cathie filian

make your own silver storage bags

2009-11-07T09:37:27.992-08:00

pacific cloth & anti-tarnish silver storage bagsEvery year about 3 weeks before Thanksgiving, I do a check of my serving pieces and silver. What needs to be polished? What has chips? And, do I need any additional serving pieces?I am actually such a big dork that I place small note cards in the dishes and and on the platters so I know what I am serving in what. I also do a trial table setting. This drives my hubby crazy - but for me, it is peace of mind.If I need new pieces, I always head to my favorite shops for table-top...Target always has great seasonal serving dishes and accessories. TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshalls and Home Goods are also great places to "hunt and peck" for finds. It is not always 100% that you will find the perfect piece - but when you get get lucky, you can get really lucky!When it comes to silver, I try the "preventative medicine approach". I have been lucky to inherit my great aunts silver flatware and a few pieces from my grandmother. I have also collected platters, compotes, small dishes and serving pieces though extensive Christmas wish lists (Thank You Parents) and antique shopping.Silver tarnishes when it is exposed to air over a period of time. Eventually, severe tarnishing can lead to a weakening of the piece and way more work before big family meals. I have few simple tips and tricks for "preventive silver medicine".1. After each use, wash pieces in warm soapy water. Make sure the pieces are completely dry.2. For platters and serving dishes, use silver storage bags made from silver cloth. You can purchase these from department stores, home shops or the container store. If you want to make your own - just follow the simple instructions below. (p.s. They also make nice wedding gifts) For flatware, invest in a good storage box. They are generally wood and lined with silver cloth. They will hold a full set of flatware and serving pieces.3. Don't wrap pieces in newspaper, cling wrap or wrapping paper. This can cause damage over time.Make Your Own Bags!SuppliesPacific Cloth/Silver Cloth (here is some from amazon)Tape measureTailors chalkEmbroidery hoopEmbroidery floss in light colorsEmbroidery needleSewing machineNotes: Pacific cloth or silver cloth is treated to prevent tarnish in silver and other precious metals. Look for this fabric online or at your local fabric shop. Sometimes it has to be ordered.If you have leftover scraps - use them for making small jewelry storage bags.Steps:1. Sew a simple pillow case style bag out of silver cloth by cutting two squares of fabric the same size. (measure your silver trays to obtain the proper size needed – just add an 2" sextra for the seam allowances and an extra 3" to the top) Sew around three sides of the bag and hem the opening.2. To add an embroidered embellishment, Slip on side of the bag into a hoop, use tailors chalk to mark a monogram and embroider. A back stitch works well for this project.[...]

The face of swine flu.

2009-11-06T15:19:10.970-08:00

Not a happy camper.....waiting for the doctor.

make it: recycled eyeglass pins

2009-11-06T13:30:09.687-08:00

This project is best done with eyeglasses that broken and not suitable for donation. If you have glasses that are still good they can be donated to a variety of places. Try charity guide for places that can use old prescription eyeglasses.


Supplies:
Old pair of eyeglasses – not bifolcals
Color copied image smaller than eyeglass lens (usually about 1 x 1 1/2 inches)
Mod Podge
Pin back
FolkArt craft paint- in your color of choice
E6000 glue
Decorative trim
Tacky glue
Scissors

Steps:
1. Remove the glass lenses from the eyeglasses

2. Trim around the image and use mod podge to adhere the image to the back of the eyeglass so that the image shows through the front. The mod podge will dry clear. Allow to dry.

3. Paint several coats of craft paint, allowing each coat of paint to dry before applying the next, on the back of the image and glass. The paint should be opaque in appearance.

4. Cut the decorative trim to fit around the edge of the glass lens. Using Tacky glue, adhere the trim around the edge.

5. Use E6000 to attach the pin back and allow to dry.

How To Make a Record Album Bowl Planter

2009-11-06T12:36:08.835-08:00

I have been melted record bowls for years - it was one of our first projects featured on Creative Juice season 1. They are great for candy, keys and even plants. With the holidays just around the corner....you might want to think about making some for your friends. They also make really cute gift baskets.


