Two for Tuesday

Back in the day when there was 98 Rock, I looked forward to Two for Tuesdays. Because if I liked the group, I knew there would be two good songs to listen to and I would turn up the volume. If I didn't like the group, I knew I could turn the channel and leave it there for awhile.Guess I'm showing my age again! Well, hopefully, you won't turn the channel on my two projects!LOL!

Today, I used Doodlebug's Nifty Notions collection for my two projects. I always like sewing themes even though I don't sew very much anymore.

The first project is an easel card.These cards are really simple, now I know why everybody loves making them! My formula for figuring out the size of the cardstock is I decide how big the feature card "cover" is then I double the height to get the base easel part. This card, when folded closed is 6 1/2" wide and 6" tall. So, my easel base is 6 1/2" x 12".

I'm using two of the punch out embellishments here. I'm not sure who I will give this to, so I didn't write anything on the bottom part yet.

My second project is a post-it note holder.I wrote a project sheet  for this in case you haven't made one before.

My twist on it today is that I added a lining on the inside, which makes it even sturdier. I cut the lining 1/2" smaller all around. I had to score it 1/4" less for each line. After scoring and folding, I matched up the cuts on the seam. Then, I just double-stick taped it all together. Used another punch out to embellish the cover.

The great thing about using the same paper for two projects , is you really start to use up your scraps, while they are still fresh and new.

Speaking of new...I'm still thinking about a new computer so I just want to remind you that you still have until 12 noon tomorrow to leave a comment on Friday's post about what kind of computer you have and what crafty tings you do on it.

Thanks for stopping by today and if you scroll down, you'll see Monday's Makeover which posted today instead of yesterday (Now, I'm messing up with Blogger!)

Have a great week everybody!Happy Crafting!

Monday Makeover - Spam Can!

Since Hawaii has the honor of having the highest consumption of SPAM, well I'm sure it's not too hard to find an empty can, so that's the subject of the makeover.

Growing up, I didn't really like to eat SPAM but now I don't mind it.How do you like to eat your SPAM? Personally, I like SPAM Lite and I slice it really, really thin and fry it up so that ends up tasting like crispy bacon.

OK, on to the makeover. I used a lot of scraps for this one. In fact the whole design comes from the scrap book paper, I just made like a kid and did cut and paste.

All pau! Really simple, but I am going to be able to use this, I'm always grabbing paper to write something down. And even the pens are the recycle ones we have on sale 4/$1, great deal!

Hope your Monday is going well!And Thanks for all of the computer advice, too. There's still time to leave me a comment and possibly win a $25 BFC Gift card!(Check Friday's post)

Thanks for stopping by today and check in tomorrow for the Two for Tuesday projects!

June's first Joy of Crafting Show

First of all...Congratulations to the Class of 2011! May you all have Bright, Successful and Creative Futures! Happiness Always to You ALL!

On the first Joy of Crafting Show for June, we have a fun bunch of projects. In fact, two are great for Dad!

Our first creative guest is Chris Tomooka-Saito, from Market City Ben Franklin Crafts. She asks the question, "What WOOD You Create?"

 Chris shares with us a wood burning technique which is great for decorating the many blank wood surfaces in our stores. Ben Franklin Crafts is sponsoring a "What WOOD You Create" contest to see what creative ideas people can come up with the different wood pieces. Check the stores and our website for more details!

Our next guest shares with us a project inspired by her father. Shari Hanai from our Mapunapuna Ben Franklin Crafts store creates a fish hook embellishment. It's great for a cell phone charm or even to place on top of a Father's Day Card!

Lastly, I'll show you how to use the ultimate craft medium...

duct tape!

Learn how easy it is to make a wallet using duct tape..great for Dads and kids of all ages! Plus, our BFC stores have so many fun duct tape designs to choose from!Here's a project sheet to get you started.

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you're able to catch the show! Happy Crafting Everybody!

P.S. - don't forget to check out Friday's post on my computer woes...you could end up with a $25 BFC Gift Card!

The Weekend that got away!

If you read my post on Friday, you know that in June I was going to have some different types of projects on the weekend, called Weekend Getaways. Well, I couldn't post it when I wanted to (more computer problems) but here's the first one...
Go from this ...

To this...a duct tape wallet!

Learn how to make it on this week's Joy of Crafting Show!

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

Computers...just can't live without 'em!

---- Sorry Long Post, but it'll be worth reading!----

Boy, the last few weeks has been such a digital mess! First, my personal laptop died. Then, my work laptop got hijacked by a NASTY virus!

Thank Goodness for my IT Gods & Goddesses. That's what I call them! Thanks to them, my work laptop is working. It took a village to rescue this poor little Dell from the Nasty clutches of those hackers. There's still some weird things, like I can't bring up my photos, even though I can see a shadow of them in the file. But at least I can do my work pretty much. (Not so good news for my personal one.)

Anyway, these computer crashes spoiled my June 1st blog plans but I decided better late than never, so here goes...

"When you give a mouse a cookie..." Most times that's how I think, too, one thing just leads to another and another and...

