Beth Watson, Author at Ann Butler Designs

April 6, 2017 By Beth Watson Leave a Comment

How To Make A Spring Inspired Faux Quilted Frame

Happy Spring! Beth here on the blog today to show how to make a Spring inspired Faux Quilted Frame! I love to brighten up my home decor when Spring has sprung! The daylight hours get longer and the dull, dreariness of Winter is finally over. Ann Butlers’ inks and stamps are the perfect way to add that brightness and freshness to your home decor.

Here’s how I made it

STEP ONE:

Load the Colorbox® Background Basics by Ann Butler stamps with Colorbox Crafter’s® Ink by Ann Butler and stamp onto matching colored cardstock. I stamped one of each square and triangle with each colored ink, so I had a variety to choose from. TIP: This will also give you extras to start your next project with!

STEP TWO:

Measure the paper insert inside your picture frame, then transfer those measurements onto a plain piece of cardstock. Measure 4 1/4″ in from each edge to make a square, then cut out the inside square with a metal ruler and craft knife over a self-healing mat. This will be the base to attach your Faux Quilt to.

STEP THREE:

I attempted to create a pattern with the squares and the triangles but I did not like any of the combinations, so I cut all of my squares into triangles and then began laying out my pattern. Not sure if this is an actual quilt pattern or not, but I really liked the blues and greens framing the photo! Once you are pleased with the composition, attach the shapes with a permanent adhesive runner. I started in the four corners and then worked my way to the center.

STEP FOUR:

Using the Zig Zag Stamp from the Color Box® Background Basics by Ann Butler Stitch Stamps, embellish the “seams” with Colorbox Crafter’s® Ink in Night. Because these stamps are large, they are pretty easy to line up, but I like the areas where they didn’t match up perfectly because it looks more homemade!

Select a photo, load the frame, then hang and ENJOY! Or give as a gift since Easter and Mother’s Day are quickly approaching.

I hope you have enjoyed my tutorial on how to make a Spring Inspired Faux Quilted Frame and that you will use my project as a jumping off point to showcase YOUR creativity featuring Ann Butler Designs products! Just share on social media using #annbutlerdesigns

This post may contain affiliate links, when you make a purchase, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you – this helps to keep this web site up and to continue to bring you awesome projects like this one!

Ann Butler Designs Products used:

ColorBox Crafter’s® Ink by Ann Butler: Limelight, Berry, Tangelo, Sunshine, Aquamarine, Lilac

Color Box® Background Basics by Ann Butler: Basket 1 & 2, Diamonds 1 & 2, Checks 1 & 2, Picnic 1 & 2, Stitch Stamps

other products:

Cardstock: Pastel Green, Pink, Orange, Yellow, Blue, Purple
Cardstock, White
Paper Trimmer
Scissors
Craft Knife
Permanent Adhesive Runner
Dollar Store Picture Frame, Black, 12″ x 12″
Pencil
Ruler
Baby Wipes to clean stamps

Follow Ann on Social Media:

Thanks for stopping by! -Beth

March 16, 2017 By Beth Watson Leave a Comment

Quick and Easy Lucky Shamrock Note Cards

Happy almost St. Patrick’s Day everyone! Beth, here on the blog today to share my quick and easy lucky shamrock note cards! This set of 12 note cards went together in just under one hour, a great project for all of those last minute lucky wishes that you might want to share with your family, teachers, neighbors and co-workers.

Here’s how I made it:

STEP ONE:

Cut strips of different shades of green cardstock with a paper trimmer. Attach strips of paper to a sheet of plain cardstock with a permanent adhesive runner.

STEP TWO:

Embellish the strips with ColorBox Background Basics Stitch Stamps by Ann Butler using ColorBox Crafter’s Ink in Limelight, Evergreen and Deep Woods. Experiment to see which inks work best on the light and the dark card stock colors. Fill the entire sheet of card stock with Stitch Stamps.

STEP THREE:

Trace shamrock shapes on to the striped card stock. Cut out with scissors.

STEP FOUR:

Attach the shamrocks to the front of robins egg blue A2 note cards with foam tape. I like the added dimension the foam tape gives the note card.

STEP FIVE:

Apply gold glitter letter stickers spelling LUCKY to the front of each card. TIP: I use the blade of my craft knife to lift small stickers and embellishments from their backing sheet. This allows for accurate placement on your project.

Here is a detail of the stamped shamrock. I love all of the different shades of green paired with the robins egg blue in these cards. It is truly a MAGICAL color combination!

