Beach Themed photo hanger

Hello there, best crafty friends and fam!! I hope you are all staying safe and healthy. These are crazy times for all of us humans and we need each other now more than ever. 💗 I hope that at the very least, I am able to provide you with some interesting projects and information to help get you through all the chaos.  I truly believe that Love, Kindness, Understanding and Patience are lifelines we should all be using right now.  And wherever you are, whatever state your heart is in, please know that you are not alone.  Crafty Sambo is keeping you ALL lifted up and loved. 

Thank you for stopping by my blog today!  I am going to walk you through my Beach themed photo hanger project. I hope you love it! Maybe you'll learn something new or this will encourage you to create your own photo hanger, whether it's a beach theme like mine or maybe a fall theme. Maybe a lemon or other fruit theme is more your style. That seems to be a very popular decor idea lately!  Maybe you like the little red pick up truck and buffalo check pattern or floral theme.  Whatever you like, you do you, and have fun!!! 

The idea for this photo hanger has been 'hanging' around in my head for so long!! See what I did there!! 😂😂😂

Ok, ok.  My in-laws live in North Carolina and we've gone to the beach with them each time we've visited.  They usually come here to see us, but only once a year. So we try to cram everything we can into that week we have with them.  She is a big fan of the beach, flip flops and all things waterfront!  I think that's where my thoughts originated on the whole beach thing and why the beach reminds me of them so much.  So when I finally decided to start a project for them, I knew it would have to be a beach theme. 

Who doesn't love the beach? Right!? Well I wanted to incorporate pictures because family is everything.  I drew a picture of what I thought I wanted it to look like. Please don't judge, I'm a visual person and slightly OCD so I needed to draw it before I started creating.

I also had to make a list of all the things I thought I might need to create this amazing photo hanger.  I knew I would need to find a wooden sign and several small photo frames.  I found the sign at Hobby Lobby for about $6.  And I found the frames at the Dollar Tree. While at Hobby Lobby I also found some super cute ribbons that were PERFECT for my beach theme!  I wanted to make a messy bow for the top corner. I thought it would really set it off and I've been a little obsessed with them lately. I also found the wooden 'Family' and 'Blessed' signs and the twine at Hobby Lobby. Just a couple bucks for those too. I found some little stars that look like starfish at Michael's in the jewelry section for super cheap!  I think they were 75% off and costed just under $2. I already had the paints and the primer but picked up a couple more small bottles of paint, one with a metallic look. I picked up the wooden dowels/knobs and hearts at Hobby Lobby for around $2.50 each. I also had to buy a jar of gel gloss medium.  This is what was needed for the photo transfer onto the wood. I did watch a bunch of videos and quickly gained the confidence to try it, myself. I opted not to paint the wood before the photo transfer and instead painted the beach scene around it.  I guess my hope was that the photo would adhere better if I placed it directly to the wood. I don't know. I'm not a professional. I'm just winging it. 

I've always wanted to try photo transfer and actually attempted it once, unsuccessfully.  I found out later that I was using the wrong products and just going about it all wrong.  This was before YouTube became a popular resource for learning such things. I found some pictures of us when we went to the beach with my in-laws that I thought would be perfect.  And then, I got this crazy idea to transfer all of our faces onto little wooden hearts!! 

Since I wasn't trying to cover the entire surface with a picture, I was ok with them coming out a little tattered looking.  I thought about how things wash up on the beach and how they look worn and a little beat up from the water.  So this was perfect!  I'll try to walk you though this process briefly but please feel free to ask questions in the comments section if you have any!  First I found the pictures I wanted to use and I cut and pasted them onto a Word document, using the ruler tool to size them to fit the wood. Then I printed them on regular computer paper, not photo paper!! This is important! The one thing I forgot to do that is essential in transferring photos, especially those with words and/or phrases, is to flip the photo before I printed it.  It didn't matter for these, which is great.  I lightly sanded the surface of the wood before I started the transfer process.  Then, I coated the wood with the gel gloss medium.  I think if I wanted the photos to be a little less tattered, I should've used more of that gel medium. But I didn't. So it's all good.  Once the area was coated with the gel medium I simply laid the photo over it, face down and used a little rubber tool to smooth it out so there were no bumps between the photo and the wood.  

Because there were slits in between the planks of wood I was a bit nervous about how this would turn out!  Once it was all smoothed out I did the same thing to the little wooden hearts, covering each one with a face photo. I simply coated the wooden heart and then turned it upside down and placed it on the photo that was lying face up on the table. I thought it was the best way to try to center the faces. I let it dry for an hour or so while I worked on painting the frames.  I really wanted to give the frames a more beachy feel to match the way I wanted to paint the wood sign.  I sanded down the plastic frames the best I could and realized I had no painters tape to protect the glass! I decided to take the little paper that came with the photo out of the frame and put it on the front of the glass.  This way, when I painted, it would hit that paper and then I could just remove it when I was done painting! No mess!! Then I painted a little primer on the frames. I wasn't sure if that was necessary or if it would even help but I was a little concerned about the paint pealing off the plastic. I reached out in my Facebook group to see if anyone had ever done this and got some really good advice but this was the route I chose to take. Hopefully, it's effective and the paint doesn't start pealing off! I did use chalk paint, so that's a plus. 

After the primer I painted a coat of the metallic blue that I bought.  It has a little bit of a pearl finish, I guess.  Then I used the white chalk paint.  Once I had it mostly covered with the white, I grabbed the sanding block and distressed it a little.  Then, I went back and added more white and even a little sand color to make it more beach-y. The bigger frames were a little tougher because the surface was different.  That may have actually been metal. I don't even know. But it wasn't the same plastic surface as the smaller ones. A little challenging, but got 'er done. I also went back and added a little more of the blue pearl-y stuff to the areas that sanded down too far. I didn't want the metal like color coming through.  After I finished the frames I set them aside to dry while I worked on the photo transfers. 

