Designer Craft Connection December - Handmade Holiday

Here we are with the holiday season upon us.  Decorations are up around the house. Those lovely twinkling lights are going on allover the neighborhood. We have celebrated the season of thankfulness just a couple of weeks ago.  Now we are coming upon the biggest time of the year for giving.

What better theme for this month then "Handmade Holiday".  I have always enjoyed the giving and receiving of handmade anything.

When it comes to giving at Christmas time I enjoy giving gifts that are for the season.

I have been knitting and crocheting scarves and they will make wonderful gifts for giving for the girls and ladies.  Here is a crocheted pattern that I came across at a wonderful new shop in the area.  The original pattern calls for only one skein of yarn to make the scarf.  This first scarf was made with the yarn bought from the shop.  I liked the look of it so much that I needed to experiment with yarns and length.

This second one is made with yarn purchased from Michael's.  Love the bright, variegated colors.  The longer length makes the scarf wonderful for wrapping.

The third version was made using a solid, neutral color, with the length somewhere in between the two other scarves.  It's a fairly quick project to crochet and many can be made in any variety to suit the receiver of the gift.

Here is a ruffled scarf that knits up easily with only one skein of yarn.  There are different versions of this yarn available and each yarn gives the scarves a different look.
This "blue" version was made using Sashay.  There is a wonderful selections of colors available  in this brand.

This second scarf was made using a similar yarn from Hobby Lobby.

All of these scarves were quick to make up and would make lovely handmade gifts.

My kitchen has been a busy place too, with mixing going on for lots of homemade holiday goodness.  Later today there will be loads of baking happening, with ten different varieties of cookies being made for more giving.  I hope to be sharing a post about the baking and making of more holiday gifts.

Here's one more handmade idea.  I found these great wooden cut-out trees at Michael's.  I painted them and glittered them, added ribbon for a hanger.  Strips of red and green papers were cut to make a 25 loop paper chain.  I made these reusable "countdown to Christmas" hangings for my two young granddaughter's.  Once the paper links get to the Christmas tree that special day will be here.  The top part with the tree can be saved from year to year and all they will need to do is add a 25 link chain each season.

I needed a new idea for my front door this year and the result was this pretty quick wreath made with a purchased wooden wreath form.  It was covered with scraps of white fabric, then adorned with snowflakes from the dollar store and a simple white bow.

Other family gets into the "handmade" groove too.  This tree was made by a brother-in-law from leftover pieces of willow from the bent willow chairs he makes.  There is another out front of the house with lights on.

These little reindeer are one of the last holiday projects my husband made.  He made them to decorate our very long table three years ago when many of the family were visiting for Christmas.  After, several were given to the guests along, with a handmade ornament that were at each place setting.

In our house "handmade" has always been big, especially during the holidays.  From handmade decorations for every purpose to crafting eatable gifts, all for our home and for giving.  We gave up the act of exchanging gifts among our many family members years ago.  For a while we were given a needy family through our church that we gave gifts to.  Now the next generation takes turns choosing  an organization of their choice and all family members can make contributions to it. With family across the country, each year brings a wonderful chance to help in different areas.

Giving comes in many ways, but "HANDMADE" has a special way of saying it comes from the heart!

So I will say this: Make Handmade, Give Handmade, Buy Handmade, Live Handmade.

Get Creative for Winter Holidays

So I decided to pull out my favorite tool - Sizzix Big Shot and dies, to play around with some ideas for gift giving and decorating.

Boxes for little packages of goodies can be made from the wonderful variety of Sizzix dies.  Here are just two ideas.  Both can hold special treats from your kitchen or small handmade items for giving.  Each are closed with simple ribbons and embellished with holiday designs using other Sizzix dies.

Three ornaments were created using more Sizzix dies.  The shapes were cut from purchased glitter cardstock and adhesive backed glittered foam sheets at a local craft store.  Three tree shapes are cut from the green foam.  Carefully they are placed together to form a Christmas tree.  A hanging cord was added while assembling the tree.  Wrap the small trunk with a piece of ribbon.  Glue on an assortment of tiny buttons for decorations.

