Letterbox Collection

I had some samples of the new LetterBox Collection by American Crafts that I shared with Darling. It's a fun collection with lots of birds and flowers and some sparkles and embossing here and there.

Well, Darling came up with a few cards and favors that are really cute! Here's the cards.

Darling Loves punches, too, as you can see. Aren't these butterflies just the perfect touch!?

These favors were made using Sixxix dies.

There is one paper design that is actully like a bunch of tags. Darling cut these out and stamped them for her projects.

Thanks for stopping by today and I also want to send out a BIG MAHALO! to Darling for letting me share her wonderful creations. Take care and hope you're enjoying your week!

Darling's Garden Girls

I am very fortunate to work with some very talented people. One of them is Darling Dumlao, my favorite graphic artist and crafter. I was talking to her about some papers I had and from there she agreed to see what she could come up with and Wow, just look at what she made!

These cards are her "Flower Garden Girls" collection. Recognize the Hero Arts girl stamp? She's from the clear mini set You're the Best, same one Cheryl used on the show and all the guest got as a gift.
Darling did a beautiful job coloring, too. (We've both been trying to practice more.)
Here's Garden Girl 1 - Aloha Garden

Here's Garden Girl 2 - Violet Garden

Here's Garden Girl 3 - Pink Heart Garden

Here's Garden Girl 4 - Springtime Garden

Here's Garden Girl 5 - Daisy Love Garden

And Here's Garden Girl 6 - Retro Bloom Garden

Isn't it always amazing how you can get so many different looks from one stamp?
Thanks for stopping by today and please stop by tomorrow, I'll have more to share of Darling's creations!

March JOC Show #1- It's National Craft Month!

Filmed in January with a great audience of Craft Club members, this is THE show everyone's been waiting for. We're celebrating National Craft Month and we have your favorite artists crafting for you all month long. In this first show of the month, we start by getting ready for Graduation. Mellie Enos, our famous faux lei designer shares a new lei creation which she asked the audience's help to name. So, watch and learn how to make the beautiful, Sunburst Lokelani lei.

Here's a closer look at the lei. The audience was thinking of different things they could use the crocheted rings for, too!

Our next guest is one of everyone's favorite stampers, Cheryl Miyashiro. Cheryl uses some new Hero Arts stamps to decorate her "Wiper" card. It's a really fun card design that's actually not too hard to make with Cheryl's help.

Here's a closer look at the card. Youj ust gotta see it in action, really cool!

Lastly, the audience was getting hungry so I showed them what I would enter in the Island-wide Burger Wars! Move over The Counter and Burgers on the Edge, my Sweet Mini Cheeseburgers and fries are Oh, so ONO!

So, don't forget to tune in 6:30 pm tonight on OC16. It'll be a great way to end the weekend and I bet you'll see a lot of familiar faces! Happy Crafting!!!

Enjoy the Party!

Our Oahu Ben Franklin Crafts stores and Crafts in the City will be offering a new service for their customers. It's a Party Package that includes 30 invitations with envelopes, a 2' x 5' banner, a large gift tote and a medium gift bag with tissue paper.

There's 9 design themes to choose from, something for everyone. Just look for this Party Girl at the store for more information and to fill out the order form.

Now, that's the way to plan a party! Especially, when you're short on time. That way, you can have more time to make your party favors!

Thanks for stopping by this weekend and checking out the blog. Are you partying this weekend? Well, have a good one!

Does Spring mean Cleaning?!

Although in Hawaii, most people have already done their "spring cleaning" in late December in preparation for New Year's, March is when you see a lot of articles and tips on how to clean. On a lot blogs, people are always commenting on how to organize their craft areas so they can have more time and room to craft. For instance, Teri  shared a tour of her craft room and how she keeps her different supplies organized. That was great, TFS, Teri!

Last year , I came across this blog, Organize Your Stuff Challenge. It's 29 weeks of organizing your craft room, one topic per week.Check it out, it has some great ideas.

I know the people in my office must be laughing at the irony of me advising people to clean because my office is a total mess right now. It's a Mom's worst nightmare! I have stacks of boxes of samples, papers, reports and because I'm on a mad crafting craze, there... is... stuff... everywhere! The weird thing is, it doesn't prevent people from squeezing in to talk to me. I have a little path to the door for them to stand in.And, I'm crafting out of a suitcase, literally!

Well there, I shared. I do have some cleaning dates on my calendar in the near future. But for now, just want to Thank all of you for stopping by today and Have a Great weekend!

Tweet! Tweet! A little birdie told me...

that I should start tweeting. So, if you want to get a tweet when the blog has a new post, a new contest or just to see what we're up to, just sign-up to follow me. It's really easy, just click on the Twitter button to the right.

