Chelsea Cecelia Creations

New things coming...

2015-04-09T20:28:00.000-04:00

Hi friends-
I know it has been awhile. Graduate school + working full time got the best of me, however as things slow down a bit, we have exciting new crafts coming your way!!
We recently bought a scroll saw, so will be discussing some fun scroll saw projects. I also bought myself a candle making starter kit - wee!! Stay tuned...

iPhone App Tutorial: CocoPPa

2013-03-12T18:55:00.000-04:00

I love finding new apps for my iPhone and iPad. Especially fun apps that let you be creative. The latest app I have discovered is CocoPPa. CocoPPa is an app that let's you change the app icons and wallpaper on your iPhone. It lets you personalize your phone to reflect your style. Here is one of my iPhone screens:

Adorbs, right? Thanks! I agree.

I will warn you...the app is NOT without it's flaws and it takes some time to get used to it, so I figured I would write up a quick tutorial to help ya'll out.

First, download the CocoPPa app. No worries, it's free! (yay!)

Next, sign-up for an account...you can use your Facebook or Twitter accounts, or make a different user name. After you sign-up for an account, your screen should look like this:

It looks kind of like the Apple app store. It has a couple categories to scroll through on the main screen, such as popular icons, new icons, etc. You can also search different categories. I liked the app icons category but I found some good ones in many different categories. At the bottom it has different buttons. The one you should note is the "Mypage" button...you will want to know where this is for later because you are going to build an icon library by "liking" images. I went through and found a bunch of different images, liked them and then had easy access to them later.

Click on "Mypage". It will take you to the second image above. Then click "Like" and it will take you to your library of images. Once you have some images picked out, you can assign them to your apps.

Click on the image you want to assign. It will take you back to this screen:

Click Set up link.

Click "App Search". Here's a downfall to the app...the search sucks. Most of the time, you can find the app you want...mainly the popular apps like Facebook, Twitter, etc. The ones I can't find are: Safari, Contacts, etc...apps that have generic names. So, I stuck with changing my social media apps and that's it. Anyways, go to app search and find the app you want to assign your image to.

Next, you see a screen that confirms that you want to create a short-cut, or link the new image to the app. DO NOT DELETE THE ORIGINAL ICON! If you do, the app will be deleted and the new image link will be dead.

Next, confirm that you want to go to Safari and add the icon to the home screen as shown below.

Next, name your new icon:

After you name your icon, you will see the icon on your screen, along with the original icon. You have only created a link to the original app, so I repeat do NOT delete the original icon. Simply pull the icon to an unused screen.

Easy peasey, right?

Okay, so let's review pros and cons of this app.

Pros:

Allows you to personalize your fun

It's fun!

It's easy to use

It's free!

Cons:

The creators were Asian, so some of the translations are hard to understand.

The app shuts off randomly without warning (at times. It happened 3 times to me)

The app search needs some work

It only creates a link to the original app, so you will have extra icons on a different screen.

The app icons won't show you when you have alerts:

Hope this tutorial helps!! If you have any questions, please e-mail me at cmanzullo@gmail.com

I'm a Font-A-Holic, Part 2

2013-03-06T22:18:00.001-05:00

Here's some more of my favorite fonts!! All fonts were obtained from Da Fonts.com

Frosting for Breakfast

WASHI!

2013-02-27T04:00:00.000-05:00

I have a new, strange love for Washi tape. It's easy to use and decorates up so many projects!! And guess what? Pick Your Plum is selling it today for only $1.50 a roll.

Whaaaat??

What are you waiting for? Click on the picture below and pick up some Washi tape!!

And check out my Washi Pinterest board for project ideas!! Find it here.

Oh, How Pinteresting: DIY

2013-01-30T11:24:00.001-05:00

Here's my favorite DIY pins for this week! Enjoy!

