Bits of Me

Show Me St.Louis Christmas Crafts!!

2011-12-16T12:00:00.002-06:00

Hard to believe that it's time for the holiday crafts for Show Me St.Louis!

I'd like to give a special thank you to my generous sponsor...HandBEHG Felts! Tami is not only a generous sponsor...she is one talented gal herself!

I would encourage you to visit her website, sign up to receive her emails and then go shop shop shop! The felted balls are so fun to work with and I've only touched on the very tip top of what you can do with them!

Christmas NOEL Shadowbox

Designer: Julia Sandvoss

www.thecraftmom.blogspot.com

Supplies:

GlueArts Glue Glider PRO+ PermaTac Adhesive

GlueArts Extreme Adhesive Squares

GlueArts U Cut It Foam (www.gluearts.com)

HandBEGH Felted Balls Size 1.5cm and 2cm assorted (www.handbeghfelts.com)

Cricut Expression2 Diecut Machine and Alphabet Essentials Cartridges

Crate Paper Peppermint Papers, Stickers & Chipboard

The Twinery Baker’s Twines

Black Shadowbox

Colorbox Inks

May Arts Ribbons

Instructions:

1) Select the papers or felt colors you would to use for the letters. Hand cut or use a diecut machine, such as the Cricut Expression 2, to cut the letters. These letters were cut between 5 and 7 inches in size. Some other suggested word choices…Wish, Cheer, Love, JOY, Peace, Family…just adjust the letter size to fit inside the shadowbox.

2) Next adhere the letters using the Glue Glider Pro to the background of the shadowbox. Cut out pieces of U Cut It Foam and adhere to the backside of the inked chipboard ornaments. Attach the end of the twine to the foam before adhering to back of frame. Be sure to select various ornaments or embellishments for the depending on the word you chose. Remember embellishments work best in odd numbers.

3) Select your colors of HandBEGH (www.handbeghfelts.com) felted balls and place those randomly into the bottom of the shadowbox. Adjust them to sit how you prefer with the word background. Then close up the box.

4) Next add a bit of holiday ribbon to the right corner and finish off with a beautiful layered sticker.

Tip…this craft was made to coordinate with my holiday décor…you can alter the look just by changing the color scheme, frame color and more. You can make this type of wall art for any theme too, occasion and size…well almost any size!

Burlap & Sparkle Mesh Trees

Designer: Julia Sandvoss

Supplies:

GlueArts Extreme Adhesive Squares

GlueArts Hot Glue Gun (www.gluearts.com)

HandBEGH Felts Felted Balls 1.5cm and 2cm assorted colors (www.handbeghfelts.com)

Silver Beads

Silver Pins

Burlap

The Twinery's Bakers Twines

Paper Mache Cone Tree

Mesh Tree (found at Marshall's)

Instructions for Mesh Sparkle Tree:

This one is so easy..it's almost silly! Simply adhere felt balls onto tree using GlueArts Extreme Adhesive Squares. Then pin beads right onto balls....it's THAT quick, simple and yet absolutely beautiful when done!

Instructions for Burlap Tree:

1) Wrap burlap around cone tree. Trim off any extra fabric. Hot glue onto paper mache base...tuck bottom fabric into base of cone and secure with hot glue.

2) Next using HandBEHG felted balls in 1cm and 1.5 cm... string onto baker's twine. String them in various sizes and colors (or in specific colors as HandBEHG felts offers just about every color of the rainbow!!)

3) Next wrap baker's twine around tree (without balls) for added color. Then add strung garland around tree. Secure the ends with a touch of hot glue.

Consider a trio of trees as everything looks best in groups of 3! Make different sizes...cover an entire tree with the HandBEGH felt balls...all one color or multiple colors...have fun!!

Please check back in tomorrow for more of today's crafts featured on KSDK's Show Me St.Louis!!

Merry Christmas!! (and happy crafting from the Craft Mom!)

Rolled Paper Christmas Tree Canvas

2011-12-10T09:52:00.000-06:00

Rolled Paper Christmas Tree Canvas

Designer: Julia Sandvoss

Supplies:

Glue Arts Glue Glider Pro+ Perma Tac, 3d Combo Pac,

GlueArts Extreme Adhesive Squares and Micro Adhesive Squares

Authentique “Wonder” Paper, Diecut & Sticker Collection

Colorbox Chalk Inks: Warm Red, Creamy Brown, Teal and Moss Green

Canvas 10 by 14 (Hobby Lobby)

Core-dinations Cardstock

Ranger Stickles

Maya Road Mists Spray & Pins

Epiphany Crafts Studio Shape Star Tool & Star Bubble Caps

Making Memories Assorted Holiday Embellishments

Tree Instructions:

1) Begin by choosing a variety of patterned papers and solid cardstock colors. You can mix and match brands however to try to stay within the same color families for the best look. Cut strips of paper approximately 1 1/2 inches wide by 12 inches long. Use a pencil or dowel to help roll the papers.

Begin rolling the papers and secure with a strip of either GlueArts Perma Tac adhesive or use Extreme Adhesive Squares. Continue to roll about 16 to 18 papers in a variety of prints and solids.

2) Next ink the rolled papers to give a finished look to the edges. Then lay out the rolled papers and decide which print and solids you like in which order. Once you have laid them out as you like…it’s time to start working on the canvas.

3) Place the rolled papers onto the canvas allowing a space at the bottom for a trunk. Once you’ve laid them out…it’s time to trim the papers making each one just a bit shorter as you work your way to the tip top of the tree. Keep in mind, you can use some of the rolled pieces you’ve cut off for the top pieces of the tree. Or…hold onto your scraps and make a small tree shaped ornament later!

4) Once the entire tree has been laid out and cut to size…it’s time to adhere to the canvas using the GlueArts Extreme Adhesives Squares. Apply a square or two to the backside of the papers and press down onto the canvas working your way to the top of the tree.

5) Next it’s time to decorate the tree with diecuts, felt embellishments, stickers and more! Use the GlueArts U Cut It Foam to add dimension and depth to the embellishments so they lift off the tree just a bit. Have fun with this step…this is where it really comes together.

6) Add a hand cut trunk and decorative edge cut from one of the papers for the trunk of the tree. Add a few sprays of the Maya Road Mists to canvas for a light color. Finish off with Epiphany Crafts Stars with Bubble Caps tops for a shiny addition.

Enjoy!!

Shhh...Sneak Peek of our Christmas Card!

2011-11-30T22:14:00.000-06:00

Stationery card

View the entire collection of cards.

Shhh...Sneak Peek of our Christmas Card!

2011-11-30T21:13:00.002-06:00

Stationery card

View the entire collection of cards.

Fall Necklace and Card Set

2011-11-23T15:39:00.000-06:00

Wow...life just flies by when you blog and coordinate design team and social media for two companies.

Leaves me with little time and interest to post on my blog. Which makes me just a bit sad as I love blogging and chatting...so I need to find a way to make it all work somehow!!

I wanted to share this new gift set I made! (I've really been enjoying jewelry making for a change of pace!)

It's actually a thank you set for Haley for helping out once again while I was in Atlanta visiting GlueArts and the Altered Angel store in Alpharetta, Georgia! (fun store!)

Supplies:

GlueArts Glue Glider PRO & PRO+ PermaTac Adhesive

GlueArts U Cut It Foam

GlueArts Extreme Mini Squares

Imaginisce Happy Harvest Collection

Epiphany Crafts Studio Shape Tool Round 14 & Bubble Caps

Fiskars Border Punch

EK Success Border Punch & Corner Rounder

Colorbox Chalk Inks

Ribbon

Copper Links

Owl Charm

Blue Moon Beds

Copper Necklace

And Thanksgiving is tomorrow...thankful for my house looking ever so nice decorated in the fall decor. I feel fortunate to have one of those homes that transforms so well from holiday to holiday. Right now..it looks great..but wait till the Christmas decorations come out...then I'll be singing a new tune!

Tomorrow we're looking forward to a holiday breakfast then to a movie..which is our Thanksgiving Tradition. This year's movie to please everyone as Scott ruled out the Muppets is..

..then back home for dinner and games!

We're thankful this year for our home, our jobs, our kids, our pets..Peso.. and our new Boston Terrier ..Lira. We're also thankful for an amazing vacation this summer that captured this picture of our family!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Snake Frame Halloween Craft

2011-10-21T12:33:00.003-05:00

***PAGE down FOR Halloween NECKLACES to yesterday's post!!***

Time for another craft as seen on this week's Show Me St.Louis!

This one...is kind of gross and definitely creepy!

But the thing I love most is...it's super super simple!!

Supplies:

Frame (looked for frames on clearance that have scratches and dings..they're perfect for this!)
Clearsnap Smooches Spray Mists
Rubber snakes
Black spray paint
GlueArts Hot Glue Gun
Sandpaper

Instructions:

1) Start by spray painting the frame. Kids can help...if spray painting is not an option...give them some paint and a brush and set them off painting. Spray paint snakes too!

2) After dry sand some of the edges to roughen it up.

3) Use hot glue gun to glue snakes around frame.

4) Clearsnap Smooches Spray Mists are perfect for this! Spray frame and glass and allow to dry for a lovely....err gross frame.

5) Finish off with one of your finest photos!!

Halloween Necklaces For Sale

2011-10-20T18:46:00.006-05:00

I've had quite a few requests to buy the jewelry people have seen me wearing...so I thought I would show all the ones I have available to purchase.

Please email me at Buzybunny@gmail.com with any questions!

1) Pumpkin Necklace $12 SOLD!!

Includes 16 inch chain bead chain with reversible Halloween pendant. Reverses from pumpkin to witches hat. Also includes a dimensional pumpkin chair and coordinating bead charm.

2) Witch/Cat Necklace $10 SOLD!!

Includes a 16 inch mini ball chain with round witch pendant. Also includes a cat charm and coordinating bead charm.

3) Green Spider Necklace $10 SOLD!!!!

Includes a 16 inch black cord chain with round spider pendant. Also includes a ghost charm and fun pumpkin charm. Optional to change to mini bead ball chain for $2 additional charge.

4) Purple Glass Ghost Necklace $14 **SOLD**

Includes a glass pendant set on a silver bail, bat charm and a beaded charm. Strung on a 16 inch ribbon and leather cord with adjustable clasp extending to 18 inches. Optional to change to mini bead ball chain.

