Behind the Scene Clip from Madame's Dish

Behind the Scene Clip from Madame's Dish...

Madame Shoot Day 1

We are thrilled to be filming a new pilot with a puppet named Madame! Some of you may remember her from Solid Gold, Laugh In or the Hollywood Squares - well....she is back and she is back with the same quick and sometimes naughty humor. We are working with an original puppet - she is amazing and I must say that her mate Joe was spectacular!!!!!! Filming was awesome, today went off without a hitch and we actually finished early! I am dog tired and my belly hurts from laughing.

Here are a few "behind the scenes" pics - more to come tomorrow....


Madame, Joe and Greg


David plays the "Winehouse" as Madame sings a tune.


Joe just off the plane....


Zach and I kept snickering....


Look close and you can see Eddie, Steve and Jenn.


Snack Time


Madame and Joe.

Shooting a pilot with a mini diva!

So.....today I have been making "mini" aprons for a pilot we are shooting this weekend. And when I say mini...I mean mini! - they are only about 10" tall. The crazy part is that the aprons are for the "star" of the show - yes it is true, the star of the show fits a 10" apron.

This little lady will be gossiping with the stars, eating at the hottest restaurants in Los Angeles and making her own concoctions and recipes in her kitchen.

This is her "Hot & Spicy" apron for making grilled veggies.

Here is her Sushi making apron.

This one is for her Blended Fruit Cocktails.

This one is for her "Perez Hilton" fan club...she was actually just featured on Perez and TMZ!

Any guesses as to who she is????

You will be missed....

Sydney Pollack

My thoughts are with the Pollack family, especially fellow costumer Bernie Pollack. He was a great one!

Recycled Record & Rock and Roll Projects

Take a sneak peek at the paper folded cd covers project!

Creative Juice - Episode # 202 - Record Mania

Pull those old records off the shelf, and let's rock! Cathie Filian and Steve Piacenza are tackling some fun music-inspired crafts, including a groovy room divider made from old LPs; a vintage-looking faded rock T-shirt; photo scrapbooks made from nostalgic record sleeves; and customized CD covers that put a new spin on record mania.

Record Album Room Divider

Bleached Pen Rocker Shirts

Paper CD Cover

Record Album Scrapbook

Visit the Record Mania page at cathieandsteve.com

Easy Roasted Garlic 101

Roasted garlic is one of mine and my hubby's favorite treats. We spread it on small hard breads and crakers, use it in salad dressings and marinades, we even add it to omelets.

I have been making roasted garlic using a whole head of garlic for years but only recently started experimenting with the pre-peeled garlic. Pre-peeled garlic is usually sold in the refrigerated section of the produce section at any grocery store.

I used the Trader Joe's brand for this recipe. I have used the jumbo tub from Costco for larger amounts and parties. Sometimes it comes in a jar or tub and other times it is in shrink packaging. Just look around your shop or ask the produce person.

I must say that at first, I was a little unsure of the pop of flavor or mellow bite the pre-peeled wold have. I was pleasantly surprised at the delicious flavor, smooth texture and ease of working with pre-peeled garlic.

What You Will Need:
1 package of pre-peeled garlic
kosher salt
pepper
olive oil
ramekin
tin foil
cookie sheet



1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees f.

2. Fill a oven proof ramekin 3/4 full with garlic, sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper and generously drizzle with olive oil.


3. Cover with foil and place on a jelly roll cookie sheet (one with a lip around the edge).


4. Bake for 40 -50 minutes. Carefully remove from oven. Garlic should be soft on the inside and slightly firm on the outside.


5. Use a fork or tongs to remove the garlic from the oil. Ready to serve warm or room temperature. The remaining olive oil can be cooled and used for salad dressing.

Eames Stamps!

Forget email!

The usps has issued a new stamp featuring Charles and Ray Eames. The stamps are so beautiful. They go on sale, June 17th at your local post office. Grab a sheet or two.

Ladies...Start Your Engines

Meet the 3 ladies who will be competing in todays Indy 500 race.

Last month Danica became the first female winner of an IndyCar race when she defeated the two-time Indy 500 winner Hélio Castroneves by nearly six seconds in the Indy Japan 300. Milka is a 36-year-old naval engineer from Venezuela she also appeared in the movie Speed Racer. Todays race will be Sarah's seventh Indy 500 and she is the first female driver/owner to make the Indy 500 since Janet Guthrie in 1978.

