Tuesday, October 25, 2011

How To Tuesday: Lace Tile Coasters

Materials:
  • Scrap lace
  • Ceramic tile
  • Spray adhesive
  • Metallic spray paint
  • Felt rounds
  • Scissors

Step 1: Cut the scrap lace 1/2" to 1" larger than your tile.


Step 2: Lightly spray the lace with the adhesive and attach to the tile.  Smooth out any wrinkles and secure the extra lace around the edges so you have a smooth lace surface on the tile.


Step 3:  Spray the lace with the metallic spray paint in a well ventilated space.  Do not over do it!  You only need a light-medium layer of paint.  If you have too much paint, the paint will adhere to the lace and peel off the tile when you remove the lace stencil.


Step 4:  Allow the paint to dry completely then carefully peel off the lace stencil. Then attach felt rounds to the bottom of your tile to protect the surface or table from the rough tile bottom.


Step 5: Enjoy your new coaster!


Voila!

Monday, October 10, 2011

Holiday Specials at DeLorenzo Arts and Crafts

As part of the Holiday Boot Camp through the Etsy Success team, I am considering some changes and special events in my Etsy shop!  Here is what I am thinking:

Run a Sale!  I have yet to work out the details, but stay tuned for special gift codes, sale dates and special pricing on gifts, party supplies, and holiday cards.  Coupons will include percentages off, free items with purchase, and even free shipping.

Offer gift wrapping: For a small charge, I will gladly wrap orders for the holidays.  This will elminate some of the last minute hassle with gift giving for my customers.  Also, I LOVE to wrap presents! 

Do you have any suggestions?  I would love to hear what you would like to see as far as store specials go!
Stay tuned!  Remember, blog followers also get 20% with the code BLOGFOLLOWER

Friday, October 7, 2011

Feedback Friday: Your Fall To-Do List

I have shared my Fall To-Do List, and now I am interested in yours! What is on your to-do list this season? Feel free to post links to tutorials or projects you want to try.

I look forward to hearing from all of you!

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Fall To-Do List Update

Last week, I posted a list of to-do craft projects I want to accomplish this autumn season.  I have completed one and am so thankful I tried it!  I made the Jersey Knit Bracelet from tshirt yarn purchased from thirtyone13 on Etsy.  Here are my results:

Two fingers

Three fingers

Comparison of the two (two fingers is the smaller one)

For those of you who want to try it, click here for the video how-to from V and Co

Again, here is my to-do list (I wonder what I will try next!):
  • Jersey Knit Bracelet Done!
  • Sisal Rope Bowl
  • Paint Chip Magnets
  • Homemade Dog Treats (my little Herbie would love these!)
  • Yarn Wreath
  • Fabric Acorns
  • Burlap Ruffle Wreath
  • Burlap Bubble Wreath
  • Paper Lanterns Done!

Monday, October 3, 2011

Holiday Boot Camp Promises

I recently received my Etsy Success Newsletter and was inspired to participate in the "Holiday Boot Camp" to prepare for the upcoming shopping season.  The first step is to make a promise and a plan.  So here I go with the promises!
  • I promise to give the best customer service I can to my customers
  • I promise to ship items within two days of receiving the order
  • I promise to launch new items to enhance holiday parties and gift giving
  • I promise to reorganize my shop so items are easier to find and in more appropriate sections
I will add more as I come up with them!  Also, I need your support so feel free to leave comments, share with your friends, and offer advice.

I am so excited about this holiday season.  The winter holidays are my favorite time of the year so I cannot wait to share my experiences with you and through my Etsy shop!

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Products to Celebrate the New Season!

Since today is the first day of fall, here are some products at DeLorenzo Arts and Crafts that are perfect for fall:

       


    

Remember, blog followers get a 20% discount with coupon code: BLOGFOLLOWER

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Wordless Wednesday

Check out this beautiful rainbow of colors in candy.  I love rock candy and could not resist this picture when I attended a local fall festival.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

How To Tuesday-Paper Lanterns

This is the first project I have attemped on my Fall To-Do craft list! 

Materials:
  • Paper or Cardstock
  • Ruler
  • Hole Punch
  • Twine
  • Buttons
  • Tape
Step 1: Cut the paper or cardstock in strips about 1 inch wide.  I used 15 9" strips to make my lantern.  Different lengths and number of strips will produce different size lanterns so experiment! You will need fewer strips for shorter strips and more for longer lengths.  Punch a hole in each end of each strip of paper.


Step 2:  Thread twine through the holes in one end of the strips then tape the end to secure.  This will be the bottom of your lantern.  The paper side you want on the outside of the lantern should be the side you tape the twine. 


Step 3:  Thread the twine through the other end of the stack of strips so the twin runs along the inside of your stack of strips.  Pull the thread tight so the strips bow out.


Step 4:  Thread the twine through the button on the top and tie a bow with the twine.  The twine should be tight with the paper bowed out.


Step 5:  Fan the strips in a circle to finish your lantern!


Step 6:  Hang the lantern anywhere you please for a little added touch.


Voila!

Monday, September 26, 2011

Autumn Inspirations and My Seasonal To-Do Craft List

I am completely inspired by the rusts, reds, oranges, yellows, and browns that color this season.  The shapes of the leaves, pumpkins, and other harvest goods are fruit for artistic inspiration.  Though maybe not conforming to traditional beauty, this season is full of surprising color combinations, shapes, and mixtures of medias. 
Here are some projects I hope to conquer this season:
I better get busy!  I will keep you updated of my progress with these projects.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Feedback Friday:Fall Festivals

Earlier in the week I shared a few of the fall festivals I was planning on attending this season.  I am interested in what else is out there! 

Let me know what festivals are in your area.  Do you plan to attend?  Do you participate as a vendor?

Happy Festival-ing this weekend!