Make It Monday: DIY "Enamel" Dots

Welcome everyone to the beginning of a new week!  As much as I dislike Mondays in the work force, there is something very refreshing about having a "blank slate" for the week ahead.  This may be the opposite for some people, but Mondays usually consist of a completed to do list for me.  I think, sub-consciously, I want to get all my priorities out of the way for the spontaneous things that seem to pop up towards the end of the week with Mr. Sweet and me.

But, the discussion of productivity and the gratitude of life will be discussed at a later date here at Coffee & Pretty Paper.  I am here, today, to show you all how I made my own "enamel" dots as seen here on the Practical Scrapper Frugal Finds post.

This is not original on my behalf.  It's all the rage lately.  And for me, it seems like this technique just seemed to flood the scrapbook forums, YouTube, and Pinterest just recently.  I had absolutely no idea about this ingenious idea until I stumbled upon this pin on Pinterest...

DIY Enamel Dots via PaperCrafts & Scrapbooking blog

And this blog post is barely 2 months old!  Of course, I fell in love with this idea.  I am trying to be more thoughtful about my scrap product purchases.  And I love me some enamel dots, but I've always had such a difficult time spending $4-$5 on a package of 40+ (if that sometimes).  I'm also trying to be more DIY-y (if that's even a word).  I'm obviously creative and I want to expand my paper creativity to other craft types.

Anyways, long story short...Practical Scrappers hosts a monthly post all about frugal finds.  April's theme was an open buffet of sorts, so it was a perfect time to try out this new-to-me technique.

The Materials

I purchased perler beads and small pony beads from JoAnn for this fun adventure.  The perler beads were $4.99 AND I used a 40% off coupon.  There are larger amounts available and packages of single colors.  I wanted to start small with a variety of colors.  As you can see in the photo, 2,000 beads is not small, but that's the smallest variety pack available at my JoAnn.  I won't be buying any enamel dots in those colors for the next few decades...

I also wanted to try the pony beads because of the different material.  I did not want the large pony beads though, as I tend not to use those large enamel dots as much.  I was able to find a 5mm variety color bag of pony beads at JoAnn for $2.99.  I went this size because I was hoping they would turn out a bit smaller than the melted perler beads.  (They did not, as you will see below.)

The How-To

The above pin linking to the PaperCrafts & Scrapbooking blog has a tutorial. I did not use that one, but used this video I found on YouTube by corenescreations.  I used parchment paper to place my beads on to.  DO NOT USE WAX PAPER!

Perler Beads:  I melted these little guys in the oven at 275 degrees F for 30-40 minutes.  It seemed to me that certain colors, e.g. black and light brown, took longer to melt.  Even after 40 minutes, the center hole wasn't completely filled in.  Next time I melt these, I think I'll set the oven to 300 degrees F and start paying attention around the 20 minute mark to the melting process.  Also, there was absolutely no smell while these things were in the oven.

Pony Beads:  I melted these guys in the oven at 425 degrees F for 8-12 minutes.  The first batch I put in, the beads were completely melted in 8 minutes.  The second batch took 12 minutes because it was a slightly larger baking sheet.  There was that distinct melting plastic smell when I these were in the oven.  I turned my oven fan on high and had a couple windows open in my house (because of the gorgeous spring-like weather we experienced in the Midwest this past weekend).  It did not linger though.  As soon I was done, the smell drifted away...

Pony Beads Before

The Aftermath

Perler Beads

The perler beads in use (as an embellishment and as a scattering of photo props **clever**)

Pony Beads

The pony beads straight from the oven!

The Obligatory Comparison Photo

Pony beads in yellow and blue on the left; Perler beads in yellow and blue on the right

I tried to pick similar colors for the comparison photo.  It seems to me, especially in person, that the pony beads have more of a shiny, true enamel-y (is that a word?) finish, whereas the perler beads are a little more dull.  The pony beads also have more of a rounded dome-shape to them, whereas the perler beads are less dome-shaped and more flat on top.  

Overall, this will definitely be my go-to for acquiring those certain colored enamel dots.  Does this necessarily mean I won't buy any enamel dots ever again?  Probably not, but it's nice to be able to make these myself in almost any color imaginable.  

This is also a good project to take on during a laundry or cleaning day at home.  Because you just pop it in the oven, no prep or clean up, it's easy to do while doing other chores.  

