Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 183 - Deco Mesh Flower

Here’s another decoration for those of you who need larger pieces for your tree or for an outdoor area like your porch, brought to you by Puna.

Create flowers with deco mesh & deco flex tubing!

View our episode here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 183 - Deco Mesh Flower

Supplies:

10.5 inch wide deco mesh

Christmas berry spray

Deco Flex tubing

Floral wire

Scissors

Because these flowers are made with deco mesh, they work great for outdoor decorations too.

*Don't forget to scroll down to read today's earlier post from Kahului BFC! 

Driftwood Nativity

Aloha Crafters ~

Today's Idea & Inspiration is a Nativity my d.s.l. Mark and I made from driftwood we picked up at the beach.

Supplies:

• Driftwood
• Hot Glue Gun
• Glue Sticks

Instructions:

1. Take a walk on the beach ;p... pick up driftwood (we picked up 2 grocery bags)
2. Sift through driftwood, looking for wood shaped like the figures you wish to include in your Nativity, pillars, shingles, etc.
3. Chose 2 long pieces to use for the "foundation", the flatter the better.
4. Build a "ladder" with the 2 long pieces and short ones across, glue together for the floor.
5. 4 "pillars" can then be glued to the corners of the floor.
6. 4 pieces for the roof line, 1 for the ridgepole.
7. Shingle roof as desired.

8. Adhere nativity figures to floor.

Happy Crafting!

Waterfall Earrings

I've been into LONG earrings lately so here's one we're calling Waterfall Earrings and we have a free work sheet for our Bead Shops!  I used left overs of the Chinese crystals from our demo in November and added more Sierra Pacific Crafts finding with two different chains to create a lot of movement.  These are collar bone ticklers but you can always adjust the length to meet your comfort level!

We'll demo this project on Saturday December 1 and again on the 8th, both at 2 PM. 

I'll see ya at the store!

Lynn H @ Mapunapuna BFC Bead Shop

Paper Pinecones

If you haven't already started, it's time to get ready for the Christmas holidays. Thursday's workshop (that's tomorrow) we will be making Paper Pinecones! They're easy to make (just takes a bit of time) & are very beautiful! Trim your trees with them, attach with gift tags to gifts, party favors or table/desk decorations! We have lots of holiday demonstrations and workshops in December...check our store calendar and join us....there's always something crafty going on at Pearl City!
gloria @ Pearl City

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 182 - Tomato Cage Tree

Tomato cages are all the rage this holiday season. Join Puna as she shows you how to put together an easy outdoor decoration.

Decorate your yard for Christmas with a tomato cage tree!

Watch the episode here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 182 - Tomato Cage Tree

Supplies:

Tomato cage

Deco Mesh

Pipe cleaners to match

Indoor/Outdoor Christmas lights

Ornaments

Poinsettia clips

If you’re making this tree for your yard or porch, remember to use only indoor/outdoor Christmas lights and plastic ornaments so that your tree will be able to withstand the weather.

Glitter-It Cupcake Ornament

This sweet ornaments a piece of cake.. cute as pie and won't heat up the house!

Materials:

- Round, clear, glass or plastic ornament (mini or regular)

- Foil cupcake liners (mini or regular)

- Glitter-It Glue and your choice of fine glitter

- Red cherry..I used a berry off of a holiday spray/pick

- E600 (to glue liner to ornament)

- Crystal accents..multi colored would add a candy sprinkle affect

- Ribbon

- Low temp glue gun and sticks (for the cherry)

- Funnel

How to:

- Take of top of ornament and set aside

- Coat inside of ornament evenly with Glitter-It Glue without shaking and pour out excess.  

- Using funnel pour 1 Tbsp of glitter and evenly distribute it and dump out excess.

- Using E600, glue the bottom of the ornament into the foil liner.

- Replace the top of the ornament and tie ribbon on to create a hanging loop..pay attention to how the ornament will fall for the next step.

