The Artful Crafter

Saturday Craft Link Swap #264

2014-12-20T08:36:00.001-06:00

This week's links are just full of holiday cheer: pretty decorations, gift and ornament ideas and warm wishes.

I hope you enjoy them.

Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season!

Episode 9: An Undisclosed Location

Peace Ornaments

Carmi's Art/Life World

Cupcake Liner Christmas Trees

Beading Arts

Decorate Your Home for the Holidays with Handmade Crafts

2014-12-19T05:00:00.001-06:00

Cone Christmas trees can be cute or elegant. They look great on a mantelpiece, sideboard or sofa table.

Many of us have several wreaths up at this time of year: big ones outside, not always on the front door, and small ones inside the house where we want an extra holiday touch.

How many wreaths are you putting up this year? I only have two and am feeling wreath-deprived.

Holiday Crafts: Kids' and Christmas Card Projects

2014-12-18T05:00:00.001-06:00

Looking for little crafty gifts or something to keep the kids busy on a snow day? Here are a few we've collected over the years.

The two bread dough ornaments were made by my son when he was seven or eight. I made the clothespins skier and other clothespin gifts as Christmas presents one year for the neighborhood.

My Christmas themed Post-it note holder project was featured by Scor-It.com (now a part of Zutter in their project gallery as a project of the month.

The stuffed cuddly snowman was created by my friend Shaaron Chambers from a pillowcase! You can take it apart after winter if you like. No bulky holiday decor storage problem with this project.

Just looking at all these memories puts me in a Christmas mood.

Cupcake Liner Christmas Trees

2014-12-17T05:00:00.000-06:00

Cupcake Liner Christmas Trees are Everywhere

I've been seeing these cute cupcake liner Christmas trees all over the internet, but the cutest I've found are at Taters and Tots and Jello.

The photos are great, but the instructions are pretty sketchy. In trying to make them, I found certain techniques to be very helpful for cupcake liner Christmas trees.

I tried two color schemes: traditional Christmas red and green; and more modern black, white and red. My husband selected the traditional red and green cupcake liner Christmas trees for our home, so the images in this tutorial are a bit mixed.

Read more.

Quick and Easy Christmas Tree Ornaments Part 2

2014-12-16T05:00:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I shared the first group of quick and easy (for the most part) ornaments we've created for the Artful Crafter over the years. Today I have to admit, there are a few that take a bit more time and planning.

But they were a lot much fun to make! I'm thinking especially of all the light bulb ornaments and the mini-pine cone wreath ornament.

Time is so hard to find these days; but isn't it wonderful when we can just sit down and craft for hours? That's all I want for Christmas this year - time to craft to my heart's content. How about you, what would like more time for this Christmas?

Quick and Easy Christmas Tree Ornaments Part 1

2014-12-15T05:00:00.002-06:00

As I look back on the ornaments we've created for the Artful Crafter over the years, it strikes me how quick and easy many of them are, as well as how many use up bits and bobs you probably have lying around the house.

I broke them into two parts so you could more easily check into the ones that appeal to you. I know how overwhelmed everyone is at this time of year. Part 2 coming up tomorrow.

Saturday Craft Link Swap #263

2014-12-13T08:15:00.000-06:00

Cyndi has made a lovely ribbon necklace and has a book to give away! Tammy is planning a monster Christmas for someone special.

Carmi is coordinating her third annual special resin showcase! She will ship you two resin hearts to fill if you would like to participate.

I have a cute Victorian ornament template for you. The candy cones are made from paper and ribbon. Designed to hold candy, they could hold other trinkets as well.

I hope you're having a lovely weekend. We'll be putting up our tree today. Are we early or late?

Beading Arts	Carmi's Art/Life World
Need a Hand!	Victorian Candy Cone Christmas Tree Ornaments

Pinterest Tips & Holiday Most Pinned

2014-12-08T05:00:00.000-06:00

Pinterest Tips & Things to Know

I have some Pinterest tips to share. Whether you're new to Pinterest or have been using it awhile, there are some things you ought to know. Pinterest is terrific if you know how to use it efficiently and how to avoid spammers, like fake followers trying to get information about you.

But first, to give you an idea of how useful Pinterest can be for people with business websites, here are our most popular crafts this holiday season as shared by followers on Pinterest.

Read more.

Saturday Craft Link Swap #262

2014-12-06T05:00:00.000-06:00

We have a fun lineup for your entertainment this Saturday.

Do you have your Christmas decorations up yet?

Andrew has been sculpting his own molds and pouring some pretty off-beat Christmas ornaments. I'm sharing winter holiday-themed decoupage glass plates.

