Spotted Canary Blog

I have to admit it… I am so enthralled with the Winter Olympics taking place in Vancouver. If it’s being broadcast, I’m having a hard time peeling my eyes away from the television. I enjoy sports, and was decent in the handful of events I was a part of back in the day. However, I’ve only been skiing twice in my life, I don’t care much for sledding, and I have never had an interest in ice skating. I am sure my desire for these activities lacks because they are all cold-weathered sports, and I hate to be cold!

I watch these Olympians in sheer awe – not because I wish I could do the amazing stunts or win Gold Medals, but because I am truly blown away at how each individual athlete has mastered their “craft.” I’ve seen the passion they exude and I have found myself comparing their dedication to and love for their sport to the passion and energy I have for crafting.

March is National Craft Month! That to me is a perfect excuse to dodge housework and craft all month! There are so many types of crafts to choose from, it shouldn’t be hard to stay busy. I’ve created a list of crafts to jump-start your minds

• Paper Mache

• Altered Items
 
• Scrapbooking

• Jewelry Making/Beading

 

 

• Needle Punch

• Macrame

• Wearable Art/Fabrics

 

 

 

• Polymer Clay

• Crocheting

• Clock Making

• Woodworking

• Sewing

• Origami

• Rubber-Stamping

• Floral Arranging

• Basket Weaving

• Candle Making

• Cross-Stitching

• Soap Making

• Pottery/Ceramics

 

• Mosaics

• Embroidery

• Metal Punch/Metal

• Knitting

• Stained Glass

• Weaving

If you love to craft, I challenge you to try a new craft or two this month. I can remember making my mother a macramé plant hanger when I was 7 years old. Little did I know THAT craft would still be thriving today! Perhaps I’ll refresh my memory and try my “older” hand at macramé this month.

No Time?

If trying a new craft is not in the cards for you because of time or expense, then perhaps you can share your crafting abilities and ideas with others in your circle of friends. Most people are very open to learning something new.

 
New to Crafting?

Consider signing up for a class at your local hobby or craft store. My best guess is that they will have lots to offer throughout March. Crafting has numerous benefits;

1. It can be therapeutic and help reduce stress
2. It can give moms and women a chance to get together for girl time
3. It also allows you to learn something new.

Kids, Kids, Kids!

If you have kids, have them invite a few friends over for crafting time. My oldest daughter does this quite a bit with her best girlfriends. I’ve taught them how to scrapbook, how to make tissue paper flowers, how to create fun designs with Perler Beads, and how to bead their own bracelets and necklaces. We’ve even painted t-shirts (although this became a little messy with 8 year olds)! Kids love it, almost as much as their parents do when their girls arrive home proud to show off their new creations!

I’ll leave you with the wonderful image of my 2-year old working on her Perler Bead project at the kitchen table! Not only is it fun to watch her craft, it’s almost as much fun picking all the beads off the floor!

How will you celebrate National Craft Month? If you care to share, please leave a comment at the end of the blog! I’d love to hear your plans!

Happy Crafting~

Karen (Kabby) 

 

 

Giving New Life to Recycled Lids:

Valentine’s Day is over and the chocolates are quickly disappearing from the heart shaped candy boxes.

 

Whatever you do, when that box is empty --

DON’T THROW IT AWAY!

Save all your candy boxes, especially the lids.
(They aren’t marked up from candy smears nor have greasy butter or oil spots on them.)

The lids make quick, easy wall art.

Shadow box frames were the first thing that came to mind when I saw the lid on my candy box.

• You can nestle found objects, treasured ephemera, or pieces from nature.
• The box lid is lightweight so it makes it a snap to hang on the wall by just adding ribbon. 
• The box lid surface is made from chipboard or pressed paper. Using a tacky type adhesive allows you to recover the box with beautiful papers and scrap pieces that you have left over from other projects. 
• You can create a collage wall of several box lid sizes and simply add a photo to the inside of them. It is instant wall art. This is a great type for college dorm rooms where you can’t make holes in the walls. Add those 3M removable hangers and you are set.
  

Use a variety of sizes of box lids to create initial art/monograms or to even spell words.

• Place a large die-cut letter or a glittery chipboard initial inside a box lid and hang on your teen’s bedroom door. 
• Use black, simple letters to spell the word “LOVE” for an entrance greeting or “EAT” for a kitchen piece of wall art. 
• During the holidays, use a variety of sizes of lids to create longer words, like Valentine’s Day or Halloween. They make such a dramatic effect resting on top of a fireplace mantel.
  

Create Collage frames or Collection boxes using jewelry box lids. When I was lucky enough to hang out with Holly Craft, she shared the idea of using jewelry boxes, glued side by side, to create collage frames or collection boxes. It was such a fabulous idea that I had to give it a whirl.

