Altered Artworks

Altered Artworks Goes Big Time!

2013-05-04T18:00:00.001-07:00

I'm so excited to share great news! I have been hired to teach altered art workshops at my local Michaels store. [Insert applause] As some of you know, I most enjoy sharing the actual creative process with others, instead of choosing to sell my own projects. I love interacting with other creative souls, and tapping into their artistic side, especially those who think they are not creative

Thrift Store Table from Drab to Fab with Parisian Flair

2013-04-12T08:59:00.001-07:00

Isn't it great when you're walking along, minding your own business, when you hear someone something call out your name? That's exactly what happened to me last summer. This little "beauty" stood right outside a tiny thrift shop, waiting to be rescued! It was in good condition, just a little dreary-looking. All it needed was a new home and some TLC... and my BIG GIRL TOOLS!

Snail Mail Cafe - Postage Required

2013-04-03T12:25:00.004-07:00

You gotta love what technology has done for our day-to-day communication. It's changed our lives so much. We share new "Polaroids" [hello, Instagram], get immediate status of our BFFs and kids [how fast can you "tweet"?], view virtual bulletin boards of our favorite things [Pinterest], post photos and commentary ([Facebook], and of course, email--you can write me at dozeedo[at]gmail[dot]com.

Sifting through the Treasures at the Local Vintage Marketplace

2013-03-26T14:25:00.003-07:00

Last Sunday, I spent the morning strolling through the local vintage marketplace. It was a glorious day; and, I actually got there before the crowds. This particular event, the Topanga Vintage Marketplace, is held monthly. Begun only last spring, it has quickly become a popular venue. And at just $2 admission with free parking, you can't beat it. This marketplace had everything--

Grow Your Own Placecards using Clay Pots & Herbs

2013-03-20T12:42:00.000-07:00

The next two weeks bring many families and friends together. Not only are many families celebrating the joys of spring break (well, at least the kids are celebrating!), many are busy preparing for the week-long festival of Passover. This is where we retell the story of the Exodus by reading the Haggadah, singing songs and eating specially-prepared foods. When we were growing up, my

A Constant Friend

2013-03-11T14:32:00.001-07:00

Most friends come and go, but true friends stay in your life forever. Such is true with one of my closest friends. We've known each other our entire lives. We were pretty much inseparable, and lived just two blocks away from each other. It was so much fun to meet at the local playground, stop for ice cream, and play in each other's rooms for hours on end. We had tea parties and played

Last Minute Valentine's Gift for Your Man

2013-02-12T22:17:00.000-08:00

With all the pretty Valentine's Day inspiration around, I think everyone is set with gifts for kids, teachers, parents and neighbors. But what about the man in your life? With only one day left before the big day, there isn't much time for knitting, decoupaging or painting! So what's a girl to do? [Don't panic!] I've come up with the ultimate last-minute manly

A Red Hot DIY Valentine's Centerpiece

2013-02-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

Today I'm guest blogging at The Ivy Cottage Blog where I'm going to show you how to create this RED HOT Valentine's Centerpiece. With a quick trip to the dollar $tore and to your craft stash, you can make a few of these fun candy dishes in no time at all. Follow the trail of RED HOTS and you'll find the E-Z steps on The Ivy Cottage Blog. See you there! ***********

It All Comes Out in the Washi Tape

2013-02-06T11:42:00.004-08:00

My Mom likes to say "Everything comes out in the wash." Most stains and spills do come clean when soaked and washed. However, we all know that she really means don't sweat the small stuff. When something [minor] happens that you don't think is fair, this is a good reminder that things usually turn out well in the end. I used this idiom as inspiration for my Washi-embellished altered

Flashback: Pull Tab in Case of Chocolate Emergency

2013-01-31T11:25:00.000-08:00

With everyone looking for Valentine's inspiration, I thought I would share one of my most popular posts from last year, my "Pull Tab in Case of [Chocolate] Emergency. Beware: This craft is addictive. You will find yourself creating these altered juice cans for many occasions! [Don't say I didn't warn you.] While a bag of chocolates sits in the pantry, package torn open, ever so

Be My Valentine

2013-01-25T12:32:00.002-08:00

I l.o.v.e. this time of year. Rainy days, hot popcorn, catching up on movies, and crafting! Right around early February, I invite friends over for a Valentine's craft-fest, also known as Creative Therapy! I provide inspiration and all the supplies they need to create an altered art project. Next week we're going to make this adorable Valentine's gift, embellished

Furniture Redo with Parisian Flair

2013-01-21T10:18:00.003-08:00

[Note: This post originally appeared as part of my Crafty Contributor Series on The Ivy Cottage Blog. That blog is no longer published, so please click here for my updated post with tutorial.] Do you enjoy finding and restoring old pieces of furniture? If so, I've got a great post for you over at The Ivy Cottage Blog. Head on over and check out this little side table I found

My Weekend at CHA

2013-01-18T23:08:00.004-08:00

Like a kid in a candy store, I strolled through the halls of the Anaheim Convention Center, taking in all the bright colors and textures of the new arts & crafts products being showcased at CHA 2013 Trade Show. I lingered at booths, breathing in the beautiful aromas of decoupage and hot glue while drooling over the numerous gorgeous new products and projects on display. I was

Plaid, CHA and Me!