Go Ladies Go!!!!!!!!!!

Danica Patrick

Sarah Fischer

Milka Duno

Homemade Soaps

Making homemade melt and pour soaps, is as easy as it sounds, all you need to do is melt and pour! The fun part is getting creative and decorating the soaps

Materials:

1 lb. melt-and-pour glycerin soap base
essential oil
soap bar mold
spray bottle with rubbing alcohol
plastic cling wrap
microwave
medium glass bowl
optional: additives such as lavender, peppermint, etc. & glycerin soap colorant

Wrapping Materials: tissue or decorative papers, rubber stamps, ink pads, ribbons, stickers.

1. Cut a 1 lb. brick of glycerin soap base into 2" cubes. Place cubes in a glass bowl and cover with plastic cling wrap to keep excess moisture from evaporating. Melt on high for one minute and stir until melted.

2. If desired, add a few drops of colorant and/or additives to the soap and blend thoroughly. Add several drops of essential oil to the mixture and blend.

3. Pour the soap into molds. Spray the soap surface with rubbing alcohol to remove excess bubbles. Allow the soap to harden/set for several hours before popping it out of the molds.

4. Package the soap in a paper sleeve trimmed with decorative scissors, place it in a cellophane bag or wrap it in tissue paper. Embellish paper labels with ribbons, stickers and rubber stamps and attach to the packaging.

Crafty Finds in Montrose

Yesterday, I did a little crafty shopping in Montrose, Ca! I found great papers and stickers at The Paper Rabbit. This shop really had some fun stuff and everyone who worked there was really sweet. I picked up a few papers and will be back for more. Take a peek at what I got.

"Owl Pals" by Sassafras Lass

"my dearest" by Sassafras Lass

Metropolitan "roof top garden" by American Crafts

"my little prince" by My Minds Eye - Bohemia

I also popped into Needle in a Haystack (just across the street for The Paper Rabbit). They have some lovely items, beautiful yarns and so many patterns. They offer everything for the needleworker including knitting, crochet, needlepoint, and cross stitch supplies.

Inside Needle in a Haystack

Montrose is just outside LA and before Pasadena. The Honolulu strip has tons of great eats and shops. This June they will celebrate the 25 th Arts and Crafts festival on June 7 & 8. You can get all the scoop here.

Calling all Bead Freaks!

Shop For Beads and Learn New Techniques!!!!
Don't miss the next Bead Show in Milwaukee, WI.

June 6th to the 8th in Milwaukee, WI at the Midwest Airlines Center the fabby Bead & Button Show will take place. They are featuring lampwork madness, more than 14,000 visitors, 370 vendors, handcrafted jewelry, 530 classes for all skill levels.

The marketplace offers pearls, gems, art glass, seed beads, vintage jewelry and tons more.

You can pre-register or register at the show.
Admission is $9.00.
Friday 10am - 8pm
Saturday 10am - 6pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Kids under 12 get in free with adult.

I have 2 free tickets to give away
and the first person who emails me can have them!

email to win: cf (at) cathieandsteve (dot) com

To learn more about jewelry projects
featured on Creative Juice click Here!

Smile and Say Cheese

Steve Piacenza

Creative Juice - Episode # 304 - Say Cheese

Tune in or TIVO - May 22nd - HGTV

Smile and Say Cheese! We have some photo-based craft ideas that are a real snap. A picture frame gets a funky makeover with paper and game pieces, vintage style meets modern know-how with a colorful photo tinting process, a plain frame gets a classy new look that won't rub your pocketbook the wrong way, and mint meets chocolate in a cheesecake that's so delicious it ought to be in pictures.

silhouette cuttings


photo tinting & aging


funky frames with scrabble tiles


chocolate cheesecake

Bridal Showers

Steve Piacenza & Cathie Filian

Creative Juice - Episode # 201 - Bridal Shower

Tune in or TIVO - May 22nd - DIY

It is a do-it-yourself bridal shower as we create beautiful daisy-themed decorations for your next big bash or intimate get-together. Easy handmade invitations get things started in style; a springtime tablecloth and runner will be the center of attention; personal party favors add a little extra flair; and some unique finger sandwiches will have your guests asking, "Who's your caterer?"

invitation making


daisy table runners & place mats


party favors: hand stamped note cards and beaded pens


layered place settings


napkin folding

delicious homemade chicken salad

ready to celebrate

Puppy Dog Ring Bearer & Dog Wedding Fashions

While I was making my morning rounds on internet gossip sites, I came across the new cover of people magazine featuring...."Ashlee and Pete" wedding photos and their adorable dog ring bearer. I immediately started thinking about Bow Wow WOW! my pet costume book. (out in October) I have patterns for a doggie wedding dress and a tux for the puppy fellas.

