Debbie Krumpos has an absolutely fabulous website offering many scrapbooking supplies as well as links and various tips. Scrapbooking for Beginners really is an excellent place to start when taking the scrapbooking plunge. I have to be one of the least experienced scrappers around (I'm late to jump on that train), but her site has made it easy for me to find what I need and has given me some great ideas (now just to put those ideas to good use!).

At this site, I found step by step help with techniques and scrapbook layouts (I need all the help I can get!). Debbie also offers FREE downloads for digital scrapbooking as well as layout ideas for many occasions. There is a fantastic collection of supplies available from: Picaboo, Scrapbook Superstore, Scrapbook Max, Paper.com and Scrapjazz. It is the ultimate place to fill all your school-bulletin board, scrapbooking, baby, wedding, vacation, and holiday paper needs.

Debbie is a stay-at-home mother of three young children. She was a registered nurse for 20 years and decided the hectic run around for three active children was just not what she wanted. Because they're so active, she has had many opportunities for taking photos and has been doing a lot of scrapping to keep those photos out of shoe boxes tucked in the back of a closet. Thankfully, she has had plenty of experience with good (and bad) scrapping products and is willing to share that information with anyone interested to help them find the good and avoid the bad. Scrapping can be a pricey hobby, and Debbie's experience makes it all a little less painful.

She was kind enough to send two products for me to test and I have to admit, I absolutely loved them. Both of these products can be used for purposes other than scrapping, too (leave it to me and my active, non-scrapping imagination to come up with other uses, of course).



The first item I opened when I received the box was the Arccivo Scrapbook Page Saver. I have to admit, even though I'm not a scrapper, I am seriously in love with this product. I was so in love with it that I had to show my mother while she was here. If any one single product could make me more interested in scrapping, this would be it. Someone was really thinking when they came up with this idea. A zippered folder with magnetic sheets to cover each side so scrapbook pages stay in place while in progress, even if they're transported, is one of the most intelligent and useful products I have seen for scrappers yet. Sure, all the stickers and papers can lure a person in, but it's products like the Arccivo that will really keep me scrapping. What's really cool is it comes in four different colors!

My mother mentioned the fact that it would be useful for her as a quilter as well. She could see using something like that for all of her quilt blocks. I could also see how this might work for people who make cards (so close to scrapping anyhow). Having a dedicated space (or rather lack of dedicated space) is one of the reasons I have avoided scraping, card making, and quilting. The Arccivo would be an excellent work around for that issue, leaving money as my only issue (other than B getting upset with me for buying more "junk").



The other product I tried was a Xyron 150 (Create-A-Sticker). Talk about fun! Had I really had time and been able to plan a project, I seriously could have gone hog wild with this little item. As it stands, with Christmas right around the corner at the time I received the package, I pulled out the Christmas tree paper punch and all the green wallpaper samples (yes, wallpaper samples... I saved them from college, believe it or not) and went to town. After I had a few trees punched, I put them through the Xyron (so easy), peeled the clear plastic layer off the strip, and then stuck three of them on the little plastic case for my paper punch. What's cool about these little stickers is there are two types of adhesive rolls, a permanent and a temporary or movable adhesive. I love the idea of being able to make my own stickers. What a way to personalize! I'm very tempted to get one of these, although I might get one of the bigger ones since they're not terribly expensive. I suppose I'll wait until I go back to work, though.

Both items can be purchased by going through Debbie's website. For those of you scrappers, seriously, check out her website and these two products in particular. I really had fun with them!

Reader Participation:  Do you enjoy scrapping?  What are some of your favorite scrapping sites?  What's the most used item in your scrapping supplies?  Where do you purchase most of your supplies?  Please share photos of your favorite created pages.

Well, I don’t know about you, but I seriously needed a break from all the holiday crazy crafting. Even the most die-hard goes through a dry spell (I hope so or else they are really making me look bad!) and then slowly, ever-so-slowly starts twiddling away at one project or another to start off the New Year.

But what project to start if one doesn’t want to go full tilt into some massively time consuming craft, but not wanting to waste a single minute of precious time and expensive resources on a smaller project?

Enter the Artist Trading Card, the woman’s baseball card and like a piece of dark chocolate, you simply can’t have one, but even a tiny bite soothes the savage (artsy) beast.

For this crafting project you will need the following from your local arts and crafts supply store:

• Various colored and texture card stock paper
• Scissors
• Magazines/old books/print outs/newspaper
• Stickers
• Stamps
• Hole punches
• Yarn
• Glue
• Glitter
• Markers
• Crayons
• Any type of collage embellishments you may so desire

An ATC measures 2.5 x 3.5 inches and this is the ONLY thing about an ATC that is standard. Everything else, from the “ground” paper to the subject of your design and all the embellishments is strictly up to you, the artist. Which means, as a New Year project you can get as complicated or simple with an ATC piece as you see fit. Spend hours and days on one card, or a couple of minutes pounding out dozens.

ATC’s are the truly one of a kind piece of artwork, trade them amongst other ATC enthusiasts or have an ATC party with friends. They are great for kids, especially with Valentine’s right around the corner and your little ones can even have their own art display inviting friends over to look at their work or create an art gallery for their dolls.

These little pocket works of art are great for home decor. Frame one or dozens in display frames, glue them to clothes pins and clip to curtains or glue magnets on the back to hang on the refrigerator.

The possibilities are endless!

For some reason, I get the organizational bug about once a year (sometimes more often than that, but not usually on as large a scale).  Because we just did the swap between the office and the guest room, this seemed the perfect time to make sure both rooms are as organized as possible.  With my parents giving me the sewing machine for Christmas and me going hog wild with the crafts this year for Sophie and my nieces, I decided the guest room closet will be my new supplies closet.  Granted, it houses other items as well, but it's mostly crafting supplies.  

B and I have been in our new house for almost two years now (it will be two years mid-March) and this room swap has really helped us get some serious unpacking done.  I know, we're a bit slow, but we've had a baby to worry about.  We did most of the unpacking when we moved in (right around the time Sophie was born), but there were various boxes of odds and ends scattered about that we pretty much forgot with all the family visiting and furniture assembly and room swapping and diaper changes, etc.