I grabbed a bowl and filled it about 3/4 of the way with water. I grabbed a wash rag and started to dab the back of the pictures, wetting the outside layer of paper.  Once it was good and wet I gently pealed off a layer of paper.  What was left I again gently rubbed (can't peal this part) off the paper with my finger until I could see the entire photo.  The sign took a little longer, not just because the photos took up a bigger area but because the wood finish (or lack thereof) was a little different than the little wooden hearts. You could see in some of the hearts where I didn't use enough gel medium or smooth out the air bubbles enough.  That's where the photo didn't stick as well.  But again, I really wanted to achieve that worn and tattered look. So Yay Me!! Bravo, Sambo. Sorry, gratuitous, virtual back pat totally necessary!

Once I could see the photos clearly as the wood soaked up the colors and the paper was completely removed I coated them with Mod Podge to seal them. I opted for the brush-on Mod Podge as opposed to the spray because I was worried about how it would affect the photo.  Maybe an unrealistic fear, but nevertheless, it worked. 

I set the hearts aside and began the painting of the beach scene on the sign.  This is where things slowed down and I knew I was right not to try to do this on a live video! My goodness that would've been boring and SUPER long!! I had so many ideas and just couldn't decide where to start.  I knew I wanted the waters edge.  I wanted a little bit of a sandy beach and waves washing ashore.  So guess what I did?! I winged it!! 

Since I decided not to use a primer first, the paint really soaked into the wood! I had to use several coats until I got where I wanted to be.  Once that dried, I went back and added more details. I neglected to take another photo of the details until after I added all of the other embellishments but I made the waves a little bolder and added more definition. I discovered during this process that I am not very good at painting waves.  I'll need to work on that.

Now it was time to add the knobs to hang the pictures on.  I painted those with the white chalk paint and then coated them with Mod Podge.  Then I hot glued them to the sign. I didn't measure. I just eyeballed it. I did the two outer knobs first, then the center, then the two in between.  Looks great to me!! What do you guys think?

The 'Blessed' and 'Family' signs were pretty easy but time consuming as well.  Again, I didn't use the primer (I don't know what my major malfunction was!).  I decided to do the edges darker to give it some depth.  They were already darker than the wood with kind of a burnt look.  I almost left them like that! But I really wanted to stick with the color scheme I had going on. Again, it took several coats of paint.  Placement was a challenge as well.  When I bought them, I thought the sign was a tad bigger than it actually is so I had to let it hang over the edges of the sign a little. I think it looks pretty darn cool, myself. I lined it up with the shoreline. So smart, Sambo! 

To hang the photos I alternated the colors of the ribbon, wrapping them around the frame, under the glass before tying them and hanging them on the knobs. Not perfect, but that's ok. The imperfections are what make the piece stand out! Just as winging it is part of the joy of these things! 

I decided to add just a few of the sea stars. I honestly wanted to put ALL of them on there but it was already pretty busy, so I refrained. I think it was just enough! At this point I had to figure out how to incorporate the little wooden hearts. I had no idea where I was going to put them! I ended up cutting some twine and gluing one end to the back of the hearts and hanging them just above each of the frames.  I grouped them, somewhat, putting my in-laws together, me and Barry together, my son and my granddaughter together, my step-daughter, and then my two boys who are still at home together. 

      

Lastly, the messy bow. Guys!!! I've been so obsessed with these!! I don't even know how to do it right.  What I do know is that the few times I've tried, I've apparently gotten the wrong kind of ribbon or something because I give new meaning to MESSY with these things!! Much of the ribbon I used for this one was kind of wide so I cut it down the center to make thinner pieces.  This apparently causes some ribbon to unravel or shred on the edges.  The mess on the table after making this boy was almost as messy as the bow, itself!! But LOOK!!! It's so CUTE!!! Now, it's pretty busy, I know. If you don't know this about me, it's ALWAYS busy!  Soooooo, I made the bow removable.  When my in-laws get this, they can decide if they want it with or without the bow.  

This was such a fun craft for me!! I am very pleased with myself, if you can't tell.  I know it's not prefect and I know it's super busy, but it's exactly what I'd hoped to create.  Some lessons learned, for sure!! But I would happily make several more of these in the same theme or even venture into some different ones!  Maybe next time I'll use the primer first, or use thinner ribbon for the bow and for hanging the frames so it doesn't block so much of the painting on the sign.  Or maybe next time, I'll photo transfer something on the entire surface of the wood! I don't know! The possibilities are endless, y'all!! 

Thank you SO MUCH for stopping by to read my blog. I hope you will share it with other crafty minded people you know.  And if you are not already following me on Facebook, stop by my Facebook Group and check out some of the videos of the crafts I've done. They're entertaining, if nothing else! 😂😝

Have an amazing day, my crafty friends!!! Be well and craft on!! 

Making a jewelry catch all on a budget

Hey there, beautiful!

First of all, THANK YOU! Thank you for stopping by to read my blog that is very much still in the beginning stages and clearly in need of some TLC. Ya gotta start somewhere, right? 

Today I want to go over the fun project I did in my Facebook group last night. But first, a few thoughts.  

