Creative Juice

June 4, 2009

Father's Day Gift Ideas

Father's Day is just around the corner - don't wait to make Dad something special. You still have time to whip up a handmade gift for your Pop, Grandpa or Hubby. Have a peek at the projects below - they are all from our TV show Creative Juice or Plaid. Follow the links for step-by-step instructions and have a Happy Father's Day!

Posted by cathieandsteve at 12:55 PM | Comments (0)

May 29, 2009

Puppy Love! Dogs at Weddings? wedding patterns for your pups

The music plays, the doors open, the guests rise and here comes . . . a dog wagging down the aisle? Yes it is true! Dogs at weddings are more popular than ever. On the most important day of your life, you don’t want to leave out your best four legged friend! Have your pup join in the bridal party!

You might be planning on having your dog serve as a ring bearer or little flower pup at your wedding. If you are then you will need some spiffy clothing to go along with your bridal party. In my latest book, Bow Wow WOW! I have patterns for both a bride and groom outfit for dogs. Both patterns can be adjusted from a tea cup to a large dog.

If you are thinking about having your dog at your wedding, check out the following websites for tips and tricks to including your pup in the ceremony. Ehow, The Knot Message Boards.

Posted by cathieandsteve at 11:29 AM | Comments (0)

May 26, 2009

Make it for DAD: Fashionista Fathers

Make this easy reverse applique design with a faded eagle iron-on and some iron-on studs. For complete instructions visit my page at Plaid!

For this design I attached a flocked skull iron-on to a grey satin tie. I positioned the tie at a slight angle for a little interest. Visit my page at Plaid Online for all the skinny.

Hammer slinging Dads will love this design! All you need is a bottle Folkart fabric paint and a funky plaid tie. For this design I used the freezer paper stencil technique. For complete instructions visit my project page at plaid.

Posted by cathieandsteve at 12:37 PM | Comments (0)

May 12, 2009

More Etsy Items

Posted by cathieandsteve at 10:46 AM | Comments (0)

May 10, 2009

More Bella Neck Cuffs

Posted by cathieandsteve at 2:05 PM | Comments (0)

May 7, 2009

Make it for Mom: Charmingly Fresh

Materials: Fresh – Peace #85907 Charm Fresh – Hearts Set # 85908 Modify – Glass beads Yellow #85875 Modify – Glass beads light blue #85872 Faux Show Jewelry - Key Chain Blanks Item # 94828 2 pairs pliers - chain nose Large jump rings

Steps:

1. Make the key chain by attaching 2 glass beads, 2 heart charms and the peace charm to a large jump ring. Use jump rings when necessary. Unscrew the ball on the key chain blank, slide the charmed jump ring on and reattach the ball.

Posted by cathieandsteve at 2:31 PM | Comments (0)

Make it for Mom: Altered Plates

Now I don't suggest using Mom's good china for this project - that is unless you really want to make Mom mad on Mother's day. Look for plates at thrift shops and yard sales to alter.

This plate features a photo of my mom, Amelie Rogers, when she was in grade school. To learn more about my artistic mom, visit her website at www.amelierogers.com.

Materials:
Mod Podge – gloss
Mod Podge – gold glitter
Thrift Store Plates
Scissors
Foam Paintbrush
Papers & Photos to Mod Podge
Optional:
Paper Punches
Silk Flowers
Butterflies
Paper Letters
Rhinestones
Gem Glue

Steps:

1. Wash the plates and dry thoroughly.

2. Resize the photos and papers if necessary so that the will fit on the plates. If you want a solid background, cut a circle that will fit the center of the plate from a neutral patterned background. Coat the back of the circle with Mod Podge and place it onto the plate. Topcoat with a layer of Mod Podge. Use your fingers to press out any air bubbles.

3. Using Mod Podge, collage and layer additional cut pieces of paper and photos over the background design. Trim the photos to fit your design. Use a paper punch to create flower shapes. For letters use magazine cutouts or photocopies stickers. Get creative with your design plan.

4. Add glittery highlights: Paint a small amount of glitter Mod Podge to the top of the design. Use gem glue to attach rhinestones to your design or add silk flowers, butterflies, etc.

Posted by cathieandsteve at 2:24 PM | Comments (0)

Make it for Mom: Altered Photo Pendant

Materials:
Artistrywear – Glass Pendant #94848
Mod Podge – gloss
Mod Podge – gold glitter
Scissors
Foam Paintbrush
Papers & Photos to Mod Podge
Small Silk Flowers
Rhinestones
Gem Glue
Large Jump Ring
2 Pliers – chain nosed
Necklace

Steps:

1. Resize the photo if necessary so that it will fit on the large white glass pendant on a color copier. Trim the photo to a circle shape. Coat the back of the photo with Mod Podge and place it onto the glass pendant. Top coat with a layer of Mod Podge. Use your fingers to press out any air bubbles.