Source: storagegeek.tumblr.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

Source: reachli.com via Sherry on Pinterest

Source: jammadestudio.blogspot.com.au via Lacy on Pinterest

Source: pontocruzgraficosgratis.blogspot.pt via Heather on Pinterest

Linking Up:

iPhone App Tutorial: iFont Maker App

2013-01-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

Recently I downloaded the iFont Maker app on my iPad. It's a neat and addicting app that lets you create your own fonts. It's only $6.99, which isn't bad because I loooove this app. It's pretty easy to use and figure out. However, when I first opened the app I was overwhelmed. So, I thought I would make a quick tutorial on how to use it!

Okay, the first button is a plus sign. This lets you create new fonts.

The button next to it, looks like a folder. This lets you open saved fonts and edit them or view them.

The next two icons I don't really use. You can turn on a grid and some lines that help guide you to make your font. I suppose if you are making really detailed fonts, this is a good thing to use but I have naturally messy hand-writing so I don't even turn them on.

In the background you can see the letter A. This is a guide for you. The icon in the picture lets you change the font of the guide letter.

This setting is what you want on to draw or write your font letter (called glyphs).

The next two icons are editing tools. The one right next to your draw icon lets you edit a specific stroke. The next icon lets you nudge strokes. For example:

The arrow is pointing to where I "nudged" the glyph. Also, in this picture you can see the grid and lines that I was talking about earlier. When the nudge icon is pressed, the icon next to it turns into a sprocket. This lets you change the radius (or how much your nudge at certain points). When the nudge feature isn't on, the icon is the brush settings icons, shown in the pictures below.

There are four brush settings: paint brush, fine tip pen, pencil and a straight line. The last icon is the "next" button, which takes you to the next glyph (or letter) when you are done.

These are the brush settings. The radius at the bottom
lets you determine how thick you want the font to be.

Next to the brush setting icon, is a pair of scissors. This lets you either clear the entire letter or copy it. Next, there are two half circle icons. The first lets you undo your last stroke. The next button lets you redo the last stroke.

Okay, now let's head to the top menu. You will notice that at the top you see each different letter. This gives you a preview of each letter you made. That is what the glyph's button shows. If you push the compose button next to it, you will see these screens:

It lets you type a word, so you can see what it will look like in your font. You can also adjust the spacing of the letters here. The Pangram button lets you see the whole alphabet in your font. Okay, now go back to the glyphs setting.

The first icon has different letters. That lets you change alphabet characters (for example, japanese). The next icon is the font settings. You can also adjust your letter spacing here, as well as height, etc. The question mark is the help menu.

Last, you want to build your font! The last button at the top, lets you do this. You can attach a glyph poster (which shows you the alphabet in your font). The second button "Build Font..." lets you actually make the font. I e-mail it to myself and it lets me log into 2TTF.com to download my font. The e-mail will contain a pin number. You need that to log in to see your font. It seems overwhelming, but it really is easy once you learn what each button does!

Here are the fonts I made:

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or e-mail me at cmanzullo@gmail.com

DIY & Craft Pins

2013-01-23T00:10:00.000-05:00

On my personal blog: Big, Beautiful & Broke, I do a link-up every Wednesday called "Oh, How Pinteresting!" You pick pins from Pinterest that you like, post them and then link-up! This week I am posting on both blogs, with this one being DIY & Craft pins that I love!

Source: pantoffi.blogspot.com via Morgan on Pinterest

Source: poppyseedfabrics.blogspot.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: hgtv.com via Lori on Pinterest

Source: tipnut.com via Chelsea on Pinterest

Linking Up:

DIY Beaded Wrap Bracelets

2013-01-19T16:36:00.003-05:00

I love wrap bracelets. I have many. I was curious about how to make these bracelets, so I went to the craft store and asked one of the workers. She directed me to memory wire. How could I have been making jewelry for months and not have discovered memory wire?!

Anyways, to make these cute bracelets, its VERY simple. All you need are the three supplies listed above and some patience.

When you get to the end, then do the same as you did at the beginning...turn the end up so beads don't fall off.

And viola!

I'm a font-a-holic.

