tuesday's true confession and the seventh craft

This is a two-for-one post . . . you are getting a Tuesday's True Confession post AND the much anticipated (by me but probably nobody else) announcement of my seventh craft till Christmas all rolled up into one.  Aren't you the lucky blog reader?  (If you are new here, and wondering why in the world I'm already talking about Christmas crafts, please go to my first post.  Trust me, I'm not Christmas crazy.)

Okay, first let's tackle my true confession for this week.  I'm both a procrastinator AND a perfectionist.  This is without a doubt THE WORST COMBINATION EVER!  In case you have no experience with either, let me explain. 

Procrastinators put off doing stuff as long as they possibly can until it absolutely MUST be done.  For example, during my college years, if I had a paper due on Monday, some sort of force of nature prevented me from doing any writing until Sunday.  It was as if it was beyond my control.  The kicker was that this practice was only enforced by my professors.  If, for some uncanny reason, I happened to write my paper in advance, I always got a lower grade than if I waited until the very last minute to start the writing process.  What did I learn from this?  Clearly, it's better to wait until the last minute. 

Perfectionists have a compulsion to do things as perfectly as possible.  This is an extremely annoying personality trait on its own . . . just ask my husband who has graciously learned . . . 

1)  how to put all the silverware pointing the same exact direction in the drawer and 

2)  how to fold towels into three sections so they fit evenly in the linen closet. 

But pair perfectionism with procrastination, and you get someone who MUST wait until the very last minute to do something that MUST be done perfectly.  YIKES!  A deadly, or at least highly frustrating combination.    

So I've put off announcing my seventh craft till Christmas because I had such a hard time finishing up my eighth craft till Christmas just the way I wanted it.    I finished and refinished and then completely redid my mail bags for the pretend and play mail carrier kit, and I'm still not totally thrilled with the way they turned out. (That's the perfectionist in me rearing it's brutal , depressing, bubble-popping head.)  But they are done, and I'm refusing to let myself rework them yet again.  With the mail carrier bag tutorial that I will be posting tomorrow, I'm closing the book on the pretend and play mail carrier kit. 

And I'm opening the book on . . . animal pillows!!!!!  "Animal pillows?" you say.  YES, animal pillows!  I have no idea how to make animal pillows.  I suppose like most of my little crafts/Christmas presents, I'll figure it out along the way.  And I'll show you how too.

So here's the background on this particular project pick for June . . .

The other day my girls and I were sitting together watching one of the few shows they are allowed to watch . . . The Adventures of Pippi Longstocking.  Love this show!  We aren't commercial people, so usually I skip right over the commercials.  However, on this particular day, I didn't get to the remote fast enough.  The first commerical at the break was a commerical for cute, fluffy animal pillows.  They are stuffed animals one minute, and with a quick Velcro change, they become pillows.  To my girls, this was as amazing as landing someone on the moon.  They were drooling all over the TV.  And then they looked at me with these big, sad eyes and the oldest said, "Mommy, we NEED one of those!"  (This is, of course, why we don't watch commericals) 

After a drawn out conversation about the difference between NEEDS and WANTS (it's official, I've turned into my mother), I hatched a secret plan to add the animal pillow idea to my "crafts till Christmas" list. 

So . . . due to my procrastination, I now have only three weeks to make two perfect quick-change animal pillows that are pillows by night and cute stuffed animals by day. 

Should be interesting and commical and frustrating all at the same time.  I hope you'll stick around for the month to encourage me, laugh with me, kick me in the pants when I seem to be stalling, or maybe even join me in making your own animal pillow/stuffed animal.  

Craft on! 
  

matching soda can ring tutorial

Before we get to the tutorial on soda can rings, remember to head on over to Fireflies and Jellybeans to vote for the Iron Crafter Challenge.  They happened to pick my soda can jewelry for the top ten final vote.  If you like my soda can jewelry, head on over there and vote.  As a little blog in a sea of bigger blogs, every reader that votes counts.  Of course, it goes without saying that if you think another project fits the criteria better (originality, presentation, and use of the secret ingredient), you should totally vote for it.  I did just say it though, so I guess it doesn't exactly go without saying.  :)

Okay, I said I would post this tutorial a week ago, so let's get to it. These soda rings go great with soda can bangles and anklets.  Go back to that post to check out the tutorial and make your own.  (And feel free to stop by Fireflies and Jellybeans on your way out to vote for the Iron Crafter.) 

Go to your recycle bin and your scrap pile and grab:
-a soda can
-coordinating or contrasting scraps


You will also need:
-Modge Podge and paintbrush
-a hot glue gun
-scissors

1) Cut a thin strip from your soda can. (This is way easier than you might think. Poke your scissors into the can and cut around the can.) Once you have the strip cut, cut off any jagged edges.

