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Artist and Designer Aaron Christensen's Blog for Embellishments Studio.  Art, kids design, display, store design and pediatric office theme builder.
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2020 REBUILDING CENTER SALVAGE SHOWDOWN

10/18/2020

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I'm happy to announce that I'm a participant in Portland's Rebuilding Center's 2020 inaugural Salvage Showdown.  My furniture piece is available for purchase by chance of raffle, with funds helping support the non-profits Constructing Hope and the RBC.  Please consider voting for my piece by purchasing a raffle ticket.  The project piece receiving the most raffle ticket purchases will be presented with their SCRAPPY award and bragging rights.
PURCHASE RAFFLE TICKETS for AARON'S PIECE
IFirst, THE BUILD:
During the Salvage Showdown, up to 8 individuals or teams will compete to build the most interesting/beautiful/creative/weird piece of furniture using only reclaimed materials from the ReBuilding Center. Builders work in their own spaces over the course of one month. Anything (really, anything) is possible!

Then, THE JUDGING:
Finished items will be on display in all their glory from October 17-22 at the ReBuilding Center and posted across our social feeds, where customers and supporters will vote for the winning salvage creation and purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win one of the finished pieces.
Finally, THE WINNERS:
On October 22, the ReBuilding Center will host a live Zoom event where all pieces will be raffled off to eight lucky winners, and the winning creation will be revealed! The winning team will receive The Scrappy, a custom, trophy hand-built by ReBuilding Center staff and guaranteed to be unique.
In recognizing the value of community partnerships, ReBuilding Center will donate 50% of the raffle proceeds to our friends at Constructing Hope to support their mission and participants!

MY ENTRY


The RBC accepted 7 builders, DIYers, artists, designers, and dreamers as Builders in the Salvage Showdown!

We had until October 16th to create a beautiful/weird/unique/unlikely piece of furniture that is at least three feet long in any dimension (three feet tall, wide, or deep).

The finished pieces will be showcased in the RBC store for one week and ranked by community vote. The builder of the winning piece will receive The Scrappy, a custom trophy hand-built by ReBuilding Center staff. Each piece will be raffled off to a lucky winner and the ReBuilding Center will donate half of the proceeds to our friends at Constructing Hope. Final pieces will be displayed in store and online for ticket purchasing starting October 17th.

Raffle Ticket Pricing
1 @ $15
2 @ $30
3 @ $40 (save $5!)
4 @ $55
5 @ $65 (save $10!)
6 @ $80
7 @ $95
8 @ $100 (save $20!)

PURCHASE RAFFLE TICKETS for AARON'S PIECE
expired - auction over.

THE OTHER ARTISAN'S ENTRIES

Please show my fellow builders some love for their kind donation of their time and skills.  It's amazing how all of us came up with such different concepts all from the RBC's selection of reclaimed materials.
WOODEN TOP KITCHEN CART - Builder: Adam Zeek | Instagram | Website
HANGING SHELF - Builder: Ashley Krollenbrock | Instagram
LEANING DESK AND SHELF - Builder: Dana Luukko | Instagram
PLANT STAND WITH LIGHT - Builder: Daniel Goers | Instagram | Website
TABLE WITH VASES - Builders: Team Mayest | Instagram | Website
KITCHEN CART WITH DRAWERS - Builders: Team True North | Instagram | Website
For more information about the RBC please visit their website: RBC or drop by their retail location at 3625 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227
Auction Update - I'm happy and delighted to announce that my piece won with the most votes.  Thanks you RBC and my fellow artists for a great time in repurpose land!
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DIY - BLACK PIPE FOOTBALL GOALPOST

2/10/2020

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As part of my new wall art and decor collection entitled Blitz, I thought I'd include a do-it-yourself tutorial and shopping list for my pipe goal post. 
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Print yourself off a shopping list and head to the hardware store.  While I show it in black pipe, you can also hunt down galvanized and copper plated, if you prefer a different look.  Download below.

