Linda Peterson' Blog - Livin the Creative & Outdoor Life!

How to make beads with Friendly Plastic - Pillow Shapes - New VIDEO

linda@lindapetersondesigns.com (Linda Peterson) — Tue, 22 May 2012 20:14:00 +0000

For quite sometime, I've wanted to make beads in Friendly Plastic. I've made a few and they were okay...but, they were very time consuming and somewhat frustrating to make because you had to get the temperature just right so that you could create the hole thru the center.

I knew there had to be a better way!! I'm also a spokesperson for Cloud Clay - a new air dry clay from AMACO. It's primarily geared towards kids, but I'm determined to make it much more than a kid clay.

When experimenting with textural effects on the Friendly Plastic sticks, it occurred to me that the Cloud Clay would be the perfect core for the inside of the beads. While it takes a full 24 hours to "cure", the beads can be used as soon as the Friendly Plastic cools. This is instant gratification and just my style since I happen to be somewhat impatient and don't like to wait for the final results.

This video is part one in a two part series. I split it into two because you will need some practice in wrapping and shaping the beads. This technique works great for plain strips as well as those you've patterned using the Fracture and Fusion technique.

To help you source the Friendly Plastic and the Cloud Clay together, I've put together this kit

Postage of $5.00 is included. This offer is limited to US Addresses only. If you are outside the US, please contact me for additional shipping costs.

So have fun, experiment and PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE share what you do.

You can connect with us on facebook - just search Friendly Plastic (product/manufacturer)

Linda Peterson is compensated and endorsed by AMACO. The guests features may or may not have any affiliation with AMACO.

How to make Duct Tape Earrings - Safari Style - New Video - Creative Life TV

linda@lindapetersondesigns.com (Linda Peterson) — Tue, 22 May 2012 15:17:00 +0000

In this episode of Creative Life TV, Host Linda Peterson shows you how to create safari themed earrings from Duct Tape and other materials you might normally throw away.

For the kids.................

linda@lindapetersondesigns.com (Linda Peterson) — Tue, 22 May 2012 14:02:00 +0000

By now I'm feeling very overwhelmed. We've been on Safari for a week now and have just visited the bush school. (see my earlier blog post for the complete tour)

The whole idea of the hunting safari has just taken on new meaning for me. It is so much more than running around chasing animals all week long. The trophy is only a small fraction of the whole hunting picture. It's the providing food for all sorts of things, food for the kids, food for the community, food for the animals and food for us. It's the conservation to make sure that these resources remain viable resources and protect the population of the animals.

From our PH, Etienne, I've learned so much about the lifestyle of the animals, their breeding patterns, their environment, their sleeping patterns, their feeding patterns, how to help conserve their environment, breed management, seen birds I've never seen and the list goes on and on.

Up until now, I've just been an observer and photographer for Dana's hunts. While I went on stalks and tracks, he was the one doing the providing.....and I was along for the walk and the ride....

All week long, I was told I should try hunting and up until now I refused. Part of it was the lack of self confidence I have with a gun. I don't shoot much, and I've never shot a rifle. My biggest concern was the animal. I didn't want to wound it and have it suffer. It's a lot of stress to think about all of that...

But after going to the school, I felt a real sense of needing to be a full participant of the whole picture.

So, I finally said YES to hunting, I wanted to be one who could say that I provided some food for the school...not just in words only...

We were looking for a blesbuk or an impala....

Dana had already "tagged" out his hunting package and that left a free day for me. Friday was my day. No pressure, just your husband who has a track record of 100%, his best friend, a camera guy, your PH (professional hunter) and me who has never shot before. I was a nervous wreck, but I was definately determined to go outside my comfort zone and concur the fears of self doubt.

I only got three practice shots at the shooting range before Etienne said..."YOUR READY!" And with lots of confidence boosting from Dana and Larry, we started the hunt....