- Hot glue cherry to the silver lid of the ornament.

- Accent with sticky gems or crystal accents.

This is a great and easy gift or favor idea for your friends...why not wrap it in a treat/cupcake box with bow...so easy and super cute and decadent!

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 181- Repurposed Mesh Wreaths

Join JFlo today for two great ideas on how to reuse and repurpose an old deco mesh wreath from the Halloween season.

Wreath #1: Red & Silver Wreath

Supplies for Wreath #1- Red and Silver Wreath:

Old Halloween wreath

Silver floral picks

Black ribbon

Silver berry sprays

Wreath #1: Santa Wreath

Supplies for Wreath #2- Santa Wreath:

Old Halloween wreath

Black foamie

Glitter gold foamie

Scissors

Learn how to make these wreaths step-by-step by watching our youtube video: 
Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 181- Repurposed Mesh Wreaths

Make this Christmas season a little easier on yourself by repurposing your old wreath for a great and cost effective decoration.

Stuffed Deco Mesh Wreath

Aloha Crafters ~

Today's Idea & Inspiration is a Stuffed Deco Mesh Wreath. This gives a different look to our standard deco mesh wreath and also makes it larger.

Supplies:

• 24"x36" Pine Work Wreath (30114832)
• Deco Striped Poly Mesh (30135382)
• Deco Mesh Ribbon (30115876)
• 1 1/2 bags Polyfil (30114565)

Instructions:
Make wreath as usual, just add a handful of polyfil each time you grasp a bunch of deco mesh, wrap deco mesh around it and secure as normal.

Happy Crafting!

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 180 Pretty Bird and Snowy Scene Ornaments

We’ve got so many great ideas for ornaments using our hollow clear glass ornaments, that we’re giving you two episodes in one today. First JFlo is here to show you how a few small floral touches can dress up this open ornament, and then Puna will show you how to make a beautiful snowy scene in the ornament.

Pretty Bird Ornament 

Supplies for Pretty Bird Ornament:

Hollow clear glass ornament

Small bird decoration

Moss

Silk flowers

E6000

*optional – ribbon

Snowy Scene Ornament

Supplies for Snowy Scene Ornament:

Hollow clear glass ornament

White ultra-fine glitter

Twinkle snow flakes

1/8^th inch dowel

Small wooden spool

Small piece of pine garland or pick

Lantern mini ornament

Black acrylic paint

White Deco Color pen

Spray bottle

Glitter-It

Scissors

E6000

Catch the episode here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 180 - Pretty Bird & Snowy Scene Ornaments

Add battery operated tea-lights to the ornaments for that extra Christmas touch or as special decorations for a wedding celebration.

Hilo Ben Franklin Crafts Christmas Craft Fair

Join us Friday, November 23 from 1pm to 9pm and Saturday, November 24 from 9am to 3pm at the Edith Kanakaole Tennis Stadium.  We are hosting over 80 food and craft vendors!  Come early for the best selection in handcrafted items.  This year we are proud to be supporting the Hawaii National Guard Youth Challenge Academy at Kulani and also HSTA's "Let's Be Thankful for Hawaii's Teachers" booth.  Admission is only $1 with proceeds going towards the Waiakea Lions Club for various community service projects.  From our family at Hilo Ben Franklin to yours, HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE HOLIDAY! Don't forget to check previous posting of creative ideas and inspiration.

*Also, don't forget to read today's earlier posts! 

Thanksgiving Day Super Early Bird Specials

Just a reminder that we will be open on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 22nd from 9am to 2pm! Come and shop our Super Early Bird Specials and Fa La La Sale. Look for the ad in this week's Midweek on Oahu, Hawaii Tribune Herald on the Big Island, and the Maui News on Maui. You can also download the ad on our website here.

Super Early Bird Specials on Thanksgiving!
All items while supplies last. No rainchecks.