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Cut Paper Florals Spring Display

4/1/2019

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I have several of the branded blade cutters and haven't really got to used to using them.  Their software is a bit clunky for me.  I recently bought a Glowforge laser and decided to give it a go cutting paper.  The verdict is in, it did a wonderful job. Not only did it cut the sheets with precision, I was able to stack and cut multiple sheets at a time.  What a time saver!  Anyway, this isn't a commercial for laser cutting, nor is this a sponsored post.
cut paper floral wreath by Embellishments Studio
The laser uses SVG files just like the blade cutting machines.  I did have to play with the settings to prevent too much scald on the papers edges.  There's a little, but I don't mind it, it seems to help define the shapes. 
Spring Window Display featuring cut paper florals
The project was a window and store display.  I wanted to do something a bit bolder as large florals are all the trend.  Here I painted the backdrop with florals and featured one wreath.  Down below I placed galvanized orbs that I made from scratch using 3/4 light duty galvanized strapping and a spot welder.
Laser cut paper florals using the Glowforge by Embellishments Studio
For the wreaths I chose clematis flowers.  They're dimensional and easily to recognize.
Dyed Coffee Filters Backdrop
In another window I created a backdrop by stapling ombre dyed coffee filters.  You can use Rit dye in different dilutions to achieve the effect.
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More coffee filters were hung from fish line to dangle from the store's rustic reclaimed wood tree.
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Galvanized tubs become hanging planters filled with cut paper flowers.  Galvanized orbs round out the display. (Pardon the photo bomber, I tried waiting until she turned away, but she was probably curious what I was doing...ha!)

Glowforge Referral Program

If you're intrigued by the Glowforge let me know.  They have a referral program and I might be able to save you some $$$.
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Remaking dollar store ornaments into a vintage style

12/13/2018

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I love vintage ornaments and Christmas decor.  The patina of time just adds something special to them whether its a bit of fading, tinge of tarnish or the flattening of colors into a mellowed palette.  Sadly, the good stuff is expensive, fragile and gasp, you better not re-craft it into anything but its original purpose.  So, using some techniques I've developed over the years, during my stints as a department store visual designer, I cheat and make my own "vintage" using less than the best.  I'll use dollar store decorations.
The difference between today's ornaments and vintage ones is more than just time.  It's materials.  Many old fashioned ornaments were made from real metal, metal flake coated glass and cellulose lacquer.  Real metal tarnishes and cellulose breaks down, hence the ornaments become duller and loose their vibrancy.  Today's inexpensive ornaments are mostly blow molded plastics coated with mylar flake glitter and/or tinted with acrylic lacquer.  None of which will age, or dull naturally.
To recreate the vintage look we have to either create the illusion of age or deconstruct the finish somehow.  Here are some simple ways to do it. 

1) mimic age using pigmented paste wax

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I use Howards Premium Paste Wax in dark oak. The citrus fragrance is a bonus.
Age and distress cheap plastic ornaments to look like vintage treasures.  DIY by Aaron Christensen
Ornaments to the right are treated with the dark oak paste wax.
Using a soft lint free rag rub on a coat of pigmented paste wax.  The wax I use is Howard's in a dark oak color.  The wax dulls the mylar like finish and alters the colors to more of an antique hue.  Fake silver becomes more champagne and gold becomes more brassy.  The snow like mylar glitter starts to resemble glass and Mica glitter which was used in the early 1900's.  The paste wax can be buffed once it is dry and removed selectively with either steel wool or a scotch brite pad.  Notice on the mylar plastic tinsel tree and wreath how the paste wax makes the tinsel look like the old silver and tin used in days gone by.  I love it.
Paste wax is flammable and contains petroleum distillates.  Keep away from children, flame and heat sources until cured and always wear protective gloves and provide for fresh air ventilation.

2)  Distress the finishes using steel wool

A super easy way to age a plastic ornament is to rub it down with steel wool.  The finer the steel wool, the smoother the wear.  For rough scratches use coarse wool, for cloudy, milky effects use fine.  To preserve the original finish and turn it into a stripe or pattern, mask off areas using electrical tape. Due to its flexible nature electrical tape will bend and wrap with the shapes easily.  The steel wool will remove glitter, knock off the lacquer paint from raised details and uncover the original plastics silver tone.
Age cheap ornaments by rubbing down details, glitter and paint finishes on inexpensive plastic ornaments.  DIY by Aaron Christensen
Age cheap ornaments by rubbing down details, glitter and paint finishes on inexpensive plastic ornaments.