Twitter, owls, penguins, doves...birds are everywhere! So, I think this project is perfect for Spring.It's a milk carton box I found on SCS that I turned into a birdhouse.

Here's a closer look.I used a circle Nestie to cut out the hole. I cut out two Label 1 Nesties for the roof from core'dinations cardstock, embossed and sanded it.

The bird is sitting on a little dowel piece that I snipped off. The vine and paper flowers are in the stores now. Some people might miss seeing the flowers because of the packaging but I think they are great for a lot of other projects.

Thanks for taking time out of your busy day and stopping by!Tweet ! Tweet!

Honey-Do? Honey Does!

I really like all of the new paper designs that have been coming into the Ben Franklin stores. They all have their own look yet they can go with some of the older designs as well, great for people like me who have stashes! A lot of the new paper has glitter, too.Seeing all the new stuff just makes you want to make something!

Which I did! Do you like it? I used the cute Honey Bee paper from American Crafts, some core'dinations cardstock and I found these cute honey bee stickers for the magnets.I have a tin sheet behind so that I can also use magnets as well as dry erase. In fact, a clip magnet is holding the Bistro Chalk Marker in the corner.

Here's a closer look. I embossed the core'dinations, sanded it and then I punched the edge with MS Drippy Goo to make it look like honey. I finally used my Cricut for the lettering!(Penny would be so proud!)

Actually, a Honey-Do list is really a joke because my Honey does a lot for me and always wants to do more. I, on the other hand, like to do things for myself, Miss Independance and all. But, he still does a lot for me and I always want to help, too. Which means I'm always saying "Can't we wash my car next week? It's gonna rain anyway!" If you've seen my car, you'll know who usually gets her way, LOL!

I know most of you are like me and would rather be scrappin' a page on washing a car than actually washing your car, but I guess it has to be done one day! Oh, well. Thanks for stopping by today and hope you're having a creative week, too!Happy Girls' Day, too!

Cute as a Button!

I keep seeing a lot of button crafts everywhere so I'm glad that Ben Franklin has these cute button collections in the stores.The bags have more buttons in them but I like the jars, well, just because the jars are so darn cute!

And look at this cute frame covered in buttons, so easy and so cute! Sherri at our Paa BFC made it with one of the unfinished wood frames. The photo features Jamie from our Pearl City store with her niece, Sydney.

Projects like these are great for all crafters, especially the keiki. Maybe it an be something to do over Spring Break and it makes a great gift for Easter or Mom's Day.

Thank You for stopping by today. Hope you're enjoying the cool weather, I guess Pooh would say, It's a blustery day! Take care, stay safe and always Happy Crafting!

Craft Alert! Expect a Tsunami of Ideas!

It's been fun reading about how crafty everyone was during the hours of the tsunami warning this past Saturday. As for me, I was at the Scrappers' Jam at Koolau Golf Course. As one scrapper put it, need some shirts that say "A Tsunami can't stop Scrappers!" Quite a few ladies showed up bright and early(6:30 am), ready to scrap. At our booth, we had some make and takes going on as we waited for tsunami updates via phone calls from the "outside" world.

One of the make and takes was this Girl's Day card that Crafts in the City came up with using the new "Good Fortune" clear stamp set from Hero Arts. The body was stamped over washi paper and the little doll is from dandelion designs kokeshi doll trio stamp. Isn't it so cute?

CITC also had a cute card using HK Kathy Bunny Sizzix in a basket made from the Accu Cut Cup Cake card die.Hope they post it on their blog since I forgot to get a pic.

On Saturday, I also met some great ladies from Hilo. They had flown in on Thursday before news of the tsunami. Here is what Loie Engle gave me, a fold out card in a box. Isn't it a great idea?

And the ever so crafty Brenda Freitas-Obregon, gave me a cute Girl's Day treat holder. It had a candy bar in it, too, but I let Gloria have it since I gave up caffeine for Lent (that's another story).

Well, because March is National Craft Month, I predict a bunch of craft ideas throughout the month on this blog as well as on the whole blogging network. So, be prepared! Get your essential craft stuff ready! A wave of inspiration is coming your way!

I am Happy that everyone in Hawaii is OK after Saturday's tsunami warning and our prayers do go out to the people of Chile. Thank You for stopping by today and wishing you all a good and safe week!

And the Pink Bag goes to...

Joni H.! Congratulations to Joni H. whose name was drawn from my Lucky Bucket! Joni will find a few crafty goodies in her bag along with a $25 Ben Franklin Gift Card and a real $10 bill (you know local style, can't give a bag to someone without some cash in it!)

