Craft Room Paint Color and Curve Balls...

Benjamin Moore - Hot Color Picks
I really like the green!

So.... I am up at 4:30 am to put a few last minute touches on a proposal for todays meeting - normally this is all done days (even weeks) in advance but, late last night a giant curve ball was thrown at us - so here I am, with hot rollers in may hair, working away while the rest of LA sleeps, with the song "Under Pressure" running through my head.

So now, onto the the fun stuff .....scouring the internet for paint colors. I really want to paint the craft room a fun color. It has been pink in the past. I even had a turquoise craft room at one time. I adore the color "pea green" and I am starting to think it might be a good choice. Plus I think it would swell with my new chandelier.

Must drink more coffee....

Glue Gun Recall

Dollar Tree recalls 470,000 China-made glue guns

Tue Jun 24, 8:55 AM ET

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Dollar Tree Inc recalled about 470,000 Chinese-made hot glue guns because they are a fire hazard, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said on Tuesday.

Dollar Tree said it was aware of four incidents in which the recalled Crafters Square Hot Melt Mini Glue Guns short-circuited, causing the craft gun to smoke. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled glue guns were sold from December 2007 through March 2008 for about $1 each, the safety agency said in a statement. Customers should stop using the recalled glue guns and return them to the store where purchased for a refund.

Ordered My Craft Room Chandelier Today!

I ordered the chandelier for my new craft room today! I have a very industrial shelving and basket system for holding most of my supplies so I really want to soften the room with color and ultra girlie details. Still on the hunt for the color........

Hitchcock's "The Birds" Barbie

Now this is amazing....it looks like October 2008 is the release date for the new Hitchcock inspired Birds Barbie. This incredible collector's doll features our heroine being attacked by a trio of fine feathered foes, just like in the movie. This Barbie is just in time for the 45th Anniversary of The Birds.

This will be on my holiday wish list!

This week on Creative Juice!

This weeks episodes of Creative Juice!

Travel Time - Tuesday June 24th
DIY Network - 12:30 eastern

We are taking you on a trip to Craftsville!
Cigar box travel games - checkers
Cigar box travel games - backgammon
Funky passport covers
Trinket shadow boxes

Babies - Thursday June 26th
HGTV - Morning

It all about the little ones!
"Chick & Kurta" Painted Baby T-Shirt
Fleece Baby Booties

Bathtime Puppets
Smoothie Pops

Bottles Up - Thursday June 26th
DIY Network - 12:30 eastern

Don't trash your old bottles and caps - Craft them!
Bottle Cap Jewelry
Recycled Bottle Vases
Snow Globes
Juice Pouch Placemats

Painting the Front Door!

New Front Door - ready for a makeover!

The door on the new house has a glass insert that I am not super fond of - but for now we are working with we we have - so a gallon of glossy paint and a little elbow grease will spiffy up this door.

I have always been fond of brightly painted front doors. They have a welcoming, cheery feel and set the tone for the home. Eddie and I both decided to go with a bold color.....now what color will it be????

While we were shopping at Sears for new appliances, I stumbled across the new paints by Ty Pennington. Most of the colors were rich and vibrant. Two colors that popped out at me were, Kiwi Green and Tortuga Teal.

I love the Tortuga Teal color, it really has a southern California feel and the Kiwi color is my "all time" favorite color. I think the green would look really pretty with all my holiday decorations both Halloween and X-Mas.

I found this doormat from Smith and Hawken for Target. I think it would look cute with the Kiwi paint.....


I am still looking for new outdoor lighting fixture and house numbers. I do like this one but the glass edging in the window is gold. I am thinking of using a silver leaf paint pen by Krylon to change the gold to chrome. I think then maybe the front door will grow on me.

The Krylon leafing pens have a unique patented valve system allows the user to dispense paint in a smooth, controlled flow. They also have a special chisel point allows you to vary the width of your paint strokes. You can use them on wood, metal, ceramics, glass, rigid plastic and fabric.