3) Use Rub-n-buff to mimic glass or metal

Using a rag, brush or just your glove covered finger, apply Rub-n-Buff to highlight raised areas, draw attention to details and mimic the wearing off of the ornaments lacquer, presenting a metallic or silvered glass like tone.  Rub-n-Buff is also a paste wax and is available in a huge array of colors and is stocked by most craft stores and woodworking suppliers.  I used silver for this demonstration. 
Paste wax is flammable and contains petroleum distillates.  Keep away from children, flame and heat sources until cured and always wear protective gloves and provide for fresh air ventilation.
Mimic vintage ornaments by using Rub-n-Buff paste wax to highlight and distress cheap ornaments by Aaron Christensen
Mimic vintage ornaments by using Rub-n-Buff paste wax to highlight cheap ornaments.

4)  distress using fingernail polish Remover

 Traditional fingernail polish remover will remove the ornaments lacquer finish.  It will also re-liquefy areas and allow the mylar metal flake to move around creating highs and lows in sheen.  With more pressure you can even remove the paint finish completely.  I used that technique in combination with masking areas using electrical tape.  The look it created is much like the old "shiny and brite" ornaments.  Think of the hazards involved in this technique, consider it the same as using wet fingernail polish.  If you get this on fabric, carpet or precious surfaces it may not come off.  Use caution.

Fingernail polish remover used in conjunction with electrical tape and paste wax creates a great
Fingernail polish remover used in conjunction with electrical tape and paste wax creates a great "shiny and brite" look ornament.
Fingernail polish remover is flammable and contains petroleum distillates.  Keep away from children, flame and heat sources until cured and always wear protective gloves and provide for fresh air ventilation.  It may also dissolve and soften some plastics.  Please test an inconspicuous area first if you are experimenting.
Using a combination of the steps above, I distressed a bunch of ornaments in a variety of sizes.  Most of them I bought from the Dollar Store, Target, Michaels and Wallyworld aka Walmart.   Keep an eye out for heavy discounting as the season moves on and start working on next years big wreath or faux vintage assemblage.   Using the ornaments from this post, here's what I created.  Share with me your newly vintage ornaments over on Facebook or Instagram or drop a comment or questions below.  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from me to you!
Create vintage look ornaments using cheap plastic ones from the Dollar Store.  DIY instructions by Aaron Christensen
Other than the occasional seam, it's really hard to tell the difference between these ornaments and ones from days gone by.
Vintage look wreath created using altered inexpensive plastic ornaments by Aaron Christensen.
Vintage look wreath created using altered inexpensive plastic ornaments.
tree adorned with altered
Antiqued Dollar Store tinsel tree adorned with altered "vintage" plastic Christmas ornaments.
Distress and age cheap plastic ornaments to look like vintage collectibles by Aaron Christensen
Distress and age cheap plastic ornaments to look like vintage collectibles.
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propmaster Top picks for halloween

9/7/2018

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Halloween is probably my favorite holiday when it comes to decor.  As an experienced prop maker, I want to give kudos to some outstanding haunters of Halloween.  You can see these top 5 and all of my frightening picks in my Pinterest board "Embellished Halloween"

#1 Make up tutorials by madeyewlook

Seriously talented make-up FX artist Lex Fleming stuns with her library of tutorials.

#2 Deliciously deadly poison apples

Over on Wannabite Nate takes you through the steps to create these near black beauties.
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#3 ghosts by christopher mckenney

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Photographer turned Halloween illusionist Christopher McKenney captures the creepy.  Learn more about McKenney here or visit his Flickr to dig (get it) deeper.

#4 haunted hands

One of Martha Stewarts creative monsters offers up a DIY about casting hands.   Having created cast props, I do warn you it's messy but worth it's weight in ghouls.
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#5 creep the lights on for us

While the first photo is what captivated me, I couldn't find the source...broken link pinners, bad form!  But, I did find a similar look DIY from House of Dewberry, I guess Dewberry do good.
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For more haunted hits check out my Pinterest Board, it's to die for (get it)?
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Meteor cookies - A Space Party, Easy Essential

1/16/2018

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This week I'm celebrating the launch of my new collection of kids wall art entitled Cosmos. The series is about space, robots and loving someone to the moon and back.  Well, on that trip of love from here to the rock in the sky, you best take some provisions.  Forget the dried astronaut food, I'm talking cookies!  What if they were meteor cookies...ooooohhhh?

