It'a a Minion!

If you've seen Despicable Me, then you know who Minions are!?  They have been described as "impulsive creatures with little self-control, but with a wide-eyed wonder and odd innocence"....sounds like anyone you know?!
We are in the midst of receiving Christmas items at all the stores....& clear plastic ornaments have arrived!  With just a bit of yarn, yellow paint, googly eyes, a strip of sticky back foamie, jewelry hoops, you can create your own Minion!  These are quick & easy to make....have each Keiki create & name her own Minion & create a Minion family wreath or tree!
Time for my papple!  There's always something crafty going on at Pearl City!
  gloria @ Pearl City 

Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 277: Mail Holder

Puna returns to explain the simple way we painted and distressed this amazing mail holder.

Get organized and create your own mail holder!

View our next wood project segment here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 277 - Mail Holder

Supplies:

Mail holder

Acrylic paint

Tim Holtz's Distress Stain

Scrap paper

Foam Core

Hang keys on the hooks at the bottom of the mail holder and place mail and other odds and ends in the basket.

Sparkly Butterfly Mobile

Beautiful Sparkly Butterfly Mobile

I am thinking this would be GREAT for a baby's room, garden party decor, baby shower, weddings, graduations, adult rooms.... ( I would use it in my room!) 

Supplies needed:

2 Embroidery hoops. I used 9" and 5"

Acrylic paint

clear thread

Glitter

Cardstock

Hot Glue or Fabri-tac

Butterfly paper punch. I used a Martha Stewart punch

First paint the embroidery hoops (only use the solid ring from the inside of the hoop) and add glitter on the edges. Punch out a LOT of butterflies. I used 4 sheets of light yellow cardstock Begin gluing the butterflies onto the thread back to back, kind of making a sandwich with the thread in the middle. Only glue in the center of the butterfly because you will separate the wings once you are done. Tie the strings of butterflies to the hoops and assemble so it will hang even. Separate the wings and hang anywhere in your house!! You can add beads, pearls, glitter, fancy cardstock and even gems to give it an extra special touch!

Use rainbow colors of cardstock to give it a different look or even HOT pink and black for a sassy feel! Be creative and let your imagination play! 

Thanks for looking and CRAFT ON! ~Deborah @ Market City

Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 276: Clock Frame

JFlo had a kooky cuckoo of an idea to make a cuckoo clock out of a box frame. Check out how it's done in today's episode.

Make a one-of-a-kind clock with our RTD wood!

Watch our episode here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 276- Clock Frame

Supplies:

Wooden box frame

Clock mechanism

Scrapbooking paper

Double-stick tape

Baker's twine

Craft bottles

Screw eyes

T-pin

Eye pin

Needle-nose pliers

Drill

Use the craft bottles attached to the clock to store small mementos.

*Don't forget to scroll down and read today's earlier post from Enchanted Lake on our new Project Life items!

Introducing...Project Life!

Pirate Party layout using the Project Life "Honey" basic kit

Have you got Project Life in YOUR life? Our Ben Franklin stores just started carrying this new approach to scrapbooking and I've got to say it's got all of us in tizzy.

Treasure Chest Birthday Cake layout also using the "Honey" basic kit

If you've never heard of Project Life before, one "Google" will pull up a ton of info supplied by the many, many addicted scrapbookers who are already loving it. Essentially, it's a way to scrapbook your life, one day, one week, or one month at a time. All you need to start your Project Life scrapbook is an album, a basic kit, pocketed page protectors, and a pen. Any additional embellishments are optional and completely at your discretion.

Wake Up layout in the Project Life "Kraft" basic kit

The best, best thing about Project Life is that it's so simple to do. You just slide your pictures and the pre-cut papers from the kit into pockets and poof! Instant, incredibly cute scrapbooks. In fact, it's so easy that many scrapbookers have started to do something called Project 365 which is scrapbooking for every day of the year. Don't worry though if that doesn't appeal to you, most people will opt to do a page a week or a page a month, whatever they can handle. It's wonderful because it's really all up to you.

Drop by to see our Project Life samples on display and ask any questions you might have about this ingenious scrapbook system.

