{Candie Cooper's Journal}

Metal Stamping tutorial

Thank you Tierra Cast and Beads Baubles and Jewels for having me on the show!  This video shows you how to use metal stamps and guilders paste.  Thanks also to Impress Art for the fabulous stamps

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Jewelry Attitude Image Transfer

My Needle Felted Scarf and Simplicity's new Needle Felting Machine

Have you seen Simplicity's new needle felting machine?  Last summer I went to Cleveland to film a quick info-mercial about it.  Click the link above to see the skinny.  When I returned home, I made a scarf for Simplicity using the machine.  It has been making it's way around the magazine-sphere (Altered Couture above).      

 This is an ad from an upcoming Cloth, Paper, Scissors (Interweave).  You can use all your favorite silk and wool fabric scraps plus colorful roving to make it.  Check out the instructions here.  It's so easy to make!

Fanciful 5 Minute Ring

Plaid's Inspired Classics acrylic droplet charms plus one Ring Bling ring with loop.

(find these components at Joann Fabrics)

Pick your power color.

Attach 5 droplets to one jump ring connected to the loop on the ring.  Repeat until you have no more droplets.

Wear it. 

Fall Craft Activities with Children

If you like this little Pine cone Pumpkin idea, check out my guest blogger post over on the Plaid Kids Blog for how to make them and more fun fall activities to do with your kiddos!  I heart Fall!

30 Minutes: Necklace Idea and an Earring Book

Not really sure where to start!  My little cabin is hopping with projects!  In between gigs I've been trying to refresh some areas of my living quarters.  A new picture here, a vase full of twigs there, a can of paint waiting for it's debut on a chest of drawers.  It's time.  This morning I hung my winter coat in the "way-back" of the closet and said, see ya in December!  My favorite jean jackets and spring scarves are holding up the coat rack just fine!  Do you feel the same?

I wanted to share with you a couple things.  First up, another version of the Crafty Book Club necklace idea from the last post.  I couldn't resist the brightly colored ring with dangles at Hobby Lobby!  I added beads and  framed a piece of lace in the charm topped off with a Vintaj flower.  I have been really inspired by Lark Book's 30 Minute Earrings.

It's a nice little challenge to see if you can whip something up in a short amount of time--------the key is:

STOP OVER THINKING and GO WITH THE FLOW!!!

The 30 Minute Earring book has beautiful, chic ideas that are instantly classy.  Simple techniques lead you to awesome designs.  The other thing I love is that you don't need a ton of raw material to make the earrings---might even be able to use up some of your scrap metal.  That's also nice because if you mess up--you aren't out a lot of $$.

Why not get the girls together and make some 30 minute jewelry?  The third thing is I made a soup last night that will knock your socks off!  Sweet Potato Lovers click HERE.  I loved it with the yogurt garnish and naan! 

Well, I'm off...I have projects to finish for my friend's up and coming book, class proposals to write, materials to ship, and teaching my metalsmithing class to rivet tonight.  Here's to robins chirpin' and daffodils bloomin'!  Happy Spring!

Winter Aid

Y'all know I needed some winter aid if you read yesterday's post. I was pretty over the ice and brisk wind and numb fingers and toes.  Here's the thing though and tell me if you feel the same---I love the ambiance of a pretty winter day IF you don't have to  venture out  (unless it's a hike with sweetie, Rocker, of course).  Yesterday, the flakes were absolutely dreamy as they wistfully sailed by the window and I felt like I was in one of those snow globes that I've always wanted to make (see: "winter wonderland in a jar."  Boy, I do love Martha).  Dreamy or not, the fall brought me back to reality.  And how!

One thing I do to beat the chill is to cook something simple that has garlic or onions, and butter because well, you know why.  It smells amazing.  Second thing to do is make some muffins or biscuits so you have a reason to fire up the oven.  I also lit a couple candles and started a fire.  I totally act like I know what I'm doing, but truthfully by Feb 18th I'll be ready to burn my mittens and move to Florida.  You feel me?

So this is a long awaited carrot soup recipe that I've been wanting to try.  Last night I found myself with a heap of carrots that needed used so away I went.  I called a long distance friend while I peeled and chopped and it was so nice to catch up.  Which, while I'm thinking about it, I'm so happy it doesn't cost 87 cents a minute to talk long distance anymore.  Aren't you?  Ok, the soup recipe:  It hit the spot!  I had to make a few modifications because *I didn't read carefully because  I run back and forth to the living area where my computer is.  Because, firstly I don't want to put my Mac in the kitchen where soup or wine or stock could spill on the keyboard and fry it.  This has happened to a few friends and because I haven't bought Apple Support like said friends suggest, I'm not going there!  Why not print it?  Well,  the first is because I'm cheap when it comes to using my ink.  But let's say it was ink worthy, I can't seem to get a printer driver downloaded for my HP printer that is compatible with Mac.  Heh.  This is my life!  Crikey.

