Creature Comforts - daily inspiration, style, d.i.y. projects + freebies

Marichelle - DIY: Silver Glass Glittered Frame

Hi everyone! Marichelle here from Heart Handmade and Wunderlust filling in for Ez with another DIY project. This one is for a simple to make photo/print frame made out of recycled chipboard. Don't know about you, but I have a number of prints that aren't your standard 8.5x11 or 5x7 and it's quiet difficult to find frames for them. So I've decided to make my own and even use them for photographs, the best part is that you can easily customize the size!

What you'll need:

1. Ruler
2. Chipboard (I've saved up a couple from recent photo purchases on Etsy). You can also use thick stockpaper, oaktag etc- just use something a little thicker than regular paper
3. xacto knife
4. your favorite glue, I recommend using a thicker glue (elmers glue should work fine)
5. your choice of glitter (I used the Martha Stewart brand but you can use other brands as well)
6. scissors
7. twine or ribbon
8. self-healing mat or something you can safely use the xacto knife on

* you'll also need a hole puncher (smaller than standard is what I would recommend), pencil, wax paper, foil or parchment paper (whatever you have around), a craft sponge or brush for glue (if you don't have one, you can just snip a bit off of a new dish sponge)

Let's get started...

1. You first want to determine how wide you want the frame to be all around the print. I decided that I wanted it to be a little less than 1 inch wide all around the print.

2. So I measured 1 inch around the entire print and marked a line with a pencil.

3. If you have a T Square then great, but to make sure I had a straight edge I measured one inch in 1 inch intervals going vertically down the right-hand side of my print. Penciled in little marks, then connected the dots and drew my straight line/edge.

4. Cut off excess.

5. Now center the print on top of the piece you just cut.

6. Trace around the print.

7. To make sure that the frame actually frames the photo/print, the "hole" needs to be a little smaller than the photo/print itself.

8. So take your ruler and draw a smaller rectangle inside your current one. I suggest drawing it 1/8 of an inch smaller than your original trace (#5 and #6).

9. Carefully cut out the center (the inside, smaller rectangle). Make sure you don't cut passed your guidelines.

10. You should now have a frame!

11. Go ahead and lay it on top of your print to double check that you measured correctly. Next, you want to find the center of the very top, so you can make the holes for the hanging. Once you find the center, measure about 1.5 inches to the right and to the left. Mark with a pencil.

12. Using your ruler as a guide, make your holes and make sure they line up. It's important that your hole isn't bigger than the width of your twine or ribbon. I have the Martha Stewart punch tool so I was able to choose the 2nd largest puncher. If all you have is a standard hole puncher - you should still be ok but you'll have to finish the hanging differently than what I've outlined here. I'll provide instructions on how to finish it below.

Now for the fun part...

13. Give one side of your frame a very good coating of glue using either a brush, sponge or even your fingers. Spend a good amount of time making sure that you have an even coat, you'll thank yourself later once you begin applying the glitter. You'll have less touching up to do, promise.

14. If you have a tray big enough it might be easier to work in it, but if not, you can lay down a large sheet of wax paper, parchment paper, foil even newspaper on top of your work area so you can get glittering! The MS glitter comes with a handy salt & pepper like dispenser so I was able to shake down the glitter. I also like to use a spoon (actually think that this method is a lot easier) and spoon the glitter all over the frame. Once the glue dries (I waited for about 5 minutes) you want to life the frame and tap in on its edges, tap all sides making sure that you get all of the excess glitter off.

15. At this point you want to examine your frame. Does the glitter look even? Are there spots that could use a little more. If so, make sure you wait until the glue has fully dried. Once dry, you can apply a tiny amount of glue with your finger on the uneven patches - pat it down with your finger so you don't get bumpy patches. Spoon or shake some glitter over the newly glued patches. Once dry, tap off excess. Wait to dry.

