Valerie Salmon Designs

Moss-Covered Monogram

A large, moss-covered monogram adds an earthy touch to your home decor -- and they are PERFECT for spring!  Forget those costly store or catalog-bought versions.  You can make these yourself, save money, and get the bragging rights for doing it yourself!  Try spelling a word like "spring" or "home" and set them on a mantle or shelf.

CLICK HERE FOR THE TUTORIAL.

Mother's Day Frame

This Mother's Day, why not create a beautiful wooden frame to tell a special Mom how wonderful she is?  Whether it's for you, your mom, grandmother, aunt, sister, or a dear friend, this altered wooden frame would make a great gift that they would be proud to display in their home.  Happy crafting!

 Download the free printable instructions below.

Supplies needed:  unfinished wooden frame (Michael's), patterned paper (Pink Paislee), Mod Podge glue, 2 foam brushes, acrylic paint, ribbon, fabric flower, X-actro knife, fine sandpaper or fine sanding file.

Steps:

• With a foam brush, paint the sides and edges of the wooden frame.  Let it dry.

• On the front of the frame, apply a thin coat of Mod Podge using another foam brush.  While the glue is wet, turn the frame over (glue side down) on the backside of the paper.  Smooth out the paper to remove any bubbling.  Let this dry completely.

• Carefully cut outside and inside the frame using a sharp x-acto knife, as if you are tracing all edges of the frame.  Let the straight edges of the frame guide the x-acto knife as you are cutting.

• File all the edges smooth.

• Embellish the frame by tying a ribbon around it and finishing it off with a coordinating fabric flower.  

• Add a photo.

 Download the free printable instructions:  Click here

Springtime Butterfly Canvas Art

I'm ready for Spring, aren't you?  Let's welcome it with a new seasonal craft!  This colorful butterfly canvas art makes a quick and cheery home decor item.  Set some time to create this simple project and bring the theme of Spring into your home!

Supplies needed:  5" x 7" wrapped canvas, assorted patterned papers, small rhinestone sticker strips, butterfly punch (Fiskars), hot glue gun.

1. With the butterfly punch, punch a variety of shapes using about 4-5 different vibrant-colored patterned papers.  You will need 12 pieces.
2. Arrange the butterflies in evenly-spaced rows and columns to plan their placement before adhering.
3. Take each butterfly shape, turn it over and place a small amount of hot glue only in the center of the butterfly.  Try not to get the glue on the wings.   Carefully place each butterfly in place, until all 12 shapes are attached to the canvas.
4. Trim rhinestone strips and apply them vertically in the middle of each butterfly.  You can also try using tiny buttons.
5. Lift the wings upwards to give them a three-dimensional appearance.
6. Display and enjoy!

 

An Easter layout

Just quickly sharing an Easter page, as seen in the April '11 issue of Better Homes & Gardens, Scrapbooks etc. magazine.

Easter Basket

Why settle for a regular store-bought Easter basket when you can create one that is as special as its recipient? These would also make for some festive springtime home decor. All you need is an inexpensive basket, some paper, and a hot glue gun!

Instructions:  Crafted Easter Basket

For more springtime projects, click here.

Have a Happy Easter!!!

Spring Tags

The weather in Indiana is just toying with the Hoosiers!  Yesterday, it was beautiful and in the 70's.  Then, today it's in the 30's!  I was so ready to store my sweaters and boots away, only to wear both again today.  :(

Here's to hoping the warmer weather will be back soon.  I'm really ready for spring!  

'Wanted to share a set of whimsical springtime tags that I created for the Fiskars website.

See them up close here.

A spring layout

I've had enough of the cold midwest weather.  I'm ready for spring!  :D

At least in my scraproom, I've been working on some springtime projects.  'Lovin' the latest series of Fiskars spring punches.  Here are some of them in action.

Check out the How-to on the Fiskars site.

A Spring Layout

Fiskars' Project-a-Day is still going on till the end of March.  It's full of great ideas and fantastic creative spring projects.

I had another one that posted over the weekend.  Click here for the basic steps to recreate the layout below.  Aren't these punches cute?