Crafty Blogger Blurbs

About Family Crafts 
This week's craft challenge is all about crafting with shoe boxes... Do you have a project to share? 

Craft Buds 
Do you dream of writing a book on your craft? Read a craft book editors tips for ways to make a book proposal pop, plus a checklist of basic book proposal components. 

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world 
This week at Craftside there is a tutorial on how to paint a black cat, a tip on how to stop a handsaw from binding, fun photos from Maker Faire New York, and a recipe for a yummy trifecta veggie burger.

Crafty Princess Diaries 
Thanks to loom knitting, Tammy has already started making some holiday gifts.

Eileen - The Artful Crafter 
Save this fall’s flower and vegetable seeds to make handmade paper cards that will bloom in the garden next spring! 

Lindsay Sews 
If you like crafting for a cause, check out Lindsay's handmade earrings project. There's also a fabric button earrings giveaway. 

Mixed Media Artist 
Cyndi finally decided to stop hoarding her sunprinted fabric and use it for a project instead! 

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery 
How to make recycled milk jug skull Halloween decorations.

Pin It

For Unique Whimsical 

Gifts Visit

Take me to the

Shopping!

Sinfully Delicious!

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter 
Explosion Cake

Happy Birthday too me! It was my birthday this past week, but being laid up like I was I didn't get a chance to make my birthday cake until yesterday.  My gift from one of my sons was to give me all the fixings to make my own birthday cake LOL I know that doesn't sound nice, but its actually what I wanted since I was given some new cake decorating paraphernalia I wanted to use.  I made the above cake by combining a couple of recipes. I used the cake explosion recipe from HERE but also swirled in plain creamy peanut butter.  I used the peanut butter frosting recipe from HERE along with the chocolate ganache recipe but omitted the addition of the peanut butter since I felt I had enough peanut butter going on.  I used the peanut butter frosting between the layers and then did a crumb coating with the frosting over the entire cake before I added the dark chocolate ganache. This cake ended up being over 8 inches tall and waaay too rich!

Pin It

For Unique Whimsical 

Gifts Visit

Take me to the

Shopping!

Banners, Flags, Bunting and Pennants Oh My!

I haven't been too creative as of late due to some major knee pain, but  after a couple of  cortisone shots  I'm finally feeling like my old self again!  Thankfully, my muse has decided to come back to visit me, and I finished up a project I'd started prior to my knee problems. 

I made a baby themed banner (aka bunting, flags, pennants--who knew there were so many names?!?).  I had wanted to put "Sleeping" on it instead of "Asleep" but it was just too long.  With this particular banner I started out by using  some jumbo tags that I had and covered them in scrapbook paper.

If you'd like to see other banners, 

bunting, flags or pennants I've made in the 

past  for inspiration click  HERE and HERE.

Pin It

For Unique Whimsical 

Gifts Visit

Take me to the

Shopping!

Ceramic Mermaid Tile

Supplies 

Blank Glazed Ceramic Tile (Home Improvement Store) 3D Crystal Lacquer 3D Crystal Color Lacquer (Yellow, Blue) 3D Crystal Lacquer Pearl (Green, Blue, Gold, Bronze)

Micro Beads (Gold and Orange) Mini Starfish and Shells Extra Fine Glitter Dust Gold Metallic Pen Mermaid Image & quote (color photo copied)

Step 1:  Start with a white glazed ceramic tile and 3D Crystal Lacquers.	Step 2: Apply the pearl blue and dark blue colored 3D Crystal Lacquer across the tile alternating colors.
Step 3: Apply a layer of clear 3D Crystal Lacquer over the colored lacquer and blend and smooth with your finger.	Step 4:  Apply the pearl green 3D Crystal Lacquer starting 3/4ths the way down the tile to create an ocean floor depth.
Step 5: Next while the lacquer is still wet sprinkle micro beads and extra fine glitter dust along the bottom of the tile. Allow to completely dry.	Step 6: Add accents to your photo copied image using the 3D colored and pearl lacquer to create depth on your image and set aside to dry. (**A color photocopy is  recommended instead of  printed so your ink  doesn't run)
Step 7:  Once your tile is dry apply a thin layer of clear 3D Crystal lacquer and add your photo copied and cut out quote to your tile. (**Color photocopy is  recommended instead  of printed so your ink  doesn't run)	Step 8: Next add your image to the wet tile and apply a liberal layer of 3D Crystal Lacquer over your entire tile.At this point you can also add your mini starfish and seashells to the wet tile as well (**If there are any air bubbles you can use a straight pen to pop them). Set aside to dry in a draft free level area.  Once dry repeat process as desired.
Step 9: Once the tile is dry completely color all four edges with the gold metallic pen to finish your piece.	You can use a mini easel to display your tile or you can glue a hanger to the back

