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Paint Chip Wrapped Present

creative-gift-wrapping

Paint chip present wrapping
I’ve officially caught the paint chip bug! How about you? Have you seen all that can be done with those FREE* paint chips?! The possibilities are almost endless. (*Please use consideration when taking paint chips. Try not to take more than 2-3 of each color and definitely don’t take the last of a color. It might be a good idea to ask permission from the paint store employee if you need to take more than a dozen.)

As I was getting ready to wrap a present for a little birthday girl, I lamented the fact that I was tired of the two rolls of wrapping paper we had (not counting the dozen or so that are Christmas related.) Then, I came up with the idea to wrap the present in paint chips. I was probably influenced by the tiny gift boxes that How About Orange made a while ago.

Here are the materials you will need:

  • Paint chips (used Behr brand from Home Depot)
  • Clear packing tape
  • White artists tape (I wish this tape was a little stickier though.)
  • X-acto knife
  • Pencil
  • Scissors
  • Ruler
  • Ribbon
  • Gift box to be wrapped

Instructions:
Start by laying out the chips on one side of the gift box. Overlap where the chips meet so the box won’t show. And allow the chips to overlap the sides of the box slightly.

To keep the chips in the same position, lightly tape them together with artist’s tape before lifting them off the present.

Gently turn over the chips and tape all the seams with the clear packing tape. Repeat the above steps for the other three sides (do not create a panel for the top or bottom of your present yet.)

Lay the gift on top of the taped chip panel and draw a line along the edge of the box.

Using an X-acto knife, cut two opposing panels at a time (since they should be the exact same measurements.)

Assemble a panel for the top of the gift box. Only this time, allow more of the chips to extend over the sides (preferably 1/4 – 1/2 inch) on three sides. The fourth side should be flush with the edge of the box.

Fold over the edges of the overlapping chips to fit snug against the box.

Make a cut into each of the overlapping corners as shown:

Fold the corners in and tape them to create your box top. Note that one edge does not have a folded side.

Tape all four of your box sides together so it creates one long rectangle. Then tape the top of the box to the top of the second panel where there is the open side.

Lift the sides up and set your box into the top (upside down.) Fold the sides in around the gift box.

Make sure your panels fit relatively snug around your present. Then remove the gift box. Tape the lid of the paint chip wrapping to the sides of the wrapper. And put a piece of tape inside the seam where the sides meet.

Now you can slide the paint chip wrapper over your gift box (right sides up.)

Make the bottom panel to your paint chip rapper exactly like you did for the sides by trimming off the excess. Then lay it onto your paint chip wrapped box. Take your white artist’s tape and tape all the seams of your box.

Fold over the corners neatly.

Your wrapped present should look like this:

Wrap a pretty bow around the present and attach another paint chip (I punched some decorative holes in this one.) Write a little message and you are finished.
Paint chip present wrapping

Now watch the gift recipient ooh and ahh over this unique and beautifully wrapped present!


I thought this present would be perfect for a shower gift. Or a graduation present using the graduate’s school colors?! And using red and green chips would be perfect for a Christmas present. I can’t wait to try this again sometime soon.
If you love paint chip projects, I’m creating a round up of projects for Parentables. I’ll share the link with you on Thursday!

 

 

P.s. Don’t forget to enter the Wagner Power Plus Paint Sprayer giveaway! A winner will be chosen at random on Friday, September 16th!

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Creating a Faux Ceiling Medallion with Cutting Edge Stencils

 

When heard the word stencil, I used to involuntarily cringe slightly. I pictured those cutesy country stencils my mom used to use with geese, apples, and hearts on them. (Sorry Mom.) But, that all changed last week when Cutting Edge Stencils sent me a beautiful Georgian Ceiling Medallion Stencil!

Isn’t that stunning? I can picture it at the top of a grande foyer. Sadly our ceilings are only 8′ tall and our rooms are small. But, that didn’t matter, because I was able to alter the stencil for our ceilings:

First I watched one of their tutorial videos online and I thought to myself. Oh yes, I can do that, it looks super easy! And it was, kind of….

…at this point I need to caution anyone who has never used a stencil before. You might want to try your first stencil project on a wall or a flat work surface. NOT on a ceiling. Standing on a table and trying to hold the stencil, tape and keep the stencil in place is not for a newbie. It definitely helps to have a helper (one at least 5 feet tall. Little children won’t work for helpers on this one.) I managed by myself using my noggin’!

I definitely have to credit Cutting Edge Stencils with their high quality stencil and foam paint roller. Without them, this would have ended up as a HUGE craft fail! Instead, despite a slightly buckling stencil (and working in Michaelangelo type conditions), the results were very professional and something I am proud of!

So, without further obscure references to great painters, here is my tutorial for creating a faux ceiling medallion with a stencil.

Materials:

 

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

* And preferably an assistant!