They were pretty elusive, we would see some Impala, but they were in no mood to stick around. It took about 2 hours before we finally tracked this one down and he actually stood still about a 110 yard shot.....

I took a big deep breath.....got my sights through the scope. Etienne whispered, do you have the cross hairs? Then squeeze the trigger.........and I did and to my surprise, DOWN instantly down, he went. I had held up Dana's track record of 100%. That impala never knew what hit him.

This particular impala had a thorn stuck in his eye and was about to go blind.

I have to say, that while I don't like killing an animal, it felt good to know that I could hunt to provide food if ever the need be. I know what it takes to fully appreciate the full circle of hunting and of life and that built inside me a greater respect for the dignity of these animals.

Thanks to my team of confidence boosters!...

Front: Dana, Me, Etienne
Back: Larry and our tracker Franz

Last Monday the meat was taken to the school...

When I look at this my trophy picture, I don't just see my impala, I see a group of smiling faces, with big white smiles, beautiful happy kids and the memory that will be with me forever. :)

How to make Rock Star Earrings with Duct Tape

linda@lindapetersondesigns.com (Linda Peterson) — Mon, 21 May 2012 18:26:00 +0000

The possibilities are endless with the variety of Duct Tape® patterns and colors available. Linda Peterson, host of Creative Life TV shows you how to create fashion “rock star” earrings inspired by guitar picks. Add a words or other icons, sprinkle with a little glitter and you’re good to go! PS - your TWEENS are gonna love this! Materials: Duct tape (zebra print and silver) Plastic container such as from a peanut butter jar or cup Non-stick scissors Puffy Paint (we used neon pink) Glitter Glue silver Hole punch (1/16”) Earring wire Jump ring Create a guitar pick template on a piece of paper. (a triangle shape with rounded corners) 1. Apply duct tape to outside of jar. Cut out and apply to back side 2. Cut shape from template 3. Apply glitter glue and let dry. Punch hole for earring wire 4. Add any extra lettering or paint as desired and let dry. Attach earring wire.

Mystery lies around every corner.........watch out there's lions!...

linda@lindapetersondesigns.com (Linda Peterson) — Sat, 19 May 2012 14:16:00 +0000

I think the most fascinating part of the safari was really not knowing what to expect. Mystery really lie behind every corner....what will we see.? What will we hear??? And what will we do if we encounter something we don't want to encounter???......

I certainly didn't expect what happened next.

We made a little detour before we headed back to the campfire at the Tsavo Lion Camp.

Natacha is waiting here for us with drinks in hand :) What a nice surprise....but it gets better....

I really didn't think about this area being much more than a "sign". Until I looked behind me - down that path and saw a lion walk across! I got chills...um actually.... REALLY..... BIG .......GOOSEBUMPS! Maybe I needed that drink to calm my nerves huh??

Natacha told us that they wanted to add some atmosphere to the camp, so they bought three lions...

If you come to my house and I tell you I added atmosphere...that means you're gonna get a candle at your place at the table...lol....not lions!!!

The intimidating thing is that at first you don't see the fence....just the lions. The thought of walking about with lions, rhino's, cape buffalo in the area brings a whole new level to the hiking experience. Natacha and staff have set up a beautiful area for us to enjoy our appetizers while watching these beautiful animals. (Unfortunately I don't remember what we had for appetizers...I was too busy with the lions)

Look at the glare in this lions eyes. If you look really close you'll notice that the hair on his back is standing up. He is hunting us............If there were no fence...we would be dead...they haven't eaten in two days...

They eat once every three to four days. This is to ensure proper health and also that they don't get too fat. Their enclosure is approximately 2 acres and the surrounding fence is electric. Below the ground are concrete walls 20 feet deep to ensure that the lions can not dig their way out.

These lions have never been handled by humans, but they were born in captivity. They are fed only dead carcasses. This helps them distiguish between food and moving people when they are fed. If they were fed live animals, this would pose a risk for those that maintain their enclosure and those that feed them as they would not distinguish between moving animal food source and moving human.

