DIY Wood-Bead Wreaths

Hey there, creative souls! Wood bead wreaths are an important trend for making a stylish decorative impact in your home this year. Customize your own spring decorations as I show you how to create three beaded wreaths for your space. Join me and my sponsor, Testors, on this delightful journey as I show you the steps behind crafting these adorable springtime treasures using Testors Acrylic Craft Paints and affordable wood bead wreaths from your local Dollar Store. Let’s turn simple materials into delightful spring decorations!

Testors Acrylic Craft Paints
Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just dipping your toes into the world of DIY, these wood-bead wreaths offer a base for endless possibilities. From a classic bird-house floral wreath to adorn your home to whimsical table-top decorative pieces, you’ll bring in spring with style. And with Testors Acrylic Craft Paints, you can bring your vision to life with ease, thanks to their vibrant colors and smooth application. Testors pigmented paints have great coverage, making painting enjoyable.

You can purchase Testors Acrylic Craft Paints at:

Lowes

Menards

Amazon.com

Michael’s

Brush Selection
While inexpensive foam or craft brushes might seem like a budget-friendly option, they often fall short when it comes to applying acrylic paint smoothly. Investing in a few quality soft-bristle art brushes from your local art store, you’ll notice a significant difference in paint coverage, cutting down on the need for multiple coats of paint.  Better quality brushes will last longer and reduce the shedding of bristles. Yes, quality tools and materials do make a difference in the finished project.

Choose soft-round and soft-flat brushes in a variety of widths to suit your painting needs. Thinner brushes excel at detailing small surface areas, while wider brushes are optimal for efficiently covering larger expanses.

So, gather up your supplies, unleash your creativity, and let’s paint the town (or wreaths!) in the enchanting spring vibes. Join me on this crafting journey sponsored by Testors, where every stroke of paint brings joy and inspiration. Let’s make this spring season one to remember with DIY painted beaded wreaths!

Materials

• Testors Acrylic Craft Paints: Avocado, 297450; Blue Fog, 297484; Petal Pink, 292594; Sunshine Yellow, 292427A; White, 292430A 
• Unfinished wood bead wreath, 10 by 10-inch (Dollar Store)
• Unfinished wood pallet, 6-inches long, 3 7/8-inches depth (Dollar Store)
• Tumbling Tower Wood Game for tabletop wreaths (Dollar Store)
• Unfinished mini birdhouse (Dollar Store)
• Unfinished wood bird cutouts (Amazon)
• Unfinished Leaf cutouts (Amazon)
• Wood Skewer (grocery store)
• Fabric flowers (Dollar Store/Walmart)
• Twine (Springtime Birdhouse Wreath)
• Soft-bristle craft brush (Michael’s)
• Pencil
• Wood glue (optional: Glue sticks/glue gun)
• Wood spackle (for bird cutouts)
• Mini clamps (Dollar Store)

Tabletop Bird Wreath

Craft a fresh spring decoration for your home with this DIY Tabletop Bird Wreath. Who said wreaths are just for walls and doors? This tabletop wreath will add a cheerful “Hello” to bring a little spring into your home. Let your creativity take flight as you bring this delightful creation to life.

Additional Materials

• Unfinished wood word “Hello” (Amazon)
• Green ribbon (Michael’s)

Painted Elements

• Paint the unfinished wood bead wreath, the unfinished wood pallet, and seven game pieces with Testors Acrylic Craft White Paint. Let the paint dry.

Bird Cutouts

• Glue three unfinished wood bird cutouts together with wood glue, and use the clamps to hold them together until the glue is completely dry. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the glue bottle.
• Place spackle in the hole on the bird. Let dry.
• Paint the bird cutouts with Testors Acrylic Craft White Paint. Let the paint dry.
• Put one bird cutout on top of the painted bird cutout. Then, use a pencil to trace around the bottom of the bird cutout to outline the head and wing sections. Paint the head and wing sections with Testors Acrylic Craft Blue Fog Paint. Let the paint dry.
• Paint the bird’s eye by placing a dot of Testors Acrylic Craft White Paint on the bird’s head. Once the white paint has dried, place a smaller dot of Testors Acrylic Craft Blue Fog Paint onto the white paint.

“Hello” and Leaf Cutouts

• Paint the unfinished wood word “Hello” with Testors Acrylic Craft Blue Fog Paint. Let dry.
• Paint the unfinished wood leaf with Testors Acrylic Craft Avocado Paint. Let dry.

Pallet Base

• Glue three painted game pieces on top of each other to form a three-piece tower. Let the glue dry. Glue this three-piece tower to the left-back of the pallet.
• Stack and glue two painted game pieces on top of each other to create a two-piece tower. Allow the glue to dry. Then, temporarily position the painted wood wreath on the pallet to decide where to place the two-piece tower on the left-front side. Once decided, remove the painted wood wreath and glue the two-piece tower onto the pallet. Let the glue dry completely.
• Glue the painted wood wreath between the two towers. Let the glue dry.
• Stack and glue two painted game pieces on top of each other to create a two-piece tower. Allow the glue to dry. Glue this two-piece tower on the right side behind the painted wood wreath for added stability.

