Contrary to popular belief, I’m not crafty.
I’ve been called crafty. My blog has been described as a craft blog. Heck, I’ve even been likened to Martha Stewart. And my-non-crafty-self has never once contradicted those statements.
Until now.
I’m not sure what pushed me over the edge. Perhaps it was the fact that my very own sister mentioned something about my “crafting” when we last spoke on the phone. Or, perhaps it was the package that arrived on my doorstep last week. The one containing stencils and foam brushes and craft paint and a letter enthusiastically thanking me for being part of the Plaid Enterprises stencil street team.
Uh oh.
That delivery sent me into a tailspin. What in the world was I thinking when I signed up for this project? Who did I think I was fooling by promising a company that creates cutting-edge craft products that I would be able to create a craft worthy of their products?
* Gulp *
When I think of true “crafters,” I think of attention to detail. Attention that typically requires patience … and precision … and perfect handwriting. Three “p’s” that I simply do not possess.
And stencils? Stencils are the penultimate craft project. Advanced crafting stuff. And me? I’m a novice. A fake. A fraud. Hiding behind mason jars filled with sewing kit stuff and shiny locker baskets made to look vintage with a few squirts of spray paint …
And then I made a big mistake. A huge no no. I looked at the Handmade Charlotte stencils page at Plaid Crafts. A page filled with patient, precise, and perfect projects using Handmade-Charlotte-creator-Rachel’s stencils.
page at Plaid Crafts. A page filled with patient, precise, and perfect projects using Handmade-Charlotte-creator-Rachel’s stencils.
* Sigh *
So please bear with me as I reveal my project. And remember, it’s not nice to mock the craft-challenged …
In keeping with my mason jar theme – a theme which undoubtedly is wearing thin on even my most loyal of my readers – I used the stencils on mason jars. Okay, technically these aren’t mason jars. They’re salsa, pickle, and sauerkraut jars. Respectively.
But they were free. That’s a crafty idea, right? True crafters are masters of repurposing,aren’t they?
I taped off the bottoms of the jars and gave them a few coats of white. I’m not sure why. It just seemed like they needed a little something something. And Folk Art so graciously sent along the white paint. Oh, and the fact that I’ve become a bit obsessed with those paint dip projects could’ve been an contributing factor. So let’s just call these “paint dipped” jars and call it a day …
I mean, it does sound much more crafty that way …
And here’s where my lack of patience could’ve been my downfall. I’m thinking that – technically — with stencils you should do one color at a time. Let it dry. And proceed.
Yeah, that didn’t happen in my impatient need for immediate gratification …
And while a true crafter would never play favoritism, I have to admit the stencil with the birthday candles is my favorite …
Shhhh. Don’t tell the others.
Looking for mason jar ideas? Check out my Mason Jar Gallery …
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P.S. I wrote this post as part of a sponsored campaign with Plaid and The Blueprint Social. All opinions in this post are my own.
P.P. S. You can find FolkArt’s Handmade Charlotte stencils and paints at select JoAnn craft stores or on JoAnn.com.
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Wow! You’ve got companies sending you things to try for them? Impressive. And just how many mason jars do you have banging around over there? I have to say Linda, I love this project. I didn’t think I would when you mentioned stencils, but doing the paint dipping thing was brilliant. So cute and fresh. Way to represent, girl! I’m looking forward to your brand of craft paint.
The above is me, Marian from Gathering Branches, Linda. Stupid iPad didn’t add my info. Grrrr.
Cracking up at you calling yourself craft-challenged…and I am so not tired of the mason jar theme. Keep ’em coming!
Crafting isn’t just doilies, popsicle sticks and toilet paper rolls anymore. There are so many ways to be crafty nowadays. I love this mason jar craft…great for bbqs, birthday parties, or whatever! I may have to make these this summer.
Nothing the matter with that up-cycle mason jar project. In fact, I think it’s pretty nice and I can see it in a BBQ theme too.
Bliss
I’m not tired of the mason jar (or ANY jar) theme and I love your stenciled jars…especially now that it’s ALMOST warm enough to have meals (and parties) outside! The white on the bottom was a nice touch too….I agree…they needed a little “something”. My favorite is the CAKE!!! 🙂
Yeah, I’m afraid you’re just going to need to own that title. 😉 Those are super-cute!
–Elena
Very cute, LInda. I like how your are using the jars!
Sometimes others see in you what is hard for you to see in yourself. You are creative and I think in the world of blogging that has come synonymous with crafty. I think your jars turned out great. The birthday candles are my favorite too!
LOL well Linda I would say you are much more craftier than I am for sure!!! Those are so cute! How cleaver! I am not crafty at all.I do try but fail often :-/
xx
Anne
Very cute! They turned out great!
Cute cute cute! I love your color selection. How’s your hand?
You have inspired my inner crafter! These are so cute!
I received the same party stencil and used them to paint the top of a stool with ice cream cone bunting. Loved the result.
Ya done good kid. Seriously, if you hadn’t confessed your lack-of-craftiness, I would never have guess. Guess you have to give up that status. What’s your next craft? That’s a bunch of stencils and paint….. :o)
Love these Linda! They are gorgeous and pretty and so pratical! Angie xo
Super cute, Linda! I think they look great. And just for the record… stencils scare me too! But here I am, one of the next stops on the Handmade Charlotte tour of stencils. YIKES! I love what you did. A truly crafty project!
Linda, your paint dipped jars are uber fabulous! I love them!! And thanks for linking to my paint dipped project and its inspiration!!!
xo Sheila