Burlap Necklace with Crystal Lacquer (and a coupon)

This project was fast, easy and fun!

I have been hand dyeing fibers and I thought it would be fun to incorporate some of my ombre burlap into a necklace:

I also wanted to try Sakura Crystal Lacquer in Susan Lenart Kazmer’s new Media Mixage bezel cups.  So I decided to put some of my burlap into the heart bezel cups.  Here’s what they look like empty:

Each cup has a corresponding die, so you can cut whatever media you choose and it will fit exactly.

I stiffened some burlap with Mod Podge to keep the edges from fraying.  For instructions on how to do that, see my tutorial here.  When it was dry, I cut out the hearts using the Media Mixage dies that matched the bezel cups I had chosen.

You can put anything you want into the bezel cup, and make multiple layers.  I wanted to keep it simple, so I poured a little Crystal Lacquer into the cups first, then laid my burlap on that, then added more Crystal Lacquer.  Then all I had to do was let it dry, and assemble my necklace!

I also decided to use a couple of rectangle bezel cups:

I did have a few air bubbles show up in the Crystal Lacquer, which hadn’t happened to me before.  I don’t know if it was because I had multiple layers of Crystal Lacquer, or because I got some air bubbles when I poured some Crystal Lacquer from a big bottle into a small bottle.  It wasn't hard to get them out, but I learned something important.  When I used a toothpick to pierce a bubble, the result was multiple smaller bubbles.  When I used the toothpick to sort of lift the bubble up, it would disappear.  You need to get the air bubbles out before the Crystal Lacquer hardens.

The Crystal Lacquer was perfect for this project!  It holds the burlap in place and protects it at the same time!  You could use almost any media, including paper and other fabrics. It looks a little cloudy in my photos, but in real life, it is crystal clear!

Now is a great time to try Crystal Lacquer, because during the month of April, you can save 20% by entering the code Terri04 when you check out at Sakura Hobby Craft.  You will be amazed at how easy it is to use!

As always, please let me know if you have any questions about this project!

Crystal Lacquer and Terri Sproul Shimmer Mixer Flower Pillows (and a coupon)

I have a fun and easy home dec project for you!  I wanted to embellish some ivory and pink burlap pillows I made for spring, and Sakura’s Crystal Lacquer and Terri Sproul Shimmer Mixers were the perfect choice!

This is a great time to try this project, because Terri Sproul Shimmer Mixers are on sale for the month of March!  Just enter coupon code Shimmer03 for a 20% discount!
I made these beautiful shimmery flowers with die cut canvas.  I used the Tattered Florals die by Tim Holtz.  The canvas frays a little, but I decided to go with a slightly tattered look, rather than stiffening the fabric as I usually do (for more on diecutting fabric, visit my tutotial here.  Here is what the canvas petals look like:

I mixed some Crystal Lacquer with Terri Sproul Shimmer Rose Shimmer Mixers Powder in a disposable cup and stirred it together with a popsicle stick.  I painted the flowers with my Crystal Lacquer mixture using a small, inexpensive paint brush.  As they dried, they curled up, which gave them some added dimension.

Then I just stacked up the layers I wanted and sewed them to my pillows!  I used a button to anchor the stitches.  I recommend button thread for this, as it is much stronger than regular sewing thread. I also sometimes use several strands of embroidery floss, which comes in more colors than button thread. You could also use glue.  I made my pillows, but you could use purchased pillows.  If you decide to make your own, please check out my Tips for Sewing with Burlap.

The Crystal Lacquer gave the flowers texture but wasn’t so stiff that I couldn’t sew through it.  And the Shimmer Mixer gives them the prettiest glimmer!

I  also made some brooches by sewing the flower layers together and then sewing on a pinback.  You could use these flowers for many other projects, too!

I am having so much fun creating with Sakura Hobby Craft products!  I hope you'll visit their website and try some of their products, too!