projects Archives - Page 10 of 22 - Feathers in Our Nest

Kitchen Painting!

April 12, 2011 by Aliesha

Well, we’re finally getting around to painting our kitchen! We’ve been wanting to paint it since we moved in. This is what it looked like before we moved in:

kitchen (yes, we’ll be doing something about the “eyeball” knobs)

breakfast nook (check out those curtains!)

Of course it looks more like this and this now.

We are going to paint EVERYTHING! We’re painting the walls a bluish gray (Valspar Pelican matched into Olympic no-VOC) and the trim/chair rail/crown molding/cabinets a crisp white (Olympic no-VOC ultra white). It’s going to take a while, since we’re doing it in small time slots, but it’s going to be beautiful when we finish! Here are a few sneak peeks of some of the work we’ve done so far.

chair rail complete; starting the Pelican gray wall color (don’t worry – we’re painting the trim too)

I actually kind of like these weird “banister” things now that they’re white!

It’s going to be a huge project (did you know it takes at least 4 coats to cover wood paneling when not using primer?), but so worth it for the huge visual impact when we’re finished!

Epic 6 Tool/Letterpress Project & Giveaway!!

April 5, 2011 by Aliesha

I’ve always been fascinated by letterpressed stationary, and I remember joking a few years ago that my daughter would probably be able to letterpress her own wedding invitations. Well, letterpressing at home has recently become quite attainable, thanks to a sweet tool from Lifestyle Crafts called the Epic 6.

I’m going to show you how I made a couple of things with it, but believe me, these will not be the last letterpressed projects you see on Feathers in Our Nest!

Start by selecting the letterpress plate you wish to use. I used the Blossoms Printing Plate. Place your letterpress paper (heavier weight than normal cardstock) on your letterpress tool and align using the guides.

Apply a small amount of letterpress ink (available in a ton of fun colors) to the ink base.

Using the ink brayer, roll the ink around the base so you get a nice even coat on the brayer. Using the adhesive sheets, stick the letterpress plate onto the letterpress tool. Apply ink to the plate using the brayer.

Fold up the letterpress tool, and roll it all through the Epic 6.

Look at how beautiful the letterpressed design looks! This is the perfect base for a card, or for another project like the next one I’ll show you. But first, let’s finish this card.

The Epic 6 can also be used to die cut using the cutting platform. I used the Nesting Scallops to cut out three circles for this card.

I then letterpressed each circle with a design.

You can then either glue your circles to the front of the card or use foam adhesive dots so they stand out from the page and have a little dimension.

The next project I want to show you is quite similar to make, but is really fun to use as a gift idea or party favor.

To make this cello bag header, simply follow the steps above until you get to the card base. Then, use the Nesting Scallops to cut out a large circle. Score the circle down the middle and fold. Punch holes through the header and the bag, and tie it up with some cute baker’s twine. Fill with some fun seasonal candy for a cute “just because” gift!

I know you all probably want your own Epic 6 Tool and Letterpress Combo set now… so head on over to SIMPLE to read my review and ENTER TO WIN your own!

*Disclosure: I was provided with an Epic 6 Tool/Letterpress Combo and accessories to showcase and review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Houndstooth Felt Hair Bow Tutorial

February 8, 2011 by Aliesha

I have a thing for houndstooth. When I saw this black and white houndstooth felt at Hobby Lobby (for only $.50!) I knew I had to get it and make something fun with it. This project is super easy and fast to complete, and it will only cost you pennies for each hair bow!