Dot & Whimsy

Berry basket displays make a world of fun that can be added 

to an end-table or shelf...sort of like a snow globe, but without the glass!

I have this cute piece that was shared over at the

 

Pulp berry baskets are very popular right now, so they’re pretty easy to find at craft stores, 

flea markets or a farmer’s supply.  Today I have chosen a dark turquoisey/aqua 

colored basket, a couple of wooden trees that I found at Hobby Lobby, some craft paint 

and stencils from the “Hello Winter” Collection.

The trees were painted with a leaf green acrylic paint and allowed to dry thoroughly.  

Next, I used the Mini Dot Stencil, the Snowflakes #2 Stencil, white acrylic paint and

 a sponge brush to apply the stenciled design to each tree.  You will want to use a 

‘dry brush’ type of method with the stencils, so be sure to tap out any excess 

paint before dabbing over the stencil.

 After the stenciled areas were dry, enamel dots, stickers, chipboard stickers and/or

 Designer Brads were used to decorate the fronts.  A sturdy paper straw was glued

 to the back of each star and set aside.

 A piece of floral foam was cut so that it would fit down into the basket.  Next, a thick

 coating of pearlized modeling cream was slathered on top of the foam , sprinkled

 with clear glitter and then allowed to completely dry.  You can also use a textured 

snow or cotton batting for covering the foam!

 While allowing the foam to dry, the chipboard polar bear was glued to the front of a

 paper straw and his cheek was embellished with a pink enamel dot. 

The straws were cut to the desired lengths and then inserted into the foam. 

 Use a dab of glue around the bottom of the straws to secure them in place.

 To the front of the basket, the “Hello Winter” scrolled sentiment from the  

Ephemera Pack was added with glue dots.

 The Comfy Sweater Paper was cut into 1/8” strips.  The strips were then crimped with

 a paper crimper and used as a basket filler around the edge of the floral foam.

 Add more trees, more chipboard pieces or even try stenciling the basket to create your own unique display!  This is also an easy project for the kids to help along with.

Hello, hello friends!

This is what I'm calling a "Fast Friday" project that I made using

Pumpkin Finisher Dies and Halloween Trio Dies.

This project took less than 30 minutes to put together, so it's great

for any of those quick gifts that you're needing to whip up.

It all starts with a couple of wood berry baskets that I painted burnt orange.  Once dry, I attached them together with a large hinge at the back that I screwed in place.

I die-cut the jack'o lantern's face from black cardstock, ran them through a Xyron 3" Sticker Maker and then attached to the front.

To the top I added a ribbon bow along with a die-cut bat that I attached to a 

small length of pipe cleaner.  I also fashioned two other pieces of pipe cleaner

 in a qurly q fashion and then glued them all to the top with fabric glue.

Fill him up with paper shred and lots of yummy goodies!  

Dies: Pumpkin Album Finishers and Halloween Trio Set

Visit Top Dog Dies for more ideas using their dies, along with other 

major brand dies that they carry!

Have a happy weekend!

...and sat down beside her, and frightened Ms. Shellye away!

Quite ironic that I'm arachnophobic and live amongst a gazillion spiders.

I guess it's the price we pay to live in the peaceful and (otherwise) tranquil country-setting :)

For today's post at May Arts Ribbon, I've created this

rather sweet little spidy-character....

See more photos and how I put him all-together at the May Arts' Blog!

He has now taken up permanent residence in my daughter's room...

maybe, just maybe, he'll scare the smaller guys away LOL

Thanks for visiting!

There are certain things that I love to collect (hoard? maybe!)

These new Berry Baskets from Curtsey Boutique are my new obsession
and I can't wait to gather up even more colors and sizes!

While creating my latest project, I came up with several more ideas for them.

Today I have an interchangeable display using the wooden forks
(also new at Curtsey) as a way to clip on photos, recipes or notes!

To start, you will need a Pint Size Pulp Berry Basket and floral foam.
Cut the floral foam to fit into the basket.
For the shred, I used two of the Medium Kraft Bags.  I cut strips using 'fringe' scissors
by Martha Stewart, but you could also use regular scissors to cut the strips.
Crush the shreds with your hands.  Apply a thin coat of quick dry glue to the top
of the foam and then cover in the paper shreds.
 Other Curtsey Boutique Supplies:
Wooden Forks; 5" Paper Doily; and Shabby Chic Paper Bow

Patterned papers and die-cuts by My Minds' Eye

There are many other new items in the shop...check them out at:
www.curtseyboutique.etsy.com