Hilo Paper Party Sneak Peek #1

As I mentioned just after the last paper party in February, we're going to be having another paper party in April. The fun will happen on Saturday, April 28, 2012 from 10a.m. to 3p.m. and feature all kinds of great make n takes. The theme is Boys' Day Out so you can just guess what kinds of awesome projects we'll have. Here are just a couple so you can get an idea of what to expect...

One of the projects is going to be a simple frame featuring one of the stamps from the new Sister Stamps release. Isn't he cute? I love this stamp and can't wait for it to be available in our stores!

Another paper project we'll have is this monster card using one of our newest products: colorful honeycomb paper! It's so much fun to use and you can use it in all sorts of ways.

So many sure you mark your calendars and join us for the paper party on Saturday, April 28. We'll see you there!

~Jen at Hilo Ben Franklin

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 81 - Animal Print Gift Bags & Tags

Take your gifts packing to the next level and add that extra touch by using trendy duct tape! JFlo shows you an easy way you how to dress up your bags and tags.

Decorate your plain gift bags and tags with duct tape!

Episode can be viewed here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 81 - Animal Print Gift Bags and Tags

Supplies:

Gift Bag

Duct Tape

Cardstock

Ribbon

Scissors

Paper Punch

Come by to Ben Franklin Crafts to check out our selection of solid-colored and printed duct tape, gift bags, as well as all of the supplies listed. We'll be Crankin' Out more crafts to share with you next week! Have a great weekend!

A VERY BUNNY EASTER

Join us at the Pearl City store this Saturday, March 31st from 1:30-3pm to celebrate A Very Bunny Easter! Special guest, Joy Bunny will be there to help you make a bunny favor for your Easter party! Gayle Bunny & her sister, Lynn Bunny will bring along Beaded Bunnies (they multiply by the hour!) for your enjoyment! I'll be there with a make-n-take little paper basket to fit that one golden egg.
Hope to see you there!
gloria @ Pearl City

Vintaj Embossing

I'm doing a demo this Saturday at our Mapunapuna Bead Shop between 2 and 3 PM to show how easy it is to use our Vintaj DecoEmboss folders!  Whenever we do this demo, people have a  pleasant surprise at how easy it is to do and they love the end result. I'll also cover some basic techniques and tips on how to make your jewelry projects look more polished and professional so stop by to visit with me!

By the way, let me fill you in on a little secret!  All of the Mapunapuna Bead Shop demos that we have planned for the month of April have been inspired by The Hunger Games so if you're a fan of the recently released movie or if you've read the book, I hope you're as excited as I am!


I'll see ya at the store!

Lynn H. @ Mapunapuna Bead Shop

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 80 - Animal Print Card Box

See how JFlo creates this ordinary white card box into a wild animal print piece that would make a great accent to any party!

Create a unique look by combining different animal prints.

View our episode here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 80 - Animal Print Card Box

Supplies:

Card Box 

Spray Paint or Acrylic Paint (for main colors of card box base)

 Note: We used Montana Gold Spray Paint available at Enchanted Lake BFC, but you may use other brands of spray paint.

Acrylic Paint (Black for Zebra stripes and Brown for Giraffe spots)

Paintbrush

Duct Tape

Scissors

*Optional: Accent Flower

You can also personalize the card box by adding the celebrant's name or photo. Make for a birthday or graduation party!

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 79 - Animal Print Glass Bricks

It's Animal Print Week here on Crankin' Out Crafts! Having a party and need a cool and fun centerpiece? See how easy it is to transform a glass brick into a sparkling decoration with JFlo.

Add some shimmer & flair to a room or party with this centerpiece idea.

Watch our episode here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 79 - Animal Print Glass Bricks

Supplies:

Tacky Glue

Glitter

Scratch Paper

Change up the color of the glitter for different looks! Perfect décor idea for a girl's room or your next event. Stay tuned for more Animal Print projects this week!

*Don't forget to see today's earlier post on the Free Paper Arts Make 'n Takes with Lisa Adams.

Paper Arts Make 'n Takes with Lisa Adams

Join Lisa Adams from Petersen-Arne for a free card Make 'n Take! You can make the Dot Pennant or "It's a Girl" Card with Lisa. She will be visiting the Hilo, Enchanted Lake, Pearl City, Mapunapuna, and Market City BFC stores from April 3-April 7, 2012. See our flyer for her craft schedule.