Cyndi has created a gorgeous necklace featuring her hand sewn shibori silk flowers. What a great gift this would make!

Congratulations to Carmi for having her "Elizabethan Inspired Pearl Tiered Necklace" featured in the winter issue of Perles et Cetera magazine.

Tammy, The Crafty Princess, has a new book out. The title really surprised me. How about you?

Cherie is enjoying stretching her mixed media wings and going where she hasn't been before.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Beading Arts

Blue Jean Baby

Carmi's Art/Life World

Decoupage Under Glass Using Holiday Theme Paper Napkins

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton

My New Book!

Artificial Foliage Miniature Wreath Ornaments

2014-12-04T05:00:00.000-06:00

Make Artificial Foliage Miniature Wreath Ornaments from Saved Gift Toppers and Greenery

Clean out your stash and make artificial foliage miniature wreath ornaments with what you have on hand at the same time.

These three artificial foliage miniature wreath ornaments were made using wooden curtain rings plus bits and pieces of artificial foliage collected over the years.

Read more.

Miniature Pine Cone Christmas Wreath

2014-12-03T09:47:00.000-06:00

Miniature Pine Cone Christmas Wreath Measures 3 Inches in Diameter

You won't be able to make this miniature pine cone Christmas wreath unless you can find miniature pine cones this small. I'm told by local agronomists that they are from a type of swamp pine, perhaps a member of the cypress family.

The curtain ring wreath is only 3-inches in diameter. The miniature cones average 0.5cm!

This wreath is actually a tree ornament.

If you live in parts of the south, you just may be able to find some of these tiny cones in your own yard. You can sometimes find them on Etsy or at Save-On-Crafts.

Miniature Pine Cone Christmas Wreath Directions

Christmas Scene Diorama Ornament

2014-12-02T05:00:00.000-06:00

Our Lady of Guadalupe Christmas Scene Diorama Ornament

Do you fondly recall making diorama projects in grade school? If yes, you'll enjoy making this Christmas scene diorama ornament.

The shape of the female peg person suggested Jesus' mother Mary to me, especially clothed as she appeared to the peasant Juan Diego in Mexico as the Virgin of Guadalupe.

The wooden peg people come in five shapes and sizes and could be used to create characters like Santa & Mrs. Santa, a penguin, nutcracker, drummer boy, toy soldier, baby Jesus or a group of elves.

Read more.

Winter Scene Christmas Ornament

2014-12-01T05:00:00.000-06:00

Recycle Household Items into Charming Winter Scene Christmas Ornament

Make a wooden curtain ring, some acrylic paints and crackle medium plus bits and pieces you have lying around the house into a charming winter scene Christmas ornament.

Read more.

Saturday Craft Link Swap #261

2014-11-29T05:00:00.000-06:00

If you're looking for some new holiday DIY craft ideas, Cyndi has three books to give away!

Carmi had a resin disaster. You know the phrase, "When life gives you lemons ..."? Carmi made a "diamond"-encrusted pendant from a horrible resin mess. This is a must-see!

Lisa has made a festive cornacopia bracelet.

Cherie has some new prints and some inspiring words to share this week.

Tammy reviews a book on paper quilling. To learn more about this art form, see The Art of Quillery or Paper Quilling.

At The Artful Crafter, we're getting ready for Christmas. Stay tuned for many new Christmas ornaments this year! I've got the supplies and lots of new idea to share.

Beading Arts

A Bead A Day

Grace and Hope

Carmi's Art/Life World

Beautiful Paper Art!

Holiday Crafting with The Artful Crafter: Kids' and Christmas Card Projects

Turkey Goodie Bags for Young Guests

2014-11-27T08:44:00.004-06:00

Turkey Goodie Bags for Some Take Home Treats

Make these turkey goodie bags to send young Thanksgiving guests home with some special memories just for them. You can fill the turkey goodie bags with whatever you like: leftovers, candies, little toys.

Our Thanksgiving dinner will include three children we haven't seen since last Thanksgiving. Whenever I saw something small that brought them to mind during the year, I bought and set it aside. So their turkey goodie bags include Pez candies with Christmas/winter characters, little candy-filled purses for the girls, Halloween cell phone charms, a scorpion pop-up card for the boy ... I want them to know I have been thinking of them.

Here are directions for Turkey Goodie Bags.

Wishing this Thanksgiving Day finds you and yours with plenty of reasons to give thanks. Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Blessing Place Tags

2014-11-25T12:55:00.001-06:00

Thanksgiving Blessing Place Tag Verse

When all the guests find their places and are seated for Thanksgiving dinner, ask them to flip their name tags over.