Embellishing the Table-Top Wreath

• Glue the painted bird on the bottom-left side of the pallet.
• Glue the painted word “Hello” on the base of the pallet and wreath.
• Attach the painted leaf to the painted wood wreath with a ribbon.
• You can fill a small vase with flowers and place it on the pallet behind the painted wood wreath.

Tabletop Birdhouse Wreath

This charming Tabletop DIY Wood Bead Wreath showcases springtime whimsy! With this easy-to-follow project, you can create a stunning centerpiece that exudes both style and charm. This Tabletop Wreath can effortlessly house a small glass vase filled with vibrant fabric or fresh spring flowers, infusing your décor with a burst of color and freshness. Embrace the essence of spring and let your creativity bloom as you bring this enchanting tabletop décor masterpiece to life.

Painted Elements

• Paint the unfinished wood bead wreath with Testors Acrylic Craft Avocado Paint. Let the paint dry.
• Paint the unfinished wood pallet and the game pieces with Testors Acrylic Craft White Paint. Let the paint dry.

Artful Birdhouse

• Paint the birdhouse roof with Testors Acrylic Craft Blue Fog Paint, the house with Sunshine Yellow Paint, and the base with Avocado Paint.
• Once the paint is dry, glue the birdhouse to the left-front of the pallet. Let the glue dry.

Pallet Pieces

• Stack and glue three painted game pieces on top of each other to create a three-piece tower. Allow the glue to dry. Temporarily position the painted wood wreath on the pallet to decide where to place the two-piece tower on the left-back side of the pallet behind the birdhouse. Once decided remove the painted wood wreath, and glue the two-piece tower onto the pallet. Let the glue dry completely.
• Glue the painted wood wreath between the three-piece tower and the birdhouse. Let the glue dry.
• Stack and glue two painted game pieces on top of each other to create a two-piece tower. Allow the glue to dry. Place this two-piece tower on the right-side of the pallet for additional stability for the wood wreath.

Feathered Friend

• Glue three unfinished wood bird cutouts together with wood glue, and use the clamps to hold them together until the glue is completely dry. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the glue bottle.
• Paint the bird cutouts with Testors Acrylic Craft White Paint. Let the paint dry.
• Put one bird cutout on top of the painted bird cutout. Then, use a pencil to trace around the bottom of the bird cutout to outline the head and wing section. Paint the head and wing section with Testors Acrylic Craft Blue Fog Paint. Let the paint dry.
• Paint the bird’s eye by placing a dot of Testors Acrylic Craft White Paint on the bird’s head. Once the White paint has dried, place a smaller dot of Testors Acrylic Craft Blue Fog Paint onto the White Paint.

Leaf Skewer

• Paint the unfinished wood leaf and the skewer with Testors Acrylic Craft Avocado Paint. Let dry.
• Glue the leaf to the skewer. Let the glue dry.
• Glue the skewer to the painted wood wreath, behind the birdhouse.

Assembly

• Glue the painted bird on the right side of the painted wood wreath.
• You can fill a small vase with flowers and place it on the pallet behind the painted wood wreath.

Springtime Birdhouse Wreath

This DIY Wood Bead Wreath is a perfect blend of contemporary style and springtime charm! Crafted with creativity in mind, this stunning wreath features wood beads painted with Testors Acrylic Craft Blue Fog Paint that add a pop of color to your home. Nestled among the beads is a darling pink birdhouse with a trendy Blue Fog roof and Avocado base, adding a playful touch to the arrangement. Completing the look are fabric spring flowers, that add a fresh, modern vibe to your decor. Whether you’re a crafting enthusiast or simply looking to add a touch of personality to your space, this DIY Wood Bead Wreath is sure to make a statement in any room. Dive into the world of DIY and let your creativity take flight with this stylish and fun project.

Additional Materials

• Glue stick and glue gun
• Fabric craft gloves

Painting Elements

• Paint the unfinished wood bead wreath and the roof of the bird house with Testors Acrylic Craft Blue Fog Paint. Let dry.
• Paint the birdhouse with Testors Acrylic Craft Petal Pink Paint and the base of the birdhouse with Testors Acrylic Craft Avocado Paint. Let the paint dry.

Gluing

• Glue the birdhouse to the painted wreath. Let the paint dry.
• There are low-temperature glue guns in craft stores, and you can wear craft gloves to protect your fingers from the hot glue. Apply fabric flowers to the painted wood wreath with a glue gun. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using the glue gun.

Finishing Touch

• Add a piece of twine to display your wreath in your home. You can place the wreath on a door inside your home, on a mirror in a bedroom, or on the back of a wooden kitchen chair.

 Connect with Me!

Hey creatives! Want even more seasonal inspiration? Dive into a treasure trove of additional projects waiting for you on my ArtSmarts™ Blog! Plus, join me on my social media accounts. Stay updated, connect with me, and let’s make crafting even more fun together. Click on the link below.

