Beth Watson, Author at Ann Butler Designs

April 13, 2015 By Beth Watson 2 Comments

Anthropologie Inspired Faux Quilted Kitchen Towel

I LOVE the cute and quirky, Bohemian-style kitchen towels that you can find at Anthropologie, but what I do not love is the price – yikes!

We were challenged this month to create a fabric based project, so I decided to make my own Anthropologie Inspired Faux Quilted Kitchen Towel!

Here’s What You Need:

Plain Sack Cloth Kitchen Towel (I found mine at Target); Buttons (4); String; Rick Rack; Ball Fringe; Iron; Ironing Board; Scissors; Acrylic Stamp Block; Baby Wipes.

Here’s How To Make It:

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, mist lightly with water and stamp along edge of towel.

TIP: When stamping on fabric, I find that a light mist of water makes the ink adhere more uniformly to the fabric.

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

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, mist and stamp over lower Aquamarine Stripe. Place Star Rail right side up on stamp block, ink with Bark, mist and 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, mist and stamp over solid colored squares. Once ink is dry, iron on high heat (no steam) to set the ink.

5.) Thread string through buttons and attach to center of Faux quilted Squares with Fabri-Tac. Embellish towel further with ball fringe and rick rack. Let glue dry completely.

I hope you are inspired to create your own kitchen towels – they would make a GREAT Mother’s Day gift!

Thanks for stopping by! -Beth

March 16, 2015 By Beth Watson 1 Comment

Monogram Faux Quilted Note Cards

My sister in law is the queen of the Thank You card, so I have created some bright and cheery monogrammed and faux quilted note cards that she can personalized for any occasion.

Materials:

Ann Butler’s ColorBox® Background Basics Stamps by Clearsnap – 3″ Picnic, Checks, Diamonds and Basket

Ann Butler Crafter’s® Ink by Clearsnap – Ocean Breeze, Limelight, Aquamarine and Lilac
EZ-De’s Flourish 2″ABC’s
Cardstock – natural, black, lilac, lime, aqua and blue, Westcott paper trimmer and scorer, Scissors, acrylic stamp block, baby wipes and off-white colored pencil.

Instructions:
1) Stamp each of the four Background Basics stamps in each of the Crafters Ink colors on natural cardstock, let dry.

2) Place 2″ Flourish monogram on acrylic stamp block, ink with crafters ink in night and stamp in the center of each faux quilted color block, let dry.

3) Trim each of your sixteen color blocks to 3″ square. Measure and cut four 3 1/2″ squares from each of the four colors of card stock. Mount stamped color blocks on contrasting colored cardstock with adhesive runner.
4) Measure and cut sixteen black cardstock rectangles to 4 1/4″ by 5 1/2″. Then score at the 4 1/4″ mark and fold in half.
5) Mount the framed stamped color blocks on to the card blanks with adhesive runner. Write caption under color block with off white colored pencil.
6) Stack cards together and tie with a ribbon. Give as a gift with the off white colored pencil for thank you note writing!

Thanks for stopping by! -Beth

February 21, 2015 By Beth Watson 2 Comments

3D Stamped Pinecone Tutorial

Winter is a great time to decorate with pinecones and I thought that the Picnic Stamp from the Faux Quilting Doily Picnic set would make a great pattern. After a few mishaps, I finally figured out how to make the paper pinecone look almost real! I LOVE it when a crafty plan comes together!

Here’s how I made it!

Materials:

Ann Butler Designs 1″ Doily Picnic Stamp

ColorBox Crafter’s® by Ann Butler in Bark

Kraft Cardstock (2), Foam Egg, Low Temp Glue Gun and Glue Sticks, 1″ Circle Punch, Acrylic Stamp Block and pine branches..

NOTE: I show straight pins in my materials shot below, but when I starting attaching the circles to the foam egg, they did not hold, so I switched to a low temp glue gun. The low temp is important, so as not to melt the foam egg.

Instructions:

1.) Stamp the entire surface of two sheets of kraft cardstock with Picnic Stamp and Bark Ink.

2.) Punch out 1″ circles from both sheets of cardstock.

3.) Starting at tip of foam egg, attach first circle.

4.) Attach circles in a spiral pattern, overlapping approximately 1/3 over the previous layer and adjacent circles. Make sure as you approach the end of the pinecone that the bottom edge of the circles are glued down completely. You might have to fold and bend them to make them fit.

5.) Glue one small pine branch to end of pinecone, then attach one last circle over the pine branch. Embellish with a few more pine branches as an accent.

Make several to fill a decorative bowl or lay out in a grouping with more pine branches to create a wintery centerpiece!

Thanks for stopping by! -Beth

December 23, 2014 By Beth Watson Leave a Comment

Quick and Easy Faux Quilted Holiday Cards

Happy Holidays all!

