Crafting Outside of the Box...

I mean it, literally! Ben Franklin Crafts has a lot of RTD wood boxes in different styles and sizes. It's fun to see what people do with them. Take this set for example, it's simply covered with the new Bo Bunny papers from the Jazmyne line and it looks like a Designer set.

Here's some samples of the Bo Bunny Jazmyne and Sophie line. Lots of glittery effects and very rich colors. You know, I got me some!

Well, National Craft Month may be over, but don't worry, the crafting continues on! Thank You so much for visiting all month long and sharing your sweet comments! They really put a smile on my face when I read them! Until the next time, Happy Crafting!

Daisy Photo Holder for Max

Sometimes, something catches your eye and you like it just because it's cute and simple. Probably could make it yourself but you'd rather spend the time making something else. But, you still want one. Well, this little photo holder is just one of those things.

It's cute and simple, just perfect for displaying Max's photo. I have another one to tuck into someone's Easter basket.

Hope you all treat yourself to a little something, too! Thanks for spending time with me today and hope your week is going great! Happy Crafting!

Hippity Hoppity, Easter's on its way!

Easter is just around the corner and I still want to make bunny projects! Here's a quick and easy one made with the Sizzix Favor Box and dandelion design's bunny face.

Just add some ears and you're good to go!

Thanks for stoppping by today! Hope you all have a geat week!

Favor Idea for Graduation

Well, today I made time to make something with the Bo Bunny Clear Party Favor in the heart shape. I used dandelion designs panda and placed the grad hat on top. Added a ribbon so that the graduate can wear it as lei lanyard. You can always tuck some paper money behind in the clamshell.

Up close, you can see I used Flower Soft to create a lei, kinda looks like a yarn lei, doesn't it?

I think I did much better at crafting this afternoon than my bowling this morning!LOL! Thanks for stopping by today and hope you're enjoying your weekend!

Fun Favors for all!

I've been wanting to make something from these cute clear party favors ever since Ben Franklin got them in. Finally, got my chance today. They come in a round shape and a heart shape in what is called clamshell packaging.

I used a bright orange print paper for the backdrop. Used some dandelion stamps (Easter's coming fast, gotta use my bunny as much as I can!) then filled it with some colorful wrapped candy. Very Fast and Easy!

The heart design is a litle smaller and I'm thinking of hanging it off a ribbon like a lanyard for a graduation lei idea. I'll share that one when I make it.

Thanks for taking time out of your busy day to stop by and visit. Hope you have a great weekend!

How-tos for the Mini Spring Basket

Here's the simple directions for the mini Spring basket I posted earlier today. Start with a piece of cardstock 4.5" L x 4.75" H.

If it's printed on both sides, turn over to the "wrong side". Score in 1.5" from each of the four edges. Crease well and unfold.

Snip at the four points indicated by the arrows, stopping at the horizontal crease lines.

Corner round each tab as shown.

Put a piece of double stick tape on each tab as shown.

Fold up each side, overlapping the tabs.

Fold the tabs down and adhere with double stick tape to the basket.

Cut two strips for the handles: 6" x .75" and 6" x .5". Layer the two strips. Corner round the ends and attach to the basket.

And there you have it, your mini Spring Basket! Fill with goodies and give away to your family and friends! Thanks for waiting for the measurements and directions, see how easy it was? Happy Spring!

A mini Spring Basket

I like to make small things, I think they're cute! So, I took the old Spring Basket project that uses a 8.5" x 11" cardstock and made a mini version.

If Idid the math right, I think you can make 4 of these from one sheet of 12" x 12", so that's keeping in budget. And it's quick. I had to participate in a short phone and web seminar this morning. So, I muted my phone and created this while I listened to the instructor and took notes. I did listen, I promise!(just in case my boss reads this!)

I'll share the exact how-tos later today when I get another break. Thanks for stopping by and hope you're having a Great day!

Arigato!

I love decorating these mini wooden clipboards that the Ben Franklin stores carry. They come with a little keychain so you can hang them on little gifts.

This was more of a "Just Because" type token of appreciaton for someone who does a lot of little things for me. I just cut out one of the Kokeshi dolls from dandelion's stamp. Fast & simple!

