Annie Lang's Blog!

While cleaning out my craft supply closet I found both new and used stretched canvases saved from former painting sessions.  Since I try to repurpose as often as possible, giving the art a "makeover" while decluttering my storage closet seemed like a very practical solution.  I covered over 2 older canvases ( used for teaching demonstration paintings )  with fabric from my crafting stash.  I then painted a new blank stretched canvas with black craft paint and adhered them together to create a dimensional wall art home accent to hang and enjoy all season.  By simply changing the fabrics, I can also make wall art suitable to any season or room theme I choose.  I still have quite a few used canvases to use up and plenty of fabrics tucked away on my shelves for future wall art projects.  Cost for the finished sample project shown above was under $10 after hitting a 1/2 off Spoonflower sale for the fat quarters and already having the canvas on hand.  You can also purchase new stre

If you enjoyed my  Wishing Witch project, here's a few more ideas as to what you can make for Halloween with basic craft items you may already have on hand.  All the projects shown here were originally published in magazines nearly 20 years ago and the directions/patterns are no longer available but with the character project ideas are timeless.  Hope you enjoy...and don't forget to share this link! This Candy Holder was made with painted flower pots.  The cape can also be made with a black plastic table covering or black felt. This project is just as easy as can be...just sponge paint a canning jar and add the face with a black permanent marker if you don't want to hand paint the details. My Peek-A-Boo Pumpkin character pattern can be found in Annie Lang's Scarecrows in the Pumpkin Patch line art design book and you can download the pdf from my Annie Things Possible website!    These pumpkin characters were painted on gourds, but you can appl

Spring will be here soon so now is the perfect time to get ready for the return of our fine feathered friends!  I made my first gourd birdhouse in 2017 and it's time to replace it with a newer model.  I'm pleased it held up this long under the harsh winter and summer weather events we've experienced here in Michigan over the past few years and I expect it will be the same for this new gourd.  Unlike many of the wooden birdhouses I've had, the original gourd birdhouse has been continually occupied by a variety of nesting bird families for the last four years.  I can hardly wait for the snow to melt so I can hang my new one up amid the blossoming tree branches.  I wasn't able to locate a dried gourd locally, but was fortunate to find one to order online from Gourdaments  .  I hope you enjoy and happy birdwatching! UPDATE It only took a few days after hanging the new gourd birdhouse before a new family of birds began using it!  Within the next several weeks, the tree w

  Turn plain paper mache eggs into fun little owl characters to enjoy year round.  You most likely have most of the craft supplies you'll need on hand to complete this heartwarming DIY project yourself.  Here's how I made the sample project... Enjoy with a Smile!

I've never crafted my own snow globe so I thought I'd give it a try to see if it's as easy as my Pinterest research assured me it would be.   I did try using an "Instant Snow" recipe as suggested by one posted project and it was an absolute disaster!  I also learned through trial and error that using super glue to seal the jar lid works MUCH better than hot glue which tends to build up unevenly around the rim of the jar causing it to leak.  I already had most of the necessary supplies on hand and found a wide assortment of jars, smooth styrofoam balls and assorted plastic aquatics at the local Dollar Tree store.  After trying this globe project with great success, the grandkids and I are now ready to work on making "Enchanted Snow Fairy" globes using silver tinsel and a few of their figurines instead of aquatic themed trinkets.  This is most definitely a project the entire family will enjoy making any time of year.  Give it a try and enjoy!

If you've got cabin fever these day, why not get started on those Valentine's cards right now!  All you need to do is select a card design, grab your scissors and get ready to print and personalize something absolutely AMAZING from the heart.  This publication features 20 designer ready-to-craft card designs that anyone can make in only minutes.  Each printable page is 8.5" x 11" with foldable designs to create 5"x7" cards.   Finished cards can easily be embellished with glitter, embossing, dimensional writers, gemstones, scrapbooking trinkets and more.  Great for rainy day, camp, party, classroom craft activities and more because Annie Things Possible if you have hearts!    You'll find this downloadable .pdf publication at Annie Lang's Book Store  

Here's 6 fun ideas to turn those empty Pringles snack cans into fun and useful items you can make in no time at all!  Enjoy...

Whether you make 1 or 100, Kids LOVE making their own cards!  Here's how you can use lineart .pdf pattern books to make cards they can color and share to their heart's delight!  Best of all the designs shown in these samples are all available in Annie's  Sharing Hearts and Loving Smiles pattern book...and it's on sale throughout the month of February.  Enjoy!

Here's a fun way to keep kids busy when it's too snowy or rainy to play outdoors.  This project was made for an upcoming baby shower, but it can also used for any theme or event.  Let the kids DIY their own party tablecloths, holiday placemats, school banners, murals and more.  They'll stay busy having fun and the time will simply fly by!  Enjoy...

If you need quick and easy decorations for your Autumn or Thanksgiving gatherings, here's a great DIY project idea you can complete in less than 10 minutes.  Best of all, you can make them both for next to nothing with supplies you can easily find at your local Dollar Store if you don't already have them on hand.  So start the timer and give it a try!

Here's a quick and easy project you can easily make with the kids on a rainy afternoon! You'll need craft paint, brushes, a small piece of black cardstock or posterboard, scissors and paper mache cone shapes.  I purchased a 6 pack of cones online to use for other character projects like angels, santas, candy corn, pumpkins and ghosts.  I paid half the price for the cones I found at local craft supply stores so buying in bulk was a good choice for me.  Here's a basic step-by step of how I created the Wishing Witch character.  You can add any embellishments or paint colors to make it your own.  So let's get creative and make a wish! You can right click and "save" the free pattern below!  When your witch is finished, just write a wish on a piece of paper, tuck it under the cone and wait for the magic to happen!  Enjoy and feel free to share this link ...