Creative Juice

Materials:
12 mm stone, side-drilled through the center
sterling silver wire, 18- or 20-gauge
wire-cutters
round-nose jewelry pliers
mandrel

1. String and center stone on wire.

2. Fold wire in half with bead held in place at the center of the wire.

3. Place the stone on the mandrel at the appropriate size. Bend wire ends around the mandrel and loop around back through the bead (tape can be used to keep the stone in place).

4. Wrap wire ends around both "band" wires at the base of the stone to secure the stone. Wrap several times if needed. Once wrapped, using a wire cutter to snip off excess wire.

5. Using needle nose pliers to tuck in any sharp edges.

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Velvet Stamped Shawl

Materials:
1-1/2 yds. rayon velvet
1-1/2 yds. silky fabric lining (same width as the velvet)
iron
spray bottle
bold, patterned heat-resistant rubber stamps (must be clean)
pressing cloth
sewing machine
4 large decorative tassels
hand-sewing needles and pins
matching thread
tissue paper

Rayon- or silk-content velvet must be used to ensure quality results. This technique also works best with bold rubber-stamp designs; images that are deeply etched or have detailed line designs are not recommended because they do not imprint well.

1. Preheat iron on high and set for steam. Lightly mist the back of the velvet with water.

2. Place rubber stamp, stamp side up, on ironing surface. Lay fabric (velvet side down) on the stamp, place a pressing cloth on fabric and press hot iron to cloth. Hold for 10-20 seconds, lift iron and repeat as needed. Dry-cleaning is recommended.

3. Cut the lining and stamped velvet to the same size. Place the fabrics right sides together and stitch around the edges, leaving an opening for turning. Trim inside corners to remove excess fabric. Turn fabric right side out and whip-stitch the opening closed.

4. Hand-stitch tassels to the corners.

Tips for Sewing Velvet and Silk

1. Lay fabric with the velvet side up; place a sheet of tissue paper on top of the velvet. Place silk fabric on top of tissue paper, right side down. Pin the layers together, using silk pins every 1-1/2"-2" to prevent slipping while sewing.

2. Using a sewing machine (a #2 stitch works best), stitch around the outside of the fabrics, leaving an opening to turn fabrics right side out.

3. Trim away excess fabric around the seams.

4. Carefully tear away tissue paper to reveal a pucker-free seam.

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Eiffel Tower Appliquéd Pillow

Posted by cathieandsteve at 5:32 PM

CHA - Crafty Friends & Family

Steve's mom Kathy stopped by for a visit.

All Smiles :)

We met up with the super fun Norma Rapko Vargas.

After a full day of glitter & glue some of us crafty girls got together for a little happy hour and fun.

Jewelry Designer Candie Cooper & Leah Kramer from Craftster

Jennifer Perkins of Naughty Secretary Club and the fabby Margot Potter with her hubby

Collage Artist Traci Bautista and Hope Perkins of Hot Pink Pistol

Posted by cathieandsteve at 4:59 PM

CHA - Snow Peeps

The snow peeps were a huge hit! To make them we used Plaid's new Texture paint. I think of the paint more like a texture paste. Super safe and fun for kids...Non-toxic and made in the USA.

To make the snow peeps we rolled 2 different sized Styrofoam balls in 2-coats of the white texture paint. We connected the balls with a toothpick and a drop of glue and added a wood disk to the bottom to form a base.

For decorations we used buttons for eyes, toothpicks dipped in orange paint for noses, felt for scarves, painted bottle caps for hats, scrapbooking brads and rhinestones for buttons.

This project is great for kids of all ages.

SO CUTE!

Annie from Paper Source (my favorite paper store) made a snow dog!

Allison made a sweet snow peep.

Claudia from Paper Source made a snow owl :)

Love the rhinestone eyes.

Big SMILE!

John from Plaid really impressed us with his mad felt skills.

Posted by cathieandsteve at 11:47 AM

CHA - Chalkboard Paint Rocks

We have been working with Plaid's Chalkboard paint for over 6 month now and it is official...I LOVE IT! For this project we wanted to use the chalkboard paint on a recycled surface so we choose old CD's and record albums. We used the black chalkboard paint on thrift store albums to make chalkboard clocks and we used it on CD's to make door hangers. The paint will be available first at AC Moore (August) and then at Jo-Anns - not sure when it will hit Michaels/Hobby Lobby and Independent craft stores.

Steve and I will be selling a kit that contains all 10 colors this Friday (July 25th) on QVC at 6:00 am Eastern it will be in the Santa's Toy Shop Hour. If you miss the QVC show you can always order it online from QVC. Here is a link to the QVC schedule.