5) Green Glass Ghost Necklace $14 SOLD!!!

Includes a 16 inch mini bead ball chain. Rectangle glass pendant set on a silver bail with ghost charm and a beaded charm.

6) Purple Spider Necklace & Ring Set $15 SOLD!!!!!

Includes a 16 inch mini bead ball chain, small bottlecap style spider pendant with a bead charm that includes a Frankenstein charm. To coordinate an adjustable ring with the matching spider design.

7) Orange Spider Necklace $12

Includes a 16 inch mini ball chain with round spider pendant. Also includes a skeleton round charm and fun moon charm.

8) Brushed Silver Pumpkin Necklace $12 SOLD!!!

Includes a 16 inch brushed nickel snake chain, reversible pendant with different pumpkin faces, round charm with spider and beaded charm. Optional to chose 16 inch mini bead ball chain.

9) Witch/Moon Necklace $10 SOLD!!!

Includes a 16 inch mini ball chain with round witch pendant. Also includes a moon charm and coordinating bead charm.

10) Tombstone Necklace $15 SOLD!!!!!!!!!

Includes an adjustable ribbon/cord chain that adjusts from 18-20 inches, a large skeleton/tombstone pendant, coordinating October 31st pendant and bead charm.

11) Fall Pumpkin Necklace $12

Includes an 18 inch copper mini bead ball chain necklace, the cute pumpkin pendant and a bead charm.

13) Spider Web Necklace $12

Includes a 16 inch mini bead ball chain necklace, reversible spider web to spider pendant, bottlecap spider pendant and a skeleton cameo pendant.

I am also very happy to mail these to you first class!! If you need a longer chain too...just let me know! Please please don't hesitate to drop me an email with any questions!!

Happy Halloween!!!!!!!!!!!

Halloween Haunted Birdhouse Craft

2011-10-18T18:34:00.000-05:00

This one might just be my favorite from the Show Me St.Louis crafts!

Not sure why...other then I like that it's completely changeable right back to a beautiful candle holder and yet can quickly be changed to this spooky birdhouse!!

Supplies:

Metal candleholder/birdhouse (mine was purchased at Hobby Lobby)
Halloween picks
Black Crow
Red Stickles
GlueArts Extreme Adhesive Squares
Martha Stewart Stickers
Spanish Moss (a must have item!)
Cobwebs

Instructions:

1) Super super easy.... tuck some Halloween picks into holder. I chose some black glittery leaves with bats for some fun! Then tuck some spanish moss over the picks into the bottom of the candleholder.

2) Add Red Stickles to the eyes of the crow for glitter and shimmer. Tuck crow into spanish moss.

3) Use GlueArts Adhesive Squares to adhere Martha Stewart "blood dripping" sticker to inside of glass. Add spider stickers to both sides of glass in same spot.

4) Last go to town with cobwebs!

Easy peasy and looks amazing!!!

October Show Me St.Louis Craft Ideas

2011-10-17T17:34:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone!

Thanks so much if you tuned into today's show!

This is by far one of my favorite shows to do each year given my love for all things Halloween!

Our house is definitely a fun place to stop at Halloween. We decorate inside and out and well...it's just fun!

Here's the spotlighted craft for today...Graffiti Wall Art!

It's very easy to do...and can be made for any holiday, themes...you name it! Just have fun with it!

Halloween Graffiti Wall Art

Supplies:

GlueArts Glue Glider PRO+ PermaTac Adhesive

GlueArts Extreme Adhesive Squares

GlueArts Accent It All Vinyl: Blackout, Whiteout, Goin’ Green, Plum Crazy, Pumpkin Patch

(available online at http://www.gluearts.com/accentitall.html)

Cricut Expression2 Diecut Machine

Cricut October 31^st, Happy Haunting and Alphabet Essentials Cartridges

Martha Stewart Halloween Stickers

Canvas

Black Spray Paint

1) Select the size canvas or background for your graffiti. Mine had a background design so I simply spray - painted the front to a solid black.

2) Next list out the words or designs you would like to cut out for the word art. Be sure to select various fonts and designs for the words so you have a variety of styles. Alphabet stickers would also work well!

3) Select your color of vinyl and cut designs using die cut machine. If you don’t have a machine, consider hand cutting, cutting designs from papers, out of magazines and more!

4) Next working from the middle of the canvas out, start placing your words and designs..filling in the spaces with bits and pieces to make a fun graffiti word art.

Tip…this craft was made to coordinate with my children’s bathroom shower curtain and accessories. You can make this type of wall art for any theme, occasion, size…the skies the limit!

Glass Skeleton Jar

Supplies:

Spanish Moss

Glittered Skeleton (purchased at Michael's Craft Stores)

Glass Jar (HomeGoods)

Martha Stewart Halloween Spider Sticker

Plastic roaches

Twine

Pink Paislee tag

1) This is an easy and quick decoration that looks great in a set of three. Look for unique glass jars at stores such as Home Goods, Marshall's and TJ Maxx. Try to select three different size and style jars to fill with goodies.

2) Simply add in spanish moss (please note..it's very mess so work over a surface or newspaper) Tuck in your skeleton bones and roaches. Tie a tag around jar and add a few more bones at the foot of the jar. It's just that easy.

Designer Tip...for other jars add skeleton heads, spray painted black snakes or bugs, larger bones...you name it. Want it cute versus gross...then have each jar hold pumpkins, candy, suckers, gummy eyeballs and all that fun stuff!!

Be sure to stop in tomorrow as I'll show more ideas from today's Show Me St.Louis craft segment!

The Perfect Handmade Gift!

2011-09-19T12:42:00.000-05:00

What's your definition of the perfect gift?

Is it store bought?

Wrapped beautifully?

What about handmade?

Today's project is handmade and yes...we'd like to say wrapped beautifully!!! It started with the idea of making a gift box filled with handmade cards suitable for all occasions. Then that idea led to the gift bag and the matching accessories...perfect!

Floral Gift Bag Card & Accessories Set

GlueArts Designer: Julia Sandvoss

Supplies:

GlueArts Glue Glider Pro - Perma Tac
GlueArts Raisen's
GlueArts U Cut It Foam
GlueArts Extreme Adhesive Squares
DCWV Lemon Flower Paper Stack
Epiphany Crafts Tools: Shape Tool Round 14, Button Tool Round 14
Epiphany Crafts Bubble Caps Round 14, Button Round 14, Ring and Vintage Setting
Sizzix Die Cut Machine
Sizzix Bigz Die Flower Layers #9 (657114)
Wool Felt
Prima leaves
K & Company Fabric Brad
Hero Arts Leaf Stamp
Gift Box Target Stores

Gift Bag & Card Instructions:

1) I chose to repurpose a bag I already owned. Cut a piece of paper to fit the widest and longest part of the bag. Then cut a 2 inch wide strip of paper and a 1 3/4 inch wide piece of another pattern. Adhere together using GGPro and PermaTac adhesive. Next adhere the wide ribbon using Perma Tac.

2) Cut 3-4 flowers using die in various pattern papers. Then layer mixing and matching. Use Raisen's to give height to each layer and adhere together.

3) Finish off with an Epiphany Bubble Cap.

1) The cards were made to fit inside the box. They measure 2 3/4 by 2 3/4 square. Each one has it's own layered flower made in a similar fashion to the bag. Layer the papers a bit different for each one for an individual look. I left greetings off so these can serve for any purpose.

Gift Box Instructions:

1) I used the same Floral die only cut the flowers out of wool felt. (I prefer wool felt...it's beautiful to work with, the colors are deep and the felt cuts beautifully!) Cut several flowers with multiple wool colors.

2) Stamp onto the wool felt leaves using black Stazon inks to ensure it will not smear or smudge.

3) Next layer together the flower first adding the brad through the center of the top two flowers. Then adhere the flower layers together using Extreme Adhesive Squares. Adhere the ribbon onto the box and finish off with the flower on top.

Floral Headband & Ring Instructions:

1) For the headband I chose another set of felt flower. This time for the center I made a button using the Epiphany Studio Button Tool. I stitched the button onto the top layer of the felt flower. Then adhered each flower together using the Extreme Adhesive Squares. Then I sewed a extra felt piece to the back of the flower and slipped the headband through.

2) The ring is a breeze to make with Epiphany's tools. Simply use the Round Shape tool and press onto the Vintage Setting with an Extreme Adhesive Square. Then use one additional square to adhere to the ring base.

It's hard to believe it's already past the middle of September! I have some very fun news and have recently started working for one of my favorite companies and people....Epiphany Crafts! I'll be coordinating their Social Media, Blog and Design Team. I am very happy about this and look forward to a long and happy partnership with them!

It's hard to believe it's already past the middle of September! We're getting ready to pull out the endless Halloween decorations we have and have new plans for reusing some of our BIG Utz and other large snack containers we've been saving from Sam's Club.

Haley and I are also very excited to start making our famous marshmallow candy treats and have decided to add cake pops to our lineup. Wait till you see what we're going to make and yes...we're going to sell these again as we did at Easter time! We'll post when they're ready to purchase!

Summer Fun...

2011-08-21T12:16:00.000-05:00

What can I say...the Craft Mom has NOT been crafting.

Why?

I'm honestly too busy working in the craft world. Which makes me just a bit sad as I work in this industry because I love it and love to craft. So to not be crafting just doesn't make sense.

The good news is...the kids are back in school and I have a different work schedule this year. So...I am going to carve out one day to craft and play possibly two.

I genuinely miss it....so it's back to crafting for me. And maybe taking a bit of a hiatus IS a good thing.

Speaking of a good thing...our vacation.

We had such a good time, spent quality time together and best of all...relaxed! For a family whom goes non-stop that was the key part of this trip!

I did get to fulfill a big wish...to go to Universal Studios and yes..to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!! What can I say...I LOVED it loved it loved it! Came home with a Gryffindor Scarf and Hat and shirt thanks to my sweet hubby who wanted me to have some special reminders. Oh and a key chain too which I like given I'm in my car ALOT!

Then we headed to the beach...love the beach...love the beaches in North Redington Beach! It was so nice...so beautiful and so relaxing. And I am very thankful for the trip and time together!

And we have some amazing pictures to use for our Christmas cards this year...yes...I said Christmas!lol

Hopefully I'll be back soon with some crafts to share...and some more candy treats Haley and I are dreaming up for the upcoming Halloween holiday! Can't wait!!

