks
• Christmas picks (I chose berries and poinsettia picks)
• Red Ribbon (also optional, I didn’t have room for one)

Start out by arranging your wreath. Pull and shape the wreath until it looks full. You won’t be able to do any shaping once you add the ornaments and picks.

I have my Santa’s face in the middle at the top, but you can put it anywhere. Place the picks, arranging them randomly, around the wreath. Some of the ornaments may need to be glued and all of the picks and the pinecones will need to be fastened to the wreath with floral wire.

For an added touch, you can put a little bit of spray snow on the tips of the greenery. That will give it a rich look.

If you have two doors, for example doors leading to a deck, why not make another wreath and put Mrs. Santa’s face on that one.  That is a real cute idea, a pair of wreaths.

Wreaths are another craft that are easy and inexpensive to make. You choose what to put on them and that makes your wreath unique. You can also use styrofoam wreaths for this project.

Post from: Blisstree

Santa Face Wreath

Did you ever have a dilemma about what type of a package to wrap something in? I did and I came up with the perfect solution. I know this is going to be a hit.

Every year I make cute little gifts for my grandchildren, they range in age from 2 to 15 years. This year I made reindeer food for the little ones and didn’t want to just put it in a baggie. I decided to use a mason jar and jazz it up a little.

Kathy Zengolewicz

Here is what you will need to make this decorative jar:

• An empty glass canning jar (any size)
• A swatch of Christmas fabric
• 1 inch red satin ribbon
• Rickrack (optional)
• Double sided tape
• A hot glue gun
• Fabric glue

First, cut out a piece of fabric to wrap around your jar. Measure and cut the rickrack for the top and sides and set aside.

Wash and dry your mason jar. Make sure that the jar is thoroughly dry before applying the fabric to the glass. You might want to give it a quick wipe with a little bit of alcohol to take off any grease.

Put some double sided tape, in the middle of the jar and wrap it around three quarters of the jar. Affix the fabric to the tape, placing the band of tape in the middle of the fabric. Peel the top back and apply glue to help the fabric stick. Do the same with the bottom of the fabric. Smooth the print with your fingers to remove any creases.

Let it dry for a few minutes, then put a strip of red satin ribbon around the top and bottom of the cloth and run it around the entire jar. Use the double sided tape to hold the ribbon in place. Hot glue the rickrack to the ribbon and let it dry.

Use the top insert in the lid and trace a piece of fabric to cover the lid. Cut out the fabric, add a little bit of hot glue and put the outer lid back in place.

Now you have a decorative container in case you want to make reindeer food. Or you can use it for anything. I made a few and I use them to give gifts of peppermint sticks. I have receive lots of compliments on these jars. You will too!

Post from: Blisstree

Decorative Mason Jar

I was out shopping recently and saw a really cute candy jar. I thought it was cute until I saw the price tag. Rather than spend my money on that candy jar, I decided that I could make one just as nice, and I was right. I have a real cute candy jar for you to make and it didn’t cost anywhere near as much to make as the one that I was going to buy.

Kathy Zengolewicz

Here is what you will need to get started:

• A plain glass jar with a removable top
• Plaid glass paint in Wicker White and Engine Red
• Rubbing Alcohol or an ammonia glass cleaner
• A hot glue gun
• Red satin ribbon

Clean the glass jar with the rubbing alcohol or window cleaner. Your jar should be clean and grease free. Using the Wicker White glass paint randomly paint about 8 to 10 snowflakes on the jar. Make the snowflakes different sizes. To make a snowflake, paint a horizontal line, a vertical line and two more diagonal lines. Let them dry for about an hour and then paint dots on the end of each snowflake line.

Using the handle of the paint brush and Engine Red, paint dots around the edge of the jar lid and let it dry. Paint a few snowflakes on the jar lid and let that dry.

To make the candy cane I used a candy cane stencil, tape the stencil to the side of the jar and paint it using the Wicker White, let it dry. When it’s dry, use the Engine Red to paint the stripes on the candy cane.

Cut two pieces of red satin ribbon to fit around the top and the bottom of the jar. Use your hot glue gun to adhere the ribbon to the glass. Fill your jar with candy, pop the lid on and there you have it. It looks great when it’s finished.

This is a very inexpensive and nice looking finished project. You can fill it with candy, cookies or any other type of goodies. It’s also nice enough to give as a gift.

