Medium Archives - Poppytalk

DIY Dowel Clad Entertainment Unit Downunder

Jan Halvarson — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 06:57:00 +0000

Loved this DIY Dowel Clad Entertainment Unit project by Nyome Blanchard and her husband that I spotted on Instagram over the weekend so much, I asked her if we could share here on the blog.

Measuring in at just under five meters (approx. 16.5 feet) wide, they were determined to find a way to have a custom wall to wall built-in within their budget in their new home in Fern Bay, NSW (Australia).

Using 5 x 900 mm laundry top cabinet flat packs from a local hardware store, the couple wanted the project to be taller than a standard tv unit to give more visual weight in such a long space. They also needed it to be quite narrow so it didn’t impede on the usable space in the lounge room.

They clad the doors in half dowels and added a beautiful stone top. The result is stunning! Follow @lanchesbaybuild on Instagram as they continue working on their gorgeous home. In the meantime, check out the before/after progress!

Check out more on their new home journal Instagram account, @blanchesbaybuild.

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DIY Driftwood Magnets

Jan Halvarson — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 09:11:00 +0000

What works for me visually is the different colours and sizes of driftwood, along with her typed notes. Miranda is one of the best visual people around I think. Her Instagram accounts are so beautifully edited, yet don’t seem so pre-mediated (if you know what I mean). A must, must-follow! Also near the end of this post, I’ve added a few pics of her very special small batch soy and cedar wooden wicked candles that she sells through her webshop, maderagoods.ca. The scents are truly beautiful (I have one myself), and inspired by the outdoors here in the Pacific Northwest. All photos by Miranda Hudson.

maderagoods.ca

@maderagoods

@hudsonny

Check out the how Miranda made her magnets below.

DIY Driftwood Magnets

What you’ll need:

—A collection of small pieces of driftwood (but you could use any smaller found piece of nature — like seashells, river rocks, bark, lichen, acorns, etc.)

—small round magnets (found at most craft stores)

—glue gun

How to:

The how-to is pretty straightforward, using a glue gun and attaching each magnet to a piece of driftwood. The idea is so charming I think because half the fun would be the collecting in itself. So of course, the basics; making sure each piece is clean so that the glue will stick (no sand still attached, etc.), perhaps sanding edges a little if needed. So simple and easy, and such a beautiful way to greet the new year don’t you think? Thank you Miranda! We love this so much! Check out all the beautiful how-to visuals below.

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Let Spring In! Forcing Branches

Jan Halvarson — Wed, 19 Feb 2020 03:32:00 +0000

Whenever I get the winter blues, I always like heading outdoors, braving the cool air, hopping on my bike and looking for wild botanical branches I can bring inside and force a little spring. Recently I came across some quince branches (Chaenomeles speciosa) with buds and brought a few inside. Quince, along with Forsythia is one of the first blossoms that happen here in the Pacific Northwest, and which I can usually find mid February. I love their white and salmon-coloured blooms which always bring new hope to what can be a very grey month here.

The process to force any spring branch is so simple, and it only takes about 3 to 5 days for the buds to begin to pop open. Here’s how I force mine.

Step 1.
Once you bring the branches inside, give them a fresh snip (a longer diagonal cut seems to work best).

Step 2.
Using a mallot, or perhaps a heavier heel of a shoe, smash the bottom of the branch where you just snipped, to open up the branch to allow water to be pulled through them quicker.

Step 3.
Place in vase filled with fresh water.

Step 4.
Wait. In 3 to 5 daysor so, the buds should begin to pop open!

Replace the water every couple of days and your blossoms should last for quite a bit of time (between 10 to 14 days. This process can be done with any type of spring blossoming branch.