Dining Room Design Part 2

Click to Enlarge

So as much as I love the idea of the hot pink dining room I am not sure that Eddie will flip for it. So I might reserve that design idea for my sewing or laundry room. I love the idea of a swank laundry area with a funky chandelier. So I have reworked the dining room design and have incorporated another one of my pieces from my art collection. It is also by Ryden but it has a very different feel. The piece is titled Exotica and it has a tiki vibe to it.

I have also included a few other goodies of mine: My wine sling that my sister Debbie gave me for Christmas last year. It usually lives in the family room with all the darker tones but it looks very swank with the mod table and chairs. I also have a collection of ceramics from the 50's that include a gold mermaid that would look swell. I adore the work of Jonathan Adler and last year my hubby bought me the "Woman Pitcher" she would be perfect on the sideboard. I have loads of accessories that will blend with this design including some other art work.

For this design we would need to buy paint, the chandelier and fabric to recover the chairs. Not bad for a new dining room!

Dining Room Design Ideas

Click to Enlarge

Woo Hoo! It looks like we got the house!!!! We still have tons of red tape and hoops to jump through but it looks like we will have the keys by early July!

I was up at 4:00am scouring the internet for ideas and on the hunt for the perfect black chandelier that does not cost $5,000.

We will have 3 different eating spots. One is a counter style in the kitchen, the second is a mini area in the family room with dark rich wood tones (eclectic modern style) and the other is a more formal/fanciful dining room.

One of may favorite pieces in our art collection is Little Star by Mark Ryden, so I decided to build some design ideas based on it. We own a danish modern oak table and chairs for 6 and 2 matching sideboards. I want to work with I have for now so I think I am going to re-cover the seats with new fabric. Still looking at fabrics..... so many I love. I especially love Joel Dewberry's fabrics.

Lost Luggage & Lots of Laughs

Trip to QVC

Steve and I made it to the airport in plenty of time, we had packed homemade sandwiches to eat on the plane, we only had a tiny bit of turbulence and arrived into Pennsylvania easy-peasy, the only snag was my luggage never arrived!

The airline gave me an over sized "NWA" T-shirt, a crappy toothbrush and some mens deodorant to make up for the fact that they had some how managed to leave my suitcase in Detroit.

As I was washing out my clothes in the sink, I just prayed that somehow the bag would show up.

Well it didn't, so I found myself brushing my hair with a hair clip and smelling a bit like my husband's deodorant. Thank G that my makeup bag was in my purse. Lipstick and mascara were by best friend.

The QVC seminar was smashing fun - we have had such a good time with Carol from Plaid and Patty from QVC. We can't wait to come back in July!

Here is the practice stage.


Check out the kit sized Chalkboard paint - all the colors!
I LOVE IT - I LOVE IT - I LOVE IT

We met a few new friends along the way... Check out Jude Alcala from How to Look Good Naked on TLC who will be demonstrating the fabby new brush by Dove. It is battery operated and massages your head while brushing. It breezes through tangles and leaves your hair silky smooth! They will be on QVC on Monday, June 23rd at 9:30 pm eastern.

The artist Joyce Byers was in our class (and fingers crossed will be on QVC on our day in July). Of course she had some cute in holiday collectibles.

Jay McCarroll from season one of Project Runway was in our class and had a super groovy new shift jacket. He sill be showcasing a line of clothes very soon.

I am dog tired, need to call my sister back and just rented 27 dresses on the tube... The good news is that about an hour ago, Sean at the front desk called to tell me that my bag arrived.

Project Runway Fabrics!

Hancock Fabrics has some really cute new prints inspired by Project Runway. I will know in just a few days if we get our house and I am thinking these prints would make awesome new curtains and accessories in my sewing room!!!!

Pins Fabric

Models Fabric

Safety Pin Fabric

Chalkboard Paint!

Steve and I are flying out for QVC school today! We be schooled for our appearance that will take place on July 25th! more detail as they come....

We will be apart of the Christmas in July series and will be representing Plaid crafts. You know them.....Mod Podge (my favorite), Folk Art Paint, One Stroke, and now they have a new chalkboard paint.

The paint premiered at the January CHA and Steve and I got a chance to work with it making some kids crafts. This paint is awesome and will turn any surface into a chalkboard....even fabric!

The paint is available in 12 different eye popping colors.