Thanks for taking time out today to visit, hope you have a great week!Happy Crafting!

March 2010 JOC Show #2

Tonight on the JOC, March continues with another show featuring some great guests and our wonderful live studio audience! Our first guest is a familiar face from the past...Keala Magarro. Keala shares the secrets to making flowers out of Hearty Clay.

Then, we had a return visit of our favorite One Stroke Painting artist, Frank Dumlao. Frank took our wood coaster sets and painted a beautiful tropical flower collection on them. He truly makes it look so easy!

To finish off our National Craft Month celebration, Cheryl Miyashiro introduced us to the Sizzix Big Shot Pro! She used one of the new larger dies and created a very sweet gift box.

I hope you get a chance to watch this show. Did you watch the other show and see all of your friends in the audience? Did you spock yourself?! Thanks again to all who particpated and made it a truly fun day in January! I just LOVE this photo!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a great week (Spring Break for some!)

Bunny Wanna-Be

I really LOVE Jean's new designs for Spring. I think I've said that a bunch of times to people already. Anyway, wanted to play around today during my break from cleaning my office (Ugh!) So, I took my beloved Panda stamp and asked him what did he want to be. Here's his answer...

Yes, he wanted to be a Bunny so he could get lots of candy and hide Easter eggs. I'm going to see if Max wants to be a bunny, too. Maybe Elliot? Ok, 'nuf already gotta get back to the cleaning...

Thanks for stopping by and sharing my break time with me. Hope you're enjoying your Saturday!

More Flower Soft!

As promised, here's a couple of small projects I did using the Flower Soft. The first is a simple tag using the dandelion chick stamp. I made her headband into a haku lei and let her frolic in a field of flowers.

Here, I used the new dandelion bunny and created a flower pot with the wooden pot painted with terra cotta color paint. Made some flower stems to grow out of the pot and added some green FS at the bottom for moss.

I have a few more ideas that I want to play around with using the FS, I'll share them as I make them. Thanks so much for stopping today ane hope you all have a really Super Weekend!

Flower Soft,cool stuff!

Yes, we finally have Flower Soft in our stores! I have so many projects I want to embellish with this soft, fluffy stuff. For those of you who aren't familiar with it, here's how it's packaged.

Here's a better look, there's a lot more colors than this.

And here's a small sample made by John of our Market City BFC. You just add glue to the wire, roll it in Flower Soft and soon you have a mini bouquet!

I'll have more samples to share tomorrow. Right now, Ziggy the Cat, keeps trying to walk across my laptop. Earlier she was just toooo fascinated with the Flower Soft so I had to put it away.

Thanks for stopping by and hope you had a real good day! Yeah, tomorrow's Friday!

Hot off the Press!

Yeah! It's finally here! The Handcrafted Leis and Flowers Book Volume 8 by Ben Franklin Crafts arrived in the stores yesterday.

Just in time for Easter, Administrative Professional's Day, Mothers' Day and of course, Graduation!There are 20 individual projects, plus information on different lei variations. We've included a lot of leis that people have often requested over the years, like the Deluxe Braided Lei which allows you to use 3 colors of ribbon.

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you're enjoying your week!

Not Just for Kids!

Trafiic is lighter...hmmm must be Spring Break! Well, if your keiki are looking for something to do,here's an idea. 3-D puzzles. They come in a variety of designs like motorcycles, planes and of course, animals. A good beginner one is this butterfly. You can paint it up anyway you want, add some glitter, possibilities are endless!

Or how about a good 'ol dinosaur? There's a couple of different ones to choose from.These two made up samples were "spocked" at the Pearl City BFC and made by their staff.

But these puzzles are not just for kids, they make great Father's Day gifts and centerpieces. especially this Koi for a yakudoshi!

Or, in two years, it'll be the Year of the Dragon!

The wood puzzles come in sheets and you need to punch out the pieces. You can lightly sand any rough edges. I made the Koi when we first got these in and here's my tip for puzzles with a lot of pieces. The instruction sheet has a replica drawing of the sheets of wood with each piece numbered. Either go through and number each wood piece in pencil or keep the wood sheets intact and punch out the pieces as you need them. This will help keep your pieces organized because some pieces are very similar in size. The best part is it doesn't require gluing!