I am a married mother of both adult and dependent children, a grandmother, a full time worker outside of my home, as well as a human being with a gigantic heart and a dreamers mind. I have always been one to wear my heart on my sleeve, overthink everything under the sun and feel deeply, even if the burden isn't mine to bare. In my short 45 years I've learned a lot about myself and have learned to deal with things a little differently, for the most part.  But I still have that worry wart, that over thinker, that peacemaker in my soul.  I know that I am only one person and surely not the only one of my kind.  I'd like to believe we all have a big hearted dreamer in us.  When the weight of the world, or maybe just the weight of the day is making life difficult I'm fortunate that I have someone to talk to and somewhere safe to bare my soul.  But sometimes, I recognize that he has burdens of his own that he's trying to overcome.  So I try not to lay my weight on him but instead, find another outlet, another 'safe place' to help nurture my mind.  I pray, I hold my breath a little and I chose to move forward because nothing good can come of moving back or standing still.  For the sake of contradiction I will also confess that I don't really need a reason to craft.  But it's definitely my saving grace in times of heartache. I craft to have fun, I craft to bide time, I craft to release tension, I craft to set my heart free.  I am Samantha, married mother of both adult and dependent children, grandmother, full time worker, super loving human being, dreamer and crafter. 

I got the idea for this project from watching a really awesome girl named Amber. She always encourages her followers and is very educated in all things crafty.  I truly believe everyone has a style or a way of thinking that fits their vision of themselves. My vision of myself changes constantly but the one thing that always remains the same is that I just want to love and be loved in return.  In some ways I feel that need to be loved is like that of a child.  While I'm not a psychologist, I think that need probably stems from my own childhood.  I'll be vague for the time being and just say that when it was good, it was amazing and beyond compare. And when it was bad...well, it hurt me in ways I'll likely never overcome. My art tends to reflect the love of a child, or so I see it.  I joke and say I my style is like elementary school art.  But what I see when I create something, is good.  I see love, happiness, peace and giggles wrapped in a big bear hug.  Art makes me feel good. And to me, that's all that matters. 

I wanted to attempt this little 3 tier tray because I thought it would be perfect for my jewelry on my dresser.  I'm organized in a few areas in my life.  My dresser is not one of them! I decided to take a little different approach but still hold on to the same concept of saving money and creating something tangible. I didn't just want to make it and have it sit on a shelf never to be seen or utilized. I wanted a functional piece.  And I couldn't wait to have fun making it my own!

I'm not a professional by any stretch so there wasn't anyone there with an amazing camera to take pictures.  I took some screenshots from the live video so I could show you as I tell you how this cute little shelf came to fruition. I had to flip all the shots because I still haven't figured out how to get my live video to record from my front facing camera without showing everything backward. 

I prepared a little in advance so the video wasn't quite as long as my videos tend to be by painting the leg pieces first. The leg pieces are mini Jenga blocks. Seriously.  Michael's had them for $.58 online.  I used 6 blocks for each leg.  I painted them with white acrylic paint and then coated lightly with Waverly wax in an attempt to protect the paint from getting scratched.  I'm a novice here so I didn't know it would have a yellow-ish finish.  I'm ok with that this time because it doesn't clash badly with other colors used in this project.

I realized in the first few minutes of the project that my next purchase is going to have to be a better glue gun.  This one is too small for this type of craft and wouldn't stay hot long enough.  I made do with it this time but I may have to reinforce once I get a better gun! 

For the trays I used Dollar Store frames.  They are about 6x6" though I didn't actually measure because I left my measuring tape upstairs during the live video.  Originally these frames had a little embellishment in the center that said "A spoiled dog lives here".  That embellishment popped right out. It tore the paw print paper under it a little but that was ok because I was covering it up with this cute chevron-like paper that I found at Joann's.  

Don't worry. I won't quit my day job to try and become a photographer! Remember, these are screenshots from a live video.  Sorry about the quality. 

As you can see from the photos I just posted, the frames were unfinished wood. I decided to paint them pink, to match the theme of the paper.  I painted the inside walls white to give it some depth.  It's a shadow box frame so it does have depth.  But the white kind of makes it pop a little more, I think. 

After painting the frames I cut the chevron paper to fit inside and cover the existing puppy print paper.  This was a little challenging without that measuring tape! But I did it! No job too big or small for this determined crafty momma! I used mod podge to glue the paper down and a sponge brush to smooth it down and get all the bubbles out.  Not too bad, Sambo.

Assembly was also a big of a challenge. Remember how I told you I need to invest in a better glue gun? Yeah, well, no more wood assembly without one, that's for sure! The legs were coming unglued left and right and I felt like I spent twice the amount of time I should've getting it intact.  But eventually, everything was sturdy and I was able to stand it up on end successfully!

Now I needed to decide what kind of embellishments I wanted to use to dress up the outside of each shelf.  Just painting it pink wasn't enough for this super busy girl!  I could've spent hours 'decorating' this cute little thing.  But I tried to keep it simple. I went through a bunch of stuff I gathered together and came up with a flower, the word 'Love' and a little framed phrase.  This was kind of tough because I had a LOT of ideas floating through my head. As you can see from the pictures, it was kind of driving me crazy! The flowers were silk and I put a little button in the center to accent.  The word 'Love'...well, that is just how I feel about it, ok?! And the framed phrase was cut out of another piece of paper and I backed and framed it with two different colors of paper to make it pop a little. I even used my edging sheers to make a cute border cut. 

All in all it was a fun and cute little project.  It took around 2 1/2 hours to complete but I'm not gonna lie...I'm proud of myself! This could've easily been one of my 6 hour projects!! And I may just end up spending a little more time on it because I have ideas that involve ribbons that may help reinforce those legs!! My dresser is dark so this really doesn't match, but that's ok! Because I know have a cute little nesting place for all my earrings, rings and bracelets! Well, almost all of them. I think I'm actually going to make a second one so it's not quite so cluttered and full!! I still have 2 jewelry boxes, a porcelain dish and 3 jewelry bags with stuff in them! Thanks, Paparazzi!! 

Once again, thank you so much for joining me on this crafty journey! I had a lot of fun and look forward to the next crafty project in the next couple weeks.  Maybe this wasn't quite your style. But if I could do anything for you, I hope I entertained you. Thank you for supporting my ideas, sharing your valuable time and ideas, and spreading the love!!! 

Until we craft again...

