Spun Cotton Techniques: How To / Beginner Spun Cotton Tutorial | Dolls, Animals & Ornaments Smile Mercantile 2025-03-28 | Welcome to spun cotton 101! Today we're exploring the craft of spun cotton, and creating six charming pieces start-to-finish! This beginner-friendly video covers the entire spun cotton process, and various techniques for applying cotton. We'll make armatures, craft pieces using cotton quilt batting and medical cotton, and play with paints and embellishments.All of the materials referenced as well as a history of spun cotton is here on my website:smilemercantile.com/pages/spun-cotton-101To learn more about spun cotton, consider my books:Spun Cotton Crafts: amzn.to/3FPjTatSpun Cotton Christmas Ornaments: amzn.to/4hFv3MlMy shop: smilemercantile.comCotton Quilt Batting: smilemercantile.com/products/natural-cotton-batting-for-spun-cotton-craftsMedical cotton: Extra fine: smilemercantile.com/products/medical-cotton-rollBig roll: amzn.to/41Xg9eCHow to mold doll faces:youtube.com/watch?v=bJJ_1WD4B8k00:00-00:35 Intro00:36-01:54 Cotton Choices01:55-06:30 Armatures: Pig06:31-09:59 Armatures: Pretzel10:00-14:46 Armatures: Mushroom14:47-16:53 Armatures: Knitting Needle Method16:54-22:17 Armatures: Dolls & Figures22:18-23:50 Starch Medium23:51-28:16 Working Dry: Pig28:17-33:42 Working Dry: Pretzel33:43-36:54 Working Dry: Pear36:55-41:41 Working Dry: Mushroom41:42-56:02 Working Dry: German-Style Doll56:03-59:35 Working Dry: Russian-Style Doll59:36-1:07:46 Working Wet: Pig1:07:47-1:10:32 Working Wet: Mushroom1:10:33-1:11:19 Working Wet: Pear1:11:20-1:14:17 Working Wet: German-Style Doll1:14:18-1:20:47 Working Wet: Russian-Style Doll1:20:48-1:23:33 Painting & Finishing: Pig1:23:34-1:25:12 Painting & Finishing: Pretzel1:25:13-1:27:33 Painting & Finishing: Mushroom1:27:34-1:31:34 Painting & Finishing: Pear1:31:35-1:36:34 Painting & Finishing: German-Style Doll1:36:35-1:41:05 Painting & Finishing: Russian-Style Doll#spuncotton #crafttutorial
How to Make a Miniature Antique Pull Toy | Vintage Scale Mini Dollhouse Craft Smile Mercantile 2026-09-03 | Learn how to assemble a vintage-style miniature platform horse pull toy from start to finish! In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll build a detailed, antique-style miniature pull toy perfect for dollhouse displays, vintage room boxes, and miniature collections. Supply kits available here: smilemercantile.com/products/miniature-pull-toy-kit-tiny-antique-platform-horse-supply-pack
NEW Christmas craft goodies! find them at SmileMercantile.com #diy #craftychristmas #diyornaments Smile Mercantile 2026-07-08 | ...
