Using Water Slide Decals

Finding blank water slide decal sheets and printing my own decals has opened up a whole new world of crafting for me!

You can use water slide decals on wood, soap, paper, glass, and candles.

I have been using vintage decals I found at an antique store years ago and have been unable to find any since.

I started Goggling around and found blank decal paper, Eureka!  Available for ink jet or laser printers. 

I am probably the last crafter out there who did not know about this!

I put together a page of graphics from the Graphics Fairy.  I have a Mac computer that has a wonderful program allowing me to resize and merge images.  If you don't have this ability, Graphic Fairies has many collage sheets available. 

I first printed a plain sheet of paper and made sure I had everything sized right for my projects.

Then I printed on the decal paper, let it dry at least 30 minutes

After it has dried spray the paper with 2-3 coats of Krylon acrylic clear coat spray (Available at Michaels here in Orlando, but check the Krylon website for locations in your area ), letting it dry between coats

I have just recently used

Krylon crystal clear/clear gloss- This is less expensive and easier to find -Spray 2-3 coats, drying between coats

I was also thrilled to find Krylon triple thick crystal clear glaze requiring only 1 coat

Cut out your picture close to the edge and put it in luke warm water for about 15-30 seconds until the decal slides off the paper

 The decal will slide right off.

Lay your picture on your project surface and then slide the backing paper out.

You could print photo's and personalize anything.

I have all sorts of ideas for holidays

Instead of "buttons" you could put a name or photo.

What fun for party and shower favors.

I wrapped 2 of the soaps in clear paper that shrinks with heat and added some pearls

I recommend you order the water slide decals from

 Robin's Eggcetera  

I have tried many different brands of decal paper, but have found that they are not all the same or good quality which is why I recommend Robins Eggcetera

A few tips to save you from my mistakes!

I found 2-3 coats of acrylic spray worked the best, it made the decals stiffer and less likely to crinkle or curl. Apply a real "wet" coat not just a light "dry" coat, if you do not apply a wet coat it will not seal your ink and when you get it wet the ink will come off

Since the decals are somewhat transparent they only worked well on white, clear, or light objects, the graphics disappeared on dark objects.

I can see your creative minds whirling, just think of the possibilities!  

Here is some projects using the decals
Ornaments
Pictures
Step stools
Telephone table
Bottles
Wedding hangers
Curio cabinet

Happy Creating!

Carol

Wassup Wednesday@Elements Interiors
Wow us Wednesday@Savvy Southern Style
Brag Monday@Graphic Fairy

Using a Sewing Machine Ruffle Foot

I Got a ruffle foot for my sewing machine and I have gone ruffle crazy!

I have wanted one for a while and they are not cheap but, a girl cannot put a price on fun!

This foot attaches to your sewing machine

Each machine will have it's own model foot

I have a Baby Lock ESe2 and it was $49.99 (Like we wouldn't figure out that was ...um..$50.00)

It has 3 ruffle settings

I used the second one for all of my projects

I tore 2 inch strips of muslin fabric, then ran them thru the ruffler.

Paris and ruffles, does it get any better?

A bag with a vintage label from who else but Graphics Fairies.  Vintage lace, buttons, and of course ruffles.

A hanging pillow 

all of these projects are available at

The Polka Dot Closet

The ruffler makes great little shabby flowers

If you like ruffles and you have thought about getting a ruffle foot...Do it!  

It is so much fun and I have not even begun to play, I still have to ruffle ribbon, lace, and other fabrics.

I am ruffling everything in sight!

I am just warning you, I think my blog has a lot of ruffle posts in it's future!

Happy Crafting

Carol

How to turn a gun rack into a plate rack

I bet I will get a lot of Goggle searches on this one, 

Isn't everyone trying to figure out how to turn a gun rack into a plate rack!

I found this at the thrift store 

I bit the bullet and paid $5.00, I thought there has to be something I can do with this.

I was really shooting from the hip on this one!

I got to use all of my power tools.

The first thing I did was cut a back, but since I had enough wood I decided to make a decorative top.

I used a plate to make the pattern

Then cut it out with the jig saw and sanded it

You could use this idea any time you are putting the back on a shelf

I had some tin tiles left from my kitchen back splash so, I cut out a piece for the top

Then lucky me I found a roll of Laura Ashley wall paper at the thrift store for $2.00  ( Hate me?)

I put that on below the tin piece and now the back is ready to be screwed onto the rack

The plate rails are a combination of wood and decorative molding left over from my kitchen redo

Now were almost done

I added the rose to the top out of necessity as the tin was not centered and I needed something to recenter the top. I just took the rose off a nick nack 

The big reveal!!

I am putting this in my booth at Orange Tree

I hope I have inspired you to take hubbies gun rack and turn it into a plate rack!

I bet Hubby will get a BIG BANG out of it when he sees what you have done!!

Carol


I am linking with


One month to win it

At the Picket Fence
A Glimpse Inside
Miss Mustard Seed
Transformation Thursday@ Shabby Chic Cottage
Wow us Wednesday@ Savvy Southern Style
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday@ Coastal Charm
Motivate Me Monday @ Keeping it simple
Metamorphosis Monday @ BNOTP 


DIY Show offs

Adding Flowers and Jewels To A Dresser Mirror Tray

Dressing up that plain mirror tray.

Plain gold mirror trays can be found at any antique store, any day.

But, whether your mirror tray is for yourself or for sale, it is always fun to make it one of a kind.

If the mirror is removable I spray it, first with primer, and then with heirloom white paint.

Now I go to my drawer of free porcelain flowers

The free porcelain flower post is here, but the cliff notes are to just chisel the flowers off from damaged nick nacks you pick up at the thrift stores for a dollar or two.

Attach with E-6000 glue and you're all set!

You now have a one of a kind heirloom mirror tray

Now, if I find a tray where the mirror cannot be removed, I do not try to paint it.  

I like to attach vintage jewels and rhinestones

Now you have a one of a kind dresser tray

Just throwing out some ideas to get your creative minds churning!

Happy Creating!

Carol

Linking up with

Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Chic Cottage

Can You Tell a Bloggers Personality Just By Reading Their Blog?

In the months I have been blogging I've met so many people on line and feel like I have come to really know them, but do I?  

Would they be the same if I met them in person?

I have blogs I love to visit and think 

"I wish She was my neighbor"

Then there is blogs I love, but the people are not exactly my cup of tea

Now, that does not mean they are bad, just that we don't have a lot in common.

Today I met my first blog buddy in person 

Deb, The Garage Sale Gal She is one of those bloggers that I wish was my neighbor.  She is from my home state Minnesota, so we had an instant online connection.  Deb and her charming husband came to Orlando for a vacation and stopped in at my antiques booth

I'm the one on the right...Wish I had fluffed my hair!

Deb has that wonderful midwest nice, she was calm and sweet, but more out going than her blog portrays her.  

She brought me all sorts of beautiful gifts including a candy bar you can't get in Florida

A Nut Goodie, my favorite!! Thank You for everything!

Deb and I were talking about blogs and we agreed on what we thought the personalities of different bloggers were.

So what do you think?  

Do you really know a bloggers personality even if you have never met them?

Have you ever met a fellow blogger in person, were they who you thought they would be?

I am going to leave you all to ponder this question 

I am off to St. Augustine Florida, home of the Fountain of Youth (I am going to get myself a big gulp of that) and visit some friends, I will get back to you as soon as I return.

Carol