Sunday, May 15, 2011

Homemade Embellishments

So, the Counterfeit Kit Challenge has inspired me to make some of my own embellishments. The CKC blog has posted several tutorials. First up, I tried making the watermelons. They were really easy since I used my Cricut to cut out all the circles. The seeds on the watermelon "flower" were made using the bird punch from Stampin' Up (they are the leaves from the branch). I used the Cricut once again to cut letters from printed cardstock. The Cricut is a great tool for making embellishments! I didn't even come close to utilizing it to its potential!



Next, I tried making my own Baker's Twine from crochet thread and markers. I had a really difficult time getting the color even. While this would work, my perfectionism will have me ordering the real stuff once I use up what I've made.

I also had mixed results making my own washi tape. I think it was more of a trial and error to find out what works on different types of tape. The paper tape was my favorite. It took color better and dried faster. The masking tape was more difficult to color and took longer to dry. It was a good project to work on while I was watching TV. Since neither of these are acid free, I'll only be using this on cards and altered items.

So, I think that fabric buttons may be my new addiction. I used a gift card to buy a few supplies. I decided to buy some white patterned fabric. I tested dying the fabric and was happy to discover that the pattern became more pronounced! I used spray mists (from Maya Road and Tattered Angels). I also used ink pads to color the fabric after I had dampened it. I'm excited that the few scraps of fabric that I purchased will be able to work on a variety of projects since I can use supplies I already have to dye it the desired color!
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It definitely saves money to make my own embellishments, which leave me money for more paper! So, that definitely makes me happy!

17 comments:

  1. Love the embellies you have created! They look great.

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  2. Amazing - especially the watermelon.
    Rinda

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  3. I totally love making my own embellies, too-yours look great! And awesome job using your Cricut, too!

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  4. Great job on starting from scratch. My Cricut is totally underutilized.

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  5. Isn't it fulfilling to make your own embellies??? :) So fun. I love the watermelon. I haven't heard of making your own Baker's Twine...is there a link to a tutorial? xoxo

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  6. Julie,

    I watched this tutorial for the twine. http://thefrugalcrafter.wordpress.com/2011/04/19/make-your-own-bakers-twine/

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  7. I love that you tried them all! The watermelons are too cute. Way to use the Cricut!

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  8. Everything looks great. I like how you made your own bakers twine.

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  9. Man, you are so crafty!! The embellies are looking good!! Thanks for sharing!

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  10. wow it all looks really great love those water melons.

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  11. I think it's wonderful that you tried out all the different techniques linked on the blog, and wrote about your successes and failures. The watermelons are especially cute! I can't wait to see how you use all these handmade embellies!

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  12. Wow the watermelon is such a great idea, love it!

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  13. The embellies you've made are all so cute! I like the watermelons, the seeds look good.
    I went and made some fabric buttons after seeing them on CFK too, and also think I'm quickly becoming addicted to making them! x

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  14. Wow, great home made embellishments!! It always feels so good to create things from scratch and they add such an original vibe to LO's!

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  15. Yah more money for paper and cute embellies as the trade off. win win

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  16. Look at you rockin' the handmade embellies!! They are totally cute! But I have to be honest, I'm too lazy!!! LOL. I'd rather buy them and paper too!!

    Thanks for stopping by my blog. What a gentle reminder for me as well when I think about something that has run out, or I am lacking in and want/need. So many others have it far less than we do and we just don't realize that in our own daily lives do we? Your words are encouraging to me to stop and be thankful for everything, thank you!
    e.

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