(Sorry for the bad picture)

To make the Door Hangers you will need:
Plaid's Chalkboard Paint (10 different colors available)
Old CD
Foam Paint Brush
Scrap Ribbons
Fun Charms
Light Sandpaper or Primer

Steps:
Begin by giving the CD's a light sand or prime them.

Paint 3 layers of the chalkboard paint onto the CD. Allow for dry time in between coats. The first coat should go in one direction, the second coat the opposite direction the third coat should be the same as the first coat.

Condition the chalkboard paint by rubbing a piece of chalk all over the CD. Wipe clean and you have a chalkboard!!

Thread 24" ribbons through the center to create a hanger. Tie a knot at the top of the CD and again at the top of the ribbons. Thread a charm onto a ribbon and tie around the ribbons.

The purple paint was a hit!

Connie is checking out all the colors.

Everyone loved making this easy craft.

Special Effects Artist, Michelle McCue, stopped by to make one and brought us some art work she made using our technique from the Mod Modern episode of Creative Juice.

SO COOL! - Love the google eyes!

Posted by cathieandsteve at 11:09 AM

One Lucky Girl

While I was in Chicago for CHA, my hubby and I celebrated our 4 year anniversary and I must say that I am one lucky girl - because he is the best hubby ever!!!

My feet were dragging and my back was killing me from standing at the convention all day - I was pooped and when I opened the door to my hotel room - I had the prettiest bouquet of flowers waiting for me.

Suddenly my back didn't hurt anymore :)

Posted by cathieandsteve at 10:28 AM

CHA - Mommy and Me Halloween Bags

One of the best selling items Plaid has is Stencils. They are super easy to use on wood, fabric, canvas, etc and you can get them in a variety of sizes and fonts. The font in the above bag is 2" tall. I used Folk Art Fabric Paint in White and Silver to stencil and outlined the letters in Folk Art Dimensional Glitter Paint (fuchsia color).

To make your own here is what you will need:

Black Canvas Tote Bag (Any Craft Store)
White and Silver Folk Art Fabric Paint
Fuchsia Folk Art Dimensional Paint
Stencils
Stencil Brush
2 Rhinestones for Eyes
Funky Trim or Ribbon

Steps:

Sew or use fabric glue to attach funky trim to the top of the bag.

Lightley dip your stencil brush into the silver paint and tap off any excess paint. Swirl the brush around the corners and along the sides to add depth and color to the bag

Making the spider: Paint your child's hand with the fabric paint. Don't worry... it is non-toxic and made in the USA. Be sure you paint just the palm and 4 fingers to create an 8 legged spider.

Press the hand onto the bag in the desired position to create a hand stamp. Apply more paint to the hand and working in the opposite direction (overlapping the palm section) press the onto the bag again. Fill in the palm section with a few swirls of paint.

Using the stencils and a dry stencil brush, stencil the name or a Halloween message across the bag using fabric paint. For the Lilly bag, I blended the white and silver paint together. Once the paint is dry to the touch (15 min) outline the letters with the dimensional paint.

Add rhinestones for eyes using a drop of the dimensional paint for glue. Add spiderwebs or more rhinestones until you are happy with the design.

Here are a few more design ideas:

Free Form Spiderweb

Posted by cathieandsteve at 10:10 AM

July 19, 2008

Recycled Monsters at CHA

The theme of this summers CHA is Kids Crafts - so Steve and I have developed some ideas that are kid friendly, parent approved and just plain fun.

We spent 3 hours teaching how to transform salad dressing bottles into fun glow in the dark monsters with a cousin it vibe. The monsters are designed to help kids that might be afraid of the dark. They can create their own glowing monster that will scare away any monsters that might be under the bed.

Each one turns out different and both boys and girls age 3-8 loved this project. This is a great classroom, camp, birthday party craft.

I see you!

Punky Pink!

Off center...

Not so blue!

Glow in the dark Mod Podge

Steps:
Clean out the bottles and paint the outside with black spray paint.

Attach the cheese cloth to the bottle with glow in the dark Mod Podge by wrapping the cheese cloth around the bottle in a "mummy" fashion. Saturate the cheese cloth with the Mod Podge. Allow to dry.

Create the hair: Wrap yarn around a 10" piece of scrap cardboard about 30 times. Tie off all the layers with a scrap piece of yarn. Working opposite of the tie, cut through the layers. Grab the hair at the tie and place into the opening on the bottle. the hair should fall to each side of the bottle. You can braid the hair, add layers, cut bangs, etc.