Thank You to all of you for opening up your hearts and letting everyone know what other things in life you LOVE. Crafty people are so thoughtful and really care about a lot of things!

March is just around the corner and we'll be doing some fun things for National Craft month! Thank You again for visiting today and let's all send a shout out to Joni!

February's 2nd JOC show

Wow! February is just flying by and tonight a new episode of the Joy of Crafting show debuts.

First, we have Raynette Ching, from our Pearl City BFC, teach us an updated look to the Pakalana Lei from our Handcrafted Lei books.

Then, we have Chris Tomooka-Saito, from Crafts in the City, show us a great project for all you cardmakers! Using the Bind-it-all, she creates a great cardholder/organizer.

Our last guest for February is Puna Earl from our Enchanted Lake BFC. She shows us how to use Alcohol Inks to decorate those wonderful glass blocks.Here's a link for a project sheet for the little Kimono Girl she has in the block. It's actually a pin and it's perfect for Girl's Day.

Hope you're able to catch the show and learn something new from these talented ladies.Happy Crafting!

Happy FAT Tuesday!

Hi Y'all! I'm on the road again...in the heart of Rock 'n Roll...can you guess where?

Yup, Cleveland!It's snowing and this is what it looks like from my hotel room. Luckily, I have Fridge with me. We were talking about sports, so I was hoping to run into Lebron at the airport, I respect his skills even though I cheer for the West NBA All-Stars.

Then, with today being Mardi Gras, Fridge was reminiscing about the Saint's home turf and how good a nice hot beignet would be right now. He had a whole plateful when we were in NOLA after Katrina.That bear can eat!

Well, hope y'all having a Sweet Fat Tuesday! Don't forget tomorrow is the last day to comment (Feb 9th post) to win that Sweet Pink Bag, plus the goodies that'll be in it.

Thanks for stopping by today and Happy Fat Tuesday!

Floating Heart

OK, I know you've heard all the stories about food shaped into something Holy. Well, here's what I found floating in my ramen when I was in L.A., a floating heart of ginger! I swear I did not bite this into shape! It just appeared out of nowhere. Just like real love, huh?

You see, I know a lot of people who LOVE ramen (and they know who they are!) Speaking of LOVE...there's still time to comment on what YOU LOVE (go to Feb 9th's blog posting) You just might become the lucky winner of that fabulous pink bag! Hope you all are having a great Valentine's/Chinese New Year/President's day weekend!

It's like, Tubular, Dude!

Saw Jean's cute project over on her dandelion designs blog using some clear tubes. So, I Super-sized it!At Ben Franklin Crafts, we have these clear tubes that are about 8 5/8" tall. They are made from sturdy plastic and are FDA approved.

So, here's my project.Larger tube means more candy! ;) It is heavier, so I didn't try adding the ribbon handles. Only had my colored pencils with me to color in Max, but I think it worked.

Thanks for stopping by today.  WOW, a  two-post day! Have a great weekend everyone!

They call me the Bag Lady

Yes, I carry a lot of bags, especially at trade shows! (Good thing I'm strong.) Well, I always tell my co-workers that I believe "bukuro" in Japanese has something to do with bags, so it must be my destiny.

Today, I just wanted to remind you that a gorgeous pink bag could be a part of your destiny soon. Just go to the Feb 9th post and comment on what do you LOVE other than the obvious (Crafts, Sweetie, Family, Friends and Pets)

Hurry, Hurry! Make quick! Contest ends on Wednesday Feb. 17th! Thanks for stopping by and have a great Valentine's/Chinese New Year weekend!

So, What else do you LOVE?

OK, I think it's safe to say you LOVE CRAFTS because afterall, you're reading this blog. And I'm sure you love your Sweetie, Family, Friends and Pets(they're family, too). That's all a given. So now, my question to you is, what else do you LOVE?
As for me I love a lot of things. So, I'll share one, I LOVE all kinds of music, especially ROCK and music with R and B influences including some RAP.Sometimes when I like a song it's the lyrics or the story it tells and sometimes it's just the beat or the great guitar solo. My range goes from Shania Twain to Dr.Dre, from AC/DC to the Boss, Blues, Punk, Reggae and Hawaiian, it's endless! But if I had to choose only one, then I'm definitely a ROCKER!
So, here is where this is going...wanna be a Rockstar, too? Then you gotta have the accessories, right?!

Check it out! You can be the winner of this gorgeous pink "Peace" bag from Bo Bunny!

