The Hollywood Sign

View of the Hollywood hills from the top of the Griffith park
observatory.

Puppy Love! Dogs at Weddings? wedding patterns for your pups

picture from weddingwire.com

The music plays, the doors open, the guests rise and here comes . . . a dog wagging down the aisle? Yes it is true! Dogs at weddings are more popular than ever. On the most important day of your life, you don’t want to leave out your best four legged friend! Have your pup join in the bridal party!

You might be planning on having your dog serve as a ring bearer or little flower pup at your wedding. If you are then you will need some spiffy clothing to go along with your bridal party. In my latest book, Bow Wow WOW! I have patterns for both a bride and groom outfit for dogs. Both patterns can be adjusted from a tea cup to a large dog.

If you are thinking about having your dog at your wedding, check out the following websites for tips and tricks to including your pup in the ceremony. Ehow, The Knot Message Boards.

The Bride costume from Bow Wow Wow!

detail of flowers - can be made in any color

The Groom from Bow Wow WOW!

full view

Get a copy of the book at Barnes and Noble or Amazon!

Step by Step instructions!

Creative Juice Re-Craft Book: Tie Dyed Slips

Creative Juice Re-Crafting Book:

Tie Dyed Slip Dress

click picture for a larger detail pic

Transform a plain slip into a funky and flirty tie dyed creation. The dyed slips can be worn over a pair of leggings or skinny jeans and they look especially cute with a little pearl button cardigan.

Supplies:
A pale-colored nylon or silk slip
Fabric dye
Rubber bands
Rubber gloves
Washing machine
Mild detergent
Sequins or rhinestones
Jewel glue

Steps:
1. Wash the slip to remove any sizing if you are working with a new slip.

2. Saturate the slip with water and wring out any excess water. This will allow the dye to distribute evenly.

3. Lay the slip out and fold the slip up in an accordion fashion.

4. Bind off the slip in 6 sections using rubber bands. Make sure the rubber bands are tight. Where ever the rubber bands are the slip will not dye.


5. Mix dye according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Wearing rubber gloves submerge the slip into the dye bath. Allow the slip to remain in the dye according to manufacturer’s instructions.

6. Rinse the slip until the water runs clear. Remove the rubber bands. Wash the slip in the washing machine with a mild detergent. After washing the slip in the washing machine, you may want to run an empty load with bleach to remove any residual dye.

7. Allow the slip to dry. Use jewel glue to add sequins/rhinestones or other trims and embellishments.

If you like this project then you might like my book - Creative Juice, 45 Re-Crafting Projects. You can get it at Barnes and Noble or Amazon!

Make it: Gardener Lotion Bar

From the Nature's Gifts episode of Creative Juice!

Smooth out skin's rough edges with a homemade lotion bar. Perfect for gardeners, knitters or anyone who needs a little soothing care for their hands. This easy recipe is so good for the skin!

Gardener Lotion Bar

Ingredients:
3 tbsp. beeswax pellets
2 tbsp. regular cocoa butter
3 tbsp. shea butter
2 tbsp. sweet almond oil
2 tbsp. calendula oil
¼ tsp. vitamin E acetate
soap bar mold
glass measuring cup
small saucepan
popsicle stick for stirring
optional – essential oils

Steps:

1. Mix ingredients together in a very clean glass measuring cup. To create a double-boiler, place the cup in a large pot filled with enough water to come half-way up the height of the cup.


2. Heat the mixture on medium heat, stirring until all ingredients (except essential oils) are blended together.

3. Remove from heat and add, if desired, several drops of essential oil for fragrance.



4. Pour into a mold and let cool for approximately 30 minutes before popping the bar out of the mold.

5. To package as a gift, wrap in a cello bag and tie or staple a handmade gift tag, silk flower or decorative ribbon to the package.

Link-O-Rama

Aileen's Musings
Get your groove on with Aileen's tie-dyed deli paper background technique. While your at it download her freebie fractal backgrounds!

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner
How do you brand yourself and your business? Alexa shares how she brands herself and offers some helpful marketing and graphic design ideas to help you build yours!

