Crystal Clear Birthday Cards

I used to make my mom & gram save all the clear topped Christmas card boxes for my projects.  They were perfect for my junky dioramas.  I would fill the bottom cardboard part with a tissue paper backing and then start adding all kinds of plastic letters and trinkets on top until it was just right and then close it up and display it like a work of art.  These clear birthday cards reminded me of that except I don't have to wait for the holidays and I can make as many as I want!  Also, you can actually send these through the mail!  Yup, I tried it and it arrived perfectly.  Send some funky, see-through happy mail and make someone's day.  They're going to LOVE it!  Now get out there and

MAKE YOUR MARK!

Ready for my next few birthdays!

Fill them with anything and everything you can think of!

STUFF I USED:
Grafix Dura-Lar: https://amzn.to/368W363

Marabu Sketch Graphix Markers: https://bit.ly/3bcVV5H

Scrabble Tiles: https://amzn.to/2RLJzIT

XFasten Scrapbook Runner Tape Roller: https://amzn.to/2T2pizp

MY AMAZON STORE: https://www.amazon.com/shop/markmontano

Watch how to make them here OR

watch the video on my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/6a9Q-vKs_lw

I used my label maker for some of the writing, but you can just write your

message on paper and stick it right in there!

Send out some HAPPY MAIL, sweet friends!

Mini Canister DIY - Upcycled Instant Coffee Jars

I drink coffee like it's a form of oxygen...I love the stuff.  I NEED the stuff!  I started loving the smell and taste when I was about 10 and my gram would make me a very light cup (mostly milk) with sugar.  I felt like such a grown up.  Honestly, I'm pretty sure it was Sanka.  These days I'm so strapped for time I drink Nescafe House Blend instant and I have no shame in that game.  It's delish.  Also, the jars are fantastic for my craft projects.  This instant coffee jar makeover uses things we all have like tissue paper and hot glue.  The images were printed on my home computer, too!  The key is sealing everything with lacquer when you're done. This will keep them in great shape!  Upcycle, my sweet friends, and always 

Make Your Mark!

My gorgeous new button jars!

Tissue paper is my first layer and a great way to add bold color!

Rip and apply with decoupage medium or white glue

 STUFF I USED:

Xyron Creative Station: https://bit.ly/2yuW31n

E6000 Spray Adhesive: https://amzn.to/2ThaMn1

My favorite molds: https://amzn.to/2wNM06M

E6000 Glue: https://amzn.to/2VfF248

MY AMAZON STORE: https://www.amazon.com/shop/markmontano

Images I used: http://www.markmontano.com/p/fancy-canister-images.html

 Watch how to make them here OR 

Watch the video on my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/XrsXutUbNn0

Just print out images from your computer if you don't like the images I used.

Filling molds with hot glue is the absolute most fun...I just love it!

Bold and beautiful!

Can can cannisters!

Glue Resist Boho Table Linens

I can be a bit skeptical about promises from products.  How many times have you purchased something (like wrinkle cream) that didn't exactly take back the years?  Well, when Derwent told me that their Inktense Blocks were permanent, I didn't quite buy it...Then I made this project.  My mind was blown.  Not only are they permanent, the colors are amazing. I've used the blocks before, but never in this way.  At first I was wanting to try a traditional batik project, but the clear school glue called my name and it just seems so much more accessible and easy to do.  A stencil, some clear school glue and Inktense blocks.  That's an amazing combination!  Try this technique on kitchen curtains, table linens, even a white t-shirt...It's super fun!  Now get out there and MAKE YOUR MARK!  

These will go perfectly with my colorful dishes!

You can grab white cotton napkins on amazon for this project...Link below

STUFF I USED FOR THIS PROJECT

Derwent Inktense Blocks: https://amzn.to/3kAd5Oe White Cotton Napkins: https://amzn.to/2SKAxfY Spray Bottles: https://amzn.to/2SKAxfY

Mandala Stencil: https://amzn.to/32kdM6a

Watch how to make my Boho Table Linens here OR

Watch this video on my Youtube channel here: https://youtu.be/Q9Ejr82gIoM

Glue resist with a stencil has fast become one of my favorite techniques!

