Almost Happy New Year!

I feel like I haven't written in ages! There was a little technical difficulty with my blog so I couldn't post, but here I am again and I have lots to catch up on!

Christmas was wonderfully quiet and peaceful this year. It was nice to have Saturday and Sunday to get caught up on a few things before the festivities. My mom cooked and cooked - great Tortilla Soup and Enchiladas, Mom! The meals were almost effortless since Mom precooked, but we ALWAYS question how we can make it easier - it seems that we're always in the kitchen cleaning - oh, I get it! Enjoy it, even the cleaning part!

I have a few Christmas things to show you before I move on to what's happening now in anticipation of the New Year.

Here was my present from Miss PattieWack - people said it was too pretty to open! But, open it I did - Pattie, you know just what I need! She wrapped the gift in tissue then put a doily placemat around it holding it in place with ribbon and accented it lovingly with a candy cane! You rock girl!

My five-year-old nephew loves to get mail and when I was at Michaels last week, I saw this adorable mailbox 50% off. I stuffed it with Aleene's glues, Tulip paint, a palette, a brush and some wood pieces to paint. I was going to write his name on it and then got this idea to let him do it himself. I can't wait to see how he decorates it!

I ventured out to Michaels again today with my coupon for 50% off one full price item - I was going for a Styrofoam sheet, but came out with this beautiful wall art - for $25. I did get my Styrofoam, but not 50% off!

Back to my Styrofoam sheet - well, once I got there, I decided that my project was an experiment and I'd try it on this round piece first.

What's all the stuff on my dining table you ask? It' most (NOT ALL!) of my jewelry - I have one of those hanging jobbers with the little plastic pockets to put jewelry in - it just doesn't work for me. So, what I'm going to try is to cover the Styrofoam circle with fabric and be able to poke my earrings in it to keep them all organized. I'm thinking hooks for my necklaces. Wish me luck!



I was sick again this week (yes, a New Year's Resolution is to take my vitamins faithfully!) and laid around and read Suze Orman's book Women & Money - it's very insightful - balance, happiness, generosity, harmony - all things to consider when thinking about your money. I consider myself somewhat knowledgeable on money matters, but she really brought a lot of stuff home. She is the keynote speaker at the big craft trade show in February and I'm hoping I can figure out how to attend.

Another project for the new year is what I'll call a Wish Board for lack of better words. I'm sure you're like me and see things in magazines that catch your eye. I began to pull them out and now I'm applying them to this presentation board. I put it on a wall in my bedroom to see it every morning. I keep Aleene's Stick Glue beside it to add my images at a whim.

That's about it for now, I'm going to go turn on the TV, veg out and get myself organized for the new year - more on that tomorrow.










Take care,
Joan

You know how everyone's in charge of bringing something for family holiday meals? This is an odd year for me - I was given drinks (we don't drink alcohol at our family gatherings) and a rice dish to go along with enchiladas. I tried, but I just couldn't do it - being the overachiever that I am, I just couldn't bring sodas and rice, so to add festiveness to the occasion, I went to Home Goods - if you've never been in a Home Goods store - oh, my! Home Goods is my absolute favorite store and they have deep, deep markdowns on their products. I had fun looking for everyone in my family a nice stemmed glass - I found one to fit each person's personality - now to explain to them why I picked each one and not to offend...black and white checks, for my nephew, Chris, who you don't start a difficult conversation with because you'll never win, me - blue with swirls - don't know why - it just spoke to me, a beautiful dark red one for my sister, Nancy - she loves red, one with leaves on it for my mom...

To have a special drink, I found a recipe for Sparkling Holiday Punch I'd like to share. My mom is diabetic, so I was able to find low sugar or no sugar added items to make the punch. I bought some red sugar to place around the rims (OK, maybe not on Mom's glass).

Sparkling Holiday Punch

Mix 2 cups cranberry juice, 2 cups pineapple juice and 1/2 cup sugar in a large punch bowl. Add sliced limes and fresh cranberries (I'm traditional so I'm using red and green). Add a bottle of sparkling apple juice or ginger ale. Serves 6-8.

Last Minute Gift Idea
Glade® Wisp® Flameless Candles

These Wisp® Flameless Candles from Glade® are awesome! I decorated one at Halloween and now, I'm decorating them as gifts. These are faux candles (they look real!) and they put off a puff of scent! They're inexpensive and I just had to share them with the people on my gift list. I hope they enjoy them as much as I do!

Here's What You Need

Aleene's® Crystal Clear Tacky Spray™

Aleene's® Platinum Bond™ 7800 All-Purpose Adhesive™

Tulip® Glam-It-Up!™ Iron-On Crystals™

Glade® Wisp® Flamesless Candle

Tissue paper or rub-ons

Tiny frame ornaments (I got mine at Target)

Trim, optional

Scissors

Here's How to Make It

Rub-On

1. Follow instructions on package to adhere the rub-ons.

Tissue Covered

1. Spray globe with Tacky Spray. Immediately smooth tissue around globe. Cut excess.

All Globes

1. Print off picture and place in frame ornament.

2. Glue ornament to globe.

3. If desired, glue on Crystals.

4. If desired, glue trim around top edge of globe.

Make It Yours! Tip

There are so many tissues, even napkins that you can select just the right one for everyone! Use scrap trims and things you have in your craft room to decorate them up!