Ok back to the soup modifications:  I put one T of red curry paste and a couple dashes of cayenne pepper because the word on the review street was it was pretty spicy.  I added one can of pumpkin (*because my soup was too thin) and a T of brown sugar.  I also added dashes of  both pumpkin pie spice and ginger.  Yes, it got a little crazy.  Some of the reviews said it was too salty so be careful there.  Add a splash of cream or half and half and hit it with a cilantro garnish.  Done.  I loved it and can't wait to have a bowl for lunch.

P.S.  For all you beautiful nostalgics out there, I included the old school woven hot pad that my sister scored a set of at a flea market (thanks, Carrie!) in the finished soup shot.  Sweet, huh?  I have a loom or three down in my studio if anyone wants to come over and weave their own.  You know you want to.

Repurposing a Brooch for a Veil Comb...

This is a piece I made for a special bride-to-be this past fall.  The Mother-In-Law to be commissioned it in hopes of incorporating a treasured rhinestone brooch that was her mothers.  You can see the snow-flake like brooch in the middle.   The dress was ivory so I used off white Swarovski glass pearls and crystals.  With a plain hair comb and a bit of 22g wire you can do anything!  Just anchor your wire to the comb with a few wraps and start stringing and wrapping.  To finish it, I sealed the wrapped area with a satin ribbon.  You can also paint a layer of E6000 over the ribbon and leave to dry overnight to create a bit of "grip".  Or you can always commission me to make one for you.  I don't have long hair, but if  I did I'd probably have a thousand of these things incorporating all kinds of brooches, feathers, charms and whimsies to pin my hair up in.

This pioneer gal knows how to start fires and write a Valentine!

If you would have told me ten years ago that I'd live in a cabin complete with a rock fire place and hefty wood pile outside (in which you helped stack and have to worry about covering with a tarp...as well as your dog whizzing on said pile)...  Well, I would have said, "dude, you are like.... crazy!"  Because it was ten years ago and we did insert the word "like" any chance we could.  I might still do it from time to time.  Totally.  But, tonight finds me curled up next to a fire that I started (I had to read how to in a magazine) studying and reading about art history.  With a pile of wood I carried up the stairs, is also a bit of newspaper aka...kindling.  This gets me to the point of this post.  My friend surprised me with a truckload of wood for Christmas.  Best gift ever!  Second best gift from my aunt and uncle is this...

A wheel barrow full of kindling bundles.  Not just any kindling though!  These bundles are hand picked grasses, pinecones, bark pieces, sticks, evergreens, dried leaves bound with a pretty red string.  Not to mention they burn like the wind!  So I was thinking girls, if you are looking for a sweet valentine for your man-friend this year, kindling bundles may make their heart flutter (or they might look at it like ...?..).  But, let's say they go with the flutter---You could even tie some little paper hearts to the bundles.  And why stop there?  When writing your valentine, you can play with the word burn or fire...  My heart burns for you... or....you fill all my burning desires....or.....Fire me up, Valentine!  I'll stop there.  (giggling...and red faced)  You get the idea.  I do love me some cheesy Valentines though.  "Melts" just came to mind also.  Wahhh! Stopping.  So, with fire crackling, I should get back to my studies.  Warm wishes and smiles from me. 

Picture Blocks...

Hello Crescendoh.com readers!  Thanks for clicking over...   It's an honor to be featured on Crescendoh-thank you, Jenny.  Dear readers, I do hope you find some fun ideas over here from food to crafts, I love living a creative life.

These photo blocks seem really timely since I have a few friends with babies on the way.  I can see them tucked in a nursery with pictures of grandma and grandpa or siblings.  Although, I think they are fun for big kids (like me) too.  You can find sweet little blocks in antique stores and ebay for around $1 each. 

I pulled the twirly wire photo holders from a pre-made photo holder.  Michael's has some unfinished wood blocks with the coils right now for 99cents that you could use (they were tucked in a dollar rack at our store).  Drill a hole in the center of the block, string some beads and even a thimble on the wire and glue them in the hole.  Done!

A moment of silence now as this week I have managed to lose my SD camera card that had 1090 pictures on it.  Shame on me for not downloading them sooner.  Argh.  Lesson learned.  Although, maybe now that I have admitted to losing it to the world, it will turn up!  Fingers crossed.  
 

