Beth Watson, Author at Ann Butler Designs

December 30, 2015 By Beth Watson Leave a Comment

30 Minute Monogram Cocktail Napkins

Happy New Year’s Eve! Tomorrow is the night for the party of all parties, so let’s craft up some last minute, but quick and easy Monogram Cocktail Napkins to impress your friends and family!

Now, on to my project!

Ink Colorbox® Background Basics Stamps by Ann Butler – Diamonds, Checks, Basket and Picnic with Colorbox® Crafter’s Ink by Ann Butler – Aquamarine, Lilac, Berry and Limelight, then stamp in the center of a white cocktail size paper napkin, let dry.

Select Monogram from the Ann Butler Designs EZ-De’s Flourish 2″ABC’s, ink with Colorbox® Crafter’s Ink by Ann Butler – Night and stamp in the center. Let ink dry.

If you are having an intimate dinner party, you could create a napkin (or two) for each guest with their Monogram. If you are going to a party, these napkins would make a perfect Host/Hostess gift along with a nice bottle of wine!

Mix and match colors and patterns for a fun and funky feel -or- use one color with one pattern for a sophisticated presentation. The possibilities are endless – just like the potential of the new year!

Have fun, be safe and enjoy the happiest 2016!

Check out Ann Butler Designs FB page for more inspiration and thanks for stopping by! -Beth

November 20, 2015 By Beth Watson 1 Comment

Crafter’s Ink Stained Gift Box

The holidays are fast approaching and I always like to present a gift in a handmade container, especially gift cards. It provides you the opportunity to give a generic gift card in a personalized gift box – elevating it to the next level!

I have recently discovered that Colorbox® Crafter’s Ink pads by Ann Butler can be used to stain wood – SWOON! This opens up a whole new world for me in moving beyond fabric and paper with my ink pads and stamps!

Now on to my project…

In a well-ventilated area, spray painting the outside of a craft store octagonal wooden box with Wood Tone Spray Paint, let dry.

Place craft store balsa wood slats on a protected work surface, (like an old towel) mist lightly with water and apply Colorbox® Crafter’s Ink by Ann Butler: Ocean Breeze, Limelight, Blueberry, Deep Woods, Evergreen and Aquamarine in sweeping motions. Let ink dry completely. To achieve darker tones, mist and apply a second layer of ink.

Apply Tombow Xtreme Adhesive to the back of slats and attach to the lid of the wooden box in a vertical pattern to follow the lines of the box.

Flip box over onto a self-healing mat and trim off excess with a craft knife.

Finish trimmed ends with Colorbox® Crafter’s Ink by Ann Butler and ColorBox® Art Daubers, to create a detailed application of ink to wood.

Create Faux Stitching on the top of your gift box with the NEW Colorbox® Background Basics Stamps by Ann Butler – Stitch Stamps and Colorbox® Crafter’s Ink by Ann Butler, Bark. I have to say that I LOVE these new Stitch Stamps, they are the perfect addition to Ann’s line of Faux Quilting stamps! Let ink dry completely.

Fill with some holiday cheer and give a Crafter’s Ink Stained Gift Box as the perfect gift for everyone on your list!

Check out the Ann Butler Designs Facebook Page for even more inspiration!

Thanks for stopping by! –Beth

October 26, 2015 By Beth Watson 1 Comment

Amish Inspired Faux Quilted Kitchen Towel

I am obsessed with quilting even though I can’t really sew. Sounds like a contradiction, but it isn’t when you have Ann Butler Designs Faux Quilting Stamps! These stamps give anyone the opportunity to quilt like a pro on any surface!

I was recently inspired by the black background and bright colors of Amish Quilts, so I created a kitchen towel to celebrate this dramatic style of quilting.

Now on to my project!

Measure and cut an 18″ by 8″ piece of The Warm Company Warm & Natural batting. Arrange Ann Butler 2″ square Faux Quilting Stamps by Unity Stamp Co.: Leaves All Over; Stripes Dots Hearts and Doily Picnic on an acrylic stamp block. Ink each stamp with Colorbox® Crafter’s Ink by Ann Butler: Lilac, Berry, Limelight and Aquamarine. Mist lightly and stamp on Warm & Natural batting. Repeat until the length of batting is filled with stamped images.

Select coordinating Ann Butler 2″ triangular Faux Quilting Stamps by Unity Stamp Co.: Leaves All Over; Stripes Dots Hearts and Doily Picnic on an acrylic stamp block. Ink each stamp with Colorbox® Crafter’s Ink by Ann Butler: Lilac, Berry, Limelight and Aquamarine. Mist lightly and stamp on Warm & Natural batting under square images. Repeat until the length of batting is filled with stamped images.

