Arts and Crafts Examiner: Weekly Wrap-up July 17, 2011

Today starts the third week of my new adventure as a freelance writer for the Arlington Heights Arts and Crafts Examiner.  It has been fun creating projects, interviewing local businesses, and attending many local arts and craft events.

Here are a few of last week’s articles that may be of interest:

Trash to Treasures Crafting: Cloche

July 2011 Arts and Craft Events in Illinois

Dollar Store Crafts: Wall Decor

Decorating for Less: Decorative Candles

The 10^th Annual Buffalo Grove Invitational  Fine Arts Festival

Hope you enjoyed a look at this week’s articles and will check again next week for more arts, crafts, and events!

Creativity Bug ~ Sue

Tuesday Tutorial: Trash to Treasure Goodies

These past few weeks have been a bear and I haven’t had a chance to do any crafting. I have been spending my time job hunting, interviewing, and getting my house fixed up inside. With all this going on, I feel like I have been neglecting our Etsy shop and not really put in 100% to the Creativity Bug blog.

So as not to disappoint our friends and followers, this week’s tutorial is really a listing of a few craft projects I have been wanting to try my hand at along with links to their how-to tutorials. My hopes is that next week I will have at least one of the projects completed with pictures and everything!

The first project is for a cheese dome turned into a cloche. My sister Sandy sent me a link from The House of Hepworth showing how you can turn a simple cheese plate/dome and candle stick (both found at thriftstores) into a beautiful cloche.

Once complete, it can be used as a display in the kitchen and anywhere around the house. I already have all the materials on hand and am just waiting for a sunny day to spray paint my plate and candle stick outside.

I love making things from recycled or old things, so when I saw wind chimes made from utensils and other kitchen items at a craft fair, it was one project I knew I wanted to learn to make. While doing a search on Google, I came across the ButterNugett Creations blog where they made a stunning wind chime using an old teapot, hemp, keys, and bells.

I can’t wait for my next garage sale and thrift store spree, as I will be looking for old keys, utensils, and bells to create a wind chime for my backyard. I even have the perfect tree to hang it from.

I am forever looking for a pen and paper to jot down things to buy at the store. Soon the paper gets lost or I have a few dozen sticky notes in several different places. I decided that I wanted a noteboard or chalkboard to hang in the kitchen, but as usual wanted something shabby to match with my kitchen. After doing a Google search, I came across the Crafty Girl blog where she had a brief tutorial on how to make a chalkboard frame.

Can I say, it was love at first sight! I have the chalkboard paint and spray paint already on hand along with the measurement of the cabinet that I want the frame to hang from. Now all I need to do is find the perfect sized ornate frame.

That’s it for this week! If anyone has made any of these projects or has any trash to treasure projects to share, please include a link in the comment section.

Happy Crafting!

Creativity Bug ~ Sue

Tuesday Tutorial: Ideas found in blogland

It is Tuesday and I don't have a tutorial ready to post. But have no fear as I have included some great ideas with links to their tutorials found on blogs that I currently follow.

Get ready for the 4th of July with this fantastic Red Hots and Blue Fourth of July Rocket wreath created by Tatertots and Jello. I love how Jen used Dollar Store materials to create festive wreath for under $4.

Looking for a welcoming wreath for your front door? Jen at Tatertots and Jello does it again with this innovative Burlap Wreath. I love the mixture of burlap and Amy Butler fabric.

Want to dress up the refrigerator or a magnetic board? Why not make your own magnets. Coffee Girl Crafts has a great tutorial on how to make Bubble Word Magnets. All you need are some glass pebbles, epoxy glue, strong magnets, and scrap papers.

Want to make more magnets? Coffee Girl Crafts has another great tutorial on how to make Bottle Cap Magnets. Not only is this a great way to recycle bottle caps, but it is a fun project for kids and scout troops.

If you make any of these great projects using the tutorials, please make sure to post a link in the comment section so that we can see your finished work.

Happy Crafting!
Creativity Bug ~ Sue

Tuesday Tutorial: candles, business card holders, and a necklace

I don’t have any personal tutorials to show today as I have been job hunting and interviewing. However, I didn't want to disappoint anyone so I have included a few links to other blogs that I found some great tutorials.

Pebbles Inc has a tutorial on how to make a candle decoration with rolled flowers which I think would look wonderful as part of a table centerpiece.

Dee from Create! with Dee has a tutorial on how to make tea light cakes using battery operated tea lights. This are simply adorable and would make great party decorations for a special birthday celebration.

Michelle at I Stamped That has a tutorial on business card holders. Perfect to display on a reception desk or at craft fairs.

Simply Modern Mom has a tutorial on glass pendant necklaces. Who could have imaged that a little bit of Modge Podge, some glass tiles, and beautiful papers could turn out like this?!

Hope you enjoyed these tutorials and have fun making a few new projects!

Creativity Bug ~ Sue