Quilled Eyeballs from Archives

This is an oldie for my new followers. I ran across these the other day and I am thinking about making them larger (really big) to send to the grandkids next week :-) I will definitely post a photo if I get this done. (Didn't get it done, sigh)

The original 2009 post with instructions for eyeballs and the tiny box is HERE .

Thanks for stopping by!
~Molly

Glow-in-the-Dark Wall Art

I came across a blog project that made me think Holy Cow, WOW...  Lisa Fulmer is a marketing strategy and communications specialist, a mixed media artist, a crafter, a consultant for small businesses and a creative project designer. I personally know her talent as a professional demonstrator, a fantastic singer and actor (as Marilyn). She is one of the friendliest people I know that I haven't met in person. You may also know Lisa from the recent TLC show Craft Wars. She assisted her crafting friend Andrea Currie and they WON their episode - and a $10,000.00 prize!

Lisa used puffy paint™ from iLoveToCreate on a .... well, I will let you read and see for yourself, below.

Glow in the Dark Fabric Panels

click the link above 

and be sure to check out the other puffy paint projects at the end of Lisa's post

Of course my mind starting racing trying to think of how I could use the puffy paint™ (perhaps in a quilling glue bottle with a smaller tip) on pretty paper with a similar effect. After sleeping on it, I have decided to make a smaller paper, framed wall hanging for the kitchen. A coffee motif, with a touch of quilled-looking something, that I will see when the lights are out every night while skipping off to bed.

I will post it here soon.

Thank you, Lisa Fulmer, for letting me share your unique project.

Everyone have a great week!
-Molly

I Spy Something Orange ...

and square!

This is an oldie but one of my favorite decorations :)

I love INCHIE ART, it is so easy! And the challenge of creating concept art with inch squares of paper is inspiring. Of course, the embellishing is the fun part!

The background is a Rob & Bob coaster by Provo Craft. And the eyeball? It is quilled; yes I like to make odd but practical pieces of quilling. I used black Distress Ink on the 1-inch paper square edges to make them look dimensional.

Have a wonderful end-of-October week!

-Molly

New Year Traditions - 2011

In our family, Eating Black Eyed Peas on New Year's Day is a definite tradition.

In the early 1980s, the original Black Eyed Pea Restaurant on Camp Bowie in Fort Worth, Texas, served a small sample portion in tiny bowls all day long on New Year's Day. This is when I discovered it only takes a few bites to fulfill the tradition, especially if black eyed peas is not a favorite dish. In that case you may like to try one of these lucky foods.

I made these 4-ounce sample jars to give the office staff where we live.

I made these are for my mother's lifelong hairdresser to give to customers today.

I'm going to make one more batch of a dozen for neighbors. I made the jar labels by printing on the winter theme scrapbook paper, using a corner punch and I ran them through a Xyron (or use double-stick tape). I printed the top text using an Avery circle label template and cut them out with a MS circle cutter (or use the lid, trace and cut with scissors). I already had the paper and ribbon. The beans and jars (bought jars at the grocery store too) for the two dozen samples cost me less than 75¢ each. A great gift and they take so little time to make.

Google will get you a ton of information, worldwide, but following are a few links related to New Year's Day.

New Year's ideas - Martha Stewart
New Year Quotes
the Rose Parade
Rose Bowl Game
Polar Bear Club annual swim - burrrrrrrr!
Old Lang Syne

Be safe and .....
Happy New Year, friend!
~Molly

Thanksgiving Preparations

I love Real Simple Magazine for happy everything resources! This year, I am adding a few extra favorite links for Thanksgiving 2010 :)

• Real Simple Thanksgiving
• Real Simple Foolproof Thanksgiving
• Thanksgiving Leftovers
• Thanksgiving Weather
• Thanksgiving History
• Thanksgiving on the Net
• Thanksgiving Crafts
• Black Friday

I'll be back after the holiday.

Happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Halloween Favor Boxes

I changed the size of my tall treat boxes for Halloween. Three candies in mini wrappers will fit into this box size perfectly. I used satin and wire ribbons, embroidery thread, puffed inchies, a fabric pumpkin sticker and foam spider stickers to decorate. You can fill these with any candy treat, small toys ... even money!

CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGE

Here is the template I made showing the size and score measurements. The blue lines on the template are cut lines. The red dots indicate the pieces of the template that you will cut off and discard. I used a corner rounder punch for the top flap piece and I also cut the side flaps at the top of the box in half (as shown on the open orange box). 

This is what your box should look like before assembly.

First, the 3/4-inch flap on the side is adhered to the opposite side. I use a tape runner. I find it is easier to line up the flap to the side. Next, the bottom flaps are tucked in and the last one glued down. BAM! You have a box to embellish and fill with treats. Let me know if you have any questions.

Enjoy, and have a safe Halloween!

-Molly

A tisket, a tasket ..

quilled eyeballs in a basket!

• 6" black for the pupil

• 12" any color for the iris

• 72" of bright white Lake City paper - yes, three strips of paper. If you use another brand and the paper is thick, use less (60")

I shaped the tightroll on a 1/2" round dowel (wooden, marble, hard foam) and brushed tacky craft glue inside first. When that dried I brushed a coat of Beacon Liquid Laminate on the top. A red Sharpie ultra fine point works best for the squiggles.


Credit for this eyeball pattern goes to Patricia, the owner of Whimsiquills. Thank you, Pat!


Do you like the tiny box? I think these would be perfect for any holiday and it takes so little to fill them up. I am not an illustrator by any means, but I did make this quick template to show how easy the box is to make with a 4"x4" piece of cardstock. The bottom is 1" wide so score in at 1-1/2" on two sides first. I forgot to indicate that on the template but most people would figure it out.

Thanks for stopping by :)
Enjoy!
-Molly

Thursday Video Thingy

This work is truly amazing. Enjoy!

More Magnificent Magnets

I am again making magnets from recycled 2" wood-like vinyl blinds. EASY! I have detailed how they are made here. These are covered with gold Ranger acrylic matte paint, no clear coat.

The graphics are from Carolee Jones' Gratefall Critters Collection.

Enjoy!
~Molly

Inchie Art

Want to have some big fun with something small?

I love creating miniatures and usually work with quilling or polymer clay. However, 1" x 1" squares of paper [inchies] can make fabulous pieces of art. I keep a photo folder on my computer of colorful, creative and amazingly small collages that give me instant inspiration.

I was going to list my favorites bookmark links, but if you Google inchies, inchie cards, inchie blogs (you get the idea) there are a ton of links to get you started. The techniques, possibilities and ideas are endless. Enjoy!

If you are already into inchie art, check out the neat supplies at Stampington & Company :o)

Have a safe and fun 4th of July holiday!
-Molly

[Photo: I participated in two inchie swaps recently, collecting inchies from over 48 crafters. I embellished the tag with a set of patriotic inchies that were a favorite.]