Saturday Adventures & Labor Day Happenings

There's always something creative going on at Pearl City Ben Franklin Crafts!

Saturday Adventures in Crafting features make-n-takes, new products or demonstrations! September's first Saturday features the Martha Stewart Scoring Board and the Uchida Le Plume Pens! Join me to score and create a Cup Treat Holder or color and create a Double Slider Card!

And, don't forget A Crafter's Delight on Labor Day, September 3rd! Demonstrations featuring the Big Shot, the Cinch, a Lucky 8 Punch, the Crop-a-dile and the mini Xyron!

gloria @ Pearl City

*You can also read today's previous post on our latest Crankin' Out Crafts Episode!

Crankin’ Out Crafts Episode 146 - Candy Corn Garland

JFlo is back again with another sweet Halloween decoration, a candy corn garland.

Paint paper maché cones to create candy corn!

 This garland would make a great decoration for your Halloween display or party!

View the episode here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 146 - Candy Corn Garland

Supplies:

Paper mache cones

White, orange, and yellow acrylic paint

Assorted matching ribbons

Awl

Hot glue gun and glue sticks

EZ Beader

*EZ Beader is available for purchase at our Hawaii Ben Franklin Crafts Stores and online at www.craftingisfun.com.

Did you know that candy corn was invented and produced in 1880? The recipe has remained unchanged even to this day with the Jelly Belly Candy Company.

*Don't forget to read today's earlier post from Kahului BFC! They made a beautiful wreath with our new burlap ribbon.

Burlap Rose Wreath

Aloha Crafters ~
Today's Idea & Inspiration is a Burlap Wreath made with Rolled Burlap Roses.
Supplies:

• 14" Straw Wreath (77603621)
• 1.5" Burlap Ribbon (30132510)
• 3" Burlap Ribbon (30132509)
• Antique White Felt (776775590
• Eyelet Fat Quarter Fabric (30069347)
• Pearl Flower Pins (300898000
• Glue of choice
• T-pins

Prep Instructions:

1. Wrap Straw Wreath using 3" Burlap Ribbon, secure with t-pins.
2. Cut 3 each ~  15", 20", 25" lengths of 1.5" Burlap Ribbon.
3. Cut Eyelet Fabric into 1.5" lengths.
4. Cut 18 ~ 1"- 1.5" Felt circles.

 Ribbon Rose Instructions:

1. Fold length of ribbon, roll the burlap several times to create center of rose.
2. Open ribbon, roll and twist the burlap away from the center to start creating the petals. Twist burlap for each petal.
3. Glue back of Burlap flower to Felt circles.
4. Repeat Steps 1-3 for Eyelet roses.
5. Adhere Roses to Wreath using Pearl Flower Pins.

Happy Crafting!

-Kahului BFC

Creativity & Fun at the House Party

Polymer Clay charms with Penny & cute Tea Bags with Cheryl were among the many things to create at the Pearl City Ben Franklin's House Party this past week-end!

Brenda helps a special guest make a mini treat bag!

Aunty Gayle, our Beginner's Beading instructor, helps Kimi with her Tamari Ball.

Julie helps a guest create a Witch's Shoe Treat Holder!

Frank, our One Stroke Painting instructor, created a beautiful work of art on Black Canvas!

Jenny helps special guests make Paper Punch Flower Pins!

Edna demonstrated how easy it is to create beautiful Nylon Flowers!

A beatiful butterfly smile for Jasmine!

Jenna couldn't resist hugging Mr. Jelly Belly who passed out special treats to everyone!

I hope you enjoyed a peek at our House Party! Don't forget, there is always something exciting going on at Pearl City's Ben Franklin....classes, workshops & demonstrations!
Make-n-Takes on Thursday Crafting with Gloria & Saturday Adventures!

gloria @ Pearl City

*Don't forget to scroll down and read today's earlier post on the latest episode on Crankin' Out Crafts! 

Crankin’ Out Crafts Episode 145 - Party Hats

Take your party to the next level by making some fun party hats. JFlo is here to show you how.

Decorate cones with paper & ribbon to make Party Hats!

Watch the Episode on our YouTube Channel: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 145 - Party Hats (Cone Week)

Supplies:

Large paper mache cone

Scrapbooking paper

Double-stick tape

Assorted ribbons

Tulle

Scissors

Marker

Pencil

2” oval punch

2.5” scalloped oval punch

Stickers

The hats that JFlo made today were for a birthday party but with a few small changes they would also make great New Year’s hats.

GLAM OUT YOUR SKULL wood cut out!

