Generally Creative

Sports Boxes

2011-09-16T07:31:00.000-04:00

I just completed another little detail for my son's big boy room. Kids always seems to have little treasures that can quite easily take over their rooms if left uncontained - I had a set of 3 nesting boxes that I got on clearance somewhere that I was going to do something with that I'd long abandoned. I figured they would make the perfect treasure keepers, and I knew just how I could dress them up.

With all that I did in his room that I had to spend money on, quilt, paint, silver tape... I was determined to have projects that were just using what I had on hand, both to save money AND to use up some of the things that have been doing nothing but taking up space.

So I started with the boxes, paint and brushes:

You'll see I didn't have the right brown for the basket ball, I had to mix red, a touch of black and yellow to get the right blend.

When dry, I lightly penciled in the lines that make these not sphere shapes more identifiable as what they are intended to be, balls.

Ad then I painted them... that is really about it.

I'll add a coat of varnish once the paint has fully cured. That is one thing I've learned when it come to craft paint - if it isn't completely dry when you coat it with varnish, it runs and smears.

Now baby bear has the perfect places to keep his treasures without having them take over his room. When the boxes fill up - then it's time to pick what can be pitched.

Unique Border Solution

2011-09-14T07:05:00.001-04:00

I knew I wanted to have 2 paint colors in Bear's Big Boy Room... what I couldn't figure out was how I was going to set off those two paint colors.

I didn't want to do chair rail. Not in the budget, not the look I wanted.

Didn't want a wall paper boarder.

Just having the 2 colors meet wasn't going to work either.

So after trying, and hating several different options - what I feel in love with was metallic tape.

Note: this is NOT duct tape, though with all the decorator duct tapes out there you likely could use it. But I wanted something VERY shiny, with almost no texture of it's own.

While exploring Lowes, I discovered this metallic tape in the HVAC section - It's day job is holding duct work together throughout a house. But it was exactly the look I wanted for a boarder.

Putting it up was a challenge. Definitely a 2 person job - thankfully, my mom and stepdad had come up for the day. I had to go to Ikea for a smaller train table and if I had gone without inviting my parents, I just might have been disowned.

A few tips if you decide this solution is something that you might want to try:

2 people is key, you need one person to remove the backing of the tape and press the adhesive to the wall while the other person holds the roll in front of you moving as you go along.
Keep the roll at the level that you are applying the tape, if you go even a bit above or a bit below where you want the tape to be, you'll get kinks and creases in it.
Have the wall below as perfect as you can get it - if you've got a tape line under the tape, it is going to show. I wish I'd sanded more before I applied the tape.
You will have imperfect spots, but once you load in the room with furniture and accessories, no one is going to inspect your board for flaws and if they do - then there are more issues than the imperfections in your boarder.
And last, like with any project, the only person who knew what it was supposed to look like is you, so if it come out different than you expected, you'll be the only one to know.

Got an interesting boarder solution? I'd love to hear about it - I'm looking for something else to do in our kids bathroom.

Paper Pennant Garland

2011-09-12T07:52:00.000-04:00

One of the things I love most about my son's new room are the paper banners I created.

Here is how I made them...

Cut the the layers out on my cricut, red background layer (which if you look closely you'll see also has an oval cut out to help me thread them evenly), the white layer and then the blue letters.

Then I assembled the individual banners:

Then I flipped them over to reveal the guide on the red layer that was cut by the Cricut so that each pennant would have their slits cut in exactly the same spot - what I tried and discovered didn't work was to precut the slit in both layers.

Why didn't that work? First, lining the two slits up perfect was a challenge, and second, the cricut couldn't get the slit as narrow as I wanted it - too wide of a slit and the pennants slide around on the ribbon and gravity is not the friend of the garland.

So I cut them by hand.

And then I threaded them onto the ribbon, first trying and not liking them on white, then loving them on red.

And that was it - 3 fabulous custom paper pennant garlands for his room.

Big Boy Room - The Before and After

2011-09-10T14:52:00.000-04:00

Well I did it - I transitioned my son's nursery to a big boy room. There are still a few loose ends to tie up but in the span of the long weekend, while the husband and kids were visiting family in NY, I got the room cleaned out, walls washed, repaired, taped and painted. Created the artwork for the walls, sewed the window treatments, made what felt like 47 trips out to get things I didn't realize I needed until I needed them and got everything put back together before they got home.

I'll post some other details and how-to's later in the week, for now, here is the straight up before and after. Please, please, please don't judge too much by the before's. His room was a mess... embarrassing.

Before:

And after:

The best part of his new room - he loves it. Absolutely loves it.

After almost a year of not linking to any parties I think I'll link this up over at Be Different... Act Normal's Show and Tell Saturday.

From Nursery to Big Boy Room

2011-08-27T19:27:00.002-04:00

Well - my baby boy, isn't much of a baby boy anymore. In fact, he's growing up faster than I ever could have imagined. On Friday he received his "advanced white" belt in Tae Kwon Do.

And in just over a week, he'll be starting kindergarten - how is that possible?

What isn't working - is that his room, is still his nursery theme. Sure, we've added bunk beds (his sister, despite having her own room - sleeps on the top bunk in his... they are so stinkin' cute.)

I really want to his bedroom to be finished before he starts school. And as luck would have it, my husband is taking the kids camping labor day weekend and they'll be gone for 4 and a half days... leaving me to transform his room.

My inspiration is coming from this quilt:

It suits his personality perfectly - he loves sports. I didn't want to go with decor that was specific to a single sport or a single team... he's 4, let's face it, his tastes are going to change. So the mix of 4 sports, without team affiliation is perfect.

I've fabric in the dryer for new valances and a little surprise I've got planned for his bunk bed. The paint has been bought. I've got the artwork ready to fire up the Cricut to create some fun personal touches:

Hopefully - I'll keep up with the progress here. Fingers crossed.

Buffalo Chicken Burger

2011-07-17T13:33:00.002-04:00

These have fast become my husband's favorite - we literally fight over the left overs.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground chicken - I've been buying 98% fat free and very happy with it.
1/3 cup of hot sauce - I use Franks Hot Sauce.
4 Light burger buns
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper
4 wedges laughing cow blue cheese
4 tsp fresh blue cheese crumbles
Lettuce, tomato, onion - whatever you'd like to top your burger with. Though we eat ours plain

Servings: Recipe makes 4 burgers, 1 burger per serving

Instructions:

In a small bowl, combine ground chicken, hot sauce, chili powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Mix well - I've found that a rubber spatula works well to blend everything perfectly.
Divide mixture into 4 equal parts and form into thin patties.
Cook in a skillet on medium-high heat until juices run clear, 6-8 minutes per side.
Remove the cooked burgers and place them on buns
Spread 1 laughing cow blue cheese wedge per burger
Sprinkle 1 tsp of blue cheese crumbles
Add lettuce, tomato, onion... whatever makes your burger perfect.

I'm able to make these delightful burgers for 7 WW points+ per burger. Be sure to plug your ingredients into your PP calculator or recipe builder to track how they work out for you.

Weight Watchers Update

2011-07-14T09:24:00.000-04:00

So back in March I was a bit optimistic with how long it would take me to lose my 25 pounds.

: )

But I'm almost there...

I've lost almost 23 pounds, just about 2-4 to go. I'm down 3 sizes, from a 12 to a tight 6. The 8's are too big, but the 6's are creating a lovely muffin top that no one wants to see.

So, I've adjusted my goal, from 25 pounds, to a size 6 - with NO muffin top.

Hopefully I'll be there by the end of the summer.

And since I'll be facing down an 8 day trip to New Orleans in October, I might need to take off a few extra pounds to make sure the muffin top does not return.

Bruschetta Tortilla Pizza

2011-07-11T20:52:00.000-04:00

I know, I haven't blogged in forever... long story for another day.

My creativity has been diverse lately, going into a lot of new areas for me - but mostly, recipes. Which is odd. Generally, I'm not creative with food. But 6+ months on weight watchers, I've gotten creative with my meals and have had requests to share my recipes. Here is the first:

Ingredients:

Tortilla of choice - 1 per pizza
There are so many options, if you're on WW, you can find them for between 2-4 points per tortilla. They've got options for low fat, low salt, low carb. Go with what works for you.
Tomato sauce - 2-3 tbsp per pizza
Diced roma tomato - 1 per pizzaIf I were making this for guests, I'd peel and seed the tomato, for myself, I don't bother.
Shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 oz per pizza
Fresh basil - 4 leaves per pizza
Garlic clove (minced) - 1 per pizza
Olive oil - 1 tsp per pizza
Balsamic vinegar - 1 tsp per pizza
Kosher salt - 1 pinch per pizza

Servings: 1 tortilla pizza per serving.

Instructions:

Place tortilla on baking sheet and bake for 2-4 minutes at 425° in oven or toaster oven to get it just a bit crispy. (I'm a big toaster oven fan...)
Prepare bruschetta topping by combining the diced tomato, basil, garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, 1/2 of the mozzarella and salt in a bowl and set aside.
Remove tortilla from oven and spread the tomato sauce over the tortilla
Top with brushetta and remaining cheese
Bake for 4-5 minutes until cheese is melted and tortilla is lightly browned around the edges.
Slice into 6 wedges and enjoy!