I hope that you have enjoyed my quick and easy lucky shamrock note cards today, and that you will use my project as a jumping off point to showcase YOUR creativity featuring Ann Butler Designs products! Just share on social media using #annbutlerdesigns

Ann Butler Designs Products used:

ColorBox Crafter’s® Ink by Ann Butler Designs – Limelight, Evergreen, Deep Woods

Color Box® Background Basics by Ann Butler Designs – Stitch Stamps

other products:

Shades of Green Card Stock, Plain Card Stock
Paper Trimmer, Scissors, Craft Knife
Permanent Adhesive Runner, Foam Tape
Robins Egg Blue A2 Note Cards and Envelopes (12)
Gold Glitter Letter Stickers
Pencil
Baby Wipes to clean stamps

Follow Ann on Social Media:

Thanks for stopping by! -Beth

February 14, 2017 By Beth Watson Leave a Comment

Quick and Easy Faux Quilted Valentine’s Day Trio

Happy Valentine’s Day! Beth here to share a quick and easy Faux Quilted Valentine’s Day Trio of decorations to brighten your day!

I always like to craft with my stash whenever possible and create things for holidays instead of just buying them at a store.

Here’s how I made it:

STEP ONE:

Cut strips of various shades of red and pink cardstock on paper trimmer.

STEP TWO:

Attach strips of paper, randomly on cardstock using a permanent adhesive runner.

STEP THREE:

Embellish the strips with ColorBox Background Basics by Ann Butler Stitch Stamps using ColorBox Crafter’s Ink by Ann Butler in Night. Fill the entire sheet of cardstock. Then fill in any empty spaces with the words, LOVE, HUGS, KISSES and XOXO with a permanent black marker.

STEP FOUR:

Using a template, trace four heart shapes onto striped cardstock. Cut out with scissors.

STEP FIVE:

Measure and cut two pieces of Kraft cardstock to fit the front of a gift bag. Measure and cut two additional pieces of Kraft cardstock to 8 1/2″ long by 5″ wide, then fold in half. Stamp each set with a variety of Colorbox Background Basics by Ann Butler Diamonds, Picnic, Basket and Checks with ColorBox Crafter’s Ink in Night, Canyon, Berry. Let dry.

STEP SIX:

Attach each heart to paper doily with foam tape, then layer onto the card and the gift bag. Attach a wooden skewer to the third heart with foam tape and apply a fourth heart to the back to finish. Adhere arrow sticker to front. Embellish with letter stickers and trims.

Even though it is Valentine’s Day it’s not too late to create a special token for the ones you love.

Make sure to check out the Ann Butler Designs Facebook page and Instagram account for tons of additional inspirational Faux Quilted projects.

Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! -Beth

August 18, 2016 By Beth Watson Leave a Comment

Faux Quilted Pineapple Planter

Hi faux quilting friends! Beth here on the blog to share my Faux Quilted Pineapple Planter with y’all today!

I was walking through Target recently and noticed their expanded craft aisle with bright colors and cute packaging. Lots of washi tape, kids crafts and wooden items. I picked up a faceted wooden vase because I thought it looked trendy, but as it sat on my craft table I started to see the base of a pineapple – light bulb crafting moment! I love those!

Here’s how I made it:

Step One:

Select four shades of yellow acrylic paint. I used Americana paint by DecoArt in Moon Yellow, Antique Gold, Mustard Seed and Golden Straw. Paint each facet a different color matching up the lighter shades with the darker shades, let dry. Apply a second coat, if necessary.

Step Two:

Load ColorBox® Background Basics by Ann Butler Diamonds and Picnic with ColorBox® Crafter’s Ink by Ann Butler in Bark and stamp onto each facet. Alternate stamp designs for a true Faux Quilted look! TIP: I always paint the bottom of my projects and then use it as a “test” to make sure that everything looks the way I intended before I stamp on the sides or top.

Mask off the edge of each section with wide washi tape and stamp the top of the planter for a finished look. Let ink dry and set completely, overnight. Apply several coats of Americana Matte Spray Sealer to protect your project.

Place your “pineapple” topper plant in your planter and enjoy it’s hospitality!

This was a quick and easy project that went together in just under 30 minutes. Great gift for a neighbor, new homeowner or teacher. I am definitely going back to Target to scoop up the rest of these planters!

For more inspiration check out the Ann Butler Designs FB page and Twitter.

Thanks for stopping by! -Beth

June 30, 2016 By Beth Watson Leave a Comment

Faux Quilted Patriotic Flag Shirts

Hi Crafters! Beth here on the blog today sharing these quick and easy Faux Quilted Patriotic Flag Shirts with Ann Butler Designs!

