CraftyBitch 101

We have a winner!

noreply@blogger.com (Rhonda) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +0000

I am happy to announce that the winner of our recent blog giveaway is Amanda from The Cubas Cubs Corner! She will be receiving a huge box full of craft supplies!

I'm a little frazzled and behind on things right now with a lot on my plate, but mailing of packages that I owe a few of you and resuming of regular posting are soon to come! Hang in there, folks! :)

"Beautiful Grim"

jessica@jessicawardart.com (Jessica Ward) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 11:53:00 +0000

Here is the drawing I did for Beautiful Grim, 12×17″ Graphite, color pencil and chalk pastel on paper.
Available through the Beautiful Grim art auction for Breast Cancer Survivors.

Last day to enter - WIN FREE CRAFT SUPPLIES!

noreply@blogger.com (Rhonda) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 16:46:00 +0000

Today is the final day to enter to win a HUGE box filled with over $100 worth of craft supplies! Win yarn, fabric, beads, paper goods, and much more!

Don't procrastinate - the clock is ticking!

Click here to learn how to enter, and click here for a sampling of what is in store for the lucky winner!

This and that...

noreply@blogger.com (Rhonda) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 02:18:00 +0000

Whew, it's been a crazy few days!

I've been a bit under the weather with a terrible cold, which I then passed to my boyfriend. So I've been either sick or playing nurse for about a week now, and it's been eating into my blogging time severely.

Because of this, I owe the giveaway box about a week's worth of items. Since I am so far behind, and since the end is drawing so close, I've decided to make the last few items a surprise! There is still time to enter if you haven't yet!

I've spent some of my sick time surfing the net for inspiration, and found it in the form of photos of abandoned amusement parks. I can't put my finger in exactly what is so great about them, but I really enjoy looking at decrepit machinery being reclaimed by nature.

It inspired me to dig through some of my own photos, which in turn led to what will be a new ongoing project - I will be posting photos I take of abandoned places. (Oh how I love photography!) I started a blog for my photos at abandonedinmichigan.blogspot.com.

Works in progress

jessica@jessicawardart.com (Jessica Ward) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 06:58:00 +0000

Hello, I am Jessica Ward and this is my first post on CraftyBitch. I am a fine artist that lives and shows in LA. Here is a link to my website: Click Here

I have started on a few projects, one being a drawing on a piece of wood I cut out. Right now it's gessoed and sanded really smooth.

Here are a few other pieces I am working on as well. They are graphite on paper. Trying some new ideas out and used a stencil and spray paint.

Another thing I am working on is a drawing for "Beautiful Grim". It is an art auction fundraiser dedicated to Cat Rey with excess donations going to a later determined breast cancer charity. Click here

Spring Flowers Refrigetator Magnets - a great rainy day craft project for kids!

noreply@blogger.com (Rhonda) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:58:00 +0000

Celebrate the coming season with your kids with bright, cheerful crafts! Carrying on with my challenge to create as many projects as possible from a $1 package of foam sheets I bought the other day, I came up with these cute flower magnets. (They would make great gifts for Mother's Day!)

I drew the flowers free-hand and embellished them with coordinating buttons from my button jar. It is a very low-cost craft as well - the total cost for all 4 of these magnets was under 50 cents!

I posted the tutorial for them on Examiner. Click here to check it out!

Oh, the excitement!

noreply@blogger.com (Rhonda) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 21:08:00 +0000

Nothing lifts your day quite like receiving a package in the mail (even if it is something you ordered for yourself)! And today, my order from Etsy seller Beadshouse arrived!

I have been greatly anticipating this order. Beadshouse has so much gorgeous stuff, it was hard to choose just these things; I will have to go back for more! I got a tube of special German jewelry glue, six vintage ring blanks, two fabulous bird charms, and a total of six incredible cabs. I've been pretty heavily into steampunk designs with my jewelry lately, so this stuff is that much more exciting to me. Oh, the possibilities! I can't wait to get a chance to PLAY! :)

Beadshouse is an EXCELLENT seller. She had excellent communication and everything was just as described and even better in person. Plus her prices and selection are awesome! If you are a jewelry maker, head over to Etsy and <3 this shop!

The 32 Sheets of Foam Challenge - Project #1 - Foam Squares Picture Frame

noreply@blogger.com (Rhonda) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:17:00 +0000

The other day I was wandering around the Dollar Tree store near my house and came across a package of 32 sheets of craft foam, each sheet 4" by 6". I wondered to myself, how many projects can I get out of this $1 package of foam? And to make it more interesting... I am trying to only use other things from the dollar store for these projects!

Today I posted a tutorial for my first foam project: A super-fun picture frame!

The frame came from the dollar store, and the projected used only 2 sheets of foam (one in each color). Click here to see the tutorial!

I've been working on making some flower magnets this afternoon and will be posting that tutorial tomorrow. These projects are perfect for kids!

