Crankin’ Out Crafts Episode 119: Dueling Fish Centerpiece

Here’s a simple centerpiece idea involving fighting fish, perfect for your Pirate-themed party!!!  Brandon even shows you how to correctly get your fish accustomed to new water.

  

Create this easy and fun centerpiece for your Pirate Party!

 View the episode here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 119 - Dueling Fish Centerpiece

Supplies:

Crimp-top Ivy bowl

Marbles or acrylic gems

Salt & hot water (to clean bowl and gems)

Purified water (or allow your tap water to sit for 1 day at room temperature)

Fish

Plastic plant

 
Note: Bowl and marbles/gems need to be cleaned with hot water and salt - *DO NOT USE SOAP*

This Pirate theme would be great for a Kid's Birthday Party. We hope you have enjoyed our projects this week, we'll be back next week! Have a great weekend!

Celebrate Independence Day

Aloha Crafters ~

Todays Idea & Inspiration is Large Rosette Medallions. These are a lot of fun to make and can add a lot of pop to your 4th of July holiday decor.

Supplies:

• 5 - 12x12 BZ DOTSWISS-DEEP BLUE cardstock (30105531)
• 5 - 12x12 BZ DOTSWISS-PHOENIX cardstock (30105541)
• 5 - 12x12 BZ DOTSWISS-SALT cardstock (30105548)
• PAPER TRIMER-12IN (30063940)
• Martha Stewart Floral Crochet Corner Punch (30123992)
• Martha Stewart Spiral Arches Corner Punch (30123993)
• Martha Stewart Wild Flowers Corner Punch (30123993)
• MSC SCORING BOARD (30103578)
• Bone Folder (30103581)


• Lucky 8 Punch Tatted Doily Die-cut Punch (30130921)


• ECLIPS MACHINE STARTER KIT (30120535)
• ECLIPS CARTRIDGE-BDAY PARTY FUNTIME (30123608)
• ECLIPS CARTRIDGE- SUMMER (30120560)

Instructions:

1. Using Paper Trimer, cut 2 of each color cardstock in half, so that it is now 6X12.
2. Using Corner Punch, punch 1 side of paper length, use different punch for each color cardstock. 
3. Score 1 side of punched paper starting at the top of each corner punch to bottom of paper.
4. When done with that side, turn over and score from the lowest part of the punched area to the bottom.
5. Do this for each of your 4 pieces of cardstock of each color, fold along scored marks.
6. When all 4 are folded use adhesive to connect until you have a continuous ring.
7. Using the Lucky 8 Punch, punch 2 medallions of each color.
8. Fan out the ring of scored corner punch paper, with punched side being out.
9. Adhere medallion to middle of scored ring.
10. Turn, adhere other medallion to back side of scored ring.
11. Using ECLIPS machine, cut preferred words, phrases or shapes.
12. Adhere to medallion.

Happy Crafting!

-Kahului BFC

Paper Party at Hilo BFC - Saturday, June 30th from 10am to 3pm

Just a reminder that Hilo's Paper Party is coming up this Saturday, June 30th from 10am to 3pm. They will be having 4th of July themed make 'n takes and demos. You can also enter to win door prizes! 

Please see the Hilo store for more details. Hope you can join us!

July Sneak Preview

Have you seen THE AVENGERS movie yet? These are a cutesy look at the mighty heroes created with paper punches! A sneak preview of one of the many demonstrations and workshops to be featured throughout July at the Pearl City store. Check our calendar and come join us! On Saturday, July 7th we will feature Hello Kitty make-n-takes from 10am-2pm and as a special treat, Hello Kitty joins us from 2pm-4pm. Bring the kids. Bring your camera, take a picture. Have some fun!

Happy Crafting!
Gloria @ Pearl City

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 118 - Treasure Chest

Need an easy favor idea for your pirate party? Puna will show you how to make a treasure chest to dress up your snacks or party favors.

Transform a paper maché box into a treasure chest with Mister Huey sprays & paint!

