29.2.12

Doodlebug's Leap Year Blog Hop

Welcome to my blog! I'm happy to be part of the Leap Year Blog Hop for Doodlebug. Before hopping away, let me share a quick project with you. 


Cinnamon Bear Popcorn Tags
I love Pinterest and the food pins are my favorites. I challenge myself all the time to actually make something I found on Pinterest, but then again, it's part of my Inspired by Pinterest show on My Craft Channel. 


Anyway, I found one recently that I've been looking forward to trying out. So I made up a batch of the funnest treat ever called Cinnamon Bear Popcorn. Here's a picture of the pin from Pinterest. It made a big enough batch to split into gift bags and I so created the fun 3" Circle tags shown above to go on each of the bags. I have some neighbors that are going to get a "sweet" surprise later today!


This yummy recipe can be found on Jamie Cooks it Up Blog...warning it's so sweet and you won't be able to stop eating it. 


Now let's get hopping!! FIVE lucky winners will receive one of everything in our Hello Spring collection!
Here's what you have to do to win:
  • Start here, at the Doodlebug Blog and “hop” on over to every blog you are sent to (be sure to hop in order).
  • Leave a comment on each blog.
  • At each blog, you will be directed to another blog. Be sure to visit and comment on each blog, to increase your chances of winning!
***IMPORTANT: Begin the blog hop at the Doodlebug blog so you make sure you visit each blog.***
  • When you hop back to the Doodlebug blog, leave a comment saying that you are done AND email us that you’ve completed the HOP and send us your shipping address to: doodlebugdesign.blog@gmail.com
Our blog hop will close Friday, March 2, 2012 at 6:00am.
We will announce the winners on Friday afternoon on the Doodlebug Blog.

So keep hopping...HOP on OVER to Monique Liedtke Blog next. 

28.2.12

Michael's Craft Masters Reality Craft Show

The original credit for this post goes out to my crafty friend Kari from U-CreateCrafts.com. She has an amazing site that has all things crafty that is worth a visit if you haven't been there before. 

Now most of you know that I am a huge reality tv fan and I love crafts, so how fun is this...crafts + reality tv called...
craft masters

MICHAELS LAUNCHES “CRAFT MASTERS” REALITY SHOW
Web-based craft competition kicks off just in time for National Craft Month
(IRVING, Texas) With glue guns a-blazing, top crafters will face off to see who is selected as the first “Craft Master” in a new weekly craft competition Web series, “Craft Masters,” created by Michaels, North America’s largest arts and crafts specialty retailer. The series begins airing Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m. CST at Michaels.com/craftmasters.
Each week, three crafters compete to win a $500 Michaels gift card. The fun begins when contestants are each given a basket of mystery supplies, and the clock starts ticking as the crafters quickly plan their projects. After a mad dash through a Michaels store to snap up additional items needed for their creations, they head back into the crafting studio in a race against time to complete their projects. All the while, a panel of expert judges makes drop-in visits to see how the crafts are coming along.
“Craft Masters is all about skill, speed and ingenuity,” said Michaels Chief Marketing Officer Paula Puleo. “We have an incredibly gifted group of contestants, and they come up with some amazing projects – and some hilarious crafting disasters! It’s fun, exciting and inspiring for our viewers, plus it’s a great way to head into March, which is National Craft Month.”
When time runs out, the judges give their final critiques and select a winner. Judges include Michaels Creative Expert Jo Pearson, who stars in how-to craft webisodes on Michaels.com throughout the year and has designed thousands of projects for Michaels in her 25+ years with the company. Michaels Creative Director Michael Duncan, an avid crafter and painter, will also serve on the panel, and each week a guest judge will join Duncan and Pearson.
The first season of Craft Masters will run for seven weeks.
Check out this teaser…
…first episode airs tonight!!


Also find Michael’s here…

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

Pinterest

24.2.12

Funny Reference about Pinterest

You all know I have a thing for Pinterest and when I heard the girls from Our Best Bites Blog speak and a local conference, Time Out for Women this past month, I loved that they talked about what Pinterest has done to women today. It is cute and still makes me giggle!

However, I don't believe that Pinterest makes me feel "under-average"? Maybe like I should decorate my house cuter, but not any less then me. Watch this and tell me if you feel "under-average" when you are on Pinterest??



By the way, if you haven't check out Our Best Bites Blog ...be sure to when you're NOT hungry! 

23.2.12

IBP: Candlesticks & Cake Stands



If you love color and love DIYing your own projects with items you've thrifted then you will love this episode. Join Lori Allred as she shares how fun and simple it can be to create your own colorful party cake stands and more. Items that would cost you over $45 retail can be made for as little as $4-7 each. Check out the CAKE STANDS episode on My Craft Channel.