Tools Needed:
1 LP vinyl record (70's and 80's albums work best)
Two glass or other oven-safe bowls—one slightly larger than the other
Oven
Oven mitts
Cookie sheet
Potting soil
Plant

Steps:
1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Place the smaller of the bowls upside down on a cookie sheet and center the record on top of the bowl.

3. Carefully place the cookie sheet, bowl, and record in the preheated oven. Set a timer for four minutes.

4. After four minutes, check the record. It is done when it is curving and drooping over the shape of the bowl. If it is not done, allow it to remain in the oven for another minute and check again.

5. When ready - wearing the oven mitts, pull the cookie sheet, bowl, and record out of the oven.

6. Place the larger bowl on top of the smaller bowl & melted record. Press down – This forces the melted record into a bowl /planter shape. Flip over, remove smaller bowl and press the record with your fingers for any last minute adjustments.

7. Plant with a favorite flower.

Craft Up Apples and Bake Up Apple Crisp

2009-11-06T13:15:37.784-08:00

Altered Rolling PinApples are a favorite fall fruit of mine. I love eating them, baking with them, juicing with them and even crafting with them. With so many varieties of Apples at the grocery store it is hard to choose what apple is best for what.For snacking I love Red Macintosh. Crisp and sweet - yummy! For baking I use Granny Smith - They have a tart taste that is perfect with sugar and they keep their shape after baking. For juicing, I use red or golden delicious and Fuji apples. I like to add carrots and ginger to my juiced apples. When it comes to crafting....I use any apples that are beginning to look sad.Apple Stamped NapkinsThese we made for Plaid!Easy DIY - Napkin Apron stamped with ApplesThese we made for Plaid!Apple Crisp from Creative JuiceIngredients Needed:6 cups of peeled & cut rome or granny smith applesJuice of ½ Lemon1 ¼ cups sugar1 pinch cinnamon1 pinch nutmeg1 pinch ground ginger1 cup flower½ cup butter9X9 baking dishSteps:1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.2. Peel and quarter the apples until you have 6 cups.3. Place the fruit in a bowl and toss with the lemon juice and ¼ cup sugar. The acid in the lemon juice will slow the oxidation “Turning brown” on cut fruits.3. In a separate bowl mix together the remaining sugar, flour, and spices. Using a fork mush the butter into the flour mixture until the butter is into small pieces.4. Place the fruit into a 9X9 glass-baking dish. Sprinkle the butter and flour mixture over the fruit.5. Bake 40-60 minutes. The top should be browned and the fruit should be bubbly.[...]

Working on art

2009-11-03T18:00:16.490-08:00

This is stage one. Making 18 pieces for my 9 nieces for x-mas. They
are 8 x 10. Using the new simply screen by plaid.

Lark Books Quilt Contest

2009-11-03T07:25:18.330-08:00

It’s that time of year again. Cooler weather means snuggling up under that new quilt you’ve been working on all summer. To celebrate Fall and the art of quilting, Lark is holding a Quilt It! contest. This contest has a few goals, namely to encourage, inspire, and engage the awesome online quilt communities popping up everywhere, to celebrate some of our most favorite quilting books (past, present, and future), and, of course, to have some fun!

One Grand Prize winner will receive a $100 gift certificate to www.hancocks-paducah.com and 11 quilting books from the Lark collection. 4 Quilt Category winners will each receive 11 quilting books.

Online Radio Interview Today

2009-10-30T11:29:41.945-07:00

Tune in Live or Later to Diva Craft Lounge Radio.Click here to listen!Today's show features me and my crafty friend Angela Anderson. Angela will be chatting about some fabby new Plaid products and I'll be exploring all things Mod Podge!Our first guest is Angela Anderson an ambassador for Plaid Enterprises, Inc., whose products are found at craft and hobby stores world-wide, featured on popular TV shows and in well-known publications. Plaid is the home to over fifty craft brands including two new lines, FolkArt Extreme Glitter and Simply Screen! When she is not representing Plaid, Angela is an artist, designer, educator, demonstrator, and author. She has been creative all her life and enjoys most any craft, but painting is her passion. Angela's work has been featured in books, magazines, on television. Our second guest is Cathie Filian Cathie is the National Spokesperson for Plaid Enterprises. She created, produces and co-hosts the popular lifestyle shows Creative Juice and Witch Crafts on HGTV and DIY Network. She was Nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Lifestyle Host for her work on Creative Juice and she was Nominated for her Second Emmy for Outstanding Lifestyle Program for her work on Witch Crafts. Her first book, Creative Juice - 45 Re-Crafting Projects, is filled with fun and funky recycling craft ideas that can be made for pennies. Her second book, Bow Wow WOW! - fetching costumes for your fabulous dog, is filled with patterns and ideas for creating pet fashions. Her latest book, 101 Snappy Fashions features ideas for altering baby onesies. [...]