Accent It All Party Tray

2011-07-09T13:23:00.000-05:00

and glass set!

Here's my latest project and it's perfect for summer, birthday's gift (especially those milestone birthday's) newlyweds...and more!

It was very easy to make...toughest part is making sure that they vinyl is smoothed out on the tray...but the glasses were a breeze and can even do in the dishwasher! Love that!!

You can purchase Accent It All on the GlueArts website ... www.gluearts.com. It comes in 11 handy colors and I warn you...it's very addicting!!

Accent It All Party Tray & Glasses

GlueArts Designer: Julia Sandvoss

How fun is this for summer and looks great in your home year round! Grab a tray, some fun glasses and you also have a great house warming gift or for a birthday too!

Supplies:

GlueArts Accent It All vinyl: Blackout, Goin' Green, Daisy Yellow, Razzle Dazzle Red, Apple Cider

White Tray

May Arts Ribbon

Glasses

Cricut Expression

Cricut Paper Lace Cartridge

Cricut Forever Young Cartridge

Instructions:

1) Use Cricut Paper Lace cartridge to cut out full size design onto Blackout vinyl. Remove negative cut out from design and set aside. Carefully position the vinyl design onto the tray. Smoothing out the design as you lay it down.

2) Cut out the flower using the Forever Young cartridge. Layer using several colors of Accent It All to make a fun, bright flower.

3) Now use your negative pieces to decorate your glasses. Grab a small circle punch and punch a few colored circles to add to the centers for a pop of color.

4) Another option is to make a monogrammed glass set...maybe for newlyweds or a fun birthday gift! What about a milestone birthday!

This was one quick and easy project and looks like a designer boutique set!!

My blog has taken a hit...and I'm sorry to those who had been avid followers. I'll confess...working two jobs, having three kids and a hubby who works alot has taken it's tole on my personal blog. I always enjoyed posting, writing and sharing and now that I am the lucky owner of an Ipad...hopefully that will help me be a bit more chatty.

When I'm not working lately I'm either at the pool with the kids or reading...or both actually since I read while at the book as I love to read! Love! I recently came across several books by author Susan Holloway Scott and I have to say I am absolutely enjoying them!!

I'm currently reading this book and have to say I'm enjoying it just as much as the prior two I picked up. They were all similar style books about women from the post-Restoration England. I've read other fun ones too...but this is what I currently have in my hands!

The kids and I popped out to see Cars 2. It was cute...although I just don't feel it was as good as the first one. Parker of course loved it..now I'm anxiously awaiting the final Harry Potter movie.

Going to be sad knowing they're over....but we're headed to Universal Studios in Orlando in August...and you can bet where I am going!!

Teacher Appreciation Gift Set

2011-05-07T12:18:00.000-05:00

For those of you in St.Louis, my craft project can be seen in today's St.Louis Post Dispatch in the Home & Away section page H6.

Teacher Appreciation Gift Set

The Craft Mom: Julia Sandvoss

Over the years I’ve made quite a few teacher gifts. During that time I have gained a reputation at my kids school for my crafty gifts. Many a teacher has remarked to me how much they “liked” a gift I had given to a fellow teacher. (I wonder if that was a hint?!lol)

During the school year I’ve visited my son’s school on many occasions. And each time I walk through the halls, I notice the teachers classroom doors and the area around them. Some of the teachers decorate outside their doors with benches and knick knacks…while others not quite so fun.

I started thinking of a way I could make a craft to decorate the classroom door and give a personal welcome to all those who enter. A wreath seemed like the perfect solution!(and can be changed out for holidays, or if they’re a baseball fan, love the beach…you get the idea!) Once I made the wreath it provided the inspiration and theme for the other gifts! Make one…make all…you and your child will soon the the talk of the school!

Wreath, Tote, Clipboard & Candy Jar

Supplies:

Glue Art Glue Glider Pro Extreme Adhesive and PermaTac

Glue Arts Accent It All Vinyl
Glue Arts Extreme Adhesive Squares & Micro Squares
Glue Arts 3D Combo Pack
Cricut Expresssion
Cricut Forever Young Cartridge

Makin The Grad Cartridge

My Little Shoebox Sew Cut Paper Collection
Jenni Bowlin Paper
Bazzill Cardstock
Styrofoam Wreath
Mini Clip Board & Glass Jar
Colorbox Chalk Inks
May Arts Ribbon
Felt, Fabric, Buttons

Circle Punches

Wreath

1) First wrap the wreath with ribbon covering the entire wreath. Use a straight pin or adhesive square to adhere ribbon on backside of wreath.

2) Next select your papers and cut out your flower shapes. I used sizes ranging from 3 ¾ inches to 4 ¾ inches. Varying as I went to give me some different sizes to work with. Once I had cut my flower out I inked the edges with Colorbox Chalk Inks. The color doesn’t need to match the paper exactly but just offer enough color to give some shading to the papers.

3) After inking it’s time to build the flowers. I used 23 flowers and 21 small punched circles. I simply layered the flowers, changing them around until I liked the color combinations. Once I had settled on how I liked them, I started adhering them together using GlueArts Glue Glider Pro PermaTac Adhesive to assure good adhesion. On some pieces I cut a square from the U Cut It foam sheet to pop up a flower layer for added dimension. To adhere the buttons I used the 3d Raisen’s for a strong hold and height.

3) Once the flowers were glued together I then adhered them to the wreath again using my Glue Glider Pro with PermaTac. I selected a few flowers, I cut some additional squares from the U Cut It Foam and added that underneath to raise them up off the wreath.

4) After you’ve added the flowers you can personalize the wreath or just leave it as is. I handcut a banner and inked the edges. Then I used the Makin the Grade cartridge and cut our teachers name in a 2 1.4 inch size. I lightly inked the letters and glued those to the banner. The banner will tuck easily into the flowers. So it could even be changed out to say Happy Easter, Happy Spring, Welcome etc. Last I added a ribbon and finished it off with a bow. It’s ready for gift giving and will look fantastic on my son’s teacher’s door!

Candy Jar

1) I knew I would work with the same flowers for the jar as I did for the wreath, just on a smaller scale. I selected sizes ranging from 2 to 3 just depending on the flower. Once all the flowers were cut out, I worked the same as with the paper flowers. I built and layered the flowers to try out different combinations until I got it just right. (or how I liked it!)

2) Once I knew I liked the flower I removed the backing paper and adhered the vinyl layers together. After the flowers were complete I added them around the center of the glass jar layering them together as I worked around. The flowers encircle the jar so it’s pretty from any angle.

Mini Clip Board

1) First I cut my papers to fit the clipboard. Inked the edges and then adhered the background papers to the clipboard using my Glue Glider Pro PermaTac cartridge. Next I added some of my leftover vinyl flowers. I used my Extreme Adhesive Squares to add the buttons to the flower center.

2) I then popped on Microsoft Word and just typed up a simple “to do” list. Printed out a few and trimmed to fit onto the clipboard. I then added one large vinyl flower that is not sticky as it’s backed with cardstock. Used a clip to attach it to the clipboard and you’ve got a fun to do list that can be changed out to fit any need!

Tote Bag

1) Once again I wanted everything to match so I grabbed an assortment of wool and acrylic felt along with some fabric I had on hand. I am a paper piecer by heart so I took my leftover paper flowers and used those as a template for my cuts. I simply hand traced a few of the flowers onto the backside of my felt and fabric and cute those out. Then I again played with layering the flowers until I got them just how I liked.

2) Next I added a quick hand stitch through the centers of each flower. Now it’s time to iron. I used my Glue Glider Pro with Fabric Bond to add a strip of Fabric Bond adhesive to the back of the flowers and ribbons. I pressed each one onto the bag with a warm iron ensuring a good bond has been made.

3) I tied a ribbon onto the bag handle. On the bottom of one ribbon end I added another flower. For this flower I cut two of the same bottom layer. Add a flower onto the backside of the ribbon. I neatly stitched again though the center and through the ribbon to ensure it will not fall off the ribbon.

Keep in mind…the wreath, candy jar and clipboard are all kid friendly crafts! Let them help you cut and make the flowers!

For more information about Cricut visit http://www.cricut.com/default.aspx.

For more information about GlueArts www.gluearts.com or www.gluearts.blogspot.com for ideas and ways to use GlueArts adhesives!

Teacher Appreciation Day

2011-05-03T14:17:00.000-05:00

Happy Teacher Appreciation Day!!!!

Today I am happy to be able to share a sneak peek of a special project I worked on for the Cricut Circle Blog.

Cricut has a very unique blog called the Cricut Circle Blog. It's only open to members of the blog and I was invited to Guest Design. What an honor. Really! For more information about the Cricut Circle Blog just click here:

http://www.cricut.com/circle/sign.up.aspx

I have to say there are some amazing amazing crafters out there...AMAZING...so this meant alot to me. And it also meant I could showcase a bit of my love for my Cricut Expression and GlueArts!

The project will soon be seen in full detail with all the instructions on my blog soon. {I write for the St.Louis Post Dispatch and my editor asked to run the craft!} So just sit tight...you'll be able to see it all very soon!

A special shout out today to all the amazing teachers and people who have helped me and my children over the years!! You're wonderful!! Mrs. Bayer, Mrs. Kinder, Mrs.Morton, Ms. O'Kane, Mrs. Hughes, Mrs. Wein and the many many many people who have helped my sweet Parker over the years!!

Handmade Easter Treats for Sale!!

2011-04-16T12:45:00.004-05:00

Maybe a crafting break is a good thing.

Although I'm not sure if it means I go from working with papers and glue to candy!lol

Haley and I have now made several different candies since Christmas. We started with our marshmallow snowmen (which got raving reviews) and then progressed to sweet Valentine marshmallows and hearts shaped candy suckers. Again rave reviews followed by...do you sell these? Hmm....

So...here we are just in time for Easter with our newest sweet treat...and yes...these ARE for sale!

We're in the South County area of St.Louis so if you're local and would like to order some...we would be happy too coordinate this with you. If you're further away and would consider paying for USPS...we'll see what we can do for you!!!

Up first....

Bunny Marshmallow Candy Suckers $2 a bunny!

Although not really a sucker...just on a sucker stick! These are yummy marshmallows generously coated in candy and then painstakingly hand decorated by Haley and myself. Girls and boys and yes...non gender bunnies can be selected. Then we wrap them in an individual bag and tie them off with a sweet ribbon! Perfect for Easter and ready for gift giving!

next...