Puna @ Enchanted Lake

Kahului ~ Introducing Ready Made Floral Arrangements

Aloha Crafters ~

Today's Idea & Inspiration is our new Ready Made Floral Arrangements. We have an extensive floral department here at our Kahului Ben Franklin Craft Store; but we do understand that at times you might not have the time or inclination to design and fabricate your own floral composition. So we are now offering Ready Made Floral Arrangements.

Following are a few of our offerings:

"Orange You Glad You're on Maui?" Arrangement

Orchid Orchestration Arrangement

ProTEA PARTY Arrangement

We hope to see you soon...
Happy Crafting!
Robin @ Kahului

Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 275: Clothespin Shadowbox

Puna explains how to decorate this incredibly cute shadow box in just a few steps.

Use scrapbooking elements to decorate!

Watch our episode here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 275 - Clothespin Shadowbox

Supplies:

Shadow box

Scrapbooking paper

Tim Holtz's Distress Stains

Sticker embellishments

Double-stick tape

This shadowbox is great to memorialize a special occasion by using the included clothespins to hold ticket stubs or other memorabilia.

Yuming Zhu - "Sumi Expression in Hawaii Heat"

Sumi Expression in Hawaii Heat: Free Demos by Artist Yuming Zhu - Friday, August 2nd to Monday, August 5th (Workshop on Sunday, August 4th)

Well-known Seattle Artist Yuming Zhu will be demonstrating Sumi/Chinese Watercolor painting at our stores in August! Free demos on the following days: Friday, August 2: 9am-12pm at Pearl City, 2pm-5pm at Mapunapuna; Saturday, August 3: 9am-12pm at Market City, 2pm-5pm at Enchanted Lake; Monday, August 5: 10am-4pm at Kahului. You can also sign-up for his WORKSHOP at Mapunapuna on Sunday, August 4  from 9am-4pm, Fee $50 (supplies not included)http://www.bfcraftclub.com/

 

Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 274: Wood Puzzle

Are you looking for a guest book for your next party? Check out this unique alternative - a Puzzle!  This idea takes a raw wood puzzle to an OVER THE TOP centerpiece, guest book, memory all in one, that you can decorate your home with!

Make a fun puzzle!

Watch the segment here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 274 - Wood Puzzle

Supplies:

Wood Puzzle 

Black Pen (for sketching design)

Tim Holtz Distress Stain

Acrylic Paint

Stay tuned for more wood projects!

Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 273: Easel Frame

Our new wood selection has arrived and we have some cute ideas to embellish it!  Watch how JFLo easily transforms a double wood easel into a trendy shabby chic frame using Distress Stains.

Add color to wood with Distress Stain!

Watch how JFlo makes this project here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 273: Easel Frame

Supplies:

Wood Easel Frame

Tim Holtz Distress Stain or Paint

paper

optional: bistro marker for writing on glass

Come in and check out our new selection of ready-to-decorate wood items today!

*Don't forget to scroll down and read today's cute mason jar project from Market City!

Minion Mason Jar!!

How cute is this Mason Jar Minion from Despicable Me!?

Supplies:

Mason Jar

Felt

Blue Yard

Fabri-tac

E6000 Glue

Googly Eyes

White acrylic paint

Yellow Acrylic Paint

Silver Deco Pain Pen

Juice bottle caps. (I used Snapple's)

Paint the inside of your jar and let it set to dry overnight. Once the inside is all dry, start wrapping your blue yarn and securing it with Fabri-Tac as you go. I did the straps and then started from the top of the "Overalls" and worked my way to the bottom. Paint the inside of you juice bottle caps with white acrylic paint and secure the googly eyes in the center once they are dry. Use the Deco pen to cover up any advertisement on the sides of you bottle caps. Cut a strip of felt for his goggles and secure it to the jar with fabri-tac. Also use a small strip of felt as his mouth. Now the final step is to secure the eyes with E6000 Glue. Place a battery operated Tea Light in the center and he will glow on your patio!!!

Thanks for looking!! ~Deborah @ Market City

Chic Magnetic Jewelry Keeper

I love seeing all the jewelry holders that periodically float around on Pinterest. They are something that used to be purely functional which people have made into something decorative AND functional. Every time I see one I want to make one because they are always wonderfully cute and innovative.

Do any of you recognize the jewelry we've featured on our previous blog entries which I've displayed on our handy keeper?