Ready! Set! Eat!

Knotty Boho Beads DIY

I'm obsessed with John Bead....I love their beads!  These knotted boho necklaces are easy to make and this technique is a great way to use your mismatched beads to make something beautiful. The colorful upholstery thread is super strong and pulls the different colors together.  You can make them in super long lengths to wrap in different layers around your neck or hang them in a window to catch the light.  The best part is that you can choose how far apart to make your knots depending on the look you want or how many beads you have for your project.  Use up your mismatched beads, sweet friends, and wear them with pride!  Now get out there and Make Your Mark!   

So many gorgeous beads!

Wear all the colors!

STUFF I USED FOR THIS PROJECT

John Bead Crystal Lane Rondelle 7" Double Strand Beads: https://amzn.to/3iv3PcQ Get Czech Beads Recipe Boxes here: https://amzn.to/3abkjUO AND https://amzn.to/2DUpn48 AND https://bit.ly/3gJCAeA

Watch how to make them here OR

watch the video on my Youtube channel here https://youtu.be/6B888k1WeAw

BEAD-UTIFUL!

Faux Vintage Photos - Inspired by Deguerreotypes

I once snuck into an old abandoned brownstone that was about to be torn down in a few days.  It was a few doors down from where I lived when I first moved to NYC and I just had to go inside to see what it looked like.  In the kitchen there was about a foot of rubble made up of papers, broken dishes, and trash.  After a few minutes of scanning the place I noticed a gray folder wrapped up with cotton ribbon that looked like an antique so I picked it up and inside were photos from the original family who owned the home over 100 years ago.  There were letters and tintypes of the family and even some old stocks and bonds from the early 19th century.  Very cool stuff!  I've always loved vintage photography and cinema.  It's the closest we have to time travel if you let your mind wander a little.  Making this project reminded me of that amazing find on that gray winter day.  Explore as much as you can, my adventurous friends, and be careful in abandoned buildings!  

Now get out there and Make Your Mark!

The perfect technique for a selfie!

A lovely way to decorate your home if you're into antiques!

STUFF I USED FOR THIS PROJECT

Marabu Sketch Graphix Markers: https://bit.ly/3bcVV5H Marabu Fluid Arts Brushes: https://bit.ly/33Cc6rb Marabu Store Locator: https://www.marabucreative-usa.com/store-locator/ XFasten Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil Reflective Tape: https://amzn.to/3crs2zq XFasten Scrapbook Runner Tape Roller: https://amzn.to/2T2pizp Grafix Clear Inkjet Film: https://amzn.to/3iQCtip

Addicted to Grafix Ink Jet film...A clear film you can print on with your home computer!

If I could turn back time!

Curling Ribbon Wigs DIY

If you're a fan of cosplay OR need a funky wig for your Halloween costume, grab some colorful curling ribbon, a knit cap and warm up your glue gun!  It's as easy as that to make something show stopping!  It's really important to use a glue gun that doesn't drip (I only use Surebonder glue guns) because you don't want drops of glue clumping up the hair.  Leave it straight, curl it with scissors, chop it into a bob or make it extra long for a Rapunzel vibe, whatever you want!  Just go big, go beautiful

 and MAKE YOUR MARK!

Mark's angels!

I like the contrasting bangs but one color works, too!

My FAVORITE wig making tools!

Surebonder Glue Guns & Products: https://amzn.to/3bOpfiZ MY AMAZON STORE: https://www.amazon.com/shop/markmontano

Watch how to make them here OR

watch how to make them on my Youtube channel here https://youtu.be/mddy0QfiaMo

Start with the bangs!

Then work around the back!

ARE YOU READY TO WIG OUT?!