Crafty Blogger Roundup

2009-07-03T11:56:28.695-07:00

Vickie Howell-Craft.Rock.Love
Learn how to finger knit with Vickie's step-by-step how-to, featured on the CRAFT website!

The Impatient Crafter
Madge shares the clip from her recent appearance on Lifetime TV's The Balancing Act for Beadalon.

The Artful Crafter
Eileen suggests you go shopping for craft supplies in your jewelry box and closet. Make an old accessory into something new and fresh.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
Old plastic bead necklaces go under the knife (and in the toaster oven) to make Melted Plastic bead Star Earrings perfect for the patriotic holidays

Naughty Secretary Club
Thinking about starting up your own craft business? Jen has a few suggestions of things you might consider first. Plus learn how you can take a Crafty Business Seminar with Jen from anywhere in the world!

Mixed Media Artist
Cyndi reports on her experiences with using the new CopprClay. This stuff rocks!

Cross Stitch at About.com
Why no knots in Counted Cross Stitch? Find out why and how to secure your floss in alternate ways.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy shows off her cool new sewing cabinet that was surprisingly inexpensive.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
At Craftside there is a bling-tastic video on hand lettering with Lisa Engelbrecht, from the new book The Crafter's Devotional a how to make a leather book cover and flag cuffs made from a book cover, an "actual size" silver heart using PMC, and a fun snack recipe.

Cathie Filian
It is summer and that means beach & pool time! Visit Cathie Filian's blog to learn how to stitch up a terry beach throw.

Aileen's Musings
Ever wonder how to get that cute copyright symbol or better yet, how to put one on your artwork or photographs? Aileen offers a easy tutorial using PSP.

About Family Crafts
If you are looking for a creative way to celebrate every day during the month of July, check out this special events calendar!

long time coming

2009-07-03T00:56:55.476-07:00

Tonight, after 23 years, I was able to say, "I love you" to someone who brought hugs, laughs and love into my life while I was growing up. We lost each other due to circumstances. Her name is "J" and we communicated today for the first time after 23 years.


She is my sister and I have missed her.


I am so happy.

make it: Beach Towel Roll UP

2009-07-02T09:52:40.767-07:00

Stitch up this handy beach towel that boasts a hidden compartment perfect for stowing your valuables and a cushy pillow. All you really need is couple of beach towels to get started.Surfs up! With this beach towel roll up.Supplies:Two beach towelsSewing pinsSewing machineThreadSew-on hook and loop tapeTwo 30” lengths of ribbonPolyester stuffingSteps:1. Lay your towels down one on top of the other with the wrong sides facing. Store-bought towels are not always exactly the size that is specified on the label, so your towels may not line up exactly. If this is the case, just line them up as best as you can – they don’t have to be exactly the same size for this project to work. Alternately, you can trim them and re-hem them to get them to be just the right size.2. Divide your towels into thirds by measuring the length of the towels and dividing by three. Pin the towels together along each third point, pinning all the way across the width of the towels. Sew the towels together along each of these lines using a long straight stitch.3. Stitch hook and loop tape to the inside edge of the towel layers in the middle third. Sew around all edges of the hook and loop tape to secure it. This third of the towel will form a sealable pocket where keys, jewelry and other valuables can be secretly hidden.4. Find the center point at each end of the towel and pin the end of a 30” piece of ribbon in between the two towels at each of these points. Starting just below the hook and loop tape, stitch the towels together all along the perimeter, making sure to catch the ends of the ribbon as you stitch. If the binding along the edges of your towels is too thick to feed through your sewing machine, just stitch the towels together a little bit further in from the edge to avoid the thick binding. You want to leave one side of the top section open to stuff the pillow. Also do not stitch over the hook and loop section.5. Stuff the top portion of the towel with poly stuffing. Pin the opening closed and stitch it shut using the machine or a hand whipstitch.6. To roll-up the towel: Fold the towel in half with the ribbons together. Fold or roll up the lower portion of the towel, leaving the ribbon exposed at the top. Wrap the ribbons around the towel roll and tie together.[...]

