“The Art of Patron”

A few weeks back, I was invited by the communications group for Patrón tequila to take a shot at being creative by entering “The Art of Patrón” contest.

From now until April 30th, Patrón is hosting “The Art of Patrón,” a contest that recognizes handmade visual and functional pieces of art that contain, are made from, or depict any Patrón bottle or component thereof. Those who are 21 and older, are invited to submit original designs for a chance to win a cash prize and national exposure!

I’m going to take a whirl at this challenge and I hope you will too!  Simply follow this link for all of the details:  www.artofpatron.com.

Not only will I enjoy this challenge, I’ll enjoy emptying the bottle too….oh boy.  Cheers and happy crafting!

 

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Bailing Twine Flowers

My friend Kate made yarn pom poms for a wreath (and her cat Fable) and I thought I’d try the same technique but use bailing twine instead to make flowers. I love bailing twine – it’s inexpensive, a roll of it goes a long way, and I use it in a lot of my projects.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Bailing twine
• Florist wire
• Scissor
• Your fingers

Here’s how ya do it:

1. Loosely wrap twine around four fingers starting with your forefinger to your pinky finger. Wrap the twine around your four fingers about 25 times.
2. Remove the twine from your fingers and twist florist wire in the middle of the flower to bind the center of the flower.
3. Cut the looped ends with a scissor.
4. Now simply fluff up the flower to the perfect shape and cut the flower to the desired size.
5. Done!

I hot glued mine to the ends of twigs but there are countless creative uses for these beauties. Have fun, and happy crafting!

Wine Bottle Garden Lanterns

If you’re looking for a fun and crafty way to create unique garden lanterns then you’ll love this project. I’ll show you how to transform empty wine or water bottles into these lovely lanterns. They’re super easy and are sure to impress guests at your next garden shindig.

Here’s what you’ll need.

Note to crafters: I found my bottle cutter on-line at Amazon.com. The rest of the supplies, with the exception of the sticks and bottles, I picked up at my local craft and hardware store.

Probably the most challenging part of this project is removing those darned labels from the bottles. My solution is simple…soak the bottle in dish detergent for at least 2 days and with some coaxing, they come right off.

To cut the glass, simply follow the directions supplied with the bottle cutter. And, don’t forget to wear safety glasses for this project. It’s also important that you file the edges of the cut glass with a glass file.

Using the pocket knife whittle (I love that word) the top of the stick to accommodate the opening of the glass bottle. Place a generous portion of glue on the top of the stick and place the opening of the bottle on the stake and let it dry over night. My adhesive of choice is E-6000.

You can also use the bottom portion of the bottle for a drinking glass or vase.  However, remember to file down the sharp glass edges before use.

All fired up and ready for your guests!

Not only can you put a votive candle inside but also you can fill them with birdseed or flowers. Enjoy your party and happy crafting!

Sun Print Decoupage Trays

Hi y’all! Come on by the Philadelphia International Flower Show on Sunday, March 4th, 3:30PM, Room #201B and learn how you can make these beautiful sun print glass trays and plates. My workshop is titled ‘Crafts From The Garden’. For all of you garden crafters (and gardeners), I’ll be sharing five easy projects for you to give a whirl.

Hope to see you on Sunday!

Versatile Blogger Award Nominee…that’s me

Thank you Dumb Art for nominating my blog for The Versatile Blogger award! Since I’m a newbie on Word Press I’m thrilled this mention has come my way.

These are the rules for the Versatile Blog Awards:

• Nominate 15 fellow bloggers.  Since I’m so new in the blogging universe I shall start with the following eleven nominees.  Please feel to suggest more if you wish and I will repost your suggestions.  There is no order to my list but this fella does have favorites 🙂

dbli023.blogspot.com
mayarodale.com
mariasfarmcountrykitchen.com
kate oswalt’s blog
dumb77.wordpress.com
robertoalborghetti.wordpress.com
mylifewitholive.wordpress.com
craftcraver.wordpress.com
deidraalexander.com
lesleycarter.wordpress.com
jessaleighblog.wordpress.com

• Inform the bloggers of their nomination. Done!
• Share 7 random things about yourself.  Happy, sad, creative, silly, neat freak, loves dogs and pets of all kinds (except snakes…sorry), and I love my family.
• Thank the blogger who nominated you.  Thank you Dumb Art!
• Add the Versatile Blog Award picture on your blog post. Done!

Pines in Ties … or something like that

I took a long hard look at my ties and the thought that comes to mind is, ‘what was I thinking!’  Kinda like those black platform shoes and elephant leg bell-bottoms I wore in High School.

'That's hot.'

Where is this going?  I know, I know…I’ll make this short.  Alas those long-forgotten ties have been dissected, cut and sewn into the perfect wrapping for some miniature spruces.  They look better on them than they ever did around my scrawny neck!

Bye ‘fir’ now!

Now to figure out what to do with those shoes…….ideas anyone?

And the winner is?

Sample Sheet No. 165

Sample Sheet No. 148

The following challenge was presented on my first post, “Whoever can identify the make of the car my father is sitting on will receive one of my vintage print decoupage glass trays.”  Donna, how did you know the answer?  Christa was a close second so she will receive one of my trays as well.

Any who….as Donna correctly answered, it is a 1936 Ford Standard Tudor Trunk-back Sedan.  Starting in 1935 and continuing into 1936 the Ford Tudors had the first built-in trunks for a Ford car.  Mom loved to shop so I’m sure the trunk was packed.  Also, the original price of this Ford was about $545 and the car weighed 2,718 pounds.

Donna and Christa’s decoupage trays are prints copied from a 1940s Vogue eZe Hang wallpaper sample book.

Oh — A special thank you to my contest auditor (and husband) Andrew for confirming the precise year and make of Dad’s car.

Welcome

Thank you for visiting my blog.  I’m told I come from a long line of crafters, artists, comedians, musicians, stone masons, moonshine makers, farm folk and dreamers.  On this blog I will share stories, craft and design ideas, and other random bits of nonsense and inspiration.

A writer I’m not but I look forward to this journey!

PS:  The first person (other than family) who can identify the make of the car my father is sitting on will receive one of my vintage decoupage glass trays.  Good luck!

my creative family peeps: mom, aunt rachel, dad, aunt vera

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