Make it: Halloween Candles!

2009-10-29T15:57:50.513-07:00

Halloween Costumes Recap

2009-10-28T08:18:55.010-07:00

Kids Pirate and Fairy!Costume Inspiration: Lucy & RickyFairy Wings made from Hangers!create costumes with household itemsChained Up GhostsMake a punk mummy and witch costume!Make this bat necklace from a toy bat.[...]

Crafty Links

2009-10-27T14:08:28.758-07:00

About Family Crafts
Sherri offers several free pumpkin carving patterns for you to download and use!

Aileen's Musings
This week Aileen offers a free pumpkin label for you to download and print. Also, a very cool photo manipulation site, so gather your favorite pictures and have some fun!

Cathie Filian
Make a warm mug of Chai Tea at home with this traditional recipe from Cathie.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
At Craftside there is a free cross stitch pattern, a downloadable label and idea for a spooky Halloween decoration and some wild pumpkins, a sneak peek into the new book What is Illustration?, how to sew gathers and ruffles and finally a fun question to be answered to be entered to win a free craft book.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Diggity Doggity, the crocheted dog blanket is done!

Farm Girl Roots, City Girl Style
Linda revisits a quilt she made a while back.

Mixed Media Artist
Do you have a signature style? Cyndi wants to know what it is and wants to help you show it off!

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
Polymer Clay Candy Corn Beads Hot out of the Oven made using a "recipe" from the book The Polymer Clay Cookbook

The Artful Crafter
Make a pretty fall triple wreath wall hanging for your own wall or as a housewarming gift. With a little imagination, you can adapt the design for Christmas or just about any other occasion/season.

The Impatient Crafter
Madge scares up another fiendishly fabulous mixed media design for Halloween!

Halloween Crafts Recap: decorations

2009-10-27T10:19:08.749-07:00

Beware BannerFront Door Beware BroomHere is a quick dollar store do over with Black Spray Paint!Glue Gun Spider WebsSpooky Trees for Spooky OrnamentsWitches Bird HouseMummy CD CaseBoo & Spooky Shadow BoxesFrankie Baby Glass ArtPumpkin LightsPoison Potion BottlesSpecimen JarsTable Top GhostsRustic Pumpkins with Texture PaintTombstones and Gourds[...]

Quick Ideas: Kids Halloween Crafts

2009-10-26T19:03:12.347-07:00

Halloween Treat Box

2009-10-23T09:28:27.039-07:00

Materials:
FolkArt Craft Paint 2241 apple orchard
FolkArt Craft Paint 411 purple
FolkArt Extreme Glitter 2776 peridot
FolkArt Extreme Glitter 2779 purple
Paper box
Foam paintbrush
Spider ribbon
Mesh fabric
Paper towel
Yarn
Goggly eyes
Tacky glue

Step:
1. Paint the lid of the box with 2 coats of green paint. Once the paint is dry, paint the lid with 2 coats of peridot Extreme Glitter. Paint the bottom of the box with 2 coats of purple paint. Once the paint is dry, paint the lid with 2 coats of purple Extreme Glitter.

2. Wrap the box with the spider ribbon in a wild fashion. Glue on the bottom of box if needed.

3. Make a ghost by wadding up half a paper towel and placing it in the center of mesh fabric strips. Tie the neck area with yarn and glue to Googly eyes to the head. Glue the ghost to the box.

