Pumpkin Papercraft

Just as the school season gets underway, I'm preparing for the fall season. This paper pumpkin requires only twelve small strips of paper, two brads, and two leaf cut outs. Enjoy.

Mini origami candy box

Here's a tutorial on how to create a mini candy box using one sheet of origami paper. This "jester" box is great to hold candy, perfect for birthday parties, or to use as a quick fix for office supplies like tacs or paper clips.....personally though, it holds my skittles.....:)

Simple Origami Butterfly

Just wanted to say that I am not the original author of this butterfly module; however, I wanted to show everyone how easy it is to create. This origami butterfly would look great sitting on top of a present instead of a traditional bow, or would add a touch of whimsy to the top of a wine bottle to be gifted to that special friend.

It's Not a Tomato!

Pincushions....they're not just a tomato anymore! With crafting on the rise of ultimate trendiness amongst people young and old, even the tools used to create the latest and greatest have a new look.
I've embroidered a poppy by hand onto aida cloth, and backed it with purple felt as a stand alone pincushion; however, today, pincushions are being fashioned into wearable "hands-free" tools...as wristlets, as rings, and thereby taking an old favourite and revamping it to a new level of usefulness. 

It's Hooterific!

....My plushie owl that is....just had to get that off my chest! :)
But really, I was getting a little bored framing my cross-stitch....aren't you? So by using a pattern that I found in a crafty magazine, I was inspired and delighted to make this plushie owl that I have since placed in my painted, origami cherry-blossom tree that my music students love.

I love little creatures...don't you?

Victorian Inspired Home Decor

So, I've just finished a Victorian themed cross-stitch, and am extremely pleased with the results.  The author of this fabulous pattern is Donna Kooler whose whimsical touch inspired me to create this lovely piece for my own home. I've made many gifts for family and friends using her pattern book Donna Kooler's Cross-Stitch Designs (333 Patterns for Ready to Stitch Projects), and can't say enough about the quality of her patterns.

Functional AND Pretty Office Organization

Not only office organization....but HOME organization can be creative as well as functional. I decided to replace a functional but visually unappealing office organizer (for pens/pencils/notes), with a Victorian themed decoupaged coffee can that serves the very same purpose. I used special vintage themed gift wrap to decoupage onto the coffee can, and then I dry-brushed cream,brown, and turquoise colored paint on top of it to give it an aged look. I finished it off with a copper colored ribbon and accented it with satin cream roses. As a result, I have a counter-top organizer that adds a special touch to my kitchen.

Baby Dragon

3D Modular Origami - also known as "Golden Venture" can create some of the most amazing papercraft projects around! Following a GREAT tutorial from youtube's amazingorigami, I created my own baby dragon. I did make a slightly bigger version and went with a different wing pattern than what was shown; however, the tutorial was great, and best of all - my students love it. Follow this link to create your own!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sy1v4YHwE3M

Rosetta Pendant

Once again, it amazes me what you can make from Clay. This Rosetta Pendant that I made can be easily achieved by rolling up tiny clay tubular shapes, and then gently folding down the outer layer to reveal the floral shape. You can make an entire bouquet, or just one....the choice of course, is yours. Then following the directions on the package - bake, let cool, and enjoy. These necklaces are great for anyone, so think Spring! See what you come up with!

Michigan J. Frog!

Michigan J. Frog was my favourite Loonie Toons episode growing up as a kid, and today it continues to put a smile on my face every single time I think about ol' Michigan.....sooooo.......
Thanks to Jewellia7777 on youtube who created and awesome frog tutorial, I modified my frog slightly to resemble MY favourite Rag Time Frog...Here's to you Michigan!

You Are My Sunshine......

Hey Teachers!

Mom's!

Wonder Women Extraordinaire!

You want a way to show off your little people in the best possible light? LoL....Then follow the link to learn how to make this two piece origami star by Mio Tsugawa. I've turned my little creation here into a picture frame to house my little gem....my son Lukie. So thanks to the author Mio Tsugawa, and to Origamiancy for an awesome tutorial. http://origamiancy.com/2010/10/2-piece-origami-star-traditional/

My Gothic Valentine.

"Romanti-Goth" has a nice sound to it, don't you think? That dark Victorian/Gothic Vintage look appeals to me very much, and so, I created a necklace some time ago which represents a "darker", "dangerous" more seductive Valentine's Day.

To create something similar, work on "gun-metal" curb chain. Create three beaded cluster groups in whatever colour palette you choose - as long as you include black. The focal bead is a black stone heart surrounded by purple, lavender, and peach shades in varying colour shades and sizes. Add interesting findings into your piece. Add extra "spice" to your necklace with a chain extension that dangles off of your clasp a couple of inches and finish off with a co-ordinating glass bead. Enjoy!

Homemade Crayon Tips.

Melting old crayons and creating new ones is definitely a great way to recycle...even upcycle...and I thought I would take a few moments to write down the useful tips/tricks during this little experiment.

1. Make sure you use the same BRAND of crayons. If you mix different brands together, their varying ingredients creates different melting points. So you will have some crayons that are ready to pour, and some that just NEVER want to melt at all. Also, I have found that some brands of crayons have a creamier texture, and some have a more oily texture....so keep it in the same vein....so to speak.

2. Adding just a hint of cooking spray to your candy molds, not only makes them slip right out of their molds when cooled; but also adds a wee bit of sheen to your newly made crayons....makes them look EXTRA cool!

3. Mixing a whole bunch of different colours may LOOK cool to your final product; however, when the kids use it, they might be disappointed with the "muddy blend" when they start to color. By using different ranges of "red" for example....light, medium, dark, neon, of the same shade will create a palette of colours that they can actually use and be happy with - about how the colours are blending together.

4. Use the oven to melt the crayons. Microwaves have a tendancy to "boil" the product. By placing the crayons in individual tin foil tart shells will allow you to have better control over your batches. You can even "pinch" the side of the tart shell to create a "spout" which makes it easier to pour.

Hope this helps! Have fun!

Great for Kids!

See New Crayons From Old and 1000's of others - or share your own on Cut Out + Keep

Black-Work turned Chocolate Brown

There is something about "Black-Work" that speaks to me. Those little "patch-work" like patterns remind me of days gone by. Instead of using black thread though, I used chocolate brown to match my sweeties office, and then added pale blue seed beads for ornamentation. I found this great frame at Michaels Craft Store, YaY!.