Spun Cotton Tutorial: Making Shimmering Fish with Mica | Relaxing Craft Project Smile Mercantile 2026-06-12 | Full tutorial with template:smilemercantile.com/blogs/tutorials/spun-cotton-tutorial-shimmering-fishMy shop:smilemercantile.comMy books:Spun Cotton Crafts: amzn.to/4spVQltSpun Cotton Christmas Ornaments: amzn.to/4spsgN0
Spun cotton tutorial! Simple and lovely carrot ornaments with crepe paper tops for Easter Smile Mercantile 2026-03-04 | These spun cotton carrots are very easy and fun to make, and come together quickly. I am using absorbent medical cotton roll for this project which is very forgiving, and creates a papery surface that takes paint well. Feel free to adjust the sizes to your liking. Carrots have many natural variations, so worry not over lumps and bumps that may form- it will add to the character of each one you make!Full tutorial with supply list: smilemercantile.com/blogs/tutorials/easy-spun-cotton-carrotsMy shop:smilemercantile.comMy books:Spun Cotton Crafts: amzn.to/4spVQltSpun Cotton Christmas Ornaments: amzn.to/4spsgN0
Vintage Christmas Tree Rebuild: Feather Tree Construction, Replacing Holly Berries, & Craft Time Smile Mercantile 2025-12-17 | Today I have a thrift haul of sorts, from the antique store. Unpack this bag of feather tree branches with me, and lets have a closer look at them. We'll restore the holly berries, and then turn these branches into a one-of-a-kind decoration for Christmas. I have all sorts of magical trimmings to work with: spun cotton mushrooms and mercury glass. It is always fun to upcycle cool old supplies. My craft supply shop:smilemercantile.comMy Craft Books:Spun Cotton Crafts: amzn.to/4c7wvVNSpun Cotton Christmas Ornaments: amzn.to/4c9ppA9
Tiny Angel Ornaments Made from Spun Cotton | Vintage Christmas Crafting Smile Mercantile 2025-11-19 | Supply packs: smilemercantile.com/products/tiny-angel-supply-pack-cones-heads-mini-wings-makes-12Dangling from a pine branch, or tied to a package, these teeny tiny angels are adorable, and so easy to make! I had these small spun cotton cones made in the Czech Republic, and paired with head made from a 14mm spun cotton ball, I think the scale and shape is just right. Of course, you do not need to use spun cotton for this project at all. Simple cones made from clay, or rolled up cardstock glued at the back would also do just fine, and a wooden bead would be charming for the head. I have miniature foiled Dresden wings that fit, or you can cut out wings from decorative papers.Full written tutorial with supply list:smilemercantile.com/blogs/tutorials/the-tiniest-angels-mini-spun-cotton-ornamentsFor those who adore a vintage Christmas! My craft supply shop:smilemercantile.comMy books:Spun Cotton Crafts: amzn.to/3FPjTatSpun Cotton Christmas Ornaments: amzn.to/4hFv3Ml#christmascrafts #vintagechristmas #spuncotton
Making a Church for the Christmas Village! Vintage Christmas Crafting Smile Mercantile 2025-09-26 | Get your kit here: smilemercantile.com/products/village-church-kit-diy-flat-pack-chipboard-christmas-churchThis kit comes with all the chipboard pieces already cut out and scored for folding. There are included windows and a bell for the tower.00:00 Intro02:26 Assembly - Walls04:14 Assembly - Bell Tower09:42 Assembly - Entry11:00 Assembly - Roof14:07 Painting14:58 Glitter17:44 Windows20:44 BaseShop vintage inspired and nostalgic craft supplies:smilemercantile.com
Making Vintage Halloween Ornaments with Bump Chenille and Spun Cotton Smile Mercantile 2025-09-11 | Get your kit: smilemercantile.com/products/pumpkin-people-craft-kit-vintage-style-spun-cotton-and-bump-chenille-halloween-supply-packThis is the assembly video for the Smile Mercantile Pumpkin People kit. Each kit makes 6 ornaments, or one garland for a vintage inspired Halloween.Enjoy working with nostalgic craft supplies like bump chenille trim, spooky Halloween minis, and Czech-made spun cotton pumpkin heads.My Shop: smilemercantile.com
Chipboard Cottages - Christmas Village Putz House Assembly Smile Mercantile 2025-07-14 | Get your kit here: smilemercantile.com/collections/papercraftsThese chipboard cottage kits come with written instructions, which you can also view here: smilemercantile.com/pages/putzI'm so excited to add these cottages to my putz village lineup. This video covers the assembly for these for house styles:The Cozy CottageThe English CottageThe Coastal CottageThe Storybook Cottage00:00-01:07 Intro01:08-05:04 The Cozy Cottage05:05-09:10 The English Cottage09:11-12:24 The Coastal Cottage12:25-18:54 The Storybook Cottage18:55-20:36 Using Glass GlitterYou can find the video for The Village House, The Manor House, The Tudor House, and the Farmhouse here: youtube.com/watch?v=VtUUYrxs-8A
