Altered Name

Altered Names can be great for a childs room, craft room or for that matter....any room!! It doesnt only have to be a name of a person but can also be used as inspirational words for your craft/hobby room. In this segment, I will show you the "How To's" in creating your own name/word with lots of pictures to give you an example of just how far you can take this project!! The limit is up to you!!!


SUPPLIES:

* Chipboard

* Xacto Knife

* Scissors

* Cutting Mat

* Embellishments

* Glue or Spray Adhesive

* Pencil

* Ribbon

* Velcro (optional)

* Cardstock or Pattern Paper

* Markers (optional)

* Sandpaper (optional)

STEP #1

The first step is deciding on how big you would like to make the Name/Word. I normally make my letters anywhere from 4" - 6" in height. Next, choose the Font you would like to use. Keep in mind...the more technical the font is, the harder it will be with cutting it out!! I like to use a very bold font with straight lines to make it easier for cutting. Then, just print and cut it out. I use regular printing paper as my template. Remember to cut this out very carefully for this will be used as your template for the chipboard!! The imagine below was set on 380 for the font size which is about 3-1/2" in height. Remember to cut this out carefully for this will be used as your template on the chipboard!!

STEP #2


Next, arrange your templates (Letters) on the chipboard so there is enough room to cut around each letter. Trace around each letter with your pencil. I like to cut each individual letter out first before getting started with the intricate cutting. I normally use scissors on the straight edges and leave the harder cuts for the xacto knife.







Now that you have that done, get your cutting mat ready for the fun part LOL Make sure to apply pressure when using your Xacto knive while cutting the chipboard!! I found it easier to score the area quite a few times...cutting deeper each time you make a cut through it.












STEP #3

Ok, the hard part is over with!! YAY are your fingers numb yet?!?! LOL Anyway, this next step is optional. I like to take sandpaper and sand around all the edges making sure this isnt any imperfections. This is up to you...It's not necessary...I just like to have a clean edge.





STEP #4

Pick out your cardstock or pattern paper to match the theme you are going with. Next, get your glue (I like to use the spray adhesive (in a well ventilated area) so it doesnt leave bumps behind the paper like glue sometimes does). Glue or spray your chipboard on the topside of the letter and place down on the paper you have chosen. Let dry completely then cut off excess paper around the letter. I like to use markers around the edge of the paper and chipboard (optional).




Note: The picture of mine below is two toned (using two differnet type papers). This technique isnt hard to do but can be time consuming. All you do is cut out the design you want on your (main) chosen paper, making sure you leave enough room on all the outer edges so it wont rip apart and will be easy to glue down. Then just follow the steps from up above with glueing it down.

My son works at a Marina so, I am going with a water/boat theme.

STEP #5

Getting close to the finish line here!! Woohoo Here is the fun part!! Embellishments, Embellishments, Embellishments!! Let your imagination go wild. You can use so many differnt items to decorate your Altered Name. Themed Buttons, Ribbon, Foam, Brads, Bottle Caps you name it!! I like to go with a theme that the person I am making it for, likes. Sports, Racing, Surfing, Skating, Beach and so on. At the end of this segment...I will post some of the Altered Names I have made but for now....here is how I embellished the name I am working on now. Well, a ltter of it anyway. LOL




STEP #6

The last and final step!! Woohoo This will be up to you on how you want to hang your name (if at all your going to do that lol) You can either use ribbon, velcro or place in a frame to hang it. I like using the velcro. I put the little circle velcro stripes and place them on the back of the altered name where I feel it will hold up the letter best. For example: on the letter "E" in the picture up above, I would place 4 velcro circles. 1 in the top left corner, 1 in the top right corner, 1 in the bottom left corner and 1 in the bottom right corner.



I hope you have enjoyed this project but, just a few more ideas to share with you for other materials you could use for covering the altered name/word.....try sand, pebbles, crushed up shells or even material. Remember, it can go as far as your imagination will let it!! Below are a few pictures of some of the Altered Names that I have made. Please come back to my blog for more and exciting crafts to make and dont be shy with adding your comments or telling me about one of the projects you have made!! hugzzzzz

This is for the skateboard fan with little

skateboard embellishments and skater's sayings

This is for the Nascar fan with little foam

embellishments and the Nascar Logo

For the Harley Davidson Fan with real Harley

embellishments and handmade logo's

For the Beach Lover which was embellished in tiny little shells

This one was made for me by Kasper in a swap from http://www.sandyscrapad.com/ didnt she do a fantastic job?!?!?

