I love using things that would normally hit the trash can. This project reminds me to look at familiar objects with fresh insight. For years I've tossed away the lids to the McDonald's beverages. I was amazed when I looked carefully and noticed the raised icons. I can't wait to see what I can do next with the other emblems! SUPPLIES: Red nail polish or acrylic paint Yellow nail polish or acrylic paint Red paper Length of green floral wire … [Read more...] about How to Make a Hummingbird Feeder — Miniature Tutorial (1:12 scale)
crafts
How to Make a Miniature Rustic Bench
My sister has this wonderful rustic chair outside her house. It was made with twigs (okay...BIG twigs), and I love it. Right now, rustic/twig furniture is all the small rage. This pattern will work for a real miniature setting (1:12 scale) or for a fairy garden. This was also inspired by the wonderful tutorial by Lesley Shepherd. I urge you to check it out before you start this … [Read more...] about How to Make a Miniature Rustic Bench
Miniature Basket Tutorial
This is a fun project that keeps another bit of plastic out of the landfill. Here are two finished versions of this project. SUPPLIES: Empty and clean plastic coffee creamer container Quilling strip (or strip of paper cut 3/8 inch wide) Duct tape (optional) Masking tape (cut into half inch pieces) Scissors Punch (optional) Paper to match or contrast with your quilling strip Beads (optional) METHOD: 1. Cut the rim off the creamer … [Read more...] about Miniature Basket Tutorial
Excerpt from TEAR DOWN & DIE
Chapter 1 Early September... St. Louis, MO Sometimes you need to go backwards to move forwards. Especially when you doubt yourself and don't know what to do next. All my packing was done. Boxes that would go into storage formed an untidy wall around me. "Where you moving to?" asked one of the men from the van lines, as he flicked the butt of a Camel cigarette onto my lawn. Except it wasn't my lawn. Not anymore. So why worry? "I haven't … [Read more...] about Excerpt from TEAR DOWN & DIE
A Collage for My Beloved Beta Babes
This ZIA (Zentangle Inspired Art) was inspired by a new book, The Beauty of Zentangle, where a sister CZT, Kate Lamontagne, did a piece called "Under the Sea." Kate was in the same CZT class with me. To create it, I started by making a blue-green watercolor background. I sprinkled rock salt on the paper to lift the color in areas. When it was dry, I photocopied it so I could try several tangles. Also, the photocopy paper … [Read more...] about A Collage for My Beloved Beta Babes
A Crafty Treat for Dogs
I love owning Bichons. My groomer, Pam, says that Bichons are the only breed capable of real love. (Don't throw things at me! I'm quoting her!) But Bichons are also prone to a variety of problems, and poor teeth are right up there at the top of the list. They are also very emotionally sensitive. Leaving them behind really makes them upset. To combat both problems, I've come up with this treat. Using Easy Cheese (otherwise know … [Read more...] about A Crafty Treat for Dogs