2013-01-18T03:00:00.000-05:00

I love fonts. I'm pretty much a font slut. I download fonts all the time. My favorite websites for fonts are DaFonts and Fonts 101. If you go to Fonts 101, you can sign up to have a free font delivered to your inbox everyday. Wee!

Anyways, I want to share my font wealth with you. Since I shared the DIY Printables tutorial, I figured I would share with 8 of my faves.

You can download these fonts by clinking the links below (they are FREE!):

Honey Script Orange Juice Passing Notes Wednesday Jenna Sue Yummy Cupcakes Vanessa Loves You Always Forever

DIY Printables using PicMonkey

2013-01-17T20:17:00.002-05:00

I'm not a huge fan of Valentines Day. Neither is my husband. In fact, we don't celebrate it. We buy our kids cute little gifts but thats about it. We don't need a special day to buy each other something...we'd rather do it spontaneously, when the other doesn't expect it!

With that being said, I like Valentines Day because it brings about cute craft and DIY ideas...and I can't resist joining in on that fun!

I spend multiple hours a week scrolling through Pinterest. Mostly on my iPad before I go to sleep. Anyways, I always come across cute printables. So, while school was out I made my own using PicMonkey.

One of my many printables!

How you ask? Well, I will show you!!

First, go to the website and create a collage.

It will open and bring you to a screen that looks like this:

I used this collage and saved it, naming it "Blankcollage". That way I could use it as a blank template. I saved it as a 10" x 10". You can easily resize it to whatever size frame you'd like to use.

Once you save the blank template, close out and go to edit a picture.

Then you will open up your blank collage and start creating! I subscribe to PicMonkey (which is $4.99 a month). At first, I was mad they make you pay now, but I use it all the time for my blog so I felt it was worth the $5 I pay a month. Anyways, PicMonkey offers free services also, which you can use.

It's pretty simple and fun to do. Here's some fun printables I made! Feel free to use them for Valentines Day!

I made this one because it was my husband and I's wedding song. Couldn't help myself!

Once your done with your printable, print it and frame it! Super cute.

Good luck and enjoy!

Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest/Etsy

More new listings!

2013-01-02T23:08:00.000-05:00

One of my goals for this month was to list at least 10 new items! It's only January 2nd and I have already achieved this! How ambitious is this girl??

New Items listed!

2012-12-30T21:45:00.000-05:00

Hi Friends! I listed some new jewelry items in the Etsy store today!

Here's a little preview:

Use coupon code: NEWYEAR2013 for 25% off your order!!

Chelsea Cecelia Creations

Linking Up:

Crochet Ear Warmer

2012-11-04T20:42:00.003-05:00

I learned a new project this weekend. I learned how to crochet a while ago, and since I never do it anymore I am still a novice. Here is what I worked on this weekend:

Knotted Ear Warmer

My husband told me with the knotted one on I looked like an old lady. THEN I turned the knot to the side and he said I looked like a pirate. Oui.

Ear warmer w/o the knot

I have perfected my double crochet. Fo shiz.

Anyways, here is the pattern in case you'd like to make your own!

Supplies:

Yarn

5mm hook (H)

Abbreviations:

DC = double crochet

Chain 70

Row 1: DC in 4th chain from hook and in each chain across. 68 total DC's.

R2-6: Chain 2. Turn. Dc in 4th chain from hook and in each chain across. Again, 68 total DC's.

Use slip stitches to sew the ends together.

For those who need a refresher on how to do the double crochet, here is a video from YouTube:

It's a pretty easy craft project for a beginner like me!

Elastic, No Crimp Hair Ties

2012-11-01T15:35:00.000-04:00

Ever since I received my August Birchbox I have wanted to buy the no crimp hair ties. They are made from fold-over elastic and supposedly help prevent headaches from wearing your hair up. However, they are EXPENSIVE! Birchbox.com sells them 12 ties for $22 or 6 for $16.

Too rich for my blood.

