Freeform Embroidered Napkins - SO MUCH FUN!

I recently got an embroidery machine and I fear it's almost broken. I've used it so many times that I'm afraid it's going to konk out on me. OK, the reason I'm feeling this way is because this project specifically got a little out of hand. I was having so much fun with it I just kept making them and spent several hours just freeform embroidering like a madman. I love to sew, but there's a method to creating something...this technique was freeing and exciting and like nothing I've done before on a sewing machine. 

Create a table that's a feast for the eyes!

Perfect for spring! 

Watch how to make these here OR watch on my YouTube channel here:

https://www.youtube.com/c/MarkMontanoDesigner/featured

EVERYTHING I USED FOR THIS PROJECT

Derwent Inktense Blocks: https://amzn.to/3kAd5Oe Surebonder Glue Guns & Products: https://amzn.to/3bOpfiZ BROTHER Innov-is 1750D: https://bit.ly/MarkMontanoEncanto Shiny Silicone Mats: https://amzn.to/3KHoaJP MY AMAZON STORE: https://www.amazon.com/shop/markmontano

Derwent Inktense Blocks are permanent so you can wash these! 

You're invited to lunch! xo, Mark!

Back-to-School Monster Backpacks DIY

When I was a kid my backpack had pins, patches and permanent marker scribbles all over it. It was covered in memories and I carried it for years until I outgrew it and wasn't able to stitch it together anymore. Backpacks are a huge part of our lives and they should be special and unique, just like us.  These monster backpacks are perfect for that little monster who needs a little more than just a boring tote...Or for the kid who is ready to stand out.  It's also for the kidults out there who love pink hair and Doc Martins!  Whatever the case, they will definitely help you Make Your Mark!

Yes, I'm going to rock one of these this fall and I don't care what anyone thinks!

Just hanging out during recess!

Watch how to make these monster backpacks here! 

Check out tons of my other DIY videos here: https://www.youtube.com/user/MakeYourMarkMontano/videos

Here's a list of what I used for these little monsters:

Oly-fun: https://bit.ly/3SO6fqi Poly-fil: https://bit.ly/3JZfekC FairfieldWorld.com E6000 Fabri-Fuse: https://amzn.to/3kxzj5x Large Googly Eyes: https://amzn.to/3AocidY Backpacks: https://bit.ly/3pk8RPb MY AMAZON STORE: https://www.amazon.com/shop/markmontano

Make sure to get some input from the kiddo when you're making it!

It was a schoolyard smash!  Get it?!

Back to Ghoul! 

 

Watch My New Show on Discovery+

 Not sure if you know this but I'm on a new show on Discovery+ called MEET YOUR MAKERS SHOWDOWN.  What an incredible experience I had making this show with the amazing Chrissy Metz and LeAnne Rimes.  Yes, CHRISSY METZ AND LEANNE RIMES! Pinch me, I'm still freaking out.  You can stream it if you have Discovery+ and if you don't, find a friend who does.  Here are a few photos from the show. Enjoy! xo, Mark

Hanging out backstage!

Heading to set from my trailer.

Shooting the promo with these two coconuts! This was our "scissor" gang sign!

Goofing off with this lovely lady!

She's the sweetest person...I adore her so much!

Heading to set....Wow was it hot outside!

I hope you'll watch!

Love, Mark!

 

Scrappy Happy Wreath DIY

Ok, I'm finally in my new home and when people told me it would take a year to unpack and feel settled, I didn't believe them. Well, it's been a year and I'm finally feeling like I'm at home!

Today I'm sharing my scrappy happy wreath diy. I had soooo many little pieces of fabric and trim and it was time to just use them for something. I think creative people always have a box of "stuff" that just keeps getting bigger. Am I right? Use up those scraps my craft friends!  Sending out all the love today from my new home!

I used a pool noodle base for this. It's so easy and cheap, cheap, cheap!

Watch how to make this here!

Nothing but a glue gun and a ton of scraps!

I hope this DIY makes you as happy as it does me!

xo, Mark!

 

Striped Glassware - So Easy!

Nothing makes me happier than beautiful dishes. I was the weird kid (for many reasons) who collected funky thrift store dishes in high school in preparation for my eventual fancy dinner parties.  Guess what, I still use dishes I collected in high school for my dinner parties.   I made these for a fun outdoor summer gathering and WOW do they look fun on the table.  A little dollar store glassware and some glass paints and you've got a gorgeous table setting!  Since we eat 3 times a day (well, more like 5 for me) I say why not use dishes that make you happy?!  Now get out there and Make Your Mark!