Beth here with two cute, quick and easy cards that you can create in a matter of minutes! Great for all of those last minute gifts that are needed.

Materials:

Ann Butler {Faux Quilting} stamp sets – 1″ Leaves All Over and 1″ Doily Picnic

Ann Butler Designs Crafter’s Ink by Clearsnap – Bark and Limelight

Colorbox Art Daubers – Clearsnap
Westcott TrimAir Titanium Paper Trimmer with Ruler, 12″ and Westcott Craft Titanium Non-Stick Scissors, 8″ Bent
Tombow Xtreme Adhesive and Tombow Power Adhesive Tabs

Cardstock 8 1/2″ by 11″ – kraft, light green, dark green, bright green and brown; Buttons – 3 large red and 1 small red; acrylic stamp block; pencil;

Instructions:

1.) Cut sheet of kraft cardstock in half to create two pieces that are 5 1/2″ by 8 1/2″ then fold each in half. Place stamps from Leaves All Over and Doily Picnic on acrylic stamp block in a random pattern. Load with Bark ink and stamp on to front of card, let dry.

2.) Clean stamps with baby wipe, then load with limelight ink and stamp on each color of green cardstock, let dry. Draw 2 Holly Leaves in pencil on bright green cardstock and cut out. Select one Triangle pattern from each color of green cardstock and cut out.

3.) Distress edges of shapes with Bark Ink and Art Daubers to make them pop.

4.) Attach leaves to front of card with adhesive runner and button “berries” with dimensional adhesive tabs.

5.) Attach triangles and small rectangle for tree trunk to front of card with adhesive runner and button “tree topper” with dimensional adhesive tabs.

These cards would also make great gift tags as well!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! – Beth

October 22, 2014 By Beth Watson 1 Comment

Faux Quilted Halloween Treat Containers

Halloween is my favorite holiday of the year! I love handing out candy and seeing all of the cute costumes that the kids are wearing. The fun shouldn’t stop just because you’re not a kid anymore, so I have created these cute recycled Halloween Treat Containers from empty powdered drink mix canisters! Some Faux Quilting with Ann Butler’s Unity Stamps embellished with fibers, tags and stickers creates a simple gift for co-workers and neighbors!

Here’s how I made it…

10-16-14 ABD FAUX QUILTED HALLOWEEN TREAT CONTAINER 10

Instructions:

1.) Place 2″ square Faux Quilting stamp on acrylic block, ink with Night and stamp on sewing pattern with scrap paper underneath. Repeat alternating stamps and ink colors until you have created a rectangle 2 squares tall by 5 squares long.

2.) Next, place 1″ triangle Faux Quilting stamp on acrylic block, ink with Tangelo and stamp above first square. Repeat, alternating stamps and ink colors until you have created a border above and below the original rectangular pattern.

10-16-14 ABD FAUX QUILTED HALLOWEEN TREAT CONTAINER 20

3.) Cut out Faux Quilted pattern, run adhesive on back and attach to container by placing the front center on first, then wrapping the edges around to the back.

4.) Decorate with fibers, tag, letter and Halloween stickers.

5.) Then, fill with candy and give out as gifts!

Materials:

Ann Butler {Faux Quilting} stamp sets by Unity Stamp Company – 1″ and 2″ Leaves All Over; 1″ and 2″ Doily Picnic; 1″ and 2″ Diamonds & Plaid; 1″ and 2″ Stripes.Hearts.Dots .
Colorbox® Crafter’s Ink by Ann Butler for Clearsnap® – Night and Tangelo
Tombox Xtreme Adhesive
Sewing Pattern
Acrylic Stamp Block
Recycled Container
Tag
Letter Stickers
Halloween Stickers
Black and Orange Fibers
Scissors
Scrap Paper

We are part of a round up of 30+ Creative Halloween Crafts…so if you want more Crafty ideas be sure to check it out!

Thanks for stopping by! -Beth

September 22, 2014 By Beth Watson 3 Comments

EZ De’s Stamps and Crafters Ink Candy Corn BOO Banner

Halloween is probably my favorite holiday to make decorations for! All the bright colors and patterns really get my creative juices flowing! These Ann Butler Designs EZ De’s Triangle Stamps reminded me of candy corn – and I just could not resist making this cute BOO banner!

Materials:

Ann Butler Designs EZ De’s 3″ Tri Triangle Set A

Ann Butler Designs EZ De’s Flourish 2″ ABC’s by Kelly Craft

Ann Butler Designs Colorbox Crafters Ink by Clearsnap – Tangelo, Sunshine, Night and Snow

Tombow Xtreme Permanent Adhesive Runner

Cardstock in White, Black, Yellow and Orange, Scissors, Pinking Shears, Ruler, Pencil, Yellow Ribbon (36″), Purple Buttons (6), White Twine, Acrylic Stamp Block, Black Bar Cutouts (4).

