Monogram Frame

Finally… I’m back in my craft room and it feels so good!!!

After a crazy summer, things are finally settling down around here and we are getting back to normal (Yippee).

I'm so glad you have stopped by...

Today, I want to share with you one of my “Go To” projects - Monogram Frame. It makes a great gift for a baby shower and/or a wedding present. I came across the idea (here) and adapted my own twist to this super simple project. 

This pretty little framed picture is one of several goodies that I'm making for a girlfriend who recently had a precious baby girl. She did Alexa’s nursery in bubblegum pink and green apple so this Monogram Frame will go perfect with her décor.

Honestly, there are endless possibilities for decorating this Monogram picture. I love the fun 3-D look you get by using different sizes and thickness of the alpha letter. I've made one with white background and glitter mixed in the paint, added a few tiny buttons and some twine (It was so cute - Sorry no pictures this was before I felt comfortable posting my projects). 

You can use almost any type of small embellishment (found in the scrapbook section of Craft Store) like a cow or monkey or even create one highlighting a favorite sports team. This is also a great project for all the re-purposed picture frames that you might have laying around the house (who me??).

Best of all, it’s a breeze to make and it’s easy on the wallet!

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Here’s a list of supplies:

1. Picture frame
2. Thin Canvas or a heavy piece of cardboard measured to fit frame
3. 1 Large Alphabet letter (chipboard)
4. Various sizes and styles of Alphabet Letter - (I used medium size chipboard letters, then cut some letters (with my Cricut) out of cardboard and vinyl) You can buy stickers and pre-cut cardboard/chipboard letters if you don’t want/can't cut your own.
5. 1 sheet of thin decorative paper or fabric to cover large letter
6. 1 sheet of heavy card stock in background color (*only if using cardboard as canvas backing)  Note: Non-textured card stock works best.
7. Embellishment (I used a flower from my scrapbooking stash). 
8. Mod Podge – matte finish
9. Acrylic Paint – foam brush & paintbrush
10. Craft Glue  - clear
11. Clear Acrylic Sealer – (optional) Only a light coat if you want to seal canvas

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Instructions:

      

                     

Note: If you are repurposing your picture frame go ahead and paint it first so it can have proper time to dry.

1. Cut paper to size of letter allowing at least 1/2 in overlay to have enough paper to completely cover front and sides of letter.
2. Mod Podge your paper or fabric to your large letter. Spread generous amount onto the letter making sure to get the sides and center covered well. Gently smooth paper to get any wrinkles out. Set aside - Let dry. Once dry, spread a very light coat of Mod Podge to seal paper - Let dry.
3. Glue various size letters onto the canvas (be very careful not to get excess glue on canvas because the paint will not cover the glue areas very well). Note: Make sure to leave enough room in center of canvas for covered letter and sides of canvas to allow for frame. Let dry for about 30 minutes before painting.
4. Paint entire canvas and letters. It usually take 2 coats of paint. Let paint dry completely. Note: I have used spray paint however it is hard to get into the tiny areas of letters. If using letters that have a plastic covering you might want to prime letter first.
5. Glue large covered letter to center of canvas. Tip: I put a heavy object on top of letter to make sure letter sticks. About 30 minutes.
6. Add desired embellishment to large covered letter.  
7. Place canvas in frame. 

                              

    

Here is another one I made for a friend of mine – The picture is not very good (hard to see the flat letters) but you get the idea of how versatile this project can be. 








There you have it… super easy and super cute!

I'm sorry it was such a long post but I wanted to make sure I got the instructions listed for anyone who might want to make one of these cute little Monogram Frame. Now, if you have any questions about this craft or need clarification on the instructions, please just shoot me an email and I will be happy to try and help.

Now, I have to get to work and finish up the burp cloths, diaper clutch and the cutest little tote bag. I will be posting the rest of the goodies soon.