As you can see, I finally gave in and made one for our store. It's a little bit different from some of the others I've seen because I decided to back my frame with a tin sheet and make the whole thing magnetic. It could double as a memo board or message center. The tin boxes are also rearrangeable because they're held on by magnets. I'm especially happy with the way it turned out because it has a space for necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings. (Did you notice the thimble at the bottom right?) Not to mention the tin boxes can act as shelves for small curios and mementos. So much fun!

Puna @ Enchanted Lake

Glass Blocks for the Collecter Part 2

Aloha Crafters ~

Today's Idea & Inspiration is Part 2 of our Collector's Glass Block Series. Good memories can be found at hand when a Glass Block is decorated and designated. Fortunes from fortune cookies could be saved in the above Glass Block. This block was backed with washi paper and a vinyl sticker was rubbed on the front.

Above is a Glass Block designed to hold buttons, backed with scrapbook paper. The front is embellished with paper buttons punched with a button paper edger and sealed with Glossy Accents.

The above Glass Block theme was made using a black deco paint pen to outline the design, then alcohol inks were used for filling in.

Happy Crafting!
Robin @ Kahului

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 272 - Heritage Jar Lantern

For our last lovely mason jar project, Puna will show you how to make chic hanging lantern for votives or battery operated tea-lights.

Create a pretty lantern to hang at your party!

Watch how we made the lantern here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 272 - Heritage Jar Lantern

Supplies:

Blue heritage mason jar

16 gauge wire

Wire cutters

Needle-nose pliers

*optional doily and tea-light (battery-operated)*

Stop by our stores and pick-up the Limited Edition Heritage Blue Mason Jars today! Sold individually and in cases of 6 qty, they are perfect for decorating your home or next event.

Snow Cone Garland

This bright colors and the sparkle of glittery ice makes the eyes light! What better way to feel the summertime fun and bring the indoors, than with this sweet DIY Faux Snow Cone Garland. Bonus: These ones won't melt everywhere! Come in and see how to do this Snow Cone project. We will be doing demos on July 22 and July 25 at 11-11:30am.

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 271 - Heritage Blue Mason Jar with Firefly Lights Centerpiece

Firefly Lights and Blue Mason jars are the perfect pair.  Use these two items to create the ambiance you are looking for in your tablescape or centerpiece.

Add firefly lights to a mason jar for a finishing touch!

Check out how to make this project here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 271 - Heritage Blue Mason Jar with Firefly Lights Centerpiece

Supplies:

Heritage blue mason jar(s)

firefly lights & batteries

floral & greenery 

Optional: tin box & jute (to hide battery pack)

Stay tuned for more mason jar projects!

Paper Flower Mason Jar

Create these cute paper flowers using the new Susan's Garden Sizzix Die

To get the shaded natural effect cut the petals out of cream cardstock, use a sponge to dap the ink pad then "Sponge" the ink onto the paper petals. Once you have colored the petals the color and shade you want, start shaping them with an embossing tool and the texture pads (sold by the Susan's Garden Dies) it doesn't have to be perfect, trust me! After all the petals are shaped nicely start constructing the flower by gluing with Fabri Tac from the outside working your way in until you run out of petals. Tie a ribbon onto the mason jar and glue your beautiful handmade paper flower onto the jar.

All you need is:

Susans Garden Sizzix Die

Sizzix Machine

Cream Cardstock

Ink pad and sponge

Embossing stylist

Sheer ribbon and Grosgrain

Fabri Tac

A MASON JAR!

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

Geek Crafts

So, as promised, I'm carrying on my "Celebrate Your Geekness" holiday throughout the month of July. Please stop by our Enchanted Lake store if you're interested in learning how to make last week's "Spectacle Necklace," today's "Magic Mushroom Charm," a "HP Fan" or today's "Instagram Perler Square."

Here's a closer picture of the "Instagram Perler Square," if you want to see the pattern a little better. It's pretty easy to do if you know how to use an iron.

And last but not least, behold! The magic 1UP mushroom from one of my favorite video games. I shaped the top of this cutie with Fimo clay onto a small, wooden cup-like knob. After inserting an eye pin through the top, I baked the whole thing at 225 degrees for 10 minutes. When my mushroom cooled down enough to touch, about 10 minutes, I curled the bottom of the eye pin into a nice spiral shape and attached the mushroom to a key ring with a jump ring. Now I can take my extra life with me wherever I go. Who doesn't want an extra life?