Instructions:

Measure the diameter of the canopy (round plate that sits flush against the ceiling and hides the electrical junction box) for your light fixture.

Then remove the canopy by unscrewing the nut in the middle.

Let the canopy hang down on your chain.

Determine how much stencil will overlap the canopy.

Cut the center section out of the stencil. (The only way around cutting the stencil if if you remove your light fixture and push the wires into the wiring box. But, I was too lazy to do that, so I cut instead.)

Save the cut out stencil so you can re-attach it later with tape or use the stencil on another project.

Tape off any sections of the stencil you don’t want to use. I chose to use the inner circle portion of the Georgian Ceiling Medallion Stencil.

Spray the back of the stencil with spray mount. This will help hold the stencil to the ceiling.

Go grab an assistant to help you position your stencil on the ceiling. Center it on the middle of your light fixture box. It may help to draw “cross hairs” coming out of your fixture box with a pencil. Personally I just eyeballed it.

Tape the edges of your stencil with painter’s tape. The tape that was masking off the rest of the design actually came in handy as it held the stencil up midway from the edges.

Mix up your paint onto a pallet or paper plate. I chose a very light grayish cream color to mimic the shadow colors in my dining room. The color I tried to match it to is Glidden Carolina Strand #A1786.

Layout a bunch of paper towels folded up that you can roll your roller on until it is almost dry. Roll your roller into the paint, then “dry” it off on the paper towels. Roll your paint roller carefully over stencil. Don’t push too hard or the paint may seep under the stencil. Continue rolling until your entire stencil has been filled in.

Gently remove your stencil and wipe any paint overage with a baby wipe or rag.

Reposition your stencil on the opposite side. Take your time lining up the stencil with already painted side.

Repeat the same steps above to paint the second half of your medallion.

If you missed any spots, you can touch them up with a small artist’s paint brush.

13. Replace your light fixture’s ceiling plate and admire your new ceiling medallion!

I’m so happy with how the design turned out, and I will never cringe at the word stencil again!

It definitely adds some interest to an otherwise plain Jane ceiling.

Do you like it? You really have to see some of the amazing stencils that Cutting Edge Stencils has to offer. Some of my favorites are this adorable silverware set:

And this stencil creates a great alternative to wallpaper (the bane of my existence!):

And if only there were more girls in our boy-filled house, I’d buy this:

So you see, wall stencils can be a beautiful thing ;-).

Hey, I wanted to let you know that this crafty blogger, Kristina, interviewed me the other day. You can read a little more about my addictions and my favorite blogging moment on her blog, Pearl Gateway. And give her a little comment love if you have a moment. She’s getting ready to make a major move to Tennessee! She could probably use a few uplifting words.

See ya later alligator!

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Sharpie Stained Markers – Making a Keepsake Baby Shirt

Sharpie just sent me a new line of markers they just released. They are called Stained by Sharpie. The markers are permanent fabric markers and let you get creative on anything fabric, canvas or cloth.

They couldn’t have arrived at a better time. The kids were home for summer break and were itchin’ for something fun to do.

I pulled out some old t-shirts I had stored away to tie dye (several of them had stains on them. So, I had planned to renew them anyway.)

The shirts are easiest to draw on if they are stretched taut over cardboard.

I decided it would be fun to let the boys decorate a baby shirt for their new little niece who will be born in September.

I drew out my words with pencil on the baby shirt. Then started using the Stained markers.

The markers are very easy to use. They will drag or bleed on the fabric if you use too much pressure. But, if you draw lightly and quickly they are just like using a pen.

I doodled flowers and a design using black, purple and green.

Then carried the design over to the back (including a strategically placed bee covering up what might have been a spit up stain. Shhhh, don’t tell my sister.)

Then I called in my little Picassos and turned them loose.

They really had fun coloring in the lines. They left no section of shirt uncolored. (Aren’t band-aids just the cutest on little kid fingers. It makes me want to kiss the little boo boo.)

Our only complaint (being the artistic family that we are) is that we really wanted more colors! A light blue and light green would be nice. With all the colors regular Sharpies have, we hope the company will not disappoint and will soon have the same rainbow of assortment for the Stained Fabric Markers.

I gave the shirt to my sister for the new baby while I was visiting her. She already washed it once and reported that the ink held up just fine.

Isn’t this a cute keepsake for a new cousin? We think so. What would you use Stained markers on? I’m already thinking a plain canvas tote may look nice decorated with some art.

 

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. Sharpie sent me a set of complimentary Stained markers to try. I was not paid for this post or told what to write. All projects and opinions are my own.

 

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Guest Posting at Frugal Flourish – Making Glass Citrus Plates

 

I’ve been fighting a losing battle this week. I seem to have come home from California with some airplane cooties. Last night I got knocked down by a raging ear infection. This evening I came down with pink eye. My sympathies go out to all our little ones that have suffered from an ear infection. OUCH! Hopefully I’ll be punching back soon once the antibiotics take effect.