 An ornament shape is cut from the red glitter foam.  Adhere the two shapes together, begin at the bottom and before completing, stuff a few cotton balls into the widest are of the shape to give it a rounded look, then continue to seal the edges.  If the adhesive does not hold you can add glue to seal the edge.  Tie a bow onto the shape, add a hanging cord and finish with a simple button shape glued to the front.  I added little touches of DecoArt Snow Tex to the button.

The white bird was cut from glittered, crimped card stock.  Glue the shape together and adding a hanging cord and the wings. The bottom of the bird was left open slightly and stuffed with a few cotton balls.  Make a small dot for eyes with paint, add a simple ribbon around the neck.  Glue the bird onto a small clipping of a twig.

Each of these ornaments can be tied onto a package  as a decoration and extra little gift.  Simple handmade ideas for gifting and giving during the holiday season.

Designer Craft Connection Challenge - Smoothfoam™

NOTE: I must first apologize for being a bit late to the posting for this challenge.  There was a human error of forgetfulness of equipment needed to get this post complete for the Saturday date while away with family.

The product for this challenge is Smoothfoam™.  Here is a link to the products website: www.smoothfoam.com and a Pinterest link here: http://pinterest.com/plasteel/michael-s-smoothfoam/ 

I look forward to experimenting with this product in other ways then the ideas I will share with you here.

Here is an ornament using one of the Smoothfoam™ balls.  I would recommend the 3" or 4" size.  I used an apple corer to form a hole into the ball. Tapered pieces of scrap fabric were cut to be glued around the lower two-thirds of the ball. The "petals" from pinecones  were glued around the top one-third of the ball.  Insert a hanger of gold fine cording to the center top.  Brown moss was glued into the open center at the top and a small amount into the hole at the front.  Wire a little bird to a short twig and glue to the front of the ornament.  Two ribbon streamers are place at the top.  Dab a small amount of DecoArt Snow-Tex to the tips of the pinecone petals and twig.

A simple ribbon wreath can be made by cutting out the center of a 12" disc.  Measure about 1" to 1 1/2" from the edge and use a serrated knife or desired cutting tool.  Tie 5/8" wide ribbons of choice around the Smoothfoam™ring.  Clip a "V" into the ends of each ribbon. Use a short sequin pins to add snowflake sequins around the front of the wreath in the "white" spaces between the ribbons.  Form a bow from ribbons and attach with a pin.  Add a wire hanger to the back top for hanging.

Not to waste materials, I took the leftover disc and cut another ring in the same way as above to make a candle ring.  I took thin, white quilt batting and cut it into a 1" strip.  This was wrapped around the ring, gluing it onto the ring as it is wrapped.  Coat the surface of the ring with DecoArt Snow-Tex. NOTE: Do not cover bottom. Two coats may be needed.  Allow the finish to dray well.  Top the surface with DecoArt Crystal Craft Twinkle Glitter paint.  When the glitter paint is dry, glue snowflake sequins all over the ring with Beacon Gem Tac and onto a pillar candle.

NOTE: Waste nothing - from the small leftover piece check out the small candle holder in the previous post.

There is a "giveaway" for this challenge of a kit to make a snowman with some extras.  To enter to win leave a comment on the blog of the designer whose project(s) you like.  The more often you comment the more chances you have to win.  You can also make comments on the Pinterest site.  The winner will be announced on Novermber 19th on the Designer Craft Connection Facebook page.

Designer Craft Connection November Edition - Thank You's

The "tricks and treats" are over and before we start being "merry" and "happy" we will be  giving "thanks".  This brings me to the theme of this months DCC blog hop ideas - saying Thank You.

Of course a "thank you" card or note is the first way to go, so I created a note card with an extra little something.

Stamping a simple, embossed message on a blank note card, adding coordinating blocks of papers as a background to attached a fabric, flower brooch is a special way to give thanks for any reason. The brooch was made from stiffened fabric for the flower, handmade paper leaves, a button and Sizzix dies.

The Thanksgiving holiday is approaching.  We will all probably be having gatherings or attending gathering with family and acquaintances. I created a small little gift to give to a hostess or guests.

Use a simple votive holder and decorate as desired and place a "Be Thankful" Yankee Candle inside.

This version, a length of ribbon was glued around the bottom of the glass and then buttons were added.  Another length of ribbon was added with a bow at the center.  These would be easy to make and use as part of a table setting or give to guests as they leave.

