Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Candle Decor How To

I have had many people ask me how to make these and they dont' live close enough to come over so I decided to do a little demo.  My photography isn't that great but it should show you how to get the job done!

 The materials you will need are easy, a candle (I've done a three inch pillar and the taller 6 inch, I have purchased other sizes and widths but have not finished making those yet), wax paper, tissue paper (the paper used in gift bags), black stamp pad (or other colors as you see fit), your stamp of choice (for the candles pictured I used Close To My Heart August Stamp of the Month, which is only available thru August 31 but I am planning on using other fabulous Halloween Exclusive Stamp Sets on my other candles) and last but not least your heating tool (I have a craft heater but I am sure a hot blow dryer will work)  and then the sky is the limit according to your creativity.


I place my clear stamp onto my acrylic block and am ready to go




Stamp your image on one layer of tissue paper.  Tear your image out.  Cutting it won't look as blended. Also make sure it is dry, there may be some ink transfer to your hands. 

                                    
Place your stamped image on your candle.  The next step is using a piece of wax paper to hold your image in place while you heat it. 

Use your heating tool to slowly heat the image.  It will look wet.  If you get it to hot or too close your candle will melt a bit chunky/ripply.  You have to be especially patient while heating colored candles sometimes they have a white core that could show through if you melt too deeply.
Once it is melted into the candle peel your wax paper away.  Use a soft cloth to buff the area around and over the stamped image to return its glossiness.
And of course you can spice it up a little.  Ribbon or toole are easy add-ons.  My sister recommended adding a bit of bling or glitter.  I haven't gotten that far,  yet:)

There is also the option of using stamps of Fall leaves or getting a jump on the Winter holidays and making Christmas candles.  These can make fun neighbor gifts or a little something for the mantle:)
Have Fun!!!

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Oh the fun and simple

I love sharing ideas.  I love that others have great ideas to share.  I appreciate these people because without them,I don't know if I would seem as colorful and creative as I am today:)  Laugh Out Loud!

Anyways by way of another consultant I found a fun, simple and fantastic way to dress up those shelves and mantles for Halloween (can be tweaked for any holiday). 
This project is especially fun for those that love the Acrylic Stamp sets but don't scrapbook or make cards.
I am actually doing a Get2gether4fun gathering in September to make these little things.  So excited.  Keep up on the date and time on my Facebook page. You can do this on any sized candle.  I have bought a bunch of different sizes to experiment on this week.  I will post more of the results.  So that I don't spoil the surprise of my gathering ( of how easy this is) I am not going to post the instructions just yet.  If you email me I would be happy to let you know, especially if you don't live nearby. 
In the mean time start stocking up on the candles and the stamps you want on them:)

Monday, August 15, 2011

National Stamping Month (a bit early)

Today Close To My Heart is kicking off National Stamping Month a bit early.  With your purchase of $75 you will get the adorable double stamp set "Pair a Phrase" free.  Not to mention still getting a free font with your $5 Stamp of the Month Stamp set (this is for August).



Good through September 30, while supplies last.

Monday, August 8, 2011

Cricut Art Philosophy Collection

One of the fantastic things with the new Autumn/Winter 2011 catalog was the introduction of the Cricut Art Philosophy Collection.  It illiminates some of the cutting to the stamping process.  Along with an exclusive cartridge you also get 3 D sized stamp sets and 3 sheets of dimentional elements.  Plus!...the cartridge can also cut images found in many other stamps sets found throughout the catalog.  If you want to take a gander at the shape index for the cartridge, follow the link found below and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Have fun!!


http://www.closetomyheart.com/Ideas_and_Inspiration/Cricut%20Art%20Philosophy%20Collection.aspx