Junque 2 Jewels Blog

A faux windmill that looks FOR REAL May 21, 2018 12:57

Windmills are part of the rustic, farmhouse style BUT most I have seen are spendy. So why buy when I can DIY...watch the full video for my step by step instructions for creating your own faux windmill at home.


The DIY Home, by Junque 2 Jewels April 30, 2018 16:53 1 Comment

The DIY home by Junque 2 Jewels

I've been thinking on this idea for months!

I'm kind of a NERD about home decor, and I try to share as much as possible on our Facebook and Instagram. Even recently trying to keep up with blogging here. But while I hope that I am helping you on your own journey to making your house a home, I'm honestly not sure if that sometimes muddles with what's happening in our local paint studio.

What I am sure of, is that I want to cheer you all on and connect with your more when it comes to decorating your homes with DIY & creative projects. I LOVE seeing how you all take a project and re-create it or use a technique I've shared. I know this community has SO MUCH to offer too!

That's why I'm beyond excited to open the doors to The DIY Home, an online decorating & creative community. This invitation is to our private Facebook group is only available to our subscribers. So trust me, you want on the list to get into this FREE club. 

It's a space where you can share photos of our own homes, get decorating advice, be encouraged & empowered to tackle your next home DIY project by ladies just like you. Who love making their homes more beautiful through crafting, flipping flea market finds, do it yourself ideas and creating a stylish home. 

It's going to be a BLAST!!! I cannot wait to see you in the group.

If you'd like to join, just sign up here.

Thanks  - Katie

 PS: Will you pass the invite along to any of your decorating enthusiast pals who would enjoy this DIY community too?

 


All about Chalk Couture April 26, 2018 22:51

Creative ladies are you curious about Chalk Couture? 
If you're here, you probably love to DIY or perhaps you already have a crafty business. So how would you like to stop trying to design with frustrating technical software, then cut stencils, then weed them, apply transfer tape, and so on and so on, just to paint a single sign???
 
What if I told you there was a way you could make a sign, chalkboard, door hanger in under 5 minutes- including drying time? 
 
Well hold on to your hats because I have some amazing news! I'm just flipping out over here about the possibilities.
 Farm Fresh Windmill Sign Chalk Couture Chalk Couture piggy farmhouse sign transfer
All these signs were made were made in about 5 minutes without CUTTING, WEEDING, OR TRANSFER TAPE! Now YOU can make signs without having a cutting machine. It's soooo easy!!!
 Chalk couture family transfer chalkboard sign
Ok newsflash....I joined Chalk Couture! Chalk Couture is a newbie company that launched this past July. They sell premium magnetic chalkboards, chalk paste, the list keeps growing..but the best part...
 
are you ready???? 
 
REUSABLE VINYL TRANSFERS!!!
 
Let me introduce you to a little thing I'd like you to see...This right here is a SILKSCREEN VINYL STENCIL.
 
It has a sticky back that will stick and REstick 20-50 times. The level of details on these designs are FLAWLESS. In fact better than you could ever cut with your Silhouette or Cricut.

Check out this video!

 

So here's the thing, I signed up...I signed up so I could buy designs for 40% off. I signed up because you'd be crazy not to!  But now I've built a team, who have all hopped on the crazy chalkin' train with me. 

I know your head is probably spinning. Trust me, mine was too. Let me answer some of the questions I get asked the MOST. 

Are the designs commercially licensed and can we make our own things and sell them?

YEP! You are free to use the silkscreen transfer designs and put them on any surface, and then turn around and sell that product. 100% yes. Imagine the possibilities- open your Etsy store, sell your products at parties or craft fairs, on facebook or to friends and family. Start your dream business today when you become a designer.

Right now you can get a starter kit for $99!

 

It's over a $250 value- what a way to start off with this amazing product! 

