Paint Splatter

I search the web high & low to find a great technique to apply a paint splatter to my projects.  The brush technique is really messy.  The spray can drops were smelly.
While looking for a solution, walking through a Dollar Store; I saw a 4 oz baby bottle. The image of my children walking around the house with their bottle up-side down dripping came rushing through my mind.  I thought, "That should work!"

This was the first attempt with the "baby bottle technique"  I only applied one color.  I plan on adding more. 

I found a "Antique Copper"  METALLIC paint at Walmart.  I filled the bottle 1/2 way with water.  I added 5 GLASS BEADS for shaking.  (Plus the glass beads help with slowing down the flow from the nipple)   I poured almost all of the paint into the bottle.  You can adjust your recipe, I do not think it matters very much.   

Glass Beads - Cheap

Please leave me a comment to tell me what you think.

Cricut:  PRINT text & CUT shape

1)      Pick a frame for your project.  Mine was from a garage sale for $2.00  (30 inch x 24 inch)

 Cut out several shaped “frames” from the “Elegant Edges” Cartridge. (or any other cartridge you have)

a.       Cut out a variety of sizes out of  8.5 x 11 card stock.

      

CUT:  Name out with “Extreme Fonts” Layout the design on the Picture Frame.

1)      Pick your favorite quotes

2)      Type up the quotes

I used a verity of fontsAdd caption

Here is the tricky part:    Cutting the shapes around the Printing!!!

1)      Take the cardstock shape & center it a round the TEXT.

2)   Draw an outline around the TEXT.  Make sure no outline touches the other outline.  OR the layout is off the page.  You may need to make adjustments to the TEXT to make the layout does not overlap.  

HINT:  I was very helpful for the Craft Room layout when the shapes were placed with distinctive reference points.

3)  Sample CUT: I had several problems with this sample test cut.  One of the shapes cut off the page.  Plus the text did not fit inside the shape.  I made the changes to adjust the text smaller plus & increased the shape a little bit.

 4)  After the adjustment the next PRINT & CUT turned out great.

Picture:  I added a little ink around the edges so you could see the cut.

Wait for the finished project!!!

use ALL of your LIPstick

LipStixRemix

I thought this was a great invention when I saw it on "Shark Tank"
If you have several LipSticks at the end of the container.  BUT YOU STILL LOVE THE COLOR!
This is how you can continue to use an old favorite color

Hide a Pouch

safetycentral.com

Wrist Pocket - Zipper

wristpocket.com

Wrist Pocket - PHUBBY

phubby.com

Here is an interesting pocket that can hold your phone, money, Credit Card.

CupCake Party idea's

globalsugarart.com

RoundAboutSleeves

WOW !!  I can not believe how many designs I have found for Cup Cakes.

Cup Cakes will never be the same.
 CupCake Wrappers

Make your own::
http://megardengal.blogspot.com/2012/05/making-perfect-cupcake.html



http://cricutcakecutter.com/

Tim Holtz - Craft Video's

Tim Holtz is another craft guru that everyone should take a look at.  He has a full line of Craft ideas if you are looking for something new.
Great New Rustic Color!
Product List:
Embossing Folders
Stamps
Embossing Powders
Ink Pads
Alcohol Incs   +Plus More

Cricut Design Studio

I purchased the "Design Studio" for my Expression instead of the Gypsy.
When you have any questions about the best use of Design Studio please visit YouTube.  One CapadiaDesigns really gave some great tricks. 
Don't miss her videos!

Cricut Expression including Blade/Speed/Pressure CHART

One of the first things that I needed to know after I purchased a Provo Craft Expression was the *Speed & *Pressure to get the best results.