Lucky for me, many of those boxes were filled with fun craft supplies.  I knew about all the yarn (had that all unboxed within the first month or so) but had forgotten so many of the other supplies.  I found plenty of fabric and felt, wooden pieces, candle making supplies, paper items, lots of patterns and instructions, basically a general hodge podge of "junk" (as B likes to call it).  He seems to think I have enough to open my own craft store, but I truly don't.

I proved that to him once I organized the closet where all my craft supplies are stored.  Our guest room has a fairly large closet (double doors) that was literally packed from top to bottom with boxes of stuff.  This room used to be the office, so most of the stuff was office type stuff, but when we did our room swap, *some* of the office stuff came out (not all), but all of the stuff in the garage and the old guest room was moved into the big closet.  I wish I had taken a picture of just how packed this closet was because I have a feeling no one will believe me after seeing the pictures of how it looks now.

I started my organizational project at JoAnn Fabric.  They were having a sale on all of their IRIS storage items (40% off) so I picked up five somewhat large tubs (30 qt, I believe).  I almost bought drawers but am SO glad I didn't.  While I was at JoAnn, B was at the Home Depot looking at storage containers as well.  I wasn't impressed by the drawer system he found there, but was interested in looking at the other containers they had.  We went together to the Home Depot the following day and I picked up a couple sets of smallish tubs (6 qt and 15 qt) while he found the rails, brackets, and shelving needed to turn our mess of a closet into something manageable.  I was beyond excited to get rid of all the huge Dell boxes we had snagged at work for our move before Sophie was born (and all the various other boxes we still had floating around).

I have to admit, my husband really is my hero.  The shelving in the closet makes it so much more user friendly now.  We have shelving in the parts of the closet that are tucked away as well as on part of the back wall.  I didn't want to cover the entire back wall since it IS a guest room and people actually do stay there from time to time.  I would like for them to have a place to hang their clothes still, so we left a little room for that.  After B put up the shelving, he decided he wanted something a bit sturdier so he ran to the Home Depot for braces (and more tubs).

The end result really is wonderful.  All of my craft supplies are organized.  Every clear tub and drawer is labeled with a list of contents (except for the tubs holding the wooden pieces for now - I have to get out the labeler again).  The closet also contains candles and computer bits and pieces, but those tubs are labeled as well, so nothing in my closet is a mystery.  I have a drawer for all of my scissors (I have a lot of scissors - from fancy paper edging scissors to super sharp fabric scissors).  I also have a drawer for all things glue (rubber cement, various glues, glue gun, magnets, velcro, etc.) and one for all things paint (paint, brushes, sponges, etc.).  Because this project has pretty much put the Christmas undecorating on hold, I think I'll make a tub for old Christmas cards as well since I plan to start recycling them into various crafts at some point.

I think the best part of the entire closet is the two 5.5" Moon Lites (by AmerTac) we installed under the top shelf.  It makes it so much easier to see my labels, especially on the bins that are tucked back out of the way.  Needless to say, we both feel rather accomplished.  It's not quite done yet, but it's pretty darn close.  I still have a few empty tubs and will be moving the candles around most likely, but I want to get Christmas down sometime before January is over (and possibly still get cards mailed out, who knows).

The next order of business for my craft supply closet will be a total Martha Stewart step.  B will be making fun of me for years to come, but I don't care.  I want to take the closet door on the right and add some sort of organizational system to the back of it.  I'll have to draw it all out so I can plan it just right, but there will be pegs and rods and all sorts of great fun stuff so I can hang more "junk" on the back of the door.

Now... if I could just figure out a way to get all the other stuff out of that closet...

Reader Participation:  Have you organized your craft supplies?  If so, what is your system?  If not, why not (too few supplies, not enough room, not enough time, etc.)?  Feel free to share photos!  Also, feel free to ask questions if there was something I didn't cover or if you're curious about something you see in my closet.

I love crafts and I love free, so to find a website for All Free Crafts pretty much meant heaven for me.

From what I have seen so far, they have free crocheting, knitting, and sewing patterns, along with free craft ideas for various holidays. There are also free patterns for crafting with the kids.

This site is excellent for beginners or for people wanting to try their hand at a new craft since patterns can be pretty expensive. There are several crochet patterns, including patterns for a crochet baby blanket and a crochet hat. I'll be hitting up the sewing patterns here to practice my sewing since I could really use some practice getting my stitches straight. Perhaps I'll be able to find a good knitted hat pattern for B after the boat blanket is done (worked on that today, by the way... pictures will be taken soon, I promise).

I also really like the All Free Crafts blog. There are lots of ideas for how to recycle old books, magazines, cereal box liners, and wrapping paper (I am on the hunt for how to recycle Christmas cards and plan to post about that fairly soon).

(Probable) Upcoming Posts:

• Ringing in The New Year and Keeping up with Resolutions: Craft Room Organization
• Boats for Cameron Knitted Blanket Progress Pictures
• What to Do with All Those Leftover Christmas Cards

I sat down and tried to figure out just what craft projects I want to do in 2008 and most of them are crochet projects.  In case anyone is interested, I thought that I'd make my first post of the new year a list of the projects that I'd like to work on.

After I finish the baby blanket from the previous post, I want to work on a special project for a lady whose family lost everything in a fire right before Christmas.  She collected a lot of things with lighthouses on them.  She had just gotten a brand new set of lighthouse canisters and lost them in the fire.  I want to find some different Lighthouse inspired craft projects to make for her.  I grew up with her family, in fact her youngest son was the first boy I had a crush on, so I want to do something for her.

If you have any good lighthouse patterns that are crochet or plastic canvas, let me know! I want to do as many as I can. :)

After I do that, I'm going to work on a couple of afghan's for next Christmas.  I want to make one for my nephew in blue and green and I'm considering making one for a close friend in bright pink.  I don't know what patterns I want to use for either of them, so throw crochet afghan patterns my way!

I also have plans on making a set of place mats for my mother, and work on expanding the range of stitches and styles I can crochet.  I'm kind of limited right now, but I'd like to get past the beginner patterns.  I want to make a Celtic knot throw for over our bed as well.  So, yeah, that's my 2008 plans.  What are yours, friends?