I'm able to make these for roughly 7 points per serving. WW point values will vary depending on your ingredients so be sure to use your point calculator or recipe builder.

New Orleans Inspired Vase

2011-03-09T08:06:00.000-05:00

One of the things I loved in New Orleans was the iron works. I decided to bring a little of that to our house with the help of my cricut, some vinyl and a vase.

I started with this image from our trip:

Then I created a version of the pattern on my computer:

And sent it over to the cricut:

After the cutting completed I weeded out the negative spaces:

Then I removed the backing from contact paper:

And then burnished it down on top of the remaining vinyl.

After the contact paper was secured to the vinyl I pulled up both layers releasing the vinyl from it's backing.

The two layers were applied to the vase and then burnished so that the vinyl transferred to the vase.

And finally pulled off the contact paper and secured any lose edges of the vinyl to the vase.

So now I've got a fabulous little vase that reminds me of our trip.

Stepping out of the closet...

2011-03-08T12:46:00.000-05:00

Because nothing in it was fitting.

: (

For the past 5-6 years, I've had a really bad habit of putting on 10 pounds, and then only taking off 5. I did fine the year I had my son... I put on 50 and took off 50. Ok, so maybe putting on 50 isn't good. But I do I get points for taking it off?

My point is that the extra 5 pounds per year... has added up to 25 pounds that had to go.

And thanks to Weight Watchers - I'm over 10 pounds down in 6 weeks.

I did weight watchers after the birth of my son and did well with it, but I've got to say, their new PointsPlus system - absolutely rocks. That coupled with the amazing recipes that Gina posts over on SkinnyTaste.com and I'm one very happy girl.

Thanks to the support of friends, I've also managed since the first of the year to almost completely give up fast food, I'm calling having it 1-2 times this year, vs. 1-2 times a week a major victory. AND, I think I've finally got my stress eating under control.

So - for anyone thinking of trying out Weight Watchers - I say go for it!!!

Crossing my fingers that in another 8-12 weeks I'll be back with news that I'm back to the weight I was at before I had my daughter almost 8 years ago.

Mardi Gras Jewelry

2011-03-06T16:57:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago my husband and I took a trip to New Orleans, we just missed Mardi Gras, but that's ok - Mardi Gras isn't really our scene. But we loved New Orleans. This was my 4th trip there and his first. I have a friend there who told us all the spots to see and she was 100% right, she picked just the right things for us.

While Mardi Gras might not be for us, the city of New Orleans and Mardi Gras is what she is all about. And I wanted to do something as a thank you - so I created these bracelet and earrings for her.

Here are the supplies to create this set:

A variety of gold, green and purple beads
Stretch magic
10mm gold jump rings
Gold tone crimp tubes
Ribbon
Jewelry tools including a needle & crimper
Tape

Step 1 - Arrange the beads as you'd like them for the strands of the bracelet.

Step 2 - Cut a length of stretch magic to the length of bracelet plus 4". Then put a piece of tape 2" from the end of your stretch magic.

Step 3 - Then string your beads onto the strand.

Step 4 - And then attach each of the strands to the jump rings.

And then loop a length of ribbon through the loops and you've got a bracelet!

And I'll admit - I liked this set so much, I made one for myself... just because I don't like the wild side of Mardi Gras, doesn't mean I don't want to celebrate it with my own style.

I'm sad...

2011-02-23T22:03:00.000-05:00

My apologies for not blogging better over the past 2 months... My talents have been required elsewhere. Tending to a sick kitten to be exact.

Remember those kittens I posted about last month? I can't bring myself to post a picture of them... because the day after I posted about them, the little orange one fell very very ill. So for the past 6-7 weeks, I've been nursing him back to health. Or trying to. This care has included weeks of giving him breathing treatments every 3 hours, round the clock. Countless doses of more medications than I've ever seen anyone, let along a 4 pound kitten, take in a given day. And more trips to the vet than I could imagine.

Yesterday morning, that sweet little kitten passed away in my arms.

And I'm sad.

So so sad.

I'll be back to posting all kinds of creative things in the coming days and weeks.

Thanks for understanding.

Bridesmaids Jewelry

2011-02-06T20:55:00.000-05:00

I was so flattered, and a bit terrified, to be asked to design and create the jewelry for the bridesmaids in an upcoming wedding. The bride and I went to pick out the materials last week, and tomorrow I'm showing her the "1st draft."

This won't be what the girls wear, this was just a starting point so that we had something to work from. Which means I'll likely get to keep this one - something I'm not at all disappointed about.

The necklace has a black satin ribbon that ties behind the neck with 3 strands of cream, champaign and beige glass beads. One strand is straight strung on wire, another has the beads on eye pins attached to a silver chain and the third has the beads strung on a silk rope with hand tied knots between them...

The hand tied strand. My first attempt at something like this.

I'm really nervous about showing this to her tomorrow - do me a favor and cross your fingers that she likes it.

Coffee Hand Scrub

2011-01-17T15:44:00.000-05:00

I enjoy cooking - what I don't enjoy are the smells that can end up on your hands when you cook, especially when you cook with things like garlic and onions.

Recently I heard that you can use coffee grounds to remove the smell from your hands - we don't drink coffee here so I bought a container of coffee and tried it. Sure enough it worked.

I figured I could get more, so I researched making my own scrub and thought you might like to make it too. It works great!

Materials:

Ground coffee - I'd imagine you could use your left over grounds...
Liquid hand soap
Olive oil
Jars
Mixing bowl & something to stir with

Step 1 - Measure out enough coffee to fill your jar about 80% full... And poor it in your bowl.

Step 2 - Add the hand soap and olive oil. I was making enough scrub to fill 3 jars, so I used about a cup of soap and 1/4 cup of olive oil. You can adjust it however you like, you might want more soap for cleaning or more olive oil for moisturizing.

Then stir:

You might find that you need to add more liquid, just keep stirring it 'till the coffee is all completely coated in the liquids.

Step 3 - Then simply fill your jars.

Then when you've that garlic smell on your hands, simply open the jar, scoop some out and watch your hands as you normally would.

There you go! No more stinky hands - and I've got to say, the scrub feels great to wash your hands with.

What I've Learned Wednesday: Freshening the Garbage Disposal

2011-01-12T07:29:00.001-05:00

Around the Holiday's I'm able to stock up my favorite garbage disposal fresheners...

First - eat the clementine. My favorite part.

Then take the peel.

And put it down the drain (this only works if you have a garbage disposal. Try it on a regular sink and I'm pretty sure all you get is a bill from the plumber.) and turn on the disposal.

I throw all my peels in a zip lock back and put them in the freezer so that throughout the year, I can pull one out and throw them in the sink.

Callie & Mac

2011-01-11T07:22:00.000-05:00

In April, we lost our beloved cat Otto. Since then, our daughter has been desperate for kittens. We kept waiting and waiting for the right time... then we saw Christmas on the horizon and Bug decided that Santa should bring us Kittens for Christmas.

And that is just what he did. Meet Callie and Mac:

Otto's brother Wojo is not really happy about this gift. But he's adjusting...

Earring Box

2011-01-09T17:22:00.000-05:00

I've loved giving the earrings I've made as gifts, and the favor boxes have almost been the perfect boxes for them. The only problem has been securing the earrings in the boxes so they aren't just rattling around or getting lost in a mile of tissue paper.

But - I've found the solution in a simple square of scrapbook paper.

Simply cut a square of paper the same width as the box and about 1" longer.

Then fold the extra 1" or so of the paper.

Then cut the number of slits you need at the fold.

Slip the earrings into the slits and if you'd like, secure on the back with a piece of tape.

There you go - the perfect way to secure the earrings in the box. And it actually works for any sort of jewelry. You can thread the ends of a necklace or bracelet through 2 slits.

Christmas Update

2010-12-22T14:59:00.000-05:00

December has been so busy - I've had no time to blog. But I wanted to let you know all know that was bitten by the Christmas bug and I'll have lots of things to share soon.

Where are you Christmas?

2010-12-07T10:28:00.000-05:00

I'm having a hard time getting into the Christmas grove this year.

The shopping is mostly done. The cards are practically finished. The house doesn't have a stitch of decorating done and despite listening to Christmas music - I'm not feeling it yet. I've got lots of wonderful project planned, I just can't find the creative energy to get moving.

: (

I thought going to church this weekend and seeing the children sing, that was going to give me the Christmas spirit. But it didn't.

I love Christmastime, it is my favorite holiday...

Hoping to get bitten by the Christmas bug soon.

Holiday Ornament Cards

2010-11-28T21:25:00.000-05:00

My apologies to anyone on our Christmas card list - you're seeing our holiday cards a bit early. But, each one is unique so you still won't know which is yours 'till they are all done and in your mail box.

