Susan Marie

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

DIY Art Tutorial: MatchStick Shield

This was one of the easiest projects. It is similar to putting a puzzle together, calming like that. This turned out to be more of a protective shield for me and it can be decorated with anything when you are done. I chose to leave it as is in my photo above. The only photo not showing is after I used canvas varnish on it. Above is without any clear coat.

Cost:

Nothing to me, supplies were at home. At most, $3-5.

Supplies:

1 box of 2-inch Diamond Strike-On-Box kitchen matches [250 matches in 1 box]
4 boxes of 1 inch Diamond Strike-On-Box kitchen matches [32 matches in each box]
All-purpose clear drying non toxic glue
Some sort of clear, protective coat [optional, I used clear varnish for canvases]
Anything that can be used as a hanger for the back
Flat cardboard or similar medium for backing

Directions:

Print this --> Matchstick Star Pattern

Cut the pattern out and lightly glue the 2 pattern sheets side by side to the flat cardboard so you see the pattern.

Cut out the entire pattern dried on the cardboard. This way you have the pattern to follow and a hard cardboard backing for your star.

Light and burn one matchstick at a time. Hold the matchstick at a slight downward angle, rolling the stick between your fingers to create an even charred tone around the match slightly beyond the tip. Quickly extinguish the flame and place the matchstick on a heatproof surface until it cools. Once you burn a few, you get the idea. This goes quickly.

Work in a well-ventilated area and quickly blow out the matchstick to preserve the wooden part of the tip. To conserve matches, light only 25 matches and use those up before burning more as needed while you work. I also used small box matches for the edges instead of cutting the large matchsticks in half.

Starting with the center with the clean ends of the match touching the center of the star, place the first six matchsticks onto the guidelines. Let that dry.

The photos below I use for reference only. My pattern has the printed pattern visible. Much easier. I just forgot to take photos as I worked. I also tweaked this to my own liking.

Move onto the "A" area on the pattern. Fill in one entire side of the star. Leave the edges for last. This way you can see what you are creating as you work instead of following the pattern blindly in alphabetic order.

I just brushed glue on each lettered area as I worked on that one area and placed the matches in line. The glue dries clear so you do not have to worry about making a mess or mistake.

Keep looking at the photos to make sure you are placing the matches in the correct direction. The only matches I placed in different directions from the rest is the center. It looked better this way. It gave shadow and a 3-d effect to one major light area.

Below, the photo shows you to reverse the small matches on the out-most edges. I chose not to. It looks better all going in the same direction to me.

Keep going until you are done. If you mess up or do not like how something looks, it is easy to remove the matches and fix something. It is only white glue you are using.

When you get to the edges, there may be extra cardboard sticking out. This is where small box matches fit perfectly instead of cutting the large matches in half. You will see as you get closer to finishing. This part needs to be last.

There may be edges left bare where you have to cut the small matches in half to cover cardboard. I made my own design and just rolled with it at the end.As long as all cardboard is covered and you like it, that is all that matters.

Be careful to not get the sticks themselves dirty. This turned out so amazing, it looks astounding on my wall.

Have fun, enjoy and get creating!

Check out my other tutorials below:

Up-cycling Glass: Stamp Candle Holder

Acrylic Arabic Peace Dove/Chinese Peace on Wood

Up-cycling Glass: Glass Beads Candle Holder

Preserving & Framing Autumn Leaves

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Buffalo Minority Business Owner Launches New Business/Website

On Buffalo Rising

WHO: Yves-Richard Blanc, founder and CEO of YR Blanc & Co. LLC, dba Renovatio DNA Relationship Testing.

WHAT: Minority owned business focusing on the psychological, scientific and medical need for DNA testing in this region with specific calls to action and a main focus on the health and well being of all involved, especially the children.

WHERE: Renovatio DNA Relationship Testing, 1275 Main Street, Suite 120, Buffalo, NY 14209, 716-332-1633.

WHY: Basic Focus: Father's Rights and child abandonment, Psychological aspects affecting children, Rights of the unwed Mother, Paternity Fraud, Science, Calls To Action.

WHEN: April 2016

Yves-Richard Blanc, entrepreneur and consistent supporter of community, first came to Buffalo in 2004 after hearing Mayor Byron Brown give a speech in New York City about minority business owners and opportunities in Buffalo.

Yves came to the U.S. at 8 years old from Haiti, his family moving to Montreal, then Brooklyn. Yves attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan studying commercial photography and advertising. For the 30 years, he has worked in sales and management 15 of those years in health care.

Yves- Richard Blanc learned how to set up companies and help them become profitable. Renovatio DNA Relationship Testing is his current endeavor.

Today, Yves-Richard Blanc is a forerunner in providing not only services needed for Western New York and Buffalo communities, but as a minority business leader creating opportunities for employment, education, health and well being for our families.

Please contact: Yves-Richard Blanc:

Email: yrblanc@gmail.com

Website: www.whosmydaddy.net

Private Line: 716-800-3999

Renovatio specializes in DNA paternity testing for legal and private use, offering a wide range of DNA relationship tests.

They provide testing to private individuals, law enforcement and legal representatives to resolve paternity disputes, establish child custody, assist with immigration claims, identify rightful heirs, assist with the adoption process and much more.

Their mission is to educate donors about their rights and provide them with resources necessary through the DNA collection process by providing excellent family centered service through compassion, competence and in an environment that meets or exceeds the expectations of those we serve and educate.

Up-cycling Glass: Stamp Art Tutorial

I absolutely enjoy experimenting with different mediums of art and creativity. I attempt various tutorials in order to share with others diverse ways to be artistic, Eco-conscious, feasible and most importantly, fun.

Most supplies necessary to create can be found within your own home.

For this tutorial, I spent nothing. I used a tall glass container that was leftover from a candle. Before I used this container for up-cycling, it was holding a small bamboo plant that outgrew the container.

Supplies:

Any kind of glue [tacky glue, white glue, modge podge, anything that dries clear, non toxic.]
Glass containers [I found that slimmer, upright types of glass are more pleasing to the eye than shorter, rounder containers.]
I used stamps. I collect them and the ones I used are "used" stamps. You can use whatever you want to decorate the glass.

Directions:

Make sure the container is clean and free of any labels, glue, or residue.
Use an old paintbrush, any type, brush on a small area of glue onto the glass. Use a small, thin amount of glue.
Start having fun and attaching the stamps [or whatever you choose to put on there.]
Let the stamps dry for about 10 minutes. Brush on modge podge lightly to put a final semi-gloss coat on all.
Be careful to not use too much glue in both steps depending upon what you are using. Some forms of paper buckle and tear easily.

The stamps were fun to use because it was like putting a puzzle together. Each stamp signifies a different nation, era and important part of history. Last night, I lit one up with a tealight candle and it looks beautiful.