Think Crafts Blog – Craft Ideas and Projects – CreateForLess

By Card Making & Scrapbooking Contributor

Peg Rounds

Peg’s Crafting Corner

This simple, but elegant card using the Spellbinders Imperial Gold dies makes the perfect congratulations for many occasions be it a wedding, a shower or a birthday.  The layered piece creates a beautiful lacey look and adds a unique dimension to the card.  The marbled paper technique used on the embellishments adds to the look of these great dies.

Read the rest…

By Home Decor Contributor Jennifer from Brave New Home.

I really had my heart set on some swing arm pendant lamps for the bedroom but I couldn’t bring myself to pay upwards of 200 bucks for a pair of lights.  Ikea to the rescue!

At $15 per lamp (including the bulb—can’t beat that deal!) I knew I could find a way to bring some elegance to lamp shade.  I picked out a lattice wallpaper from the samples I had ordered from Farrow and Ball.

I started by removing the existing lamp shade fabric then creating a template out of newspaper before cutting into my wallpaper.  I used double sided tape for the whole project.  I wanted something less permanent because I think ultimately I’ll end up mod podging some fabric to the shades.

After cutting my wallpaper and taping it to the plastic shade, I painted the ribbon I had saved from the original lamp shade covering.  It finished up the edges nicely and added some welcomed contrast.

Before putting the new lamp shades on, I moved the lights above our headboard instead of keeping them on the sides.  Not only was the move one of utility but I think it leaves more space to create a soft vignette on the two night stands.

After I had the lamps in place, I used white duct tape to cover the cord (I keep finding reasons why I love our white walls!).

By Crafts-a lot Contributor, Mable who is an avid reader of craft blogs & magazines and is always looking to improve her crafting skills. Join Mable on Facebook to socialize and share with other crafters!

If you have a creative child around, there are many great craft supplies to keep them busy, and keep you worry-free. Keep the right supplies on hand, and crafting with your kid can be fun and help you build memories that can last well into their lives.

Stickers may be the easiest craft supply to entertain kids. They’re easy to use and can be very beautiful! While stickers can be fun on their own, there are so many fun and creative ways to use them out there. Check out a few of our favorites.

Sticker Resist Painting – Peaceful Parenting

Teach kids about shapes and let them create wonderful paintings with stickers! Using stickers as a kind of “stencil negative” is a fun way to take children’s art to the next level. Use alphabet stickers to spell out words, or different shapes to create unique artwork. Find shapes to match seasons and create personal cards!

Read the rest…

By Crafts-a lot Contributor, Mable who is an avid reader of craft blogs & magazines and is always looking to improve her crafting skills. Join Mable on Facebook to socialize and share with other crafters!

No one wants to stop their creativity because they can’t find supplies! Craft storage isn’t always easy. It’s difficult to clean up during a project, or after one is complete. Craft spaces can become disaster areas full of scraps, materials, tools, and unfinished objects that can hinder our creativity because of a lack of space. I’m always at my most creative when I’m working in an organized space. I can clearly see what supplies I have on hand and everything has a fresh “clean slate” feel that I love. Here are some wonderful craft storage tips I’ve found that are so easy and lovely, you’ll be inspired to keep your craft space clean!

via Better Homes and Gardens

Use a wire shower rack to hold craft supplies. They are very inexpensive and each rack can hold supplies for a different type of craft. You can use the hooks to hold ribbons, tapes, or tools like scissors.

via Scraproom

Keep glitter in spice containers to easily see colors and shake onto your projects. Add a spice rack into the mix and you have instant and lovely glitter storage!

via Sew Many Ways

Utilize unused space with ribbon storage on tension rods between table legs. They’ll be easily accessible, out of the way, and free up precious storage space!

via Better Homes and Gardens

Instead of stacking your scrapbook paper, try hanging it. You’ll have much better visuals, and you’ll be able to easily and quickly scan for the paper that you need.

via Paper Pursuits

Make some magnetic closet doors to hold your metal dies. You’ll be able to see each and every one all at once for inspiration. Clean up would be so easy too!

via Oh, Fransson!

Turn a TV tray into a pressing table. It will easily fold away behind your sewing table when you’re not using it, but it’s still easy to grab and close at hand.

Do you already have an organized craft room, or will these tips not even put a dent on the disaster that is your craft space? CreateForLess wants to see! We’re giving away a $100 Gift Certificate to the best and worst craft rooms. Show us your space and win!

By Home Decor Contributor Typhanie, from TP Design.

Whenever I do a project I tend to have a ton of leftover materials. I had a round vase left over from the DIY Dotted Glass Bowl project and some Vinyl sheets from the Polka dot walls project. I remember seeing a pretty awesome gold dotted vase once, so I thought I would recreate the look with my leftover materials. Hope you guys enjoy this easy fun project…Happy Crafting Everyone!

Materials need:

• Desired vase
• Gold vinyl sheets
• Circle cutter
• Dry wipe marker

Read the rest…

By Crafts-a lot Contributor, Mable who is an avid reader of craft blogs & magazines and is always looking to improve her crafting skills. Join Mable on Facebook to socialize and share with other crafters!

If you have a creative child around, there are many great craft supplies to keep them busy, and keep you worry-free. Keep the right supplies on hand, and crafting with your kid can be fun and help you build memories that can last well into their lives.

Slimy Eyes Sensory Bag – Hands On As We Grow

Wiggly, jiggly eyes add humor and character to any craft project. They’re fun to shake, sound really cool, and instantly give anything personality. Kids love watching their creations come to life when they add googly eyes. You’ll love the simplicity and the hours of fun these simple supplies can bring. Here are some of our favorite creative googly eyes crafts…

Googly Eye Headband – The Crafty Blog Stalker

Girls won’t be able to stop giggling once they make these fun and funky hair accessories. Grab some old headbands and find the craziest googly eyes you can!

Read the rest…

By Card Making & Scrapbooking Contributor

Peg Rounds

From Peg’s Crafting Corner

Q:  I used the wrong re-inker on my ink pad.  Is it ruined?

A:  No, it’s not ruined.  Wash it out with warm water and let it dry completely and then re-ink it with the correct color.

 Q: What is the difference in tapes that are used in the Scotch Tape Glider?

A:  The Acid Free tape is used by those who do scrapbooking because it is acid free making it safe for photos.  The General Purpose tape is used by card makers and those who do other types of paper projects.

Q: Can I use markers on stamps?

A:  Yes.  Make sure that they are water soluble markers so they wash off easily.  The stamp may be left discolored, but that is okay.  When using them, be sure to use the side of the marker for a better and easier coverage.

Q: What are mists used for?

A:  They can be used for many things such as creating a colored background or a patterned paper.  Use them with stencils for a new type of image.

Q: What type of glue should I use on chipboard?

A:  There are several brands of glue and even adhesives that are good to use on chipboard pieces.  Mono Tombow Glue and Martha Stewart’s Ballpoint Tip Glue are two good choices.  Double sided tape works well, too.  For larger pieces, I would recommend Mod Podge or Aleene’s Tacky Glue for a stronger hold.