Craft Trade Show Hub Bub...

Here's the view from my desk and the poor extra large printer across from me has hardly cooled off in days. We're getting ready for CHA (Craft & Hobby Association) trade show. Our booth is huge, so we're printing and then constructing a huge amount of signs. Once the signs are printed, we adhere them to foam core and then they are placed in the booth.

Our theme this year is, Your World Is Our World so a huge sign with that saying hangs under our even larger Duncan sign. Below that are product line signs (really big too!) and then what we're calling sub-header signs for each category and within those categories are other signs! Whooooooosh! I was out in our booth assembly area and it looks absolutely awesome! Everything is coming together. Beyond the booth we're working on a new catalog, media kit, new products and many, many other projects.

The show is February 10-13 in Anaheim. If you're going to be there, check out booth 4001 - there are lots of surprises - book signings, oodles of new products, make it and take its - too, too, too many things to mention !!! And we have a special part of the website set up www.duncancrafts.com/cha that shows what's going to happen.

CHA is a trade show for buyers from around the world to come and see what's new and buy, buy, buy so it's on the shelves for you! It's very exciting and very fun! I will be 'walking the show' for a couple of days and reporting back to you what I see...

One of the make it and take it's is with our new baby line (it's the tie-dyed camo onesies - but I can't tell any more!) There are also a ton of mouse shaped glitter laden T-shirts drying around the plant. As you can see, a lot goes into the trade show, it's challenging, it's hectic, but it's so rewarding to stand back at the show and see all the hard work look so fantastic! My friend, Lindy, is coordinating the show - she's doing a fantastic job - and we're still making time to get in our 30 minute workout at lunch! You go Lindy!!!

I was going to say that all this activity leaves me little time to craft, but looking back over yesterday, I can't say that. I did a glue test. A friend came over last night and was wondering what the heck I was doing. I'm testing two glues, so I had paper, fabric, metal, glass, cardboard, etc. all over my table and then all kinds of things glued to them - bottle caps, pom poms - it looks like some kind of scientific experiment gone bad. My friend and I crafted for a couple of hours - it was nice to experiment, have fun and not have an agenda.

My parents are spending the night tonight, so I'd better get to some OT I need to get out of the way - thank goodness for Precious Thyme - I'm thawing some Cranberry Chicken Breasts and we'll have Spinach and Feta Quiche from there also - warm up some frozen vegies and we'll have a relaxing meal.

Upward, onward and sometimes sideways - make it a great day and a fabulous week!
Joan

I'm Going Outside My Comfort Zone Big Time!!! YIKES!!!

When I was going through my journals in preparation for this new year, I ran across something I wrote when I was on vacation at Big Sur last year. It was there that I did a little (OK, big) brain dump and wrote things down as they came to me. One of the things on the list was voice lessons. I was shocked - I don't remember writing it because singing lessons have been coming to mind and I mentioned it to my mom and she said she's always wanted to take lessons.

Last week on my way to my doctor's office I was stopped at a stop light and noticed a sign for singing lessons - I go by this place at least every two weeks and this was the first time I had seen the sign. When I got to my doctor's office, I noticed a cute metal Christmas tree and walked over to get a closer look and on it was written The Voice Shop. I questioned my doctor about it and she said that's where she takes voice lessons. Come to find out, The Voice Shop is the place I drive by - kind of spooky, if ya ask me. I knew then it was a sign for me to call and today, I called and left a message. This will be a very huge step outside of my comfort zone. One NEVER knows what will unfold before them - maybe even a voice shop.

It's been a week of mega overtime getting ready for our big trade show next month - I'm working on booth signs, the media kit, a huge catalog, ads and 10 kits for a new product launch we're doing at the trade show. I'm also busy with a brochure for some new glazes being added to our ceramic line, working on 30+ projects for the February web (www.duncancrafts.com) and doing a test for a potential new glue, so, overtime it is for a while.

I'm headed to my parents tomorrow for my dad's 81st birthday - hard to think it was a year ago that Marilyn Monroe graced his party.

As for my PC (Pulse Check) this week - I didn't get much accomplished, but with OT most every night, things have to go by the wayside. I did have dinner with The Crafty Chica (hey, Kathy!) and two other friends - it was a nice diversion.

Lindy and I continue to do our 30 minute workouts at lunch - thanks for the inspiration, Lindy! We keep all the fixing for an awesome salad at work, so we just have to assemble and we're back to work.

Oh, I almost forgot...take some time for yourself today, even if it's 10 minutes to add a little something to the project you're working on. As for me, I indulged in a 1-1/2 hour massage - this girl can make me feel like rubber!!!