SAY CHEESE!! ROOOAAAAARRRR!!!!

This was an experience really beyond words and I new that I wanted to go back and get some more pictures of them and tape some video.

So a couple of days later, I stayed back at camp while the guys went hunting and strolled off to the enclosure.

I shot some video and took these photographs.......................but remember when I said - there's mystery around every corner? Sometimes ignorance is bliss.....

I dilly dallied around the cage, feeling totally safe....I even walked the perimeter and the lions followed me. They call this "walking the lions" - it gives them exercise because they'll follow you...totally cool....
What I didn't know was that while all this was happening, Marlet and Natacha had just rescued lion cubs that had walked into camp....and we didn't know where their mother was.

So after, I found out about the lion cubs, not knowing where the lioness was...my thoughts were racing...Can you just imagine how protective a lioness with cubs would be...and I was with the lions?? I really laid awake all night thinking about what could have happened ...and it gave me bigger goosebumps!

We would hear the lions roar every night and about 4:30 am on the dot every morning. It's loud...and its DEEP!...They were more predictable than roosters....
But the morning that all this happened, we all mentioned how loud the lions were roaring and that it was much louder and they seemed much more rowdy. Little did we know...

It's hard to say exactly what happened or just why the cubs found their way into camp. But, we suspect that, since the cubs were skinny, they were not being fed because the mother hadn't made a kill in some time. She can only nurse so long if she doesn't make a kill and afterwards she will wean them early.

At this point we didn't know if she was on the property or not.

The next morning Trackers were sent out to look for tracks. Fortunately for me, and unfortunately for the cubs, they didn't find fresh tracks.

Either the mother abandoned them and sent them on their way, or something happened to her and left the cubs orphaned. Either way, the roar of the lions brought them into camp.

However it was that they found themselves without their mother, they wouldn't have made it a week. They were too young to hunt and so they would have been hunted. It's the circle of life....

Thank goodness though, they were rescued and given to a local breeding project where they will be cared for and given a good quality lion life. One day, they'll have cubs of their own ensuring the continuation of these gorgeous and magestic Kings of the Wild.

Getting settled in and getting Ant'sy

linda@lindapetersondesigns.com (Linda Peterson) — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:34:00 +0000

Inside our Chalet was a welcome package for us laying on the bed. I really felt like I was on a "land cruise" with the elephant towels.

We also received welcome gifts and hats. No detail was left undone!

The view on the other side of the chalet. It's a huge KUDU...duh..I just noticed that I'm standing in the mirror..

The view outside our chalet was amazing. It may look like just a bunch of dried up weeds, but when we arrived into camp, monkeys were running about the yard. There are several watering holes here too which invite animals in for viewing. It's also teaming with all sorts of birds who love love love to sing!

A panoramic view looking towards the lodge from our chalet. It was just gorgeous!

and from the other side back towards the chalet....

And a look inside the pool room and social area. I loved this open air thatched roof hut...I think I need one of these in my backyard.....

By this time, Dana is itchin' to get out into the field. Technically the hunt doesn't start until tomorrow, but he isn't going to waste time. So .....

We hop aboard our safari mobile and head to the shooting range to site in their rifles....

Hold your ears....IT'S LOUD!!! - But Dana is a great shot and hits his target every time!

The area around the bush camp is reserved for bow hunters. It has a variety of animals, lots of impala...tons of birds, kudu, gemsbok and more.....but we live for danger....We head to the next property over....DID YOU READ THE SIGN???? BUFFALO, RHINO, and LEOPARD! OH MY!

At this point, I'm thinking (the great photographer that I am) I'm going to get some really AWESOME photos of animals. Beautiful portraits...the animals are going to smile...stand still and have their photo taken...WELL... NOT! I don't know what the heck I was thinking....the animals have their colors for a reason...they're camoflauged perfectly...and they don't stand still....and so...I got a little wake up call that this wildlife photography high I was on, was not going to be a breeze...

