Friday, October 30, 2020

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!

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

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!

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

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!

Monday, October 26, 2020

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?!

Friday, October 23, 2020

Faux Turquoise Necklace (using old magazines)

I'm always fidgeting...ALWAYS!  Even when I'm watching TV I have to be doing something with my hands.  I found that making these paper beads is the perfect way to keep my hands busy and because I love using them in projects, it's just a win win situation!  Coming from the midwest I have always loved big, chunky turquoise jewelry and being able to make a version of it brings me much joy!  The best part about this project is that I can use up my old magazines.  A little paint and glue and you'll have some amazing gifts to give friends for the holidays.  The average person spends 4 hours in front of the television per day...Just think how many beads you can make in a week!  Upcycle, recycle, reuse and make fun jewelry...Oh, and always MAKE YOUR MARK!
Stacked and ready to make a statement!
They look amazing on my friend Deirdra!
The stuff I used for this project!
DecoArt Fluid Art Ready to Pour Acrylics: https://amzn.to/3kCXuNM
Americana Multi-Surface Satin Paints: https://amzn.to/3hOCAtu
DuraClear Gloss Varnish: https://amzn.to/3iPHY0M
Watch how to make these necklaces here OR 
Watch how to make them on my YouTube channel here https://youtu.be/T8oGfYpW3YY



Rock the turquoise!
 

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Scrap Fabric Lamp Makeover

When I was a kid I used to walk home from school past a clothing manufacturing company.  On my shortcut through the alley I would pass by the big dumpsters filled with piles of fabric scraps which I would stuff into my backpack and use for my craft projects.  For me it was like finding actual treasure!  This lamp is made with strips of fabric scraps from tons of different projects I've made over the years.  If you don't want to wrap a lamp, try wrapping an ornament or using it to wrap a gift!  Let nothing go to waste, my sweet friends, and always MAKE YOUR MARK!
LOVE all the colors!
Kooky, funky, colorful and fun!


Just glue and wrap!
Watch how to make them here OR
Watch how to make these (and many more projects) on my YouTube channel here https://youtu.be/YgRD4XHf4IY
Don't forget to add a bit more color on the socket!

Light up your life!

Sunday, October 18, 2020

Medieval Wine Bottle Candles

When I was a kid, I would sit in church and stare at all of the beautiful candles, stained glass and statuary...I rarely paid attention to what the priest was saying.  Let's just say our priest had a knack for putting people to sleep.  I always thought he lived IN the actual church and that one day I would like to live in a church without the pews and maybe with a few more rooms.  Well, I don't live in a church, but I am still obsessed with stained glass, statuary AND candles.  To date, this is my best attempt at recreating the beautiful metal edged candles I stared at during the longest hour of my week for the first 15 years of my life.  The best part is that I also got to drink the wine!  Also part of the Sunday communion tradition but taken to a new level.  Enjoy, my fabulous friends, and don't forget to 
MAKE YOUR MARK!
Gothic & gorgeous!
 The wine was good, too!
 Things I used for this project:
E6000 Glue: https://amzn.to/2VfF248 Glaze Coat Resin: https://amzn.to/30GJc4P Metal Banding & Rhinestone Trim: https://amzn.to/3hgkqAW My bottle cutter: https://amzn.to/2XHb0I9
Watch how to make them here OR
Watch how to make them on my Youtube channel here: https://youtu.be/svFbsxi-0wI


Peace be with you, my crafty friends!