Instructions:

1.) Stamp three EZ De’s Stripe Triangles with Snow ink on white cardstock and with Tangelo ink on orange cardstock. Stamp three EZ De’s Woven Triangles with Sunshine ink on yellow cardstock. Cut out all stamped triangles with scissors.

2.) Measure and cut three Sunshine Triangles 2″ from tip. Measure and cut three Snow Triangles 1″ from tip. Run Xtreme Adhesive on back of three Tangelo triangles and place on black cardstock, leaving a 1″ border, all around. Attach three Sunshine triangles, overlapping Tangelo. Attach three Snow triangles, overlapping Sunshine.

3.) Cut out three candy corn triangles with pinking shears, leaving a 1/4″ border. Stamp Ann Butler Designs EZ De’s Flourish letter “B” in Night ink on first candy corn banner piece. Repeat with the letter “O” on two remaining candy corn banner pieces.

4.) Thread white twine through six purple buttons, tie in a knot and trim ends with scissors. Apply adhesive to top back of “O” banner and attach to center of yellow ribbon. Measure left of middle banner edge 2″ and attach “B” banner. Measure right of middle banner edge 2″ and attach second “O” banner.

5.) Attach buttons and bats with adhesive, hang and ENJOY!

Thanks for stopping by! -Beth

August 27, 2014 By Beth Watson Leave a Comment

Faux Quilted Monogram Necklace

With this project, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and see what I could create with Makin’s Clay. Ann works and designs for Makin’s and I had the pleasure of demoing for them at the CHA Winter 2014 Show. This clay is versatile. It is already conditioned right out of the package and since it is air dry, it is very easy to work with AND you don’t need a lot of special tools!

These necklaces are a quick and easy craft. Great project to make with a group of tween girls for a scout troop, birthday gift or sleepover party!

Now, on to my project…

Materials:

Ann Butler Designs Faux Quilted Stamps by Unity – 1″ Doily Picnic and 1″ Leaves All Over

Ann Butler Designs Crafters Ink by Clearsnap – aquamarine and Limelight

Makin’s Clay – White Air Dry Clay, Clay Cutters Round and Tools – Roller and Cutters Set

Non-stick craft sheet, acrylic stamp block, plastic zipper bag, damp paper towel, Craft Awl or Bead Reamer, Jump Ring, Needle nose Pliers, small monogram stickers – black and 24″ of black cord or lacing.

Instructions:

1. Roll out white clay to about 1/8″ thick on craft sheet using the roller tool. turn craft sheet as you roll, so your clay is as round as possible.

2. Place 1″ Doily Picnic stamp on block, ink with Aquamarine and stamp in center of circle. NOTE: I eyeballed the stamp placement through my clear acrylic block. Push firmly, but not too hard or your stamp pattern will be distorted in the clay. Continue stamping, until the circle of Clay is covered.

3. Cut two circles from the stamped clay with the Makin’s Clay Cutters 1″ Round.

4. Repeat steps using the 1″ Vine Stamp from the Doily Picnic set and Limelight Ink. Cut two circles with the Makin’s Clay Cutters 1/2″ Round.

5. Pierce each circle of clay at the top center with a craft awl or bead reamer. Set aside to dry overnight.

6. Open a jump ring, insert through two clay circles and close jump ring. Thread 24″ length of black cording or lacing through jump ring. Tie a loop knot at the end. Place monogram sticker on smaller clay circle, wear and ENJOY!

Thanks for stopping by! – Beth

July 28, 2014 By Beth Watson 3 Comments

Ann Butler Designs Faux Quilted Makin’s Clay Bowls

You all know that I have been ++ enthusiastically creating traditional style faux quilted projects that mimic actual quilt patterns. With this latest project, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and see what I could create with Makin’s Clay. Ann works and designs for Makin’s and I had the pleasure of demoing for them at the CHA Winter 2014 Show. This clay is versatile. It is already conditioned right out of the package and since it is air dry, it is very easy to work with AND you don’t need a lot of special tools! I have another project that I created with the leftover pieces of Clay that I will share on my blog next week, so stay tuned!

Now, on to my project…

Materials:
Ann Butler Designs Faux Qulited Stamps by Unity – 2″ Stripes.Dots.Hearts. and 1″ Leaves All Over
Ann Butler Designs Crafters Ink by Clearsnap – Lilac and Limelight
Makin’s Clay – White Air Dry Clay and Tools – roller and cutters set
Non-stick craft sheet, assorted bowls, plastic wrap, acrylic stamp block,
plastic zipper bag, damp paper towel.