Take a peek at some of the wonderful ideas on the internet!

from design sponge

from Apartment Therapy

From Real Simple via Craft Gossip
Thanks to Shellie Wilson the CraftGossip Painting Editor.

From Daily Danny via Craft Gossip
Thanks to Shellie Wilson the CraftGossip Painting Editor.

From Flicker via Craft Gossip
Thanks to Shellie Wilson the CraftGossip Painting Editor.


from boing boing

from ohdeedoh

kids chalkboard pillow - from me

The pillow was so easy to make! I used the fredrix sewpaintable fabric (12'x12") with 4 coats of the green paint to create the chalkboard square.

Next, I used a pinking sheer on the edge of the painted square to create a decorative edge.

I cut 2 squares (14"x14") from the blue alien fabric.

I sewed the chalkboard square to the center of one of the fabric squares.

I added a chalk pocket with a scrap of fabric to the side of the pillow.

Next I sewed the pillow right sides together, turned it right side out, stuffed the pillow and hand-stitched the opening closed.

Emmy Trip to NYC: Family & Friends

I was so thrilled to catch up with my cousin Mark, Vickie and their 3 boys! We had an easy afternoon with pizza, chat and video games. The boys are heading out to sports camps soon so everyone was really excited. After Marks' house we headed over to Laura's pad for a yummy dinner and lots of laughs.

Spencer, Henry & Hitch

All the red heads together!


Eddie, Jason & Laura


Check out Laura's new table! So pretty...

Laura made a delicious pasta dish and this amazing cabbage salad. I forgot to the recipe from her - dang!

Emmy Trip to NYC: 30 Rock

Rockefeller Center is located between Fifth and Sixth Avenue and 48th and 51st Street and is one of my favorite places to visit when I am in NYC. The plaza is filled with shops, restaurants and tons of fun things. You can see a taping of The Today Show or SNL, visit the observation deck, twirl on the dance floor at the Rainbow Room and in the winter you can even ice skate. Some of the buildings include, Radio City Music Hall, GE building (30 Rock), Time-Life building, 10 Rock and the Simon & Schuster.

Check out the M&M, NBC logo.

Look Close

Eddie's favorite chocolate shop is teuscher. They have the most delicious chocolates and best packaging for candy. This is a must stop of us even though 6 chocolates will set you back $16.

WOW!

We got the Champagne Truffles - They were amazing.

Check out the wacky candy boxes - so very 60's.

This sculpture was absolutely amazing. You can read more about Chirs Burden by checking out this NY Times article on him.

Emmy Trip to NYC: Lets Begin with The Statue of Liberty

Even from far away she is so beautiful.

World Trade Center construction. Makes me think of my sister Erin's first (and only) trip to NYC, my Dad's tales, oysters on the 1/2 during happy hour and a day I will never forget.

Emmy Trip to NYC: Spice Market & Meat Packing District

For diner, all TEN of us headed over to Spice Market. The food was yummy and the company was divine! We were all so happy to sit, laugh and unwind.

Melissa and Andy

Lisa & me and a peek of Steve.

The coconut rice was served in leaves - so yummy!

Love the pattern on the menu. Reminds me of patterns from cut paper or paper garlands. I would love to have over-sized wallpaper in this pattern.

Emmy Trip to NYC: Rosa, Renegade & Rain

After a full day of Crafty shopping we headed to Rosa Mexicano for some delicious guacamole and and refreshing pomegranate margaritas.

Check out the wall of "water and divers" - so amazing!

So happy to sit and rest awhile.

Cheers!

You can't see it in this picture but.....the skies opened up and it rained like cats and dogs! For us LAers it was wonderful to hear the crash of the thunder and feel the rain. For the crafty peeps over at the Renegade Craft Fair it was not so cool. :(

Steve, Lisa, Greg and Jennifer were soaked...waiting for their pics :)

Emmy Trip to NYC: Crafty Shopping

My friend Melissa suggested we stop by Lee's Art Shop and boy was she straight on! They had 4 levels of fun filled with kids crafts, gifts, amazing lighting, home decor, glitters, paints, killer totes and "all round" good style.

They had beautiful papers!