Kids Witch Puppet

2009-10-23T09:26:49.083-07:00

Materials:
FolkArt Craft Paint 527 Forrest Moss
FolkArt Craft Paint 480 titanium white
FolkArt Craft Paint 479 pure black
Folkart paintbrush onestroke – liner #1360b
Wooden spoon
Foam paintbrush
Popsicle stick
Yarn – green
Tacky glue or hot glue
Small witch hat
Square scrap of Halloween fabric 10”X10”
Decorative trim
Grey felt – small piece

Steps:
1. Using a foam paintbrush paint the spoon green. Allow to dry. Using black and white paint and a liner brush, paint a scary witch face on the back of the spoon. Paint the popsicle stick black

2. The hat and hair: Gather the yarn into 6” loops. Glue the loops to the back and front of the spoon. Parents – use caution if you are using hot glue. Glue the hat to the top of the spoon.

3. The dress: Cut a small hole in the center of the fabric square. Thread the handle of the spoon through the hole. Add a drop of glue to secure. Glue decorative trim around the neck and around the base of the hat.

4. The broom: Cut the felt into a 2.5” X4” square. Cut small slashes to make the broom bristles. Roll the felt around the end of the popsicle stick and glue to secure. Add a little decorative trim the top of the bristles. Glue the broom to the dress.

Costume Inspiration: Lucy and Ricky

2009-10-23T09:11:05.140-07:00

Whip Up this easy BAT necklace

2009-10-23T08:46:52.587-07:00

Supplies:
Plastic toy bat
Hole punch
17 black faceted round beads
7 black faceted teardrop beads
(7) 1 ½” silver head pins
(4) 4mm jump rings
(1) 1cm jump ring
1 yard silk jewelry cord
4 silver cord tips
1 silver barrel clasp
Wire cutters
Round-nose pliers
Needle-nose pliers
Scissors

Steps:
1. With the hole punch, make one hole in the top of each bat wing, staying at least 3mm from the edge. Make another in the bottom center of the bat, and two more along each wing for total of seven holes.

2. Make four small bead dangles by threading one teardrop, then one round bead onto a headpin. Use wire cutters to trim excess pin, leaving 8mm to bend into an “eye” loop with the round-nose pliers.

3. Repeat step 2 to make 3 more bead dangles. These will be graduating lengths; adding three rounds beads to one, four round beads to the next and six to the last.

4. Attach each small bead pin with a 4mm jump ring to the four bat wing holes. Then attach the three graduating dangles to the bottom center of the bat with the 1 cm jump ring.