2) Wrap the can strip around your finger to size it. Make sure you cut the strip so about 1/4 of an inch overlaps.

3) Use your hot glue to form the ring by gluing the overlap. Hold tightly at this spot until glue cools a bit.

4) Cut strips of fabric scraps long enough to wrap around the soda can and overlap on the inside. You will want to use fairly thin strip of fabric - not varied widths like with the bangles and anklets.

5) Use Modge Podge and paint brush to affix fabric to can. With each strip added, paint the Modge Podge on before you wrap the fabric strip on AND paint the Modge Podge over the fabric strip. Keep adding strips this way all the way around covering up the overlapping section. Try to line up the inside overlap seam. Don't worry about the white, gluey Modge Podge look. It will dry clear.

6) Add one more coat of Modge Podge. Let dry.

7) (Optional) Use hot glue gun to add a button on the top of the ring. I didn't show this in the picture, but it's something I did on other rings.  (I didn't take a picture yet and blogger has been given me a little trouble so I just want to get this done while I still can tonight.)  I made the ring band narrower and added a button on top. I think this is super cute!

Here's a set - bracelet, anklet and ring.

Enjoy your new jewelry and . . .

craft on!

monday's buttons: week 3

Welcome to week 3 of Monday's Buttons.  Each week this post gets harder and harder to put together because there are sooooo many great buttons out there.  I'm lovin' the four buttons I have to share with you today.  But before we get to them, I have two things:

First, I'm putting in a shameless plug for my soda can jewelry.  This craft made it into the top ten finalists for the Iron Crafter Challenge over at Fireflies and Jellybeans.  Go check out all the finalists and cast your vote.  (One of the blog's that I've featured below has a project on the finalist list too.  Way to go those northern skies!)

 Second, I'm only one person (i realize this fact probably wasn't up for debate), so I can't possible look at every blog and button on the web.  Please feel free to e-mail me if you love your button and think it would make a good feature.  I have a little waiting list, but I try to make sure the buttons featured each week represent a mix of blog types, colors, designs, etc.  I would love to check out your button and put it on the Monday's Button feature list!

Now, let's get to it . . .

Mommy of a Monster

Every time I look at this first button I can't help but smile.  I HAD to know what the story was behind it, and Natalie over at Mommy of a Monster was so willing to answer a few questions for me (and you). 

1) What is your blog about?
My blog is about being the mommy to three under three...a toddler (my monster) and 9 month old twin girls. It's a "real" mommy blog. My life is chaos, and I'm not afraid to give all the good, bad, and ugly details of it. But I don't only blog about being a mommy. I blog about things that are important to me - gardening, reading, being a woman, challenges of having a life vs. being a mom...anything and everything under the sun.

2) How do you think your button reflects your blog?
I love my button!! It represents my blog perfectly - I'm a monster sometimes, too, so it's not only representing my son, the monster. And people that read my blog regularly know it when they see it. And that is important to me. I am glad that the button and my blog are cohesive.

3) Did you craft your own button or did you commission/inspire someone else to craft it? If you crafted it, what program/software did you use?
Someone else crafted it for me! She had an idea in mind, and I loved it. Thanks to the fabulous Alissa at Simple Sweet Desgin for doing such a fantastic job :)

A Novel Idea

I found A Novel Idea (click here for link) through the blogger's other blog, Ten Thousand Hugs.  Mary Elizabeth has a fun button that screams, "THIS BLOG IS ABOUT BOOKS!"  

1) What is your blog about?

My blog, "A Novel Idea", is all about bringing and children and literature together! I do book reviews and recommendations, provide literacy tips, and showcase a children's book author and / or illustrator each week. I am a former elementary school teacher with a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, so that is where my expertise on this topic originates. I also have four small children, so I keep up with children's literature on a daily basis!!!

2) How do you think your button reflects your blog?

My button shows books, along with a playful font that is reminiscent of children. It also has a large capital letter "A" that indicates the grade assigned in school for excelling, thus, sending the message that reading is a huge part of success in school.

3) Did you craft your own button or did you commission/inspire someone else to craft it? If you crafted it, what program/software did you use?
I used "Smitten Blog Designs" to create my button. They charged $15.00, and I was exceedingly happy with the results!! I would highly recommend them - they were awesome! I love my button - it was worth every penny!

those northern skies

The creator of those northern skies recently did a set of three buttons for her blog.  The other two can be seen at her blog.  The grey tones of this button caught my eye right away.  I think grey and white are a great contrast for blog buttons.  I asked Melissa for a little insight into her new button.  She had this to say:

1) What role do you think a button plays in promoting a blog?
I don't know yet - but I am told they will help!

