Canvas Make-Over Part II

Here is Part II of the project I'm working on for work.  Last week I shared my canvas make-over.

Today I added some blue ribbon and added the pins my boss awards the photographers for doing a good job.  Lifetouch calls it 'I Approve'.  

I attached the ribbon by taping the end onto the back of the canvas, then I glued it across the top edge, and added pins from the top down.  To hold the ribbon in place I taped the end to the bottom edge, and cut off the tail.  I checked and we will still be able to remove the pins, because there is a lot of give in the ribbon, even though it looks taut.  

Hope your week is going well, and happy DIYing, chris!  

Handmade Card

Trying to stick to my goal this month on posting more DIYs, so here is the birthday card (with envelope!) I made for Aaron.  I've made a variation of this before.  I got the idea from The Ultimate Cardmaker, which is a fantastic book on card making.  If you have any interest in cardmaking this book is a must buy.  This book will generate enough inspiration for years and years of card making.  

The book suggest using teabag folding papers.  I had never heard of that type of paper the first time I made this card.  Of course I googled it, and so I decided to cut origami paper into 1.5 inch squares.  

Step 1:  Cut origami paper into 1.5 inch squares.  You'll need 7.  

Step 2:  Fold the squares in half both ways.

Step 3:  Fold the squares on their diagonal.  

Step 4:  Pinch the middle in, and flatten into a triangle.  

Step 5:  On one side fold the the triangle arms under, making a square in the middle.  On the other side fold the tips that are sticking out back.

Step 6:  Make seven of these little guys.  For some reason only six made it into this photo ... opps.  

Step 7:  Now start attaching the seven squares together.  Begin by folding half of the top square back, and apply a quick drying glue.  Weave the next piece in by placing the triangle flap over your glue splotch, and press the top flap over the piece you placed over the glue.  

Step 8:  Keep repeating this process.  I found it was best to layer moving in a counterclockwise motion.  

Step 9: This is what it should look like before you slip in the last piece.  

Step 10:  Place the last piece the same way you did the other pieces, and then glue the other side in, but layer on top of the first piece.  

Glue the paper medallion down on a long card.  I made my card by folding some handmade paper in half, and taking a couple inches off the bottom.  I glued some twine and yarn under the bottom to make it kind of look like an award.  In the book they use ribbons, and I did that the first time I tried this, and it looked awesome too.  

When all the ribbons or string/twine are in place hot glue a button to the center.  Now you're card is complete.  I stamped 'happy birthday' across the top, and wrote a little love note on the inside.  

Now for making an envelope.  Once you learn this technique you can make an envelope for any handmade card, no template necessary.  

Step 1: Get a piece of scrapbook paper, and trace the card in the center of the paper.

Step 2:  Measure the width of your card, divide that number in half and then add a half inch.  Measure that distance away from the long outside edge.  Draw a line, and then using our ruler angle in from the corners.  For the short ends, measure 2.5 inches up, and draw a line, and then angle in from the corners again.  

Step 3:  Cut the envelope out.  If you wanted to line the inside of the envelope now would be the time.  

Step 4:  Place the card face down over the center, and fold the bottom flap up.

Step 5:  Fold the sides in.

Step 6:  Run a line of glue down both edges of the bottom flap, and smooth the side flaps down.  Then add a line of glue to the right side flap edge, and smooth the left flap over it.  

Step 7:  Now glue the top flap down.  You could also use a sticker to close it, or if you are into wax seals that would be super awesome.  

Step 8:  Finish off by stamping 'happy birthday' on the front of the envelope.  Now you're done!  

Hope ya'll liked this DIY, and happy DIYing, chris.

Matchstick Holder

Today I am transforming a clear votive glass into a matchstick holder.  You can pick any type of material to cover your votive with, this way your 'matchbox' can blend with your current decor!  This idea originally came up, because I had a candle lighting bit in my wedding ceremony, and I didn't want an ugly box of matches sitting up on the alter.   

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

- Clear Glass Votive

- Ribbon or Fabric or Paper

- Box of Large Matches

- Glue

- Scissors

Directions:

Start by running a line of glue around the bottom edge of the votive, then quickly place the ribbon down evenly around the bottom.  Thicker ribbon is more forgiving, try not to use too much glue.  

Continue adding glue, and then the ribbon all the way up.  Make sure to line up the ends vertically.   Be creative with the way you apply the ribbon, and the colors you pick out!  This is optional, but you can add a little clear nail polish too keep the ends from unraveling.  

Finally, cut out a thin strip of the striker from a box of matches.  Make sure it is wide enough to cover the seams, and the right height to fit on the glass.  Add glue to the back of the striker board, and then place over the seams.  

Now you have a lovely way to display your matches next to your candles.  

The matchstick holder on the right in this photo I used for my wedding.  

Hope you enjoy, happy DIYing!