Altered Cookie Sheet Calendar

Now that a few days have past..I thought I would post another project for you to do. I decided on an Altered Cookie Sheet Calendar which isnt really all that hard to make but, can be time consuming depending on which route you want to go. The best part about having a Cookie Sheet Calendar is....You will have it for years to come and, it is great for a present too!! Here is a picture of one that I have made.

So, lets get started!! Listed below are the supplies you will need. Depending on how you want to make your calendar...will depend on the supplies you will need soooo, some items will be listed as OPTIONAL. Just be creatative and have fun with it!!

SUPPLIES:

* Cookie Sheet (mine is 10" x 15") Make sure it is metal so the magnets will stick!!

* Sciccors

* Glue

* Ruler

* Embellishments

* Magnets

* Ribbon

* Cardstock

* Eyelets (2 Large Ones)

* Markers (optional)

* Pin Striping (optional) I used 1/8" in thickness. You can purchase this at any Automotive Store or Office Depot has it but I'm not sure what they call it there.

Ready to get started and be creative?!?!?! Remember...sky's the limit!! Make this the way YOU want it!!

STEP #1

Measure out your cookie sheet for the pin striping to be applied (this is optional....I have seen calendars made without this step added and it looks great!!) I measured each square 1-1/2" leaving the left side of the calendar with 3" inches untouched. This is so that you will be able to add your monthly title blocks which, we will get to that part a little bit later. Make sure you leave enough room to add each day of the week along the top!! Mine is 1/2" (half inch) x 1-1/2".

All I did with the days of the week was....pick out the color I wanted and printed it out on cardstock in the size that I needed to fit the area....then just glued it down.

STEP #2

Now that we have gotten that part done...it is time to make little squares out of cardstock to fit in each outlined box. (this is where each numbered day of the week will go) Pick out the color cardstock that you want to use. (I picked out the same color as the days of the week which is located at the top of the calendar) Mine are 1" x 1" plus I glued mine down to a heavier backing to make it more stable and durable. I also used a marker (optional) to make a border around each square that I made. Remember....there are some months that have 31 days in them plus....I made extras for holidays and birthdays.

Step #3

Let the fun begin!! Here you will embellish your squares to your liking. Use what ever you can find...game pieces, bottle caps, chipboard, foam anything that will fit on your squares. Once you have finished making them...add you magnets to the back of them. Below is a picture of the calendar and the extra holiday/birthday squares that I made.

STEP #4

Title Block Time!! Yay This is where it can be time consuming depending on which route you would like to go. There are a few different ways of doing the Titles:

* Print your own in your own font

* Buy them already made (which cost around 4.99 each)

* Make your own

I chose to make my own in a 3-D effect. I used a site for my patterns. Here is the link to the site I used. Title Blocks at Just Jinger I'm sure there are many sites out there but, this one is what I was looking for with the raised lettering/embellishments. Remember to add your magnets!! I put mine on either end plus in the middle for extra strength. Below is a picture of a few of the titles that I have made...remember, its your calendar so....the sky's the limit!!

Step #5

Adding the Eyelets/Ribbon so you will be able to hang your Calendar!! Woohoo This is also optional. I prefer mine hanging so this is what I did. I first drilled a hole in the top of the cookie sheet, measuring in about 2-1/2" from either side and marking it. Leaving about 9" from eyelet to eyelet. (You could also use a very large nail and hammer to make the hole). Now, the hard part....I then placed the eyelets in the hole and taped them on the outside so the eyelets wouldnt fall out while trying to attach them. Once that is done....pull your ribbon through one of the eyelets and keep tieing knot after knot until it doesnt come through the eyelet. Do the same to the other side.

NOTE: Whether using a drill or a large nail to make the holes....make sure they are big enough so your eyelet will be able to fit through the holes. Also, start off with a small bit, then work your way up in size (with the bit) until you get the right size opening for the eyelet.

STEP #6

Whewwwww....Your on the home stretch to finishing your calendar!! YAY The last and final step is the back. I made pockets to store the monthly title blocks. You can use envelopes or make your own. I made my own using file folders. All I did was make 3 boxs then glue it down to the back, storing 4 titles in each box. If using a envelope...I recommend you use one that is sturdy enough to hold all the titles!! I would also seal the envelope closed, then open the side of it where you can place the titles in long ways.

Now that your done...I hope you will enjoy your Altered Cookie Sheet Calendar for years to come!! Not only will you have fun changing out the months....your children/grandchildren will too!! LOL

Thanks for visiting my blog and I hope you will continue to come back for more creative crafts that I will be posting!! hugzzzzzz

Tip For The Month...Make Your Own Rub-On's!!

