Cathie Filian

My Blog has moved!

2016-02-02T08:15:00.003-08:00

I have moved my blog to cathiefilian.com - please visit me there!

Thanks!! xoxo
Cathie

Make a Faux Icing Easter Bunny with Collage Clay

2015-04-02T06:03:00.002-07:00

So sweet that he looks yummy enough to eat! But PEASE don't because that is not icing.....it's Collage Clay by Mod Podge. I love love the nostalgic look that the star decorating tip creates.

Have a peek at all the instructions in the video below.

9 Spring Crafts to Brighten Your Day

2015-03-13T08:52:00.001-07:00

Today, I'm sharing 9 DIY Crafts that are perfect for spring! Plus we have a little St. Patrick's Day Party Necklace and some Easter Ideas. Have a great day!! xoxo Cathie

1. Egg Topiary via RadMegan for ehow

2. Paris Party Projects via Jader Bomb

3. Mod Melter Corner Embellishments via My Crafty Adventures

4. Mod Melt Vintage Pins via DIY Doyenne

5. Mod Podge Party Cooler via Cathie and Steve for Mod Podge

6. Game of Thrones Easter Eggs via Mark Montano

7. Hand Painted Tee via Trinkets in Bloom

8. Coffee Filter Flowers via Aunt Peaches

9. St. Patrick's Day Party Beads via Cathie and Steve for Mod Podge

10 Creative Ideas for Spring

2015-03-05T10:27:00.001-08:00

Spring is just around the corner for some and bursting out here in California. Here are a few design ideas to kick start the sunshine. Plus a fun fun studded purse!

1. Lucky Pot Pin via Radmeagan

2. The Mod Melter is launching at HSN via Plaid's YouTube

3. Bejeweled Cuffs via Mark Montano

4. Stamped Cuff via DIY Doyenne

5. Glittered Easter Eggs via Handmade Happy Hour

6. Stamped Pendant via My Crafty Adventures

7. Mod Podge Party Cooler via Handmade Happy Hour and Plaid

8. How to use Home Decor Chalk via Plaid's YouTube

9. Tie-dyed Slips via Creative Juice

10. Studded Tote Purse via Trinkets in Bloom

The Mod Melter is Finally HERE! Launching at HSN.... March 9th at 3pm EST!

2015-03-03T07:43:00.000-08:00

Steve and I are so excited to announce that the Mod Melter is finally here!!! It took a ton of blood, sweat and tears to get this awesome tool to market! The behind the scenes help from the whole team at Plaid has made this possible. We are so grateful to HSN who is sponsoring the LAUNCH! March 9th, I'll be live on HSN at 3PM EST. I have my outfit half picked out and still have some samples to make! I hope you can tune in and check out our new Mod Melter! xo Cathie

LINKS:

Mod Melter Page at HSN

Mod Melter at PLAID... Coming soon.

Mod Melter... Frequently Asked Questions

Valentine DIY Designs to Make!

2015-02-05T14:31:00.000-08:00

Happy DIY Thursday! Today I'm sharing 9 tutorials for Valentine's Day. xoxoxoxo

1. Valentine Gift Bag via Trinkets in Bloom

2. Party Bead Boxes via Aunt Peaches

3. Love Wall Art via Mod Podge with Cathie and Steve

4. How to make ear wires via Margot Potter

5. POP T-Shirt via Jader Bomb

6. Mod Podge Facet Shape Necklace via Plaid Crafts

7. Romantic Candles via Mark Montano

8. Heart Shaped Waffles via Handmade Happy Hour

9. Glittered Champagne Glasses via Plaid Crafts

CHA time!!!!

2015-01-07T09:32:00.003-08:00

Steve and I are super excited to be attending CHA for our 10th YEAR! Holy Cow time flies when you are covered in glitter and Mod Podge. We are super excited for this show because we have new products that are launching and we will FINALLY have some big scoop for the Mod Melter!