Wrap It Up! Tip

I just have to put these in a gift bag (gift bags just don't do it for me - I love to tear open a gift) - I want to take them out and show the person how to turn them on and use them.

What do you give a guy who has everything?
My brother loves old rusty things, lives on the 40 acre family farm and is really hard to buy gifts for.
This present really came by mistake - I was at the family farm taking pictures of leaves for a gift for my mom (she really, really loves leaves - AND so do I!). I thought about taking photographs of interesting leaves, but thought it would have so much more meaning if they were leaves that she saw every day. As I was out taking leaf pictures, I noticed that a board on the barn had a cutout of some kind that looked like a D - that's where I lost all track of time (my mom actually came out to make sure I hadn't fallen in the well - there's actually no way to fall in the well, but it sounds good...I am a writer, after all!). So, I started looking around to spell out my brother's name in things around the farm. The A is some kind of a hitch the V is an inverted saw horse, the I is actually (I'd have to clarify this with David after Christmas) that it's from a Model T and the other D is a tractor seat. I really had fun doing this. So, let your imagination run free and sometimes don't think so hard about that perfect gift and it will just come to you as if it was written on the side of a billboard - in my case on the side of the barn! It was inexpensive too!
David's Rusty Old Stuff Wall Art
Here's What You Need
Aleene's® Crystal Clear Tacky Spray™
Aleene's® Original Tacky Glue™
Tulip® Soft Fabric Paint™ (color to match wood)
Foam paintbrush
Photos
Old wood for background
Picture hangers and hammer
Chipboard (size of photos)

Here's How to Make It
1. Attach picture hangers on back of wood.
2. Paint edges of chipboard with Soft Paint. Let dry.
3. Spray Tacky Spray on front of chipboard. Press on photo. Repeat for all photos.
4. Glue photos on front of wood.

Make It Yours! Tip
Think of what the person really likes - is it candy, is it office supplies (that could be fun!), is it pictures of the kids (have them form the letters with their bodies or hands!)???

Wrap It Up! Tip
I think I'm going go hang this out in David's workshop or maybe I'll wrap it in a burlap sack...

Last Minute Crafting

I ran to Michaels during my 1/2 hour lunch to pick up one thing - picture hangers for my brothers gift (pictures of that tonight). Over an hour later, I was back to work - us crafters are out in force - what I observed - people were buying decorative baskets, one woman was buying a huge ceramic teacup (I imagined it heaped full of craft products - hmmmm, Santa did you read that?), some had picture frames, some had baskets heaped full of different things.

While I was there, I got this grand idea to find my nephew, Brandon, a mailbox. He's five and LOVES to get mail - what he doesn't know is his Aunt Joan and Grandma are the senders of his goodies. My mom got him a wood mailbox, but it's not holding up well with the wet weather. I found a really cute small metal mailbox on a stand. It was perfect and 50% off. Now, I'll add his name on it.

This takes care of my shopping, except for the mad dash to the grocery store late tonight - do you get that I'm not thrilled with going out in crowds? Before grocery shopping, I'm going to finish up my bro's gift and add some minor things to a couple other gifts, I'll photograph them for you and put them on my blog.

Until tonight...have a wonderful afternoon.

Joan

Family Wreath

Create a wreath to commemorate a special occasion.

Here's What You Need
Aleene's® Original Tacky Glue™
Aleene's® Stick Glue™
Wreath or make your own
Ribbon
Pictures
Scrapbook papers
Leaves
Scissors

Here's How to Make It
1. Cut scrapbook papers slightly larger than pictures.
2. Glue pictures to scrapbook papers with Stick Glue.
3. Place ribbon loosely on wreath and tack in place with Tacky Glue.
4. Glue pictures and leaves on wreath.
5. If desired, print wording on plain paper and glue to scrapbook paper. Glue at top of wreath. Make bow and glue at top of wreath.

Make It Yours! Tip
Commemorate a monumental birthday, an anniversary, a wedding - use colors from the occasion or the person's favorite colors. Make it really personal - at the party - have pieces of scrapbook paper cut, pens and hot glue and adorn the wreath right there with their greetings. Remember to later use some Tacky Glue where hot glue was used - that way you know it will stay together forever!

Wrap It Up! Tip
This one you just have to hang on the wall and let it speak for itself!

We're getting closer and closer...

I chatted with or emailed with friends this weekend and I heard over and over how they weren't ready for the holidays - some didn't have a tree yet, some were still looking for that perfect gift, one was calling to confirm my address and then there were some who were going to events and waiting to do their power shopping this week. Me, I'm usually done way before this (Halloween is my goal) but this year, it's been different and I found out it's OK!

Friday was our company holiday lunch - it usually consists of a very nice lunch, a couple of fun games and then we go about our merry ways on our afternoon off.

This year was DIFFERENT! Well, my name wasn't drawn for karaoke (but, my friend did insist that I take a photo with the mic in hand (she really just wanted a picture of the fabric 'column' behind me!) - but what a hoot it was to watch the five teams - who knew my co-workers could actually sing?