*Kahului BFC will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and will have their Early Bird Sale on Friday, November 23rd from 6am to 11am. 

Also, on Friday, November 23rd use your Early Bird (7am-9am) and Night Owl (7pm-9pm) Coupons to save 40% Off a regular price craft item.

Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for your continued support throughout the years. Enjoy the holiday and stop by our stores from 9am-2pm!

Don't forget to scroll down to read today's earlier posts!

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 179- Melted Snowman Ornament

JFlo is here again to show another great holiday ornament idea, especially for those of us who live in warmer climates.

Here's an ornament perfect for Hawaii.

Watch the episode on our YouTube Channel: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 179 - Melted Snowman Ornament

Supplies:

Hollow clear glass ornament

Clear glass gems in three different sizes

White ultra-fine glitter

Snow flakes

Small twigs

Two black seed beads

One black pony bead

One black button

Small piece of orange foamie or felt

Glitter-It

E6000

*optional – ribbon, snowflake, and Deco Color pen for personalization

Now you know what our Snowmen in Hawaii look like because of our wintry, 70 degree, Christmas weather.

Also, just a reminder that we will be open tomorrow - Thanksgiving Day, Nov.22nd from 9am-2pm. Come and shop our Super Early Bird Specials and Fa La La Sale. (Kahului will be closed for Thanksgiving and will have their Early Bird Sale on Friday, Nov.23rd from 6-11am.) Early Bird and Night Owl Coupons, too on Friday, Nov.23rd! Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!

*Don't forget to scroll down and read today's earlier post on Mason Jar Gift ideas brought to you by Market City BFC.

Mason Jar Gift Ideas

Mason Jar Gift Ideas!

It is time to get to crafting on those presents ya'll! The great things about Mason Jars is they can hold all and display all kinds of wonderful things..with some love, a mason jar, a decorated lid a gift tag....you can't go wrong in my book.

In the past I have filled mason jars with dry ingredients for hot cocoa, cookies, s'mores, brownies, trail mix and such, which is always fun and a cool look with all the layers.  Bath salts and infused sugars are also very nice.

Here's what I'm trying this year:

A little colored sand, sea shells, and votive on the inside, and some jute and shells glued at the open top lid..it's not a brand new idea obviously and very easy, but I just love how it turned out!  You can even through a flameless candle in there to make it more versatile.  A great gift, favor, centerpiece or accent to your home.

This Jar is filled with all your sewing goodies.  The lid is stuffed with a little bit of polyfil and covered in felt for the perfect pin cushion. You could add a monogram or other personalized touch...a great gift idea for any crafter!

Glitter-It Glue Ornaments - Free Demos at Oahu Stores on Friday, 11/23 & Saturday, 11/24

Join Jenny this week Friday, Nov.23rd and Saturday, Nov.24th for free demos at our Oahu BFC stores on how to decorate your own holiday ornaments using Glitter-It Glue. Glitter-It Glue is a new product we carry in our stores that can be used to easily add glitter, sequins and more to ready-to-decorate clear or plastic ornaments. 

Decorate your own ornaments using Glitter-It Glue!

Demo Schedule is as follows:

Friday, Nov.23rd:
Pearl City from 10am-12pm
Enchanted Lake from 1-3pm
Mapunapuna from 4-6pm

Saturday, Nov.24th:
Market City from 9-11am

See stores for more details. Don't forget to check out our Super Early Bird Specials and Fa La La Sale starting on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov.22nd! We will be open on Thanksgiving Day from 9am-2pm. (Kahului BFC will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and will have their Early Bird Sale on Friday, Nov.23rd from 6-11am) We also have Early Bird (7-9am) and Night Owl (7-9pm) coupons to save 40% Off a single regular price craft item on Friday, Nov.23rd. Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for stopping by!

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 178 - Holiday Wine Charms

Just in time for Thanksgiving, we’ve got a great Crankin’ Out Crafts idea for your Holiday parties and gift giving. Lisa will tell you everything you need to know to begin “charming” your party-goers.

