Thursday, December 17, 2015

Make Your Own Pressed Flowers in the Microwave

 


I just discovered "Microfleur."  This wonderful little press permits you to make gorgeous pressed flowers in your microwave... 

What can you make with press flowers? Here are a few handy books to help you along:




One thing I love to do with pressed flowers are cards.  All you need is a blank card to begin your journey.  I found a great deal for 50 blank cards with envelopes.  

In my opinion, there is nothing like receiving a handmade card!!

Another simple and yet awesome idea is making bookmarks and offering them as little gifts on their own or add them to a larger gift.  Either way, the recipient will be thrilled!  Here is where you can find your blank bookmarks:  White Bookmarks with Hole, If you want tassels for the finishing touch, you'll find a great deal for 100 Tassels in twenty three rich colors.




Monday, December 14, 2015

Apply Blackboard Vinyl Anywhere You Like!


 

My little grand daughter spends a lot of time at our house and she loves to be with me in the kitchen.  In order to keep her busy while I prepare meals, I added this awesome, vinyl blackboard to my wall.  It’s perfect and so easy to install!! 
We wet a micro fiber rag and it wipes everything clean.  
The vinyl black board comes in a roll just like wall paper and it applies to the wall the same way you would apply Mactac.  Make sure to clean the surface of the wall with soapy water (to ensure the vinyl will adhere properly). 
The trick to applying this properly, is to peel off a small area and applying it little by little while gently peeling off the paper underneath the vinyl.  As you progress, keep smoothing the vinyl with sticky backing to the wall, once it’s smoothed, continue peeling another small section repeating the same steps (some find it easier to be two people).

Sunday, November 8, 2015

Handmade Activity Book in Progress


A few weeks ago, I came upon a video a cute little video on Facebook: a handmade activity book made out of fabrics, Velcro and evidently lots of love.

I love educational toys and books for kids!

This video inspired me to make one for my grand daughter. I started out by making a rough (extremely rough) sketch of each page - you see the little green book in the photo.  Eighteen pages of this little book represents the "Activity Book."

I dug out of the cupboard some pieces of scrap fabric, interfacing, buttons, felt, bristle board, zippers, lace, and whatever else might be useful in this project.

The photo above, is the beginning steps of the book. Keep checking, because I will be posting my progress.

Monday, November 2, 2015

Have Fun with Polymer Clay!

Get Your E-Catalog Here-

Thursday, October 8, 2015

My Experiment with Glass Paint, Pebeo Vitrail





I work with warm glass and I just love to recycle old glass in order to breath life into a totally new object.  Here is an example of one of my recycled glass creations.  This is a "Fall Wreath" with glass leaves.

In order to achieve the desired look of the vibrant, orange and golden-yellow fall leaves, I decided to experience with Pebeo Vitrail Paints.  This type of paint is usually used to achieve a beautiful stained glass effect on canvas, glass or something similar.  I was very excited to try out this type of paint on my glass, and couldn't wait to see what would happen!

I had never used Pebeo paints before.  After getting a few pointers from an experienced painter, I sort of just plunged in...  I am very pleased with the results, to say the least!!

My glass leaves are made of clear glass and so this was a perfect canvas for my experiment.   I used three colors: Clementine, Prisme, Antique Gold and Sun Yellow. 

Notice in the picture, I also experimented on the dark green glass leaves to see if I could achieve the look a a green leaf gradually turning colors.  The result was not as I expected.  I think I would need to play a bit more with this.

I feel like someone just opened a door and introduced me to a whole new world of creative opportunities!!  Wow!!  I have sooo many new ideas!!

Please note that there are different types of Pebeo Paints.  Here is a list of the different ones I have recently learned about:

1.  Pebeo Vitrail (imitates stained glass and you can use this thicker paint as an outliner - this will imitate the lead lines in between your painted pieces. The outliner comes in many different colors).
Note that you can also use this to create stained glass effects on an opaque surface such as a canvas.

2.  Pebeo Vitrea Paints (you can paint dishes and glasses with this type of paint.  In order for it to last daily use and washing, it needs to be baked in the over at 325 degrees F for 40 minutes.  Once you've baked it, according to some, it is extremely durable and may also be added to the dishwasher- I personally have not tried it yet).

3.  Pebeo Setacolor Fabric Paints (according to users, this is the only paint they've tried that dries soft to the touch and that has a beautiful water color effect on fabric).

**Be careful when choosing your paints:  be sure to notice if the paint is Opaque (more like a solid color), or Translucent (you can see through).