Folk Art Crackle Medium Demo | Primitive Putz House DIY Smile Mercantile 2025-06-12 | I've been experimenting with the putz house kits again! I was looking for a rustic finish that would complement a summer village display, and so I am working with a crackle medium today to get that primitive look. There are several of these types of crackle paints on the market. The exact one I am using is Folk Art Crackle Medium. Here's how to use crackle medium: paint a base coat (this is the color that will show through the cracks later,) let dry fully. Paint on a layer of the crackle medium and let dry for one hour. Then, apply a top coat of the alternate color. It starts to crackle right away. I did some swatch tests using various craft paints for the top and bottom layers, and my best results were with some of the cheapest, most basic acrylic craft paints in just a standard satin finish. So this is a very affordable way to add some great character to the chipboard putz houses.Putz House Kits: smilemercantile.com/collections/papercraftsShop: smilemercantile.com
Spun Cotton History | Studying Antique Soviet Christmas Ornaments Smile Mercantile 2025-04-05 | Let's do a little deep dive on spun cotton! I got an interesting book: Soviet Christmas Decorations Catalog Vol. 2. This book is huge, and very thorough, and covers mainly Christmas ornaments made from cotton. I'm learning a lot about Christmas ornaments in the USSR, and how they evolved to be very different from German style Christmas decorations.Sourcing this book is a challenge. I purchased my copy from this shop in Latvia, but they look to be sold out of Volume 2 at the moment: https://kniga.lv/en/shop?publisher=1528There are a couple copies currently available shipping from Europe via AbeBooks:abebooks.com/Sovetskie-jolochnye-ukrashenija-Katalog-Tom-2/31922406598/bdThis is the publisher. It looks like you have to contact them to arrange international shipping:https://nycatalog.ru/products/47747562Learn more about spun cotton! Spun Cotton 101:smilemercantile.com/pages/spun-cotton-101My shop:smilemercantile.com#spuncotton #antiques #vintagechristmas
Scrapbook Paper Houses (aka working through my paper hoard) Smile Mercantile 2025-03-01 | Do you have a secret pile of scrapbook paper? Use it! These houses look beautiful with any kind of patterned paper.Chipboard Putz House kits: smilemercantile.com/products/christmas-village-putz-kit-diy-flat-pack-vintage-style-chipboard-houses-4-piece-setFull written tutorial with supply list: Spray Stains:Speckled Egg: amzn.to/43dEFugTattered Rose: amzn.to/4iooC17Peeled Paint: amzn.to/4im8o8IAntique Linen: amzn.to/4buLJVyGathered Twigs: amzn.to/4hXRT2VVintage Photo: amzn.to/3QFxm75My shop: smilemercantile.com#papercraft #collage As an affiliate I may earn commission from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. I offer these tutorials for free, and your clicks support my work, thank you!
Miniature Potted Feather Tree Tutorial | Step-by-Step Craft Smile Mercantile 2025-02-13 | Even though we are far away from Christmas I am still in my exploration of feather trees. Today I am working on a miniature feather tree using pink goose feathers for a sweet springtime look. You could use a regular wooden base- just a little wood cube with a hole in it, or a wooden toy wheel would do the trick. I am using a small flower pot for this tree, embellished with decoupaged layers of scrapbook paper from my stash.You can view the written tutorial with full supply list here: smilemercantile.com/blogs/tutorials/miniature-potted-feather-tree-tutorialGoose Biot feathers: smilemercantile.com/products/goose-biots-soft-pink-dyed-goose-feathers-75-pcsPearl Berries on stems: smilemercantile.com/products/ivory-pearl-berry-stamens-50-pcsMy shop: smilemercantile.comMy Craft Books:Spun Cotton Crafts: amzn.to/4c7wvVNSpun Cotton Christmas Ornaments: amzn.to/4c9ppA9
