Monday, November 29, 2010

Cyber Monday

Everything is on sale today, so what are the good sales for crafters like us???

You have to check out Oh My Crafts. I think that they might have to absolute best deal on Cricut Cartridges I have ever seen. You can choose from a long list, 4 different cartridges for $89!

Hurry and snatch up your favorite cartridge that you have had you eye on.

Cheers,



Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Treasury

Have you ever looked through Etsy treasury feature? It is so much fun to shop through. A treasury is a page of items put together by sellers for sellers. A fun way to advertise. It reminds me of the Sesame Street song, "which of these things is not like the other..." except most of the time all items have something in common like a color or theme. When they get enough clicks they end up on the front page!

Check out The Sassy Pepper in a tea party themed treasury here!

Cheers,


P.S. The Sassy Pepper Etsy Shop will be carrying DIY kits for your convenience and much more in January, so don't go away.

P.P.S. a GIVEAWAY BONANZA may be coming your way soon as well! Get ready to enter!


Thursday, November 18, 2010

Mod Podge Photo Questions and Answers

First, I updated a few steps on the Mod Podge Photo Canvas tutorial to sound less confusing. Please send any more questions to thesassypepper@gmail.com.

Question 1: What kind of photo paper did you use?

I had my photo's printed through Costco Photo. You can actually upload them online and pick them up the same day! Fast and convenient. Any professional photo printing will do. You might even try some online sites like Snapfish or Shutterfly.

ATTENTION: Do not try to use photo's printed from home. The ink doesn't set enough and the colors will run. Also, make sure the print size is equal to or larger than your canvas size if you want the canvas fully covered with a darling photo. For the 12 x 12 canvas I printed in size 12 x 18 inches.

Question 2: What is the wax paper for?
In Sassy's original tutorial, she used was paper for placing the image on to dry face down overnight . This prevents bubbling and the canvas won't stick to the wax paper.

In my tutorial I simply used it for applying Mod Podge to the back of the photo. I just tore off a sheet of regular wax paper and used it like a painters cloth under my project. I didn't want the photo to get damaged, or to get Mod Podge all over. You can use a paper towel or just paper if you prefer.

Keep the questions coming!
Also, keep checking back. Sassy and I have some exciting news for a GINORMOUS giveaway project we will be hosting early December.

Cheers,



Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Mod Podge Photos {On Canvas}


This is what your finished product can look like!
Darling of course, and the perfect gift for those Grandmas and Grandpas, or even yourself!



Mod Podge Photo Tutorial:
Part I

You can also look back to Sassy's mod podge tutorial for the original instructions.

What you will need:
Pre-stretched canvas
Paper cutter or scissors
Cute paper pre-cut to fit the sides of your canvas
Cute photo's
Two (2) - Paint Brushes or Sponge Brushes
Wax Paper
towel
Acrylic/Craft Paint


Step 1: Apply a thin coat of mod podge to your entire canvas, sides included.


Step 2: Have your strips ready? If not, cut them to fit on each canvas side while the Mod Podge is drying. My strips were 1/8 of a inch smaller that my measured sides.


Once Mod Podge is Dry, you will re-paint an additional thin layer on one side of your canvas.


I wanted to make sure that my edges would stick, and stick well. So you have an optional step of applying a thin layer of Mod Podge to each strip.


Step 3: Place your strip of paper along the edge of your canvas. Smooth it over with your fingers several times making sure no bubbles form. Repeat step 3 with all sides.


Your edges don't have to meet up exactly together.
You can cover the exposed canvas with paint in a few more steps.


Step 4: Photo Application
If you didn't already tear off a large piece of wax paper, DO IT NOW! Good job.
You will use the wax paper again in a few steps.

I also pre-cut my photo 1/8 inch on each size so that there was no edge overlap.


Place the photo down onto wax paper and apply a good amount of mod podge to the back of your photo. The photo paper is thick enough that it won't pucker or bubble at all.


Step 5: Turn the photo over and smooth it onto your canvas.
You can cover the image with a soft towel to do the smoothing. It is easier to smooth a photo onto the canvas with something on top to keep front jerky movements.
Wait about 20 minutes for Mod Podge to dry.


