Fun license plate sighting

Craftside- A behind-the-scenes peek at our crafty world
This week at Craftside there are tutorials on how to make a three-page spread in your art journal, the components of a page layout in grid format, how to make doll hair with yarn and an amigurumi octopus sighting at Maker Faire.

Regarding Design

A great post about color and fashion called The Color Collective"

Mixed Media Artist
Have you ever heard of silk fusion or silk paper? It's amazing stuff!

Hosting a Successful Giveaway on Your Blog
Craft Buds shares some tips for handmade bloggers on effective ways to host a giveaway, including how to set the rules, find new followers and work with sponsors.

Eileen - The Artful Crafter
See how to make zero-calorie fortune cookies for your next party. Hint: they're made in the craft room, not the kitchen.

Crafty Princess Diaries
The Jane Austen Society becomes sensible ans sensitive to stitchers at its next convention.

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi has a special post honouring an artist's passing.

About Family Crafts
Check out the graduation quilts Sherri designed and made for her kids.

How to make fallen soldier uniform pendants

It is important to always remember the soldiers who give their lives for us every day but we do dedicate a very special day to them. So it is this weekend that I bring you my second fallen soldier project. Last year I posted about the tote bags I made for two Gold Star Moms out of their son's uniforms. This year I have to share with you a pendant that I made with scraps from one of the fallen soldier's uniforms, SPC Nick Steinbacher.

If you would like to make one here is how I made the uniform pendant:
I made a little square window the size of the Judikins pendant. I then could move the window around to get just the right bit of digital camo to fill the pendant.

Then I placed a bit of double sided Scotch poster tape on the back to stabilize the fabric, prevent it from fraying when cut and to stick it in the pendant.

I cut out the digital camo uniform piece and stuck it in the pendant.

Then I filled the pendant with Gel du Soleil Sunlight Curing Epoxy.

I am so grateful to all who serve and give me the freedom to do what I do.

Thank you.

My view from the Craftside booth at Maker Faire of the cute Aminekos

The Aminekos and I had a great time crafting and chatting with all the creative peeps that attended Maker Faire 2011!

Craftside- A behind-the-scenes peek at our crafty world
This week at Craftside there are fun tutorials on how to make a spinning beach ball invitation greeting card, a gold leaf crackle finish on polymer clay and measuring tape and button bracelets, 6 Steampunk guns, and some "hand crafting".

Mixed Media Artist
Cyndi starts a series of experiments with soy silk roving.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
See how to make a two-headed girl in a cage photo op.

Eileen - The Artful Crafter
See how Eileen used a 3D Valentine's Day card template to make a 3D card suitable for many special occasions.

Crafty Princess Diaries
The Crafty Princess has picked up knitting needles! Find out some resources she discovered to help you learn how to knit.

Carmi's Art/Life World
Trying to keep Provence in her life, Carmi makes up a new vision board.

Aileen's Musings
Aileen was back in the kitchen again baking up Peanut Butter & Jelly Cupcakes! Stop by and snag her free printable recipe card!

About Family Crafts
If you are looking for a great family activity, learn how to make garden stepping stones together.

Two headed girl in a cage....yup you read right

Yes, this is what I crafted up today. Don't you want to be in my brain? All you really have to do is be in the two books Mixed-Media Paint Box: Weekly Projects for a Year of Creative Exploration and The Black Apple's Paper Doll Primer: Activities and Amusements for the Curious Paper Artist and then grab the camera. Really!
First I saw this page from Mixed-Media Paint Box featuring a design from artist Cory Moortgat that I just fell in love with. It is a photo of a girl behind a wire cage.
The next part of my two headed girl in a cage photo comes from the book The Black Apple's Paper Doll Primer which features wonderfully drawn paper dolls. I do have a fondness for two headed girls. See this post.

So I simply grabbed some wire and fashioned myself up a cage and printed the two head paper doll out about half size. Then I snapped some photos. They make me giggle. I think I am going to put them in a box and in my purse so that when I am out and about they might have some more interesting opportunities....will keep you posted on that!

More about Mixed-Media Paint Box: Weekly Projects for a Year of Creative Exploration
Play With Paint All Year Long!

Incorporating paint into your mixed-media art has never been easier or more fun. Open up your paint box and delve into a year of creative ideas from 45 of your favorite artists. Whether you’ve used paint for years or have been anxious to try a new medium, you’ll find great advice and ideas inside Mixed-Media Paint Box. Each week, you’ll be guided with step-by-step instructions through a different project or technique that will add instant depth and drama to your art!

Inside you’ll find:

+ 52 projects and techniques, one for every week of the year, to inspire a weekly dose of creativity.

+ Tips, hints and suggestions from some of your favorite authors, including Ruth Rae, Claudine Hellmuth, Chrissie Grace, Bernie Berlin and Margot Potter.