Cozy Wooden Dollhouse Renovation - Siding, Windows, Roof & Exterior Trim in Miniature Smile Mercantile 2024-12-13 | Happy holidays everyone! In this just-for-fun project I am fixing up a wooden dollhouse I picked up this summer at a flea market. This is the inner shell of an old Artply DIY model called "the Bobbi." It's a nice smaller size for me to keep in my living room, very manageable and not too overwhelming to work on.In this video I'm just focusing on the exterior: making some repairs, changing out the windows, doing wooden clapboard siding, and a shingled roof. All of these things took awhile. For a grown-up, all-season look, I decided to keep it all brown in color.My craft supply shop: smilemercantile.comDiamond Windows:tidd.ly/3DfpVAdtidd.ly/3OYKbIEPorch railing:tidd.ly/4iCiJOwShingles:tidd.ly/3OUqIsISiding:shop.greenleafdollhouses.com/miniature-clapboard-sidingClear Gorilla Glue:amzn.to/4fiVruc#dollhouse #miniature as an affiliate I may earn commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Easy Christmas Star | Vintage Crafting with German Glass Glitter Smile Mercantile 2024-12-09 | I am doing some good vintage Christmas crafting today! This nostalgic Christmas tree topper is made with sparkling silver German glass glitter. This is an easy craft to do, and is a great alternative to plastic Christmas decor. Template and Supply List: smilemercantile.com/blogs/tutorials/easy-christmas-star-with-german-glass-glitterGerman Glass Glitter: smilemercantile.com/products/silver-german-glass-glitterChipboard: amzn.to/4gpZ82qSeam Binding: tidd.ly/3ZrH2pQMy shop: smilemercantile.comAs an affiliate I may earn commission from qualifying purchases.#christmascrafts #christmasornaments
Sympathetic Putz House Restoration / Renovation - Cleaning & Repairing Old Christmas Village Houses Smile Mercantile 2024-11-08 | Today I'm fixing up some old Christmas putz houses to give them a new life. I'm trying to be sensitive to the original designs while tidying and repairing some of their issues. All of my tips and tricks for working on vintage putz houses are here along with links to the supplies I use: smilemercantile.com/blogs/tutorials/how-to-clean-and-restore-putz-housesPutz House Replacement Doors & Windows: smilemercantile.com/products/putz-house-replacement-windows-and-doors-2-translucent-vellum-sheetsFine Grain Glass Glitter in Clear: smilemercantile.com/products/fine-grain-glass-glitter-clearFine Milk Glass Glitter for Snow:smilemercantile.com/products/milk-glass-glitter-fine-opaque-white-snow-effectMy Craft Shop:smilemercantile.com#vintagechristmas #christmascrafts
How to Make a Feather Tree | Mini Tabletop Christmas Tree Craft Tutorial Smile Mercantile 2024-11-01 | Supply list and step-by-step feather tree tutorial: smilemercantile.com/blogs/tutorials/how-to-make-a-feather-treeFeather trees were a late-19th century German invention- a creative alternative to wasteful, messy, and exceedingly flammable real Christmas trees from the forest. They were most popular in the years leading up to World War I which interrupted the manufacture of handmade German trees. Creating a small tabletop tree is an exciting project. It's the opportunity to craft a personal heirloom, and is a practical display for handmade and antique ornaments. It may seem a little intimidating at first, but there is a straightforward set of steps, and a 'recipe' for laying out branches that makes it doable. There are several techniques for crafting branches, and the one I'm using today I find to be simple and easy to replicate branch after branch.Visit my shop!smilemercantile.com@SmileMercantile on Instagram and YouTube
Gothic Putz Houses for Halloween! 🦇 Craft a Halloween Village with Me Smile Mercantile 2024-08-15 | Get your putz kits here: smilemercantile.com/products/christmas-village-putz-kit-diy-flat-pack-vintage-style-chipboard-houses-4-piece-setBuy the finished village: smilemercantile.com/products/halloween-village-handmade-black-putz-house-decorations-4-piece-setMy shop: smilemercantile.com
Making Putz Houses - DIY Chipboard Christmas Village with a Vintage Look! Smile Mercantile 2024-07-09 | Making Putz Houses - DIY Chipboard Christmas Village with a Vintage Look!Get your putz house kits here: smilemercantile.com/collections/kits-ornamentsNo Xacto knife required! This putz house kits come already cut out. We'll put them together by folding and gluing the pieces, and then they can be decorated with paint and glitter. In this video I will assemble: the Village House, the Manor House, the Farmhouse, and the Tudor House. If you like nostalgic vintage Christmas decorations, you will love creating your own little village. 00:00-00:53 Materials00:54-05:06 The Village House05:07-09:08 The Manor House09:09-13:15 The Farmhouse13:16-18:44 The Tudor House18:45-23:00 Paint & GlitterMy shop: smilemercantile.comMy Craft Books:Spun Cotton Crafts: amzn.to/4c7wvVNSpun Cotton Christmas Ornaments: amzn.to/4c9ppA9
