Major Craft Fail
I wrote this particular post several years ago. Since the resulting offending odors have faded in my memory, I am actually considering taking on the project once again using some great tips from my readers and some big veiny Maine leaves. In the meantime, here is a reminder of the original project attempt that officially ran amok…
Yep, it had to happen sometime. And I am here to document it for you! While there have been many craft fails that have occurred in my craft room, this one ranks number one as a Major Craft Fail! So, have a seat and enjoy my mess and be glad…so glad that you don’t have to smell it!
Source: My Art Glass World
Pretty aren’t they? I thought so too. While in California, we stumbled upon a shop that was selling leaf skeletons that were airbrushed in florescent colors and placed over a black velvet setting. They were just awesome. So I wrote it down in my little black book and was determined to try this new craft when I got back home.
And that I did.
I started by gathering a large selection of leaves. I figured if I picked a variety, at least one or two of them would work.
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I followed a recipe that I found on line. Use one part super washing soda to one part water. Sounded easy enough.
Optimistically, I threw the leaves in a pot and set them to boil. And then waited.
And the stink began. Faint at first, and then stronger. Gah! If leaves had butts, I imagine this is what they’d smell like. It wasn’t long before my entire house smelled like leaf butt. But, I soldiered on. Sometimes a good craft takes a little sacrifice.
I lit a coconut candle and braved the stink. This will certainly be worth the effort. I had big plans for those skeleton leaves.
After an hour an a half of boiling, my pot of leaves looked like this. A big stinky disgusting mess. No problem, I thought. The next step is to take them out and blanch them in cold water.
Well, that is if you can separate them. I was dealing with the equivalent of a leafy butt smelling pile of spinach.
There came a point where I had to admit defeat. The leaf butts had won. The house was gagging me, because it now smelled like coconut leaf butts. My pan was coated in a white crust. Even the dogs wanted to go out. I waved the white flag.
Official Sitcom Craft Fail.
Oh well, I guess it had to happen sometime.
Want to see some that did turn out? Well check out Instructables while I go clean my kitchen before I yak.
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LOL!! So glad you had fun with the grandkids with one of my tutorials!! And yes, it takes a while for that glue to set up. It’s fun gifts like that you cherish later in life. I still have a tree ornament from one of my daughters that she made from a dried leaf painted to look like santa. It’s my favorite ornament! 🙂
suzy
Hi! I’m so sorry! Apparently, that link was not good. Here is a link that works better-http://www.instructables.com/id/Leaf-Skeletonization/
If you decide to make them, would love to see the results!
suzy
Hi Heather!
It was awful! I really can’t even describe it, but when the dogs are offended, you know its pretty bad. LOL!
suzy
Hi Jennifer!
Apparently, that link was not good. Here is a link that works better-http://www.instructables.com/id/Leaf-Skeletonization/
If you decide to make them, would love to see the results!
suzy
Hi Penny!
So glad I put a laugh in your day! Regarding the finished ones- apparently, I had a membership to that page that I didn’t know about. LOL! Anyway- here is another link that works better- http://www.instructables.com/id/Leaf-Skeletonization/
If you decide to make them, would love to see the results! And thank you so much for your well wishes! Truly appreciated!!
suzy
Thank you for the great laugh! Looking forward to seeing the results from your next attempt. Would love to know how to do this craft project.
I too tried to make my own skeleton leaves, same result as you, it was revolting! You can buy the leaves, but I discovered if you look beneath the trees, under the leaf “litter” you will find real skeleton leaves waiting for you! They really are tough, it’s amazing!
Oh Suzy, you make me laugh so much, and I really to thank you for that, sometimes I need that extra ray of s shine, and you fit the bill, I can just see this happening as I don’t give up easy either, I just wished I could have seen the finished ones, but you page would not let me, it told me I was not invite.. ouch. Thank you for always making me happy, that is a big job. I hope you are enjoying your travels, and keeping safe, and may GOD watch over you and hubby. GOD bless.
I am having the same problem following the link as another person–says I need permission to view it. Can you tell me how to solve this? Thanks.
I can just imagine the smell Suzy. Poor you . On a positive note you have maybe helped lots of folks not to try it this way !
The Idea Room says I need permission to open it. How do I get permission?
So funny, your major craft fail. I really liked the coconut butt smell!, LOL !! Believe me I’ve had a few of these. One that comes to mind is I was really excited to try the sun catcher craft that uses elmers glue and those glass rounds( dragon tears) I set up a table down stairs with paper plates and had the grandkids pick out which glass pieces they want to use. Had the platstic lids out and they filled the lids with the beautiful glass pieces. Put the glue in, and they were excited to see results. Two days later, glue still not sit up. Finally when glue was sit up, I realizes I didn’t but CLEAR glue. Oops!! Haha kids loved them. Also used paper plates, major fail….so much glue they stuck to the plates…the kids are 6 and 3 so they love glue!!! Gave them to their mom who looks at me like what am I suppose to do
with this ? Haha, it was fun just watching them get into the craft! I loved that!