I have a renewed love for the Crafts n Things magazine.  This used to be a favorite magazine of mine, but over the years I lost interest.  The magazine contained projects that were either repeats of old projects or projects my grandmothers wouldn't even be caught dead doing.  Every now and then there would be a good project stuffed in between all the less desirable projects and those good projects made me keep going back, but I finally gave up altogether.

Of course, that is until last month.  I picked up the December issue for ideas for holiday crafts and Christmas ornaments and am so glad I did.  It appears as though every issue contains knit or crochet patterns, jewelry making directions, flower arranging instructions, paper crafting ideas, card making directions, and even a Christmas ornament section (and much more).

I know there are other crafting magazines out there, but I love Crafts n Things so much because it covers all the crafts I love to do, and crafts I have never tried before.  I'm more likely to buy a magazine that covers a wide variety of crafts I do infrequently than one that is specific for a craft I rarely do. 

If you've never checked out Crafts n Things, or if you remember the old issues and fell out of love with them, I highly recommend taking another look.  You won't be sorry!  I'll be signing up for my subscription very soon!

Wooo Hooo! It is time to start shopping and stocking up. Sales are amazing! Here are a few this week from my favorite craft stores.

JoAnn Fabrics: Prices effective Wednesday December 26th, 2007 to January 12th, 2008.  70% off Holiday Inspirations and Best Value Christmas Clearance. Included in this sale:

• Gift Wrap and Accessories
• Ribbon and Bows
• Indoor and Outdoor Decor
• Trim-a-Tree
• Gifts
• Christmas Trees
• Party Wear
• Floral
• Candles
• Reg $.49-299,99 each
• Sale $.14-89.99 each

Michaels': Sale begins December 23rd. Christmas Clearance, 50 to 70% off original ticketed price.
This sale includes the following:

• Christmas Trees and Lights
• Ornaments
• Holiday Baskets
• Holiday Floral
• Christmas Bows
• Cards
• Wrap
• Ribbon
• Picks
• Plus, Hundreds of other Holiday items.

A.C. Moores: Sale beginning December 26th - January 1st. Christmas Clearance, 60-75% off all Christmas merchandise.
Included in this sale:

• Christmas Floral
• Christmas Bushes
• Ribbon
• Decorated Wreaths
• Boxed Christmas Cards
• Baskets
• Plus many more.

The above stores also have many other crafting supplies for sale, not only for Christmas clearance. They include:

• Yarns
• Fabrics
• Beads
• Findings
• Kid's Crafts
• Art Supplies
• Scrapbooking

  So many things to enjoy. Be sure to check out their complete flyers. Have fun stocking up!

Christmas is over, which means my frantic rush to get all crafts done and out of my house is over as well.  My sisters received the gifts for my nieces and everyone was fond of the decoupage boxes and the knotted blankets (I have borrowed Sophie's knotted blanket several times already!).

The lids of the paper mache boxes were the most fun of all the Christmas crafts I put together.  Decoupaging is so much easier now than it ever has been in the past because there are so many stickers available thanks to all the scrappers and card makers out there (nearly no tiny detail cutting necessary).  In the photo here, I have two different sets of stickers shown, but I did use three different sets of stickers (all purchased at Michael's, a local craft store).  The vintage looking cards shown were cut from wrapping paper found at Hobby Lobby, another local craft store. 

Each lid made was different, but only slightly.  They all had the same ribbon around the edges and the same music paper, but the placement of the stickers and the cards are really the only differences.

Hi, there! I just want to start off this wonderful blog by welcoming you all! In case the little description isn't enough for you, this post is just more detailed information about what to expect me to post.

This blog is for all things sewing, knitting and crochet. I'll post about various projects I'm working and how you, too, can make those things. I'll also post my progress and final projects with tips on understanding that particular pattern (especially if I've made it up myself), things I found confusing, difficult, or uneccessary, things I found easy to understand, easy to do, or great embellishments.

I'll also try to find things in the news pertaining to these arts! Yep, every now and then special knit or crochet items make it in the fashion news.

To start you off, I'll give a brief list of projects I'm currently working on:

• Scarf for my niece (Christmas present)
• Mommy and Me blankets (for my husband's co-worker who is expecting his first child with his wife)
• Little Bear Blanket (for my son)
• Beefy Beanie (for one of my best friends)
• Pegasus Bag (for my other best friend)
• Many pairs of slippers (for various friends and family)

That's only the tip of the iceburg, too! Sound fun, though, huh?

So, be sure to keep an eye out for what might be your favorites because I'll be including free patterns and links to different sites with tools, tips and free patterns.

Nothing in the world like an afghan from Grandma. Sure they are a similar stitch you have seen before, but in Grandmas, you can see the love. Wrap it around you, and it feels like Grandma is giving you a hug. They are a treasure. I cherish every one she ever made for me. If this was a Grandma blog I could go on forever. She was awesome, and still is to me. I wish I knew how many she made over the years. I am sure the yarn could wrap around the earth at least twice.

Even after she passed, my new born children were brought home in their own "Grandma B" afghan. I remember crying in the hospital to my mom, after my 3rd child was born. (She died earlier that year.) Telling her how Michael won't be coming home wrapped in one. Well much to my surprise, Grandma, in her infinite wisdom, already had one made for him. She had it tucked away in the attic for me, just in case. I think I cried even more when I saw it. When I had #4, there was an afghan for him too. Apparently she made a few, just in case. She even had a box full of doilies made for me, for when I had a bigger house.

I can still see her sitting in her favorite chair, crocheting Barbie clothes for me. She would make me headbands to wear in my hair, ponchos, vests, booties and more. I thought they were the greatest things she ever made. I finally asked her one day to teach me. I must say, I didn't know Grandmas could lose patience with their sweet granddaughters so quickly. She kept telling me "No! not that way." and "Your stitch is to tight." She would rip out what I did and start it over. Her joy of passing along her craft was soon forgotten. I think she was thrilled when I gave up. She was able to relax and enjoy it again. Every afghan I ever started, she finished. I still have her crocheting needles someplace around here. When I find them, I am going to give it another shot. It wont be the same, since she isn't her to yell at me anymore, but I am determined to complete one on my own in her honor.

