Friday, December 30, 2011
Happy New Year!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
A Little Craft Room Decor
As crafters, all of us like to have special things to hang around our work area that represent our hobby such as some of our work or even some of our tools that we have altered. Here is another fun idea to help decor your workspace! You can mold some of your favorite tools and then make a resin cast to display around your room.
One of my favorite things is my scissors. I have old ones, new ones and some with fun colors and designs, but the one thing I didn't not have was one that I could decorate with so I molded a pair of my own.
I began by creating the mold using Amazing Mold Putty and the package directions. I chose the pair of scissors I wanted and pushed them into the Mold Putty to create the cast. In order to have one complete piece so I didn't have to glue the second handle on, I trimmed the area of the mold to allow the resin to flow completely through the entire mold. The main key in doing this is to make sure that area is trimmed completely flat or you will end up with a rough area.
Then, I mixed some of the Amazing Casting Resin (White) and added a little of the Alumilite Metallic Powder in the Gun Metal color and mixed it unevenly. I didn't want a solid color. I wanted some strong streaked areas to add a little desing to the blades.
After allowing it to sit in the mold and harden, I unmolded the scissors and let them sit for a little longer to harden completely. Be sure to keep your piece laying flat as it dries. Next, I chose one of my favorite paint colors and painted the handles to match the colors of my craft space.
After the paint was completely dry, I hung them on the corkboard area of my dry erase board so that I will be able to enjoy them every time I sit and work.
Now, it's your turn! Go find your favorite craft tool and start molding it to decorate your craft space!
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Sprinkles Keychain with Jingle

Begin by making a cylindrical mold - I used a faux cork for mine, but you could use anything with a cylindrical shape.
Once cured, measure out your Part A and Part B of Clear Cast Resin, mix according to the directions, let sit for a moment to allow bubbles to clear. Pour a small amount of resin into the bottom of your mold. Add a small amount of sprinkles. Continue to do this in layers. Using a popsicle stick, gently move the sprinkles throughout the resin until the mold is full. You may have to add more, as the sprinkles will settle as you go.

Once you are happy with the amount of sprinkles in the resin, allow to cure for 24 hours. De-mold. I sprayed mine with a clear coat because it had a matte finish, but if you made your mold with something 'shiny' it will have a glossy finish to it. It's up to you if you want to spray it or not.
Screw an eyehook into the top of the cylinder and then you can add the key chain or a ball chain to create a necklace! Isn't it fun?!!!

Jingle Out! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to All!
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Mixed Media Collage
Title: “Be yourself”
Size: 8x8
By: Niki Meiners
Website: http://365daysofcrafts.com
Materials:
Amazing Mold Putty and Amazing Casting Putty
http://duetica.com/ Lettering Arts Studio–Piper Font I00, E00, G00, C00
Computer and printer
Worldwin Cardstock
The Crafters Workshop Stencils
Lumiere Paint – Crimson, Olive Gold
Marvy Uchida Punch
Sizzix Die Cut
Kaisecraft Pearls
Creating mixed media has become a form of self-expression for me. This mixed media collage is a reminder to those who read it to always have the courage to “be yourself” I think it is one of the most important character traits a person can have. Remaining true to who I am is one of the most important things to me and I hope to pass that quality on to my children. I want to love them for who they are and I want them to love me for who I am. My daughter is only 17 months old but this piece is going in her room. No, she does not need the reminder yet. But, if I start early enough she may not need it at all.
This piece is created by stenciling my own background paper and using a paper punch to form the circles. Stenciling the girl ad spritzing the paper. I also added some pearl paint to the canvas before I assembled it. Then I die cut black cardstock to give it a little extra dimension. To give the piece added dimension I used a resin flower. The flower in her hair is made from Amazing Casting Resin that was poured into a mold made from Amazing Casting Putty.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Making Some "FUNctional" TOOLS
using Amazing Mold Putty...
After much filing and sanding of rough edges, here are my completed CUSTOM tools. Ready for adhering velcro to apply blending foam or alcohol ink applicators. My stamp handles are fun and just make me giggle - they have PERSONALITY!!! I plan to make more in different colors, embedding other found objects & cleaning out those things in the craft drawer saved for a rainy day!
| This photo is taken on a light table, so that the beautiful color is visable. |
If you have any questions, please leave a comment, select receive e-mail follow ups on comments and I will respond. If you would like to see more of my creations, please visit my blog sbartist : painting in the dark by clicking here.
I hope you all have a Happy Holidays & Happy Crafting. See you next year! : )
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Molding with cutouts..
and one of them is this gorgeous elaborate little metal frame -- and it has all these fun cutouts.. At first I was a bit intimidated but after giving it a go I now have some super easy tips to share with you!!
Start by mixing your equal parts A and B (yellow and white) of the molding putty. (I have actually found that it doesn't take very many extra seconds to measure out my putty in measuring spoons.. less wasted if my mixture seems to be off!!)
Flatten slightly (for my piece.. you may not need to do this!) and insert frame. Keep your fingers out of the way of your cutouts.. only go as far as you're comfortable... you don't want to ruin your mold.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Sleigh Pin
Here is the ornament. It's very heavy, I think its pewter, but I just love the detail in it...

Friday, December 16, 2011
Casted Christmas Creations
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Christmas Decorations Galore!!







Saturday, December 10, 2011
Ole St. Nick Accordion Album
Here's a peek!