link o rama

2009-07-02T09:25:10.685-07:00

About Family Crafts What are your cleaning tips for crafting with kids? Please take a moment to share your tips and then browse through tips shared by others. Aileen's Musings Hard as it was, Aileen has narrowed down the playing field and needs your help again to choose from her favorite sayings that have been posted for her blog giveway! Stop by and pick your favorite. Cathie Filian If you are wondering what to eat, craft and play on the 4th of July then head over to Cathie's blog for ideas. Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world This week at Craftside you can watch the latest Look, Learn & Create video that includes tips on drawing, two techniques and projects for cutting photos up, a bit of fabric eye candy, and a free paper stencil and project from the new book The Art of Decorative Paper Stencils 2 and if you leave answers to the day's questions you are entered to win free books! Crafty Princess Diaries Tammy uses her jewelry making skills to create some beautiful and functional stitch markers. CraftyPod Sister Diane reviews an intriguing new book: Micro Macrame, by Annika DeGroot Cross Stitch at About.com Work at Your Own Pace - An encounter with a critter in the yard has Connie thinking about Cross Stitch (imagine that!) and speed. Mixed Media Artist Have you been wondering what happened to "Layers Upon Layers"? Cyndi's still hard at work, but has moved to "Mixed Media Artist". This week she's got a a round-up of fabric painting ideas for you! Naughty Secretary Club Arty Masterpieces are overrated, it's all about the Glittery Crafterpieces! Take a peek at the handmade art around my house and try your hand at making a fun glittery deer picture! Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery See how to make a card and card album themed for a rock and roll mom to be that uses cute die cuts in a cool way. The Artful Crafter Panadieres for Zambia is a neat story and one small example of crafters helping crafters all around the world. As Eileen likes to say, Crafters are just the nicest people. The Crochet Dude Read Drew's first installment supporting the 3/50 grassroots project! The Impatient Crafter Madge shares a technique in this post about embossing on slick surfaces! Vickie Howell-Craft.Rock.Love Keep your kids busy this summer by setting up a Crafty Challenge for them![...]

make it: 4th of July Party Banner

2009-06-29T13:02:00.931-07:00

This banner is perfect to string across your front porch, patio or picnic table. The soft sparkles from the extreme glitter are sure to please and shine in the summer sun.

Materials:

Folkart paint – 436 Fire Engine Red
Extreme Glitter – Red
Folkart paint – 643 Azure Blue
Extreme Glitter - Turquoise
Extreme Glitter – Silver
9 large wood circles
Foam paintbrush
Felt Stars – red,white and blue
Hot glue
Chipboard letters – BOOM BANG
Wood Star
Tulle – red, white and blue 1/3 yard each
Scissors
Red, white and blue ribbon – 6 yards
9 small wood disks
Scrap ribbons

Steps:

1. Paint 8 of the wood circles with the red paint and 1 of the circles with the blue paint. Allow to dry. Paint each circle with 2 or 3 coats of Extreme Glitter. Use the red over the red circles and the turquoise over the blue circle. Allow for dry time in between coats. Paint the wood star with the same technique using either red or turquoise.

2. Topcoat the chipboard letters with silver Extreme Glitter.

3. Hot glue a felt star to the center of each wood circle. Next, hot glue a chipboard letter to the center of the star. (For this project I spelled Boom and Bang, but you could spell anything related to the 4th of July.)For the blue circle, hot glue the wood star in the center.

4. Cut the tulle into 5 X 5 squares and layer the tulle by color. Got glue a stack of 6 layers of tulle behind each wood circle. Trim the tulle to a semi round shape and slice around the circle to create a fringed effect.

5. Line up the tulled wood circles across the red, white and blue ribbon. Place the “star” circle in the center to separate the words “BOOM” and “BANG”. Hot glue the circles to the ribbon (it is best to glue towards the top of the circle). Hot glue a small wood disk over the glued section for extra security.

