Click here for the bundle that includes paint, ink, and the stamp needed.
Have you ever wanted to bring the magic of a gingerbread village to life? Well, today's project is all about turning a simple block of wood into a charming gingerbread village using the Portobello Stamp. It's a fun and creative way to add a touch of whimsy to your holiday decor. Let's get started!
First things first, let's talk wood. You'll need some 2x4s, 4x4s, or other scrap wood to create the houses for your gingerbread village. If you're not comfortable with woodworking, don't worry! You can easily find pre-made wooden house shapes at your local craft store. To add character to your village, cut the wood into a variety of heights. Mixing and matching different sizes will make your village come to life.
Before you start stamping, you'll want to ensure that the wood has a fairly smooth surface. If it's too rough, a little sanding might be necessary. However, don't get too carried away with sanding. Some imperfections will actually add to the rustic look of your gingerbread village.
Now comes the fun part – selecting the perfect gingerbread stamp! The Portobello Stamp offers a variety of adorable gingerbread house designs to choose from. Whether you prefer a classic cottage or a whimsical candy-covered house, there's a stamp for every style. Make sure to use a stamp pad with food-safe ink to ensure the safety of your project.
Once you have your stamp and ink ready, it's time to start stamping! Gently press the stamp onto the wood, making sure to apply even pressure. You can create a pattern or arrange the stamps randomly – it's completely up to you! Feel free to experiment with different colors and designs to make each house unique.
After stamping, let the ink dry completely. Once dry, you can enhance the charm of your gingerbread village by adding some extra details. Use acrylic paints to add colorful accents, such as candy canes, gumdrops, or snowflakes. You can also glue on small embellishments like miniature wreaths or tiny Christmas lights.
Now that your gingerbread village is complete, it's time to showcase your masterpiece! Arrange the wooden houses on a mantel, shelf, or as a centerpiece on your dining table. You can even create a winter wonderland scene by adding faux snow, miniature trees, and figurines. Let your creativity run wild!
Creating a charming gingerbread village with the Portobello Stamp is a delightful way to bring the holiday spirit into your home. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just starting out, this project is sure to bring joy to your heart and a smile to your face. So gather your supplies, unleash your creativity, and let the magic begin!
]]>Are you ready to be blown away by the latest and greatest from Iron Orchid Designs? Well, get ready because we've got a sneak peek of their Holiday 2023 products just for you! Brace yourself for a whirlwind of creativity, innovation, and holiday cheer like you've never seen before.
Iron Orchid Designs is known for their incredible ability to turn ordinary into extraordinary. And this holiday season, they're taking it to a whole new level. With their Holiday 2023 collection, they're bringing you a range of products that will make your heart skip a beat and your creative juices flow.
Get ready to deck the halls with the most unique and eye-catching designs. From festive stamps to intricate transfers, Iron Orchid Designs has got you covered. Their Holiday 2023 collection features a wide variety of patterns, motifs, and themes that will add a touch of magic to your holiday projects.
Let's face it, the holiday season can be stressful. But with Iron Orchid Designs' Holiday 2023 products, you can turn that stress into pure joy. These products are not only fun to use, but they also make your projects stand out from the crowd. Whether you're creating handmade gifts or decorating your home, Iron Orchid Designs has everything you need to make this holiday season extra special.
We know you're itching to get your hands on these amazing products, but you'll have to wait just a little bit longer. The sneak peek of Iron Orchid Designs' Holiday 2023 collection will be available soon, so keep your eyes peeled and your credit card ready. Trust us, it'll be worth the wait!
Get ready to unleash your creativity and make this holiday season one to remember. Iron Orchid Designs' Holiday 2023 collection is packed with innovative products that will take your projects to the next level. So mark your calendars, set your alarms, and get ready for a sneak peek that will leave you wanting more. Happy crafting!
]]>The products on BluebirdMercantile.com are sourced from a diverse group of independent makers, collectors, and designers, who are passionate about preserving the beauty and craftsmanship of bygone eras. Each item on the website is thoughtfully selected for its quality, authenticity, and distinctive character.
In addition to its exceptional product selection, BluebirdMercantile.com is committed to providing an exceptional shopping experience. The website is user-friendly, with easy navigation and detailed product descriptions. Customers can browse by category, keyword, or style, and filter their search results by price, color, or other parameters.
Overall, BluebirdMercantile.com is a unique and inspiring online destination for anyone looking to discover beautiful and timeless treasures, as well as a great resource for DIY enthusiasts and artists looking for high-quality tools and materials for their projects.
]]>Thanks for stopping by!
]]>25% off $100 orders or Free Shipping on all orders $35 or more.
Use code FALL25 for 25% off $100 or FALLFREESHIP for orders of $35 or more.
