TAWASHI

Cleaning for the New Year? Do you have a "tawashi" or, better known as the "scrubbie"! Usually found at craft fairs throughout the year, these scrubbies are everyone's favorite. Use the nylon ones for dishes, pots, pans & even the bathtub! Crochet one with cotton yarn for the more delicate china......or, as a body washcloth! Don't have one? Join us at the Pearl City store workshop this Saturday, January 29th from 1pm-3:30pm and crochet one (or two - one for yourself & the other to give away). Basic crochet knowledge is a must for this workshop. *Don't know how to crochet and want to learn? A beginner's crochet class is offered on the first & third Wednesdays of each month.

Spinning It Up

Look at what just "blew" in to Enchanted Lake! We've got a beautiful wind spinner garden in our front window. These flowers don't attract bees but they do attract a lot of little children who seem to be mesmerized by the bright colors and spinning petals. If you want to be the envy of your neighborhood, brighten up your yard with these fun wind spinners and pinwheels. It'll be a breeze!

Puna @ Enchanted Lake

We're GREEN at Market City!

Her name is not "Vanna", but she is GREEN with envy over St. Patty. Yvonne is getting us all excited about spreading the word about GREEN.

Yvonne is wearing a classic Leprechaun hat (with a spring flower) and Mardis Gras mask while presenting our 2011 St. Patricks Day line.

Don't forget to check below for more postings.

Special thanks to our lovely model Yvonne.

Posted by Chris

Penny for your thoughts for 2011!

Here's a little something that we did with Island Family Magazine. Penny for your thoughts so to speak. But better than that we will give you our "2 cents" since you know that's worth more. Either way, enjoy making this project.

Inspired by Coby K.

Posted by Chris

Bloomin' Blocks

Spring is almost in full bloom at Enchanted Lake and our flowery mood is slowly growing on our staff. We created some great glass block motifs using Adirondack alcohol inks and a little ingenuity.

To make the first block we used our AccuCut machine to cut the alcohol ink felt applicators into flower shapes. After a small application of blending solution, we used a few drops of the Watermelon ink on the petals and the Pearl metallic ink in the center of the felt flower. With just a few stamps we got our cherry blossom design. We finished the look with some gold Scribbles for the branches.

Our hydrangea block was made using the same method as the cherry blossom block. The colors are Stream and Wild Plum mixed together on the same flower shaped felt applicator. This time, however, we left out the blending solution for a more vibrant flower. We once again gave our block some finishing touches using Scribbles in an iridescent pearl color for the flower centers.

We're having so much fun using the Adirondack Alcohol Inks that I'm sure we'll have another great idea for you soon.

Puna @ Enchanted Lake

Recycled Pens

Here's a cute and fast project using our recycled pens! For the first set I used Fabri-Tak glue, ribbon and paper flowers. The clip on the top of the pen can be removed to make it very easy to wind ribbon onto the pen from end to end. Just glue the beginning, a few drops at key point between, and the end. I waited about a minute before I replaced the clip and then glued on the paper roses. When ever I see a combination of brown paper, ribbon and paper flowers it reminds me of certain boutique stores at the mall so I'm always happy to get the look without paying for the high price.









For the second set I used Dress It Up buttons and deco tape. I removed the clip off the top of the pen and then just cut small sections of tape to go around the pen working from one end to the next. I replaced the clip and then removed the shank from the back of the button. Some of these buttons are made of pieces that are held together by the button shank so when you remove the shank you might have to glue the pieces together. By removing the shank, it allows for a nice flat surface to better glue onto the clip. Since I didn't want to bust out another bottle of glue, I just used the same Fabri-Tak glue I used on the first set and it worked fine.

We carry such a variety of designs for the buttons that different themes can easily be done for these pens.

Our recycled pens are now on sale 3 for 99 cents, so hurry in while supplies last!

I'll see ya at the store!

Lynn @ Mapunapuna BFC

New Class-Beginner's Beaded Charms

NEW CLASS: Beginner's Beaded Charms
There's a new class at the Pearl City store! Gayle Navarre's enthusiasm for beads has flowed from wire-wrap earrings to Beaded Charms. Gayle (along with her sister, Lynne) had her students finishing not just one, but two or three Tamari Ball charms! A beautiful, colorful Beaded Cube is the next project; Gayle's classes are held on the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays monthly from 2pm-4pm.

Gleeful Beginning

As you may have heard, the whole EL crew is getting SUPER excited about the upcomming "Glee-full Graduation" event. Since I was starting some prep this morning I decided to give everyone a little sneak peak at one of the things that will be featured for this special occasion. Using Jenny's awesome acrylic transfer technique I made a photo canvas starring the glee cutie Puck.

For this project I started with a copied picture of Puck, already subjected to Jenny's transfer technique (we'll let you all in on the acrylic transfer secret in a later blog), a 16x20 canvas, gloss heavy gel, and some great brown toned acrylic paints.

Then using the gloss heavy gel mixed with the acrylic paint colors, I created an interesting background for my picture.

Then again using the gloss heavy gel, I attached the picture to the canvas. This is just like how decopage is used to create a collage. After attaching the picture I went back over the image with the gloss heavy gel mixed with just a little bit of paint to sort of blur the edges. Here's the finished product:

Who knew how fun and versatile those acrylic mediums could be! This one is especially interesting because it makes your paint colors transparent for awesome layering.

More Glee-full stuff coming up!

Puna @ Enchanted Lake BFC

Cherry Blossoms everywhere

With the New Year comes the blossoming of new flowers. Cherry Blossoms are beautiful are are slowly "blooming" in the store as we grow into this 2011 Spring season.

posted by Chris

Market City's Tropical Escape

Lush tropical gardens are so relaxing, a palm tree, potted orchids to give that vibrant color, clear glass and mirrors to give that "refreshing" clean feeling and a shoji screen to enjoy that solitude.



Idea & Inspiration by Holly V.

Year of the Rabbit

Hope everyone is having a wonderful start to the New Year! Our monthly Bead Shop Sale starts on January 7 exclusively at our Mapunapuna, Hilo, and Maui BFC Stores and that is when we will release our free worksheet featuring our Year of the Rabbit Key Chain! This little cutie is made out of 6 and 8mm beads but you can always adjust the size and type of beads if you want to make a phone or purse charm, just stop by one of our bead shops and we can help you with your selection. Chinese New Year begins on February 3rd so you still have lots of time to make something rabbit themed.

Catch ya later!
Lynn @ Mapunapuna BFC Bead Shop

BEADED KUMIHIMO BRACELET

Kumihimo, "gathering of threads", is the Japanese art of braiding. This thousands years old craft creates stunning and beautiful braids. Braids are often made using a marudai with many bobbins and a complex set of moves. However, Kumihimo Disks are now available and, using basic moves, can create a variety of braids using different combinations of colour, texture and material. These two bracelets were created on a Kumihimo disk using the same beginner's basic round braid sequence. The use of different beads creates a different look. Find the disks at the stores and enjoy creating bracelets, necklaces and other cords. Classes are scheduled at the Pearl City store on January 5, 13 and 26 to create beaded Kumihimo bracelets.
gloria

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou. Happy New Year from all of us at Market City to you and your family! A little way to start spreading the Aloha spirit this 2011. Using the mini clear pail, raffia, and ribbon flowers. A great way to send that Hawaii sunshine anywhere in the world.

Idea & Inspiration by Camilla