Sunday, June 30, 2013

Cityscape Glass Block with Fire Fly Lights

Aloha Crafters ~

Today's Idea & Inspiration is a Cityscape Glass Block with Fire Fly Lights. This Glass Block was etched both front and back with a Urban Landscape stencil from Ronda Palazzari Designs. A glitter starburst and  Black Glitter Paper were applied to the back. Warm White Fire Fly Lights were then placed inside for our completed project. As always, Glass Blocks are great for inside or outside decor, and this idea can be used as a subtle lighting effect.

Supplies:
  • Glass Block (30090219)
  • Warm White Fire Fly Lights (301396890
  • Urban Landscape Stencil (30141322)
  • EtchAll Creme (30005489)
  • EtchAll Squeegee (30005494)
  • Tack Spray Glue (77641951)
  • Silver Stickles (30014988)
  • Black Glitter Cardstock (30100093)
  • Black Cardstock (30116568)
  • Doublestick Tape
  • Paper Trimmer
Instructions:
  1. Etch Urban Landscape Stencil onto front of Glass Block following EtchAll instructions.
  2. Once glass block front is etched, etch stencil onto back of Glass Block.
  3. After etching is complete, use Silver Stickles and draw starburst onto back of Glass.
  4. While starburst is drying, cut and fold Black Cardstock to hide Fire Fly Lights battery.
  5. After starburst is dry, cut and adhere Black Glitter Cardstock to back of Glass Block.
  6. Shape Fire Fly Lights to fit interior of Glass Block, place inside,
Happy Crafting!
Robin @ Kahului

Friday, June 28, 2013

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 263 - Cut-up Tee

Lastly, today's episode gets you summer ready by showing you how to cut up your old t-shirts to add some extra stylish ventilation for those hot summer days.

Make a cool t-shirt for summer!


Supplies:
T-shirt
Sharp scissors
Feisty Fingers (your own, preferably)

If you decide to do our cut-up t-shirt project, just remember to start with a t-shirt that is larger than you are used to wearing. The weaving tends to make the shirts a little more fitted.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 262 - T-shirt Necklace/Scarf


JFlo has a fun t-shirt DIY today. She's going to show you how to make a statement with a t-shirt necklace.

Cut-up your old tees to create a brand-new accessory!

Watch our how-to video on our YouTube channel: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 262 - 

Supplies:
Old t-shirt
Sharp scissors

Braid a few of these t-shirt strands or even add some beads to change up the look of this simple accessory.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 261 - T-shirt Headband


Summer is here and we are tearing up some t-shirts to make way for new summer styles. If you have old t-shirts laying around, check out this week's Crankin' Out Crafts for great "upcycled" ideas.

Create a headband from an old or new t-shirt!


Supplies:
Old or new t-shirt
Sharp scissors
Hot-glue or Fabri-tac glue

T-shirts are great for headbands because they have a natural stretchiness.

Small Glass Jar Decor and Party Favor Ideas!


These glass jars are perfect for any occasion! Fill them with candy for a party favor or drop a tea light in them with the lid off for a decoration. These are just a few simple and quick ideas on how to use these small Glass Canisters!


 



Translucent Blue Tissue Paper Glass Jar


You will need:
Tissue Paper 
Stamp 
Gold Stamp Pad
Mod Podge- Glossy 
Foam Brush
Hemp Cord 
Hot Glue
Glass Canister with Lid 

1.       Cut the tissue paper to fit the glass jar and stamp image on the tissue paper.
2.      Brush one coat of Mod Podge on the glass jar and smooth the stamped tissue paper on while it is still wet. Smoothing the bottom underneath the jar and the top of the tissue to the jar.
3.      Let dry for a few minutes and then give it one more coat of Mod Podge to seal it.
4.      Wrap the hemp around top of the jar and secure with glue



Monogram Glass Jar

You will need:
Satin Ribbon 
Two coordinating sheets of Cardstock 
Nesting circle punches about 1 ½” and 2” 
Butterfly Punch
Vellum
Double sided tape 
Glass Canister with Lid 

1.       Wrap the satin ribbon around the jar twice and secure in the front with double sided tape.
2.      Punch one 1 ½” circle and one 2” circle of coordinating paper.
3.      Write, print or stamp desired design or monogram on the smaller circle. And adhere the two circles together.
4.      Adhere the circles to the front of the jar where the ribbon is adhered. 
5.      Punch a butterfly out of vellum and use a small amount of double sided tape to stick it to the front.