Blisstree Arts
Many of Cyndi's favorite Photoshop tricks!

Cathie Filian
Forget about "gone fishing" signs and "golf anyone" trinket boxes. Grab some fabric paints, freezer paper, iron-ons and get creative making one-of-a-kind fashions for your pop, pal or hubby.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
Craftside has the first in their how to video series, Look, Learn & Create with this week's guest Christi Friesen author of Polymer Clay and Mixed-Media Together at Last, as well as some inspiration and tips for working in series, wordless journaling and a free deer stencil from the new book The Art of Paper Cutting with a how-to for a pattern slider card.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy shows off an oldie but goodie, her old Kenmore sewing machine.

CraftyPod
Sister Diane shares some tips for using Twitter and Facebook to market a creative business.

Cross Stitch at About.com
Connie's Grandmother was a quilter and she's created a special chart to memorialize her. Stitch it up for the quilter in your life.

Naughty Secretary Club
Inspired by Marty Stevens-Heebner's new book Altered Shoes, Jen gives a pair of white cotton Mary Janes a full makeover.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
Stefanie's cross stitched up the 7 deadly sins in Latin with a scissor accent and gives you the pattern so you can make it too!

The Crochet Dude
Drew talks about what could be better than a crochet cruise to the Caribbean!

The Impatient Crafter
Madge is giving away a melange of beads from her Bead Board of Wonders and shares a fun mixed media project!

Vickie Howell
Create earth-friendly vases out of re-used mason jars & twine. This one's for both knitters and crafters alike!

Creative Juice Re-Craft Book: Wine Bottle Soap Dispenser

Creative Juice Re-Crafting Book:

Wine Bottle Soap Dispenser

Recycle a wine bottle into a cute soap dispenser. With a little clay and a lot of soap you can have the coolest and cleanest kitchen. This project is makes a great gift...perfect for a new home or open house party. This same technique can be used to create funky olive oil or vinegar bottles.

Supplies:
Wine Bottle
Rubbing Alcohol
Pearl Polymer Clay
Blue Polymer Clay
Clay Roller
Optional: Pasta Machine
Alphabet Stamps
Blue Fine-Tipped Permanent marker
Quick Hold Craft Glue
Large Mouth Plastic Drinking Glass
Dish Soap
Liquor Pour Spout

1. Thoroughly wash the wine bottle and soak the bottle in water to remove the label. Use rubbing alcohol and a paper towel to remove any excess glue/gum.

2. Kneed both polymer clays by following the manufactures instructions for your brand.

3. Roll a thin layer of pearl polymer clay about 1/8 to 1/4” thick using either a clay rolling pin or a pasta machine. This is the base of the “soap” label so make sure it is large enough for your label.

4. Create a circle from the clay by pressing the “mouth” end of the glass into the clay. You might need to give it a bit of a twist. Remove the glass and clean up edges if you desire.

5. Use a rubber stamp to press the word “s-o-a-p” across the clay circle. Clean your stamps right away. Create small bubbles with the blue polymer clay by rolling a small ball of clay in your hands and flatten with your fingers. Apply to the circle.

6. Press clay label onto the wine bottle, working the circle around the curve of the bottle. Place in the oven and bake as per the clay manufacturers instructions – usually about 15-20 min. Turn off oven, using oven mitts, remove the bottle from the oven.

7. Remove the baked clay circle from the bottle and apply quick hold glue to the back of the clay circle. Glue to the bottle in the desired position.

8. Use a thin permanent marker and trace over the letters to add additional details. Fill the bottle with soap and cap off with a pour spot.

If you like this project then you might like my book - Creative Juice, 45 Re-Crafting Projects. You can get it at Barnes and Noble or Amazon!

Make it: Sushi Magnets

Sushi is so yummy for the tummy and double nice when you get to enjoy it with good friends....but don't eat this sushi, because it is made from polymer clay. Each piece was "free form" sculpted - so dig into your clay stash and start creating your own designs. I have included some tips and materials needed to get started.