Shaped Easter Candy Suckers $1.50 apiece

Again...these are not a traditional sucker but are handmade, shaped candies! Bunnies, chicks, flowers can be selected. Then we wrap them in an individual bag and tie them off with a sweet ribbon! Perfect for Easter and ready for gift giving!!!

and our....

Easter Egg Candy Suckers $1.00 an egg

These are a little smaller..perfect for little ones who don't need a the larger size as believe us...these are very yummy and will definitely fulfill your craving for something sweet. Just pick how many and then we wrap them in an individual bag and tie them off with a sweet ribbon!

Chocolate Candy Bunny Marshmallow Suckers $2

Last...although not least...we have a limited supply of Chocolate Easter Marshmallow Bunnies. They are identical to the white bunnies but dipped in a chocolate colored candy and have chocolate swirl marshmallow insides!YUM

If you have any questions or would care to order, please email at buzybunny@gmail.com!

Happy Easter!

product reviews

Crafting Break....

2011-03-24T18:01:00.000-06:00

Sometimes in life it's necessary to take a break.

Break from life....hobbies....activities.

And that's just what I did.

I took a break.

No crafting, no thinking about crafting, no purchasing of craft supplies...

(well maybe one punch!lol) and some fabric!

I will admit...it's been nice...refreshing...giving myself time off....and well it did coincide with my kids spring break.

Now though this weekend....the hiatus is officially over.

It's time to craft, make some Easter decor and spring inspired crafts..and you know what...I'm looking forward to it.

I missed it....

Welcome to the GlueArts Team!!

2011-03-14T07:59:00.002-06:00

First let us please say thank you to everyone who took a chance, sent in their application and left a little piece of themselves with us. We can'tthank you enough!!!

We poured through over a hundred applications and can honestly say it was not to select just twelve designers with all of the beautiful projects and photos that were shared with us. We had applications from around the world....Israel, France, Brazil, Singapore, Norway, Canada and all across the United States.

Please know that if your name is not on this list not to be discouraged! Keep creating, keep crafting and please continue to be a GlueArts Fan!

So please help us give a warm welcome to our new Glue Girls Design Team!!

Andrea Budjack - Orlando, Florida

www.andreascreativepapertrail.blogspot.com

Grace Tolman - Colorado Springs, Colorado

www.tolmanchronicles.blogspot.com

Jan Hennings - Garrison, Iowa

www.papercraftpleasures.blogspot.com

Lisa Day - Gowen, Michigan

www.lisaday.typepad.com

Ania Lexander - Norway, Europe

www.aniia.blogspot.com

Jenny Chesnick - Washington, DC

www.mrschez.typepad.com

Audrey Pettit - Cary, North Carolina

www.audreypettit.wordpress.com

And returning to the team:

Linda Albrecht - St. Peter, Minnesota

www.lindaalbrecht.typepad.com

Kristen Swain - Elkton, Maryland

www.scrapinkris.blogspot.com

Leslie Ashe - Fort Worth, Texas

www.leslieashe.blogspot.com

Patti Milazzo - Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania

www.pattimilazzo.blogspot.com

Lesley Langdon - Burlington Ontario, Canada

www.lesleylangdoncreative.blogspot.com

Julia Sandvoss - St.Louis, Missouri *Social Media & Design Team Coordinator

www.buzybunny.blogspot.com

That's me there at the end...I'm going to be stepping down from my regular design work and just contribute to the team when I can. Sometimes with my job with GlueArts and my commitments to TV and newspaper work...I just don't feel like I'm giving enough to my family. So I will still craft....but be doing much more behind the scenes with coordinating the blog, design team and social media marketing.

We can't wait to share with all of you their amazing talents!!

Hang Up a Little Love!

2011-02-17T20:06:00.000-06:00

I'll admit...I had this plain wood LOVE sign sitting in my home from almost a year.

I picked it up after Valentine's Day last year and just waited for the right inspiration to hit me.

When I received the Fancy Pants Love Bird collection I liked the

LOVE Sign

Supplies:
Glue Arts Glue Glider Pro, Perma Tac Cartridge, 3D Combo Pack
Fancy Pants Love Birds Paper and Sticker Collection
Stickles Glitters
Colorbox Chalk Inks
Wood Love Sign (Hobby Lobby)
May Arts Ribbons
Paint
Puffy Hearts
The Twinery Twine

Instructions:

1)Trace letters onto wrong side of papers. Cut out papers, ink edges and adhere to letters using Glue Glider Pro Perma Tac.
2)Handcut the pennant banner, heart and bird design from the papers and diecuts. For the banner I used our U Cut It foam and cut pieces of foam to fit under the pennants to give height.

2)Paint the letter "O". Embellish with a puffy heart, slip a photo into the "O" opening or tuck a cute Fancy Pants Valentine image behind the opening. Add some sparkle to the diecut using Stickles Glitters.

4)Tie a bow with the twine...attach to the front of the heart using an Extreme Adhesive Micro Square. Cut another length of twine. Wrap around the puffy heart and attach to the backside of the hanging heart.

Haley and I have become little candy makers! For Christmas we made snowman marshmallows (I will find a picture) and for Valentine's Day we made these...

and these candy heart suckers...

So now we've decided that for Easter...we're going to sell bunnies and suckers!! Keep us in mind if you would be interested...Haley and I really enjoy making them and we kind of think we do a good job!

Before I go....I need to post the winner of the Valentine giveaway and that is:

aloha37 said...

Hi Julia,
Love your projects. As for favorite romantic movie...Sleepless in Seattle is one of my all time fav's!

P.S. Where can you find wool felt? I haven't been able to find it. Thanks so much!

2/15/2011 08:00:00 PM

Congrats to you! Please email me at Buzybunny@gmail.com with your info and I'll get those goodies mailed out you! And wool felt...I'd love to hear where others buy theirs. I bought a multipack online through Ebay. I do know that PaperTrey Ink is now selling wool felt and Heather Bailey sells wool felt as well! Anyone else have any recommendations???

Happy Valentine's Day!!

2011-02-14T06:10:00.002-06:00

It's Valentine's Day! {although not sure why I'm so happy as my sweetie works all day and late tonight too}

But that doesn't mean we can't have a bit of fun!

I have a few more crafts to share with you from last week's TV show that there is still time to make or even rework for Easter!

Felt Stuffed Hearts

Supplies:

Sizzix Big Shot Heart Layers Die
Wood Felt
Buttons
Thread
Stuffing

1) Hand cut or die cut heart shapes. I recommend wool felt as it cuts better and has a clean edge.
2) Stitch layers together...leaving an opening.
3) Add a bit of stuffing and then close up the heart.
4) Sew on a button or fun embellishment.
5) Be sure to make several of these...they look great in a container, basket or just strewn around your house!

Handprint Garland

Supplies:

Wool Felt
Scrapbook Papers
Heart Punches
The Twinery Twine
Small Clothespin clips
Sizzix Big Shot Heart Layers Die
Glue Arts Extreme Adhesive Squares
Small circle hole punch

1) Trace your child's hand on backside of paper. Cut out to make a template.
2) Next trace the template out on several fun papers. Use the heart punch and punch the heart out of the hand.
3) Hand cut or die cut heart shapes. I recommend wool felt as it cuts better and has a clean edge. Use Extreme Adhesive Squares to adhere the hearts together.
4) Punch holes through finger tips and top of hearts. String twine through.
5) Clips heart punches onto fingers and use clips to attach hearts and hands onto twine.

*This would be easily adapted for Easter add eggs and bunnies, birthday's and much more!!

So how about we have some fun this Valentine's Day...how about...a GIVEAWAY!! Everyone loves that!!

I've got some great goodies...brand new Feb/March Simply Handmade(I've got a sweet project in there!!lol) a small pack of Shabby Chic Valentine Diecuts, a "Love" stamp, plastic heart filled with some ribbon and candy, felt hearts and and Little Yellow Bicycle's Sweet Love Line which includes some pretty papers, Lace Cut Cardstock strips, Rubons, Spinner, Matchbook Album Kit, Fabric Tags, Clear Diecut Shapes and a Decorative Edge Tablet with chipboard Album! Wow.....how's that??!!! And don't be surprised if some Glue Arts products find their way into the box too!!

Just leave me a comment and let me know your favorite romantic/comedy movie or book!

Mine would be...Pride & Prejudice(book and Colin Firth version and new movie...actually all things Jane Austen!!), 50 First Dates, Two Weeks Notice, Notting Hill, Moonstruck....oh the list goes on and on!!

I'll pick a winner this Wednesday, February 16th! So don't wait to leave your comment!!

Canvas Valentine Tote Bag

2011-02-11T11:36:00.004-06:00

Hi all!

Here's the highlighted craft from Wednesday's Show Me St.Louis!(video link added to blog sidebar!)

This one is kid friendly and the possibilities of what you can do...endless. I've said that before but truly...if you can make a bag...you can transition this to pillows, curtains, hair items, tops, skirts...think of embellishing something you've already purchased just like this!

Valentine Canvas Tote Bag

Designer: Julia Sandvoss

**Kid Friendly Craft!

Supplies:

Canvas Tote (Hobby Lobby)

Glue Arts Glue Glider Pro FabricBond and Extreme Adhesive Micro Squares (www.GlueArts.com)

May Arts Ribbons (www.MayArts.com)

Creatology Felt Ric Rac and Hearts (Michael’s Stores)

Sizzix Big Shot Die Cut Machine: Heart Layers and Border Scallop Dies (www.Sizzix.com)

Pink Felt

Iron

1) Use the Sizzix Big Shot to cut the scallop border from pink felt. (Wool felt is easier to work with if you can find that. You can hand cut the shape as well) Apply Glue Arts Fabric Bond to the backside of your felt. Iron onto the canvas bag to heat the adhesive and bond onto the bag.

Tip: to make this child friendly…use the Extreme Adhesive Squares in the full size and apply the squares to the backside of the felt and then adhere to the bag. The Extreme Squares are designed to adhere to fabric, canvas and more!

2) Repeat Step 1 for the additional ribbons and trims.

3) Use the Sizzix Big Shot to cut the layered hearts. Add some Fabric Bond to the center of the heart. Then hand stitch the hearts together.

Tip: These can also be sewn with a sewing machine. For kids use DMC Floss for a fun look as well.