Lets Make Chenille Santa Christmas Ornaments! New Pipe Cleaner Craft Kit Smile Mercantile 2024-07-08 | Get Your Kit Here: smilemercantile.com/products/chenille-santa-pipe-cleaner-ornament-craft-kit-makes-6-vintage-style-bump-chenille-santa-ornamentsThe Smile Mercantile specializes in rare and hard-to-find craft supplies, which is just what you will find in these new Christmas craft kits! The bump chenille was custom-made to look just like the materials used in the 1940s. Ornaments like this were made in Japan, and could be found in dime stores across the US. If you like nostalgic Christmas crafts, you'll love making these little guys!You will need to supply a pair of scissors and fast-drying glue that bonds to plastic, like Beacon 3-in-1: amzn.to/3WfyjH1#vintagechristmas #christmascrafts
Spun Cotton Tutorial: Nostalgic Cotton Batting Santa Ornament Workshop Smile Mercantile 2024-07-08 | Get your supply kit here: smilemercantile.com/products/spun-cotton-santa-kit-father-christmas-ornament-craft-supply-packIf you have ever wondered how to make spun cotton figures from scratch, this is a great introductory project to the nostalgic art of spun cotton. For these small-scale antique style spun cotton dolls we will be using quilt batting on an armature of cotton pipe cleaners. The finished figures measure about 4 1/2 inches tall, which is a good size for hanging on the Christmas tree.Timestamps:00:00-01:37 Materials01:38-03:23 Building the Armature03:24-04:54 Binding Media04:55-09:50 Wrapping Hands & Feet09:51-17:32 Sleeves & Pant Legs17:33-19:07 Filling out the Body19:08-21:53 Face and Hood21:54-26:12 Coat and Collar26:13-27:17 Finishing Touches27:18-29:53 Variations & ColorMy Shop: smilemercantile.comMy Books:Spun Cotton Crafts: amzn.to/4c7wvVNSpun Cotton Christmas Ornaments: amzn.to/4c9ppA9#antiques #crafttutorial #vintagechristmas
Drawing Vintage Faces on Spun Cotton Doll Heads - Simple and Cute Craft Project! Smile Mercantile 2024-05-10 | Visit the project page with supply list: smilemercantile.com/blogs/tutorials/drawing-vintage-faces-on-spun-cotton-doll-headsEvery now and again I find vintage Made in Japan spun cotton doll heads, and I find them to be so charming. The faces were clearly done by hand so no two are alike. It used to be that you could buy little packets of these dime store heads at variety stores for making ornaments, package ties and tiny dolls. You would see angels, little ladies with curly hair, clowns, bunnies, Halloween cats, snowmen, Santas etc. My shop: smilemercantile.comBlank spun cotton heads:smilemercantile.com/collections/doll-headsGel pens: amzn.to/4bbJmG9My filming camera:amzn.to/3JUlBq0#crafts #crafttutorial
Vintage Christmas Matchboxes! Kitschy Retro Holiday Papercraft Smile Mercantile 2023-12-16 | Full project page and supply list: smilemercantile.com/blogs/tutorials/vintage-christmas-matchboxes-holiday-papercraftingYou can get a pack of 10 matchboxes at Dollar Tree, and embellish each one with papers and other trims for an inexpensive and fun Christmas craft. For this project I dug around and used a lot of embellishments that I had on hand. The paper you choose should be thin- regular scrapbook paper is good, and wrapping paper works very well.My craft supply store: www.smilemercantile.com#vintagechristmas #papercraft #christmascrafts
Moravian Star Tutorial - How to Make Nostalgic Waxed Paper Star Ornaments Smile Mercantile 2023-12-08 | Project page with step-by-step and supply list: smilemercantile.com/blogs/tutorials/how-to-make-waxed-moravian-starsIf you long for a simple, old fashioned Christmas like the ones from long ago, this is a wonderfully nostalgic craft to learn. These traditional Moravian stars are made from strips of paper woven and folded, and then dipped in wax. Optionally, a sprinkling of glitter adds a little bit of magic. The paper I am using: amzn.to/3TwQPd1Silver German Glass Glitter: smilemercantile.com/products/silver-german-glass-glitterMy shop: smilemercantile.com#vintagechristmas #papercrafts
This year I used vintage LEAD tinsel! #vintagechristmas #christmastree Smile Mercantile 2023-12-04 | ...
