Over the years I have accumulated many skills to assist with my “craftiness.” In this article I will share some of my trade secrets in creating something fabulous.
How to paint chevron.
When I tried to duplicate the beloved pattern it was for a tri-fold display board. First, I spray painted the board pink. That way it goes on evenly and takes less coats of paint. Then, I used thick blue painters tape to tape off the zig zag pattern. Remember that whatever color is under the tape is what will show. Between the taped off sections I used mod podge then spread glitter all over. Once the mod podge is dry carefully peel off the tape. It’s that simple!
TIP: Whenever working with loose glitter use clear spray paint over it. This way none of the access will fall off and go everywhere.
Tracing images with tissue paper.
I just learned this tip a couple months ago while painting a cooler for my boyfriend. With this technique I printed the logo the size I needed it for the cooler. Next, I traced the design with pencil on the tissue paper. Then I placed the tissue paper where I wanted that design on the cooler. With a sharpie go over the design, and make sure to press fairly hard. If the ink is not going through the paper then you might have to trace it more than once. I only needed a faint outline so I knew where to paint. This technique works on canvas, paper, wood, basically anything!
TIP: I used this technique for a monogram and I used a paint pen. The paint went through the tissue paper and then I just had to fill in the monogram. Also, paint pens are amazing for writing and small, intricate designs.
How to make the perfect bow.
I have a small obsession with bows and they are my go to gift for people. First, there are different types of bows. My two favorites are pictured below. The secret to making a bow is to use string or thin ribbon to cinch the middle. Most people try to only use hot glue to keep a bow together. Glue can make it big and bulky. Check out the pictures below for the tutorial.
Making homemade banners and other paper crafts.
For this I use my cricut. It is this awesome paper cutting device that uses cartridges. I realize not everyone has this on hand. However, if you are serious about crafting and have not heard of this then listen up. The cricut comes in different sizes, one with a 6-inch mat and the other with a 12-inch mat. Now, they also have models that cut fondant, fabric, you name it. They sell hundreds of cartridges ranging from alphabets, Disney, sports, flowers, holidays. Yes, you have to buy each cartridge but then you have it forever. Why I really love it is because I can cut out any object whatever size I want. If you don’t want to make the investment quite yet some stores have them for the public to use!