InspireMe Crafts

Gotta Make It: "I'm Bored" Craft Kit in a Pail

 "Be yourself, and you will rarely be bored." - Zack Aaronson

Summer is here and for many of us that means the kids won't be getting on the bus to go to school for 8 hours.  Instead, they will be home.  Of course, we all love more time with our kids, but we will inevitably hear "Mom, I'm bored" more than a handful of times even if they are signed up for every camp in town (and the surrounding areas).  So take an afternoon this week to get your pre-emptive strike ready so when you hear that pathetic "Mom, I'm bored", you go to the closet and hand them their "I'm Bored" Craft Kit in a Pail and let the creativity begin. 

All you need is a pail that you can find at your local craft store and some household items to fill it up. Of course you could use a box, jar, beach paill, etc.  I started by raiding the closets and pantry in the house.  I found and included plastic cups, popsicle sticks, buttons, scrap paper, yarn, excess fabric, feathers, ribbon, wiggly eyes, straws, and styrofoam balls.  At the DollarTree I found some pipe cleaners and colored cotton balls and at Michaels I found some $1 craft projects.  Include whatever you think would work well for that age.  Mine was made for a pre-schooler.  Then I made a list with possible ideas to see if they could make the item with the materials in the pail such as a duck, a house, a flower, a cat, etc. 

Take a peek of what is in the Lil Man's pail....

 And a peek from the top...

Another twist on this "I'm Bored" Craft Kit in a Pail is to put different ideas on pieces of paper, fold them up, and throw them in.  When they come to you saying they're bored let the 'boredster' pull a slip of paper from that pail for an idea of what to do.  You could make this a fun mix of things and even include a few chores that they could do around the house :).  Then we will all be happy (or at least us)! 

Add their names to the outside to personalize the pails and you'll be set.  You could even take them on road trips.  Hope you enjoy and I'd love to hear or see pics of your "I'm bored" Craft Kit in a Pail variations.

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

In Search of the Best Glue & Spray Adhesive - Part 2

At the end of June I posted about my frustration with trying to find the best glue and spray finish so I wanted to update you on the progress I've made and new information I've learned.  To start off let's summarize the ones I love.  I love the Martha Stewart Fine Point Glue Pen for my small projects such as the cut out letters I use on my Hanging Letters.  I also love the Brush On Krazy Glue for small projects that need a quick permanent bond.  I used the Brush On Crazy Glue with my Photo Magnets. 

I was struggling with Krylon's Spray Adhesive and Matte Finish as a combo, but with a little help from their Product Manager we have made some progress!  I've always used Krylon's Spray Adhesive for most of my larger projects and have been happy with it.  It wasn't until I started to add the Matte Finish that I ran into trouble.  Here's why....when using the Spray Adhesive you MUST follow the directions and after you spray it onto your material, wait at least 30 seconds before adhering it.  According to Michelle Neuhauser, Product Manager for Krylon Product Groups, "Spray finishes have a solvent in them that need to "flash" off the surface a little before you cover it up.  Otherwise those solvents can get tapped under the paper and could lead to them coming off".  When using the Spray Adhesive I thought I had followed the 30 seconds time frame, but you know when you get a little anxious and you just estimate the time frame?!?  Well, this time I set a timer! 

I then waited for it to completely dry - around 3 hours - but I waited 24 hours to be safe and then added the Matte Finish.  It would have worked great, but as the directions warn you, you have to make sure not to add too much of the Matte Finish or it will leave a  white residue.  So make sure you practice first! 

However, Michelle Neuhauser offered some other suggestions I'm going to try in the coming weeks.  This is what she had to say, " I have another suggestion for you if you want to get a thicker coating over your paper, without applying too many coats of Matte Finish. You can spray several coats of Crystal Clear first, let it dry and add one coat of the Matte over top to give you the Matte sheen if that's your preferred sheen (of course, that adds another step, but it does allow you to get a thicker coating on your surface if you'd prefer that).  Another option might be to use Satin Finish Crystal Clear that is less glossy than Crystal Clear and a little more glossy than the Matte Finish, instead of the Matte Finish".

I'm going to try the Crystal Clear and the Satin Finish Crystal Clear next and hopefully find my perfect spray finish that I'm looking for.  Its great that Krylon has so many options...I just have to keep looking to find the finish that I personally prefer. 

I was pleasantly surprised when I had an email from Michelle Neuhauser of Krylon Products to offer her help and suggestions to help me find the perfect combo.  She has been a great help in this search for the Best Glue and Spray Adhesive!  If you have a favorite glue, adhesive, or helpful hints you'd like to share leave a comment or shoot me an email at inspiremecrafts@yahoo.com! 

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Craft Room Envy

" Envy is the art of counting the other fellow's blessings instead of our own" - Harold Coffin

In the Databazaar article done on Inspire Me Crafts, Kara Soos mentioned that "Some crafts enthusiasts dedicate an entire room to their projects, filled to the brim with all sorts of supplies and tools. Imagine how much money they spend on all those provisions!".  Well.....I have a closet.  Nothing to compare to these amazing and beautiful rooms that I came across at hgtv.com.  I'll have to admit...I felt a little envy.  Can you imagine walking into any of these rooms and getting to sit down and start creating?!?  I'd lock myself in ANY of these rooms for days with a "Do Not Disturb" sign.  But come on, its time to have a reality check.  I'm all about full disclosure so to bring most of us back to reality I thought I would give you a peek into my little craft corner.  Let's take a look at my craft closet part of a closet. 

Well, here it is.  Not much...some wire racks, some hand me down white shelves and a plastic drawer for my paper.  But I do love my inspiration board!  I used the wine cork board that I featured a while ago to pin my inspirations and ideas to.  However, I am extremely happy because I just got those hand me down white shelves about a week ago and they have made a world of a difference in keeping my closet organized.  So, although, I have a little craft closet envy this morning, I am also thankful that I do have my portion of a closet for my crafts...even if I share it with the garbage, blender, crock pot, chargers, and serving dishes!

If you want to create...don't make excuses because you don't have the new and improved tools or the fancy room.  A nice kitchen table will do the trick :)

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

In Search of the Best Glue

I'm on a quest... so you better watch out!  I have piles of projects piling up because I am so busy experimenting with some various spray adhesives and finishes.  I really want to find a spray finish instead of Mod Podge.  I love Mod Podge, but I thought a spray finish might be quicker and a little less messy.  I've started experimenting with Krylon's Matte Finish and have not had much luck so far.  Most of my projects are dealing with paper and I typically use the spray adhesive.  However, when I apply the spray finish, it becomes 'unglued'.  Talk about frustrating!  So here I am trying different dry times, different glues, different finishes, etc as I peek out of the corner of my eye at all the projects I rather be doing :).  Although... I know I will be ecstatic once I find my perfect combination! 

If you have a glue and finish that works really well for you PLEASE let me know by sending an email to inspiremecrafts@yahoo.com or leave a comment to share with everyone.  Please hurry before I get high off all these spray fumes :).

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!