Screen it...

or bust! That's my motto!  I'm in Anaheim this week with Plaid Enterprises for the big Craft and Hobby Super Show and Trade show.  You could call it the big dance for crafters.  ;-)

 
I'm excited to be demonstrating one of the "Make and Take" crafts in Plaid's booth!  We will be using Simply Screen, an awesome and easy way to make your own custom screen printed t-shirts. 

 
You can find the Simply Screen line in major craft stores around the t-shirts, aprons, canvas tote bag section....you know the aisle!!  Tons of very cool designs and paint colors.  This is a great indoor winter activity to scare off the winter blahs.  Nothing says hope, like making a new t-shirt for summer...I always say. ;-)  Or wear a long sleeve t under your short sleeve so you can wear it right now (this is what I'm doing for one of the show days).

For those of you in the neighborhood, I'll be watching for you!

XO, Candie

Beaded Beads...

This is a little re-play post from March of 2006 that I swiped from my ol' podcast site, The Candie Cast.  If I remember right, I damn near lost my mind putting this tutorial together because I was living in China at the time and got the pattern from a Chinese beading book....a VERY tiny diagram, lots of loops, arrows and characters...you get the idea.  (Sorry for the language, but sometimes there is no other way to describe it.  Aiya!)   But!  A good challenge, none the less.   I've had so many people fall in love with making these beads, the latest Terry, from FL.  So Terry, this one's for you...

 

I warn you these are addicting to make.  They will be spilling out of your pockets, purses, drawers etc....  I warn you!  Now have fun!

Materials-

• 30 beads of any shape and size (just be sure the hole in the bead is big enough for the cord to pass through twice)
• good quality nylon cord
• bit of glue

Here goes nothing:

Cut 20" of cord and double it over so the ends meet and string 5 beads onto the left end/side of the tail.

Thread the right end of the cord through the 5th bead in the opposite direction that the left tail is going-I call this a 'cross'.

Pull the two ends snug so it makes a star in the middle of your bead cluster.

String 4 beads onto the left tail.

But on the 4th bead thread the right tail through in the opposite direction that the left tail is going (I call this a cross).

 

Look carefully at the orientation here.  At the top is the original 5 beads and in my fingers is the 4 beads.  The right cord comes out and goes into the bead directly to the right of it.

This is how it should look.  Notice how the cord looks like it is going through two beads side by side.

String 3 beads onto the left tail.

And cross the right tail through the 3rd bead.

And the right tail goes through the bead directly to the right of it again.

**Repeat the last three steps TWO more times so that you will have a total of 4 clusters around your central star at this point. 

Now run your right tail through the two beads to the right of the bead where the right tail comes out (as seen in picture) and string 2 beads onto the left tail.

Cross the right tail through the 2nd bead and pull the two ends snug.

This completes the top half of the bead, making sort of a dome shape.  Deep breath, let's push on!

The right tail goes through the bead just next to it.

String 3 beads onto the left tail.

Right tail goes through the 3rd bead, making the cross.

Now this time, the right tail goes through not one but TWO beads to the right of it!

String 2 beads on the left tail.

Right tail crosses through the second bead.

**Repeat the last the last three steps TWO more times!  We're almost there!!!!

Now, do you see that tiny gap....and notice you have one bead left? 

String the remaining bead on the left tail.

This is where it gets a little confusing, but I think you will understand the idea.  The left tail with the bead on it goes across and through the bead on the left, then it keeps going through the remaining 3 beads in the cluster of 5.  Same goes for the right tail except it goes through the right side, opposite the left.  Remember that the cord should make a triangle at each bead junction and the cord must pass through each bead twice.  Tie the tails in a knot where they meet up. 

Trim the ends and dot the knot with some glue to secure.  Yay!  We made it!

Please, please, please let me know if you try to make these and the pattern has a glitch.  I've checked over it, but I need a proof-reader so to speak!  And also, if you make something with these, please send me a picture of the finished project. 

XO, Candie

All Buttoned Up...

How ironic that the project I'm about to show you is titled, "all buttoned up".  I WISH I had this move all buttoned up, lol.  Actually things are going along pretty well (knock on wood).  I'm making jewelry today and will continue packing tonight.  Katie dropped a line this morning to tell me a project of mine was on the Simply Beads Magazine website.  That was a nice surprise.  It's one of my favs...

All Buttoned Up
Design by Candie Cooper, copyright DRG 

"Combine pretty vintage or vintage-inspired fabrics and some beads to make charming buttons. Simply stitch them in place for a custom-made addition to purchased garments, purses and more. You can also snip the button shank from the back with wire cutters and replace with a tie-tack finding for a unique pin."

