Making my vision board yesterday and thinking about what I want in the coming year, I came to a realization. I can’t continue with the Craft Challenge. I have let all of the participants know and issued the appropriate refunds and instead of feeling sad, I’m full of optimism.  It something that has been on my mind for a few months now.

There are so many things I want to accomplish in the coming year and the time and effort the challenge takes would prevent me from doing that.

I hope you all understand.

I’m veering off the path and looking forward to where it will take me.

Come along for the ride.

If you’re looking for a book full of craft patterns, how-to’s and inspiration…this isn’t the book for you. That doesn’t mean that Simple Times doesn’t deserve a place in your library!

Amy Sedaris’ quick wit and creativity shine through in the book and even if you’re not really going to make that rusty nail wind chime (page 101), you’re going to enjoy reading about it.  Just check out this author video from her Amazon.com page.

Maybe you’ll want to make some marshmallow stars (page 155) using glitter-covered toothpicks and marshmallows (or not). You may want to rabbit proof your home (page 184).

This would make a fun gift for that crafter with a sense of humor–so long as they aren’t expecting to make crafts that aren’t made out of beans, rock, and peanut shells. Warning: this book is definitely PG-13. I didn’t feel comfortable leaving this book out for my young children to look at.

Congrats to Sandy for winning a copy of this book during November’s craft challenge!

The winner will receive the newest Amy Sedaris book, Simple Times.  Here is a reminder of what they had to work with:

You only have a few projects to choose from but I think what was made was really amazing!

1. Native American Owl Pendant

2. Clean/Dirty Dishwasher Magnets

3. Felt Magnet

There will be no challenge in December! You still have time to order your packets for January.

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This project was made for the Elmer’s Can You Top This contest #CanYouTopThis. A couple of weeks ago I was prepared to go in a whole different direction and even had many of the elements completed (nativity puppet show). However, a few days ago I realized that this could solve a major problem in my household.

I have two school-aged children (one with autism) and when they sit at the kitchen table to do their work, they are easily distracted–by each other. I decided to come up with this system to give them their own space at the kitchen table that can allow them to focus on their own work.

SUPPLIES:

Elmer’s Tri-Fold Board

Chalkboard paint

Tempera paint

Elmer’s Multi-Purpose Spray adhesive

scrap cardboard

Clothespins

Velcro

Small boxes (I use these)

Paintbrushes

Box cutter

Bone folder

Step 1: Cut your tri-fold board in half. You’ll be using the 35.5″ side so measure in 17.75″ and cut with your box cutter. This is probably the most difficult step in the whole process–which should assure you that this project is easy peasy.

Step 2: Measure in 2.5″ from the fold. Score (using a bone folder) the board parallel to the existing fold. Repeat this step for the other fold. The following picture shows you what you are trying to achieve. You want some space when you fold up the board.

Step 3: Mark off a space in the middle of the board for the chalkboard paint. I used a box I had lying around that measured around 10″ X 12″.

Step 4: Apply chalkboard paint. Use instructions on bottle. Mine said to paint one coat in one direction and the second coat the opposite. It also needed to cure for 24 hours. You can complete the rest of the steps while that is happening.

Step 5: Paint the front of the board. I used tempera paint (pink on the sides and black surrounding the chalkboard paint) but you can really decorate the front however you want (decoupage, anyone?). You can also see the second homework station I have in the background. This is a 2 for 1 project!

Step 6: These directions will be intentionally vague. You can put whatever you want on your homework station. Customize it for your child and their age. I’m showing you how to make a box using spare cardboard. This one is for an eraser. Wrap your cardboard around to make sure it fits. Fold up a small piece at the bottom.

Cut slits in the bottom so you can fold it around to form your open-topped box. Using the Elmer’s Spray Adhesive (or other strong adhesive), glue the box together.

Once the glue is dry, paint the box. When it is completely dry, attach it to your board using the Elmer’s Spray Adhesive.

Step 7: This step involves the rest of the little things you can attach to your station. I used velcro strips to attach boxes of chalk.

I always have a few of these boxes on hand. I save them because they are great sizes and fun colors. I attached these to the board using Elmer’s Spray Adhesive.

I also attached 4 white clothespins across the top of the board (2 on each side) using the spray adhesive.