I bought an old record player for this project and it makes the most beautifuls stripes 

on everything from plates to bowls!

Mix ALL the colors!

Experiment on a piece of paper first to find out what works for you.

Watch how to make them here or watch the video (and many more) on my YouTube channel

here: https://youtu.be/QWaagdWDT3k

I used DecoArt Glass Paint for this project: https://bit.ly/2xCVoul

I only want to eat sherbet on these dishes!

Stripe it RICH, baby!

Big Button Bracelet DIY

I LOVE big buttons - and I cannot lie!  I see bags of them at the thrift store and end up buying them, even though there are no plans for them other than to fill my button jars and to make me happy.  Fact is, I don't care because they really do make me happy.  Today we're covering some larger buttons with some of my favorite images to make this funky charm bracelet.  I'm sure you have a ton of images that float your boat so why not give this a try!  Hey, even photos of your family could be fun!  

Now get out there and Make Your Mark!

Frida, Debbie, Loteria...Just some of my favorite images!

Get off your BUTTon and make something cute!

Everything I used for this project:

DecoArt Americana Decoupage Matte: https://amzn.to/3loWG2Y 1" Circular Punch: https://amzn.to/3C86MLy DecoArt Triple Thick Gloss Glaze: https://shop.decoart.com/triple-thick-gloss-glaze John Bead Chains and Findings : https://amzn.to/3n8xCux Jump Rings - https://bit.ly/jumprings-mark Link to images I used: https://bit.ly/3ilkEtG

Watch how to make this funky charm bracelet here or 

watch it on my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/QhqvVF0xzPw

     

Make a little noise when you walk into a room and get yourself noticed!

Almost any chain will do!

Don't sit on your BUTTons....Make something with them!

 

Magical Resin Crystals DIY

Do you love crystals as much as I do? I'm obsessed with them...The stories behind them, the powers they possess and of course, the beauty they have.  I decided to make some of my own crystals (using this amazing silicone mold I found on the internet) and fill them with gold leaf flakes and good thoughts.  Now I have my own special crystals filled with just the things that are important to me.  You could even put a personal charm inside that might mean something special to you!  Heck, fill them with whatever you like!  Remember sweet friends, stay creative and always MAKE YOUR MARK!

Marabu Alcohol Inks give the perfect amount of color and work 

beautifully with resin!

Everything I used for this project:

Famowood Glaze Coat Resin: https://amzn.to/30GJc4P Marabu Alcohol Inks: https://bit.ly/3dcKlrR Gold Leaf: https://amzn.to/3wxmrzZ Crystal Silicone Molds: https://amzn.to/3ug0JRq Aquarium Glass: https://amzn.to/3ibwDd2

Watch how to make them here OR watch how to make them (and many more things)

on my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/x-etxhOZdhA

Try different color combinations and fill them with things like special jewelry pieces, saint medals or small stones from your last amazing trip!

While you're pouring the resin, think about amazing things that have happened in your life OR think about the things you want to happen in your life!  Yes, I know, very hippy dippy, but I love having reminders that our lives can be what we make them!

Wishing you all good energy and love!

Gorgeous Happy Mail Ideas!

Ask anyone who knows me...I love to write letters.  I'll stick anything inside of an envelope and glue almost anything to the outside.  If it looks like an absolute crazy person put it together, well, then you'll know it's from me.  I'm obsessed with mail and how our postal system works and I love that you can slap a stamp on something and that it takes a journey across the sky to someone you love.  This particular project reminded me of Gustav Klimt, one of my favorite artists.  I love his use of gold leaf in his work and I thought these envelopes, with their metallic gold patterns, gave that Klimt-esque feeling.  Do you like to send Happy Mail? I'd love to hear about what you make in the comments!  Sending all of you big hugs and a nudge to get out there and MAKE YOUR MARK!

The bottom of a votive candle glass and some sprigs from my garden 

make the most beautiful faux wax seals!

I used my Gel Press to get all of these amazing colors and patterns!

Everything I used for this project:

Awesome Gel Press Products: https://amzn.to/364hn95 DecoArt Gold Paint: https://bit.ly/3dQbqmA & https://bit.ly/36kH8UY Surebonder Glue Guns & Products: https://amzn.to/3bOpfiZ Stencils I used: https://amzn.to/3jWwoUP

Watch the video here OR

watch how I make these envelopes on my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/PxmkKffTuIU

Nothing like getting a beautiful, handmade card in the mail, right?!

Hot glue with my "M" seal...Just love that one!

This seal was made with a brass button attached to a small dowel!  

Write on, my crafty friends!