Cupcake Decorating Lab by Bridget Thibeault Book Give-A-Way.

The folks over at the Craftside and Spoon blogs are having a give-a-way for a free copy of the new book "Cupcake Decorating Lab" by Bridget Thibeault.  It is a pretty good book for folks who would like to learn various cupcake decorating techniques.  So if you want a chance at a free copy or just to find out more about the contents of the book, check out the Spoon blog.

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Easy recycled aluminum soda can craft project ideas.

These are just a few ideas of different things you can make with recycled aluminum soda cans.
The first is a soda tab choker made by me from recycled soda can tabs that I got in a kit.

The second item is a pair of soda can earrings that are made by me.  The leaves are made from a "Red Bull" can that has been run through a die cut machine.  The earrings are accented with turquoise chips. I used the "Spellbinders" Presto Punch to cut out the leaves.

The third is a floral barrette made from recycled soda cans.

The fourth is a butterfly and a dragon fly that are cut out of recycled aluminum soda cans using the
Big Shot die cutter.

These are all really easy projects that do not take a lot of time to make.  What types of projects do you make from recycled materials?

Easy Recycled Paper Projects YouTube Tutorials

These are just some of the many easy recycled paper project YouTube tutorials that are available for learning to make some basic baskets and recycled paper jewelry.  This first tutorial is from Janice May.  She demonstrates how to make a tightly coiled magazine paper bead to use for jewelry projects.


This second tutorial is from Idunn Goddess, who shows how to make a fun basket from recycled newspaper.



The third tutorial is by Mariaamora2001.  It is a very basic recycled newspaper basket weaving project, using a slightly different style.



The fourth tutorial is by Gustamon.  While the video is in Spanish, you do not need to speak Spanish to make the project. There is no weaving, just roll and glue.  You can also change it by wrapping the newspaper around a balloon, then allowing it to dry.  Once dry, just pop the balloon.



These are all very easy and fun ways to use recycled materials for crafting and home decor projects.

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Maya Road Fabric Trim Blossom Tutorial: C.H.A. 2013 Winter Show

An easy tutorial on how to make a fabric blossom from trim by the creative team at Maya Road.

The rose is made using the new Satin Scallop Edge Trim in cream from Maya Road.

This is one of the many quick and easy demonstrations that were given at the Maya Road booth at the CHA 2013 Winter Show.

Lisa Pace from Maya Road demonstrating fabric trim blossoms

Step 1: Cut out a circle out of felt (1" circumference).  Then cut the scallop edge trim to desired length (around 36 inches).

Step 2: Then begin by gathering the trim.

Step 3:

Step 4:

Step 5: Put some hot glue on the bottom of the bloom.

Step 6:  Adhere to felt circle.

Step 7:  Allow to cool.

 Step 8: Fluff up the bloom and remove any glue webs that may be on the blossom.

As you can see, it is a very easy blossom to make.  Additionally, you can glue a button or rhinestone to the center of the flower.  If you want to make more cool things with Maya Road Products, they have some great tutorials on their website and the Maya Road Design Team Blog.



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Teresa Collins Adhesive Class Kit for Xyron: Winter CHA 2013

I got to see the new "Teresa Collins" adhesive class kits for Xyron at a special blogger event at the Winter CHA 2013 show.

This is a great kit to take to a scrapbooking or cardmaking class.  If you like the
Mini Xyron Teresa Collins Sticker Maker, then you might enjoy using some of her other adhesives through the Xyron line.  It all comes in a re-useable pink box with a magnetic closure that will ensure that the box stays shut and the contents stay put.  Also the box is perfect to alter with your favorite papers and embellishments.

The contents are:
Teresa Collins clear hold adhesive (liquid adhesive)
Mini Teresa Collins sticker maker
Thick Foam Squares
Double Sided Tape
disposable tape runner

I haven't seen the kit available for purchase yet, but I was told that it would be out soon.  I haven't tried her line yet, but I do have a Xyron sticker maker that I enjoy using in my cardmaking projects.

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Win a copy of Vintage Revised Jewelry: 35 Step-by-Step Projects Inspired by Lost, Found, and Recycled Treasures

Stefanie Girard at Craft Gossip has posted an great opportunity to win your own copy of "Vintage Revised Jewelry by Co-Co Nichole Bush.

This is a fun books with some great project ideas for upcycling or just reconstructing those vintage treasures you may have on hand.  Just go over to Craft Gossip and leave a message to enter for a chance to win a copy of the book.

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JudiKins Diamond Glaze Tutorial

A quick demonstration, by Judi Watanabe,  on how to use the Judikins Diamond Glaze to make a fun stamped image for a card or an easy jewelry project.

I got to watch Judi demonstrate this fun product and she let me photograph some of various steps to share with my readers.
First stamp the image onto clear embossing window plastic using a permanent ink, using even pressure.

Allow to dry, then you are going to flip the plastic over so you can add the diamond glaze onto the back of the plastic.

Add some dye based ink to the diamond glaze.

Use a clean paint brush to create a swirl pattern.

Then add some glitter.

Then allow to dry.

These are samples of some of the different projects she made using the stamps, diamond glaze, ink, bottle caps, and some fun glass stones.

The above projects were designed and made by Judi Watanabe.  Have you ever used Diamond Glaze? Leave a comment and share you experience with Diamond Glaze.

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