Watch the episode here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 118 - Treasure Chest

Supplies:

Paper Mache treasure chest

Mister Huey sprays - Tan, Clay, Black, and Green

Acrylic paint in metallic gold

Small paintbrush

Mister Huey makes distressing your treasure chest really easy but you could also do the same thing with acrylic paints. Need ideas for what to put inside it? How about some pirate booty of chocolate gold coins or rock candy gems?

Living Green

"Living Green": is the theme to kick off our summer at Ben Franklin Market City.  Bring your garden indoors with this apartment and eco-friendly hanging herb/flower garden.  Recycle those water bottles a different way by cutting off the bottoms and poking two holes on either side.  Run twine up through the holes, around the bottle and up to the next bottle.  Fill with soil and plant your favorite herbs or flowers.  To fancy it up, you can decorate the bottles to match your home, and line with cheesecloth before adding the soil for easy water draining.  Come by Market City and check it out for yourself, it is easy being green!

-Market City BFC

Sister Stamps 1st Birthday Bash at Ben Franklin Crafts!

We are excited to announce that we will help celebrate Sister Stamps 1st Birthday with free make 'n takes at our Oahu BFC stores! Create the Gift Bag or Gift Card Holder with Jenny Sakamoto of Sister Stamps! Schedule is as follows:

Celebrate Sister Stamps 1st Birthday at BFC!

Wednesday, July 4th (Independence Day)

10am-12noon at Mapunapuna (Gift Bag)

2-4pm at Pearl City (Gift Bag)

Friday, July 6th

10am-12noon at Enchanted Lake (Gift Card Holder)

Saturday, July 7th

2-4pm at Market City (Gift Card Holder)

*Photo courtesy of Sister Stamps

You may Pre-Order Release 8 (Mariko, Miyoko, Takeo) at any of our Oahu stores. Please visit us for more details. Additional info is also posted on the Sister Stamps blog. Hope you can join us!

Crankin’ Out Crafts: Episode 117 – Treasure Map

Treasure maps arrrrrrrrrrrrr great way to accent your next Pirate Party! Learn how to create this aged look in just a short time with JFlo.

Create an aged looking treasure map!

Episode can be found on YouTube: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 117 - Treasure Map

Supplies:

Floral Wrap

Mister Huey Sprays - Tan, Gold, Clay, Black

Brown fine tip marker

straight edge

Circle template 

We have more great ideas for a Pirate-themed party this week. Stay tuned!

*Don't forget to read today's earlier post by Enchanted Lake!

Summertime Bracelets

Today I'm going to give everyone a sneak peek of something that we're going to be featuring at our Enchanted Lake store next month. We have a few demonstrations set up to show everyone how to make these beachy-keen bracelets. You can use your choice of solid rings like the Quick Links pictured here, and DMC thread or hemp to make these beautiful bracelets.

Here's another version that we made using silver Quick Links and the Quick Link connectors. Both of these styles are very easy to make and perfect to accessorize any outfit with. Join us at Enchanted Lake for the demonstrations starting in July.

See you soon!
Puna @ Enchanted Lake

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 116 - Plant Markers

Keep your plants in order & labeled nicely with these reuseable chalkboard plant markers!  Brandon shows you how easy it is to create markers using clipable mini chalkboards, or create your own chalkboard with popsicle sticks!

Make plant markers to help keep your garden organized!

Watch the segment here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 116 - Plant Markers

Supplies you will need:

Newly planted Flower Pot

Popsicle or craft sticks

Mini chalkboard pins by SPC

Chalkboard paint

Brush

Chalk or Bistro markers

Thanks so much for watching and subscribing to our channel! Have fun gardening or crafting and have a great weekend!

Patriotic Tee Shirt

Aloha Crafters ~

Today's Idea & Inspiration is a Patriotic Tee Shirt.

