Crowning Glory.

A little while ago I mentioned a lovely home wares store I visited. I didn't buy anything because of the prices but I did get heaps of good ideas! There were crown cushions and crown napkin rings... all the cushions were over $100 and the napkin rings were $50 each! Not $50 the set.... EACH. They were stunning but still I wondered if I might be on candid camera?

I really like crowns but the thing is use a motif you really love or if making things for a gift a motif you know the other person really loves! Stencils come in every design and size imaginable. I tried locally and the stencils were horrible and basic. Then I typed "crown stencils" in on Etsy and I had a choice of many perfect designs and had it in less than a week. Be specific when searching... ie you could search for stencils and you would get lots of ideas but if you know you want a crown or a bird or whatever search for Crown stencils and it will save so much searching! I have learned this on ebay as well.

The added bonus of a stencil is being able to use it over and over... I would like to make place mats and door mats using this. Plus I can let friends use it for their projects during the year.

So I am working on how to do the crown napkin rings which I now realise I should have photographed... but I have made the cushions. Totally cheating I purchased two IKEA cushion covers as they were only $5 something each! I inserted cardboard in to the middle so no colour could go through and mixed a fabric medium into my paint. Ask at any craft store or Spotlight for that. One bottle will allow so many projects and then you are able to wash the item. 

I have a friend who loves angles... so I am already thinking of making angel themed cushions as a gift for her. Really easy and quick to make!

After I finished I embellished with a little glitter paint... (of course)

Stencils are also great to use in blackboard projects or on things like wooden crates for a rustic effect, so they are future plans too.

I woke up this morning to find I had a surprise gift at my front door! And it is cool which is such a relief so the house is opened up with a breeze flowing through. Today I go to the supermarket for a final trip before Christmas and so I can be home all day tomorrow and avoid (hopefully) he worst of the pre Christmas Day rush. Can you believe tomorrow is Christmas Eve!?? Lots of little things to do but overall I am ready. It's quite exciting really! My husband has no idea what he is getting either and I know he will LOVE his gift!