Let's Paint Flowers!

I was inspired by two of my favorite artists for this project......Alisa Burke and Elena Nuez.  They both have talent oozing out of every pore and they do an amazing job sharing it, too.  Alisa has online classes which are wonderful, so definitely check them out learn something amazing.

Have fun!  xoxo, Mark

My first attempt

Everything looks better in a frame surrounded by bric-a-brac!

See how I painted this here!

My favorite pin cushion

My 2nd attempt

I felt like I was getting better!

I tried some smaller canvases using the Creative Coloring For Grown-Ups books as a guide

I've included some flower templates to inspire you

Americana Acrylics and Allure (puff paints) are my favorites

I like the CREATIVE COLORING FOR GROWN UPS books

Tassel Bracelets DIY

Grab your fabric scraps because we're taking the DIY train to tassel town! I raided my scrap box (okay, it's more like a warehouse) and made colorful tassels and then attached them to a funky bracelet.  Now you might want to hang them on a doorknob, attach one to a skeleton key or your keychain.  Whatever you decide to do with them, I promise these little tassels will make you very happy! 

Have fun!  xoxo, Mark

See how I made them here!

STUFF YOU'LL NEED

Large zip ties

Strips of scrap fabric

Glue gun

Tape

Yarn

Ribbon and trim

My awesome assistant, Julie!

New Boho Bracelets DIY

It was time to update my boho bracelet (from a few years ago) and give them a new twist.  I know how much you all love to make jewelry, and just in case you didn't know it, I love making jewelry, too.  Especially when it's quick and easy.  Come to think of it, I probably have more jewelry than the Claire's warehouse at this point.  Get the beads and zip ties at almost any dollar store and remember.......Have fun!  

xoxo, Mark

See how I made them here!

THINGS YOU'LL NEED

Fabric strips

Bead trim 

Hot glue gun

22 gage wire

Tape

Wire cutters

Zip ties

Julie rocking her new Boho 2.0 Bracelets!

Back To School Art Jar!

My mom knew the value of a good bribe!  Getting extra art supplies and clothes for back to school made my unhealthy attachment to her a little easier to deal with when September rolled around.  Yup, I was a momma's boy and I still am!  BTW, my dad is pretty awesome, too.  This project is based on my Jolly Jars video from a few years ago and it seemed like the perfect time to give it a reboot!  

Be creative......xoxo, Mark

Why not make a perfect little back to school gift to inspire creativity in someone you love? 

Maybe an after school surprise for a good first week?  

How about a great excuse to spend some time with your kiddo?

Hit the dollar store for tons of awesome supplies (and the jar)

See how easy it is here!

 Make sure to pick out the most colorful things you can find!

 DCWV has a terrific block called the JET BLACK STACK that is perfect for this project!

It's all in the presentation!
Change out the labels and make your finds extra special

Of course you have to include some fun Americana Acrylics from DecoArt

and some scented glitter pens!

Decoupage Gift Box DIY

My gram used to have these beautiful floral tins in her kitchen filled with everything from sewing supplies to receipts.  My obsession with those tins has turned into a love for almost anything covered in colorful flowers........except cheap sofas.  I do not like cheap sofas covered in flowers. I do, however, love this box and I hope you do, too.  I may have to make a few for holiday gifts.

Enjoy and be creative!  xoxo, Mark

I'm in LOVE with the new paper blocks from DCWV.  This one is called Solstice.

I covered a pasta jar using the same technique

See how I made this here!

THINGS YOU'LL NEED

E-6000 Spray Adhesive

Allure Dimensional Design Adhesive Paint (Puff Paint)

Americana Decor Chalky Finish in Delicate and Treasure

Wax (even candle was will do)

Keepsake Box from Walnut Hallow

DCWV Solstice Scrapbook Block

Scissors, Paintbrushes

1. Paint the corners, edges and parts of the box in Delicate

2. When dry rub wax along the edges and over the paint

*don't brush off the crumbs

3. Paint the entire box in Treasure and let dry

4.  Sand the areas with wax to expose the color underneath

5. Cut out flowers and leaves from the scrapbook paper

6. Glue them to the box with spray adhesive or a thin layer of white glue

7. Edge the flowers the Allure in Gold Leaf

8. Line the box with more paper and paint the inner edges

Fairy Dolls DIY and Clutterbug Collab!

When I was looking around in my yard for a place to photograph these little Vegas showgirl fairy dolls, I actually found a fairy door on my tree. How fun is that!?!  FYI, I only make fairy dolls because I have a boatload of nieces who are obsessed with anything fairy or princess....OBSESSED!   I think most little girls are (and some boys) because every day on my street, when the parents take their kids to school, it's a fairy parade!  Wait a minute.....Who am I kidding?  I made these fairy dolls because they were just darn fun to make, period.  BTW, I did a video collaboration with my friend Cas at Clutterbug.  Her dolls are amazing! Definitely go see them.  Have fun....XOXO, Mark

Getting ready for the Vegas fairy doll kick line!

See how I made them here!

YOU'LL NEED

Americana Multi Surface Satin Paints 

*red, black, pink and flesh

Glue gun

Faux flowers

Faux butterflies

Thick galvanized wire

Large wooden beads

Scissors

Paintbrush

Needle nose pliers with wire cutting ability

High Gloss Resin Game Table DIY

There is a small park in my neighborhood that is next to a home for the elderly.  It's a beautiful park with groups of men and women chatting like birds and playing checkers.  Picturesque is the only way to describe it.  On a recent trip to this park I noticed that the game tables weren't in the best shape, so I decided to make one for them.  With this process, you could encase almost anything from copies of old photos to memorabilia, even coins and toys.  By the way, they loved it.  Be creative!

xoxo, Mark

The Glaze Coat is like glass

See how I made it here!

YOU'LL NEED

22" x 22" x 3/4" plywood

Two 22" x 1 1/4" wood trim

Two 22 3/4" x 1 1/4" wood trim

Wood glue

E-6000 Spray Adhesive

Americana Multi-Purpose Sealer

DecoArt Dazzling Metallics (in a matching color)

Scrapbook paper

Glaze Coat

Checkerboard

Paintbrushes

Gorgeous Flower Vases DIY

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't clip something from my garden to put in a vase on my table or in my kitchen window.  Yes, I'm a fussy fellow.  Having those little blooms all over the house just makes me feel better and it gives my little bungalow a warm, comfortable look.   These little flower vases aren't actually pottery if you can believe it, they're made from dollar store glassware and painted with my secret faux pottery painting technique. Why not make some for yourself?  Have fun!  

XOXO, Mark

See how I made them here!

YOU'LL NEED

Glassware (99c store)

Americana Acrylics in your favorite colors

Americana Triple Thick Gloss Glaze

Allure Dimensional Design Adhesive Paint in White

(or white puff paint)

Gold spray paint

White spray paint or primer

Americana Decor Chalky Finish in Everlasting

Paintbrush