If you are attending CHA, please pop by the Plaid booth and say hi! We will be doing Wish Jar "make and takes" all day long!

xoxo Cathie

8 DIY Designs to Jump Start the Holidays

2014-11-20T06:37:00.001-08:00

Happy Thursday and Happy Almost Thanksgiving!

Today, I'm sharing a round of projects from my very talented pals!

1. Jadore Embroidered Sweater via Trinkets in Bloom

2. Chalk Acorns via Dollarstore Crafts

3. Naughty or Nice Metal Stamped Earrings via I can Make Metal Stamped Jewelry

4. Faux Snow with Collage Clay via Cathie Filian and Steve Piacenza

5. Aunt Peaches Wild Christmas Tree via Aunt Peaches

6. Faux Coral Centerpiece via Mark Montano

7. Driftwood Wreath via My Crafty Adventures

8. Sequin Ornaments via Jader Bomb

Kick back, click around and see what you might want to make (or pin).

xoxo

Cathie

Fost Adopt Update! Now we have two little girls and they are sisters.

2014-11-03T11:55:00.000-08:00

Meet Miss D!

(her first night in our home)

It was May 28th, 2014 and we got our second life changing call.... It was from our Agency. We were told that Miss S had a Big Sister and she needed a forever home. It was a tailspin of panic that set in, a flurry of calls to our family/friends and then a ton of tears. We said, "YES!" ~ and then the process of becoming a forever family for Miss D begun.

It would be 4 months before Miss D arrived at our home. 4 very long months. It was a roller-coaster ride (and one that is not for the faint of heart). I had many moments of anger and frustration while we waited for her arrival. We had many false starts and setbacks due to things that were beyond our control.

We squeezed in another crib!

We had just a few hours notice..... It was 2 days before her second birthday when the doorbell rang. It was Miss D in the arms of our adoption/social worker. She was beautiful. She was scared. She was ready. We were ready.

I can't and won't go into the details of her condition upon arrival and the things that we discovered in the first week. I will say that it was sobering and something I never want to see again. So we will be the change.

The good news is that she was loved in her previous home.... no doubt about it....she was loved and cuddled. so she doesn't have attachment issues. She calls us Mommy and Daddy and has since day one. They were new words to her so it was a natural transition.

Yesterday was the two-month anniversary of Miss D's arrival. She and Miss S. are more than sisters.... they are best friends and the good news is that have been united and will grow-up together and (fingers-crossed) be adopted together.

She is adjusting to her new home.....and new adventures!!

She traveled with me on an airplane to a wedding in Texas where she got to meet Foster Grandpa and Grandma (Cathie’s Parents) She also has a local Foster Grandma (Eddie’s Mom) who spends time with both girls each Tuesday and Thursday plus weekends. In November, her other Foster Grandma (Cathie’s Mom) will arrive from Florida to meet her and see Miss S. She is getting very close with her new Aunts and Uncles too.

She has attached to some toys. She especially loves her baby-doll and she pretends to feed the doll and plays “mama” with the doll. She has made some friends. Her cousin Tucker and her are becoming very close and she is very social with kids and adults.

We have done many things since she arrived and she has bravely done so many firsts.... including taking a BATH. Yep - baths were a first for her!

We went swimming in a roof top pool, she went on an airplane, she goes on the swing and slides now, she has been to a kids party, she went to the zoo, she went to a museum, she visited the fair and she has toured the trains at travel town.

Her vocabulary and memory is very advanced and she excels at puzzles and games. She loves reading books and singing songs.

She is a very bright, caring, giving and loving little girl. She gives giant kisses and hugs. I’m not sure how to describe it but, it is like she has always been with us. She and Miss S are so amazing together. Last night Miss D taught Miss S how to climb up the kitchen stair. It was amazing to watch.

In November we will be having a birthday party for both the girls. We decided to wait until Miss D was settled to celebrate her 2nd.

Miss S!

We have so much to be thankful for and to celebrate. Hopefully if we can get their court schedules to line up both sister can be adopted on the same day!

I'm here. If you have questions send me a line! There are so many foster children who need forever families. I happy to share our story with you.

xoxo

Cathie

Collage Clay Faux Sugar Skull Kit Giveaway!