Post from: Blisstree

Christmas Candy Jar

This project is not quite a votive light, it’s a little bit bigger. I have a 4 ½ inch ivy bowl with a small pillar candle inside and it gives off just the right amount of light. I use lighted candles throughout my house, upstairs and down, and this ivy bowl and candle give off a little more light than a vigil cup.

Kathy Zengolewicz

Here is what you will need to get started:

• A 4 ½ inch ivy bowl
• A 3 inch pillar candle
• Acrylic paint for glass, red
• Gold glitter paint
• A sea sponge
• Toothpicks
• Rubbing alcohol or an ammonia glass cleaner

Start off by cleaning the ivy bowl with the alcohol or ammonia glass cleaner. Paint will adhere and look better when the glass is clean. Using the sea sponge, paint the entire bowl with the red acrylic paint and let it dry thoroughly.

When the bowl is dry, apply the gold glitter paint using a regular toothpick. You can trace a design with the gold paint using a template or just use your imagination. I basically traced a branch with the paint and it came out looking great.

You can use these lights as a set (make two or three) or use them alone as a centerpiece. You don’t have to use a sea sponge, you can paint the bowl red or use a regular sponge, but when you use a sea sponge the effect is beautiful when lit.

I decided to make a few sets to give to friends as gifts. To package them  use a small festive holiday bag. You can also paint them green and use a silver glitter paint, or paint the white and use a green or red glitter paint. Whichever way you paint them, they are dazzling when lit.

I usually make of a couple and keep them on hand to give as a gift to unexpected company.  They are very easy and inexpensive to make.

Post from: Blisstree

Ivy Bowl Votive Light

Here is an idea for you to try to spruce up your kitchen chairs. You have control over the colors, style and theme that you use. Choose something traditional or choose something wild, it’s all up to you.

I chose to go with a medium green background with candy canes. It’s a little different, not too bright, but I like the look of it. So, choose what you want to look at in your kitchen. This is the project for you if you want something simply and not too frilly.

Kathy Zengolewicz

Here is what you will need to get started:

• one yard of fleece, print or solid
• 1 yard of Rickrack extra wide
• Assorted buttons
• Red or green floss
• Basic sewing supplies

For the chair cover, cut two pieces of fleece measuring 10×15 inches.  This is a measurement for an average chair. You might want to measure your chair to be sure of a true cut.

For the flap, cut two pieces of fleece to measure 18.12 inches. Place a mark 4 1/2  inches down each side of both pieces. Place a mark at the center of the 18 inch side on the bottom and draw a line from this mark to the 4 1/2 inch mark. Cut along this line. With right sides together sew along this line. Turn right side out and sew the rickrack on the flap point.

Layer one 18×15 inch piece right side up , the flap and on 18×15 inch piece right side down.  Sew both sides and top, leaving the bottom open.  Turn right side out, fold up 1/2 inch for the hem and sew in place.

Sew buttons around the bottom and the flap with floss for an added touch.

You’ll need to do this one, two or three more times depending on how many chairs you have in your kitchen. This is one way to add charm to your kitchen without breaking the bank and fleece gives it a warm and homey feel.

Post from: Blisstree

How to Make Chair Covers

I have made many glass block Christmas lights, but this is my first Hanukkah glass block light. Although we are a Christian family, my son has been going out, and living with, a beautiful Jewish girl and I want to make her feel as at home as possible. So, I made her a glass block light for Hanukkah.  I hopes she likes it!

You can make a glass block light for any occasion. Here are the steps to take.

Kathy Zengolewicz

Here is what you will need to get started

• One 8×8×4 Glass block
• A Power drill
• ½ inch diamond drill bit
• A strand of 35 mini lights (with only one plug on the end=no female plug end
• Wide ribbon(with wire)
• A large bow
• Clip art or photos
• Glass sealer (I use Envirotec)

For the block: drill a ½ inch hole in one of the flat sides of the glass block using the diamond drill bit. The hole can be located on the bottom, on the side of the block. This is where the light strand cord will hang out of.

After drilling the hole, rinse the glass block out with tap water to remove any glass dust. Allow the inside to completely air dry; it should take a day or two.

Print your clip art or photo on a full sheet label. Hold the label up to the glass block and measure to make sure that it will fit.

Apply the label to the front and back of the glass block and spray with glass sealer (Envirotec) and let dry. Once it is dry, affix the ribbon around the sides of the glass block and use a bit of hot glue to help it stick.

