DIY Bee Skep Tutorial

Hi everyone!

Today’s tutorial is for making a decorative bee skep. Bee skeps were once used outdoors to house bees by bee keepers and gardeners. But by making our own, they can also be used as garden or home decor accents. A handmade bee skep would be cute on a shelf in a garden themed bathroom or if made big enough, to hide a spare roll of toilet paper under. Or how about creating some tiny bee skeps to be used as table place settings for a “baby-to-bee” or “mommy-to-bee” baby shower? I plan on drizzling my outdoor bee skep with beeswax which will help to protect it from the elements. The one I used inside, I sprinkled with a spice mixture. It smells so yummy! 🙂

∗Please note: These handmade bee skeps are used for decorative purposes only and are not intended for use in actual beekeeping.

★Please note: available from Market Junction in Carstairs, Alberta (209 – 9th Avenue South Carstairs, Alberta) or for pick up from my home if you are unable to get to the market during business hours.

You will need: bowl with smaller bottom, parchment paper, elastic, rope, hot glue gun, glue sticks, scissors, black craft paint, small paint brush, decorative bees. Optional: beeswax, empty/washed tin can, pot of simmering water, spice mixture or plain cinnamon.

∗Please note: the rope can be as thick as you want. All I was able to find at the local dollar store was 1/4″ diameter. Ideally, 1/2″ would look better but the 1/4” worked. The package of rope I bought was 10 meters and I used all but 1 meter.

∗Please note: as with any project that uses a hot glue gun, please be careful when applying the glue. It is very hot and can result in nasty burns if you get some on your skin so please watch yourself and the kids {if they are helping you or making their own}.

#1} Cover the bowl with parchment paper. Tuck the excess inside the bowl and gather at the top with the elastic. Don’t worry if the parchment paper is not smooth against the bowl sides. The rope will lay flat as it is wound around the bowl, which is sitting upside down. ∗Please note: the purpose of the parchment paper is to protect the bowl from the hot glue and to keep the glued rope from sticking to the bowl.

#2} Wrap the rope around the open {wide part} of the bowl. Hot glue the rope end to the first circling of rope, as shown.

#3} Continue wrapping and gluing the rope until you get to the top {flat bowl bottom}. Remove the bee skep and parchment paper from the bowl. The paper should peel right off of the inside of the skep but don’t worry if a bit sticks to the hot glue. Just peel the paper off as best as you can. Once the bee skep is sitting flat, the paper bits won’t show.

 

#4} Add more glued rope circles gradually getting smaller until a 1/2″ or so circle is left open. Cut the rope and tuck the end down through the hole and secure with a dollop of hot glue on the inside. ∗Please note: the thicker the rope used, the larger the hole needs to be. Just be sure it’s approximately twice as wide as the rope.

   

#5} Create a loop with about 6″ of rope. Push the tails ends down through the hole until the loop is the size you want. Turn the skep over and hot glue each tail to the inside of the bee skep. If you notice any hot glue “strings” you can use a heat tool to blow them with hot air which results in melting them so they’re not visible.

#6} Create a circle with a length of rope for however big you want the “opening” to be. It’s better to start with a longer piece than you need ~ you can cut excess off but you can’t add any on! Once you are happy with the size of your opening, hot glue the ends together.

#7} Hot glue the rope circle to the front of the bee skep taking care to not have any glue showing. Paint the inside of the traced circle with the black craft paint.

 

#8} If desired, hot glue some bees to your bee skep. There you go! You’ve made your very own bee skep to place in your home, garden or to hang in your yard. Please feel welcome to share your creations! 🙂

★Please note: if you would like additional details or information on anything you see here or that I have at the market, please do not hesitate to contact me.

I hope that you enjoyed today’s tutorial 🙂

*Please feel welcome to sign up as a follower to receives updates by email so you don’t miss a thing!

Until next time,

Erin

The Country Touch

Website: http://www.thecountrytouch.weebly.com

Email: ctrytcherin@gmail.com

Primitive Tea Lights

Hi everyone!

Fall is approaching in a few months and so is the season for candlelight. The glow and flickering from candles gives a cozy feeling to the home but with that is the worry about having them tip over and start a fire. Especially with small children and pets. So the next best thing are battery operated candles. I picked up a package of tea lights at Michael’s but they look quite plain so I decided to “prim” them up a bit.

You will need: battery operated candles {tea lights or votives}, clear silicone, throw away containers, popsicle sticks or skewers {for mixing}, white glue, small paint brush, cinnamon/spices, parchment or waxed paper.