Inside your kit you'll find:

8 silk screen transfers: Daydream, Summer Is My Happy Place, Explore More, Can’t Touch This, Established Wreath, Live Life in Flip Flops, Logo, and the monthly Club Couture Transfer

 

•one magnetic frame chalkboard

•one round magnetic white chalkboard

•5 jars of chalk paste 

•chalk couture apron

•one large angled squeegee

•one small squeegee 

•25 thank you cards and starter guide

Along with becoming a designer, there is a $19.99 monthly subscription fee, which covers your website, shipping and handling of all website orders, point of sale system app and a new club couture transfer every month that you will receive in the mail from corporate. 

 Do I have to sell it or meet minimums? 

Requirements- All designers must meet $150 Personal Volume (this is your wholesale price, so 40% off retail) every quarter to maintain their status. There are no penalties if you decide to drop out or say "this isn't really my thing", no worries at all!

What is chalk paste?

Chalk paste is a thicker chalk material. It's dries hard to the touch in less than 5 minutes. This means you can rub over your design and it's not going anywhere unless YOU want it to!  When you're ready to change out the design, just spray with water and you're ready to apply the next transfer.

If you are using chalk paste on other surfaces, you can use a spray sealer and they will be sealed permanently on the surface. 

We also have NEW - Inks that go on permanent to all surfaces from mugs to pillow cases!

How do you clean the stencils?

Our unique transfers clean up with just water, or a disinfectant wipe, you wash, lay flat to tray and then put back on the transfer sheet and you're good to go!

Do I have to do parties? 

 Totally NOT required... Your business is run how YOU want to run it. Vendor events are really great and the products demonstrations blow people's minds. Your booth will be a magnet! 

Do you offer Training? 

While I'm personally new to Chalk Couture, I'm no stranger to building a business! I built my business from the ground up and continue to grow every year.

When you sign up and join my team, you'll have access to me and an amazing network of other ladies who have built their Chalk Couture businesses and are eager to helo, encourage and motivate you. 

If you want to build a team or establish a presence on social media, we have training videos to teach you all about that PLUS how to utilize ads, Facebook Live, and more to grow a thriving business. 

You won't do it alone. I'm committed to seeing your success with Chalk Couture!

Hope that answers a few questions.

I know this is an absolute GAME CHANGER for those of us in the home decor, sign making, personalizing business.  If you want to email me ( katie@junque2jewels.com ) for more info, please do.

Or if you're ready to join, visit: https://www.chalkcouture.com/junque2jewels/enrollment/packs

and hit the "join" button. You'll be part of a strong team and I'll support you all the way.

Live Creatively- Katie


Spring Door Hanger Tutorial April 26, 2018 22:10

Spring hello pennant door hanger
I have to admit - I'm pretty smitten with this freshly painted spring door hanger. It's going right up on my own front door! Don't worry though, I have all the instructions you need to re-create your very own hello pennant door hanger. You can watch our tutorial over on our Facebook page here:

Hello Pennant Door Hanger  - Project Supplies

Hello Pennant Door Hanger by Junque 2 Jewels


Rustic Potting Bench, PLUS a freebie SVG download! April 26, 2018 21:15

I like to call it "Frankenstein" furniture when I create something out of multiple misfit pieces. I'm a junker (a.k.a HOARDER) of old things so when a project comes to mind, I usually have some bits and pieces I can rummage up to fit the bill.

This rustic potting bench was built by my daughter and I from an old desk, a table leaf and a piece of a railroad cart. We added a discarded metal shelf, some corbels and TA-DAY! It's the perfect platform for a potting bench. And this Fresh Flower Market Sign - we're even sharing the SVG download as a freebie!

 You can even watch our entire Facebook Live to see how we created the final look. 

 

To be honest, I have a BLACK THUMB and zero intention of actually growing plants. But the set up of our porch for dining this Spring & Summer will put this new nook potting bench to use! I'm already imagining a drink station serving lemonade or refreshing adult beverages for outdoor dinners with friends very soon. 

There are lots of things I love in this little space, perhaps my favorite though is this Fresh Flower Market sign we created on cedar fence boards. We even attached an actual spade and shovel - REAL garden tools!