Make a Punk Mummy & Glam Witch Costume

2009-10-23T08:42:51.837-07:00

Glam Witch and Punk Mummy CostumesA simple work blouse and ordinary skirt are transformed into a spine-tingling witch costume full of flair. Get wrapped up in this scary mummy costume for grown ups and you’ll be the hit of the party. Mummy Supplies:10-15 yards muslin1 pair black thermal underwearBlack cotton glovesBlack ski capBlack craft paintSpray bottle300+ safety pinsScissors8” Piece of StringPlastic drop cloth (optional)Steps:1. Wash muslin to remove any sizing and dry. Cut muslin into 2-yard lengths to make it easier to work with.2. Mix 2 tablespoons of black craft paint for every 1.5 cups of water and fill spray bottle with mixture.3. Prepare to “age” the muslin bandages by laying the 2-yard lengths outside on the grass or on top of a plastic drop cloth inside. Randomly spray all the muslin pieces with the solution, refilling the spray bottle as needed. Be careful not to cover the muslin with too much paint solution or it will turn a solid muddy grey, instead of the speckled aged look. Allow muslin to dry.4. To create the mummy’s “bandages” start by making notches with scissors every 2-3” on one short side of the muslin, then tear the strips all the way down lengthwise. This will give the bandages an old frayed look.5. Once torn, lay the strips together and twist the bundle until it folds up on itself and tie with a string. Leave bandages in pleating bundle overnight. Repeat # 4 & 5 for each muslin piece.6. Pin bandages on thermal underwear, gloves & hat. It’s handy to have a friend wear the outfit while pinning. When one strip ends, simply pin another to the end and continue wrapping. This can be a long process, so try using just enough pins to get a general fit while it’s on your friend, then later lay the pieces on a table and add more pins to really “punk out” your mummy. The more pins, the better!7. While pinning, it’s ok to leave some small areas blank, without bandages. You can also try leaving the last 3-5” of a few strategically placed bandages unpinned; like at an elbow or knee, and then fray them with the scissors. These spaces and tattered ends create character making your punk mummy all the more ghoulish. Happy Haunting!Glam Witch Supplies:Broom skirt, blackPoet blouse, cotton preferablyWide black beltCraft paint (black, silver, white)Fabric dye (Pearl grey)Spray bottleAssorted black & silver trimWitch’s hat1/2 yard black tulleAssorted feathersFabric-TacHot glueSeam ripperBlack craft foamSilver glitter glue1/4 yard red tulleScissorsPlastic drop cloth (optional)*Note: The key is to utilize old clothes you already have or easy-to-find store bought pieces. Use what we did as an inspiration to make your own personalized witch outfit. Crank up your imagination and get glam!Steps:1. Follow instructions on store bought fabric dye and dye the white poet blouse grey. Allow to dry.2. Mix 2-3 tablespoons of black craft paint for every 1.5 cups of water and fill a spray bottle with mixture.3. Prepare to age & witchify your blouse by laying it outside on the grass or on top of a large plastic drop cloth. Lightly spritz entire blouse with the solution to get a speckled aged look. Then layer on more paint solution at the bottom edges of the bodice and sleeve cuffs until the edges are almost black, thinning out into the light grey going up the blouse. Refill spray bottle as needed. Allow to dry.4. Use scissors to cut & tear ragged strips along the bottom of the broom skirt. Repeat step 2 & 3 with white and silver craft paints and spray layers of color onto the skirt. Remember to keep he[...]

Halloween Games: Apple Bobbing Tub

2009-10-23T08:25:04.997-07:00

Supplies:
Large galvanized tub
Painters tape
Metal paints
Paint pens
Permanent marker
Large & small paintbrushes

Steps:
1. Starting at the top of the tub, use low tack painters’ tape to make a border. Tape another line about 1” below the first.

2. Paint a checkerboard in between the taped lines. If needed, use a paint pen to trace around each square to clean up each line. Pull the tape off while the paint is still wet to prevent the paint from lifting. Allow the paint to dry for about one hour.

3. For the bottom stripe repeat the taping technique in step 1 and paint in one solid color. Peel off the tape before the paint is dry and allow the paint to dry for about one hour.

9. Using a permanent marker, draw bats onto teh tub. Fill in with black paint. Allow the painted tub to dry for a full 24 hours before exposing it to moisture. Fill with water and apples, and dive in!

Halloween Games: Pin the Fangs on the Vampire

2009-10-23T08:00:20.815-07:00

Supplies:
16” x 20” frame
Spray mount
Sticky back hook and loop tape, such as Velcro
Spray fabric glitter
36” x 36” red felt (background & mouth)
9” x 12” felt in the following colors:
1 piece beige (face, ears & hands)
1 piece black (eyes, hair & pants)
1 piece white (fangs & eyes)
3 pieces green (cape & eyes)
1 piece purple (cape collar)
2 pieces blue (jacket)
Clear rhinestones (eyes)
Red rhinestones (buttons)
Fabric-Tac glue

Steps:
1. Remove the cardboard backing from the picture frame, and trim a piece of red felt to 18” x 22” to fully cover the backing. Using spray adhesive, spray the cardboard backing, and mount the felt to the cardboard, leaving some overhang. Smooth out any wrinkles, and place the felt-covered backing back in the frame.

2. Using the picture as a guide, cut the felt pieces to create the face, teeth and jacket. Glue into place.

3. Once all pieces are glued into place, add rhinestones to accent the vampire’s eyes and as buttons for his jacket.

4. (Optional) Add spray glitter for flare. If using spray glitter allow about one hour of drying time before playing.

5. Attach strips of sticky back hook and loop tape to each set of fangs using only the “hook” portion of the hook and loop tape.

