Re-purpose an old window into a shabby chic message board

June 2, 2016 / TakeTimetoCreate / 2 Comments

If you follow my Instagram (taketimetocreate) then I am sure you have already seen the reveal of this repurposed window. For those of you who don’t follow me there here the shabby chic message board!

I have to say I do love the way it turned out! This all started when my friend asked me to paint a window for a silent auction for mental health awareness. At first I wasn’t too interested, not because I didn’t believe in the cause (because this is one cause I totally support) it was because I wasn’t sure I had a design that would work. Most everyone else did a more traditional painted window with flowers on the glass and things like that. Well of course I didn’t follow the crowd. So I did my own thing and hopefully it will bring in a lot of money for the charity!

Here is how I did the repurposing.

Materials:
~ old window (for this to work you for magnets you will need one with a metal screen)
~ sandpaper, tape, cleaning supplies
~ paint and brush
~ cork
~ flowers, magnets, tacks, and clothes pins
~ ribbon and burlap

Instructions:
~ The first thing you will need to do is sand down all the rough edges and smooth it out. Once you like the feel of the window then give it a good cleaning.

~ Now you are ready to paint. I taped around the edges to help cut down on how much paint went on the screen, and this seemed to help.
Paint a couple coats until you get it to how you like it. I used this white acrylic paint that I had on hand.

~ Cut your cork down to size and glue it on to the screen. I just glued the edges with a metal glue and that seems to hold it pretty well.

~Then I went to work decorating the edge. Shabby chic is all about layers so that is what I did. I put down a layer of burlap, the layered on a layer of crochet ribbon that I had in my stash.

That looked good, but I felt like it was missing something, so I added a ribbon on top and flowers in the corners.

Then I added ribbon to the bottom of the screen and to the bottom of the window. Once that was done it was time to add the flower decorations.

~ For the flowers add a magnet the back of some and tack to the others. For the clothes pins I just added ribbon to a plain clothes pin I got from the dollar store.

And that is it. This is a very fun project that is easy to do and I loved using what I had on hand. I can’t wait for the auction and hopefully they will make a lot of money for their cause!

Disney Action Figures from the Dollar Store

May 3, 2016 / TakeTimetoCreate / 2 Comments

Hello Everyone!

I hope you all are having a great week so far. Our weekend snow storm ended on Sun and now the sun is out and the weather is beautiful. I love spring in Colorado!

Anyway, I was at the Dollar Store the other day (of course I was at the Dollar Store… I seem to be there a lot, haha) and while I was there I saw these really cute Disney action figures. Once I saw them I knew they would be perfect as magnets and tacks for my office.

This is a pretty easy DIY so here you go.

Materials:

~Action Figures

~ magnets or tacks

~ glue (I used Loctite)

~ Sandpaper

~ Masking tape

Instructions:

~ Find where you want to place the tack or magnet, some of the action figures are easier to figure out than others. I had a little bit of a hard time with Donald because of the way his back is arched, but eventually I did find a good spot to glue his tack on.

~ I rough up the spot where I wanted to glue down the magnet or tack, this will help adhere the glue. I also roughed up the tack.

~ glue the magnet or tack in place. I put masking tape over the magnet or tack to help hold it in place while the glue was drying.

~ FYI Dory had to be trimmed in the back so she could lay flat. Some of your action figures may need to be trimmed as well.

And that is it, I can’t wait to go back to the dollar store and see what other action figures they have and see what I can do with them!

Monogram Wood Burn Coasters

April 27, 2016 / TakeTimetoCreate / 2 Comments

Hello Everyone!

Before I get into my DIY I just wanted to let you know that there will be some updates coming to the blog. The design will be getting an overhaul. All the same content will be here, hopefully it will be easier to find and navigate to.

I am excited for the updates, and I will keep you posted on the progress.

Last week I told you guys about my cousin getting married (I made a clutch to go with my shoes. You can see that post here) The wedding was beautiful! I am so happy for them.