4) Adhere felt heart to bag with Extreme Adhesive Squares. Add additional felt hearts.

5) Tie a ribbon around the handle. Use the Micro Extreme Adhesive Squares to hold the ribbon tails in place on the bag.

Tip: If you do not have access to a diecut machine hand cut your shapes. Also this bag would be fun to personalize with a child’s name, Grandparents, special teacher! And best…this bag took just minutes to make and will be a favorite for years to come.

Be sure to tune in on Monday...I have a Valentine's Giveaway that you won't want to miss!!

Show Me St.Louis - Valentine Crafts

2011-02-09T17:30:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone!

Thanks so much to everyone who tuned in today. What you didn't see behind the scenes today was the mess of trying to park downtown. Many of the spots around KSDK are well...snowbanked...and ice covered. But thankfully I found a decent spot...didn't slip and made it inside the studio with nothing breaking. (or myself falling!(lol) Parking for the show sometimes is more work than all the crafts I tell you!lol

Today, tomorrow and Friday I will share all the crafts that were shown on today's broadcast. So be sure to check back in as I'll post everything shown.

Up first...those adorable and so easy to make plates!

Valentine Dinner Wear

Craft Mom Tip: I picked up these fun plates at Target on clearance knowing my family would get a kick out of using them for sandwiches, snacks and those plates of cookies that always seem to be around.

Supplies:
Glue Arts Accent It All vinyl...Dazzle Me Red, White Out, Goin Green and Tickle Me Pink (can be purchased online at www.GlueArts.com) **Pick up some spring colors too!
Sizzix Big Shot Die Cut System - Heart Layers, Flower Layers Dies
Cricut Expression - All Mixed Up and Doodlecharms Cartridges
Plates

This craft I didn't bring on the show but it's still sweet and very easy to make!

Love Notes Mailbox

Supplies:

Glue Arts Glue Glider Pro Perma Tac, Extreme Adhesive Squares

Shabby Chic Crafts Valentine Potpourri Set

May Arts Ribbons

Little Yellow Bicycle Pins

Mailbox

Mason Jar

Felt

*Great craft for kids! Sweet, simple and cute!

1) Cut a piece of felt to cover the top of a jar. Use Extreme Adhesive Squares to adhere felt to jar lid. Tie ribbon around jar after you fill it with some yummy candies!

2) Adhere the diecuts to the mailbox. Save the postcard one to write a special message on for your sweetie!

3) Set the mailbox on top of the jar and leave for someone special!!

And as promised...here is the site where you can find the Valentine Subway Print Download. Keep in mind...if you have Microsoft Word and some fun fonts...you can make this too. Make one for your children...your family...the possibilities are ENDLESS!!

Tune in tomorrow for information about the "hand print" banner and Felt Hearts and Friday for the Tote Bag!

Three Valentine Crafts for those Upcoming Parties!

2011-02-06T15:53:00.001-06:00

Over the years as a classroom mom, I've heard many a parent stress over having to be "crafty." The thought of coming up with a craft for their student's class is incredibly stressful. For some, it's a competition to see whose kids made the best craft.

When deciding on a craft, I like to make projects that are a keepsake, not something that the day after Valentine's Day, winds up in the recycle bin. I love the crafts that I can display and show off in the years to come. Here are three ideas that can be adapted for kids of all ages, and yes, parents of all types (even those who say they aren't crafty).

LOVE YOU Wood Photo Frame

Project Supplies

• K & Co. "Smooch" papers, die cuts and sticker collection

• Glue Arts Glue Glider Pro Perma Tac, 3D Combo Pac and Extreme Adhesive Squares

• Wood frame (purchased at Michael's)

• Echo Park "Little Girl" craft papers

• May Arts ribbons

• Colorbox Chalk Inks: Warm Red, Rose Pink

• Heart punches (various sizes and shapes)

Step 1 • Turn the frame over and remove the center heart insert. Trace the frame onto paper. Cut out. Use the Glue Glider and adhere the paper onto frame or let the kids paint the frame.

Step 2 • Add some fun papers. Let the kids punch the edges or use decorative edge scissors, add ribbons, punched hearts, diecuts, felt hearts, anything goes. Consider giving the students stickers to personalize the frames with their names or "I love you."

Step 3 • Have the students cut out pictures of themselves. Use the heart insert to trace the shape onto another paper. Cut out heart and glue picture to paper. Insert in back of frame.

If possible see if you can get permission from the teacher to stop in a day or two before the party to take pictures of the students. Or ask if the teacher will do that and e-mail you the photos to print out.

Candy Heart Box

Project Supplies

• K & Co. "Kelly Panacci Valentine" papers, diecuts and embellishment collection

• Glue Arts Glue Glider Pro PermaTac, 3D Combo Pac and Extreme Adhesive Mini Squares Candy heart box (find these for $1 or less at many stores with chocolates inside)

• Felt and felt hearts (found at Michael's)

• The Twinery Baker's Twine (thetwinery.com)

•Colorbox Chalk Inks: Warm Red, Rose Pink

• Rhinestone gems

• Heart punches (various sizes and shapes)

Step 1 • Remove the lid from the candy box (resist eating the chocolates). Trace the lid shape onto a piece of paper. Cut out the heart shape. If you have an older group of students, have them cut an additional heart from felt. Then let them stitch the paper to the felt heart using craft floss. Sew one side to the other side leaving the top of the heart open to create a pocket. For younger students, glue the paper to felt or eliminate the felt layer. Adhere heart onto candy lid using the Glue Glider Pro.

Step 2 • Once the heart is glued to the candy box lid, let the kids have fun decorating it with felt hearts, heart punch shapes, Valentine die cuts, stickers, gems and more.

Step 3 • Create a small Valentine to insert into the pocket. Or include a purchased Valentine.

Acrylic Flower Picture Frame

Project Supplies

• Glue Arts Glue Accent It All Vinyl: Tickle Me Pink, Razzle Dazzle Red, Goin Green (GlueArts.com)

• Acrylic frame (find these for $1 or less at many stores)

• Sizzix Big Shot: Bigz Flower and Frame Dies (Sizzix.com)

• Heart punches (various sizes and shapes)

Step 1 • This craft can be made in a variety of ways. I chose vinyl that I die cut using a Sizzix die-cut system. The vinyl peels off the backing paper and clings to the frame. I can change it out or even remove the vinyl for a new design if I choose. I added a 2 1/2-by-4 inch photo on a coordinating piece of paper and slipped the picture behind the frame. If you do not have access to a die-cut machine or vinyl, round up your other room parents to see what kind of tools they have for you to use. Most crafters have an assortment of scissors, punches and yes ... die-cut machines.

Step 2 • Pick up some felt or craft papers, and let the students cut their designs. Add punched shapes, stickers and other fun Valentine embellishments to add on the frame and decorate as they choose. This frame took just minutes to make and will be a favorite for years to come.

Sweet Stamped Valentine Suckers

2011-02-05T16:32:00.001-06:00

More Valentine crafts you ask?

Yes...it seems like we've been on a non stop Valentine crafting spurt! Which isn't all that terrible! After all I'm a huge fan of pink...and when you add in candy to the mix...even better for my sweet tooth!

This craft is one that appeared in last year's St.Louis Post Dispatch Lifestyle section. I geared it more to kids...that they could essentially make the mailbox and with help stamp the absolutely adorable images and make the suckers too!

Supplies:
K & Company Ka-Zoo Papers (available at www.scrapbook.com)
K & Company Ka-Zoo Monkey Chipbox
PaperTrey Ink Tiny Treats: Valentine Acrylic Stamps
Paper Trey Stamper’s Select White Cardstock
PaperTrey Ink Sweet Blush & Hibiscus Burst Ribbon
Paper Trey Large Heart Tin with Clear Top
Marvy Mega Scallop Circle Punch
Glue Arts Glue Glider Pro Adhesive & Ribbon Adhesive
Fiskars Scallop Border Punch
Red Mailbox, Shiny Mini Heart, Striped & Red Stitched Ribbons (available at your local Michael’s Craft Stores)
COPIC Sketch Markers (email me if you'd like the colors I used)
Colorbox Chalk Inks (available at your local Michael’s Craft Stores)
Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L Foam Squares

Tin
1) First select the papers and chipboard pieces to decorate the outside of the heart. Cut a strip of paper for the outer edge of tin. Use border punch for a fun edge. Adhere to tin. Next use Ribbon Adhesive an add colorful ribbon to tin.
2) Cut a 7 inch strip from the striped ribbon and adhere across top of tin. Punch a scalloped circle and add chipboard pieces to the circle and adhere to ribbon. Add additional hearts and other chipboard embellishment. Pop some up items with foam adhesive for added dimension.

Suckers
3) Stamp the background stamp from the Tiny Treats onto white cardstock. Select additional images and sentiments. Stamp those onto background image. Color images with Copic Sketch Markers. Punch out the stamped image using the Mega Scallop Circle Punch.
1) Punch additional scallop circles from the coordinating papers. Run a strip on adhesive onto backside of stamped image…adhere to sucker. Add adhesive to second punched circle and adhere to backside of sucker. Finish off with a cute ribbon tied to the stem of the sucker.

Mailbox
5) Select the paper and chipboard pieces from the K & Company Ka- Zoo collection. Cut a piece of paper to fit onto side of mailbox. Ink edges and adhere to box. Add additional hearts, chipboard pieces and embellishments to complete the mailbox.
6) Cut a coordinating piece of paper for the front of the box. Add coordinating chipboard pieces. Add some sweet valentines to the box for your sweethearts!

Tips: If you’re not a stamper, cut images out from the Ka-Zoo paper collection and adhere to punched pieces.
Got a sweet tooth?! Adhere toothpicks to the backside of the punched circle, place in cupcakes and use as cupcake decorations!

And mailboxes aren’t just for Valentine’s Day! Keep these in a special spot in your house and “raise the flag” when there’s something inside for your children! Perhaps a note wishing them good luck on a test, or thinking of you!

Keep browsing the blog if you're looking for more Valentine's crafts and crafts for kids for Valentine's Day. I'm on Show Me St.Louis this week so look for more craft ideas for Valentine's Day starting this Wednesday!! And I have some fun projects in next weekend's Post Dispatch,

Revisiting Valentine Crafts!

2011-01-20T15:17:00.001-06:00

It's that time of year...time to get ready to leave soon for CHA.