Back to work - make today an outstanding day!
Joan

New Year Pulse Check

I remember my first few months working at Duncan and the incredible things we did as a company that blew me away. One was a Pulse Check - when we were in the middle of a BIG project, we'd all get together and have a Pulse Check to see where each of us were in the process. Well, it's a process that I have brought into my personal life and it's actually quite gratify. More on that in a sec.

The new year is shaping up fabulously for me!!! My friend and I workout at lunch for 30 minutes in our company's fitness center, then fix a quick salad (I bought all the fixings at COSTCO and we figure we're spending probably less than $2.00 on a salad we'd pay eight or more bucks for at a restaurant). So, I'm exercising, eating right and generally getting my life in order and a lot of it goes back to getting my 2008 Notebook together - I call it My Brain. My bosses, boss hit the nail on the head when she called it a place to 'dump my brain'. I have mentioned to friends on numerous times that I just 'want to get out of my brain'. And, this has really helped. I've dumped it, yet I know it's there when I need to refer back to it.

Back to the Pulse Check. Now, with My Brain, I do a quick PC every day to see what needs done AND what I did last Sunday evening, was do a Big PC where I looked at my long and short term goals to see what I could do this week to move toward those. I wrote little notes to myself (kind of like a teacher making comments on a kids' paper). I got lots done last week and am very proud of myself. I am reminded of one of my accomplishments as I smell a broccoli bacon cheddar stuffed chicken breast in my oven - yes, it is before 6:30 in the morning, but I'm trying this new thing for me - a company prepares meals and brings them to you - you just pop them in the oven when you're ready. I was anticipating having a scrumptious dinner last night, but they were frozen, so breakfast it is! Back to my last week - I opened up my Holiday Saving Account, made phone calls to get a ROTH IRA set up and on and on...it was a wonderful feeling!

My earring organizer is working beautifully - it is so nice to have all my earrings in one place, by color...and I've been a good girl about putting them back each night.

Well, my broccoli bacon cheddar stuffed chicken breast is calling me name. More about how this great year is shaping up later...

Make it a fantastic day!
Joan

Jewelry/Earring Organizer
Get Organized in the New Year with Crafts
The weather forecasters said 'button down the hatches, the biggest storm in over 20 years is going to hit the area'. So, I bought some firewood, lots of candles and food that didn't need heated and hunkered down for the weekend.

So, what's a girl to do when she's stuck inside for the entire weekend? CRAFT!!! GET ORGANIZED!!! HAVE FUN!!!

I got out my jewelry organizer project that I'd started last month (see most of my jewelry on the table - yikes!) and I finished it! It didn't turn out quite how I'd expected and it grew to other things, but in crafting there are no mistakes.

I covered a Styrofoam wreath with fabric, gluing the fabric to the back of the wreath with Aleene's® Foamtastic™. Since I had to ease the fabric around the inside of the wreath, I glued on silk leaves to hide the cuts. If I was doing this project again, I'd use ribbon or something softer because I couldn't put earrings through the silk leaves.

Then, it was time to organize all my jewelry. Once I started placing the earrings I knew I wouldn't have room for anything else. The earrings poke effortlessly into the Styrofoam, so I'll see longterm how this works out. Oh, I did have room on the sides of the wreath for some of my pin collection.

My sister gave me tons of butterfly pins from her mother-in-laws estate and I chose to place them on a watercolor butterfly quilt I'd made ages ago. See how this is growing...

Bracelets - I have a few bracelets and decided to put them around a small decorative bottle I had in my kitchen - the bottle is filled with apples, so it makes for an interesting display.

On to my necklaces - I'm not happy about this quite yet. I got a wonky wrought iron tree from Coldwater Creek at an after Christmas sale. You can't tell from the photo, but it's really cute. Not being satisfied with the way my necklaces are organized, when I woke up this morning I eyed a towel holder that sits in my bathroom area - we'll see.

Today is filled with some overtime that needs done but I'm determined to be done by noon, so I can light that fire and work on a book idea I have.

Make it a great day!

Joan

HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

It was a most wonderful first day of 2008! It was nice to have a day off work and do a little of this and a little of that - the sun was shining and it was a beautiful day. I have to admit that I ushered in the new year ASLEEP! I had had some plans but they got cancelled at the last minute and I think it was meant to be. I was in bed by 8 - oh, my!

Since I went to sleep so early, I was up before dawn and decided to take some advice of a dear friend. My friend has been in my life for 3+ years. I met her when I dabbled in real estate after the Aleene's magazine was cancelled. She is very relaxed, very intelligent, very intuitive and someone who is always there when you need her to be. She is one of the top real estate agents on the Central Coast of California - from Paso Robles to Santa Barbara. We only email or chat a couple times a year but I also know that if I picked up the phone right now she would be there for me. I am always in awe of her wisdom and her knowledge about women, relationships, and what someone 'should do' in any situation. Never pushy, just always right on.