Avoid a mix-up at Thanksgiving Dinner by making
wine charms for each guest!

Watch our latest episode here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 178 - Holiday Wine Charms

Supplies:

Ear Wire Hoops

Seed beads

Charms or mini ornaments

Jump rings

Round-nosed pliers

Try making these charms with a lot of different colors or ornaments to give each one character and help everyone distinguish their glass from all the others.

*Scroll down to read today's earlier post - a beautiful and vibrant holiday wreath made by Enchanted Lake BFC!

Multicolored Ornament Magic

Happy Holidays! I know everyone is probably getting ready for some crazy shopping fun at all those Black Friday sales because at Ben Franklin we're busy getting ready for our own sale. So, since it's been so crazy lately, today I'm talking about something simple. Here is our incredibly awesome, multicolored ornament wreath to help us ring in the true start of the Holiday season.Christmas is coming everyone!

All the credit for this work of greatness goes to my coworker Lisa who, I personally think, did a stupendous job putting this wreath together. For the base she used a 24 inch straw wreath (yes it's VERY big) which she wrapped with gold ribbon to cover up the straw. Next, she just hot-glued a ton of ornaments in every color to the base, and she ended up with this. So GORGEOUS, right? I would totally want one of these in my home if I had a wall big enough to hang it on.

Anyway, I hope you all decide to stop in and visit us on Thanksgiving day, because we'll be open from 9am to 2pm, as usual, and we've got some great sales going on. Come get in the spirit with us!

Puna @ Enchanted Lake

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 177 - Crayon Leaves

Our last décor project is a great one to make with your kids. Puna takes you through all the simple steps.

Melt different colors of crayon shavings to create
autumn leaves!

View our episode here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 177 - Crayon Leaves

Supplies:

Crayons in fall-rific colors

Wax paper

Iron

Pencil sharpener

Non-stick scissors

Pen

If you use a pencil or crayon sharpener for this project, your children will have a lot of fun helping you to make the crayon shavings needed for the color. Punch holes in your “leaves” and hang near a window for a wonderful fall sun-catching display.

*Don't forget to scroll down to view Kahului's post on their "Christmas Bulb Tree"! Have a great weekend!

Christmas Bulb Tree

Aloha Crafters ~

Today's Idea & Inspiration is a Christmas Bulb Tabletop Tree. This is a relatively quick and easy craft which can yield a great deal of satisfaction.

Supplies:

• 15" Styrofoam Cone (30133872)
• Box of Silver Bulbs (30134867)
• 5 Canadian Silver Picks (30133796)
• 1.5" Silver Ribbon (301073400)
• Wire Cutters
• Adhesive of choice

Instructions:

1. Using Wire Cutter, cut individual branches off Candian Silver Pick
2. Adhere Bulbs & individual branches to cone
3. Make bow with ribbon, adhere to top of "Bulb" tree

Happy Crafting!

Wine Cork Ornament

Here's a way to upcycle wine corks into ornaments!  I used various bead and wire wrapped them into a long dangle, you can make it as long or short as you see fit. I took some flex wire and attached to the end of the dangle and strung on some buttons for a base.  I used a metal awl to create a hole through the wine cork and pulled the flex wire through.  I topped it off with more buttons to finish it off the design and then just looped the end of the wire to make it easy to hang.  These can be used for Christmas tree ornaments, sun catchers in the window, or just to add a little sparkle anywhere.  It's also a great way to use up any orphan beads you might have. 

We'll demo how to do this at our Mapunapuna Bead Shop on Saturday November 17 at 2 PM in case you want to watch!  Hope to see you there!

