Back to school craft ideas

With it getting closer and closer to back-to-school time, we are going to start giving out some great tips on back-to-school crafts that will get your kids excited about going back. What better way to cheer them up than with flowers? This craft is for a flower topped pen or pencil.

You'll need: a silk flower, stick pen or mechanical twist pencil, super glue, and floral tape (optional items are crafters' tape (can usually be found in the scrapbooking aisles...it's double sided and will state that it holds ribbon, paper, etc) and ribbon)

-First, cut the stem off the silk flower to about 2" long.
-Strip off any rubber exposing just the wires.
-Place a dot of super glue under the flower and place it centered on top of the pen/pencil.
-Wrap the wires around the pen/pencil, keeping the flower centered on top of the pen/pencil.
-Now wrap the entire pen/pencil with floral tape to keep the wires covered and in place.
-If you want the "natural look, you are done! But if you want it to be brighter, keep going...
-Wrap the pen/pencil with the crafter's tape, removing the top side of protective paper as you go to expose the sticky side.
-Now wrap the pen/pencil with the ribbon, pressing gently to make sure it adheres as you go.
-Place a dot of super glue along the top seam and bottom seam of the ribbon just to give it added strength.
-Let it dry, and you are ready to write your schoolwork in a bright sunny style!

Of course if you don't feel you are crafty enough, or just don't have the time, we do sell these pens, so just click on the link, but otherwise, have a great time getting ready for school and keep a lookout for more great back-to-school craft ideas!

Fresh new baby gifts

So, I recently joined Etsy (which for those who don't know is a artisans EBay) and have found some great new things on there. They have everything from jewelry to housewares, clothes and toys...all handmade so you are supporting an artist versus some big commercial giant. Makes you kinda feel good, right? And with so many of my friends being on the baby train lately (including my co-owner of DLG due the end of October) I was searching for new and unique baby gifts. One of favorites was this handmade giraffe rattle (I already have a friend in mind for this!) sold by ollierose on Etsy. You should check out Etsy for other great buys, but remember to buy your jewelry, scrapbooks, and gift baskets from us! :)

Summer with the kids

So by now you are probably running out of things to do with the kids this summer. A great way to pass the day is with some great arts and crafts that even the hardest to please kids will love. Combined with my love of all things Disney, Family Fun actually has a great website and a section dedicated to arts and crafts for the kids. They have projects you can do outdoors, even at the beach! My favorite is the "Footprints in the Sand" as it not only gives them something fun to make at the beach (or you can do at home if nowhere near the water), but also a keepsake to remind you of your fun this summer.

Jewelry making machine

So we've been super busy lately, and I feel more like a machine than a person these days. We've been cranking out new and exciting necklaces and bracelets in all different styles getting ready for our big show in December. Ever year we wait till the last minute, and are pulling all-nighters to get ready, but we decided to try to do things a little better this year (especially with Dayna expecting in October, we have to be prepared for anything!). So check out what we've been up to, and look out for new ideas coming soon that you can do yourself.