This idea was inspired by something a friend did last year, they have a tree by their door and with every photo card they get, each one is bunched with a hole, a ribbon goes through it and adorns that tree. So I thought, why can't our card include an ornament???

The ornament on the front of the card actually comes off - there is a photo of the kids on one side, and a lyric from one of my favorite Christmas Songs. (I've set a slide show to the song for friends and family to check out the rest of our year....)

Here is what I used to make the cards:

Pre-made cards, purchased at Michael's, 50 of them for $6 using a 40% coupon
Holiday scrapbook paper, cut into rectangles for the front and inside of the cards, then circles for the ornaments.
Holiday messages printed on velim
Glue Sticks
Ribbon
Clear tape
Photo of the kids, cut into circles

To assemble the ornaments, I paired up coordinating papers and glued the picture to one side and the message to the other.

Then I punched a hole in the top of the ornament and strung a ribbon through it.

Next, time to create the cards. Simply glue one of the rectangles of scrapbook paper onto the front of the card. I also glued a circle to the front of the cards that were more plain so that once the ornament was removed the card could still be enjoyed.

For the inside of the card, I glued in another piece of paper and then our holiday message.

Then a small hole through the front of the card, and then the ribbon from the ornament is threaded through and taped to the inside.

And you've got a Holiday Ornament Card

It just isn't Thanksgiving without cranberry bread!

2010-11-23T07:49:00.001-05:00

Hmmm Cranberry Bread - actually cranberry orange bread.

My mom and I used to make it each Thanksgiving, it wouldn't be Thanksgiving without it. But while her version is amazing. AMAZING... it takes a long time to make. There are many ingredients. Ingredients that need chopping.

A while back I tried the Pillsbury quick bread version and it just wasn't the same.

: )

So I started playing with it - and it turns out with just 2 added ingredients, you can get pretty damn close to Mom's amazing cranberry bread. Dried cranberries and orange juice.

First assemble your ingredients and helpers - just as mom passed her recipe down to me, I'm passing Pillsbury's down to my kids.

What you'll need to do is chop about half a cup of the dried cranberries and add them to the mix. (Pillsbury just doesn't include enough.)

And when it is time to add 1 cup of water, swap out 1/3rd of the water for orange juice.

And there you go - prepare as otherwise indicated.

There you go - my version of homemade cranberry bread.

Shhhhh, don't tell mom.

Multi Strand Bracelet Winner: Tanya!

2010-11-22T20:49:00.000-05:00

The Random Number Generator has spoken:

That means Tanya is the winner of the Multi Strand Bracelet!

Shoot me an email with your address Tanya.

Crystal Garland

2010-11-21T20:51:00.000-05:00

I bought this chandelier for $10 at the ReStore a few months ago, hoping to do something for my daughters room with it.

My plan for using it in my daughter's room didn't work out - but I held onto it knowing some use for it would come up. As the holidays are approaching it came to me - a crystal garland.

The crystals were very easy to remove from the fixture.

But they were filthy.

So they got a bath.

And then I simply attached them end to end, alternating so that the big crystals joined to the bigs and the little to the little.

And while I liked them draped on the light fixture in my dining room, I knew it was meant to be on our mantle. (Forgive my fall decorations, I haven't turned everything over yet - i just couldn't resist taking and sharing these pictures.)

I'll be sure to post an update when I get the holiday stuff up.

Wine Charm Winner - Kim!

2010-11-19T20:37:00.000-05:00

Congrats Kim - Your number came up...

Shoot me an email with your address and I'll get them out to you.

If you had your eye on these, but didn't enter or win, I do have some of this set in my little online holiday craft show here.

There are still 3 days to enter to win a multi strand bracelet and there will be more tutorials and giveaways through Christmas.

Current Handmade Holiday Giveaways

2010-11-18T13:05:00.000-05:00

I've got 2 giveaways going on right now.

You've got 'till Friday at 6:00 pm Eastern to enter the giveaway for the Wine Charms. Simply check out the tutorial and comment on it.

And there is the Multi Strand Bracelet - that giveaway closes Monday at 6:00 pm Eastern. Visit the tutorial to comment on it to enter.

Thanks for check them out - stick around for more Handmade Holiday ideas, tutorials and giveaways.

Multi Strand Bracelet - Handmade Holidays & Giveaways

2010-11-17T22:33:00.005-05:00

I started making these bracelets about 6 weeks ago and I can't stop.

Interested in making your own? Here is what you need:

Various beads, I like to mix at least 3-5 types.
Stretch magic elastic
2 10mm jump rings
6 Crimp tubes
6" length of ribbon
Scotch tape
Beading tray - not really required, but it helps

Step 1 - start planning out what you think you want to do with your 3 strands... Some things work, and some won't. Just keep playing with it - taking into account your desired length. I wanted one that was my wrist plus about 3/4".

Step 2- Cut 3 pieces of stretch magic that is the length of your finished bracelet plus about 3-4". Then secure one end with tape, this will keep the beads that your stringing on from falling off.

Step 3 - String the beads the onto the elastic, if you like, you can use a needle like this, it really helps get the beads onto the elastic.

Keep going and measuring along as you go. The beads will string different than they lay in the tray so sometimes what planned out to be 7" will string shorter or longer. When you get the length you want, tape the end while you move onto the other 2 strands.

Step 4 - Time to secure the ends of the bracelet to the jump rings.

Slide one of the crimp tubes to the elastic.

Then slide a jump ring onto the elastic.

Then loop the elastic over the ring and thread the end through the crimp tube again.

Sorry for the blurry picture, I hope you can see that I've tightened the elastic, tight but not too tight around the jump ring.

Then crimp.

You can either use pliers or a neat little tool like this. One notch crimps, the other folds it over on itself.

Then do the other end of the strand.

Repeat with the other 2 strands.

You'll see I added a little detail to this bracelet, a little word to inspire me...

Take your ribbon and fold it in half then thread the folded end through the jump rings. Pull the tail ends through your loop and you're bracelet is a bracelet.

You can secure it straight, or twist the strand prior to securing it with the ribbon.

I hope this tutorial inspires you to try one of your own - but if you LOVE love love one of the above bracelets and can't live without it... simply leave a comment here, and you'll be entered to win one of them! You've got 'till November 22nd at 6:00 pm to enter. If you'd like another chance, mention the giveaways on your blog on on twitter and leave a second comment.

Handmade Holidays & Giveaways! Part 1: Wine Charms

2010-11-15T22:27:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the first installment of Handmade Holidays & Giveaways!!!

Last year, I posted a series of holiday tutorials... this year, I'll be posting tutorials, AND featuring a giveaway of that item!

All you have to do to enter, is to comment on the tutorial and you're entered to win. Each tutorial will let you know how long you've got to enter. Want another chance to win? Simply post a link to the giveaway on your blog or on twitter and leave a second comment with a link to it.

If you don't win the giveaway, you'll either be able to create the project yourself, or in many cases, I'll be making extra's and offering them for sale... any questions? Let me know...

Here is my first Handmade Holiday project, Crystal Wine Charms. These make the perfect holiday hostess gift. They are small to store, easy to carry and even if your hostess already has a set, you can bet she'll love additional ones, especially during holiday entertaining.

Plus, they are a great way to start working towards jewelry if you haven't ventured there yet.

Materials:

6 Wire Hoops with Eye Loops
6 6mm crystals each a different color
12 3mm crystals each, 2 of each in the same or complimenting colors as the 6mm crystals
6 head pins
12 3mm silver beads
12 other beads, I picked simple white crystal tubes
Wire cutters
Chain nose pliers
Round nose pliers
Tin favor tin (to hold them in.)

Here is a picture of all the materials go into making a single charm:

Step 1 - Thread the 6mm crystal on the head pin.

Step 2 - Bend the headpin at a 90° angle just above the top of the crystal using your chain nose pliers.

Step 3 - Cut the tail of the headpin so that you've goat a tail that is about 1/3 of an inch.

Step 4 - Grasp the tip of the tail on the headpin with your round nose pliers and roll the pilers back towards the bend.

Step 5 - String the beads onto the hoop.

Step 6 - Grasp the tip of the loop (the non eye end) and bend the end up 90°.

And there you go. Repeat though each of the other colors and you've got a set of wine charms!

So there you go! Comment below to enter to win a set of the wine charms. Or visit my little online craft show and check out these plus 2 other versions I've got left over after my craft show.

You've got 'till Midnight 6 pm eastern time on Friday, November 19th to enter to win the Crystal Wine Charms!

Thank you!

2010-11-13T16:34:00.000-05:00

Thanks so much to all the wonderful people at the CUMC Craft Show, I had so much fun getting to meet so many people.

Here are a few pictures of my table for those who missed it.

I'll have more tutorials for the product in the coming weeks and I'll be going through my inventory to see what I want to list for sale online.

Again, thanks so much! I'm already thinking of ideas for next year.

Napkin Coasters

2010-11-11T09:47:00.000-05:00

I've got coasters all over my house right now, more than 100 of them... even covering surfaces in Jim's man pit. Poor guy. They'll be packed up Friday night for the craft show, hopefully they'll sell and not be coming back. I'm pretty sure, I might not be let back in the house if they are coming with me.