16. It's alright if you've glittered over your hanging holes. Simply turn it over and slip a fairly big needle through the hole or use a pencil. Measure out your twine/ribbon - mine was 10.5" long. Carefully thread one end through one of the wholes (from the back of the frame to the front of the frame).

* if you're using a standard hole puncher and the hole is too big for the twine (the knot will slip right through the holes) you can thread the twine from back to front then take the twine and thread it into the other hole (from front to back) and once both ends are in the back side of your frame, line the ends up evenly and knot the ends to close the loop.

17. Repeat with the other end of the twine.

18. Knot the ends (I double knotted mine) in the front of the frame.

19. Now attach your print to the back. I simply used tape on all four sides. Your done!

Note: If you notice that the edges of the frame are curling up at the edges, simply lay it glitter side down on a lined flat surface and lay a couple of heavy books on top overnight.

I hope some of you give this a try. Thank you again Ez for inviting me to guest post while you're on your way over here, can't wait to see you!

x Marichelle

Susy - Downloadable Template: Sweet little cards

Greetings Creatures of Comfort! Susy from SusyJack* and HeySusy, in my second guest post while Ez is on the road. How cool is it that Ez is organized enough to schedule all these cool posts while she is away? Personally, I find that *very* impressive. Ez, if you're reading this...I am in complete and total awe.

So...I've been working on some new pattern ideas lately...and I thought this would be the perfect place to try them out! I've created templates with 10 calling cards each, in two color-ways. After all, variety is the spice of life!

These would make wonderful calling cards, but they could also be used as place cards, or even to top off a gift (I think they would make a sweet accent to a simple kraft-or newsprint wrapped package). I hope you enjoy them. Just trim along the crop lines. You can also print them out, and then run them back through your printer to place your own typed message on each card, and trim when you're done.

Download Template for Pink Cards
Download Template for Ochre Cards

Janice - DIY: Canvas Frame Inspiration Boards

Hello Everyone!

This is Janice from Papier Valise + the scissor variations blog.

This is a quick + easy project that can be customized simply by choosing a piece of your favorite fabric.

Make 1 or several + create a display board mosaic.

Gather Together:

**Canvas Frames (any size-I used 8" square )

Cork Liner (available here, or check your local hardware store)

Marking Pen

Scissors

Staple Gun

Fabric Remnants (a bit larger than your canvas size)-I used a lightweight upholstery floral + a solid linen

Using your canvas frame as a template, trace onto the cork sheeting and cut out.

Flip your canvas over so the front side is facing you + place your cut out cork piece on top + using your staple gun secure at the four corners and in the center of each side.

This creates a thin cushion for your push pins.

Cut a piece of fabric approximately 1" square larger around the perimeter than your canvas size.  You can eyeball this, but keep in mind you need to pull the fabric up around the sides. My canvas size was 8" square, so I cut a 9" square piece of fabric.

Lay your fabric down onto a flat surface with the wrong side facing you.

Place your canvas, cork side down onto the fabric, centering it.

Choose an edge to start securing. Pull the fabric up along the edge and onto the back of the canvas frame + staple in the center. Place a staple in the left and right corners. Working on the opposite side, pull the fabric tightly + staple to secure.  You will then need to tuck the fabric in at the corners, pull it up and staple.

Like wrapping a gift. Repeat with the remaining sides.

Create some push pins with some decorative items.

** The quality of your canvas frames is not so important for this project. I had these cheap ones in my stash--they were $1. each

Text + Photos Copyright 2009 Janice Rusnak

Leslie - DIY: Flowers in Repurposed Tins

A Creative Mint

I love using food or drink containers from my local Asian markets for little bouquets. They usually end up on my kitchen window sill so I can enjoy them -anything to add some joy while I am doing a mountain of dishes! In the Los Angeles area I go to Mitsuwa for Japanese food products, Ranch 99 for Chinese, and  Indian Sweets and Spices. 