Sambo

Crafting a canvas photo hanger with Sami

Hello crafty folks! 

Summer is upon us and I can't even tell you how exited I am to get creative! I'm all about lemons and watermelons, beaches, sunshine and all things BRIGHT and HAPPY!! I have some ideas, but I'll also be reaching out to you for some inspiration! So put your crafty hats on, peeps!!

My ideas usually spawn from someone else's crafty creations but I always find a way to make it my own. I won't lie, that's usually because something doesn't go my way so I have to settle for whatever fix saves the day! I don't know if I really have a style.  I'm not big on the antique look, I like it, but it's not usually something I strive for in my crafts.  I still have a lot of things to try but acrylic paint seems to be my favorite! My sister says I have more of a whimsical style.  I can't think of a more perfect word to describe my style! When she said that I felt like Cinderella in her bibbity-bobbity-boo moment as she was being made into a beautiful princess, spinning around in her beautiful ballgown, surrounded by twinkles, sparkles and the happiest of melodies!! I WILL make it my business to incorporate that word into Sambo's Crafts!! In fact, I already have an idea in mind for when I start to take the business side of this more seriously!! Thanks, sis!! I always called my style 'elementary art' but whimsical sounds SO much better!!! 

This past weekend was a long, holiday weekend and since things are not quite normal thanks to COVID-19, we didn't have our normal big family fun.  We did spend some time with my inlaws, whom we haven't seen since the start of this epidemic.  I was able to see my beautiful granddaughter and we had some fun of our own at home. My husband beat me 5 games to 2 in corn hole and I beat him by two games in pool.  And WOW were my out of shape legs wobbly come Tuesday!! Since I had Monday off and we couldn't get together with friends or other family, I decided to work on a project that my step-mother-in-law asked me to make.  She has a friend that just had her first grand baby boy recently and wanted me to make her something similar to a gift I made for her a couple years ago.  For her, I found a great deal on some canvas panels and decided to make Mother's Day paintings that were kind of multi media, incorporating an actual 4x6 photo and mod podging over it to seal it. It turned out pretty cute!! 

She suggested making it so that the photo could be interchangeable.  You know, in case her friend wanted to swap out the pic as her grandson got older. Obviously I thought that was an amazing idea...I just wasn't sure how I was going to do it.  I kept thinking I was going to need to seal it, like I did hers.  Not necessary!!! I took all my tools outside because what better light to paint in than natural light, right?? 

Thanks to Corona I had to buy regular canvas because they were out of panels everywhere. No 

biggie, eh? I wanted to make some sort of hanger too, so it could be hung on a wall. The frame definitely helped with that.

I must have been sitting on the porch for at least 20 minutes before I put a brush to canvas.  I had pictures in my head and had a tough time deciding where to start. But I knew based on all my sketches (yes, all...there were a ton lol) I knew I wanted a particular style, highlighting baby's name, preferably on top. These were a few of the ones I liked the most.

I knew she wanted blues so that was my base color.  I decided to incorporate gray because I just love all the little baby canvas wall art out there with the baby zoo animals and the boy ones have a lot of blue and gray. Wish I'd gone that route with my own boys but that ship has sailed since they are 26, 18 and 6 now. lol Anyway.....RAMBLING, once again!! Ooof!

I started by painting a white strip across the top of the canvas, an inch or so from the top.  I wanted it to look like a white band or ribbon going across the painting.  To make the lines crisp I used, and you are going to think I'm nuts, but I used scotch tape!  Seriously!! I just placed one long strip of tape an inch or so from the top, and then another about 1 1/2 inches below that one.  I painted the rest of the canvas blue with some splashes of white and when I was done, I peeled the tape off.  I knew scotch tape wouldn't hurt the white paint and I didn't have that crafting tape you use to wrap around the stems of flowers.  That stuff would've been great!! And here is the result:

 

PERFECT!! It's actually not perfect if you look closely...but the less prefect, the more believable when I tell people I painted it! Ha! 

As most of you know by now, I am very clumsy. I was holding my paint pallet in my left hand and dumped white paint in my lap 3 different times! I was concentrating on my right hand and what it was doing to the canvas, not my left, ok?! 

We're not talking a little bit of paint either. There were pools of paint running down my leg, every 

time! 

Once the background dried I put the photo corners on.  Michael's Crafts had a box of 250 clear adhesive photo corners for under $3!! I just put the top two corners on a 4x6 photo I had for measuring purposes and placed those on the canvas first.  Then one at a time I added the other two corners.  And Wa-la! Somehow, I only have 241 photo corners left.  One was stuck to the canvas when I was cleaning up and the others probably hitched a ride on one of the wind gusts that blew through! That wasn't even the worst part of sitting out in the elements. It was around 90 degrees and super humid all day.  I was on the porch, in the shade so it wasn't too terribly hot. Or at least, I didn't think it was the whole 4 1/2 hours I sat there painting! 

Now I had to decide which animals, what size and where on the canvas to place them. I was torn between the momma and baby elephant, just a giraffe, and a group of animals all together.  This was tough, guys.  I love zoo animals, especially the babies!! I couldn't decide so I did a group....a giraffe, an owl and momma and baby elephant. I wish I'd made them bigger, but I started with kind of a shadow of each animal.

This was my favorite part! Guys, I don't know what I'm doing, I'm just doing it. That's art!! I had to paint over and over until it looked the way I wanted it to look.  I changed things up so many times but in the end, it's adorable, right!? Forgot momma elephant's ear until right toward the end but at least I noticed before I mailed it out!