Lastly, attach the bow to the top center and you’re done. You will have a beautiful lighted decoration to use anywhere you choose. Enjoy!

Post from: Blisstree

Glass Block Hanukkah Light

I have a quick and easy pattern for a set of gingerbread place mats for your kitchen or dining room table. The kids love them and they really make the room look festive. Since the gingerbread man material is a light tan, you can use any pattern of fabric for the placemat and napkin.

Kathy Zengolewicz

Here is what you will need to get started:

• ¾ yards of Christmas print
• ½ yard of polyester fleece
• ½ yard of solid fabric (for the napkins)
• ¼ yard of light brown or tan print or solid (for the gingerbread bodies, I used solid to make a contrast)
• ½ – 5/8 inch sew through buttons
• (4) ½ to 5/8 sew through buttons
• Matching thread
• A black permanent marking pen, extra fine
• Powder blush (optional)

This pattern makes two place mats. Cut four 13×18 pieces of the Christmas print, two 13×18 pieces of fleece and two 17 inch squares of broadcloth (napkins).

Allow a ½ inch seam for the place mats and ¼ inch seam for the gingerbread bodies. Hem the napkins to your desired length and set aside.

Round the corners of the 13×18 inch pieces slightly. Machine baste a fleece piece to the wrong side of two print pieces. Trim the fleece close to the stitching. The remaining print pieces are for the back of the place mat.

Wit the right sides together, stitch each front to each back leaving a 5 inch opening along one of the long edges. Trim and clip the curves, turn it right side out and slip stitch the opening and press it.

Transfer all marks to the right side of two of the body pieces. Machine baste each body fleece to the wrong side of the two body pieces with the marking. Trim all of the fleece close to the stitching.

With the right sides together, stitch each body, leaving an opening between the small “.” on one side. Reinforce the stitches at the side points. Clip to inside of the points and clip the curves. Turn it right side out, slip stitch the opening and press.

Sew the buttons to the body at large “.” and using the marker, draw the mouth and “x”’s for the eyes. Apply powder blush for the cheeks if you’d like to, I didn’t bother. Following the diagram for placement, stitch a gingerbread man to each placemat. Leave it open between “s” on each side. There you have your place mats. Enjoy!

To download the patterns, please go to  http://domesticbuzz.com/templates/gingerbread.tiff

http://domesticbuzz.com/templates/placement.tiff

Post from: Blisstree

Gingerbread Place Mats

The original pattern for this project was made with mittens, but I couldn’t find the right size so with a needle and thread and a couple of stitches I made this snowman pair from gloves. They really look cute, too. Now let me tell you haw to make your own Mr. and Mrs. Snowman gloves/mittens.

Kathy Zengolewicz

Here is what you will need to get started:

• 2 gloves (use a small size, they look better)
• 2 wooden balls to fit the glove size (I used 1 ¼ inch balls)
• Poly-fil or other stuffing material
• Fabric scraps
• 2 pompoms (the color of your choice)
• 4 small buttons
• Ribbon or decorative trim
• Doll hair
• Hot glue gun
• A pencil (for the face detail)
• Rice (optional)

You can do this with mittens or gloves. If you use gloves you’ll need to turn the glove inside out and stitch up the index, middle and ring finger, leaving the pinky finger and thumb to stuff.

If you plan to hang these ornaments you don’t have to use the rice, but if you want them to stand on their own fill about half of the glove/mitten bottom with rice. Fill the rest of the glove with the polyfil and make sure to push the filling into the finger and thumb. Stuff the body and fingers tightly.

Glue the wooden head to the top of the glove where the fingers are sewn. Hold it there for a few minutes until it drys. Cut a small piece of fabric to use as a hat for the Mr. and glue it to his head.

For the Mrs., glue a few tresses of doll hair to the center of her head. Glue a pompom to the sides where her ears would be, these are her earmuffs.

Glue buttons on the Mrs. and add a small Christmas tree for the Mr. to hold. If your snowman isn’t standing right you can also glue a large button to the bottom of the body, that will make it a little sturdier.

You can use a black pencil to draw the eyes and a red pencil for the mouth and cheeks. I used a little bit of acrylic paint, but you can use what you have. That’s all there is to it, now you have your own Mr. and Mrs. Snowman.  Enjoy!