Lisa Rupp - Circus Party Printable Bottle Labels

As you can see, I'm loving two things right now, confetti and the circus. Lately, I've been drawn to circus and carnival-inspired photos and art. I find myself doodling circus animals and props in my sketchbook. This giraffe is a result of those sketches, and you can meet one of his friends here.

I also love parties and party planning. These paper rosettes were totally fun to make and pretty easy, too. I made them up as I went along, but this tutorial by Martha might be helpful.  I created the soda labels from a couple of my drawings and I've made them available for all of you! You can download them here (they will print in black).

Thank you and have a fabulous day!

Julie & Kathryn - cupcake recipe printable freebie

Hello everyone! It's Julie & Kathryn of perfectbound. We thought we'd include a little something for you all for one of our posts. Though we don't really recall where this recipe came from, we're more than sure it's something everyone should have on hand. In those situations when you suddenly need something quick and easy, you can whip these up in a pinch! We had the hardest time trying to wait until after we took the photos to eat them. (The icing truly is that glossy!)

Included at the end of this post are links to PDF print outs of recipe cards for both the cupcakes and the icing. Simply print the front on some card stock, flip it over to print the back, and cut them out! We've separated the front from the back so you can easily print the patterned back for more cards for all of your favourite recipes. Feel free to use it for anything else you'd like and be sure to let us know what you come up with! Happy baking!

Recipe card fronts & back. (8 x 10 PDF files)

Julie & Kathryn - Color Crush: Pink & Orange

Hello all, it's Julie & Kathryn from perfectbound! One of our favourite colour combinations right now is pink and orange. Nothing packs a punch like this vibrant duo – it can really liven up any room or outfit! The dining room pictured in the June issue of LivingEtc. is amazing, isn't it?! When dealing with such saturated colours it helps to see it all put together before trying it in your own home. How bold would you be willing to go?

And if you haven't checked out John Galliano's spring/summer 09 collection, be sure to take a look. We are loving the pinks and oranges paired with black.

clockwise from top left }

Pink and Orange Mor pillow by Madeline Weinrib
Mr.Pink Diana F+ at Urban Outfitters
Kaarna umbrella by Marimekko
Vintage 1960's Pop-art style curtains by Classic Modern Textiles
Orange patent "Lotte" clutch by Lauren Merkin
Column dress in pink by Virginia Johnson

Janice - DIY: Lovely Locket Links Necklace

Hello Creature Comfort-ites!

This is Janice from Papier Valise + the scissor variations blog.

As you are aware Ez is in the midst of her cross country move and I was delighted to be asked to contribute during her absence.

This is a quick + easy jewelry making project for all skill levels that involves basic jump rings, linking + lots of room for design personalization:

Gather Together

assorted lockets

jump rings (9mm shown)

basic jewelry tools (for opening + closing jump rings + *snipping off metal loops)

tool for punching through metal (I used a **cropadile tool)

additional decorative charms + buttons, if desired

ribbon or decorative clasp

Open up your lockets so interiors are exposed.

Using a crodadile (or metal hole punching tool) punch 2 holes in each side of your locket--I used the 1/8" setting.

Once you have all of your holes punched, open up your jump rings + begin linking your lockets together in a chain formation.

Before closing your jump rings you may wish to add an additional decorative element such as a button, or     charm.

Once you have determined how long you want your piece to be--will it be a necklace or a bracelet--you can add a clasp or ribbon for a closure.

Clip off the top metal locket loops with your jewelry cutting tool + your piece is ready to wear!

  * Snoop in the household tool box for tools that will snip off the metal loops

** There are many jewelry tools available for punching holes through metal. I used the crop-a-dile for this project as it is quite versatile--and I can use it for lots of different craft projects. I  use it to punch through stacks of paper when book binding, other metals as well as plastics.