I was so excited to get the Sierra Pacific Crafts Halloween wood cut outs! There are bats and witches shoes, spiders, etc, but I knew when I saw the skull that I wanted to do some kind of sugar skull design. I started with a Poly-brush foam brush, "Regal Purple", "Black" and "Gold" Deco Art Crafters Acrylic Paint. I love using the foam brushes when layering paint, because of the different textures you can so easily create by applying different pressure the the brush. I painted some purple on the chin and gold on the forehead and teeth, and brushed the rest with the black paint. After doing two coats of the black and letting it dry, I applied tacky glue with a foam brush where I wanted my purple glitter. I added flat-back rhinestones 5mm and 7mm with tacky glue to the eyes and one of the teeth. I used ProArt 3/0 Gold Nylon Liner brush to apply the spider webs and spider, and a 6 Gold Nylon Round for the purple dots and other details...around the eyes and mouth etc. The orange around the mouth was unexpected (it bled through when I painted the other side), but I love what it adds to it, so I kept it.

THE OTHER SIDE...it's ELECTRIC!

I love how this side looks like he was electrocuted..zap! First, I painted the entire side with "Pure Pumpkin" Deco Art Crafters Acrylic paint with a Poly-brush foam brush. After it dried, I took the foam brush and used black paint to circle the eyes. I took the corners of the foam brush and rapidly dragged the black out from the eyes for a shocking effect. Then, I lightly brushed over the teeth with the same brush. Next I took the ProArt 6 Gold Nylon Round brush and  painted cracks along the chin and forehead. That's it...so easy and fun. You can hang them in your window or classroom by the hole in the top of the cut-outs. Let the spooky fun begin!

-Market City BFC



Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 144 - Candy Corn Cone

Paper mache cones are one of the newest, fun products we just got into our stores. Today, Puna will show you how to make a candy corn centerpiece with them.

Make Candy Corn Decorations for Halloween & the Fall Season!

Catch the How-To Segment here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 144 - Candy Corn Cone

Supplies:

Paper mache cone

White, yellow, and orange yarn

Hot glue gun and glue sticks

White Button

Scissors

Candy corn has less than 4 calories per piece and is one of the most popular Halloween candies. These table decorations are sure to be pretty popular, too!

Hilo Ben Bead Party!

 

For those of you who aren't on Oahu and can't attend the House Party at Pearl City (see the post below for the details on that if you're lucky enough to be able to attend) and you're in Hilo tomorrow, Saturday, August 25, stop on by Hilo Ben Franklin for our Bead Party! There are TONS of Make & Takes scheduled and we're even giving away free mini cupcakes to celebrate our Bead Shoppe's 8th Birthday!!!
And the best part (besides the Make & Takes and yummy cupcakes) is that we're going to be having some awesome bead specials going on all day!

So if you're in Hilo please come and join us! It's going to be so much fun and we're going to have an awesome time! (And, yes, I will stop using the exclamation points now. ^.^) We'll be there from 10a.m. - 3p.m....will you? I hope so!! (Sorry...there I go again...)

See you soon!

~Jen at Hilo Ben Franklin

DIY! HOUSE PARTY AT PEARL CITY!

Join Jaime at our House Party for these Hello Kitty make-n-takes! A pretty duct tape bow for your hair (or that other special girl)! Decorate an acrylic container to hold the bow or other goodies! Make your plans to join us from 10am to 2pm this Saturday, August 25th to enjoy sweet treats, surprise guest (bring your camera!), prize drawings and more!
gloria @ Pearl City

Crankin’ Out Crafts: Episode 143 - Chalked Notebook

We slated JFlo in today to demonstrate her newest chalkboard paint project, a chalked up notebook.

This chalkboard design makes it easy to label or personalize a notebook!

Catch the segment on YouTube: Crankin’ Out Crafts: Episode 143 - Chalked Notebook

Supplies:

Notebook

Chalkboard spray paint

Painter’s tape

Box cutter or Xacto knife

Chalk or Bistro Marker

Button

Rope elastic

This project is great for back-to-school because you could write notes, memos, or homework assignments right on the cover of your notebook then erase and use it again.

Mix & Match Ribbon Earrings

Aloha Crafters ~

Today's Idea & Inspiration is a set of Mix & Match Ribbon Earrings. This project is a fun way to use those scraps of ribbon you've been saving.

Supplies:

• 10 mm Silver Earpost (30102593)
• Pink Organza with Satin Edge Ribbon (30116713)
• Dot to Dot Ribbon (30117954)
• Black Flag Check Ribbon (30117955)
• Adhesive of choice

Happy Crafting!

Party On! House Party at Pearl City!