In hindsight, like I said, I should've made them bigger.  But I think you'll see how this size works too!! There's a spot, just behind the giraffes head where there's a splash of white that kind of washes out his snout in the photo on the right.  Especially from a distance. I didn't notice that until it was done or I would've tried to do something to make the snout stand out more, like maybe outline it? I don't know. Still cute. Blah. Something YOU won't notice is the big line I accidentally drew all the way across the canvas when my table easel slipped!  I was using a wooden fold out dinner table for your living room so not a lot of space.  I had the paints and water on a separate table.  Not the best set up, I'll admit but I was pretty comfortable. Aside from spilling the paint all over my lap and having to fix the accidental line, I had to wash my brush after dipping in my coffee.  Brown just wasn't in the color scheme! 

Once I had the animals done I wanted to do the name.  This was somewhat challenging too.  One thing I'm learning about myself is that my proportions are usually off.  The name is too small too!! Hey, I'm my own worst critic, right? STILL LOOKS CUTE!! But it would've looked GREAT if I'd made the letters fatter. Just sayin'. Maybe in the future I'll incorporate more media...like maybe making the letters with my Cricut and adhering them somehow. I'll have to put more thought into that!! I also decided at that point to add some polka dots. I had to do something to maximize the space around the animals.  I didn't want to paint more animals and I really didn't want 'scenery' behind them. I was too afraid to draw the eyes away from their cuteness.  So polka dots seemed like a good option.  

Drew, what a cute name! Right?! The picture I used is from my middle son's birthday party one year when he was teeny.  I think this was his 6th birthday.  He's almost 19 now so my memory could be seriously defunct. I'm rambling again...'sigh'.

I started to get a little carried away with the dots.  Big dots, small dots, open dots, filled in dots...it was getting pretty busy!  But apparently not busy enough because I knew there was still work to be done!  There just wasn't enough going on, even with all those dots!! I needed another bigger object, right in the middle!

Aside from the filler I was trying to create in all that space, I wanted to add another something special, I just didn't know WHAT! I went with a heart, because who doesn't love hearts?? I freehanded the heart, as I did with the lettering and the dots.  I think that's obvious but worth noting.  Eh hem. After adding those things and touching up the animal details I added even MORE dots as well as baby's birthdate. That really tied it all together for me.  I'm sure there was more I could've done and I'm sure some may think I over did it in certain areas.  This was fun, guys.  That's really all that mattered to me.  But overall, I think I did a pretty good job of bringing my ideas to fruition. 

I sat in the heat for a while after I was done and played with the idea of a bow but decided against it and just used some blue rope so she could hang it up.  I hot glued the ends to the back of the canvas and added push pins for extra stability.  I don't know if that will help, but I'm hoping! 

I grabbed my big cup of ice(less) water when I realized how parched I was only to discover in one gulp that when I cut the blue rope, pieces of it dropped into my water cup and I was now drinking them. The rope is nylon and the inside is kind of feathery....it wasn't pleasant.  And it wasn't refreshing. But it sure was funny! Ha ha ha ha...

This was a super fun project for me and in fact, I think I'll make more without the names.  I've been toying with the idea of doing a ton of different crafts and maybe attempting to sell them at a craft fair or something.  I love doing it, but there's only so much room and necessity in my home. I mean, I will make ALL the things.  But I don't think my hubs will let me display it all. I'd probably rank somewhere up there with crazy cat ladies. 

Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing in this fun experience by reading all about my adventure!  Please let me know what you think because my crafting is fueled by others ideas and opinions!! My next craft will be a Facebook live so if you are not already in my group, head on over to Sambo's Crafts!! I'd love to have you in the group!! In fact, feel free to invite anyone that you think would be interested or entertained! With all my clumsiness and the crazy mishaps, we could all use the giggles!! 

LIVE and learn

Hey there, crafty peeps and amazing supporters!

It's been an eventful week over here! However, I have not crafted A SINGLE THING all week!! Well, not since the LIVE video of that awesome Patriotic Door Hanger on Saturday!  THAT was quite the adventure!! For my first LIVE, it wasn't terrible.   Well, it was terrible...but it wasn't THAT terrible.

What am I saying....GUYS!! It was so long!!!  The first 2 hours, 12 minutes and 45 seconds was good, until my router took a poo and I had to restart the video!  There were a 8 people who joined me, not all of whom made it through the entirety of the 3 hour and 31 minute project. Slackers. I kid!!!!! I was so happy to see anyone watching!  Preparing myself ahead of time for the limited audience, fails, challenges and sheer entertainment factor made for an interesting week prior to launch!

I knew I would talk too much...I always do. I knew I would be clumsy, I always am.  And I knew there would be hiccups along the way! It was my first live crafting video, so anything short of massive hilarity just wasn't in the anticipation cards. Apparently I made a lot of funny sounds and faces...

Oh my gosh, guys.  I learned sooooooo much about myself when I watched the replay.  We won't talk about how many times I watched it....but let's just say, I am pretty stinkin' funny!! Maybe I should try some stand up....or not...

Aside from my adorable pig tails.....look, ok...I have a lot of hair. I knew my face would be down most of the time and I really can't stand my hair touching my face...it makes me crazy.  It also makes me feel like it may come to life, wrap around my head and make it severely impossible to breathe, hence suffocating me until I die. 💀

Dramatic, huh? Well that's how I feel. So...pigtails. Cute, right?

As I was saying, aside from my adorable pigtails...how could you guys even comprehend what I was saying at that pace??? Holy speed-mouth!! How was THAT not suffocating me?? I seriously should've considered being an auctioneer. That was kind of ridiculous. Ok, Sambo....slooooowwww dooooowwwwnnnnnnnnnnn.

So next time...I will take more time to make my pony tails even...slow it down to a comprehensive speed of dialog, do a little prep work in advance to cut some time off the length of the LIVE and organize a little better.  I'm so glad my first live was a small audience of people who I can take constructive criticism from.  I loved doing this live! And I wasn't kidding when I said I could do that for HOURS!!!  All week, I've gone through the motions of work, dinner, clean up, kids and I have wanted so badly to squeeze in some crafting time.  I need to make more lists so I can fit it ALL into my busy day!!! I'm having craft withdrawals!!!

