nifty stenciling...

has been my latest craft.  i use my silhouette cameo for making most of them, but you can make your own or even buy them at craft stores.  i posted pics on my last entry of an intricate cross i cut w/ my silhouette, aka "sally"...that's right, i named her!

i simply used double-sided tape to attach it to a chalkboard vinyl that sticks on my fridge and traced it w/ chalk!  chalkboards are popping up all over the place and thought some of you could try this technique.  i use my fridge chalkboard for diff things...depending on what's going on...holidays, birthdays, etc.  i chose a pretty cross for Easter...beautifully and simply stated :)

i've made several banners by cutting circles with a bottom of a wine glass!, cutting Easter eggs out w/ my sally and using a nifty stencil i bought from hobby lobby!  actually, i think it's made for painting and/or mod podging...

here's an easy tutorial on how to make a simple burlap banner using a stencil...

supplies needed:

banner stencil (or draw a rectangle on a piece of poster board/cardboard/cereal box and cut it out!)

material for banner (if you like burlap, i recommend using 100% linen burlap.  it's easier to work w/ and gives a cleaner finish)

marker

scissors

string (twine, ribbon, etc)

acrylic paint

small sponge or brush

stencil for letters

the great thing about this stencil is that is has holes drilled, and i can mark where i need to punch holes later.  i lined my traces right next to each other as to get the most out of my material :)

cut them out and flipped over so there wasn't any marks showing...

and lined them up.  i placed my stencils on top...

and even used a ruler to make sure my letters were placed about the same spot on each triangle.

and then i pained w/ a sponge!  (i forgot to use foil underneath and got paint on my counter, so don't forget to use something underneath!)

i also forgot to take pics of making the holes, but i just used a normal punch hole and it worked easily through the material.  i then used some string to string through...

this banner was used at a baby shower for a friend, and she now uses it in her baby's nursery :)  the burlap and string give a rustic and organic feel while the hand-painted letters give it that special touch!

*tips*

-the burlap i used came in a package.  it's pricier than normal burlap so don't forget a coupon ;)  i've been meaning to find out if it's sold by the yard.

i can't just...

not post about Easter.  but brain is having trouble...i'm pretty much exhausted from the weekend's events and trying to play catch-up on the house today. but i have to say something.  who knows, one of you may not really "get" what Easter is about.  so, here goes...short and sweet story of Easter and the symbolism behind the beautiful cross.

Easter Sunday is the celebration of the resurrection of THE Lord Jesus Christ.  He was nailed to a cross, buried in a tomb and rose from the dead.  It is because of this Christians have eternal life.  The crosses you see on necklaces, walls and shirts symbolize the pain and beauty of just that.

"Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life.  The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.  Do you believe this?"

 --John 11:25-26