Multi Strand Jewelry

2010-11-10T19:38:00.000-05:00

I've gotten really carried away with some of the Jewelry I've been working on. I never in a million years thought I'd be making jewelry, let alone getting ready to sell it at a craft show.

Here are a few of the pieces and close ups of them that I'll be selling this weekend - tutorials for this will be posted in the coming weeks.

I've developed these necklaces so they can be worn 4 different ways, including as a bracelet. They are totally my favorite.

Earring Display

2010-11-08T07:36:00.000-05:00

One of the things I've really been struggling with was how to display the earrings I've made for my craft show... I've got almost 100 pairs and I really wanted to show them hanging. I've found lots of earring displays, but most couldn't display a lot and almost all were really expensive. And that is the one thing I've tried to not do, spend more money setting up for the craft show, than I'm going to make at the craft show.

With less than a week to go to the show, I've been beginning to panic, I had one solution, but they were going to be laying down...

Then today at Walgreens of all places, I found these spiral trees:

The perfect way to display earrings at a holiday craft show!!!

Finally, something I can cross off my list!

It's Show Time, or almost anyway

2010-11-07T19:36:00.000-05:00

I've gone and done something completely crazy - I signed up to have a booth in a Holiday Craft Show. I actually signed up months ago, and this Saturday, the 13th is the show!!! I didn't want to mention it before incase something went wrong. Like, oh, I don't know... I chicken out.

I go between having moments of wondering what on earth I was thinking, and being so excited I can't stand it. But I've been pretty consistently terrified.

Some of the things I'm selling, you've seen before.

And a few of the things have yet to be feature here, but don't worry, they will be.

Mutli-strand Jewelry
Wire Star Ornements (I did share my experiment for those here, but not the final)

Over the past few months, I've been in major research mode trying to learn as much as I can about being a first time exhibitor in a craft show and next week, after I've actually done it myself I look forward to sharing here.

Throughout the week I'm going to feature what's going to be at the show and just a few tips.

Analog Bookmarks

2010-11-02T07:13:00.001-04:00

When you think of "Bookmarks"... you think of the digital bookmarks you make with your browser not the kind you slip in a book to save your spot.

I loved bookmarks when I was growing up, I don't know why. But I've realized I haven't seen them lately. So I made a batch.

So far, I've used them as gift tags for presents, used them in magazines and cookbooks.

Here is what you need to make your own:

Scrapbook paper
Scissors
Glue stick
Laminating supplies - you can make this easy, with any number of things like laminating papers or contact paper. I had use for a laminator so using a 40% off coupon I picked one up at AC Moore.

Step 1 - Cut strips of scrapbook paper to roughly 1 inch wide by 5 inches long... though the first ones I made were 1.5 inches wide.

Step 2 - Using a glue, attach the strip to a piece of coordinating paper.

Step 3 - Cut around the backing paper so that you have a uniform board around.

Step 4 - Laminate the bookmarks.

Trim them and then you're good to go.

And to use them as a gift tag, just grab a dry erase marker.

The lamination creates the perfect dry erase surface. Once the gift is given, the message can be erased and the gift tag becomes their bookmark.

Gift tags, stocking stuffers, teacher gifts, party favors... or maybe next year, they can be handed out instead of candy on Halloween.

Giving TRICK or Treat New Meaning

2010-10-31T21:58:00.000-04:00

My son has not been a fan of Halloween. This is his 4th Halloween and he's yet to really trick or treat. Last year he refused to even put on a costume and stayed home with my parents while we took Bug trick or treating.

On Friday, Baby Bear had his first Halloween Parade at preschool. Even though he'd talked about being Buzz Lightyear for months, he refused to put on the costume. He was the only child out of 100+ that was in the parade in street clothes.

Figuring we were heading for another year of a Halloween with Baby Bear at home while we took Bug out I decided to get creative. A friend's son was dressing up as Charlie Brown and I realized that was the PERFECT costume for Baby Bear, especially given that he best friend is a stuffed black and white dog, Buddy. So I went for it... I picked up a yellow polo shirt at Target and some black fabric spray paint at JoAnns.

I then planned out the zig zag around the shirt.

Masked it out and protected the rest of the shirt.

And sprayed away...

This stuff is messy. Very very messy. It dripped everywhere, and bled under the tape a bit.

But somehow... it worked, at the last possible second, thanks to some creative coaxing by a friend, he put on the shirt and actually went Trick or Treating.

Charlie Brown and his Snoopy.

Super Girl and Charlie Brown:

It's funny - the shirt was messy, it didn't turn out like I'd hoped... but it is my favorite project in a long long time. And tonight, was one of the best nights ever. Seeing my little boy trick or treating through our neighborhood, trying to keep up with the big kids. Then deciding he didn't care, he and I went at his pace and he finished the street on his own.

Amazing.

Simple Tassel Tutorial

2010-10-20T22:32:00.000-04:00

I had a couple of projects in mind that would require simple tassels - and after looking into buying them, I realized it was time to find a way to make my own.

After trying a few different methods I thought I'd share what worked best for me.

Here is what the finished tassel looks like:

Contrasting yarn helps show the different parts of the tassel.

Materials:

Yarn
Cardboard to make a template
Scissors

Step 1 - Make a template like you see below. Not 100% sure how to describe this little sucker. I started with a 2" x 2" square of card board. I cut 2 slits about a 1/4" from the top on the right and left side. Then I cut a slit in the center of the bottom. Last - a large notch was cut out of the right side about half an inch from the top that extends just past the middle.

Step 2 - cut 2 4" lengths of yarn, set 1 aside and then wrap the other around the top notches of your template.

This black strand of yarn is going to be loop you use to hang your tassel.

Step 3: Start wrapping your yarn around the template going perpendicular to your loop yarn. The slit at the bottom is used to secure the yarn.

Keep wrapping and wrapping.

Once you like the amount of strings you've got, stop wrapping.

Step 4 - Secure the top portion of the tassel with the string that was formerly secured between the top 2 slits.

Step 5 - Using the strand that you formerly set aside, wrap around the tassel at the notch and lightly secure it.

Step 6 - slide the tassel off of the cardboard.

Step 7 - Cut the loop at the end of the tassel.

Step 8 - Move the string up the tassel just a bit towards the loop knot to help beef up top portion a bit - trust me, it helps. Then REALLY firmly tie the bottom string.

Begin wrapping the tails around and around the tassel.

And then secure the ends of the string.

Last - knot the end of the top string to create a loop.

You've got a simple tassel...

Vegas, baby...

2010-10-16T16:37:00.000-04:00

So for those of you who don't follow me on twitter, you might not realize that since last week, I was actually in Las Vegas for work. 8 days in Vegas, 9 days away from the family. While it was very difficult being away, it was an amazing trip.

I had high hopes of blogging from the road... it didn't happen.

I did get to see the grand canyon. From the plane that is.

Got to spend some time on the strip.

Visited the Bellagio

Got to watch the water show with Paris in the background.

Took in the lights that are pretty much everywhere. I love lights.

And would you believe, in the evenings, after a long day at the convention center, one of those days involving walking 10 miles on concreate... I made time to work on some jewelry.

I'll post a tutorial for this type of bracelet in the next few days. For now, I'm recovering from the red eye, trying to handle the jet lag and trying to soak up the kids.

I don't want to even think about unpacking 'till tomorrow.

What I can't wait to catch up on are all my favorite blogs to see what you've all been up to.

Made 2 Match: Clothes Pins

2010-10-11T08:33:00.000-04:00

Since decorating these clothes pins last year I've realized I wasn't the first to come up with this idea. So many people have made really cute clothes pins. And I've also learned that these cute little clothes pins have a way of walking away from my kitchen.

It was time to restock my supply of cute little clothes pins and the Vera napkins were perfect for it!

Supplies:

Clothes Pins
Mod Podge
Napkin, scrapbook paper, tissue paper or even wrapping paper
Scissors and foam brush
Note: the dwarf in the background is not really needed, unless you have a 3 year old who likes pretending dwarves are swords in which case I highly recommend that keep them on hand.

Step 1 - Clip the clothes pins to the edge of something.

Step 2 - Coat the clothes pin with mod podge and then apply the napkin to the clothes pin.

Step 3 - Then apply another coat of mod podge to the top of the napkin. Go ahead give it a third coat, live on the edge.

And you too can will have cute clothes pins that will walk away from your kitchen.

Get Your Pink On

2010-10-09T08:04:00.001-04:00

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I made this set to give to my mom - she's a 15 year survivor.

This set was created using the same method I posted last month. If you're interested you can check out the earrings here and the bracelet here.

Made 2 Match: Fail

2010-10-08T08:36:00.001-04:00

Well as proof that no project is perfect, I learned my lesson about making sure you're gentle when working with these napkins as I applied the mod podge a bit to carelessly to my vase and ended up with this on the back.

Grrrrr.

In theory - I could have found a matching piece of the pattern and filled it in. But the back of the vase faces the wall so I left it as a little reminder of the need to be gentle.