I'm braving the elements AND our rabid society and going to the Dollar Tree, Hobby Lobby and Walmart this weekend....probably tomorrow.  I am heavily armed with a mask and multiple bottles of hand sanitizer...I'll be ok! Promise!!! But I need to find some photo corners, napkins with cute blue designs and Mod Podge sealer spray.  And if I happen to be lucky enough to find ANYTHING else interesting at any of those stores, I'm sure my 'resist the urge to purchase' button will malfunction.  But I'll try. Wish me luck!

As the 3-day holiday weekend looms in the distance (I'm fully aware it starts tomorrow but to me that seems soooooo far away!), I'll leave you with this.  Project number two...multimedia canvas photo frame. Head on over to my Facebook group for more details! Sambo's Crafts

Thank you for supporting me and following my crafty adventures!! I can't wait until next time!!

Have a wonderful MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!!!

Oh my stars!

Oh my STARS! ⭐

Hello friends!! I hope everyone is staying safe and doing well. What has everyone been up to this week??? I went back to work so I have a busy weekend ahead, catching up on laundry for the week, cleaning up my house AND....getting ready for next week!! I ordered some supplies necessary to attempt my first video and with the state of our current lives (thank you, Rona) delivery is the end of next week!! I have been biting my nails all week!! Literally. This virus has me a little worried about my appearance as of late with these crazy looking nails, hair and extra baggage. I know I'm not alone so I won't complain too much....but mums the word if you watch and i'm looking like ten tons of trash, m'kay?!

I've been brainstorming a little, trying to come up with something interesting for my first video.  I'm a little nervous still but I think I'm going to go with something patriotic, summery and fun.  I have some left over wood that my dad cut for me many years ago and I'm hoping it cooperates with me and my crazy ideas.  I need to pull it out and get it ready so no pics yet but here is a picture of what the wood was originally intended for. I think it turned out pretty cute for someone who really had no idea what she was doing.  If anything there was a lesson learned...There's beauty in everything!

My family got together for a reunion in Tennessee, I believe in 2009. I hope they don't scold me for forgetting what year it was but life happens and I'm getting old so I can't remember everything, okay!? It was so much fun!! We went to Dollywood that year so I incorporated that with the little photo and ticket on the last piece of wood.  I honestly don't even remember everything I did here but I know I used tacky glue spray to cover the wood with a piece of cardstock and then thumb tacks in the corners.  At the time, I thought the glue would hold it down but it started to curl on the corners.  Clearly I was a novice back then (and I am still winging it so no judgement, please!).  I didn't know what other kind of glue to use that wouldn't cause the paper to wrinkle. The top square has a photo of my grandparents, where it all started.  The middle had a photo of the person(s) I made it for (this one is mine, obviously).  The last one was left blank to fill with a photo of us as a group after this particular reunion, so a recent family picture, if you will.  I printed it and never put the group photo in there....because you know...it's just one of those unfinished projects I started and got side tracked with 100 other projects and....well, you know. (Laziness.  Pure laziness.) I made that last square capable of holding multiple family photos.  We have several because way back when....we always took group photos! We loved people pyramids.  No one was ever hurt doing them, as far as I can remember.  But man, we had a blast doing them! Remember, cousins?? I sure miss you guys.

Anyway...my idea for next week is to make one of these for my front door.  But I'd like it to be stars and stripes, USA, summery, party-time, happy and proud, and just glowing with FUN.  I need some more fun in my life. And I need something to hang on my front door during the summer. You may not have the materials to follow along but I will post the video on Facebook as well, so you can go back and watch later when you do get supplies, if this craft is something you want to try!  I will likely do some painting.  I've been keeping my eye out for embellishments but if I want to start this next week, I don't think I can order online because delivery has been taking a while. But I'm still considering the possibilities, so stay tuned!

As retail stores begin to open I will be able to go look for the things I would like to use...and right now my heart is set on Hobby Lobby opening on the 15th!! The dollar stores have remained open but I haven't gone to one since this pandemic started.  Just staying cautious, that's all.  But I do have a mask so come next Friday, if HL opens, guess who is on a mission!?!?

I hope you are following my Facebook page so you can catch the live video! Link here: Sambo's Crafts

On that page I will update when you can expect the live video as well as my shopping and gathering adventures!  I can't wait to get started!!

Thank you to those of you that have been following along so far!  Please feel free to comment here or on Facebook!  I would love to hear from you!!

Let's get crafty!!

Art is everywhere!

Hello, sunshine!

It's such a beautiful day today!! Being kinda stuck in the house for so long during this quarantine 😷has given me the opportunity to do some de-cluttering and rearranging.  I have managed to get all my craft tools and supplies arranged semi-neatly in my brand spankin' new craft table!  It's so exciting! But it's also a little sad because now I know how much more I really would like to have. I can't WAIT to do some craft shopping!!!  And I've already made my lists.  😳 Yes, lists.  Good Lord.