2. Add additional details: Attach small cut out words or other papers with Mod Podge. Glue a small silk flower to the hair. Glue rhinestones around the edge of the design.

3. Add glittery highlights: Paint a small amount of glitter Mod Podge to the top of the design. I like to frame the face with the glitter.

4. Attach a large jump ring using chain nosed pliers to the pendant. Attach the pendant to a necklace. The pendant can be switched from necklace to necklace depending on the outfit you are wearing.

Posted by cathieandsteve at 2:23 PM | Comments (0)

April 9, 2009

Colorado Women's Expo...Come See Me!

I'll demonstrate how to transform bits of scrapbook paper and game pieces into fun jewelry and accessories. And I'll explore ways you can extend your kids’ clothes into another season with a few simple tips and tricks.

April 25th - Creative Living Stage @ 10:30
Parties don’t have to be hard on the wallet! You can re-craft everyday items that you would normally toss out into stunning and fun party decorations that will wow your friends and family.

Posted by cathieandsteve at 9:23 PM | Comments (0)

Spring Project Round-up!

Posted by cathieandsteve at 8:19 PM | Comments (1)

April 8, 2009

Make It: Flirty Flower Pin

This flirty flower pin can whipped up in just a few minutes. To coat and stiffen the fabric, I used Mod Podge prior to cutting the shapes. To add sparkle and glitter to the fabric I used the new Hologram Gold Glitter Mod Podge.

Materials:
Mod Podge Paper - Matte
Mod Podge Glitter - Hologram Gold
Foam Paintbrush
10” x 10” piece of cotton fabric – patterned
10” x 10” piece of cotton fabric – polka dot
Scrap of tulle
Large silk flower
Wax paper
Scissors
Large shank button
Needle and thread
Hot glue
Pin back
Tiny scrap of felt

Steps:
1. Iron the fabrics if needed. Place the patterned fabric on a piece of wax paper. Using a foam brush coat the right side with a thin layer of matte Mod Podge. Place the polka dot fabric onto wax paper and using a foam brush coat with gold glitter Mod Podge. Allow to dry 1 hour.

2. Peel the dry fabrics from the wax paper and cut into 3 or 4 rough circle shapes. The circles should be approximately the size of your silk flower. Cut the circles into random flower shapes; spiked, round and daisy. Cut the tulle into circles approximately the size of the silk flower.

3. Separate the petals of the flower and discard the plastic stem.

4. Layer the petals of the silk flower, tulle and Mod Podged petals together. Hand sew together in the center. Sew a button in the center. Hot glue a pin back to the back. Add a small piece of felt across the pin back base to cover your glue marks.

Posted by cathieandsteve at 12:01 PM | Comments (0)

April 7, 2009

Make It: Freezer Paper Stenciled Easter Napkins

Jazz up some plain fabric napkins with a little bit of Plaid's Folkart fabric paint. Using freezer paper to make the stencils is so easy and the results are a smooth crisp line each time. For best results, use a small amount of paint to begin and work in an up-and-down fashion. Materials: FolkArt Fabric Paint - Brush On - Light Red Oxide FolkArt Fabric Paint - Brush On - Metallic Rose Shimmer FolkArt Fabric Paint - Dimensional - Pearl White Pink or pastel napkins Bunny template Freezer paper Craft knife Iron Foam paintbrush Toothpick Fabric glue Silk flower petal Crochet flower trim scrap Blue rhinestone 1. Working on a protected surface, create a stencil of the bunny by tracing and cutting it out with a craft knife from freezer paper. (freezer paper is waxed on one side)

2. With a medium heated iron, attach the freezer paper stencil in the corner of the napkin.

3. Using a foam brush, paint the inside of the bunny with the pink paint. Allow to dry and remove the freezer paper stencil.

4. Add highlights to the bunny ears and a cottontail with pearl dimensional paint. Use a toothpick to flatten the paint on the ears. Add a small dot of paint for the bunny eye. Allow to dry.

5. Use fabric glue to attach a layered flower, trim and rhinestone embellishment.

Posted by cathieandsteve at 2:15 PM | Comments (0)

Make it: Easter Centerpiece Topiary

This project we designed for Plaid using the new Extreme Glitter on the silk petals and Easter eggs. The topiary is firmly set in the container using Plaid's Faster Plaster. This plaster is a shake and pour , so it is mess free!