2014-09-26T13:13:00.001-07:00

Everybody loved our faux sugar skulls made with Mod Podge Collage Clay that we decided to make a little kit to giveaway!

You will get:

1 Box of Collage Clay with 3 Decorating Tips

1 Plastic Skull Base

5 FolkArt Acrylic Paints

1 Cathie Filian Snow Glitter

5 Piping Bags

2 Couplers

2 Metal Decorating Tips

1 Baggie Of Flower Rhinestones

Learn How to Make

Faux Sugar Skulls

in This Video!

Enter Here!

Sorry - USA Only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

8 DIY Ideas for Back-to-School, Baby Rooms and Fashion

2014-08-21T07:36:00.003-07:00

Today I'm sharing 8 new craft ideas for back-to-school, DIY fashion and ideas for using Fabric Mod Podge in a baby nursery.

1. Constellation Organizers via Mark Montano
2. Funny Face Book Markers via Dollar Store Crafts
3. Lettering Tutorials via Crafty Chica
4. Faux Enamel Bracelet via Margot Potter
5. Pearl Sunglasses via Trinkets in Bloom
6. Faux Quilted Pillow via Cathie and Steve for Mod Podge
7. Wall Monogram via Cathie and Steve for Mod Podge
8. Fabric Covered Nesting Boxes via Cathie and Steve for Mod Podge

xoxo Cathie

I'm Giving Away a $50 Gift Card to Costco thanks to Huggies Diapers!!

2014-08-19T18:34:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: I participated in a campaign on behalf of www.mamiverse.com for Huggies® Brand. I received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for participating.

I have posted a few times about the new Huggies diapers. I was sent sample to test out and we loved them and so did little Miss S. The Huggies ® Snug & Dry Plus Diapers (only available at Costco) were leak proof and seemed super comfy for our little princess. We are using a size 3 for Miss S and they work great.

I am so thrilled (pinch pinch) to host a giveaway for one $50 Costco Cash Card, Of course, it would be wonderful for the winner to use that gift card to buy Huggies® Snug & Dry Plus Diapers and Huggies Natural Care® Plus Wipes (only available at Costco), but (s)he can really use that money on whatever (s)he wants!

The giveaway is super easy to enter, I have installed a Rafflecopter widget below and you have lots of opportunities to enter! Remember, anyone can enter (even if you don’t have a little one in diapers), so pass this along to your friends! It will count as an entry for you if you do!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can try some for FREE!

Plus Up Your Care - try Huggies® Snug &Dry Plus Diapers and
Huggies Natural Care® Plus Wipes, only at Costco.

Costco Members - Click HERE https://shoppersampling.com/orders/huggies_getsample.html to register for a FREE sample of the Huggies® Snug & Dry Plus and Huggies Natural Care® Plus Wipes. Hurry and register now, there will be a limited number of samples each day. You must be a Costco member to get a sample and limit 1 sample per household.

GOOD LUCK!!!
xoxo
Cathie

Our new Jewelry Line and a Jewel Pop Shop Giveaway!

2014-08-19T11:07:00.002-07:00

We are so excited about our new DIY Jewelry line, Jewel Pop Shop! This line is exclusively at Michaels Craft Stores and is only available in a select amount of stores for the moment. (Fingers crossed it will be nation wide soon!!)

It’s a 1,2,3 program and all you need to know how to do is glue and jumpring!

Watch and learn About Jewel Pop Shop!

Here are some sample designs from Jewel Pop Shop!

Please visit our lookbook brand pages at Plaid for Instructions!

It's Giveaway TIME!!!!

We are giving away 34 pieces of Jewel Pop Shop!