*Please note: silicone does have a fairly strong smell. If you are sensitive to smells or don’t want that smell in your home, I would suggest doing these under the stove hood fan or outside and then letting them dry in the garage or shed. Even a basement cupboard or closet would work to keep the smell at a minimum.

#1} Put some clear silicone in the throw away container {such as a single serving yogurt cup cut down to size}. With a popsicle stick/skewer, mix in some cinnamon/spices. Just mix it until it’s smooth and a nice brown color that you like.

It will look like this.

*Please note: when using silicone, be sure to have your work surface well covered with newspaper, cardboard, etc. Please take care not to let it come in contact with anything such as the counter top or clothing. IT DOES NOT WASH OUT.

#2} Take the candles one by one and dip each flame. I just stuck it down into the silicone, swirled it and pulled it straight up. This will give the flame a nice tip. Place on the parchment/waxed paper. These need to dry very well before the next step. I let them dry for approximately 24 hours. It may take longer depending on the brand of silicone used and the humidity/temperature level in the home.

#3} Once the silicone flames are dry, mix together some white glue and cinnamon/spices. This can be mixed in a little bowl {as long as the white glue used is washable with soap and water} or just in a puddle on the parchment/waxed paper.

#4} Brush the glue/spice mixture onto the candles taking care not to touch the silicone flame or get any on the underside of the candle. While the glue is still wet, sprinkle on additional spices and set on parchment/waxed paper until thoroughly dry. Repeat this step until the candle looks just right to you. This is what they will look like after the sprinkling of the spices. They just need to dry now. Don’t worry if there are little bits of extra dried glue/spices along the bottom edge. This just adds to the prim look!

 Now you’ve got primitive tea lights to add a warm and inviting atmosphere to your home this fall  🙂

Hints:

*If you find that you can’t get the tip dipped all the way to the bottom of it, you can use a toothpick or small brush to spread tiny bits of silicone along it until it is completely covered.

 *Please feel welcome to sign up as a follower to receives updates by email so you don’t miss a thing!

Until next time,

Erin

The Country Touch

Website: http://www.thecountrytouch.weebly.com

Email: ctrytcherin@gmail.com

Drying Apple and Orange Slices

Hi everyone!

Dried apples and oranges are very easy to make. They are perfect for adding to homemade potpourri, a fruit slice garland or just in a bowl on the kitchen counter with some whole cloves and cinnamon sticks added. They smell so good!  I’m planning on making potpourri for the shop in the fall so I thought I would get a start on the dried fruit slices. Making them now will ensure they are REALLY dry by then! 

You will need: apples, oranges, cutting board, knife, paper towels, baking sheet/oven or food dehydrator, parchment paper, ground spices {optional}, zip lock bag {for storing the dried slices}.

#1} Slice the apples and oranges as thinly as possible, about 1/8″. Be careful when slicing!! *Remember, the thinner the slices are the less time they will take to dry.

I like to slice apples so that the star appears in the core.

*If you want to keep the apples from turning brown as they dry, dip each slice in lemon juice and pat dry with a paper towel.

Place the orange slices between layers of paper towel to soak up the excess juice.

#2} Lay the fruit slices in a single layer on a parchment paper covered baking sheet or follow the directions on your food dehydrator.

#3} Sprinkle with ground cinnamon, cloves or nutmeg to give them a nice fragrance if desired. This step is optional. I only spiced the apples.

#4} If using the oven method, heat the oven to 250 degrees and bake them for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Turn the slices over halfway through cooking. After the hour of baking time, if they still feel moist at all, continue baking constantly checking on them until they feel dry. Turn off the oven and leave to cool on the baking sheet.

* I leave the slices on a rack on the cookie sheet for a week or so before storing them in a zip lock bag. This just ensures that there is no moisture left in them whatsoever that can cause spoilage.

 

★Hints:

* Don’t worry if the slices aren’t perfect especially if being used in potpourri.

*Limes, grapefruits, kiwis, strawberries and star fruits can also be dried. There are most likely many others as well.

*A baking sheet or food dehydrator can be used. I’m using a baking sheet in the oven.

★Please feel welcome to sign up as a follower to receives updates by email so you don’t miss a thing!

Until next time,

Erin

The Country Touch

Website: http://www.thecountrytouch.weebly.com

Email: ctrytcherin@gmail.com

Homemade Stamp Cleaner

Hi everyone!

Thoroughly cleaning the ink from your acrylic and rubber stamps immediately after using them will make sure that your stamps remain in good condition and continue to make clear, crisp images. There are many brands of stamp cleaners ~ Stampin’ Up, Hero Arts, Tsukineko, Recollections{Michael’s}, Stayzon, Simon Says Stamp and more. But I like to make my own stamp cleaner. Not only is it so much cheaper than store bought but it conditions the stamps and keeps them from drying out and cracking. Also, it’s very easy to make.