I hope you guys liked this Make It Monday tutorial!  Let me know if you guys have tried it and what your thoughts are about this technique.

xoxo,

Heather

Now You See Me...Now You Don't: Practical Scrapper's Frugal Finds!

I am up over on Practical Scrappers for a frugal finds post!  Here's just a little sneak peak of my project...

Head on over to the Practical Scrappers blog to see my project reveal, as well as check out some other frugal finds projects!

Make sure to come by my blog on Monday for Make It Monday to see all the details and tutorial on my frugal find!

xoxo,

Heather

Practical Scrappers Full Reveal: Sketch Layout

As promised, here are some more detail shots of and the story behind this layout.  Yesterday, on the Practical Scrappers blog, some of the other ladies and I shared our take on April's layout sketch.

I stuck pretty closely to this sketch.  That is what I love about sketches:  they can be interpreted exactly as the sketch or they can be used as an inspirational starting piece to get those creative juices flowing, among other ways sketches can be helpful in scrapbooking.

And here is my full layout!  I used my February Citrus Twist Kit, along with pieces of my stash, to complete this layout.  One of the great things about sketches, for me at least, is how quickly they come together.  This layout was completed, journaling and all, in a little over an hour (if I had to guess).

The Story Behind This Layout

This is a photo of my younger brother (many, many years ago) and our childhood dog, Mikey.  We probably got Mikey when I was in middle school.  We only had him for a couple years.  My childhood home was pretty small for 5 people.  Add a highly energetic dog to the close quarters and you get, what I like to call, a renegade Mikey!  

Mikey's previous owner was an elderly woman.  He was not trained very well.  Whenever we opened the doors at home, Mikey would fly out if we weren't paying attention.  And boy, could that dog run!  He would run for blocks!  All three of us (my brother, my sister, and myself) would chase after him.  It would get so frustrating!  

As I mentioned before, we only had Mikey for a couple years.  My parents realized they just didn't have the time and space for such an energetic dog.  My mom had a coworker at the time who lived on some land with a few other dogs.  She was happy to welcome another dog to her loving dog friendly home.  

Mikey was the only dog I had until Michael and I rescued our dog, Willie, in 2009.

So, there's some more detailed photos of my layout and the story behind Renegade Mikey.  Hope you enjoyed it!

Don't forget, Just Two Midwest Girls scrap challenge is still going on until 8PM CST on Thursday, April 3.  Click on the facebook link in my sidebar for more details on how to play along!

xoxo,

Heather

Sneak Peak: Practical Scrappers DT Layout Sketch

Can you all believe it's April already?  My goodness, time has just been flying!  Although, I am very happy with this warmer weather that is finally making its way into the Midwest.

So, what better way to kick off the month with some creative inspiration?  I am here today to bring you all a little sneak peak of the layout for the Practical Scrappers' April layout sketch.

Doesn't this layout look fun?  Now, head on over to the Practical Scrappers blog to see the full reveal of my layout, as well as the layouts from some other lovely ladies on the design team.

Don't forget to come back here tomorrow to read the story behind my layout and to see more detailed photos!

xoxo,

Heather

Just Two Midwest Girls Scrap Challenge Reminder and a Giveaway Winner

**Practical Scrappers Ombre post is below**

Happy Tuesday everyone!  I have a couple things on the agenda today.

1) Just Two Midwest Girls current scrap challenge is still going on!  This month's current challenge is this sketch...

The challenge runs until 8pm Thursday, April 3rd.  There's still plenty of time to play along!  Everyone that links up their take on our challenge has the opportunity to win these...

Tiny Word Stickers from Studio Calico's Wanderlust collection; Wood Dots from My Mind's Eye Record It! Splendid collection;  Gold Glitter Enamel Dots from Studio Calico's Essential line

So, show Kelly and me what you've done with this sketch!

--AND--

2)  Last Thursday, Practical Scrappers had a "scrap your stash" blog hop.  You can find what I made using my stash here.  I was giving away a prize and the winner is...**drum roll please**...JENNIFER HAGGERTY!  Congratulations Jennifer!  Please email me at heather(dot)sweet12(at)gmail(dot)com to talk logistics, shipping, etc.

Okay, that is it for me today.  Make sure to come by tomorrow for another Practical Scrappers project!

xoxo,
Heather

Ombre Love: A Practical Scrappers Project

Today, over on the Practical Scrappers blog, some of the lovely designers played around with the ombre trend.  I love the ombre trend!  We're seeing it everywhere in the scrapbook world.  I particularly love it because it's usually really colorful! 