ENTER HERE

US residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~Michaels Jewel Pop Shop Locations~~~

1161 W Irvington Rd, Tucson, AZ 85714-1165
6001 Argyle Forrest Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32244-6127
501 N Orlando Ave, Suite 135, Winter Park, FL 32789-7313
831 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton, FL 34207-1433
1940 Jonesboro Rd, McDonough, GA 30253-5959
211 Robert C Daniel Jr Pkwy, Augusta, GA 30909-0800
2374 E Lincoln Hwy, New Lenox, IL 60451-9533
150 W Lowry Ln, Ste 170, Lexington, KY 40503-3008
555 Hubbard Ave, Pittsfield, MA 01201-3810
12641 Ocean Gateway, Ste 200, Ocean City, MD 21842-9594
60 25th St SE, Rochester, MN 55904-5557
410 State Rte 10, East Hanover, NJ 07936-3552
11119 E 71st St S, Tulsa, OK 74133-2550
3759 William Penn Hwy, Monroeville, PA 15146-2125
1645 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601-6507
2901 E Hwy 114 Ste 100, Southlake, TX 76092-6694
20626 I-45 N, Spring, TX 77373-2925
1019 W Bay Area Blvd, Webster, TX 77598-4047
255 E Basse Rd, Ste 120, San Antonio, TX 78253
3565 S 27th St, Milwaukee, WI 53221-1301

Call Michaels Customer Service # if you want Jewel Pop in your local store.

1 (800) 642-4235

Save on Huggies at Costco! Special sale till the end of Augsut.

2014-08-07T09:28:00.002-07:00

I have some special news and savings!! Right now until August 31, 214 you can save $6 off diapers and $5 off wipes at Costco Warehouse! The diapers are the awesome Huggies® Snug & Dry Plus Diapers and the wipes are Huggies Natural Care® Plus Wipes.

SAVE $6 and $5 - no coupon needed!

So the scoop is this.... Costco and Huggies have teamed up with some great baby products to help you Plus Up your care.

Huggies® Snug & Dry Plus Diapers are extra absorbent for day and night protection. Little poopsie had no trouble filling up the diaper and we were happy that we had no leaks!! They have a trusted Leak Lock® system and unbeatable all-around protection vs. Pampers Baby Dry (size 4). They have a SnugFit waistband and cool Grip Tabs for a secure fit.

I consider myself a wipeaholic. hehe

Huggies Natural Care® Plus Wipes are thicker and more durable for any mess. The plus wipes are exculse to Costco! In tests people preferred them to Pampers Sensitive wipes. I like how thick they are. I consider myself a wipeaholic and I love these. They come in a special kit with 2 kinds of refillable dispensers, plus 1160 refill wipes to keep you stocked at home or on the go.

Get this.... the Clutch ‘n’ Clean* pouch comes in every pack of Huggies Natural Care® Plus Wipes. Love THAT!

So Costco members....Stock Up and Save on everything you need to let you little one explore the world one baby step at a time. I know we are!

xoxo Cathie and Little Miss S.

9 Summer DIY's - Mini Book Necklace, Mod Podge Dollhouse, Fashion Accessories

2014-08-07T08:26:00.002-07:00

9 Summer DIY's - I'm just gushing over this collection of crafty ideas!

1. Mini Book Pendant via Debi's Design Diary

2. Golden Storage via Crafty Chica

3. DIY Bookshelf Dollhouse via Cathie and Steve for Mod Podge

4. Rhinestone Headband via Trinkets in Bloom

5. Glitter Paint Bracelets via Jader Bomb

6. Shark Week Socks via Dollar Store Crafts

7. Placecard Holders via Mark Montano

8. Stamped Metal Hashtags via Margot Potter

9. Flower Jewel Pop Shop Necklace via Cathie and Steve

Happy Making! xoxo

8 Summer DIY Projects; painted rugs, jewelry, mod melts, glitter tattoo and more

2014-08-01T07:22:00.002-07:00

Today I'm sharing 8 summer inspired DIY crafts from some of my creative pals and me+steve.

1. No Sew Painted Rugs via Mark Montano

2. Mod Melts Drink Charms via Shaken Together

3. Easy DIY Necklace via DIY Doyenne

4. Glitter Tattoos via Trinkets in Bloom for I Love To Create

5. Summer Clutch via Dollar Store Crafts

6. Fake Cake with Collage Clay via Delia Creates

7. Owl Necklace with Jewel Pop Shop via Plaid Crafts

8. Locker Chalkboard Mirror via Cathie and Steve for Mod Podge

Summer Adventures and a Road-trip with Miss S!