Another peek of a make-n-take that you can do at the Ben Franklin Pearl City House Party! A special guest crafter, Brenda, will help you make these cute bags for any special occasion! Fill them with treats, post-it notes, jewelry, etc. for party favors, gifts or just to say "You're Special!". Join us on Saturday, August 25th from 10am to 2pm for make-n-takes, sweet treats, and more! Bring along your family & friends!
See you then!
gloria @ Pearl City

The Wired Nautilus

We'll be doing a free form wire work demo on Sunday August 26 from 2 PM so come by to check it out!  I took 20 gauge copper wire, coiled it up with some tools, and then embellished it with beads and 26 gauge wire.  Sometimes it's fun just to play with wire to create organic free form shapes and I liked the way it came out looking like a nautilus shell with all the various segments.  Normally I don't like to mix colors with my metals but lately I've been into it so I guess my tastes are changing!  Thanks for stopping by!

Lynn H @ Mapunapuna BFC Bead Shop

House Party @ Pearl City

Create a Witch Shoe treat holder with Julie B. at the Ben Franklin Pearl City House Party this Saturday, August 25th! Bring along your family and friends! Our House Party is from 10am to 2pm.....there will be lots of fun things going on! Prize drawings! Make-n-takes! Demonstrations! Special Guests! Sweet Treats! I'll see you there!
gloria @ Pearl City

Crankin’ Out Crafts: Episode 142 - Bistro Board & Markers (Chalkboard Week)

We have transformed a regular framed glass piece into a Bistro Board. These bright colors wipe away easily.

Make your own Dry Erase Board!

View the episode here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 142 - Bistro Board & Markers

Supplies:

Frame with Glass

Black posterboard or cardstock

Bistro Chalk Markers

This Bistro Board would make a great addition to your office or display! Menu Boards in this style are also very popular at cafés and coffee shops.

WITCHY WITCH MAGNET BOARD

I absolutely love the magnet boards that are featured on Crankin' Out Crafts in our store now,  they are so fun and easy to create. So, since Halloween is (believe it or not) right around the corner, and happens to be my favorite holiday...I was inspired to created this Witchy Witch magnet board that I just love.  

To create the witch hat shape, I simply took a 12x12 sheet of black card stock and laid two pieces of orange card stock (8.5x11 or 12x12 will do) as seen in the picture above.  I secured the paper with double sided tape, trimmed the edges with scissors and a paper cutter. Next, I used double sided tape to secure the hat image to a 12x12 metal sheet.  

Using Foamies Sheets, I cut two 3" wide strips out of a green sheet, and 8, 3'' by 1'' strips and shoes from a black sheet.

I assembled all the pieces of my magnet board with double sided tape and added ribbon and bows to give an adorability to our witch. I made magnets using plastic spiders, glass tiles and halloween paper designs. You can punch two holes in the top and use  ribbon to hang your magnet board in your home or classroom. This is a great craft the whole family can do and enjoy together!

-Market City BFC

Summer Scrapbooking Tips

For today's blog, I wanted to share a really beautiful scrapbooking page that was created by Lisa, who works here at Enchanted Lake. Lisa was inspired by the newest line of Pebbles paper called "Sunny Side". The reason why I fell in love with her page, besides the sheer cuteness of it, is because she uses a couple of techniques which are very simple to do and which add a lot of character to the page.

The first technique I would like to highlight is her use of a Micron pen to do some quick, doodle-like lettering. The simple dots and lines add to the fun and whimsical feel of the page. Microns are great for scrapbooking because they are archival and waterproof.

The last thing Lisa did was add a few dimensional butterfly stickers to one side of the page. Sticker embellishments are an effortless and often overlooked way to add that extra oomph you may be looking for. Most paper lines will have matching, pre-made embellishments to go along with their papers, like these adorable butterflies.

For more great scrapbooking tips, don't be afraid to ask any of the associates at our stores, many of whom are avid paper crafters and scrapbookers, like Lisa.

Hope you enjoyed the tips!

Puna @ Enchanted Lake

P.S. Speaking of avid crafters, scroll down to see today's earlier post about our newest Crankin' Out Crafts episode.

Crankin’ Out Crafts: Episode 141 - Chalkboard Décor

Transform almost anything into a Chalkboard surface. Use this trendy technique to decorate your home or accent you next party. See our ideas here on how to transform a regular wine bottle into a shabby chic decoration.

Create a pretty & writable centerpiece with chalkboard paint!

Catch the segment here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 141 - Chalkboard Décor

Supplies:

Assorted glass bottles (we used wine bottles)

Krylon Chalkboard Spray-on Paint or Chalkboard Paint

Bistro Chalk Markers

Ribbon

Flowers

Decorate other glass items for your next party or event!