• Make sure to measure the space where your collection box will hang.
• Keep the number of boxes even in each row or leave spaces between them for a more modern approach.
• Focus on maintaining visual balance, no matter which way you layout the lids for your collection box.
• I love buttons, charms, keys, elements of nature, words, and sewing items to display in my own collection box.
  

When you pick up a box to toss in your recycling container, take a moment and really look at the shape, the size, and the style. Maybe it is just the perfect base for your photos, greetings or sentiments, or favorite treasures.

Why purchase a shadow box frame when you already have what you need at home.

Make it a goal to share your “up” styled lid next month on Spotted Canary for National Craft Month!

~Kara (Studio Pink)

It was way dark when the alarm went off and I grumbled when with one eye I saw that the time was thirty minutes earlier than usual. What was I doing last night to set the alarm so early? Then from the back of my sleepy brain a thought pushed forward … slowly … very slowly … oh yeah … today could be the day. I fumbled for the TV remote, held it close to my face so I could dial up the correct buttons and anxiously waited for the screen to come alive. Oh how I hope it will be today.

Then, there it was, running across the bottom of the monitor; a declaration of freedom; a permission slip for indulgence; a mandate to go back to sleep for four or five more hours. Mansfield ISD Closed. Oh how giddy those three words make me feel. But the best part is really yet to come … the best part is being able to share this happiness with the child who is still dreamily slumbering in his room. Because you know, most of the time as mothers, we only get to report the bad stuff … clean your room, do your homework, stop picking your nose … so it feels sooo wonderful to finally be able to report the good stuff.

Now because I have had a hand in raising this groggy and a bit grumpy child, he does not believe me when I tell him school is closed and insists on seeing the TV ticker line for himself. And as we paddle off in search of confirmation and affirmation, one for him, the other for me, I relish in the extraordinary possibilities of the day.

I love snow days. These are the days which you are expected, almost commanded, to stay home and go nowhere. These are the days you get to play outside for an hour or two and then warm up with a long soak in the tub. These are the days you get to spend the afternoon curled up on the couch watching movies or old TV shows. These are the days you play board games by firelight and eat “really bad for you” snacks.

And the best part of these days, even better than waking up the child with good news, is that everything is guilt free! I mean, after all, “they” told you to stay home; you have no choice but to do your civic duty and stay off the roads. And I’m all about being a model citizen. And I’m even more all about less guilt and more snacks! Who isn’t?

The only disappointing thing about snow days is that in the state I live in (and I’m not referring to my mental state) there aren’t enough. In fact, we are lucky to get ONE every few years. Well, actually, every SEVEN years. The last time we had enough snow to make a decent sized snowman or throw a snowball with a decent sting to its wallop was Valentine’s Day 2003.





But yesterday the seven year dry spell ended. And boy did it end BIG! Yesterday’s almost twenty-four hours of continuous snowfall brought the area almost 9 inches of white stuff. It was truly a winter wonderland that no one will forget! Well, at least until we hit day 56 of 100+ degrees in mid-August.





And even though yesterday was technically not Valentine’s Day, more like the Eve of the Eve of the Eve of Valentine’s Day, I think if it happens in nature twice, it might as well be an expected event from now on. So I say from this year forward, if the calendar says Valentine’s Day, it must be snowing in North Texas! It’s a perfectly logical assumption don’t you think? Not that I am in the least bit perfect or logical, but I can make a darn good assumption! Just ask my husband : ).

So in honor of our local record breaking snow and of Valentine’s Day, I give to you dear reader a gift. It is the gift of brevity; for my entry today is brief. It comes in well under my usual 1000+ word count. And maybe that pithiness comes from the fact that snow was not the topic I had originally planned on sharing this week. I had a whole thing on love and the things I love. Sappy, I know.

But the historic nature of, well, Mother Nature trumps love lists and so I’ll save the love for another time. Maybe I’ll go scrapbook the love lists. Or watch the snow melt from the front window. Maybe I’ll catch a few episodes of Hazel on the TV. Or better yet, climb back in bed to nap with my cat and wait for the magic to happen all over again next year … or the next … or maybe the next …

And while you’re waiting with me, here are some Valentine table décor ideas for you try. You still have time to use them this year … trust me, they can all be done within an hour … and even while the power is flickering.








Start with a simple table runner made from paper doilies. I picked these up at the dollar store and got a lot of bang for my buck! Just lightly hot glue the hearts together, point end to double-bump end. Easy with a capital Ease.







Accordion fold and trim a strip of pattern paper into a length of connected hearts and use as a napkin wrap. Embellishing the wrap with a chipboard heart and a ribbon tie makes it even cuter but without consuming much more crafting time.