So, I decided they couldn't be THAT hard to make so I ordered from elastic from a store on Etsy and made my own!! I ordered mine here.

Supplies:

Fold-over elastic in color(s) of your choice

Measuring tape

Scissors

Lighter

1. Cut your elastic to a length of your choice. I have found 7 inches to 8.5 inches works the best. Thicker hair will need the 8.5-9 inch length.

2. Fold the elastic in half and make a knot.

3. Tighten the knot, pull the knot towards the ends.

4. Cut the two ends together in a slant (if you want).

5. Take a lighter and barely burn the ends. This will prevent fraying.

All done!! This is an easy DIY, which saves you money!! Perfect for a Christmas or birthday present!!

Resin Flower Hair Pins

2012-10-22T23:25:00.001-04:00

Supplies

Bobby Pins with pad

Resin flowers

E-6000 glue

To buy bobby pins with pad, check out these Etsy shops!

Craftsutopia

TWPMango

The Violet Room

The following YouTube video will help you make resin flowers:

The following Etsy stores supplies resin molds:
Mold Muse Molds Snew I, personally, have not yet mastered or even tried to make my own resin flowers. I simply do not have the money to get started. There are hundreds of Etsy stores which sell resin flowers! Simply search for "resin flowers" and then to your left click "supplies". Very easy project!! Enjoy!

Tissue Paper Mod-Podge Vase

2012-10-21T22:24:00.001-04:00

Inspiration: Source

Here is my version:

Supplies:

Mod-Podge (either gloss or matte finish...the one above is matte, I have gloss)

Tissue paper

Paper punch

Paint brush

Vase or candle votive

My paper punch...little flower.

Vase

Punch out pieces of tissue paper.
Paint onto vase with mod-podge. Allow to dry for at least 20-30 minutes.

Ta-Da! Not as nice, but same difference.
If I had more energy, I would have found a candle to put in it...but I feel like crap. My burst of energy has subsided.

So, that was my project for the day. It was easy and it turned out pretty nice considering I have never tried to do anything like this before. It could easily be a neat, cheap project. You can get vases similar at dollar stores, tissue paper is cheap and I bought the paper bunch with a half-off at Hobby Lobby with their weekly coupon.

Craft Project: Snowmen Ornaments

2012-10-12T17:15:00.003-04:00

What You'll Need:

Pre-cut wooden circles of various sizes.

Pre-cut wooden ovals

White, Black and Orange Acrylic Paint

Paint brush

Blush and make-up brush (small brush)

Fabric remnants

Glue gun

Wire

Drill

This project is fairly easy. The wooden pieces I purchased pre-cut from JoAnn's. Next I pained them white and the ovals black. I had my husband drill small holes in the tops of the circles prior to painting them white.

After the orange and white paint dried, I added the black flecks of paint. All you do is dip the brush in the paint and flick the bristles. This gives you the specks. I then put a tiny bit of blush on the cheeks to give them a nice rosy color.

Glue the orange ovals onto the white circles. Take a small piece of fabric to make the scarf and use the glue gun to attach to the snowman. I cheated and used a sharpie to make the eyes.

I used jewelry wire to make the hanging loop.

Ta-da! Easy snowman ornaments.

Craft Project: Autumn Wine Charms

2012-10-10T22:39:00.000-04:00

Autumn Wine Charms

Need an easy fall craft? These fall themed wine charms are simple and cheap to make!

You can find these charm hoops in the jewelry section at most craft stores.

I chose these fall colored seed beads, each tube costs $1.99 at Michaels. Also, pick out some cute charms, like the ones shown below.

I found these cute leaf charms in the clearance section for $1 for all three. I also made these:

These charms are perfect for a DIY gift! They are simple to make and you can make them for any season or occasion.

New Items...SOON!

2012-08-29T23:15:00.002-04:00

Hey loyal readers and Esty shoppers! Bob and I are working hard to add the following new items to the shop:

Paracord Bracelets & Keychains

50 Shades of Grey inspired Keychains

Hopefully, all will be listed this weekend. We hope you shop with us soon!