Post from: Blisstree

Mr and Mrs Snowman Gloves

I have another wreath for you today only this one is edible. It’s chocolate, too, and I don’t see how anyone can top a chocolate wreath.  Even though it is edible, you can hang it on a door or wall as a decoration. I don’t, however, think I would hang it on an outside door or it might just slowly disappear when your door is closed.

Kathy Zengolewicz

Here is what you will need to get started:

• A 12 inch styrofoam wreath
• 2 large bags of Hershey kisses (in Christmas color wrap, if possible)
• 1 Roll of aluminum foil
• A low heat glue gun
• A medium sized red bow
• <Red satin ribbon to use as a hanger

Take the 12 inch styrofoam wreath and wrap it with aluminum foil. Make sure to cover the entire wreath, it is not recommended to have food, of any type, touch the bare styrofoam. Wrap the foil around the wreath tightly so that it stays in place.

Place a small amount of glue on the foil that you have wrapped around the wreath and one by one glue the kisses on the wreath. Make sure to put a kiss everywhere you see the foil to make the wreath look full.

Let it sit and dry. When dry, take your bow (they usually have wire attached to the middle for attaching) and tie it around the wreath at the bottom. If you don’t have enough wire to attach it, use some floral wire to lengthen the wire on the bow.

Now, take the satin ribbon. Cut the ribbon about 10 inches to make sure you have enough. Put the ribbon around the top of the wreath, front to back. Try to work it between the kisses even if it doesn’t look straight it will hang straight.

Enjoy!

Post from: Blisstree

Hershey Kiss Wreath

I am constantly trying to find new and unique project for you and I think I came up with a pretty good one. This project was originally made with cranberries, but I changed a things and came up with this pattern. I’m sure you will enjoy making and having this decoration on your table.

Kathy Zengolewicz

Here is what you will need to get started:

• A 12” styrofoam cone
• Acrylic craft pain, red
• A strand of  Christmas  garland (6 foot – I found a small Christmas ball ornament garland)
• A small ornament for the top
• Small plastic snowflakes
• Floral wire or u-shaped floral pins
• Wire cutters
• A Paintbrush
• Low temperature glue gun.

Paint the styrofoam cone red and let it dry. If you’re using floral wire, cut the wire in 3 or 3 ½ inch lengths and bend them into a u-shape.

Starting at the bottom, glue the garland to the cone and insert floral pins or u-shape floral wire between the balls for an extra hold.  Continue wrapping the garland around the cone until covered. You may need to play with the garland a little to make sure it is sitting right. Arrange it to your liking.

Place the snowflakes between the rows of garland, spacing them as necessary. Put the small ornament on the top of the tree. You may need to put a small slice in the top of the cone to hold the top ornament.

You can make these tree in any color you choose. I have one in red, one in blue and one in green. You can place them on your lamp or coffee table, they make a beautiful decoration and they cost pennies to make.

You can also place the tree in a small styrofoam bowl and use it as a base. Sprinkle some fake snow around the bottom for a nice effect.

If you’re giving them as gifts they fit very nicely in wine bottle bags. Expects your friends to be surprised when the open the gift and find a tree instead of a bottle of wine.

Enjoy!

Post from: Blisstree

Tabletop Christmas Tree

Who says you have to have a Christmas Tree? Just kidding! But I do have a great craft project for you today. When I first saw the newer, larger Christmas balls a few years ago I wasn’t quite sure if people were putting them on their trees. I don’t think I can put a ball this large on my tree, so I thought of another way to decorate the ball.

Kathy Zengolewicz

Here is what you will need to get started:

• A 5 or 6 inch Christmas ball (or whatever size you choose)
• An assortment of Christmas picks or florals
• A couple of berry picks
• A large bow made with wired ribbon or ribbon to make the bow yourself
• A hot glue gun
• A length of thin gold cord to hang the ball
• Alcohol
• seasonal stickers (optional)

Wipe the Christmas ball down with a little alcohol and let it dry. If you are using the stickers, place them in various places on the ball. You don’t have to use stickers, it looks just fine without them. I only mention them because I made these for a few friends and a couple of my close friends wanted stickers on theirs.

Place the picks or florals around the top of the ball right under the silver hook holder. You’ll need to put these on one at a time, glue them in place and hold them for a minute until the glue takes hold. Place the berry picks, one on each side and glue into place.

If you are making the bow yourself, make at least 6 or 7 loops. Take the bow and hot glue it to the top of the ball. Don’t cover the silver hook holder, loop your thin gold cord through the hook holder and tie.