Sept is Ovarian Cancer Month

I can't believe I almost forgot that September is
Ovarian Cancer Month!

Why is it this silent whisper of a disease flies
so low under the radar compared to breast cancer?
We really need to get the word out ladies and help
raise more awareness please share this post with others.

A few years back I was part of a project that I am still very proud of.  The purpose of this project was to help raise money for Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.  We created a collaborative art doll and held a raffle to win this beautiful art doll, along with creating a book titled TIES THAT BIND which is a 7x7 coffee table book showcasing the work of almost 100 artists along with inspirational quotes. This book and project was all possible due to the Internet. Each contributing artist had given of themselves in order to make a difference in the fight against ovarian cancer. The book is still for sale and all proceeds still go to OCRF.  If you'd like to read more about the project click HERE and HERE if you'd like to see more of the book and/or purchase one please click the link below:

Ties That Bind

A Collaboration of ...

By Aileen Roberts

Book Preview    

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is difficult to detect, especially, in the early stages. This is partly due to the fact that these two small, almond shaped organs are deep within the abdominal cavity, one on each side of the uterus. These are some of the potential signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer:

• Bloating
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
• Feeling the need to urinate urgently or often

Other symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:

• Fatigue
• Upset stomach or heartburn
• Back pain
• Pain during sex
• Constipation or menstrual changes

Pin It

For Unique Whimsical 

Gifts Visit

Take me to the

Shopping!

Pinterest Parade

I'm a bit laid up right now with a bum knee. Nothing more frustrating then wanting to get things done, but knowing you have to stay off your leg in order for it to get better...not to mention to quit hurting!!

So today as my butt grows wider I've decided to start a weekly Pinterest Parade of some of my favorite pins from my Pinterest boards

If your not familiar with Pinterest it works like this:

Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes.

Best of all, you can browse pinboards created by other people. Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests.

From my Artist that Inspire Me Board:

I give you Kathryn Wheel, 

love her bright whimsical style

http://thekathrynwheel.blogspot.com/2011/04/bit-of-this-and-bit-of-that.html

From my Food Board (things 

that sound yummy enough to try):

CrockPot Smoked Brisket Recipe

http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/08/you-can-use-your-crockpot-as-smoker.html

And

Lemon Broccoli aka the best Broccoli in the world.

It was very tasty!

From my Craft DIY Board:

A felted nest

http://todolwen.blogspot.com/2011/03/felted-nest-tutorial-and-new-wee-bird.html

And...

Spaghetti Sauce Jar Moroccan Lanterns

From my Great Ideas Board:

Love this idea just haven't come across 

a wooden magazine holder yet to try it!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/61951289@N08/5762333687/in/photostream/lightbox/

Thanksgiving Gratitude Rolls

http://beautyandbedlam.com/thanksgiving-food-tradition-gratitude/

From my Colorful Board:

Rainbow drink -

To make it kid-friendly, make colored ice cubes 

(water + food color ROYGBIV), stack in tall glasses 

and pour clear soda.

And

Holi-Festival of Color in India

would love to see this one day!

Hope you've found my pins inspiring as I have :-)

For Unique Whimsical 

Gifts Visit

Take me to the

Shopping!

Faux Hand Blown Glass Ornament

This is my first official project I'm posting for 

Sakura Hobby Crafts. I'm excited to be part 

of the new design team representing a 

product I've loved for years.