∗Please note: before we continue with the tutorial, I want to say that it is not my intention to be critical of any brand names of stamp cleaners or the companies that sell them. I am just providing an alternative for you in case you would like to try making your own. Plus, the savings from making your own are substantial which leaves more money to spend on other fun crafting goodies! 😉

 

You will need: bottled or distilled water, Johnson’s Baby Wash, glycerin, a spray bottle, measuring cup/spoon {optional}. * A bottle with a fine and gentle mister works better than one that sprays hard.

In a small spray bottle, combine 1 cup of bottled or distilled water, 1 teaspoon of Johnson’s Baby Wash{for cleaning} and 1 tablespoon of glycerin{for conditioning}. Slowly rock the bottle back and forth to combine and prevent foam. Or, you can mix the ingredients in a measuring cup, stir slowly and pour into the spray bottle. Before using, just give 2 or 3 gentle shakes to combine. *Please note: these amounts can be adjusted depending on the size of the spray bottle you use. I mixed half of this recipe as I use a 4 oz. spray bottle.

To use: spray some stamp cleaner onto a micro fibre cloth or any cloth that has a pile texture. You can also use a kitchen scrubby pad such as the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Just rub the stamp onto the pad or cloth misted with the cleaner and then onto a dry cleaning pad or cloth.

*No matter how you clean your stamps, it is always a good idea to always let the stamp air dry before putting it back in its designated storage container.

*Please feel welcome to sign up as a follower to receives updates by email so you don’t miss a thing!

Until next time,

Erin

The Country Touch

Website: http://www.thecountrytouch.weebly.com

Email:        ctrytcherin@gmail.com

June 2025 Card Kit

Hi everyone!
Anyone can make handmade cards ~ sometimes you just need a little help with the supplies. There will be a new card kit each month and the themes will vary.

The June 2025 card kit theme is “thinking of you”. ★Please note: this kit is available from Market Junction in Carstairs, Alberta (209 – 9th Avenue South Carstairs, Alberta) or for pick up from my home.

★Please note: the links to the previous 2025 card kits are at the bottom of this post if you would like to check them out! 🙂

The kits will come with one completed card and enough supplies for 5 more cards. They are ready to assemble and are quick and easy to put together. Included are all the precut and scored 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″ card bases + 1 extra, die cuts and/or stamped images and 6 envelopes with embossed flaps. Any embossing folder work is done for you as well. You will also get to play with different embellishments that are included with each kit ~ such as pearls, rhinestones, sequins, brads, buttons, ribbons or twine to dress up your cards. ★Please note: embellishments will vary depending on the kit but each will have a different variety of embellishments {a good amount is included so you should have extras leftover for a future project}. Detailed step-by-step instructions are included.

★Please note:

• adhesives, glue dots or dimensional adhesives are not included unless otherwise stated. You will also need scissors for cutting the ribbon and/or twine to fit. ★Please note: mini dimensional adhesives are already added to the greeting strips for you.
• each card is left blank on the inside to add your own personal message or maybe a rub-on/stamped image/stickers of your choice {unless otherwise stated}.
• the supplies used are quality Stampin’ Up! and craft store products.

January 2025 ~ https://thecountrytouch.wordpress.com/2025/01/04/new-monthly-card-kits

February 2025 ~ https://thecountrytouch.wordpress.com/2025/02/20/february-card-kit

March 2025 ~ https://thecountrytouch.wordpress.com/2025/04/15/march-2025-card-kit

April 2025 ~ https://thecountrytouch.wordpress.com/2025/04/14/april-2025-card-kit

May 2025 ~ https://thecountrytouch.wordpress.com/2025/05/17/may-2025-card-kit

*Please feel free to sign up as a follower to receives updates by email so you don’t miss a thing!

Until next time,

Erin

The Country Touch

Website: http://www.thecountrytouch.weebly.com

Email: ctrytcherin@gmail.com

Apple Cider Packet Holder

Hi everyone!

I know we’ve only just begun to enjoy the summer season but I am already thinking about fall crafts. It’s never too early to get things made and put away ready for when you need them! Today’s project is for apple cider packet holders. These would be pretty placed at each place setting for fall get togethers or at Thanksgiving for a hot after dinner beverage. They could also be given as an unexpected little gift for someone like a teacher, babysitter or co-worker. Individual coffee, tea or hot chocolate packets could also be used.