I made some tags for this project.  I've only photographed one tag, but I made three in total.  What I did for each tag was use my new set of gouache paints (is that how you would refer to them? Gouache or gouache paints?) to make my colorful ombre tags!   

For those of you that have never played with gouache, it's kind of like opaque watercolors.  You can blend them out with water, but it doesn't have a transparent finish like traditional watercolors.  They are really fun to play with!

For this tag, I started with white cardstock.  Then, I used yellow and various amounts of white gouache to achieve various shades of yellow.  

And as you can see, I followed up with mist, layers, and embellishments!  I've been meaning to have a few tags in my stash for gifts or even to pop on top of card front panels for an easy card.  
Now, go check out some of the other Practical Scrappers ombre projects!

xoxo,
Heather

Practical Scrappers Scrap Your Stash Blog Hop!

Welcome to this month's Practical Scrappers blog hop!  You should have arrived from Claude Campeau's blog.  This is my first blog hop EVER!  I'm very excited!  I loved participating in this hop, as it gave me an excuse to use up my bottomless stash.  

As you know, this month's theme is scrapping your stash.  Those that follow me on Instagram (@hsweet12), know that I'm participating in 30 Days of Lists.  I decided to make my own mini album using my stash for my book of lists.

Look at how pretty?!  I had so much fun making this album.  And, it was all such a spontaneous decision to participate in #30lists.  

I didn't purchase ANYTHING for this project.  It was AWESOME!  

I used some of my new products (e.g. MME's Charmed 6x6 paper pad, October Afternoon's Daily Flash alphas).

I used paper scraps that had been sitting in my scrap bucket for many, many months.  I pulled out Thickers I forgot I had...

I used glassine bags and packaging from scrapbook kits.

I used a lot of Project Life and journaling cards.

I had so much fun putting this together, I wanted to create mini album like this!  

So, as part of my giveaway for the blog hop, I will be creating a similar mini album as a prize!  The title can be personalized (i.e. it doesn't have to say "30 Days of Lists") and I won't put "List..." on every page!  But there will be a mix of Project Life cards, patterned paper scraps, cardstock scraps, glassine bags, tags, envelopes, etc.  

If you want to win a mini album, comment below!  Let me know what projects you're in the middle of right now!  Giveaway open only to US residents.  You have until Sunday, March 23rd at 11:59PM CST to leave a comment.  

Now, go check out how Patty Selah used her stash!

xoxo,
Heather

Practical Scrappers DT Project: Birthday Cards

Happy Friday everyone!  Today, over on the Practical Scrappers, we're showcasing birthday cards!  And, in case you weren't aware, my birthday was yesterday (tons of birthday photos on Instagram @hsweet12), so I obviously had to participate.

Isn't this birthday card so fun and happy, not to mention, trendy?!  I tried a new-to-me technique with some new-to-me products.  I do not know many Distress products.  I have a few Distress ink pads and a couple Distress paints, but that's it.  I was not really a fan of them because I'm a bright scrapper.  But, after watching so many of Jennifer McGuire's YouTube videos, I knew I needed to start making the investment.  So, I went to my LSS and bought six new Distress markers.

This technique I'm pretty sure I saw on Jennifer McGuire's channel, but I cannot find the video.  She used Distress markers to "watercolor" over a white embossed background.  I definitely wanted to try this because 1) it looked fun, 2) it looked really pretty, 3) it looked easy, and 4) it's a technique that can be used for any background stamp to customize lots of cards. 

The embossing is not perfect, but that doesn't bother me too much.  I think it adds a fun touch.

I used this chevron background stamp I got at Michael's; their Recollection brand.  I heat embossed this stamp on watercolor paper (because you use a lot of water to get your color to spread and blend) with white embossing powder.  I then used my markers in ripe persimmon, squeezed lemonade, and picked raspberry.  I just scribbled each color over portions of the paper.  Then, I misted the paper all over with some water and tipped the paper to the side to let the extra water drip off.  I didn't tip it down because I didn't want the colors to run into each other too much.  I just wanted a nice blend of the colors.