  
Bling Glass Jar

You will need:
Hemp Cord
Gem Ribbon 
Glass Canister with Lid 
Hot Glue 

1.       Trim the Gem ribbon to the desired width and height of the jar. Adhere with Hot Glue on every other side.
2.      Trim one strand of the Gem Ribbon and adhere around the lid.
3.      Wrap Hemp cord around the top of the jar and tie in a pretty bow!


Thanks for looking and HAPPY CRAFTING! ~ Deborah @ Market City

Monday, June 24, 2013

A Pallet-able Project

There are a lot of people out there right now on Pinterest and all over the web who are making astounding things out of pallets. Of course one thing leads to another and the love for making things using pallets has turned into simply a love of pallets. To help spread a little more pallet love, today's blog topic concerns making something into a pallet. Well, making popsicle sticks into a mini pallet coaster, to be exact.



If you want to make this pallet project for your own home, you're going to need a few things first. Popsicle sticks are the main ingredient but you'll also need something to cut them with and something to stain them with. I used some heavy duty tin snips and Tim Holtz's Distress Stains respectively. To round the project off, you need a length of balsa wood - square shaped, not circular - a hot-glue gun, and an Xacto or utility knife.


I then cut both ends off of the popsicle sticks to give them straight edges. You can also find popsicle sticks ready made without the rounded ends, but I used what I had on hand. I also cut the balsa wood into pieces that were roughly the same size as my popsicle sticks. Then I used the Distress Stain to give the wood pieces a rugged, weathered look. Last, I hot-glued the popsicle sticks to three pieces of balsa wood.


Keep in mind that these coasters are supposed to look raw and used, just like those life-sized pallets. Don't worry if your popsicle sticks hang over too much or if a couple of your pieces have some rough edges. In fact, you want these cuties to look as imperfect as possible. The less refined the better, I think, and they're great for adding a fun, rustic touch to your home.

Drop by our Enchanted Lake store during July for demonstrations on how to make some pallets of your own.

See you soon,
Puna @ Enchanted Lake

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Patriotic Glass Blocks with Fire Fly Lights

Aloha Crafters ~

Today's Idea & Inspiration is a trio of Patriotic Glass Blocks. Our new blue Fire Fly Lights and glitter tape are super simple to use and make decorating Glass Blocks a breeze. These Patriotic Glass Blocks are a perfect addition to your 4th of July decor and are great for use inside or out.

Supplies:
  • Glass Block (30090219)
  • Blue Fire Fly Lights (30139690)
  • Marine Blue Glitter Tape - wide (30136561)
  • White Glitter Tape - wide (30136579)
  • Rouge Red Glitter Tape - wide (30136540)
  • Rouge Red Glitter Tape - medium (30136534)
  • Rouge Red Glitter Tape - narrow (301365280
  • Starry Night Edge Punch (30103847)
  • Handy Guillotine Paper Trimmer (30063929)
Instructions:
  1. Using Paper Trimmer, cut glitter tape to desired lengths (see pictures for placement)
  2. Using Starry Night Edge Punch, punch wide glitter tape (both edges)
  3. Save punched stars from white tape and use for American Flag Glass Block
  4. Adhere cut & punched tape & stars to Glass Blocks (see pictures for placement)
Happy Crafting!
Robin @ Kahului

Friday, June 21, 2013

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 260 - Tulle Fireworks


Dress up a table, wreath, or even your hair with these great firework inspired tulle pompoms.

Pompoms are a fun addition to a centerpiece!

View the how-to video on YouTube: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 260 - Tulle Fireworks

Supplies:
Red glitter tulle
Dowel or straw
Scissors
Hot glue or floral tape

Our sparkly tulle really makes these faux fireworks pop!