Materials:
FolkArt Metallics - Rose, 2 oz.
FolkArt Acrylic Colors - Buttercrunch, 2 oz.
FolkArt Acrylic Colors - Fresh Foliage, 2 oz.
FolkArt Extreme Glitter - Glitter Hologram
FolkArt Extreme Glitter – Peridot
FolkArt Extreme Glitter – Gold
2 Packages Faster Plaster
Foam paintbrushes
Metal floral container
Dowel rod
Styrofoam ball
Dried moss
Hot Glue
Spray primer
7 Plastic Easter eggs
Silk flower petals pink & yellow
Silk pins
Pearl beads
Crocheted flower trim
Rhinestones
Easter grass – natural
Ribbons – various patterns and sizes

Steps:
1. Paint the floral container with buttercruch paint. Add highlights by lightly painting a coat of extreme glitter gold to the container.

2. Cut the dowel rod to the appropriate height for your container. Mix the faster plaster as per the package and set the dowel into the container with the plaster. Allow to dry for 24 house. Paint the dowel with 2 coats of fresh foliage paint. Paint the dowel with 2 coats of extreme glitter peridot. Allow for dry time in between coats.

3. Place the Styrofoam ball onto the dowel by pressing, hot glue to secure to the dowel. Hot glue moss to the ball.

4. Paint the pink petals with extreme glitter gold. Allow to dry. Layer two pink petals with a yellow petal on top. Place a pearl onto a silk pin, pierce the center of the layered petals with the pin, add a drop of hot glue to the back of the petals and poke into the foam ball. Repeat until the ball is filled with petals.

5. Spray prime the eggs and allow to dry. Paint the 2 of the eggs with 2 coats of buttercrunch paint. Paint the 3 of the eggs with 2 coats of fresh foliage paint. Paint the 2 of the eggs with 2 coats of rose paint. Allow for dry time in between coats. Paint the rose and buttercrunch eggs with 2 coats of extreme glitter hologram. Paint the fresh foliage eggs with 2 coats of extreme glitter peridot.

6. Fill the base of the container with Easter grass. Hot glue the eggs in the grass and tie the ribbons in a bow at the base of the ball. Glue layered petals, flower trim and a rhinestone to the front of the container.

Posted by cathieandsteve at 1:51 PM | Comments (1)

April 3, 2009

Dollar Store Do Over: Easter Bunny

Supplies:
FolkArt paint – 438 Ballet Pink
FolkArt texture paint – 2862 sparkle
FolkArt extreme glitter – 2782 Glitter Hologram
Ceramic bunny from the dollar store
2 Foam paintbrushes
Hot Glue
Crocheted flower trim
Silk flower petals
Crochet flower trim scraps
Blue rhinestone
Optional: spray primer

How To:

1. Depending on the surface of the bunny you may need to spray prime the bunny first. Paint the bunny with 2 coats of ballet pink paint. Allow for dry time in between coats.

2. Add a cottontail to the bunny with sparkle texture paint. Use you fingers to press the paint in the tail area. Allow to dry.

3. Coat the entire bunny with 3 coats of extreme glitter hologram. Add highlights to the inside of the bunny ears, eyes and nose with rose extreme glitter. Allow to dry.

4. Hot glue flower trim around the bunny neck. Add a layered flower petal, trim and rhinestone detail to the bunny with hot glue.

Posted by cathieandsteve at 11:40 AM | Comments (0)

April 1, 2009

Make It: Easter Chick Dessert Fork Caddy

To spruce up my dessert station for Easter dinner, I created this papered chick fork holder with a wooden pencil caddy that I picked up from Michaels.

When hosting a large family meal, I like to set up a dessert station with the plates, utensils and of course the yummy dessert on a separate table. That way when it is time to dig into the sweets, I can easily make the table transition from dinner to dessert.

This project was created for Plaid. Visit this link to see all of our Plaid projects.

Materials:
FolkArt Acrylic Colors - Fresh Foliage
Mod Podge - Gloss
Bird Pencil Caddy Surface
FolkArt Extreme Glitter - Hologram Peridot
Foam paintbrushes
Polka dot scrapbook paper
Yellow ribbon
Silk flower petals pink
Silk flower petals yellow
Crocheted flower trim
Rhinestones
Hot Glue

Steps:
1. Paint the caddy with 2 coats of fresh foliage paint. Paint the caddy with 2 coats of extreme glitter peridot. Allow for dry time in between coats.