Her favorite pattern was "Birds of Paradise", as shown in this picture. She would crochet them in any color you wanted, usually two. I am having one heck of a time finding this pattern online. If anyone has a clue, please leave a comment I would love to see it.  Not being a crocheter, I am not sure what all her patterns were called. There was a zig zag, a clamshell, one with long rows and tassels. Many others too. Some of my favorite afghans were the ones that she made from all her left over yarn. Multi colored is an understatement. They ended up pretty funky looking.

She always used Red Heart yarn. She would save the label and search for a certain dye-lot when she needed more. Now I see they have "no dye-lot" yarn. She would have loved that. When she would give someone an afghan she would always include a Red Heart label so they would have the washing instructions. She always said Red Heart held up the best. You didn't get fuzz balls after washing it.

This post is more like a tribute to my Grammy. I couldn't help myself. The joy over the years with her is priceless. Now we have her heirlooms to enjoy and remember her with, and we can still feel her love. You all go out and crochet an afghan for someone special, so they have something to wrap themselves in when they want to have you near.  I think I just might go wrap myself in one now. Happy Holidays!

AP Bulletin out for Casanova Frosty:

Be on the lookout for a plump, frosty male, with orange nose, dark eyes and manic smile; was last seen wearing mittens, scarf and top hat. This wanted individual has been known to frequent areas with less than hospitable weather conditions. He is considered armed and dangerous as he frequently carries on his personage two thin sticks. Should you see this person, do not approach without proper winter attire, and call your local authorities.

You will need the following from your local arts and crafts supply store for your own Casanova Frosty. The directions follow:

• Polymer clay
• Polymer liquid clay
• Paint brush
• 20 gauge wire
• Clothespin
• Exacto knife
• Scrap fabric
• Toothpick
• Elmer Super glue
• Aluminum foil
• Glaze
• Large knitting needle

The following is recommended but not necessary:

•  Miniature cookie cutters
• Clay oven
• Pasta machine
• Powdered chalk

Make three descending-in-size balls of white or pearl Premo polymer clay. Take a toothpick, cut off the pointed ends and insert each ball of clay making sure the toothpick does not poke out of either the bottom or top of Casanova Frosty.

Using rounded miniature cookie cutters make two circles, one slightly larger than the other. Flatten, on a 5 or 6 setting on a pasta machine, a rounded ball of clay and cut a long rectangular piece, roll and fit between the two circles to form Frosty’s hat. Use a large knitting needle to form a hole at the bottom of the hat so as to fit on the snowman’s head.

Make Frosty’s face with various size round balls of black clay with orange for a nose. A scarf can be made following the instructions from Santa’s in the House. 

For Frosty’s belly, use a miniature heart cookie cutter on flattened Sculpey II clay on a six or higher setting on a pasta machine. His gloves are slightly flattened circles with two tiny circles for thumbs. Twenty gauge wire is perfect for Frosty’s arms.

Once complete, take the 20 gauge wire and poke a hole in the bottom of Frosty going as far into the clay as possible, remove and set aside for later use.

Use Polymer liquid clay for adhesive, powdered chalk for antiquing if desired, bake according to instructions.*

As Frosty is baking take a clothes pin and wrap 20 gauge wire around one side leaving plenty of overhang to re-insert in the bottom of Frosty, securing with super glue. Allow time for glue to dry than glaze as desired. Scrap fabric wrapped below Frosty is a perfect way to hide the 20 gauge wire.

Clip Frosty to curtain rods, attach to gift bags, use in flower arrangements, to hang your child's artwork, the possibilities are endless!

*Once again, this can be a large piece to fit inside a clay oven. Use aluminum foil around Frosty to keep him stable. If necessary, remove his hat to bake separately and super glue together once cool. And remember, don't box yourself in, make various winter-themed characters or start now on the next big holiday by making Valentine or St. Patrick's theme creations. Spring will be here before we know it, make butterflies, flowers, etc.

Of all of my holiday crafts this year, the ornaments were the simplest, but only because they were small and easy to manage.  The baby blankets took a bit more time but were mindless and could be done without looking once the material was trimmed and the fringe was cut.

I made three ornaments of each design, one set of three different ornaments for each of the girls (click the image for close up view).  I probably could have had them all finished in one night if I hadn't had to deal with a cranky, teething toddler.  All three designs are from the same fabric, which I purchased at Hobby Lobby (the closest local craft store with fabric).  Each design also has a different color ribbon and felt backing.  To finish off the ornaments, I used a hidden stitch.  These stitches allowed me to close up the pillow without anyone being able to see the seam (the best way to close a pillow, but must be done by hand).  It's very simple and for these ornaments was extremely quick work.

There is still one blanket left to complete, but that can be done at a later time since I'm not shipping it.  The two blankets being shipped just have to be wrapped and boxed now.  The fabric for the blankets was purchased at Hancock Fabrics (it was quite a large bag for enough fleece for three blankets!).  The only supplies necessary for this blanket are the fleece, safety pins (or straight pins, but safety pins are named "safety" for a reason), and scissors.  After finishing the blankets, I washed both using the gentle cycle, cold water, a little All Free & Clear, and Downy Vanilla Lavender fabric softener.  Normally I don't use fabric softener for baby items, but there was so much static electricity when making these blankets and since they're going to the Great White North where it is cold and heaters run all the time, I knew it would only get worse.  My sisters can wash the blankets again if they'd prefer there to be no fabric softener (although they smell and feel so wonderful now!).  Besides trying to make sure any and all dog hair had been removed (only important because both of my sisters have dogs), trying to remove a little of the static electricity (Static Guard stinks and I don't know how baby friendly it is), I also washed to remove the green fuzz balls from the fleece.  They are all over my living room and my clothes and my dog as well.  I was a little apprehensive about laying the blanket out on the guest bed for fear I'd have to vacuum the duvet cover in there, but not one green fuzz was found.