Be part of my creative community!

Hey there, DIY enthusiasts! Fall is in the air, so let’s spruce up your Thanksgiving table with this hand-painted napkin ring project sponsored by Testors. I’m about to show you how to transform simple wood beads and seasonal cutouts into charming Thanksgiving napkin rings using Testors Acrylic Craft Paints and Testors Craft Enamel Gold Paint Pen. Get ready to add a touch of autumn elegance to your table setting!

Crafting your own napkin rings for Thanksgiving is the ultimate DIY project that adds a touch of personal charm to your holiday table. It’s the perfect blend of creativity and practicality.  There’s something incredibly satisfying about getting lost in a craft project. For those who like crafting with others, get your family or friends involved in the activity and you’ll create great memories along with these amazing napkin rings.

You can tailor your napkin rings to match your Thanksgiving style. Whether you’re going for a rustic, elegant, or whimsical vibe, you have control over your finished design.

So, creative friend, go ahead and embrace your crafty side this Thanksgiving. Crafting your own napkin rings adds that extra special touch to your holiday gathering. Who knew that napkin rings could be so fabulous, right? Now, it’s time to channel your inner artist! Grab your Testors Acrylic Craft Paints in the beautiful colors above and let’s create something beautiful.

Materials

• Testors Craft Acrylic Paints: Orange, 292424A; Sunshine, 292427A; Avocado, 297450; Metallic Gold, 292496A; French Vanilla, 297485; Island Breeze, 292428A
• Testors Craft Metallic Gold Leafing Paint Pen, 215190
• Wooden beads, various sizes
• Wooden cutouts (leaves and pumpkins)
• Ribbon, twine, or leather cording
• Crystal charms (optional)
• Scissors
• Drop cloth
• Generic magic eraser sponge (melamine foam)
• Foam craft brush
• Soft bristle craft brush
• Bamboo skewers
• Waxed paper

Instructions

Painting Pumpkins

• Paint the pumpkins with the Testors Craft Acrylic orange paint and the pumpkin stem and leaves Avocado green. Let the paint dry completely.

•  Apply  the Testors  Craft Acrylic Metallic Gold Paint onto the pumpkins and let dry completely.

• Next, apply Testors Craft Enamel Gold Paint Pen to the edge of the pumpkin.

Painting Leaves

I used three different painting methods to paint the solid wood leaves. You can experiment the different methods or just use one method.

Waxed Paper Method

• Tear a piece of waxed paper that is slightly larger than the solid wood leaf. Apply Testors Craft Acrylic paints in Avocado, Sunshine, Metallic Gold, and Orange onto the waxed paper using a foam craft brush, ensuring full coverage of the entire paper.

• Place the solid wood leaf on top of the painted waxed paper and press down on the leaf to transfer the paint. Remove the waxed paper and allow the paint to dry completely.

• Next, apply Testors Craft Enamel Gold Paint Pen to the edge of the solid leaf. Let the paint dry. (More on using Testors Craft Enamel Gold Paint Pen below.)

Sponge Method

• Paint the solid wood leaf with Testors Craft Acrylic Avocado paint. While the paint is still wet, use a generic magic eraser sponge to gently dab Testors Craft Acrylic Sunshine, Metallic Gold, and Orange paints onto the leaf, creating a blend of colors. Let the paint dry.

• Next, carefully apply Testors Craft Enamel Gold Paint Pen to the edge of the solid leaf. Allow the paint to dry.

Feathery Blend

• Paint the solid wood leaf with Testors Craft Acrylic Avocado paint. While the paint is still wet, use a soft-bristle craft brush to apply Testors Craft Acrylic Sunshine, Metallic Gold, and Orange paints onto the leaf, creating strips of colors.

•  Next, carefully apply Testors Craft Enamel Gold Paint Pen to the edge of the solid leaf. Allow the paint to dry.

Add a Touch of Gold

• Once your painted wooden pieces are dry, it’s time to elevate them with a touch of gold. This is where the Testors Craft Enamel Gold Paint Pen comes into play. Shake the pen well and carefully outline the edges of the wooden cutouts and beads with the gold paint. It’s like giving them a subtle, professional look. Allow the gold paint to dry, which won’t take long, thanks to its fast-drying nature.

• You can apply more of the gold to the cutout pumpkin and leaf shapes to give a glimmer of gold to the napkin ring.

Bead Painting

• Thread the beads onto a bamboo skewer. Some of the beads had openings that were too small for the skewer, so I placed a single bead at the tip of the skewer to paint it separately.

• Paint 10 to 12 beads for each napkin ring with Testors Craft Acrylic Paints and let them dry completely.

Assemble Your Napkin Rings

• Now, let’s put it all together! You can use brightly colored fabric ribbons or leather cording that can be found in the jewelry department of craft stores. Going for a more natural relaxed look? Use twine to assemble your napkin rings.