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Weaving DIY Chunky Woven Storage Box

Jan Halvarson — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 06:16:00 +0000

Today we’re excited to share a project from Anne Weil (Flax and Twine)’s second book, Weaving Within Reach, Beautiful Woven Projects by Hand or by Loom. The book is a real stunner with 25 gorgeous weaving projects from earrings, clutches, pillows to wall hangings, all organized by skill level. Most projects can be woven on found objects like an embroidery hoop or a cardboard box or simple over-under patterns using no loom at all. I also love the detailed instructions featuring step-by-step photographs.

This book comes at a perfect time where you will find gorgeous woven things to make, to use, and to give (maybe as a gift for the holidays)! Weaving Within Reach is available in Anne’s shop or find it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Indiebooks!!

The project we’re sharing today is a beautiful Chunky Woven Storage Box, which can actually be made in as short as one afternoon (the jumbo chunky wool makes it that way). Click past the jump for the how-to!

Chunky Woven Storage Box
An excerpt with permission from Weaving Within Reach
Beautiful Woven Projects by Hand or by Loom by Anne Weil

Reprinted from Weaving Within Reach: Beautiful Woven Projects by Hand or by Loom. Copyright © 2018 by Anne Weil. Photographs copyright © 2018 by Rebecca Stumpf. Published by Clarkson Potter/Publishers, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC.”

Transform a throw-away cardboard box and a pile of yarn into fine decor in an afternoon. If you don’t have access to this jumbo specialty yarn, never fear: hold together 3 or 4 strands of a super-bulky yarn that you can find at any craft store, and the results will be just as lovely.

PROJECT TYPE Made-loom
SKILL LEVEL Beginner
TIME REQUIRED 3 hours

TECHNIQUES
• Plain Weave, (page 168 of book) – see images below.

MATERIALS & TOOLS
• 9″ × 9″ × 12″ (23cm × 23cm × 30cm) cardboard shipping box
• 50 yd (45.7m) of jumbo specialty yarn, 2 WPI, or three 50-yard (45.7m) strands of super-bulky yarn , 5–6 WPI held together
• Color-coordinated embroidery thread
• Scissors, ruler, cutting mat (optional), pencil, craft knife, packing tape, sharp tapestry needle

TEXTILES USED
• Loopy Mango Mini Merino Wool in Oatmeal, 50 yd (46m), 17 oz (482g), 100% merino wool

FINISHED S IZE
• 11″ (28cm) long, 9″ (23cm) wide, 9″ (23cm) tall

1. Flatten the box and place it on a cutting mat or other protected surface. With a single cut, trim off the upper 2″ of the box sides and the top flaps, so that box measures 7″ × 9″ × 12″ (18cm × 23cm × 30.5cm) (A).

2. Beginning at one end of the flattened box, mark a line every 1 inch (2.5cm) across the body of the box, from the top of the box to the flaps that make up the bottom of the box (B).

3. With a ruler and craft knife, cut through both layers of cardboard at each line, stopping at the beginning of the flaps (you may want to switch your blade a couple of times to keep it sharp) (C). Only cut where you’ve drawn pencil lines.

4. Open the box (it will be in two pieces with two corners still intact). Cut the bottom of every other 1″ (2.5cm) strip, removing the strip. Don’t cut the corners yet so you can maintain the every-other pattern of the strips (D).

5. Tape together the bottom of the box (E), bringing the two pieces together. Turn the box on its side and slit the corners with your craft knife. Remove the 1″ (2.5cm) strips according to the every-other pattern around the box (F).

6. To begin weaving, orient the box with the inside (the brown side) face down, the outside (in my case, the white side) face up, and with the cardboard strips (warp strips) splayed out at each edge. Cut 20 yd (18m) of yarn for the weft. Be¬ginning at the lower left, wrap the yarn lengthwise around the bottom of the box 10 times. On the end with 4 warp strips, place 2 strands per warp space. On the end with 5 strips, place 1 strand to the left of the first strip, 2 strands in each opening, and 1 strand to the right of the first strip (G).

7. Bring the yarn end across the width of the box, weaving in plain weave over and under pairs of the yarn (H). This will split the pairs on the end of the box with 5 strips. Flip the box over to the inside and weave under and over the pairs (I).