For the second version, I used a small circle of Smoothfoam™.  A circle was cut to fit the votive holder.  The foam was wrapped with 1/2" wide strip of fabric.  "Petals" from pinecones were glued around the top of the foam ring and around the side.  To give it a finished look a length of jute cording was added along the bottom and a thin gold cord adds a bit of glitz.

NOTE: Use the same idea but change the color scheme for all elements used for a different holiday or occasion.

Hope you enjoy these fairly simple and sweet ways to say "Thank You".

Time Passes, Life Goes On, But You Will Remain With Us Always

The year milestone of a life changing moment has been reached.  I wasn't sure how this moment should be approached or dealt with.  I wasn't sure of how this past year would or should be handled. It was a time of so much uncertainty.  Is there really any right way to face losing someone?

It seems that the best way I found to approach this, is how we decided from the time we first learned the diagnosis over two years ago - take one day at a time.

These days will be busy on purpose, with friends and family.  I think about this very special man everyday.  He is here in every room of this house, he's visible in each of the kids in various ways.  There's been tears and there sure will be more, but they won't out number the memories and thoughts of this amazing man.

We won't think of him as gone away

Just think of him as resting

Where there are no days or years

And think of him as living

In the hearts of those he touched

For nothing loved is ever lost

And he was loved so much

Creative Challenge with Makin's Clay

I was so happy to be included in this latest challenge with an easy, fun product. Always up for a challenge and a chance to work with interesting mediums.  Makin's Clay is not new to me, I have used it, when it first became available several years ago.  I've dabbled with polymer clays before, though not an expert and other air-dry clays out there that are fun to work with.

With this opportunity I was able to familiarize myself once again with this medium. We needed to use at least 75% of the product in our project.  I feel that I used everything in some way that I received for this challenge.

A small sketchbook that was laying around was reused and this list of products from Makin's:
Makin's - Neon Green
Makin's - Natural
Makin's - Earth Tone Assortment
Makin's - Texture Sheet Set D
Makin's - Push Mold Leaves
Makin's - Clay Cutters Bulb Ornament
Makin's - Roller and Cutter Set

The clay was rolled, textured, cut, molded, die-cut, painted, stained, dry brushed and glued.

For creating my project here are steps I took with the products:
Two of the clays were rolled out to the size needed for the background of the cover and the frame, then each piece was textured differently with the texture plates.  To change the basic color without blending clays or adding paint, I brushed the neon green clay with a dark green acrylic paint and then wiped off to highlight the "wood" texture and darken the clay slightly.  For the frame edges, natural clay was textured with the "scales" plate and antiqued with Ranger Vintage Photo Distress Stain and wiped to tint the clay.  Ranger's Perfect Pearls "Perfect Gold" was brushed over these pieces to add some depth.  Using the "Leaves" push mold and the green clay from the earth tone assortment, several leaves were formed.  Flower petals were made using another color from the assortment and "bulb ornament" clay cutters.  The lightest "flesh" color, from the assortment, was rolled out to a thin layer and dried and then die-cut into shapes to make smaller flowers.  I used different colors of Perfect Pearls to highlight all the the pieces and give them a slight shimmer.  To finish my album, all pieces were glued in place with Beacon Adhesives 3-in-1 glue.  Beads were glued in place for centers of the flowers with Beacon's Gem Tac.  Torn scraps of fabric and variegated ribbon were tied to the wire coil of the album.  A photo or a printed verse can be slipped into the frame.

There is a new blog dedicated to just the Makin's line - here is a LINK for you to check out.  Follow through to check out the twelve other creative ideas other designers who also participated in this challenge. Use the button in the sidebar at the top right for the Designer Craft Connection to follow through to the other projects.  It's so amazing to see what and how other designers  come up with and how they use the same product.

There are small amounts of clay that went unused that I'm looking forward to some experiments with.  Need to try adding paint to it, mixing colors and blending colors.  It's clean, easy, air-dry, kid-friendly and designer approved!

Makin's Clay is offering a price package valued at just over $111.00, with products including clay, tools and a Memory Frame Kit.  To enter, leave a comment on the Makin's Clay Blog, telling us which project you liked best on the blog hop.  The winner will be randomly drawn from all entries on or about October 24th.  The winner will be announced on the Makin's Clay blog, so please check back on Thursday, October 25th to find out the winner.

