We landed.

After 11 hours of travel. We landed in Daytona Beach. Yea.

I need Hot Glue Stories for my new product line!!!

I need Hot Glue Quotes!!!

I am excited to announce that I have a new line of Hot Glue Tools! They will be unveiled at the January CHA in the Plaid Booth. Not sure if they will be in the secret room or on the floor yet. I am so excited that I can hardly stand it! This has been in development for almost 1 year and I am finally reaching the finish line of development.

So I have prototypes...what next??

Next, the stores need to order the tools and for that I need a sales presentation. So I am turning to you! I need Hot Glue Quotes!!!

Big Bang Theory - They love Hot Glue!

The quotes can be Love Stories or Horror Stories. I am collecting quotes from all sorts of crafters, teachers, designers, authors, prop makers, costume designers, actors, beginner crafters, everyday folks, etc.

The quotes are for the sales presentation at CHA. I am making a Hot Glue Horror Stories Book and a Hot Glue Love Diary filled with pictures and quotes. I am also using references from pop culture where hot glue was used. Like in the episode of Big Bang Theory where Penny started a hair flower business.

If you want to contribute a quote - just reply to this post! I'll use them all and be forever grateful!! I am also going to randomly select a 10 winners from the list of quotes and send them (maybe you) a package of goodies!!!

Crafty Kisses,
Cathie

New Simply Screen Home Dec Projects

I am so excited about the new line of Simply Screen products from Plaid. They are so simple to use and the results are outstanding! Originally they were designed for fashion and clothing...but of course I am loving them for Home Decor too. They are perfect for sprucing things you might own and can tie a room together with the images.

They just hit the shelves at Jo-Ann's, AC Moore and Hobby Lobby. And they are of course available from Plaid Crafts Express.

You can watch a video (or two) to see all the different ways you can screen. You can also add glitters, foil sheets and blend paint colors for custom designs.

Have a peek at some of the projects I just completed. Click the links for full instructions.

ps. I am also just finishing a 10 project piece for Better Homes and Gardens that features a mixture of home dec, fashion and kitchen projects using simply screen.

Have a great day,

Cathie

Glamed Up Lamp

Storage Cube

Painted Canvases

Peace and Dream Pillow

Make a Kids Felt Book

Make a Kids Felt Book

Keep the kids occupied on long road trips or flights with a travel book that combines a little felt, some buttons, ribbons, and snaps, and a lot of imagination. The book can be customized in so many different ways....the sky is the limit! Have fun getting creative!

Supplies:
3 Ring binder
Zipper binder pouch
Felt rectangles– 2 per page
5/8” grommets – 3 per page
Small scissors
Grommet setting tool
Self-healing mat
Decorative scissors
Fabri-Tac Glue
Scissors
1 piece of 3 hole punched paper
Marker

Decorating pages supplies:
Buttons
Lacing
Ribbon
Felt scraps
Rhinestones
Beads
Charms
Permanent markers
Snaps
Snap setter
Additional grommets
Fabri-Tac glue

Steps:

1. Use fabric tack to glue two rectangles of felt together. Allow the page to dry.

2. Lay a sheet of 3-hole punched paper over the felt squares, use a marker to mark the position of for the holes. Use a small pair of scissors to make a very small snip where each grommet will be attached.

3. Push the male piece of the grommet through the hole. Flip the felt page over insert the female piece of the grommet over the male. Attach the grommets using the grommet setter and a hammer. Repeat for the other two grommeted holes on the page.

4. Cut around the edges of the page with decorative scissors.

5. Repeat steps 1-4 for each page you wish to make.

6. To make a “Buttons & Snaps” page: Cut two small identical panels of felt and attach two grommets to each panel to make a “lacing section”. Place in the desired location on the page.

7. Cut another shape from felt for the “snap” section. Using a purchased snap kit, attach the male piece of the snap to the top of the shape using a snap setter. Attach the female piece of the snap at the appropriate position on the page by cutting a small hole, pushing the piece through to the front and using the snap setter. Snap the felt piece to the page.

8. Cut another shape from felt for the “button” section. Slice a small hole into the felt shape to make the button hole. Use a pen to mark where the button should be stitched. Stitch the button using a needle and thread. Button the felt piece to the page.

9. Use Fabri-Tac Glue to attach the outside edges of the grommeted lacing panels, the bottom of the snap panel, and one side of the button panel to the page. Allow the glue to dry.

10. When the page is dry, add decorative stitching such as whip-stitching where the panels attach to the page. Lace the grommets of the lacing section with narrow ribbon.



Other Ideas for decorating pages:

Seek and Find Page: This is great for road trips! Make cut outs of road sings, buildings, cars, animals, trucks, etc. Use craft glue to attach them to the page. Have the kids look for them while on long trips.

Alphabet game: Cut out each letter of the alphabet and attach to a page. Look for the letters on buildings and signs as you head down the road

Tick Tack Toe: Cut strips of felt and glue them in the crisscross pattern. Ct X’s and 0’s for the game. The game pieces can be stored in the zipper pouch.

Lacing: Cut a shoe out of felt and attach mini grommets to the shoe, add a shoelace. This great way for kids to practicing tying.

