Thursday, February 28, 2013

What's More Fun Than A Bag of Rocks?

What's more fun than a bag of rocks? Two bags of rocks!  

Today let's talk about rocks.
 
Rocks are fun. Rocks are cool. I love working with rocks. (I realize that that sounds geeky, but I really do like rocks.) I enjoy sifting through the huge piles of rocks and finding just the right one. It's like looking for a lost treasure. I look at each rock and wonder what I could make from it and if there is something about that intrigues me, I will take it home. 

I picked up a whole bunch of new rocks the other day and decided I wanted to somehow incorporate the air plants with the rocks. As some of you know, I love using my dremel, so, I used the dremel and made a hole in the rock and turned it into a one-of-a-kind air plant holder. I love bringing nature indoors and I think this simple little rock does that perfectly.


If you are interested in this, you can find it here:  

http://www.etsy.com/listing/123853195/engraved-rock-air-plant-holder-stone

Side note: In this photo, I told my kids I am a little bit county and a little bit rock and roll. (Get it? Boots/pile of rocks?). You would be surprised how many eye rolls I can get from my kids in one single day. haha 

Have a great day. Get out there and be creative. Go find some rocks and see what you can come up with, I would love to hear about it. :)

Cindy


www.etsy.com/shop/DeerwoodCreekGifts



Monday, February 4, 2013

How to make an engraved log candle holder.


 I often get asked how to engrave logs. I love answering this as it involves the dremel, which just so happens to be my favorite tool. I could talk about it for hours.

To make an engraved log candle holder, first get a log that you think has pretty bark. I love trees and love picking out the prettiest logs. Once I find one that is just right, I cut it with the skilsaw. My skilsaw has a 12" blade, so I can cut through about 5 1/2". So much fun! 

Once I get the log cut, then I drill the hole for the tea light. Once I finish drilling, I then sand the top and bottom of the candle and get it ready to engrave.

Now the real fun begins! I freehand on the log whatever I need to have engraved. Writing on tree bark is not easy, but it can be done with just a little bit of effort.     
 When I like how it looks, I fire up the dremel.  I set the dremel on the highest speed and start engraving. Oh, I always wear goggles and a face mask as I don't like getting things in my eyes or in my lungs that should not be there. I would suggest the same for you.


 You will find that sometimes it is easier to turn the log than to try to maneuver the dremel. To each their own, but I will turn the log around many, many times just to get around a corner. 



Once you are finished, you will have a very pretty, personalized, engraved log candle holder. 






 



Dust it off and add a clear coat and wha-laa! 
Your own engraved log candle holder.

Cindy Breninger
Deerwood Creek Gifts

www.etsy.com/shop/DeerwoodCreekGifts