Discounts are good the website only. Discounts cannot be combined.
You can still get Fusion Mineral Paint and Iron Orchid Designs products at our spot in Ruby & Rust, 31 S. Main Str. in downtown Winter Garden, FL they are open Tues-Fri 11-6 Sat 10-6 and Sunday 12-4. Call ahead if you would like to check stock or have them hold an item or you (407) 395-3221
]]>I like the ability to mix a bit of paint or a lot. It's pretty easy to. Add water to a cup, and then add the same amount of paint powder. Stir well and apply. If you get a bit of grit just lightly sand between coats. You can mix colors, layer, use like a stain. The best part is once the water dries it's fully cured! In about 30 minutes it's as tough as can be.
When applied over old finish you can go heavier to make a more vintage look with cracks and chips. Or you can apply even layers, lightly sanding between each to achieve a smooth modern finish. I like using the Hemp Oil from our Fusion Mineral Paint line to add a top coat. It does need to be sealed to keep from staining with dirt or oils. You can use wax or our Stain and Finishing oil for a super durable top coat. We don't suggest using water based top coats because they tend to stay milky looking.
The video will show you a little bit about applying Milk Paint by Fusion!
]]>All are limited editions except for 2 stamps!
Check out the IOD New Release link under IOD on our home page
]]>If it helps you not waste time or money on products that I have already tested I want to pass that info along. Just click on the picture to buy.
For Stamping;
I love STAZON ink to help season my stamps. If you use the clear stamps you realize they can be kinda slippery. To give your stamps a little more traction sand them lightly with sandpaper. Then apply ink with a Stazon stamp pad. I usually use black, but any color will work. It's a solvent based ink and dries permanently. I love our IOD inks, they are permanent as well, but are a hybrid ink and work in a different way. Once you apply the ink just stamp on a piece of paper until the ink is about used up. Then let the stamp dry. It should dry and not come off when you re-ink.
Another favorite is Tite Bond Quick and Thick Glue. Love this for attaching castings from Iron Orchid moulds and WoodUBend items too.
At Christmas one of my favorite quick projects is painting on little wood rounds for ornaments. I buy these in bulk and use them to make sets of ornaments or just cute little painted plaques. They also make cute coasters.
I think that's enough for now. Get these while they are still in stock before the holiday rush.
The items are all listed with links to Amazon.I'm an affiliate and get compensated if you buy. Thanks!
]]>Give us about 2 weeks to have all the items online. If you know you want something just shoot us and email and we can get it ordered for you with our shipments.
Fusion Mineral Paint products are one of my favorite! I've used them from other stockists and just love the finish and color selections. It has a built in top coat that really is good. We will also be stocking this is in a new location in Winter Garden at Ruby and Rust on Main St. We anticipate being set up in about 2 weeks there too.
Wood U Bend is a fascinating line of products. We have the moulding that are flexible when heated, meaning you can use on curved or uneven surfaces. There are all sizes of designs. I hope to have the catalog up soon. It's huge! We also are carrying their coordinating line called Posh Chalk, chalk powders and pastes, some metallic to use in all your creative projects. You can use them as finishes or to make raised embossed designs with their or other stencils.
Speaking of stencils! We are carrying a small line of the Funky Junk stencils and hope to expand soon. They are fun and easy to use. I like a stencil that has registration marks to line up, they have that.
Monahan Papers are beautiful reprints of vintage papers. You can use them in crafting, for placemats, and for book covers. I like the look of them in decoupage. Should arrive soon.
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Use code: CONTEST20 for 20% off your order of $100 or more. Hurry before the coupon expires on November 15th!
These ornaments are actually cookies!
Ornaments made using the IOD Frames Mould by Gather in Middletown, KY
]]>Nobody is better qualified to develop and manufacture Chalk Paint®/TM. Annie’s first book, The Complete Book of Decorative Paint Techniques, was published in 1988. Since then she has published 26 books (and one Bookazine!) on Interior Design.
The invention of Chalk Paint®/TM resulted from a need for a paint which could be used to achieve myriad decorative effects - but that could be applied, left to dry, and waxed in one day to accommodate for Annie’s busy lifestyle as a working mother to three boys.
Annie was making and using her own home-made paint for many years whilst writing books and working restoring stately homes in the UK and Europe. In 1990 she partnered with a Belgian factory to produce and sell the paint she had been making on a large scale. It was revolutionary.
Chalk Paint®/TM became a global phenomenon and Annie now has over 1,700 Stockists. Chalk Paint®/TM remains the brand with the expertise that you can trust. Annie’s high standards and hard-earned experience as a furniture painter, as an inventor, and as a consumer ensure that Chalk Paint®/TM remains the best way to transform your furniture and your home. Annie uses Chalk Paint®/TM on a daily basis and her exacting requirements guarantee an industry-leading standard.