Supplies Used:
images of sushi (available online)
polymer clay in various colors
parchment paper
cookie sheet
oven
heavy-duty glue
small magnets

Steps:

1. Find some photos of sushi for reference when making these magnets — a quick online search can turn up hundreds of examples. Here is a Google Link to sushi images.

2. Knead the clay for a couple of minutes until it's soft and easy to work with.

3. Using different colors of clay, sculpt small pieces of sushi. Try to capture details like the lines and eyes on a shrimp, the seaweed and sesame seeds in a classic roll-style sushi or the suckers on a piece of octopus. Don't forget to sculpt some green wasabi and pink pickled ginger as condiments.

Tips:
* Polymer clay may leave a residue on hands. It's a good idea to clean hands when switching colors to prevent accidental mixing.

* For custom colors, knead two or more colors together until they blend completely. Or, stop partway through the kneading process for a marbled look.

4. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and bake the pieces according to the package instructions. Baking times will depend on the thickness of the pieces.

5. Once the sushi has cooled completely, glue a small magnet to the back of each piece with heavy-duty glue. Allow the glue to dry for 24 hours before using.

New House: zebra chair

Here is the new chair for our bedroom! Made by Hooker Furniture (no joke) the chair is called French Quarter. I just love the zebra print and think the chair will smashing with the other new furniture.

At Home Wine Tasting

Robert Hall - Merlot - 2006
around $20.00

Eddie and I are planning a trip up & down the California coast line this summer for our 5 year anniversary. We will be stopping in Wine Country - specifically Paso Robles. We will only have time for 1 or 2 wineries so we have been testing wines in order to narrow down where we want to go. I know...boo hoo....I have to test fabulous wines with delicious cheeses, crackers and marinated olives.

Last week we tested the Robert Hall Merlot from 2006 and we both loved it! You can learn more about Robert Hall at www.roberthallwinery.com. We think this will be a must stop on our trip...but of course we have a few more wines to try.

I whipped up some marinated olives to go along with our tasting. Check out this previous blog post for my recipe.

Creative Juice Now airs in Australia!

Creative Juice Now airs in Australia!

Foxtel - Channel 118 - How To

Monday through Friday - Twice a Day.

Make it for DAD: Fashionista Fathers

Make it for DAD: Fashionista Fathers

Forget about "gone fishing" signs and "golf anyone" trinket boxes. Grab some fabric paints, freezer paper, iron-ons and get creative making one-of-a-kind fashions for your pop, pal or hubby.

T-shirt Dad

Make this easy reverse applique design with a faded eagle iron-on and some iron-on studs. For complete instructions visit my page at Plaid!

Rock and Roll Dad

For this design I attached a flocked skull iron-on to a grey satin tie. I positioned the tie at a slight angle for a little interest. Visit my page at Plaid Online for all the skinny.

D.I.Y Dad

Hammer slinging Dads will love this design! All you need is a bottle Folkart fabric paint and a funky plaid tie. For this design I used the freezer paper stencil technique. For complete instructions visit my project page at plaid.

click to download

Trophy Dad

For this design, I used the same painting technique as in the D.I.Y. Dad tie and I added some iron-on studs.

Click to download

Stenciled and Stitched for Dad

Go free form with this design. Overlap large and small stencils and paint with different colors of Folkart fabric paint. After the paint dries, sew random stitches over the entire design. For step-by-step instructions visit my project page at Plaid.

Max freaking out at the vet

Max gets his check up and shots today! Don't forget to check your
pets records.

Linky Love

Vickie Howell
Need a home decor, quick-fix? Vickie shows you how to use fabric scraps to over those otherwise drab, light switch plates!

The Impatient Crafter
Style Guru Brini Maxwell and The Impatient Crafter Margot Potter want you to join them on their Crafty Cabaret Carribean Cruise in Fall of 2010! Here's the 411!

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
Sweater Surgery in the Pratt Institute Magazine and Bookmarks You can make at Maker Faire with me!

Naughty Secretary Club
Love the look of the groovy spaghetti string lamps from the 60�s? Make your own with Jen, some yarn, a balloon and a little fabric stiffener.