Thursday, June 20, 2013

4th of July Crafting Carnival at Mapunapuna BFC! Saturday, June 29th from 10am-2pm

Mapunapuna Crafting Carnival Flyer

You're invited to our annual store event at Mapunapuna BFC! Join us at our 4th of July Crafting Carnival on Saturday, June 29, 2013 from 10am-2pm for demos, make 'n takes, prizes & more. Our projects will help you get ready for the 4th of July, with make 'n takes from Cheryl, Joy, and many other special guest crafters! We will also have hot dogs and soda for sale, as well as free popcorn (while supplies last) from 11am to 1pm. Download our flyer to see schedule or pick-up a copy at our Mapunapuna store. See store for more details.


Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 259 - Old Glory Fans


We're introducing Sarah into our COC mix today to show you how to make some star studded and striped fans. They're perfect for watching the 4th of July parade with.

Easy & simple ways to decorate fans!


Supplies:
Fans
Spray paint in red and blue
(We used Montana Acrylic Spray Paint, available only at Enchanted Lake BFC)
White cardstock
Artist tape
Glue or double-stick tape

Our new fans are great to help you beat the summer heat.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

TCW Canvas Decor

Check out our new Crafter's Workshop Stencils! 




We used:
Canvas
Black Acrylic Paint
Paint Brush
TCW Stencil - Urban Landscape
Modern Spray Pain - Champagne
Silver
Some masking tape

This wall hanging was created with a 9x12 canvas that we painted black. We used the Urban Landscape Stencil with Modern Spray Paint in Champagne Silver. Just tape the stencil down using masking tape and spray with the Modern Spray Paint. If any spray paint gets on the black part of the canvas, just touch up with more black acrylic paint. These stencils are great for any craft and come in SOOO many different styles... it was hard to choose which one to use!!

Deborah @ Market City

Monday, June 17, 2013

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 258 - 4th of July Mason Jars


We're getting into the patriotic swing here on Crankin' Out Crafts this week with a 4th of July theme. First, lets watch Brandon do a quick mason jar dress up.

Turn jars in beverage glasses!

See our episode on our YouTube channel: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 258 - 4th of July Mason Jars

Supplies:
Mason Jar
Red, white, and blue ribbons
Cupcake wrappers
Double-stick tape
Paper straw

The cupcake wrappers make your table look especially festive and help to keep the bugs out of the drinks.

Paracord Crafts for Summer

Time for some summer crafting fun? We've got a new book that just arrived in our stores called "Paracord Crafts." It's got a few really good crafts in it and EASY to understand directions. So great!


Following the instructions from this book I made this bright and summery paracord bracelet. It's woven a little differently than the ones that I've done before and I think it might be slightly less bulky.



Check out this new book and learn how to make this bracelet plus a few other paracord crafts like a keychain fob and headband.

Puna @ Enchanted Lake

Sunday, June 16, 2013

It's Deco Time!

Hi Everyone!

This is a first for me, so bear with me, okay? At Hilo Ben Franklin, for the past few months we've been having most (not all) of our employees share their Craft Pick of the Month as a demo. It's been going really well and the projects have all been great! 
I really like the project that I shared this month, so I decided to share it with all of the blog visitors too. 
This is the project:
They're decorated containers! Super cute, yah? Also super simple, if not slightly messy, to make! 

Here's what you'll need:
* A surface to decorate. (I used the round plastic containers that we sell at Ben Franklin, but you can use any flat surface:  the lid of a jar, a pencil case, I've even seen someone decorate a binder using the same technique!)
* Buttons, acrylic gems, cabochons, anything you want to decorate with. It's okay if the shank is still on the back of the button. It gives it a little lift and dimension.
* Glitter (You can't really see it in the picture, but I used a little bit of glitter to make it sparkle. But you don't have to use it if you don't want to.)
* Modeling Paste (or, if you're more handy than crafty, if you have a nice tube of silicone caulk, that works too) and a piping bag or a ziploc bag and a popsicle stick
* Paper towel and newspaper
* A little bit of creativity

So here's what you do:
1. Spread some newspaper on the table. Just in case. :)

2. Take the modeling paste and stir it a little with a popsicle stick...or a plastic butter knife works too.
3. Put some of the paste into the piping bag or ziplock bag and snip off the corner. You may need to squeeze and manipulate the bag a little to get it to go into the corner, so try to get it as far into one corner or as close to the tip as possible when you're putting the paste into the bag.
4. Just like if you were piping icing onto a cake, squeeze the modeling paste onto your flat surface. It doesn't have to be neat, but it does have to be a little thick if you're using buttons with the shank still on them. You don't even have to cover the entire surface.
5. Sprinkle a little glitter onto the paste (optional, but it does make it sparkly. :D)
6. Start sticking things on. You don't need to have a plan before you go in, but once you place something somewhere, I probably wouldn't suggest you move it. The modeling paste is pretty sticky. I think I got more on my hands at this point trying to move things around and then needing to fix the paste than I did when I was piping the paste on. There's no right or wrong with this. That's why it's a great project for kids.