Crankin’ Out Crafts Episode 140 – Lace Tulle Vase

Lace it up.........So many different looks can be created with lace from vintage  to extravagant.  Use lace to accent candle holders or vases to make an impact on your next event.

Another easy way to decorate a vase!

Watch the segment here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 140 - Lace Tulle Vase

Supplies:

lace

tulle/twine or ribbon

rubberband

vase

The lace adds an elegant touch any décor item! Have a great weekend everyone!

*Don't forget to scroll down to read today's earlier post from Kahului on the new stencils from Martha Stewart Crafts.

Martha Stewart Crafts for the Home

Aloha Crafters ~

Today's Idea & Inspiration comes from Martha Stewart's new stencils for the home. Here they were used on make-up and jewelry organizers:

Following they were used to upcycle items for the kitchen:

Happy Crafting!

Fun on Friday!!

Friday is Admissions Day and for a lot of school kids there's no school! Yay! (Okay, not so yay for many of the parents who have to find stuff for those kids to do since they won't be corralled in a classroom all day.)
If you're in Hilo, though, there is something that your little kiddies can do that day! From 12 - 3 on Friday, August 17, we're doing Angry Bird Make & Takes!!! This doesn't take the place of our Keiki Crafts that we normally do on Saturdays. We just wanted to add something in for the kids. Anything to do more crafts, right?
There will be two different sets of Make & Takes. The first are pictured below. We're making Angry Bird fans! There are three different ones that can be made:  the Red Angry Bird, the Yellow Angry Bird, and the Green Pig. A few of our employees had a good time pretending to have the birds fly at the pig. Poor pig.

The other Make & Take is a luggage tag or bag tag. I unfortunately don't have a picture of that one. But you can just imagine what it would look like, right? The same three character options are available for that one too.

So before this post gets any longer, please come visit us on Friday from 12 - 3 to do some Angry Bird projects!

See you there!!!

~Jen at Hilo Ben Franklin

Oh! And don't forget to check out the newest Crankin' Out Crafts episode! The link for that can be found in the post below! :)

Crankin’ Out Crafts Episode 139 – Tulle Pom Pom Garland

Today’s project is the Pom Pom Garland made with Tulle. Accent your party with this dainty decor. It's quick and easy to make!

A fun & whimsical decoration!

 Watch our episode here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 139 - Tulle Pom Pom Garland

Supplies:

Board (5” x 6” size – we used a foam core board)

Tulle

scissors

ribbon

This garland makes a fun and colorful decoration for a room, wedding or party!

Seashells by the Seashore Picture Stand and Jewelry Hanger

I am so excited about all the beautiful seashells we have in-store...so many seashells, so many possibilities.  This seashell picture hanger is a decorative way to display pictures, postcards, jewelry and more.  Take a 12x12 picture frame, replace glass with decorative card stock.  Glue jute, twine or ribbon to the sides of your frame carefully with a hot glue gun.  Decorate mini-clothes pins with shells (using hot glue or E600 glue) and clip onto the jute.  Now you have a beautiful display for your home or office, and you can change out the pictures and the background paper whenever you like!

  

Great idea for wedding memories.  Why chose one picture to put in a frame to remember your special day when you can pin up multiple photos, your invitation, vows and other memories!  You could even use wrapping paper from one of your favorite gifts, or your wedding program/invitation for the background paper.

Use a black Deco pen to personalize seashells.  Glue a shell directly on the frame, or onto a magnet (for a metal frame/surface or refrigerator) with E600 glue.  I can't wait to share these magnetic shell greetings with my friends and guests from the mainland!

I am so excited about these bohemian-beach-chic shell earrings.  No drilling required!  The shell picture hanger design makes an awesome display for your earring collection too!

Beautiful Burlap

I'm so very excited because we just got burlap ribbon into the stores! I've seen so many elegant and beautiful projects using burlap that I just had to try it out for myself.

Right now we have spools of 3" and 1.5" wide, wired burlap, so I decided to start by trying to make a burlap rose. Didn't it come out great? I'm already in love with it. I made the rose the same way we used to make the ribbon roses and hot glued it together to help it keep its shape.

 

I made one more rose and another flower and attached them all to a grape vine wreath. Something like this could be a pretty fast way to add some decor to your home.

One other really quick thing that I made was this centerpiece. The burlap was a little hard to tie, but the wire really helps it to keep its shape once you're done. After I tied the bow, all I did was throw a few smooth stones and a candle into it. Seriously easy elegance, right?

Anyway, I'm sure we'll be doing a lot more stuff with burlap so keep an eye out for more great projects.

Puna @ Enchanted Lake

P.S. If you scroll to our previous post, you'll see another great Crankin' Out Crafts episode.