Make sure you don't miss a single one by visiting my Examiner page and clicking the "Subscribe" button at the top of the page. You will get a link to each of my articles delivered to your e-mail inbox when it is posted. I post once a day (with the occasional day off) and you won't get any spam. If you prefer to use an RSS feed reader, there is a button for my RSS feed as well!

Remember, subscribing qualifies you to enter my huge blog giveaway as well, for a chance to win over $100 worth of craft supplies!

Free Craft Supplies of the Day

noreply@blogger.com (Rhonda) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 06:03:00 +0000

In case you haven't heard, I am giving away a HUGE box of craft supplies! Every day this month I am adding more items to the box, and at the end of the month, one lucky reader will win! I got caught up in my Valentine's Day festivities yesterday and didn't post anything, so today I owe you two items. So first we have...

Beads! A box of plastic, turquoise-look beads in various shapes and sizes.

The other item today is...

Tissue paper squares! These are the pre-cut squares used for decorating floats. I used them to decoupage over the outside of a couple of recycled salsa jars to make really cool candle holders. They have a lot of great possibilities!

Want to see what else is in the box so far? Click here!

Want to know how to enter to win? Click here!

Fun with Popsicle Sticks

noreply@blogger.com (Rhonda) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 18:37:00 +0000

Popsicle sticks aren't just for kindergarten crafts - there are all kind of things you can do with them! (Though the kids can still help!) Today on Examiner, I posted a list of links to some great popsicle stick crafts including a birdhouse and an LED picture frame. There is also a slideshow of a few great popsicle stick creations from talented artists on Etsy and Artfire, like this basket by Artfire's STICKStoSTUFF. Check it out for even more inspiration!

Make sure you subscribe while you are there, then come back and enter my huge blog giveaway for a chance to win oodles of free craft supplies!

Win a HUGE box of free craft supplies!

noreply@blogger.com (Rhonda) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 01:22:00 +0000

What could be better than getting a big box of free craft supplies in the mail?

Every day this month I am adding more craft supplies to a big box, and at the end of the month, one lucky reader will walk away with the whole lot! I missed a few days, so at this point I owe the box three more items. So I am adding...

...Vintage pig doll parts! Two sets that each have a head and four feet. Way cool!

...Vintage fringe trim! Brand new in the package, two yards of awesome white fringe trim. Great for retro projects! (I had envisioned it around the upholstered base of an ottoman!)

And... More Fabric! Several yards of velvety-soft teal fabric, even brighter than my camera could capture!

If you want to see what else is in the box, click here.

For information on how to enter, click here.

I also still have two boxes of goodies left in my PIF giveaway! (And if you get there two late and they have all been claimed, follow the links in the comments to see more great PIF loot up for grabs!)

What's in the box today? (Craft supply giveaway!)

noreply@blogger.com (Rhonda) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 20:44:00 +0000

Every day in February I am adding more craft supplies to a big ol' box, and at the end of the month I am giving it all away! Time has gotten away from me the past few days, so I will be posting four items today.

Item number one today is... a kite paper punch!

A brand new, never-been-used paper punch in the shape of a kite. As with so many of my random crafty tools, I found it for a really good price, so I bought it and have not had occasion to use it. It's been collecting dust around here for years, so it's time for it to find a new home!

If you want to see everything that's in the box so far, click here!

To find out how to enter to win, click here!

More items coming later this afternoon and into the evening...

Last-minute Valentine Gift Projects

noreply@blogger.com (Rhonda) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 19:08:00 +0000

Need a last-minute Valentine gift? I have assembled a list of quick, easy, and inexpensive project ideas. Make a no-sew fleece heart scarf, a bouquet of paper flowers, and more!

And if you need some inspiration, I compiled a slideshow of fabulous Valentine designs from Artfire artisans, like this charm bracelet from Jewel Fire Designs.

While you are there, be sure to subscribe, then come back and enter my HUGE blog giveaway for a chance to win a big box of craft supplies! (I'm a few days behind on posting items for the giveaway, but never fear, I plan to get caught up today! Look for new items posted this afternoon!)

Make a Recycled Magazine Subscription Card Address File

noreply@blogger.com (Rhonda) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 03:45:00 +0000

Every time my mom buys a magazine, the first thing she does is leaf through and remove all of the subscription and information request cards stuffed between the pages. Otherwise, she says, they will just end up littering the living room floor as she works her way through the issue.

Next time you buy a new magazine, don't throw those cards away - recycle them into an address file instead! This simple idea uses a business card file box to hold cards cut from those pesky magazine cards.

Click here to see the tutorial!

While you are there, take a look around, subscribe, then come back here and enter my HUGE giveaway for a chance to win a big box full of craft supplies! (Click here for more information!)

Welcome to CraftyBitch 101, Jessica Ward!

noreply@blogger.com (Rhonda) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:32:00 +0000

I am happy to announce that CraftyBitch 101 has a new writer!

Jessica Ward is a talented artist (and old friend of mine) who lives in Los Angeles. She's got a penchant for the dark and a unique style, so her contributions should prove to bring an interesting new perspective to the site.