Lockets used in this project:

two sided embossed oval

round smooth

open oval

Creature Comforts readers will receive a 15% discount on the lockets used in these projects when entering the coupon code:

creature comforts

at www.papiervalise.com

Offer Valid: August 13th--August 20th, 2009

Text + Photos Copyright  2009 Janice Rusnak

Susy - Printable Photo Borders

Hello darling Creature Comfort readers! Susy here from SusyJack* and Hey Susy...and thrilled to be here, I might add!

Anyway, something I absolutely adore about Creature Comforts are the gorgeous, breezy color palettes that Ez often brings into my day! And CC has been a constant refresher this spring since it's done nothing but pour with rain here in NYC  lately! So...my little diy contribution of photo mats with some of my patterns was inspired by the yummy hues that are one of this blog's signatures.

You can download 8 x10 pdf versions of these photo mats by clicking on the link below, and then, just cut along the crop marks to create the window for your image- or, you can mount your image directly on top. Personally, I recommend printing them on a thicker cover-stock so they have a more polished look. Then, just fit them into an 8x10 frame, and you're good to go! I hope you enjoy them.  xx susy

Grey Photo Frame Set > Download Gray Frames

Aqua Photo Frame Set > Download Aqua Frames

Images above, and more gorgeous nature photos can be found at Rocky Top Studio 

Leslie - Free Printable Striped Note Card

A Creative Mint

Here is a simple striped flat note card that you can download and print. I designed it to be used with a standard business envelope (4 1/8" x 9 1/2") because usually there is one lying around the house! You could also use the card without an envelope to spruce up a plain gift.  I also included a blue and green striped scheme if that suits you more or use both. Enjoy!

To use:

Download Pink Stripe Card and Download Blue Stripe Card 

Print out onto heavy weight paper or card stock and trim along outside edges

Use glue stick to adhere labels to your own business sized envelope

Happy Summer! 

Melissa loves: Creature Comforts

Hello sweet CC readers! 

The very first blog I ever fell completely & madly head over heels with was this one. And though Ez and I have become very good friends, and she is moving to my town....it is STILL the first one I check every morning and recheck a little later in the afternoon. :) I am honored to be here, helping out a tiny bit, while Ez is winging her way to us here on the east coast( yay) and as is my wont....I thought I would gather together some things that remind me of Ez, her beautiful way of seeing the world, and would be just right to give her as house warming gifts if only I could. Would you like to see too? 

1~ a good luck bracelet in one of her favorite colors here 

2~ something for her walls, with deer & the sentiment of "love life" (what's not to love?) here

3~ A gorgeous painting entitled " Caroline carefully arranges everything she holds dear" again, for Ez's walls, but also because the title seemed so fitting as Ez transports all she holds dear to a new home.(here) 

4~ a beautiful "neighborhood" pillow as Ez moves to HER new neighborhood here 

5~ *sigh* THE most beautiful chair....with birds( her favorite) and in aqua( also her favorite) Just too perfect for words....here * sigh* 

6~ some warmth to light up her new home here

7~ some good luck to hang over her doorway here 

* feather DigiKit available here 

Ez, I sure hope you like my picks for you and thank you for trusting me to help hold down the fort while you are away. I hope your readers liked it too and let's all collectively wish Ez safe travels and a very happy new home! 

for you my friend

xoxo

Melis

Mrs. French - Hydrangea

Hi, I am mrs. french and I love to take pictures.  I think I would have to say that my favorite subjects (besides my boys) would have to be the flowers in my neighborhood.  I live in beautiful Portland, Oregon where we are blessed with the most beautiful flowers.  Hydrangea are definitely one of my top 4 flowers to photograph...besides this, I think that if I had to choose a flower that reminds me of the lovely Creature Comforts I would definitely choose the same pretty flower.  Way back, Ez featured one of my photographs, she was one of the first...it was one of my hydrangea pics...since then I find myself thinking of dear Ez every time I add another hydrangea photograph to my collection...