Hope to see you soon!

Puna @ Enchanted Lake

P.S. Scroll down for some exciting ideas using our blue heritage mason jars, brought to you by Crankin' out Crafts.

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 270 - Heritage Blue Mason Jar - Centerpiece Table Marker

Ball Mason Jars are celebrating their 100 year anniversary and we have The American Heritage Collection limited edition in our stores now. This week we will be featuring projects incorporating the lovely blue jars. First up JFlo will show you how to use the jar and lid as a centerpiece table marker.  

Using the Limited Edition Heritage Blue Mason Jars

See how to make this project on our YouTube Channel: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 270 - Heritage Blue Mason Jar - Centerpiece Table Marker

Supplies:

Heritage blue mason jar 

sand

pink circle marvy uchida punch

paper

brown ink pad

black marker

double-stick tape

cropadile tool

jute

tealight

Optional: other decorative embellishments (shells, etc.)

Make this table marker using the mason jars for your next event!

Glass Blocks for the Collector

Aloha Crafters ~

Today's Idea & Inspiration is a Collector's Series of Glass Blocks. If you're like me, you enjoy saving tidbits from special occassions, but where to put them? Decorated Glass Blocks are a fun showcase for your memorable treasures. There are a plethora of ways to embellish your Glass Blocks here at Ben Franklin Crafts.

Above I used a piece of scrapbook paper, cut and adhered it to the back of a Glass Block. Then cut out letters from the same paper and added them to the front and used Glossy Accents on the top to seal.

Small faceted purple hearts and vintage look scrapbook paper adorn this glass block. I'm thinking of using it for broken bits of jewelry.

Following is an Encouragement Block, perfect for a Teacher Appreciation Gift. We all need to be reminded that we are appreciated and this is a fun idea for storing those precious little notes.

Scrapbook paper was again used to back the block, and a deco paint pen was used to free hand the front.

Tip: If you're uncertain about your lettering or drawing ability, any design can be traced through the glass, and our deco paint pens come in a variety of colors and sizes.

Happy Crafting!

Robin @ Kahului

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 269 - Resin Container

JFlo returns today to talk about the different types of surfaces you can use Super Resin UV Crystal on and the versatility of this product. She decorates the top of a small container with alcohol ink, resin, and embellishments.

Decorate with resin on many different surfaces

Watch our last resin project video here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 269 - Resin Container

Supplies:

Super Resin UV Crystal

Alcohol Inks

Blending Solution

Container

Papertowels

Small piece of cardstock

toothpick

UV light oven

Board to cover oven

Watch or timer

*Optional: charms, glitter, embellishments

You can let the resin harden without using the UV oven, but it takes a lot longer to set. With the UV oven most resins will be set in 3 minutes.

Back-to-School Crafting: Recycled Paper Notebooks

 Hello, fellow crafters!

Getting ready for Back-To-School? What better way to spruce up your notes than with a personalized notebook? We've got some great recycled kraft paper notebooks in our stores  ready for you to decorate. 

Some materials you can use:
- Acrylic paints like: Delta Ceramcoat brand or Soy Paints
- Scrapbook paper
- Double sided tape like (Terrifically Tacky Tape works very well)
- Tacky Glue or craft adhesives
- Scissors
- Glossy Accents (clear gloss medium)
- Embellishments (Buttons, Stickers, old board game tiles, etc.)

Here are some samples of what you can do to make these lovely books your own.

Add some color using soy paints. These soy based acrylic paints give you great coverage and they come in a variety of different vibrant colors. Take some Terrifically Tacky Tape (one of our great double sided tapes), sprinkle on some fine glitter, tap off the excess and you've got yourself a little shimmery accent. We've also taken a Sharpie to add some cute doodle accents.

 Decorate using some patterned scrapbook paper. Add a little bit of dimension and highlights using Glossy Accents.

Experiment with some texture! Here we've taken some bubble wrap and acrylic paint and stamped the bubble wrap onto scrapbook paper for this cool effect. We also took some old board game tiles and adhered it to the front with some E600.

