Fairytale Signs

I've seen similar ideas all over Pinterest, so I decided to do one for myself! I gathered broken, odd shaped, rough looking scraps of wood and then designed all of the titles with my software. I printed them out in vinyl, but I used them as a stencil so that they will last longer. Living in the Maritimes we have a lot of crazy weather to deal with. I didn't seal them with anything because I wanted them to become more worn and distressed looking with time.

Tutorial on how I make my Name Blocks

I've done a million sets of these name blocks. Ok, well, maybe not a million, but it sure felt like it before christmas. I've had a lot of questions on how I get my papers to be so smooth when I mod podge. I am the. mod. podge. queen. I love this stuff! I buy the 2x3 wood from Home Depot, and then cut various lengths from 4' - 7". I sand them, and then paint whatever color I'm going to be using for that set of blocks.


I choose my papers and cut them to fit just a tad bit smaller than blocks, as you can see in the picture below.














I then place a thin and even coat of mod podge over the entire surface of the block.











I line up the paper, and start smoothing it from the center out. Once I've done that a couple of times, I run my fingers around the edges of the paper. I find it sometimes lifts up a bit, so this makes the edges lay super flat!

I always wait a minimum of 15 minutes before I do anything else to the blocks.









Now it's time to put the lettering on! I center the vinyl, and peel the transfer tape off.








I put another coat of mod podge over the lettering AND the entire block. I use the gloss because I like the subtle shine it gives to the entire look of these blocks.










And voila! Here is the final look...they are quite adorbable.

Chalkboard Crossword Art

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving! I love this time of year. I live in Moncton, NB, and the colors of the leaves right now are so beautiful. I took a panoramic of my front yard...well, part of it. We have the cutest little green house, called the "Libra House". I didn't name it, but it suited me well because I am a Libra. So, the name stuck. Isn't the view beautiful? I love it.

I've been working on a lot of projects lately. I turned this frame into a big chalkboard. I should have taken a picture of the before. It was quite the looker. It was an ugly brown frame and had a hideous vase of flowers. I'm sure in it's own time it was beautiful. Because I've been painting walls, I had a can of primer, so I gave it a good coat. I then used a satin white paint over that. I took a chance and bought a small jar of chalkboard paint from walmart. It was only $8, give or take a bit, and I was really impressed with how it turned out. Because the print was a canvas like texture, I put a coat of primer on it as well. It took about 3 coats of chalkboard paint to get a good coverage. I let it 'cure' for a day, and then I took my piece of chalk, turned it sideways, and colored the entire surface. I've had a few sayings on it since it was finished. It's great for birthdays, holidays, and for those inspiring quotes that I love to collect. I always give credit where credit is deserved. I found the idea at newlywoodwards.com. You can find the link HERE.

Inexpensive and FUN Valentines Day Gifts

I love Valentines Day, but it isn't a holiday that I go all out for decorating. I usually tend to just put a few things on my window ledge in the kitchen. This is what it looks like this year. Nothing fancy! :)

All three projects are cute and inexpensive. The stacking trio hearts were made from some left over 2x4's. I painted the blocks red, then changed my mind and painted them black. I sanded the edges and ended up really liking the red showing through anyways. I mod podged the paper onto the front of the wood and then gave the entire thing a coat of mod podge

The Cubes were mentioned in a previous post (see below this one). The "i love you because..." frame was made after finding a similar idea on pinterest. Such a cute way to remind those we love about the little things that matter. The paper is changeable and the messages are written with a dry erase marker. So cute! Here is a closer look:

Valentines Day Cubes

Mod Podge scrapbook papers to the sanded and painted cubes. Place vinyl lettering on 5 of the sides, and it makes an adorable Valentines day decoration or gift! Personalized sayings (ie. names/dates or anything special for you) would make it an even more memorable gift. I had one customer say it would be a very unique and creative way for someone to propose. Cute idea!

Custom Name Blocks

 Block sizes range from 4" to 7" tall and they are all 2.5" wide.
 Prices: $3.00 per block - which includes your choice of background papers.

I love making these blocks! They are a fun and inexpensive way to decorate or give as a gift. They are especially fun because they can be personalized to names you won't find in any stores.

Vinyl cutter...how I've missed you!

I have been without a vinyl cutter for a few months now, and I am SO very happy to say that I am up and running again. Finally! I've also been very addicted to Pinterest lately. There are so many amazing ideas to be found. Thanks to Kristy @ next to heaven, I found this great idea for a weekly calendar. It's adorable and I love the fact you can change the background papers for any season or holiday. Here is my finished weekly calender...

Here is the link to Kristy's site, where I found the idea: http://fey-next2heaven.blogspot.com

Subway Art for Keurig Coffee/Hot Chocolate Machines

I've been staring at this spot on my Keurig coffee machine for months now, and I've finally come up with what I think is a pretty darn cute subway art design. Although we basically make hot chocolate with this, it was fun to use all those fun words that you may see in your favourite coffee shop. Since most machines are different sizes, custom orders are welcomed!