My to do list doesn't seem to ever end. Prepping make n takes, organizing what needs to get packed, what to pack and the crucial question...what to wear! ugh

Not my favorite topic when I'm pale, a tad bit heavier then I'd like to be {okay alot...}and well it's winter where I live. Winter...so how do you alter your wardrobe when it's springy there...but when I come back home...very very cold. Just a bit tricky and funny as I realized I've never flown anywhere in the middle of winter. Where on earth do you put your coat when you fly? I definitely don't want it on for 5 hours.

Since I'm working on some new Valentine crafts for the Post...these will be crafts that you Mom's can take and make at all those Valentine parties, and I'm working on some items for Glue Arts..I can't show anything just yet.

So I'm reposting some of last year's crafts to get us ready...this one I completely LOVE LOVE LOVE! {hope you do too!}

Valentine Take Out Box & Fortune Cookies

Fortune Cookies

I'll admit...I've got a thing for them. And not so much the cookie although I eat them. I enjoy the suprise of the message that awaits inside the cookie.

I've even saved some of the messages and keep them on my desk..I liked this one:

Past experience. He who never makes mistakes never did anything that's worthy!

Your love of life can carry you through any circumstance.

and my fave...

Treasure what you have!
For my craft I made for the St. Louis Post I really wanted to make a fortune cookie box with messages. I really liked this one...although it did take a bit of playing to figure out the cookies and how to get them to sit just right without opening too much! And the new Papertrey Ink stamps were PERFECT for the messages!! I hope you agree!!

Here's a link to the online article

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/lifestyle/stories.nsf/homedecor/story/65D3EBD05BCD5FA1862576C700578941?OpenDocument

PaperTrey Ink Simple Valentine Papers (available at www.papertreyink.com)
PaperTrey Ink Tiny Treats: Valentine Acrylic Stamps
Paper Trey Ink Simple Valentine Acrylic Stamps
Paper Trey Stamper’s Select White Cardstock
PaperTrey Ink Sweet Blush Ribbon
Red Chinese Take Out Box & Red Stripe Ribbon from Michael’s
Heidi Grace Heart Accent
Fiskars Heart Punch and Scallop Border Punch
Marvy Mega Scallop Circle Punch
Colorbox Chalk Inks (available at your local Michael’s Craft Stores)
Glue Arts Glue Glider Pro Adhesive & Glue Arts Ribbon Adhesive
Making Memories Slice Die Cut System Basics 1 Cartridge

Box
1) Select papers to decorate the outside of the box. Cut to fit side. Adhere to box. Stitch by hand or by machine down the middle of a length of a 8 inch length of ribbon. Pull on the end strings to softly gather the ribbon.
2) Next stamp the sweet background stamp from the Tiny Treats and add the heart and sentiment stamps. Punch out the stamped image using the Mega Scallop Circle Punch. Ink edges and add Heidi Grace heart embellishment.
3) Use Ribbon Adhesive to add gathered ribbon to box. This will make a soft stem. Then add foam pop dots to the backside of punched piece and adhere to box side. Add additional heart punches and pop with foam adhesive.

Paper Fortune Cookies
1) First select the papers that you would like to use for the cookies. Then hand cut or use a die cut machine to cut several 3 ½ inch to 4 inch circles. The size you chose for the circle will determine the size of the cookie.
2) Next fold the circle in half. Do not make a hard crease along the middle but leave this as a soft fold pressing the circle together at the outer edge. Apply a small strip of adhesive to the inside of the circle at the outer edge. Press edges together to adhere.
3) Grasp the middle of the center of the fold and push this inward toward the outer edge of the circle. It can help to place your finger inside the soft fold to help guide the circle to fold and crease like a cookie.
4) If you prefer the cookie to stay tightly pressed together…you will need to add some adhesive to the inner pressed fold to make it hold. Otherwise they look fine with a fold and not tightly closed. Practice with a piece of play paper before you begin to see how much you need to crease and fold to get the look you like.

Fortunes
5) Next select the stamps and messages you like. Work with a printer style paper that is light weight. Stamp the messages and hearts onto the paper working across the straight edge of the paper repeating your stamps. Then cut long strips of the stamped fortunes.
6) Once you have your fortunes stamped and cut, slide them into the cookies. It’s fun to leave an edge peeking out of the end for the recipient to pull. Stamp some extra fortunes to tuck into the box!
7) Add a little paper shred or additional fortunes and tuck the cookies into the box! Consider adding some real fortune cookies to the box along with the paper cookies!
Tips: If you’re not a stamper, you can handwrite the messages or even type them on your computer and print out strips.

Make larger cookies and attach small treats or gifts to the end of the fortune to be pulled out for a fun surprise.

This is a great gift for your sweetheart and children too! Just change up the messages and look to fit whom the gift is for!

See you soon!

Winter Skate Box

2011-01-13T12:52:00.003-06:00

Snow snow and more snow!

My kids are happy, it looks pretty outside...but given we were just all together for Christmas break...I confess...snow days are not always my favorite right now.

Especially when I have endless to do lists for getting ready to attend CHA.

In fact I have so many to do lists going...I think I need a to do list for my to do lists.

It's nuts...nuts! I'm praying in these next two weeks I can get everything done I need to. Or I'll be kitting make n takes on the plane ride!lol (not...can't bring scissors!lol)

Here is my latest craft project for Glue Arts. I completely fell in love with Linda Albrecht's skate box and had to recreate it! Had to!! Hers is still absolutely, beautiful and the winner in my book..but I'll confess...everytime I walk by this in our house...I smile. We've changed our holiday decor from Christmas to snowmen...well really the snowmen just stayed out. This year though we left out our dining room tree. It's all decorated in snowflakes and winter animals so after Scott asked if I would leave it out a bit longer...I agreed. It's a first for us. So with all the snowflakes and snowmen...this project just fits in perfectly!!

Winter Skate Box

Designer: Julia Sandvoss

Designer Note: Glue Girl Linda Albrecht is the complete and total inspiration for this project. She made one using anther product line. When I saw the Wintertime collection I knew it was the perfect fit! Thanks Linda for your never ending inspiration!!

Supplies:

- Echo Park "Wintertime" paper collection

- Glue Arts Glue Glider Pro ExtremeTac, Extreme Adhesive Squares and Micro Adhesive Squares, Glue Arts Hot Glue Gun

- Plaid mod podge

- Apple Barrel Pewter Gray paint

- FolkArt Winter White paint

- FolkArt Metallic Silver Sterling and Pearl White paints

- May Arts Ribbon (MayArts.com)

- Bo Bunny Double Dot cardstock

- Colorbox Chalk Inks: warm red, aqua and glacier blue

- Papier-mache box (Hobby Lobby)

- EK Success Border Punch: Diamond Lace Edger Punch

- Martha Stewart coarse glitter

- White felt

- Jingle bells

- Christmas picks and berries

- Snowflake ornaments and twine

- Wood skates (look for these in your craft stores or online)

Step 1 - Cut two pieces of paper to fit, and cover the sides of the box without the lid. Ink the edges and adhere using the Glue Glider Pro ExtremeTac for good adhesion. Next punch a decorative strip using the Diamond Lace punch. Ink the edge of the punch strip and glitter. Set aside to allow the paper and glitter to dry.

Step 2 - Next cut a piece of white felt to cover the top of the lid. Adhere using Glue Arts hot glue gun. Select a striped paper and cut to fit edge of lid. Adhere to sides. Wrap ribbon around lid using a sheer ribbon so the patterned paper shows underneath. Adhere in a few spots with Micro Adhesive Squares. Tie in the front including an ornament of your choice (Joy is shown). Affix securely with hot glue gun.

Step 3 - Once the glittered border strip is dry, adhere to box tucking just slightly under the box lid.

Step 4 - Paint the skates before you begin to allow time to dry. Paint the bottom blade Pewter Gray, and then once that paint is dry, go over with Plaid Silver Sterling Metallic paint. Paint the tops and front of the skate in Winter White. Then go over with Plaid Pearl White Metallic paint.

Step 5 - Apply a light layer of plaid mod podge to the top and front of skates. Apply a liberal coating of glitter. Shake off extra glitter.

Step 6 - Next decorate the skates with papers of your choice. Ink the edges of the paper and adhere with Glue Glider Pro ExtremeTac. Poke holes through paper, and thread twine through to create laces. Add jingle bells before tying the bows.

Step 7 - Hot glue the skates to the lid. Finish off with a hand cut or purchased snowflake ornaments or embellishments. Tuck in some Christmas picks and berries. Sprinkle a little glitter over the top for a light glittery dusting.

Happy Winter to you!!!

A Few of My Favorites

2011-01-03T11:32:00.001-06:00

Today as I worked on my first layout of the new year...I was looking through images of projects and crafts I've made this past year.

Some I absolutely loved...while others...ehh...okay...not my favorite.

Others I know I'll make again and try a new twist to spice it up.

Here' are some of my favorite projects I made during 2010!

Here's to 2011 and all the possibilities and new projects!!!

Be sure to pop in this week...I've got a really good giveaway planned that you WON'T want to miss!!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T10:15:00.001-06:00

Wow....welcome 2011!!

I hope you're a bit kinder than 2010 was to me...and my family!

Once again we weathered the storm and found we're still standing. A bit worn in a few places. With this start of a new year..I can't help but think of things that I AM thankful for...

I'm completely grateful that within this crafting and hobby industry I have found another position.

I feel quite fortunate that Glue Arts asked me to join their team...and I am thankful every day to work for a company and group of people that are truly outstanding!! {truly!!}

I'm thankful for their support and listening to my ideas, to letting me coordinate their blog and social marketing and to also coordinate the amazing group of designers that we've assembled!

I'm also thankful for all the amazing companies who worked with us this year....Making Memories, Graphic 45, May Arts, The Twinery, Hero Arts, Echo Park Paper, Crate Paper and Cosmo Cricket to name a few. We look forward to building new relationships and sponsorship this year.

My personal goal this year....get back to scrapbooking for me...just me. No publications...just myself and my family. I've been so involved in work and crafts for the newspaper and TV that my own personal books...are gathering dust. And I truly want to get back to what pulled me into this hobby over 12 years ago. Scrapbooking. Nothing special...nothing wow...just fun pages that makes me smile and capture memories of my three kids and life.