Make it: 4th of July Crafts and Recipes

2009-06-24T09:08:20.557-07:00

July 4th recipes!Mango Salmon, Grilled Corn & Spiked LemonadeSmores on a Stick & Cherry Cheesecake PieStar Painted and Stitched Napkins&Cookie Cutter Napkin RingsThese are so easy to make. The cookie cutters were Mod Podged with fabric scrap strips to give them a little extra pop. I picked the napkins up from Target and jazzed them up with a little Folkart fabric paint and embroidery floss. Click for complete instructions.Recycled Denim Table Runnervisit this blog post for step-by step picturesThis is the perfect project for recycling an old pair of jean and for using up scrap fabrics. Click for complete instructions.Quilted Star - Made with fabric and Mod Podge!I picked up the star from a shop call Big Lots, a discount store that always has seasonal merchandise. The star was painted with a "not so hot" stars and stripes design - so I painted over it and Mod Podged some quilting fabrics to the points. Click for complete instructions.My First 4th Baby Bib and T-shirt Set!New babies will want to join in the celebration! Jazz up some $dollar store items with a little fabric paint. Click for complete instructions.Firecracker Bean Bag Toss Build your own backyard carnival game with old coffee cans and a piece of plywood. Kids will love playing this classic game of toss.[...]

make it: Flower Cake!

2009-06-23T15:39:22.451-07:00

Bake it: Mini Peach Cobblers

2009-06-20T10:20:26.280-07:00

Bake it: Mini Peach CobblersIf you are baking for 1 or two, this is a quick and easy dessert that is made with fresh peaches. Of course you could substitute the peaches for a melody of berries or apples. Double the recipe as needed if you are cooking for more. For dinner parties, I love making them in ramekins - yes a little more dishes at the end of the night....but way cool presentation and easy serving at a time when everyone will be drooling over the fresh baked dessert.Shop List:2 fresh ripe peaches1/4 cup sugar1/4 cup flour1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon (more if you wish)dash of salt1/4 cup softened butter (unsalted preferred)NOTE: this recipe is for two mini peach cobblers - for 1 cut the list in half.Steps:Wash your fruit!Peel and cut into chunks.Place the fruit from 1 peach in 1 ramekin. (repeat for the other peach)gather your dry ingredients.Place the dry ingredients in sifter.Sift together.Cube the softened butter and blend with the dry ingredients using a pastry/dough tool. You can also use a fork.Blend until it looks like buttery sand.Top each fruit filled ramekin with the blended butter.Bake in oven proof dish (prevents dangerous and messy sugary spill overs). Bake at 375 for 45 to 50 minutes. The peaches will be soft, warm and delicious and the top will be sweet, crunchy and crumbly.[...]

make it: 4th of July Table Runner w/ recycled jeans

2009-06-18T07:02:21.925-07:00

Recycled Denim - 4th of July Table Runnerdesigned for Plaid - Have a peek at other ideas here!In under 2 hours you can whip up this project! All you need is some scraps of red, white & blue fabric, old pair of jeans, some folk art fabric paint and a sewing machine. This is an easy breezy quilting project that is perfect for beginners.The table runner can be customized to any table size and with different fabric choices, this project could be for any holiday or everyday.Supplies:FolkArt Fabric Paint - Brush On - Pearl WhiteStar foam stampFoam paintbrushDenim JeansVarious Red White & Blue printed fabrics (at least 18" wide)Steps:1. Cut the leg portion off a pair of jeans. Slice up the side seam and place the leg flat. Use a ruler to square the leg to 18" on one side. The other side can be as long as you wish. For the design I made, the leg piece measured 18" x 18".2. Apply the fabric paint to the foam stamp with a foam paintbrush and stamp all over the denim. Reload with paint as needed. Allow the paint to dry and heat set with an iron.3. Cut the printed fabrics into strips that are 18 wide and as long as you wish. For added interest, make each piece a different length.4. Sew the printed pieces and the painted denim together to form a long strip. You will be sewing them right-sides to right-sides.5. Press the seams flat.6. Continue sewing until you have formed a piece that is 18" wide and as long as you wish.Sew a backer for the runner in the same fashion as step 2. Next, place the backer piece (right side down) on top of the runner. Sew around the edge leaving a small opening for turning. Trim the corners on an angle. Turn the runner right side out and press. Topstitch around the outer edge.[...]