I was inspired by an actual Flag Quilt pattern that I found on Pinterest.

Measure and cut a large rectangle 8″ tall by 12″ long and a small rectangle 4″ tall by 7″ long, then fray all edges for a vintage look. Using the Ann Butler Designs 2″ Diamonds & Plaids and Doily Picnic Faux Quilting Stamps from Unity Stamp Company, stamp a square in the upper left hand corner of the fabric with ColorBox Crafter’s® Ink by Ann Butler Designs in Ocean Breeze, let dry.

Line up four stamps from the Ann Butler Designs 1″ Diamonds & Plaids, Leaves All Over and Doily Picnic Faux Quilting Stamps from Unity Stamp Company on one acrylic block. Load with ColorBox Crafter’s® Ink by Ann Butler Designs in Canyon and stamp across the top edge of the fabric. Repeat with four different 1″ stamps, load with Night Ink and stamp underneath the red stripe. Repeat on both rectangles until all the fabric has been stamped. TIP: If the cling on the back of the cling stamps isn’t clinging securely, then apply a line of Tombow MONO Removable Adhesive.

Attach Faux Quilted Flags to t-shirts with Therm-o-web Heat’n Bond Hem Adhesive. Cut in 12″ lengths, line up to form a rectangle and then place your Faux Quilted Flag on top.

Heat iron to medium temperature with no steam, according to package directions. Attach Heat’n Bond by placing iron on top of project, let sit for 5 seconds, lift then place down for another 5 seconds. Repeat until entire flag has been bonded. Turn inside out and repeat the ironing process. Let cool. TIP: I always check the edges with my fingernail to make sure that the entire edge has been bonded.

Select a variety of white star buttons, thread with white embroidery floss and glue onto flag with Beacon Adhesives Fabri-Tac for a permanent fabric bond. The Heat’n Bond makes it difficult to sew on the buttons. This step is quicker and easier than sewing!

I hope you have enjoyed my Faux Quilted Patriotic Flag Shirts. They were quick and easy to create in just a few short hours and I know my nieces will enjoy wearing them this weekend for the Fourth of July!

Thanks for stopping by and don’t forget to check out Ann Butler Designs Facebook page for tons more inspiration!

May 19, 2016 By Beth Watson Leave a Comment

Faux Quilted Gingham Placemat with Monogrammed Napkin

Happy Monday crafty friends! Beth here to share with you my Faux Quilted Gingham Placemat with Monogram Napkin set – just in time for the Summer picnic season!

It’s already the middle of May and Summer is just around the corner, so I have created a quick and easy gingham pattern that can be monogrammed and customized to compliment your outside dining plans!

Here’s how I made it:

From white cotton sheeting style fabric, measure a rectangle that is 14″ by 16″. Snip and tear to create a naturally frayed edge. I love how the frayed edges give a casual feel to this set!

Measure and tape off a rectangle that is 10″ by 14″.

Use the Ann Butler Designs Faux Quilting stamps from Unity Stamp Company in 2″ Leaves All Over and 2″ Diamonds and Plaids to create your gingham pattern. Starting in the bottom left hand corner attach the 2″ Diamond stamp to an acrylic stamp block, load with Colorbox® Crafters Ink by Ann Butler in Canyon, mist lightly with water before stamping on fabric. Alternate first vertical row with 2″ Diamond and 2″ Plaid stamp. Alternate the second vertical row with 2″ Plaid and 2″ Leaves. Repeat until entire placement is stamped.

Since I am going to be using this for food service, I heat set the ink with a warm iron and sprayed with a light coat of Scotch Guard fabric protector.

From white cotton sheeting style fabric, measure a rectangle that is 12″ by 12″. Snip and tear to create a naturally frayed edge.

Measure and tape off a rectangle that is 6″ by 6″.

Select your monogram from the Ann Butler Designs EZ-Dee’s 2″ Flourish ABC’s, attach to an acrylic stamp block, then load with Colorbox® Crafters Ink by Ann Butler in Night. Stamp diagonally on top edge of napkin.

Heat set the ink with a warm iron and spray with a light coat of Scotch Guard fabric protector.

Cut a 20″ length of black gross grain ribbon and tie in a bow around the napkin.

Repeat for as many places as you would like to set at your table, then set your table and enjoy!

Mix and match the stamp patterns and colors to create a customized look for your patio! I would love to see what Summer Crafts you can create with a gingham pattern, so post your projects on social media and tag @annbutlerdesigns

Thanks for stopping by! –Beth

April 11, 2016 By Beth Watson 1 Comment

Faux Quilted Home Sweet Home

Happy Monday everyone!