Supplies:

• Tee Shirt  (30103138)
• Fabric-Tac (1369347)
• Dritz Fray Check (77651521)
• Navy Polka Dot Ribbon (30117980)
• Red Stripe Ribbon (30129219)
• Navy Thread - 12 inches

Instructions:

1. Cut 2 pieces Red Stripe Ribbon 5 inches long.
2. Use Fray Check on each end of the red ribbons.
3. Overlay the top red stipe of one ribbon & bottom red stripe of the other (see picture). Glue together with Fabric-Tac.
4. Cut 1 piece Navy Polka Dot Ribbon 7 1/2 inches long.
5. Use Fabric-Tac and glue ends together to form an oval.
6. Pinch middle of polka dot ribbon oval together and wind thread around middle to secure bow form.
7. Take remaining Navy Polka Dot Ribbon, fold lengthwise into thirds and secure with Fabric-Tac
8. Wrap folded Navy Polka Dot Ribbon around bow form, secure with Fabric-Tac and cut off extra length.
9. Using Fabric-Tac glue Navy Polka Dot Ribbon to Red Ribbon Stripes (see picture).
10. Using Fabric-Tac glue "Flag" to Tee Shirt.

Happy Crafting!

-Kahului BFC

Celestial and Isis Bracelet

We've got 2 different bracelet demos going on for the weekend at our Mapunapuna Bead Shop!  First on Saturday June 23 will be Shari's Celestial Bangle starting at 2 PM.  Shari will show how to wrap wire with crystals to create this pretty bracelet, it looks delicate but it's durable enough to function as a bangle.

The second will be on Sunday June 24, also starting at 2 PM.  I'll show you how to create the Isis Bracelet by forming wire with the various tools we carry at our bead shops and then how to do half square knot macrame for the band!  This project covers a variety of techniques so it should be an interesting demo!

I hope to see you there!

Lynn H. @ BFC Mapunapuna Bead Shop



Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 115 - Planting

Use your newly decorated pot to grow your own plants with seeds we carry here at Ben Franklin Crafts!  Choose from a wide range of herbs and flowers!!  All seeds require different planting methods, so be sure to read the back of your seed packets before planting.

Start a garden! Grow your own herbs or flowers!

Watch the newest episode here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 115 - Planting

Supplies

Newly decorated Flower Pot

All-purpose potting soil

Seeds

Water

Sunshine

Besides crafting, gardening is another fun hobby. Thanks for joining us today! We'll be back again soon with another flower pot segment.

Crankin’ Out Crafts Episode 114 - Design-Your-Own Flower Pot

Don’t let the color sheets enclosed with your pot restrict you from decorating with those specifically! Brandon shows you how easy it is to create a beautiful pot with any scrapbook paper design.

Welcome to Flower Pot Week at Crankin' Out Crafts!

Catch the episode here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 114 - Design-Your-Own Flower Pot

Supplies:

Design Your Own Flower Pot

Scrapbook paper

Pen

Scissors

Customize your pot by choosing different patterned papers! Kids can start growing their own plants this summer and learn about gardening and have fun crafting, too! Have a great week!

One Honey of a Card



If you read Hilo Ben Franklin's post from Saturday, March 31st, you got a little sneak peek at one of our newest products, Honeycomb paper and coordinating stamps by Inky Antics. This is a great new embellishment to use in scrapbooking and cardmaking. For the blog today, I'm going to show you how to use this product to make a super cute card.

I choose this stamp set for my card because I especially like frogs.

To start the card, I'm using white cardstock cut to 8 and 5/8ths inches by 5 and 1/2 inches. Also, our honeycomb embellishment is going to need a little extra space in the middle of the card, so I used the Martha Stewart Scoreboard to score a 1/8 inch space in the center of the card. After doing the scoring, I added my cute frog and stamped my sentiment into the center of the card.

Next, we need to get the toadstool shape onto our honeycomb paper. The Inky antics stamps make this really easy because they have a coordinated stamp for you to use on the honeycomb paper. Just make sure that the arrow on the stamp goes in the same direction as the ribbing on the honeycomb paper.

Next, I used my scissors to cut around the stamped image and some Tombo glue to glue the middle and the sides of the tooadstool shape to my card.

Now, when you open up your card, the toadstool shape will pop up at you. Pretty neat huh?

Here's a picture of the finished card from the outside...



And here's the inside of the card.

If you want to see more of these great honeycomb paper projects we're doing some demonstrations for them, here at Enchanted Lake, during the month of June. Check out our calendar for more time information.

Puna @ Enchanted Lake

Summer Fun!!!

