Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Designer Craft Connection Challenge - Sticky Sticks

Another product challenge came my way with "Sticky Sticks™".  My first thoughts were to begin by cutting them up or changing their shape in some form.  Instead I had settled on two ideas and this is the one I chose.
   (NOTE: Please excuse the one photo shot, having camera issue and had to use photo from iPad.)

The sticks were used to form the sides to make a basket.  The base of the basket is made from a piece of thin corragated board.  It was then covered on both sides; the inside with fabric and the outside with a decorative paper.  The Sticky Sticks™ line each side of the box.  Yarn was then wrapped around the sticks to form the sides of the basket.  Once the wrapping was completed, two sticks were sandwiched together, by applying some added glue to the area with no adhesive.  Then were glued into the inside, along the top of the basket for added support on each of the four sides.  This same step was repeated and placed inside near the bottom for added support.

I chose to paint the sticks with an acrylic paint to add more color, but the sticks could remain in their natural state. I bit of flat trim was glued around the top and lower edge of the wrapped yarn. A die-cut burlap flower and some felt leaves were added for a little extra embellishment.

The basket could hold rolled up napkins on a table or counter or be used to hold a short vase with flowers as a centerpiece or any other items desired.


Next up with remaining left over Sticky Sticks™ a wreath.



Monday, October 7, 2013

Autumn Celebrations - Designer Craft Connection October Edition

Each season brings with it some special moments.  Autumn has several. Like the other times of the year, I enjoy adding decorations to highlight the celebrations of the season.  Around the house are simple holiday related items.  There are several pumpkins, fall flower sprays, autumnal naturals and other collected pieces like witches and scarecrows.


Some handmade items that I have made for my home can be seen in these photos.  This cute and easy banner made just for Halloween was made using purchased foam shapes of pumpkins and ghosts, by punching a small hole near the top of each.  Thread a length of ribbon through the hole and tie each shape onto a long length of cording.

Another banner is made in a similiar way using purchased foam leaves.  Again they are clustered together and tied on cording with raffia.  This one can remain up for the entire Fall season.

One more banner that celebrates the season of Autumn is made from scraps of burlap, die-cut shapes, acorn embellishments and torn strips of seasonal fabrics.


Each of these banners along with a few natural items can be just enough to bring a little something extra to your home for the season.

Now hop on through the other blogs for more inspiration.