Monday, January 25, 2010

Cake Stand Tutorial

I don't think I'm actually allowed to call this a "cake plate" because unfortunately this will not hold up to food exposure and it is not dishwasher safe! So I am going to call this a "display plate" tutorial, instead. Would that have been even nearly as appealing to you if you saw that in the blog title? I think not!




Here we go:


Materials that you will need:
1 qty. wooden candlestick about 4" in height (they come in various sizes at you local craft store!)
1 qty. 4" wooden disk
1 qty. 8" wooden disk
1 sheet of 12X12 scrapbook paper
sandpaper
a sponge brush or larger paint brush
Mod Podge
paint to match you paper selection
wood glue (not shown. Sorry!)



The candlestick will come with a metal insert glued inside it. Simply pry it out using pliers or a knife (be careful!) because you will want a flush edge on the top of your candlestick.



Turn both of your disks upside down onto the back of your paper and trace around the top edge of the disk. Cut paper circles out and set aside. You may have to cut on the inside of the pencil line for a better fit.



Next: Sand all rough edges of your disks and candle stick



Use your sponge brush to paint both disks and candlestick. It may take a few coats of paint since pine is quite porous...and I didn't bother with a primer. When you are finished painting, wash your brush out so that you can use it to apply the Mod Podge next.

Hint: if you have Glad Press and Seal plastic wrap at home, lay and press a sheet down on your table to protect your work surface! It makes for easy and quick clean up!



After the paint has had enough time to dry (15-20 minutes to each coat), apply your Mod Podge to the top of your disks and place your paper on top. Use the palm of your hand and rub it down onto the disk with extra attention to the edges.
*When working with Mod Podge, remember that a little goes a long way! Applying too much will cause your paper to bubble and ripple. *
After it has dried (5-10 minutes) apply a layer of Mod Podge to the top of your paper to protect it from scratches and dirt. Allow to dry completely.



Next, apply a liberal amount of glue to the bottom of your candle stick.....



Now place the base of the candlestick on top and in the center of your 4" base. Wait for it to dry.



Finally, turn your 8" wooden disk upside down (this will make it easier to find the center) and then apply a liberal amount of glue to the top of your candle stick.  Place candlestick upside down on the bottom of your disk. Allow to dry.

Hint: Slowly spin your disk in circles and watch the movement of the candlestick to find the center. As long as the glue is still wet you can move it around freely.



You are finished! I have decided to use mine in my kitchen to hold my sugar, salt and pepper shakers, my daily multi-vitamins ('gotta stay healthy so I can keep on blogging!), and toothpicks! You can do whatever you please with yours! I think it would be great to display various things around your home such as: a plant, bottles of perfumes or lotions on a vanity, holiday decorations, etc...
...And if you really wanted to use it to serve food, just be sure to cover it with plastic wrap beforehand or use a plate under your cake to protect it. Enjoy!



wooden candlestick - $2.99
4" wooden disk - .69 cents
8" wooden disk - $3.29 with a coupon
scrapbook paper - .69 cents
paint - $1.15
(other supplies I already had on hand)
_________________________________
Total cost: $8.81
Total time to complete project: 1 hr. (this was mostly for drying time on glue and Mod Podge and feeding a 2 yr. old between coats!)


Thursday, January 21, 2010

Winner!


Congratulations to Craig and Cricket who said, "I love it!!! I'd love to have it on my desk!" You are the lucky winner of the 2010 desk calendar! 


A very big thank you goes out to all who entered! I wish I could send everyone a calendar but unfortunately there is only one! The good news is, is that I will be doing a giveaway on a monthly basis now - so please keep checking back and who knows - you just may be the next lucky one! 


*
H is for Handmade is going to be busy the next couple of weeks! I have a great menu cooking up for you dear readers and I am really excited about it! Here are a few things to expect in the near future:
  • new tutorials
  • guest bloggers/crafters for you to meet and drool over
  • local craft fair announcements
  • February giveaway
  • fabulous recipes
Have a great weekend and hopefully I will see you back here very soon!


Saturday, January 16, 2010

Hooray! It's a GIVEAWAY!

H is for Handmade is doing it's very first giveaway! It may be a small one, but as we all know - the best and most beautiful things come in small packages! I am pleased to be able to award a lucky reader this handy-dandy desk calendar created by the talented and skilled artist, Pauline Grayson with mufn inc. The colors are gorgeous, vibrant and showcase hand drawn elements by Pauline. A big bonus and very cool feature of this calendar: each month's card can be sent as a postcard to a friend or loved one so that they can enjoy it as well!
Here's the rules:
Simple.
All you have to do is leave me a comment! This giveaway will be open to ALL readers - near and far! I don't even care if I know you or how you found this blog! Strangers and visitors are welcome! This contest will close at 11:59 p.m. on 1/21/2010 (mountain standard time) and the winner will be chosen by random.org.
Good luck to everyone!












Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Family Tree Finds

A few years ago I gave my MIL a family tree that I had made from a Martha Stewart kit - which unfortunately doesn't seem to be available anymore. Ever since I made it for her I have been wanting one for myself. Why I didn't buy 2 of them at the time, I don't know! I guess when you start a family for yourself, you have a desire to find out who has helped in the creating of the quirks, features and passions in our posterity! Where did my son get the dimple in his chin and why do his ears stick out? It's fun to research your ancestry and even dig up old photos of grandparents from generations past! I recently went online to find some more family tree ideas and came across some really great handmade alternatives!

This family tree by LettyGirl is a DIY dream for only $15.00! I love the modern feel of this kit and also how the leaves mirror themselves in opposite and vibrant colors. I need this art piece for my wall! It measures 18X24 inches and it's easy to assemble which is a definite bonus! Do you have a wedding, birthday or anniversary coming up that you need to buy a present for? Hmmmm?

Family Tree Necklace by TheRustedChain. Additional discs can be purchased for only $5.00 so that each family member's name adorns your necklace! A great way to keep your family "close to your heart" for only $27.00. I would not recommend this necklace to the Duggar Family, however.

The Swirl Family Tree Book by Christine Bowden would be a great addition to any library of coffee table. I am loving the hard wood cover with the burned-in design! The book is equipped with 20 blank pages to fill in all your family's information and sells for $75.00. What a treasured heirloom this would be!

This platter from Custom Sepia is amazing! The images are fired on to make it microwavable, oven and food safe. It measures 15X9 inches and would be perfect in serving up those famous family recipes or simply displayed on a plate rack. I think this would make a great gift for the mom or grandma who has everything! The tree can accommodate up to 15 names and sells for $60.00. 



For the wall decal lover (there are a lot of you out there!) this one is for you! Expressing You designed this cute cluster of vinyl birds, each representing a different family member. It measure approximately 12X24 inches and allows you to choose between several colors of vinyl. Kit includes 2 large birds and up to 4 small birds and sells for $30.00.


Do you have a family tree in your home?
Have you made any interesting discoveries about your ancestors?
Did you find that you were actually related to your spouse through several generations past, like I did? Um, yeah.

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