Laura, Eddie & Melissa on our way to the lighting dept!

cool party supplies

lots of beautiful origami papers

Markerville

We also stopped by on old haunt of mine form my costume days....M&J Trimming - it is a must stop for any do-it-yourselfer.

Buttons, Buttons and more Buttons!!!

Oh La La - after working with Madame the feathers really had a grab on me. Wondering who Madame is? take a peek here.

More trims than you can believe.

Just a tiny corner of the store.

Ribbon City!

We also visited the bead district in NYC - so worth it! If you are in NY visit 6th Ave from 36th to 39th st. Tons of great shops all in walking district!

Lots of semi, real and costume stones.

Still love the owls!

Wall O'Chain

Cool Woven Chain

Tons of Findings

Emmy Trip to NYC: Central Park

Now that is a skate ramp!

I love Central Park! Just being back in the park reminds me of when I lived in NYC. I have so many fond memories of hanging on the lawn. To learn more about the park click here.

Emmy Trip to NYC: Late Night Bites at Hudson

After the ceremony we all went for a "late night" bite at Hudson.

We were starving....the food was delicious.

Under the direction of restaurateur Jeffrey Chodorow,
the menu features comfort food served with a modern twist.

Greg and Jennifer eye the Mac & Cheese.

Emmy Trip to NYC: Awards

We were so thrilled to be nominated for 2 Daytime Emmys.

We were nominated for Outstanding Lifestyle Show and Directing
for our Halloween series Witch Crafts.

We sat next to Christopher Lloyd.
He just started filming a new NBC mini-series with my friend Marla.

Ready for the show to begin!

Greg's category (directing) was up second and we all had our fingers crossed and hands held tight. And the Emmy goes to.......... Everyday Italian! We were bummed for a mini second - but in all honesty we really love Everyday Italian and think the directing, hosting and camera work rocks! It was a sweep for EI and we were thrilled to be in such good company.

Other nominees in our categories were:

OUTSTANDING LIFESTYLE PROGRAM
"Everyday Italian" - Food Network
"Gourmet's Diary of a Foodie" - PBS
"Lidia's Italy" - PBS
"Nigella Express" - Food Network
"Witch Crafts" - DIY Network


OUTSTANDING DIRECTING IN A LIFESTYLE SHOW
"Everyday Italian" - Food Network
"From the Top: Live From Carnegie Hall" - PBS
"Samantha Brown: Passport to Latin America" - Travel Channel
"Witch Crafts" - DIY Network

Next up, Steve and I presented 3 awards.
This year the teleprompter was at perfect height!

And the Emmy goes to.......

Emmy Trip to NYC: Arrivals

So excited to be at The Emmys in NYC!

Steve and his sister Lisa looking stunning.

Greg Byers and Jennifer Ballinger
(Greg is my partner and was nominated for Outstanding Lifestyle Director)

Andy Firchau and Melissa Wu (Andy has been with us since day 1 of Creative Juice)

Jack Hanna - looking very dapper!
(I was especially smitten because I went to Ohio State)

Oh what a setting - it took my breath away.
(The view is of Columbus Circle & Central Park)

Semi-Emmy-Made with the fabulous Sandra Lee.

Elmo Rules!

I can't believe I got to plant a kiss on Oscar!
(Don't get jealous Eddie)

Nothing grouchy here!

Looking beautiful and ready to go in!

Emmy Trip to NYC: Getting Ready

I love false lashes!

The hotel was so hot! The AC broke and with all the heat from the irons and blow dryers I thought we might melt. Johnny Gonzalez and his assistant did an amazing job! We were all glamorized in no time and then it was out the door.

NYC the city that never sleeps!

We need sleep - we left for the airport at 5:30am, which is normally not that hard for me because I am an "extreme" early bird. But in the excitement of our trip and the nervousness that I might mess up presenting tomorrow night I just did not get a good night sleep.

eddie was such a good sport carrying my garment bag


check out my spider t-shirt -
perfect for the "witch crafts" nominations

We had dinner and watched the Larker game at Vertigo


Steve and his sister Lisa and my hubby


I got to see laura after 2 years!!!
we have been best buds since school.


