12 Days of Holiday DIY

12 Days of Holiday DIY Party
begins on tomorrow...12/1/11

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December will be a happening month (isn't it always?)!
The DIY CLUB will be having it's monthly contest party
BUT
The DIY Club is also doing a fun holiday event-
The 12 Days of Holiday DIY.
Each day the party will take place at a different blog.

Got that... 

12 days

12 blogs

12 color-themed parties

One winner of paint awesomeness from Dutch Boy and Krylon!

12 Days of Holiday DIY

THE LINKS FOR EACH COLOR OPEN ON THE DAYS SPECIFIED

Dec. 1st ~ GREEN ~ The Design Confidential

Dec. 2nd ~ WHITE ~ Domestically Speaking

Dec. 3rd ~ BLUE/PURPLE ~ Fireflies &JellyBeans

Dec. 4th ~ SILVER ~ Freckled Laundry

Dec. 5th ~ GRAY ~ Primitive & Proper

Dec. 6th ~ SPARKLE/GLITTER ~ A Girl and a Glue Gun

Dec. 7th ~ MIRROR/CLEAR ~ The DIY Show Off

Dec. 8th ~ EARTH TONES ~ Making the World Cuter

Dec. 9th ~ RED ~ It's So Very Cheri

Dec. 10th ~ GOLD ~ 504 Main

Dec. 11th ~ CHALKBOARD ~ WhisperWood Cottage

Dec. 12th ~ MULTI-COLOR ~ The DIY Club

Get those projects ready and head over to enter starting Dec 1. 

HOW TO ENTER the 12 Days of Holiday Paint Party and Giveaway:

THIS DOES NOT START UNTIL 12/1/11

1. Each of the 12 parties (AS SHOWN UP ON THAT GRAPHIC UP THERE) is open for one week from the time they open.

2. Link up one or more project tutorials that correspond to the color/finish for each party.

3. You may link up multiple projects to multiple parties...as long as it fits the color criteria!

4. Be sure to include the party button in each post that you link up.

RULES TO BE ELIGIBLE TO WIN:

1. Must be an original project tutorial created by you.

2. Must involve the use of paint.

3. Must involve the color or finish indicated for each party.

4. Must have the party button in each linked post.

• After all of the parties are closed (last party closes on December 18), we will post a TOP 12 finalist list here at the DIY Club on DEC 20.
• The winner will be announced on Dec 21.
• One winner will win 2 gallons of Dutch Boy paint and 6 cans of Krylon spray paint.

DON'T FORGET...

THE PURDY PAINTBRUSH GIVEAWAY IS STILL HAPPENING!

IT'S PURDY AWESOME...GO CHECK IT OUT HERE! YOU MUST ENTER ON THIS GIVEAWAY POST.

Purdy Paintbrush GIVEAWAY!

I have 2 AWESOME things
to tell you about today...

One is a
Purdy Paint Brush Set GIVEAWAY
that starts NOW! 
The other is a Holiday DIY Party that begins on 12/1/11.
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PURDY PAINTBRUSH GIVE-A-WAY

A good quality paint brush makes a HUGE difference in your DIY Projects, and maybe you will end up with a little holiday DIY gift for yourself!

5 blogs (listed below) are EACH giving away a set of Purdy Paintbrushes.

We will be giving away 6 brush sets.

(2 on The DIY Club.)

You can enter every day from Nov 29 - Dec12
on all 5 sites.

HOW TO ENTER

OPEN TO U.S. RESIDENTS

1 entry- MANDATORY: Leave a comment saying

"You are Purdy Awesome!"

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:

You can do any of the following letting people know about the give-a-way each day that you enter. :

A - blog post

B - twitter post

C - facebook post

***Be sure to tag me so I know you did it!

Facebook Page (504Main)

Twitter (504Main)

LEAVE ONE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY.

You can enter on each site -
that is a whole lotta chances!

Winners will be announced on each site.

Nov 29 - Dec 12

Whisperwood Cottage

The DIY Showoff

504 Main (that is HERE!)

Its So Very Cheri

The DIY Club

Here is the sneak peek of a

FUN Paint-Inspired Holiday DIY Party
that begins on 12/1/11.
I will fill ya in on all the details tomorrow...just get you painted projects (new or old) ready and link up on the day/days that fit your project!

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The 12 Days of Holiday DIY.
Each day the party will take place at a different blog.

Got that... 

12 days...12 blogs...12 color-themed parties...One winner

Get those projects ready and head over to enter starting Dec 1. 

Projects must be paint related.