Step 6: Mod Podge the front of the photo. It will look milky white, but remember it dries clear.


The photo on the left is almost dry, the photo on the right was just Mod Podged.
It will take about 20 minutes again for Mod Podge to dry.


Step 7: Dry Brush (or sponge) Paint Application.
You can use any dry brush or sponge. Make sure the brush or sponge is DRY to get that vintage look. Dip the brush in a small amount of paint, and before you start to apply, wipe your sponge/brush on a paper plate or paper towel so you use a minimal amount. Then dab your sponge/brush along the edge repeatedly until it is as dark as you want.

Voila!





After your photo's look complete, you will want them to dry fully over night.  Place your photo canvases face down on your wax paper onto a flat surface.  I also like to cover the back of my canvas with heavy books that will press my photo to the canvas even more overnight, this will helps minimize any bubbles or puckering.


Done!  You did great!  But wait...there's more. ;)

Mod Podge Photo's on Canvas
Part II

What you will need:
Mod Podged Photo's on Canvas

Step 1: Put your canvases in order the way you want them to look on your wall. Also, decide how far apart you want them to be {1 inch, 2 inches...etc}. Multiply that number by 4. Measure your ribbon out to that length. Cut as many as you need for holding up canvases below. For three Canvases you will need four ribbons in this length.

Step 2: Get your ribbon ready to staple.
I like to fold my ribbon with about 1 inch overlap. The double strand will give the ribbon more strength when holding up another photo canvas below.


Step 3: Staple your ribbon to your canvas.
I stapled my ribbon 1 inch in from the edge of my canvas.
I used two Staples on top and on bottom for additional strength. Repeat as needed.


Step 4: The Top
I unraveled my ribbon first to "eyeball" how long I wanted it to be.
Then I cut double that length again for extra strength. Hey, that rhymes!


Stretch your ribbon flat, and then fold it over the the other side.
Again, I wanted my ribbon 1 inch from the edge.


Step 5: Staple your ribbon.
I used two staples on each side because I am paranoid.

Now you can hang your finished product! All you need is one cute hook or nail!


Who will you be giving your photo canvas gift to?

Cheers,

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Clean up that Ribbon!

Do you happen to know someone who has a ribbon stash that looks like this?
You don't have to admit it, but I will. My name is Pepper, and I am a messy ribbon keeper.


It doesn't bother me every day. But... on the days that I actually NEED ribbon, I end up feeling like the mice on Cinderella unraveling their tails, hoping they aren't in a knot.


I saw this cute idea ages ago, and finally put it to use in my craft corner.

What you will need:
Doll pins
Regular pins
Messy ribbon waiting to be organized

What I did:
First was the annoying part. I had to untangle at least one ribbon for re-organizing.
Then starting with one loose end, I placed it between the open space on the doll pin.
Holding securely, I began to wrap the ribbon around the doll pin to one side.
Once I had wrapped to one side, I started wrapping in the other direction.
I continued back and forth until the ribbon was all wrapped up.
To end the task, I secured the end with one simple pin.

Extra tip: You can secure ribbon to it's original cardboard holder with one simple pin.
Sound simple? Because it is!
You would be surprised at how many crafters' don't secure their ribbon!

Go the extra mile and put your ribbon into a cute jar, bowl or vase.
It is like adding a decorative flower arrangement to your crafting area!


Are you in need of some reorganizing?

Cheers,



Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Fake-it Photo Shoot

Most of us don't have professional lighting and backdrops in our homes. Sometimes it is hard to figure out the right way to photograph your items if you have a crafty business. Here is a simple how-to fake your own photo shoot!

1. Find an area in your home with good natural light.
Windows are always a great place.

2. Pull out that cute fabric that you haven't found a use for just yet.
Hang it in front of, or next to your natural lighted area.

3. Place your "craft" in front of your home-made backdrop.

4. Click click click!
Don't be afraid to crop in close when snapping and/or editing your photo's.

5. Add Variety
Turn your object, place it on textured items, show it as it should be used,
People like details and this variety helps you sell.


Voila! Playroom a.k.a. photo studio!

I will look for your new items on Etsy! :)

Cheers,