We will be stocking online on our website and in our Groveland, FL location at Bluebird Home Market 15410 CR 565A Unit G Groveland, FL 34736. Look for classes coming soon! Hours 10-5 Thurs-Sat and by appointment. Online purchase and curbside pickup available.
Hours;
Monday- Closed
Tuesday-Friday 11-6
Saturday 10-6
Sunday 11-3
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https://ironorchiddesigns.com/diy/fall-2021-iod-product-release/
]]>Front page www.BluebirdMercantile.com
Facebook.com/bluebirdmercantile
Instagram.com/Bluebirdmercantile
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More choices for color,finish, and designs.
]]>Here is a little video showing some of the products and explaining there uses.
]]>I used the Seashore and Retro Stamps along with the new Thin Mount with the added curves and circles for better layouts. Applied the IOD Oceans Deep ink from our stamp pad.
This was really quick and easy. First I aligned the word BEACH with the Retro stamp along the middle of the tote bag. These make such great impressions. Large letters with the thick outline look really fresh. I then used the thin mount as a mask to cover the stamped word and give me straight edge to stamp over with the Seashore stamps. I used the entire page of stamps just as the come on the backing. I applied ink on the portion about the same size as the area I had open on the top of the tote. Press the stamp down using firm pressure while always holding the stamp so not to slide and blur the image. I move the mask and repeated the same thing on the lower portion. And that was it!
The tote bag is heavy recycled canvas, it would probably be best to wash and iron first. Also allow a little extra time to let the ink soak in to the fibers. After it's thoroughly dry (I would wait 24 hrs.) Heat set with an iron on the highest setting the fabric will allow. A piece of paper or pressing cloth between will keep your iron clean in case of any non dry areas. And you are ready for use. Our IOD ink is permanent once dry
All the products are available here on the site.
GO to my Facebook page and watch the video. Excuse the audio it wasn't good.
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Wow what an amazing amount of new things! 7 new stamps, 3 new moulds, and 2 new transfers (coming out end of Sept.) , along with a newly designed Thin Mount with grids and curves for placement.
Stamps
Fonts:
Retro- Big coloring book style letters 2 pages
Block- This is going to be a big favorite. Connector words. Chalkboard art style
Farm Hand-This is large very "Rae Dunn" inspired
Swoosh- Elegant and loopy handwritten style font. 2 pages. Very large, great for signs.
Christmas:
Holly Jolly- Is the stamp pictured at the top of the blog. Santa, ornaments, tress. tinsel! So classic!
Evergreen- This is not just for Christmas. Totally works year round. Right on time for the Fall holidays.
Seashells- 2 pages of detailed sea creatures. So long over due! Especially for my beach people. The engraving on these is fantastic.
Moulds
Seashells- The sand dollar looks real! Use them for signs and on our gallery boards to make quick home decor.
Snowflakes- I love that these look like snowflakes when white, but when you color them they look like really detailed carvings for furniture. Can be placed back to back to make 4-d ornaments.
Boughs of Holly- The pine cones are so neat. I love the detail in the pine needles. Would make cute soaps!
Here is a link to all the pretty photos of the products.
All the new items with exception of the transfers are going to be shipping ASAP. We can't sell anything until Tuesday Sept. 1st. All will be on the site and ready to add to your cart then. If you want to send me an email with the items you would like I will make an invoice for you and send it out Tuesday morning to your email. You can then click and it will take you to the site to checkout.
Don't forget that you are going to get free shipping on orders over $99. So if you need ink, a brayer, stamp pads, clay, etc get it and save on your postage. We carry Amazing Resin now and it's the perfect for white snowflakes and sand dollars!
]]>Once again I'm lucky enough to join some other Iron Orchid Stockist to give you tons of new ways to use one product. This month's product relay is using the Lady of Shallot stamps. I have a couple neat ideas to pare #IOD stamps along with some other products. Join us starting at 1:00 PM EST We will begin on the Sweet and Sassy Treasures page and then I'm up on my Facebook page at 1:15. There will be 8 of us total showing off our new projects. It's great fun and we love to answer your questions and just get a chance to visit with you all. I will post all the links on my Facebook page. www.facebook.com/bluebirdmercantile
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First is Amazing Resin this is the perfect product to make moulds with no cracks or imperfections. You mix both parts and pour into the mould. In about ten minutes it's cured enough to un-mould. Paint with your mould with paint and use waxes or other embellishments that you would use on our air dry clay.
My favorite product is the Liquid Gold Leaf. t's such a true gold color. Use a throw away brush. To edge a product use a sponge and dip it in the liquid leaf and run it around the edge with even pressure to make it look dipped in gold!