I found this wonderful Stained Glass Painting Book with 25 awesome projects-





Sunday, July 19, 2015

Summer Bracelet in Serpentine





I added this beautiful, summer, sterling silver bracelet with lovely shades of green Serpentine beads and Yellow Jade leaves.  This bracelet was handmade in my studio.  This bracelet is valued at $40, starting bid:  $15.  Click here to see my silent auction-

Wire Wrapped Beach Glass Jewelry Auction



 I have a few pieces of Sterling Silver, Wire Wrapped Beach Glass Pendants for sale in my silent auction.  I also have two sets of 4 wine glass charms completely handmade from wire and beach glass.  Even the the wire to hold the beach glass charms were handmade in my studio.  Click here to see what other goodies I have in there.  You will not find better clearance prices!  Beach Glass Pendants, Bid starts: $9.  Wine Charms, Bid starts: $5.





Thursday, July 16, 2015

My Silent Auction is On Today




My Silent Auction is happening today, July 16th and will run up to July 22nd, 11:59 pm.
All are welcome!  I have loads of jewelry supplies, handmade jewelry, arts and crafts supplies and more...  (You might have to like my Facebook page in order to have access).  Go to the auction now.

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Some of the Items from my Silent Auction



 Here are some of the items in my Silent Auction:

Wire Wrapped, Beach Glass, Glass Charms
Gemstone beads
Cell Phone Charms (handmade wire work)

Silent Auction begins tomorrow, July 16th - 22nd.
Go here to see what other goodies I have.  I’ll be constantly adding items, so check often.






Silent Auction Jewelry Supplies and More




Cleaning out my Studio and have lots and lots of goodies for sale.  I will be having a Silent Auction to rid all of the things I do not use.  I have jewelry supplies, gemstones, beads, arts and crafts supplies, plus some jewelry from my walk in store.  

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

A Whole New Dimension with Cricut Design Space


**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links (I only post links of items I love and know are wonderful for the arts and crafts person).

What bridges the gap between the creative ideas in your head and the Cricut machine is the Cricut Design Space™.

Cricut’s Design Space™ is software for PC, Mac®, iPhone® and iPad® that you get for free with your Cricut machine of choice. 



Instead of trying to figure out how to make your project, Design Space gives you the ability to focus on what you want to make. Your Cricut machine takes it from there and brings it to life. $20 off of Explore Air Ultimate bundle


With Design Space, you can start designing from scratch on your computer, iPhone® or iPad®, or you can use a pre-designed, Make It Now™ project. These ready-to-make projects are created by professional artists and include everything from home décor to fashion to paper crafting, and even a variety of FREE projects.

If you want to use one of Cricut’s 50K+ images, you can try them out in the Design Space to see which will look best in your project before you commit to purchasing it.

Uploading Images

When you’re ready to start designing, you can either use one of Cricut’s 50K+ images or easily upload your own using the “Upload Images” tool in Design Space. You can upload and cut .svg, .jpg, .png, .bmp, .gif, and .dxf files absolutely FREE. You can even use fonts already installed on your computer.

Cut What You Want® tool

The Design Space’s Cut What You Want® tool makes it easy to convert your design into a cuttable image in just a few clicks!

The Cricut Design Space™ app for iPad® and iPhone®

Cricut’s easy-to-use app for the iPad® and iPhone® makes it possible for you can design anytime and anywhere inspiration strikes you.

It also allows you to access all the project’s that you’ve personally designed, whether on your iOs device or your PC or Mac, and gives you access to all the Make-it-Now projects. 

$20 off any Explore One bundle

With this app, you can start a project while at the beach, enhance it at the ice-cream shop, add some embellishments while cozying up on your couch, and then cut it on the Cricut Explore in your craft room. Plus, it’s cloud-based, so your projects are always synced across all your devices.

P.S. Cricut is working on an Android™ app right now, so don’t feel left out if you don’t have an iPad or iPhone.

In a nutshell, Cricut Design Space™ gives you the creative freedom to design just about anything! Make party invitations, decorations, and favors. Create seasonal home décor or personalize wedding gifts. Add embellishments to your favorite photo memories.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! That’s why next week’s post will focus on some really fun and interesting projects that people have created using their Cricut machine and the Cricut Design Space.

Stay tuned! 



Monday, July 6, 2015

Get Your Free DIY Wings Creativity Kit Before They're All Gone!

Hurry because this is a limited time offer and they'll be all gone!!

TRY GREEN KID CRAFTS FOR FREE!

Try Green Kid Crafts for free! For a limited time and until supplies last, enjoy a free sample-size project from one of their fun Discovery Boxes - Interesting Insects! Only $4.95 shipping. You will be automatically enrolled in a Green Kid Crafts monthly subscription, and may cancel at anytime. Go here to get your free trial.



Your free trial includes the popular DIY Wings Creativity Kit

This award-winning Creativity Kit will have your little ones fluttering with excitement!