Pine Cone Snowmen - How to Make a Vintage Style Snowman for Christmas! Smile Mercantile 2023-12-01 | Go collect some pine cones, and let's build a vintage snowman! Full step-by-step and supply list: smilemercantile.com/blogs/tutorials/how-to-make-a-pine-cone-snowman-on-skisMy craft supply shop:www.smilemercantile.com#vintagechristmas #christmascrafts #pinecone
Some of the things Ive been crafting! ❄️🍄 #christmasornaments #vintagechristmas Smile Mercantile 2023-11-16 | ...
Spun Cotton Angel Ornaments - Lovely Vintage Christmas Craft! Smile Mercantile 2023-11-14 | It's the holiday season! Let's make some vintage inspired angel ornaments for the Christmas tree. These are made using spun cotton doll heads, cones, and retro trims like bump chenille and pipe cleaners. Supply list: smilemercantile.com/blogs/tutorials/how-to-make-spun-cotton-angel-ornamentsMy craft supply shop:smilemercantile.com#christmascrafts #christmasdiy #vintagechristmas
SNOWCAP ornaments! Mix paint and glue, and then add glass glitter. #christmascrafts #ornaments Smile Mercantile 2023-11-11 | Tutorial @SmileMercantile
New Craft Kit! Make a Vintage Christmas Elf with Spun Cotton Mushrooms and Toadstools Smile Mercantile 2023-11-03 | Update: this kit has sold out! Thanks so much! ♥I have different Elf Kits and other nostalgic Christmas goodies here in my shop:SmileMercantile.com#christmascrafts #vintagechristmas
Dollar Tree Book Nook - Lets Make a Miniature Apothecary Shop Room Box Smile Mercantile 2023-10-11 | I found a little book box at Dollar Tree, and some other stuff! So let's have a cozy craft day making a miniature apothecary shop with tiny handmade goodies. Here's the full project page with supply list:smilemercantile.com/blogs/tutorials/making-a-miniature-book-nookMy shop:smilemercantile.comMy craft tutorials: smilemercantile.com/blogs/tutorialsMy YouTube channel:youtube.com/c/smilemercantileMy filming camera:amzn.to/3RUUPCZMy Amazon page:amazon.com/shop/smilemercantile#dollhouse #miniatures #halloweencrafts as an affiliate I may earn commission from qualifying purchases. Your clicks support my work, thank you!
DIY Witch Broom: Easy Halloween Decoration! Smile Mercantile 2023-10-04 | Full project page: smilemercantile.com/blogs/tutorials/how-to-make-a-foraged-witch-broom-for-halloweenWell if you've ever wanted a simple, low cost decoration for Halloween, try making a rustic witch broom! You just need to go for a nice nature walk where you can pick up some natural materials like weeds, sticks, pine cones, etc. All you need to put it together are some zip ties and either ribbon, twine, or strips of fabric.When the season is done, most of these items are compostable.If you missed my other Halloween decorations, check out my playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNwcfDa0nxCDubIfvYuCqHPRPy1Fk6TuhHere's my craft supply shop:smilemercantile.com
DIY Halloween Decorations: Upcycled Barbie Pumpkin Carriage | Enchanted Toys for Spooky Season! Smile Mercantile 2023-09-29 | Last year I made my spooky renovated Halloween dollhouse: youtube.com/watch?v=1qEjAU9UVoUToday I am making an enchanted pumpkin carriage to pair with it! I thrifted a Barbie pumpkin carriage and a couple horses, and will transform them into a fun upcycled decoration for Halloween. After adding some paint and party napkins, I embellished the carriage with some faux leaves and fairy lights. Easy, cheap, and so unique!!My craft supply store:smilemercantile.comInstagram:instagram.com/smilemercantileMy filming camera:amzn.to/3Pv6TYSGloss Black Spray Paint:amzn.to/3PO8uKWAs an Amazon affiliate I may earn commission from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you. Thank you for clicking my links!
The Halloween Dollhouse has arrived for spooky season! #dollhouse #halloween #dollhouseminiatures Smile Mercantile 2023-09-15 | Who else has a Halloween dollhouse up this year? I'm also getting ready to make an enchanted pumpkin carriage out of some Barbie toys. I love to thrift, and I love a good DIY! A little spray paint, a little glue and some trims, and I've got something totally unique for my Halloween decorations. I'm having lots of fun this season.