It's  very roomy, has a zipper closure, zippered outside pocket, comes with a shoulder strap and that blingy "Peace" sign. Of course, there'll be something inside it, too!
I love this bag, but I know, I'll love giving it away to one of you even more! Just leave a comment telling me what else do you LOVE?!
You have until Wednesday, Feb 17th to Declare your LOVE. I'll announce a random winner by that weekend.

Thanks for stopping by today and always sharing your LOVE with me! Happy Crafting!

February's First JOC Show

We're celebrating a lot this month starting with Valentine's Day!

Our first guest, Jerome Bautista, makes his debut on the JOC show with a fun and easy project for your sweethearts. Jerome will show us how to make a Candy Bouquet, something almost everyone loves to receive.

Then, we welcome Chris from Crafts in the City, downtown Honolulu's favorite craft store! Chris shows us a double duty project, it's for Valentine's Day as well as Chinese New Year (same day this year!)

Chris' card incorporates our favorite Hello Kitty and she also shows us how to make that cute photo accent with the I-Top tool.

Our last guest, Raynette Ching, is the expert lei maker at both Pearl City BFC and Crafts in the City. She will show us her updated version of a Pakalana Lei, great for Graduations and more!

Hope you get a chance to check out the show! Happy Crafting!

Measuring Up!

I really like Tim Holtz' Design Ruler because it has some great features. On one side it has the normal 1 inch markings. On the other side, the markings are configured to use as a centering ruler. It's clear. It has a metal edge. It even has tiny holes for those of you who like to pierce paper.The other thing I like is the packaging it comes in. I kept thinking I could do something with it. So, here's what I made.

A perpetual calendar starting with the month of February. I have tiny clothespins on the side to clip reminders. The cool part is that the center area is where the ruler was so there's space to put dimensional stuff like buttons and 3-D stickers. I think next month I might string a line through the bottom to hang my notes. We'll see.

Thanks for stopping by today and hope you enjoy your weekend!

Paper and Wood together make nice nice

A lot of you already use your scrapbook papers on different surfaces to create great projects. Here's a few projects I did in a workshop before CHA that uses that same idea with paper and wood.

Ok, this project has no paper in it but it does remind me of some of the scrapbook papers we have in the stores. The wooden box is similar to the square ones we have in the Ben Franklin stores right now. The box is just painted and stenciled with acrylic paints.

This project is a jumbo wooden clothespin that has been whitewashed with acrylic paint and covered with a strip of scrapbook paper. The wording was supposed to say"family" but I was thinking about my sweetie so I used this phrase instead. Ribbons add the finishing touches and I just need to clip a photo at the top.

This project uses a similar wall plaque hook that we have in the stores right now. For those red pieces, we used core'dinations cardstock and embossed and sanded them.The other fun touch was the pleated paper edge. We pleated and stapled it at the top to hold it together. My pleats aren't perfect but I kind of like it that way, makes it look more handmade.The staples are hidden by the top layer. We covered a chipboard flower and I sanded the edges to make it match.There was another phrase that was supposed to be there but I cut out the wording "material girl" instead since I don't know what I am going to hang on this hook.

This last project has layers of paper on a wood base with a hook. The layers of paper give it a "patchwork" look. All of the edges of the paper were inked  first. Yes, there is supposed to be a photo in the center but I just put the "Hello" to hold it's place.As you can tell by now, I take classes and tend to change things up so my sample is not like everyone else's.

Well, I hope this gives you some ideas of what you can do with your pretty papers on different surfaces. The main thing is to have FUN and enjoy your crafting time! Thanks for stopping by today and hope you have a great weekend!

FUN at CHA part 2

Well, if you have a part 1, I guess you're supposed to have a part 2, so here it is! Yes, CHA was fun and we saw a lot of new crafty items that we ordered  for our stores. Can't wait for them to get here! But the other fun part is seeing different ideas, like this one...

This is so simple to make and it's like DUH?! why not make a bunch!
Just take a 12 x 12 (or other square) and score it into 9 even sections (4 x4). Then, diagonally score the four corners, fold it up. Punch holes in the points and thread ribbon, tie to hold together. Fill with goodies!
So, that's my wiki wiki craft for today.

Sorry, I've been MIA but right after the Live Audience taping, we left to buy Christmas. Then, it was off to CHA. Got back Thursday, and from Saturday, I've been helping with store inventories. So, if you see me in the store, you'll see me with clipboard in hand, a little bug-eyed from counting and counting! So, I'm happy I got to craft today, even though it was only for a nano second!

I just want to Thank You all for being so great and visiting this blog. Now, if you can just wait a few more days, I will have a fun gift to giveaway! I just want to make sure it comes with this week's freight! {Had to send it that way since my suitcase was too heavy ! :) }