(like I mentioned more details  tomorrow!)

So enter to win those Purdy Brushes and get your paint projects ready!

DISCLOSURE: VIEW MY FULL DISCLOSURE POLICY BY CLICKING ON DISCLOSURE IN THE TOP NAVIGATION BAR. I WAS SUPPLIED WITH ONE SET OF PURDY PAINTBRUSHES FOR THIS GIVEAWAY.

DIY! Game Night Typography Table Runner

Hold on to your seat people...

this is NOT a holiday craft

(it could be an awesome gift though!).

Around here, one of our big social activities is Game Night.
We generally do this a 2-3 times a month with 2 other couples.
he kids all get along and look forward to our get-togethers,
the adults all love hanging out with each other,
and there is always good food and good fun!

I was thinking it would be fun to have some decor that I could use every time it is my turn to host...and then I received 2 products - stencils and canvas place mats - from The DIY Club that, at least in my mind, seemed to go together like chocolate and peanut butter.

I actually loved this project so much I made 2 projects using the same ideas and principles. You can see my place mats over at The DIY Club!

Here is the Table runner DIY!

Supplies

• Canvas Corp Table Runner
• DecoArt Americana Stencils, 5" Stencil Font Alphabet. They have other sizes and styles too...as well as other designs if you don't want "words."
• DecoArt Americana Acrylic in Ebony*
• DecoArt Fabric Painting Medium*
• *NOTE: You can use So Soft Fabric Paint in Lamp Black in lieu of the Americana Acrylic/Fabric Painting Medium.
• Fabric Stencil Brush...I used a foam pouncer
• Paper Towels
• Plate or bowl for mixing paint

DIY IT!
1. Wash the runner and press it prior to painting.
2. Determine your words/wording, and measure or make a template to ensure it fits.
3. Layout the words for placement - I used the stencils and a sheet of blank paper/pen to write the words and then laid them out.

4. To keep my words straight, I measured up from the hem of the runner and them placed a line of tape. I lined up the top edge of the stencil with the tape and it kept everything straight and even.

5. Mix paint and fabric medium together.
6. Place stencil (first letter) on runner and using the pouncer apply paint to the stencil/letter. (see this step - this is when I realized I needed that guideline with the tape and then step 3 was "born.")

7. For subsequent letters, you may need to clean the used stencils (the stencils come on multiple sheets, so it just depends on on which letters you are using). I kept paper towels handy to blot the front and back of the stencils before placing my next letters.

8. You may also need to let the paint dry slightly before moving on to the next letter. I simply let it dry slightly (because the paint is not super-wet after applying it) and them laid paper towels under the stencil.

9. Continue with your letters until you are finished - I added a quick dab of the pouncer between my words to show separation.
10. Let dry for 48 hours.
11. Heat set the design -  using the correct iron setting for the fabric, cover design with cloth and press.
12. My runner has been washed after painting as well...I LOVE IT!

I think I created a fun little runner that is simple

and pretty much sums up what we do:

*Eat*Drink Play*

We mostly play dominoes or catch phrase!

So what is your favorite game?

Tickled Pink No. 75

Happy Weekend!

Hi all!
Hope you all had a GREAT Thanksgiving or
are enjoying finishing up your Thanksgiving!

I am not sure where I am or what I am doing -
I scheduled this post just in case I ran off to Hawaii or Disneyland or Europe or something...or I am hiding in my bedroom with some really "bad" Lifetime movies!

Because I am scheduling this, I have not had time to do the FEATURES. I will post those sometime over the weekend!

See ya soon!

I know I am not the only busy lady or man out there..
I know I have been awful at returning emails and comments.

I just want to say a BIG THANK YOU to everyone
who links up, reads, and visits. I truly appreciate it.

I LOVE the ease of sharing links on Facebook, so this is how I will make my way through Tickled Pink links. I will now get more active with that!

So, go on over and LIKE 504 Main on Facebook!

I am also inviting you to share your

link on my FaceBook wall.

Please no giveaways or etsy shops or "please follow" messages,
but whatever you link up here, feel free to share the link on my Facebook Wall.
(be sensible peeps...I reserve the right to DELETE!)
If I feature you on Facebook or twitter, be sure to grab a button HERE!

Have a GREAT weekend!

NOW FOR TICKLED PINK!