These are just some of the many things you can do to decorate these versatile little notebooks. Come down and check out all the different styles we have and have some fun!

Craft on, everyone!



~Hazel
at Housemart Ben Franklin Crafts - Pearl City

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 268 - Clear-backed Resin Pendant

The glass-like clarity of our Super Resin UV Crystal makes it a clear winner. Today Puna shows you a technique to make see-through pendants.

Check out our selection of Resin Jewelry Making Kits!

Watch our next Resin segment here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 268 - Clear-backed Resin Pendant 

Supplies:

Super Resin UV Crystal

Transparent image

Quick links solid metal ring

Crimp bead

Toothpick

Scotch tape or packing tape

Small piece of cardstock

UV oven

Board to cover oven

Watch or timer

Don't forget to pop all the bubbles in the resin before baking your layer. You cannot take bubbles out once the resin has hardened.

*Resin supplies and kits available exclusively at our Hawaii Ben Franklin Crafts Stores

Feather Earrings

Create Cute Feather Earrings with a few basic tools and supplies!

Supplies:
Needle Nose Pliers
Fish Hook Earwires
Chain
E6000 Glue
4 Feathers
Double Crimp Beads


Cut the chain in 2 inch and 3 inch lengths so that the feathers hang at different lengths. Clamp the feathers into the double crimp beads and use E 6000 Glue to secure the feathers in place. connect the chain using your needle nose pliers to the fish hook earwires and the double crimp beads. Sooooo easy you could make one in every color!!!!

Happy Crafting!! ~Deborah @ Market City

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 267 - Resin Pendant

We are introducing our new Super Resin UV Crystal this week with lots of new products exclusive at HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts. This new product will enhance your craft projects in just minutes. Watch how JFlo creates this beautiful pendant using a photo and the Super Resin UV Crystal.

Introducing new resin products available exclusively at Hawaii BFC stores!

Catch our episode here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 267 - Resin Pendant

Supplies: 

Super Resin UV Crystal 

UV Light oven

Toothpick

Photo

Pendant Base

Scrap Cardstock

Board to cover UV Light

Watch/Timer

Embellishments

Optional: glitter, sticky tool

*Don't forget to scroll down and read today's earlier post - a very fun necklace idea from Enchanted Lake BFC!

Spectacle Necklace

Did you know that we have a national holiday for geeks? It's called "Embrace Your Geekness Day" and it's coming up soon! In fact, it's this Saturday, July 13th. But in honor of my personal geekness, I decided to celebrate for the whole month starting with this quirky spectacle necklace.

Here's a bunch of pendants I made in a few different colors. All I did was print up a picture of eyeglasses and then trace the picture onto clear shrink film using Sharpie markers. Then I cut out my designs, punched the holes in either end, and put them in a 300 degree oven for about 3 minutes until they shrunk down to about half their size and were laying flat on the cookie sheet.

This is what the finished necklace looks like. It's 18" long including the pendant. I think the shrink film is the best media for this off-the-wall kind of jewelry, don't you?

Puna @ Enchanted Lake

Burlap & Lace Glass Block with Fire Fly Lights plus Bonus Block

Aloha Crafters ~

Today's Idea & Inspiration is a Burlap & Lace Glass Block with Fire Fly Lights. This shabby chic look has been trending for a while and is being used frequently for weddings. This unique centerpiece can also be used to line a walkway and is a snap to make.

Our Bonus Glass Block was made by Etching the glass with a star stencil by TWC. Etching Glass Blocks is a fun & fast way to personalize your decor be it for wedding or home.

Supplies for Burlap & Lace Glass Block:

• Glass Block (30090219)
• Warm White Fire Fly Lights (30139689)
• Silver Lace Tulle (30132554)
• Burlap Ribbon (30132510)
• Doublestick Tape
• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Cut & adhere Lace to Glass Block
2. Cut, tie & adhere Burlap Ribbon to Glass Block (see picture)
3. Add Warm White Fire Fly Lights

Supplies for Bonus Block:

• Glass Block (30090219)
• Warm White Fire Fly Lights (30139689)
• Star Shower Stencil (30141300)
• EtchAll Creme (30005489)
• EtchAll Squeegee (30005494)

Happy Crafting!
Robin @ Kahului