2) What do you think your button says about your blog?
Class and artistic flair?  I hope they fit into the blog name a little. I intend for the blog name 'those northern skies' to convey a sense of large dark skies scattered with stars. Since I don't take night sky photos - I searched through my photos for a shot that I thought might convey the same idea. I thought the black and white photo with the small star-like flowers would perhaps do the trick. While I am currently focusing on my blog as a craft blog, I still like to keep my photography out there and it is my hope that the buttons will do that.

3.) Did you craft your button or did you inspire/commission someone else to craft it for you? If you crafted it, what program did you use?
I made my own button using one of my photos and my photo editing software Jasc Paintshop Pro.

Carpenter's Colorful Collections

Courtney, the creator of Carpenter's Colorful Collections, has a button you cannot help but smile at.  It's bright and cheery. It has a lot going on, but not in a cluttered and distracting way.  I think it has just the perfect amount of color and variety!  I had to find out a little of this button's story.  Here's what Courtney had to say:

1) What do you like best about your button?

I like the letters "Colorful" in my blog button. The different colors and patterns represent my family. We are all unique and fun and I believe that will pull you in, right?!!

2) Did you craft it yourself or did you commission/inspire someone else to craft it for you? If you crafted it, what program/software did you use?
Yep I am one of those moms that splurges on me, myself, and I. So this last year for Christmas I decided I wanted somebody to design my blog. Every time I get on I smile and say it's a bright cheery day!

I chose http://thepolkadotpig.blogspot.com// to create my blog style. I had to choose a scrappin kit and then we went back and forth regarding the design. She was wonderful to work with and timely. I am so thrilled with how it turned out!

3) What do you think is the most important thing about a blog button?

I wanted a blog button that would entice you to come visit! One that screamed high energy, and lots of fun! So the ? is what does my blog button say to you!?

Check out the blogs behind these buttons.  You might find a new one to follow.


Craft on!

i am a top ten iron crafter!

So apparently my obsession with recycled cans paid off. (And trust me, I was obsessed!)  Because today as I was browsing the plethora (oh, I love that word) of blogs I follow on Google reader, I found out that my soda can jewelry made it into the top ten for the Iron Crafter Challenge over at Fireflies and Jellybeans.

Now, I've won the right to proudly display this button:

And there's more . . . if enough people like my soda can jewelry and vote here on Fireflies and Jellybeans, I could actually win an advertising spot on Fireflies and Jellybeans.  To be honest, I didn't actually think this far advance when I entered the challenge.  I'm not sure what exactly I would do with free advertising, but if, by some fluke, I would win one of the top three spots, I would think of something quick . . . ASAP.  Someone suggested that I just put my button in the spot, but my button is kind of sad looking.  I'm proud of it, but it's not exactly the best advertising look.    

So, click over to the voting page on Fireflies and Jellybeans.  Look through the different crafts entered and vote.  And I'm being serious when I say this . . . don't just vote for mine blindly.  There are a lot of really great ideas in that list, and you may think one of them is (or most of them are) better than mine.  Vote for the one you like best.  (Although if mine is your favorite, then by all means, vote for mine.  I would like that!)

Just get on over there, vote, be inspired and . . .

craft on!

the good, the bad, the ugly

Tonight, I have three things to share . . . the good, the bad, the ugly.

First, the good. 

A while ago I did a post on homemade gum.  (Check it out.  It's a great summer project for antsy kids on rainy or super hot days!)  My bloggy friend Jocelyn over at We Talk of Christ, We Rejoice in Christ took the plunge . . .the sticky, messy, colorful plunge, and made gum.  This is good for two reasons: first, someone was actually inspired by something I posted and tried it out and second, she has re-inspired (Is that a word?) me to get back in the kitchen and make some more gum.  What you should do is go to my gum reipce post.  Write down the recipe.  Then go to Jocelyn''s blog for gum-design inspiration.  You have to at least go there to check out the pic of her gum.  Thanks Jocelyn!

Second, the bad. 

Last night the needle on my sewing machine broke.  Since I recently confessed in a Tuesday's True Confessions post that I'm afraid of my sewing machine and I think it's taunting me, you can imagine that this incident only fed my fear and suspicion.  I've had this sewing machine a year, and I had no idea this could even happen.  So after trying to straighten the needle with my bare hands while it was still in the machine (stop laughing), I turned to my sewing machine owner's manual . . . turns out this happens, turns out you are not to use or try to straighten a bent needle, turns out the needle has to be changed.  To my surprise and excitement the manual reminded me that my machine came with extra needles.  To my disappointment my sewing machine did not come with someone who would change the needle for me.  Boo hoo!  Long story short . . . an hour later the new needle was in place and in working order . . . yes, you read that right - AN HOUR LATER!

Third, the ugly.