It feels so good to have finished objects.  One of these days I'll actually make something to keep, but all of these projects are gifts for my nieces and my daughter.  The baby blanket will probably see the most use, especially since one side has the alphabet on it and they're coming to the age (Sophie has almost learned her entire alphabet now, and she's the oldest of the three) where they love to learn and show what they've learned.  I just wish I could be there to watch them as they open their gifts.

Paper mache has not been appealing to me since I was a child, mainly because of the mess.  Thankfully, my local craft store carries a nice selection of already made paper mache boxes in various shapes and sizes.  I had a difficult time selecting the boxes for this particular Christmas project, but I think the boxes I picked will be perfect.

The purpose these boxes have is to serve as a decorative place for my nieces and my daughter to store the Christmas ornaments I make for them each year.  I know this isn't a gift that will excite three children under the age of two too much this year, but I hope someday they will appreciate it.  Of all my holiday crafts this year, this is by far my favorite.  I'm honestly pretty impressed I remembered how to decoupage since it's been years... and years.

Because these boxes needed to be shipped to a land far, far away, I didn't want them to be terribly enormous.  I also wanted them to fit under the Christmas tree if the girls decided they wanted to leave them out (years down the road when they're on their own, that is).  Because of their purpose, the boxes couldn't be too small, either.  I plan to make lots of ornaments through the years.

Firstly, I must warn all of my readers that decoupage is no laughing matter.  Quite plainly, the goopy white stuff is about as messy as it gets.  Various forms of glue may be messier, but decoupage is really just another type of glue with a fancy name to make it sound important.  Knowing this, I put newspaper on my work surface before doing any decoupaging (I was pretty certain my husband would frown on me decoupaging the dining room table, although given the right supplies, that could actually look pretty cool).  I made sure all my supplies were close at hand, and started measuring at cutting to get ready for the pasting.

A bit about the supplies.  I found two very beautiful Christmas wrapping papers at Hobby Lobby, along with the three paper mache boxes.  One of the papers was a line from a well known Christmas carol printed with the melody.  The other paper was a collection of vintage Christmas cards.  I am currently banned from buying more Christmas paper (we have one of the larger Rubbermaid tubs nearly filled with paper), but this paper had a purpose and was allowed without comment (thankfully - I adore the music paper!),  I also picked up the Mod Podge (decoupaging medium) while at Hobby Lobby.  Other items were purchased at a later time.

After laying out the newspaper, the first order of business was to cut enough of the music paper to fit around the bottoms of the boxes.   I tried decoupaging three different ways.  For the first box, using a tiny piece of tape, I secured the paper to the box, then glued the paper down using a thin line of Sobo craft glue.  I later decoupaged the entire outside of the box, but really only used the decoupage medium and not the actual technique of decoupaging.

The second box was decoupaged in the true sense of the word, but came out with many wrinkles I simply couldn't remove.  I really didn't like the way it turned out so for the third box I decided to paste down the paper with a little bit of the Mod Podge on the starter edge and then not use the paste again until the opposite edge.  Once secured, I then decoupaged over the box and it pretty much turned out the same as the first box.

I selected round boxes for this project, and round is not conducive to wrapping without a little creativity.  The paper I picked up has these marvelous grids on the back that made it extremely easy to do the majority of this project.  I took my little Scotch paper cutter (seriously, this is one of my favorite wrapping tools in the history of convenient tools) and cut strips about an inch wide all the way around the box, top and bottom (click the photo to enlarge).  I then decoupaged each individual strip (two at a time) and pasted them to the box.  On the bottom of the box, they overlapped a bit to create a circle.  After I had these strips pasted down is when I decoupaged the bottom of the box.

Once all three of the bottoms were done, I started on the tops.  I had to find a circle in my house large enough to act as a template.  I found a Christmas platter that was a bit too large, but better than anything else I found.  All of my pots and pans (even the big stock pots) were just a smidgen too small.  Once the circles were traced, I spread the Mod Podge all over the top surface of the box lid.  I flipped it carefully to place it roughly in the center of the paper I had laid out.  I had to fight the curling (it's possible to see a bit of the curling in the photo, especially once the strips are cut), which made the process a bit of a challenge. 

The grid guidelines were the most helpful when doing the bottom of the box, but I was still able to use them a bit for this portion of the cutting.  I cut the paper into fourths around the edge and then split each of those fourths in half, and so on, until I had fairly even strips (all eyeballed, no measuring for something like this) all the way around.  Going back and forth between sections instead of trying to go around in a circle is pretty much what kept my strips close to even.  Since the platter was just a bit too large for the template, I trimmed the excess from the lid prior to decoupaging with my trusty little Exacto knife after folding the strips into place.  I spread the Mod Podge on two strips at a time, folding each strip carefully over the edge of the box as I went along.  It took a while, but the end result was worth it.  Of course, it wound up being hidden mostly by one of the finishing touches I added later.

Because baking, cleaning, and sleep are all calling my name quite loudly, I must stop here for the night.  Please, stay tuned for the continuation of the decoupaged paper mache boxes.   All three have been completed and all three are slightly different.  There will be plenty of pictures to share.  Also, don't forget to check back for pictures of the finished ornaments as well as the finished no-sew knotted fleece blankets.

Here is a quick and easy craft for all ages. My cousin received one from a friend. I thought it was adorable. Her friend was making them for the Veterans that she visits. She made them in patriotic colors, I believe. The one I saw was made in blue with silver accents. She also had a little note, thanking the Veterans for their service. It was tucked in the bottom loop of the angel. These men and women are truly Angels to us, everyday of the year, not just Christmas. Volunteering for them is a great thing to do. Many Veterans Hospitals can use help, especially around the Holidays.

Well after checking out the angel, I came up with my own way to make it. Very simple, which I like. She sewed a few stitches in the ribbon to keep it together. I don't sew. Give me a glue gun and I rock! I have hot glued hems and ducked taped rips in jeans before. Don't get me wrong, I do sew some things and I do own a sewing machine. (My daughter uses it as a television stand in her room.) I just prefer not too use it. With a little patience, a pipe cleaner, and a glue gun, I had the angel finished in under 5 minutes. No sewing involved.  