Cross Stitch at About.com
Connie's been in a Sci-Fi mood lately - check out her Out of This World Patterns.

CraftyPod
Sister Diane shows you how to make a quilted fabric pendant.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Are you cutting coupons these days? Then make this simple little crochet coupon holder to keep them organzied.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
Inside peeks into the new books: Mosaics: The Art of Reuse and my shotgun and sea shell stepping stones, SKETCHBOOK and a few of my sketchbook sketches and their end result, Re-Bound and the story behind this month's San Metao Maker Faire (30th and 31st) "Makeready" journal we will be giving away in our booth, and a Sweater Surgery Hello Kitty Sunglass case how-to.

Cathie Filian
Cathie whips up a "no calorie cake" with a few items from the dollar store!

Blisstree Arts
Digital art calls for a creative framing method!

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner
Swelldesigner shares with you why you need a mini idea book !

Aileen's Musings
Aileen has a new tutorial perfect for teen birthday parties!

About Family Crafts
Discover how you can create your own fancy, garden stepping stones.

if u care.... 20 things about me...

1. My maiden name is Bush; I could retire tomorrow if I had a dollar for every time someone asked me if I was related to George 1 or 2. I voted for Obama.

2. My married name is Filian, an Armenian name. (My hubby is half Armenian/half Russian) Our name means Elephant.

3. I worked in film (in the costume department) for almost 10 years. One of my early films was Bottle Rocket and my last film was Vanilla Sky.

4. My husband and I went on one date (Nov. 6th, 1999) before we moved in together. I know – sounds crazy….I got very sick after our first date and he nursed me back to health.

5. My grandmother taught me how to sew at 8 years old - My first sewing project was a pair of pj’s.

6. I have a dog named Max. I dress him in clothes. He loves it – Eddie does not.

7. We call Griffith Park our “Country Club.”

8. I have lots of family – 2 sets of parents, 1 set of in-laws, 1 sister Debbie, 1 brother Mike, 1 sister Erin, 1 step-sister Kathy, 1 step-brother Ken and 1 brother in-law Ruben, 1 brother in-law John, 1 sister in-law Andrea, 1 brother in-law Nick, 1 step brother in-law Tim and 1 step sister in-law Jo-Ellen. I have so many nieces…….8 in total and 1 nephew.

9. I prefer wine over beer, skiing over snowboarding, cream over chocolate, green over blue and I love popcorn.

10. I was nominated for a Daytime Emmy against Martha Stewart for Creative Juice. I was nominated a second time as a producer on my show Witch Crafts.

11. I really do love Mod Podge - I also love E6000 glue, fusible webbing, rhinestones, glitter, my needle nest and my new craft room.

12. I have a Mark Ryden art collection.

13. I once dated a “movie star” – he is in lots of blockbuster films. Sometimes I feel funny when the commercials come on or when my hubby and I pass the billboards.

14. Lifetime movies on Saturday are a guilty pleasure of mine.

15. I knew my great-grand parents.

16. Steve Piacenza and I are as thick as thieves. The first time we went out for drinks (1999) we sang karaoke in Korea Town. We sang, “I got you babe.” The rest is history.

17. I have a fondness for dolls and art with big eyes. My family supports me in my never-ending quest for the best big-eyed dolls and I thank them very much.

18. I am working on an invention that I think can change the world…..UPDATE: my invention is being prototyped with the help of Plaid at Plaid Far East.

19. I was robbed at gun point and once out-drove a tornado…I was pretty far away from the tornado and too close to the gun.

20. I am so happy – I could just giggle!

press: Women's World Magazine

Women's World Magazine asked me, Terri O and Kathy Peterson the question....."I love crafting! How can I do it for less?" Click the scan below to see our dollar saving ideas and resources for good deals!

Click to enlarge

Dollar Store Do Over: No Calorie Cake

Dollar Store Do Over: No Calorie Cake

For this "No Calorie Cake" I used a tortilla warmer, glass candle holder and green taper candles from the dollar store.

I also used some moss, silk flowers and bud sprigs.

