Hi!  I am new to this whole craft thing, and so far I absolutely love it. 
I do have a few questions though.......

First, I am working with glass candle holders and putting gemstones on them (just the ones you can buy at a craft store) I used craft glue, but some of them won't stick.  Do you have any suggestions on what I could use to make them stick?  Also is there some type of mixture that you can make to put over them so it fills in the cracks in between each gem stone so you can't see the glass.......it doesn't have to be clear, but something that is still appealing to the eye.  I found something on the internet that showed exactly what I wanted, but now I can't find it.

Second, I am also painting hurricane lamps and baby food jars (for candle holders) I have sprayed them with a varnish, is this all I need to do, or would you advise something else?  Also what type of glue would you advise to use to put fabric on them for a scarf and ear muffs?  I will be attaching these after they are painted and sprayed and hot glue just isn't cutting it!

I really appreciate your time-
A frustrated new crafter-
Trisha

Hi Trisha!
I agree, crafting is frustrating at times in the beginning. Wow, even after you've been doing it a while too! Here are some tips for you...
1. There are two ways to do this. First you can use Crafter's Pick The Ultimate glue, it works really well on every kind of surface. But what I would suggest is Scribbles Dimensional Squeeze Paint in "crystal".


It's translucent thick paint that can be used to apply gems and things to all kinds of surfaces. You would apply a drop, about the size of a pea and then use needle nose tweezers to place the gem on. If you can, I would lay your project down flat and work on it one side at a time.

2. Spray varnish works well and will seal the paint. As far as gluing, hot glue doesn't work on glass at all. Bummer. However, you can use the Crafter's Pick glue and use hot glue just to hold the items in place while the CP stuff dries. It's always important to remember that when possible, glue to the original surface first and then paint. If you paint and then glue on the painted surface, the paint will lift right off and you will probably cuss out loud!

Let me know if you have any other questions!!
Kathy :-)
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http://www.CraftyChica.com

Hola Kathy, you are crafty royalty to me! I want to make my tree reflect mi cultura. I'm tired of the same old Hallmark tree however I don't know how to do it. Please help me crafty chica!
Marisela

Hi Marisela!
First off, check out eBay for some great deals on Mexican tin ornaments. If you are crafty, you can actually make your own from the center area of a cookie sheet, emboss with a pen and then use glass paint to decorate them. Use some bright red glass bulb ornaments, followed by purple tinsel. Crepe paper purple garlend works gorgrous too! Or you can use plain raffia to offset all that color.

Next, what I like to do for that final "POP" is to cut up different colors of party streamers (red, organge, green, hot pink, yellow, purple, blue) into little pom poms and then insert them in between the branches.

Basically you cut six piece of part streamers that measure 8-inches each. Fold the stack in half. On the loose end, use a sharp pair of scissors to snip all along the edge to make fringe. Now open the stack, take one of the sheets and poke it in the branches. The only part that should be showing is the fringe sticking out. I'll post a picture as soon as I do my tree!
Feliz Navidad!
Kathy
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http://www.CraftyChica.com

Hi Kathy. Que pues? Love your site and books. Just as all of the other posts say, you are amazing and inspirational (not to mention so generous for sharing all of your creative ideas).
 
I am a first-year teacher in need of some therapeutic crafting and since I am a teacher and don't make a lot of dinero, I want to make X-mas gifts this year. However, I've never ventured into the crafting realm. I am very interested in making the "Matchless gift" shadow box ornament but since I'm a rookie, I'm wondering which type of paint do I use? Also, call me lame (well, actually don't, that wouldn't be nice) but I can't visualize the following instructions: "Take one of the panel pieces and cut it in half lengthwise and stack the pieces together. Cut along the vertical line, just enough to create a decorative edge. Repeat the process with the other panel, except cut horizontally instead of lengthwise."

Thanks for taking the time to read my email and I hope to hear from you soon.

Happy Holidays,
*marielouise*


Hi Marie!
You can use regular craft paint, I like Delta Ceramcoat brand the best. It goes on thick and is very creamy with excellent coverage. This week the bottles are on sale at Michaels for .69!. I'm so sorry the instructions for the project were shabby. Sometimes it is so hard to explain! Basically what you are doing is cutting the outer sleeve of the matchbox into strips, so you can glue them on the box part as little flaps - making it look like a retablo. The little strips add a frame-like element to the boxes. Hope this helps!!
Merry Christmas!
Kathy ;-)


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http://www.CraftyChica.com

OK- here is a crafty question for you.  Hope you don't mind.

If you take a look at this: http://www.governor.state.az.us/press/0410/04_10_20.htm

you will see a project my 4th graders did for Jan Nap!  The kids had fun decorating  (drawing and coloring) the "snowglobes" for the State Christmas Tree at the capital.  My thought is for the kids to use this same snowglobe outline to make an ornament for their grownup's holiday gift. They will back it with the front of some of my old  cards from Christmas' past.  On the front of the "globe" will be a small picture of themselves. 

    If I mix some glitter into watered-down Elmer's glue and have them brush it onto the "globe" will it give a snowglobe effect?  Is there something better to use to get the glittery-snow look?  Should I just get some kind of spray on glitter? (Boy- that would be the easiest- I think I vote for that if it is an option!)  Will I be able to laminate the finished ornaments or not because of what the high heat of the laminator might do to the glitter-Elmer's or glitter spray?  (I cut out a Micheal's coupon from Sunday's paper yesterday in anticipation of your answer!)
xoxoxo, Jill

Hi Jill!!
You can use the glitter spray but I'd go for the one in the can. Make sure you step back when you spray otherwise the liquid can drip on the picture. I know from experience!! It comes in silver or gold or multicolored. I think I'd go with silver. They also have water-based spray glitters, but the water may make the pictures wrinkle. And they are all fine for laminating!! I hope they turn out OK!! Keep me posted!!
Hugs and glitter,

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http://www.CraftyChica.com