• Trim the ribbon to approximately 12 inches. Alternatively, if you’re like me, you can string the beads onto the ribbon while it remains connected to the spool. I’ve noticed this reduces waste. I add a piece of tape to the end of the ribbon or twine and then cut the tape into a point to help guide it through the opening in the beads.

• String the painted wooden beads onto the ribbon in a circular pattern. When you’ve added the desired number of beads to make your ring (10 to 12), make a tight knot with the ribbon. Make sure to leave some extra ribbon for threading through the wooden shapes and for tying a bow.

• You can enhance the elegance and style of your project by attaching colorful crystals to either the ribbon or the wooden cutouts. These crystals are readily available in the jewelry section of craft stores. When affixing crystals to the wooden cutouts, ensure that you use a jewelry-specific adhesive to ensure proper adhesion.

There you have it, folks – a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your Thanksgiving table! These DIY napkin rings look amazing and show your guests that you put thought and effort into your holiday gathering.

I hope you enjoy making these as much as I did. Have a fabulous Thanksgiving, and remember, crafting is not just about the result; it’s about the joy of creating something with your own two hands.

Here’s where you can find amazing Testors Paints

Menards

Craft Paint

Paint Pens

Lowes:

Craft Paint

 Amazon.com

  Here are some additional Samples for your inspiration!

Note: These trays are not meant to be use with food. They are for decoration purposes. 

In this creative jewelry holder project, sponsored by Rust-Oleum, you can elevate your DIY prowess by creating these très chic three-tiered holders. Impress the moms in your life with not just one, but three stunning, tiered trays that are both functional and fashionable. Whether you’re an experienced crafter or a beginner, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of creating three unique and gorgeous tiered trays using Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch® 2X Ultra Cover® Spray Paints and Rust-Oleum Chalked Ultra Matte Linen White spray paint. These paints contain a primer and adhere to metal, ceramic, glass, wood, and more. The coverage is so great that I use only one coat of Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch® 2X Ultra Cover® Spray Paint on each of these jewelry holders.

Each jewelry tray holder consists of three levels and two risers. The risers separate each level, so they need to be sturdy. The largest level serves as the base of the tray and each level gets progressively smaller with height. The different level components that I use consists of inexpensive dishes and bowls, gardening saucers, and candle dishes.

My favorite risers are the dessert glasses by Cooking Concepts, sold in a package of 3, that I found at the local dollar store. I have a few LED candle holders that also make great risers. When looking for risers, make sure they are sturdy and are wide enough to hold the different levels together.

The colors we use in this project are Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch® 2X Ultra Cover® Gloss Grape and Glass Coral Spray Paints, and Rust-Oleum Chalked Ultra Matte Paint in Linen White with the and Rust-Oleum Chalked Protective Topcoat in Matte Clear. There are other great Rust-Oleum colors to choose from. If you’re looking for the latest color trends, a great place to start is the Rust-Oleum website. You can find their latest color collection called “Color Watch 2023,” which features a range of hues that are predicted to be popular this year.

One of the standout shades from this collection is the Gloss Grape, which has been chosen as Rust-Oleum’s Spray Paint Color of the Year. This vibrant shade of purple represents creativity, well-being, and resilience, making it a great choice for anyone looking to inject some positivity and energy into their home decor. Whether you’re an experienced crafter or someone new to DIY looking to add some color to your next project, Rust-Oleum’s “Color Watch 2023″ is worth checking out.

Some of the elements in the projects use Rust-Oleum Chalked Ultra Matte Linen White spray paint. It also contains a primer which provides superior coverage and adhesion. Best of all, it only requires one coat, and there’s no need for priming. Rust-Oleum Chalked Ultra Matte spray paint is perfect for DIY enthusiasts who want to achieve a professional-looking finish with minimal effort. And it works on wood, metal, ceramic, glass, or canvas. The elements that we paint also use the Rust-Oleum Chalked Matte Protective Top Coat for protection and durability It helps prevent chipping, cracking, or peeling, and it’s easy to apply and dries quickly.

You can find Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover Sprays at the following locations:

• Home Depot (Gloss Grape)
• Home Depot (Gloss Coral)
• Ace Hardware
• Blain’s Farm & Fleet

You can find Rust-Oleum Chalked Ultra Matte Sprays at these following locations:

• Home Depot
• Ace Hardware
  
• Blain’s Farm & Fleet

Let’s get this DIY party started!

Materials

• Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch® 2X Ultra Cover® Gloss Grape and Glass Coral Spray Paints
• Rust-Oleum Chalked Ultra Matte Paint in Linen White
• Rust-Oleum Chalked Protective Topcoat in Matte Clear
• Drop Cloth
• Safety Glasses (when spray painting)
• Clear industrial strength glue that works with glass, plastic, and metal

Tray Elements

Risers:

• Dessert Glasses (Cooking Concepts found at the Dollar Store)
• LED candle holders
• Terra Cotta pots

Dishes:

• Galvanized Saucer (for gardening)
• Terra Cotta Saucer
• Candle Saucer
• Dishes and bowls (Walmart)

Instructions

• Determine which riser and dishes/saucers/bowls you will use for your jewelry holders. If you will paint the tray all one color, you can glue the riser and dishes/saucers/bowls together before painting.
• The manufacturer instructions state to use the paints outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
• Cover the work surface with the drop cloth.
• Follow the manufacture’s instruction to paint the risers and dishes/saucers/bowls.
• Let the paints dry. (Check the paint cans for the drying times of each paint.)
• Glue the risers and the dishes/saucers/bowls together.