Join Lisa for a free Paper Arts Make 'n Take in April!

See stores for more info. Have a great day!

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 78 - Etched Tealight Jar

Happy Aloha Friday! We are back with our last Jar Craft. JFlo shows you how to make your own Etched Tealight Jar. You can easily frost your spare jars to decorate your home!

Create a cool glow to your nighttime décor!

Watch the segment here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 78 - Etched Tealight Jar

Supplies:

Mason Jar

Etch-All Dip 'N Etch

Battery-operated tealight candle

 Make some etched tealight jars for your next evening party or event. All supplies for our projects are available at our BFC stores. Have a great weekend and have fun crafting!

Get Well Card

Here's a cute card you can give someone that is feeling a little under the weather, you know if I made it then it's going to be simple!  Don't worry, I'm listing all the supplies you'll need too!

I used our Clear-say it all stamp (30124917), it's a nice one because it covers a variety of occasions.  I used the Get Well Soon with the Versafine pad in black (30025144) and stamped onto 1x3 inch rectangle cut from Core essential paper in Nassau Blue (30101322).  I then used double stick tape (30013284) to attach to a 1 1/2 x 3 1/2 inch rectangle of Happy Go Lucky Chirpy (30116084). 

I took the Dotswiss paper in Sandbox to make the body of the bandages by cutting out rectangles that were 1x3 and then rounded the corners with the Corner Adorn Rounder in medium (30068369).  The faces were 1x1 in squares from Bazzle Bling paper in Black Check (30067771) and then attached onto the bandage with pop dots (30008288) to give a dimensional effect.  Eyes and smiles were made using hand punches circle 1/16 inch (77178533), 1/8 inch (77178541), 1/4 inch (77178558) and paper shaper circle small (30100069) on white and black card stock then set together with Sakura Quickie Glue Pen (30051737).
I used the lever punch (30028682) to make the small hearts and the jumbo (30028710) for the large heart on the Dotswiss paper in Slipper (30105550), Ballet (30105524) and Phoenix (30105541).  Double stick tape was used to attach the cut outs onto a 4.25x5.5 card (77189043).

Simple but kawaii, just the way I like it!
Thanks for stopping by!

Lynn H. @ Mapunapuna BFC

Check out the previous post about lei making at our Pearl City Store!

BRAIDED RIBBON LEIS

Graduation is right around the corner! And, you know what that means.....it's lei making season! Crochet Leis....Straw Leis...Braided Leis...Sewn Leis....and more! We have demonstrations and workshops to help you create beautiful leis for your special graduates! A winning lei in the Customer Lei Contest and featured in Lei Book 10 was the Deluxe Four-Ribbon Braided Lei by Kalo! Join her on Thursdays from 11am-1pm for a demonstration or workshop for this beautiful lei!
Lei Maker in Training!
gloria @ Pearl City

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 77 - Cupcake in a Jar

Brandon shows you how to create this delicious jar! He even shows you how to spruce it up with vellum, scrap paper, and ribbons.

Learn a cool new twist to cupcakes from Brandon, our baking expert!

Create for your next party or special occasion!

Watch on youtube here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 77 - Cupcake in a Jar

Supplies:

Mason Jar (8oz)

Cupcake

Knife

Frosting

Napkins

Vellum Paper

Martha Stewart Circle Cutter

Cutting Mat

Double-stick tape

2-1/2" scallop circle punch (Marvy Uchida Pink)

Tag Punch (Marvy Uchida Pink)

Ribbon

1/8" circle hand punch

*Keep some extra napkins or papertowels ready for clean-up.

These would be to give as gifts or as party favors. Make different flavors and personalize each one!

Showing Some Green

Happy St. Patrick's Day from Enchanted Lake Ben Franklin! We decided that we would celebrate St. Patties by showing off our green and we all chucked our red shirts and wore green to work for this special day. You can still show your Irish spirit because our St. Patrick's Day merchandise just went on sale. Drop in at any of our stores to see what we've got left, you might just find some gold under the rainbow.

Puna @ Enchanted Lake

By the way, there was another post earlier today. Please don't forget to take a look at that one too.

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 76 - Firefly Jar

Welcome to Jars Week! Today, JFlo cranks out a craft that makes you glow with excitement! Watch as she creates a cool decoration that resembles a jar of fireflies. Be careful not to touch any of the liquid glow gel contained in each stick.

