Weekend Getaway - Terrariums!

Did you guess from my clue on Saturday that I was going to make a terrarium this weekend? It all started because I saw that little fern growing out of a crack between the sidewalk and a building. Then, I thought we have so many beautiful glassware at Ben Franklin that I would give that little fern a nice new home.

So, I chose this vase that reminded me of a fishbowl. I liked that it was narrow so it wouldn't take up too much space on my desk.

Here's some of my supplies and tools, river rocks and a pair of chopsticks.

First, place a layer of small river rocks on the bottom of the vase to allow for good drainage. If the glassware was enclosed, then we would add a layer of activated charcoal to help filter the air and keep it fresh.

Next, wet some spaghnum moss and place on top of the river rocks as the next layer. This will keep the potting soil from falling into the river rocks.

Then, add the potting soil layer. A pair of chopsticks is great for leveling the soil and later for planting.

Here's what the layers should look like.

Now, the FUN part, arranging and planting your plants! I started with my little fern. Then, I added a small pansy plant, a little vine with yellow flowers and another small plant for color.

I had help with this project, Max was there supervising. Here, he's checking out the oranges, too big for the vase!

I also had help from my Sweetie setting Miss Kitty in so that the flower from the vine was in her lap. She's actually a toothbrush holder that we carry in our stores, I just removed the suction cup on the back.

So, here's how it came out. Hopefully, the pansies will keep blooming and the rest of the plants will thrive.Or should I say survive?

This was a fun project for me but as you can see, Max didn't see what the big deal is with the plastic cat.

Thanks for stopping by today and check back later for the Monday Makeover!

June's Second Joy of Crafting Show

Happy Father's Day! Our second Joy of Crafting show for the month continues with some fun crafts! We first start with Chris from our Market City BFC.

Chris has another wood project but this time it's for Christmas in July! That's the theme for this year's Magic Island Relay for Life July 16 - 17.

Chris makes a cute Advent calendar to help you count down to Christmas. She decorates the wood blocks and stars, really cute idea!

Then, Shari from our Mapunapuna BFC is back with a really cool jewelry project. She'll show us how to do a micro-macrame design with beads to make a fun and fashionable bracelet.

It's fast and easy using very inexpensive supplies, so you could make a bunch in different colors!

Lastly, I'm still stuck on duct tape! This time I'll show you how to make June's flower of the month..a duct tape rose.

It's great for a brooch or to pin onto a bag or hat. You can also make a whole bouquet of them! Here's a project sheet that you can follow.

So, I hope you had a great weekend and I hope you're able to catch this episode! Thanks for stopping by today and Happy Crafting!

Weekend Getaway - Lil' Bit of Nature

Happy Saturday! OK, here's a sneak peek of my Weekend Getaway...

Check back Monday morning to see if it survives!

Thanks for taking time out of your busy weekend to stop by...Have a Great Weekend!

Aloha Friday - 'Nuff Said!

Yup, it's finally Aloha Friday! So, you know it's time for another game and chance to win a $25 gift card! OK, Speaking of games, do you participate in any kind of sports? I sorta do :) Actually, I was in a bowling league this past year. The league is mostly made up of retired teachers and DOE admins, so I'm actually one of the "young" bowlers! LOL! I must say, at first it was a little weird bowling against my old 9th grade P.E. teacher, but he's cool!

Here I am talking to my bowling ball to make sure it knows that I want a strike!I find talking to the ball gives it much needed encouragement.

I'm not very good but I must say I've improved, I lowered my handicap by 12 points. Ummm...did I mention I started with a 72 handicap! OK, I know that's a lot but like I said I'm a beginner.

This is my all time highest score, scratch 180!

Tomorrow will be my last day for this year because I will be busy at BFC events the next few Saturdays. I will miss these fun bowlers because they were very encouraging and patient with me. They also like crafts, even the men.

So, 'nuff already about me, what about you? Leave a comment telling what sports you participate in besides crafts. Yes, crafts is a sport sometimes, especially when you're making 200 handmade invitations over one weekend! And if you don't do a sport, leave a comment anyway about your favorite spectator sport or if you still see your old school teachers around.Leave your comment by next Wednesday 12 noon HST and you could be the next Wednesday winnah!

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope all of you have a SUPER GREAT Weekend!

Tech Thursday - Basic Wire Wrapped Loop

Crafters always love to embellish their projects, so it's good to know how to make a basic wire wrapped loop. For this technique, I needed some extra hands so I could take the photos, so I got some help from Shari at the Mapunapuna Bead shoppe.There is more than one way to make a wire wrapped loop, most are very similar. This is just one way.

We start off using a chain nose jewelry pliers to hold our piece of wire.

Next, we bend the wire to a 45 degree angle.

Change to a round nose jewelry pliers to hold the wire at the bend.

Take the end of the wire and bend it over the top of the round nose pliers.

 Your wire should look something like this.

Keep wrapping the wire until it goes almost completely around forming a loop.

Remove the round nose pliers and hold the loop with the chain nose pliers.Wrap the wire around tightly just below the loop.