This is a little thank you to Ms. Ez for featuring one of my favorite flowers as seen through my beloved camera and the icing on the cake, asking me to be a guest on her perfect blog...xo mrs. french

Leslie - Creative Idea: Tiled Photographs

A Creative Mint

Lately I love tiling up groups of my photos and then taking a single photograph. Often I find that an image is not so great on its own and looks much better in a group. The new single photo becomes a little document of the colors I was interested in. It is fun to go back in your photo library and group random images with a similar color scheme and then print them out and hang them together. For these four photos, I just tacked the groups to boards using different tapes and pins.

Mrs. French - Inspired by a Flickr Photograph

Ez's sweet blog has been a favorite of mine since I began this crazy adventure.  I honestly cannot express how much inspiration and beauty I pull from this perfect spot...which is why it is such an amazing honor to be a guest here with you today...my name is mrs. french.  I have a blog called bliss...

There are so many reasons I visit Creature Comforts..one of the main ones being how Ez (and sweet melis now too) can use a piece of artwork to create something magical of her very own.  I am going to attempt to do something a bit similar, but with a little blissful twist...

this particular photograph is one of my favorite favorites on flickr right now...

steph park's photograph is so pretty in its simplicity...I am particularly drawn to the woody textures and lush greens.  I have taken the inspiration I have gathered from this photo and created a collection of etsy goodies in its honor...hope you like it....

brass flower ring by metamorph and twig picture holders by kindling

in passing by groundwork and wood stump mug by rae dunn

acorn necklace by orange slice and antler brown, linen pillow by white twig

tiny twig hair pins by the sparrow's nest and letter n moss door hanging by simple sweet design

olive green linen dress by larimeloom and don't know why original painting by shelby healey

tada!  there you have it!  I had so much fun coming up with this collection and spending this part of the day with you...I hope to see you all again very soon...xo mrs. french

Lisa Rupp - Creative Idea: Polkadot Postcards

Hello everyone! First of all, a big thanks to Ez for letting me guest post. I'm happy to be here. I'll be sharing a couple ideas of mine. I hope you enjoy!

One night, I was dreaming about invitations, as I often do, and thought of these see-through postcards. I think it would be so fun to get one of these in the mail! I used a blue vellum envelope with multiple shades & sizes of blue paper circles. The ideal way to print this would be to use a custom rubber stamp, but you could also send them through the printer. I just love rubber stamps because each card is unique and one-of-a-kind.

Marichelle - DIY: Refurbished Wallpaper & Cans

Hello everyone! Marichelle here from Heart Handmade with an easy to do project using coffee cans and leftover wallpaper scraps. I've been saving my empty coffee cans and cashew nut cans for a rainy day and since it's been raining for the past month, I finally had some time to make something useful out of them. You could also use gift wrap paper, but it's a good opportunity to use up any leftover wallpaper. Plus it's also a little thicker and easier to work with, especially if your coffee cans have the ridges on the sides. I decided to use my left over Orla Kiely scraps (perfect since I wasn't lucky enough to get a hold of her Target jars!) By the way, you could also cover these IKEA Celeber containers if you want something with lids! So here's what you're going to need:

1. wallpaper scraps (a piece long and wide enough to cover the can)
2. clean coffee cans or nut cans (you don't have to remove the labels, but check to see that the paper that you'll be using to cover the cans is opaque enough to hide the original label/design on the cans)
3. xacto knife
4. glue (I used Mod Podge)
5. sponge applicator (if you don't have one, just cut a small piece of a new dish sponge)
6. sewing tape measure and/or ruler
7. scissors or a rotary cutter (I have a rotary cutter that I use for paper, these are generally used for cutting fabric)
8. self-healing cutting mat if you're going to use a rotary cutter

This project should take you about 30 minutes per can or less.
Let's get started!

Step 1. Measure can(s): This is going to be a lot easier to do if you have a sewing tape measure. You want to measure the height and around the can (circumference). If you just have a regular ruler, no problem - just goes to prove that geometry is useful after all! Measure the width of the circle and multiply this by 3.14 (yep π).