A craft...a recipe...a tip...a party...a short story...a  poem...
a  fashion find...a  favorite product...your favorite  post...
whatever makes  your blog  fabulous!
That is what Tickled Pink is all about!
{and it does NOT have to be PINK}

<a href="http://www.504main.com"><img alt="Tickled Pink at 504 Main" src=" http://i883.photobucket.com/albums/ac35/Holly7081/Grab_button_150-1-3.jpg" /></a>

PRACTICE PINK KINDNESS
1. Link  up...whatever makes  your blog  fabulous. Family Friendly please. Guess what? Your post does not have to be PINK!! 
2. PLEASE LINK TO A POST URL, ****NOT YOUR MAIN URL****
3. Pretty please...add the Tickled Pink button to the post* {people need  to know what the heck they are doing!}. 
4.  I reserve the right to remove posts that are offensive or do not  adhere  to the rules, without any discussion, at my discretion.
5. Please visit at least 2 other links!

TICKLED PINK Now Has Categories
I won't banish you if you mess up, but try to link appropriately, pretty please!

Craft, DIY, Decorate
crafting, diy, decor type links

Cook, Bake, Eat
stuff to eat, cook, drink, and bake

Read, Write, Share
posts you love, stories, favorite things, ideas to share

DIY! Get Your Advent Calendars Ready!

I posted this little project last year...
about 5 days before Christmas...
A little late for starting an advent calendar, eh?
So, this year, I am so "on it"...here is is again!
Right before Thanksgiving!

Maybe a little project to play with this weekend?
I have made a few little updates/tweaks.
(to accommodate my new found love for Distress Ink)

First off, I must tell you that I am not a

crazy-freaky-everything-has-its-place tree person...

if you are, I still love you...but I am not.

Generally, after the kids attack the tree, I add my touches, the garland, crystals, gems, and snowflakes. My fondest memories are of decorating our tree and my mom let us do pretty much whatever we want.
I have adopted that attitude...for now.
One day these kids will have their own tree and then it is my turn!

(this is a "before" photo - no distress ink or image on the back)

So, our family has one advent calendar - for a long while that was enough...

Problem #1...
the little one wants her own calendar.

Problem #2...
the kids are infatuated with decorating the tree.
The little one take ornaments off just so she can put them back on.

Solution...
A new advent calendar that involves hanging things on the tree for 25 days!

SUPPLIES

• Basswood boards, 3" x 24"
• DecoArt American Acrylic in Ebony...OR...UPDATE: If I was making these again, I would now use DecoArt Chalkboard Paint.
• DecoArt Glamour Dust in Ice Crystal
• DecoArt, DecouPage, matte
• Rockler, Norton Sanding Bug
• Rockler foam brush
• Dremel Multi-Max with cutting blade or Saw - hand, electric - whatever you prefer
• Drill (I need a new one my rechargeable one is on its last leg- Santa are you listening? Santa did not hear me last year...so I make one more plea...)
• Paint pen, white or white paint and small brush
• Pencil
• Print out of the numbers in font of your choosing
• Ribbon, twine, cord, wire for hanging
• Distress Ink, Frayed Burlap
• Vintage Christmas Images from The Graphics Fairy (the first time I made these I did not use images on the reverse - this is how I am updating them for 2011!)

There are so many ways to personalize this and adapt this project to your liking. Use different images, different colors - you name it!

DIY IT!

1.  Paint each basswood Board with the ebony/chalkboard paint.
UPDATE: If using chalkboard paint, paint; Let dry and cure according to the directions; rub chalk all over; wipe off; prep for numbers.

(My original tutorial used black stencil paint) 

2.  Measure out the squares for the numbers - I made my numbers 3" x 3" - that yielded 8 numbers per board - and cut into equal pieces. This process leaves rough edges - the Basswood is so light and thin that it tends to crack when cut. This was not my intention, but it also did not bother me - Rough and distressed makes me smile.

3.  Sand all edges with the Sanding Bug to remove sharp edges and rough patches. This also gives the edges a distressed look, which I ended up loving. (NOTE: You can cute the boards first and then paint for a less distressed look).

4.  Drill 2 holes in each pieces about 3/4" in and 3/4" down on the top. This also splits the boards a little (NOTE: If you choose to cut your board prior to painting, drill holes then as well)

5.  Print out your font in a size that you prefer (one that fits on the 3x3 square).

6.  For the numbers, now, we go old school...
A. Cut out the numbers/dates.
B. Take a pencil and on the back side of the print out, rub pencil lead using the side of the pencil on the lines of the font.
C.  Then flip over position on the square, correct side up.
D.  Using the pencil trace the lines of the numbers/date. You get a faint outline of the date in the font you desire.
E.  Then use the paint pen or you paint and a paintbrush and go over the numbers. Let dry.