Begin by removing the lid of the warmer and discard.
Flip the warmer upside down.

Hot glue moss to the top of the warmer.

Continue adding moss to the top.

Hot glue moss to the sides. Fill in any open spots.

Break apart the petals from a large silk flower.
Glue them in layers to a small candle holder.

Turn the candle holder upside down.
Continue gluing the petals.

Hot glue to the center of the "Moss Cake"

Add more silk flowers and sprays of buds around the candle holder.

Add a bow around the moss cake.

Place on a cake stand!

Tune in: Ghost Whisper This Friday the 15th

Tune into the Ghost Whisper This Friday the 15th! My college pal Tim, will be guesting in the season finale! You can learn more about Tim here: billytombs.com

New on ETSY: Lola lace Collar in Blush

New on ETSY: Lola lace Collar in Blush

Link-O-Rama

Vickie Howell
In preparation for Summer break, Vickie shows a simple craft for bringing a little magic into your kids' vacation!

The Impatient Crafter
Caution: Madge's new book may cause you to dive into a craft binge. She's created a form excuse letter so you can skip work and craft to your heart's content!

The Crochet Dude
Drew finally announces his latest news; plus video!

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
A plain glass bottle gets a makeover with an engraved plaid jackalope following the great directions from the new book: Glass Engraving by Sonia Lucano.

Naughty Secretary Club
Jen shows how she whipped up a coordinating fabric covered photo album to match the curtains and the cushions in her daughter's nursery.

Cross Stitch at About.com
Stitching on dark Cross Stitch fabrics is challenging for most of us. Do you stitch on dark fabrics? Vote in the poll, read Connie's tips, and share your own tips and tricks.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Even if you missed making this for mom this Mother's Day, the Crafty Princess has a great combo gift idea for your next gift-giving need. Part of it you can make and part you can purchase, but both are inexpensive and perfect for lots of folks on your list.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
Craftside's got a cool scratching photo technique, 2 ways to weave an eyeglass case, an interview with the author of Art Doll Adventures: Lisa Li Hertzi, a tutorial on how to needle felt a bird and as always questions of the day that if you answer you're entered to win a free book!

Cathie Filian
Cathie is Mod Podging thrift shop plates to make unique collages and mini works of art.

Blisstree Arts
Cyndi has compiled her favorite posts on creating collages and art quilts.

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner
Make your own mini Moo-like business cards from junk mail postcards!

Aileen's Musings
Aileen has another blog giveaway! Stop by and enter to win 1 of 3 original hand-drawn ATCs she's giving away.

About Family Crafts
If you are looking for an almost instant Mother's Day gift or activity, check out these free, printable Mother's Day projects.

More Bella Neck Cuffs

Bella Neck Cuff in Rose

Lace Neck Cuff

New lace neck cuff at my etsy shop!

Make it for MOM: Keeping Time Necklace

Make it for Mom: Keeping Time Necklace

Supplies:

pendant watch face
2" silver eye pin
31 chunky turquoise beads
32 silver ball spacer beads
2 daisy spacer beads
24" of 49-strand silver beading wire
1 silver toggle clasp
2 silver jump rings
2 silver crimp beads
2 silver crimp bead covers
crimping pliers
needle-nose pliers
round-nose pliers

1. Create the watch drop for the necklace by threading one daisy spacer, a turquoise bead, and then another daisy spacer onto the eye pin. Trim the excess wire, leaving 8 mm of wire. Use round-nose pliers to bend this wire into a matching "eye" loop. Thread the watch pendant onto the eye and pinch closed with pliers.

2. Attach a jump ring to one end of the toggle clasp. Thread one end of the beading wire through a crimp bead, then through the jump ring on the toggle, and back through the crimp bead. Use crimping pliers to first "squash" then "fold" closed the crimp bead to secure the wire; cover with a crimp bead cover.

3. Thread one silver ball spacer bead onto the end of the beading wire with the toggle. Add one turquoise bead. Keep adding beads, alternating between the two types, until 16 silver balls and 15 turquoise beads are on the wire.