Attach google eyes with tacky glue. You can do one big eye in the center or two eyes off center, etc. The eyes really give the gritters personality so have fun here.

Here are some of our crafty friends that stopped by make a monster!

Posted by cathieandsteve at 8:18 AM

July 18, 2008

CHA Set Up DAY!

Steve gets busy setting up our displays.

John, Chris and Shauna almost finished!

Our Booth - almost all set!

Posted by cathieandsteve at 6:45 PM | Comments (1)

July 16, 2008

Homemade Hardware on Creative Juice

Cathie Filian and Steve Piacenza Homemade Hardware on Creative Juice

Tune in or Tivo
Thursday July 17th - 12:30 eastern DIY network

Pipe-Part Candlesticks: Patina Finish

Materials:
3/4" lead pipe, 6" long
3/4" lead flange
3/4" lead coupling
Sophisticated Finishes Patina Antiquing Set (includes copper metallic surfacer and patina green antiquing solution)
foam brush
acrylic primer

1. The flange will become the base of the candlestick. Screw one end of the pipe to the flange and the other end to the coupling.

2. Use a foam brush to apply a coat of primer to all surfaces and let dry.

3. With a small brush, apply copper metallic surfacer to the candlestick. Once dry, apply a second coat, but do not let this coat dry completely.

4. When the second coat becomes tacky, use a small paintbrush to apply patina green antiquing solution. Let the solution drip completely down the candlestick; wait a few minutes for the color to change.

5. Place a candle in the candlestick holder; if the candle is too loose, wrap its base with a small piece of aluminum foil to secure the fit.

Pipe-Part Candlesticks: Painted Finish Materials:
3/4" lead pipe, 6" long
3/4" lead flange
3/4" lead coupling
metal paint
foam brush
ribbon
hot glue

1. The flange will act as the base of the candlestick. Screw one end of the pipe to the flange and the other end to the coupling.

2. Using a foam brush, apply a coat of metal paint to all surfaces. Use a dry brush to feather the pipe, creating a distinctive textured look ,and let dry.

3. Apply a second coat of paint to the flange and coupling.

4. Embellish the top with a decorative ribbon; glue in place, folding back ends to prevent fraying.

5. Wedge a candle in the candlestick holder; if the candle is too loose, wrap the base with a small piece of aluminum foil to secure the fit.

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Washer Jewelry

An ordinary metal washer becomes a funky piece of jewelry with nothing more than decorative paper and glaze.

Materials:
large washer
origami or other decorative paper
scissors
Quick Hold craft glue
Diamond Glaze from Judikins
pencil
1 yd. leather cording
leather clasp
flat-nose pliers
large hole punch

1. Make a laser-printer copy of the decorative paper; only a laser-printed image will work with this project, as a laser image will prevent the colors from bleeding when the diamond glaze is applied.

2. Trace the washer on laser-printed paper. Use a craft knife to cut out first the center, then the complete washer.

3. Place the washer smooth side down and glue paper to the rough side using Quick Hold craft glue.

4. Apply diamond glaze to the top of the washer; use a wooden skewer to spread the glaze, being careful to cover the entire surface of the washer. Let dry for 24 hours.

5. Cut lacing to desired length, fold in half, feed the folded end through the center of the washer and loop loose ends through the folded end.

6. Feed both ends of the cording through a bead, and slide bead down to the washer.

7. Trim ends of the lacing to fit your neck; attach a jewelry clasp to the ends using flat-nosed pliers.

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'70s Storage Locker

The '70s are making a comeback, and with this groovy storage locker decorated with lace trim, you’ll be packing in style.

Materials:
small footlocker
wide lace trim
thin rattail cord
tacky glue
scissors
dark red acrylic paint
acrylic primer
medium paintbrush
glazing medium
gold Rub N Buff

1. Tape off trunk hardware to protect from accidental paint drips.

2. In a bowl, mix white glue with water. Cut lace to fit edges, sides and top of trunk. Using a foam brush, apply glue directly to the trunk and attach lace.

3. Attach rattail cord to the trunk with glue mixture, creating decorative swirls, zigzags, patterns, etc. Use other pieces of lace to create flower shapes; just be sure to work on one side at a time (face up) and allow the strings to dry before moving to the next side.

4. Apply primer to entire trunk, making sure to really work the primer into the lace. Let dry overnight.

5. Apply red paint to the trunk; as with the primer, push the paint down into the lace and rattail cording. The process uses a large amount of paint, so make sure to allow a couple of days for the paint to dry.

