5 Grubby Mason Jar Tree

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! I love celebrating Christmas and decorating with handmade primitive crafts. I love the rustic appearance, which adds to the charm of the craft items. This Christmas I wanted to create my very own "Charlie Brown" Tree, with a Country, Grubby look. "Grubby" is another word for primitive crafts that look aged, old or dirty.

My "Charlie Brown" tree was created using Artificial Pine Greenery, a Wooden Spoon and a "Grubby" Mason Jar Base. I embellished the tree with Berries, Metal Stars, Star Anise, and Rusty Bells. I rusted my bells following Primitive Folk Art tutorial.

To begin, I gathered the following materials:

Materials:

• Mason Jar
• Mod Podge
• Instant Coffee Granules
• Foam Brush
• Rub-On Transfers
• Artificial Pine Greenery
• Wooden Spoon
• Martha Stewart's Metallic Glaze in Black Coffee
• Floral Foam Block - $1.00 Dollar Tree
• Berry Stem
• 7/8" Christmas Ribbon
• Hot Glue/Sticks
• Golden Metal Stars
• Star Anise
• Floral Moss
• Rusty Bells
• Glitter
• Wire Cutter

Directions:

1. Pour Coffee Granules into a large plate.
2. Working in sections, apply Mod Podge to Jar
3. Roll Jar into the Coffee Granules until jar is completely covered
4. Let dry overnight and repeat process 4-5 times

5. Please note: some of the coffee granules will fall off and/or melt.
6. When you are happy with the jar's look, apply a final coat of Mod Podge and sprinkle glitter all over the jar. Let dry completely

7. Following Rub-On directions; apply Rub-On transfers to Jar. I decided to add Gingerbread men on each side of the jar, plus a Christmas stocking in the back.
8. The Jar's surface will be rough. Therefore, take your time transferring the rub-ons.
9. Apply a coat of Mod Podge all over the jar to seal the rub-on transfers.


10. Paint the Wooden Spoon with the Metallic Glaze. Let dry completely.
11. Cut floral foam block in half. Glue the two halves together vertically.

12. Using the wire cutter; cut two 4", three 3" and 2" length of greenery.
13. Snip the berries close to the stem.
14. Glue a berry to one end of each greenery lengths, except for one of the 3" length, which will need a berry at both ends.
15. Beginning 3" from the spoon's bottom, start forming your tree by gluing the 4" lengths opposite each other.

16. Continue adding two - 3" lengths spacing 1 1/2" from the 4" lengths. Add two - 2" lengths spacing 1 1/2" from the 3" lengths. Add your final 3" length with the two berries.

17. Insert and glue spoon bottom into foam. Add glue to foam's bottom and insert inside jar. Glue Floral Moss to Jar's top to cover foam.

18. Begin embellishing your tree. Glue stars, rusty bells and Star Anise to the tree branches and spoon's bowl. Add the ribbon to the jar's mouth and embellish as desired.

I love how my "Charlie Brown Tree" turned out. The Grubby Jar adds a rustic primitive look to the tree. This Grubby Tree will add a country charm to my kitchen Christmas Decor.

Here is the back side of the tree and the Grubby Jar.

Merry Christmas!!!!

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25 Paper Mache Ornament

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! Christmas Ornaments make great gifts. Paper Mache Ornaments are easy and fun to make. You can use any type of paper to Decoupage Paper Mache. I used a cute wrapping Christmas paper I stumbled upon while shopping at Target and Kraft Paper from the Dollar Store.

This Holiday, I decided to participate in One Artsy Mama's first Ornament Exchange.

I was paired up with Melanie from BearRabbitBear. Decoupage is one of my favorite craft. I decided to create a Paper Mache Ornament for Melanie.

To begin, I gathered the following materials:

Materials:

• 4" Paper Mache Round Ornament
• Wrapping Paper
• Kraft Paper

• Mod Podge
• Foam Brush
• Fine Glitter

• Toothpick
• Hot Glue & Sticks

Directions:

1. Cut out your designs from the wrapping paper. I cut two gingerbread men, one tree and one cookie, plus a few peppermint candies.
2. Cut 20-25 1/2" x 4" strips of Kraft paper.
3. Insert a toothpick inside the ornament's top section and tie the hanger to it to prevent gluing it to the surface. Having the toothpick inside the ornament will help you hold the ornament as you add your strips.

4. Working in sections, begin adding the paper strips to the ornament. Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the ornament's surface and to the back of each paper strip. Apply strip to the ornament, smoothing with brush or your fingers.
5. Continue adding and overlapping the paper strips until ornament is covered. Add another coat of Mod Podge over entire ornament. Let dry completely.

6. Apply Mod Podge to your design cut-outs and apply them around the ornament. I applied my cut-outs using this sequence: gingerbread men, tree, gingerbread men and a cookie. I added the peppermint candies to the ornament's top section and one to the bottom.
7. Apply another thin coat of Mod Podge over the entire ornament to seal the design. Let dry completely.
8. Add a final Mod Podge coat and sprinkle glitter while the surface is wet. Let dry completely
9. Remove the toothpick. If the hanger detaches from the ornament, use some hot glue to re-attach.

Here is another view of the Ornament. I love how this ornament turned out.
I hope Melanie likes it.

Merry Christmas!!!!

Linking to: Today's Creative Blog
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12 Candy Cane Ornament

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! Christmas is a wonderful time to share a joyful spirit with those around us. I love to create Christmas gifts for my loved ones. Nothing compares to the pleasure of giving handmade gifts to special people.

This Holiday, I decided to participate in my first Ornament Swap, hosted by Tutus and Tea Parties and Robyn's View.

I was paired up with Liz from Here's to Handy Andy. We exchanged ideas and I decided to create Candy Cane Ornaments using an embroidery hoop. Liz loves candy cane anything for Christmas.

To begin, I gathered the following materials:

Materials:

• 3" Embroidery Hoop
• Black felt
• White Felt
• Red Embroidery Floss
• Embroidery Needle
• 1/8" Red Ribbon
• Glitter - optional

• Fabric or craft glue
• Foam Brush
• Freezer Paper
• Metallic Glaze - I used Martha Stewart's Metallic Glaze in Black Coffee

Directions:

1. Trace a 3" and 4" circles onto the dull side of the Freezer Paper. This is the first time I use Freezer Paper. I love this product as it adds more stability to the felt, which makes cutting a breeze. To trace the 3" circle, I used the outer hoop section. The 4" circle was traced using a plastic ice cream cup.
2. Trace a 1/4" wide X 2" long candy cane - not shown.

3. Using the foam brush, apply glaze to both hoop sections. Apply glitter while surface is still wet. Let dry completely.

4. Cut Freezer Paper designs leaving approximately 1/4" around tracing lines.
5. Arrange designs on felt.
6. Iron designs onto the front of the felt pieces. Do not use the steam setting.
7. Cut out the ironed designs using the tracing lines as a guide.

8. Remove Freezer paper from the designs.
9. Stretch felt onto the inner embroidery hoop. Attach outer hoop and tight hoop screw.
10. Using the embroidery floss, make 14-15 long stitches over the candy cane to hold it in place.

11. Turn hoop over and cut any excess felt. Glue the 3" circle to the back.
12. For the ornament's hanger, take a piece of ribbon and tie both ends together. Thread ribbon through the hoop's screw.

And here it is.... The Sweet Candy Cane ornament.
I hope Liz likes it.

I received this beautiful ornament from Liz. She wrapped a glass ball with burlap and Christmas fabrics. I love it... Thanks Liz...

Merry Christmas!!!!

Linking to: Today's Creative Blog
debbie-debbiedoos