Made 2 Match: Coasters

2010-10-07T08:19:00.001-04:00

What would a napkin series be without a coaster feature. They are a go to project for repurposing napkins. So much so that I wasn't sure about including them here, but I really loved the way this collection turned out.

Materials:

Tiles
Mod Podge
Lovely Napkin, that yes, you've separated down to only the printed layer...
Foam Brush
Cork or felt

Step 1 - Have your helper coat the tiles with mod podge.

Step 2 - Apply the napkin to the tile and then coat with at least 2 coats of Mod podge. And of course varnish if you like.

Step 3 - Put the cork on the bottom of the coaster so that you're not saving your surface from water, but ruining it with the tile.

And there you go - coasters. Here are just a few of the ones that I've created from the Vera napkins.

Yarn Balls

2010-10-06T11:03:00.001-04:00

I'd be lying if I said I had anything to do with this fall collection - I started this project headed in a completely different direction.

Completely. Different.

That idea failed miserably.

But while cleaning up the mess from the failed project I started winding the yarn I was working with into balls.

Then I realized I loved the texture. So I kept winding.

And winding...

Until I had a bowl full of these fabulous fall colors in delightful textures.

The yarn is 100% wool, so I felted a few of the balls. I thought I was going to felt all of them... but my goodness it took FOREVER. So I decided to keep some of them just wound up and had some felted.

I can't stop looking at this bowlful of yarn...

Not sure why I'm loving it so much, but I'm not going to fight it. I'm just going to go with it...

Sometimes you find the project, and sometimes it finds you.

What I Learned Wednesday: Repurposing Napkins

2010-10-06T08:10:00.001-04:00

I've featured several projects featuring repurposing napkins and it might seem like I drive the point over and over about separating the layers of the napkins.

Every time I've skipped this step - I've regretted it. The adhesive sticks to the bottom layer of the napkin and then top layer, the printed layer, either separates, bubbles up or has other issues.

So while it is annoying, when working with napkins, take the time to separate so all you're working with is the printed layer.

Made 2 Match: Vase

2010-10-05T07:58:00.002-04:00

I'm so happy I picked up a whole bunch of these vases when I found them on clearance for $2. I thought 6 was enough, but I only have 2 left. Thankfully, the first 3 are decorated with vinyl so in theory, I could remove the vinyl and start over.

This one - this one is mod podge and a lovely little napkin - undoing it is going to be a little more challenging but that's ok... because I don't want to.

Materials:

Ceramic vase
Mod podge
Scissors
Foam brush
Fabulous napkin - Mine is a Vera napkin, which makes sense since it is part of my Made to Match series...

Step 1 - Cut the napkin to feature the desired section of the napkin.

Step 2 - Remove all but the unprinted layer from the napkin.

Step 3 - Prepare the vase with a coat of Mod Podge.

Step 4 - Apply the napkin to the vase and coat with another coat of mod podge and recoat several times.

Step 5 - Trim any excess napkin.

Coat with varnish if you like... and there you go, a Made 2 Match Vase!

Check back tomorrow for a tip about working with napkins in craft projects and don't miss Thursday when I'll feature my 3rd Made 2 Match Vera project.

Made 2 Match: Votives

2010-10-04T08:01:00.001-04:00

Mod Podge + Glass + Vera Napkins = Fabulous little votives... an adorable hostess gift perhaps. The perfect decorations to compliment a party or a great teacher gift.

Materials:

Glass Votive Candle Holder
Mod Podge
Napkin of your choice
Foam brush
Varnish

Step 1 - Coat the votive holder with mod podge:

Step 2 - If your napkin is more than 1 ply, as these are, remove all but the printed ply:

Step 3 - Wrap the napkin around the the votive and then coat with more mod podge.

Let dry, and coat with varnish if you want... the mod podge seals it just fine, but the varnish can give it that more finished look.

Add tea light and ta-daaaa....

Check back tomorrow for another Made 2 Match Vera idea!

Made 2 Match: Vera

2010-10-03T21:39:00.001-04:00

Those who love Vera, will know what I'm talking about when I say "Vera."

I'm a fringe fan of Vera, I quickly got addicted to the bags but then found a bit awkward with the frilly girly girl bag at some of my meetings with mostly men. Thankfully, she makes some more tailored options, options with very girly linings which are the perfect blend for me.

But I still love the designs of so many of her fabrics and have long though about how much fun it would be to be able to use these fabrics in craft projects.

Last week - my wish came true when they released a line of party supplies, paper plates and NAPKINS. Yahoooooo!

And thus is born a little series here at GenerallyCreative... Made 2 Match: Vera!

The projects start tomorrow and will go until I run out of ideas. In the mean time, check out these patterns.

So sit, back, relax, grab your favorite drink. Don't worry if you spill it - I've got napkins.

: )

Pretty Easy Halloween Earrings

2010-09-28T08:19:00.000-04:00

These are just about as easy as the bracelet I posted on Thursday and as luck would have it, they match. I completed both of them in under an hour - well under an hour actually.

Materials:

Earring findings
2 different beads - I went with 8mm black and 10mm tiger's eye green
Spacer beads
1 inch head pins (there are 2 major pins in jewelry making, head pins and eye pins. Head pins have - well, heads. Eye pins have loops, or eyes.)
Round nose pliers
Chain nose pliers

Step 1 - Thread the beads onto the headpins

Step 2 - Using the chain nose pliers bend the top of the pin at a 90° angle.

Step 3A - Take the round nose pliers and place them at the end of the pin with your pliers grasped in your hand, palm up.

Step 3B - Holding the beads with one hand, twist the round nose pliers around so that your palm is now facing down and you've created and eye on the top of the pin.

Step 4 - Open the eye of the earring finding and place the eye of the beaded section onto the earring finding.

There you go - earrings to match the bracelet.

Of course you're not limited to halloween themes - you could do anything you want... including your favorite sports team.

GO 'CUSE!!!

Spider Vase

2010-09-27T08:36:00.001-04:00

Another holiday season another version of the vase, the very simple vase that I picked up 6 of on clearance at AC Moore for $2.

I'm really happy with the way it turned out.

Here is what I started with:

Materials:

$2 Ceramic Vase
Black vinyl
Paper Doll Dress Up Cart

Step 1 - Cut several spider webs at a variety of sizes.

Step 2: Weed out the portions of the design that you won't need.

Until you've revealed the spider web.

Repeat with the others.

Step 3 - Apply to the clean vase.

Then add the others...

Final little detail, my little spider friend.

The finished piece:

Friday Fail - Phone Photos

2010-09-24T08:33:00.001-04:00

This is what happens when you let your kids play with your camera - they lose it and you end up having to use your phone to take tutorial pictures for your blog.

No matter how you try to adjust them in iPhoto or photoshop, they just don't do your project justice.

Ughhhhhh

Super Simple Halloween Bracelet

2010-09-23T08:20:00.002-04:00

If you've been avoiding making jewelry, but want to, this is the perfect project to start with. Especially the bracelet - you don't even need any special tools for it - $10 or less in supplies and you'll have what you need for more than 1 bracelet. As soon as I saw these tiger's eye green beads, I knew they'd been fun for halloween-time. I'll post the tutorial for the earrings next week...

Materials:

Stretch Magic - this is the elastic material that you'll string the beads onto
Super glue or "bead glue" - seriously, all bead glue is, is super glue. (But if I bought super glue, my husband would have eventually put it in the junk drawer and I wouldn't have it when I needed it. "Bead glue - he'll leave alone.)
Beads
Tape measure
Scissors
Scotch tape
Pictured above is a beading tray - they are under $5, but you don't really need it. Just lay down a towel to keep your beads from rolling away.

Step 1 - Measure your wrist. Your finished bracelet will be this measurement plus half an inch.

Step 2 - Cut the Stretch Magic to the size you want, plus 4 inches:

Step 3 - Secure one end of the elastic with scotch tape, this will keep the beads you string from winding up on the floor.

Step 4 - Plan out your beads, I didn't like my first attempt, their was too much of a difference in the size of the beads. I ended up using a 8mm black bead to go with the 10mm green.

10mm green with 6mm black - didn't like it.

10mm green beads with 8mm black - that's better.

Step 5 - Begin stringing your beads onto the elastic, keeping an eye on your finished size.

Step 6 - When you've reached the size that determined you'd need, secure the end with tape and try it out on your wrist just to be sure. The size of your bead can impact the size you need for the finished bracelet, the bigger the bead, the larger the bracelet will have to be.

Step 7 - tie a square knot with the 2 ends of the elastic.

Step 8 - Take 1 end of the elastic and thread it back through one of the beads so that your two ends of elastic come out of the opposite sides of same bead - but keep the knot visible, don't pull it through - yet.

Step 9 - Add a drop of glue to the knot and then pull the end of the elastic through, into the bead and allow it to set for 3-5 minutes.

Step 10 - Trim the ends of the elastic and you're done.

What I've Learned Wednesday: Scissors for Everything

2010-09-22T08:08:00.000-04:00

You might have picked up on that I'm kind of freak about scissors. My husband fears for the day when I realize he's used my sewing scissors have been used to cut paper. If that happens, he's in trouble.