Grandma Oleta Rosie Bush

2009-06-17T19:41:28.532-07:00

Grandma Oleta Rosie (Hinton) BushFeb 5, 1918 - June 9, 2009This past week my Grandmother passed away. She lived to be 91 years old. Grandma was a tough as nails farm wife and mother who raised my father (Gary Bush) and his sister (Sally Bagwell) in rural Warren, Oklahoma.Grandpa, Sally, Grandma and my dad as a baby.My grandfather, Oran Bush, married her on October 3rd in 1936 - the same year she graduated from Warren High School, she was only 18 years old. They made a modest living of $100 the first year they were married.I have so many stories about grandma and grandpa - I would not even know where to begin. I can tell you they loved to play dominoes, they used camphophenic as a cure all and I once saw my grandma wash a mouth out with soap and water.Grandma and Grandpa's House.This is where my dad grew up. The house was much smaller back in the day - this is with the extension.1967 - Grandma in front of the houseThe front door.I have never seen anyone come through this door. The only door used was the one on the back porch that opened into the kitchen. Grandma was famous for her cooking and they always ate their main meal (dinner) at lunch time. She always stocked Cool Whip for her Mississippi Mud dessert and never scolded us if we dipped a finger in early.The garden deer outside the front door.a real deer - just passing byThe barn.So many memories and so many good times. My older sister and I spent many hot summer days playing in the barn and in the fields. We would ride on grandpa's tractor and hunt for arrowheads.Fire ants - a staple of rural Oklahoma.The wheat fields.My cousin Dirk and his son Kader are planting wheat in the fields. We are hoping for a bumper crop this year. Dirk and Kader will continue to look after the land.Dad, Eldon and DirkOld equipment waiting to be used again.The old mailbox.Grandpa's old truck - still in the garage.Scorpions...watch out!The Dirt Road.This is the road where every member of my family learned how to drive. Dad would prop us up on his lap and let us steer as he controlled the foot peddles. As soon as our feet could touch the peddles, we were allowed to give it a go on our own.Erin and I after a walk to the dirt road where we learned how to drive.This is were grandpa would take us for shooting pratice. He was not really a hunter, more of a fisherman, so we mostly shot at coke and coffee cans. This is a tradition that still holds strong at my dad's farm. Even my "city boy" husband fired a few rounds at a can or two.Lake Altus - Grandpa liked to fish here.The car ride just outside Warren, Oklahoma.Grandpa and Grandma's final resting place in Warren.[...]

