pumpkinss

Start with some scrap wood. I found these in a little garbage pile next to a new home being built in my area. Paint them orange then sand around the edges. Then I cut some 2 inch medium thick branches off my tree. Glued them to the top and wrapped around some green fabric, raffia, and wire I had in my craft closet. (I think the fun part is just using things you already have around the house.) Ta-Da! Wooden pumpkins!

Pumpkins

Materials:

• 1 funkin (faux pumpkin). I bought 3 different sized white ones at Michaels with a 40% off coupon for the large one. The orange would be okay too. Gourds would be a fun twist.
  
• 1 can of Metallic Finish spray paint (Mine was from WalMart - Rust-oleum Bright Coat/silver). It takes way less than a full can.
• 1 nearly empty can of Rust-oleum Universal Satin in Brown Hammered (or see instructions for another option).

Tutorial:

I sprayed my pumpins with the silver paint. Spray generously. If there are drips, they're unseen and towards the bottom.

Do not let silver dry - go directly to next step. My can of metallic brown was nearly empty, so it was sputtering which was perfect. I spritzed "spots" on top of the generous wet silver paint. So, both paints sort of blended. Let dry. All done! (Email me pictures! I'd love to do a slide show!)

(Note: I also tried white paint instead of the brown hammered, but it didn't give me enough contrast or the look that I wanted. If you can't "spritz/sputter" the brown...maybe try splattering with a toothbrush and metallic brown craft paint. You will have tons of paint so experiment to see what works best to achieve the look you like).

End Result:

I love my shiny faux mercury glass pumpkins. They change in different lighting. It's so easy! Let me know if you give it a shot! I'd love to see how yours turned out!

recipe holder

It's a cutie!... This is what I did...

I purchased a 1x8x4 at Lowes and a large square dowel...

I also purchased a small craft circle...

My first step was to cut the dowel. I cut it about 11" long. I then used my Gorilla Glue Epoxy to attach the dowel to my wood circle.

I then cut my 1x8 10" long. I used the epoxy to attach the 1x8 piece to the front of the dowel.

Then I let it dry a bit...

I used my drill to put a hole in the top for the finial.

And here is was ready for paint!!!

I painted that with Rustoleum American Accents Heirloom White spray paint. After that was dry I started working on the next step.

I decided to shanty the edges up a bit with my sander and a bit of Minwax Dark Walnut stain...

I then added a bit of Ralph Lauren Smoke Glaze... You guys know the routine!!

I found this galvanized roof flashing at Lowe's...

I cut a piece just a bit smaller than the plaque I attached to the dowel.

I then used my epoxy again to attach the metal to the plaque to the wood piece. I added a silver nail in each

corner for a bit of shanty-ness!!

Now for my magnets... I used the same super cute Fleur-de-lis wood pieces that Ash used on a previous procect. I painted and glzed them the same and then used some Gorilla Glue to attach the magnets.

All finished... Now it just needs a great recipe...

towl

Make it into a loop by attaching Velcro strips to two ends, one on the front and one on the back, below. Stitch in place, or use iron-on Velcro strips.

etched jars

So, I gathered my jars (3 PB, and 2 cool salsa) and got to work.

I started by spray painting the lids with my cool "brushed nickel" spray.......but I will definitely NOT be putting these into the dishwasher (hint, hint). I will only be wiping these clean with a damp cloth since I don't know how they would hold up. Also, make sure the paint is only on the outside, so it doesn't touch the food :)

Next, I used my vinyl cutter to cut out my labels and then stuck them onto the jars.

As Martha shows, you can also get some alphabet stickers and blue tape and do it this way. It works great too!

But, whatever way you do it, try to apply the letters with tweezers, so they don't get oils from your fingers and stick nice and tight to the jars.

Now get you cute jar of etching cream and a popsicle stick and slather it on, baby.......nice and thick like you are icing a cake!! I've found that a paintbrush just doesn't give the best coverage and you WANT it thick for a good etching.

I wait 5 minutes, then scoop it off the surface, back into the jar (yes, you can re-use this stuff!). Then, I apply a new coat and wait another 5 minutes.

After your 10 minutes (total time), scoop it off again and back into the jar to use again and rinse the remainder off in your sink with warm water. you want to remove the stencil/tape right away to make sure no cream is under the edges.

Now, just add your goodies, and.....