You can make the angels in any color you chose. There are so many options considering all the types of ribbon out there. The best to use, no matter the color, would be a wired edge ribbon, about 2.5" wide. This helps the angel to hold its shape. You can also decorate it by adding a little floral touch right at the neck or a small bow.

You can hang them on trees or use as gift tags. I will be using them as napkin rings this year for Christmas Eve dinner. I will slip the napkin through the bottom loop and stand them on their plate. Everyone can take one home with them as a little gift. They also make great magnets for the refrigerator. I figured that one out when I stuck a magnet in her skirt to hold it while I took the picture. See, ideas just pop in your head.

I always begin by laying out my supplies and tools. This makes me laugh because it is the only time I am ever organized in my life. There is nothing worse than having to stop in the middle of working on a craft to get something. That drives me crazy.

Supplies:

Ribbon (large and small)

Small glass ornaments

Pipe cleaners

Small floral picks

Tools:

Glue gun

Scissors

I begin measuring and cutting my ribbon. You can make them as big or as small as you like. It's up to you. I made the body 10" and the wings 11". The first thing to do is to make a loop for the body, pinch the two ends together, place a dab of glue in there and wrap it with one end of the pipe cleaner to secure it.

Next, take the piece of ribbon for the wings and overlap it, then pinch the center, and again add a dab of glue, then wrap the pipe cleaner around the wings to secure them to the body. You can follow these steps in the pictures below.

We then add the head, the small glass ornament. Put some glue at the base of the ball by its neck and stick it where the wings and body meet. Wrap the pipe cleaner around the neck once, leaving the pipe cleaner end up in the back. When the head is secure you then take the remaining pipe cleaner and make a loop, then position this over the ball as a halo.

Final step is decorating. You can make a small bow and cover the neck to give it a finished look. I like to add a small floral pick under the bow. I always have to go one step further, I'm to fussy sometimes. Have fun with this part. The little touches make it your own. Everyone will love these and think it took you forever.

With a little guidance children can help make these too. They would be great for arts and crafts in school. The directions are easy enough for them too. Kids love to make things as gifts. They are so proud when you make a fuss over them.

Remember, everything I have made so far can be used for almost every holiday. All you need to do is change the color or theme. These angels would make great Easter gifts, or even favors for a wedding or baby shower. Share your ideas in a comment. I would love to hear what you are doing with them. Happy angel making!

I have a confession to make; it’s sad and embarrassing. So here goes, I will simply say it and be done with it, the sooner it is off my shoulders the better.

      *cough, cough*

      “Hello, my name is Beth, mother of two, and I have no ability, whatsoever, to wrap gift  gifts; birthday, Christmas, wedding, etc., none, zip and nada.”

I can take a roll of decorative paper, a dozen tape dispensers and one child’s scissors and at some point, hours later, there will be a heap of items resembling wrapped gifts. An entire roll of tape has been used, each gift has mushy corners with indiscriminate bumps and rolls across what should be a smooth surface and did I mention an entire roll of tape is used in the process?

I don’t understand it. I’ve two perfectly working opposable thumbs. I have studied gifts received with reverent awe. I have carefully watched my husband, yes, THE hub, wrap gifts with expert ease.  I come from a long line of women who wrap with perfection, albeit that they have a tendency to leave price tags on everything, but who cares amongst the smart, sharply wrapped corners and perfectly tied bows?

Yet, here I sit so close to Christmas, a mother of two, breathing deep into a paper bag as I prepare myself for the inevitable catastrophe that will soon be lumped under the family Christmas tree.  

So, for my sisters out there in the world, somewhere, wherever and whoever you should be, that also find themselves stricken with such inability as to wrap something as simple as a toy truck, a small doll or even, a bowling ball. I’m here for you, I sympathize and hey, there’s always the fabric gift bag to turn to for Christmas gifts.

You will need to following from your local arts and crafts supply store:

• Fabric scraps of various sizes
• Sewing thread, needle, and/or sewing machine
• Scissors
• Decorative garland, ribbon, string, etc.
• Tissue paper
• Safety pin

Depending on how big the gift will determine the size of your fabric gift bags. For me, I made several small bags for the Christmas ornaments made for the girls’ teachers at my blog entry Santa’s in the House.

Before seam allowance my bag measured a little over 11 inches in length, six wide, allowing extra length not only for seam but for turning over at the tops for looping ribbon. Use the gift as a guide for how large a square to cut. I suggest folding fabric, with the bottom of the bag running along the fold.

Once you have your fabric folded cut with like sides together and iron, then fold the top three to four inches back, iron flat.

I sew the top folds first, leaving enough room for the ribbons, strings, etc. that you plan to use as drawstrings to close the bag. Use your finger as a guide, one finger width is great, two is much safe.

Make sure that when you next sew up the sides you do not sew the top folds for the drawstrings.

Once sewing is complete turn right side out, iron if needed and string ribbon, garland, string or all three through the top folds. A safety pin is a great way to get ribbon through the folds. Fill bottom of bag with tissue or shredded paper, then your gift, and pull close.

Simple, easy, recyclable, and no tape required, though opposable thumbs is still recommended!

Don’t forget your gift tags and remember, I’m here for you!

 

I am currently unable to share images but will be posting pictures as soon as this is resolved. 

My holiday crafts are coming right along.  The Christmas ornaments for the girls are completed.  I have one blanket finished and two left to knot.  The paper mache  boxes were started last night and are looking good.  I have to work on the tops today.  Sophie and I picked up some supplies at our local craft store yesterday to add to the tops of the boxes and I can't wait to get them finished. 

In the rest of my Christmas world, the baking is well under way.  I haven't started the cards yet.  I am waiting on one package before sending off my box of gifts (as well as finishing up a blanket and two boxes).  Things are starting to come together but my house is starting to fall apart!  I am leaving B in charge of gifts for his father and brother, so I don't have to worry about that, at least.

Because I am not with my family this Christmas and everyone will be at my parents' house on Christmas Eve, I called the local florist to have a fresh flower arrangement sent to my mother.  I know Linda (she's been our florist for years - my mother used to babysit her daughter, and I tutored her daughter... all years and years ago) will do an excellent job with the arrangement.