You now have a beautiful decoration to hang anywhere. I have my ornament hanging in front of my kitchen window, over my sink. Everyone who visits and see this ornament wants one for their home. So, as you can imagine, I have made my fair share of Christmas ball decorations.

Enjoy!

Post from: Blisstree

Christmas Ball Ornament

This is my second craft this month using a burned out lightbulb and I think they both are cute decorations for the tree. This is a great way to use lightbulb that have lost their practical use. I love to discover ways to recycle and craft at the same time. Okay, let’s go.

Kathy Zengolewicz

Here is what you will need to get started:

• A used lightbulb
• A 6” doily
• Poinsettia picks or Christmas floral with at least three branches and each branch having at least 5 leaves.
• Gold cord or thin ribbon
• Invisible thread or fishing string to use as a hanger
• Red or gold spray paint (optional)

If you are using the spray paint, be sure to clean the lightbulb first with rubbing alcohol or an ammonia based window cleaner. Let it dry and then spray with the paint of you choice. It also looks great with no paint at all.

Gather the doily up over the lightbulb. You may need to play with it a little bit to get the right fit. Once you have the doily the way you want it, thread the gold cord or thin ribbon through the openings in the doily and tie it. The cord/ribbon should fit nicely around the bulb a little below the metal screw threads.

Tie the invisible thread or fishing string around the bottom of the metal screw part of the bulb to create the hanger.

Separate the branches on the poinsettia pick or Christmas florals, whichever you are using. If you can’t get them separated enough to hide the metal screw thread, then insert them between the lightbulb and the doily making sure that the stem reaches below the gold cord. Space them evenly around the ornament, at the neck of the lightbulb.

Arrange the picks or floral so that the metal screw thread doesn’t show. If you cord isn’t holding them in place, try using a bit of glue from a hot glue gun. This project is very easy and inexpensive to make. Make more than one to hang on you tree.

Post from: Blisstree

Doily Lightbulb Decoration

Crystal dove centerpieces make beautiful decorations for your table or mantle piece. This project is easy an inexpensive to make and will accent your dining or living room. It is relatively easy to work with styrofoam. That is one of the reasons I chose this craft, so let’s get started.

Kathy Zengolewicz

Here is a list of supplies that you will need:

• A 2 ½” craft foam egg
• craft foam balls: one 5” and one 1 ½”
• A sheet of white tissue paper
• A sheet of 8” x 11” white cardstock (I used unruled index cards)
• 2 pearl or colored head pins (I used blue)
• Two 2” white glitter snowflakes (optional)
• One 12”-16” crystal decorative branch
• Modge Podge or other decoupage laminate/sealer
• craft glue
• craft knife
• paint brush, pencil, scissors and toothpicks

Using a craft knife, cut off 1/3 of the 5” ball. Cut one thin slice from the small ball and discard the slices.

Make the bird body by inserting a toothpick between one egg and the flat edge of the small ball.  Apply glue and press it together. Hold for a minute until it starts to stick.

Tear the tissue paper into small pieces. Brush the foam body with Modge Podge, completely covering the entire egg and cover the body with the tissue paper. Brush on a second coat of Modge Podge, over the tissue and coat the whole body again. Sprinkle with glitter and let it dry.

Using the cardstock or index card, draw a beak, wing and a tail. Cut all of these out and brush them with the decoupage and sprinkle with glitter. Let them dry and repeat the process on the other side.

When dry, glue the beak, wings and tail to the body. Apply the pearl or colored pins in the small foam ball (head) and use them for the eyes.

Insert the branch into the ball base and either glue the bird to the base or insert toothpicks into the base and the bottom of the bird. If you are using the 2″ white glitter snowflakes, glue the to the base.

There you have it. A beautiful crystal dove centerpiece.

Post from: Blisstree

Crystal Dove Centerpiece

Years ago I used to make crochet Christmas stockings and they were a big hit at the time. Since it is time for some new stockings I thought I would make them from fleece material this year. I found it easy, inexpensive and fun to work with fleece and make a few beautiful, and personalized, stockings.

Kathy Zengolewicz

Here is what you will need to get started:

• 2 rectangles 10” x 15” red fleece
• 1 rectangle 14” x 3 ½” white fleece
• Matching thread
• 2/3 yards of red satin ribbon
• rotary cutting mat or scissors
• ruler

First you will need to enlarge the pattern on your printer or copy machine to measure 14” long by 8 ½” wide. Place the rectangles of red fleece right sides together. Place the stocking pattern on the fleece and cut it out

Making a ½” seam, sew the sides and bottom of the stocking together. Press the seams open and turn the stocking right side out.

