encyclopedia of sewing and fabric crafts

Loving this book.

speaking of DIY popsicles...

Have you seen this - the Zoku Quick Pop Maker? It freezes popsicles in 10 minutes.

Definitely think it would be interesting to try. I love the patterns and designs you can create. I've been wondering what the next big food thing will be after cupcakes...maybe this summer it'll be "gourmet" popsicles?!?

freezer pop molds

I've been looking for a healthier alternative to Otter Pops and found these molds. I think they look perfect. Has anyone tried them???

I also think these ring pop molds are fun...maybe for a summer party!

twine and tape

Check out my guest post on Sweet Symphanie where I talk about some of my favorite twine and tape finds.

ribbon storage clothespins

I've tried a lot of different methods for storing ribbon (spools stored on wooden rods, scraps stored in glass jars, scraps wrapped around strips of cardstock, scraps folded and pinned...), but I still haven't found on I've been able to make stick. I think I'd like to try this clothespin storage idea.

back to basics QK release

My "day" job is Director of Product Development for QuicKutz, Inc. We release new products every month designed for paper crafting and scrapbooking. Today is the launch of our "Back to Basics" themed release which includes a variety of die-cutting shapes and designs including the instant photo die used in the image above (which features the fantastic QK sales team). This release is especially versatile making it great for a variety of projects. Check out the whole release here.

party supplies

I just bought these for Elle's birthday party.  I found the best combination of price/quantity here, but shipping was expensive (almost 1/2 the total cost).  Overall it was still a better deal.  I got...

- 250 2oz. paper souffle cups - $4.39 (for cupcakes)

- 250 3oz paper souffle cups - $4.99 (for cupcakes)

- 1000 wooden ice cream spoons - $14.99 (for mini ice cream scoops)

The Wilton brand of cups ranged from $2-$4 plus shipping for only 24 to 30 cups.

Anyone need wooden spoons???

[create] chore/activity chart

This is a project I've been wanting to create for a long time to help Elle understand and maintain a basic schedule. I kept it very simple knowing that there are key things I'd like her to do every morning (items on the left) and night (items on the right), but in general, my schedule is inconsistent which means her schedule is inconsistent. I'm hoping it can also help with establishing a bedtime routine that will get her to bed earlier than 10 or 11 at night...seriously what 2 year old gets to stay up that late???

As the first project I made in my quest to start creating with all of the craft supplies I have sitting around, this project used:

- metal sheet (given to me by a friend who bought it from a local steel company that will cut sheets to any size)
-clear pebbles (found on clearance in the home decor section at Target/find at any craft store)
- ribbon
- patterned paper (I used a set of greeting cards that I knew I would never actually write in and send)
- QuicKutz black vinyl and transfer tape
- QuicKutz adhesive-backed magnet sheets
- Silhouette Digital Cutting Tool
- diamond glaze

PART 1: CREATE MAGNETS


- Cut a piece of adhesive backed magnet sheet to fit your piece of patterned paper.
- Adhere the patterned paper to the adhesive side of the magnet sheet.

- Draw a circle around the glass pebble.
(Don't worry about drawing directly on the
patterned paper because you will cut inside of the drawn line.)



- Cut out circle.




- Glue patterned paper to the pebble with diamond glaze.
(You could also use basic glue, a double-sided adhesive sheet, etc.
I like the clearness of diamond glaze and happen to have some in my craft supplies.)



PART 2: CREATE VINYL LETTERING


- Use your Silhouette to cut out desired words in any font you like.
(I used MA Sexy for Elle's name and Ahroni for the chore words.)
- Weed the excess vinyl from the word (shown in picture above)


- Place transfer tape over the top of the vinyl word and rub to adhere to vinyl.
(QuicKutz sells a hook tool and scraper that makes these steps fast and easy)



- Remove backing from vinyl and place vinyl word on metal sheet.
- Rub to adhere to metal sheet and remove transfer tape.
(Transfer tape is just an easy way to transfer vinyl letters or images to your desired surface all in one step without ruining the layout or design of the vinyl images.ie. transfer the entire word 'elle' in one step versus trying to apply an e, then an l, l, then another e
and keeping the letters straight, consistent etc.)


- Thread ribbon through holes in metal sheet to create hanging loop.

- Hang chart in desired location and use pebble magnets to check off activities when completed.

This same project idea could be used to create to-do lists, family home evening assignments, homework charts etc.

perfect bow

Tieing a perfect bow is definitely an art and something I feel like I'm completely inconsistent at. This tutorial from Paper Source may be the solution I'm looking for to get that polished, finished look everytime.

chalkboard paint

I love the look of chalkboards. This is a recipe to create your own chalkboard paint in the color of your choice. I think the terra cotta chalkboard pots would be the perfect place to test it out.

3 teaspoons acrylic paint (color of choice)
1 1/2 teaspoons glazing medium (water-based)
1/2 teaspoon powder tile grout

Mix all ingredients together, blending very well.

cd calendar case

My friend Rachel gave my mom a calendar as a gift last year. I found this website which sells the clear cases the calendar is displayed in. They have a ton of sizes and options.

create your own notepads

One of my favorite projects to do growing up was create notepads so I was excited when this jar of padding compound arrived in the mail this week.  It's the "glue" you use to bind all the sheets of paper together into a notepad.  Unfortunately, it'll have to sit for a few weeks untouched while I'm out of town.  When I get back though...notepads, notepads and more notepads.

bookbinding

I have a friend who can make amazing things with paper likes books and journals and boxes. While I'd definitely like to learn how to make a book myself from scratch, I think these premade text blocks from Paper Source are the perfect way to at least get me started.

gocco - screenprinting

I love this tool. It is so easy and fun to use and is the perfect way to carry a design theme through an entire event. You can print on just about anything - paper, cardstock, fabric (I love this feature!) glass - you name it. Just a imagine a birthday party or baby shower with goccoed invitations, party favors, table decor, decorations, gifts, clothing and more! Unfortunately, the tool is no longer being manufactured but you can find them on eBay and from certain Etsy sellers. I have the PG-11 model and hand stamp converter.

glossy accent

This has to be one of my favorite products. It gives your project a finished look that is amazing. My favorite technique is to use it on top of die-cuts to give them more dimension. A few years ago, Ranger Ink came to my work for a hands-on product information session. It was so fun to get use to try out so many different products. Since then, I keep a nice stash of glossy accent around to give my projects that finishing touch.

glass etch cream

Glass etching is a super easy project that can add a personal touch to your favorite glassware. Try etching monograms, patterns, names and designs into plates, serving dishes or vases.

ode to spray paint

My friends and family know of my love for spray paint. Spray paint is inexpensive, easy to use and instantly improves the look of outdated or miscolored products. I've spray painted frames, mirrors, clocks, ceiling fans, planters and have always been extremely happy with the results. More importantly, I've been able to repurpose old or inexpensive items into fantastic pieces. Black is my favorite color (surprise, surprise) but there a lots of great colors and types of spraypaint to pick from. Next on my list? More frames and the iron fence surrounding the sitting patio off my husband's office!

bottles and more

I go to this website all the time to look at the different glass, plastic and metal bottles, containers and tins. The creative possibilities are endless!

freezer paper

I love products with multiple uses. Freezer paper works great for creating fabric stencils.

Simply:
- Create a stencil with freezer paper.
- Iron stencil on to fabric.

- Iron a piece of freezer paper to the backside of the fabric as well to prevent the paint from seeping through.
- Paint with fabric paint.
- Remove freezer paper and let dry.