Two Old Crows Folk Art Tips

Sharing the tips and techniques we have learned over the years with other in the hope of sparking their imagination and inspiring them to create

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"What I know is, is that if you do work that you love, and the work fulfills you, the rest will come."
~ Oprah Winfrey
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Mirror Mirror
If you're interested in seeing your creations - graphic or otherwise - in an objective way, hold the item up in front of and facing a mirror from a distance of 3 to 5 feet.. You'll be better able to critique your item and tell where another detail may be added, or another color repeated, or an area needs to be broken up with an addition of something.I rely on this method with everything I make and it never fails to give me success!
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Adding Glitter to Crepe Paper Pinwheels
Saturday, August 22, 2009
I was having trouble getting glitter on to crepe paper evenly until I ran across this tutorial by Thrift Goodness . Her tutorial makes this whole process so much easier than the way I was doing it by shaking on the glitter ( what a mess !). So get out the glitter and crepe paper and get to crafting.

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posted by Debbie- Two Old Crows (www.2oldcrows.com) @ 3:02 PM   0 comments
Halloween Blog
Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Fall is probably my most favorite time of the year with the crispness in the air and the vibrant colors of the trees. I love Halloween and all the decorations full of bats, cats, ghost and witches and don't you just love the way black and orange look. There are so many great crafts and recipes for this time of the year so I decided to start a blog which will be filled with recipes, patterns and crafts for the fall season and Halloween holiday. You can find it listed under my blogs. If you have something you would like to share please email me debbie@2oldcrows.com

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posted by Debbie- Two Old Crows (www.2oldcrows.com) @ 4:04 PM   0 comments
Facebook
Monday, August 10, 2009
Today I took another plunge and signed up for a facebook fan page. As usual it was not the easiest for me the computer illiterate to get everything up and running- but final I think Ive got it right. I would love for you to become a fan so just click on the facebook page in the right column and join me. ( Oh yes that really is me- lol)
posted by Debbie- Two Old Crows (www.2oldcrows.com) @ 12:41 PM   0 comments
Returning to Blogging
Sunday, August 09, 2009
After a year of not blogging due to circumstances at home and work I am once again returning . For those of you who visited before welcome back and for anyone new I hope you find this blog both informative and entertaining.
posted by Debbie- Two Old Crows (www.2oldcrows.com) @ 12:50 PM   0 comments
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Painting Wicker
Supplies :

Drop cloth
Sponge
Liquid deglosser
Outdoor acrylic paint in a spray can


Instructions:
1. Lay the drop cloth down in the area where you're going to work. Be sure you are far away from anything you dont want spray paint on. It will carry in the air even on the calmest of days so take precautions.
2. Clean the wicker furniture with a sponge and soapy water, I like to use dish detergent since it is mild. Then use the deglosser, following the manufacturer's instructions, this is especially important if you are doing new wicker the paint will not adhere well to a shiny surface. Allow the furniture to dry completely, usually overnight is best.
3. Spray all the surfaces with the paint. Use gentle sweeping motions to get good coverage without causing drips. And be sure to spray from different angles to ensure all exposed surfaces of the wicker are painted. Take your time and do not put the paint on heavy.
4. Allow to dry at least one hour. If the color is uneven or just not bright enough, apply a second coat of paint.


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posted by Debbie- Two Old Crows (www.2oldcrows.com) @ 7:11 AM   0 comments
Making Your Own Linen Spray
Thursday, July 05, 2007

Lavender Linen Spray

Lavender is known for its wonderful aroma and soothing benefits. You can make this spray for ironing, to freshen sheets and towels in the linen closet, on old linens to freshen them, as an air freshner and on your pillowcase just before going to bed - it will relax you and help you fall asleep.


Ingredients for a 5 ounce bottle:
4 ounces of distilled water (tap water will cause it to become cloudy)
1 ounce of 100 proof vodka or ethanol (rubbing alc0hol -do not use isoproyl)
10 drops of lavender essential oil
5 ounce spray bottle ( dark glass works the best)

Mix the essential oil into the alcohol, the alcohol will take on the scent of the oil. Slowly add the distilled water stirring constantly. Fill the bottle

Store in a cool dark place and shake well before using. Test on fabric in an inconspicious spot before spraying the entire piece.

Other non staining essential oils such as juniper, eucalyptus, rosewood or peppermint can be substituted for the lavender.

Written by Debbie - Two Old Crows

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posted by Debbie- Two Old Crows (www.2oldcrows.com) @ 6:36 AM   0 comments
Kitchen Utensil Windchimes
Tuesday, July 03, 2007




Hearing tinkling sound of windchimes when they blow in a light summer breeze can be quite nice. By using old silverware and an old kitchen item you have laying around you can make quite a nice windchime for your porch or to place outside your kitchen window. If you don't have any old silverware around they can be picked up very inexpensively at garage sales, estate sales and thrift shops. I prefer the heavier silverware to stainless steel since it gives a more pleasant sound.

Supplies:
Silverware
Old pot, plate or teapot for top
large brick
mallet
power drill with 1/8 inch drill bit
sharp nail
c- clamp
cutting oil
fishline
super glue

Directions:
1.First flatten your spoons and forks ( the knives are already flat) by placing each on an old brick and then pounding them flat with the mallet. Turn over as you need to and pound to the desired flatness.
2.Secure each utensil with a c clamp to the workbench. Put a dimple (this will keep the drill from wandering) in each of the handle with the nail and fill with the cutting oil. Then using the 1/8 inch drill bit drill through the center of each utensil handle.- the metal will be hot after drilling so be careful. Clean up any jagged edges around the hole.
3. Using the same procedure space holes in your teapot or plate around the edge spacing them as desired.
4.Pass a piece of fishline through the hole in the silverware and tie a double knot. Then pass the other end of the piece of fishline through the whole in your plate and temporarily tie a knot big enough to not pass back through the hole
5.Check the chime for balance when you have all of the chimes( silverware) in place. This part may take some time to get right. Make sure they will strike each other. (if you want them to chime in a light wind put them close together). Keep retying and checking till you are happy.
6. When everything is to your satisfaction....tie the knots tight and then put a bit of superglue on each.
7.Now hang your chimes !




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posted by Debbie- Two Old Crows (www.2oldcrows.com) @ 11:03 AM   0 comments
About Us

About Us: Two Old Crows was named for Debbie and Dean because we are old and grumpy. We enjoy scouring flea markets, antique shops and estate sales for vintage and antique items to mix with the folk art we create.
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