Two nights ago I mentioned that I was obsessed with cans as a result of the Iron Crafter Challenge over at Fireflies and Jellybeans.  I also mentioned that this challenge was preventing me from moving on to other projects and posts at hand.  And then I mentioned that I had two more can projects to post before I could move on.  I posted one - magnet can lids.  Here's a picture of the other:

Yes, it's ugly . . . it's a project only the crafter can love . . . strike that . . . I don't love it either.  Needless to say, it did not make it into the Iron Crafter Challenge line up.  Oh well.  My oldest daughter helped me with it.  She had fun.  And afterwards, she stood back admiring it and said, "Mommy, you're a good crafter."  Awwwww . . . I love that kid.  She can look at some ugly can luminaries and rocks on a plate and see beauty.  She's my inspiration, so I . . . 

craft on! 

great summer service project for kids!

I have a post for later tonight.  However, I saw this a few minutes ago, and I was filled with so much joy I had to pass it on.  If you've been around here at twelve crafts for a while, you may remember that a few months ago I got together a bunch of gals to make dolls for Sarah's Dolly Drive.  It was so much fun, but more importantly, we got help put smiles on the faces of a bunch of amazing children.  Sarah posted pictures of the children receiving their dolls today.  I'm not a person who cries a lot or easily, but well . . . these pictures brought tears to my eyes.  Tears of sadness for the heartache these children have endured in their short lives.  Tears of joy for the happiness that can be brought by a simple doll.  

Thank you, Sarah, for such an amazing opportunity.

If you haven't ever heard of Sarah's Dolly Drive opportunity, now is your chance to learn more about it and participate in the newest drive.  By making just one doll, you can impact the life of a child who needs to know that someone somewhere cares.

The little group of gals that gathered in February gathered again in April to start on our batch of dolls for this new drive.  (We hope to do these gatherings on a regular basis.)  Here are just a few pics from our most recent Dolly Drive sew-a-thon.  (You'll notice the plates of food in the pictures too.  We tend to use these sewing parties as excuses to eat junk food for dinner.  Yummy . . . nothing like homemade salted nut rolls, caramel corn, puppy chow and brownies for dinner.  Yep, I think that about covers the necessary food groups.)

Grab some scrap fabric, print out the pattern (found at Sarah's site) and start sewing.  This would be a GREAT summer project for all you mom's out there with kids at home for the summer.  They can cut out pieces and help stuff the dolls.  Make a difference in the life of a child and . . .

craft on!

the transformation of the magnet and can lid

Okay, I know it's June - June 2 to be exact.  I know I'm supposed to reveal my seventh craft till Christmas.  (I'm pretty excited about it, and I can't wait to share it with you.)  I know I haven't even officially wrapped up my eighth craft till Christmas.  (I do have my mail bag tute almost ready to share.) And I blame all of these delays on Fawnda and Jeannine of Fireflies and Jellybeans and their addicting Iron Craft Challenge.  They've challenged readers to create a unique craft with a secret ingredient.  For this round of the challenge the secret ingredient . . . wait for it . . . cans. 

Every time I see a soda can, a can of black beans or mushrooms, a baking soda can, any can at all, the only thing I can think about is, "What can I turn that into?"  So I have two more can-related things to post about.  And then I'm promising myself (and you) to put cans behind me and move on to the goal at hand . . . after all, Christmas is only seven months away.  There are gifts to be made.   

But for now, back to cans.

Today, we're going to turn those ugly old magnets on your fridge (everyone has them . . . you know the magnets from the bank, the medical clinic, the take-out place down the street that you never go to) into unique, personal, cute and useful magnets. 

Beside those magnets, grab:
-scraps of scrapbook paper and card stock
-other random scrapbook embellishments you have left over
-glue, glue-dots and a glue gun
-and . . . can lids from the cans in your recycling bin*
*Thanks to Jill at Creating My Way to Success for pointing out that I use a safe-edge can opener that removes the entire lid (including the rim) to create safe edges on both the lid and can that are not sharp.  This would not be a good project for lids that are removed with a top-open can opener.  If you don't have one of these, I totally recommend getting one.  They are easier, safer and more hygienic than traditional can openers.  (Plus, you can use them for fun crafts like this :) . . . bonus!)  

Isn't that great?  Only four things and you probably have them all on hand.  This couldn't be easier!

1)  Trace your can lids onto the paper or picture you will use for the background.

2)  Cut out circles and trim a bit to fit into can lid.  Paper would probably stay because the rim holds it in a bit, but to secure it use a few glue dots to affix paper to can lid.

3)  Embellish with other items.

4)  If your magnets are larger than the can lid, cut them to fit the lid.  Hot glue magnets to back of lid.  (Make sure you are not hot gluing the magnetized side of the magnet.)

5)  Ta Da!  Ready for display on your fridge!

Craft on!