Be sure to share your creations with me by tagging me on Twitter at @Queenofcr8tvty or on Facebook.

DYI instructions for the black and white bracelet in the photos can be found here.

Let’s countdown to Christmas
with these fun holiday DIY ideas!

Sponsored by Rust-Oleum®

There are two trends that I am seeing this holiday season. The first trend is handcrafted countdown to Christmas decorations. The second trend is nutcrackers. Unfinished wood nutcrackers are popping up in craft stores and home improvement stores. These unpainted nutcrackers allow you to create a customized nutcracker to fit your holiday theme. You can also paint them in school or sports team colors and give them as gifts to family and friends.

The Gold Chrome, IMAGINE CRAFT & HOBBY Chrome Paint Pen by Rust-Oleum give the nutcracker, the countdown blocks, and the countdown sign a professional look. The Chrome Paint Pen gives a bright and reflective finish to the projects. It has a dual tip that makes it easy to paint different objects. I used the chisel tip for the edges on the blocks and sign, while I used the bullet tips and chisel tip on the nutcracker. Adding a gold touch to the edges of the blocks and sign gives them a polished look.

Testors Craft Acrylic Paints provide wonderful coverage and brilliant colors. The Avocado and Engine Red colors give a fresh feel to the traditional Christmas colors. I based coated all the wood with Testors Craft Acrylic white paint. Because the wood was unfinished, it needed two coats. Base coating with white paint allows the green and red colors stay true and bright.

The nutcracker I decided to paint already had its face painted and hair attached. That way, I only had to concentrate on painting the body. I decorated his hat with jewelry chains and embellishments from earlier projects.

Let’s get crafting!

Materials for all projects

Paints by Rust-Oleum®

• TESTORS CRAFT Acrylic Craft Paint: White, 292430A; Avocado, 297450; Engine Red, 297466; Black, 292421A; Chalkboard, 297508
• IMAGINE CRAFT & HOBBY Chrome Paint Pen, Gold Chrome, 357677

Unfinished wood

• Wood cubes, 3” (Woodpeckerscrafts.com)
• Wood tray (dollar store, craft department), 1 ¾” high by 6 ¾” long by 3 ¾” wide
• Hanging sign (dollar store, craft department), 4 ¾” high by 3 3/8” wide
• Nutcracker, 15” high

Lettering

• Black vinyl (2” numbers on cubes)
• White vinyl (letters)
• Cutting machine (Cricut or another brand)
• Optional: pre-made number and letter stickers or stencils

Other

• Craft paint brushes
• Green ribbon (for sign)
• Chalk (for the numbers on the sign)
• Low-tack masking tape (for nutcracker)
• Plastic wrap (for nutcracker)
• Glue or glue gun (for nutcracker)
• Jewelry chains and embellishments (for nutcracker)

Countdown Sign

I found an unpainted wood sign in my local dollar store. It’s 3 1/4″ wide,  4 1/2″ high, and ¾” thick. It can be used in a display in any room of your house, hung from the nutcracker or used as a Christmas ornament.

• Base coat the sides and back of the sign with Testors Craft Acrylic white paint. Let dry.
• Base coat the front of the sign with Testors Craft Acrylic black paint. Let dry.
• Paint the front of the sign with Testors Craft Acrylic Chalkboard paint. Let dry. Apply a second coat of Testors Craft Acrylic Chalkboard paint. Let dry.
• Use the Gold Chrome, IMAGINE CRAFT & HOBBY Chrome Paint Pen by Rust-Oleum to paint the edge of the sign. Let the paint dry. (Follow the instructions on the package for application and drying time.)

• Apply the vinyl words “days until Christmas” to the lower area of the sign.
• Place the ribbon through the hole in the sign and tie a knot in the ribbon.
• Write the number of days before Christmas on the upper area of the sign.

Countdown Blocks

The 3” blocks I found were from Woodpeckers™, a company in New Jersey. Testors Craft Acrylic white paint was used as a basecoat and as the finial color. The Gold Chrome, IMAGINE CRAFT & HOBBY Chrome Paint Pen by Rust-Oleum really make the cubes look upscale.

• Basecoat the blocks and wood trays with the Testors Craft Acrylic white paint. Let dry.
• Apply a second coat of the white paint to the blocks. Let dry.