And Ta-Da! You have a totally, absolutely, one of a kind decorated container. Yay! But caution:  let the modeling paste dry completely, at least 24-hours, before you touch it or use the container.

That's it! Easy, yah? The caulk is definitely easier to pipe on because it already comes in a tube, but crafty people can easily use the modeling paste. Either way, do this project in a well-ventilated area since both products to smell a little. 

Here's a couple more examples of the project:
The pink container is just from the Dollar Section at Target and yes, that's a cell phone case next to it. We have those at Ben Franklin too! I just wish we had ones that fit my phone....

Anyway, if you have any questions about this project, please let me know. 

Have a great day and I'll see you again soon!

~Jen at Hilo Ben Franklin

Last Minute Gift Ideas for Dad

Aloha Crafters ~
Today's Idea & Inspiration is Last Minute Gift Ideas for Dad. If you'd like to give Dad something special, Ben Franklin Crafts is the place to shop. For the sports enthusiast, we offer trophy or sports memorabilia display cases; for the coach, a team picture frame.

For the chef:

For the artist:

For the crafter:

For the Kid at Heart:

Happy Father's Day!
Robin @ Kahului



Thursday, June 13, 2013

Keiki Summer Crafting

Beautiful Mosaic Tiles

We had our first (of the Six Weeks of Keiki Summer Crafting) crafting session this past weekend! Our creative Keiki used their imagination to create these beautiful tiles!  A few started off creating it for Father's Day but later decided that it was too much fun & will keep it for themselves!  We'll be doing a bit of jewelry this weekend...a Hello Kitty necklace or a keepsake Hello Kitty box!  And, for Father's Day, we'll be braiding a Paracord Key Chain!  Join us from 10am-12pm for Hello Kitty and from 2-4pm for paracord!  Hope to see you there!  There's always something crafty going on at Pearl City!
  gloria @ Pearl City
 

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

4th of July Glass Tea Light Holder

What is one of the HOTTEST things at Ben Franklin Craft Stores right now? BURLAP! It is so easy to use and adds character to just about any craft! This week we made a tea light candle holder for 4th of July out of ribbon and burlap. Perfect for any 4th of July party, gift or just decorating around the house.


You will need:
1 glass jar
Wired burlap ribbon
Red, White and Blue ribbon
Jewel ribbon
1 button
Hot glue and glue gun
Scissors


All you need to do is wrap the burlap and ribbons around the jar and hot glue in place. Tie the red, white and blue ribbons together in a double knot at the front of the jar. Create a circle medallion by trimming one wired side of the burlap ribbon and gathering it by pulling the other wire, hot glue to keep its shape. Pull the red, white and blue ribbons through the middle and hot glue in place, add a cute button and hot glue the jewel ribbon. TADAH!

Deborah @ Market City

Monday, June 10, 2013

A Stand-Up Type of Frame

I'm a little tired of frames that just sit around doing nothing but hugging pictures. You too? I say let's do more with our frames and have our frames do more for us! Like today I made a standing frame. Or maybe we should call it an elevated frame? Either way it's a whole lot cuter than any regular old frame.


To make one, I just spray painted both the frame and the wooden candlestick using a Design Master spray paint in October Brown. The candle stick was a little tricky to spray because of the shape, but you just have to make sure that you spray in all of the grooves and from all directions. When they dried, I used my E6000 adhesive to glue the frame to the candle stick. Wheee! Done. For an extra touch I made bows with burlap ribbon and then used Fabri-tac to stick them to the frames. Make sure you give both the E6000 and the Fabri-tac 24 hours to really set before putting these frames to the test.

