Happy National Craft Month and first day of March! I confess, I LOVE March. (It’s also my birthday month and I have a thing for St. Patrick’s Day, as I’m part Irish! Today, we are going to kick off this month with … a GIVEAWAY! But first, I want to share that I just got [...]
February 28, 2013
Craft Product Review: Helmar 3D Adhesives
I’ve already had a wonderful time review Helmar’s 450 Quick Dry Adhesive as well as their Acid Free Glue; reviewing their Zapdots and Scrap Dots was no exception. I always have my eye out for good adhesives and Helmar proves itself time and again. Zapdots are 3D double-sided adhesive squares that are acid-free. They come [...]
February 27, 2013
Heading to HSN for another 3 Birds Show
Hello, crafty friends! I just wanted to let you all know that I’m heading off to Florida soon for another round of shows on HSN. Just a reminder that shows are LIVE and therefore subject to changes…but as of right now, I’ve got three airing times and a whopping SIX products! Here’s the list: [...]
February 27, 2013
Americana Clear Chalkboard Coating by Decoart
I was given a bottle of Americana Clear Chalkboard coating from Decoart at CHA. I smuggled it in my liquids bag and onto the plane home. I couldn’t wait to give it a test. Make any surface chalkboard? Well lets just see about that! The Decoart website has the following to say about this product: [...]
February 26, 2013
SEI Color My Own Iron-On Transfers &Tumble Dye
Are you a child of the 80′s? Remember those cool black velvet flocked posters that you could get at the drugstore? They came with a set of crummy markers and you got to color them in yourself? Those were the days. However, you can relive that time with SEI’s Color My Own Fuzzy Iron-On Art [...]
February 25, 2013
Allison Kreft Booth Eye Candy at Winter CHA 2013
It was the third day of CHA and a dead-eyed, glazed-over expression had started to permeate accross my face as I walked the show floor. Up and down the aisles I went glancing from booth to booth to see if I had missed anything. All of a sudden I heard someone say my name. I [...]
February 22, 2013
Ruffles and Sparkles Bracelet Tutorial {with Video}
Earlier this week I shared my review of Artistic Wire Mesh and I got pretty excited making a Ruffle and Sparkles bracelt- so today I’m sharing the tutorial with you! You’ll need some basic supplies: Now for the How-To Video: Which do you like better: the sweet red delicate version or the chunky/edgy black [...]
February 21, 2013
Craft Product Review Update: Impress Art Metal Stamps
Haley reviewed Impress Art Metal Stamps for Craft Test Dummies in May last year. See the review here: Craft Tool Review: ImpressArt Metal Stamps. Since then, two newer products have come along from the people at Impress Art that I’d like to share with you today. They are the Metal Stamping Hammer and [...]
February 20, 2013
Jewelry Book Review: Necklaceology by Candy Cooper
I love making jewelry. And a good book really helps inspire the creative process! Such is the case with Necklaceology: How to Make Chokers, Lariats, Ropes & More by Candie Cooper. The first think I need to disclose is that I know Candie personally and think she’s a great gal. But my personal relationship with her [...]
February 19, 2013
Craft and Jewelry Product Review: Artistic Wire Mesh from Beadalon
I spend a lot of time papercrafting, but you may not know that for a while (about 6 years ago) I really only made jewelry and worked with polymer clay. So I was excited to try Artistic Wire Mesh by Beadalon and get back to my jewelry-making roots! If you’ve never seen Artistic Wire Mesh before, [...]
February 18, 2013
Craft Product Review: Boye Artisan Tools CrochetMaster Plus Crochet Hook Set
I’m pretty handy with a crochet hook, and Tunisian crochet (also known as afghan crochet) has been at the top of my must-try list for months. So, when I spotted the Boye Artisan Tools CrochetMaster Plus Crochet Hook Set in the Simplicity booth at both CHA and VOGUEknitting LIVE, it was love at first (and [...]