We had the Alvin and the Chipmunks team where they did the helium thing and sang like the Chipmunks (cute!), the Marketing group sang 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!' and that they did - except that one was not a girl - Roque (Q as we know him) had his wig leftover from his Thor costume at Halloween - and that guy wore that long blonde hair well! He came out into the audience and 'flirted' with the guys in my department - fun to see big, strong guys get a lot embarrassed at the 'affection' - you ROCK Q! The group that won was IT and Finance - our local football team is the Bulldogs - and our president's father (former head of the company) LOVES the Bulldogs - there's even a huge building next to the stadium named after him - (you need all this to understand the enthusiasm that filled the room.) Most everyone wore the team colors and Bob, who is 80+ years old, was at the microphone wearing a sideways team hat - they sang 'Who Let the Dogs Out?' - the roar of laughter filled the room the entire time the team sang. Hilarious! Friends at my table said their cheeks hurt from smiling and laughing so hard!

We had an ornament contest and my friend Barb won a wonderful gift basket!

Joan's Fluffy Ornament

Here's What You Need

Aleene's® Crystal Clear Tacky Spray™

Tulip® Fashion Glitter™

Aleene's® Clear Gel™

Tulip® Glam-It-Up!™ Iron-On Crystals™

Boa

Ornament

Cup

Here's How To Make It

1. Spray Tacky Spray all over ornament.

2. Immediately, sprinkle Glitter over ornament. Pat the glitter to help it stick. For a heavy coverage, spray on more Tacky Spray and sprinkle on Glitter. Hang to dry.

3. Glue Crystals randomly on one side of ornament, using Clear Gel. Place in cup to dry. Repeat until desired look is achieved.

4. Glue boa to top of ornament.

Beautiful topiary trees graced the hall of the banquet room - I think an upside down tomato cage could work as the base of this!

Back to Friday - Since my holiday shopping is done - I scheduled a massage for Friday afternoon - what an awesome experience - it was a new place and I know I'll be going back - I registered in this beautiful area and then was taken to the Quiet Room to wait for my masseuse - the room was complete with a huge aquarium and tranquil music. I had asked for a soothing massage, but one that would work out some of the stress too - well, she worked me over until it hurt so bad it took my breath away - but, oh my! It worked! I walked a little straighter and the tenseness was gone.

I worked yesterday on a couple gifts I will finish for Christmas - I'm covering more of the Glade Flameless Candles and I'm also working my brother's gift - some of my photography - but it's mounted very unique - more on that this week.

I'd better get back to cleaning so I can then have fun crafting for the holidays!

Until tomorrow -

Joan

Gift Wrap Jewelry
























(As a side note - I remember when my niece, Jenn Fee, now an actress, did this project on Aleene's Creative Living!)

Use holiday wrapping paper and make a great accent for your coat. This is a fun project for kids too!

What You Need
Aleene's® Instant Decoupage Sealer & Finish™
Aleene's® Original Tacky Glue™
Gift wrap
Wax paper
Scissors
Scrap paper
Brush - optional
Pin back

How to Make It
1. Cover work area with wax paper. Cut out desired design from gift wrap. If design is very detailed, cut a free form area around design.
2. Cut five pieces of scrap paper slightly larger than gift wrap design.
3. Layer papers, beginning with one piece of paper and apply Instant Decoupage on one side. Instant Decoupage may be applied with a your finger or with a brush. Place this piece of paper, glue side down, on second piece of paper. Press out any air bubbles by rolling bottle over paper. Continue until you have layered all five pieces of paper. The more layers, the more solid the jewelry piece will be. Apply Instant Decoupage on top layer and place gift wrap design on layered papers. Let dry.
5. Cut around design.
6. Glue pin back on back of design.

Make It Yours! Tip
Use Christmas cards instead of gift wrap. Use as gift tags too!

Wrap It Up! Tip
If you're giving a gift of clothing - attach the pin on it and it will be an added surprise when the person opens up the gift!

Happy Wednesday!

I was talking to a friend today and we were discussing my blog. He noticed that I had been putting on a whole lotta craft projects, but he missed reading about what was going on in my life. Well, here's my story...

I, like you, am busy with the holidays, but I enjoy sharing my creativity with you, so a top priority is posting a craft project every day until the end of the month.

What it comes down to is that I have been under the weather for a few weeks and am just now getting back into the swing of things. I know I'm down hard when I can't go to work or at least work from home - that was the case this time around. Even with a Z-Pack of super duper antibiotics, I was in bed for days.

I'm also busy at work because we're getting ready to launch a fantastic new product line! It's so awesome - the products are so unique - you're going to love them! Over the last several months I have gotten to know the lady behind these products and she's one super lady - full of high energy, knowledge of crafters and what they want and her products show it. Wish I could let you in on the buzz - soon...

Tonight, inbetween my overtime, I made my ornament for our company's holiday party on Friday. I'll include a picture when I'm done - it involves the Tulip Fashion Glitter and Crystals and a bit of feather boa. AND...I can't believe I did this - I signed up for a karaoke competition at the party. We'll see if I get selected - we can only have 5 people from our department, so names will be drawn tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed. Oh, the winners of the competition get a day off from work!!!