Here are a few sneek peek pics.

The Vegas Bride



The Groom

The "almost" Emmy Dress Nightmare

So this morning I was having coffee and speaking with the lovely Jenn, from the new magazine Where Women Create when an email arrived informing me that my dress was not available. The perfect emmy dress - that was paid for! I totally freaked for a millisecond and then got my a** up and drove to Costa Mesa to get the last one in my size.

The South Coast Plaza shopping center in Costa Mesa is so amazing - I could not believe the shops. It was a quick trip down from LA and totally worth it!

I am off to celebrate my dear friend Robbie's Birthday. Cheers

Emmy Shoes! so comfey

I adore Nina shoes and was thrilled when I found this pair at Macy's today. They are exactly what I was looking for.I have worn the Nina brand for years, they are a great "all night" party shoe. They always come in beautiful colors and styles - plus, they are priced great for the comfort. I even wore them to the Emmy Awards last year. I love the extra wedge under the toe, it gives me a little bit more height without more heel.

This style is the Nina Gretel.

It features a band of tint rhinestones across the toe and the color is a soft silver (almost white) Padded footbed. Satin upper. Leather outsole. 1/2" platform, 3 1/2" heel.

They also have some new hot colors for spring! Check them out.

Craft.Rock.Listen! Podcast

Check it out y'all! Vickie Howell and I sat down for a chat about the every changing fate of CRAFTS on TV and the new media that is just around the corner. Our chat kicks off her new season of Craft.Rock.Listen you can get all the scoop here. The episode is sponsored by one of my favorites....Craft magazine.

Stay Tuned for the scheduled air date!

Get Glowing

Glow in the Dark Pillowcases

Creative Juice - Episode #113 - Get Glowing

Tune in or TIVO - Tuesday on DIY Network - 12:30 eastern

Illuminating crafts are the order of the day as Cathie Filian and Steve Piacenza show you how to really let yourself glow. They turn old glasses into sparkling etched barware; transform plain glass jars into glowing container candles; and show you how to leave a secret glow-in-the-dark message for that someone special.

Soy Candle Making


Glow in the Dark Pillowcases

Etched Bar Glasses - Glass Etching

Cheers!

E! Online - Witch Crafts Press

E! online has a little blurb about the witch crafts nomination!
YIPPIE - click here to read the scoop.

Sunday in Malibu

When we get a heat wave here in Southern California, the first place we head to is the beach. So this morning, we ventured out to Malibu and "belatedly" celebrated Steve's birthday with Bloody Marys, Lobster Salad, Fancy Shopping and a Walk on the Beach.

Moonshadows Restaurant

A sea lion

Oysters on the half shell! They were so good!!! They were served with a sesame Asian sauce instead of hot sauce. Very tasty and of course Eddie and Steve had a million jokes......

Jelly Fish - we used a shoe to get it back in the water.

Check out Sweet P's new blog

Oh Sweet P....

Any fans of Project Runway, killer designs and celebrity fashions might be interested in my pal Sweet P's new blog and myspace page. She is just getting started and has some fun pictures already posted - I love the black and white one. She will posting updates, news on appearances and her inside look at fashion. If you love Sweet P add her to your friends and check out her blog.

PS. Sweet P's husband is an amazing artist... grab a look here - Sage Vaughn

I found my Emmy Dress!

Last night my sister and I went shopping for a little retail therapy and the ongoing Emmy dress hunt! We had such great success! Erin found a stunning top and le sportsac purse on super sale and I found my dress for the Emmys.