Here's the links to the blogs referenced in this episode:
Includes notes and tips on what worked and didn't work for me. 

by Natalie Wright

Joyshope.com 
designtjejen blog
Brie's Vintage 53 Blog
Same Cute Stand as image below, just on set!! Tanks Brie


Remember the best glue for this project is going to be E-6000. And don't 
forget to use it in a well ventilated room...it's stinky glue!

To check out more fun ideas for Cake Stands, visit my BOARD on Pinterested called IBP: Candlesticks & Cake Stands.

Be sure to join me next week when Mason and Brooke join me again to help create some fun kid crafts with SOAP! 

Disclaimer: Pinterest is a great place to find inspiration but not all pins lead to blogs. I tried to only pick those ideas that I could find the original creator and give credit to. Please take a moment and check out these great blogs because without them I wouldn't have content to talk about on the new My Craft Channel show Inspired by Pinterest.  If you've never been to Pinterest and would like to check it out, you need an invite to the site to gain access (I don't know why). Just leave me a comment with your email and I'll send you an invite. However, I cannot be responsible for the time you will be spending on Pinterest!!

16.2.12

IBP: Photo Props & Photo Booth Ideas


I am so excited to share today's episode with you. It's my first one where I invited a couple of friends, Brooke & Mason joined me...they even stuck around to film a second episode that will air in a couple of weeks. They did great for their first time...a little nervous, but who wouldn't be? The best part of this episode are the pictures the kids' mom shot of us all posing with our photo props (scroll down).  Check out the PHOTO PROP episode on My Craft Channel.

Here's the links to the blogs referenced in this episode:
Includes notes and tips on what worked and didn't work for me. 

Idea #1 - Colorful Frames: I originally found this reference on a blog called Giverslog, but it originated from Catherine Clay Photography.
Catherine Clay Photography
Idea #2 - Props on Sticks: I love how simple and inexpensive creating your own props on a stick can be for any special event. Try making some with your kids and letting them creating their own fun!! Here's some of my favorite pins: 

Oh Happy Day
Design House Digitals - Free Download
Purchase Props on Etsy
TiffanyKelly.com

Idea #3 - Speak Chalkboard Bubbles:
 These are super easy to make...just pick up some black foam board and with an x-acto knife to cut out the shape.  
Message Boards (these are from Etsy)
Idea #4 - Boas, Hats and Scarves: Look around your house and dress-up box for props you might already own. 


To check out more fun ideas for Photo Props, Photo Booths and Photo Ideas, visit my BOARD on Pinterested called IBP: Photo Props.


Now here's the awesome photos my sweet friend Jen took of me and the kids with the photo props. Thanks JEN for coming along and helping make the shoot so much fun!!
Brooke cracks me up!! 
I love how the frames totally makes us focus on cute Brooke!
Mason & Brooke are quite the MODELS!!  
Mason is such a ham!! 
Be sure to join me next week when share one of my most favorite shows to date....if you like parties, bright colors and DIY projects you will love the next episode.

Disclaimer: Pinterest is a great place to find inspiration but not all pins lead to blogs. I tried to only pick those ideas that I could find the original creator and give credit to. Please take a moment and check out these great blogs because without them I wouldn't have content to talk about on the new My Craft Channel show Inspired by Pinterest.  If you've never been to Pinterest and would like to check it out, you need an invite to the site to gain access (I don't know why). Just leave me a comment with your email and I'll send you an invite. However, I cannot be responsible for the time you will be spending on Pinterest!!
Click to View More Inspiration

9.2.12

IBP: Photo Transfer - 4 Techniques


Like I mentioned last week, this episode is one of my all time favorites. I set out to learn how to do the amazing photo transfers I see all over Pinterest and before I knew it I had tried out four different transfer techniques...some I would do again and others I think I'll skip. Check out the Photo Transfer episode on My Craft Channel.

Here's the links to the blogs referenced in this episode:
Includes notes and tips on what worked and didn't work for me. 

Technique #1 - Tissue Paper Transfers: I loved this technique and after mastering how to feed the tissue paper taped to card stock through my very temperamental printer I could see so many ideas to do with this simpler transfer technique. Only limitation is you can only do a print as large as you can run through your printer, but it does work on an inkjet printer just fine.
Sarah's Never Ending Project Blog
My Finished Tissue Paper Transfer Sample
Supplies Needed: Canvas or surface you'd like to place image; Mod Podge; Foam Brush; Tissue Paper (I used the same supply I stuff in gift bags); Scotch Tape; 8 1/2 x 11 piece of Cardstock; Printer

Technique #2 - Wax Paper Transfers: I almost didn't share this technique but then figured it was easy enough to share in this episode. I cannot say it enough times...place printed image on surface and rub immediately after printing so ink doesn't dry out and don't forget to REVERSE any lettering.

My Finished Project using Wax Paper Transfer Technique
You can view another quick and easy YouTube video tutorial on this technique.