Lynn H @ Mapunapuna BFC Bead Shop



Deco Mesh Wreaths

Deco Mesh is everywhere! It's so easy to use & we have been busy making beautiful wreaths, mini-trees, and "tomato cage" trees. Embellish them with the ribbon, floral picks and sprays to make it one of a kind. Or, just use them as a garland around your holiday tree. Stop by Pearl City and see what we've done!
There's always something crafty going on at Pearl City!
gloria @ Pearl City

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 176 - Hoop Ribbon Wreath

Brandon is back today with another easy fall decoration made with ribbon scraps.

Here's a great way to use up your ribbon scraps!

Watch the segment here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 176 - Hoop Ribbon Wreath

Supplies:

Ribbon in fall-ish colors

Metal hoop

Scissors

The great thing about this easy wreath is that you can make them in different sizes by using different sized hoops. You can even use leftover or scrap ribbons that you may have lying around.

Get your CUSTOMIZED tree NOW!!!!

O'Christmas Tree O'Christmas Tree

We are just loving the variety of trees and awesome ways of decorating them with ribbon, holiday picks and all the sparkley things and ornaments we carry!  This year our Market City location will customized and decorate a tree for you free of charge...you just have to purchase what you want on it and our design team will put it together for you. Check out some of our ideas and get inspired...tis the season and we are ready!



Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 175 - Fall Leaf Garland

This week on Crankin' Out Crafts we’re focusing on how to dress up your house for fall with some simple, cheap, and easy fixes. For the first project Lisa shows you a charming fall leaf garland.

Adorn your table, doorway, or stairs with a
Fall Leaf Garland!

Catch the episode on YouTube here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 175 - Fall Leaf Garland

Supplies:

Felt in fall-tastic colors

Scissors

Yarn in coordinating color

Yarn darner

Make your leaf chain as long as you need to loop along banisters, across your mantle, or over your table for a great fall festive touch.

Squaring Up to Fall

It's hip to be square this fall. Well actually, it's hip to be cubed. If you're looking for an easy fall table decoration, our stock of wood works up quick to make a slightly squared pumpkin. A four inch cube forms the pumpkin base with a little orange and yellow paint. I actually used a paint brush for my yellow lines, but a yellow Deco Color pen would be just as effective and possibly a little easier to use. A wooden star piece painted green and a one inch cube painted brown form the stem of our gourd. Finally, I've accented the piece with a small fall leaf garland. It just goes to show, some times it's better not to think outside the box.

Puna @ Enchanted Lake

Christmas Is Coming!

We have a lot of awesome Christmas craft ideas at Hilo Ben Franklin! Our little elves have been hard at work putting together great end caps full of ideas and inspirations for your holiday! I just wanted to share some of our fun crafts with you. Come in to Hilo Ben to see the full displays.

Don't want a big tree at your house? You can make an entire forest of paper mache trees! They'd even make great gifts for people.   

What's a party without a red Solo cup? These are even better than the originals...you can wash and reuse them for a long time! The monkeys seem to be having their own little party in the cups. ^.^  

Do you have a bunch of kids you want to do crafts with? We also have bulk kits of little stocking ornaments and other fun foamie crafts.  

Okay, so this doesn't really have any crafts on it. But I thought the end cap was pretty! And the candles smell good too. They'd make great gifts!

So come by Hilo Ben Franklin for lots of craft ideas and pretty gifts!

See you soon!

~Jen @ Hilo Ben Franklin

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 174 - Holiday Felt Coasters

Need a handmade gift or a small decoration item? Brandon’s here to show you how to make festive felt coasters.

Use stencils to add designs to felt!

Catch the segment here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 174 - Holiday Felt Coasters

Supplies:

Felt sheets

Martha Stewart craft stencils

Acrylic paint

Spouncer or stencil brush

Needle

DMC floss or baker’s twine

Scissors

Make up a bunch of quick coasters as Christmas gifts or for a special holiday get together.

*Don't forget to read today's earlier post from Kahului. They show you great ideas to decorate your own holiday ornaments!