Once Christmas is over, I'll be able to work on my knitting and hopefully finish up the baby blanket I started... in January of last year (yes, I feel shame).  It's probably about half done, but if I'm not careful, my niece will be graduated by the time she receives it!  I would like to knit Sophie another scarf since I wound up giving hers away by accident.  I don't remember the pattern I used (I made it up) but I still have the yarn I used (Misty Alpaca, if I recall correctly - very soft and cozy) so I should be able to come up with something.  I might make a hat to match.  I think I'm ready to knit another purse and felt it.  Perhaps I can make a bag big enough to be a diaper bag.  I might even take the time to try my hand at crochet again.  I really just need to master my tension.  However, the baby blanket must be finished first!!

Pictures will be forthcoming as soon as I am able to upload again.  I can't wait to show off the decoupaged paper mache boxes!  For now, back to baking and blanket knotting!!

I am writing a few tips for crafters that do shows. These are a few of the things I like to do, to keep up with the competition. They are simple but sometimes forgotten.

• Don't get stuck in a rut. Don't only make things you like. Not everyone shares your tastes. To be productive and profitable, you have to think of what others may like. For instance, I made this wreath. I threw it together with scraps I had laying around. I took it to a craft show and it was the first thing I sold. I wouldn't want it for free. I was shocked. The best part was, the woman who purchased it asked me to hold it for her for a bit. So I put a sold tag on it and kept it on my display. Would you believe I received two more orders for that nasty thing and had to go dig for stuff to make it again. So, in short you never know what people will like. You have to be versatile and willing to try new things. 

• Pay attention to new yearly styles and ideas. I like to browse magazines and even store flyers for new ideas. Some of my best sellers were things I saw in magazines, and I would say "Hey I can make that!". Then I would make it for much less and make a great profit. There is nothing wrong with seeing something someone else has made and then making it yourself. You put your own twist in it. It is like receiving a recipe. No matter how many times you make, it will always be a little different each time, and it never tastes like the original.

• You really need to update your inventory. Selling the same thing year after year gets old quick. You have return customers who are looking for that special item that they know only you can make. They tend to find a liking to your style and creativity. They get excited when they know a show is coming up. They can't wait to see what you'll have this time. You can still keep your best sellers around. New customers are always browsing. Try making something that you usually wouldn't tackle, like crochet a baby blanket or knit a scarf. Both of those items would be a challenge for me. It would also keep you from being bored doing the same holiday crafts over and over.

• Another tip for shows, always be courteous and smile. Talk with your customers. It lets them know you care about them and appreciate them. They will come back time after time if you are friendly. Help them find the best gift for someone, or help them in selecting a piece that will suit them. I have had customers like a certain piece but wanted it in another color. I would offer to make it for them and deliver it with in the week. They love the personal service and the care you give them. They are more likely to  tell friends and family about that beautiful floral arrangement you made, when you  are nice to them. Customer service is key to having a great business.

All this crafting, and writing about it, is really getting me in the mood to do shows again. If I decide to embark on this endeavor again, I will need to find some shows to participate in. Some shows are easy to get in. For instance, local schools and charitable organizations do them as fund raisers. They are easy to get in because they are not always juried. They are usually on a first come first serve basis. The larger juried craft shows can be tough. The organization hosting it will basically judge your work on originality, creativity, and presentation. It usually costs more to be in this type of show, but it is worth it. They tend to draw in a larger crowd and you have the potential for greater profits.

One of my favorite art and craft shows to attend (shop) is the "Christmas in the Country"  arts and crafts show in Hamburg, New York. It is spectacular. I was in heaven walking through it. They hold over 400 vendors in 3 different buildings. You need to make a day of it to enjoy everything they have to offer. I never applied for this show (yet) but I know there is a waiting list. I think I should start out small, don't want to be overwhelmed. 

For some great craft show information. You should check out the Sunshine Artist Magazine.They give tons of information that every crafter should read, especially if you are doing this as a business. I find it very helpful and full of information. I enjoy reading the reviews for the art and craft shows, and scanning the listings of show dates. If you have any questions for me please leave a comment. I would love to help if I can. Have fun crafting and selling!

Husbands sure are a distracted bunch. Is it really that hard for them to look away from the television or the computer long enough to answer, “Does this outfit make me look fat?”

I mean, honestly, what kind of response is a half-hearted grunt coupled with a, “I don’t know.” shrug?

I expected a little more than that when asking for his opinion on what to call my latest Christmas crafting project. But my husband’s response was nothing, not a word, not a peep, not so much as a knitted brow, or roll of eyes.

So fine, be that way, dear. I’ll just call it the, “The Wand-of-Something” and be happy with it.

I guess. 

Fair warning though to the hub, when our next child is born and I sign his birth certificate Bartholomew Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, don’t say I didn’t ask for your feedback. You grunted in reply, so I took that as a yes.

For your own Wand-of-Something for yourself, as a Christmas gift or to keep the kids busy during a snow day follow these easy instructions that combine my love of sculpting, working with wood, fabrics and beads.

You will need the following from your local arts and craft supply store:

• Wood dowel (3/8 x 36 cut in half)
• Polymer clay
• Liquid clay
• Paint brush
• Elmer’s super glue
• Electric tape
• Steel jump rings
• Scrap fabric, ribbon and/or yarn

Recommended but not necessary:

• Clay oven
• Knitting needles
• Tiny glass beads
• 32 gauge wire
• Various sterling silver beads
• Powdered chalk
• Glitter paint
• Aluminum foil
• Exacto knife

For this entry I’m going to show you how to make a very simple Wand-of-Something Cupcake. But don’t box yourself in a corner, wood dowels are very inexpensive, have fun and make dozens of everything imaginable!

Steps on making a cupcake can be seen on my previous blog entry for the Treat Tree.

The only difference is the size of the cupcake, which top and bottom measure close to the diameter of a half dollar. Once your cupcake is made, make a slight indention on the bottom with the dowel; set aside.

Your cupcake is going to need a base to assist in the later attachment to the dowel. Take a ball of clay and make a long snake and then coil it gently around the top of the dowel. Do not wrap tightly, this is just to get a proper fitting. Once the snake is coiled about the dowel paint liquid clay on top and fit the cupcake over top. Now gently press the cupcake and coil together, just enough to stick, and then pull both off the dowel.