So excited & in major need of sleep!

I must go to bed! We are all prepped for a full day of beauty and at 3:00 we head out to the Emmys. Steve and I are due at rehearsals at 4:00 sharp - lets hope I am tall enough for the teleprompter this year :).

I'll post more pics soon.

Off to NYC for the EMMYS!

Hi All!

By now you probably know that we are heading to NYC for the Emmys - what you don't know is that you can watch all of us live "via the internet" as all the madness goes down.

Our categories - Directing & Show are at the very beginning and end (directing #2) (show #50). Steve and I will be the 4th presenters up. We are presenting for sound and title design.

Here is the link to watch live:
http://www.emmyonline.org/daytime/stream.html

It is going to be an awesome night and a fun weekend. For all the pics and scoop check out my blog at http://cathiefilian.blogspot.com/

XO
Cathie

ps. check out my emmy dress here: emmy blog posts

Letter: Kids Summer Crafts

Saucy Monster

Hi Cathie,

o.k. so I’m coming to The Source when it comes to crafting. John is doing a summer “camp” at BounceU for 3-12 year olds boy and girls and they are going to do a 45 minute craft each day. Needless to say I pulled all the idea I could out of your recent book and we are going to use some of them but I was hoping you could give me a couple ideas that would interest boys as well as girls. Boys aren’t usually very craft orientated (no offense Steve) and we need to do it on the cheap, so anything you can come up with I would really appreciate it.

Thanks for your help.

Melanie

Hi Melanie,

I have a great new project - they are kind of like Japanese characters meets cousin it. I am calling them mini monsters. Boys and girls really love this project. They also double as banks, secret spots etc. - because you can lift the hair out and place coins (etc) into the bottle.

Plus if you have any "eyelash" yarn it is great way to use it up. I really love the glow in the dark Mod Podge and kids really love it!

They are made with a plastic salad dressing bottle or a Gatorade style bottle.

Here are the instructions:

1 plastic bottle (large opening at the top)
1 yard cheese cloth (Jo-Ann Fabrics)
Mod Podge - Glow in the dark (Michaels, Hobby Lobby, AC Moore)
Crazy yarn
Googley eyes
Craft glue
Foam paint brush

1. Clean the bottle and peal the label off as best you can.
(you could spray paint them black if you want to)

2. Unfold the cheese cloth and begin attaching it to the bottle with the Mod Podge. Wrap like a mummy and keep adding the Mod Podge. Use your fingers to press down. Set aside to dry.

3. Make the hair by wrapping crazy yarn around a 10" piece of cardboard (or you could use a yellow note pad) until you have a full amount if hair. Cut a small piece of yarn and place it towards the top, bring it through all the loops and tie a secure knot. At the other end, use scissors to cut the hair loose.

4. Glue googley eyes to the front.

5. Add the hair by placing the knot side into the opening on the bottle. You might need to trim the hair of your monster.

For more kids ideas visit:
http://www.cathieandsteve.com/projectskids.html

Here is a link to the kids crafts on my blog: http://cathiefilian.blogspot.com/search/label/make%20it%3A%20kids%20crafts

(not all the things are for kids) Scroll to the bottom for the chip can rocket ship, coffee filter flowers are always popular with kids.

Crafty kisses,

Cathie

Milk Mummy
another variation using milk cartons

We put the offer in!

The kitchen over looks the family room!

After the inspection we put the offer in on the house that is just around the corner from where we are. We are super excited but, prepared for not getting it because they have 6 other offers. My stomach turned when I heard the news.... Some were low ball and others were "at or over" the price. We bid a solid offer so fingers crossed - we get it! We should know on Monday or Tuesday.

The kitchen needs more love than it looks in the above pic. Our plan would be to paint the cabinetry white and use subway tiles for the back splash. Oh the joy of shopping for tiles!















This is one of the back decks















This is the formal living room and dining nook which translates to us as "home office and sewing nook".

The house needs loads of work but....we are pretty handy...hahaha

decorating in my mind and loving every minute of it

Eddie and I are getting an inspection on a new house tomorrow.... Sorry Mom, if you are reading this now....I tried to call you. Everything happened really fast.