Here's a simple way to turn any cookie recipe into ones that look like meteors.  Think about it, a meteor shower of cookies, you can't get any more deliciously spaced out than that! 
Space Party Meteor Cookies
What you'll need:
Black Food Coloring
Chocolate Rocks
Confectioners Sugar
Your preferred cookie recipe and ingredients.

The secret is to incorporate chocolate rocks.  But, unlike chocolate chips, if you mix them in only a part of them will show and the effect won't be as obvious.
Chocolate Candy Rocks for Meteor Asteroid Cookies
You could alter any cookie recipe for this.  Keep in mind that the chocolate rocks are similar to M&M's so you'll want to expect that crunch.  For this post I am making the classic Tollhouse cookie recipe and have simply left out the chips.  I'd suggest choosing a cookie that's dark in color so you only have to use a minimal amount of food coloring. 
Tollhouse cookie recipe for Metor Cookies, for an astronaut party
First step is to make the cookie batter according to your recipe.  Once it's mixed, add in black food coloring to override the cookies color.  Fold it in thoroughly.  The second step is to load your cookie sheet with dollops of dough.   I separated the chocolate rocks into colors.
Now that your dollops are placed you'll need to pile on the chocolate rocks.  They will settle and spread out as the dough cooks.  Be sure to place some around the edge of the dough.  Then bake the cookies according to your recipe.
Chocolate Chip Meteor Cookie Recipes for a space party
Allow the cookies to cool.  In a bowl add hot water into the a cup of confectioners sugar.  Mix until it becomes smooth and free of sugar clumps.  You'll want to add enough water to make the mixture thin enough to enable brushing it on.  Holding the brush at a steep angle and simply dry brush across the surface in a couple directions to hit and highlight the texture and rocks.  Let the sugar mixture dry. 
Space Birthday Party Metoro Cookies
My favorite color ended up being the turquoise blue.  They gave the cookies that gem stone look. 
Candy Rock Chocolate Chip Cookies perfect for a space or astronuat party.
Outer space cookies, moon cookies, asteroid cookies, meteor cookies
The chocolate rocks look like well,.... like rocks.   I imagine you could try this technique matching the rock colors to colored cookie dough.  Yellow on yellow, red on red would be very space like.  If you try a variation let me know how it goes and send over a photo I'll add it to the post.  -Enjoy!
Chocolate Candy Rocks
Solar System Space Party recipe for Meteor Cookies
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DIY- Create   Colorful   Cactus   Plants   By Raiding   The   Swimming Pool!

6/27/2017

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Ideas are easy to come by, harder to realize.  I sold my clothing boutique client on the idea of a dimensional cactus themed summer window and store display.  I've been drawn to tissue art as of recently, and liked the concept of watercolor like tones of tissue combined with the harder cacti form.   Figuring out how to bring the concept to life became the mystery.  It was my mission to find a simple way to create cacti plants that are lightweight and life like in shape.
DIY - Create fun cactus decor.   Using kickboards and fun noodles for a summer window display
The fruition of my watercolor like cacti summer display trim concept.
After a stint of head scratching and store wandering, the idea came to me when I saw a display of foam fun noodles and little swimmer kick boards.  I quickly grabbed a shopping cart and loaded up 20 noodles and 20 kick boards.  In the checkout line I was asked by the cashier about my pool party.  Still excited by the idea, I blurted out that I was going to turn them into cactus.  Why I expected anything more than the half smirk and a random direction head nod from those around me, is beyond me.  Huff!  I guess my prickly pear making high was clearly a one man's journey.
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If you can decoupage and cut shapes with scissors you can have a cactus garden!  If you can climb over the fence and take your neighbors fun noodles and kick boards you can have a cactus garden for free, or the price of a misdemeanor.  Relax, there is no need to pilfer.  This time of year many big box and dollar stores have "polyethylene foam" swim noodles and boards for sale.  Plastic suppliers like Tap often carry it in large rolls.  It's used as a packing material and insulation, you will want 1/2 inch or thicker sheets.