You can download the project here. 

Thank you for all the comments and emails of well wishes for our move home.  I can't imagine what this will be like going from a town of 9 million to 12,000, except for.....interesting. 

Ornament Thursday...Insectica

Happy Ornament Thursday!  This month’s Ornament Thursday theme is Insectica.  The next word that comes to mind is “bug.”  Bug.  Cute as a bug.  Bugs Bunny.  Bug, in a rug.  Bed Bugs.  It’s buggy out.  Snug as a bug.  Bug bite.  Don’t bug me.   Bug off. Love bug. Did I miss any?  Leave a comment if you think of one. 

Once upon a time, I was a bug.  It was my nickname when I was little…thanks to my dad.  My older sister was Daisy Duke, just in case you were wondering (she was hooked on the Dukes of Hazard). When I think about it, I’ve had quite a lot of encounters with insects and bugs.  It started in 3rd grade when I talked Grandpa into buying me a toy at K-Mart that was basically a small playground for bugs in a clear plastic dome…..dare I say Flea Circus.  99% positive I tried being a farmer of an ant farm.  I still miss the lightning bugs every summer.  One of my favorite memories was roller-blading through our river walk back home on a hot summer night with all the lighting bugs twinkling around us.  Very magical.  In college I took Entomology 309, a fabulously fun class with Chris Oseto (one of the best teachers on the planet).   This led to casting bees and beetles in bronze and silver in our spare time over at the metals studio.  Why?  Because we could.  (Note:  the beetles were long gone before we got to them---no beetles were hurt in the process)  I can remember three different bug boxes of mine.  Do kids collect bugs anymore?  I’m feeling a little dusty.  Poor bugs.

This month’s buggy ornament offering comes from the Candie and Jean (aka my mom) archives again.  My mom did the crazy painting of the bugs like this….

 

then I added texture and details with colored pencil, some sterling antennae and a little tie tack pin back like this….. 

Voila!  Cute as a bug…..on your collar! 

Straight from the Heart!

50 Nifty Beaded Cards has a few designs by Candie Cooper in it.  ;-)  This Straight From the Heart card is one of them---Here's a link to the free project featured in Lark's new newsletter.  Looks like their newsletter is going to be loaded with fun inspirations and free projects each month.  Sign up for it here!

 

More scoop on the beaded card book here...  After all, everyone loves to get a card--especially a beady one!

Triple Take...

Triple Take copyright, DRG/Simply Beads Magazine

The new Simply Beads is out!  Here are the Triple Take Girl's projects for this month.  We used Fire Mountain Gems shell beads and charms.  Katie made the bracelet and earring set, Margot made the cell phone holder and I made the mirror (which I bought at the thrift store for 50 cents and revamped, yay!  See the Artgirlz charmz?).  Get your free instructions for the projects here. 

It's raining today and I'm off to Hong Kong for some serious supply shopping.  Better wear my galoshers!  Have a great weekend... :-)

Breakfast Bookmarks...

Rocker and I got up super early today---we've been batch'n it the past few days while Botch is in...well, come to think of it, I have no idea what town Butch is in!  That's nice.  I can't keep it all straight.  Anywho, we made some cinnamon toast and whipped up a bookmark while we nibbled.  Ok, Rocker didn't eat cinnamon toast...but he wanted to!  He is such a good assistant.  Don't you think he needs an apron?

I have a fetish for bookmarks and ribbons really do make the perfect bookmark.  They are pretty and flat---two very important bookmark qualities.  So many wonderful bookmarks round the craft-o-sphere.   Remember Martha's where she wove ribbon through ribbon?  Yum.  I'd love to make about 50 more of these----I have enough ribbon to make 3,000 probably.   

ORNAMENTEA's bird charms....

This is a great weekend craft and a perfect gift for your favorite reader.  Can't believe it's Friday already! 

Ornament Thursday~Motherhood

Happy Ornament Thursday!  This month's theme celebrates all the Mom's out there.  They bring us into this world, nurture and help us grow into the people we are today.  In a sense, we kind of are their ornaments.

I grew up in a very crafty and creative home.  My mom started taking painting classes one night a week shortly after I was born....and she hasn't stopped since (28.9999 years later).  When I lived back home, we did a lot of crafty collaborations and so I thought this month's theme was the perfect time to share one of them.