Oh and my other goal...back to blogging for myself too. It's hard to always find a balance between blogging for work and blogging for myself..but I miss this. My place to share memories, movies, books and yes crafts... I miss it...and think this year I can try better to find some balance. {I hope!lol}

Here's to wish you and yours a Happy New Year 2011~
{see you soon....I promise!}

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T15:26:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas!!

Thanks to everyone who has visited my blog throughout the year. I hope to get back on track and step back into blogging a bit more. Given I blog for a job sometimes it seems my personal blog falls by the wayside...but I do hope to boost it back up this new year!

and our funny photo..

We hope you have a great Christmas!!!

Noel Wood Block Holiday Letters

2010-12-12T09:24:00.000-06:00

Font Size:: Default font size; Larger font size

Spread a little holiday cheer with these easy to make and easy to give NOEL Holiday Blocks. These blocks were purchased at Hobby Lobby with NOEL already printed on them; however, they were a bit blah. And in a glittery, bright and cheery holiday season, they were calling for a new look.

Letter blocks can be decorated with holiday papers and embellishments to serve as a special reminder of this time of the year. Or perhaps change the words to Joy or Love or consider making these a personalized gift and decorate with the receiver's name. They also make a great gift for a teen, or boy or girl with their first name, or even for a sorority or fraternity. The options are endless when you look past the basic block.

SUPPLIES NEEDED

• Making Memories Noel papers, diecuts, stickers and felt poinsettia flower*

• Making Memories Falala papers, pin

• Shabby Chic Crafts (shabbychiccrafts.com) Christmas Daily Album Journaling Kit II

• Glue Arts Glue Glider Pro Perma Tac, 3D Combo Pac and Extreme Adhesive Squares*

• Wood letter cubes (purchased at Hobby Lobby)

• Bazzill cardstock

• KaiserCraft pearls

• Colorbox Chalk Inks: warm red, lime pastel, moss green

• EK Success lattice chain border punch

• Circle punch

• Stickles glitter: Christmas red

• Making Memories Slice Design Cordless Cutter Machine and Noel design card

*You can find these supplies at For Keeps Sake Scrapbook Store, 4530 Lemay Ferry Road.

Step 1 • Start by selecting your papers and embellishments. It's fine to mix and match papers from different manufacturers or even different year's holiday lines. Cut four squares of various papers 2 3/4 inches by 2 3/4 inches.

Step 2 • Using the slice cutter machine, cut out the "NOEL" letters in a 3-inch size. You can also hand cut or even use a large alphabet sticker or chipboard for these. Ink the letter edges and set aside.

Step 3 • For the "N" block select the background paper and ink the edge of the Shabby Chic Crafts "Joy" flashcard along with the paper. Adhere the flashcard to the paper, layer a punched circle with the Christmas bottle cap diecut. Ink the edges of diecut and adhere to the paper using Glue Glider Pro with Perma Tac for good adhesion. Next adhere the letter "N." Cut a small square of the U Cut It Foam and adhere the Vintage Christmas Tag Stamp diecut to the Joy tag. This creates a dimensional diecut. Finish off with felt poinsettia using the Extreme Adhesive Squares. Add a rhinestone to the center of the flower. Tuck in decorative pin behind stamp diecut.

Step 4 • For the "O" block, select the background paper and adhere to the block. Punch a strip of paper using the lattice edger punch. Use the Making Memories Slice and Noel design card to cut a decorative frame and circle. Ink edges and adhere the punch strip with the frame and circle layered on top. Next cut a circle from the U Cut It Foam and adhere the 3D Christmas greeting diecut to the block. This creates a dimensional diecut. Add glitter to the holly berries on the diecut. Pop up the holly leaves on the diecut.

Step 5 • For the "E" block select the background paper and adhere to block. Use the Slice and Noel design card to diecut a frame and holly berry. Ink the edges and adhere to the background paper using the Glue Glider Pro. Then add the Vintage Christmas Tag Stamp diecut to frame. Cut thin strips and squares from the U Cut It foam. Place these onto the backside of the letter "E." Adhere to diecut. Add word stickers and a pearl embellishment. Use the Stickles glitter and apply glitter to the holly berries on the diecut. Adhere using a small square of the U Cut It Foam to give it dimension.

Step 6 • For the final block, once again select the background and adhere to the block. Cut a smaller piece of holiday paper and ink edges. Select the Shabby Chic Crafts "Cheer" flashcard, ink the edges and adhere both to background paper. Next cut a small rectangle from the U Cut It Foam and adhere the Making Memories Noel glitter diecut to the block. Adhere the letter "L" to the diecut. Last step is to hand cut the poinsettia from the Making Memories paper (or use another felt flower). Use the Extreme Adhesive Squares to attach the poinsettia and finish off with a pearl embellishment.

Celebrate Christmas Ornament

2010-12-10T13:39:00.000-06:00

Where on earth has the month... no year gone?

I swear I was just on Show Me St.Louis with my Thanksgiving crafts and here it's time to go back with Christmas crafts.

So much has happened in those four weeks!! Thanksgiving, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows {can't wait for the final movie!!}, Christmas Choir Concert, coordinating the Boy Scout activity, Cheerleading competition, creating and writing four holiday craft articles for the St.Louis Post Dispatch, decorating the house, endless homework and on and on.

This month I am following the suggestion of some and taking a photo a day. It's a unique way to capture and remember all the things that occur in this incredibly busy month. Once the month is over I'll make a mini album with all those pictures. I'm honestly looking forward to it and looking forward to crafting...just for me!

Tune in during January and I'll share the album with you. For now...here's today highlighted craft as seen on Show Me St.Louis.

Celebrate Ornament

Designer: Julia Sandvoss

Supplies:

Glue Arts Glue Glider Pro Extreme Tac Cartridge

Glue Arts Extreme Adhesive Mini Squares

Glue Arts Hot Glue Gun

Making Memories Noel papers, Felt Poinsettia, Chandelier Beads

Making Memories Falala Diecut quote, Felt Snowflake and Rhinestones

Jump Rings

Paper Mache Ornament (purchased at Hobby Lobby)

Stickles Glitter Christmas Red, Lime Green

Tattered Angles Glimmer Spray Mist Candy Apple Red

Colorbox Chalk Inks Moss Green, Warm Red, Warm Brown

K & Company Gems

Instructions:

1) Use a piece of lightweight paper (copy paper) to fold around one section or ornament creasing at edges to create a template.

2) Select your papers and trace template shape onto the backside of the paper. Cut out papers and ink the edges.

3) Adhere papers onto ornament using Glue Glider Pro and the Extreme Tac Adhesive cartridge.

4) Add embellishments to ornament adhering with Extreme Mini Adhesive squares.

5) Use Stickles to add touches of glitter to papers.

6) Add jump rings to Chandelier beads. String onto top cord.

7) Add several jump rings to bead and hot glue to bottom of ornament.

7) Finish off with a few mists of the Tattered Angels Glimmer spray.

For more ornament ideas be sure to visit the Glue Arts blog and also enter to win!!

And for more holiday craft ideas...just keep paging down to see my Whimsical Christmas Tree and the beautiful Printer's Tray. A new craft will be in this week's Post Home & Away section so don't miss that as well!!

Whimsical Holiday Christmas Tree!!

2010-12-05T15:10:00.000-06:00

Decorating for the holidays is truly fun for me. {well almost all...except the dragging of the umpteen containers from the basement to the main floor!!}

I'll admit: I love bright, colorful holiday decorations. Come to my home and you'll find orange, aqua and pinks mixed with candy apple red and lime green decorations.

It's a cheerful color combination to spruce up traditional holiday colors.And it makes me smile.

This whimsical tree is easy to construct. Make one or a set of three...one larger and two smaller (as decorations look good in set's of three) to match your home decorations or give one as a gift.

Supplies:

• Echo Park "Everyone Loves Christmas" paper collection
• Glue Arts Glue Glider Pro Perma Tac, 3D Combo Pac, extreme adhesive squares and micro adhesive squares
• May Arts ribbons (MayArts.com)
• Bo Bunny Double Dot Wasabi cardstock
• The Twinery Baker's Twines (thetwinery.com)
• Colorbox Chalk Inks: warm red, creamy brown, aqua and moss green
• Papier-maché tree (Hobby Lobby)
• EK Success Border Punches: double embossed dotted lace, large edger punch circles, loops
• Kaisercraft jewels
• K & Company gems
• Karen Foster Snowflake Brad

Step 1 • Begin by choosing a variety of border punches (or decorative edge scissors) along with your papers. Start with the first paper that will be the bottom edge of the tree. Punch the edge and cut to a desired width. A good width to maintain is 1½ to 2 inches. Once the paper is punched and cut, place the paper onto the tree and "fold" around the sides, creasing as you do this. Then cut along the creases to create individual pieces to adhere to the sides of the tree.

Step 2 • Ink the paper edges and then adhere to the tree using the Glue Glider Pro Perma Tac cartridge for a strong adhesion.

Step 3 • Continue this step, varying the border punches and widths as you work your way from the bottom to the top of the tree. Add in ribbons in place of papers for a fun look.

Step 4 • Once the entire tree has been covered, select the Echo Park Paper "Everybody Loves Christmas Ornament." Hand cut the ornaments out of the paper. Ink the edges.

Step 5 • Decorate the paper ornaments with gems and Stickles glitter. Apply a square of 3D Combo Pac foam adhesive to backside of the ornament. Adhere to the tree. Tie bakers twine onto the ornaments.

Step 6 • Finish off with a hand cut or punched star embellished with a snowflake brad, gems and last … a bit of ink on the edges.

Holiday Craft Idea Printer's Tray

2010-12-03T06:00:00.018-06:00

Candies, cookies, candles, perfumes and such are all wonderful gifts; however, they don't last.

Why not give a gift that will endure and also put you at the top of the gift-giving list?

This printer's tray keepsake can be made with holiday papers and embellishments to serve as a special reminder of this time of the year.

Another option is to select products to match the receiver's home décor, making it perfect for year round. Here's how to make a gift that will certainly not be returned.