JFlo is back to show you how to create your own firefly jars.

Create for a night-time party!

Find the episode on youtube: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 76 - Firefly Jar

Supplies:
Mason Jar
Glow Sticks
Scissors
Beaded wire
A Dark Spot

Alternate Kid-Safe Version:
Plastic Clear Pail
Glow-In-The-Dark Scribbles or Acrylic Paint

All supplies available at our BFC stores. Come back again this week for another craft made with jars!

*Don't forget to read today's earlier post on Market City's Paper Party.

Market City Paper Party

You're invited to our annual Paper Party at our Market City store this Saturday, March 24th from 10am to 2pm! Come by and craft with our very special guests like Joy from the Joy of Crafting Show, Luana, Eileen Tokita, Gloria and Jenny!

We'll have Paper Arts Make 'n Takes, Demos, Prizes and more. See the store for more info.

Graduation's Coming Close!

Wow! It's already March! Graduation is right around the corner and the Ben Franklin stores have already started stocking up for the big event! Slowly but surely we're all getting in items in lots of school colors and the new lei book has even made it's debut! So if you know anyone who's going to be graduating this year, make sure you start early on your leis. (We all know how things tend to come up right before graduation.)

At the Hilo store, we have tons of yarn and ribbon to make your own colorful leis, but if you're not so crafty-inclined or just too busy to make your own, we have lots and lots of premade leis that you can pick up. (And those are great if you need a lot of leis because they're pretty reasonably priced and will last longer than the fresh flower leis!)

So come by and see what we have so you can get a head start on your graduation leis. Before you know it, graduation season will be here! Ahhhh! ^.^

~Jen @ Hilo Ben Franklin

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 75 - Glittering with Stamps

Ever wondered what the Glue Pad was for? Lisa shows a great project using he glue pad with your stamps to create a sparkling addition to your cards and scrapbook pages.

Add a bit of sparkle to your paper art projects!

Watch the episode on youtube: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 75 - Glittering with Stamps

Supplies:
Stamps
Acrylic Block (for clear stamps)
Glitter
Cardstock
Glue Pad or Glue Pen
Scratch Paper

That puts a stamp on Stamping Week! We hope you have learned a lot about stamps and new techniques to embellish and dress up your projects.

SPRING BREAK CRAFTING

Our last Spring Break Crafting was full of laughter, prizes and Spinning! Each Keiki folded & decorated paper spinners & with a bit of practice, the challenge was on! Every Keiki was a winner! If you didn't get a chance to join us...keep a look out for the next school break!
Easter is right around the corner...join me on Saturday, March 31st from 1:30-3:30pm for more Spring & Easter make-n-takes!
Don't forget....Mapunapuna's Bead Shop Blast this Saturday (10am-2pm)...I hope to see you there!
Gloria @ Pearl City

SPRING BREAK CRAFTING

Creative Keiki were busy beaders on Tuesday as they designed their own Memory Wire Bracelets! This morning they will be Spinning! Who will win the Spinners Challange?
Register early....this Keiki Crafting starts at 10:30 when they create their Paper Spinners! And, not to be forgotten, Teens will be braiding a *Paracord Bracelet this afternoon from 2:30-4pm! Keiki (ages 5-11 must be accompanied by an adult) Teens ages 12-18. Fees vary.
*Braiding a Paracord Bracelet will be featured at the Mapunapuna Bead Shop Blast this Saturday too! See the other blog posted by Lynn!
Gloria @ Pearl City

Showers to Flowers

We've been having a lot of rain lately and sometimes it can really put a damper on our plans but we need to remember that the rains make our islands lush and beautiful.  Here's a pair of earrings that can help to remind you of that!  It's a fun pair that has a lot of movement and we've been getting a lot of positive feedback from the sample we have in our bead shop.  Wanna make a pair yourself?  Come by our Bead Shop Blast on Saturday March 17 between 11 and 12 for this $15 make 'n take!  Our Bead Shop Blast will be from 10 to 2 and there will be all kinds of demos and make 'n takes going on!  We'll even have prize drawings so please stop by to check it out!

I'll see you at the store!

Lynn H. @ Mapunapuna BFC Bead Shop

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 74 - Embossing with Stamps

Welcome back to Stamping Week! In our episode today, Lisa demonstrates heat embossing, a raised effect caused by a heat tool.