I wanted to give them something special for their wedding so I decided to try out my wood burning tool. (I have had it for a while, just never used it)

I thought coasters would be good for the newly weds, and a monogram of their last name would be perfect.

Materials:

~ wood ( You can use scraps you have around, or pick some up at a store. I found mine at Michaels)

~ Wood burn tool

~ graphite paper

~ print out of what you want to wood burn (I just created my monogram in word and printed it on my computer)

~ Stain (I used a pre stain because of the nature of the soft wood I was using, then I used a natural stain, and finished with a clear coat)

~sandpaper and foam paint brushed

~ Felt or cork for the back

Instructions:

First you lightly sand the wood to make sure it is nice and smooth.

Then you transfer the design onto the wood. I traced the design with a pencil using graphite paper. This worked really well.

Then I stared to outline the monogram with the wood burn tool.

This was my first attempt at making something with the wood burn tool and I learned to go at a steady pace with even pressure.

Also be very careful, the tool is HOT. I even have the band aid to prove how hot the tool can get Smile

Once it was completed and I was happy with the design I pretreated the wood with a Pre-Stain. Then I followed up with a natural stain and finished with a clear coat. Follow the directions on the stain to get the best results.

Then I put self adhesive felt on the back, and then I was done!

This was such a fun project! It did take a little while to get the hand of wood burning, but now that I get it I have a ton of other projects that I have in mind! These are perfect gifts for everyone!

What I am working on

April 12, 2016 / TakeTimetoCreate / Leave a comment

Hello everyone!

I thought I would add a new segment to my blog, it is all about what I am currently working on. With all crafting going on, things take time and I usually get started on a project and get sidetracked to some new and shinier. But I want to show you what I have going on in my craft room. (well, just a few of the things going on, because let’s be honest, there are always tons of projects that have been started and not finished.)

The first item is the Crochet Temperature blanket. Here is the link to the original post about it: 2016 Temperature Blanket

If you follow me in Instagram you probably have already seen this (if you don’t follow me you can find me @taketimetocreate) As you can see, I am still working away. It is fun to see all the new colors and a pattern is starting to emerge. But, I am still waaaaay behind (I am still working on February) but I just keep plugging away.

A few weeks ago I learned how to do a Finnabair inspired mixed media art (You can see the Finnabair blog here: Finnabair). I took the class from Tanya with Free Heart at a retreat called Mojito Creek. (click on the name to follow the link to their websites)

Tanya is amazing and wonderfully patient. I loved creating new things and learning new techniques. And the retreat is beautiful, and relaxing, and I would say just about perfect!

Here is one of my completed items that I made in the class:

Here is an item that I made using a puzzle I found at the dollar store (I just couldn’t resist), and stencils, and mica powder and all kinds of things. I still need to do some final touchups, but when it is done I will list it in my Etsy shop.

The last item I am working on is another mixed media that says “Beautiful” This on will take a while because of all the nooks and crannies, but I think it will turn out great in the end.

So what are you working on?

No affiliate links in this post. All opinions are my own.

Dollar Store Puzzle Coaster DIY

April 7, 2016 / TakeTimetoCreate / Leave a comment

Hello Everyone!

have you ever been to the dollar store and you see something really cute and you just know that you can do an awesome DIY with it? Well that is what happened to me with these puzzles I found at the Dollar Store.

They were just so cute I knew I needed to make something with them and I thought they were the perfect size for coasters.

Easy DIY, so here I goes:

Materials:

~ Puzzles

~ glues (I used Tacky glue and Mod Podge)

~ Exacto knife or scissors

~ Backing (I used some leftover fleece, but felt or cork would work)

~ Cardboard or poster board (optional)

Instructions:

~ First you have to assemble the puzzles. This is a really fun part!

~ Once they are all put together I spread a layer of Mod Podge on the front. I wanted a glossy look so I used Gloss A helpful hint is when you are gluing the back layers on to put something heavy on the coaster so that it will dry flat.