You will need: cardstock, patterned paper {DSP}, cutting tool of choice, scoring board/tool, bone folder, adhesive, leaf die/punch, greeting stamp/ink pad, twine, ribbon or yarn, cello bag, apple cider packet, cinnamon stick. ★Please note: one 8 1/2″ x 11″ sheet of card stock makes two holders. This project is also great way to use up scraps of patterned paper. ★Any greeting stamp such as “happy thanksgiving”, “for you”, “enjoy” or “yummy” can be used. Also, any fall themed die/punch can replace the leaf ones I used such as pumpkins, crows, wreaths, etc.

#1} Cut cardstock to 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ {there are now 2 half sheets of cardstock which will make two holders}.

#2} Score on the diagonal. To do the diagonal score, make a tick mark on the top of the cardstock at 2 3/4″ in from the right and another mark 2 3/4″ down on the right. Then line up both tick marks on the same groove line on the scoring board and score. Erase tick marks.

     

#3} Score at 4 1/4″. Fold both score lines and crease with the bone folder.

   

#4} Add adhesive along the bottom edge and short side, as shown. Fold over and press to adhere.

#5} Cut a strip of patterned paper 1 1/4″ x 4 1/4″ for along the bottom of the front. Stamp the chosen greeting on a scrap of cardstock and cut out. Adhere to the front and embellish however you wish. I die cut a couple of leaves and added them with a tiny twine bow.

#5} Punch 2 holes through both the front and back layer to thread the yarn through. Thread the yarn ends through the back holes to the front and tie a bow.

   

#6} Place an apple cider packet in the cello bag. Tie the bag shut with one knot of twine, ribbon or yarn. Lay cinnamon stick across and tie again into a bow.

  

★Please feel free to sign up as a follower to receives updates by email so you don’t miss a thing!

Until next time,

Erin

The Country Touch

Email: ctrytcherin@gmail.com

Website: http://www.thecountrytouch.weebly.com

New Beads and Charms Dangles!

Hi everyone!
I am so excited to share my new handcrafted beads and charms dangles with you today! A dangle is the perfect accessory to add to your planner, journal, notebook or mini album. It would also be great on a purse or backpack zipper! Each dangle has lots of beads and charms attached to the length of chain with jump rings then topped with a lobster clasp ready to attach to whatever you choose. ★Approximately 5” long (from the top of the clasp to the bottom of the charm). ★Please note: the beads and charms on the dangles may vary depending on availability but they will be as close to the ones pictured as I can possibly get them.
These are now available at Market Junction in Carstairs, Alberta or for pick up from my home in Carstairs.

$19.95 each

Top row left to right: “Fall”, “Halloween”, “Winter”, “Christmas”

Bottom row left to right: “Beachy”, “Love My Cat”, “Love My Dog”, “Bees”

“Western”

“In The Garden”

“Mom” (available in different colors by request) ★Approximately 4 1/2” long (from the top of the clasp to the bottom of the angel charm).

★Please note: if you would like additional details or information on anything you see here or that I have at the market, please do not hesitate to contact me.

★Please feel welcome to sign up as a follower to receives updates by email so you don’t miss a thing!

Until next time,

Erin

The Country Touch

Website: http://www.thecountrytouch.weebly.com

Email: ctrytcherin@gmail.com

May 2025 Card Kit

Hi everyone!
Anyone can make handmade cards ~ sometimes you just need a little help with the supplies. There will be a new card kit each month and the themes will vary.

Wedding season is almost upon us! The May 2025 card kit theme is “Wishing You a Happily Ever After”. ★Please note: this kit is available from Market Junction in Carstairs, Alberta (209 – 9th Avenue South Carstairs, Alberta) or for pick up from my home in Carstairs.

★Please note: the links to the previous 2025 card kits are at the bottom of this post if you would like to check them out! 🙂

The kits will come with one completed card and enough supplies for 5 more cards. They are ready to assemble and are quick and easy to put together. Included are all the precut and scored 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″ card bases + 1 extra, die cuts and/or stamped images and 6 envelopes with embossed flaps. Any embossing folder work is done for you as well. You will also get to play with different embellishments that are included with each kit ~ such as pearls, rhinestones, sequins, brads, buttons, ribbons or twine to dress up your cards. ★Please note: embellishments will vary depending on the kit but each will have a different variety of embellishments {a good amount is included so you should have extras leftover for a future project}. Detailed step-by-step instructions are included.

★Please note:

• adhesives, glue dots or dimensional adhesives are not included unless otherwise stated. You will also need scissors for cutting the ribbon and/or twine to fit.
• each card is left blank on the inside to add your own personal message or maybe a rub-on/stamped image/stickers of your choice {unless otherwise stated}.
• the supplies used are quality Stampin’ Up! and craft store products.

