The chalkboard tag tutorial

Today, Mary and Daniel who run chalkboardthings store on Etsy are sharing a great tutorial how to make this cute chalkboard tag.


Spring! It’s time to turn to gardening and home decor. Today we will show you how to make a chalkboard tag on a clothespin for your flowers or your table decor or whatever you like :)


In our studio we are making all sort of chalkboard things - from mirrors and frames to wall clock and children puzzles. We have a secret receipt for a chalkboard paint, but you can buy it in artists shop. It is matte and it has a special chalk-texture. You can draw and write on it with any chalk and erase with a cloth. It is water resistant.


So, to make a small chalkboard tag (aprox. 7x5 cm) you will need:
piece of plywood (we are using 4 mm)
pencil and ruler
fret saw
sandpaper
tape
white paint, brushes, chalkboardpaint
clothespin and glue

Don’t be afraid - it is easy. We will show you how - step by step.
Draw a shape of your future tag.


Cut it with a fret saw.



Round the edges - it is not necessary, but looks great!


Make it white - paint both sides with white paint (we are using acrylic colours). The more layers - the better. We are doing it twice or thrice. Leave to dry.


With the help of the tape make future chalkboard surface.


Put 3 or 4 layers of chalkboard paint and let your future tag dry.


Remove the tape. Glue the spin!


That’s it! Your chalkboard tag is ready. You only have to take a piece of chalk and draw or write anything you want.



Story by Mary and Daniel (chalkboardthings).

Time to harvest the summer bounties

The summer is still here but you can still see the small hints that the seasons are changing. The mornings and evenings are little cooler and you can occasionally see a yellow leaf on a tree. The gardens are in full bloom and it is also time to harvest the summer's bounty.

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What kind of crops do you have to preserve through the winter? Some of the favorites are fruits, berries, nuts and vegetables, as they become less expensive during harvest time.

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So now is the time to stock up on your jars and cans and look for the farmers markets or grocery store specials.

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All of us in the Russian Artists team are enjoying the garden bounty also and we are trying to preserve the summer in our creations. What a great way to remember the warm summer days all winter long!

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Blooming garden

My garden is all I can think about now. I caught myself stopping regularly by the nurseries to see if they've received anything new I could add to our garden. I am hoping for peonies and lilacs to arrive but it's too hot for them where I live.

Instead I am getting petunias and roses, even though my garden is full of them. I just can not resist to see the colorful flowers and smell the wonderful fragrance every spring!

So many people are enjoying gardening right now. Some of them are also trying to save the moment by creating the wonderful items by any possible means. Jewelry, felted brooches and scarves, pretty clothing, art photography and paintings, there is so many ways to remember the spring garden at any time of the year!

Then it will stay with you forever.

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Photo sources from top, then left to right: 1, 2, 3, 4

Story by Tanya (Socksandmittens)
Photo collages by Katrin (KarisaGraphic)

Landscaping with Alpine Strawberries Alexandria

Have you ever thought about getting rid of your front lawn and creating an edible landscape? You're probably familiar with this plant already, but have never thought about using it as a ground cover. Edible landscaping is one of the best things you can do for the environment.

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Alpine Strawberries Alexandria Fact Sheet:

• can be grown from seeds ( just follow instruction what seller provides)
• it is very hardy
• don’t produce runners, you can use them as edging plants
• shade tolerant
• transplants easily

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I love the multi-tasking capability of edible ornamentals! Alpine strawberries provide tasty garden snacks for both me, birds and all kind of animals what trespassing my property.

Their emerald green foliage and white flowers make an attractive, tidy edging along side walkway and you may also use them as "shoes & socks" plants to hide the less attractive bases of lilies and phlox. Especially if your space is limited, you'll appreciate plants that do triple duty by providing pretty leaves, beautiful bloom, adorable berries to admire and the source of inspiration.

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And don’t forget about medicinal properties of leaves and berries!

Story by Lyudmila (Woolsolution)
Collages by Irina (IrinaPhotography)

Wonderful things Wednesday - Summer Garden

It’s pretty outside! Open all the windows and smell the flowers! Serve your light supper in the garden or pack your lunch and go to the closest botanical garden for a romantic picnic!

We love flowers and we are trying to catch a moment with all available media. We paint, felt, crochet, recreate it in jewelry or simply photograph flowers to remember a nice summer day in a garden!
Please take a look at our Summer Garden collection by the Russian Etsy Team members.

1. Organic Body Butter by Herbolution
2. Vinous flower hair clip x2 and pin set by Cushyadornments
3. Necklace Ceramic Love by Rudman
4. GLOWING Hand felted ruffled neckwarmer / collar ribbon embroidery by VitalTemptation

1. Silent Blues - 4x5 Fine Art Nature Photography - Forget Me Not Closeup by AleciaV
2. Set of 6 shot glasses – Flight of Fancy by Yevgenia
3. Flower Power copper and glass earrings by BlueberryCream
4. Summer Tunic – Blouse by Bumblestore

1. Three Chained Roses pastel floral bib statement necklace multicolored with beaded embroidery by StudioElenus
2. Multicolor flowers necklace by Allmadewithlove
3. Crocheted Yellow Brown Scarf by CityCrochet
4. Crocheted flower rose pink brooch by Lanadearg

1. Green Leaf-Polymer Clay-Ring by OlgaeFIMOva
2. Felted flower brooch Red poppy by JaneBoFelt
3. Orchids Hand Painted Silk Scarf by SilkMagic
4. Felt flower crochet necklace by FlowersbyIrene