2013-01-09T10:14:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to tell you that I will be one of Plaid's crafty demonstrators this weekend at CHA! Plaid is bringing together several of your favorite craft bloggers to lead craft demos in their booths. I will be demonstrating Plaid's Folk Art Enamel Paint and Adhesive Stencils on Monday from 10 - 1. If you will be at CHA on Monday, please stop by, say hi, and stay

Aspire, Alter & Create

2013-01-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Altered Artworks followers! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. After a busy month of [not so wild] parties, sleeping late, and indulging in [too many] sweets, I'm so glad it's now January. Time for calm, reflection...and CRAFTING. To set the year in motion, seems like everyone is choosing a word or phrase that will help bring meaning and direction for the year

Chocolate Favors for New Year's Eve

2012-12-29T22:48:00.000-08:00

Ring in the New Year with Champagne, Party Hats and Chocolate Favors! Need a quick and festive chocolate treat for your New Year's Eve party? Look no farther than your local candy & cake decoration supply shop. Lucky for us, there's one close by. Over the last 20 years, I have built up quite an impressive collection of candy molds that collectively tell the story of our

Blintz Souffle with Blueberry Sauce

2012-12-17T08:57:00.001-08:00

It's time! Time for the holiday potlucks. What are you going to bring? I've got the perfect recipe for you. It has been my go-to and most requested recipe for over 20 years. Blintz Souffle with Blueberry Sauce For this delicious recipe, click on over to The Ivy Cottage Blog where I'm a Crafty Contributor! Join me at these parties: SUNDAY Homemaker on a Dime

There are no Words

2012-12-16T16:54:00.002-08:00

12/12/12 - Highlighting 12 Favorite Projects of 2012

2012-12-12T15:46:00.002-08:00

Ahhh, the Number 12. There must be at least a dozen references for today's numerical date including 12 months in a year, 12 inches in a foot, 12 face cards in a deck, 12 signs of the Zodiac, 12 hours on a clock face -- and the list goes on and on. So, in honor of today's special date of 12/12/12, I want to highlight a dozen of my most popular blog posts of the year. So grab a cup of coffee

Display Your Menorah Candles in Style

2012-12-05T19:10:00.000-08:00

You might think Chanukah is early this year. However, it's right on time, like it is every year! According to the Jewish Calendar, Chanukah is always the 25th day of Kislev, which this year coincides with this coming Saturday, December 8th. It seems to change every year because the Jewish Calendar takes into account both the cycles of the moon and the sun. To make up the difference

Festive Holiday Gift Pails

2012-12-01T13:17:00.003-08:00

With the holidays quickly approaching, especially Chanukah which begins next Saturday night, you might want a quick and inexpensive idea for handmade holiday gifts. I've got just the project for you: Festive Holiday Gift Pails. See more photos and the full tutorial over at The Ivy Cottage Blog where I'm a Crafty Contributor! Find me at these incredible crafty parties: A Link Party

Sparkle, Shimmer & Twine with Tulip Shimmer Sheets

2012-11-29T08:12:00.000-08:00

Burlap and twine are two of my favorite "go-to" [also known as "must-have"] embellishments. I love their natural, earthy look and texture. However, as we all know, opposites attract. This became evident once again when a brown paper package recently arrived on my doorstep. I quickly opened the package to find a goldmine of Tulip's Fashion Glitter and Shimmer Transfer Sheets. As I am

Add Color to Your Chanukah Decor

2012-11-23T12:45:00.000-08:00

Growing up in San Francisco, our winters didn't consist of "dashing through the snow" or making snow angels -- we tried, but there's not a lot one can make out of dense fog. Unless you count blowing fog rings out of the chilly night air. We would count the Christmas trees we passed while riding here and there. The holiday trees were so colorful, especially the ones that stood on a

Quick Thanksgiving Hostess Gift

2012-11-20T17:31:00.000-08:00

You're so lucky that you've been invited to someone else's home for Thanksgiving. It saves you the aggravation, effort and time basting the turkey! Of course, I'm only kidding. If you're entertaining on Thursday, kudos to you! However, if you are dining out, and need a hostess gift, here is a quick and easy project you and your children can create. All you need is a small mason jar

I'm a Crafty Contributor!

2012-11-15T23:30:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to have been chosen as a Crafty Contributor at The Ivy Cottage Blog. Come on over and see how I altered a plain spiral notebook into a "Giving Thanks" Journal just in time for Thanksgiving. Click the button below to take you to Sharing at these linky parties Sugar Bee Crafts Blackberry Vine Vintage Wanna Bee Salt Tree Open Call