Fold the white fleece in half widthwise, right sides together and sew a ½” seam down the 3 ½” side. Press open.

Cut a scalloped edge onto the white fleece. Place right side of sewn white fleece inside sewn red stocking. Align the top raw edges and seam of white fleece with the back seam of the stocking. Use a ½” seam allowance to sew the cuff to the stocking.

Pull the white cuff out of the stocking. Create a loop with the red satin ribbon for hanging. Sew a strip of ribbon across the front of the stocking. Trace the name of the person who will receive the stocking with glue and sprinkle with white crystal glitter.

For a copy of the stocking pattern, please visit http://www.domesticbuzz.com/templates/stocking.pdf

Enjoy!

Post from: Blisstree

Fleece Christmas Stocking

I never before realized how many cool things you can do with styrofoam. Styrofoam is easy to work with and it is fairly inexpensive. I have a project here that calls for an 8 inch cube, but you can use a smaller cube. I wouldn’t suggest using a cube smaller than 6 inches since you will need it to hold a couple of candles.

Kathy Zengolewicz

Here is what you will need to get started:

• 6 or 8 inch styrofoam cube
• Assorted scrapbook paper in black and white print (I used black, silver and white and it came out great)
• If you have wrapping paper around, you can use it instead of scrapbook paper
• A wide putt knife
• Circle punches ¼ inch; 5/8 inch; 1 inch (optional)
• Card stock in black and white (optional)
• A household sponge
• three glass votive holder with candles
• A pencil
• a ruler
• Scissors
• Paper paste (Elmer’s works well)

Cut six 8 inch paper squares from you scrapbook or wrapping paper. If you wish, you can create patterned paper on the solid cardstock by cutting or punching holes out of a contrasting cardstock.

Using the putty knife, spread a thin layer of past on one side of the foam cube and on the back of one of the paper squares. Make sure to spread the paste all the way to the edges. Adhere the paper to the foam smoothing with your fingers until the paper starts to stick.

Repeat this process on all six sides of the cube. You may need to let each side dry a little bit before working on the next side. If the paper is too wet, it may slide while you’re working on another side. After all of the sides dry, wipe the cube with a damp sponge to remove any excess paste.

When the cube is thoroughly dry, place the votive cups and candles on top. Remember, never leave candles burning unattended.  Enjoy!

Post from: Blisstree

Candle Cube

I am always looking for easy to make unique ornaments to make and share with you. Here is one cute ornament you can make and hang on your tree. It takes very little time and material to complete. I don’t think I have ever seen a project like this, working with light bulbs. Now that is a very different idea.

Kathy Zengolewicz

Here is what you will need to get started:

• One lightbulb, using a burned out bulb will work
• Acrylic paints in red, white, flesh toned, black and blue (you can use paint markers or plain markers for the blue eyes, black eye shape and beard highlights
• paint brushes
• rubbing alcohol or an ammonia window cleaner
• white or red chenille stem or pipe cleaner for the hanger
• scrap material for the hat
• A jingle bell or pom pom for the end of the hat
• scrap white material for hat trim
• hot glue or craft glue

First, clean the lightbulb thoroughly with the alcohol or window cleaner. This will take off any grease or fingerprints and help the paint to adhere to the bulb.

Pain the bulb white, let it dry and give it a second coat. When the second coat dries, paint an oval for the face area with the flesh toned paint. Let it dry thoroughly.

When that’s dry, paint the facial features by copying for the photo. Add white whiskers around the face to create a large mustache. Add a thin red line right below the mustache to form the lips. Add two red circle shape for the cheeks.

Use either black paint, paint marker or plain marker to make an outline of the eyes. Also, add some faint black lines in the mustache and beard to define the shape.

Next, take a scrap of red felt and cut in a triangle to make the hat. You can get 12 x 12 pieces of felt in the craft store for about 75 cents. Stitch up the felt and sew a jingle bell or glue a pom pom on the pointed end of the hat, then trim with a piece of white material.

Twist the chenille stem around the bottom of the metal base, on the bulb, above the face then twist the two ends together to form a hanger. Push the hat down and glue in place.

Once the glue is dry you can hang your Santa on your tree. Enjoy!

Post from: Blisstree

Light Bulb Santa