2. Trace the bird shape onto the back of the scrapbook paper. Cutout shape. Apply Mod Podge to the back of the paper. Center on the caddy, top coat with Mod Podge. Use your fingers to press out any air bubbles. Smooth your brush strokes.

3. Using hot glue, attach a ribbon around the back of the caddy. Glue layered petals, flower trim and rhinestones near the tail of the bird. Glue a rhinestone for an eye and add additional stones around the base of the bird.

Note: The pencil caddy was in the spring/seasonal section with lots of other wood shapes and surfaces.

Posted by cathieandsteve at 12:02 PM | Comments (0)

March 30, 2009

Make It: Happy Spring!

Jazz up papier-mâché letters with a little extreme glitter, scrapbook paper and some silk flower petals. The extreme glitter is a brand new product for Plaid. The glitter is self contained and does not flake or fly away. The texture is a very soft and glittery look, like a sugar glitter. The product is shipping to stores and will be available online at plaid in just a few weeks.

Materials:
FolkArt - Metallic Rose
FolkArt Acrylic Colors - Fresh Foliage

FolkArt Extreme Glitter - Glitter Hologram
FolkArt Extreme Glitter - Peridot
FolkArt Extreme Glitter Gold
Papier-mâché - letters that spell SPRING
Scrapbook paper - pink and green prints
Foam paintbrushes
Ribbon - various colors
Silk flower petals pink - large and small
Silk flower petals yellow
Crocheted flower trim
Rhinestones
Hot Glue

Steps:
1. Paint each letter with 2 coats of either fresh foliage or rose paint. Paint the fresh foliage letters with 2 coats of extreme glitter peridot and the rose letters with extreme glitter hologram. Allow for dry time in between coats.

2. Trace the letters onto the back of the scrapbook paper. Cutout the letters. Apply Mod Podge to the back of the paper letters. Center on the painted letters, top coat with Mod Podge. Use your fingers to press out any air bubbles. Smooth your brush strokes.

3. Hot glue ribbon around the letters. Hot glue the letters on top of each other in a layered design.

4. Paint the large pink petals with extreme glitter gold. Allow to dry. Using hot glue, layer the petals, flower trim and rhinestones around the letters. Glue rhinestones to the letters in a random pattern.

Posted by cathieandsteve at 9:58 AM | Comments (0)

March 25, 2009

Make It: Easter Gift Box

Materials: FolkArt ® Metallics - Rose, 2 oz. FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors - Buttercrunch, 2 oz. FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors - Fresh Foliage, 2 oz. FolkArt ® Extreme Glitter™ – Glitter Hologram FolkArt ® Extreme Glitter™ - Hologram Peridot Spray primer Plastic Easter egg Papier-mâché oval box Foam paintbrushes Brown ribbon Easter grass - natural Silk flower petals pink Silk flower petals yellow Crocheted flower trim Rhinestones Hot Glue

Steps:
1. Spray prime the egg and allow to dry. Paint the egg with 2 coats of buttercrunch paint. Paint the egg with 2 coats of extreme glitter hologram. Allow for dry time in between coats.

2. Paint the lid of the box with 2 coats of fresh foliage paint. Paint the lid with 2 coats of extreme glitter peridot. Allow for dry time in between coats. Paint the base of the box with metallic rose paint.

3. Using hot glue, attach a ribbon around the base of the box and Easter grass to the top of the box. Glue the egg to the center of the grass and glue layered petals, flower trim and rhinestones around the egg.

Posted by cathieandsteve at 12:02 PM | Comments (1)

March 19, 2009

Make It: Altered Lockets

This little locket was made by re-crafting and old necklace I had. I have a jumbo baggie of old jewelry that is just waiting to be whipped into something new. To get the glassy finish is used Dimensional Magic. This project we designed for Plaid.

Supplies:
Mod Podge – matte
Mod Podge – gold glitter
Foam paintbrush
Detail paintbrush
Dimensional magic
Locket
Small scraps of paper
Scissors
Rhinestones
Gem glue

How To:

1. Begin by cutting a background paper that will fit the front of the locket. Attach the paper by applying a generous coat of Mod Podge to the back and front side of the paper. Position on the locket and use your fingers to press the paper around the curves of the locket. Don’t worry about crease lines.

2. Next add a smaller decorative image to the center of the locket using Mod Podge. Allow to dry.

3. Glue a boarder of rhinestones around the smaller image or in your desired pattern.

4. Using a detail brush, add a few clumps of the glitter Mod Podge to the edges to add highlights and depth. Allow to dry.