Instructions:
1. Roll out white clay to about 1/8″ thick on craft sheet using the roller tool. turn craft sheet as you roll, so your clay is as round as possible.
2. Place bowl upside down on Clay and cut around rim with straight cutter tool. NOTE: place excess clay in plastic zipper bag with damp paper towel, so that it does not dry out.

3. Flip circle over and smooth any rough edges with your finger. Place 2″ Dots. stamp on block, ink with Lilac and stamp in center of circle. NOTE: I eyeballed the stamp placement because once curved you won’t notice the alignment. Push firmly, but not too hard or your stamp pattern will be distorted in the clay. Continue stamping, alternating between Strips and Dots until the circle of Clay is covered.

4. Place plastic wrap on bottom of bowl, place stamped Clay circle upside down on the bowl. Press gently with your hands, so that the clay forms to the shape of the bowl. Set aside to dry overnight.

5. Repeat steps with a different size bowl using the 1″ Vine Stamp from the Doily Picnic set and Limelight Ink.

6. Once bowls dry, fill and enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by! – Beth

June 30, 2014 By Beth Watson 2 Comments

Faux Quilted Note Cards

Back again with another Faux Quilting project using Ann’s wonderful stamps. I really enjoy the black background and bright colors of a lot of the Amish Quilts, so I decided to recreate that look with some simple notecards that you can make in about an hour!

Materials:

Ann Butler Designs {Faux Quliting} Stamp sets – 2″ Diamonds & Plaid and 1″ Diamonds & Plaids.
Colorbox Crafter’s® Ink by Ann Butler – full size ink pads in Tangelo, Lilac, Aquamarine, Sunshine, Berry and Limelight.
Tombow – Xtreme Permanent Adhesive Runner and 1/2″ by 1/2″ Power Tabs.
Black Cardstock, Orange, Purple, Blue, Pink, Yellow and Green Cardstock, pencil, ruler, paper trimmer, buttons (4), twine, acrylic stamp block, scissors, bone folder, eraser,

Instructions:

1.) Trim black cardstock to 5″ by 11″ for each card. Score and fold each card in half. With a ruler and pencil, measure and mark off a 1/2″ border and a fill in with a 1″ grid.

2.) Stamp a variety of triangles from the Diamonds and Plaids 1″ and 2″ set, matching up ink colors with cardstock colors. Let dry. Cut out triangles.

3.) Dry fit triangles in the Old Maid’s Puzzle pattern until you are please with the color combinations. Attach to card with Extreme Permanent Adhesive. Carefully erase pencil lines.

4.) Thread twine through button, tie in a knot and trim ends. Attach to center of card with Power Tabs.

5.) Write message inside with a Silver Sharpie!

Thanks for stopping by! -Beth

May 16, 2014 By Beth Watson 2 Comments

Faux Quilted Bud Vase

I have had this idea floating around in my head for a while, but could not figure out how to get the “core” out of the foam block until I fixed myself an apple the other night – then it hit me – an Apple Corer! I just love moments of crafting clarity! The bright colors and bold black patterns really make this design POP! I hope you enjoy it…

MATERIALS & SUPPLIES:

Ann Butler Designs {Faux Quliting} Stamp sets – 2″ Diamonds & Plaid and 2″ Stripes. Dots. Hearts.
Ann Butler Designs EZ De’s Clear Stamps – 2″ Checkered Woven Hearts.
Colorbox Crafter’s® Ink by Ann Butler – full size ink pads in Tangelo, Lilac, Aquamarine, Sunshine, Berry and Limelight.
Earth Safe Finishes by Ann Butler Designs – Iridescent Paints in Aquamarine.
Smoothfoam – 2″ x 4″ x 8″ block.
Americana paints by DecoArt in Desert Turquoise.
Knife, Apple Corer, Graph Paper, Pencil, Ruler, Black Brush Marker, White Paint
Pen, Pink Letter Stickers to spell LOVE, Paint Brush, Test Tube, Acrylic Stamp
Block, Glue Stick

INSTRUCTIONS:
1.) Measure and cut 2″ from Smoothfoam block with serrated knife. Smooth rough edges by rubbing foam together. Remove. Section of the top of the Smoothfoam block with Apple corer. Paint with Desert Turquiose, let dry. Paint with Iridescents Aquamarine, let dry.

2.) Flip 2″ square clear stamp upside down and attach to acrylic block. Load with ink and stamp 6 solid squares, one in each color. Repeat to create another set of colored blocks, let dry. Stamp patterns on colored blocks with Night ink.

3.) Draw a heart on the colored blocks with black brush marker. Draw a rectangle inside the heart with black brush marker. Embellish with LOVE stickers and white paint pens lines and dots. Attach color blocks to back and front of Smoothfoam block.

4.) Insert test tube in hole at the top of the Smoothfoam block, fill with
flowers and ENJOY!

Thanks for stopping by -Beth