7. Once this is all dry, glam it up a little with some DecoArt Glamour Dust. I am so in love with this paint...it creates a subtle sparkling finish...beautiful. I just paint all over the front

 

8. Once dry, distress the edges of the numbers by running them through the ink.

(my ribbon is already on the numbers, because in this tutorial I am adding to last years project...if you are starting fresh add the ribbon at the end)

9. Once the number side is dry, add the image to the back. Cut/trim/tear image to size; apply a thin layer of decoupage to the back using a foam brush; apply image; apply another layer of Decoupage over the image and let dry.

8. Once dry cut ribbon into lengths of about 10" (it can be longer or shorter). Thread through, from the back side, into each hole. Knot on the front side and you have your hanger.

 

So, you can leave these little guys "plain" -
meaning just the numbers on one side or you can add a touch of vintage magic.
I know Jules will love this new "flip-flop" addition!

I was also thinking that one day my kids will grow up, and I won't l need an advent calendar, but then I can just flip these guys around and still have those memories too.

Do you use an advent calendar?

Any special traditions that go with it?

Happy Thanksgiving!
I am taking a few days off!
I'll be back for Tickled pink on Friday! 

Tickled Pink No. 74

Happy Weekend!

Hey All!

Happy almost Thanksgiving!

What are you doing for T-Day? 
*****
I have been sick again!!!!
Gee...could my body be telling me to S-L-O-W D-O-W-N.
I think so! 
*****
Then my son had part 3 of his state report due...
much encouragement and supervision required!
So ready for a few days off and hubby being home!
*****
I try not to ask for a lot...
and I usually do not get involved in contests...
BUT I DID, SO PRETTY PLEASE
head over to the BHG Live Better Facebook Page
check out the Harvest tables.

And if you feel so inclined tell them I sent ya and like my little ole table!
IF we (all of us 504 Main readers) send the most traffic, the guess what?
THERE WILL BE A $100 GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY HERE!
Fee free to tweet or Facebook this too use this link:
 http://on.fb.me/utHezF

Here is the full post for my table if you want to check it out! 

 *****

Check out the I Made This Challenge

******************

FEATURES
Loving this book page bunting from Cheap Chic Home. I adore the old fashioned Santas!

 *****
Clever ways to hide and give money from Style Baggage

*****
More to think about when using Pinterest from The Mominizer

*****
Some new Christmas Traditions perhaps...check out what The Pless Press has in mind.

*****
Grateful for Books and the written word at I am a Mother Seeking... 

*****
Chocolate Chip Toffee from Just Sew Sassy! YUM!

*****
Coal Cookies! Love this idea from More Style Than Cash!

I just want to say a BIG THANK YOU to everyone
who links up, reads, and visits. I truly appreciate it.

So, go on over and LIKE 504 Main on Facebook!
I share more features there throughout the week.

I am also inviting you to share your

link on my FaceBook wall.

Please no giveaways or etsy shops or "please follow" messages,
but whatever you link up here, feel free to share the link on my Facebook Wall.
(be sensible peeps...I reserve the right to DELETE!)
If I feature you on Facebook or twitter, be sure to grab a button HERE!

Have a GREAT weekend!

NOW FOR TICKLED PINK!

TICKLED PINK has categories

PLEASE ADD a link back or Tickled Pink Button to your post!


A craft...a recipe...a tip...a party...a short story...a  poem...
a  fashion find...a  favorite product...your favorite  post...
whatever makes  your blog  fabulous!
That is what Tickled Pink is all about!
{and it does NOT have to be PINK}

<a href="http://www.504main.com"><img alt="Tickled Pink at 504 Main" src=" http://i883.photobucket.com/albums/ac35/Holly7081/Grab_button_150-1-3.jpg" /></a>

PRACTICE PINK KINDNESS
1. Link  up...whatever makes  your blog  fabulous. Family Friendly please. Guess what? Your post does not have to be PINK!! 
2. PLEASE LINK TO A POST URL, ****NOT YOUR MAIN URL****
3. Pretty please...add the Tickled Pink button to the post* {people need  to know what the heck they are doing!}. 
4.  I reserve the right to remove posts that are offensive or do not  adhere  to the rules, without any discussion, at my discretion.
5. Please visit at least 2 other links!

I won't banish you if you mess up, but try to link appropriately, pretty please!

Craft, DIY, Decorate
crafting, diy, decor type links

Cook, Bake, Eat
stuff to eat, cook, drink, and bake

Read, Write, Share
posts you love, stories, favorite things, ideas to share