I found these little wooden torso-looking shapes in the wood section at the craft store---perfect for people pins.  My mom's the one with the steady hand so she set to work painting different faces and legs with ruffle-y anklet socks (remember those?).  In the mean time, I'd make a couple of cups of tea and we'd work around the island in the kitchen.  I would drill and assemble the spindle legs, which by the way are miniature balusters and set eyelet screws in the torsos to hang the legs from.  We wanted real vintage fabric for the dresses and she had the idea to use Mod Podge for that.  Genius!  Then she painted arms and a collar right onto the fabric.  I'm pretty sure we sealed them with an acrylic varnish too.

We've done many collaborations over the years.  I won't pretend like we haven't  butt heads a couple of times in the process (after all, according to the Ch!nese Zodiac we are both sheep. ;-)  We are so opposite, yet still cut from the same cloth---the true beauty of mother and daughter relationships.

Ornament Thursday!

Ornament Thursday is coming soon to a blog near you!  May's theme celebrates all the Moms!  This is a little teaser of my project or rather "OUR" project.  Recognize it, Mom? 

Do you have a craft that celebrates motherhood?  It would be cool if you leave a link to your blog in the comment section so we can see.  I'm also curious what you're planning to do for your mom.  Baking cookies?  Something crafty?  Flowers? 

P.S. Mother's Day is Sunday, May 11th.

It's A Wrap! Well, Almost....

I mentioned it was back to school on Tuesday, but I wasn't expecting to be as tired as I've been when I get home!  I've been showing the high school kids how to make wire wrapped, found object pendants like this:

Pretty simple, but they only have 30 minutes per class.  Can you believe that?!?!?  As soon as you get into creating, you have to stop.  I budgeted two days, but I'm going back today, because they are not finished. 

I showed them how to hammer and texture the wire and I think they really liked that.  We're using 16-18 g. copper for the frames and 20-26g. for the wrapping and dangles. They started by drawing their "plan" like this:

We all know what wire looks like when you try to un-wrap it and start again, so they had to have a solid plan before the copper was passed out. 

On the second day, they brought in more found objects.  There's definitely not enough of me to run around and help the 22! students, but the pieces are looking good.  That's kids for you.  They are fearless in their creative process.

It's a bird!

The felt flower brooch I just showed you reminded me of this little felty fella.  Did I ever tell you I used to do art fairs before I started designing craft projects...before I moved to Ch!na, before before?  I did.  My booth was filled with mixed media jewelry and a lotta felty jewels towards the end.  It was right about the time I submitted my Felted Jewelry book proposal.  There are so many fun projects in my jewelry box stash from the past.  After looking through it this morning, it is evidence that you never know where your art will take you, so you have to just fly with it.

The birdie is made entirely of wool with a bit of metal and seed beads mixed in.  I started making these birds back in college, originally out of paper.  Someday I'll show you.  I think I must have sold 100 of them.  Birds will always be loved by people---there's just something about their vulnerable yet strong little selves that we connect to.

This scarf has been worn practically everyday since I got it in Kathmandu back in November.  I've worn a jean jacket ever since the second grade.  Denim jacket obsession runs in the family.  And I've opted to flip my collar up for the last couple of years.  It's an 80's thing, a Euro thing, and an it looks better on me like that thing.  Love Spring attire because you still have a reason to layer clothing!  Do you feel the same?  Grandpa, I know you put a lotta thought into layering your clothes ;-)

In other news, I only had "yellow" options of things to eat for lunch today!

I know I just posted about lunch, but this was very strange and it happens from time to time with different colors.  Everything I thought about fixing for lunch was a shade of yellow.  Eggs and wheat toast. Leftover cornbread and cream of chicken soup.  Granola bars.  Honey. Banana. Cheese.  All yellow!  I took it as a sign and looked up some color symbolism and the brain: 

Yellow: energizes, relieves depression, improves memory, stimulates appetite

Well ok, then.  There you have it.  I know a lot of artists use colors for symbolism.  Colors that suit my mood on that particular day are more the route I take, but it's something to consider in the future for sure.

Tonight is Girls Night Out and we are going to see Cats. I've never seen it, so looking forward to that.  Tomorrow Botch and I are going to Hong Kong for the day to hang out and mail some things.  I'll probably see you Sunday with some Links and Tales.  ;-) Until then, Have a Great Weekend!

Happy Easter!

Here are few more eggs I almost forgot to show you....again.  I had these ready for last year and forgot.  They are clippings from a retro magazine that my gram gave me about six or seven years ago I'd say.  I have plans to try out the ribbon ones below.  At this point, I'm not sure if I have enough patience to get a string of seed beads to stick to a round surface like the ones above.  Glue recommendations anyone?  May all your Easter baskets and eggs be filled with sweet crafty loot.  And have a lovely day wherever you are....