How to Make Light Up Dollhouse Candles with Straws and String Lights Smile Mercantile 2023-09-03 | I've been adding some lighting to my Halloween Dollhouse! Along with some other dollhouse furniture I got this summer is a great miniature Shackman organ that is so spooky and perfect for my haunted chateau. I wanted some candles to sit atop the organ that actually illuminated the room, so today I'm making some.The candles themselves are made using paper straws from Ikea, and some LED string lights with the slim coin style battery pack. I'm disguising all the wires under a "tablecloth" of wrinkled fabric. This means there are no wires or cords sticking out the back of my display. You could also do this technique for a display on a table or dresser in your dollhouse.Here's the full project page with all my supplies and the step by step if you'd like to make some of your own:smilemercantile.com/blogs/tutorials/miniature-dollhouse-candles-made-from-string-lights-and-strawsMy beautiful craft supply store:smilemercantile.comInstagram:instagram.com/smilemercantile
Spun Cotton Tutorial: Make a Victorian Figural Christmas Ornament! Smile Mercantile 2022-12-15 | Project page and supply list: smilemercantile.com/blogs/tutorials/victorian-figural-ornament-made-with-roving-and-cotton-battingToday I'm making this adorable little snowball boy. I start with a wire armature, and a paperclay face that I molded from an antique doll. The hands and feet are cotton roving, and the costume is made from 100% cotton quilt batting. For more on the techniques I'm using here, please see my new book, Spun Cotton Crafts! The book covers how to make an armature, how to mold doll faces from clay, and multiple techniques for applying cotton. The book is available for purchase on Amazon here: amzn.to/3PviZAO#Christmas #spuncotton #crafts
Graham Cracker Gingerbread House - How to Make a Cozy A-Frame Cabin Smile Mercantile 2022-12-06 | Full project page with tutorial: smilemercantile.com/blogs/tutorials/no-bake-gingerbread-house-make-a-graham-cracker-a-frame-cabinIf you're not keen on baking a whole batch of cookies, and just want to skip to the gingerbread house decorating, you can make the house out of graham crackers! Here I'll share how to make this no bake gingerbread house, a cozy A-frame cabin, step-by-step.These are the plastic squeeze bottles I'm using: amzn.to/3h2BTSVand this is the gel food coloring for the roof: amzn.to/3VB8ZbEMy shop: smilemercantile.comMy craft book: amzn.to/3P6ykb6#gingerbread #Christmascrafts #gingerbreadhouse
Snow Cap Christmas Ornaments - Embellishing Mercury Glass Balls with Paint and Glitter Smile Mercantile 2022-11-18 | Today I am embellishing some plain glass ornaments with festive painted snow! The supply list and project details are here: smilemercantile.com/blogs/tutorials/snow-cap-christmas-ornaments-embellishing-mercury-glass-balls-with-paint-and-glitterMy shop:www.Smilemercantile.comMy Book: amzn.to/3V35f1G#vintagechristmas #christmascrafts
Make a Spun Cotton Santa! 1950s Vintage Style Christmas Craft Project Smile Mercantile 2022-11-04 | Find this project and others in my book: amzn.to/3DF1FoXProject page with tutorial and supply list: smilemercantile.com/blogs/tutorials/make-a-spun-cotton-santaThis Santa is a variation on one of the vintage elf designs in my book Spun Cotton Crafts! This pieces uses a combination of spun cotton craft shapes and cotton quilt batting, and he is just cute as a button.Where to buy spun cotton shapes: smilemercantile.com/collections/spun-cotton
How to Preserve Fall Leaves with Glycerin Smile Mercantile 2022-10-15 | Project page and supply list: smilemercantile.com/blogs/tutorials/how-to-preserve-fall-leaves-with-glycerinWhen fall color hits its peak, it's time to go foraging for leaves! I wanted to preserve a whole bunch of fall leaves, so I got a gallon jug of glycerin and a storage tub for soaking. You can definitely do this on a smaller scale with a tupperware or dish.This is the brand of glycerin I used: amzn.to/3TtldlbMy shop:smilemercantile.comMy Book:amzn.to/3rW6Ud1
Halloween Dollhouse Makeover - Crafting a Haunted Chateau! Smile Mercantile 2022-09-30 | A lucky thrift store find got me crafting up a storm for Halloween! Watch as I renovate this plastic dollhouse into a spooky haunted chateau. Visit my shop: smilemercantile.comMy book: amzn.to/3dWSSVg#halloweencrafts #halloweendecor #darkacademia
