Meaningful Creations

I am a huge fan of getting cards and letters--nothing makes me feel better than to find a note on my desk at school, or to get a card in the mail.  It doesn't matter what its for...birthday, Christmas, valentine's, weddings, babies, or encouragement.  I love it!

There have been many times that I have spent forever looking for the perfect card for a certain occasion and didn't find what I wanted.  So most of the time I try to make my own card.  Its fun, cheap, AND more meaningful (for the one receiving and the one making!).

Here's how I create a meaningful card:

You will need:

Blank Greeting cards (found at any craft store)

Magazines

Scissors

Modge Podge (Glossy or Matte)

Paint Brush (fat and skinny)

Black or Brown Paint (for antiquing)

1. Cut out different colors and textures that stand out to you--then organize based on color.

2. Arrange colors and textures on front of the card and start Modge Podging!  Put a layer of Modge Podge on the card first and then add the picture.  Then paint another layer on top.

3. Let the Modge Podge dry and then come back with your skinny brush and some black/brown paint to outline or smear around edges for an antique finish.

And that's it!  Simple. Fun. Meaningful.

Here are a few examples I came up with:

Everyone loves a hand-made card!  Make one today:-)

Happy Saturday!

Today I'm linking up to:

Saturday Spotlight at Sas Interiors

Show and Tell at Be Different Act Normal

Sunday Showcase Party at Under the Table and Dreaming

Newbie Party at Debbie Doo's

Amaze Me Monday at Dittle Dattle

Free Day to Create!

Yesterday we had a snow day--No school yay!   I was in the "Valentine mood" so... I came up with this fun, easy, AND cheap idea for a painting:

So here's what I did...

1. I primed an old canvas I found in my closet with Guesso. (you can find this at Wal-Mart in the craft secition)

2. To get the raised, textured look on the heart, I applied some sheetrock mud and spread it with a painter's palette knife. (You could use your fingers, a spoon, or a rubber spatula).

3. I painted the heart...I used a lot of warm colors like reds, pinks, magentas, oranges, and yellows.  Then I painted the background with dark blues, teals, and purples.

4. Holding my paint brush really loosely, I painted different color circles in the background to give it that "pop"!  And wa-lah!

5. Lastly, I glazed the entire painting with an antiquing medium (Valspar Antiquing Glaze) I found at Lowe's.  Just paint and wipe off with a soft rag.  And here's the final product:

Please come again Ice and Snow!  

Post your comments and let me know what you think!  Happy early Valentine's :-)

In the Creative Mood,

Michelle

Today I am joining:

Debbiedoos for her newbie party,

Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphasis Monday,

The Girl Creative for Just Something I Whipped Up, and

Dittle Dattle for Amaze Me Monday