4. Thread the eye of the watch drop onto the wire and add a silver ball spacer. Continue beading as with the first part of the necklace, alternating between turquoise beads and silver spacers until the remaining 16 spacers and 15 turquoise beads are on the wire.

5. Repeat Step 2 to attach the other toggle clasp using a crimp bead and crimp bead cover.

RESOURCES :
www.Watchfaces-Charms.com

Make it for Mom: Charmingly Fresh

Make it for Mom: Mixed Metal Necklace

With just 3 packs of Fresh charms/pendants and a few beads from Michaels - I was able to whip up 3 quick projects for Mother's Day.


Materials:
Fresh – Peace #85907 Charm
Fresh – Hearts Set # 85908
Modify – Glass beads Yellow #85875
Modify – Glass beads light blue #85872
Modify – Toggle Clasp #85834
Modify – Loop Chain #85826
Gold Angel Charm
Gold Jump Rings – various sizes
1 Extra large gold jumpring
2 pairs pliers - chain nose
Large jump rings – silver

Steps:

1. Using pliers, attach gold jump rings to each charm and glass bead. Make the pendant by, attaching all the charms and glass beads to a large gold rump ring. I used the large tree charm, peach charm 2 heart charms, 1 yellow bead, 1 blue bead and the gold angel charm. (save the other charms for the other projects!)

2. Cut a piece of chain 34” long (you can make it longer if you wish). Fold the chain in half. Slide the pendant onto the chain. Using pliers, attach the toggle clasp to the ends with jump rings.

Make it for Mom – Charmed Tote

Embellish a tote bag by hand sewing the large tree charm in the center of the bag.

Make it for Mom – Peace Key Chain

Materials:
Fresh – Peace #85907 Charm
Fresh – Hearts Set # 85908
Modify – Glass beads Yellow #85875
Modify – Glass beads light blue #85872
Faux Show Jewelry - Key Chain Blanks Item # 94828
2 pairs pliers - chain nose
Large jump rings

Steps:

1. Make the key chain by attaching 2 glass beads, 2 heart charms and the peace charm to a large jump ring. Use jump rings when necessary. Unscrew the ball on the key chain blank, slide the charmed jump ring on and reattach the ball.

Make it for Mom: Altered Plates

Make it for Mom: Altered Plates
This project was designed for Plaid!

Now I don't suggest using Mom's good china for this project - that is unless you really want to make Mom mad on Mother's day. Look for plates at thrift shops and yard sales to alter.

This plate features a photo of my mom, Amelie Rogers, when she was in grade school. To learn more about my artistic mom, visit her website at www.amelierogers.com.

Winter CHA show - Plaid Booth

Altered Plates was a project that we featured in the Plaid booth to showcase ways that Mod Podge can be used. Traditional Mod Podged plates are done on the bottom of clear glass plates. For this technique the work is all done of the top of the plate - the plate becomes the canvas.

Look for plates that have a decorative edge - gold rimmed, painted flowers or even scalloped edges.

Add silk flowers to an edge for a 3-d look.

Use words from vintage romance novels in your collage.

Make a wedding plate!

Keep the color pallet simple for a more modern look.

Add gold glitter Mod Podge to age bright paper.

Look for decorative edge plates.

Materials:
Mod Podge – gloss
Mod Podge – gold glitter
Thrift Store Plates
Scissors
Foam Paintbrush
Papers & Photos to Mod Podge
Optional:
Paper Punches
Silk Flowers
Butterflies
Paper Letters
Rhinestones
Gem Glue

Steps:



1. Wash the plates and dry thoroughly.

2. Resize the photos and papers if necessary so that the will fit on the plates. If you want a solid background, cut a circle that will fit the center of the plate from a neutral patterned background. Coat the back of the circle with Mod Podge and place it onto the plate. Topcoat with a layer of Mod Podge. Use your fingers to press out any air bubbles.

3. Using Mod Podge, collage and layer additional cut pieces of paper and photos over the background design. Trim the photos to fit your design. Use a paper punch to create flower shapes. For letters use magazine cutouts or photocopies stickers. Get creative with your design plan.

