Time Out Stool

What You Need
~ Aleene's® Instant Decoupage™ Sealer and Finish
~ Aleene's® Thick Designer Tacky Glue™
~ Tulip® 3D Fashion Paint™, colors to go with print
~ Wood stool
~ Poster or fabric
~ Sponge brush
~ Scissors
~ Chalk pencil

How to Make It
1. Basecoat wood pieces. Let dry.
2. Cut print to fit top of stool.
3. Apply Instant Decoupage to stool top where print will be placed.
4. Place print over Instant Decoupage. Smooth with your hands.
5. Brush Instant Decoupage over print. For a protective finish, brush Instant Decoupage over all wood pieces. Let dry.
6. Write desired words on stool using chalk pencil. Trace with 3D Paint. Let dry.
7. Glue stool pieces together with Thick Designer Tacky Glue.
Make It You! Tip
Choose a print that's so you! Add Tulip® Glam-It-Up!™ Iron-On Crystals™ for a sparkly touch.

Wrap It Up! Tip
This is another tricky gift to wrap. Add a large teddy to the seat and tie a big bow around it!

Gift Giving Idea

Beaded Frame

Simple, quick, inexpensive, bright, bold - an expression of you!

Here's What You Need

Tulip Soft Fabric Paint - color desired

Aleene's Thick Designer Tacky Glue

Brush, 1" wide foam

Beads, wood in all shapes and sizes

Frame, unfinished wood

Here's How to Make It

1. Paint frame.

2. Glue beads on frame, working on one side at a time.

Make It Yours! Tips

Choose a color from the photo or the room the frame will be in - that way, it looks fabulous! Choose really small frames and beads and make them as ornaments for all the grandparents!

Wrap It Up! Tip

When you wrap the frame, include several other photos so the receiver can change them throughout the year.

Gift Idea

Napkin Appliqué Suitcase

Travel in style this holiday season AND your suitcase will standout from the crowd at baggage claim!

What You Need
Aleene’s® Thick Designer Tacky Glue™
Aleene’s® Instant Decoupage Sealer and Finish™
Tissue paper or napkin with print
Paintbrush
Scissors
Suitcase
Embellishments
Glitter, color to coordinate with design

How to Make It
Pour some Instant Decoupage on plate. Mix in a small amount of glitter. Lightly brush over suitcase. Let dry.
Cut out designs from tissue paper or napkin. NOTE: If using napkins, remove backing plys and only use printed ply.
Brush Instant Decoupage where design will be placed.
Place design over Instant Decoupage.
Brush Instant Decoupage over design from center out to edges.
Continue until desired look is achieved. Let dry.
Glue on embellishments with Thick Designer Tacky Glue.

Make It Yours! Tip
Find napkins or tissue with a travel theme or the person’s favorite flowers or, or, or…there are soooo many possibilities.

Wrap It Up! Tip
Place a large bow on the suitcase and put another gift inside it – maybe tickets for a trip, a gift certificate for a weekend getaway complete with a bottle of champagne…

I've been crafting...

and it feels sooooo good! I've been itching to get some crafting in and well, I just plain ol' made the time and it was wonderful!

I've always been one to organize my tax papers throughout the year (OK, in a previous life I did work for the IRS for 5 years!) - I always keep a file folder in a convenient place to just drop the papers in as I get them. This year I decided to make my "holder" a little more fun and pleasing to the eye. I found the cool wood box at my local craft store and wanted a wash look, so I added water to Tulip Soft Fabric Paint and brushed it on. I wanted a soft look to my photo, so I tore the edges, but didn't like the white, so I painted them with Copper paint. I adhered my photo to the box with Aleene's Thick Designer Tacky Glue. It's so much nicer than an ordinary file folder. Ahhhh, now to start saving money...

I'm getting ready for my vacation and want to take along a journal. I just couldn't stand the plain cover, so I tore around the edges of my photo and glued it in place on a purchased journal. Now, I have my feather pen and I'm ready to let my thoughts out. Just a few more days...

Then, (yes, I crafted a lot this weekend) it was my sister birthday and being the thrifty person I am, I wanted to wrap her gift in something useful and save by not buying wrapping paper. Her gift was her name spelled out in ceramic letters. We're always reminding each other to remember to play so I found the sand bucket at my craft store for only a dollar and added a large flower and bow.

I even got some ceramic painting in this weekend. Whoosh, I had so much fun and I vowed to craft more often.

Make it a great week!

Joan