Design Your Own Ornament

Aloha Crafters ~

Today's Ideas & Inspirations are some creative ideas on what to do with those great unbreakable ornaments. Our very talented associate Lani designed these ornaments using glitter, paint, pearls, ribbon and beads. As you can see, this is a product that has limitless possibilities.

Happy Crafting!

Moonlight Sonata

I was playing around with a variety of beading components that we carry in the store and ended up with this pair of earrings that I've named Moonlight Sonata.  When I look at this pair, I think of a garden water fountain in the evening with the moonlight playing off the water movement.  I love how we get inspired by images or daydreams to create something just as much as the inspirations that the piece makes after it's made! I used Chinese crystal from our Sweet Beads line, Sierra Pacific Craft findings, and Quick Link hoops . We will have this as a demo on Saturday November 10 at 2 PM. It's a great way to learn how to wire wrap so stop by if you have a chance!

I'll see ya at the store!

Lynn H @ Mapunapuna BFC Bead Shop

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 173 - Jingle Bell Wreath

Get in the spirit with another early Christmas project on Crankin’ Out Crafts. Puna will show you to make a jingle bell wreath for your door to announce the arrival of special guests.

Try this variation of a wreath for the holidays!

Watch the segment here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 173 - Jingle Bell Wreath

Supplies:

25mm jingle bells

1/8 inch ribbon

Gold hoop

Coordinating ribbon for hanger and bow

Jingle bells also come in a variety of colors which makes this wreath an easy match for your décor.

Straw Lei Wreath Inspired by Cheri

I just think this wreath is so fun to look at...and easy to make too! 

Materials:
-Nani yarn..two or more of your favorite greens
-large straw...the kind we carry for the straw leis
-gross grain ribbon
-Holiday Dress it up buttons by James Buttons
-Wired holiday ribbon...this bow was made with the Bow Dabra
-jingle bell with ribbon
-embroidery hoop (Cheri used an 8inch hoop)
-hot glue gun and glue sticks

Put it together:
-Using your straw, yarn and gross grain ribbon make a straw lei. (you can find directions on website under projects)
-hot glue lei to embroidery hoop, and bell with ribbon to the back of the hoop
-embellish your with holiday buttons using the glue gun

..and an adorable lil wreath is born!!!  Thanks Cheri for the great idea!

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 172 - Advent Tree

For this week’s Crankin’ Out Crafts we’re going to focus on a few early Christmas projects that you might want to get a head start on. For today, JFlo is going to show you a cute Advent Calendar idea.

The Advent Tree - a fun alternative to the traditional Advent Calendar!

View our latest episode here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 172 - Advent Tree

Supplies:

Advent calendar tree base

James Button decorative buttons

Stamp pad

Christmas scrapbooking paper

Paper trimmer

Sharpie

Keep in mind; you don’t have to fill up your advent calendar with a bunch of candies. These cute little drawers are perfect for stickers, erasers, or even secret notes about the day’s activities.

Oh Christmas Tree...

Now that Halloween is over, Christmas truly is beginning to take over at the Hilo Ben Franklin store. Donna and her little elves have done an awesome job decorating several trees, creating a forest rimming our seasonal area.

The trees look amazing and each of them has their own theme. Unfortunately, the decorations are going fast. If you'd like to take a look at the trees, please come in soon to check them out. The themes change as decorations are purchased and taken off the trees. What you see on one tree one day may not be there the next.

Everything on the tree is for sale. The ornaments, ribbons, even the tree! You can even purchase the entire tree as-is if you'd like. (Although it may cost you a pretty penny. There's A LOT of stuff on these trees.) But at least you'd know that you'd have an amazing looking tree. ^.^

So come in soon to check out our magical forest of trees. Christmas is going to be here before you know it! Check out our selection of ornaments and decorations for your home! And if you need any help with ideas, please don't be afraid to ask.

See you soon!

~Jen at Hilo Ben Franklin