I cut down the background panel because I didn't like all the extra paper around the image, so my card is a bit smaller than I 4.25"x5.50" card.  It measures 3 5/8"x4 5/8".  I stamped the birthday sentiment (So Much to Say from Lawn Fawn) with black ink onto white cardstock, cut into a pennant shape.  I adhered the sentiment onto a larger pennant shape cut from black cardstock.  I used foam dots to adhere the sentiment to the card panel.  The card panel is adhered onto a heavyweight card base.  I used black puffy paint to mimic enamel dots to "underline" the sentiment.  I didn't have black enamel dots and that would have been a lot to use.  Puffy paints are a great and inexpensive product to get that enamel dot look.  I bought a package of 15 puffy paint bottles at Walmart for $12 or something like that.  You just have to let them dry for a few hours.

Looking back at this card, I think I'll add some black stars in the upper right corner to give the card some more fun.

So, that's it for me today.  Go check out the Practical Scrappers blog for more birthday card inspiration.  There are a ton of lovely cards! 

Have a great Friday!
Heather

On Trend: Gold--Practical Scrappers DT Project

Welcome to my first ever design team project!  Can't you tell I'm excited?!  This month's Practical Scrappers on trend focus is GOLD!  And you all know how much I LOVE gold...

I absolutely had to play along with this on trend focus.  Something I'm working on this year is expanding my papercrafting creativity.  I love layouts, cards, and mini albums, but I want to challenge myself creatively and start making other paper goodness.

And here is an adorable treat/goodie bag!  This idea comes from Angie over at Chic 'n Scratch.  I love watching her YouTube videos making different projects with Stampin' UP! products.  While I was watching the video where she demonstrates how to make this bag, I instantly knew my first Practical Scrappers project would be a gold bag.

Products I Used

• Gold doilies vellum from Crate Paper Maggie Holmes' Flea Market collection
• Versamark Ink
• Ranger Super Fine Detail Gold Embossing Powder
• Black Card Stock
• Gold chevron paper from My Mind's Eye Record It! Charmed collection
• Metallic gold and white twine
• Paper trimmer
• Score Board

Tutorial 
**I had to make this bag again a couple more times to get figure out what I did wrong.  The bag pictured at a score line wrong, so the front of the bag is wider than the bag of the bag.**

1. Cut a 12"x12" piece of paper to 11 5/8"x5"
2. Score at 1 3/8" down the length of the paper or on the portrait side
3. Turn the paper and score at 2 1/8", 5 1/4", 7 3/8", and 10 7/16" on the landscape side
4. Fold the paper at all the score lines
5. Turn your paper on the landscape side.  There will be longer rectangles on the top and shorter rectangles at the bottom.  Cut up on all the score lines (from the bottom of the paper with the shorter rectangles) to the perpendicular 1 3/8" score line
6. At the ends of the paper there will be 2 "thinner" panels.  Cut the bottom square out made by the 10 7/16" score line intersecting with the 1 3/8" score .
7. Start to fold your paper into the bag shape.  All those flaps will form the bottom of the bag.  Fold your shorter flaps in and then adhere one of the wider flaps onto the other to get the bottom of the bag.
8. Gentle tuck in the sides of the bag so we can tie the top closed
9. Hole punch at the top of the bag
10. Heat emboss your sentiment onto cardstock and cut into a pennant shape
11. Mount sentiment pennant onto patterned paper cut into a slightly larger pennant
12. Adhere sentiment to bag
13. Tie bag closed with twine

Now you have your cute bag!  Check out the original blog post with the video here. 

This is a quick project to put together if you need something last minute.  They would be super cute as the bags for party favors for a birthday party or bridal shower or any kind of party.

Hope you enjoyed my first Practical Scrappers DT project!  Next time I do a project with lots of steps, I'll do better at taking pictures along the way.  

xoxo,

Heather

A Fun Announcement!

Hello lovely readers!  I'm back, after a bit of writer's block.  Don't worry though, I was still getting crafty and have a ton of fun projects to share with you.  I'm just trying to sort everything out and not overwhelm myself, so bear with me.....

Besides that, I have an announcement....drum roll, please.....

I am now a designer for the awesome blog, Practical Scrappers!!!!!  How amazing is this?!  I am so grateful to be on a team of such creative and talented designers!  All these girls have incredible skills that just shine through all their projects.  

This is my first design team and hopefully not my last.  I've already been working on some projects for PS, already getting my creative juices flowing, and which has definitely helped me use my stash!  I want to thank my friend Kelly-yes, the same Kelly from the Just Two Midwest Girls scrap challenges-for introducing me to Practical Scrappers and for helping me get on the team.

That's all I have for you today, but come back tomorrow!

xoxo,
Heather