Linky Love

2009-06-09T04:41:02.750-07:00

Vickie Howell Hey, stitch fanatics! Dig movies? Love knit & crochet wear? Check in with Vickie's blog every week for Movie Mondays; posts with pictures from your favorite flicks and pattern suggestions for making similar, show stopping pieces. This week's feature: The Shining! The Crochet Dude Drew reviews Vickie Howell's new book "Pop Goes Crochet" and shows off his design for a driver's cap from page 18.The Artful Crafter How to make a wall hanger for a heavy plate or tile. Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery Recycled Sweater Necklace brought to you by the new book-Feltique and the letter "O"Naughty Secretary Club It's terrarium week over at Naughty Secretary Club and Jen is celebrating with a kitschy terrarium style picture frame tutorial! Grab your mini garden gnomes and glitter and stop on by!Cross Stitch at About.com Check out Connie's Photo of the Week - it's one of her recent finishes and in her favorite medium - variegated floss.CraftyPod Sister Diane muses on how we crafters can help keep our favorite websites, magazines, and TV shows alive in a tough economy.Crafty Princess Diaries What are your thoughts on retail and the off-line world today when it comes to craft stores and just in general?Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world Craftside wins Editor's Choice at Maker Faire-see lots of pictures from the fabulous event, the latest episode of Look, Learn & Create has a tutorial on how to make needle felted flowers from recycled wool sweaters, some excellent exercises to relieve back stress (what crafter couldn't use those), a free knitted leaf pattern and some cool quilt dish!Cathie Filian You still have time to whip up a handmade gift for your Pop, Grandpa or Hubby and Cathie Filian has over 12 ideas!Blisstree Arts You can never know too many tricks for painting background fabrics! Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner Swelldesigner shares all week on her blog tales from SF Bay Maker Faire 2009 starting off with her Bizarre Bazaar experience!Aileen's Musings Aileen is very excited to announce that the Ties That Bind Art Doll Raffle has begun! Its an amazing project, with contributions by over 100 artists. Stop by to find out how you can purchase raffle tickets to win this amazing art doll, and help us reach our goal!About Family Crafts Have you played along with my Make-It-Over Craft Challenge yet? What would you make out of this ordinary object?[...]

Perfume Lovers....you must watch!

2009-06-06T15:32:17.721-07:00

Make it for DAD: football Table

2009-06-06T11:02:06.974-07:00

Pics from the Top-Secret shoot today!

2009-06-05T16:46:57.644-07:00

My hair piece - oh la la!Peach pearls and red lipstick.For my 1940's costume I wore a dress that I picked up at the thrift shop for $14.00. I wore shoes and pearls from my closet. I added shoulder pads to the dress to make it more 40's.To make the hair piece, I used the material I cut off from the hem of the dress. The dress was shortened 6" to be close to knee length. I stitched a gather/running stitch up the cut side and pulled the thread to gather into a circle. I folded the circle in half (so the print would be on both sides) and hand tacked the circle closed. I sewed a simple hair clip to the back.To add extra pop, I hot glued 3 strips of looped ribbon, 2 velvet leaves and some small paper flowers to the center of the circle.Judy Statts did the hair and make-up - THANKS!Kelly setting up shots.Steve working it out with Marc and Marylin.RJ and Marc waiting in the wings.Jon my "on camera" husband.Morgan all wrapped![...]

Father's Day Gift Ideas

2009-06-04T18:38:29.602-07:00

Father's Day is just around the corner - don't wait to make Dad something special. You still have time to whip up a handmade gift for your Pop, Grandpa or Hubby. Have a peek at the projects below - they are all from our TV show Creative Juice or Plaid. Follow the links for step-by-step instructions and have a Happy Father's Day!Pipe Part Candlesticks from Creative JuiceDIY Freezer Paper Tie designed for PlaidComic Book Laptop Case from Creative JuiceRustic Plaque for Grandpa designed for PlaidHex Nut Coasters from Creative JuicePainted and Stitched Shirt designed for PlaidPoker Time Party Plates from Creative JuiceTrophy Dad Tie designed for PlaidKids Stepping Stones from Creative JuicePainted Doormat from Creative JuiceReverse Applique T-shirt designed for PlaidModern Etched Wine Glasses from Creative JuiceRock and Roll Skull Tie designed for Plaid[...]

New House: little by little

2009-06-03T08:10:49.160-07:00

The gas, water and drain pipes are getting moved to the back of the patio for our outdoor kitchen. Have a peek at this blog where Eddie "bam-bamed" the old kitchen. By the way, the old kitchen was blocking the entrance to the patio.....so odd.


The ball lamp is hung above the dining table and looks so pretty when the dimmer switch is set to low. We've had this lamp for 4 or 5 years. When we purchased the lamp it had a long chain for hanging from a corner. We snipped the chain and wired it to the ceiling.