My daughter loves her finished board! She is going to decorate it more in the coming days. Really, the sky’s the limit! For my son’s board I will probably add a magnetic strip along one side to hold some magnets, scissors, etc… and a pouch for papers (instead of the clothespins).

This was a fun project to make and I’m glad I had the contest to motivate me to get it done!

Speaking of contests… November challenge entries are due tonight! There will not be a challenge in December so you have a few more weeks to purchase your packet for January! Happy crafting!

I also have a great prize lined up for this month. The winner is going to receive a copy of the book Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People.

REMINDER: There will be no challenge in December! We’ll start again in January. There are some six and twelve month subscriptions in my shop right now if you want to save some bucks and be ready for 2011!

Congrats to Sandy for winning with her clock! She wins a package from Dinotalk and next month’s challenge. The second winner goes to Kristianne that made the Halloween ornament. She’ll also receive next month’s challenge.  Thanks to all that participated.

It’s time! We didn’t have as many people complete the projects this month–I’m wondering if Halloween has anything to do with it? Anyway, the projects that were turned in were amazing and good luck to all of you trying to choose your favorite!  Special thanks goes out to Dinotalk for sponsoring this month.

Here’s a reminder of what everyone had to work with (chipboard shapes and glitter color may vary):

There was an added layer of creativity on this challenge because of the talking ornament. By lifting up the flap, you can hear a custom recorded message. Some of the participants took this into account when making their projects!

1. Clock

2. Inspiration Mirror–says, “You’re beautiful on the inside and out.”

3. Halloween Ornament

4. Christmas Card

You have until late on October 29th to submit your vote. To participate in next month’s challenge, you can purchase your packet from my etsy shop.  There will not be a challenge in December but we’ll start again in January!

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Tomorrow is the deadline to get your pictures to me for the Craft Challenge. The main item featured this month was the Talking Ornament from Dinotalk. I’ve seen some of this month’s entries and they are using the product in some clever ways!

The picture above is one that I made last year. I covered the edges with glitter, used some rub-on images, and did a 3-d effect with the paper and stamping. Interested in participating in next month’s challenge? You can purchase challenge packets here. There are only 16 left!

In addition to the talking ornament, there is a brown paper sack, a vial of glitter (color may vary) and a couple of chipboard shapes (shapes may vary).

Participants may have their creations featured at the Dinotalk website, so do your best (as always) and get your projects done early!

November packets are in the store.  I also have some year and six month subscriptions available.  They make great gifts!  *hint hint*

This week I’ll be working to schedule sponsors for 2011.  What would you like to see in the packets next year?  Do you have a unique product or prize you’d like to offer?  Let me know and I’ll send you the sponsor information.  You can use the nifty contact button over there to the left.

Time to vote for your favorite!  Here’s a reminder of what everyone had to work with:

And now, here is what they made!  The project that receives the most votes will receive a bundle of e-book patterns from The DIY Dish.  Voting will be open until sometime on Thursday night (I’ll close the voting right before I go to bed).

1.  Mirror

2. Necklace

3. Matching Game

4. Caterpillar

5. Card front

6. Flower

If you want to participate in next month’s challenge, you can purchase your packet in my etsy shop.

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I had some really great craft ideas surrounding the movie, Despicable Me.  Most of those had to do with the little minions.  My kids LOVE those little guys.  I thought I might be able to make a lot of little minions using thumbprints.  I was smart enough to practice.

When it was clear that my thumbprint minions needed some work, I changed directions and started going in the fluffy unicorn direction. You can see my amazing rendition of a fluffy unicorn.  Drawing is not one of my strengths.

Cricut to the rescue.  There is a sweet unicorn in the Once Upon a Princess Cartridge.  I cut that out and decided to cover it with fluff.

Recognize the card?  It was part of the Dinotalk Scrapbook Invitational.  The fluff is cotton layered on top of some tacky glue.  I also had to throw in a rainbow for good measure (also on the Once Upon a Princess cartridge).  The clouds received some fluff, as well.

It is all on top of some glittery paper and, because it is a product from Dinotalk, it talks!  The inside says, “It’s so fluffy I’m gonna die!”.

So, there you have it.  That’s how I went from thumbprints to unicorns.

Dinotalk is the sponsor of next month’s craft challenge.  If you’d like to try out their products, you can sign up for the challenge until Sept. 30th. I have a limited number of the products so when they’re gone, they’re gone!