• Apply the Avocado paint to one tray and the Engine Red paint to the second tray. Let dry.
• Use the Gold Chrome, IMAGINE CRAFT & HOBBY Chrome Paint Pen by Rust-Oleum on the edges of the blocks. Let the paint dry. (Follow the instructions on the package for application and drying time.)
• Apply the numbers to the center of the blocks. (On the first block use the numbers: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. On the second block use the numbers: 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, and 0.)
• Apply the words “days until” to the Avocado tray and the word “Christmas” to the Engine Red tray.
• Place the blocks and the Avocado tray on top of the Engine Red tray.

Countdown Nutcracker

The nutcracker can be used alone or be paired with the countdown sign or blocks. The Gold Chrome, IMAGINE CRAFT & HOBBY Chrome Paint Pen by Rust-Oleum gives the nutcracker an upscale finish. While I used the Gold Chrome paint first on the nutcracker, I suggest that you use it last. I didn’t wait for the Gold Chrome paint to dry before using the other paints and I kept touching the wet Gold Chrome paint — which I then had to touch up.

• Wrap the nutcracker’s hair and beard with plastic wrap and secure it with masking tape to protect it from the paint.
• Basecoat the nutcracker with Testors Craft Acrylic white paint. Let dry.

• Apply a second coat of Testors Craft Acrylic white paint to the hands and pant area. Let dry.
• Paint the coat with Testors Craft Acrylic Avocado paint, the cuffs, and the top of the hat with Testors Craft Acrylic Engine Red paint and the boots with Testors Craft Acrylic black paint. Let dry.
• Paint the lower part of the sword with Testors Craft Acrylic black paint. Let dry.
• Use the Gold Chrome, IMAGINE CRAFT & HOBBY Chrome Paint Pen by Rust-Oleum to paint the shoulders, brim of the cap, the sword, and the top of the boots. Let dry.
• Secure chains and jewelry embellishments to the cap with glue or hot glue.

Sponsored by Rust-Oleum®

 Thanksgiving Textured Footed-Bowl Centerpiece
is a sleek and upscale decoration for your Thanksgiving celebrations.

Countdown to Christmas
showcases two of the hottest trends this Christmas season and how you can create them for your own home.

Let’s countdown to Christmas
with these fun holiday DIY ideas!

Sponsored by Rust-Oleum

There are two trends that I am seeing this holiday season. The first trend is handcrafted countdown to Christmas decorations. The second trend is nutcrackers. Unfinished wood nutcrackers are popping up in craft stores and home improvement stores. These unpainted nutcrackers allow you to create a customized nutcracker to fit your holiday theme. You can also paint them in school or sports team colors and give them as gifts to family and friends.

The Gold Chrome, IMAGINE CRAFT & HOBBY Chrome Paint Pen by Rust-Oleum gives the nutcracker, the countdown blocks, and the countdown sign a professional look. The Chrome Paint Pen gives a bright and reflective finish to the projects. It has a dual tip that makes it easy to paint different objects. I used the chisel tip for the edges on the blocks and sign, while I used the bullet tips and chisel tip on the nutcracker. Adding a gold touch to the edges of the blocks and sign gives them a polished look.

Testors Craft Acrylic Paints provide wonderful coverage and brilliant colors. The Avocado and Engine Red colors give a fresh feel to the traditional Christmas colors. I based coated all the wood with Testors Craft Acrylic white paint. Because the wood was unfinished, it needed two coats. Base coating with white paint allows the green and red colors stay true and bright.

The nutcracker I decided to paint already had its face painted and hair attached. That way, I only had to concentrate on painting the body. I decorated his hat with jewelry chains and embellishments from earlier projects.

Let’s get crafting!

Materials for all projects

Paints by Rust-Oleum®

• TESTORS CRAFT Acrylic Craft Paint: White, 292430A; Avocado, 297450; Engine Red, 297466; Black, 292421A; Chalkboard, 297508
• IMAGINE CRAFT & HOBBY Chrome Paint Pen, Gold Chrome, 357677

Unfinished wood

• Wood cubes, 3” (Woodpeckerscrafts.com)
• Wood tray (dollar store, craft department), 1 ¾” high by 6 ¾” long by 3 ¾” wide
• Hanging sign (dollar store, craft department), 4 ¾” high by 3 3/8” wide
• Nutcracker, 15” high

Lettering

• Black vinyl (2” numbers on cubes)
• White vinyl (letters)
• Cutting machine (Cricut or another brand)
• Optional: pre-made number and letter stickers or stencils

Other

• Craft paint brushes
• Green ribbon (for sign)
• Chalk (for the numbers on the sign)
• Low-tack masking tape (for nutcracker)
• Plastic wrap (for nutcracker)
• Glue or glue gun (for nutcracker)
• Jewelry chains and embellishments (for nutcracker)

Countdown Sign

I found an unpainted wood sign in my local dollar store. It’s 3 1/4″ wide,  4 1/2″ high, and ¾” thick. It can be used in a display in any room of your house, hung from the nutcracker or used as a Christmas ornament.