Check out her artwork at her website, JessicaWardArt.com.

Welcome to CraftyBitch, Jessica!

Pets Playing Dress-Up

noreply@blogger.com (Rhonda) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:25:00 +0000

Some find it cute, some find it ridiculous, and some even do it out of necessity. Whatever the reason, if you dress your animal in clothing (or just like looking at cute pets all dressed up), you will love my new article and slideshow at Examiner featuring pet clothes and costumes from Etsy, like this adorable monster hat from xmoonbloom.

Click here to see the slideshow! (Make sure you view it all the way through - some of them are downright hilarious!)

While you are there, take a look around, subscribe, then come back and enter my HUGE blog giveaway! (Click here to learn more!)

Unique DIY Wedding Program Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Rhonda) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:57:00 +0000

In addition to writing about arts & crafts at Examiner, I also write about budget weddings. My most recent article there is about making your own wedding programs.

I found several great ideas for fun, unique DIY wedding programs, all with tutorials. One even has puzzles and games to keep your guests entertained while they wait for the ceremony to start!

Making your own programs is a great way to save money. Check out the article for links to the tutorials!

Lots of free craft supplies!

noreply@blogger.com (Rhonda) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 03:17:00 +0000

Today, we have TWO giveaways for you!

First, we have today's edition of What's in the Box? Every day this month I am adding something else to a big box of craft supplies, and at the end of the month someone will walk away with the whole thing!

Today we have... Chains! Three 18-inch dog tag style ball chains, brand new in their packages.

Click here to see what else is in the box, and click here to learn how to enter to win!

And for our second giveaway, we have a Pay It Forward tree. The first five people to complete their entries will win a flat-rate shipping box crammed with goodies alot like the ones going into the big box! As of typing this entry, three people have replied, which leaves two boxes up for grabs. Click here to learn how to claim your loot!

I love Picnik.com

noreply@blogger.com (Rhonda) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 02:42:00 +0000

I just got done using Picnik.com to edit a couple of photos into buttons for my page. (Which I will be installing shortly!

I love Picnik! For anyone who has never tried it out, it is a great website that is easy to use. I haven't been able to afford PhotoShop for a while now, but this website works just fine for what I need! Bookmark it! :)

I have a brilliant idea!

noreply@blogger.com (Rhonda) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 01:07:00 +0000

I found this awesome tree stamp at Addicted to Rubber Stamps. I was searching for a good tree stamp to use for a brilliant project idea for a magnetic picture frame I found on sale at Walgreens today.

My idea is brilliant. BRILLIANT, I tell you!

Now I just have to budget in and order the rubber stamp. On the bright side, it will work wonderfully as a birthday gift for my card-making mother, whose birthday is in April!

PIF Tree - first five get free stuff!

noreply@blogger.com (Rhonda) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:17:00 +0000

Today I wrote an article at Examiner about Etsy PIF listings. PIF stands for "Pay It Forward." These listings are nearly free, with the stipulation that you do something nice for someone else. (The article also includes a slideshow of some of the coolest PIF listings I found!)

That got me thinking... How awesome would it be to start a PIF tree? Kind of like a chain letter, but way better! So... I am!!

The first five people to do the following will get a grab bag full of random craft supplies - as much as I can fit into a flat rate shipping box, and I am good at packing things!

Choose five items of your own to give away. It can be handmade items, craft supplies, knick-knacks from around the house, whatever you want to give away.
Write a post on your own blog offering those five items to people who do the same.
Come back here and leave a comment with your e-mail address and a link to your PIF blog post.

The FIRST FIVE COMMENTS get the grab bags, so hurry!

*** In order to win, you must include the link to your own PIF post! ***

Win free craft supplies!

noreply@blogger.com (Rhonda) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:38:00 +0000

Every day this month, I am adding different assorted craft supplies to a big box, and at the end of the month I am giving it away to one lucky reader. (And the box is starting to fill up quite nicely!)

Today I am adding: Red Lace!

I'm in a Valentine-y mood, so this red lace is perfect! There are actually 4 different types of red lace in this bag. I'm not sure exactly how much there is - so much that I don't want to measure! Yard upon yard of fabulous red lace!

Want to see what else is in the box?

Want to know how to enter to win?

DIY Valentine Candy Box Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Rhonda) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:11:00 +0000

It's finally up - my tutorial for making a box for giving handmade Valentine chocolates!

The decorated box can also be reused as decorative storage, so it's like two gifts in one!

Check out the tutorial!

Win Tinkerbell stickers and more!

noreply@blogger.com (Rhonda) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:42:00 +0000

Every day in February I am adding various craft supplies to a big box, and at the end of the month, one winner will snag the whole lot!

Today we have... Tinkerbell stickers!

Two booklets containing over 800 stickers perfect for princess birthday party invitations and many other girlie applications.

Want to see what else is in the box?

Want to know how to enter to win?