NOTE:  I would recommend 2 Cuts for Shrinky Dink Plastic

Cricut hints for SHRINK PLASTIC CRAFTS

Cricut Hints

I'm playing with Shrink plastic right now, and I made up a tip list: ***1: Make sure you are using “shrink grade plastic”.  While other plastic might shrink – they can release toxins that can be harmful for breathing.*** 2:  Reverse action tweezers (a pair that opens when they are pinched) are VERY, VERY helpful!  A second pair of tweezers is nice to have on hand as well – the plastic can be very hot! 3: When using your heat gun – which is what I’ve been using – keep in mind that the heat tool MAY be running longer then when you use it to melt embossing powder and can get VERY HOT!!!! 4: After cutting out your shape – if you take fine grade sand paper and lightly sand the plastic on the back of your shape – the color will go into the plastic instead of sitting on top of the plastic, and the color is much nicer. 5: Speaking of color – the Alcohol inks ROCK for shrink plastic!!!  They have wonderful color, but keep in mind if you color your shape first then shrink the color gets darker.  I found that I like the look of shrinking the plastic first then coloring.  Sharpie ink pens work well too, but they get really dark when shrunk. 6: Rubber gloves are a MUST!!  Especially if you are planning to color with the alcohol inks AND then go to work!  Gloves keep you from explaining to your boss why your fingers/hands look like a rainbow threw up on them! 7: Cutting – I have one brand of shrink plastic, but two kinds.  The first is clear.  I have found to get a clean cut – one without having to use a Xacto knife - is to have blade on depth 6, max pressure, and multi-cut three times!  A pain!  I also have translucent – blade on 6, max pressure, cut once!  Much better! 8: Keep in mind that the shapes you are cutting at 4-8 inches, on most shrink plastic will shrink to half that size.  This is important, because if you cut out a beach umbrella (which I can show you a photo of) then shrink it – that umbrella pole is a PAIN!!!!!  And can break once shrunk as the plastic gets very hard once the heat is applied to it. 9: if you want a hole in your cut, punch one first and to keep it a good size set an eyelet in it.  The plastic will shrink around the eyelet, but still keep the hole large enough so a wire or key chain will fit through later. 10: After shrinking, while the plastic is still warm, and IF you want your item to lay flat - take an acrylic block (used in stamping) and apply pressure on the warm plastic to flatten it out.  This has worked for me and, so far anyway, it does not stick to your block!

Kid Concoctions -Top Secrets Recipes

 

This is a really fun book of projects that you can do at home with your kids.  Think of this as your Summer Time Book of projects that they can learn to make & play with.  

Recipes including: Moon Sand, Silly Putty, Gak, Creepie Crawlers, Hover Crafts, Lip Gloss, Chia Pets, Squeeze Rockets and many more.All of our projects promote science, art, math, recycling and basic life skills.

Kid Concoctions Books

Inner & Outer Thigh Machine - ThighGlider

The Thigh Glider really targets all the muscles in your Legs, Butt, and Core.  If you are considering an in-home exercise device you will really feel it the VERY FIRST TIME YOU USE IT.  The workout DVD will really get your arms & shoulders, at the same time!

Slanket - The popular Blanket with Sleeves

If you really want a blanket with Sleeves that is washable, thick & warm!
You need to visit The Slanket website to see their  list of colors.
If you purchased a "Snuggie"  you can not compare the quality between these 2 products!

ScrapOnizer - Organize all your little items.

I have been struggling with all the little item for my computer, art supplies, kids toys.  The ScrapOnizer is a solution that may help you.  So far I have only found it on-line.  My local craft store does not have this item on the self, yet.  There are several configuration including a special design for your CriCut Cartridges.

Beater Blade for KitchenAid

I purchased this Beater Blade for my KitchenAid this year.  I really love the performance.  It scraped the bowl with ease.  This would be a great gift for any Baker in the family.  I purchased mine at a local kitchen store. 

Health - HomeMade Popcicles in 7 mins

The Quick Pop™ Maker

About the Quick Pop™ Maker

The Zoku Quick Pop™ Maker freezes ice pops in as little as seven minutes right on your countertop without electricity. Quickly make striped pops, yogurt pops or (for the first time ever at home) flavored core pops. To enjoy Quick Pops at a moment’s notice, simply store the compact base in your freezer. The kit includes six durable, reusable plastic pop sticks that have unique ridged designs that allow pops to adhere securely, with special drip guards for tidy eating. A specially designed Super Tool helps to quickly release the frozen treats from their molds. The unit can make up to 9 pops before refreezing the unit again. Includes 1 Quick Pop Maker, 6 sticks, 6 drip guards, and 1 Super Tool.
Dimensions: 8" x 4.25" x 4.5"

BPA and phthalate free.

100 most Creative People in Business

http://www.fastcompany.com/100/mcp.html
http://www.fastcompany.com/most-creative-people/2012

This is a very interesting list of Creative People

How many of them do you Know???

How do you get your product into Celebrity hands????

I do not know the answer to this question.
I think you have to live near a Celebrity to get your foot in the door. 


Here is a DVD that you can purchase from Sarah Shaw
( I have not seen this DVD to recommend it either way.)
The reason I mention it is for you to know that you can find almost everything on the web if you look hard enough.
NEVER GIVE UP!!!

Catalogs.com

Besides all the retail stores near your house you also need to research every catalog in your "Product Category"
Here is your first resource:  http://www.catalogs.com/