8. Flip the box over again to the outside of the box, and weave over and under across the width of the box, matching the pattern of the strand from step 7 (J). Flip the box again, and do the same on the inside of the box, only this time, be¬fore you flip again, finish with the strand in the next warp space on the box (K).

9. Repeat steps 7 and 8, weaving across the width the entire length of the box (L). You will fill in any gaps in the weaving later.

10. Next, bring the length of yarn remaining up to the warp strips and begin weaving over and under the warp strips around the box (M).

11. As you weave around the box (N), hold the warp strips so that they’re vertical. The sides will tend to drift a bit as you weave, which creates a nice shape. Your initial length of yarn will run out about halfway up the strips.

12. When your initial length runs out, cut a length approximately 5 yd (4.6m) to fill in the sides and bottom before finish¬ing the top part of the box. You’ll notice a visible gap between the bottom of the box and where the weaving starts on the strips. You’re going to add to the coverage along the bottom. Weave the 5 yd (4.6m) length over and under the strands from the bottom of the box, around the box once, as if it were the first row of the side weavings (O).

13. Next, flip the box bottom side up. Bring the 5 yd (4.6m) length down and weave over and under the pairs on the bottom of the box, going around the outside of the current bottom weaving twice to fill in the edge and create an outer ring according to the weaving pattern (P). If desired, bring the yarn length to the in¬side of the box through a warp space and fill in the edges of the weaving inside the bottom. To finish, trim the yarn end with a 4” (10cm) tail and tuck it into the weaving.

14. Return to where you left weaving the sides of the box in step 11. Working with the remaining 25 yd (23m) of yarn, continue to weave around the box until you reach the very top of the warp strips (Q).

15. Using a sharp tapestry needle and color-coordinating embroidery thread, whipstitch (see below) the top of each warp strip, inserting your needle through the topmost strands on both sides of the warp strip, pulling it through the cardboard warp strip itself. This secures the topmost weft thread on the inside and the outside to the warp strip, ensuring that your weaving will not slip off. After 3 whipstitches, bring the needle and thread diagonally through the warp strip space to the left of your stitched warp strip to repeat the same process on the next warp (R). Repeat this for every warp strip.

16. Trim the end of the weft strand with a 4″ (10cm) tail and bury it under strands on the inside of the box.

17. Using the remaining yarn, create decorative stitching around the top of the box by feeding the length through a warp space from the inside of the box to the outside a couple of weft strands down from the top (S).

18. Wrap the length over the top of the box to the inside of the box. Next, pull the yarn through the next warp space to the left a couple of weft strands down (T).

19. Repeat step 18 around the box until you get back to where you started (U). Trim the yarn with a 4″ (10cm) tail and bury the end on the inside of the box.

Whipstitch
The whipstitch is a simple stitch and a good reinforcing stitch used to sew together two separate pieces of material. Thread a needle and tie a knot in the end of your thread. Hide your knot by bringing your needle through the top layer of fabric only. Bring your needle through both layers of fabric starting through the bottom layer so that the thread wraps around the edges of the fabric. Continue to bring the needle out of the top layer and poke it in through the bottom layer, making a series of stitches that wrap around the edges of the fabric.

Weaving Within Reach is available in Anne’s shop or find it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Indiebooks!

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8 Plywood Headboard + Bed DIY Ideas

Jan Halvarson — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 05:34:00 +0000

You can never really go wrong with a minimalist look, and it seems that the plywood look has turned into a classic after all these years. It doesn’t really seem to be dating itself and if accessorized right, it can be a really great look on a budget. Here are a few that crossed our radar.

1. Floating Headboard
(Above). A perfect accessorized headboard from Gravity Home via Roomed.

2. Minimalist DIY Headboard
This project from Mr. Kate with three shelves is a nice touch.

3. How To Make a Double Duty Bedhead
A clever project from Homes to Love.

4. Finishing Touches
This one with a matching head and foot board is also finished. By Mark Tuckey via Inside Out Magazine.