Beth here on the blog today to share with you a quilt block inspired Faux Quilted Home Sweet Home, houses! A great addition to your Spring home decor, plus they are quick and easy to make in just an evening or afternoon!

Here is what you will need:

Ann Butler Designs Crafter’s® Ink by Clearsnap – Aquamarine, Sunshine, Lilac, Limelight, Tangelo and Berry
Ann Butler Designs Colorbox® Background Basics Stamps – Checks, Diamond, Basket and Picnic
Tombow – Xtreme Permanent Adhesive, MONO Aqua Liquid Glue.
Wooden Houses (unfinished, set of three) found at Michael’s; Pastel Cardstock in Lavender, Pink, Yellow, Peach, Light Green and Blue; Ruler; Pencil; Ribbon; Scissors; Baby Wipes; White Letter Stickers, White Enamel Dots; Three Varieties of Lace.

Here is how I made it:

Step One: Stamp each of the sx Colorbox® Background Basics Stamps by Ann Butler Designs – Checks, Diamond, Basket and Picnic both the square stamps and the triangular stamps with the Ann Butler Designs Crafter’s® Ink by Clearsnap – Aquamarine, Sunshine, Lilac, Limelight, Tangelo and Berry once on the coordinating cardstock. I love how Ann’s brightly colored inks pop off the pastel cardstock colors!

Step Two: Cut out all square and triangular stamped images with scissors. Dry fit colors and patterns on each wooden house shape. There are six sides to each house and six different colors of stamped images, so you can mix and match! Apply stamped images to houses with Tombow MONO Aqua Liquid Glue with the broad tip. Then use the base of the glue bottle to smooth out the paper and obtain a good bond.

Step Three: Apply lace trim to each house with Tombow Xtreme Adhesive Runner.

Step Four: Cut out doors and windows from stamped images and apply to houses with adhesive runner.

Step Five: Apply white enamel dot “door knobs” to each door. Apply letter stickers to each house to spell “HOME SWEET HOME”.

Display on a shelf or coffee table to brighten your Home Sweet Home for Spring.

Make a set to give as a gift for Mother’s Day or to congratulate a friend on their new home!

More creativity and inspiration can be found on Ann Butler Designs Facebook Page.

Thanks for stopping by! -Beth

March 23, 2016 By Beth Watson 5 Comments

Faux Quilted Easter Bunny Gift Bags

Easter is just around the corner, so it’s a good thing that these Faux Quilted Easter Bunny Gift Bags go together in under an hour with a bunny quilt block pattern I found on Pinterest.

Here is what you will need:

Ann Butler Designs Crafter’s® Ink by Clearsnap – Aquamarine, Sunshine, Lilac and Berry
Ann Butler Designs Colorbox® Background Basics Stamps – Checks, Diamond, Basket and Picnic
Tombow – Xtreme Permanent Adhesive, Xtreme Power Tabs, Foam Tape, Xtreme Tabs and MONO Twin Permanent Marker.
Pastel Cardstock in Lavender, Pink, Yellow and Blue; Ruler; Pencil; Ribbon; Scissors; Baby Wipes; White Gift Bags and Green Easter Grass.

Here is how I made it:

Stamp each of the four Colorbox® Background Basics Stamps by Ann Butler Designs – Checks, Diamond, Basket and Picnic with the Ann Butler Designs Crafter’s® Ink by Clearsnap – Aquamarine, Sunshine, Lilac and Berry twice on the coordinating cardstock. I love how Ann’s brightly colored inks pop off the pastel cardstock colors!

03-16 ABD FAUX QUILTED BUNNY BAGS BETH WATSON

Trim each square neatly with scissors.

Trim a 1/2″ corner from the whole square and cut the other square in half, diagonally, to create two triangles. Repeat with all colors.

03-16 ABD FAUX QUILTED BUNNY BAGS BETH WATSON 4

Apply adhesive runner to the back of the square, apply triangle flush with the top corner and then apply more adhesive and stack the second triangle on top of the first. Repeat with all colors.

Apply self adhesive rhinestones for eyes and permanent marker for whiskers. Repeat with all colors.

Cut rectangles of pastel papers and layout your colors.

Attach pastel rectangles with adhesive runner. Decorate edge of papers with squiggly lines made with permanent marker.

03-16 ABD FAUX QUILTED BUNNY BAGS BETH WATSON 8

Add two strips of foam tape to the back of each Bunny. Peel off liner paper and attach to gift bag.

03-16 ABD FAUX QUILTED BUNNY BAGS BETH WATSON 9

Tie a bow with coordinating ribbon and attach to top of gift bag with adhesive tab. Fill with Easter grass and a surprise!