One completed wrap.

Continue to make a few more wraps...

Keep the wraps closely next to each other without any spaces in between for a nice finish.

Use a flush cutter to trim off the excess wire.

Always use your hand to cover the area before cutting, in case the wire flies when it is cut.

To make this into a bead link, add a bead onto the wire.

Next, you will need to make another wrapped loop on the other end of the bead.Start by holding the wire next to the bead with your chain nose pliers.

Repeat the wire wrapping process, start by bending the wire 45 degrees...

With all of the new Sizzix jewjelry making dies coming out as wellas the cute dangly beaded embellishmentw people are putting on their cards, I think basic wire wrapping skills can come in handy!

Thank You to Shari for helping me being my "hands"!

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope your week has been going well. Don't forget to check out tomorrow's Aloha Friday post!

Wednesday's Winnahs!

Last Aloha Friday, I shared my Happy Surprise when I received a RAK in the mail after having such a bummer day. I asked you all to share similar Happy Moments with all of us in blogland and I want to say thanks to those of you who did. Your stories were great!

I decided  not to use Max to help pick the winnah because he's a very FUN and PLAYFUL doggie that weighs in at 120 lbs. I was afraid that he might start eating the slips of paper with all of the names on it.Or grab the bucket by his mouth and take off running!

So, instead I had Jerome from our office help me pick the winnah. Jerome has gotten quite crafty since he started working with us, so I thought he'd be great to do this!

And here's the slip of paper he pulled out...

Congratulations, Jenny V.! You won a $25 Ben Franklin Crafts gift card!

Thanks again for all of you who keep visitng the blog and leaving comments, it's very encouraging. We're half way through the week and I'm looking forward to Saturday's BYOBag sale - 20% off with a re-usable bag!

Happy Crafting !

Two for Tuesday - Round Containers

When I first saw these clear round boxes in the stores, well, I just couldn't "contain" myself! They are a good size for gift and favors, especially if you want to give things like a few yummy cookies!

OK, so Got Containers?

Wrap some fancy paper around, add a few layered circles on the cover, trim with velvety scalloped ribbon and top it all off with a glittered vintage rose.Simple enough, but looks really elegant.

Or, let the paper inspire you! Here, I spied the little funky bird.

Since it was made from simple shapes, I just made a larger version for the cover. I might make a matching mini circle album to put inside, I don't know yet.

Anyway, so that's the 2 different projects using the same containers from our Ben Franklin Craft stores. You should pick up a bunch at Saturday's BYOBag sale, save 20% when you bring your own re-usable bag!

Makeover Monday - Drink Carriers

Fast Food Drink Carriers have always been a favorite useful thing for me. Sometimes, when I'm driving thru Mr. Box's, I'll ask for one even if I don't need it. Mr. Box has the perfect size and it's sturdy and there's nothing printed on it!

So, you take this...

And slap on some paper and stickers and next thing you know, your doggie has a Father's Day gift for his PawPaw!

When you load up the carrier with snacks and their favorite drink, it's a simple gift for anyone, especially the guys!

Thanks for stopping by today! Max and I hope you're having a great week! Don't forget you have until 12 noon HST tomorrow to leave a comment on last week's Aloha Friday Post...you could win a $25 gift card! Maybe I'll let Max pick the winnah!

Long Weekend...Getaway Project!

I was really having too much fun with this Mixed Media Canvas project that I extended my weekend until this morning. Now, most people think that altered art is only dark and grungy looking but I think it can be bright and cute, see...

I took my blank canvas and splashed on some bright blue acrylic paint for the sky with no thoughts on the strokes going any which my hand went. Then, I used  two different green core'dinations papers and tore them into strips and layered them on for the grass.The little flowers are from a Paper Blossoms punch.

My tree is brown kraft paper, the kind for mailing. I have a half toilet paper roll for a base then scrunched up paper for the trunk. The branches are twisted up kraft paper. Some of the branches, I have a chenille stem in the center so I could shape them.

The leaves! I took three shades of green Bo Bunny's Back to Basics dot paper and just went crazy hand cutting leaves. This is where I had a hard time stopping! I just kept cutting more and more.

Every thing is glued together with that amazing 3-in-1 Glue! I just love the way I can just stick the leaves here and there at all kinds of angles and it holds!

I wanted to have some fun, so I took a Hello Kitty key chain, removed the key chain part and stuck her on my little craft stick swing.

And I'm glad I waited until this morning because the store just put out the new Dress It Up buttons and I found these cute owls to nestle in the tree.

Actually, there's more stuff I want to add, so I must say this is still a work in progress. I think it'll be fun to add stuff on as I find them, too.

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you all have a great week!

Weekend Getaway #2 Hmmm...

I'm ready for a new craft adventure. Hmmm, what am I going to do?
I'll go with Danny Kaye's quote,"Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can!"

So, here goes!

Thanks for stopping by today and check back later to see how I bring this canvas to life!
Also, don't forget to check out the Aloha Friday Contest!