Yes, I know this is a HUGE RHINO....and you would think...how in the world could you not see something so huge? Their color suits them. We stopped the safari mobile for this photo and it took me a while to find the animal. It's was like playing "Where's Waldo" with dangerous animals.

There are roads throughout the property as you will see in more photos as we go along. The drive is slow and our PH Etienne, sits on the back bars scoping the landscape for animals and looking for fresh tracks....

Along the road's you will see alot of these active ant mounds. They are huge!!! And I'm told that this one is about 25-30 years old. Ants amaze me......Inside these mounds the temperature remains a constant temperature. They have a way to vent the hot air out and bring the cool air in and they do it all naturally.....fascinating!!

Dana is so giddy about now........I think I pinched him to make sure he wasn't dreaming...

In South Africa, everything is on survival mode....everything is out to get you...whether its the bushes with 2" long needles, poisonous snakes, spiders or animals....while you are hunting....you are being hunted as well....

Etienne and the tracker Joe - are following some fresh Impala tracks. Unfortunately the animals ran, so I think this is Dana's first wake up call as to how fast these animals react and that this hunt is not going to be a walk in the park.....

I remember at one point, we stopped the truck. Etienne whispered "Kudu" and pointed....I looked and looked...no KUDU! I really thought he was playing with my mind until I caught the slightest twinkle in the sun...ever so slight...looked like a tiny piece of glitter....and there it was...the very TIP of a Kudu horn. We couldn't see the animal, but thru all the brush Etienne saw the twinkle of the tip of the horn....MAN THESE GUYS ARE GOOD!!!

So, we came out ZERO on our practice run, but it was a good warm up to know just how fast everything reacts.

We ended each day with gorgeous scenery and sunsets! I've never seen such beautiful colors in all my life.....
BTW - the photo below is not edited. The sky was rich with purples, pinks flowing into oranges and bright yellows....

Tomorrow....we will hunt...................................and be hunted!....

If you're having a crappy day at work, you should watch this video...

linda@lindapetersondesigns.com (Linda Peterson) — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

I was bored to tears sitting in a blind waiting for warthogs, that is, until I realized I could have had it much worse....I could be at work and dealing with a bunch of crap!

Now aren't you glad not a dung beetle? These things are HUGE...well I think they're huge - they're about 2" big, but they are so useful to the environment as natures pooper scoopers! And....they work for FREE!
Waste not...want not....sorry...couldn't help myself...

I'm taking you to Africa...........

linda@lindapetersondesigns.com (Linda Peterson) — Wed, 16 May 2012 22:55:00 +0000

It's hard to believe a guy who's pick up line is "I'm taking you to Africa, I'm going to make you a zebra skirt and I'm going to marry you..."....but that's what I heard 10 years ago.....

Dana's dream ever since he was a little boy and hunted his first pheasant at age 12 on the family's Iowa farm was to someday go to Africa....but little did he know then, he was taking me with him.

Through the years, he would re-iterate his promise. I always believed him. I knew he was a great hunter and I know that most every hunter's dream is to hunt Africa. I knew he would somehow find a way to fulfill his dream.

This past January, he and a buddy, Larry went to the SCI show....I suppose you could somewhat relate it to our CHA (craft and hobby show) only on a guy level. There's seminars, lots of booths, lots of taxidermy, wildlife art and lots of outfitters all there trying to convince you that they are the best at what they do.

I didn't go, but we talked alot over the phone about all the people he met, all the outfitters he met and showed me the two different outfitters he was considering.

Then the call came.....I BOUGHT A SAFARI! AND WE'RE GOING TO AFRICA! He sounded like a little boy really, he was so excited, he almost squealed on the phone. He chose Quagga safari's.

