Monday, August 31, 2020

Tie Dye Glass Jars

I hoard jars.  There, I said it.  I can't help it. They're way too useful and perfect to use in many of my DIY projects.  When I got my cup turner last year, I decided that it wouldn't just be for making tumblers...I mean, how many darn tumblers to you need anyway?  I started experimenting with all kinds of vessels and jars just made sense.  Coupled with the Marabu Alcohol Inks and a little resin, these jars became the most beautiful containers for plants, pencils and battery operated tea lights. They even sparkle at night!  Upcycle everything, sweet friends, and always Make Your Mark!
Rainbow glassware!
Propagate some plants!
STUFF I USED:
Glaze Coat Resin: https://amzn.to/30GJc4P
Marabu Alcohol Inks: https://bit.ly/3dcKlrR
Watch how to make them here OR
Watch the video on my Youtube channel here: https://youtu.be/m1C8gXEsWMQ


Love how they sparkle!

Friday, August 28, 2020

Mini Mirror Pendants

I have a stash of mini craft mirrors and until this project, I didn't quite know what to make with them!  When DecoArt launched their new Glass Paints it finally hit me!  Lately, I'm all about a jewelry project and this one was really fun and surprisingly relaxing.  The Glass Paint Markers made it really easy, too!  If you don't want to wear one of these little gems as a pendant, hang one from your car mirror or make a suncatcher for the backyard!  Whatever you do with these painted mirrors, they really are fun to make!  Now get out there and Make Your Mark!
 Hangin' around
 Reflections of you!
 STUFF I USED
DecoArt Glass Paint: https://bit.ly/2xCVoul Craft Mirrors: https://amzn.to/3fw5Ynq E6000 Plus: https://amzn.to/30GJc4P Waxed Cord: https://amzn.to/3hDs2hS Perler Beads: https://amzn.to/3edxdmn
Watch how to make them here OR
Watch how to make them on my Youtube channel here: https://youtu.be/S0o2gV4f1_U

A fine brush works best 



Make magic, sweet friends! 

Saturday, August 15, 2020

Bottle Cap Sacred Hearts

I love visiting and shopping in Mexico...LOVE IT!  The color, the weather, the art...it all sings to my heart.  Since my yearly trip to Puerto Vallarta was cancelled, I had to create my own Mexican art to feed my soul.  What I love about this project is that it's just scrap wood and bottle caps.  I printed out the images on my computer, added a little glitter and, for a minute, felt like things were right in the world.  Do what you can to stay sane during this crazy time, sweet friends, and 
always Make Your Mark!
These have my heart!
Loteria and Frida images were my choice, but change it up if you want!

A Dremel is the perfect carving tool!
STUFF I USED:
DecoArt Top Coat: https://amzn.to/2CeRXfv Americana Multi-Surface Satin Paint: https://amzn.to/3fBHuJk Images to print: http://www.markmontano.com/p/bottle-cap-sacred-heart-images.html MY AMAZON STORE: https://www.amazon.com/shop/markmontano
Watch how to make them here or
watch this video on my Youtube channel here: https://youtu.be/hRNb003wQa0
Enlarge to desired size

Create with your whole heart!

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Faux Quartz Pendants

I always have a glue gun at the ready when I'm working. It's quick, versatile and much sturdier than clay when you fill silicone molds with it!  These druzy crystal necklaces took a while to formulate...At first I wasn't sure how to get the look I wanted so I tried everything from making a glob and rolling it in the crushed glass to putting the glass in the mold first and then filling it with hot glue.  In the end, the simplest way worked out.  See the video below. My favorite part of this technique is spreading the glitter on the base of the mold with a brush...it looks like a metal coating when you pop out your crystal!  Experiment like a kid, sweet possums, and always Make Your Mark!
Druzy afternoon
I used decorative crushed glass for the light pink version and crushed glass (in my crafty coffee grinder) for the other colors
STUFF I USED FOR THIS PROJECT
Surebonder: https://amzn.to/3bOpfiZ MY AMAZON STORE: https://www.amazon.com/shop/markmontano Marabu Alcohol Inks: https://bit.ly/3dcKlrR Silicone Molds: https://amzn.to/2Au94tt & https://amzn.to/2YDN4nH Americana Decor Metallics in Vintage Brass: https://amzn.to/2UPX1h0
Use different sized sifters to get different sized "crystals"
Gently sprinkle it on the glue and leave it alone for a few minutes, even if you don't want to!
Watch how to make these here OR
watch the video on my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/bwXuaE7D7dU
Marabu Alcohol Inks are perfect for adding color to crushed glass!

Just lovely! 

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Dollar Store Happy Mail

I try to send a piece of happy mail every day.  I'm obsessed with sending colorful art through the mail in hopes of causing some excitement when a friend finds a colorful letter from me in their mailbox.    Since I've been stuck at home, I've been sending even more happy mail and finding experimenting with new techniques to jazz up inexpensive envelopes and paper from the 99c store.  It's a terrific challenge, for sure.  This colorful stationery was made with leaves and art sprays and I just love the way it looks.  I made the sprays with Marabu Graphix Aqua Inks which you can also use with a calligraphy pen...How cool is that?!  Make art, sweet friends, and then send it through the mail!  It's a great way to Make Your Mark, too!
Write ON!

Leaves from the yard make the most amazing mask stencils!

Watch how I press leaves in the microwave!  It's so easy!
Watch how to make it here OR
Watch this video on my YouTube channel here:  https://youtu.be/BZe6FGiJkmU



Mix the colors and then blot...So easy!



Going postal!

Monday, August 3, 2020

Fancy Canister DIY - Upcycled Jar Makeover

The rule in my house is give everything gets 2nd life!  Jars, cans, newspaper, cardboard & plastic containers never end up in the garbage UNLESS they truly can't be repurposed.  I have tons of these Nescafe instant coffee jars and they are my absolute favorite to makeover.  A little tissue paper for color and some images printed on your computer will give you an amazing set of mini canisters to show off in your space.   Currently these are on my kitchen counter waiting to be filled, but I have a feeling they'll end up in my craft house.  Rescue those craft supplies headed for the garbage bin and you'll never be bored, my sweet friends!  Oh, and always Make Your Mark!
Love these so much!
Big plastic beads make the perfect knobs!
Everything I used for this project:
Xyron Creative Station: https://bit.ly/2yuW31n E6000 Spray Adhesive: https://amzn.to/2ThaMn1 E6000 Glue: https://amzn.to/2VfF248 My favorite molds: https://amzn.to/2wNM06M Images I used: http://www.markmontano.com/p/fancy-canister-images.html
Watch how to make them here OR
Watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/XrsXutUbNn0
Hot glue is malleable so you can easily shape it to the curve or bend of a jar!


Do the Can - Can - Canister!