2014-07-29T06:15:00.000-07:00

This summer has been full of adventure and fun. We took a giant road-trip to Colorado via the Grand Canyon and we have witnessed so many firsts with Miss S. Here she is on her first trip to Malibu beach. She loved it and even dipped her toes into the ocean.

Here we are in Flagstaff. It was early in the am and we were about to head up to the Grand Canyon.

We made it to the Grand Canyon.... Poopsie slept through most of it. :) P.S. I have no idea who the guy in the photo is.....

She did amazing in the car....of course we had a ton of activities and such!

We visited the town of Bedrock. This was a very special place as the Flintstones is our little song. When S was placed with us I didn't know any nursery rhymes so I sang her jingles from TV shows. Flintstones and Three's Company where big hits in the early days.

Yes - she is getting strong. That is her under there and she made this little tent all by herself. If you notice the big pile of clothes on the chair and you look close you will see that they won't fit Miss S. yet. I am big shop ahead kind of girl. I love sale racks and coupon shopping. Plus, Grandpa and Grandma Honey just sent us a boatload of clothing. I have sizes up to 2T for her. Even though I think she will be wearing them as hand-me-downs. More on that later........ Let's just say that for the past few months we have been prepping for more changes. Good changes.
xoxo Cathie

This Foster Mom loves the NEW Huggies Snug & Dry Plus Diapers and the wipes are cool too! ++ Free Samples

2014-07-17T08:53:00.001-07:00

{This is part of a sponsored campaign with Mamiverse, Huggies® and Costco. All review opinions are mine and my hubbys.}

Plus Up Your Care - try Huggies® Snug & Dry Plus Diapers

and Huggies Natural Care® Plus Wipes, only at Costco.

Being a working Foster Mom having a good diaper that we can count on is super important and being able to buy them in bulk is even more important! I really just don't have time for mini shopping trips. Huggies® Snug & Dry Plus Diapers and Huggies Natural Care® Plus Wipes are exclusively available at Costco. I have two different Costco stores near me and both are near other shops that I frequent...one reason I love them. I also love the bulk treats and formula you can get there. I just need a bigger pantry!

When the test samples arrived they looked good on first inspection. Before becoming a foster mom I hadn't changed a diaper in years and really didn't know much about diapers..... or baby poop. 8-Months later, I think I am an expert on poop, pee, wipes, diapers, diaper cream, diaper folding techniques and locations of good changing bathrooms across Los Angeles.

I first tested the wipes. I really liked the non-scented wipes and they worked really well. Miss S. was clean quick! The official name of them is.... Huggies Natural Care Plus. I just look for the green label. We are always on the go so we liked that they work with the Huggies brand wipe carrier (Clutch N Clean) that can hook onto almost any stroller or bag. They come in refillable dispensers, or 1160 refill wipes that are perfect for home. This is their simplest formula ever. I like that because I use no dye...etc products for little Poopsie and for me and hubs. Also my hands are super sensitive so I like that they are easy on me. Diaper wipes are also Mommy Wipes in this house. I use them to clean my messy craft hands.

You can try some for FREE!

Plus Up Your Care - try Huggies® Snug & Dry Plus Diapers and Huggies Natural Care® Plus Wipes, only at Costco.

Costco Members - Click HERE https://shoppersampling.com/orders/huggies_getsample.html to register for a FREE sample of the Huggies® Snug & Dry Plus and Huggies Natural Care® Plus Wipes. Hurry and register now, there will be a limited number of samples each day starting today July 17th through July 26, 2014 so try back tomorrow if you aren’t able get a sample today! You must be a Costco member to get a sample and limit 1 sample per household.

The elastic across the back is pretty great. She lasted through the night with no leaks!! Huggies® Snug & Dry Plus Diapers are extra absorbent for day and night protection....that's a plus exclusive to Costco!