Holiday Printer's Tray

Designer: Julia Sandvoss

Supplies:

• K & Co. Yuletide holiday papers, adhesive paper borders, rub-ons and embellishment collection

• Glue Arts Glue Glider Pro Perma Tac, 3D combo pac and Extreme Adhesive Squares

• 7Gypsies printer's tray

• Plaid white paint

• May Arts ribbons

• Colorbox chalk inks: warm red, creamy brown, moss green

• Making Memories key

• Vintage thread spool

• EK Success/Martha Stewart icicle punch, glittering glue and snow glitter

• Aleene's liquid paper glaze

• White felt

• Stickles glitter: Christmas red, lime green, silver and yellow

• Making Memories flower poinsettia, buttons and "Blessed" diecut

• Making Memories Slice Design Cordless Cutter Machine and Mistletoe design card

Step 1 • Brush a bit of white paint onto the sides of the printer's tray. Use a paper towel and wipe off any excess paint to leave a light coating. This will give the tray just a bit of a distressed look. Allow time to dry.

Step 2 • To make the top left portion, cut a piece of paper measuring 4 by 6 inches. Lightly ink the edges. Next punch a strip of paper using the icicle punch. Coat with glittering glue adhesive and apply a liberal coating of snow glitter. Shake excess glitter off onto tray or paper. Cut a piece of felt measuring 3 by 4 inches. Apply a coating of glitter adhesive and again add a liberal coating of glitter and shake off any excess. Adhere felt to paper using Glue Glider Pro with Perma Tac for good adhesion. Next select two of the same Santa diecuts. Add 3D Combo Pac foam adhesive to the top of one and adhere the second. This creates a dimensional diecut. Adhere diecut to paper. Adhere punch strip to paper and adhere to printer tray.

Step 3 • To make lower left, cut a piece of paper measuring 4 by 6 inches. Ink the edges. Cut a piece of paper measuring 3 by 5 inches. Adhere your photo to paper with a slight tilt to show a bit of the background paper. Adhere to larger paper. Tie ribbon around paper, secure with adhesive squares and finally adhere to printer tray.

Step 4 • For the top center, cut a piece of paper measuring 4 by 6 inches. Ink the paper edges. Add the diecut to the left side. Attach the key with Extreme Adhesive. Add the Yuletide Adhesive Paper Border sticker. Diecut or handcut the word "Joy." Use the 3D Combo Pac foam to give the word "Joy" a bit of height. Adhere to paper. Embellish the border sticker and Joy diecut with Stickles Glitter.

Step 5 • To make the lower center portion, cut a piece of paper measuring 4 by 6 inches. Ink the paper edges. Use two of the Yuletide Tree diecuts. Add 3D Combo Pac foam adhesive to the top of one of the tree and adhere the second over this. This creates a dimensional diecut. Adhere diecut to paper. Embellish tree with Stickles Glitter and add touches of liquid glue, which will dry to a glossy finish. Add Yuletide Rub On and gems. Finish with buttons and adhere with Micro Adhesive Squares.

Step 6 • For the top right, cut a piece of paper measuring 4 by 6 inches. Ink the edges. Next cut a piece of paper measuring 3 by 5 inches. Ink the edges. Adhere your photo to paper with a slight tilt to show a bit of the paper. Adhere to background paper. Add Yuletide adhesive paper border sticker, "Blessed" diecut and poinsettia. Finish off with Stickles glitter accents added to border sticker. Adhere to tray.

Step 7 • For the lower right, cut a piece of paper measuring 4 by 6 inches. Ink the paper edges. Cut another piece of paper 3 by 4 inches. Ink the edges. Adhere the ribbon onto the bottom paper. Use two of the Yuletide Santa diecuts. Add 3D Combo Pac foam adhesive to the top of one of the Santas and adhere the second over this. Adhere diecut to paper. Embellish with Stickles glitter and add touches of liquid glue for a glossy finish. Add HoHoHo diecut and gem. Embellish with Stickles glitter. Finish with vintage ribbon spool and straight pin. Adhere using Extreme Adhesive Squares.

Step 8 • Add any additional diecuts to sides of tray if you choose. Add any glitters or glossy accents as needed.

Be sure to check back in after this weekend for my next holiday craft and more!!!

And my New Year's goal is to get back on track with more blogging and updates. It's hard to blog for myself when I blog for others.lol But I do miss it and really do enjoy posting and sharing more than just my crafts. So I promise I'll do that!!

Holiday craft idea: Give a personalized tray

2010-11-29T09:35:00.000-06:00

Holiday craft idea: Give a personalized tray

Fall Craft Ideas

2010-11-12T07:49:00.017-06:00

Now let me be the first to say I realize not everyone is going to go out and buy all new decorations for fall or Thanksgiving.

In fact many people don't do anything right now because they're waiting to pull out all their Christmas holiday decorations so fall takes a back set.

Well don't let it.

I have a few decorations here and there...pumpkins, gourds, leave garlands and I have to say my house looks amazing. Now it's not filled head to toe like for Halloween and Christmas. But I like it....I really do.

So here's a way to take some items and some that aren't too expensive to update your house for the beautiful fall season!!

Holiday Menu Frame

Supplies:

Glue Arts Hot Glue Gun
Glue Arts Extreme Adhesive Squares

Glue Arts Adhesive Squares
Glue Arts Vinyl Accents
May Arts Ribbon

Picture Frame

Fall Leaves & Picks

K & Company Butterflies

1) Cut the Vinyl Accents to fit inside the picture frame. Next take the pieces out from the frame, insert the vinyl then add the glass and such behind the Glue Arts Vinyl Accents for support.

2) Next select your leaves and fall picks. Hot glue the fall items together at the ends. Tie ribbon around ends and add butterfly. Use Glue Arts Extreme Adhesive…add several squares to backside of leaves and press onto frame.

4) Cut a length of ribbon to run diagonally across bottom corner of frame. Adhere with Adhesive Squares. Adhere leaves together with Extreme Adhesive Squares and adhere onto ribbon.

5) Finish by grabbing a piece of chalk and writing out the day’s menu, a special welcome greeting or note!

6) Fun idea…make small chalkboard frames and personalize with your guests names for a unique placecard!

Fall Burlap Pillow

Glue Arts Glue Glider Pro Fabric Bond
May Arts Ribbon
Delta Metallic Paint
Burlap
Felt
Buttons
Pillow Filler or Insert
Lettering Template

1) Cut pillow to size you like. I was using a bolster pillow insert that needed a new home. So I worked around that size. Sew ribbon across bottom of burlap with machine.
2) Use lettering template or freehand....paint the word Autumn. I chose metallic paints and they look great. Allow to dry.
3) Turn burlap so the front faces the back. Machine stitch around three sides.
4) Hand cut leaf from felt. Hand stitch design on leaf and add buttons. Use Fabric Bond on backside of leaf and adhere to burlap. Iron set or hand stitch onto burlap.
5) Add pillow insert.
6) Hand stitch final side of pillow closed.

Thanksgiving Placecards

Designer: Julia Sandvoss

Supplies:

Glue Arts Glue Glider Pro High Tac
Glue Arts Mini Adhesive Squares
The Twinery: Mandarin, Lemon Drop & Cappuccino Bakers Twine
Creatology Felt Holiday Stickers (Michael's Crafts)
Echo Park Happy Halloween Paper
Cosmo Cricket Early Bird Paper
Bo Bunny Double Dot Cardstock
Making Memories Glitter Alphabet Stickers
EK Success Real Estate Punch
Inkadinkado Earthtones Inks

1) Cut the placecard. I hand drew a swirl on the sides for added fun. Ink edges, crease and fold in half so it will stand.
2) Punch out name piece, ink edges and adhere to card using High Tac. Tie twiner around card and knot on front. Add a mini adhesive square under center tie to hold in place. Add felt sticker.

Designer Tip: Easy and fun projects kids can assist with. Even if you are not hosting the holiday, consider bringing these for the hostess! They're a fun way to decorate the table. Carry the theme forward and making coordinating napkin rings too!

This is just of the ideas from today Show Me St. Louis TV show. Be sure to tune in next week for more fall decorating and crafts ideas and even better....a giveaway!!

I'm off to work on now several Christmas crafts that will be published in the St.Louis Post Dispatch. Life lately is non stop and it seems like every days something around our house stops working or falls apart. Our family room tv broke, my computer mouse, now the same computer won't connect to the internet, someone broke the glass on one of our basement doors.....does it ever stop?!lol

Making if I set my mind to the holiday crafts....things will start to right themselves....I hope! ;-)

See you soon,

It's a Bit Spooky In Here...

2010-10-22T12:00:00.000-05:00

It's true...our house and especially our dining room looks just a bit spooky!

But we like it that way.

Although there is this scary photo of this Medusa women that changes back and forth and Parker really DOES NOT like that photo!

This year I really utilized my Cricut Expression and Glue Arts amazing Car Accents! I have been waiting for a product like those that will cling to all surfaces and come right back off with no damage to the walls or surface. LOVE IT!!

I wanted to take advantage of having a new wall color in my dining room. The red we had was nice...but at Easter...blech. GROSS and honestly in the fall too..it looked awful really. So we painted it a soft, taupe grey and I LOVE it! Love it. And last year we bought our first dining room set which really helps bring the whole room together.

I went with a fun, but slightly spooky look using lots of vinyl spiders {yes...they go across the ceiling and down the walls!!}, crows and yes...the cat sitting on the chair rail too!

Love that I don't have to dust the furniture or lights right now!! eekkkkk

care for some wine? Or perhaps I should say "badblood"!!!!!!!!! If I was watching True Blood..I'll take O positive!!lol

Yes...the stairs are done too! We cobwebbed them up and have purple lights going up the long side...looks cool at night in our house.

Another project is I changed out the canvas wall art in my front. See this post for how I made these initially and saved quite a bit of money!!

Here's what they looked like before I changed them...(please excuse the toys!lol)

and here they are now!!

For these I worked with the Martha Stewart Vampire Halloween paper collection and a few of Pink Paislee's from last year. I then cut images from the October 31st Cricut Cartridge and then by using the Glue Arts Wall Art cartridge in my Glue Glider Pro...I simply added those papers on top of the existing ones. When Halloween is over, I simply remove them. No stick and no tackyness left behind. It's and amazing product! The crow up top is cut with the Car Accents vinyl and if you look closely you'll see I added a gem for his glittering eye! I have to say...everyone thought this was a really cool and easy way to transform our room. The rest of the room has the sidetable and spooky eyes mirror shown in a prior blog post.{just page down a post or three} So it's a fun room!

No correction...it's a really fun, spooky house...inside and out! Tune in next week as I'll share the rest of the house and outside too!!!

9 Days until Halloween!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!