Midday Escapades: Good Karma & Gift Giving :)

Midday Escapades: Good Karma & Gift Giving :) A post about homemade gifts, written for my other blog. I was feeling crafty today. Enjoy.

Make money doing what you love... Being creative!

It's Arts & Crafts Time «  http://shar.es/udKt2 via @sharethis

Coloring Chick: Coloring Print Out Pages

Coloring Chick: Coloring Print Out Pages: Where should you start when searching for coloring pages for free?

This blog is also run by me... I just started posting, so there is not much content yet, but will be a resource for free coloring pages that you can print out - for all ages. (Adults too!) I wanted to share some of the ones I run across because I get bored with the same coloring books sometimes and like to switch it up with my printouts from the internet.

Feel free to comment and leave some of your own freebie links... on either blog.

More NEW STUFF COMING VERY SOON!! :)

Duct tape pens

Ucreate: Washi Tape Pen Tutorial by Candle Lit Life



Very cool detailed tutorial on making your own customized bic pens! Shows step by step how to make unique pens out of colorful/patterned duct tape and bic pens. Now you will know exactly who keeps taking all your pens!

Get great deals on bic pens and all your office supply needs here.

Crafting with Clothing

Crafting with Clothing -  DIY Fashion 

 From: The Do It Yourself Fashion Blog Dare to DIY in English: DIY dress: Pollock Impulse

 I found this nifty technique - add a "paint splatter" design onto a dress.

 

 You can use this technique on other clothing items as well to make an plain boring t-shirt or pair of jeans come alive again... trendy too :)

Rock Paint / Handy Art Fabric Paint Sparkle Kit-- Rock Paint / Handy  Fabric Paint Bucket Kit

Building Popsicle Stick Houses - Popsicle Stick Craft Tips

How to Build a House Out of Popsicle Sticks

For about ten dollars, you and your friends can entertain yourself to no end with a box of craft sticks and some glue. It may look like childs play, but once you start your first popsicle stick creation, you will realize the possibilites are endless. This is some art that deserves appreciation.

Make a box or a building, a barn or even a replica of your own home... perfectly sided with windows and a roof. All it takes is some supplies and some creativity and you will be amazed how much fun popsicle stick crafts can be.

Here's some tips to help you along the way...

• Buy a decent size box of craft sticks. Wal-Mart has them for around five dollars for a box of 1,000. Believe me you will use more popsicle sticks than you would think.

• You can buy all one size, but you can try using different sizes.

• You can also try cutting the sticks and sanding the edges to add extra detail to you popsicle stick creation.

• Be careful cutting the popsicle sticks... a junior hack saw works well and can be bought for around four dollars at any home improvement store.

• Scissors also work to cut the popsicle sticks, but can be tough if the blades are dull.

• Hot glue guns work wonders to glue together the pieces because the glue holds the popsicle sticks together fairly well and the glue dries quickly.

• Use a vice clamp or similar clamping device to hold corners or other awkward pieces together while the glue dries.

• Superglue works... but you will end up using a lot and it can prove to be a hassle more than a help if you get any on your skin... the hot glue comes off your skin much easier :)

• Acrylic paints work great if you want to add some color to your finished popsicle stick masterpiece. Go through your tool box and I'm sure you find bits and pieces to add that extra detail to make your artwork really stand out.

• Easy on the hot glue! It gets messy looking if you have glue leaking out everywhere. A little dot will hold better than a big glob will anyways.

• Don't give up, you will feel so satisfied when you are finished. Display in your room and you will see how amazed your friends are of your creation.

Here are a few examples of different houses built out of popsicle sticks...

Made by some of my crafty friends - I built the snack box to be the oddball of the group :)

Extreme popsicle house building... And I thought we had too much time on our hands!



Charles Leonard Wood Craft Sticks "People-Shaped Wood Craft Sticks Dog & Cat Wood Craft Sticks

You're never too old to color...

Coloring books - Not Just For The Kids Anymore!

Sure, the coloring books available in most stores may be a little to easy and kiddie for anyone over the age of twelve. but my Mom introduced me to Dover Publishers five or so years ago. She always included a set of colored pencils with each coloring book. At first, I colored half a page and it ended up on my shelf. A year later I finally got the urge to color and was challenged to finish a picture. My first one took me a week and a half to finish, but I did it and it was so gratifying. And haven't stopped since. Dover makes coloring books for both children and adults. Their geometric shape books and unique scenery pictures are the favorites among my friends. Not only is it fun, but it is also a great stress reliever... if you enjoy it it is very relaxing.

Here are some of the books Dover Publications offers - for more and to sign up for their mailing list (you will get free samples weekly!) visit their website. 

These coloring books are what reintroduced me to the wonderful world of arts and crafts - I've never been the best artist, but I still can create a masterpiece full of color. But if you really want to get crafty, try creating your own masterpiece and draw and color your own pictures - colored pencil art is quickly becoming popular in the artist community!