Summer's here and that means summer fun! Both fun during the summer and the summer fun that many of us remember going to during summer vacation. This past week, we had a group of kids of various ages from the summer fun program at the YWCA in Hilo come to the store to make the Jelly Belly Father's Day card that is part of our 6 Weeks of Summer Fun. Because there were so many different ages, some kids worked a little faster than others and some needed a little more help. But the cards came out great and there was fun had by all. 

Of course, there was a little group of chatterboxes that we had to ask to pay attention about every couple of minutes...

And the little ones were quietly working and so well-behaved...

It was a lot of fun and we'd love to do it again! So if you have a group that would like to visit our store to work on a project (any age group! It can even be a group of adults!) please contact the store. We can discuss dates, the number of people, type of project, cost of the project, and all of those little details. You can ask for Bert, Ramona, or myself and we can work together to come up with a great project for your group! 

See you soon!!!

~Jen at Hilo Ben Franklin

"BYO-Bag" Sale on Saturday, June 16, 2012 - ONE DAY ONLY!

Hi Everyone! This is just a reminder that we are having a 20% Off "BYO-Bag" Sale on Saturday, June 16th! Bring in your own reusable bag on June 16 and save 20% off your entire purchase!

This is the perfect time to pick up those craft items you've always wanted, summer crafting supplies, or basic supplies for your everyday craft projects. 

Hawaii BFC stores will be open from 9am to 8pm, Kahului BFC open from 9am-9pm on Saturday. Don't have a bag? Don't worry - you can purchase one at the store for $1.49. This promotion does not apply to craft club discount, gift cards, custom framing, consignment items, balloon bouquets and other pre-orders.

Have a great Father's Day weekend and come on by and shop with us!

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 113 - Paracord Bracelet

Does your Father like camping or hiking? In the last Father’s Day episode, Puna will show you how to make a paracord bracelet for the adventurous Dad.

Make a Paracord Bracelet for Dad!

 Watch the segment here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 113 - Paracord Bracelet

Supplies:

550 paracord

Paracord bracelet buckles

Scissors

Lighter

These bracelets are especially liked by survivalists because they can be taken apart and used as rope in an emergency. 

*Don't forget to scroll down to read today's earlier post on the Father's Day Tie Wreath created by Kahului BFC.

Father's Day Tie Wreath

Aloha Crafters ~

Today's Idea & Inspiration is a wreath celebrating Father's Day.

Supplies:

• ECLIPS STARTER MACHINE KIT - (30120535)
• Wire Wreath - (77479576)
• Glue Gun - (775484040
• BO PAPER 12X12 SERENITY LOVE - (30128630)
• BO PAPER 12X12 SERENITY GARDEN - (301286280
• BO PAPER 12X12 SERENITY FANS - (30128627)
• BO PAPER 12X12 SERENITY STRIPE - (30128632)
• BO PAPER 12X12 SERENITY DAMASK - (30128625)
• BO PAPER 12X12 SERENITY TOMOKO - (30128633)
• BO PAPER 12X12 SERENITY LANTERNS - (30128629)
• BO PAPER 12X12 SERENITY LUCK - (30128631)
• Scissors
• Card stock - color of your choice

Instructions:

1. Using the eclips machine, the starter cartridge (along with other items) offers phrases, one of which is Happy Father's Day; cut this phrase out of the card stock.
2. Cut 20 "half" ties from patterned paper.
3. Use glue gun to: Adhere 15 "half" ties around wreath; Make a tie sash with the left over 5 "half ties"; Adhere sash to wreath; Adhere Happy Father's Day phrase to wreath.

Happy Crafting!

Summer Family Fun

Father's Day is Sunday, June 17th! This is the second week of Summer Family Fun and we will be creating a cute Father's Day card with Jelly Belly candies. All the stores will be featuring this make-n-take on Saturday, June 16th from 10am-2pm! If you're visiting the Pearl City store, you can knot a Paracord Bracelet or Keychain for Dad too! See you there!
gloria @ Pearl City

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 112 - Classy Father's Day Card

Need a quickly made card for your Dad? Puna is back again to show you how to make this card to “suit” your Dad.