I think these would be great for a wedding table centerpiece or maybe even for a graduation party. They have great height and style and you can display them with or without pictures. Now you'll have to excuse me while I go and make about a hundred of these.

Puna @ Enchanted Lake

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Even More Quick & Easy Wedding Favors

Aloha Crafters ~
Today's Idea & Inspiration is a Rainbow of Hexagon Wedding Favors. These boxes are decorated with Satin Edged Organza Ribbon and Silver Wedding Rings.
Supplies:
Pkg Hexagon Boxes (30064296)
Pkg Silver Wedding Rings (30085046)
5/8" Satin Edge Organza Ribbon - Red (30116745); Orange (30116742); Canary (30116762); Emerald (30116760); Royal Blue (30116752); Purple (30116756)
7/16" Double Stick Tape (30013285)
Glue Gun (77526343)
Non-Stick Scissors (77314609)
Dritz Fray Check (77651521)
Instructions:
  1. Assemble Boxes
  2. Cut 8.5" of Satin Edged Organza Ribbon
  3. Using 7/16" Double Stick Tape, adhere Ribbon around Boxes
  4. Make Bows, thread rings on while making
  5. Hot Glue Bows to Boxes
For those of you who would prefer to be less "colorful", following is a Black, White & Silver version of the Hexagon Box:
Happy Crafting!
Robin @ Kahului

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 257 - Mosaic Picture Frame


Create a unique design with Mosaic tile and give a gift that will last for a lifetime. Mosaics can make your project dimensional and add a splash of color and texture.

See how JFlo creates a one of a kind Frame.

Here's another easy project to make with our new mosaic tiles: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 257 - Mosaic Picture Frame

Supplies:
Ready-to-Decorate Wood Frame with plaque
Ceramcoat acrylic paint (we used blue bayou & gecko)
paintbrush
e6000 glue or craft glue
mosaic tiles
vinyl word stickers

This project is great to make for Father's Day on Sunday, June 16th! Come and check out the different color packs of mosaic tiles and ready-to-decorate wood surfaces at our stores.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Crankin' Out Crafts -ep256 Mosaic Tile Flower Dish


Watch how JFlo changes clear Glass tiles to colorful mosaic pieces.  These unique tiles can be added to a project of your choice!  

Glass tiles are great for embellishing!


Supplies:
Glass tiles (pointed teardrop shape)
Alcohol Ink (we used watermelon & silver)
Blending solution
Blending tool
Clear Petri Dish (plastic)
e6000 glue
glitter
Glitter-It Glue
Funnel
paintbrush
glitter tray

Decorate your next craft project with glass tiles today! They come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Monday, June 3, 2013

Up-Styled Frame

Looking for a quick, instant gratification craft? I made this frame in 30 minutes! Actually, about 10 minutes of that was waiting for the spray paint to dry so ... I made this frame in 20 minutes! Plus, I'm really loving the up-styled, elegant look of it too.


If you want to make this on your own, get a cheapy frame, like the one on the left, and spray paint it a nice metallic color. I went with a Montana spray paint in silver but I think gold or copper would've been equally awesome. Wait for the paint to dry (seriously the hardest part about this DIY), then take some glass tiles and some E6000 adhesive and stick those tiles all over the frame. The E6000 will stay pretty loose for a bit, so it makes it really, really easy to move the tiles around to place them just where you want them. In a couple of hours the E6000 is set enough to stand the frame up. After about a day the E6000 will be permanent and you'll have a beautiful new decor piece.

Try it right now! You can make a ton of these in like no time. Maybe even small ones as wedding favors? Ooooh I'll have to try it.

Puna @ Enchanted Lake

Sunday, June 2, 2013

More Quick & Easy Wedding Favors ~ Rhinestone Heart Slippers

Aloha Crafter ~

Today's Idea & Inspiration is a Clear Slipper embellished with a Rhinestone Heart & Rhinestone Back Seam.

Supplies:
  • Clear Slipper (30073950)
  • Rhinestone Ribbon (30137942)
  • 7/16" Double Stick Tape (30013285)
  • 3/16" Double Stick Tape (30013283)
  • Scissors
Instructions:
  1. Cut Rhinestone Ribbon into desired shape
  2. Using Double Stick tape, adhere to Slipper

Happy Crafting!
Robin @ Kahului