Remember to take a few minutes for yourself (how about right now?)
Joan

Time Out Stool

What You Need
~ Aleene's® Instant Decoupage™ Sealer and Finish
~ Aleene's® Thick Designer Tacky Glue™
~ Tulip® 3D Fashion Paint™, colors to go with print
~ Wood stool
~ Poster or fabric
~ Sponge brush
~ Scissors
~ Chalk pencil

How to Make It
1. Basecoat wood pieces. Let dry.
2. Cut print to fit top of stool.
3. Apply Instant Decoupage to stool top where print will be placed.
4. Place print over Instant Decoupage. Smooth with your hands.
5. Brush Instant Decoupage over print. For a protective finish, brush Instant Decoupage over all wood pieces. Let dry.
6. Write desired words on stool using chalk pencil. Trace with 3D Paint. Let dry.
7. Glue stool pieces together with Thick Designer Tacky Glue.
Make It You! Tip
Choose a print that's so you! Add Tulip® Glam-It-Up!™ Iron-On Crystals™ for a sparkly touch.

Wrap It Up! Tip
This is another tricky gift to wrap. Add a large teddy to the seat and tie a big bow around it!

Gift Giving Idea

Beaded Frame

Simple, quick, inexpensive, bright, bold - an expression of you!

Here's What You Need

Tulip Soft Fabric Paint - color desired

Aleene's Thick Designer Tacky Glue

Brush, 1" wide foam

Beads, wood in all shapes and sizes

Frame, unfinished wood

Here's How to Make It

1. Paint frame.

2. Glue beads on frame, working on one side at a time.

Make It Yours! Tips

Choose a color from the photo or the room the frame will be in - that way, it looks fabulous! Choose really small frames and beads and make them as ornaments for all the grandparents!

Wrap It Up! Tip

When you wrap the frame, include several other photos so the receiver can change them throughout the year.

Dazzling Dance Wear










Here's What You Need
Tulip® Fashion Glitter™, desired color
Tulip® Glam-It-Up!™ Iron-On Crystals™, desired size and color
Tulip® Cordless Heat-Setting Tool™
Aleene's® OK to Wash-It Glue™
Dance costume
Cardboard
Hair bow
Scrap paper

Here's How to Make It
1. Wash and dry costume following manufacturer's instructions. Do not use fabric softener in the washer or dryer.
2. Stretch over cardboard.
3. Adhere Crystals where desired, using Heat-Setting Tool, following instructions on package.
4. Add dots of OK to Wash-It where desired and sprinkle on glitter. Let dry. Tap excess off on scrap paper.

Make It Yours! Tip
If you want a glitzy all-over look, use Tulip® Glitter Spray™ and then add crystals.

Wrap it Up! Tip
Wrap the costume with regular wrapping paper and place the bow on top of the package.

Gift Idea / Outdoor Decorating

Paper Tablecloth Applique Chair

What You Need
Aleene’s® Instant Decoupage™ Sealer and Finish
Paper tablecloth with plastic backing removed
Disposable dish or cut
Paintbrush, 1” wide
Plastic chair
Waterproof sealer

How to Make It
Tear paper tablecloth in irregular shapes about 2” square. NOTE: Pieces can be larger or smaller depending on size of chair.
Brush Instant Decoupage on a small portion of chair. Lay tablecloth pieces on Instant Decoupage. Continue until chair is covered.
Brush Instant Decoupage over entire chair.
Spray with water proof sealer.

Make It Yours! Tip
Personalize each chair with the person’s name, using Tulip® 3D Fashion Paint™.

Wrap It Up! Tip
Wrap something this big!!! Yikes! Place it in your storage building and place the bow on the door.

Crafting Mood Music

Last night I saw Mannheim Steamroller in concert. It was one of those 'in the spirit' evenings with faux snow falling from overhead, a beautiful mini-village complete with a running train, right in front of our seats, oh, and of course, wonderfully inspiring music.

As I'm working on some last-minute craft projects, I'm listening to the Mannheim Steamroller holiday CD - it's so upbeat, makes me smile and I remember singing to the songs at my elementary school Christmas presentations. Ahhhh...memories.

So, what kind of music do you listen to to get you in the craft mood?

Upward and onward,
Joan

Gift / Get Organized Idea
Decoupage File Cabinet
File In Style

Let your creativity spill into your office - decoupage a poster or fabric onto an inexpensive file cabinet.

What You Need
Tulip® Soft Fabric Paint™, colors to coordinate with poster
Aleene’s® Instant Decoupage™ Sealer & Finish
Poster large enough to fit front of file cabinet
Scissors
File cabinet
Iron
Foam brush
Sponge

How to Make It
Cut poster to fit fronts of drawers.
Brush Instant Decoupage on front of one drawer.
Place poster piece on Instant Decoupage. Smooth with your hands. Brush Instant Decoupage over poster. If air bubbles appear, poke with pin and smooth by rubbing finger over it and applying more Instant Decoupage. Repeat for other drawer.
Sponge paint sides and top of file cabinet with Soft Paints. Let dry.
Brush Instant Decoupage over paint to protect surfaces.

