Summer has taken a toll on my craft time. Trying to keep the kiddos happy is a busy business. I did manage to fit in one craft that I think you will like. I was perusing through Michael’s and found a three pack of burlap canvas http://www.michaels.com/search?q=burlap%20canvas that was reasonably priced, especially when using that coupon they give you from your last trip (to get you in there again the following week, very smart Michael’s). I had seen a very cute burlap canvas of a mason jar with a cute saying on it on Joss & Main http://www.pinterest.com/pin/568438784189714971/ but it was way too expensive. Isn’t that always the way it goes. You really like something, but you just can’t pay that much for it? So, being the resourceful person I am, I decided to take matters into my own hands and create one I liked myself.

Here is my version:

When Life Gives You Lemons

Close enough for me! I was kind of down-in-the-dumps over something that happened and I needed a cheerful sign to cheer me up. This was just the one, but no way was I paying a lot of money for it. Silhouette machine to the rescue! I purchased the mason jar, and the lemon on Silhouette, and adapted the design to my liking. I just used fonts I had on hand to complete the saying. The two shapes were .99 cents each (but even cheaper really, because I have a subscription). The burlap was on sale, and with my coupon it equalled something like $7.99 for three panels. I used some regular vinyl for my stencil. Carefully weed out what you want to be on the canvas. Is that the negative image? I just made sure it was really well adhered to the canvas to prevent as much bleeding as I could. Then I used a little bit of black fabric paint (go over it and let it dry about three times). Then carefully remove the vinyl, and you are done. I used a frame that I had on hand that I rotate sayings in all year long. The canvas is a bit thick, so be sure to find a frame that can manage it. I took the glass out in order to fit mine. Hope you like it. If you have a Silhouette, you really need to try a stencil and some fabric paint on canvas, it is really kind of fun! If I was an artist I would just free-hand it, but no go there. I hope you try it soon.

I just love the burlap and black ink.