February 15, 2013
HSN: Behind the Scenes
Hello, Crafty Friends! I just got back from my most recent appearance on HSN representing the 3 Birds Estate Collection. I shared some photos and behind-the-scenes action as it happend on my Facebook and Twitter accounts, but just in case you missed it, I wanted to share here, too. My trips are whirlwind and I [...]
February 14, 2013
Share the love with International Delight this Valentine’s Day with Rosette Party Picks!
We love Valentine’s Day here at Craft Test Dummies World Headquarters. We make our own Valentine’s Day Cards, jewelry, and of course we have a special yumm-o dessert complete with Valentine’s Rosette decorations! I have to say that what makes this mini strawberry shortcade extra good is the whip cream on top- but it’s not [...]
February 13, 2013
Tim Holtz Rocky Candy Distress Dry Glitter & Alcohol Ink Video CHA Winter 2013
Last year at Summer CHA in Chicago I picked Tim’s Rock Candy Distress Stickles dry glitter as one of my top product picks of the show. I guess it was a good pick, because this CHA Tim debuted a brand new larger size! Now in 210 grams, this will let you cover just about anything [...]
February 13, 2013
Zutter Bow-It-All by Susan Nicholas demo – Winter CHA 2013
Making bows is not really my forte in crafts. I mean, I can barely even cut in a straight line. How am I supposed to make those fancy shmancy bows you see in magazines adorning perfectly wrapped presents? How am I supposed to make those teeny tiny bows for cards and scrapbook layouts? Oh, by [...]
February 12, 2013
A Guide To Online Fabric Resources
Today’s guest is Carla Macklin, co-owner and designer of Clever Charlotte, a company that designs and sells clothing patterns for “modern children.” She’s immensely talented and is the most talented sewist I’ve ever met. Oh, and she’s my cousin-in-law, too- which meas that when we have family get-togethers, Carla and I compare notes on blogging [...]
February 11, 2013
Perfect Pearls Mists by Ranger
I love paper crafting. That should not be a secret around here by now. I was thrilled to be sent the Perfect Pearls Mists by Ranger to test drive. Lets start with what the website has to say about this product: The palette of Perfect Pearls Powders is now available in a fine mist spray! [...]
February 8, 2013
Lifestyle Crafts Evolution Demo – Winter CHA 2013
I had already reviewed the Epic 6 by Lifestyle Crafts and I was so super excited to get this fabulous demo by the very sweet Missy at Winter CHA 2013. This looks like a great machine if you are interested in getting into Letterpressing or want to upgrade your current Epic 6. I know I [...]
February 7, 2013
Craft Tool Review: Ebosser By Craftwell
Die cutting is still immensely popular in the crafting world for both fabric and paper crafters. And among the manual die cutting machines, only a few are electric- which means no cranking and hand fatigue. The newest of these “electrictronic manual” machines is the eBosser by Craftwell. Here’s how it’s described on the website: [...]
February 6, 2013
How-To: Quilled Hearts Jewelry
It’s that time of year again- when we all wear our hearts on our sleeve…or ears….or hands…. or lapel! Time to make and wear some really cut Valentine’s Day jewelry…this year, I’m integrating one of my favorite paper crafts: QUILLING! Never fear, friends! It’s easy and Mod Podge Dimensional Magic Silver Glitter Formula makes it [...]
February 5, 2013
Craft Product Review: Color Infusions Memory Thread from DMC
From the DMC website: Go 3D with Color Infusions Memory Thread – Shape it. Tack it. You’re done. Memory Thread is a soft fiber wrapped copper wire that you can use to embellish all types of needlework and craft projects. Memory Thread is colorfast, fade resistant and acid free. Memory Thread is available in 28 [...]
February 4, 2013
Craft Product Review: Plus Decoration Roller & Mini Roller
From the website: Roll out long patterns to create elegant and festive borders. Use multiple rows to create backgrounds for scrapbook pages and cards. Even make your own gift wrapping paper. The self-inking stamp cartridge allows you to apply the pattern without having to stop and use a blotter. Just roll it on! The pattern cartridge [...]
