By Joanna Campbell Slan Although it seems like a fad, coloring was first prescribed by Carl Jung as part of his therapeutic regime for adults. For years now, therapists have suggested using coloring books as a way for adults to self-sooth. One theory is that the smell of the crayons reminds us of happier times and our childhood. It's also likely that the repetitive motion of our hands as we fill in spaces is soothing. Or maybe it's simply … [Read more...] about Six Tips to Improve Your Coloring
how to
Sweethearts–A Miniature Shop for Lovers
Around Valentine's Day I felt absolutely compelled to create a miniature shop of all things heart-shaped. But I didn't want to spend a lot of money. Here's what I wound up with... The shell of the shop was a paper mache "hatbox." I cut out the front door, covered it in black and white Contact paper, trimmed it with black Duck Tape, and added a patio. I also bought a cheap Styrofoam heart wreath and took it apart to put the hearts on the top … [Read more...] about Sweethearts–A Miniature Shop for Lovers
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
How to Create a Literary Vase
A beautiful fall vase! I was in St. Louis last week, visiting the Carondolet Branch Library for their Author Breakfast event. On the tables were lovely vases, created by Sarah Zolezzi. As a gift for us authors, we were allowed to take one home. But I walked off and forgot mine! ARGH! At least I took this photo. Sarah asked library volunteers to bring in their old vases. Here's what I imagine she did next: * Wash, clean, and dry the vases … [Read more...] about How to Create a Literary Vase
How to Make Paper Beads, Part II
Now that you have a plethora of long, skinny triangles, it's time to make your beads. For the next step, you'll need: 1. A lot of wooden toothpicks or skewers. They have to be ROUND, not squarish. These will be used as spindles. You'll wrap your paper beads around the toothpicks to shape them. 2. A block of Styrofoam. As you finish your beads, you will stick the toothpicks into the Styrofoam so that they can rest and … [Read more...] about How to Make Paper Beads, Part II
How to Create Inchies — and What to Do With Them When You're Done!
In my newest Kiki Lowenstein short story, she runs short of craft supplies and ideas. But Kiki never fails her customers, so she came up with a wonderful "make and take" project--inchies! Inchies are one inch by one inch pieces of original art. Typically they are collage art, but that's not always the case. What's so wonderful about inchies? Making them will... Stretch your creative muscle, Use up odd scraps of paper, Encourage you … [Read more...] about How to Create Inchies — and What to Do With Them When You're Done!
