Fun Summer Crafts! #summerofjoann

I was so excited to be asked to participate in Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores "Cape Discovery" summer crafting challenge! Cape Discovery? What's that, you ask? Well, it's all about fun, kid-friendly craft projects for the summer. It's been awhile since I've had little ones of my own, but I have a lot of young neighbors who keep me up-to-date on what's cool. You can check out the Jo-Ann's Summer Craft catalog here.

I have it on good authority that owls are pretty popular - as are bright colors. Oh, and girls still like flowers - and pink. So I decided to take my inspiration from two of the Cape Discovery summer projects listed on the Jo-Ann's website - the "Quest" letters, and the Ribbon Cork Board.


I have to tell you that I fell in love with all of the crafty stuff in the Cape Discovery aisle!! Felt stickers, rhinestones, feathers, glitter letters - and that's just a small portion! There's so much to choose from - and things for all ages!

The first part of my project was the letters. I opted to actually spell out a name rather than do the "Quest" letters:


Each cardboard letter has a different color - and texture. They were first painted with bright green paint, then topped with sparkle glaze. Then I added scrapbook paper! The first "A" is hot pink and has embossed hearts - the "V" is deep purple velvet - and the last "A" is a shiny, textured, glittery lime green. The last step was the felt owl stickers.


Here's the twist - the letters are reversible/interchangable!!

When you turn them around, they are covered with a different scrapbook paper pattern, and embellished with rhinestones!


Want to make some? Never fear - I have a complete tutorial with pictures that can be found here.

The second part of my project was the Ribbon Cork Board. I decided to continue with the owl theme, and incorporate some of the same colors and items.


Since the frame would not come off my cork board, I decided to just hot glue my ribbons on. Then I embellished each edge with a rhinestone.

Along the bottom of the board, I added a strip from the floral scrapbook paper - I just cut out the shapes to give it some dimension. Then I added some of the felt owl stickers.


I then took clear pushpins and hot-glued rhinestones to the tops so they looked like jewels. I also had mini clothespins that I painted bright green and topped with sparkle glaze.

I added a length of jute, knotted the ends, used a couple of pushpins to hold it in place, then clipped the clothespins to it!


The great thing about all the things I added to the cork board is that they can be removed and the cork board can be reused/redecorated!!

I know you want to make one of these, too! You can see the complete tutorial for my Ribbon Cork Board here.

If you haven't already signed up to receive updates from Jo-Ann's, you can get a 20% off coupon by signing up now! Just click here and it will take you to their sign-up page.

Also - those of us who were asked to participate in this challenge are also in a Pinterest contest! The blogger with the most repins of their craft wins a $100 Jo-Ann gift card. So if you liked my project, I would love it if you would please consider repinning it, and use the hashtag #summerofjoann. (I'll have that on there already, so if you could just leave it there, that would be great!)

Embellished Letter tutorial 
Ribbon Cork Board tutorial

I'd love to connect with you! You can find me on Facebook, Twitter, Bloglovin', & Pinterest!!