Well...I didn't know really anything about this whole hunting safari thing. I knew we would go to Africa, chase animals around all day...big animals ....and he would hunt them...I'm still not sure to this day what I imagined or expected. But I can tell you that looking back over the last two weeks...It changed my life forever....

We waited 3 months for this day...okay technically I waited 10 years and 9 months and Dana waited most of his life...but since booking the trip we waited three months. The night before we left, I couldn't sleep - I could have - except someone - who shall remain nameless - wiggled the covers all nights saying "I'm too excited to sleep" in his little boy voice. Five in the morning couldn't have come too soon for him as he popped out of bed and said "IT'S HERE BABY - WE'RE GOING TO AFRICA!"...

So here we are....all settled in for our enormously looonnnnggggg 16 hour flight to Johannesburg, SA....
The guy poppin in the photo is Larry.....Dana's friend who came with us. He's a lot of fun too and I think he was really excited....I knick named him MuFasa, since he was going on a lion hunt.

I don't watch many movies, but I did watch "WE BOUGHT A ZOO!" on the plane...I loved it. That little Rosie captured my heart. It's a really cute movie if you haven't seen it...great family movie...

The flight was miserably long...and I couldn't get off the plane fast enough.

Dana's proudly showing you his first stamp in his first passport....I think we should call it his "Dream Stamp!" Welcome to South Africa Baby!!!!

We left home on May 1 at 6am. Caught our flight to Atlanta at10:30 am. The flight to Johannesburg was at 8 pm that night and it is now Wednesday evening at 6:30 pm when we got off the plane...exhausted....

We spent the night here at the Afton Guest House. An older couple own it and it is a really sweet and comfortable bed and breakfast. It will set you back about R1300 which is equivalent to about $89 US dollars. They grilled steaks for us and once our tummy's were filled, the food coma set in and we went beddy-bye......

Love- love- love- waking up to the smell of breakfast....except I didn't get to...Dana woke me up LONG before breakfast with the "too excited to sleep routine"....lol... I think he might have slept in his safari clothes.
Breakfast was delicious...a little steak from last night...couple of eggs, and that sprinkly stuff on the potato round...which I "thought might be lemon pepper" wasn't ...it's Aromat...a South African spice that they like to put on just about everything....and now I put it on just about everything....

We still haven't reached our final destination...the Limpopo area and more specifically, Laphalele, is still four hours north of Johannesburg.

I always find traveling in foreign countries fascinating - even in the smallest of things. In the US we have stop signs....and they do too... Some of theirs are for tall people? I dunno!?!?!?!

but they also have DON'T stop signs.......

And beware of the warthog signs................................. how cute is this? They did run out in front of us several times. They are adorable....so ugly they're cute!...

the landscape ranges from flat bushveld areas to mountains. It's beautiful!

But I do have to warn you - I think they drive fast, so getting any significant pictures while in the car was impossible....

We did go thru several villages along with way. I was amazed to see the poverty of these places.

Structures like this are common and the person living in this had set up camp near some roadwork and was trying to sell candy to the cars that were stopped due to road construction. Hey...at least he saw an opportunity to make some money!

Thru the villages we saw similar structures - one had even set up a barber shop inside.

Despite the lack of money these people have, the ladies were dressed in dresses and the gentlemen were dressed up too. You would think they were going to a special occassion. You don't see holes in their jeans - that is - if they even wear jeans. They may live in a shack, but you'll never know it by the way they dress.

This is pretty typical of the government housing. It is merely shacks in rows. Sometimes not this fancy. Most of them have no running water, no electricity and that means public privy's.....

rent on these types of structures is about R80 per month or around $10 US. Minimum wage per month is R250 or around $31.25. We spend more than that eating out....gives you a real perspective doesn't it?