I was looking for a dress that would somewhat match the "witch crafts" nominations but not be Halloween looking. I love how this dress has a ghostly flow and the black lace is so stunning. I am going to shorten the dress to floor length with a tiny train - I am only 5'1" so you can imaging how much will get chopped off. Steve and I will be presenting a few awards at the ceremony (nervous butterflies) and I think this dress will look great on stage with all the movement of the ruffles. Steve is wearing a traditional tuxedo and bow tie and my hubby is wearing a traditional tux, he bought his last year, so all we need is his tie. I am thinking of a white straight tie????

I still need shoes! At first I was thinking of black because I can always use a pair of black heels and I figured with a long dress they would never show.... but then my step-mom suggested a pewter color because when we walk across the stage you might get a peek at them. I think she is right, so now I am looking for a pair of pewter/metallic shoes that I can wear from 3:00 in the afternoon until 2:00 am, walk across a stage in and make me tall enough to reach the microphone. The new hunt begins.....

Handmade Beads

Cathie Filian and Steve Piacenza

Creative Juice - Episode # 303 - Beads by Hand

Tune in or TIVO - Thursday morning - HGTV

It's the little things that matter as we go bananas for beads! A simple tool transforms clay into perfectly shaped handcrafted beads that look great strung together. Extra scrapbook paper gets molded into distinctive beaded jewelry and a wooden bead wrapped in seed beads takes fashion to an elegant new extreme.

polymer clay beads

that's not pasta!


beaded beads

fabric covered beads

paper beads - perfect project for kids

paper beads grown up

Don't be a Wall Flower

Lime Wash Painting Techniques

Creative Juice - Episode # 112 - Wall Flower

Tune in or TIVO - Thursday 12:30 eastern DIY Network.

Plain, boring walls get a major makeover as we show off some easy ways to spruce up your home. We use lime wash to give a wall that "natural weathered" style; demonstrate a technique for creating a mural that's perfect for the artistically challenged; give depth and character to a lifeless wall with Roman clay; and show you how polka dots and fabric can totally change the mood of any room.

Projector Art

Polka Dot your walls with fabric and hoops.

Roman Clay Painting Techniques

Projector Art TO GO!

Make Up Brush Cleaning 101

I have so many make up brushes and tools and I love then all...I especially love my two jumbo powder and bronzer brushes from mud and my shu uemura eye lash curler. I like good quality brushes and tools and with that, comes a pinch to my wallet, so taking care of them so they will last and be safe and clean for my face is top priority.

You can purchase many brush cleaners like, Ben Nye Cleaner or Mac Brush Cleaner or you can do what I do, and use a little bit of face soap as a cleaner. My skin is very sensitive and by using a soap that I know is gentle for my skin, I don't worry about irritation. I use Cetaphill as a daily cleanser for my face and as a brush cleaner.



To clean your brushes: In a clear class, mix lukewarm water with a drop of your chosen cleanser and swish it. Swish your brush through the foamy water and then dump the water out. Keep making a new mix and swishing the brush through it until the water no longer gets discolored. Be careful to not soak your brushes or have the water level reach the wood handle.

Rinse the brush gently under flowing water. If the brush is thick, gently squeeze it between a folded lint-free cloth. Place the brush on a towel to air dry.

Shopping LA

Oh Happy Day! The new Americana shopping center just opened and it is pretty close to my home. Eddie was a super trooper on our first visit to check it out. They have a play area for the kids, a big movie theater, a beautiful Barnes and Noble and tons of my favorite shops.

Get Your Sparkle On!

Recycled CD Disco Ball

Creative Juice - Episode # 111 - Sparkle

Tine in or Tivo - Tuesday 12;30 eastern on DIY Network

It's time to shine as we show you the secrets of some eye-catching crafts. We'll make colorful ponytail holders with beautiful teardrop beads; a twinkling tiara fit for a queen; flashy leather pins to add a little bling to your wardrobe; and a sparkling disco ball from old CDs that will really get you grooving.

Leather Bird Pin

Beaded Tiara

My friend Eliza joins us to help make tiara's. You might remember her from this post!
She made my Emmy necklace last year and i just loved it!