Grab some clear contact paper from your craft supply stash and apply it to silhouette paper for a quick two-step placemat. Cut two pieces of contact paper about an inch larger than the silhouette paper and apply to both sides. Trim edges and viola, you have pretty and practical spill protection.








This centerpiece is simply made up of die cut shapes hot glued to bamboo skewers and then arranged in metal pots of raw beans. I added some paper shred to the tops of the pots to cover the beans because the pintos I choose to use didn’t work with my color scheme. The paper shred? Just a few sheets of plain white copy paper run through my shredder and crumpled for effect. Necessity is the mother of invention you know : ).














With some very stale pretzel sticks and some even older candy perils, I made these favor bags for my guests (aka my family) to take with them (aka back to the couch) for later munching. Inserting a jump ring to the top of a die cut strip makes attaching it to a ribbon tie easier.





And last but not least, a placecard for added fun (but it wouldn’t be fun if you were doing these in large numbers … save this project for small guest lists or adapt to be food labels for a buffet). Cover an empty thread spool with paper and insert a flower made from the lacey edges of a doily. Add a chipboard heart with the person’s name written on it and embellish with ribbon and another heart. There you go, another easy way to “thread” your theme throughout your table. Wahahaha.











Happy Valentine's Snow Day!

~ Elizabeth (ekb)

Right before I was married, my oldest brother gave me a book titled The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. At that moment in my life, I had time to read, so I did just that – I read it from cover to cover, absorbing all of it’s contents with hopes of adding more information to my knowledge file for marriage!
 
Out of all of the relationship books that I’ve read over the past twelve and a half years, by far, this book still tops my list of “books worth reading!”

The book speaks about the five love languages of humans:

1. Words of Affirmation
2. Quality Time
3. Gifts
4. Acts of Service
5. Physical Touch
   

As the book progresses, the author poses the challenge of figuring out what your love language is and how you can use it to maintain and strengthen the bond you have with your significant other.
 
I found it very hard to choose just one from the list of five, but searching deep within my soul and assessing my true personality; I realized my Love Language is #3, Gifts.
 
Not only do I like to receive gifts, I LOVE to give them. There is a certain satisfaction for me to see the reaction of the person who receives my gifts (I’m sure that’s one reason that I love Christmas so much).
 
I am not one who has to be told fifteen times a day that I am loved (although when my two year old tells me she loves me, it melts me!). I also don’t constantly need a certain amount of time set aside for “quality time” – we spend A LOT of time together as a family during summer and winter. Acts of Service, to me, are a general part of my daily routine, so I feel like that isn’t anything I am consciously doing to “show” love. And last, physical touch is fine and has a place in our marriage, but I don’t have to be hanging on my husband every waking moment to feel like I’m showing love.
 
Gifts are definitely ME!
 
Because I am creative and art and crafting are my biggest passions in life, I look at most projects as a “gift of myself” to be given to people I love. I scrapbook for my kids knowing someday they will get their books and not only do the albums reflect their childhood and upbringing, but they also contain pieces of me through artwork and journaling.
 
For this Valentine’s Day and for this specific post, since I am a Gifter (not to be confused with a re-gifter!!), I created some fun little projects (gifts) for all of the Expert Canary Followers. I have attempted to include many different types of crafting hoping to inspire all of you to recreate them for someone special for Valentine’s Day!
 
For the Paper Crafter:
I give the gift of a Decorated Wooden Love Sign. The unfinished die-cut sign was purchased at a local craft store, and I covered each letter with a different patterned paper. Once covered, I used embellishments from the K&Co. Brenda Walton Sweet Talk Line and different types of ribbons to decorate it. It’s perfect to hang on your front door to celebrate the holiday.

 

  

 

For the Card Maker:
I created two cards with simple Valentine sentiments. One uses some easy sewing techniques while the other one combines many different elements to accomplish a layered look. Step-by-step instructions can be found by clicking on the photo.

 

 

 

For the Needle Crafter:
I did needle felting on two hand towels for the bathroom or kitchen to help support the holiday. Needle felting is very easy to do and the results can be fun and many times, beautiful. After felting the hearts, I sewed ribbons to the tops for a little extra touch! These towels are the perfect gifts for moms or grandmas who love to be in the kitchen.
 

 
For the Jeweler:
Last, but not least, I created a necklace and a pair of earrings for the jewelers who follow! The crystals, rondelles and heart charm used in these pieces are all part of the Jolee’s Jewels line by EK Success. Although I am just beginning in the jewelry facet of crafts, I am enjoying it so much and am challenged to create unique pieces. Continue to check back for future blog posts about some of the jewelry I have been (and will be) designing.

 

 

 

No matter what your love language may turn out to be, my hope is that it is embraced completely and that a conscious effort is made by everyone to spread their love to those around them. After all, it is love that makes the world go ‘round - especially on Valentine's Day!
 