Do you have the perfect space for this Fresh Flower Market Sign? Indoors or out, it's a great one for spring. So for those creative ladies with a Silhouette or Cricut, we're sharing this SVG cut file for this sign for F*R*E*E. That way you can size it and cut the vinyl or stencil of your choice and make your very own version. We cannot wait to see what you do!

GET THE FRESH FLOWER MARKET SVG

You may also want to pick up our FAVORITE vinyl for sign making HERE.

Live Creatively, Katie & crew


Our top 50 paint colors April 25, 2018 19:16

We have tried a variety of paint brands, finishes & styles but hands down we LOVE Sherwin Williams paints. Over 100's - probably 1000's of workshops we have narrowed down our list to 50 paint colors we use again and again. These colors are the ones you will always find on hand in our studio, and what we use in our tutorials and DIY projects at home too. Snag your copy  of Junque 2 Jewels favorite paint colors.


Valentine's Table for Two February 1, 2018 11:29

If you're like Junque Hunk & I,  we are more likely to avoid the Valentine crowds and choose dinner in for a romantic occasion but my craft lovin' heart can't settle for it feeling like just another family dinner... so I went to work creating a tablescape for two.

I created Valentine Placemats, customized a lantern and included some yarn wrapped hearts to set the seen for a fun feast. Most of the projects are very easy and you will blow is mind with this sweet romantic gesture. 

Plaid Painted Placemats

This project turned out so cute and I can see this in a variety of colors from Black & white check for everyday to a multi colored pastel version for Easter - so many possibilities. 

The supplies for the wood placemats: 12x14 wood base, painters tape, paint in the colors of your choice, and paint brushes - that's it! 

Watch the video to see our perfect plaid technique:

 Valentine Lantern Project

You probably already have a lantern or frame you can transform with this fun project. We used Chalk Couture to stencil right onto glass. The best part - you DO NOT need a vinyl cutting machine at all to tackle this so check it out so you can be transforming all things with the amazing capabilities.

Yarn Wrapped Hearts Project

This one is so easy that my little neice helped me out! You just cut out hearts (we used a cookie cutter for the shape) from styrofaom, or even cardstock & wrap with your favorite color yarn. 

It has a simple & cozy feel for my mantle. 

 


Easter Decorating has begun! February 1, 2018 10:09

We are putting all the WARM Spring & Easter vibes out there! Bring on the spring sunshine...and that means flowers. We are working with some faux flowers today while we dream of the more colorful season ahead of us with this Tulip Carrot Wreath. 

See how quickly you can create your own unique & beautiful display like this with just a few supplies.

Tulip Carrot Wreath Supplies:

  •  Wreath Based in the size you'd like your display (PS, I show you how I created mine in a highlighted Instagram story right here with scrap wood and chalk paint)
  • Orange Tulips
  • Ribbon for bow you'd like to embellish your carrot with
  • Artificial Fern stems
  • Stapler

Just watch out video tutorial to get started!

 

 


Make this beautiful & EASY tulip wreath! January 31, 2018 11:43

If you're been to any home decor or craft stores you will find the spring florals rolling in, & tulips are HOT for this season. So snatch up some little tulips and you can make one too for a fraction of the price of the wimpy pre-made versions we've seen available.

PAINT AN UPHOLSTERED CHAIR - Does it work? January 31, 2018 11:18

When you think of painted fabric, especially when it comes to furniture your mind may describe it as cripsy, crunch or stiff but after my first experience using BB Frosch Chalk Paint Powder on this ugly duckling orange chair, it's now one of my favorite pieces in my home. Check out our video to see how easy you can transform the eye sore FABRIC furniture in your home too!

Un-boxing Chalk Couture December 8, 2017 18:34


Witchy Centerpiece and Halloween Decor October 24, 2017 20:30

Looking for some fun ideas to complete your Halloween decor? We are sticking with bright & fun for our whimsical Halloween decor and this witchy centerpiece fits right in! No gore or blood here - all fun with the striped legs, glitter accents & big bows. 