I decided to jump on here today to give you a little more insight into the way my crafty brain works.  First, tons of love to all the people in my life who are always showing ME tons of love and complementing me on my crafty adventures.  But I'm going to give you some real, heart-felt honesty.  Almost NONE of my 'original' crafty ideas...are original!! My inspiration comes from all the amazing crafty things I see at craft fairs, online, in videos, in movies or wherever my eye catches them.  I love to follow other crafters and see all the incredible things they come up with!  Sometimes I feel like I could only DREAM of being that creative! If my heart really feels it, I'll attempt it.   And a good majority of the time, I make it my own, anyway.  I never follow the rules, people. Never.  I don't follow recipes, I don't read all the instructions, I don't stay between the lines and I don't follow the rules, ever.  I'm a rebel. For real.  Ok, maybe a jr. rebel. Because I don't break the law.  Well...we won't get into my lead foot right now but seriously, I'm good people. Promise. When I decide to get involved in a project it's usually something I make for someone else, whether it's a holiday, birthday or some gift giving event.  I believe that making it personal is more meaningful than how much you spent on it or how much that person might 'need' what you got them. What we all need, in my opinion, is more LOVE.  So I'm spreading that stuff around every chance I get! If there is any advice I can give to someone who feels they are not very crafty but wishes they could be....it's just do it!! If you have even a sliver of interest in creating something or re-creating something, give it a shot! You might be surprised at what you can do.  And for me, most of the satisfaction I get out of it is in the process, not necessarily the result!  Do you think I'm going to show you all my failed attempts at being crafty? Who's gonna like a post like that?? Pshhh.

I feel an idea brewing.  You WILL see some of my failures in a future post or video.  It will happen.

So I dug out some of the things from my childhood that I crafted because even back then, art was my favorite thing in life.  Aside from talking, that is.  Because that was definitely what I was the best at for many, many, many years.  Remember the show, "Blossom"?  Do you remember her best friend, Six? Well, that girl could talk! Most of the time it was hard to even comprehend what she was saying because every sentence was like a whirlwind.  I used to tell people, when I was a pre-teen and huge fan of that show, that I could put that girl out of business with my mouth!! And anyone that knew me back then, agreed! Ha ha ha.......wow.  I'm a tad more filtered now.  A tad. Anyway, rambling again. Sorry.  So I made some pretty cool things back then.  Some of them I was able to keep, like this art project from elementary school.

 Now, we're talking maybe 5th grade.  I LOVED art class.  I wish I had kept more of what I made. Some of it was destroyed in all the moves in my life. Here, we were told to draw something so that we could recreate it on tin.  Kinda creepy, but also kinda cool!  And it was fun!  Need to remember how we did it so I can try it with my kids.

This is where my creative brain was born.  Art class in elementary school. Of course some of it is in my genes. My mom was very creative and my dad was very crafty.  I knew I would always love arts and crafts because I got the best of both of them!  Thanks mom and dad!! My kids are a little crafty.  always drawing things.  Some are lovers of music, some lovers of building (and destroying!).  They all love to just do things. Carving pumpkins at Halloween.  Coloring eggs at Easter.  Decorating the Christmas tree.  Putting puzzles together.  Playing video games.  If you don't think that every one of those things is some sort of art, you are wrong!  Art is all around you!  I always thought I was kind of a dork for loving clouds.  When I see clouds, my imagination takes over!  I imagine pictures in the clouds, which we've all done.  I also wish that I could paint them. They are so intriguing to me!! Skylines, storms, the sun rising and setting, the way the light from the sun (and the moon!) gives color to everything around it. I just love the sky and mostly, clouds.

(apparently my cousins drew some of the hearts 💕This one was from somewhere around 1985)

For me, as I've said before, I love to recreate.  I went to one of those paint parties and was a little disappointed to find out we only had like 1 1/2 - 2 hours to paint the picture.  I had no idea how I was going to do that in such a short amount of time. Every stroke, it was killing me to do it the way they were showing us because I had serious plans for my painting and their way was so...simple.  Well, that was the idea, but remember...I don't follow directions well!  lol  But I did, and it was cute.  But from that point on I thought....I love to paint...but I don't want to pay $40 and have to cram all that fun into such a short amount of time. So I started googling photos of paintings and recreating them at home.  I spend an average of 6 hours on a painting...and my paintings are kind of like that of an elementary school child, I think.  That's not necessarily a bad thing. But unlike a child, I pay a little too much attention to detail some times. I wish I could just let the little things go and see how it turns out.  I might surprise myself!!

I don't have expensive tools or a great lighting space.  I paint because it brings me joy and I do it at my kitchen table or on a fold out dinner table in the living room.  Before I found my table easel (for $6 at a craft store!) I held the canvas or would lay it flat on my table.  I have reusable little plastic paint palettes. My brushes (also on sale at craft stores) are somewhat frayed and stiff from the kids using them and not cleaning them off properly.  I have only experimented with acrylics because I love them so much.  I haven't had the courage to try water or oil based paints....YET!  I once made a little t.v. with rabbit ears that was functional by turning a paper-made handle to scroll through the pictures I drew to resemble movie scenes. I even made a little tissue box on top of the tv.  And the whole thing was the size of a softball.  I wish I could show you....but it was crushed in one of the moves. I made it in school, way back in the dinosaur ages (according to my kids). I also made a board game! It was called Teddy Chase.  I made little tokens and cards and paper dice.  The whole thing was made out of paper. That was destroyed too. 😖😔 I'm getting carried away again (imagine that).  I always try to get my kids to craft with me and they last a whole 5-10 minutes.  These days kids would rather be in front of a screen for hours at a time. Not me. Unless I'm writing or scrolling social media, searching for my next project to re-create or at work.  I would rather have my hands on some paper, paint brushes, glue bottles, a pair of scissors or anywhere that I can 'play' and make something tangible.  Why do these kids care so much about these dang video games??? I'll never understand.

Guys.  Anyone can be crafty.  I've told you where my craftiosity came from...and I want to help you discover yours. And it doesn't matter if you don't know what you are doing or have never tried to create something.  We all took art in school.  We all colored in coloring books.  We all live in a world of creativity where you can use your imagination to create!! And I'm pretty sure part of the reason you are reading this blog is because you are interested in finding out just how creative YOU can be! Or, maybe you just love me and want to support my crazy ideas. Either way, thanks for being here.  Thanks for supporting me and trusting me to entertain you!  Look at this blog. I'm just getting started. It's pretty plain Jane. And I have to use what is available to me right now, which my wallet says is a free blog until I can get my crap together. Thank you Google!! You have to start somewhere, right? I don't know where this journey is going to take me but I know it'll be fun and I know it will continue to get better as I go.  Pick up your pencils, crayons and paint brushes....because YOU are going to have fun too!  And you'll be so happy to see just how crafty you can be!