~ After that has dried then spread a layer of tacky glue to the back and adhere it to the fleece (or what ever you choose)

~ before you do the above step you might want to make the coasters a little more durable. So for the 2nd set I put a layer of cardboard, but I found that almost too thick. Poster board would be a happy medium. But they still work perfectly without any additional layers (my first set didn’t have anything extra and they work great)

~Once you are done with the fleece then cut it out.

And you are done! Ready to enjoy your new coasters.

Have you found something at the Dollar Store that you just needed to DIY? I would love to see what you came up with!

DIY Coloring Page Holder

February 16, 2016February 16, 2016 / TakeTimetoCreate / 2 Comments

I have a confession, I love to color. In fact I have been coloring long before it became the popular thing to do. I have always found it a great way to relieve stress and relax me. So when adult coloring books starting becoming popular I was literally giddy with so much happiness! So many possibilities and options! But, they are more expensive than the kids coloring books I usually found in the dollar store. So I started to look online and print them out at home. You can find tons of free coloring pages online, it is almost overwhelming. But with all these pages I needed a way to contain them, a cute holder of some sort.

Here is what I came up with.

DIY Coloring Page Holder

I found this folder at the dollar store and while it works just fine all plain and boring, I just couldn’t leave it like that. (surprised?) Next to the folder was the really cute sparkly tape. Perfect for the folder.

Materials:

~Tape and file folder

Sparkly tape

Folder from Dollar Store

~Coloring pages or coloring book and crayons

I just placed the awesome tape around the edges and that was it. Nice and easy and it made the folder so much cuter.

Front of Folder

Just fill with coloring pages that you printed or that wonderful coloring book that you have been working on. Keep your crayons in the folder as well and you are good to go.

Fill with Coloring Pages and Crayons

So do you love coloring as much as I do? Don’t you think this would make a great gift?

Have you embraced the new trend or are you passing on this trend?

Front of Folder

Back side of folder

Repurpose Your Old Keys

February 4, 2016 / TakeTimetoCreate / 2 Comments

Hello Everyone!

One of my goals this year is to use what I already have. I am trying not to purchase new things and to up cycle, repurpose, and recycle as many items as I can.

With that in mind I decided to repurpose some old keys I found in my desk drawer at work. After making sure they didn’t work or went to anything important I went to town making them awesome.

They are easy to do, just glue on some flower, rhinestones, button, or brad. Add a jump ring and you are done.

Here is my pile of plain keys.

I used Loctite glue and it is holding really well.

Adding the jump ring is easy to do

Here are some of the rhinestones and flowers I used. I am loving the rhinestone brand Say It With Crystals and the flower brand Prima Flowers.

As for the steampunk keys I just found some steampunk doo dads at Michaels in the jewelry/bead department. I had some old brads in my stash and bent the ends off and glued them on. As for the buttons I just cut the shank off and glued it on. The metal flowers are something I had laying around,I am sorry I can’t remember where I got them, but I added a rhinestone and jazzed it up and I think I turned out great.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match things, you might surprise your self with your creations. I even removed part of the flower for one of the keys, It was too big otherwise. I would love to see what you come up with.

I will have some of these keys in my Etsy shop, along with other creations. TakeTimeToCreate.etsy.com

Disclaimer: There are no affiliate links in this post

Alter a Statement Necklace into a Hair Barrette

January 27, 2016 / TakeTimetoCreate / Leave a comment

Hello everyone!

Today I am showing you how I altered another one of those Statement Necklaces I got from Wal-Mart a few months ago. In case you forgot about these Statement Necklaces here are a few posts about how I altered different necklaces.

You can see them Here, Here, and Here

Part of this necklace will become a new, pretty barrette.

Materials:

~ Statement Necklace

~ Wire cutters

~ Glue (I used E-6000)

~ Barrette or alligator clip

~ Nail Polish, I used this LA Colors nail polish from the Dollar Store and for the glitter top coat I used a Wet n Wild glitter top coat.

Instructions:

~ Here is my necklace in all its glory. There are a ton of colors going on and it is too much, even for me. Here is a side by side image with what I started with and what I ended up with.

So the first thing you do is take your wire cutters and cut the necklace apart. You want to separate the clusters.