5. DIY Simple Bedframe
A great project if you need a frame too! From The Merrythought.

6. Floating Bedside Boxes
We’re not only loving the floating bedside box shelves, but also the colour of this headboard from Piper Winston.

7. The Plywood Daybed
The ladies at The Merrythought made this brilliant daybed, now you can too! Click here for the how-to.

8. Nice Accessories
Also love how this one is accessorized by Miss Jettle.

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DIY Wooden Mobiles

Jan Halvarson — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 03:57:00 +0000

This past week we were inspired by our friendly neighborhood shop and workshop place, Collage Collage’s fun mobile project they posted on Instagram. I asked owner Erin Bonifero if she’s be interested in sharing the project on here on Poppytalk! This mobile project is something they do at their Crafternoon Campsthey are holding this summer at their Main Street shop here in Vancouver which anyone is welcome to sign up and join if you happen to be in the Vancouver area. Erin explains their inspiration and shares a few how-to photos below.

DIY Wooden Mobiles
By Erin Bonifero of Collage Collage

You will need
—Approx 9 or more different cut or scrap pieces of wood (some larger, some smaller) ranging anywhere from 1″ high (2.5 cm) to 12″ high (30 cm) —both approx. 1″ thick.
—eye hooks (1 for each mobile)
—bright coloured craft paints
—paint brush
—glue

Instructions
We were inspired by Bruno Munari and his amazing found object sculptures. We came across a simple painted piece of wood; and adapted it to best suit our 5-9yr old students. Under Russell Leng’s guidance the campers painted blocks of wood (a different colour or pattern on each side) and then stacked them to make a composition. We added an eye hook to the top + strung them up, spinning them to see what happened to the colours as they move. (See images below).

While we don’t offer a kit for this project yet – it IS something we’re doing at our Crafternoon Art Camps this summer. So Vancouver families can sign up and join us.

Visit Collage Collage
3697 Main St. (21st and Main)
Vancouver, BC V5V 3N7
Canada

And online:
Shop: shop.collagecollage.ca
Site collagecollage.ca
Instagram: @collagecollage
Facebook: CollageCollage

Also, check out Russell Leng’s work! He just launched a new side project!

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DIY Decoupage Magnolia Easter Eggs

Jan Halvarson — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 04:30:00 +0000

Magnolias are a favourite spring flowers, so what a perfect image to decoupage onto eggs. We first painted these using craft paints for a base (as we’re not eating them) and then once dry, decoupaged some mini magnolias. Check out below how we made them and to get the printables.

If you like the napkins to match, click our next post or here for the download and instructions.

What You’ll Need
1 dozen eggs (real, then boiled or blown or craft eggs)
Magnolia printables – click here for the download
Gold egg dye or craft paint
Pastel Green egg dye or craft paint
Modge Podge
paint brush
container or paint palette (to hold the paint you’re using)
xacto knife and xacto cutting board
scissors

Step 1
Paint the eggs. We painted ours in each of the colours (gold and green). Let dry.

Step 2
Cut out all of your pieces. We cut the large pieces using a scissors as it was faster, then cut out the smaller pieces using an xacto knife. Set aside.

Step 3
Start to decoupage the magnolias onto the eggs one by one. First paint some modge podge onto the surface (the size of the cut out magnolias you will be gluing it to). Then place the cut out piece onto the egg. Then paint some modge podge over top of the cut out piece until completely covered, ensuring that the piece is flat and has no ripples or bubbles. Turn the egg and add another piece on to get the desired effect you’d like. Let dry.