She shared a quote from Morgan Freeman's character in a movie. He said, "Before Buddhists get into Heaven they are asked two questions. One, did you have joy in your life? And two, did you bring joy to others?" This made such an impact on Pam that her new year's resolution intention is to 'bring joy to others, which will make me joyful'. That's my friend.

My friend's intent is to make 2008 the best year, personally and professionally. She challenged me to do the same. What a challenge, but I'm up for it - how about you?

She was there for me at the beginning of a very traumatic and life changing experience that started 3+ years ago. She knows the things I've been through, the challenges I have faced and the challenges I am now facing.

Once again, she challenged me and that is how I spent the first few hours of 2008. I share her thoughts with you in that you may take a few moments and think about these very things that I did this morning.

Write down your goals, the activities you want to do, how you want your home to be, what you want for a career, how you want your finances - picture it all, write it down, cut out photos and put them where you can look at them every day (she didn't know I was already working on this). Then, write a story in the present tense about all you've thought about and read it every day and 'then start building your bridge, watch, it will come true...I tell you 2008 it's gonna be a great year...Happy New Year to us all!'

I wrote and wrote and wrote some more. My hand cramped, but I kept writing and suddenly I was done. I put my 'story' in my new 2008 notebook where I will have it at hand to read every day. Reading through it after I was done, I just sat and smiled - I finally had a feeling of some kind of direction in my life.

I do want to be organized and more in control of my life. So, several days ago, I started a 2008 notebook. Here's what is inside.


Inside Pocket - holds my 2008 calendar where I keep all my appointments. Below the pocket I put in a definition of success - the achievement of one's goals; series of accomplishments. It also holds my daily to do list that's divided in three and 1/2 columns - COMPUTER, TO DO, CALLS AND OUT (calls and out share a column). COMPUTER is where I list all the things I want to do on the computer - mainly search things on the internet or print out a document...I put the OUT section at the bottom of the page so I can tear or cut it off and take it shopping with me...yes, I've thought about this for a long, long time!

Hole Punch - the next item is a hole punch at the ready to add those important papers as I get them

Plastic Pocket - a plastic pocket holds coupons and items I need to act on this week

To Do Tab - I got colored plastic tabs with pockets in the front (nice to keep things I need immediately). Inside the pocket I put my New Year's Resolution (my little secret)

Short Term Tab - here's where I keep a list of my goals for the next 3 months - everything from starting a holiday saving account (I'm going to use it to transfer money for gifts, car insurance, stuff that surprises me when it comes due). Also, I finished the first chapter of the Suze Orman's book Women & Money and I copied the checklist from the book and put it in there - it's a 5 months process, so I'll change it out every month

Long Term Tab - Things I want to accomplish this year (I'm sure this section will change as the year evolves!)

Account Balances Tab- I have an account balance sheet for my checking and savings accounts, a sheet for my expenses, and since I'm trying to control where my money goes, I put in a sheet for Money Saved - so far today I've saved $30 - I did my own pedicure! I also have an Income sheet - I want to keep track of how much money comes in. Since vacations are a priority for me, I have a Vacation sheet and I'm going to send money every month to an account I have out of town so I'm not tempted to use the money for other things.

Ideas Tab - It's hard to keep track of all those ideas that float around in my head, so I have a sheet for Ideas. I also thought about what it would mean to me to have these ideas move forward and to accomplish them and that is freedom, so I wrote FREEDOM at the bottom of the page.

Ponder Tab - I read somewhere recently about all the reasons people use to not do something. This particular case it was why single women over 50 don't travel alone, so they posed a question 'If I got hit by a bus tomorrow, where would I regret not traveling?' So I wrote that question on my Ponder page and wrote down my answers. I've added several blank pages to this tabbed section to write down things as they come to me.

Well, that's it for my tabs and I see there's one blank tab left. If I know me, I'll be putting something in there real soon.

As my friend said 'Happy New Year to us all!' Yes, Happy New Year to us all!

Joan

P.S. A couple other things I worked on today - my Wish Board - I glued on a house that intrigued me and a wrought iron bed I absolutely love!

Oh, I found this heart with a saying in it from a scrapbook from my college days over 30 years ago (gulp!) As I mentioned before, I'm trying to get my immune system back up to par and I want to remember to take my vitamins - I put 7 days worth of vitamins (those lovely little packets from COSTCO) in a pretty glass and then put the saying in with it. I truly wish I could remember who gave me the saying, but I truly don't.

Again, happy new year! Make it your best year EVER!

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!