Last week I saw this project on Kimberly Van Diepen's blog  and I loved it so much I ran right out to Hobby Lobby to find the same frame!  In case you do the same, I'll save you a few steps and tell you it is back in the Crafts section, not in with the picture frames or home decor.  I didn't realize she had made hers with the light colored frame so I bought a dark frame.  Next time (and I can't wait to go back and get another one or two!) I'll choose the light colored one, I think you get a better contrast.  But it's neat either way, I think!

So let's back up…..I bought the metal frame, called "Craft Photo Frame" "Time to Decorate!" 4×6 inch.  I had already purchased the Stampin' Up! "Kind Thoughts Brocade Stencil" in the Decor Elements line.  Mine is the "Small" size but I think it worked just fine.  I already had some "Dreamweaver Stencil Embossing Paste" (you can see it in the corner of the photo) from my pre-Stampin' Up! days and a palette knife.  I placed the stencil where I wanted it on the frame, taped down two sides, and slathered on the embossing paste with the palette knife….just like frosting.  Then I turned the palette knife on its side to scrape off the excess paste.  Just lift the stencil up and you have your design on your project.  Now be very sure not to let the paste dry on your stencil, so be ready to wash it off right away.

I let mine dry overnight since it was late anyway, but a couple hours should do it.  This morning  I used a foam brush to apply the "DecoArt Elegant Finish Metallic Glaze".  Mine is the Renaissance Brown color.  This step was SOOO easy.  Just brush the glaze on rather lightly.  You can go over it a little bit if you get too much on or not enough.  You could probably even do a little wiping with a soft cloth if you want, but I wouldn't rub on the embossing too much.

That's all there is to it!  Now you can see stencils aren't just for walls!!  If you want to see the Decor Elements Catalog so you can order your stencil, click HERE.  Contact me if you have any questions or want your own copy of the catalog.

The other day I went in my local Dollar Tree store and the first thing I saw were decorations for July 4th.  It's hard to imagine it is almost time for that holiday already.  I saw these sets of red, silver, and blue beads, kind of like Mardi Gras beads.  I KNEW I had to have some because we go to the same fireworks display in Stafford every year with our neighbors, and the beads would be perfect for Nita and I to be wearing!  We already have our 4th of July head band thing with flowing ribbons we have been know to wear!  At the high price of $1, I decided I had to purchase another set of beads for our other friend Rhonda who used to go to the same fireworks with us and who loves the 4th. 

So today when we all had lunch together I decided to quickly make some 2-5-7-10 Boxes to give them their beads.  The instructions are from Jenn Balcer on Splitcoaststampers.  You just need one sheet of  8 1/2" x 11" in. cardstock, scored at 2, 5, 7 and 10 inches.  Turn the cardstock and score at 2 and 7 inches.  Putting the 2" section of cardstock at the top with the 1" wide side section on the left, cut off all top sections but the 2"x 3" section at the top left. Also cut off the tiny little 1 x 1/2" in the lower left corner.  Cut up on the bottom 3 score lines at the bottom, just up to the horizontal score line.  Stamp your box while it is flat.  You can fold all the scored lines now and see how your box is going to go together.  The top 2 x 3 section can be scalloped with your Scallop Edge Punch if desired.  Otherwise, you just have one side tab to glue to close up the box (I would use Sticky Strip or Tombow Multi Purpose adhesive) and adhere the bottom flaps.  After the box is assembled, you will see that you need to pinch in the sides in order to close the top flap, like a sack.  Punch two holes in that flap for ribbon, close the box and mark where you want to punch the holes on the box.  This is the hardest part!  I found the Rectangle Punch worked the best for me in reaching the right spots and making a large enough hole to insert ribbon.  Thread the ribbon through the holes from inside the box and  then through the backside of the flap so that you can tie a bow or knot on the front.  This is a good standard box to use for any occasion for a little gift or decoration.  Let me know if you have any questions!

Don't forget!!  If it is close to July 4th, that means the end of the current Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog is near!  You must get your Last  Chance order in by June 30th, and it is best to do it as soon as possible!