 

Watch Katie create a Halloween treat table in her home for inspiration on creating not only these craft projects but wonderful memories with the kiddos in your life. 


Cutest Halloween Porch Sign EVER! October 19, 2017 20:30

Looking for some fun ideas to complete your Halloween decor?

We adore a fun & whimsical Halloween, rather than spooky & scary and this is just the porch sign to do the trick. Here is our take on a Halloween Porch Sign that's sure to the trick, you can make one too.

 

Create this cute pumpkin porch sign with Katie and Kara!


Mason Jar Holders for your Gallery Wall! September 25, 2017 19:30

Do you love that gallery wall look as much as we do?

We have an entire Pinterest board you can browse for gallery wall ideas but we're adding a couple more ideas to you list for inspiration! 

These quick projects made with SCRAP wood come together so easily - that's my kind of project. The first one incorporates succulents & a galvanized metal bucket on a faux barn-wood piece we distressed & painted.

 

Display these rustic pieces to add dimension to your very own gallery wall and change out the filler according to the season or style you like. There are so many options for this project you can really make it your own!

Like this mason jar we chalk painted with BB Frosch Chalk Paint Powder and filled with some faux lambs ear on a layered pallet style board for a totally different vibe.

 

See how to make both in our video below.


Stencil 3 different ways! September 19, 2017 18:30

Watch how we use stencils to personalize our Fall porch decor! 

 

We made three different items for my fall front porch today - using 3 totally different products to apply personalziation.

For every serious crafty or DIYer can I shout how much you NEED a craft cutter? Seriously, it's so versatile for painting or cutting vinyl, to apply to a project. There is just nothing better than bringing ideas to life right in your home. My personal go-to when I'm at home is my Silhouette Cameo. The Cameo makes it super easy to make own personalized stencils, and size them for whatever I am making in just minutes. 

 

This big personalized Porch Pumpkin we created the "B" stencil then painted it onto our wood pumpkin.

 

We even cut this "Autumn" stencil from gold glitter vinyl and applied it to a real pumpkin with out Silhouette Cameo

 

If cutting stencils doesn't sound like your thing - then Chalk Couture may be the answer! They are magical RE-USABLE stencil transfers you can use on everything from wood to fabric projects. Watch Kara use it for the very first time on metal in the video below & you can shop my Chalk Couture store right here: 

https://junque2jewels.chalkcouture.com/store


Junkin' finds turned into Fall beauties! September 12, 2017 13:43

Not sure what to do with all of your antique and junk finds? Those are my favorite kinds of junk to fill my house with or transform into jewels. A few things I recommend you don't pass up when you're out junkin'...

  • Milk glass: Collected bunches of mis-matched white glass make a pretty statement in any home and are usually readily available for $1-2 a piece.

  • Baskets: These are making a come-back! They work for gifting but also for gather odds and ends on tables or even hang them on the wall, layer with a wreath for an instant art piece that add cozy texture.

  • Metal: For the love all things chippy, worn, metal and rusty grab the good stuff! I covet metal baskets, watering cans & trays. So many possibilities!

  • Breadboards or Cutting boards: The inspiration for these is popping up everywhere! They add a ton of character above your cabinets on open shelving or displayed on your kitchen counters.

Another item I recommend you snag when you find it on the cheap is solid wood cabinet doors. specially ones with the recessed centers or pretty trim details. Today I am taking one such cabinet door find and creating a fall door hanger! In the past, I've used cabinet doors for bases of signs for my wall and they also make great trays when you add some chalk paint & handles. 

You can watch our video on my latest junk finds and see how I took the dis-guarded cabinet door to show stopping fall decor in just a few minutes.

Plus my outfit totally matched my crafty project ; ) That's a WIN! I got the top & vest from one of the sweetest boutique owners, Denisa, from Picadilly Frilly - totally go check her out as they always have new arrivals, sales & plenty of selection for curvy gals like me. https://picadillyfrilly.com/


Perfect Fall Centerpiece for Thanksgiving! September 2, 2017 20:00

Get ready for Fall with us!