About.com Jewelry Making
Are metal costs are going through the roof these days! How are you coping with the cost of metals when it comes to designing jewelry?

Art Bead Scene
Knowledge is power! Learn tips to improve your jewelry business.

Jennifer Jangles Blog
Jennifer's designed a pollen free flower necklace for spring.

Jewelry & Beading
Leah Hitchcock-Ybarra shows how to make a pair of felted ball earrings! This is the perfect beginner project, and Leah is the perfect guest tutor!

Katie's Beading Blog
Need some spring color inspiration? Read Katie's post for a review of some yummy color resources.

PearlEsq.
Robin has added video editing to her repertoire...check out new Ranger licensed designer Claudine Hellmuth's cool transfer technique that can work on lots of different surfaces and for jewlery or papercraft projects!

Savvy Crafter
Hop on down the bunny trail at Candie's blog to see some Springy bunny bling!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean wants to formally introduce you all to the super new members of this fun group!

The Impatient Beader (Goes Dutch!)
Madge is heading off to a book shoot and a trip to the city that shall not be named again, but before she left she wanted to share this sunny little jewelry set. Check out her newly translated first book in...Dutch!

Crepes + Eggs=

Here are the eggs I mentioned a couple of days ago.  Throw some Styrofoam* egg forms, crepe paper, and glitter Mod Podge into the pot and you get....Eggalicious! 

I like my crafty eggs over "easy"---Simply shred, tear, or cut the crepe paper, add a thin layer of glitter Mod Podge to the egg and start stickin'!  Seal the crepe paper with Mod Podge as you go.  Once the eggs are dry, you can leave them as is or embellish with sequins and beads strung on straight pins.  The pink and orange egg has a cherry blossom paper cutting that I got here decoupaged on top.

And there you have it!  This chic is off to get some din-din!  Happy Easter everyone!   

Bag Tags!

It seems like a lot of peeps are traveling right now or getting ready to go somewhere---another sign of spring, no doubt.  In honor of your travels, I thought I'd share a fun luggage tag project that kids of all ages will enjoy making.  Super easy=buy some plain stock luggage tags, give them a light sanding and coat with acrylic paint=cut out magazine pictures or color copied photos and MOD PODGE them to the tag=finish them off with a clear acrylic varnish=tie them to your bag with a funky ribbon or two.  *Product testing has found that the monsters that live in the cargo hold of the plane love to chew and nibble handmade luggage tags.  Advised to tie this to your carry-on.

I'm giving away TWO of the base tags for painting.  Leave a comment and your email addy, so I can contact you if you win.  Comments accepted through Sunday @ noon EST.  Good Luck!

 

 

Why?

I was just going through some pictures...  This is from a trip to a cool water town up North a year or so ago.  This woman was cranking out some serious crocheted figures and kitsch.  I bought a neat little bird from her.  After looking at this picture again, I'm wondering why I didn't buy the two pandas and the strawberries, and the, and the, and the!!!  I have to learn how to crochet so I can make some of the Amigurumi stuff.  And because I need to learn another crafting technique, right?

Crafting by Candlelight...

Last night we watched movies and I crafted by candle and Christmas tree light.  It was so enjoyable.  I was needle felting and I feel I should mention that if it's your first time trying the sport I don't recommend doing it in the dark especially while watching TV.  I stabbed myself about 10 times. Thank you Tetanus shot. 

We watched the first Harry Potter and Christmas in Connecticut.  Christmas in Connecticut is a sweet old movie my friend loaned me before she left starring Barbara Stanwyck.  This was the original released in 1945, but I saw on IMBD that there was a re-make directed by Arnie Schwarzenegger in 92.  I also saw where they are planning to release another re-make in 2009, but that was all the details.  If you like charming, black and white movies add it to your Netflix list.  Or if you live in the States, it's probably been shown on the classic movie station six times by now.  For those of you who have seen it, I thought Uncle Felix was hilarious and I could only dream of putting that much tinsel on a tree. 

Wrapping Savvy Style....

This night finds me with about 27 pieces of peanut brittle in my stomach.  I couldn't help myself.  And it's strange because I've never been drawn to peanut brittle before.  It was in a lovely box of goodies from Butchie's parents.  Did I ever tell you my husband's name is Butch?  It's his real name, I'm pretty sure.  It suits him perfectly.  Butch, Butchy, Botch as my Italian neighbors used to call him and the folks here call him Bush....in case you were wondering.  Anyway, peanut brittle.  The name suits it well too as it is brittle.  We didn't need to bust up the pieces one bit.  It must have been a bumpy ride to the other side of the world for that little package.  I'd also like to thank the postal workers who did their part to help with that.  Made eating it a lot easier and faster.  My teeth hate me right now.