Scissor for fabric will be ruined if they are used to cut paper. But sewing scissors, good sewing scissors will make your fabric projects so much easier. Ok, we'll maybe not quite as dramatic as that, but once you've cut fabric with real fabric scissors, you'll never want to go back to general scissors again.

But - here is a bit of an ironic part, my favorite craft scissors - as a pair of embroidery scissors, yes, the sister of sewing, embroidery... Technically I should be ashamed of myself. Using embroidery scissors for crafts??? Paper crafts even???

In my defense, they were not bought for embroidery, they were bought for exactly what they are being used for. Cutting intricate papers. Nipping stretch magic. Look at the tiny tips on these:

Those little blades can get in and out of anything with ease.

Now, if you're a fan of embroidery, I don't recommend taking your embroidery scissors to your paper crafts. But do pick up a pair of these little suckers for your paper crafts.

And get a pair of sewing scissors for your fabric crafts while you're at it, just don't let me catch you using them on paper.

Spooky Halloween Trio

2010-09-21T08:03:00.001-04:00

Ahhh yes - another season, another look for the trio of frames above our bookcase... this time, Halloween inspired.

This little trio of frames has featured butterflies, toile, hearts...

And to think, I hesitated when buying these 3 frames, not sure I'd use them.

Here is how I created this version of the trio. Materials:

Halloween Paper (actually left over from the BOO I created last year)
3 Square frames
Dimensional mounting adhesive
Scissors

This was a pretty straight forward project - I selected 3 background papers for each of the 3 frames:

Then, I browsed the other papers to decide what else I wanted to use with each of the frames.

The dimensional mounting squares were cut and sometimes layered to get the dimension I wanted for each part of the picture.

The paper was 2 sided, so pictured above is the back with the mounting squares.

And here is the front.

That is pretty much it - the art was popped in the frames and we've got our spooky little halloween trio.

Know one of the best parts of this trio - it cost nothing. The frames are on their 4th different life and the paper was left over from a project completed last halloween.

Stashbusting Remnant Rag Wreath

2010-09-19T19:28:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite projects was the Valentine's Wreath from back in January. I've wanted to make another, something we could keep up year round. This is what I came up with:

The perfect part of this project - I just raided my remnant stash to complete it - the only thing I had to buy, was the wreath form. Even the glue was from past projects - I broke into Bug's last year schools supplies to find 3 containers of white glue that were almost empty.

Here are the supplies:

Fabric scraps
Styrofoam wreath form
White glue
Stick
Scissors

Step 1 - Grab all your scraps of fabric and cut them into strips that are roughly 1 inch wide by 4-5" long. This is a bit different than what I did with the first, I used squares with the first

Step 2 - Take the fabric and fold it over the end of a stick or pencil. Then dip it into the glue and poke it into the wreath form.

Then repeat over and over and over again...

Just keep jamming those scraps into the wreath.

Once you have the front of the wreath covered you can move to the sides.

And then you've got a finished wreath.

Really - this is very easy, and while there is fabric involved, there is no sewing. So it is a really simple way to bring the texture of fabric into your home without having to learn to sew or drag your sewing machine out if you already know.

I might add some orange strips of fabric to make it a little more fall-ish, without using the glue so that I can pluck them out when we move onto winter.

Friday's Fail: The less than perfect pumpkin

2010-09-17T08:12:00.000-04:00

The first pumpkin I made last weekend, didn't turn out all that well. I made 2 mistakes.

I didn't stuff it enough...
But more of a problem - I hadn't thought of using a button to use on the top and bottom. I just tried winding the string around the previous piece. I couldn't get enough tension, I kept pulling the other ridges out of place. It didn't go well.

Here is a picture of the less than perfect pumpkin:

He just doesn't have the right firmness to him. (Yes, it is a boy, don't let the shinny fabric fool you.)

And the underside of the pumpkin:

I couldn't get enough tension to really get it to work and it was just awful.

I almost gave up. Had I not thought of the button solution I think I would have given up.

But then, I thought of the button. Here is the underside of a button pumpkin:

So much neater... and just look at the tension I was able to get by winding around the button:

Now, THAT is a pumpkin!!! Isn't she beautiful???

And look at this little guy (yes, another boy.)

Ready for the funny part - what first seemed like a terrible fail, my less than perfect pumpkin. The one that almost had me ready to give up. Well, he now works in the collection of pumpkins. I wouldn't want to have him be the only pumpkin, but with all his friends and family around him - he totally works.

Just goes to show you - just because something didn't work the first time doesn't mean you should give up... and don't necessarily throw away that "fail" until you've really seen the total picture.

Fab-u-lous Fall Candle

2010-09-16T08:01:00.000-04:00

My mom is hysterical - She loves all things sparkly, all things fab-u-lous. She wears sparkly clothes, loves sparkly jewelry and decorates her home with the same affection for sparkle and flare. (But note, she is NOT a girly-girl. My lack of a girly-girl gene was passed down from my mother...)

That makes our styles very different - and tonight - my mom came to help get Bug to and from dance and with her she brought supplies and a vision for this Fab-u-lous Fall Candle.

While my mom is creative, her talents are more with knitting and sewing, not general crafting... so she knew I could handle what she wanted a lot quicker and with a lot fewer glue gun burns than she could.

Really, this project was insanely simple. From start to finish was all of about 10 minutes, including taking pictures along the way.

Here is what we started with:

Wire edge ribbon
Jar candle
Glue gun
Scissors

Step 1 - Cut a 10" length of wire edge ribbon. Gently pull one end of the wire and wrap it around the ribbon to secure it from come out.

Step 2 - Keeping the end of the wire that you just secured firmly in place, push the ribbon towards the secured end so that the ribbon gathers. (That seems like the single most complicated way to describe something very simple but I just can't find the "easy" words.)

Step 3 - Wrap the gathered ribbon around the wire you just pulled to form a flower and repeat over and over and over again.

The smaller flowers pictured above were created by first cutting the ribbon in half and then following the same steps as above.

Step 4 - Hot glue the flowers to the jar candle.

And repeat... Until you have a Fab-U-Lous Fall Candle.

What I've Learned Wednesday: It's fun being a girl

2010-09-15T08:01:00.000-04:00

Yeah - this may seem obvious - but I'm really learning how much fun it is to be a girl.

I've long been convinced, that at some point during Jr. High or Sr. High they pulled the girls aside and taught them all how to be girls. Unfortunately, I had volleyball practice that day... or maybe was swimming. Either way, I missed that day and all the girly lessons that were taught.

The moment, 7 years ago, when I heard "It's a girl!!!" I realized - I'm in trouble. I don't know how to be a girl. I'm not good with make up, hair, nails or other girly girl things. Yes, I'm creative, but that was only going to get me so far. At some point my daughter was going to expect me to be able to help her put on make up and painting her face with costume make up was not likely what she would have in mind.

So I've been learning, step by step, a little more about being a girl in a more feminine way - and you know... it hasn't been so bad. I'm actually starting to like being more feminine. Don't get me wrong, I'd take being creative over being feminine any day, but it is nice to have both.

And it makes some of the tutorials a little more interesting with the sparkly nails.

: )

Baby Bear's Butt Goes Here -->

2010-09-14T08:06:00.000-04:00

Some how, over the past 3 and half years... my sweet baby boy, has grown up. How did this sweet little guy... grow up???

Another sweet adorable baby picture since I didn't have this blog when Baby Bear was a baby...

I mean seriously - a baby that cute? There should be a law against them growing up don't you think???

Well, it happened, he's grown up and that sweet little baby, is now a little boy:

Being a 3 year old little boy, it is time for preschool. Our preschool asks parents to decorate and bring in a wash cloth to be used as their "Sit Upon." They tell you the decorating is optional... at least that is what my husband said, I don't know about that. I stopped listening and started planning as soon as they said "decorate."

And so that is how, yesterday morning, I brought my sweet baby bear outside to snap this very first 1st day of school photo with his "buddy" in one hand and his big boy "sit upon" in the other.

Here is what I used to create Baby Bear's sit upon.

Wash cloth
Heat n Bond
2 Fat Quarter of fabric
Ribbon
Thread
Iron
Sewing Machine
Scissors

Step 1 - Iron the Heat Bond to the wrong side of the fat quarters.

Step 2 - Cut out the desired shape... in this case, his name, out of one of the fabrics.

Step 3 - Remove the backing of the heat bond and iron them to the other fat quarter.

Step 4 - Cut around the letters and then iron the pieces onto the wash clothe.

Step 5 - Then, using a contrasting thread, a thicker one that I usually would be this is preschool, I zig-zagged around the letters.

Step 6 - Next, an orange ribbon around the edge because in our family, you can't have blue without orange. You just can't.

One more look at the sweet baby bear getting ready to head off to preschool.

*sigh* I love being Momma Bear to this little guy.