 The holidays are coming and it's always nice to make some little gift or holiday decoration.

Check out the Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/MakinsClay?ref=ts&fref=ts
Check out Pinterest Board: http://pinterest.com/cindibisson/makin-s-clay/

Designer Craft Connection October Edition - Fall/Halloween Ideas

Here we are the first Monday of a new month - time for more ideas.  This time around it's a fairly easy decoration to celebrate the lovely Fall season.

I have found that I now like to decorate more for the season than a specific holiday, especially at this time of the year.  There is something about the colors and motifs of Autumn that I really like.  My kids still love to decorate for Halloween and I enjoy helping them with ideas for their own homes.

Sharing a fairly simple swag to hang during this time of the year. I purchased the precut leaves from Michael's.  Each collection of oak and maple leaves came in four colors.  Some of the leaves were glittered and some plain. I used a tool from Makins' Clay to make and impression in the foam leaves as veins.  Punch a small hole into the stems of the set of leaves.  Thread some raffia through the hole and knot; then tie to a base cord.
Then a strip of torn fabric was tied around the stems (just below the knotted raffia). Continue adding the sets of leaves for any desired length needed.  This swag has finished with a set of three leaves on each end.

I have three great spots in the house to display such swags or banners and enjoy creating new ones for each spot and each season.

Please take the time to hop along through the blogs for some ideas. Follow the "button" at top right to follow through.

On Saturday October 13th, there will be a challenge that will include 12 designers with ideas using Makin's Clay.  Just a little information - this is a air dry clay that is fun and easy to work with.  The is a "give away" once again.  See this photo of the prize package worth just over $100.00.  To have the chance to enter and win, go to the Makin's Clay Blog and leave a comment. Link:http://makinsclayblog.blogspot.com/2012/09/makins-clay-blog-hop-contest.html

Hope you will come back to see the ideas from the challenge.

Designer Craft Connection September Edition - Vintage

 Happy to be back and posting for another edition of this groups monthly blog.  It would have been fun to participate in the last two creative projects, but I really needed to take a little break.  It was still fun to hop through all the great ideas that follow designers created for July and August's editions.

Here we are with a new theme - "Vintage", crafting with old stuff.  It was tough to decide on just what to create and what vintage items from my stash to use.  It's a little different way to show off a photo and and create a keepsake.

After digging through supplies on hand, I chose to construct a  three dimensional frame, embellished with several vintage finds.  Two different size wooden frames, with the same size opening, were painted with both Ranger Adirondack Acrylic Paints and Distress Paints.  I went through my collection of old vintage postcards and chose one to use for a background image.  There are many interesting things that I collect and keep on hand.  I like little containers, tins, boxes, jars and such.  Here I used part of a small plastic heart shaped container to hold a photo of my youngest granddaughter.  To add embellishments to the frame, bits and pieces of old tatting, made by my grandmother was were used along with a small crocheted doily.  I constructed a paper rose using "Paper Blossom" punches by McGill.  All the embellishments were lightly glued in place with Beacon Gem Tac or Beacon 3-in-1 adhesive and then everything was coated with several coats of Beacon Liquid Laminate.  To finish off the frame, several "mother of pearl" buttons were added and a stamped verse on a strip of canvas fabric.

Details:stamped verse, doily, tatting

Details: photo frame, tatted edging, buttons, paper rose

There is also a manufacture challenge with a "Give Away" from Crafty KT, that you may be interested in.  It is running from September 8th through September 18th.  There are 12 designers participating.  To win sign up for the newsletter using this link:
         http://craftykt.com/suscribe-to-newsletter

NOTE: You only need to enter once.  Only those with a mainland USA shipping address are eligible to win the giveaway.  See the photo here of the Kool Tak™ products you could win.

Now get to hopping on through the blogs by following the Designer Craft Connection button on the upper right.

Where, Oh Where Has Madeline Been?

I feel like I could be living through a "Where's Waldo" book all these past weeks.  The last post I wrote was on July 3rd. It was good to take a break, but now it's time once again to get back on track.  Let me do a little catching up...