Make It Yours! Tip
Posters are available in all kinds of different motifs – find one that is just perfect for you or the person you’re giving the file cabinet to.

Wrap It Up! Tip
Fill the file cabinet with file folders, labels, pens, pencils and all kinds of different organizational finds from your local office supply store. Add a bow to the top of the file cabinet and let it speak for itself!

Gift Idea

Napkin Appliqué Suitcase

Travel in style this holiday season AND your suitcase will standout from the crowd at baggage claim!

What You Need
Aleene’s® Thick Designer Tacky Glue™
Aleene’s® Instant Decoupage Sealer and Finish™
Tissue paper or napkin with print
Paintbrush
Scissors
Suitcase
Embellishments
Glitter, color to coordinate with design

How to Make It
Pour some Instant Decoupage on plate. Mix in a small amount of glitter. Lightly brush over suitcase. Let dry.
Cut out designs from tissue paper or napkin. NOTE: If using napkins, remove backing plys and only use printed ply.
Brush Instant Decoupage where design will be placed.
Place design over Instant Decoupage.
Brush Instant Decoupage over design from center out to edges.
Continue until desired look is achieved. Let dry.
Glue on embellishments with Thick Designer Tacky Glue.

Make It Yours! Tip
Find napkins or tissue with a travel theme or the person’s favorite flowers or, or, or…there are soooo many possibilities.

Wrap It Up! Tip
Place a large bow on the suitcase and put another gift inside it – maybe tickets for a trip, a gift certificate for a weekend getaway complete with a bottle of champagne…

Christmas Goose Favors

What You Need
Aleene's® Quick Dry Tacky Glue™
Tulip® 3D Fashion Paint™
Pearl® Buttercup
Slick® Black
Pencil
Watercolor paper, 140 pound
Scissors
Craft knife
Ruler
Cutting mat
Ribbon, 4" (1/8" wide) red for each goose

How to Make It
1. Print patterns desired size. Lightly trace patterns on watercolor paper.
2. Cut out along solid lines, using scissors.
3. Lightly score along dashed lines, using craft knife and ruler on cutting mat. Cut slit where indicated, using craft knife and ruler. Fold along score lines.
4. Paint beak and feet on one side of piece, using Buttercup 3D Paint. Paint dots for eyes, using Black 3D Paint. Let dry. Turn body over. Paint feet and beak, using Buttercup. Let dry.
5. To assemble, bring long tail section to V of body. Slide in place. Slide head section in slit on body.
6. Tie ribbon in a two-loop bow. Trim streamers. Glue on neck.


Make It Yours! Tip
Use ribbon to coordinate with the colors in your dishes. Write names of each person at the table with 3D Fabric Paint. Make a centerpiece by placing some greenery in center of table, add some small pinecones or decorative balls and the geese.


Wrap It Up! Tip
Purchase a large nest at your craft store and place the geese and faux eggs in the nest. Wrap in clear cellophane, tie with a bow that coordinates with ribbon used.

Chalk It Up Lamp
Not only is this a functional lamp, but it's a convenient way to keep track of things you need to do or let the kids doodle to their hearts content!

What You Need
Aleene’s® Crystal Clear Tacky Spray™
Chalkboard paint
Unfinished wood lamp base w/shade
Paintbrush, foam
Masking tape
Newspaper
Pen
Scissors
Fabric
Ruler
Acrylic paint to coordinate with fabric

How to Make It
1. Paint lamp base as desired with acrylic paint, masking off areas you don’t want painted.
2. Paint chalkboard paint where desired, following manufacturer’s instructions.
3. For lampshade pattern, roll shade across newspaper, marking along top and bottom, using pen. Cut out.
3. Place pattern on fabric. Cut fabric 1” outside pattern lines at top and bottom and slightly longer at one end.
4. Spray back of fabric with Tacky Spray, following instructions on label. Smooth fabric on lampshade, pressing excess fabric to inside of shade.

Make it Yours Tip!
Use leftover fabric from curtains to make a matching shade for your room. Don’t forget to include an eraser and chalk!

Wrap It Up Tip!
Wrap shade separately and fill cavity with tissue paper so it doesn’t crush. Instead of wrapping the lamp, just place it the room, place a bow on it and plug it in before the receiver arrives.

These Beautiful Botanical Notecards are the perfect Christmas gift for everyone! Use different papers and unusual embellishments to make each card unique.