6. Apply gold Rub N Buff to lace edges to bring out detail.

7. Remove the tape.

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Tool Pegboard

Tired of losing tools? Simple outlines on a pegboard will help keep crafting supplies organized and together in one place.

Materials:
appropriate size pegboard
tool hangers made for pegboard
spray paint (base color)
acrylic paint (accent color)
pencil

1. Paint base color on pegboard.

2. Hang tools on purchased hangers.

3. Outline tools with pencil.

4. Paint outline with acrylic accent color.

Posted by cathieandsteve at 11:58 AM | Comments (1)

Farmers Market on Creative Juice

Cathie Filian and Steve Piacenza
Farmers Market on Creative Juice

Tune in or Tivo
Thursday Morning - July 17th - HGTV

Picket Fence Planter

You don’t need a backyard to grow fresh herbs. This picket fence planter box turns windows and balconies into personal farmers’ markets.

Materials:
planter box (we used a 24" x 6" x 7" box)
30 paint stir sticks
cream craft paint - Folk Art
DecoArt Antiquing Stain medium
paint brushes
3⁄4" finishing nails
hammer
pencil
ruler
potting soil
mint plants

1. Measure the box to determine how many paint stir sticks will be needed, assuming they are placed approximately 1" apart. Mark the placement of each stick on the box using a ruler and pencil.

2. Paint the planter and the sticks with a mixture of equal parts DecoArt Antiquing Stain medium and cream craft paint.

3. Place a stick flush against the work surface and against the planter. Mark the points on each stick where they will be nailed to the planter. We marked each stick at the 1-1/2" and the 5" mark.

4. Use a hammer to tap a finishing nail into each stick at the designated points.

5. Line up each stick with the marks on the planter and finish pounding the nail through, attaching the sticks to the planter. To line the ends up easily, place the end and center piece sticks first and fill in with the remaining sticks.

6. Fill the planter with potting soil and plant the mint. Water and enjoy watching your mint garden grow.

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Organic Garden Markers

These aren’t your ordinary garden-variety markers. Using copper wires and a wood-burning tool, we add a creative touch to any garden.

Materials:
twigs or branches, purchased at a home décor store or found
coping saw
utility knife
pencil
wood burning tool
wood burning tip – fine point
decorative wood branding tips
22 gauge cooper wire
beads
jewelry wire cutters

1. Use a coping saw to cut branches in 1' lengths.

2. Approximately 7" from the end of each branch, using a utility knife, whittle layers from the branches. Continue whittling until there is a flat slant of planed wood exposed along 7" of each branch wide enough to fit lettering.

3. Write the name of the plant vertically on the exposed wood, leaving some space at the top and bottom for decorative branding. Use the wood burning tool and a fine tip to burn the letters into the wood.

4. Let the wood burning tool cool completely. Change the tip to a decorative branding tip and re-heat the tool. Brand the wood above and below the lettering.

5. Wrap copper wire three times around the top of the branches, above the lettering. Add a small loop at the end of the wire to prevent sharp ends. Add beads. Continue wrapping, being careful to place the wire between the letters, to keep the letters legible. Add more beads and wrap the wire three times at the bottom of the twig. Snip off excess wire. Add a small loop to prevent sharp ends.

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Funky Garden Gloves and Apron

Spice up your garden attire with a little fabric paint and flowers.

Materials: plain canvas apron green fabric dye green fabric paint, such as "Folk Art Fabric Paint" paint brushes vinyl in three colors small cup (or something else to use to trace a circle) pen or pencil scallop shears sequins small glass beads embroidery floss needle scissors pink ruffle lace trim sewing machine green garden gloves pink fabric paint, such as "Folk Art Fabric Paint" yellow fabric paint, such as "Folk Art Fabric Paint" pearlizing medium pencil with intact eraser large rhinestone jewel glue

1. Apron -- dye the apron green according to package instructions and let dry. Fabric dyes work best on natural fibers such as cotton and linen, as well as rayon. Blends such as cotton/polyester will also work, but, the resulting color will be lighter than indicated on the dye package. Most types of fabric dye will not work on 100% polyester fabrics.

2. Using a straight stitch on a sewing machine, attach lace trim along the top edge of the apron and fold under the ends. Use a needle that is appropriate for the type of fabric being sewn – we used a needle that can handle heavier fabrics.

3. Use a circular object to trace a circle on the back of the vinyl. Cut the circle out using scallop shears – the circle will become a flower. Thread a needle with embroidery floss and holding the flower in position, sew it down in the center, adding a sequin and a bead. If the apron has pockets, be sure to sew through just the top layer of the pocket. Repeat these steps to make two more flowers.