Wrapping.  I've done a fair amount of wrapping this week.  Each year I try to come up with something fun, but practical.  This year was paper bags.  I bought some cute ones at Ikea.  They came in an assortment of sizes, but I needed more of the small size.  I found some brown paper food bags in Sham Shui Po over in Hong Kong that worked swell.  But compared to the Ikea ones they were bland like mashed potatoes without pepper or gravy.  I tried stamping them with a snowflake stamp.  Salt.  Then I got savvy and put them through the ink-jet printer.  I'm probably the last one to figure this one out. 

Jingle All the Way to Jean....my mom.

I used clip art from Dover Publications free sampler for the bag art.  I'm not so clever with graphics and stuff so I did all my image sizing in Word. It worked for the most part with a few experiments.  Zip it up by folding over the top edge and zig zag stitching it closed.  For some of the bags, I stitched snowflake sequins in at the same time.  Make a bow and hot glue it to the top.  Done.  Cute.

Potpourri Weekend...

I'm sitting here listening to the "Retro 80s & 90s" internet radio station.   It occurred to me that I always thought of "retro" describing funky silver Christmas trees and swanky lounge music.  Crap.  In other news, I seemed to have turned into the casserole queen over night.  When we lost our cook, I started "cooking."  (well, I can see this is going to be a quote-y posty, sorry)  Anyhow, I did what any Midwestern girl would do, go to the Campbell's soup website for recipes.  So far it's been successful.  I was telling some friends about the fabulous enchilada recipe they have.  Did you know not everyone in America "cooks" with Campbell's soup.  In fact this is the third or fourth time I've met someone who has never heard of this.  Gasp!  I always respond with "you don't know what you're missing."  "Really?"  "Yeah."  Maybe my pallet is little to be desired, but...I can sure put a meal on the table fast.

Peace of Toast, Candie Cooper 2007

Get it?  "Peace" of toast.  The piece of felt ended up looking like a piece of bread.  I stitched it to some blue felt, added some buttons and a dove.  It was a happy accident.  Or cheesy?  I don't really use chopsticks to eat toast, but they matched the wool and plate.  Here's one for you.  We own four pairs of chopsticks, one normal spoon, and three forks.    Something happens when you move to this culture.  I think it's that the "little" things aren't so important anymore.  I watched Imagine, the movie about John Lennon, the other day.  Interesting and inspiring.  Speaking of bread or Peace bread for that matter, I love the part where he talks to the random stranger that had been living in their garden.  He asks the man if he's hungry and then invites him in.  They all sit around the table and break bread together.  Incredible.  We need more peace.

I'm working on the next class for Second Saturday, the crafty class for kids.  I'm thinking about felted ornaments.  This was supposed to be a star or a heart, but once I finished it, I couldn't cut into it.  Sometimes you just have to follow the process instead of wrestling it into place. 

And with that I shall close to go make a cup of tea.  I can't shake this nasty, yucky cough.  As it turns out, my friend, knitting teacher, and nurse in her "past" life told me Friday she thinks I had pneumonia. "Huh," I said, "that makes a little more sense now doesn't it."  Oh, thank goodness for friends that can help shed some light through all the polluti()n over here. 

Fabu-loso Link-oS this Week-o!

Art Bead Scene 
Virginia Miska shows a step by step, easy and inexpensive way to remove tarnish from your silver beads and components, with common materials found right in your kitchen!
http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2007/09/removing-tarnish-from-silver.html

Bead Arts 
There are lots of great lampwork and hot glass forums out there! Can you think of any to add to Cyndi's list?
http://www.bead-arts.com/lampwork-and-hot-glass-forums/

Jewelry and Beading Blog 
Tammy at the Jewelry and Beading Blog has spotted some adorable wire pumpkins from Wig Jig.
http://www.jewelryandbeading.com/2007/10/17/tres-cool-wired-pumpkins/

Katie's Beading Blog 
Beading Daily spotlighted Katie's book, Hip to Bead, this week. Read her post for links to a fun Q&A and free project download and a sneak peek into Katie's crafty organic farming lifestyle.
http://katiehacker.blogspot.com/2007/10/beading-daily-q.html

Naughty Secretary Club 
Have you taken the Handmade Pledge? Jen chats about how her girl gang the Austin Craft Mafia joined forces with the likes of Etsy, The American Craft Council, Interweave Press, Design Sponge and more to bring you Buy Handmade!
http://naughtysecretaryclub.blogspot.com/2007/10/buy-handmade.html