Once the ink is dry, cut out with sharp scissors.

Pin batting to terry cloth kitchen towel. Attach using a sewing machine and black thread by stitching around and through square stamp blocks. Leave triangular stamp blocks un-stitched to create additional interest and dimension.

These Amish Inspired Faux Quilted Kitchen Towels go together quickly and easily, so you can stamp up and stitch up a whole bunch to give as gifts this holiday season. The perfect Hostess Gift for the Thanksgiving or Christmas party season.

Thanks for stopping by and don’t forget to check out the Ann Butler Designs Instagram for additional inspiration! -Beth

October 21, 2015 By Beth Watson 1 Comment

15 Minute Stamped Pumpkins

Fall is my favorite season, but living in Florida makes it difficult to enjoy, so I have to create my own Fall with Faux Quilted Pumpkins!

I recently had a bunch of random wooden pieces sitting on my work table and I thought that these blocks were the same size as Ann Butler Designs Background Basics stamps – and I was right – so I created these Faux Quilted Pumpkins!

I LOVE it when a design comes together.

Here’s how to make it:

1.) Base coat larger block with Americana Paint by DecoArt Orange Twist and smaller block Tangelo Orange, let dry. Apply a second coat, if necessary.

2.) Load Colorbox® Background Basics Stamps by Ann Butler – Diamond and Picnic with Ann Butler Crafter’s® Ink by Clearsnap – Tangelo and stamp on four sides and top of each block. Use a heat tool to set ink, which will make stamping quicker.

Place a medium side craft cork on the end of the piercing tool and roll on Ann Butler Crafter’s® Ink by Clearsnap – Bark ink pad to create the pumpkin stem. Repeat with small craft cork. Attach to top of Pumpkins with Beacon Premium Tacky Glue.

Load Colorbox® Background Basics Stamps by Ann Butler – Basket with Ann Butler Crafter’s® Ink by Clearsnap – Evergreen and stamp on lime green cardstock, let dry. Cut out two leaf patterns. Fold in half and attach to Top of Pumpkin with Beacon Premium Tacky Glue. Tie a bow around each Pumpkin stem with twine.

Quick and easy to make, these Faux Quilted Pumpkins were created in just 15 minutes, so make a whole PUMPKIN PATCH to display in your own home or give as gifts! These would also make a great place card for Thanksgiving dinner.

Thanks for stopping by and make sure to check out all of the inspiration over on the Ann Butler Designs Facebook Page! -Beth

September 21, 2015 By Beth Watson 1 Comment

Background Basics Quilted Box

I recently purchased several wooden boxes on clearance at my local craft store. They had a recessed lid and I thought they would be great for a multitude of crafting projects. First up is a Quilted Box using my Ann Butler Designs Background Basics stamps and Crafters Ink from Clearsnap.

Here’s what you need:

Ann Butler Crafter’s® Ink by Clearsnap – Limelight, Aquamarine, Lilac and Berry
Colorbox® Background Basics Stamps by Ann Butler – Checks, Diamond, Basket and Picnic
The Warm Company – Warm & Natural Needled Cotton and Soft Soft High Loft
Design Master ColorTool – Glossy Wood Tone
Wooden Box 6″ by 6″ with recessed lid; Sewing Machine; Tan Thread with Bobbin; Water Mister; Orange Button; Yellow Embroidery Floss; Chenille Needle; Scissors.

Here’s how to make it:

1.) In a well ventilated area, spray wooden box with Glossy Wood Tone, let dry. Apply a second coat, if necessary.

2.) Stamp each of the four Colorbox® Background Basics Stamps by Ann Butler – Checks, Diamond, Basket and Picnic with the Ann Butler Crafter’s® Ink by Clearsnap – Limelight, Aquamarine, Lilac and Berry on an 8″ by 8″ square of Warm & Natural Needled Cotton. When stamping on fabric, ink stamp, mist with water and stamp on batting to create a more crisp and vibrantly stamped image.

3.) Layer stamped batting with Soft Soft High Loft. To quilt, sew around outside edge and between stamped images.

4.) Thread chenille needle with yellow embroidery floss and sew orange button in center of stamped and quilted batting.

5.) Trim any uneven sections of batting with scissors and dry fit into box lid. Glue stamped and quilted batting on to box lid, let dry.

Fill your Quilted Box with sewing notions, special presents or even a gift card.

Then the gift box becomes part of the gift and a handmade keepsake!

Check out the Ann Butler Designs Instagram page for additional inspiration.