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DIY Art Deco Dresser

Jan Halvarson — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 18:45:00 +0000

We’re excited today to share a DIY project from Christine Schmidt of Yellow Owl Workshop‘s newest book, Make It Yours, Patterns and inspiration to stamp, stencil and customize your stuff. Once again, Christine makes all our DIY dreams come true with a stunning collection of projects that are inspiring and fresh. From creating the most adorable stamped clay ornaments to turning an old dresser into an eye-catching art deco showpiece, Christine shows readers how to create gorgeous projects using unexpected materials. To launch the book which is on sale today we’re sharing the art deco dresser project which is one of our favourites from the book. Check it out below!

Art Deco Dresser

During art school I paid bills by working as a mural painter and faux finisher. It was the late 1990s and faux marbling and sponge painting could not be stopped. I especially loved metal leafing with gold, copper, and silver. Using a simple Ikea dresser, this project showcases both the traditional method of leafing and a new method I developed to get crisp leaf motifs every time.
Art Deco, an art and design movement that started in France after the Second World War, played with geometric shapes, symmetry, and gold, baby, gold. The motif can be scaled or multiplied to fit any dresser, wall, or even a jewelry box. Gold and metal leaf works on many surfaces, even glass and melamine. Always remember to seal your surface before you begin so the adhesive sizing takes—and to seal it after to protect your work. I like to use large foam brushes to apply sealer and adhesive because these products will ruin your expensive brushes, and the larger brush size facilitates the application process.

MATERIALS

Damp cloth
Dresser
Rag
2 foam brushes, each 2″ (5cm)
Gold leaf kit with 25 sheets of leaf, adhesive sizing, brush, and sealer
Additional gold leaf sheets
Templates A, B, and C (click here and here to download)
Clear contact paper
Craft knife
Cutting mat, cardboard, or chipboard, 20″ × 18″ (51cm × 45.5 cm) or larger
Masking tape
Tracing paper, 81⁄2″ × 11″ (21.5cm × 28cm)
Fine point permanent marker
Scissors (optional)
Flat brush, 1⁄2″ (13mm)
Mod Podge, Gloss Finish, 16 oz (473mL)

TIME: 4 hours

LEARN: How to apply gold leafing to surfaces using two techniques
REMIX: Use these techniques to decorate any wood, glass, or paper item; create a large canvas stamp with this motif

Instructions, Part 1 (Traditional Method)
We will use this method to cover the entire dresser top. It is best to do this project indoors, where nothing will fall or blow onto the surface as you work.

1. Wipe the dresser clean with a damp rag. Any dust will prevent the adhesive from working properly.

2. Use a foam brush to apply the adhesive sizing in a thin, even coat to the top surface of the dresser. Allow it to dry for at least 20 minutes, up to one hour, or until sizing is clear and tacky. This time will vary depending on your climate. If you start too soon, the gold leaf will tear and move with the wet sizing.

3. Wash and dry your hands immediately before applying leaf because oil, sweat, or residue will make the leaf stick to your hands rather than your work surface. Open to a fresh sheet of gold leaf in the booklet. Place gold leaf facedown on the adhesive surface. Press gently and remove booklet, leaving only the gold leaf. Smooth with a small bristle brush.

4. Repeat step 3 until surface is covered in gold leaf.

5. Place small bits of leaf over any gaps and smooth them with the bristle brush. Use a gentle stippling motion to get into any grooves and then a wiping motion to slough off the extra leaf.

6. Use the second foam brush to apply at least two coats of protective sealer, allowing time to dry between coats.

Instructions, Part 2 (Cheater’s Method)
We will use this method to create the stenciled decoration on the face of the dresser.

1. Remove adhesive backing from a sheet of contact paper and lay it faceup on a table. Press gold leaf sheets onto contact paper. Once you have covered the surface with gold leaf, paint on at least two layers of sealer with a foam brush and set to dry overnight.

2. Place gold-leafed contact paper, plastic side up, on a cutting mat about 20″ × 18″ (51cm × 45.5cm).

3. Trace templates A, B, and C on tracing paper (template C is a mirror image of template B—see pages 148–49) and attach the three templates with tape onto the gold-leafed contact paper. Using a craft knife, cut out the three shapes. You may want to use scissors to cut out the circles.