Here's What You Need
Aleene's® Original Tacky Glue™
Aleene's® Crystal Clear Tacky Spray™
Scissors
Cardstock
Ruler
Tissue, burgundy
5" x 7" notecards

Additional Items for Grape Card
Linen paper
Tissue, gold
Grape charm, gold
Silk grape leaf
Grapevine twig
Metallic paint pen, gold
Deckle edge scissors

Additional Items for Flower Card
Flower paper
Flower charm, gold
Metallic paint pen, gold
Deckle edge scissors

Additional Items for Leaf Card
2-1/2" mesh square, gold
Leaf charm, gold
Flower paper

Here's What To Do
1. For grape card, cut a 4" x 6" rectangle and a 3" square from cardstock. Cut a 2-1/2" square from linen paper.
2. Cut gold tissue slightly larger than rectangle. Cut burgundy tissue slightly larger than 3" square. Crumple tissue. Flatten tissue, smoothing with your hands.
3. Spray cardstock with Tacky Spray, following instructions on label. Lay gold tissue over rectangle. Smooth with hands. Repeat procedure to adhere burgundy tissue on square.
4. For decorative edge of linen paper, cut edges with deckle edge scissors. Apply metallic paint along edges.
5. Spray Tacky Spray on back of gold cardstock. Place on card. Repeat with burgundy cardstock and linen paper. Refer to photo.
6. Glue leaf, grape charm and grape twig on linen paper, using Tacky Glue.
7. For flower card, cut a 4" x 6" and a 2-1/2" x 3-1/2" rectangle from cardstock. Cut a 3-1/2" x 4-1/2" rectangle from flower paper. Follow steps 2 and 3 to adhere gold tissue on large rectangle and burgundy tissue on small rectangle. Cut along edges of all rectangles with deckle edge scissors. Follow step 5 to adhere rectangles on card. Refer to photo.
8. Glue flower charm on center of card, using Tacky Glue.
9. For leaf card, cut a 3-3/4" x 4-1/2" rectangle from flower paper.
10. Cut a 3" x 5-1/2" rectangle from cardstock. Follow step 3 to cover rectangle with burgundy tissue.
11. Follow step 5 to adhere rectangles on card.
12. Glue wire mesh and leaf charm on center of card, using Tacky Glue.
13. For all cards, cut front edge of card with deckle edge scissors and apply gold paint pen along edge to highlight.

Make It Yours Tip!
Use things you have on hand - rubberstamps, twigs from your yard even children's fingerprints to make special cards.

Wrap It Up Tip!
Place the cards in a fabric envelope or purchase a desk organizer and slip the cards in the drawers along with other desk accessories such as a letter opener and stapler.

Picture Frames
The perfect gift for everyone
What You Need
Wood frame
Tulip® 3D Fashion Paint™
Tulip® Soft Fabric Paint™
Aleene's® Original Tacky Glue™
Wood shapes of your choice (hearts, stars, circles, triangles, etc.)
Paintbrushes: various
Tape for checkerboard

How to Make It
1. Paint frame desired color. If you want the checkerboard look - use tape to divide off sections before you paint.
2. Paint the wood pieces. Layering different colors and shapes looks awesome! Let dry.
3. Glue and layer wood pieces to frame.
4. Add squiggles, dots and personalize with 3D Fashion Paint. Let dry.

Make It Yours Tip!
Paint the frame in the person's favorite color (school colors make a great checkerboard frame!), add wood pieces that fit the person - megaphones and mascots for a cheerleader, airplanes for the plane enthusiast - check out the wood aisle of your craft store. Stamps work great too!

Let them make their own custom picture mat - Include the mat, some decorative scrapbook paper and a can of Aleene's® Crystal Clear Tacky Spray™.

Wrap It Up Tip!
Wrap the frame add a bow and actually place it on the wall. It's a decorative touch to the room and a gift all in one!

Holly Tray
for the Holidays

The parties have begun and perhaps you'd like to take a hostess gift or you're taking your special goodies and want an extra special plate to serve them on...here's the answer! The holly tray is inexpensive, it's easy and it's fun to make!

Here's What You Need
Aleene's® Clear Gel Tacky Glue™
Tissue: red and green
Pencil
Scissors
Paintbrush, 1" wide or foam
Plate, clear glass or plastic
Hole punch - optional

Here's How to Make It
1. Place holly pattern under green tissue. Trace 12 holly leaves, using pencil. Cut out on inside of pencil lines. Cut 18 berries from red tissue or use hole punch.
2. Brush glue onto a small area on back of plate. Place two holly leaves on wet glue. Refer to photo for placement or place randomly. Brush glue over holly. Place three berries around tips of holly. Brush glue over berries. Repeat for remaining holly and berries.
3. For a textured background, apply a thick amount of glue all over plate in a patting motion. Let dry.
4. To clean plate, wipe with a damp sponge. Do not submerge in water.

Make It Your Own - Cut out different designs to make plates for all special occasions or cut out designs from napkins too! Photocopy wedding pictures for an awesome anniversary gift! Use this technique on bowls, trays - anything that's clear. It's a great gift for the teacher - use a photocopy of the class picture and add place confetti or strips of tissue in the school's colors in the blank areas of the plate - it's a gift they'll NEVER forget!

How to Wrap It - Add candy, ornaments or even a gift card to the plate and wrap in clear cellophane.

SOCK IT TO ME DECORATED SOCKS

I was just out shopping and ran across some adorable decorated socks for $7.99 EACH!!! It reminded me of these socks I made a few holidays back and I thought I'd share them with you.