Thanks for stopping by! -Beth

September 11, 2015 By Beth Watson Leave a Comment

Background Basics Pinwheel Gift Boxes

I recently discovered and immediately became addicted to making paper pinwheels, so I had to share how to make them with you all!

Quick and easy to make because the base is a Colorbox® Background Basics Stamps by Ann Butler and they can have a multitude of uses from decorating frames, gift boxes, cards or scrapbook layouts! A very custom look on a budget! You can even adjust the size to create extra large pinwheels to decorate a kids room or nursery!

Here is what you will need:

Ann Butler Crafter’s® Ink by Clearsnap – Limelight, Aquamarine, Sunshine, Lilac, Night and Berry
Colorbox® Background Basics Stamps by Ann Butler – Checks, Diamond, Basket and Picnic
Tombow – Xtreme Permanent Adhesive, Xtreme Power Tabs
Pastel Cardstock in Lavender, Pink, Green, Yellow and Blue; Ruler; Pencil; Buttons; Embroidery Floss; Scissors; Baby Wipes; Kraft Paper Gift Boxes.

Here is how I made it:

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

2.) Attach two contrasting squares together with Tombow Xtreme Adhesive. Draw lines from corner to corner, then measure 1″ on either side of the center line.

3.) Cut on each of the four solid lines, stopping at the 1″ mark.

4.) Attach a Tombow Xtreme Adhesive Tab to the center of the square.

5.) Fold in every other triangle point and secure to the adhesive to create a pinwheel.

6.) Select a contrasting button and tie a bow with embroidery floss. Attach button to pinwheel with Tombow Xtreme Adhesive Tab

7.) Cut out one additional Colorbox® Background Basics Stamps by Ann Butler – Checks, Diamond, Basket and Picnic stamped design and attach to box lid with Tombow Xtreme Adhesive.

8.) Attach each pinwheel to a decorated box with a Tombow Xtreme Tab.

Here are some detailed images of the boxes!

Thanks for stopping by and check out Ann Butler Designs on Facebook for more crafty inspiration!

August 14, 2015 By Beth Watson 1 Comment

Background Basics Stamped American Girl Doll Outfit

I have been doing a lot of crafting this Summer with my Niece. She has an American Girl Doll named Sage and we recently found a plain t-shirt and jeans outfit at Michael’s that I thought would be perfect to stamp on.

Here’s what you will need:

Ann Butler Crafter’s® Ink by Clearsnap – Lilac and Berry
Colorbox® Background Basics Stamps by Ann Butler – Diamond and Picnic
18″ Doll Outfit; Lavender Rhinestones; Gem Adhesive and Baby Wipes

Here’s how to make it:

1.) Load the Colorbox® Background Basics Stamps by Ann Butler – Diamond with Ann Butler Crafter’s® Ink by Clearsnap – Lilac mist with water and stamp a square in the center on front of shirt. Re-ink and stamp rectangles on both sleeve cuffs. Clean stamp with Baby Wipe.

2.) Load the Colorbox® Background Basics Stamps by Ann Butler – Picnic with Ann Butler Crafter’s® Ink by Clearsnap – Berry mist with water and stamp a diamond in the center on front of shirt. Re-ink and stamp triangles on both sleeve cuffs. Clean stamp with Baby Wipe.

3.) Attach lavender rhinestones on sleeves and at neckline, securing with Gem Glue.

Sage just loves her new, casual and crafty outfit that we made for her (and so does my Niece) SCORE!

Thanks for stopping by and don’t forget to like Ann Butler Designs on Facebook for even more inspiration!

July 17, 2015 By Beth Watson 2 Comments

Background Basics Faux Quilted Gift Bags and Tissue Paper

I am always scrambling at the last minute for something to package a gift in.

I never seem to have the right wrapping paper or gift bag for the gift I am giving, so I decided to get a head start by creating some quick and easy Background Basics Faux Quilted gift bags with coordinating tissue paper. This way I can mix and match to create a variety of color schemes that are perfect for the giftee!

Here’s what you will need:

Ann Butler Crafter’s® Ink by Clearsnap – Limelight, Aquamarine, Sunshine, Lilac and Berry
Colorbox® Background Basics Stamps by Ann Butler – Checks, Diamond, Basket and Picnic
Tissue Paper – Fuchsia, Turquoise, Yellow, Lavender and Green; Kraft Gift Bags; Scissors; Baby Wipes.

Here’s how to make it:

1.) Load Background Basics stamps with Ann Butler Crafter’s Ink and stamp on the like colored tissue paper. Repeat with all stamps until tissue paper surface is covered. Set aside to dry.