I've begun gearing up for Christmas and my first 

project is a simple yet elegant one that would make a 

great gift or holiday boutique idea.

Supplies

• Clear Glass Ornament
• 3D Crystal Lacquer
• Alcohol Inks
• Bottle Cap
• Alphabet Stickers or Rub-Ons
• Ribbon

I started off with a clear glass heart shaped 

ornament and removed the top.

Next I added a couple of drops each of 3 

different colors of alcohol ink.

Next squirt the amount of  3D Crystal Lacquer  

approximately the size of your pinky finger 

circumference down the center of the glass 

ornament.  

**The combination of the inks mixed 

with the 3D Crystal Lacquer creates a 

hand blown look to the glass.

Swirled and turned the glass around letting 

the 3D Crystal Lacquer and alcohol ink 

mixture coat the insides of the glass.

Once the sides are coated turn the ornament 

upside down and allow the access to drip out.
You can use a bottle cap to let it drip into, so you
don't waste the mixture and then used the filled
bottle cap for another project.

Once its completely dry you can add wording
on the outside using some rub-on letters or
word stickers. Finish it by adding a ribbon
to hang it from.

Happy Creating everyone! 

For Unique Whimsical 

Gifts Visit

Take me to the

Shopping!

Spring Chickies Cake

Spring Chickies Cake

I made this cake for a friend's sister who raises and loves chickens. Its actually a peach flavored cake with peach flavored frosting.  The chickies are cake balls/pops (You can click HERE to view my other cake pops). For the base of the cake I used a round layer cake and the smaller center is half of my wilton's giant cupcake pan.

For Unique Whimsical 

Gifts Visit

Take me to the

Shopping!

Crafty Blogger Blurbs

Cindy Gimbrone Beads 
Cindy is one step ahead when she uses a wire wrapping technique to create a poinsetta ring for the holidays. 

Craft Buds 
Stop by Craft Buds this September, where they will host craft book giveaways, projects and more. It's a party! 

Craftside- A behind-the-scenes peek at our crafty world 
This week at Craftside there is a chance to win a copy of the book Sewing Vintage Aprons along with a fun recycled shirt/apron tutorial, a bunch of portfolio info and how to help a dog when it's overheating, dehydrated and sunburned and a new free Rockport App.

Crafty Princess Diaries 
Tammy altered a star pattern afghan and shows you the results plus how she changed it up a little. 

Eileen - The Artful Crafter 
Eileen tries her hand at 3D paper tole. It’s not as difficult as it looks, but does require a bit of patience. 

Lindsay Sews 
The equalizer quilt design is a new project that uses guy-friendly fabrics. It's a quilt that even he will love. 

Mixed Media Artist 
Cyndi's new friend Kerrie, aka Antikva, shares all kinds of tips on working with shrink plastic! 

Mixed Media Artist 
Cyndi's new friend Kerrie, aka Antikva, shares all kinds of tips on working with shrink plastic! 

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery 
How to cover an umbrella with recycled lace curtain ruffles. 

For Unique Whimsical 

Gifts Visit

Take me to the

Shopping!

Undulating we will go!

Weeeee, We're going undulating!

So far only in Sacramento, California can you find a sign like this LOL What were they thinking?!?

Was someone trying to be politically correct or is there a closet English teacher hiding in the public works department of Sacramento seeking to rectify improper word usage via street signs!? Apparently 1 speed bump is just a hump but 2 cannot be humps or bumps, but undulations?!? 

I'm still trying to decide if the picture looks like a mustache or boobs LOL

For Unique Whimsical 

Gifts Visit

Take me to the

Shopping!

Altered Wooden Domino Tutorial

I don't know about you, but I'm starting to get rolling on Christmas projects! I'm determined this year to get a head start on things, so that when the holidays roll around I can relax and enjoy them.  If your looking for easy projects to make and give as a gift or to make for a holiday craft boutique my altered wooden dominoes are a perfect project for you. Click here to view my 

Wooden Domino Tutorial

For Unique Whimsical 

Gifts Visit

Take me to the

Shopping!