Pumpkin Stem and Tendril Tuturial

2010-09-13T21:05:00.000-04:00

Thank you all so much for the fabulous comments about the pumpkins! I can't tell you how much I loved this project and to see that you do to... it's awesome!

Judy did ask for a bit of clarification on the stem and tendrils that were on each pumpkin:

I kind of glossed over those in the tutorial - sorry about that... but I'm back to day with the full instructions on how to make them.

Materials:

Streamer in the color of your choice
Scissors
Chop stick
The cat is optional, cute, not terribly helpful, but optional.

1st up - the tendrils
Step 1 - cut a 8-10" length of streamer.

Step 2 - Start rolling the streamer on the long edge.

Step 3 - Then start twisting and twisting and twisting...

Until the entire length is twisted.

Step 4 - Starting at the end of the streamer, wrap it very tightly around the chop stick continuing to twist as you wrap.

Step 5 - Pull the tendril of the chop stick and lightly tug on each end of it to help unravel it just a bit.

And there you have it... a tendril.

Next up, the stem.

Step 1 - Start with a slightly longer streamer and repeat steps 1-3 above so that you have a twisted piece of streamer.

Step 2 - Tear off another 8-10" piece of streamer and start wrapping the short end around the twisted streamer.

Step 3 - repeat over and over and over to beef up the stem.

Step 4 - Then really start twisting the stem, get out all your aggression on this little sucker.

Step 5 - Fold the stem in half and twist away again.

Then just trim the end of the stem and there you go... pumpkin stem and tendril just waiting to be glued onto your puffy pumpkins... or whatever other pumpkins are in need.

Another thank you to Judy for asking for clarification on how to make these. Any other questions, let me know!

Pumpkin Love

2010-09-12T21:22:00.000-04:00

I just love it when inspiration for a project and completion of the project are just hours apart. So often, especially with me, projects take weeks to go from an idea to a completed project...

But not this one. Or should I say, these ones...

Meet my little collection of pumpkins. I know, they aren't orange... I do have some orange fabric, and I'll make a few orange pumpkins, but these neutral tones, this mix of textures, they were my original vision that I just had to go with.

Here is how they started - by finding this silly little red fabric apply while shopping for supplies for another project at JoAnn's on Saturday.

I picked it up - and thought "too bad this wasn't a pumpkin."

Muahahaha...

Over to the remnant section I went to find all sort of wonderful textured neutral fabrics. I'll admit it, I didn't say limited to the remnant section, I did buy a few off the bolt... But I have another project to make use of all the scraps to it was well worth it.

Here is how I made my little collection of pumpkin love...

Materials:

Fabric
Paper (to make your pattern)
Tread
String, twine or yarn
Sharpie, marker or pen
Fabric scissors
Paper scissors
Streamers
2 buttons (per pumpkin)
LONG needle. I mean LONG - The one I used was 4".
You can ignore the twig pictured above, I thought I was going to use it. I didn't.
Hot glue (not pictured)
Pins (not pictured)
Polyfil (not picture)

Step 1 - Create your paper pattern. You'll need 6 pieces of fabric exactly the same size and shape, so create a pattern from a piece of paper:

1B - Fold the paper in half corner to corner. (This just maximizes the size of the paper, you're really welcome to fold it anyway you please... go ahead... go wild with the way you fold your paper. As long as it is in half.)

1C - Draw an arc along the fold.

1D - Cut the arc and open it to reveal your pattern shape. (Please use paper scissors... Don't ruin your sewing scissors on paper... don't do it.)

Step 2 - Pin the pattern to your fabric and cut 6 identical pieces. Depending on your quality of scissors you might be able to get all 6 of your pieces cut at once.

Step 3 - Pin the fabric in pairs, right sides together.

Step 4 - Sew the pairs, right sides together down the right arc.

Step 5 - With the 3 pairs sewn together, take 2 of the pairs and sew them together, right sides together.

Step 6 - Add the 3rd pair and sew it to the first 2, right sides together, being sure to leave about a 2-3" gap so you can turn it right side out.

Step 7 - Flip the fabric right side out and stuff the sucker full of stuffing. Hand sew the whole shut... (my least favorite part of any project where hand sewing is involved.)

Step 8 - Time to take this ball we've created (pictured above) and turn it into a pumpkin. Thread a button on the bottom of the ball where the 6 pieces some together. Then push the long needle through to the other side. I needed a pair of pliers to pull the needle through.

Then push the needle back down to the bottom of the pumpkin pulling the string as tight as you can so that the top and bottom buttons come together a bit and pucker the pumpkin.

It will look a bit like this:

Step 9 - Now it is time to make the ridges along the sides of the pumpkin by taking the string from top to bottom, around the button, then back from bottom to top, around the button and so on and so on. You can either evenly space the string, or you can vary it - whatever works for you.

Step 10 - Create a stem and tendrils out of the streamers and hot glue them to the top.

And there you - pumpkins!!!

Saturday Sneak Peek: Almost White

2010-09-11T22:33:00.001-04:00

Just a sneak peek at what I'm working on this weekend... So far, it hasn't gone as I expected - it's gone better.

Can't wait to post the full project and tutorial.

Friday Fail - Definitely NOT Charming

2010-09-10T08:07:00.000-04:00

I'm still playing around with the wine charms and was looking for something very simple and understated.

These seemed like a good idea 'till I got it on the glass.

Generally, my mind isn't in the gutter, I swear. But whenever I walked by that charm I could only see one thing. Being that this is a family friendly blog I'll just leave it at that...

Am I the only one who is seeing this for more than it is?

Charity Auction

2010-09-09T08:01:00.000-04:00

I had a handful of inquiries about the rose wire wrapped pearl set that I posted tutorials for last week. The set is not for sale, I've considered selling some of the things I make but am not set up to just yet.

But seeing as how the set was so popular, I decided to put it to good use by donating it to the Keeping Kolby Charity Auction. So if you are interested in the bracelet and earrings, they can be yours, all while helping Kolby fight cancer.

The CURRENT AUCTION will go until TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14th at midnight.

And if you are a crafter with anything that you would like to donate to the next auction, you can check out the details here.

About Kolby
On May 22, 2010…Kolby was diagnosed with Advanced Stage (4) Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Cancer. It is a very rare, and a very aggressive form of Lymphoma Cancer.

This blog is dedicated to her, as we share our experiences and feelings in our ongoing battle of Keeping Kolby with us.

What I've Learned Wednesday: Working with Etching Cream

2010-09-08T08:20:00.001-04:00

I've had a pretty good amount of experience with etching cream - and I've got to tell you the key factors I've found that really make all the difference.

Firmly press the edges of the resist you are using.
While contact paper is a lot cheaper than vinyl, it does not hold as well and when just a bit of that etching cream gets under the contact paper it creates a messy edge.
Liberally - and I mean liberally - apply the etching cream. It can have a tendency to go on thin. But you've REALLY got to get a ton of the etching cream on the glass.
Leave it on - FOREVER.
This last time, I was going to leave it on for about an hour. Then I forgot about it and it was on for about 4. And I finally got the results that I wanted. So from now on, I'll leave it on overnight if I have to.
Go for a smaller etched area.
Trying to "go big" with your etching area, really opens you up for error. Go for a smaller, more subtle effect and you'll actually multiply that impact with a crisp, clean finish.
Buy it with a coupon.
Etching cream is really pricy. But if you've got a list of pricy supplies you know you'll use, visit AC Moore, Michaels or Hobby Lobby* with their weekly coupons to stock up and never pay full price. Etching cream has become one of the supplies I don't want to be without.

It is these factors that have gotten me from a miserable failed piece like this:

To exactly what I hoped for:

$2 Etched Beer Mugs

2010-09-07T08:09:00.000-04:00

Not sure if there are going to birthday gifts for my mom and stepdad or Christmas gifts, either way, they are done and I'm happy with the way they turned out.

Materials:

Beer Mugs - found at Dollar Tree, so each of them were only a $1.
Etching Cream
Paint brush
Vinyl or contact paper

Step 1 - Cut the vinyl however you like, either by hand or with something like a cricut and apply the vinyl to the glass.

Step 2 - Liberally brush on the etching cream & let set well past what they tell you to.

Step 3 - Rinse off the cream and remove the vinyl.

Step 4 - Clean off any adhesive or other residue and you're good to go.

Back to School Tradition: Grown Up Girl Bonding Day

2010-09-06T21:05:00.000-04:00

For the 5th year, Bug and I celebrated the pending start of school with our "Grown Up Girl Bonding Day." We started the tradition way back before she entered preschool and it is one of our favorite days all year long.

We spend the day doing whatever Bug wants, over the years, we've gone to build-a-bear, done some shopping, worked on projects, gone to movies... but there are a couple of things we always do, get our nails done and eat lunch at Noodles and Company.

Here is what we did today...

First up - Nails.

Next, lunch at Noodles & Company, if you have a Noodles & Company near you and have never been, don't go - it is addicting. If you don't have one, be grateful - it is addicting, especially for a Carbavore like myself. (Note the cheese on Bug's chin... seriously, the stuff rules.)