Beaded Hair Flowers

Herb Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Herb Roasted Sweet Potatoes

I love using fresh herbs for this recipe. As you see my thyme plant is running over so it is time to harvest and get cooking. Visit this post for info on planting your own herbs. This recipe is fabulous for the beginner chef because the results are outstanding with little effort. Makes a great side dish and the color is wonderful. My hubby loves the extra kick of the red pepper flakes. Serves 2. Double as needed. One note - these are great a room temperature....you can make large batches of them and serve them as appetizers at a summer party.

What you will need:
2 medium sweet potatoes
olive oil
garlic
fresh thyme - handful
red pepper flakes
kosher salt

Peel and slice the potatoes in to 1" chunks. Toss with olive oil (just enough to coat), a few sprinkles of red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 2-4 cloves of chopped garlic and the thyme leaves. Toss in a bowl.


Evenly space the potatoes onto a foil lined cookie sheet and bake in a pre-heated 450 degrees F. Bake for approximately 40 minutes. They should be tender in the center when cut.

Martha Stewart Radio

It is 6:30 am (west coast) and I just finished up with my interview for Martha Stewart Radio. The ladies were so fun and I managed to get in 2 cups of joe before we began. Here is what we chatted about.

Top 15 Craft Tools Every Beginner and Advanced Crafter Should Have.

1. Hot Glue Gun
2. Round Nosed Pliers
3. Chain Nose Pliers
4. Wire Cutters
5. Basic Sewing Machine
6. Fabric Scissors
7. Self Healing Mat
8. Sharp Hobby Knife
9. Paper Scissors
10. Hole Punch
11. Bone Folder
12. Eyelet Setter
13. Embossing Gun
14. Non Electric Hand Drill
15. Assorted paint Brushes

Top 5 Unexpected Craft Supplies You Probably Own

1. Old Clothing!
Bridesmaids dress can be turned into a fancy throw pillow.
Kids camp t-shirts can be stitched into a quilt.
Denim skirts are easily transformed into reusable shopping totes.

2. Junk Mail!
Junk mail can be re-crafted into beautiful handmade paper.
Catalogs and magazines can be folded into recycled envelopes.
Scraps of bright colored paper are perfect for paper mosaics.

3. Office Supplies!
Paper clips cam be coiled and bent to create paper embellishments.
Paper tags and rings can be easily made into pendant necklaces.
Clear packing tape can be used to make vibrant clear transfers.

4. Bottles and Jars!
Soy container candles are perfect in low salsa style jars.
Sauce jars are perfect for creating captured fairies.
For the kids: Soda bottles can be made into bird feeders and terrariums.

5. A Computer!
You can create cards, photo collages and paper embellishments with basic programs.
You can download clip art and free craft instructions from the web.
Keys from an old keyboard can be turned into a funky cuff links or pendants.

Kids Fairy Tale Crafts

Handmade Wings

Creative Juice - Episode # 110 - Fairy Tale

Tune in or Tivo - Thursday on DIY - 12:30 estern

Close your eyes and make a wish, because it's time to explore the world of fairy tale. We show off fun fairy wings that are a must for kids of all ages; soak up some color and make paper flowers that are bright and imaginative; give old dolls a magical makeover that will transform them into fairy flower dolls; and create tiny treasure boxes perfect for hiding the smallest of keepsakes.

Flower Pot Fairies

Coffee Filter Flowers

Steve making the dye bath.

Tiny Treasures Matchbox Drawers

Handmade Fairy Wings

Global Shipping Thursday on HGTV

Cathie Filian and Steve Piacenza

Creative Juice - Episode # 302 - Global Shipping

Tune in or Tivo - HGTV - Thursday May 15th

We are sending out a message. Get crafting! A shipping-tag scrapbook makes for a unique way to hold on to cherished vacation memories. A caddy decorated with vintage stamps and labels helps keep all your supplies organized and wax sealing techniques give your letters a little extra personality. In the lounge, we are recycling water bottles into mailing vessels.

shipping tag scrapbook

shipping supplies train case

embellishing wax seals

wax sealing and paper aging


message in a bottle mailers
fill with goodies, label, seal and the post office will deliver them

Martha Stewart Radio & American Idol

Tune in to Martha Stewart Radio, I'll be sharing my top 15 craft tools every beginner and advanced crafter should have and my top 5 unexpected crafts supplies you probably own.

Don't fret if you miss it - I'll be posting all the scoop right here! Just after the interview.