5. Squirt a small amount of dimensional magic on the smaller image. Use a detail brush to spread the dimensional magic in an even coat over the entire image. Allow to dry and attach to any necklace.

Posted by cathieandsteve at 11:28 AM | Comments (0)

March 18, 2009

Make It: Mini Boudoir Art

Make It: Mini Boudoir Art

This mini boudoir art was designed for Plaid crafts using my favorite color of metallic FolkArt paint - Metallic Peach Pearl. To see more of our Spring and Easter projects visit our page at Plaid Crafts.

Supplies:
FolkArt paint – Metallic Peach Pearl
FolkArt paint – Metallic Inca Gold
Mod Podge Matte
Foam paintbrush
Detail paintbrush
Wood plaque - small
Dress clipart
3 small rhinestones
Hot glue
1 Yard black velvet ribbon

Dress Clipart - jpeg
download and resize as needed

How To:
Paint the plaque with 3 coats using peach pearl paint and a foam brush. Use the gold paint and a detail paintbrush to add highlights to the edge of the plaque. Allow to dry.

Print and cutout the dress clipart. (you may need to adjust the size depending on your plaque size). Coat the backside of the clipart with Mod Podge and place in the center of the plaque. Topcoat with two coats of Mod Podge. Allow to dry.

Using a detail brush and gold paint, paint 3 tiny dots down the front of the dress. Use a small drop of Mod Podge to glue 3 rhinestones across the waist of the dress. Hot glue ribbon around the outer edge of the plaque. Hot glue the remaining ribbon to the back of the plaque in a loop to create a hanger.

Posted by cathieandsteve at 1:27 PM | Comments (0)

March 17, 2009

Make it: Spring Fling Headband

Make it: Spring Fling Headband

This project we designed for Plaid using a headband from the $1 store. You will want to begin with a basic headband that is wider in shape. I coordinated the ribbons and flowers to the Amy Butler print.

Supplies:
Headband
Mod Podge Matte
Foam Paintbrush
Scrap paper
Decorative Paper
Pencil
Scissors
Wax paper
Rick-rack trim
Hot glue
3 small silk flowers
3 medium rhinestones
Scrap of coordinating ribbon

How To:
1. Create a template of the headband by tracing it on a piece of scrap paper. Using the template as a guide cut the template from the decorative paper.

2. Working a a piece of wax paper and using a foam paintbrush, coat the back and front side of the paper with Mod Podge. Position the paper on the headband, press out any air bubbles with your fingers, smooth your brush strokes. Allow to dry.

3. Hot glue rick-rack trim to the edges of the headband. Hot glue silk flowers to the mid-top section. Hot glue a rhinestone to the center of the flowers. Hot glue a scrap of ribbon around the two ends of the headband to secure the rick-rack.

Posted by cathieandsteve at 10:57 AM | Comments (0)

January 26, 2009

CHA Day 1 - Winter Show

Goofing off on set up day at the Plaid Booth: Michael Jolly, Candie Cooper and Steve

This will be the only moment we have for a pic! Candi is making really cool Jewelry with Plaid beads and baubles.....if I could only steal a moment to make a piece!

Ohh La La: we have a new book in the house...Fabulous Fabric Beads by Kristal Wick!

Early Morning Day 2....lots o' makeup & a big breakfast - yum.

My sister came by for a little crafty sister support! Thanks Erin!!!

Altered Tiaras are the first project of the day....look for step-by steps soon.

Party Hat Madness! with the new Extreme Glitter and Mod Podge by Plaid.

Queen of the day! This is the purple glitter - flake free.

Crafty Blogger (aka the swell designer) popped by to make a tiara and say hello.

Steve is holding court as we begin the afternoon candle making! Step by steps coming soon....

So many awesome crafters stopped by for afternoon Mod Podge projects.

Ladies and gents...the lovely and talented Jenny Ryan - Look for new classes at reform school in Silver Lake. Wow.....so cool and fun. Visit soon.

Me, Drew Emborsky and Vickie Howell at the Lark Cocktail Reception. Yummy appetizers, bubbly drinks and the best craft books around! Who could ask for anything more?

The Lark Books party - so happy to be with lark! My new book 100 Onesies releases Spring 2010! (100 techniques for altering a baby onesie - over 150 projects in total + baby shower ideas complete with invites, cake recipes and mocktails) I just wish Deborah was here....:(

How cute!

Posted by cathieandsteve at 9:37 AM | Comments (0)

January 17, 2009

New Items & Photography at ETSY

Etsy Buy Handmade cathiefilian

Posted by cathieandsteve at 11:45 AM | Comments (1)