So, instead of being puzzled on what to do to keep busy, make a 3-D puzzle!
Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you're all enjoying Spring Break!

Spring Pails

Today was so gloomy with all of the rain. Then, my day brightened as I came across these cute project samples that Sherri and Angela made at Mapunapuna BFC. Those clear quart pails are the perfect thing for party centerpieces and gift giving. You can decorate them in so many different ways with paper, stickers and ribbon.

They look so cheerful with the Springy colors, they would be great for holding Easter treats. And wouldn't this apple one be cute for your child's teacher?

Now's a good time to stock up for your different projects at a great price because the clear quart pails are the March Item of the Month at the Ben Franklin Crafts stores. Come to think of it, I think I need to get some for my Easter gifts!

Well, it's the start to a new week, Spring Break for some! Thanks for stopping by today and hope you have a Crafty week!

Chillaxing with some Crafting

A Big Mahalo to Brenda for doing my homework for me. I loved the card that Joni H. had sent me so she let me know that she had posted the directions on her sweetasagumdrop blog on Feb. 18th. If you haven't visited before, you gotta check out Brenda's creations, they are so cool!

So, I tried making one of those cards today. It was raining off and on throughout the day, so I chose some cheery orange colors to shoo the clouds away.These are some of  the new DPs that arrived in the stores.This is how it looks when the card is closed.

And this is how it looks when it's opened up.It isn't really for anyone because I just wanted to try the design of the card, that's why there's no sentiment. Yet.

I worked on this card between loads of laundry. Which I know Cheryl probably finds amusing. You see, I used to tease Cheryl that she seemed to always be doing the laundry when she posted her projects! But you know, it makes sense to multi task in a fun way!

Thanks for taking time out of your weekend to stop by. Hope next week brings a lot of smiles and Happy Crafting!

Quick Links Bracelet

Again, I must say we are so blessed with talented people here at Ben Franklin Crafts. Lynn Hashino from our Mapunapuna BFC, created this beautiful bracelet using the Beadalon Quick Links. Isn't it so pretty and perfect for Spring!?

And just to let you know, Quick Links are on sale at the Bead Shoppes in Kahului, Hilo and Mapunapuna until next Friday. There are a lot more shapes, too, in both gold and silver tones.

Well, I think I might have to go pick some up today. What are you doing today? Whatever it is, Have Fun and enjoy your weekend!

Another Milk Carton

Just a quick post today...I'm still having fun with the Letterbox Collection and I made another little milk carton.They are just so quick to whip up!Followed Darling's idea and used the "sincerely" design paper from the collection and cut out a label to add to it.

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you have a really Great weekend!

A beautiful Thank You!

Spent the last two days in Kona with our company's Hawaii store managers. It's always fun talking crafts with our Ace Hardware guys. They're actually a really creative bunch! Our Kona Ace store manager Kurt M., is our lastest crafty convert as his store now carries a craft dept. with beads, art supplies, basics crafts, seasonal items and paper crafting! So, even though the vog makes for some beautiful sunsets, it can also make you want to stay indoors. Now, you know where to go in West Hawaii to get your craft project supplies!

Came back to my office and received the sweetest piece of mail. It's a Thank You card from Joni H., aka the Pink Bag Lady!Isn't it just beautifully done!I love the design paper she chose and Joni's coloring is definetly something to envy!

I only recently made a tri-shutter card for my sister's birthday, now I really want to try making one of these, too!

Since there's a lot of sections for that card design, a score board would be useful. And although I have a Score-pal, I've been using my MS Score Board a lot lately. Our Ben Franklin Craft stores just received a bunch and everyone's so excited!With the MS Score Board, there are score lines every 1/8".

There's a little storage compartment to store your scoring/bone folder tool and it has some cheat sheets for some basic measurements.

It also comes with an extra tool to help you make envelopes. I still have to try doing that.

The envelope tool slips in a slot at the bottom for storage.

This is how it looks on the bottom.

So, Thank You Joni for the beautiful card which has inspired me for another project!Hope the rest of you have an inspiring day, too. Thanks for stopping by and Happy Crafting!