What you need to make them
Tulip® 3D Fashion Paint™, desired colors
Aleene's® Fabric Fusion™
Socks
Fabric, Christmas print
Scissors
Giftwrap tube or jar
Cosmetic sponge
Plate
Waxed paper

Here's How to Make Them
1. Prewash fabric and socks using no fabric softener. Dry.
2. Loosely cut out desired designs from fabric. Place fabric, wrong side up, on waxed paper.
3. Pour a small amount of Fabric Fusion on plate. Dab sponge into glue and dab on back of fabric. This will keep the fabric from fraying. Let dry.
4. Cut closely around design.
5. Dab a generous amount of Fabric Fusion on back of fabric. Smooth on sock. Repeat until desired look is achieved.
6. Place socks on jar or giftwrap tube. Make dots or outline fabric with 3D Fashion Paint. Let dry. Socks may be washed after 72 hours. Turn inside out, machine wash gentle, line dry.

I've been feeling under the weather the last few days and just got some antibiotics tonight, so I'll have to share my tips with you another time.

Jolly Snowman Apron - We're counting down to Christmas with a craft a day and today's project is this cute snowman apron that you can create with a wink of the eye. The apron makes a great hostess gift, a gift for the new bride and don't forget a gift for yourself!

Here's what you need
Tulip® 3D Fashion Paint™

Shiny® Black

Shiny® Orange

Shiny® Brown

Crystals® Icicle

Aleene's® Fabric Fusion™

Fabric: white, print for scarf, black for hat
Scissors
Apron, red
3 (1/2") black buttons
Chalk pencil

Cosmetic sponge

Straight pins

Here's how to do it!
1. Prewash fabrics and apron to remove sizing. Do not use fabric softener in washer or dryer.
2. Enlarge patterns to desired size and print off - patterns are below. My snowman is about 8" tall. Cut out patterns.
3. Pin body pattern on white fabric, scarf pattern on print fabric and hat pattern on black fabric. Trace with chalk pencil. Cut out.
4. Squeeze some Fabric Fusion on paper plate. Dab cosmetic sponge in glue and dab on back of snowman fabric. Place snowman on apron. Repeat with scarf and hat.
5. Paint dots for eyes, using Black 3D Paint. Place a dot of paint where buttons will be placed on body. Gently tap buttons into paint. Paint smile and a 1/4" diameter circle at top of hat with Black.
6. For carrot, paint a long, thin triangle, using Orange. Paint sticks for arms, using Brown.
7. Paint dots for snow and squiggly line under snowman, using Crystals Icicle. Let dry.
8. Can be washed after 72 hours on gentle cycle and line dry.

Make it Yours Tip - Use non-holiday or preprinted fabric that already has a large design on it and just cut out and glue on.

Wrapping Tip - Buy an inexpensive mixing bowl, place the apron and some spices in the bowl, wrap it with cellophane, tie a bow with fabric used from the project and you're done!

Tick Tock Timeless Treasure
It's quick. It's easy! You can make this adorable clock in a matter of minutes and mark it off your Christmas gift list!

What you need
Tulip® Soft Fabric Paints™ - two colors to coordinate with your fabric - one dark and one light (even though the name is fabric paint, you can use it on all your projects!)
Aleene's® Crystal Clear Tacky Spray™
Aleene's® Original Tacky Glue™
Wood piece with hole for clock movement or drill hole
Foam brush
Sponge
Fine line permanent pen (black)
Fabric of your choice
Craft knife
Clock movement with hands (make sure the stem is long enough to go through wood
4 wood hearts
Scissors

Here's how to do it!
1. Paint sections of wood piece that will not be covered with fabric, using dark paint color. Paint hearts same color. Let dry. Sponge lighter color of paint over painted sections of wood piece. Add dots around edges of small hearts, using permanent pen.
2. Cut shape from fabric to fit wood piece. Spray Tacky Spray on back of fabric and smooth on wood piece. Cut hole for clock movement through fabric with craft knife. Position clock in place through hole, following manufacturer's instructions.
3. Glue wood hearts in position on clock, using Tacky Glue. NOTE: Place hearts so clock hands do not scrape them.

How to Make it Yours (or a perfect for that special someone) - Make the clock extra special by picking fabric and wood pieces that speaks to you about the person. Personalize with Tulip® 3D Fabric Paints™ and you can add 3D Paint numbers instead of using wood hearts.

Enjoy!

Thanksgiving on the Farm

What an awesome few days! My five-year-old nephew, Brandon, drew the turkey picture that is proudly adorning my brother and sister-in-law's frig. I love his 'outside of the box thinking' when it came to coloring the feathers on the turkey. You go Brandon!

We had ten sitting at the dinner table this Thanksgiving. The food was extra yummy and the weather fantastic! Just before sunset, my brother and I surprised (OK, I learned my brother CAN'T keep a secret!) our family with a hayride and then festivities in the 80+ year old barn. My parents have lived on the farm for over 50 years, so it was a special treat for them (and us kids too). The hayride got a little chilly (tip for next time - serve hot chocolate on the hayride). We had tin can luminaries leading to the barn where our desserts and hot drinks awaited us (and the napkins, cups and plates I stamped). We sat on haybales, looked at the construction of the barn (my bro had just finished the peak of the roof the weekend before) and enjoyed stories. Come to find out, my brother used to go out to the barn when he wasn't feeling well so it's a place of comfort to him. My sister and I remember pulling back the wood sliding door (it seemed awfully huge and heavy when we were young) to get out the tractor when we did our chores. My brother was already suggesting ways to make the barn festivities even better next time.