Just after the last post, I was busy working on several projects that I created for Beacon Adhesives, to be used in their booth display during the Summer CHA show.  Though the show was smaller then past summer shows, I still enjoyed attending two days.  Just  having a chance to reconnect with some follow designers, meet others face to face, check out some new products and have some fun with "make & takes" too, was a very welcome  way to spend my days.

Cover paper mache suitcase

Hnadmade paper rolls with leaf embellishments

Repurposed burlap bag

Next came a trip to California for a week.  Spent a week visiting Sacramento and Folsom, where three of my nieces live, along with dad and mom (my older brother and sister-in-law).  Had lots of fun there with everyone.  Celebrated the 50th birthday of one of the girls.  They know how to throw a party!  Took a trip to Napa Valley and visited an amazing winery with a personal tour and tasting for just six of us.  Wonderful, expensive wines, but so much fun!  Had the opportunity to spend time with each one of the girls and their families and can't say enough about how much I really enjoyed that.  This was my first trip to this part of California and would love to go back.  Next stop - San Francisco (hopefully)!

At "Far Niente" Vineyard

Old Folsom

Old Sacramento

I realized that I'm sure didn't enjoy the traveling part of this trip as much as I used to.  It's been awhile since I have had to deal with the crazy procedures at an airport.  It was a pleasure to return home after a 5 hour delay.  Felt very sorry for the 40 people that missed connecting flights that day.  What happened to the "friendly skies"?

Then there were two days to recover, regroup and repack.  On August 3rd, I was off again.  This time I was headed to the Wisconsin northwoods for week with the kids at Camp Nawakwa.  This is the place where the family has spent a week or two for over 40 years.  It was a different experience this summer.  It was our first without my sweetheart Michael. He all felt he was there with us.  Though the time there was bittersweet, I truly enjoyed sitting back and watching the next generation that gathered there, with their own children and all the fun and chaos that camp can be!

Maddie, Zoe, Tess

Matthew 

Eight Cousins out of Twenty

Off-spring of just the 8

I know that I have left out many details of all the transpired during all those happenings, but just wanted to touch on what has been happening. So, I'm back home now and working on catching up and getting organized to get back to work on a variety of things and that means more blog posts.

DCC July Blog Theme - Vacation

So yesterday was the first Monday in this new month of July - that means a new post for the Designer Craft Connection Blog.  I'm taking this month off, so let's just say - "I'M ON VACATION!"

It will be a busy month though.  Thee are a number of things happening throughout the month that I'm really looking forward to.  Personally, it's going to be difficult in some ways, but with many " happenings" I hope it will be good therapy.

With a trip planned later this month, I am working on a small project that is related to this months theme, but will not be able to share it with you till the time of the trip or after.

I have been reading the blog posts that have been posted already and once again there are a wonderful variety of ideas for the readers.  So stay cool inside and hop around the blogs to collect some "summer/vacation" inspiration.

Thought I would share an old post with a recipe for using one of Summer's favorite crops:
(Though it's been a bit too hot to bake anything lately.) :
http://madelinesthoughts.blogspot.com/2009/08/blueberry-sour-cream-pound-cake-with.html

June Edition of DCC Blog Hop - Picnic Anyone?

Yes, I'm a little late to posting this month.  Even though I hadn't planned on sharing a monthly themed "creation" I will share something a bit different.

With the calendar now turned to the month of June and the first of the summer holidays passed us, we can  "go all out" and think of outside fun.  The one old-fashioned, timeless act of a PICNIC is still around.

Thinking about picnics brought to mind my small collection of metal picnic baskets and a couple of tin lunch pails and a woven wood picnic basket for one or two.

What else is better to share then some ideas and recipes to put in those picnic containers.   Whether the plan is a all-day picnic at the beach, forest preserve or city park or something for just a couple of hours, make it special with some easy homemade touches.   (TIP: Pack anything perishable into a cooler filled with ice packs. Transfer to picnic basket at destination and enjoy!)  Craft some sandwiches that travel well and wrap in parchment paper.  Freeze some water bottles or drinks in bottles before packing for the picnic.  (TIP: Do not fill to top, allow for expansion.) The drinks will defrost slowly and remain cold.  Pack and use recyclable utensils and extra items, carry some extra ziplock bags to place dirty, reusable items. Think "Green" and limit the disposables. These are just a few ideas to help with picnic plans.

