This post is a two-parter; one in which I share a tutorial and a second part in which I talk politics. Sort of. First, I have to be honest that I’m an American citizen who votes, and who believes in doing so. Secondly, I must disclose that I’ve had very conflicting feelings about the recent election. However, I am unequivocally proud to be an American and I feel strongly that kindness matters. So to that, I created this Patriotic Polymer […]
Mixed Media Box for OxFam (#phAdvent2015)
A few months ago I was contacted by the company Parcel Hero (a shipping company in the UK) and asked if I’d like to participate in their “Advent Calendar” program. They reached out to crafters to alter a small wooden box, which would then be auctioned off to benefit OxFam. Crafting for charity? I’m in. My mission: to alter/decorate a plain wooden box and include a small handmade gift. MISSION ACCEPTED. Here’s how they describe it on the Parcel Hero blog: […]
Operation Write Home Announces Closure
Today I got my weekly SitRep from Operation Write Home’s founder, Sandy Allnock- and it included a shocker. Due to the troops being withdrawn (and correspondingly the number of cards needed) there is beginning to be an imbalance in the amount of administration time needed and the folks being served. So she’s decided to wrap it up. Take a look at the full 12-minute video here: Here are some important highlights: There will probably be funds left over from OWH- so […]
Ron Lehocky and the Heart Pin Project
When is a craft project a work of art? When is a work of art an act of love? When is an act of love an accomplishment of a lifetime? These are just a few of the questions I ask myself as I contemplate Dr. Ronald Lehocky. You’ve got to get to know this amazing man and his mission. Here’s what’s on his card: Dr. Ronald Lehocky is a volunteer on the Cerebral Palsy KIDS Center Board of Trustees. In […]
Simon Says Stamp Card Kit for Dec 2014 & CARDS!
You all know I like the Simon Says Stamp Card Kit Club…happy fan and subscriber, no freebies here! So here is what I got in the kit AND what I made! (So far, of course!) By the way, I’ve decided I like Simon Says Stamp so much, I’ve become and affiliate partner and you can use THIS LINK to buy! Thank you! Which do you like best? I need to get another batch to send out to Operation Write Home…
World Card Making Day 2013!
Happy World Card Making Day! I’m thrilled to join in the Operation Write Home Blog Hop! I’ve got a few cards to share super-quick tutorial video. So let’s jump in! I used the Challenge Sketch #183 to make my cards, which all have the “Thank You” theme. First, here’s the sketch: And now my cards. Do you notice how there are just little changes? If you’ve been here before, you know that I’m a fan of working in a series […]
Crafty Love this Week and Fab Friday Giveway!
I asked my Facebook Crew today if I should share some crafty inspiration I found on the interwebs or do a giveaway of a mystery craft box. You know what they said, right? BOTH. *duh* Okay, I guess I can do that. SO here are some wonderfully crafty thinks I found on the interwebs this week that made me happy! Overview of iPhone Camera Apps from Julie Fei-Fan Balzer. Damn, I love this woman!! First, she admits that 90% of […]
Operation Write Home Card Party
Last month I was asked to share some info about Operation Write Home– a n0n-profit agency that provides hand-made greeting cards to troops overseas so that they can stay in touch with their families. Here’s their “about” statement: This merry band of thousands of cardmakers is made up of Americans – and citizens of other nations too – who care about our military, and want to support them through creativity and encouragement. Many thousands of crafters of all ages and […]
Lenten Crafting Ideas- 10 Ways to Craft “For Good”
For the Christian community, the next 40 days leading up to Easter are a sacred time- I time to reflect, grow, and recommit to God and spiritual practice. For me, Lent is a time not of deprivation, but of random joy. I choose to interpret Lent as a season in which I can spread kindness and the essence of “Christian values” by the things that I DO. And if you know me, crafting is what I do. So why not […]
Craft Product Review: Fiskars Squeeze Punches (From a Disability Viewpoint)
Until the last year or so, I’ll be the first to admit, I never was a big fan of paper punches. Â I’m not entirely sure why…I suppose I never quite understood the need for them, I never really used them in my paper crafting…and to be honest, they’ve always been a bit difficult to use for me. Â I’ve mentioned in previous reviews that I have neuropathy, which affects the strength in my hands. Â I’ve also recently been diagnosed with rheumatoid […]
Crafting for a Cause: Little Lion Designs
Last July when I was at the Cleveland Craft Coalition Show, I had the pleasure to meet Stephanie of Little Lion Designs. Her fabric collage pieces where colorful and delightful to behold, and when I found out that she uses her artwork to raise awareness, I knew I had to learn more about her and share her story with you. So, first and foremost, Stephanie Urban is a mom. She gave birth to a baby girl, Kaia, May 30th 2009. […]
Crafting for a Cause: Jason Orpe ALS Mojo Fest
Just found out about this craft-tastic fundraiser via Vicki Howell, and felt moved to pass it along. Watch the video to hear about Jason and Mojo Fest, then do what you can. Craft on!
Celebrity Crafter Rosie O’Donnell Sells for Charity on Etsy
Comedianne and celebrity crafter Rosie O’Donnell raises money for her Broadway Kids charity by selling her handmade art on Etsy.com
More Breast Cancer Awareness Crafts: Pink Ribbon Pin
Ok, so here’s a quick and cute “pink ribbon” craft, using safety pins and seed beads. I know I have a million of these little buggers around, so I’m going to get busy. Surf on over to About.com’s family crafts, and you can get the full instructions. This is the basic grid…Â and I’m sorry I can’t share a finished product with you– couldn’t find an image of one completed on the internet, and I’m just getting started on mine. […]
Pink Ribbon Quilting for Breast Cancer Awarenss
So I’m on a kick here- I thought I’d share a link for a quilt block that features the “Pink Ribbon” which symbolizes breast cancer awareness. (Although you could substitute any color for pink that supports the cause of your choice.) Our friends over at Quilters’ Cache have provided a FREE quilt block pattern that includes- hallelujah- rotary cutting instructions. It looks like a complex block, but most of the pieces are pretty easy- just rectangles, squares, and a few […]
Cross Stitch for Breast Cancer Awareness
Well, October is here, and in the middle of planning my holiday crafting, I though I’d share a Breast Cancer Awareness craft. Since you have the whole month of October to craft pink, here’s a cute one to get you going! Our friends over at CrossStitch.com have supplied FOUR different versions of the pink ribbon to print out for FREE- two “easy” versions, and two (like the one shown at left) more advanced. Surf on over to get your free […]
Support Crafters with Autism
I was buying some supplies on Etsy.com, and ran across this tidbit I HAD to share. I was buying game pieces from ImagineArt7.etsy.com, and I saw this link at the bottom. Apparently, she is the mom of two kids with Autism, and has opened an Etsy shop called BiggerDreams selling items made by young adults (18-22) with Autism. There are hairpins, lightswitch covers, barrettes and a couple of pendants up for sale for now. The money from the site goes […]
Fashionable Medical Alert Bracelets
I read an article today in our local paper called “Medical ID Bracelets Become Stylish” and had a head-slapping-I-wish-I-thought-of-that moment. Of course! Who wouldn’t want a cuter, more stylish medical ID bracelet? After working in the medical field for many years, I know firsthand how important and potentially life-saving these ID bracelets and tags are. If you or someone you know needs a medical ID tag, here are some resources for jazzin’ those babies up! www.LaurensHope.com  This site offers […]