I broke down and organized the family room books by color. I was not sure if I was going to LOVE IT or not. So far Hubby and I both love it. Looks like they will stay this way for awhile.

A Trip to the Getty

2009-06-03T07:54:07.858-07:00

Jason, me & Eddie at The Getty in Los Angeles.View from the back of the gardens.Love this color - perfect for a night garden.The picture is a little fuzzy - but the red was so intense.I guess the macro was working on my "cheapo" pocket camera.The bougainvillea trees were amazing. The structure is made from rebar.It was a hazy day in LA - we were having our "June Gloom."[...]

Link-O-Rama

2009-06-03T07:40:46.383-07:00

About Family Crafts Find out how easy it is to create your own tie-dyed masterpieces! Aileen's Musings Are you looking for a new party invitation idea? Aileen has a mini tutorial for a banner invitation in a tin! Stop by and download your own freebie banner! Blisstree Arts Cyndi has been featuring some awesome polymer clay artists recently. Check out Dayle Doroshow's work! Cathie Filian Whip up some flirty summer fashions with Cathie as she dyes slips. Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world Craftside's got the latest episode of the video series Look, Learn & Create with Amy Hanna author of Rejuvenated Jewels, 1 of the tips from the book: 100 Habits of Successful Freelance Designers, a sneak peek in Book-Art with more info about Swap-o-rama-rama at Maker Faire this weekend and how to make a stencil portrait from L. K. Ludwig's book: True Vision. Crafty Princess Diaries Tammy reviews a book that may have answers for your crochet questions. CraftyPod Sister Diane's been making some interesting stuff with her Cricut and Cuttlebug... Cross Stitch at About.com Meet Mr. X Stitch - Learn more about the man who helps put the X in x-stitch. Mr. Cross Stitch aka Jamie Chalmers designs and supports modern Cross Stitch and embroidery. Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery Old metal disk earrings get a industrial makeover with help from the new book- Chic Metal by Victoria Tillotson. The Artful Crafter Eileen shows you how to make beautiful roses from paper clay. Paper clay is fun to work with and very easy on the hands. For this project the only molded shapes you need to make are balls and cones. Then you flatten them to make either rose petals or leaves. The Crochet Dude Kick off summer with Drew's latest free pattern, "Brain Freeze"! The Impatient Crafter It's Flip Out Flip Flop Summer madness at The Impatient Crafter. DIY a pair of lace up Goddess sandals with Madge! Vickie Howell Download a free Pop Goes Crochet pattern for the "Doris" summer scarf![...]

The Hollywood Sign

2009-05-31T16:10:57.476-07:00

View of the Hollywood hills from the top of the Griffith park
observatory.

Puppy Love! Dogs at Weddings? wedding patterns for your pups

2009-05-29T08:03:44.500-07:00

picture from weddingwire.comThe music plays, the doors open, the guests rise and here comes . . . a dog wagging down the aisle? Yes it is true! Dogs at weddings are more popular than ever. On the most important day of your life, you don’t want to leave out your best four legged friend! Have your pup join in the bridal party!You might be planning on having your dog serve as a ring bearer or little flower pup at your wedding. If you are then you will need some spiffy clothing to go along with your bridal party. In my latest book, Bow Wow WOW! I have patterns for both a bride and groom outfit for dogs. Both patterns can be adjusted from a tea cup to a large dog.If you are thinking about having your dog at your wedding, check out the following websites for tips and tricks to including your pup in the ceremony. Ehow, The Knot Message Boards.The Bride costume from Bow Wow Wow!detail of flowers - can be made in any colorThe Groom from Bow Wow WOW!full viewGet a copy of the book at Barnes and Noble or Amazon!Step by Step instructions![...]