They will find a lovely Thanksgiving blessing on the reverse.

Ask all to read the Thanksgiving blessing aloud to give voice to what we celebrate on this special day.

Click for Thanksgiving Blessing Place Tag Directions.

Artsy Bloggers Roundup #348

2014-11-23T05:00:00.000-06:00

Cherie muses on the wonder of being a child of God and it inspired her to make some prints using the theme.

Andrew has participated in Erin Prais-Hintz's 30 Words Thursday Project. Erin selected entries from different participants of the challenge to create a book to raise money for the Alzheimer's Association!

Carmi asks, "Who knew that scissors designed to shred your private papers could create gorgeous flowers too?" Oh no, another craft toy I must have!

We have directions for a Christmas stocking Advent calendar banner. Make counting down the days with the kids fun for all.

Children of God

Carmi's Art/Life World

What can you say in 30 words?

Christmas Stocking Advent Calendar

Saturday Craft Link Swap #260

2014-11-22T06:40:00.002-06:00

Thought for the Day

Are you stressed getting ready for Thanksgiving? Haven't made the place cards or hostess gift yet? Still have shopping to do for the meal?

Take a few minutes to get your thoughts together. If you haven't written a to-do list or plan yet, make that priority one. It help assure you don't forget anything and allows you to add and subtract tasks to make things more manageable.

It'll be a much more enjoyable holiday if you're relaxed and have all bases covered.

"Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy." ~ Guillaume Apollinaire

A Pause to Refresh You

Look at the amazing things Cyndi has been doing with shibori ribbon. She shares her techniques for dimensional flowers.

Brandi at Art Bead Scene features a beautiful fall palette using Zesty Frog art beads.

Tammy says, "When you can't figure out which knit stitch to use, why not use all of them?" and make a knitted sampler. Great idea.

Advent is almost here and we share directions for a Christmas stocking Advent calendar banner.

Have a beautiful weekend.

Beading Arts

Art Bead Scene

Knitted Sampler

Christmas Stocking Advent Calendar

InLinkz.com

Thanksgiving Decor: Playing House

2014-11-21T08:28:00.001-06:00

Thanksgiving Decor 2014: Elegant with a Touch of Playfulness

For months, I've been clipping ideas from magazines, saving web pages to Evernote and watching my Pinterest feed for ideas that met my Thanksgiving decor criteria this year. I want elegant with a touch of playfulness. We'll have children as well as adults at the table.

I also wanted as many versatile pieces as possible; meaning decorations that can remain out well past Thanksgiving, like the fall-into-winter front door wreath I made before Halloween.

Yesterday, I seriously set to work "playing house" with this year's Thanksgiving decor.

See more Thanksgiving Decor 2014.

No Sew Potholders: Upcycled Kitchen Towels

2014-11-20T14:37:00.000-06:00

I bought a bunch of microfiber dish towels only to find that they didn't absorb moisture. That's not a good thing for a dish towel, but i t's a great feature for potholders. Have you ever burned yourself picking up a hot casserole with a wet potholder?

These no sew potholders are a bit stiffer than my favorite terry cloth potholders.

Here are the directions for No Sew Potholders.

[Here are the directions for sewnTerry Cloth Potholders.]

Fall Findings Wreath of Greeting for All Fall

2014-11-17T07:42:00.000-06:00

This 32-inch diameter fall findings wreath will grace our front door through Thanksgiving. I got it up just in time for Halloween. The scarecrow with his "Welcome" sign and the "Happy Fall Y'all" wired ribbon are fine for both the big fall holidays and all the days in between.

Read more.

Happy fall y'all!

Artsy Bloggers Roundup #347

2014-11-16T05:00:00.000-06:00

Cherie really got me thinking today as she reflects on John 14:27 and the topic of peace. I especially relate to what she says about people you want to be at peace with but can't be around without having difficulties. Do you have anyone like that in your life?

Heavy stuff but very reassuring words, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you." May you have a lovely peaceful Sunday.

Tammy and I were more playful this week. Tammy's latest podcast features some of the darling amigurimi stuffed animals she has made for a biannual charity bazaar. She shares her pattern sources as well as some tips on interpreting them. I love the flamingo in process.

I'm thinking of Thanksgiving and am sharing the clothespin place cards I made for the children who graced our dinner table last year. This year we'll host Thanksgiving and the kids will be with us again. Since they're a year older, I'm thinking of a more adult theme for the table. So, stay tuned.

Peace I Leave With You

Bears, Bunnies, and Birds!