Faux Quilted Easter Bunny Gift Bags are quick and easy to make with your kiddos in an afternoon. Fill with your bags with the recipients favorite candy. Great gifts for a Teacher, Neighbor or Co-Worker.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out Ann Butler Designs on Instagram for tons more inspiration! -Beth

February 26, 2016 By Beth Watson Leave a Comment

30 Minute Faux Quilted Monogram Zippered Pouch

Happy Friday!

Beth here to share with you this awesome, but quick and easy Faux Quilted Monogram Zippered Pouch – make it in 30 minutes!

I found the zippered pouch on clearance at my local office supply store and bought all six – SCORE. I love a deal and when it is cute and able to be altered – DOUBLE SCORE! The pouches already had the gold band at the bottom and plain canvas on top, which I thought would look great with the aquamarine and lilac color scheme.

I got so excited making this project, that I kind of forgot to take any step out photos, sorry.

Load Ann Butler Designs ColorBox Background Basics Picnic with ColorBox Crafter’s Ink in Lilac, mist with water, then line up in center of zippered pouch and stamp. Note ink will take a bit longer to dry on the gold band.

Repeat with Ann Butler Designs ColorBox Background Basics Diamond with ColorBox Crafter’s Ink in Aquamarine on the left and right side of the zippered pouch.

Load Ann Butler Designs EZ-De’s Flourish 2″ ABC’s with ColorBox Crafter’s Ink in Night, mist with water, then stamp in the center of the lilac square. Let all ink dry completely.

This pouch is going to be for my niece, Marlee and I wanted to dress it up a bit more because she is a girly-girl, so I picked out 2 fancy black vintage buttons I inherited from my Grandmother’s (her Great-Grandmother) stash and sewed them in the center of the Aquamarine squares with embroidery floss and tied the ends in a bow.

Embellish with a black satin bow tied to the zipper!

I am going to fill this 30 Minute Faux Quilted Zippered Pouch with craft supplies for my niece, because she is a crafter too!

Can’t wait to share the story about the vintage buttons with her! My Grandmother was a sewer and not only did I inherit her vintage Singer sewing machine, but all of her buttons as well. She kept all of her buttons in a English Biscuit tin and I can remember just running my hands through all of those buttons when I was a kid thinking that they were like jewels! If she was sewing a top or dress for me then I got to pick out the buttons to use from the tin – PURE MAGIC!

Thanks for stopping by and make sure to check out Ann Butler Designs FB page for tons more inspiration! -Beth

January 25, 2016 By Beth Watson 2 Comments

Faux Quilted Valentine Heart Door Decor with Background Basics

I love all holidays, I am a holiday celebrating kind of gal, which leads me to create unique and inspirational home decor for the holidays! Valentine’s Day is next on the holiday calendar, so I have created this Faux Quilted Heart door decor with Ann Butler Designs Background Basics stamps and Crafter’s Ink from a Heart Quilt pattern I found on Pinterest. I love using this type of door decor instead of a traditional wreath.

Load Ann Butler Designs ColorBox Background Basics with ColorBox Crafter’s Ink in Bark and stamp on a variety of red and pink cardstock. Cut out all shapes with scissors.

Lay out Heart Quilt pattern on white chipboard until you are please with the colors and composition.

Starting at the bottom of the Heart Quilt pattern, attach each shape to chipboard with Xtreme Adhesive.

Neatly cut out the outside edge of the Heart. If you have any edges that didn’t match up perfectly, fill in the space with a Dual Brush Pen. The fine point on the brush tip allows you to get into all the small spaces perfectly!

Measure and cut a 3 1/2″ by 20″ piece on newsprint cardstock, then cut each end in a fishtail. In the center stamp LOVE with Ann Butler Designs EZ-De’s Flourish 2″ ABC’s with ColorBox Crafter’s Ink by Ann Butler Designs in Berry. Fold to create a banner, then attach to center of heart with foam tape.

Cut pink crepe paper streamer in half lengthwise and adhere to back edge of Heart with the Xtreme Adhesive, then attach red crepe paper streamer, over top.

Embellish with clear self adhesive rhinestones.

Attach a ribbon loop to the back of the Heart and hang on the inside your front door.

This Faux Quilted Valentine Heart Door Decor was quick and easy to put together, the hardest part was waiting for the ink to dry! Try mixing and matching your colors and message to personalize your Heart – what message would you stamp? Leave us your ideas in the comments!

Check out additional holiday inspiration on the Ann Butler Designs Instagram!

Thanks for stopping by! -Beth