-Chelsea

Working on new items!

2012-08-26T00:13:00.001-04:00

It's been awhile since I've blogged in this blog. I haven't been slacking (too much)! I am working on some new items for the shop. I was inspired by some jewelry I found on Pinterest and have been attempting to work with leather, suedes, ribbon and cords. Here is what I've come up with so far:

Not too shabby for my first attempts?? Anyways, I am working hard to come up with new ideas!

I have also been working on felt items. I am really loving owls right now. I want to make some baby mobiles. I am thinking about doing a craft show in September. We will see...

Happy crafting!

Chelsea Cecelia

PS sorry for the poor picture quality!!!

New Charity Bracelet listings

2012-08-07T00:09:00.000-04:00

I decided to change the listings for the charity bracelets and make each pendant a different listing. I feel like it saves confusion. I have made $3 for JDRF. Once I get a more lucrative number, like $50 I will send in the donations. Hopefully, by the end of the year? Anyways, new listing and new prices...Check it out:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/CraftsbyMelrose

I listed a few new necklaces. We have had five sales...moving on up! Hoping to do some craft shows this fall. I have been working on some felt baby mobiles. So many crafting ideas, so little time...

Chelsea Melrose

New endeavor: Charity Bracelets

2012-07-11T02:41:00.001-04:00

After buying several Pura Vida bracelets, I was inspired to make my own charity bracelets. For those who have never heard of Pura Vida, please visit their website here: http://puravidabracelets.com/ Two young men were visiting Costa Rica, when they noticed a man making and selling jewelry on the street. The friends bought 400 of these bracelets and brought them back to sell in the states. The man went from selling 2-5 bracelets to selling 20,000 bracelets. The website now sells bracelets dedicated to charities. This inspired me to start my own endeavor...

My step-daughter, Chelsea, suffers from type 1 diabetes, otherwise known as "juvenile diabetes". My husband also suffers from this chronic, life-long illness. Diabetes can cause a lifetime of problems including heart disease, neuropathy, and kidney problems (among many others). I decided to begin making bracelets from hemp and for every bracelet sold, $1 will be donated to JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund). For more information on this organization, please visit their website at: http://www.jdf.org/

The bracelets are made with colorful hemp cord, tied into square knots (macrame if you will) and are adjustable with a sliding square knot back. The bracelets pictured have silver-plated circles attached for some extra pizazz.

Please spread the word and help fund research to cure and/or find better treatments for this disease!

Chelsea & Robert Melrose

First Etsy Sale!

2012-06-15T01:10:00.003-04:00

On June 13, we finally sold our first item on Etsy! Bob sold an East Indian Rosewood Razor set including stand, badger hair brush and razor.

We hope this is the start of something good! :)

Stay tuned for more items.

Chelsea & Bob

Bird Nest charms

2012-06-06T22:22:00.000-04:00

Between school and the wedding last weekend I haven't been working on much jewelry making. However, tonight I did find some time to attempt to make some bird nest charms out of jewelry wire and fresh water pearls. Check it out:

Not too bad for my first attempts I suppose?? Also, I received my stamping kit last week. Here is my first stamp project:

Stay tuned for more projects! We are continuing to craft new products for our Etsy shop. Hopefully, we will make a sale this summer! Thanks for reading...

Chelsea & Bob

Stamp, Stamp, Stamping!

2012-05-26T01:59:00.001-04:00

We've been working hard on making new products and promoting our Etsy site! Currently, Bob is building me a "photo box" so I take better pictures of our wonderful handcrafted items. Also (I am excited so I am going to brag a little), I purchased a stamping starter kit today so I can start selling personalized jewelry! Here is an example from http://www.wahmresourcesite.com/vintage-earl-giveaway/ :

I can't wait to get the kit and start practicing. I have been wanting to begin stamping for a long time and finally had some time to research it.

Happy Crafting!

- Chelsea & Bob