Craft Night {owl art}

February is off and running which means it's time for another edition of Craft Night. This month's theme was Finish It February.

We pinned and pinned and pinned to our group pin board, and in the end, we settled on a new batch of crafts (and a new batch of treats). At the top of our lists this month were these projects:

memory wreath 
heart blossom art  
magazine letter 'i love you' collage 
moss letter
wedding song lyrics board 
paper punch collage 
Valentine's mail boxes 
uh-oh jar 
& crocheting (this is Kara's actual site: check out her goodies!)

I was inspired by Theresa's butterfly kisses art from our Just Do It January craft night. Mady's room features PBK's Brooke bedding, so I found an owl-y paper punch and got to work, following Theresa's instructions as I went.

This particular punch also embosses as it cuts - it's a cute detail but it was also a little finicky. I'm not sure how much that detail shows in a project like this, and it took me a few tries to find the right weight paper (not too thin, not too thick) and the right pressure when punching (too light and it doesn't punch through the paper, too hard and the paper around the owl's eyes tears). 

To properly lay out your critters (or whatever shape you end up using) you will need a ruler, your thinking cap, and a good eye. That was the most painstaking part of the project, but I love how these little guys look all lined up in neat rows. In order to get the 3-D effect like the folded butterflies, I used foam adhesive squares for extra "height" instead of glue dots to stick my owls on.

This is an old 11x14 frame I dug up from the basement. It previously held Dylan's one month baby picture, so it's at least 7 years old. The mat had started to yellow around the edges, so I sprayed it with two coats of chalkboard paint (I also spray primed it first). I used a chalk marker to add a sweet, finishing touch for my little girl: I love WHOO you are.

Five craft nights are in the books and I've loved every minute - the planning, the community, the creating, the snacking - and I really love coming home and proudly displaying something new, something personal, something made with love.

{Supply Details}

Martha Stewart owl double embossed punch

K & Company color basics radiant mat pad

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