I almost forgot, my mom and I both love leaves and we found some neat 'cookie' cutters at Williams Sonoma a couple weeks ago. She actually made cracker dough, cut them out with the cutters and also cut out cheese to put on some regular crackers. Of course, I keep thinking of crafty things to do with the cutters.

I worked a little bit on a ceramic project I've been working on over the months. Pictures of that next time.

I have some EXCITING holiday projects coming up that I'll show you how to make - keep checking back!

Enjoy the holiday!
Joan
Be sure to check out other Christmas project inspiration in the archives.

Celebrate Thanksgiving

with plates and napkins you've stamped yourself!

Easy, Easy, Easy Thanksgiving Tableware

You can zap an entire tablesetting in just a few minutes - it's inexpensive too!

What you need

• Paper plates and napkins
• Tulip® Soft Fabric Paint™ - Metallic Gold
• Stamp, fall leaf
• Cosmetic sponge

How to do it!

1. Squeeze out a small amount of fabric paint on a plate.

2. Dab cosmetic sponge into paint. Dab paint on stamp.

3. Press stamp on napkin or plate.

Taaaadaaaaa! You're done!

Make it Yours Tip - This idea can be for any occasion - Christmas, birthdays, Valentine's Day - and don't forget - every day is special - CELEBRATE!

Make Your Own Holiday Cards

I almost forgot to share my holiday cards with you. I was reminded when I received an email from Lauren today saying she received it. I got in the habit a couple years ago of mailing out my cards before Thanksgiving before everyone gets in the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

I took the picture at my parent's farm a couple weeks ago. I uploaded the image to COSTCO from the convenience of my home computer and an hour later I was picking them up. They only were 17 cents each. I purchased some blank cards at my local craft store and glued the images on using the Aleene's® Original Tacky Glue Sticks™. The cards only cost me 37 cents each.

Make it Yours Tip - Did you just finish a special project? Perhaps a holiday gift or home decor item or a stocking, an afghan??? Take a photo of it in a nice setting, print it off on your computer or have it professionally printed and do like I did - make your own cards. Your cards will stand out from the crowd, you'll have had fun being creative and made something from your heart.

For a brief moment I got to feel what it's like to be Tom Cruise or Oprah Winfrey!

I attended a huge party last night and as we walked in, the paparazzi were taking pictures of us - there were camera flashes everywhere. It was kind of a weird feeling. Our pictures will be available in the next couple days, so I'll post them when I get them.

The party was sponsored by a magazine to raise money for the local university alumni association. There were local celebrities, cheerleaders, bands and so much to do!

The evening featured lots and lots of food - many restaurants around town offered their delicious food and there was wine and more wine and I can't forget the desserts!!! We even had our palms read - she said 2008 would be less stressful - I can't wait!

Last Saturday night was another WONDERFUL party! My friend works for a posh grocery store (a true understatement) and bistro and they were celebrating their first anniversary. Over 600 people RSVP'd to the event - there was food, food, food - so much so, we were stuffed and said we wouldn't have anything else to eat, but then came a turkey that had been soaked in wine for two days (had to try that - it was fabulous!), desserts, cheeses that I'd never even heard of and huge shrimp. We even got swag bags with little gifts and a gift certificate for the store. We enjoyed music that kept our feet tapping and it's nice to have friends who know everyone in town so they introduce you to interesting people.

I'm looking forward to a quiet weekend so I can gear up for the Thanksgiving festivities with my family. My brother and I have a surprise planned for our entire family - something fun we've never done before. We're planning an old fashioned hay ride and then some activities in the 75 year old barn on the family farm. My brother is just about to finish up restoration on the barn so it looks awesome! We're getting together hay bales and hitching up the 50+ year old tractor to a trailer and we'll just bundle everybody up and take a little ride around the farm. Then, it's to the barn where we will have luminaries leading to the door and inside we'll have the heaters and candles going and enjoy hot cider and hot chocolate with nice music playing. I'm hoping to get the projector and 8mm old home movies to share with everyone too. I can't wait!

I'm also making a few presents this weekend, so I'll have some new inexpensive and quick project ideas for you next week! I'm packing a couple projects to work on Thanksgiving Day while we're sitting around - I'm looking forward to a nice, quiet day.

Keep crafting!

Joan

Creative Natural Highs

I received an email recently that really got me thinking...it was titled 50 Natural Highs. Some of the entries were...no lines at the movies, taking a Sunday drive, warm towels fresh out of the dryer, a long distance phone call from a friend, finding a $20 bill in your coat from last winter.

So, I thought - what about CREATIVE Natural Highs? Here are a few of mine...how about yours?

Joan's Creative Natural Highs

• Watching the expression on someones face as they open the gift that I made especially for them
• Having my five year old nephew ask if I brought something to craft with when I visit
• Taking a pile of craft supplies and transforming them into something special
• Loosing track of time because I'm having so much fun crafting!