Until next time…

Simply AJ




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I will be linking this project up at the following sites 

 Stop by and check out all the awesome craftiness

  

        Sunday Scoop       

       Get Your Craft On

         Made-by-you-Monday


        Home Stories A 2 Z


      Someday Crafts


Crafty-Scrappy-Happy (Me) - Thursday


Whipperberry - Friday Flair


The Junkhouse (SCH me Link Party)


Answer is Chocolate


Creation Corner


Flamingo Toes - Think-Pink-Sundays

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We Will Never Forget

I didn’t realize how hard it would be to write this post. I started and stopped several times and struggled with my emotions today. As I watched the Memorial Services on television this morning, I realized that it could be 10 years or 20 years and I will still have a heavy aching heart.  

We all remember where we were and what we were doing that exact moment when we heard the news. We will always remember the day our lives changed forever. How can we ever forget!

My heart weeps for the people we lost that day… perfect strangers but yet fellow Americans.

My heart aches for the loved ones that suffered such loss… who’s lives were forever changed.

My heart is humbled for the first responders and others who now suffer from life threatening illness all because they stayed at Ground Zero until the bitter end.

My heart is proud for the Military Men and Women who fight for our freedom and who fearlessly die protecting us so that we will feel safe again.

No, we will never forget… We can’t!!

We must keep the memories alive and honor the spirits of all those lost.

We must support the survivors and take care of those diagnosed with illness all related to this unforgettable day.

We must educate our children so they can continue to keep the memories alive for decades to come.  

God Bless…

Simply AJ 

The Twinery - Treat Bags & Giveaway

I must confess… I have a slight obsession (okay, it’s a BIG obsession) with colorful twine! I just love adding fun colorful twine to my scrapbook projects, greeting cards, present wrapping and lately I’ve used it to make pendants for my rag wreaths.

    Look at all the happy colors!!

                     Colorful Bunch

The Twinery is my favorite source for Baker’s Twine and yesterday, they posted the cutest project for Halloween Treat Bags that I just had to share.

So… How adorable are these little Halloween Treat Bags!!!

                                                                 source
What a super cute idea to make for classmates, special friends or little relatives. Since my kiddo’s are all grown up, I will be making a few of these cute little bags for my Grandson's.

You can find a full tutorial at The Twinery Blog. 

The Twinery has also put together an awesome giveaway for one lucky follower. You have a chance to win everything needed to make your own Treat Bags…

ONE WINNER will receive:

12 Muslin Bags

1 Martha Stewart Crafts Holiday Icon Stencil Kit

Martha Stewart Paints - in the 5 colors mentioned above

Martha Stewart Craft Tintable Fabric Medium

Foam Top Paintbrushes

4 spools of our baker's twine - Mandarin, Charcoal, Lemondrop & Honeydew

Total Value of prize: approximately $100.00!!

Pretty Cool...huh !!
 I want to try the new Martha Stewart paints!

Now, if you interested in entering the giveaway you need to hurry and pop over their Blog because it only runs through this weekend. The winner will be announced on Monday, September 12th. 

FYI...
I am adding some great Halloween ideas to my Pinterest board called "Spooky Finds", so feel free to take a look and get pinning!


Until next time…

Simply AJ


* This is just my opinion about this product - I just like it and have had only good experiences with this product and company. I am not endorsing nor receiving any product from this company.

Favorite Free Computer Desktop Calendar

Is it really September already??? It seems like this year is just a blur and flying by so quickly.

Anyhoo, I wanted to share one of my favorite links for monthly computer desktop calendar. Leelou Blogs is one of my favorite sites for free stuff for my blog. Every month she creates the cutest desktop calendars and this month did not disappoint…


                 Link to calendar

Is this not adorable???? There are different sizes and one that you can even insert a picture. Go check it out… fun stuff!

There is tons of free stuff on her site from blog templates, twitter backgrounds, printables and tutorials.

Be sweet and leave a comment to let them know how much we enjoy the calendars!

Enjoy…

Simply AJ

Labor Day

Happy Labor Day…. I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday weekend!

The Hubby and I are spending it in Florida enjoying our newest addition to the family. We just can’t get enough of this little man!

Grandson #3  - River Allen



River at 2 weeks old



My precious Grandson's

What a joy and blessing…
I LOVE being a Grandmother!!



Simply AJ