Lucky for you I wrote a tutorial earlier in the week for a friend who is also suffering from lack of sleep. My friend Jess who writes Frugal Flourish and her husband just welcomed a beautiful baby boy into their lives.


Needless to say I should be getting more sleep sooner than they will. But, I wish them easy parenting over the next year (and then some.)

So to get your DIY dose, head over to Frugal Flourish to see how I made these glass citrus plates. And help yourself to a lemon cookie.

Hopefully I’ll see you back here on Monday. I’m going to TRY to take it easy this weekend.

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An Artist’s Inspiration Board from an Old Window

Artist Inspiration Board

Hey guys, today I’m dishing up a triple dose of posts for you. I’ve been busy, really busy, super busy! And you don’t know the half of it. As you are reading this, I’m on my way home from California. I flew out to surprise my little sister for her birthday. She and her husband are expecting their second child and I wanted to go all “Pretty Handy Girl” on their home ;-D.

First, you can read my tutorial for making this whimsical message center, from a curbside window, over at my friend Sandra’s blog,

Then you can come back here and read about this Artist’s Inspiration board also made from an old window.

Finally, if you like what you see you can head over to Parentables to see an entire post on curbside transformations! You won’t believe some of the before and afters!

Okay, ready? Well, let’s get this show on the road.

Materials:

  • Old divided light windows
  • Foam core
  • Tin snips
  • 3M duct tape
  • Scissors
  • Primer
  • Chalkboard paint
  • Irwin mat knife (or x-acto knife)
  • Clear Caulk (window and door sealant)
  • primer
  • fine grit sand paper
  • Two colors of paint (gold and medium gray)
  • Crackle medium
  • Polyurethane
  • Foam double stick tape
  • mirror
  • ruler
  • mirrored glass
  • tin pots, buckets or recycled cans
  • drop cloth bulletin boards from THIS post

Prepping your window:

You will need to clean, prime and paint your window before beginning this tutorial.

Here is what I did during the prep phase: Cleaned the windows (I used a bleach solution because there was mold and mildew present.) I repaired the glazing that was cracked and missing. I used paintable caulk. No need to buy glazing.

Prime the entire window, glass and all! Once the primer has dried, use the sandpaper to gently rough up the primer (especially on the glass. But, be careful not to scratch through to the glass.)

For the beautiful crackle finish on my window, I started by painting the window a metallic gold color.

When the gold had thoroughly dried, I coated the entire window with the crackle medium. Once that had dried, I painted a medium gray on top. That’s when the magic happens. The paint separates and reveals a hint of gold. It is important not to go back over the gray paint after you paint it on or you will get a gloopy mess!

I finished off the painting prep steps by applying two coats of water-based polyurethane.

Tutorial:

Measure all the individual window panes. Be sure to measure only the exposed glass.

Transfer your measurements to cut 2 squares of foam core. Make sure your blade is sharp! Dull blades will drag and tear the inner foam.

Next, transfer your measurements to cut two pieces of cork board. Cut the cork board with a ruler and mat knife.

Finally cut two pieces of mirrored glass to fit the remaining two panes (need help cutting glass? Have a professional do it, or watch Sandra’s tutorial HERE.)

You should now have 2 pieces of foam core, 2 pieces of cork board (wrapped in drop cloth as I showed you the other day), and two pieces of mirrored glass.

Dry fit all the cut squares to make sure they will fit in the window openings.

Take the foam core and tin pots outside. Spray them with primer.

When the primer has dried, spray the foam core and buckets with a few coats of chalkboard paint.

To view how to print onto painter’s drop cloth, refer to my tutorial here.

To attach the chalkboard foam core, mirrored glass, and drop cloth squares, you will need clear window and door caulk. Snip the top off at an angle. Insert a straightened coat hanger into the tip to puncture the inner lining of the caulk.

Put a fair amount of caulk onto each glass of the window. (Lazy supervisor in the background!)

Press the individual squares into it. Weight the drop cloth squares (with paint cans) while they dry.

To secure the chalkboard and mirror sections, run a bead of caulk along the edges of the boards.

Use a damp paper towel to smooth and clean up the caulk edging.

Once the caulk has dried, you can affix the tin buckets to the window. Drill holes through the bucket bracket or tin cans.

Attach a screw through the hole and screw it into the window pane.

To add a hanger to your memo center, flip the window over and measure down 3″ on both sides.

Use a drill to drive the screws into the D-ring style hangers.

I made this artist’s board to sell, but honestly I’m having a hard time parting with it. So, it may just find a home in my painting studio (aka Bonus Room). But, maybe you could convince me otherwise. How much would you pay for this one of a kind artist’s board? I keep thinking it is a real life version of Pinterest.

Don’t forget to view more of my curbside transformations.

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