Rock-It Live! Event Planning and Design

01/08/2015

DIY PROJECT: STRING LANTERN / GARLAND: This project is rewarding, but a little time consuming and messy. First, clear a big, wide space and line your surfaces with a tarp or newspaper. SUPPLIES: balloons, string (twine, h**p), white glue, cornstarch, warm water and disposable gloves (optional).

Draw a circle around the top of your balloon – where you tie it closed (blow it up only 3/4 of the way, so it remains as round as possible). This will end up being the hole that you install the light bulb through, so make sure it's big enough to hold a light bulb. Make your gluey mixture. This should be a good amount of white glue, a handful or two of cornstarch, and some warm water; you nailed it when it has the consistency of thick cream. Use a wide-brimmed bowl or tray. If you can hang the ball at this juncture, great so you don’t need to handle it too much. Feed the string into the glue mixture. About a yard or two at a time, squeezing off the excess with your thumb and forefinger. Wrap your string around the ball haphazardly, criss-crossing in whatever pattern (or non-pattern) you think looks good. One 220 foot (67.1 m) spool should suffice for an average-sized balloon. Remember: don't cover the circle you made!

Let it dry overnight. It should be completely dry and stiff. Pop the balloon using a pin. Color it if you prefer if you used white string - grab a can of spray paint and add color. You can purchase a single bulb cord or a string of indoor / outdoor globe lights at any hardware store --- if need be, you can use flexible wire (available at any craft store) to help secure your string lantern to the light bulb casing(s) to keep in place. Enjoy!

01/05/2015

DIY PROJECT: Photo Letters Collage --- supplies: wooden letters, mod podge, paintbrush, scissors and copies of photos

You can paint the edges and the back of the letters (which can be purchased at most craft stores) for a more finished look before you begin your project --- remember to paint the edges as well.

Once you've chosen the photo's you want to use, make copies of them. I love the look of the black and white photos. I recommend not “printing” your photos directly from your computer, but rather make real copies with a copier. The quality once decoupaged tends to look better with copies and does not get discolored during the process

Your photos will need to be shaped and trimmed to fit the letters. Once you have determined where you want to place the photos, you can male a crease in the paper to match the shape of the letter and use the crease as a guide where to trim. Before applying any Mod Podge, decide the placement of the photos, including which photo overlaps the other, etc. Once you have that figured out, you will be able to work in steps with the Mod Podge.

Apply enough Mod Podge to the letter, for one photo. Work with one photo at a time. After applying the Mod Podge to the letter, add the photo. Smooth the photo completely and use a straight edge if needed to work out any air bubbles. Continue to add photos, paying attention to placement and overlap.

When all of your photos are attached, let them dry for about 30 minutes and then you can brush Mod Podge over all the photos.

Your letters can be used as a decoration at a party or celebration and as room decor later. It’s a fun twist to the typical photo collage and is a great way to add a unique, personal touch to your celebration!

12/18/2014

DIY PROJECT: Upgrade inexpensive solid throw pillows for the holidays with simple appliqués. To make them, type a word(s) into a document on your computer -- enlarge each letter as big as you'd like. Print out the letters and cut them out, then trace them onto white felt and cut out. Next, pin strips of fusible bonding web... such as Stitch Witchery ($2.99 at joann.com) to the back of each felt letter. Center each letter on the pillow and remove the pins. Iron on. Once letters have adhered, you can add decorative stitching with embroidery thread, etc. Enjoy your new holiday pillows!

12/16/2014

12/16/2014

12/16/2014

12/16/2014