• Base coat the sides and back of the sign with Testors Craft Acrylic white paint. Let dry.
• Base coat the front of the sign with Testors Craft Acrylic black paint. Let dry.
• Paint the front of the sign with Testors Craft Acrylic Chalkboard paint. Let dry. Apply a second coat of Testors Craft Acrylic Chalkboard paint. Let dry.
• Use the Gold Chrome, IMAGINE CRAFT & HOBBY Chrome Paint Pen by Rust-Oleum to paint the edge of the sign. Let the paint dry. (Follow the instructions on the package for application and drying time.)
• Apply the vinyl words “days until Christmas” to the lower area of the sign.
• Place the ribbon through the hole in the sign and tie a knot in the ribbon.
• Write the number of days before Christmas on the upper area of the sign.

Countdown Blocks

The 3” blocks I found were from Woodpeckers™, a company in New Jersey. Testors Craft Acrylic white paint was used as a basecoat and as the finial color. The Gold Chrome, IMAGINE CRAFT & HOBBY Chrome Paint Pen by Rust-Oleum really make the cubes look upscale.

• Basecoat the blocks and wood trays with the Testors Craft Acrylic white paint. Let dry.
• Apply a second coat of the white paint to the blocks. Let dry.

• Apply the Avocado paint to one tray and the Engine Red paint to the second tray. Let dry.
• Use the Gold Chrome, IMAGINE CRAFT & HOBBY Chrome Paint Pen by Rust-Oleum on the edges of the blocks. Let the paint dry. (Follow the instructions on the package for application and drying time.)
• Apply the numbers to the center of the blocks. (On the first block use the numbers: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. On the second block use the numbers: 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, and 0.)
• Apply the words “days until” to the Avocado tray and the word “Christmas” to the Engine Red tray.
• Place the blocks and the Avocado tray on top of the Engine Red tray.

Countdown Nutcracker

The nutcracker can be used alone or be paired with the countdown sign or blocks. The Gold Chrome, IMAGINE CRAFT & HOBBY Chrome Paint Pen by Rust-Oleum gives the nutcracker an upscale finish. While I used the Gold Chrome paint first on the nutcracker, I suggest that you use it last. I didn’t wait for the Gold Chrome paint to dry before using the other paints and I kept touching the wet Gold Chrome paint — which I then had to touch up.

• Wrap the nutcracker’s hair and beard with plastic wrap and secure it with masking tape to protect it from the paint.
• Basecoat the nutcracker with Testors Craft Acrylic white paint. Let dry.

• Apply a second coat of Testors Craft Acrylic white paint to the hands and pant area. Let dry.
• Paint the coat with Testors Craft Acrylic Avocado paint, the cuffs, and the top of the hat with Testors Craft Acrylic Engine Red paint and the boots with Testors Craft Acrylic black paint. Let dry.
• Paint the lower part of the sword with Testors Craft Acrylic black paint. Let dry.
• Use the Gold Chrome, IMAGINE CRAFT & HOBBY Chrome Paint Pen by Rust-Oleum to paint the shoulders, brim of the cap, the sword, and the top of the boots. Let dry.
• Secure chains and jewelry embellishments to the cap with glue or hot glue.

Celebrate the fall holidays with these
two attractive projects
sponsored by Testors and Rust-Oleum paints.
Click on the links below for each project.

Painted Halloween Friends
is a fun painting project to capture the cuteness of the season.

Thanksgiving Textured Footed-Bowl Centerpiece
is a sleek and upscale decoration for your Thanksgiving celebrations.

Warm summer days mean that we are spending more time outdoors, including in our backyards. Whether you have a full-sized backyard or a small apartment balcony, these fun DIY projects sponsored by Testors and Rust-Oleum® help brighten your space.  While you can purchase new metal or terracotta containers, you may have older planters, metal vases, and watering cans that can be renewed with these instructions.

Designer’s Notes:

• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the spray cans. This will help you achieve the best results.
• The metal watering can, metal vase, and terracotta planters are first primed with Rust-Oleum® Stops Rust® Universal Bonding Primer. This helps the decorative paints adhere to the surface.
• The three terracotta planters and saucer used one can of the primer because the planters are very porous and absorbed the paint. If you are going to use live plants in the terracotta planters, they first need to be sealed on the inside as well as the outside. Otherwise, the outside paint will eventually flake off.
• While the metal watering can, metal vase, and terracotta planters are decorated for summer, you can change the embellishments on each of the items to work with any season or holiday. You can use a piece of low-tack masking tape on the container and then use hot glue to attach the embellishment to the masking tape. Using the masking tape allows for the quick removal of the embellishment from the surface. The jute rope and sea stars were attached using this method.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when working with hot glue.
• Use a yogurt container as a stand for a terracotta planter by spraying it with the Rust-Oleum® Stops Rust® Universal Bonding Primer. Once the primer is dry, spray the primed-yogurt container with the Rust-Oleum® Caribbean Sand Multicolor Textured Spray Paint.