~ Then I painted all the multicolored sections with nail polish a beautiful blue. In hindsight I probably should have painted a base coat of white before I painted the blue, you can see that the colors are slightly different, but not too much. I put on about 3 coats.

~ it is pretty, but it needed a little sparkle. So I painted a glittery top coat. Ahh, much better. You can see the glitter in this pic. Let it dry completely

~ Glue a barrette or alligator clip to the back and you are done.

Nice and easy, and it looks so cute.

Happy New Year!

January 2, 2016 / TakeTimetoCreate / Leave a comment

Happy New Year!

New Years Day is always a fun one for me. Not only is it a start to a new year, but it is my birthday. I find it is nice to reflect on the year that has passed, but it is fun to wonder and speculate about the upcoming year.

This blog has been so much fun and I can’t wait to see where it goes next year! You guys are the best, I thoroughly enjoy all the comments and suggestions you give me. You guys make me want to create more, you inspire me.

I have big plans for the blog this year. I want to do 2 projects a week (ambitious I know, but I think I can make it happen most of the time) and I will feature new and old products so you guys can see what I use and what is out there for your projects.

It is going to be a fun year and I am excited that you will make the journey with me.

Linda

Here is a sneak peak of next week’s projects. I wore this outfit for my birthday dinner with my hubby. I am wearing an altered necklace and I added lace to my shirt. I will show you how next week.

DIY Shirt and altered necklace

DIY Shirt and altered necklace

Continue reading →

DIY Magic Towel Wall Art

November 12, 2015 / TakeTimetoCreate / 2 Comments

I am loving the magic towels. The images are so fun and colorful. The Batman ones really stood out for me so I decided that I needed some wall hanging for our Fandom Basement.

Our basement is where we celebrate all fandoms! You can go back to this post and see how I made the Tardis Door. Oh and do you like my hand painted Deathly Hallows symbol and Captain America shield? Just a few details to the Fandom Basement. We love just about all the fandoms…

This wall art is easy and fairly inexpensive.

Here is what I did for this wall art.

Materials:

~ Magic Towels (I got mine at the dollar store)

~ Iron

~ Foam board (I got mine at the dollar store)

~ Craft Glue (I used Aleene’s)

~ Ruler or straight edge for a cutting guide

~ Exacto knife or rotary blade.

~ Ribbon

~ Ticky Tac, or some way to hang it.

Instructions

~ I washed my towels first. Once they are thoroughly cleaned I ironed them nice and flat. Then they were good to go!

~ I stacked them on top of each other so that when I I cut the towels they were the same size. I used a ruler for a guide to make sure it was straight.

~ Once it was all cut I spread craft glue on the foam board. Then I placed the towel on the board

~ After the towel was secured to the foam board I trimmed the edges so that it looked good.

~ After it was cut out I trimmed the top edge with ribbon. This was a good way to hide the frayed edges.

~Then I noticed that the white foam edges that were showing did not look very good, but I was out of ribbon so I did the next best thing and colored the edges with a Sharpie.

~ Before hanging up let it dry completely. I would place books on top so that it stays flat. I did not do this step and my art curled a little bit and so I had to flatten it after it was dry.

~Then hang it up. I used Ticky Tac, but you can use just about anything you want.

Not bad for just a few dollars. These would looks great in a kids room or bathroom and when they get tired of it it is easy to change out.

This time I mounted it on foam board, but next time I am going to try and frame the towel, or stretch it on a 12×12 canvas. So many options, I just hope I have enough wall space.

That is it! What do you make with your towels? I would love to see the art you create.

Take Time to Create

Taking a few minutes in our busy lives to create new and wonderful things

crafty

Re-purpose an old window into a shabby chic message board

Disney Action Figures from the Dollar Store

Monogram Wood Burn Coasters

What I am working on

Dollar Store Puzzle Coaster DIY

DIY Coloring Page Holder

Repurpose Your Old Keys

Alter a Statement Necklace into a Hair Barrette

Happy New Year!

DIY Magic Towel Wall Art