This wood centerpiece is a decor staple in our home. I have seriously filled it with about a dozen different things depending on the time of year or event we have going on in our house. I pinky promise, you can totally make one too!

Your guests will love this rustic centerpiece, bring it out for Thanksgiving or keep it displayed all fall long. With a few faux pumpkins, fall leaf pics & some beloved cotton stems you'll be ready to welcome guests to your dinner table in style. This year I even incorporated a magnolia garland that created the base for the arrangement. 

Fall Centerpiece Supplies List Used

  • Wood planter box - Junque 2 Jewels tutorial on building your own box
  • Magnolia Garland - Hobby Lobby
  • Cotton Stems - Hobby Lobby
  • Seasonal Fall Pics
  • Faux Pumpkins (ours were from Target, Dollar Tree, & Hobby Lobby)
  • Deer Sheds (real or faux!)
  • We created our own stencil with this vinyl

DIY Farmhouse Style, Industrial Shelving August 18, 2017 10:10

We are loving the look of industrial farmhouse shelving! You can tackle this DIY project for just about any size space using and old piece of scrap wood or new wood. These character rich shelves add a functional but stylish display area while keeping an open feel to your space. You can check out some of our industrial inspirations on Pinterest!

There is a fun shelving idea for every room in your home from creating displays above toilets, little boys bedrooms, gallery walls, pantries & more! You don't have to stick to just shelves either! You create anything from towel bars, coat racks and lighting from a few pieces of piping picked up from your local hardware store.

Now for the nitty gritty of the project.

We always recommend finding studs prior to hanging any shelf. I love my stud finder & level (I much prefer a laser level because it has a longer reach). Keep in mind, for current homes the studs are usually 16” apart, if you have an older home it may vary.

You can watch our video tutorial for the step by step guide to installing your own industrial shelving.

 

Industrial Shelf Supplies Checklist:

2 Flanges
2 - Flanges
2 - 6" pipes (may vary depending on your specific wood depth
 2 - Pipe Caps
2 - Pipe Straps
Optional: 2 - 1/2" 90 Degree Elbows

We cannot wait to see what you create!

 

Supplies list:


Make basically FREE wall art! July 30, 2017 18:36

I like a good deal. A good deal on super cute home decor - LOVE that kind of deal. I thought you might to so I made a video showing how you can make these pretty wall hangings for your home using items you probably already have.

Wall Hanging Supplies List:

  • Print - find lots of FREE printables here!
  • Paint stir sticks - FREE from your local paint store!
  • Twine - you probably have some laying around so it's FREE!
  • Hot Glue or double stick tape - it's hiding in the junk drawer, so it's FREE too!

Watch our video to see how easily this is to put together your own basically free wall hanging.

Lemon Printable Tutorial by Junque 2 Jewels

Unique Embroidery Hoop Wreath, For your front Door July 28, 2017 19:29

This embroidery hoop turned wreath is bright & fresh - just what summer is calling for! This crafty project also goes together super quickly with just a few supplies.

Hello Embroidery Hoop Wreath Supplies

  • Embroidery Hoop - you can separate it to make 2!
  • Foam Block
  • Hot Glue
  • Florals
  • Wood word cut out
  • Ribbon

What out video for step by step instructions.


Using a SECRET ingredient to create faux rust July 23, 2017 18:50

With just a simple ingredient from your kitchen and some paint you can add LOADS of character to whatever you may be painting. 

Re-purposed Bike Wheel, WREATH! July 19, 2017 18:34

If you share my love for junk this bike wheel turned wreath should speak to your heart. I scored this rusty old wheel for $7 and had been waiting (aka HOARDING) for just the right project. I think this is it! 

I layered on some greenery garland and farmhouse essential - cotton stems to the top. Then rusted up the metal "thankful" word I found at Hobby Lobby and embellished with jute/twine. 

It's just that simple! 

See how quickly this bike wheel wreath comes together here:


Loving Lemon - lemon inspired summer decor June 8, 2017 19:04