Here is a quick an easy tip for times when you really need an image or a font and cant seem to find it in the stores or even make it to the stores!! MAKE YOUR OWN RUB ON'S!! I just did this a few times and it really works great!! Have Fun

Like all other scrapbook supplies, Rub-ons are another great way to add to your pages, but also take a good chunk of money out of your pocket as they are not re-usable. Follow these easy steps, and you can create your own rub-ons and use them over and over again! You need:

(1)Transparency paper (purchased at your local office supply store, no need to buy the expensive stuff, the local store brand will do just fine)

(2)Inkject Printer

(3)Popsicle Stick

Here are the Steps:

1: Insert the transparency into your inket printer, so that it prints on the SMOOTH side of the transparency.

2: Open your favourite word processing or photo program and create the text/image you want to have as a rub on.

3: Format your printer settings so that it is set to print on "plain paper", "best quality" and "mirror image" (the image needs to be reversed especially if you are printing text or it will appear backwards).

4: Print your "rub-on"

5: Let dry for about 3-5 minutes, careful not to touch it

6: Place the transparency smooth side down onto your project exactly where you want the image/text to appear, holding firmly in place, and rub with a popsicle stick just like you would any other rub on. Don't be afraid to push to hard, and make sure you rub the entire image.

7: Carefully remove the transparency and let ink completey dry before touching

8: Use a damp cloth or paper towel to clean off your transparency and get it ready for your next rub-on, you can re-use the transparency over and over and over again.

TIPS: I recomment that you practice first on a few scraps to get the hang of it. Every ink jet printer is different so you may need to allow more or less drying time before you actually apply your rub-on. Trial, error and patience will get you creating your own UNIQUE rub-ons in no time!

Altered Coin Booklet

I thought I would start off with a Altered Coin Booklet which is fun to do and isn't really all that hard to make. What you will need is:

Coin Booklet

Pattern Paper

Scissors

Xacto Knife

Glue

Pencil

Embellishments

Stretch Elastic (about 1/8" wide or less)

Eyelets (2)

Marker's (optional)

Photo's

Here is a picture of the Coin Booklet as is before we start the project. You can buy these Coin Booklets in any Coin Collector Shop, Hobby Lobby or even Wal-Mart for like 1.99 each.

The first thing you need to do is open the booklet (which is a tri-fold) and remove the last section. Cut as close as you can to the section that you will be leaving.

The next step is to cover the front and back which, you will probably be able to use one sheet of pattern paper. I used the spray adhesive which works great but, make sure to use it in a ventilated area (I normally do it outside). Once you have that done, get your (2) eyelets and on the second page where you will be placing your pictures.....add your eyelets making sure that the top of the eyelet is on the back cover for a cleaner appearance. I placed my eyelets in the top and bottom hole on the right side of the booklet.

Once you have that done....measure your elastic so it will be able to fit around the booklet to keep is closed securely. Pull it so it stretches tight when measuring the length. I also took a permanent marker and colored my elastic to match my pattern paper (that is optional). Inset the elastic through the eyelets and glue down in the inside of the circle, making sure that it is secured really well!!

Now that the hard part is done with....lets move on to covering the inside of the booklet. Take your chosen paper and cover both sides leaving the binder section of the booklet the way it is. Cut out the circles where you want to place your photos using your xacto knife. You can use the cut out circles as a template for your photos you want to add or just use a half dollar for the template. Your choice. Now, all you need to do is embellish, embellish, embellish the front and inside sections and Waa Laa...your done!! This is a great mini album to keep on a coffee table for great conversational means!! I have had so many people that have visited my home....pick it up and look through it, thinking it was a great little way to show off special occasions, parties, vacations or whatever, instead of having your huge scrapbook laying out!! I hope you have fun making this project and continue to come back for more creative crafts!! A picture of the finished Booklet is below. Enjoy!!

Welcome To Crafters R Us

Hi there and welcome to Craters R Us!! Here I will be showing you "How To" make items for your scrapbooking layouts, altered items, basic quilling, paper piecing, and even quilting, home decorating and any other hands on projects I can come up with for you to make!!

I know when I want to make something right a way...it never fails that I wind up spending most of the day surfing the internet for exactly what I want!! Well, here I will post 1 or 2 projects per month...(maybe even more depending on how easy or difficult it is) hopefully, that will save you time and engery searching around for something that you may not even find!! Most of the projects I have made already but, are not mine to take full credit on so... Please use these projects for personal use only!!

Within the next day or two, I will get together a fun but simple project to start you off with!! I look forward to seeing your comments and hope you find this blog fun, interesting and helpful!! Thanks for visiting and please come back again!! Hugzzzzz