Emboss elegant designs with stamps, VersaMark ink, & embossing powder.

Catch the episode here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 74 - Embossing with Stamps

Supplies:

Stamps

Acrylic Stamp Block (for clear stamps)

VersaMark Ink Pad

Heat Embossing Tool

Embossing Powder (color of your choice)

scratch paper

cardstock

Embossing is a quick and easy way to add another dimension to your paper art projects.  Join us again soon for another episode on a new stamping technique.

BFC Job Fair

We're having a company Job Fair this Saturday, March 17 from 10am-2pm at our Mapunapuna BFC store location. We have positions available for all skill levels ranging from entry level to management.

See our flyer or visit any of our Oahu stores for more info. Come and join our team!

A New Twist on the Deco Mesh Wreath

I think it's time to update our Deco Mesh wreath tutorial for spring. I want everyone to know that Deco Mesh is an awesome decoration for any time of the year.

For our new version of this wreath you will need a wreath wire form, some Deco Mesh ribbon (I have two types here), a patterned fabric ribbon, and some pipe cleaners.

Firstly, attach the pipe cleaners to the wreath by twist-tieing them onto the wire form. These will be the fasteners for your deco mesh.

I attached all of my pipe cleaners in this pattern, alternating pipe cleaners on the inside and the outside of the wreath for every section of the wire form.

Then, I grabbed a hank of Deco Mesh and used the pipe cleaners to twist-tie it to the wreath, just like the way we did our holiday wreaths.

All in all I ended up going around the wreath 3 times with my cream colored Deco Mesh to form my base layer.

Then I created layers of Deco Mesh by over lapping different ribbons on the wire form. I also added snipped pieces of my green Deco Mesh to give the wreath a wilder, less conventional look.

Lastly, I added some animal print flowers and ribbon for my final touches.

Here is my new spring Deco Mesh wreath. If you want to learn more about Deco Mesh for decorating, please don't be afraid to stop by the stores and ask, we're always willing to share our ideas.

Thanks for reading!

Puna @ Enchanted Lake

PS, there was a post earlier today. Please don't forget to check that one out too.

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 73 - Clear Stamps

Welcome to Stamp Week on Crankin' Out Crafts! Today, Brandon will introduce you to the joys of clear stamps and all the different ink pads that Ben Franklin Crafts carries.

Learn about clear stamps and inks!

Watch the episode on our youtube channel: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 73 - Clear Stamps

Supplies:

Clear Stamps (your choice of designs)

Acrylic Block (size depending on stamp size)

Cardstock

Stamping Ink

Stamps are a fun and easy way to add an image or a sentiment on a card, scrapbook page, or favor. Come by and check out our selection of stamping and inking supplies today!

SPRING BREAK CRAFTING

We had fun yesterday morning as the Keikis created thier Marshmallow Bunnies! Hearty Clay is so easy to work with and doesn't require baking since it air dries!
More crafting coming up today, Tuesday, March 13th! Beading will be the featured craft for the Keiki as they create a beautiful Memory Wire bracelet (10:30am-12noon). A touch of art for Teens as they use Alcohol Inks to create colorful ceramic tiles (2:30-4pm).
Register early..seating is limited. Fees vary.
Keiki (ages 5-11 must be accompanied by an adult) Teens (ages 12-18)
See you there!
gloria from Pearl City

SPRING BREAK CRAFTING

Crafts for the Keiki & Teen at the Pearl City store during Spring Break! Keiki can enjoy creating their own cute Marshmallow Bunnies made with air-dry Hearty Clay on Monday, March 12th from 10:30am-12noon. Be sure to register early...seating is limited. Fees vary.
Other crafts this week include:
Tuesday, March 13: Keiki (10:30am-12pm) Memory Wire Bracelet - Teens (2:30-4pm) Alcohol Ink Tiles
Thursday, March 15: Keiki (10:30am-12pm) Paper Spinner & Spinner Challange - Teens (2:30-4pm) Paracord Bracelet
*Keiki (ages 5-11 must be accompanied by an adult) & Teens (ages 12-18)
See you there!
gloria

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 72 - All-Over-The-Page Punch

Our last punchy craft is an all-in-one craft using an all-over-the-page punch by Martha Stewart. Watch Puna as she shows you how to make an elegant and surprisingly simple card.

The correct use of punches make card making a breeze!