In the coming weeks I am going to brainstorm and come up with some fun things that I think anyone would love to try.  First I'm thinking I'll do a little blog/tutorial with pictures and steps so you can follow along at your own pace.  You can help me but commenting below and letting me know if there is something you would like to try but need a little guidance.  Maybe you saw something online or something I've made in the past and you would like to try it.  Maybe you saw something, like I did, at a craft fair or in an advertisement for something.  Mother's Day is coming up.  I don't know if we have the time but I'm willing to give it a shot if there is something you would like to make for Mother's Day.  With the craft stores closed we might have to make due with things we already have because ordering doesn't seem to happen too fast these days either.  We could shoot for Father's Day! Either way, I'd love to hear your ideas.

Follow my blog by clicking on the word 'follow' to the right, at the top of this blog so you don't miss any of the fun and chaos!  Subscribe to make comments here.  Or for the time being, I'm posting these to Facebook and you can always comment there.  Since this idea is in it's infancy and I don't expect a lot of people to interact just yet, I will come up with some ideas and maybe take it to vote!

Thank you so much for taking an interest in my crazy arts and crafts adventure! I can't wait to craft with you!!

❤ Sami

Sambo's Crafting adventure begins!

Hello, friends!! Thank you for taking the time to stop by! I cannot wait to tell you what is in store for Sambo!!  It's been a hot minute since I blogged about arts and crafts.  Like, seriously.....2012!! Well it's 2020 and being in quarantine for over a month I've had a lot of time to think about what really makes me happy.  Aside from the obvious, family and friends, arts and crafts are my passion.  I could craft ALL stinkin' day! And I have!! I love to paint, craft, sew.....no, not sew. I have a sewing machine....but I have never used it.  My mother in law bought it for me in 2003.  Yes, 17 years ago.  Wow.  Look, I don't even know how to sew, ok? But crafting is in my soul.  I craft everywhere with everything!! I love to make things.  I craft in the kitchen!! Some of you have seen my cake adventures.  I'm a wing-it kinda girl so whatever happens, happens! Ya know?! I love to decorate for parties, make gifts for people around the holidays, put together baskets, create masterpieces whether it's on canvas, paper, wood or in a frying pan! Now, I'm not the best cook and I'm not always neat and tidy.  But I let my heart flow into everything I put my hands on and most importantly, I HAVE FUN!!!  I want YOU to have fun too!  I hope that you will join me on this adventure because without you, I'm just passing time. 

For those of you that don't know me, let me give you a little insight into the world of Sami.  I am a 44 year old mother of 4, 3 amazing boys aged 25, 18 and 6 and a beautiful 26 year old step daughter. I'm married to my very best friend, partner in crime and soul mate and I've been an office manager in a small criminal law office for the last 21 years. I am sarcastic, goofy, slightly crazy, wear my heart on my sleeve (that means I cry a lot so don't be surprised if you see me cry over some glue mishap!), a bit scatterbrained (ok, a lot!), determined and ready to share and learn with you!!!

I craft. It's what brings me joy.  I don't like to spend money so my crafts are frugal crafts. A lot of times I use what I have, which is mostly, my imagination! I guess I'm kind of like my dad that way.  He loved starting projects, big and small.  I don't remember a time when he didn't have at least 5 different projects going at once.  He liked to stay busy. And so do I. Idle hands and minds are recipes for danger! My mother was a crafter too.  She loved to crochet, paint on fabric, macrame.  She was a busy body too.  And sarcastic. Thanks, mom. <3 I have always been a soft hearted, deep thinking, over analytical, idea brewing, motormouth.  That's me, in a nutshell.

It's amazing how quickly time flies.  I've gotten so used to the day-to-day in my life that every day feels the same.  And I'm not necessarily complaining. I  mean, I have so many blessings in my life, and I know it.  Maybe I'm approaching mid-life and well on my way to crisis, I don't know.  What I do know is that it's time.  Time to start a new journey.  So here I am, folks.  And this is what I am going to do.

I am going to craft, paint, cook, sew, and create and I'm going to share it all with you!  I'll post some stories on here with some pictures and eventually some step by step directions to recreate some of the things I do.  I'm going to vlog...posting videos of the processes and I'm sure there will be bloopers!  I'm going to go live!!!  I am going to start a FB page for my crafts so that you can interact there as well.  I might invite someone to come on my live with me so we can create together! I may do giveaways so you can have the chance to win one of my crafts or paintings and at some point, maybe I'll give away other things, like crafting tools, goody bags or CASH!  Ha ha....yeah, that might not happen for a while.  I told you, I'm frugal. But it's a possibility and I'm SO all about the possibilities right now!!!  My ultimate goal is not just to get this blog up and running, get crafty and have fun...I want to create a place where you can have fun too! You can learn just how crafty YOU are.  You can laugh (and possibly cry) with me while we explore all the possibilities in the crafting realm. I might take you shopping with me.  I might need to ask you for advice.  When I paint, a lot of the time I feel like my paintings were done by a child.  And that's ok....because children are amazing and have super creative minds.  But I realize it's kind of my style.  I want to know what your style is. I want to help you find YOUR creative side. 

So join me by following my story in this blog.  I'll keep you posted about upcoming live events and future craft projects.  Invite your friends to follow along too!  This is an adventure.  The more the merrier!  Whether your creative genius is not much bigger than coloring in a coloring book or you hold the title of master crafter, all are welcome!  I'm so excited to start this journey and I hope you will all join me for some super fun, entertaining and much needed love and laughter!  See you all soon!!!