Bejeweled Pumpkin
Life has been crazy busy here on the ranch. I'm sure most everyone can relate. With all the rescue animals we have here, there's always something that needs fixing, cleaning or doctoring! If your curiosity is getting the better of you, be sure to click on our "Meanwhile, back at the ranch" page for more on THAT story, lol!
Anyway, I have 2 projects for you today. The first one was a super quick project I've had in the back of my mind for a while now.
I have a pretty large collection of these foam pumpkins. I was fortunate enough to get them from a dear friend when she was having one of her FABULOUS yard sales. Usually, I just pile them in baskets, wheel barrows, crates... but this year, I thought I'd take a couple and decorate them up.
There really isn't much "instruction" for this. I just used 4 packages of Sparkles Flourishes small and Sparkles clear assortment, as well as some Bitty Sparkles. I simply applied the flourishes in a way that was pleasing to my eye, then went back in and filled in the "blank" areas with various sized of single crystals. That's really all there was to it. Simple, but very pretty. I think I might order the black Flourishes and do another pumpkin.
Here's a picture from the top:
And here's a another look, from a couple different angles:
These poor pumpkins have been around for quite some time, so there are some scuffs here and there, but that's ok with me.
Project #2
Folding table for my office
I've posted pictures in the past of my teeny tiny office. I love my new desk, and for the most part, it provides me with all the space I need while working on a project, or working on my lap top. The only real problem is when I want to use my Cricut Explore machine. When not in use, I keep it safely on a shelf in a bookcase behind my work surface. The problem arises when I need to plug my lap top into my Explore to cut images. I was using a vintage t.v. tray to hold my computer, while having my Explore on my desk. I wanted to find a better solution, mainly because the t.v. tray was a little small, and very lightweight. I was talking to my sister about my dilemma, and she invited me to come rummage through her workshop. If I don't have something I need for a project in my barn, she most likely has it in her workshop, lol! Both of our families have been heard to say that they are ready to call the Producers of Hoarders if either one of us brings home ANY THING ELSE!
Anyway, she had this little table in mind before I even got to her place. When she pulled it out of the dark and dusty corner of the shop, I was, to say the least, a little skeptical. The top was in pretty rough shape. As is usual for me, I totally forgot to take any "untouched" before pictures. She had another piece of wood set aside to make a new top for the table. I took both pieces home, and started thinking about the steps necessary for replacing the top. Since the top is split in the middle to allow for it to pull apart and fold neatly, I would have to be sure to cut the new top properly, and then reconnect it with all the vintage connectors. Now, to be honest, I'm a VERY lazy upcycler. With all of the things in my life needing my attention, I just couldn't make myself take on a project quite that "detailed" I decided I would try using some wood glue to re-connect the laminated layers that were pulling apart. This is where my pictures begin. I still had a couple areas that needed a little wood glue, so last night, I squirted some in those areas, and clamped them down.
This is the table, folded, glued and clamped, and left to dry overnight. Next, I needed to finish pealing off the veneer that I'm sure at some time, made this little table very pretty. There really wasn't much left, so I spent a couple hours, heat gun in hand, peeling and scraping. Yay! (she said sarcastically!)
Once that fun time was over, I gave is quick sanding and decided that was "good enough". There is a reason, I go for the distressed look, lol!
On to the painting. Seriously, I'm not restoring the table, I'm just trying to make the top stop peeling, and if I'm lucky, look cute when I'm done. As you can see, there's a HUGE crack running right down the middle of one side. At this point in time, I'm not going to worry about it. It isn't causing any problems with stability, so I'm just going to run with it. Remember, distressed, lol!
I'm planning on applying dark wax to the finished table, so when I painted to the table top, I made sure to apply the paint in a thick coat, with LOTS of brush marks.
It is very important to apply a coat of clear wax to the surface BEFORE applying the dark wax. If you don't use the clear wax first, the dark wax will "take" too heavily. With the clear base coat, you will have the ability to erase the dark wax (using a rag with clear wax on it, and rubbing it out) if you apply it with too heavy a hand.
I use old rags to apply the wax, as well as buff it out when I'm done. As you can see in the picture above, the wax "catches" in the brush marks, and the little crackles that formed as the paint dried in the areas where the paint was a bit thicker.
So here it is, in my office, waiting for my Cricut Explore to sit happily on it's sturdy little legs. When I don't need to use the machine, I can fold it down and lean it against the wall, out of the way. I know the picture doesn't show the details of the distressing and dark wax, but it was time to feed the critters, so, no time to take better pictures, hope you understand.
Be sure to check out my Ranch page. I've added pictures of my adorable donkeys.
I didn't use many CTMH supplies in these projects, but here's the very brief list of items used, haha!
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