This kit includes:

- everything needed to make your own wearable wings
- kids will get creative with watercolor paints, giant pipe cleaners, and color diffusing wings
- special bonus: free Lorax Magazine!

My blog contains affiliate links.  When you make a purchase via one of these links, I will be compensated.  Note that I only promote items I love and believe would be awesome for my readers.


Thursday, May 28, 2015

Matching My Nails to My Chihuahua's Coat

I know this might seem a bit much, but I was inspired by my little Chihuahua's coat for these customized nail wraps... How could I not?  Look at how cute her coat is??  I couldn't resist those little spots.

How did I do this?  I took a picture of my little Merley and I uploaded it to a photo editor and added the blue to it and then I uploaded it to the Jamberry Nail Art Studio program.  I find this to be an awesome tool!

I'll tell you the only problem I have with this:  I'm addicted!  Everything is a potential design now!  LOL!

Here is the result of my customized nails which I named:  Blue Merle-




Monday, May 25, 2015

Our Little Friend Chippy!

I wanted to introduce to you our little friend Chippy.  He's a cute little Chipmunk, that's been hanging around our deck since early spring.  He's so cute!!  I opened the door to take a picture of him and he wasn't at all afraid!  Here he is enjoying his green apple treat!


Friday, May 22, 2015

How to Design Your One Of A Kind Nail Art for Prom

This is ingenious!  You can easily design your very own, unique nail wraps in only a few steps on the Jamberrynails website!  This is perfect for prom!!  Match the exact pattern and color of your dress by taking a picture of it and uploading it the nail art program, or show your artistic side by painting or drawing your own design and uploading it to the nail art program... possibilities are endless!!

Jamberry Nail Art is my new Favorite!!


Saturday, May 9, 2015

They've Outdone Themselves!

This deal is a win/win:  You get a great deal and I get a compensation!



Cricut has outdone themselves with this amazing, electronic cutter! It does so much more than cut paper... You really need to see how versatile this machine is.  I am amazed by its potential!
  • It can cut over 60 different materials, from vinyl to leather;
  • You'll have free access to Cricut's Design Space™ online software and iPad® app;
  • You'll be able to upload your own images and use your own fonts -- for free!
  • It comes with over 25 free 1-click projects and 50+ free images to get you started right away;
  • If you want to use the machine to write or score, you can easily swap out your cutting cartridge with the Cricut Explore One™ Accessory Adapter and Pen 

They're even offering free shipping with this coupon code.  But hurry, you only have until the end of May: MAYSHIP


Thursday, April 23, 2015

Vintage Beads For Your Beading

Did you ever think of going to an Antique Shop, a flea market or a yard sale to find old pieces of jewelry.  Sometimes, you can find a bag filled with all types of junk jewelry for a few dollars.  Why would you do this, you ask?  Because of the beads, of course!  That's right, I've come across some gorgeous beads by doing this.

The following heart necklace and earrings set is made of fine copper wire which was twisted, turned and linked, antiqued and polished.  The vintage crystals and creamy colored beads fit right in the antiqued copper finish design.

Let the beads talk to you... not in some weird way, lol!  I mean, the style of the beads will give you some direction as far as design goes... they'll definitely help you be inspired!  You'll have so much fun with vintage beads!!!


Tuesday, April 14, 2015

The Tool I Cannot Live Without

The Flex Shaft tool is one of the most versatile tools a jeweler can have at his disposal.  It's super handy because it's pedal operated, leaving you in complete control!  As you can see in the photograph below, this tool can be used for many applications (not only metal work).  

There are many attachments, bits and accessories you can add to your Foredom Tool.    

In the past, I had purchased a drill press to drill holes in my fused glass pieces, but now with my Foredom flex shaft, I no longer need the drill press for this; I can perform all of my work from my work station.  This tool was the best purchase for my craft!  I could not live without it!

Monday, April 13, 2015

It's All About Texture!

Adding texture to my metal work is an important part of my designs.  Texture head hammers are found in jewelry supplies stores, but you don't necessarily need them.  I learned to use whatever was around me to add interesting and unique patterns to my jewelry.  For example, you can use a piece of pipe (would make nice circular patterns); you could also use a piece of small, thick sheet metal not bigger than 2"x2" or less (use it to make lines - make it interesting by changing directions).  I sometimes use an old guitar string (especially the larger one) to add interesting patterns on my metal.  You can see an example of this on the Statement Cuff Bracelet in Copper and Silver-  I added texture to the silver part.  For my wide, Tree Bark Ring, I simply used a round nose hammer that I purchased from the local hardware store.  In the last photograph, the unisex, Sand Grain Ring, the texture was achieved with a hammer with texture pattern similar to little squares.  

Although you don't really need textured head hammers to add pattern to your metal work, it does make life a little easier, plus there are some pretty nifty patterns nowadays!