The last product is a nice pallet of rub on metallics use this like you would colored waxes to highlight the ages of castings from your moulds, art on our gallery boards, or more!
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None of us know what the other ones are making. I do know that Peggy from the Gardenhouse has something big, lol.
Below is all the info!
Fun news! It’s time for another IOD Relay Challenge on Friday! All 12 of us are using the IOD Fronds Botanical Transfer and revealing our project LIVE in 15 minute increments. We kick it off with Lisa at 1 EST Friday and I cant wait to see what everyone does, since were are sworn to secrecy until reveal time! We hope you’ll be able to join us in the fun.
Here’s the schedule:
1:00 Lisa Sweet & Sassy Treasures
1:15 Melissa https://www.facebook.com/melissafayedesigns
1:30 Peggy Gardenhouse Studio
1:45 Kim https://www.facebook.com/Bellavintagereloved/
2:00 Lizbeth https://www.facebook.com/lizajaneartdesigns
2:15 :) Valerie https://www.facebook.com/bluebirdmercantile
2:30 Michelle https://www.facebook.com/SerendipityHouseLLC
2:45 Michele https://www.facebook.com/vintagerevivaldesignco
3:00 Jody https://www.facebook.com/FarmhouseInspired
3:15 Linda https://www.facebook.com/seaporium
3:30 Penny https://www.facebook.com/pennysporch/
3:45 Dianne https://www.facebook.com/TwoGirlsTreasure
How are you doing? With so much stuff going on it's hard to feel like you have taken a deep enough breath sometimes. I have set up a Facebook private group that has just gotten started. Please join the Bluebird Mercantile Creative Nest, maybe it will be a place to come and share your day, learn new things and make some new friends.
I just wanted to touch base. I know I told you this week our new website is getting started. I'm so excited to have the site look nice and be easier for you to navigate. I set it up myself and it gets the job done, but not well.
It will have much easier navigation to find products, better info on how to use products, more product categories. I'm hoping we can add some more products you will like. Clothing and more craft supplies. Let me know if you see a product and would like us to check on carrying it for you.
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Updates on products: We are updating product inventories and there are some items sold out from our manufacturers until late June, July, and a few into September. If there are any items you have been looking for I would stock up now. We are already low and out of stock on some. Let us know if you are looking for something in particular, we will try to help find it if we don't have it on hand. We will try to keep the inventories updated for you.
Good news: We are getting a new website! I am hoping to make it more informative and user friendly. Adding better shopping, more product lines, and easier navigation. Perks for being great customers, and lots of educational content.
We have started a new private Facebook group called Bluebird Mercantile Creative Nest. Please join us. I love the chance to showcase each others work, get to know everyone better, and have some fun. I want to bring other creatives on board to share their expertise. If you are a maker that wants to sell your product we would be interested in seeing your work. If you would like to sign up to be an influencer using our products on your social media and websites we would like to see what we can do to make a partnership. Email me at bluebirdmercantile@gmail.com.
Take care,
Valerie
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I kinda feel guilty for wanting to enjoy life right now, it's not easy for everyone. Because of the situation we've had to deal with a lot of memorials and sadness so far in 2020, but there is a bunch of good out there too. It has shown how much we can do when we need to.
For me making things is my therapy, I know a lot of you are the same way. So I am going to get out my things and make some flower pots and maybe a few gifts the weekend. Below are a few pics of things I've made before. Join me in enjoying life for a bit. Let's make some new things. Create and be happy. I hope you are all well. If you need any products let me know.
Thanks for stopping by!
Val
To see Iron Orchid Design product videos click here to go to the official YouTube Site.
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Use code: 1FREEINK
Buy 4 stamps, get 1 free ink • One use per customer
Use code: 10HOLLY
10% off entire order • No minimum • One use per customer
Use code: 15SANTA
15% off entire order • Minimum purchase of $65.00 • One use per customer
Use code: HOHOHO
$50.00 off entire order • Minimum purchase of $250.00 • One use per customer
Use code: 1FREESHIP
Free shipping on entire order • Minimum purchase of $100.00 • For United States • One use per customer * Good only in the contiguous United States.
If you see something that shows out of stock message us because new product is arriving daily and sometimes the system doesn't update as quickly as we'd like.
There are a few back ordered items in the warehouse and they are updating us everyday with the arrival status. Codes good on our website www.bluebirdmercantile.com only, not in store.
]]>These are all products I use. I really like them and I think they make it easier to work with on my projects. You can click on the pics to purchase.
Tite Bond Quick and Thick
Hammer in picture hangers
Duck Clean Release Blue Painters Tape 2 in wide 60 yard long
Foam brush variety pack
Sandpaper sponge variety pack
Liquid Leaf
Square for measuring corners
Exacto Knife with extra blades
Amazing Resin kit
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