Supplies Needed: Avery Label Sheet (remove labels); Ink Jet Printer; Surface to Transfer Image To; Brayer or Burnishing Tool (spoon, bone folder, popsicle stick)

Technique #3 - Transparency Transfers: I thought this was one of the most challenging techniques I tried mainly because I didn't have time to practice it and the surface you're transferring to DEFINITELY made a difference.
Better Home & Gardens Online Article
Supplies Needed: Gel Medium; Brush; Transparency Sheet: Printer (ink or laser); Transfer Surface

I had no problem transferring to smoother surfaces like the piece of wood below (see image below) but I could not get it to work on canvas very well. Timing, how your burnish it and surface are key factors.


Technique #4 - Gel Photo Transfers: This technique was probably the most commonly shown whenever I clicked through on any of my pins I saved. The key is the GEL MEDIUM. I found the best step by step and examples on A Beautiful Mess blog. Another key note, this technique does not work with ink jet print outs...so you do have to run to the copy store and make your copies on a laser copier (which doesn't work in the middle of the night). Another great thing is they should dry for about 6+ hours...or just leave overnight...once dry you can proceed.
A Beautiful Mess Blog Tutorial 
Supplies Needed: Canvas or Wood Base; Gel Medium; Printer (laser only); Brush; Photo to Copy; Water Spray Bottle or Sponge
My Finish Project using Photo to Canvas Transfer Technique
To check out more amazing Photo Transfer Techniques, visit my BOARD on Pinterested called IBP: Photo Tranfers.  

Be sure to join me next week when I have a couple CUTE friends stop by and help me out with some fun ideas you can do with your kids!! 

Disclaimer: Pinterest is a great place to find inspiration but not all pins lead to blogs. I tried to only pick those ideas that I could find the original creator and give credit to. Please take a moment and check out these great blogs because without them I wouldn't have content to talk about on the new My Craft Channel show Inspired by Pinterest.  If you've never been to Pinterest and would like to check it out, you need an invite to the site to gain access (I don't know why). Just leave me a comment with your email and I'll send you an invite. However, I cannot be responsible for the time you will be spending on Pinterest!!
Click to View More Inspiration

8.2.12

You Can Tell I'm a Crafter Because....

My husband pointed out the other day that we must have crafty people living at our house because of the boxes of crafty supplies, half painted projects and bags of supplies stashed here and there. It made me stop and start looking at my surroundings today and and thought "You can Tell I'm a Crafter Because...."

#1 - I have acrylic paint staining the 
counter and kitchen sink. 

#2 - I save egg cartons and cans for some 
future craft project to do with my cub scouts.

#3 - I save plastic containers and toilet paper rolls for 
possible show ideas for my Inspired by Pinterest show.
So I'm curious...
          look around your home and see if you can tell if you're a crafter!

Feel free to share what you find here by leaving a comment.

7.2.12

Story at Home Conference - March 9 & 10 - Salt Lake

No matter how you tell your stories – through your family history, at your child’s bedside, on your blog, or from a stage – your stories matter. Join us for a conference that will change the way you see your stories and the world, and help you connect in new ways with those you cherish most.

Workshops and performances by award-winning storytellers, performers and speakers, will help you explore ways to use the power of story in your home. You’ll be able to record your own story, start on some research to learn more about your family’s history, get started on a blog and learn how to tell your story through social media.

Story @ Home 2012 Conference 
March 9 & 10 - Salt Lake City, UT


They have a great lineup of PRESENTERS!

The CLASSES they're offering looks amazing! 
Some that caught my eye included "Blog Your Passion-Grow Your Blog," and "Social Media Strengthens Family History" and "Blogging your Faith." 

If you don't live in Utah or cannot make it to the event. Please help us share
information with friends that would be interested. 




2.2.12

IBP: Jewelry Displays




You are going to love today's episode where I show off some beautiful ideas for Jewelry Displays. I even show you how quick and easy it is to create your own Jewelry Display. Check out the episode on My Craft Channel.


Here's the links to the blogs referenced in the episode:
Everything I Know About Spray Paint
All Things Thrify
Living Country Magazine (no link back)


Bonus Idea: I found this other pin that is similar to the one above, but this post had more creative Jewelry display ideas.
Be Different Act Normal


Full Measure of Happiness

Cat on  a Limb
created by Andrea McAllister
To check out more amazing Jewelry Displays, visit my BOARD on Pinterested called IBP: Jewelry Displays.  

Be sure to join me next week when I featured one of my most favorite shows to date!!! 


Disclaimer: Pinterest is a great place to find inspiration but not all pins lead to blogs. I tried to only pick those ideas that I could find the original creator and give credit to. Please take a moment and check out these great blogs because without them I wouldn't have content to talk about on the new My Craft Channel show Inspired by Pinterest.  If you've never been to Pinterest and would like to check it out, you need an invite to the site to gain access (I don't know why). Just leave me a comment with your email and I'll send you an invite. However, I cannot be responsible for the time you will be spending on Pinterest!!
Click to View More Inspiration




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