Next, a little creativity, but Bug did not fall far from the tree, she requested paint your own pottery this year. I'll be sure post pictures of our projects when I pick them up.

Then off for just a bit of shopping, she'd been really wanting a pair of boots that she saw a couple of weeks ago. I surprised her by saying we could go pick them up.

How could I say no to a trip to Cold Stone Creamery???

And while all this was going on, the boys were having their very own Boys Day Out. So Bug decided we should get home and bake them chocolate chip cookies.

The cookies were followed by a tummy ache. Yikes, bad mommy moment. But she recovered in time to decorate her very first binder. Just the plain pink wouldn't do...

So we grabbed the scrapbook paper and went to town.

And that was our day today. I can't believe my little bug starts 1st grade tomorrow.

Friday's Fail: Mid Project Oops!!!

2010-09-03T08:06:00.000-04:00

So yesterday I posted my little Jewelry Display... but did anyone notice the mid-project oops in my tutorial??? I mean aside from being really cheap and not running out for the forth corner bracket.

Take a look at this picture:

Notice anything?

Here let me help you:

Look at the direction of the bevels, inside on the bottom, inside on the right, inside on the top... outside on the left.

Yeah, that isn't going to work. I found out as I was assembling it. Thankfully, I had just enough molding left to cut a new piece and go along my way.

Jewelry Display

2010-09-02T08:08:00.000-04:00

Last week someone asked a question about how to store Jewelry and I realized, I needed a way to not only store, but to display my favorite pieces.

Here is what I created:

Materials:

Picture Frame, or materials to create your own (tutorial included below.) If you are creating your own, you'll also need a miter box/saw, wood glue, corner brackets and spackle/joint compound.
Mesh, either wire or other material. I went with wire.
Ribbon
Staple Gun
Scissors
Jewelry
Grommets would be awesome - and I plan to add them at some point. But I wanted to create this for as little as possible.

By now you may have realized I love working with reclaimed/recycled materials. So rather than buy a new frame, I decided to use the reclaimed molding I had left over from the Café Shelves I made this spring. I was pretty giddy about getting to use a left over reclaimed material...

First I cut 4 lengths of the molding on our compound miter saw:

I then assembled the frame using wood glue and staples. Yes, I said staples. Ok - I was in a rush and I thought they would hold. I'm going to pull out the parenting line, do as I say, not as I do... you should totally use corner brackets but I only had 3 in our tool box and I was NOT running out to buy anything else for this project. So staples and wood glue it was.

Fill the corners with spackle or joint compound:

Once the joints have dried and been sanded, paint the frame:

Once you've got all the paint on... you can take some off if you like by distressing in the method of your choice.

Next, cut a piece of wire mesh to the dimensions of your opening plus about an inch and a half all the way around and fold the edges up over the straight edge. Folding it is option, but it will keep you from finding any pointy wires as you handle this in the future.

Then with the pointy wires facing your frame, staple the mesh to the back of the frame.

Next you'll want to position your ribbon on the back of the frame and staple it into place. I like stapling with the ribbon down, that way when it is pulled up, you get a more finished look than seeing the raw staples... of course I've got them all over attaching the mesh to the frame, why that isn't a problem I have no idea. I'm strange that way I guess.

All that is left to do is to hang your jewelry display and pull that jewelry out of the jewelry box and feature it!

You'll note in the photos, I cut 2 small squares to allow me to hook a necklace and some bracelets to the wire. This is where the grommets would have been awesome, they would have totally finished it off.

The Leaning option, in case you don't have a hook handy... or you have to wait an hour for the 3M hook to cure and you're impatient like me.

What I've Learned Wednesday: Gift Boxes

2010-09-01T07:50:00.001-04:00

I discovered a great source for gift boxes that I wanted to share.

Favor boxes designed for weddings/parties.

I found them at Michael's for $19.99, using my 40% off coupon that brought the total down to $11.99. You do the math... that means that less than .$12 per gift box.

They are perfect for the jewelry I've been making. Tuck in a few pieces of homemade chocolate... a couple of trinkets in a lunch box next week perhaps?

Edited to add the size: The ones I got are 3" wide x 2" deep x 1.5" tall. They have other sizes and shapes as well.

Wire Wrapped Bead Jewelry: Bracelet

2010-08-31T08:07:00.002-04:00

I talked about this yesterday, so I'll get right to the tutorial for this bracelet.

Materials needed:

22 Gauge Wire
7-10 9mm beads or pearls
Wire cutters
Chain nose pliers
Round nose pliers
The sharpie pictured above is what I used to make the clasp, you can make or buy. Whatever you like.
Ruler

I like to start my bracelets by making 1 full bead link, and 1 full "s" link. Then I measure them together to determine how many I will need to create a 7.5"-8" bracelet. My preferred size.

To create a bead link:
Step 1 - Cut 1 5.5" length of the 22 gauge wire

Step 2 - Line the top of the 2 lengths of wire at the top. (Your about to make an eye pin, so if you know how to do this, just skip on down to step 7)

Step 3 -With the chain nose pliers at about 7/8th of an inch from the top of the wire, bend the top of the wire towards you.

Step 4 - Clamp the wire at the short side of the bend with the round nose pliers.

Step 5 - With your finer, wrap the wire around the top clamp of the round nose pliers and down so that the point is facing the same as the other end of the wire.

Step 6 - Change the position of the pliers so that the loop is now on the bottom clamp of the round nose pliers. Then wrap the shorter tail, around the longer one until you've gone around twice.

Step 7 - Thread your bead onto the eye pin.

Step 8 - Bend the tail of the eye pin at a 90° angle while holding the wire with the chain nose pliers.

Step 8 - Using the round nose pliers create a loop at the top of the bead and wrap the tail as if you are making the eye pin.

Step 9 - Begin wrapping the bead with the tail working your way toward the start of the bead.

Step 10 - Secure the tail of the wire around the top eye loop.

Step 11 - Turn both eyes at the top and bottom to face the same direction.

Create the "s" link.

Step 1 - Hold the tip of wire between the round nose pliers:

Step 2 - Wrap the tail of the wire around the top of the round nose pliers and back towards you to create a loop.

Step 3 - Hold the tail end of the wire right up close to the loop between the round nose pliers.

Step 4 - Using your fingers, wrap the tail of the wire up around the top of the round nose pliers.

Step 5 - Wrap the tail down so that is crosses the other tail of the "s"

Step 6 - Snip any excess wire so that the tip of the tails, just touch the joint of the "s"

To create the bracelet:

Attach one bead link to one "s" link and measure them.

Also, measure the clasp:

This means, I'll need 7 sets of beads and "s" links.

Attach everything together and you've got a bracelet.

I'm rather addicted to these little suckers, as you can tell:

Wire Wrapped Bead Jewelry: Earrings

2010-08-30T08:47:00.000-04:00

So my little sneak peak from Saturday - was from the wire wrapped beaded jewelry that I've been working on.

I am completely loving this collection - so while I haven't figured out how to wrap, or apparently spell, a bauble, that did lead me to these little numbers.

Interested in making your own set? Let's start with the earrings.

Materials needed:

22 Gauge Wire
2 9mm beads, pearls or whatever you want.
Earring findings
Chain nose pliers
Round nose pliers
Wire cutters

Step 1 - Cut 2 5" lengths of the 22 gauge wire

Step 2 - Line the top of the 2 lengths of wire at the top. (Your about to make an eye pin, so if you know how to do this, just skip on down to step 7)

Step 3 -With the chain nose pliers at about 7/8th of an inch from the top of the wire, bend the top of the wire towards you.

Step 4 - Clamp the wire at the short side of the bend with the round nose pliers.

Step 5 - With your finer, wrap the wire around the top clamp of the round nose pliers and down so that the point is facing the same as the other end of the wire.

Step 6 - Change the position of the pliers so that the loop is now on the bottom clamp of the round nose pliers. Then wrap the shorter tail, around the longer one until you've gone around twice.

At this point, I like to make my other eye pin rather than continue on just the first earring.

Step 7 - Slide your bead onto the eye pin.

Step 7 - Bend the tail of the eye pin 90°

Step 8 - Using the round nose pliers, hold the tail of the eye pin wire and bein wrapping the tail wire around the pliers.

Step 9 - Holding the already wrapped part of the bead, and the wire firmly in your left hand, begin wrapping the wire around the bead, turning and pinching as you go.

Step 10 - When you get to the top of the bead, wrap the wire around the loops on the eye pin and then cut the excess wire.

Repeat steps 7-10 for the second bead.

Step 11 - Open the loop on the earring finding by twisting the loop open, not by pulling.

Step 12 - Hang the bead on the loop and close it.

And there you have it - a pair of wire wrapped earrings.

Tomorrow - I'll go through the tutorial for the coordinating bracelet.

Saturday sneak peek: Pretty in Pink

2010-08-28T11:05:00.002-04:00

I do most of my projects over the weekend and it often kills me to wait 'till the kids go to bed on Sunday night to get around to posting the tutorials...

Hence, my new Saturday Sneak Peek.

It really is just a peek though... tune in this week for the full view and the tutorial to go along with it.