February 1, 2013
Blogaversary Giveaway #4- Cricut Mini from ProvoCraft!
Just when you thought my Blogaversary Giveaways had all been announced, I have one more up my sleeve! This one is from our friends at ProvoCraft- YOU CAN WIN A CRICUT MINI! You may remember that I reviewed it here and found it remarkably easy to use. Since you don’t need to buy bulky (and [...]
February 1, 2013
Winter CHA 2013 – Sara’s Top Product Picks
Hello Crafters! It’s that time again! Time for me to round-up some of my favorite products from this CHA! There was a lot of excitement at the show this year; lots of fun new paper lines debuting with a handful of tools and machines. Below, in no particular order, are some that caught my little [...]
January 31, 2013
Craft Tool Review: ProCision Rotary Bypass Paper Trimmer by Fiskars
Paper trimmers are an essential tool for any cardmaker, memory keeper or mixed-media artist. And a sturdy, reliable trimmer that handles both delicate papers and thick substraits with precision is at the top of my wish-list, at least. Enter the ProCision Rotary Bypass Paper Trimmer by Fiskars: a semi-pro tool that can handle a variety [...]
January 30, 2013
Craft Tool Review: Envelope Punch Board from We R Memory Keepers
Sometimes a new crafting tool hits the market and it dazzles us with it’s smart design. The new Envelope Punch Board from We R Memory Keepers is one such tool. Even before it’s official debut at CHA Winter 2013, it was generating quite a buzz! While at the trade show, I taped this quick demo. [...]
January 29, 2013
Craft Product Review: Clover USA Extra Small Kanzashi Flower Maker
I’m kind of crazy about the new Extra Small Kanzashi Flower Maker Templates from Clover USA. I mean, I loved the large and small templates but I’m a sucker for anything miniature or extra small. I noticed that Haley is also a fan of them and mentioned them in her CHA Winter 2013: Haley’s [...]
January 28, 2013
Craft Product Review: Xyron Glue Stick for Corners
Glue sticks are glue sticks are glue sticks, right? Not if we’re talking about the Xyron Glue Stick for Corners. A better design makes this glue stick the bee’s knees! Here’s how it’s described on the website: This unique, patent pending Glue Stick is designed specifically for corners and to work great anywhere you [...]
January 25, 2013
My First Appearance on HSN!
Hello, folks! This post is a bit late in coming, but I have to tell you I was just plumb tuckered out as the old folks say. I have sufficiently recovered from my whirlwind trip to HSN for my first stint as the on-air spokesperson for Estate Collection/ 3 Birds. I was scheduled to present [...]
January 24, 2013
New Products from CHA Winter 2013 – Beadalon’s Jewel Loom
As the Craft Test Dummy in charge of all things jewelry I have a hard time finding new products to get excited about at CHA amid all of the scrapbooking companies but this year Beadalon gave me something to get excited about. The Jewel Loom was created by my friend Julianna Hudgins and [...]
Recent Posts
-
Martha Stewart Crafts Jewelry Enamel by Plaid
May 23, 2013
-
Craft Countdown with Amy Anderson
May 21, 2013
-
Preview: Martha Stewart Jewelry Crafts by Plaid (Haul Video)
May 21, 2013
-
Americana Glass Chalkboard Paint from DecoArt
May 20, 2013
-
Crafty Love this Week and Fab Friday Giveway!
May 17, 2013
-
Craft Product Review: EnviroTex Jewelry Resin
May 16, 2013
-
Craft Countdown with Margot Potter
May 15, 2013
-
HSN: May Shows Update
May 13, 2013
-
Last Minute Mother’s Day Card (Video Tutorial)
May 10, 2013
-
New PBS Show “Make Your Mark” Announced from Mark Mantano
May 9, 2013
March 1, 2013
225 Comments