4. Paint stems for each flower with green fabric paint.

5. Gloves -- using a straight stitch on a sewing machine, attach lace to the cuff of each glove. Be sure to use the appropriate needle in your sewing machine – these gloves are suede; we used a leather needle.

6. Mix one part pearlizing medium to one part yellow fabric paint and paint a ring band across one of the glove fingers. Let the paint dry before gluing a large rhinestone to the center of the band.

7. Mix one part pearlizing medium to one part pink fabric paint. Use the tip of a pencil eraser to paint dots (a "pearl bracelet") across the wrist of the glove. Decorate the second glove to compliment the first glove. Let the paint dry completely before wearing the gloves.

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Raspberry and Orange Smoothies

Reap the fruits of your labor with these delicious smoothies made with farm-fresh ingredients.

Ingredients:
2 medium oranges, peeled, cut into bite-size pieces (1 cup)
1 c. plain low-fat or nonfat yogurt
1 c. fresh or frozen raspberries
1 tbsp. honey
1 c. crushed ice

1. Place all ingredients, except ice, in a food processor or blender and process until smooth.

2. Add ice, blend briefly and serve.

This recipe makes 4 cups.

Posted by cathieandsteve at 11:23 AM

July 15, 2008

We Got The KEYS!

Keys to our new home!

July 10th, 2008

Eliza landed just in time for the big day.

So Excited!!!! Eddie carried me over the threshold.

Time for a TOAST and lots of painting :)

Posted by cathieandsteve at 10:01 PM

July 12, 2008

Countdown to CHA - Chicago

2 different "Make and Takes" each day!!

Come get crafty with us at CHA in Chicago! We will be in the Plaid booth each morning and afternoon! We will be demoing the hottest crafts that families can make together and kids can do on their own. Don't worry if you can't make it - I'll post all the pics and instructions here.

Friday, July 18

Morning: Saucy Monsters made with recycled sauce bottles and glow in the dark Mod Podge.

Afternoon: Trick or Treat Bags made with hand print spiders and Mailbox Stencils.

Saturday, July 19

Morning: Rock and Roll Chalk Paint. Record albums and cd's get a makeover with chalk paint.

Afternoon: Snow Families made with Texture paint and recycled goodies.

Posted by cathieandsteve at 11:34 AM

July 10, 2008

New Laundry Closet Design

click pic to enlarge

It is funny, when I first started to design the colors (etc) for the new house - my head was swimming with ideas for the master bath, living room and the perfect white for the kitchen cabinets. The laundry room was last on my list. Well not anymore - since the new washer and dryer are being delivered on the 18th and the closet looks a fright - we needed to act fast!

We picked up the paint a few days ago from Home Depot - The paint is by Behr and the color is butternut squash. I love the warm yellow color and since this is a closet and not a room, I think it will be bright & cheery.

I am recycling some closet maid shelving that was left behind by the previous owners in the guest bedroom closet. I hang dry almost all of my clothes and now I will have a small space dedicated to the damp clothes.

The budget has been pretty good for this little room. $1256.00 Total!

New washer and dryers from Sears - $1200.00 (on sale)
Paint and primer from Home Depot - $50.00 ($5 rebate by mail)
Paint supplies - $0 (we own)
Shelving - $0 (recycled from old closet)
Shelving tips from Home Depot - $6.00
Drip dry hangers - $0 (we own)
Wet clothes bin - $0 (recycled from craft room)

Posted by cathieandsteve at 11:53 AM | Comments (3)

July 8, 2008

Count Down to QVC

Check Us Out - JULY 25th on QVC

Steve and I have been busy bees getting ready for QVC's Christmas in July. I have paint all over my hands from building the samples. (I am in "big time" need of a mani and a pedi wouldn't hurt either)

We are showcasing a new chalkboard paint that is so cool. The paint turns almost any surface into a chalkboard. We have used it on Fabric, Wood, Acrylic, Record Albums, DVD's and Metal. It takes about 3 good coats of paint and then you are ready to chalk out your message. The paint is made by Plaid and is available in 10 colors. The kit we are selling is filled with all 10 colors, a paint brush, idea sheet and a jumbo ornament shape to paint.

QVC Air Date: July 25th - Christmas in July Block

Times:
Pacific: 6pm to 9pm
Mountain: 7pm to 10pm
Central: 8pm to 11pm
Eastern: 9pm to midnight

Be sure to call in.....all calls are live!

Posted by cathieandsteve at 10:09 PM