Getting Dressed: Cut out a small felt person and attach to the page. Cut out all sorts of clothing, shoes, hats and accessories. (store the clothes in the zipper pouch) Kids will be entertained four hours getting them person dressed.

Counting: Cut out numbers and/or mathematical symbols (age appropriate) for counting and adding.

Make a recycled sofa for Barbie

Make a recycled sofa for Barbie, Blythe or Roxie

Doll furniture has never been so easy to make or so cool to play with. We use a tissue box and paper towel roll to make a mod sofa perfect for fashion dolls.

Supplies:
1 Empty tissue box (9x4x5 inches)
1 Paper towel tube
Scissors
Marking pen
Fun fur fabric
Fabric tac glue

Steps:
1. Cut the paper towel tube to the length of the tissue box. Fill the tube and the tissue box with crumpled scrap paper for strength.

2. Wrap the tube with the fun fur, leaving 1” on each end. Trim to fit the tube, glue in place along the centerline and allow to dry. Tuck the ends into the tube and secure with a drop of glue.

3. Cut two pieces of fun fur to fit the sides of the tissue box. Use fabric tac to glue in place. Wrap the front, top and back of the tissue box with fun fur Cut to fit and glue in place.

4. Glue the fur wrapped tube to the back of the sofa to create the back cushions.

Homemade Limoncello Recipe

Homemade Limoncello Recipe

Top off your next Italian meal with this potent little potable that’s sure to make you feel oh so good.

Ingredients:
1 liter 100 proof vodka
2 ½ cups sugar
2 cups water
Zest of 8 fresh lemons

Steps:
1. Wash the lemons with a vegetable brush and hot water to remove any reside of pesticides or wax. Carefully zest the lemons with a zester or vegetable peeler so there is no white pith on the peel.

2. In a clean and sterilized 1-gallon glass jar, add ½ liter vodka and the lemon zest. Cover the jar and let sit at room temperature for at least 10 days, and up to 40 days in a cool dark place.

3. In a large saucepan, combine the sugar and water and cook until thickened, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Let the syrup cool before adding it to the limoncello mixture. Add the additional ½ liter of vodka. Allow to rest for another 10 to 40 days.

4. After the rest period, strain the zest and bottle the liquid, discarding the lemon zest. Keep in the freezer until ready to serve. For gifts: funnel into wine bottles and add decorative labels.

Homemade Rosemary Focaccia Recipe

bake it: Rosemary Focaccia

An indulgent delicacy that will really get your mouth watering, focaccia is the perfect compliment to any Italian meal, or a delicious snack on its own.

Supplies:
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for flouring the work surface
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1 cup water
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 egg
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed

Steps:
1. Combine 1 cup flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a mixing bowl. Mix well. Add the olive oil to the warm water, and add to yeast mixture along with the egg. Blend with an electric mixer at low speed until moistened. Beat for 2 additional minutes. Stir in 2 cups of flour slowly while beating. Continue beating until dough pulls away from side of bowl.

2. Knead in 1/2 cup flour on floured surface. Cover dough with a bowl, and let sit for 5 minutes.

3. Place dough on a greased baking sheet or pizza pan. Roll out to 12 inch circle, and drizzle with a little olive oil. Smear olive oil on top of the dough and cover with greased and a cloth towel. Place in a warm place for 30 minutes.

4. Uncover dough, and poke holes in it with a spoon handle at 1 inch intervals. Drizzle olive oil on dough, and sprinkle with crushed rosemary.

5. Bake at 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) for 17 to 20 minutes. Add additional time in the oven as necessary, until the focaccia is just golden Remove from baking sheet, and cool on rack.

make your own silver storage bags

pacific cloth & anti-tarnish silver storage bags

Every year about 3 weeks before Thanksgiving, I do a check of my serving pieces and silver. What needs to be polished? What has chips? And, do I need any additional serving pieces?

I am actually such a big dork that I place small note cards in the dishes and and on the platters so I know what I am serving in what. I also do a trial table setting. This drives my hubby crazy - but for me, it is peace of mind.

If I need new pieces, I always head to my favorite shops for table-top...Target always has great seasonal serving dishes and accessories. TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshalls and Home Goods are also great places to "hunt and peck" for finds. It is not always 100% that you will find the perfect piece - but when you get get lucky, you can get really lucky!

When it comes to silver, I try the "preventative medicine approach". I have been lucky to inherit my great aunts silver flatware and a few pieces from my grandmother. I have also collected platters, compotes, small dishes and serving pieces though extensive Christmas wish lists (Thank You Parents) and antique shopping.

Silver tarnishes when it is exposed to air over a period of time. Eventually, severe tarnishing can lead to a weakening of the piece and way more work before big family meals. I have few simple tips and tricks for "preventive silver medicine".

1. After each use, wash pieces in warm soapy water. Make sure the pieces are completely dry.

2. For platters and serving dishes, use silver storage bags made from silver cloth. You can purchase these from department stores, home shops or the container store. If you want to make your own - just follow the simple instructions below. (p.s. They also make nice wedding gifts) For flatware, invest in a good storage box. They are generally wood and lined with silver cloth. They will hold a full set of flatware and serving pieces.