Step 2. This will give you the circumference, the actual width you'll need to cut the paper. Take the measurements and add 1/4" to both width and height. Measure and draw the rectangular piece on the reverse (no design) side of your wallpaper. You'll use the pencil marks as guides when cutting. If your wallpaper has a distinct pattern, you might want to adjust exactly where you're going to cut the piece, making sure that the design element you want will be included in the piece you cut.

Step 3. Cut: Carefully cut out the measured piece. Check to see if you measured correctly by taking the cut piece and wrapping it around your can. Line the paper to the bottom ridge of the can (you should leave the 1/8" raised lip at the very bottom of your can uncovered. You should also have a bit of extra paper on top and a bit of an overlap around the can.

Step 4. Glue: Sponge a thin layer of glue all over the wrong side of the wallpaper, making sure that you get the edges.

Step 5. Attach: Carefully place the sticky wallpaper onto the can, make sure you line up the bottom of the wallpaper to the bottom ridge/lip of the can. (see pic #5, see how there's 1/8" at the bottom that's not covered). Add a tiny tiny bit more glue to the very edge to make sure it's secure.

Step 6. Press down the wallpaper, careful so you don't get air bubbles. If you do get bubbles, just let them be for now. You can take a needle and carefully prick the center of the bubbles - just like you would when applying wallpaper. This will prevent you from getting unsightly folds/creases.

Step 7.  You'll notice that you have a bit of extra paper hanging over the top. With your finger nail, feel the bottom of the top lip. You want to press this down and create a nice crease all around.

Step 8 & 9. Once you've created an indentation, take your xacto knife and carefully (very very carefully) cut around the can using the top lip as a guide.  Make sure you cut towards the lip  so you don't end up accidentally cutting more of the paper than you need to (I speak from experience).

Step 10. Ta da!

Julie & Kathryn - Color Crush: Green & Yellow

Julie & Kathryn of perfectbound here!  The lazy days of summer have arrived, which brings to mind those dreamy, light filled images of the most relaxing season. We stumbled upon some photos printed on old paper a little while ago, and the palm trees with faint hues of yellow and green have been stuck in our minds ever since. Fresh, but not too loud, these nostalgic yellows and greens almost send us back to the days at the lake with our feet dipped in the water, popsicle in hand. If only life were like that everyday! What colours remind you of summer?

 

clockwise from top left }

Inspirational image by Rebecca Thuss
Tea-For-One Set at Anthropologie
Sunflower Zebra chair at Horchow
Inspirational image from marika .
Wool herringbone Ella dress at J. Crew
Summer in the City earrings by Walk On the Moon

Meet the Guest Bloggers

Hello dear ones!  Today it is my pleasure to introduce you to the incredibly lovely and talented team of bloggers who have so generously agreed to share their talents and ideas with you all as my daughter and I leave California tomorrow to make our way across the country to our new home in New Jersey.

Guest posting requires a lot of preparation and foresight and I can't begin to thank these amazing ladies enough for their hard work (which really shows in the incredible posts they've created for you all).  I've had the chance to look through each post and all I can say is WOWZA!  You all have some great things to look forward to (d.i.y. projects, color inspiration, freebies, product roundups and more)!  So now I'd love for you to please join me in welcoming:

Leslie - A Creative Mint  | flickr

Traci - Bliss  | etsy shop | big cartel shop | flickr | twitter

Marichelle - Heart Handmade  | shop | flickr | lifeflix blog | twitter

Janice - Scissor Variations  | shop | flickr

Susy - Hey Susy  | shop | twitter

Melissa - Melissa Loves  | shop | twitter

Julie & Kathryn - Perfectbound  | flickr

Lisa - That's Happy  | design studio | shop | flickr | twitter

Note: I will not have reliable internet access for a while, so in my absence I've asked Melissa to monitor and post through your comments.  I'm looking forward to reading them all once I've arrived at our new home.  See you soon!  xox Ez