Personalized Thanksgiving Clothespin Magnets

Saturday Craft Link Swap #259

2014-11-15T05:00:00.000-06:00

Happy fall weekend! We have some fun goodies for you this weekend.

I simply can't believe the dimensionality that Cyndi achieved creating shibori ribbon flowers and leaves!

Funny story from Carmi. Don't miss this one.

Andrew shares some exciting news and beautiful pictures. It's happening in my home town and I won't be there ;-(

I've added some Thanksgiving party favors or place cards. Hope you like them ;-)

BIG NEWS!

Beading Arts

Personalized Thanksgiving Clothespin Magnets

Carmi's Art/Life World

Peeling Decoupage Table: Salvaging a Vintage Work of Art

2014-11-14T09:19:00.000-06:00

Peeling Decoupage Table: The Backstory

Barbara wrote that she was having the same decoupage problems discussed in Decoupage: Avoid or Fix Peeling & Yellowing.

Barbara's creative aunt decoupaged a beautiful barrel head table over forty years ago. Apart from the wonderfully detailed decoupage images, the table features decorative scalloped edges on both shelves and delicately curved lower legs.

When the table came to Barbara 15 years ago, the finish was already crazing and crackling.

However, now the decoupage along with paint and finish coats are actually lifting off. The damage is worse on the legs and where the table has been exposed to sunlight.

But other parts are undamaged.

Read how to Restore a Vintage Peeling Decoupage Table.

Saturday Craft Link Swap #258

2014-11-08T05:00:00.000-06:00

Our ranks are bit thin this week. Everyone is either crazy busy crafting for the holidays or on the road - including me. So I decided to share all the links today and take tomorrow off.

In fact, we'll be on our way driving back home from visiting friends in Texas. We had a great time together and I loaded up with new craft toys. So now I'm excited to get home and play. What more could one ask for?

Today, we're all about Christmas, that most wonderful time of the year.

Look at the cute reindeer heads which Carmie decoupaged in a Westcott "lunch and learn" class. I did some acrylic paint stamping for Christmas cards.

Cyndi shows some double-wrapped bracelets using Offray ribbon. Wouldn't they make terrific Christmas gifts?

Carmie has painted some more inspirational mini canvases and Lisa has more Swarovski ideas that would also makes great Christmas gifts.

Have fun browsing around.

Carmi's Art/Life World

More Mini Canvases

Beading Arts

A Bead a Day

Acrylic Paint Stamping Technique

InLinkz.com

Cupcake Liner Christmas Trees	Wrapping Paper Floral Foam Christmas Trees
Silver Twist on Traditional Christmas Wreath	How to Make Holiday Wreaths
Seed Bead Christmas Tree	Fringed Angel
Clay Pot Daddy Snowman	Clay Pot Nutcracker
Candy Cane Candle Holder	Christmas Stocking Advent Calendar
Easy Pillow Snowman	Lace Snowflake Window Decor

Tip Frosty's Hat Mini-Photo Album Christmas Card	Four Hand-Stamped Christmas Card Designs by Wendy Kennedy
Christmas-y Post-It-Note Holder	Snowman Cork Coasters
Bread Dough Ornaments	Bread Dough Ornaments
Easy Pillow Snowman	Personalized Christmas Bookmark
Craft Stick Angel	Live Christmas Tree Place Card Holder
Clothespin Christmas Ornaments	Cork Reindeer Ornament

Miniature Pine Cone Christmas Wreath	Artificial Foliage Miniature Wreath Ornaments
Eileenâ��s Snowflake Sticker Ornament	Shaaronâ��s Snowflake Sticker Ornament
Christmas Scene Diorama Ornament	Acrylic Bead Ornaments
5 Easy Techniques for Decorating Clear Glass Ornaments	Clay Pot Baby Snowman Ornament
Decorate Ornaments with Poinsettia Wired Ribbon	Snowman Light Bulb Ornament
Christmas Tree Light Bulb Ornament	Rudolph Light Bulb Ornament
Santa Light Bulb Ornament	Vintage Look Angel Tree Topper

Winter Scene Christmas Ornament	Wired Ribbon Angel Ornaments
Hand Painted Christmas Ornaments	Glittered Christmas Balls
Wire-Wrapped Beaded Star Ornament	Beach Memories Sea Shell Wreath Ornament
Wired "Ribbon Candy" Ornament	Iridescent Bead-Filled Christmas Ornament
Decoupaged Glass Ball Ornaments	Hand-Painted Glass ball Ornaments
Tasseled Christmas Ornament	Beaded Icicle Ornament
Resin Angel Ornament	Decorating Glass Ball Ornaments with Dimensional Fabric Paint