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NEW YEARS TREAT POPPERS DIY AND FREE DOWNLOAD

12/27/2016

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Make your own New Years Eve Party Treat Poppers.  Free Download from Aaron Christensen's Embellishments.
I needed a few New Years Eve poppers to display as a centerpiece, so I scraped up some of my holiday craft left overs and cranked up the computer.  Rather than have to adorn them with sequins, go glitter crazy and go through great efforts to use a  lot of fabric colors and textures, I scanned the ingredients and printed them.  The prints were super easy to cut up, fold, fan and glue.
DIY New Years Eve Treat Poppers with Free Download
A little bit of this and a little bit of that stuff like beads, glitter, tinsel ribbon and glass crystals were added to finish them off.

Prior to tying them off you could fill them with candy, glitter or encouraging notes for the new year.   If you're like me.... hiding treats in these might prevent bad snacking.  After all the New Years Resolutions start in less than a week. {yikes}

So don't recycle those empty  wrapping paper tubes and download yourself a set of the papers below.      


Free   treat   popper  ephemera   and   paper / textures  downloads

New Years Ephemera and Tags
Burlaps, Sequins and White Washed Wood
Glitter, Textiles and Vintage Paper
As with all of the downloads I offer, I ask that they be used for personal use only.  They are not for commecial use, all rights are reserved.  © Aaron Christensen 2016
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SPRAYING THE HOLIDAY ON THICK - Vintage Look Frost and Snow Labels

12/6/2016

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FREE VINTAGE LOOK CHRISTMAS CRAFTS SPRAY DOWNLOAD BY AARON CHRISTENSEN
Holiday Crafts Spray Vintage Style Label Download by Aaron Christensen
Just for fun!  I'm sharing my original Holiday spray labels.  For me they represent all the years I've spent creating retail Holiday trims.  I think of them as mementos.  For you, they can be a fun item to display, create hijinx with your Elf on a Shelf or beef up your Jack Frost street credibility. 
The images are sized for a traditional spray can.  If you need them larger just dial up your print percentage.  I recommend using empty spray cans of course.  You wouldn't want lil' ones spraying black spray on your frosty windows.

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Jane's Pain- a bedroom brings joy to all

7/1/2016

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I hurriedly met with Mr. D as a response  to his heartfelt plea for help.     You see, he and his wife just divorced and their three year old daughter was not adjusting well.  Her world of routines,  togetherness and familiar places had just been turned upside down.  The sale of their home had mom and dad leaving for separate new places.  Mr. D found a quaint farmhouse to rent.  He had one week until Jane's first visit and that's where I come in.  His plea- "will you make her room amazing?"
A girls bedroom striking the balance between budget friendly and fantastic.  Kids room designer Aaron Christensen's fast and furious surprise bedroom.
Finding myself with little notice and a newly divorced man's budget I scoured my retail haunts for furniture and findings that would fit lil' Jane's personality.  She loves to draw, make forts, play dress up, be read to and the colors purple and pink.  The plan was for me to help her  adjust to her new home by making her room "hers".  Outside of a few stuffed animals and some dress up clothes, I had to find treasures to fill the room from floor to ceiling, and stay on budget.
Black, white, gold mixed with the childs favorite colors adds sophistication and interest.  Kids designer Aaron Christensen offer tips.
One week later,  the white walled, dark floored room was filled with what I would hope she would come to love  as "her room" and "her things".   The end result....well....

Rather than my babble further,  here's what Mr.D sent me- "Aaron, I wanted to extend to you my sincere appreciation for your hard work with Jane's room.  There are so many wonderful options for Jane and her new room signifies the wonderful girl she is.  At one point while she and I were in the room playing I almost broke down crying because it just felt so right, right for Jane and I in this moment.  She adores her new room and I can't even tell you how special it is to have you come into our life at such a difficult time and help make it better.  We couldn't be happier!"  