PearlEsq. 
Are you a Perfectionist? Robin's got a quiz for you and some thoughts on not sweating the small stuff and to embrace imperfection in your art!
httphttp://pearlesq.blogspot.com/2007/10/are-you-perfectionist.html://

Savvy Crafter 
Grab your skull beads!!! Dia De Los Muertos is right around the corner. Make some festive jewels for this mucho fun and special celebration.
http://candiecooper.typepad.com/savvycrafter/2007/10/day-of-the-dead.html

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! 
A stunning Geisha polymer focal bead by Janet Farris was dressed up using lustrous coin pearls and tiny multihued spinels to express classic Japanese beauty. Take a look at Jean's latest offering in Beadwork Magazine!
http://prettykittydogmoonjewelry.blogspot.com/2007/10/december-january-beadwork-magazine.html

The Impatient Blogger 
Are you tired of playing by the rules and itching to break free? Guess what, you can! Check out this inspired post by Margot Potter that gives you the kick in the pants you need to follow your bliss.
http://margotpotter.blogspot.com/2007/10/dichotomy.html

Craftin' Bag Tags with Kiddies...

I've mentioned that sometimes I teach crafting classes to the expats here.  One of the programs I started is called Second Saturday.  The idea is that every second Saturday of the month parents and their children can come and create fun projects along side each other.  The projects are designed so that they can be very simple or intricate.  Everyone takes home a finished project.  October's Second Saturday was collaged luggage tags.  You can never have enough luggage tags living on this side of the world.

We started out by learning what a collage is.  Don't you love it when kids already know the answer to the question?  I can hear the parents out there saying, "sometimes."  I brought in some collaged artwork, photographs, and paintings so we could play, Guess Which One is a Collage. 

Fifteen kids and parents came over two sessions and it was a blast.  The paper was flying and stamps were stampin'.

Me with a few of our future hard core crafters.  The finished projects were spectacular.  Kids are creative.  Period.  They don't worry about anything and it always looks fabulous.  Quite magical to watch the whole process.

Want to make your own? Essentially if you can make an ATC, you can make a bag tag.  OR  Download my 10_steps_to_make_a_bag_tag_collage.doc

Check out Artchix Studio for collage sheet images.  The clear plastic tag is simply a badge tag.  You can find them online or in an office supply store.  Download luggage_tag_cards.doc  and print them onto card stock for your info on the opposite side of the collage---we stamped and decorated these too.

It's never too soon to start your holiday crafting.  These make great gifts for your favorite traveler.  Enjoy!

Beads On the Beach...

Who doesn't love bead shopping on the beach?  Really!  What's better than having beautiful beads brought to your doorstep?!?!  Vendors at the beach walk around with their baskets of sunglasses, fruits, and my personal fav, pearls and funky shell jewelry.  The last time I was at the beach, I only brought home a few bracelets.  Not this time!  Check out my loot!

Needless to say, I stocked up.  I will stash a few pieces away for gifts and the rest I will cut up and use the parts.  Those green shells in the front are calling my name right now, "Charm bracelet, charm bracelet."

It's always fun to use beads that remind you of a place you visited.  I will associate these with the sounds of waves, the sandy beach, my friends, the cabin where we stayed and so on.  Even though they didn't cost a fortune, I know whatever I make with them will be a treasure of beach-side memories.

I'm Painting the Roses Red...

if there were any roses to paint.  It's been soooooo muggy, rainy and gloomy this week (which sans muggy, I secretly love, but this is not really a secret if you've been here before).  But, with all this sporadic typhoon rain, something happened that I can't believe I'm admitting to:  I wore my galosheRs with yoga pants to the studio on Tuesday.  That's gotta quite possibly be a first or second degree fashion crime.  I'm not going to lie to you, it wasn't pretty especially while sporting a ratty paint shirt and Swarovski earrings.  Oh, hell nightmare.  Whatta train wreck!  I blame it all on the earrings.  Once you put on sparkly earrings, nothing else matters.  True?

I really wanted to show you these paints from Ranger Ink  They're called Paint Dabbers and they sort of resemble a BINGO dabber or is it dobber?  Maybe that's how they say it where I'm from.  Anywho, let me tell ya, a little dab won't do ya here, get one in every color!  I used them with rubber stamps--just dab the stamp with the foam tip, no brush needed.  You can also remove the lid to access the paint.  Very multi-functional and the colors are outta-sight super!

Today's note to self:  Check fashion laws on wearing galosheRs with denim skirt.