Creative Juice Re-Craft Book: Tie Dyed Slips

2009-05-28T19:19:52.409-07:00

Creative Juice Re-Crafting Book:Tie Dyed Slip Dress click picture for a larger detail picTransform a plain slip into a funky and flirty tie dyed creation. The dyed slips can be worn over a pair of leggings or skinny jeans and they look especially cute with a little pearl button cardigan.Supplies:A pale-colored nylon or silk slipFabric dyeRubber bandsRubber glovesWashing machineMild detergentSequins or rhinestonesJewel glueSteps:1. Wash the slip to remove any sizing if you are working with a new slip.2. Saturate the slip with water and wring out any excess water. This will allow the dye to distribute evenly.3. Lay the slip out and fold the slip up in an accordion fashion.4. Bind off the slip in 6 sections using rubber bands. Make sure the rubber bands are tight. Where ever the rubber bands are the slip will not dye.5. Mix dye according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Wearing rubber gloves submerge the slip into the dye bath. Allow the slip to remain in the dye according to manufacturer’s instructions.6. Rinse the slip until the water runs clear. Remove the rubber bands. Wash the slip in the washing machine with a mild detergent. After washing the slip in the washing machine, you may want to run an empty load with bleach to remove any residual dye.7. Allow the slip to dry. Use jewel glue to add sequins/rhinestones or other trims and embellishments.If you like this project then you might like my book - Creative Juice, 45 Re-Crafting Projects. You can get it at Barnes and Noble or Amazon![...]

Make it: Gardener Lotion Bar

2009-05-27T08:49:33.195-07:00

From the Nature's Gifts episode of Creative Juice!Smooth out skin's rough edges with a homemade lotion bar. Perfect for gardeners, knitters or anyone who needs a little soothing care for their hands. This easy recipe is so good for the skin!Gardener Lotion Bar Ingredients:3 tbsp. beeswax pellets2 tbsp. regular cocoa butter3 tbsp. shea butter2 tbsp. sweet almond oil2 tbsp. calendula oil¼ tsp. vitamin E acetatesoap bar moldglass measuring cupsmall saucepanpopsicle stick for stirringoptional – essential oilsSteps:1. Mix ingredients together in a very clean glass measuring cup. To create a double-boiler, place the cup in a large pot filled with enough water to come half-way up the height of the cup.2. Heat the mixture on medium heat, stirring until all ingredients (except essential oils) are blended together.3. Remove from heat and add, if desired, several drops of essential oil for fragrance.4. Pour into a mold and let cool for approximately 30 minutes before popping the bar out of the mold.5. To package as a gift, wrap in a cello bag and tie or staple a handmade gift tag, silk flower or decorative ribbon to the package.[...]

Link-O-Rama

2009-05-27T07:56:34.794-07:00

Aileen's Musings Get your groove on with Aileen's tie-dyed deli paper background technique. While your at it download her freebie fractal backgrounds! Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner How do you brand yourself and your business? Alexa shares how she brands herself and offers some helpful marketing and graphic design ideas to help you build yours! Blisstree Arts Many of Cyndi's favorite Photoshop tricks! Cathie Filian Forget about "gone fishing" signs and "golf anyone" trinket boxes. Grab some fabric paints, freezer paper, iron-ons and get creative making one-of-a-kind fashions for your pop, pal or hubby. Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world Craftside has the first in their how to video series, Look, Learn & Create with this week's guest Christi Friesen author of Polymer Clay and Mixed-Media Together at Last, as well as some inspiration and tips for working in series, wordless journaling and a free deer stencil from the new book The Art of Paper Cutting with a how-to for a pattern slider card. Crafty Princess Diaries Tammy shows off an oldie but goodie, her old Kenmore sewing machine. CraftyPod Sister Diane shares some tips for using Twitter and Facebook to market a creative business. Cross Stitch at About.com Connie's Grandmother was a quilter and she's created a special chart to memorialize her. Stitch it up for the quilter in your life. Naughty Secretary Club Inspired by Marty Stevens-Heebner's new book Altered Shoes, Jen gives a pair of white cotton Mary Janes a full makeover. Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery Stefanie's cross stitched up the 7 deadly sins in Latin with a scissor accent and gives you the pattern so you can make it too! The Crochet Dude Drew talks about what could be better than a crochet cruise to the Caribbean! The Impatient Crafter Madge is giving away a melange of beads from her Bead Board of Wonders and shares a fun mixed media project! Vickie Howell Create earth-friendly vases out of re-used mason jars & twine. This one's for both knitters and crafters alike![...]