Create this card just for Dad! Father's Day is on Sunday, June 17th.

 Watch the episode here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 112 - Classy Father's Day Card

Supplies:

Solid and patterned cardstock

Paper trimmer

Double-sided tape

This unique card fits inside a standard A2 envelope and is perfect for holding a gift card for Dad.

Scissors Like New - A paper crafter's tip

If you use your scissors to cut through tape and sticky adhesives, you've probably experienced "gunk" build up on the blades.  A quick and easy clean up solution might be in your tool drawer or the glove compartment of your car.

Simply, put a little bit of WD-40 along the blade and rub it off with a paper towel or clean cloth.
 

Voila!  Scissors are gunk free and ready for use.

P.S. WD-40 can also be found at Ben Franklin stores.

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 111 - Father's Day Box

Welcome to another week of Crankin’ Out Crafts. This week is filled with more fun Father’s Day gifts and ideas. In today’s episode, Puna shows you how to make a box for your Dad to keep stuff in or as special gift wrap.

Make this cool box for Dad!

Catch today's episode on YouTube: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 111 - Father's Day Card

Supplies:

Paper mache or ready to decorate wood box

Mister Huey sprays in tan and clay

Scrapbooking paper

Double-sided tape

To give your box a more finished look, try using some brush-on or spray on varnish to protect the paper and create a nice clear coat.

*Don't forget to read today's earlier post on the Classy Father's Day Card by Enchanted Lake.

Classy Father's Day Card

Father's Day is coming up really soon, and if you're anything like me, you have a hard time finding something to give your Dad on that special day. Well, here's a gift sure to "suit" any Dad, an awesomely classy Father's Day card, the perfect thing to put a suitable Dad-like gift card in. Mine will include a Sports Authority card for golfing supplies.

If you're interesting in learning how to make this card, you can check out the demonstrations we have going on at Enchanted Lake, or you can watch the episode coming up later on our video blog, Crankin' Out Crafts.

Happy Father's Day to all those classy and awesome Dads out there!

Puna @ Enchanted Lake

Happy Gardening!

Today was the first day of our 6 Weeks of Summer Crafts! Today's craft, Plant Your Own Garden, was cute and fun to do! It was so quick and easy. Although we didn't have a huge turnout, the kids that did come and color flower pots had a great time.
The first step in our little project was to color the paper insert that comes with the pots. That was the first decision that the little crafters had to make and a few of them couldn't decide which one they wanted to color. The second decision was what colors to use. Oh boy. That was the hardest decision for some of them to make. Once the inserts were colored (some colored one, some colored more than one because they couldn't make up their minds), soil was put into the pots and seeds were tucked into the soil. We spritzed a little water on the seeds and the soil and put the pot back together. Then the soon-to-be plants were tucked back into the boxes with the extra inserts and the happy little campers went on their way with the instructions to make sure their little plants got lots of sunlight and a drink of water when they got thirsty.
Next weekend is the Father's Day card and we're already getting calls about it! Hopefully lots of kids will be coming in to make a card for their special dad (or other man in their life). It's a cute card so if you haven't seen it yet, come by the store for a preview!

Oh! By the way, we're still looking for teachers so if you're in the general area of Hilo and have some extra time on your hands and want to make a little extra money (and have a general expertise in a crafty sort of area) give us a call and we can fill you in on what it takes a be one of our teachers! We're looking for teachers in all kinds of craft areas.

And before I jet off to places unknown (okay, back to helping our wonderful customers) I just wanted to let you know about two upcoming events. On June 30, we're going to be having a Paper Party!! Yay!!! Another one!!! We're featuring summer themed projects this time, including a windsock and a cute Asian card that would be perfect for the Bon Dance season. We're also going to be incorporating the Bake Your Own Snack project from our 6 Weeks of Summer Crafts so there's going to be a yummy snack for you to make too! The second event is going to be in July and it's called our Ben's Bash! It's going to be on July 28 and will be the place to be with craft vendors, games, and make & takes. Stay tuned for more information on both of these events. (And some sneaky peeks of the make & takes!)

See you soon!

~Jen @ Hilo Ben Franklin