So for June, I was thinking June means SUMMER, which to most people means VACATION! And a lot of people take a trip to Disneyland. Which is a THEME park. So, that's how I thought of making June into my THEME month. Got it?

So, in June, here's what's going to happen:

Makeover Mondays - the featured project will be something that has been recycled, re-surfaced or re-purposed.
Two for Tuesdays - featuring 2 projects from the same theme or product
Wednesday Winnahs! - Either a new contest would be announced and/or the winners of the week's before contest
Tech Thursday - How-tos on a craft technique
ALOHA Fridays -  Anything Goes!
Weekend Getaways - Taking a creative journey with different types of projects

So, today is the first ALOHA Friday and I'm so happy that I have at least one working computer that I want to share my happiness with one of you! Now, I'm going to get a new personal laptop but I don't know what kind. I have a small group of MACkies telling me I should get a MAC so I don't get viruses and then others saying just go get a cheap PC.

So, here's the deal. Leave a comment on what you think I should get PC or MAC and what you do with your computer that's crafty. Leave your comment by Wednesday, 6/8 @ 12 noon. I'll randomly pick a winner for Wednesday's Winnahs and they'll get a $25 Ben Franklin Gift Card!

Thanks for letting me vent about my computers and I hope you have a GREAT weekend!May you and your computer stay safe!

May's second Joy of Crafting show

On this second show for May, we have a variety of crafts to learn. We start with Master Origami Artist, Richard Alexander from Origamido, which is based out of Haverhill, Mass.

Origamido recently had a 6 month exhibit in Waikiki featuring a variety of origami art from different artists. I was fortunate that I got to see the exhibit before it closed and hopefully they will return to Hawaii again as this was their second time here.

On the show, Richard demonstrates a technique he calls Storygami where he folds the paper and relates it to a story, which makes it easy to follow and is very entertaining. If you watch carefully, you'll be able to make this project, too. Because it is copyrighted, we do not have a project sheet, but he did share with us a website that features free tutorials on 12 different origami projects, http://www.pem.org/ . Click here for free tutorials.

Here is a sample he brought from the exhibit made by Michael LaFosse. It is an alligator folded from one sheet of handmade paper that was 6 ft x 6 ft. Richard made the paper himself as he is a papermaking artist, too. Everything is folded and there are no cuts in the paper...totally amazing!

Next, we have Brandon back with another great technique, Freezer Paper Stencilling. You'll be able to decorate your own shirts, tote bags and all kind of surfaces with this technique.

If you're like me, you'll be thinking of all the designs you can do either using you Cricut, die cuts or just drawing free-hand, plus there's so many color choices when it comes to acrylic paints!Just imagine!

Lastly, I have a simple project that makes a great gift, especially for teachers! It's a Post-it Note Holder. I show you how to make one size, but you can easily change it up to your favorite size.There will be a project sheet on the website and I'll post the link when it's up. The project sheet is now available, here's a link.

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you enjoyed your weekend! Happy Crafting!

NSD Project

Last Saturday was National Scrapbooking Day. Our Ben Franklin Craft stores had a little make and take to celebrate.

This Mini Purse Scrapbook is a simple project, great for using up some scraps and the fun part is adding embellishments.

It's great for any occasion like maybe a bridal shower gift or a birthday.You could even change up the pages to make them into pockets and slip in a gift card or money for a graduate. Here's a project sheet I wrote up.

Thanks for stopping by and Have a Great weekend!

First May Joy of Crafting Show

The months just seem to fly by, especially when you're happily crafting! On this first Joy of Crafting show for May, we have some fun and exciting projects.

Our first guest is Scott Macri of the Hawaii Origami Club.

Here he introduces us to tessellations, not your average origami!

Then, we have Brandon Tavares from our Enchanted Lake Ben Franklin Crafts. You all know he is the best cupcake maker in Hawaii with his "Brandon Cakes".

Here, he shows us how to make those fantastically popular Cake Pops! Great for Moms and Dads and the upcoming Grad parties!

Lastly, we have a Hana Hou with Raynette Ching from the Pearl City BFC,showing us how to make an updated Pakalana lei, perfect for all the celebrations coming up.

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you get a chance to catch this episode! Have a great week!

SWEET Bunnies!

Oh, Flat Leilani's bunnies are having a blast with their new families who adopted them. Look to see what they did for Easter with Karen and her family!

Lucky Bunnies got to go Candy Shopping...SWEET!

So, here's Hoppy, Fuzzy, Bright Eyes, and Cottonball with their basket!

And go and check out where Creative Grammie's bunnies were hunting for Easter Eggs.

Hope you all had a fun Easter, too! Thanks for stopping by today and have a great week!

Happy Earth Day!

I was thinking that I'd share my Re-Use tip in honor of Earth Day. Since I craft a lot at my desk,  I use the holder cover from my blank DVDs as a desk top trash can. It's easy to grab to sweep tiny bits off the desktop and can easily be moved around.

It's also great for candy wrappers!LOL!

Hope you're having a great Friday! Scroll down, this is my second post of the day.

