❥ Why Not Add Lace?

I seem to be adding embellishments to all sorts of things in my home decor at the moment.

And when I saw this cute little pot for $2 at The Warehouse,

I thought I could make it a little bit more me by adding some lace.

If you have not used modpodge friends then DO try it.

It is so good for gluing and sealing and just has a myriad of craft and diy uses.

For this quick DIY embellishment project

all I needed was: A ceramic container, lace, scissors and some Modpodge.

 The best lace to use is a cotton type.

 If the lace you use has a raw edge, 
use an iron to press it under.

 I'm gluing the lace around the grey edge as this container has a flaw on the white edge.

Glue the lace trim on to the container using the Modpodge.

 Set aside to dry.

Paint a thick layer of Modpodge over the lace. 
 This seals and starches it.

Now it's a pretty holdall for jewellery in my guest bedroom.

You might like to also visit:

My store at Fine Art America 

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by joining for free HERE.

#diy #lace #embellishments #style #lacecraftideas

Cute Heart Winter Handwarmers...❥

These wee gems are great for keeping the hands warm in Winter.

I made these for my Grandchildren and their mum to help keep their fingers toasty while watching soccer games from the sideline.

All you need is:

Some white beans

Felt

Pencil

Cotton

A heart template  

Scissors 

 Sewing machine

Cut out the heart template.

 Use this one or any heart template from the web.

Place on the felt and draw around the outline with the pencil onto the felt.

Cut 2 hearts per hand warmer.

 Stitch in an overlock type stitch with a sewing machine around the heart leaving an opening.

You'll need a bag of white beans to fill the hearts.

Place beans in a small plastic bag and snip corner.

Place snipped corner into the heart and 3/4 fill will beans.

Stitch up the opening using the sewing machine.

To heat:

Place a small cup of water in the microwave.

Place the heart beside it on the turntable.

Heat for 23 seconds.

(My microwave has 1100W power)

Place it into your pocket.

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#felt #craft #handwarmers #diy #sewing

DIY Secret Book Storage....❥

How cool is this?

Old books turned into secret storage.

It's actually quite easy to make - here's how...

You will need:

A strong cardboard box with or without a lid. (mine has a lid)

6 old books (or as many books to hide front and sides of the box)

A strong glue or a glue gun (I ended up using the glue gun)

Scissors

Step One:  Dismantle enough books to cover the front of the box with the spines.

Step Two:  Use a cover page to cut to the shape of the row of books for the front of the box.

Glue the spines onto this.
Try to maintain the curvature of the book spine.

Step Three: Glue this front piece to the box.

Step Four: Glue the last two books to each side of the box.

Place it high up on a shelf.
You now have a very funky 'set of old books' that actually has secret storage behind it.

NOTE:

This is a fun project to make, but for security sake, is not for intended for expensive valuables to be hidden in!

You might like to also visit:

My store at Fine Art America 

Get updates about the latest blog posts,

by joining for free HERE.

#DIY #oldbooks #secretstorage

New Zealand Tui Bird Art Prints

'The Art Of Balance' painting is now available at America Fine Art.

The title and the feather balancing on the birds head relates to how we balance the many facets of our lives.

The bird is a contemporary interpretation of the New Zealand native TUI bird. 

(original painting sold)

Available here:  https://fineartamerica.com/featured/art-of-balance-tracey-lee-cassin.html

For updates about the latest blog posts,

you can join for free HERE.

#newzealandartist #contemporary #bird #art #painting #abstract #impressionist #tui #birdart #newzealandbirdart

Homemade Silver Jewelry Cleaner...❥

Well you know I have seen this cleaner diy on zillions of blogs and on Pinterest....

And I have for years thought...must try it.

Then the day came that I had a lot of silver that was tarnished and unwearable, so I thought, well, here's a good time to see if this raved about homemade cleaner actually works.

And guess what?

It sure does!

I have saved myself quite a few dollars by not taking the jewellery pieces to the jewellers.

And the homemade cleaner has basic pantry ingredients in it, too.

So here's how it rolled.....

Take one lot of tarnished black silver earrings and brooches...

Place them in a metal baking pan that has been lined with foil  (shiny side UP)

Pre mix - 1 cup of boiling water, 1 tablespoon of salt and  1 1/2 Tablespoons Baking Soda

Stir until dissolved and pour over the jewelry in the pan.

Pour over this 1/2 cup white vinegar.

It will froth up!
Next move the jewelry around a bit and the leave it sitting for 15 minutes.

A couple of pieces were really black, so I used a little brush to brush the black off.

Rinse under warm water and pat dry with a paper towel.

You now will have super shiny silver with no tarnishing.

Here's a before and a after photo of these leaf earrings.
I really could not believe how good this worked.

I'll definitely be using this homemade cleaner again!
It even cleaned up the fucshia earrings which are silver on copper.
I am so happy that I will now be able to wear these pieces again.

Get updates about the latest blog posts,

by joining for free HERE..

You might like to also visit:

My store at Fine Art America 

#homemade #tips # jewelry #cleaning