She also played in the park with no leaks or messes. Thank You HUGGIES!! Exclusive Huggies® products at Costco help you Plus Up your baby care~~~ just like we are! It looks like Miss S. is about to loose her socks.

This is what I stink at..... lining up the sides. I think it's because I try to change diapers too fast or in the dark.... or with my eyes half open. I liked that the diapers have a SnugFit waistband and Grip Tabs that make for a secure fit!

I I love the cute little faux stitching around the legs!

Here is a little view of the leak guards....

Huggies® Snug & Dry Plus Diapers come with the trusted Leak Lock® system!

Our review verdict..... Awesome Sauce. Remember that Huggies® Snug & Dry Plus Diapers and Huggies Natural Care® Plus Wipes are only available at Costco. You can sign up for some free test diapers and wipes.

Here is the scoop again...

Costco Members - Click HERE https://shoppersampling.com/orders/huggies_getsample.html to register for a FREE sample of the Huggies® Snug & Dry Plus and Huggies Natural Care® Plus Wipes. Hurry and register now, there will be a limited number of samples each day starting today July 17th through July 26, 2014 so try back tomorrow if you aren’t able get a sample today! You must be a Costco member to get a sample and limit 1 sample per household.

Thanks for popping by!

xoxo

Cathie

We will be live at HSN - July 23rd! 6am and 1pm eastern time.

2014-07-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

Join me on my adventure to HSN! We are going to have some amazing new Mod Podge Mold and Melt Kits that are perfect for scrapbooking, paper crafting and DIY party decorations! I’ll be posting live to our social media accounts so be sure to follow along on our journey!

HSN – Wed. July 23rd

Crafting a DIY Celebration

Showtimes 6am and 1pm eastern

Follow on social media….. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest

6 Summer DIY Crafts: beach glass bowls, boho jewelry and metal stamping

2014-07-03T08:20:00.002-07:00

6 Summer DIY Crafts: beach glass bowls, boho jewelry and metal stamping

I am gaga for our roundup projects this week! Have a peek at the links below for all the scoop!

1. Mermaid Cuff Bracelets via Mark Montano

2. Beach Glass Bowl via Debbie Design Diary

3. Owl Necklace from our new Jewelry Line (Jewel Pop Shop)

4. Stackable Bracelets via Mark Montano

5. Hardware Store Pendants via Dollar Store Crafts

6. Metal Stamped Cuff Bracelets via Margot Potter

Handmade 4th of July Dress for Miss S. from McCall's M6912

2014-06-19T07:27:00.003-07:00

Miss S's first 4th of July is just around the corner so like any new mom I wanted to get or make a cute little dress or something for her to wear to show off her USA spirit. Especially since we will be on our great road-trip adventure to the Grand Canyon and Colorado!

McCalls M6912 - Baby Sewing Pattern

I found this fabric at Jo-Ann Fabrics. I fell in love with the owls and Miss S's name is represented by Owls so that is pretty cool too. I have a thing for "big-eyed" things and dolls so it was really no surprise when this ended up in our cart.

The pattern was very simple to make and pretty quick too. It has no snaps, buttons or zippers so I think this pattern is perfect for a beginner. I opted to add some heat set rhinestones and rick-rac trim.

The gems just add a little kick and sparkle. They are easy to apply with the heat wand.

All finished and ready for Poopsie and our 4th of July celebrations!

She LOVES the bloomers.

I have already started on a second one..... this dress will be

for cousin Tuckers outer-space themed 2nd Birthday Party.

DIY Summer Fashion and Home Decor Round Up

2014-06-17T07:10:00.000-07:00

This week's round up has some DIY fashions that would be perfect for the 4th of July. I just love the tie-dye skirt that Cathy from Trinkets in Bloom made. Mark has made a stunning dress that would perfect for party or fancy date night..... not that this new mama remembers what date night is. soon soon. Dollar Store Crafts has some cute potted designs.... I think these would be great hostess gifts. All the links are below!