Now we all have "favorites" when it comes to picnic and summer foods.  My list is fairly long but some are better for dinners on the deck, Bar-B-Ques, camping trips, family gatherings or other outdoor events.

Here are only two yummy recipes - One a easy snack and the other a great dessert.
Dilly Oyster Crackers
1 (1.6 oz.) package of ranch style salad dressing mix
1 Tablespoon of dill weed
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 (16 oz.) package of oyster crackers, unseasoned
1 cup vegetable oil

In a large bowl, combine dressing mix, dill weed, and garlic powder.  Add crackers and blend throughly.  Pour oil over this mixture and stir throughly; allow the crackers to absorb oil and seasonings.  Store in an airtight container.  Yields: 8 cups.

Take along a container or ziplock bag for snacking.

NOTE:  I have used various forms of this recipe and in most I have placed the crackers on a large lipped  baking pan and bake at 250 or 300 for 15 to 20 minutes for crisp the crackers.  Also stir them once or twice during the baking.

Picnic Sheet Cake

Step 1: Bring to a boil: 2 sticks of margarine, 1 cup of water, 4 Tablespoons of cocoa
Step 2: Min in a large bowl: 2 cups sugar, 2 cups sifted flour, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 cup sour cream.  Set aside.
When "Step 1" is cool, add to the dry ingredients (Step 2).  Mix well.
Grease a cookie sheet with sides (approx. size: 14 1/2 - 15 1/2 long by 10 1/2 wide).
Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees.

Icing: Bring to a boil: 1 stick of margarine, 6 Tablespoons of milk, 4 Tablespoons of cocoa.  Remove from heat and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla and one box of confectioners sugar, sifted.  (Sifting helps keep lumps from forming in icing.)

Ice cake while hot.  Set aside to cool or place in refrigerator before cutting and taking along.  This cake is very moist.

Get out and plan a day in the city or country.  Pack up a basket for yourself and another or a whole bunch of people and enjoy!

Before leaving - Hop on through the blogs (use the blue DCC button at the top right) and check out the ideas the group has to share with you.
  

Seasons, Home & Holidays

"The seasons are what a symphony ought to be: four perfect movements in harmony with each other."  - Arthur Rubenstein

The summer season is upon us once again.  We had a little tease a few months back which caused so much of nature to be fooled into plants blooming much earlier then usual.  The weather sure can be fickle!

Now we are approaching the first "holiday" of the summer season.  We celebrate Memorial Day on the last week-end of May, instead of it's true date of May 30th, and it will be here in a few days.  Where or where do these days go?  Didn't we just celebrate Easter?

With the beautiful weather this past week-end I decided to do a little annual summer planting.  The plan this season is to keep it easy to take care of.  I do enjoy visiting Garden Centers and Nurseries to see all the wonderful plants and look for the unusual or interesting.  I may ask the family to help me dig up a small area near the garage to plant a hydrangea.  I have come to love the new varieties there are.  Some favorites I planted are a new very vibrant petunia, Superbells (love the colors these come in), Sweet Potato Vine and African Daisies (love the shades of these too).

        "Be like a flower and turn your face to the sun."  -  Kahlil Gibran

With all three summer holidays being very "American"  I put together a quick banner to hang from the porch railing.  Took several flags off sticks and glued them to a cotton cord and then added gold foil stars for a homemade "All-American" easy decoration. 

Had to come up with another idea for a banner to hang above the fireplace.  Again I pulled out my trusty Sizzix Big Shot and dies, some paper punches and a bunch of scraps to create a banner for my 

"Home Sweet Home"!

Materials:
Variety of paper scraps
Sizzix Big Shot
Sizzix Dies: Original Pocket, Rectangles, Round A Bout Alphabet, Over the edge "On the Fence", Mini Paper Rosettes, Tiny Tabs & Tags
McGill Paper Punch, Mini Flowers
EK Success Leaf Punch
EK Heart Punch
Mini Rick-Rack
Beacon Adhesive Zip Dry Glue
Ranger Stickles
Ranger Distress Paint-Picket Fence

Here is a link to the post from last summer with another banner idea:
http://madelinesthoughts.blogspot.com/2011/06/junes-designer-craft-connection-red.html
This will be going back up for the summer to replace the "butterfly & flower" garland in another spot.