Catch the episode here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 72 - All-Over-The-Page Punch

Supplies:

Cardstock

All-Over-The-page Punch by Martha Stewart (your choice of design)

Solid scrapbooking paper

Sentiment stamp

Ink Pad

Ribbon

Now we know that "being punchy" is not necessarily a bad thing. We hope you have enjoyed watching our "Puna's Punches Week", join us again next week for more Crankin' Out Crafts fun.

Mapunapuna Bead Shoppe Blast

Join us for the Bead Shoppe Blast at Mapunapuna BFC on Saturday, March 17th from 10am to 2pm. We'll have beading demos, Make 'n Takes, and specials during the event.

Visit the Bead Shoppe for more details and to see project samples. Hope to see you there!

*Don't forget to read today's earlier post from Lynn on the Serpentine Bracelet.

Serpentine Weave Bracelet

The woven bracelet trend is still going strong so here's a quick project that you can make using supplies we carry in our bead shops on Hilo, Maui, and Mapunapuna.  We have these ball chains that come in a variety of colors and in 2 sizes, for this project we will use the large size in 2 different colors.  You'll also need 2mm leather cord, crimp ends, jump rings, a clasp, and S Lon cord in a complimentary color to your ball chains. 

Determine the length of your bracelet.  Measure the leather cord accordingly and cut.

Take about 3 feet of the S Lon cord for a standard bracelet.  Tighten the crimp end over one end of both the leather and the S Lon cord to secure them together.  With the S Lon cord, tie a loose know right next to the crimp end and slip in the ends of the two ball chains and tighten the knot.  Hold the crimped end in your non-dominant hand and keep them aligned so that the leather is sandwiched between the ball chains.  Using your dominant hand, wrap the S Lon cord around the chains so that each wrap of S Lon falls between the balls on each chain.  You must move down the chain progressively without skipping any gaps pulling the S Lon tight with each wrap.  Your bracelet will start to twist on it's own after a few inches due to the tautness of the wrapping.   Once you've reached your desired length, trim off the excess of the ball chain and knot the S Lon cord and trim it leaving enough of a tail that will allow you to slip it into the crimp end with the leather end.  Attach the clasp with jump rings and you're done! 

This bracelet looks great when layered with other bracelets and it's fun to come up with different color combinations.  We'll have this as a free worksheet available in our bead shops and I'll be doing this in a demo at our Mapunapuna Bead shop on Saturday March 17 between 1 to 1:30 and again between 2 and 3.

We'll also be having our Bead Shop Blast on that day between 10 and 2 and more information on that will be coming soon!  I hope you can stop by because it'll be a lot of fun!

I'll see ya later!

Lynn @ Mapunapuna Bead Shop

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 71 - Edge Punches

Hello again, it's time to punch out another fun and easy craft. Today Puna will show you how to use an edge punch for the best results.

Take your embellishments to the brink of awesomeness with edge punches!

View the episode here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 71 - Edge Punches

Supplies:

Scrapbooking Paper

Edge Punch

Pretty simple, right? Use edge punches as a border on scrapbooking pages or even as embellishments for home décor. Stop by BFC today, we have many different edge punch designs to choose from.

Celebrations - Now Open!

Celebrations is a new store located next to Mapunapuna BFC. We stopped by recently and took a look inside. They carry a great selection of gift wrapping items - from wrapping paper, boxes and bags.

Choose your gift wrap - assorted designs to fit any occasion.

Gift Bags in different prints and sizes.

Add a finishing touch to your present with your choice of ribbon.

If you are planning a party, giving a gift, or just like making favors, they also have many styles of packaging you can choose from.

Favor boxes - different styles, colors, sizes

Cello bags from small to large sizes.

They also carry washi tape, pens, pencils, paper clips, stickers, and other stationery supplies - all the cool stuff crafters love!

Pens for crafting, art projects, and writing.

Erasers sold in themed sets or individually.

Many of the items at Celebrations are from Japan. One of our favorite things we saw at the store were bento making supplies.

Cute cutters and molds - great for kids' lunches!

Celebrations will be having their Grand Opening Sale on Saturday, March 10th from 10am-3pm with store specials, make 'n takes, door prizes, refreshments and more. You can also enter to win their Grand Prize - a $200 Celebrations Gift Certificate! For more info, stop by the store (hours are Mon-Sat 10am-6pm) or visit their website www.reasontocelebrate.com.