4. Add glittery highlights: Paint a small amount of glitter Mod Podge to the top of the design. Use gem glue to attach rhinestones to your design or add silk flowers, butterflies, etc.

Make it for Mom: Altered Photo Pendant

Make it for Mom: Altered Photo Pendant

This project was designed for Plaid using Mod Podge Gloss and Mod Podge Glitter. The photo is of my Aunt Ellen.

Materials:
Artistrywear – Glass Pendant #94848
Mod Podge – gloss
Mod Podge – gold glitter
Scissors
Foam Paintbrush
Papers & Photos to Mod Podge
Small Silk Flowers
Rhinestones
Gem Glue
Large Jump Ring
2 Pliers – chain nosed
Necklace


Steps:

1. Resize the photo if necessary so that it will fit on the large white glass pendant on a color copier. Trim the photo to a circle shape. Coat the back of the photo with Mod Podge and place it onto the glass pendant. Top coat with a layer of Mod Podge. Use your fingers to press out any air bubbles.

2. Add additional details: Attach small cut out words or other papers with Mod Podge. Glue a small silk flower to the hair. Glue rhinestones around the edge of the design.

3. Add glittery highlights: Paint a small amount of glitter Mod Podge to the top of the design. I like to frame the face with the glitter.

4. Attach a large jump ring using chain nosed pliers to the pendant. Attach the pendant to a necklace. The pendant can be switched from necklace to necklace depending on the outfit you are wearing.

Make it: Fun Paper Envelopes

Make it: Fun Paper Envelopes

This quick and easy idea is perfect for using up bits of paper and scrapbooking supplies. Your friends and family will be delighted when they see a handmade envelope.

Materials:
purchased envelopes in various sizes to use as patterns
pencil
scissors
bone folder or ruler
glue stick
scrap or handmade paper, magazine pages, wrapping paper, etc.
optional: decorative stickers




1. Carefully peel apart the glued edges holding together a purchased envelope. Trace the shape of the opened envelope onto paper and cut out shape.

2. Fold in the side flaps first, then fold in the bottom envelope flap. Reinforce sharp folds using a bone folder or ruler.

3. Use a glue stick to adhere the bottom flap to the side flaps where they meet.

4. Fold the top flap down and score with a bone folder or ruler. Use a glue stick or decorative sticker to seal the edges. Add stickers and other scrapbooking embellishments to the front of teh envelope.

A smashing success - PASW Awards Gala

Getting ready and goofing!
Nicole, Loren, Jennifer, Nicole's Mom and Taylor.

We ordered Shirley Temples for the girls and a little wine for the ladies.

A little lip gloss for Loren!

Jennifer on the shaky cam!

Nicole (this pic is from her 21st b-day)

The view from the hotel room...
Not to smoggy of a LA day!

Greg (my friend and producing partner) and his daughter Taylor.
Nora J. Baladerian and her daughter.

Me and Greg - happy that the night is going so well!

Taylor and her Pop.

Me & Taylor

The evening kicks off with a wonderful and inspirational speech by Diana Elizabeth Jordan. Diana is an acting coach and industry liaison for Performing Arts Studio west.

The first award was presented to Robert David Hall.
Most folks know him as Dr. Albert Robbins from CSI.

He was a real sweetheart and such an inspiration!

Other CSI cast mates were on hand to cheer David on!

me & Eric Szmanda (aka Greg Sanders)

The next award was presented to Brenda Hampton by Luke Zimmerman and Daren Kagasoff from The Secret Life of the American Teenager. Brenda has created, written and executive produced some of TV's longest running and most popular shows.

Luke Zimmerman
PASW Actor

Brenda gave a wonderful speech!

Daren & Taylor

Stephen Collins from Hampton's show 7th Heaven was on hand to land support!

The last award was presented to the awesome casting director John Levey. John has cast some of Televisions greatest hits. Do the shows...China beach, ER, Westwing and Southland ring a bell?

The last shot of the night...me with PASW actor and my pal Nick Daley.