★In case you are interested, here are the previous 2025 card kits:

January 2025 ~ https://thecountrytouch.wordpress.com/2025/01/04/new-monthly-card-kits

February 2025 ~ https://thecountrytouch.wordpress.com/2025/02/20/february-card-kit

March 2025 ~ https://thecountrytouch.wordpress.com/2025/04/15/march-2025-card-kit

April 2025 ~ https://thecountrytouch.wordpress.com/2025/04/14/april-2025-card-kit

*Please feel free to sign up as a follower to receives updates by email so you don’t miss a thing!

Until next time,

Erin

The Country Touch

Website: http://www.thecountrytouch.weebly.com

Email: ctrytcherin@gmail.com

Embossed Stamping

Hi everyone!

Today I am sharing a baby card that has the entire focal panel stamped and machine embossed. Any baby themed stamp set will work for this card. The stamp set I chose has little baby animals ~ perfect for making a baby card. Of course this technique may be used for any occasion card 🙂

You will need: card stock, cutting tool of choice, scoring board/tool, bone folder, stamp set, ink pads, embossing folder, diecutting/embossing machine {I use the Sizzix Big Shot}, adhesive, embellishments.

#1} Cut a piece of card stock to measure 4 1/4″ x 11″. Score at 5 1/2″ and crease on the fold line with the bone folder. This is the card base.

#2} Cut a piece of card stock to measure 4 1/8″ x 5 3/8″. This is the panel we will be stamping and embossing. Randomly stamp the stamp set images all over the cardstock panel. I pre-cut the card stock strip, banner cut the end and laid it on the panel to be able to properly place the stamps. The banner will be added at the end.

#3} Once you have the panel stamped, place it in the embossing folder and run through the embossing machine. Now the panel is ready to be adhered to the card base.

#4}  To finish off this card, I adhered the card stock strip that I had cut earlier. Then stamped a “welcome baby” sentiment and little monkey before die cutting it out. I then added it to a larger circle as a mat. Finally, some Wink of Stella glitter pen was added to the stamped hearts and an enamel heart for the monkey to hold. This is a simple but fun technique that can be used for any card or paper crafting project!

*Please feel free to sign up as a follower to receives updates by email so you don’t miss a thing!

Until next time,

Erin

The Country Touch

Website: http://www.thecountrytouch.weebly.com

Email: ctrytcherin@gmail.com

Seed Packet Holder

Hi everyone!

Spring is finally here and that means Mother’s Day, garden parties and wedding showers. So let’s create a pretty little seed packet holder to give to guests at get togethers, use as table favors, add to gift baskets or even for end of the year teacher gifts. ★Please note: any floral patterned paper {DSP} will look pretty on these holders. I found floral DSP at our local dollar store that I thought worked perfect for this project.

You will need: card stock, patterned paper {DSP}, cutting tool of choice, scoring board/ tool, bone folder, adhesive, embossing folder/embossing machine {optional}, ribbon/twine, stapler, embellishments {optional}, seed packet.

#1} Cut a piece of card stock to measure 5 1/4″ x 7 1/4″. You will get 2 seed packet holders from 1 sheet of card stock.

#2} Score the first short end at 5 3/8″. Turn 180° and score at 5 3/8″ again. Score on the bottom at 1/2″. This is what it the card stock should now look like.

  

#3} Along the bottom, cut off each bottom edge between the score lines. Slightly angle cut the corners of the bottom flap {this makes a cleaner looking fold}. Apply adhesive along the inside edge of one of the side panels and on the inside of the bottom flap.

 

#4} Fold over panel without adhesive and then fold over the panel with adhesive to adhere before folding up the bottom flap. Go over each fold with the bone folder to ensure nice crisp folds. There is your seed packet holder ~ now it’s time to decorate!

#5} I placed my seed packet in an embossing folder and ran it through the embossing machine. However, this step is completely optional. I then cut a 3″ x 4″ piece of the DSP and adhered it to the front up close to the top. This leaves room for wrapping some twine around the bottom a couple of times before tying a tiny bow. To finish it off, I used a Wink of Stella glitter brush to add just a wee bit of shimmer to the flowers. A small length of ribbon was folded and stapled to the top of the seed packet before placing it in the holder. What do you think? Are you going to give these a try? 🙂

  

 

★Please note: if you would like additional details or information on anything you see here or that I have at the market, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Until next time,

Erin

The Country Touch

Website: http://www.thecountrytouch.weebly.com

Email: ctrytcherin@gmail.com