Rose Gold Necklace

I loved the rose gold findings so much that I just had to work on a piece using them. The photo shows what I designed, but the possibilities are endless. I used a flower necklace connector and heart charm as the focal point. The gems on the necklace are pink pearls and faceted tourmalines. I think aquamarines would also work well with the rose gold findings. Because the semi-precious stones are so tiny, the cost is minimal. Later I will write up this project for our website (www.bfcraftclub@aol.com). It took me less than an hour to finish the necklace. This project taught me that pretty doesn't have to be expensive and if you don't have jump rings just cut the closed rings. Give it a try......make yourself some sweet rose gold jewelry.

Pillow Boxes

No, these are not boxes for pillows but boxes shaped like pillows. They are die cut from 12x12 cardstock using the Sizzix XL pillow box die. On the orange one I used the Stampendous butterfly beauties clear stamp set and a glue ink pad. One color at a time, I sprinkled on Martha Stewart iridescent glitter (from the set), stamped again and added more glitter. Then I folded the box and taped it shut. After tying on the ribbon I put a spot of glue (Fabri-Tac) under the bow and glued on the K and Co. Berry Sweet grand adhesion butterfly sticker. The purple box was cut from a Bo Bunny Jazmyne Plush 12x12 cardstock. Because I felt that the cardstock was a little plain (even with the glittered flowers), I used an opaque white ink and stamped Stampendous clear stamp silhouette songbirds randomly on the die cut box before folding. The ribbon was embellished with a Poppy Seed K and Co. Grand Adhesion sticker. I like that these boxes can be used and reused because the ribbon doesn't need to be untied to open the box. A large sized chocolate bar fits perfectly in the box (with room to spare for other goodies) and so it would make a great party favor box. It would be a good idea to cut out lots of these boxes to have on hand for quickie gift wraps. In fact, that's what I plan to do tomorrow!

A Quick Stop at Mapunapuna BFC

On Friday I had the opportunity to do a little shopping at the Mapunapuna Ben Franklin Crafts. I headed straight to the bead department because I needed a metal hole making tool. Guess who I saw there? Joy, the host of 'Joy of Crafting, ' was in the bead department helping to make a decision on the flooring that will be in the renovated bead department. Through conversing with her I learned that there will be some major improvements made to the entire store. It sounds exciting and I can't wait to see the finished BFC. I'm amazed at all the different hats that Joy wears in this company......so much talent! The photo shows some of what I bought in the short time that I spent in the bead department. I was elated to see the rose gold findings from Cousins. Besides the ones pictured, there were many styles of chains, earrings, beads, charms, etc. all in the beautiful golden copper color called 'rose gold'. Also worth checking out are the luscious colors of C-lon cording. I haven't tried it yet, but I think that this product will work well in macrame or other woven projects which require a thin strong cord. Ben Franklin Crafts stores should be the first stop for crafters searching for beading and jewelry supplies because they are well stocked and reasonably priced. Thank you for stopping here to read my blog and I hope that you'll return soon and leave a comment if you have the time.

A Sweet Thank You

I just returned from a trip to Boston and I'm catching up on reading blogs. While in Boston we had wonderful dinner with some great friends. I don't always have good manners and write a thank-you-for-the-meal note but I thought that this time I would surprise our friends. Pictured here is the quickie card I made using a Jolee's ice cream epoxy sticker, Best Creations Inc. glittered 12x12 two-sided cardstock, and clear design 'Friends' stamp from a Hero Arts set. After punching out the words that were stamped on white card stock, I rubbed pink ink on the edges so I wouldn't have to punch out another circle. To make the words more important, I raised the circle on pop-dots. Using an epoxy sticker makes the card easy-peasy. I love the Best Creations Inc. papers because they are sparkly and in one of my favorite color combinations.... pink, red, and green. I really should make a bunch of thank you cards so I won't always be rushing to mail them out, but I always want to personalize the card to fit the occasion. Dinner with these friends almost always ends in a shared decadent dessert.......I just took a bite.....really!

Graduation Party Favor Bag

I need to make simple party favors about 100! Aaargh! Simple is the key word here. This bag is my first attempt. It was made using a Sizzix die and decorated with a lucky Japanese cat (Mari and Me) wearing a graduation cap (Dandelion Designs). The bag is dressed up with curly ribbons which are stapled on. Joy (Joy of Crafting) had the idea to use Flower Soft to make a flower texture for the lei and I think it's great....thanks, Joy. Although I don't know what will be in the bag, I don't think this is THE party favor. I'll keep searching for a better idea and test it out. I know that I want to keep the cost and construction time to a minimum. Maybe I'll surf the blogs and see something unique but easy. I'll look through magazines too for the perfect party favor solution. I have confidence that I will get it done....I WILL!

Happy Birthday Cupcake Box

I bought the cupcake box Sizzix die awhile ago, but only yesterday figured out how I wanted to decorate the box. The Hero Arts (girl with a gift) rubber stamp was discovered at Ben Franklin Crafts. I can see lots of uses for it because I'm always giving gifts. Since I needed this box for a birthday gift (not a cupcake) I decided to add on a Happy Birthday border which was punched from DCWV Glitter Border paper using a Martha Stewart punch. Pop-dots under the cut out girl image help her to stand out. I didn't stick down her head so the box lid could come off. Of course this box can be decorated to become excellent party favors for Mother's Day, Graduation, etc. That reminds me, I need to get started on my son's graduations leis and party decorations. Remember, graduations are earlier this year! Start crafting!

New! from K&Company and Bo Bunny

The two new line of K and Co. products, Suzy Ultman (Lion Sleeps) and Spaghetti are adorable. If you are preparing a baby album or making baby shower invitations, cards, favors, etc. the Lion Sleeps collections will enchant you into crafting sweet things. The Spaghetti designed paper and embellishments are well suited for children, especially boys. The bright colors of this line will make your projects stand out.

Oh boy, the new 'Jazmine' Bo Bunny papers and accessories are irresistibly gorgeous. Most of the papers have glittery accents and match the sweet embellishments. Shown in the photo are the Mini Edgy album and the paper pad that goes with it. The papers have shaped edges to match the ones in the album.....neat huh? The papers have the same designs as the 12x12 sheets. Also in the photo are punch out chipboard pieces which coordinate with the papers. So many pretty papers and things.....so little time....gotta get working! Thanks for stopping by today.