Materials Needed

• Rust-Oleum® Imagine Chrome Soft Gold Spray Paint
• Rust-Oleum® Stops Rust® Universal Bonding Primer
• Rust-Oleum® Multicolor Textured Spray Paint, Caribbean Sand, 239121
• Testors Craft 3 oz. Aerosol, Turquoise, 304358 
• Low-tack masking tape
• Drop cloth
• Hot-glue gun

General Instructions

• Wipe the metal or terracotta with a cloth to remove any dust from the surface.
• Use low-tack masking tape to cover any areas on the surface that you do not want to paint.
• Cover your work surface with a drop cloth.
• Spray the metal and terracotta items with the Rust-Oleum® Stops Rust® Universal Bonding Primer. Let the paint dry for one hour.
• Continue with the specialized instructions in each of the following projects.

Watering Can

Watering cans are an icon of Summer. Take a simple watering can and turn it into an eye-catching decoration for your home with Rust-Oleum Imagine Chrome Soft Gold Spray Paint. Embellishments found in the jewelry section of craft stores will add an additional style to the watering can.

Additional Materials

• Realeather® Sof-Suede Lace, Aqua
• Bead Landing™ Turquoise dyed howlite semi-precious bead, 472606
• Bead Landing™ Dangles, 322535
• Bead Landing™ Jump Ring, 6 mm (2)
• Flat-nose pliers

Additional Instructions

• Once the Rust-Oleum® Stops Rust® Universal Bonding Primer has dried for an hour, spray the watering can with Rust-Oleum Imagine Chrome Soft Gold Spray Paint. Let the paint dry for an hour.
• Wrap the watering can with the Aqua Craft Lace.
• Use the flat-nose pliers to attach the jump ring to the dangle.
• Use the hot-glue gun to attach the jump rings with the crystal dangles to the ends of the Sof-Suede Lace. Attach the turquoise dyed howlite semi-precious bead to the center knot in the Sof-Suede Lace.
• Add fresh or fabric flowers to the inside of the watering can.

Galvanized Metal Vase

Tall vases are trending this summer. This two-tone vase will add a festive look to your home. Rust-Oleum® Stops Rust® Universal Bonding Primer adheres to galvanized metal, making it the perfect primer for this project.

Additional Materials

• Plastic wrap
• Jute rope
• Sea Star

Additional Instructions

• Once the Rust-Oleum® Stops Rust® Universal Bonding Primer has dried for an hour, place the low-tack tape around the upper part of the vase.
• Spray the lower portion of the vase with the Rust-Oleum® Imagine Chrome Soft Gold Spray Paint. Let the paint dry. Lightly wrap the painted area with plastic wrap.
• Spray the top of the vase with Rust-Oleum® Multicolor Caribbean Sand Textured Spray Paint. Remove the plastic wrap.
•  Allow the paints to dry for one hour.
• Remove the low-tack tape from the vase and then place a small piece of low-tack tape where the jute rope will be attached. Place a drop of hot-glue onto the low-tack tape and then attach one end of the jute rope. Wrap the jute rope around the vase and then use a second drop of hot glue to attach the end of the jute rope on the low-tack tape. Secure the sea star onto the jute rope with hot glue.
• Add flowers to the vase.

TerraCotta Planters

A little paint will transform simple terracotta planters into fun accent pieces for your home. Whether indoors or outdoors, these pots bring a fresh look to your surroundings

Embellishments and tools

• Realeather® Sof-Suede Lace, Aqua
• Jute rope
• Twine
• Bead Landing™ Dangles, 322535
• Bead Landing™ Jump Ring, 6 mm (2)
• Sea Star
• Shells
• Yogurt container (optional)
• Flat-nose pliers
• Hot-glue gun

Additional Instructions

Sea Star Planter

• Spray the top of the terracotta planter with the Rust-Oleum® Imagine Chrome Soft Gold Spray Paint.
• Spray the bottom of the terracotta planter with the Rust-Oleum® Multicolor Caribbean Sand Textured Spray Paint.
• Let the paints dry.
• Attach the jute rope and sea star to the terracotta planter with the hot glue.
• Add flowers or plants.

Medium Aqua and Gold Planter

• Spray the top of the terracotta planter with the Testors Turquoise. Aerosol.
• Spray the bottom of the terracotta planter with the Rust-Oleum® Imagine Chrome Soft Gold Spray Paint.
• Let the paints dry.
• Wrap the planter with the Sof-Suede Lace and tie the ends in a knot.
• Use the hot-glue to attach a shell to the Sof-Suede Lace.

 Small Sea Shell Planter

• Spray the top of the terracotta planter with the Testors Turquoise. Aerosol.
• Spray the bottom of the terracotta planter with the Rust-Oleum® Multicolor Caribbean Sand Textured Spray Paint.
• Let the paints dry.
• Wrap the planter with twine and then use the hot glue to attach a shell to the twine.

TerraCotta Saucer

• Spray the terracotta saucer with the Rust-Oleum® Imagine Chrome Soft Gold Spray Paint.
• Let the paints dry.
• Fill with seashells.