Creative Juice Re-Craft Book: Wine Bottle Soap Dispenser

2009-05-26T18:26:56.609-07:00

Creative Juice Re-Crafting Book:Wine Bottle Soap DispenserRecycle a wine bottle into a cute soap dispenser. With a little clay and a lot of soap you can have the coolest and cleanest kitchen. This project is makes a great gift...perfect for a new home or open house party. This same technique can be used to create funky olive oil or vinegar bottles.Supplies:Wine BottleRubbing AlcoholPearl Polymer ClayBlue Polymer ClayClay RollerOptional: Pasta MachineAlphabet StampsBlue Fine-Tipped Permanent markerQuick Hold Craft GlueLarge Mouth Plastic Drinking GlassDish SoapLiquor Pour Spout1. Thoroughly wash the wine bottle and soak the bottle in water to remove the label. Use rubbing alcohol and a paper towel to remove any excess glue/gum.2. Kneed both polymer clays by following the manufactures instructions for your brand. 3. Roll a thin layer of pearl polymer clay about 1/8 to 1/4” thick using either a clay rolling pin or a pasta machine. This is the base of the “soap” label so make sure it is large enough for your label.4. Create a circle from the clay by pressing the “mouth” end of the glass into the clay. You might need to give it a bit of a twist. Remove the glass and clean up edges if you desire.5. Use a rubber stamp to press the word “s-o-a-p” across the clay circle. Clean your stamps right away. Create small bubbles with the blue polymer clay by rolling a small ball of clay in your hands and flatten with your fingers. Apply to the circle.6. Press clay label onto the wine bottle, working the circle around the curve of the bottle. Place in the oven and bake as per the clay manufacturers instructions – usually about 15-20 min. Turn off oven, using oven mitts, remove the bottle from the oven.7. Remove the baked clay circle from the bottle and apply quick hold glue to the back of the clay circle. Glue to the bottle in the desired position.8. Use a thin permanent marker and trace over the letters to add additional details. Fill the bottle with soap and cap off with a pour spot.If you like this project then you might like my book - Creative Juice, 45 Re-Crafting Projects. You can get it at Barnes and Noble or Amazon![...]

Make it: Sushi Magnets

2009-05-26T09:07:29.536-07:00

Sushi is so yummy for the tummy and double nice when you get to enjoy it with good friends....but don't eat this sushi, because it is made from polymer clay. Each piece was "free form" sculpted - so dig into your clay stash and start creating your own designs. I have included some tips and materials needed to get started.

Supplies Used:
images of sushi (available online)
polymer clay in various colors
parchment paper
cookie sheet
oven
heavy-duty glue
small magnets

Steps:

1. Find some photos of sushi for reference when making these magnets — a quick online search can turn up hundreds of examples. Here is a Google Link to sushi images.

2. Knead the clay for a couple of minutes until it's soft and easy to work with.

3. Using different colors of clay, sculpt small pieces of sushi. Try to capture details like the lines and eyes on a shrimp, the seaweed and sesame seeds in a classic roll-style sushi or the suckers on a piece of octopus. Don't forget to sculpt some green wasabi and pink pickled ginger as condiments.

Tips:
* Polymer clay may leave a residue on hands. It's a good idea to clean hands when switching colors to prevent accidental mixing.

* For custom colors, knead two or more colors together until they blend completely. Or, stop partway through the kneading process for a marbled look.

4. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and bake the pieces according to the package instructions. Baking times will depend on the thickness of the pieces.

5. Once the sushi has cooled completely, glue a small magnet to the back of each piece with heavy-duty glue. Allow the glue to dry for 24 hours before using.