Kokeshi Doll Favor Box project sheet

 I had a lot of requests to make this Kokeshi Doll Favor Box into a project sheet,explaining how to make the sleeves and obi.Well, sorry for the delay but I can happily say that it's finally done! Unfortunately,  it won't be posted on the website for another few weeks due to some technical issues.

However, because you all faithfully visit my blog, I can e-mail the project sheet to you if you'd like. Just send your request to joyofcrafting@gmail.com and I'll send it off to you.I'll do this until it does get posted on the website. UPDATE! The project sheet is now available on the website, click here.



Thank You again to all of you kindhearted and caring people who supported our Japan Earthquake and Tsunami relief efforts.It is really great when everyone can come together to help and support others in their times of need.

Hope you all have a great Easter! Thanks for stopping by today and have a great weekend!

Crafty Bunnies on the Loose!

Kris from K-Lusive Kreations over on Maui adopted some of Flat Leilani's bunnies and boy, oh boy, she got some crafty ones! Look what they did!

Helping Kris make Easter Baskets

Helping to fill the baskets with goodies.

All Pau...now for some candy!

Go and check out Kris' blog to learn the names of her bunnies and to play along with her game and you could win some prizes, too!

Thanks for stopping by today and don't forget just e-mail me or leave a comment if you want to adopt some bunnies, too.

April's Second Joy of Crafting SHow

On this second show for April, Puna from Enchanted Lake Ben Franklin is back with a unique lei from our Handcrafted Leis and Flowers Book Vol.9

Puna shows us how to use the Hana Ami loom to make flowers. Then, she shows us how to make them into a beautiful lei.

Darling is back with another cute Pom Pom critter lei. This time she makes her favorite, Owls!

These owls are really cute and Darling shows us different color combinations, too.

Lastly, I show you how I figure out some of my project patterns. I'll give you the basics for making a simple flip top box. Great for favors or small gifts.

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you get a chance to see this episode. Have a great week and Happy Crafting!

Show Me the Bunny!!!

Do you remember Flat Leilani? She was the lucky girl who got to make a lot of new friends and traveled all over the world last Summer. Well, you haven't seen her much because she's been quite busy.

For the Year of the Rabbit, she decided to adopt two bunnies.

And now she has a lot more than two bunnies...a whole lot more than what's in this photo!

So, she would like to give them away to whomever is willing to give them a good home. I know some of you were probably thinking of getting some Easter Bunnies, so why not these cuties? They are easy to care for and they don't require much food. They are very affectionate and they like to hang out with you.

So, leave me a comment or e-mail me at joyofcrafting@gmail.com if you want a pair of bunnies to play with, too. Then, you can send in pictures of what you and your bunnies did together, Show me the Bunny!Then, at the end of the month, we'll have Flat Leilani randomly pick a name and we will send you a prize basket of goodies.

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you'll adopt some bunnies! OMG! I just thought of it , next year is the Year of the Dragon, I think I better have a talk with her. Have a Hoppy week!

My Project for Saturday's Kokua Sale-abration

As you know, our company's Ben Franklin Craft Stores and Ace Hardware stores will be having a 20% off Kokua Sale-abration on Saturday, April 9th and a portion of that day's sales will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross Society. The stores will be having various activities and I will be at the Mapunapuna store from 10 am - 12 noon with my Kokeshi Doll Favor Box make 'n take for $3.00 which will also be donated.

She's not hard to make.  Wouldn't she be great for Administrative Professionals' Day or Mother's Day? I adapted her from my Graduate Favor Box project from this month's ad.

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you can stop by and make a doll with me on Saturday!

Joy of Crafting First April Show

On the first show for April we have a lot of fun craft ideas for you.Our first guest is the talented Darling Dumlao...

Darling shows us how to make the cute Pom Pom Keiki Lei she created for our latest Handcrafted Lei and Flowers Book Vol.9.

In the book there are patterns for 5 different critters, Darling shows us the Duck and Penguin. So cute!Perfect for Keiki and Keiki at Heart!

Then, Puna, from the Enchanted Lake Ben Franklin, shows us how to use Alcohol Inks to make beautiful Cherry Blossoms on a glass block.

Lastly, I have some quick Easter treat boxes to share with you.

So, I hope you get a chance to watch this episode. Thanks for stopping by today and have a great week, Happy Crafting!

Thinking Globally, Acting Locally

Our company which includes the Ben Franklin Craft stores, the Ace Hardware stores on the neighbor islands and some stores in the Seattle region and Las Vegas is celebrating it's 60th year as a locally owned and operated company. We are very thankful to all of our loyal customers for their continued support because we wouldn't be here today without you.

As a special Mahalo, we are inviting our customers to receive 20% off* their purchases on Saturday, April 9th during our Kokua Sale-abration event.

The earthquakes and tsunamis that have devasted Japan has touched the lives of people around the world and especially here in Hawaii. At Ben Franklin Crafts, we have the people of Japan in our hearts and want to send our Aloha. As members of the larger Global community we want to help and will be donating a portion of that day's sales to the Japanese Red Cross Society to aid them in their recovery efforts.

We will also have free demonstrations and some make'n takes in which the fees will also be donated.

So, please join us and Shop a little, Craft a little and

KOKUA PLENTY!