On a protected surface further press the cupcake and coil gently together, and then add as many jump rings as you wish to the back of your cupcake. The jump rings will be used to add fabric, ribbons and other notions to complete the Wand-of-Something in a later step.

A great way to add dimension to your clay work is by using powdered chalks. Gold is a great way to give your clay piece an antique look. I have lightly brushed gold colored chalk to various areas of the cupcake and coil.

Use liquid clay to further secure coil, cupcake, jump rings and cherry top.

Set aside.

Take another ball of clay, the diameter of a quarter or less and fit on the end of the dowel. Push as far as you can without sending the dowel through the clay and remove. Re-roll the clay gently in your hands and refit. Do these steps repeatedly until you have a nice round shape and decent fit to the end of the dowel.

Bake all clay pieces according to instructions.*

Once the cupcake and single clay ball is completely cooled, decorate with paints and glaze as desired.

While waiting for the paints and glaze to dry take the dowel and wrap 4 to 5 inches of one end with electrical tape. Leave a quarter of an inch or so exposed dowel at the very tip so that you can super glue the single baked clay ball at this end. Allow to dry.

Next turn the cupcake upside down and drop as much super glue as you feel necessary to coat the coil (but don’t drown it) then immediately attach it to one end of the dowel. Be sure the cupcake is secure and straight. Allow time to dry.

Now you are free to add strips of fabric, ribbons or beaded gauge wire to the jump rings in the back or further decorate the cupcake as you so desire. The possibilities are endless!

* Because this is such a tall piece be careful when baking. Make sure clay doesn’t hit any of the cooking elements inside the oven. Also, you may need to use aluminum foil as props against the cupcake to keep from having any flat spots or from sliding off the coil. If you simply cannot get the piece to stand while inside the oven, separate the coil and cupcake, bake and when cool super glue the two pieces together. Another tip, if the coil will not fit on the end of the dowel after baking use an Exacto knife to chisel away some of the clay, but please do so with extreme care!

Hello fellow crafters! Just a short note to let you know about some sales. This is my favorite time to shop for craft supplies and decorating needs. The week before Christmas you can find, in every craft store, 50% sales, at the least. Sometimes they reduce it even more depending on the size of their stock and how much they want to move it out.

I like to start planning for next year's crafting. I know I will always need ribbon, wreaths, and florals. That is where I begin. If I wait until after Christmas for bigger sales, I usually miss out on the good stuff. I buy just about anything I think I can use. Sometimes it might just be an item that is pretty, and I figure out what to do with it later. You never know, the ideas just pop in your head at times.

Featured sales this week at Joanns include gift wrap & accessories, ribbon & bows, indoor & outdoor decor, trim-a-tree, partyware, floral and candles. Prices range from $.24 to $99.99. Prices effective until December 24th. You can find these on line. Click Joann's right here and it will take you to their home page. Hit the Weekly Sales Flyer. Type in your zip code, two flyers should pop up, a regular one and Christmas.

Michael's online add takes a little more navigating. Again you need to use your zipcode. I found the sales under seasons and celebrations. Their Christmas items are also 50% off. However there is an extended list of 70% off items for Christmas which include wreaths and garlands and ribbons and more. This sale will be on until December 24th.

A.C. Moore's, found in eastern United States, is also having their Christmas items at 50%-70% off. You can find this information by clicking the little box right at the top of their site. Items include Christmas floral, berries, bushes, wreaths, swags, trees and ribbons. Prices effective until December 22nd.

The stores listed above are the local stores for me. I also shop at my local Kmart, Walmart, Lowes and Sam's Club. They have Christmas sections with great crafting items too. Also, don't forget, dollar stores in the area.  You can find some nifty items  there for only a buck!

As you can see I love to shop for craft supplies. I get around. It's like harvesting crops in the fall. It does save time and money for the following year. Shopping now also lets you begin crafting for next Christmas Season ahead of time. I like to start during the summer and fall. This is a great idea for crafters that do shows. They can build up their stock a little at a time without being rushed. I was a procrastinator. I always waited until last minute and would spend days with little sleep. I learned. A few times I remember sleeping in my van while my mom worked my stand. (Moms are great!)

So go grab a buddy (usually my mom), stop for lunch, and shop 'til you drop!

I really wish I had taken the time to get progress pictures today while making the latest of my Christmas crafts.  First, a little back story:  My family (sisters and parents) has decided to draw names for Christmas this year.  Along with drawing names, each person actually made a wish list that was emailed to everyone because we're keeping the names secret until Christmas.  This pretty much stinks for me since I live so far away and don't get to share in the fun on Christmas Eve when they're all together, but it makes it easier since I just have one set of people for whom to buy gifts (we decided to draw couples and then buy for the family or the individual, buyer's choice).

Some of the choices we all put on our wish lists were gift cards.  Since gift cards travel well, this is what our giftees will be receiving.  One of the cards came in a nifty little box that pops the card out of the opposite side that's being opened.  I didn't want the other recipient to feel left out, so I decided to make a quick gift card holder.  It isn't anything fancy by any stretch of the imagination, but it turned out very well, better than I expected, even.

Today, I sewed my first cuffed mitten without a pattern.  The gift card fits in the mitten perfectly.  I'm still rather amazed I managed to do this without any sort of instructions, to be perfectly honest.  I wish I had taken the time to take notes while making the mitten since I would be able to write my own directions then.  I'm pretty impressed with myself for figuring this out, however, I'm slightly annoyed with myself for second guessing my original design since I think I created extra work for myself.  It's all part of learning, I know.

I think my sewing machine hates me now, though.  I used fuzzy felt and it was pretty thick going through the feeder.  Some of the fuzz wanted to catch every now and then, but for the most part I made it through without too many problems.  What's even more amazing about the entire project is that my seam actually managed to remain even!  Yay, me!  My sewing is improving!  Now I need to remember how to thread the silly thing so I can change the color of the thread.  Thank heavens for the manual!

I really do wish I could be there for the recipient to open this gift.  I think it will be much better received now that there is a little gift card holder made by yours truly, or at least I hope that's the case.