I'm happy to report that Jane is doing much better, she and her new kitty "Tiger" are enjoying her and her daddy's new home.  Mr. D, having experienced this makeover, now has me working his new bedroom into a manly refuge. I'll post about it soon.
Plain rental home light fixture redo using inexpensive items.  Kids designer Aaron Christensen shares his ideas.
...while she and I were in the room playing I almost broke down crying because it just felt so right...
To fill Jane's room on a modest budget, I relied upon some big bang for the buck items and a few fast and effective fixes.
  • Adhered paper pennants around the light fixture to create a starburst.
  • Spray painted off colored items into golden treasures.
  • Using adhesive and wire adapts shelf and table top accessories to work in a gallery wall setting.
  • Went big with the ever popular tissue flowers.
  • Stuck with the white rental walls the changing of  white accessories to color gave them weight and interest. 
If you have a trick or tip on transforming a plain white walled rental, I'm sure my readers would love to hear about it.   Your comments are welcome!
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LATE FOR COLLEGE- HOW TIME FLIES

5/5/2016

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One of my greatest sources of inspiration and joy are my two children.  Although they are technically no longer children but young adults, and very amazing ones at that.  My son, whom defines himself as a creative, is always challenging me to see through his eyes.   He has a great eye for what's important, interesting and meaningful to a generation that I'm purely an observer of due to the age difference.

   This year marks an important milestone for him, as he graduates from COLLEGE.  He's a student at University of Oregon, in Eugene, Oregon.

Four years ago we put together a fun high school graduation party for him that I intended to post about.  Well, here we are four years later and it never quit appeared on the blog.    So to reminisce and enjoy it all again here's the details of that special day.
High School Graduation Party for a young man.  Ideas to incorporate color, school spirit and decorations by Aaron Christensen of Embellishments Studio
A graduation party filled with ideas reflecting accomplishment, love and celebration.
The goal of the  party was to acknowledge and celebrate his accomplishments in high school and build excitement for his college experience.   One of the very basic things I started with was working out some common ground between the two school's color palettes.  His high school colors were cardinal and gold and his college was green and yellow.  So I tweaked both into my preferred color palette of vintage look colors.  We were now working with burgundy reds, ochre yellows and olivey greens mixed with the neutrals of  parchment, kraft and burlap.
Graduation Party Ideas, Keepsakes and Decor
A keepsake box of memories, inspiration and encouragement. Blown up heads on a stick act as place holders during the graduation.
I can't take credit for the concept but I can take credit for the execution of the little suitcase pictured.  His school asked that we create a box keepsake and fill it with insightful and inspirational items, quotes and sentiment.  I covered his in stickers I created that represent many of the stages in his academic journey.  Many were logos I already had on hand from events and projects I had a design hand in through the years.

The box itself contained items that were adorned with small kraft tags.  On each tag we came up with short explanation as to why we chose the item.    Some of the items were toys he had as a boy.

The handsome heads you see are blow ups of my son's face.  We used them as markers to reserve the family and friends seats at graduation.   They we fun to wave in the air during the moments we could get noisy and revel.
Decorations, pennants and burlap are used to create party supplies for a high school graduation.
Fringed, rough ribbons of fabric and pennants create a masculine and vintage feel for the graduation party.
At the house I used a lot of props, which as a prop hoarder it wasn't too difficult to do.  Globes, encyclopedias , typewriters, flash cards, things with letters and ones that reflect the 12 in 2012.  A hand painted burlap pennant streamer spans our front porch welcoming guests through the garden.
Graduation Party ideas using old books, globes, suitcases, props and more.
Manipulated and folded books, typewriters and other items act as props to create vignettes throughout the house.
Small vignettes of photos and props were placed throughout the house.  I used books to create fun shapes and opportunities to stage items.  While its something we don't showcase year round the digital photo frame was a great addition to the displays.  Having k-12 photographs scrolling through time was enjoyed by our guests.
Outdoor graduation party ideas
A graduation garden party filled with school colors and decorative details.
Having a very large backyard gives us many opportunities for merry making.  The problem often becomes scale.  How to make a party look intimate and special on such a large scale is often the issue.  To remedy some of that I strung very long strands of lights to bring the "ceiling" down a little and offer light as the evening waned past sunset.  The combination of clear bulbs and paper lanterns were very handsome.
Cricut, Silhouette cutouts, party supplies and theme ideas for a graduation party
Using a Silhouette cutter made creating school logo stick flags easy
In the revised color palette, collections of school logo cutouts, paper goods and decorative details bring it all together.   I found some amazing natural leaf made plates that had great texture.  They were combined with the more graphic striped traditional party plates.
Graduation Party ideas using vintage goods.  Cake table ideas.
Vintage props and decor adds appeal and creates opportunities to display food, gifts and special treats.
A multi layered dimensional height display of suitcases, manipulated books and other props made for a perfect dessert table.  Letters and numbers were cut using my silhouette machine.
Now, we're in the planning stages of his college graduation.  I might revisit some of these props and ideas to create a new but familiar and welcomed look.  Hopefully, I will be good about posting those before another four years passes.