Fingers Crossed.

Get your CRAFT on at CHA!

Come get crafty with us at CHA in Chicago! We will be in the Plaid booth each morning and afternoon!

Will be demoing the hottest crafts that families can make together and kids can do on their own.


Details on they way.....

Tips for Teaching Kids To Sew

Tips for Teaching Kids To Sew

Sewing Machines. Begin with a beginner sewing machine like this adorable "Hello Kitty" machine avaliable at Target. It has all the basics and and looks cool too!

Fit The Snip! As soon as a child is ready, get a good pair of sewing scissors with a good fit to their hand. They will have 10 times more success in cutting out patterns if they have control and a sharp pair of scissors. Encourage them to keep a sheath/cover on the scissors when not in use.

Create their own box of supplies. Sewing notions are available in fun colors and can be customized with stickers and paint pens. Creating “ownership” encourages children to take pride in their tools. I am 37 and still have and use my seam ripper I got when I was 13.

Go fabric crazy! Fabric companies like, Alexander Henry, have so many hip fabrics for girls and boys. Everything from flaming skulls and skateboarders to sweet vintage style kitties and mod poppy flowers. The fabric selection for kids and teens has never been stronger.

Beginner fabrics. Fleece is a great "cut and sew" fabric for kids because of its no fray properties. Working with cotton fabric is a great way to teach pre-washing, the grain of the fabric, pulling a thread and the warp and weft of fabric.

Practice. Have kids practice sewing straight lines by having them sew on striped fabric.

Great beginner projects: PJ’s, Skirts, Pillows, Jumper Dresses, Purses and Embellishing.

Reference. Creating a stitch sampler/reference chart of stitches is a great way for kids to learn the different stitches on a machine and the different lengths and widths of stitches.

Fashion Plates! Kids and teens have been customizing their clothes for years. Punk or preppy, adding details to their clothes like patches and funky trims are a great way to practice and teach hand stitching.

Button Swap. Changing boring buttons to wild and fun ones is a great way to learn how to sew on buttons.

Not just fashion. Kids are diving into home fashion projects and creating their own designer room style. Television decorating and craft shows have helped to inspire and instruct budding little designers.

Classes. Retail fabric shops like Jo-Ann Fabrics, have sewing classes for kids on the weekends you can also check with your local yellow pages for sewing lessons.

Create Recycled Crayons & a Crayon Roll Up

Check out the sneak peek from Creative Juice and tune in on Tuesdays and Thursday to DIY and HGTV on Thursday mornings for more crafty ideas, delicious recipes and fun ideas.

For printable instructions click here:

recycled crayons
art supply roll up
oil cloth art smocks
monster chairs for kids

Madame's Dish - Shoot Day 2

Madame and Joe Kovacs

Day two was just as fun! Madame and Joe were amazing!

Huge thanks Zach Driscoll who Directed our Photography, Our Chef Chanel Martinez who is Madame's hands, to Dominic Sharamitaro who played the hunky guy, Sweet P who graced us with her smile, Jenn Raudman who recorded all the laughs, Daelen Cory who was our Hollywood fashionista, David Bowman who magically played the piano, my sister Erin Berich and her hubby Nick Berich who pretended to eat, Gigi Jackman, Jackye Swidler and Gary Holland who join us at Tangiers, Julian Salazar and his brother Tom who "paparazzied" Madame down Hillhurst Ave, Tangier restaurant and lounge for the awesome location, Whole Food for Life on Los Feliz Blvd for the beautiful produce department, Paul Cowdan who thankfully loaned us his lighting package and to my hubby who always supports, encourages, plays along and works his tail off on all our hair brained ideas.

Huge thanks to everyone who made the last 2 days a smashing success and kisses to Joe Kovacs who is an amazing comic, incredibly hard worker and wonderful guy.

Here are a few more pics....


Eddie shows off his camera rig.



The rig in action



Steve balances the skateboard.



Madame's Cookbook



Madame is so naughty...



Madame pounces on Hunky Guy like a cougar.



Madame's Angeles.



Steve shows off his mad set decorating skills.



Sweet P and Madame stir up some fun.



Chanel was a super trooper!!!