4. Lay the dresser on the ground with the drawers facing up. Position the gold-leaf decoupage motif in the center of the top drawer with contact paper side down. Align the straight edge of the motif with the top edge of the top drawer. Apply small pieces of tape to secure the main large motif and the circles in position.

5. Lift up portions of the gold-leaf decoupage motif and coat the back with Mod Podge, removing tape as needed. Lay motif back down and smooth with your hands. Wipe up excess Mod Podge with a rag.

6. Using a craft knife, cut a centered line between the top and middle drawers. Fold over edges and adhere with Mod Podge.

7. Brush Mod Podge on decorated surfaces to seal the leafing.

Make It Yours, Patterns and inspiration to stamp, stencil and customize your stuff (Clarkson Potter; on sale March 28, 2017; $22). Click here to find out more.

Follow Christine Schmidt + Yellow Owl Workshop:
Site/Shop – yellowowlworkshop.com
Instagram – @yellowowlworkshop

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DIY Triangle Display Shelf

Jan Halvarson — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 07:29:00 +0000

Earlier last month we happened upon this triangle display shelf via Instagram from Moorea Seal in Seattle and were inspired that it was handmade. Ashley Miller(who works there) created it as a display shelf for the shop and so we asked these two ladies if they would be interested in sharing how it was made as a DIY for Poppytalk. And we were thrilled they agreed!

The result is a stunning shelf perfect for not only retail, but at home too. Also, be sure to check out both Moorea Seal online and Ashley’s Etsy shop, Charcoal and Ash. All equally impressive – more of their contact info below!

DIY Triangle Display Shelf

The inspiration for the Triangle Display Shelf was to create shelving that was useful and stylish that could also create height in the shallow shop widow spaces. The triangle shelf does a great job at creatively displaying store product without blocking light from the outdoors. The
removable bolts keep it safely attached they are a great feature allowing for repositioning and stacking. Once your triangle shelf is built you can customize it by painting, sanding, staining, or burning the surface for a variety of beautiful looks.

Shopping List:
• 9, 1”x 6”x 72” pine boards (1 board per triangle I recommend buying a few extra)
• 54 (6 per triangle) 1-5/8” wood screws
• 1/4” flat washers
• 1/4” -20 hex nuts
• 1/4” -20 x 2 carriage bolts
Instructions:
1. First cut at the end a 33 1/3 degree angle
2. Then turn the board over, slide it down to 21”
3. On the long side cut 33 1/3 degree angle again
4. Repeat until board is cut into 3 pieces, cut all boards
5. Fit pieces together (see image below)

6. Screw in 2 wood screws per corner, until all 9 triangles are assembled (see image below)

7. Stack bottom row 3 triangles right side up, 2 upside down (see image below).

8. Drill holes with 1/4” drill bit dead center through the triangles to connect them.
a. Not on the outside wall or on the bottom only where the triangles connect, to
hold them in place so they do not fall over when stacked.
9. Install 1/4” bolts, nuts, and washers.

10. Stack 2 triangles right side up and 1 upside down in center, on top of the bottom 5 triangles (see image below).

11. Repeat step 8. (But do drill through the bottom connecting triangles)
12. Stack final triangle on top, drill hole in the bottom and bolt

DIY by Ashley Miller
Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CharcoalandAsh
Instagram: @charcoalandashpnw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charcoalandash/

for

Moorea Seal

Founder: Moorea Seal

Where: 2523 3rd Ave, Seattle, WA

Open 7 days a week

mooreaseal.com

Instagram: @mooreaseal
Pinterest @mooreaseal
Twitter: @mooreaseal

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DIY Speckle-Painted Lampshade

Jan Halvarson — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 00:49:00 +0000

Today we’re excited to share a project from Rebecca Atwoods new beautiful new book, Living With Pattern: Color, Texture and Print at Home from Potter.