I hope you find a few things inspiring or just fun to look at.  Shoot me over any questions or sentiments for the graduate.  I look forward to your thoughts...
Best,
Aaron
 
I've taken the liberty to host the photos above on Pinterest for your pinning!   Be sure to follow me.
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DIY- Do It Yourself Vintage Sports Jersey Chalkboard by Aaron Christensen

3/17/2016

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Vintage Sports DIY - Jersey Chalkboard by children's space designer Aaron Christensen.  DIY includes a chalkboard paint recipe.
Here's a DIY I created for sports enthusiasts.  It's perfect for a boy's room or a man cave.  Whether it hosts your favorite teams game schedule, a fan showing of school colors or a personalized homage to your son's player number, my easy to create jersey chalkboard is a great addition to any sports bedroom. It can be customized to support your favorite sport and team colors. This project includes a recipe to create your own customized chalkboard paint. Combine this unique piece with my vintage sports art and you're set to reign as a champion sports room designer.

Be sure to fan, pin, favorite or follow me for more DIY's and get exclusive access to my upcoming new tutorials.

Go Team!
-Aaron
MATERIALS:

- 24 inch x 24 inch 1/2 MDF Board
- 2 cups of flat finish or matte latex paint in your choice of color
- Additional latex or craft paint for decorative stripes and accents
- 4 tablespoons of un-sanded tile grout
- 8 oz. of Dark Brown craft paint
- Mixing Container
- Disposable small roller/tray kit
- Paint brush
- Masking tape
- Optional spray adhesive
- One 80 or rough grit sanding sponge or sheet paper
- One 150 or fine grit sanding sponge or sheet paper
- Sawtooth hanger or picture frame hanging wire kit

TOOLS:

- Jig Saw with Smooth finish blade
- Protective Goggles
This craft requires the use of power tools. Please read and observe the safety instructions provided with your tool. Always wear safety gear.



INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Determine your color palette and accent designs for the jersey. Remember that chalk is only available in lighter colors so your jersey should be a darker color. The jersey can be tailored to your favorite sport by changing the accents, stripes or details. Utilizing stencils you could also add text or numbers.
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jersoutachristensen.pdf
File Size: 455 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Read more for instructions-

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12 AMAZING SUPERHERO DIY'S

8/3/2015

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DIY Superhero ideas and inspiration by Embellishmentskids.com
The imaginary world of superheroes has grown into a sub-culture phenomena.  The caped wonders have influenced everything from candy to luxury cars.  Gathering places like Pinterest are flooded with super easy, primitive hero DIY's.  As an experienced maker of things, I love the challenge of something more difficult.  As I'm sure many of you do.

Here I've gathered a collection of 12 superhero DIY's varying in difficulty.  They range from easy Kryptonite Jello to multi-step latex hero eye masks.  I hope you enjoy the selection as much as I do.  If you tackle any of them let me know how they turn out.


Super Hero Costume Gloves DIY
The Geeksmiths over at The Geek Forge are sharing instructions on how to make your own professional grade superhero gloves.  You could scale them up or down, making them perfect for adults and kids alike. If you want to take their DIY one step further try using multiple colored fabrics to recreate your favorite hero costumes.