+ Step-by-step instructions for jewelry-making, assemblage, journaling, collage and a variety of painting techniques to incorporate into your own art.

Discover inspiration and new ways to express yourself every week inside Mixed-Media Paint Box!

and

The Black Apple's Paper Doll Primer: Activities and Amusements for the Curious Paper Artist

by

Emily Martin

Join the creator of The Black Apple, Emily Martin, on a trip through her magical world of paper dolls, imaginary places, and clever craft projects.

Inside this book you’ll find 21 sweet, mysterious characters with clothes and accessories all their own—from a busy beekeeper’s daughter to a bird-loving librarian. You’ll also find 16 dolls ready to be designed and brought to life by you! Emily will show you how to draw, paint, and personalize your way to a little paper replica of anyone you’d like.

With basic art supplies and the instructions in the book, you’ll also learn to:

• Make a custom wedding invitation or holiday card
• Color, cut, paste, and frame a unique family portrait
• Design your own paper clothes, shoes, glasses, and the like
• Cut and fold an armoire for doll-sized clothes
• Build a paper theater using one of the TK illustrated backdrops
• Direct a stop-motion film with jointed paper doll actors
• And so much more!

So sharpen your scissors and get ready for a unique and wonderful adventure.

Stefanie and The Giant Peter Rabbit at The Burbank Centennial Book Festival

Now I know the photo is not the best but really, could I not post a photo of me and a giant Peter Rabbit?!?! We're talking giant Peter Rabbit for Pete's sake! I had so much fun at the Burbank Centennial Book Festival making recycled wool felted sweater flowers with the kiddos and Moms and Dads of Burbank! Thanks to all for crafting with me.

And speaking of crafts, here's this week's crafty links:

Craftside- A behind-the-scenes peek at our crafty world
This week at Craftside there is a cool tutorial on how to melt foam into a cute doll basket, 10 great "shoe" themed greeting card ideas and a great list of self-portrait ideas from the new book Unfurling by Misty Mawn

Eileen - The Artful Crafter
Who doesn't recycle cards and gift bags these days? This was a real simple recycling project. Look at the card Jackie gave Eileen for her birthday; and then see how Jackie received it back on hers!

About Family Crafts
Watch these videos and learn how easy it is to decoupage!

Aileen's Musings
Aileen offers you a slide show demonstrating how to create your own vibrant deli paper backgrounds.

Beading Arts
Don't miss our next giveaway package from the fabulous Cherry Tree Beads!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi shows off three years of hand cut silhouettes!

Crafty Princess Diaries
Find out how you can show your patriotism while you have fun crocheting.

The Crochet Dude
Drew announces tour dates for his Summer Boot Camp Series!

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
Learn how to make a sock gift card.

I love my Mom from head to "Toe" Mother's Day card

Yup, the woman who crafted me and had to put up with me at my craziest cutting up moments is to be honored with these absolutely silly socks. My Mom is waaaaaay conservative so there are for sure over the top, but I felt the sentiment was true.

At first I was just going to pop them in an envelope but then I decided to make the card a little more special.

I die cut a few letters "texting" style and taped the socks in with removable poster double sided tape. (I love how the packaging matched the card)
And what Mom doesn't have a stash of handmade cards? Why not get her a special place that she can slide them in without damaging them and flip through them like a book? Sound like a plan? Then score yourself a Card Album!
Here are a few Card Albums that I decorated with the words "Mother's Day Cards" on the front and the word "Mom" with the "o" being a heart die cut on the spine that would show when the Card Album was on a book case.

Spinning tire and mirror sculpture showing a bit of leg

I had the pleasure of attending the Cal State Northridge fashion show last week and it was a blast! They had a great display in the court yard of recycled fashion and art to enjoy before the show. So needles to say some photography was in order. It took a few tries but I finally got the timing right to get my legs in the reflexion of this spinning tire and mirror sculpture. I know it's a bit fuzzy but I am sporting zebra striped boots. And on that subject the shoes, both the ones on stage and on the other attendees, were A-mazing!

OK time to get the craft links on!

Craftside- A behind-the-scenes peek at our crafty world
This week at Craftside we have a Royal wedding post by Natalie from the UK, a fun way to display your mixed-media inspiration elements, a shadow crazy quilt piecing technique and a fun bunny cake decorating idea.

Eileen - The Artful Crafter
Check out the Mother's Day Parade of Crafts on The Artful Crafter. You're sure to find something to make that will put a smile on mom's face. Kid-friendly projects are indicated by our little Miss SmArty icon.

Crafty Princess Diaries
How the heck do you make holes so you can add some fashionable crochet trim?

Mixed Media Artist
Have you seen Lark Publications' beautiful new book, 500 Raku?

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
Book Review: Knits That Fit from Potter Craft

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi's big Fairyopolis card making post is over on the Crafter's Companion site this week.

About Family Crafts
Do you want to learn how to make mosaics? Sherri can help!