The book is all about how to tell your story with pattern, going through each room of a home from various artists/designers who Rebecca admires, but who also know how to make a home that is reflective of the home owners story. A section filled with gorgeous homes including tips and tricks on creating personal, patterned spaces.

The end of the book features several DIY projects from decoupage to embroidered placemats. Fresh updated projects on classic ideas such as marbling, weaving and shibori. Like this speckle-painted lampshade we asked to share here. Check out the how-to below!

DIY Speckle-Painted Lampshade

Customizing a lampshade is an easy way to add pattern to your bedside table. This small accent may be just what you need if you have limited space. Here an organic pattern is painted on the shade to give it new life. If you’re unsure about painting your own design, you can always go for a stripe. The pattern possibilities are endless, so sketch out a few ideas prior to starting.

Supplies
Lampshade
Water-based paint, such as gouache or acrylic
Brushes for painting and/or stenciling
Stencils (optional)
Lamp base
Apron or old clothes

STEP 1: Paint
Just dive in. Have fun and paint freely, or stencil the design of your choosing. Here I used blue and black gouache. Gouache gives a softer look than acrylic because it has a matte finish. I recommend using only a little bit of water. Simply wet your brush prior to dipping it in the paint. If your paint feels too thick, just add a little more water until you get a consistency you like. First I put down larger spots of a soft blue, followed by a second layer of smaller black spots.

STEP 2: Finish
Let the paint dry completely before fitting the shade on your lamp base. Light up your room!

Living With Pattern: Color Texture and Print at Home by Rebecca Atwood is available on Amazon. Click HERE for the link.

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DIY | Easter Eggs Tropicale

Jan Halvarson — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 02:12:00 +0000

We’re going tropical this Easter with this set of banana and monstera decoupaged eggs. We drew (leaves and bananas) for you to download and make these yourself (if you’re inspired). We painted them using craft paints (as we’re not eating these), but add some real eggs to the mix if you like dyed in pastel colours to compliment the collection. Check out below how we made them and to get the printables.

What You’ll Need
1 dozen eggs (real, then boiled or blown or craft eggs)
Leaf printables (print off as many as you need) – click here for the download
Banana printables – click here for the download
Pastel Pink egg dye or craft paint
Pastel Blue egg dye or craft paint
Pastel Yellow egg dye or craft paint
Mod Podge
paint brush
container or paint palette (to hold the paint you’re using)
xacto knife and xacto cutting board
scissors

Step 1
Paint the eggs. We painted 4 in each of the colours (pink, blue and yellow). Let dry.

Step 2
Cut out all of your pieces. We cut the large pieces using a scissors as it was faster, then cut out the smaller pieces using an xacto knife. Set aside.

Step 3
Start to decoupage the leaves or bananas on the eggs one by one. First paint some mod podge onto the surface (the size of the leaf or banana you will be gluing it to). Then place the cut out leaf or banana onto the egg. Then paint more mod podge over top of the cut out piece until completely covered, ensuring that the piece is flat and has no ripples or bubbles. Turn the egg and add another piece on to get the desired effect you’d like. Let dry.

Step 4
Go bananas!

Step 5
You’re done! Yay!

Please note the printables are copyright material and are for personal use only.

Thank you!

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DIY A Nature Mobile

Jan Halvarson — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 02:36:00 +0000

If you’re looking for a creative art book for kids this holiday season, might we suggest Susan Schwake’s new book, Art Camp, 52 Art Adventures for Kids to Explore. For ages 5+, Art Camp is an easy-to-use collection of self-guided open-ended lessons for kids using simple materials. A great go-to book to slip into a suitcase for vacation or backpack for an overnight as a great alternative to screen time and for some great art-making fun! Perfect for gifting and ideal for the family library! Susan has let us share one of the projects here on the blog today! Let’s take a look!

A Nature Mobile

Forget the kids! We love this mobile so much, we’re going to give it a go ourselves over the holidays! (Instructions below):

Art Camp is available through Amazon.com

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