3. Don't wrap pieces in newspaper, cling wrap or wrapping paper. This can cause damage over time.


Make Your Own Bags!

Supplies
Pacific Cloth/Silver Cloth (here is some from amazon)
Tape measure
Tailors chalk
Embroidery hoop
Embroidery floss in light colors
Embroidery needle
Sewing machine

Notes: Pacific cloth or silver cloth is treated to prevent tarnish in silver and other precious metals. Look for this fabric online or at your local fabric shop. Sometimes it has to be ordered.

If you have leftover scraps - use them for making small jewelry storage bags.

Steps:

1. Sew a simple pillow case style bag out of silver cloth by cutting two squares of fabric the same size. (measure your silver trays to obtain the proper size needed – just add an 2" extra for the seam allowances and an extra 3" to the top) Sew around three sides of the bag and hem the opening.

2. To add an embroidered embellishment, Slip on side of the bag into a hoop, use tailors chalk to mark a monogram and embroider. A back stitch works well for this project.

The face of swine flu.

Not a happy camper.....waiting for the doctor.

make it: recycled eyeglass pins

Eyeglass Pins with Mod Podge

This project is best done with eyeglasses that broken and not suitable for donation. If you have glasses that are still good they can be donated to a variety of places. Try charity guide for places that can use old prescription eyeglasses.


Supplies:
Old pair of eyeglasses – not bifolcals
Color copied image smaller than eyeglass lens (usually about 1 x 1 1/2 inches)
Mod Podge
Pin back
FolkArt craft paint- in your color of choice
E6000 glue
Decorative trim
Tacky glue
Scissors

Steps:
1. Remove the glass lenses from the eyeglasses

2. Trim around the image and use mod podge to adhere the image to the back of the eyeglass so that the image shows through the front. The mod podge will dry clear. Allow to dry.

3. Paint several coats of craft paint, allowing each coat of paint to dry before applying the next, on the back of the image and glass. The paint should be opaque in appearance.

4. Cut the decorative trim to fit around the edge of the glass lens. Using Tacky glue, adhere the trim around the edge.

5. Use E6000 to attach the pin back and allow to dry.

How To Make a Record Album Bowl Planter

I have been melted record bowls for years - it was one of our first projects featured on Creative Juice season 1. They are great for candy, keys and even plants. With the holidays just around the corner....you might want to think about making some for your friends. They also make really cute gift baskets.


Tools Needed:
1 LP vinyl record (70's and 80's albums work best)
Two glass or other oven-safe bowls—one slightly larger than the other
Oven
Oven mitts
Cookie sheet
Potting soil
Plant

Steps:
1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Place the smaller of the bowls upside down on a cookie sheet and center the record on top of the bowl.

3. Carefully place the cookie sheet, bowl, and record in the preheated oven. Set a timer for four minutes.

4. After four minutes, check the record. It is done when it is curving and drooping over the shape of the bowl. If it is not done, allow it to remain in the oven for another minute and check again.

5. When ready - wearing the oven mitts, pull the cookie sheet, bowl, and record out of the oven.

6. Place the larger bowl on top of the smaller bowl & melted record. Press down – This forces the melted record into a bowl /planter shape. Flip over, remove smaller bowl and press the record with your fingers for any last minute adjustments.

7. Plant with a favorite flower.

Craft Up Apples and Bake Up Apple Crisp

Altered Rolling Pin

Apples are a favorite fall fruit of mine. I love eating them, baking with them, juicing with them and even crafting with them. With so many varieties of Apples at the grocery store it is hard to choose what apple is best for what.

For snacking I love Red Macintosh. Crisp and sweet - yummy! For baking I use Granny Smith - They have a tart taste that is perfect with sugar and they keep their shape after baking. For juicing, I use red or golden delicious and Fuji apples. I like to add carrots and ginger to my juiced apples. When it comes to crafting....I use any apples that are beginning to look sad.

Apple Stamped Napkins
These we made for Plaid!

Easy DIY - Napkin Apron stamped with Apples
These we made for Plaid!

Apple Crisp from Creative Juice

Ingredients Needed:
6 cups of peeled & cut rome or granny smith apples
Juice of ½ Lemon
1 ¼ cups sugar
1 pinch cinnamon
1 pinch nutmeg
1 pinch ground ginger
1 cup flower
½ cup butter
9X9 baking dish

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Peel and quarter the apples until you have 6 cups.

3. Place the fruit in a bowl and toss with the lemon juice and ¼ cup sugar. The acid in the lemon juice will slow the oxidation “Turning brown” on cut fruits.

3. In a separate bowl mix together the remaining sugar, flour, and spices. Using a fork mush the butter into the flour mixture until the butter is into small pieces.

4. Place the fruit into a 9X9 glass-baking dish. Sprinkle the butter and flour mixture over the fruit.

5. Bake 40-60 minutes. The top should be browned and the fruit should be bubbly.

Working on art

This is stage one. Making 18 pieces for my 9 nieces for x-mas. They
are 8 x 10. Using the new simply screen by plaid.