6. Hang on the wall for hours of fun.

Halloween Games: Guts and Goop

2009-10-23T07:22:19.726-07:00

Spinner Supplies:
12” x 12” balsa wood
¼” x ¼” x 36” strip of Balsa wood
FolkArt Craft paint
Glitter
Hot glue
Wooden skewer
Small nail
Hammer
Scissors
Polymer clay (Optional)
Scrap book paper & stickers

Goop:
3 bowls
Spaghetti (Goblin Guts)
Prepared red-colored gelatin (Mummy Brains)
Grapes (Eyes of Newt)
Food coloring

Steps:
1. Start by dividing the 12 x 12 piece of balsa wood into six sections using craft paint. Paint each section with a different color and sprinkle on some glitter while the paint is still wet. Determine where the center of the board is, and use a small nail to hammer a hole through the center.

2. Remove the nail and carefully work the wooden skewer through the hole from the bottom of the board so that the pointed end is up. Once in place, cut the excess skewer to be flush with the bottom of the balsa wood. Add a dab of hot glue at the base of the skewer to secure it.

3. Trim off a piece of your balsa wood strip to act as the spinner – paint it the desired color. Once the paint is dry, use the same technique with a small nail to carefully create a hole at one end of your strip of balsa wood for the spiked end of the skewer to feed through.

4. Place your spinner in the center with the wooden skewer fed through the end. Using polymer clay, create a small stopper to place on the tip of the skewer to ensure that the spinner does not come off.

5. Label each section of your board. You can paint directly on the board or create little figurines out of polymer clay and scraps of left over balsa wood. Get as creative as you want.

6. For the spaces that are used for drawing cards simply use scrap booking paper and stickers to make them fun and colorful. Use your imagination to think of fun and funky tasks for each card. (like truth or dare)

7. The “Mummy Brains” are mashed up red gelatin, sprigs from a bunch of grapes & a little food coloring.

8. The “Eyes of Newt” are peeled grapes in a bowl of water with a little bit of food coloring.

9. The “Goblin Guts” are cold boiled spaghetti mixed with the grape peels and a little bit of food coloring.

Chocolate Witch's Hats & Ice Cream

2009-10-23T07:36:48.963-07:00

Witch Hat Cones Supplies:
3-4 ounces of chocolate (dark, or milk, or semi-sweet chocolate chips)
12 sugar cones
Store-bought frosting tube
Frosting tube tips
Chocolate wafer cookies
Jimmies, nonpareils and/or sprinkles
Candy corn (optional)
Mint chocolate chip ice cream (optional)

Steps:
1. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave on low, stirring every 30 seconds until melted.

2. Spoon chocolate over the cone, covering it entirely or only partially.

3. Spoon jimmies, sprinkles, or nonpareils on the hot chocolate.

4. Fill the cone with candy corn, if desired. Invert on a chocolate wafer.

5. Using the star-shaped frosting tip, pipe frosting around the base of the cone, sealing it to the wafer.

6. The cone can be put on a scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream to make a witch’s head.

Halloween Caramel Apples

2009-10-23T07:07:56.349-07:00

Halloween Caramel Apples - wrapped for giving.Cooking in the kitchen on the set of Witch Crafts!Topped with sugar sprinkles.Chopped nuts - yummy!Black and Orange sprinkles - ready for slicing.Supplies:14 ounces of caramels (about 40-50)2 Tablespoons of milkSaucepan5-6 green applesSprinkles and/or chopped nuts (optional)Lollipop or cookie bouquet sticks (optional)Steps:1. Heat the caramels with the milk in the saucepan until all lumps disappear. Stir constantly.2. To make a caramel apple on a stick: Pierce the bottom of the apple with the lollipop stick and push it at least halfway up the apple. Use a spoon to ladle caramel over the apple, working over the saucepan. Swirl the apple in the heated caramel. Garnish with sprinkles or nuts, if desired.3. To make upright apples without sticks (perfect for slicing): working on waxed paper, ladle hot caramel over the apples and immediately garnish with sprinkles or chopped nuts.[...]

Halloween Dollar Store Do Over

2009-10-23T06:54:05.326-07:00

Pumpkin Patch Day!

2009-10-22T11:03:39.347-07:00

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