Making a Halloween Doll with a Vintage Hanky! Smile Mercantile 2022-09-02 | Project page with supply list and full tutorial: smilemercantile.com/blogs/tutorials/making-a-halloween-doll-with-a-vintage-hankyMaking clay doll faces: youtube.com/watch?v=bJJ_1WD4B8k&t=68sToday I'm making an adorable little vintage ghost using a face that I molded from a Kewpie figurine, and a thrifted handkerchief! I used spun cotton materials that I had on hand, but the form could easily be made from crumpled up paper or aluminum foil. The handkerchief is starched to hold the folds and creases in place, so it really looks like a little kid wearing a tablecloth to go out trick or treating!My shop: http://www.smilemercantile.com#vintagehalloween #halloweencrafts
Making Clay Kewpie Doll Faces from a Vintage Figurine Smile Mercantile 2022-09-01 | Full project page with supply list: smilemercantile.com/blogs/tutorials/making-clay-doll-faces-from-a-vintage-figurineToday I'm making some cute miniature doll faces from a vintage Kewpie figurine. I'll be making a silicone mold, and then crafting flat-back faces from paperclay.In the next video I am using the face to make a Halloween doll!My shop: smilemercantile.comExplore more projects like this in my book, Spun Cotton Crafts:smilemercantile.com/collections/book/products/spun-cotton-crafts-25-vintage-projects-for-the-nostalgic-crafter#vintage #halloweencrafts
Making a Spun Cotton Doll Start-to-Finish Smile Mercantile 2022-06-09 | Watch me make a snow baby! This is a project from my new book: Spun Cotton Crafts. Get your copy here: amzn.to/4b54JJIsupply list: smilemercantile.com/blogs/tutorials/snow-baby-project-demo-making-a-spun-cotton-doll-from-scratch00:00-01:32 Making the Armature01:33-04:23 Crafting a Face04:24-10:20 Filling out the Armature10:21-16:40 Thread Wrapping16:41-26:52 Applying Cotton to the Limbs26:53-36:56 Final Cotton Application36:57-39:59 FinishingMy craft supply shop: smilemercantile.com#spuncotton #dolltutorial
Book Release! Spun Cotton Crafts is now Available Smile Mercantile 2022-05-24 | Available for purchase here: amzn.to/3WwKMpeI am delighted to share my new book: Spun Cotton Crafts! This DIY craft book features instructions for 25 vintage inspired projects made with cotton. -25 step-by-step projects for every season with coordinating photography, project backstories, complete materials lists, and expert tips-History of spun cotton, insight on materials, and techniques from making armatures to making faces-Beginner-friendly guide with projects anyone can accomplish, no matter your skill level, as there is no sharp learning curve-Create one-of-a-kind gifts for friends and family for all occasions with housewarming home decor gifts, festive tabletop displays, and more-Author Valerie Lloyd is the owner of Smile Mercantile Craft Co. and crafter behind her popular YouTube channel by the same name where she offers easy-to-follow craft tutorials Explore this fun introduction to the easy, nostalgic, and beautiful craft.#spuncotton #crafts
Spun Cotton Boats: DIY Handmade Cotton Batting Ornaments Smile Mercantile 2022-04-29 | Full tutorial, free printable templates & supply list: www.smilemercantile.com/blogs/tutorials/spun-cotton-boatsThese darling cotton batting boat ornaments were inspired by the sparkly Sebnitz ships of the late 19th century. For this variation, the boats are made of thin chipboard, or a reused cereal/food box, assembled with masking tape. Two layers of cotton quilt batting are torn to fit the shape, and are applied with glue and a cornstarch binding medium. Then, the mast is made from wire, and the boat is decorated with crinkle wire rigging, metallic stars, and crepe paper sails.If you like sparkles, this is the project for you. I have provided free templates for the boat shapes, sails, and masts on the project page. Hope you enjoy it!00:00-01:52 Building the Boat01:53-04:37 Base Layer04:38-05:48 Plush Layer05:49-06:58 Wire Mast06:59-08:56 Paper Sails08:57-10:15 Crinkle Wire Rigging10:16-11:17 Embellishments and VariationsWant more on spun cotton? My book is available for purchase here: smilemercantile.com/collections/bookMy shop: www.smilemercantile.com#spuncotton #crafttutorial