Happy Valentine’s Day!
 
Karen (Kabby )

 Valentine’s Day and homemade cards just go together like chocolate and flowers.

They are a tradition that melts my heart.

I am a confessed card saver.

I have saved every Valentine’s Day card since I have been married.

For the love of crafting, I have encouraged my children to create homemade valentines each year. I must say we have never purchased valentines for a classroom exchange. My children eagerly await the pink and red cardstock and the lovely heart doilies. Oh, and let’s not forget the glorious glitter.

With Valentine’s Day quickly flying in on cupid’s wings, we needed to get our ducks in a row or our hearts in order to come up with some fun, easy, and inexpensive valentine creations.

Visions of sugar danced in our heads as our thoughts went as straight as an arrow to the candy aisle. Pairing hearts and candy together equals a marriage of crafting loveliness. Here are some treats that won’t break your budget but will leave a sweet taste for the recipient.

Attach a witty message to your favorite candy for a sweet Valentine’s Day greeting.

Quick and Easy!

Simply cut out a heart or punch one using glittery paper and tape your sweet treat to it, spreading your love.

Below are some favorite candies and sweet sentiments to help you display your love.

They are the perfect treat for the sweet tooth in all of us!

• Reese’s Pieces: I LOVE you to PIECES!
• Jolly Ranchers: My Funny Valentine…you make me JOLLY!
• Snickers: Being around you makes me giggle and SNICKER with happiness!
• Bubble Gum: I CHEW-s You!
• 100 Grand Bars: You are a GRAND Valentine!
• Hershey Kisses: Hugs and Kisses XOXO!
• Smarties: Be SMART, choose me Valentine!
• Lollipops: STICK With Me Valentine!
• Life Savers: You are my LIFE-SAVER, Valentine!
•  Sweet Tarts: Be my SWEET-ie!
• Spree Candy: I am on a love SPREE with you!
• Milky Way Bars: My love for you shoots to the MILKY-WAY and back!
• Bit O’ Honey: You are as sweet as HONEY!
• Dove Chocolate: The Love DOVE is spreading Valentine wishes!
• Payday Bars: You are WORTH every penny!
• Now and Later: I like you NOW, but I will love you LATER!
• Sugar Daddy: U R my only SUGAR DADDY!
• Skor Bars: You SCORED a homerun in my heart!
• Fig Newtons: It FIG-ures we are in LOVE!
• Hot Tamales: 2 Hot 2 Handle
• M & M’s: MM Good!
• Almond Joy Bars: You fill my life with JOY, Valentine!
• York Peppermint paddies: Your COOL!
  
  If you want to continue the sweet “candy-licious” card making bliss, these projects will capture your creative heart and help you save your pennies:

“I am FORTUN-ate to have you, Valentine”:

1. Create paper fortune cookies with a personal message.
2. Simply die-cut, punch, or cut a circle.
3.  Fold and staple.
4. Add a personal message to the recipient.

“My heart is all a FLUTTER for you, Valentine”:

1. Use Smartie candies to create fluttery butterflies.
2. You could hang 2 from a card that says, “We’re 2 of a Kind!”

“Our Friendship BLOOMS” or “We R BUD-ies”:

1. Create flower blossoms using suckers or ring pops as your base.
2. Die cut, punch or hand cut flower petals.
3. Add a leafy message to the flower’s stem.

“You ROCK, Valentine”:

1. Create an music player using a box of conversation hearts as your base.
2. Wrap the box with paper and add Reese’s peanut butter cups for the headphones.
3. Create a “LOVE-ly” playlist or a personalized greeting.

“Our Friendship WRAPS my Heart”:

1. Using a candy necklace,
2. add a soldered charm or a jewelry charm to each necklace.
3. Initials personalize the gift.
4. Craft created for older teens.

“Eeek, I think you are the #1 CHEESE, Valentine”:

1. Using Hershey Kisses,
2. Create miniature mice to squeak your Valentine greeting.

THINGS to PONDER before baking up a batch of Valentine crafts:

• Keep in mind the audience you are creating the treat for. Younger children need the candy to be easy to open. You wouldn’t want them to accidentally ingest any tape or glue. There is no doubt that they will eat your sweet piece of Valentine art!

 

• Buy your valentine candy in the regular candy aisle at the store. The valentine candy aisle is always slightly more expensive. You are paying for the sweet candy wrappings. Stick to the basics in the regular candy aisle.

 

• Less glue is best when creating edible crafts. Don’t use a hot glue gun with sugary treats. They may melt more than just your heart!

 

• I hope your cupid’s calling cards are sweet treats for those special Valentines.

 

• Don’t forget to post your creations in the Spotted Canary Gallery. Share the love for crafting!
  
  Here’s to Sweet Crafting Beginnings!
  ~Studio Pink (Kara)