Shopping Our Stash Challenge #183 - Happy New Year

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Hello, Crafty Peeples!

This week at Shopping Our Stash, the challenge is to use Something New To You (the least old thing in your Stash) or Use Something NEW.  Of course you can use a combination of "least old and new."   Be sure to include a description of the items in your post!

 I decided to celebrate the New Year by stepping out of my comfort zone by trying a New Craft technique. 

NEW TECHNIQUE:  WOOD BENDING

NEW CRAFTING SKILL:  Making Bracelets from Craft/Popsicle Sticks.

I initally wanted to learn how to do this to lead a special art class with my grandson, Josh, and his classmates.  But, since the fun part (bending the sticks) requires time, I may do cards instead.

 I tried several methods for breaking down the sticks and making them "pliable."  Steaming is the fastest and works the best.  You can also try microwaving the sticks for a few seconds.  I don't own a microwave, so I cannot speak from first hand experience.  No matter which method you choose,  some sticks will splinter as your try to bend them, so prepare more than you actually need.  I used a small glass because I was making children's bracelets.




You can bend the smaller sticks as well, but they are thicker and tend to take longer.  I slowly formed my bracelet blank by carefully shaping the wood around the "outside" of the glass and then fixing it in place with the vice clips.  After an hour or so, I put the shaped blank into pot of hot water and let it sit for 30 minutes and then placed it inside the glass to take on it's final shape.
I will post links to some videos at the end of this post.

Decorate as your mojo directs.  I wrapped this one with Washi Tape, sprayed with Butterscotch Colorwash and then applied TH Vintage Photo. A coat of Mod Podge was applied after each color layer.  After the Mod Podge dried and before applying the next color layer, I flattend the Washi tape on the to  shape the bracelet. This bracelet has about 7 layers of Mod Podge.

Adding the bling was a last minute decision.


If you are good with a wood burning tool.  It is possible to burn names into the bracelets.  All I had was a soldering tool.  It worked okay.           I also tried putting texture paste on and coloring. I was not so pleased, but I think I just used the wrong stencil.
Here are a few links:
http://mollymoocrafts.com/quick-craft-craft-stick-bracelets/
http://youtu.be/MFgnlWI1huA
http://www.craftattitude.com/popsicle-stick-bracelets

This pink creation was designed by Josh for his classmate.  He says she love pink and blue together.  So he picked the Washi Tape and the Acrylic Paint.  I chose the beads.  I did not have any leather bands, so I cut a piece of one of those hair scrunchees and used that.  I did these in a hurry, and I was experimenting.  I have more blanks and plan to up my game...just a little.

I hope you will give this a try and let me know your results.  

Happy New Year!

Thanks for stopping by!
Hugz,
Chana Malkah

CHALLENGES ENTERED:
Creative Card Crew:  For A Child
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
Party Time Tuesdays - Anything Goes