1. Rose and Turquoise Necklace with Mod Podge Podgeables

2. Tie-dye Skirt by Trinkets in Bloom

3. Burlap and Fabric Flower Purse with Mod Podge

4. Party Dress by Mark Montano

5. Ribbon and Rhinestone Bracelets by Trinkets in Bloom

6. Decoden and Collage Clay Cell Phone Case

7. Potted Gifts by Dollar Store Crafts

8. Antiqued Trunk by Mark Montano

9. New to the etsy shop.... Alterable Metal Frames by Prima:

6 DIY Ideas for Summer Fashion, Outdoor Decorating and Beach Crafts

2014-06-09T07:10:00.003-07:00

Summer is here in Los Angeles even though I am not sure the actual "summer date" has arrived it sure feels like summer. The weather has been amazing and Little Miss S is enjoying her outdoor time! This week I have a round-up of some DIY ideas that are perfect for summer. xoxo

1. Dollar Store Outdoor Chandelier via Dollar Store Crafts
2. Vintage Door Garden Shelf via Mark Montano
3. Tie Dye Rainbow Shorts via Crafty Chica
4. Summer Dress via Trinkets in Bloom
5. Mason Jar Makeover with Mod Melts via Cathie and Steve for Plaid
6. Dollar Store Bubble Makeover via Cathie and Steve for Plaid

Crafty Summer School is now in Session with 9 DIY Ideas.

2014-05-23T06:43:00.001-07:00

Today I am sharing 9 DIY ideas that are perfect for summer fun!

1. First up is a really cool paint technique by Debi Beard.

2. We are loving the foamcore lamp from Dollar Store Crafts.

3. Crafty Chica shows you how to make a la Rosa pillow.

4. Trinkets in Bloom is working with Paracord to make a really cool belt.

5. Steve and I have a new video were we are making a Mod Melt statement necklace

with our new gem mold.

6. Mark Montano made an adorable chandlier.

7. Mod Melts get turned into fun accessories via Alanna George.

8. Margot Potter is stamping a really fun bangle bracelet set!

Enjoy!

Cathie

It's been busy! Our Jewelry Line, Baby S. Court Updates and Chalk Paint Video

2014-04-25T07:56:00.002-07:00

The Rejects!

Sorry - we had to blur the bits - unveiling soon!

I'm so excited! For the past year or so we have had two jewelry lines in the works. One is a finished goods line and the other is a DIY line of pieces and parts called Jewel Pop Shop! I heart them both! The finished goods line is getting very close to launching online and the DIY line will launch in a very limited amount of Michaels Stores this Summer. If it does well in the select stores then it will be added to the jewelry department in all the stores. I guess it is kind of like a test. URG - I hate tests.... always have and always will. LOL. We can't show any of the pieces yet.... but you can see some of the rejects above. It's fun and full of whimsy and all about my personality! We worked with an amazing team at Plaid for the DIY line and it has turned out amazing! Details as soon as I can share!

Baby S. has been doing great! Our next court date is April 30th and we are waiting on some really important information. We don't attend court yet. Well, I did go one time and it was very surreal and sad. So many kids in limbo. So many parents trying to get better and so many parents who will never be able to put their children first. Baby S. is so young and in a fost/adopt situation so that it really is not an issue for us but my heart breaks for the kids who are older and don't have forever homes. Many aspects of the "system" are flawed and many aspects are amazing. But when you sit and see the children it is sobering. I didn't end up going into the actually court room because test results we were waiting on were not in yet so I sat in the overcrowded waiting area. I did get to see Birth-Mom although she didn't know who I was. She was very pretty and had a nice smile. It was no surprise to me because Baby S. has a very pretty smile too. I'll be glad when we get closer to the finish line ~~~ until then love and joy is all I have time for ~~~ no time for stressing out!

Steve and I are super excited about the new FolkArt Chalk finish and we made a little tutorial video for Jo-Ann Fabrics! Have a peek below!

This paint is amazingly supple and fun to work with. Lean more at Plaid!

XOXOXOXO

cathie