Make it easy craft's five best posts of 2017

I figured what better way to start 2018 than to put up a list of Make it easy craft's five best posts of 2017.  This past year recycled wine cork crafts were very popular as were painted rocks.  The best of which are listed in order of popularity.  

It’s a New Year and a new chance to start anew.  While I don’t buy into the resolution thing, I do feel that every year gives everyone a refreshed chance to get it right. Whether you need to work on yourself or on how you relate to others it never hurts to try to be the best you can be.

With that said I must apologize for being a bit lax with posts of late.  The Holidays, this year, were even more busy than they have been in the past and the time seems to fly by.

So instead of a resolution that will just fall by the wayside in a couple weeks, I will focus on one thing for 365 days.  I will focus on one positive word each month.  The word for January is kindness. 

So with no further adieu, I will list the five most popular posts of 2017 and wishing you the best as we dive into 2018. 

1.  Loveable wine cork Valentine bear

2.  Stamp made from a champagne cork

3.  Recycled Leather tassel handbag charm

4.  Pumpkin painted rock

5.  Crazy quilt painted rock

Thanks for a great year and hope your New Year will be the best ever!!!

How to make a perfect champagne cork shamrock stamp

If you’ve saved that champagne cork from New Year’s Eve (and I know you did) you can use it to make a perfect cork shamrock stamp! 

It’s easy to carve with an X-acto or craft knife.  When the cork shamrock stamp is ready it will have a myriad of uses.  Stamp all your correspondences.  Stamp up a few bookmarks for school treats for your child’s classmates.  Stamp some plain brown paper to create your own wrap for small gifts. 

Since you make this stamp from cork your image will have tiny open areas that gives your stamp a textured look. 

Materials:

Champagne cork

X-acto or craft knife

Piece of thin cardboard

Scissors

Pen

Ink pad (green, or any color you prefer)

Stamping items

Tiny bit of fine sandpaper

Champagne cork shamrock stamp

Instructions:

1.     First, make your pattern.  Begin by folding a thin piece of cardboard in half.  Then use a pen to draw a half heart on the fold.  The half heart should be measured ¼” on the fold line.  Finally use some pointed scissors to cut out.  Open the cardboard piece and you will have your heart stencil.

2.     Next, use the pen to draw the heart on the bottom (Flat end) of the cork.  Make three hearts in the shape of a shamrock.  Draw a curved triangle in the center for the stem.  (See photo)

3.     Now, use the craft knife to carefully cut around your design.  Work slowly, making small slits and slices.  Cut around the image about ¼” down.

4.     Then use a tiny piece of fine sandpaper to lightly sand any rough surfaces.  Your stamp is ready to use.

5.     Ink up the image with your preferred color and stamp using steady pressure.  Practice first on scrap paper before you stamp on your projects to the get used to the pressure and stamp.  Now you can use your shamrock stamp to make seasonal bookmarks, greeting cards and more!

Wasn’t that easy and fun?  Let’s connect on Facebook, Pinterest, G+, twitter, and more!  I’d love to hear your comments!

Note:  When working with a craft knife please be extremely careful, this is not a project for kids, but the kids will love if you make them a stamp of their own!