I must go watch American Idol....by the way my hubby and I, were heading home from Hollywood and we saw Carly just after the AI taping. You could spot her a mile away even though she had washed her make up off. Eddie spotted her and in true AI mania we drove around the block for a second peek.

Cheers!

Craft Rock Love Podcast

Have you ever wanted to know about crafty television and where it is headed? Have you ever thought of making your own tv show? Are you thinking about broadcasting yourself? Then CRL on May 15th will be the show for you! Today Vickie Howell and I are sitting down for a chat (taping) about the ever changing face of "crafts" on TV and beyond for Vickie's podcast - Rock Craft Love. This will go live on May 15th and you can get all the scoop here! You can down load it at itunes.

Throughout the CRL season, Vickie will also feature Lauren Bacon & Emira Mears, Jenny Hart, China Forbes, Elizabeth Lenhard, Matt Stinchcomb of ETSY, and the fabulous Margot Potter.

Swank Attire Please

Steve & Cathie

Creative Juice - Episode #109 - Swank Attire Please

Tune in or Tivo - Today on DIY at 12:30 eastern

We're throwing a party, and you're invited! We are showing you how to use decorative paper and punches to make fancy invitations that won't ruin your budget; garnish the table with embossed napkins, beaded cocktail picks and a cool ice bowl; and share a recipe for a chocolate martini that'll make you the life of the party! Tune in for extra party tips and tricks.

Silk Tube Vases

Easy Handmade Party Invitations

Embossed Party Napkins

Chocolate Martinis

Beaded Toothpicks

This bowl is freezing!!!!

Make an Ice Bowl - Perfect for serving shrimp.

My sister the next Food Network Star!

Ok, so Erin is not really the next Food Network Star but she is to me. You see she has always let her Hubby Nick do all the cooking ....well not all the cooking but most of it.

Eddie, Chris & Nick heading to the wine tasting.

So this weekend Erin, decided to tie on an apron and throw an impromptu dinner party. The party was lovely - it began with a walk for the ladies and a skate for the boys down to Mission Wine and Spirits for a wine tasting. We all agreed that the Argentinian version of the Sauvignon blanc was the favorite.

After a few sips we headed back to the house where Erin showed off her culinary skills. She made the most delicious stuffed peppers, garlic bread and a yummy Caesar salad for dessert she prepaperd baked pears with crumbled macaroon cookies on top. It was all so delicious - even at this early hour it makes me hungry.

On the walk back home.

Pepper Are Going In

Yummy!

Maribeth.

Erin & Nick

We are hungry for the peppers....cause they small so good.

Books: Knit Aid

Check out Vickie Howell's new book Knit Aid! What a fantastic idea and the cover is so cute. I love the "pocket size" perfect for on the go - which I am most of the time.

This book would make a great gift :). It is the kind of book every knitter should have. I know it may seem early for the holidays....but, I am thinking this is a great stocking stuffer! The size and price are perfect plus, anyone who knits would enjoy this handy dandy reference.

2 Emmy Nominations for Witch Crafts

We could not be more thrilled! Witch Crafts our Halloween series was just nominated for 2 Emmys. We were nominated for Outstanding Lifestyle Program and Outstanding Lifestyle Directing. This is the third nomination for Two Bees and a Pea Productions.

The Emmys are just under 2 months away so it is dress shopping time!!!

You can learn more about witch crafts by visiting www.witchcraftstv.com.

Witch Crafts will encore this October on DIY.

Derby Days!

It is that time of year again and everyone at the Derby is going to have a blast today. My brother-in-law's folks are there and I know they are having a good time. For those of us who have to watch from home here is a little inspiration...

Mix Up a Batch of Mint Juleps


Transform a $1 hat into a fun and funky Derby Hat.

Create a Memorabilia Shadow Box.

Create a "Silks" Party Invitation.

Ladies... Fire Up Your Glue Guns!

Click Here For More Info

Morning Living on Martha Stewart Living Radio and Sirius celebrate crafters! Tune in on Wednesday, May 7th for the scoop on the top ten tools every beginner (& advanced) crafter should have and the top 5 items in your home that you can re-craft into something fabby!

Introducing......Miss Avari Elise Bush

Introducing......Miss Avari Elise Bush

Born Today at 1:30 pm

Meet the newest member of my family! The youngest of my 8 nieces.