Superhero Latex Eye Mask Make up
With this easy to follow DIY video, Sarza the South from Nsomniaks Dream will help you create a custom eye mask.  These latex wonders are akin to what live actors wear in the superhero movies.   Be sure to check out her YouTube channel for all kinds of hero and otherworldly make-up effects.
Superhero Comic Wallet DIY
Want a great gift for a superhero fan?  Why not make them a one-of-a-kind comic book wallet.  The talented team at ForUsToBe have laid out detailed instructions on how to create a wallet using a standard comic book.  It's a great idea!  Who better to protect your Benjamins than a superhero?
Captain America Shield DIY
Suddenly, there's a demand for those idle satellite dishes that you see on roofs.  I know I'm guilty of having one parked on my roof.  Seamster from Instructables.com has the ultimate repurposing guide to transform one of those dishes.  Follow the straight forward instructions and you'll have a movie prop quality Captain America shield.
Make your own realistic DIY clouds
Before you comment that building a cloud is a bit of a superhero stretch, I must remind you that there's quite a few heroes that control the weather.  Plus, I can totally see this in a kids room with an action figure flying by.  Talk about playtime fun!  Serena over at The Farm Chicks takes you step by step, with quality photos.  I suppose at step three you could paint your clouds silver.  That way when things get tough you'll aways have a cloud with a silver lining!  I know, I know.... I had to go there.

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12 Great Baseball Decor Ideas and DIY's for Boy's Rooms and Nurseries

6/28/2015

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12 Baseball DIY Ideas for Kids Rooms and the Home
Vintage Baseball DIY Craft Bookends using old balls
I've been working on some new mood boards for boy's rooms and keep coming across terrific DIY's and uses for old baseballs.  Then it dawned on my... I should share them!  So, here are 11 great ways to use baseballs for home decor and 1 accessory I thought was clever for you moms to check out.

I've worked hard to find the original sources for these DIY's.  Please, if you share or Pin them always link back so the original source can be found.  If you want creatives to share their ideas in the future, then please honor and reward them with the original source link.  I've also watermarked the images with the sources so they don't get stripped by the pinning sites.  


 #1-  BASEBALL BOOKENDS

Amanda over at Kaleidoscope of Colors grew up with great baseball memories.  Here she busts out the power tools to create these terrific bookends.  They're simple and perfect.
#2- RECLAIMED PALETTE BASEBALL FLAG


Heralded as a Fourth of July project, Courtney from Sweet C designs has a DIY that's perfect, at least I think so, for a boy's room, nursery or man cave.  It will have you rubber necking while you drive, looking for palettes to transform.
DIY Baseball Craft DIY American Flag using palettes
#3- SHADOW BOX BASEBALL FLAG


The age old tool brand Craftsman is offering a how to video that will walk you through the steps to create this timeless treasure.  For a kids room friendly variation I'd suggest painting the bats.  Imagine them in a grey toned color scheme or the classics red and white.
Baseball Flag DIY shadowbox using old baseballs - Decor
#4- BASEBALL LAMP BASE

Kirsten dons her gloves and hopefully protective eyewear to drill some baseballs turning an inexpensive lamp into a custom home run.  She blogs over at Paint Speckled Paw Prints.

Make a Baseball Lamp DIY

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Up Cycled Menagerie - DIY Faux Animal Taxidermy. How To Make Taxidermy Using Recyclables

7/10/2012

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Reclaimed plastics turned into taxidermy wall decor.  A great crafting idea for kids.  You can create mounts using a variety of discarded recyclables.
Using simple recyclables you too can create faux taxidermy heads.
Take a long hard look in your recycling bin.  It's crawling with creatures great and small.  Hopefully, not real ones, but fun future faux ones.  With a little imagination, and some easy DIY instructions, you can create a zoo of animals out of common recyclables.

Welcome to my latest craft DIY brought to you by my friends at Rosenberry Rooms Very Rosenberry Blog.
Recyclables Crafts - Create Animal heads.  Great idea for kids crafting.
Common recyclables like laundry detergent bottles, toilet tissue rolls yogurt cups, styrofoam meat packing trays and cardboard are great components for your own faux taxidermy.

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Shop top selling  wall art, paintings and prints for boys, boys rooms,  kids, teens, adults, tweens, nurseries and rooms by artist Aaron Christensen.  Vintage sports art, racing art, scoreboard art, rock and roll art can be found in our shop. View works by interior designer Aaron Christensen, whom specializes in children's spaces, theatrical and themed spaces, pediatric office and retail environments. Based in Portland, Oregon. All images, text, DIY's and art copyright Aaron Christensen. All rights reserved.

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