2.) Load Background Basics stamps with Ann Butler Crafter’s Ink and stamp on front and back of kraft paper gift bag. Set aside to dry.

3.) Fill bag with tissue (and GIFT) and use for all of those last minute gifting opportunities that arise! These would make great goodie bags for a Birthday or Anniversary Party as well!

Thanks for stopping by! -Beth

June 12, 2015 By Beth Watson 2 Comments

Background Basics Faux Quilted Party Containers

Summer is party season and I love to entertain! These Faux Quilted Party Containers will brighten up any Pool Party or Bunco Night with the Girls AND they are quick and easy to make from recycled deli containers!

Here’s what you Need:

Ann Butler Crafter’s® Ink by Clearsnap – Limelight, Aquamarine and Berry
Colorbox® Background Basics Stamps by Ann Butler – Checks, Diamond, Basket and Picnic
Tissue Paper – Fuchsia, Turquoise and Lime Green; Plastic Recycled Deli Containers (3); Decoupage Medium; Paint Brush; Scissors.

Learn to make faux quilted party containers with Ann Butler Designs #diy, #partyfavors, #AnnButlerDesigns, #fauxquilting

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Here’s how to make it:

1.) Thoroughly wash and dry deli containers. Randomly stamp Ann Butler Background Basics Stamps on tissue paper with coordinating Ann Butler Crafters® Ink. Let dry completely.

2.) Paint decoupage medium on stamped surface of tissue paper, then wrap around outside of recycled plastic container. Smooth out tissue paper with your fingers as you go. Miter the corners of the tissue paper, then overlap the corners to create a finished look. Let dry completely.

3.) Once dry, carefully trim the ragged edge of the tissue paper with scissors.

4.) Fill with your favorite “dry” party foods, serve and ENJOY!

NOTE: Since these containers cannot be submerged in water to be washed, use “dry” party foods such as nuts and hard shell candies. Wipe inside of containers clean with a damp paper towel.

GIFT IDEA: Thoroughly wash and dry the lid as well and decorate in the same fashion. Fill with your favorite candy or baked goods and give as a gift to a special friend or someone who just needs a smile!

Like the Ann Butler Designs FB Page for even more inspiration!

Thanks for stopping by! -Beth

May 13, 2015 By Beth Watson Leave a Comment

Faux Quilted Candle Jar Wrap

The end of the school year is almost upon us and what would be a better gift to give that special teacher, but a yummy candle jar decorated with a {FAUX QUILTED} wrap! Quick and easy to make with the kiddos help!

Here’s What You Need:

Ann Butler Crafter’s® Ink by Clearsnap – Ocean Breeze, Limelight, Aquamarine, Berry, Sunshine, Tangelo, Bark and Lilac

EZ De’s 1″ Rail Fence Set A

EZ De’s 2″ Checkered Woven Hearts

Ann Butler {Faux Quilted} Stamps by Unity Stamp Company – 2″ Doily Picnic; 2″ Diamonds & Plaid and 2″ Leaves All Over.

White Cardstock; Buttons (4); String; Scissors; Acrylic Stamp Block; Baby Wipes and Pinking Shears.

Here’s How To Make It a Faux Quilted Candle Jar Wrap:

1.) Place Striped Rail Stamp (from the EZ De’s 1″ Rail Fence Set A), upside down on stamp block. Ink with Ann Butler Crafter’s Ink in Aquamarine, stamp along edge of cardstock.

2.) Place Solid Square Stamp (from the EZ De’s 2″ Checkered Woven Hearts Set) on stamp block. Ink, then stamp with Ann Butler Crafter’s Ink in Lilac, Tangelo, Ocean Breeze, Berry, Limelight and Sunshine. Repeat as needed to fill width of cardstock.

3.) Repeat Step One along the top edge of the 2″ colored squares.

4.) Place the Striped Rail right side up on stamp block, ink with Ann Butler Crafter’s Ink in Bark, stamp over lower Aquamarine Stripe. Place Star Rail right side up on stamp block, ink with Bark, stamp over upper Aquamarine stripe. Randomly select square and triangular stamps from the 2″ Doily Picnic, 2″ Diamonds & Plaid and 2″ Leaves All Over {Faux Quilted} stamp sets, ink in Bark and stamp over solid colored squares. Let ink dry completely.

5.) Thread string through buttons and attach to center of Faux quilted Squares with Tombow USA Adhesive Dots. Cut out with pinking shears, wrap around candle jar, securing with Tombow USA Xtreme Permanent Adhesive Runner.

Thanks for stopping by! -Beth