Pick N Pay - also known as P N P is their local grocery store chain. They are open till the "hoo" hours of the morning....... :)

Being that it is a long 4 hour drive....you might get hungry....so maybe you'd like to stop at a roadside shack for some Biltong? It's their word for jerky...and it's actually pretty good! I love the word biltong...it's fun to say...biltong...biltong....biltong...lol :)

And you might have to stop for gas too. The price here is 93cents (rand). Everything is on the metric system. It's a little over 3L of gas to our Gallon and will set you back about $3.50 US. About these same as it is here at home, with the exception that gasoline prices only rise once per month.

If you gotta pee......well..that will cost you! A whole RAND...about 12.5 cents...

Eventually though we arrive at Quagga Safaris. That's our chalet behind us. We were greeted by the entire staff when we got out of the shuttle. Natacha was waiting with drinks in hand, Etienne our PH and all the trackers were in uniform.

Technically...the hunt doesn't start till tomorrow...but do you think Dana is going to wait that long? I think not!

Lessons of gratitude from the children of South Africa - VIDEO

linda@lindapetersondesigns.com (Linda Peterson) — Wed, 16 May 2012 10:47:00 +0000

I'm skipping ahead a few days in my travel journal to day 7 of our African hunting safari. It's the day we visit the bush school in the rural area of Laphalele, Limpopo. I'm prefacing this day with the details that made this day so emotional and important for me personally.

We've spent the previous days hunting. When we signed up on this trip, we knew that US laws forbid the bringing of meat back into the country. We were told that the meat harvested from the hunts would go to the locals in the villages, but we had no idea that these locals were poor school kids. We were even more thrilled to learn of that.

Our African safari is not a photo safari, it's a hunting safari and because of that I've taken alot of flack recently from some of my followers on facebook who disagree with hunting. And to that I say, to each his own. I respect their right to disagree, but feel that they should do so based on the facts and not act as a hypocrit. Disagreeing with hunting and continuing to eat meat is like being the get-a-way car driver in a bank robbery. You may not have commited the robbery, but you are an accomplice by being associated with it. Just the same, if you are against hunting, you are an accomplice if you eat meat. If you want to eat meat, someone's going to have to shoot it, domestic or wild, no matter if it's fish, mammal or bird... It's that simple.

I, in no way condone hunting for sport. I am appalled with animal cruelty and do not hunt animals which I do not intend to eat and use as much of that resource as humanely possible, right down to the hide and the bones.

Some feel as though we should just give people money, and teach them the necessary skills so that they can survive on their own. The parents of these kids, have no real education. Fifty percent of the South African population is unemployed. They do not know how to manage money and they certainly lack the funds needed to be able to hunt. So, think about it.... what good is a skill, if they lack the tools in which to do it? And that is why it is so important for the hunters to continue to support the schools with their meat.

These are a people who struggle to aquire life's basic necessities. They live without running water, they eat the same meal every day, day in and day out. I ask you, would you eat oatmeal every day, three times a day, for the rest of your days and still be happy about it with a smile on your face? I'll be honest, I know I'm spoiled and I know it would be difficult for me to do without complaining and for that I feel embarrased.

That being said, I am in NO way ashamed of taking the selective harvest of these animals when they provide such sustenance for these people of little means. Our hunt will provide for over 5000 meals.

Take a good hard look in the video, watch it several times, look in the background, look at their behavior at their dress, at their feet. They have nothing. But, they have pride and dignity. Their clothes are not torn, they are not rebellious. They are smiling all the time.

To go to public school in S. Africa, you are required to pay a tuition. Although the schools are public, they are not free and as a result, a majority of the kids who live in rural villages can not afford the luxury of an education. That is why it is so important to help these people build schools.

There is no bus system there. Transportation to and from public schools is a community effort. Generally the mom's take turns carpooling the kids to school and back home in the evening. They even help each other out by taking others kids to school functions and sporting events. There is a definate sense of community in this area.

The government subsidizes this school but unfortunately, they only give enough funds for 50 kids and there are 117 kids and three educators present at the moment. They are busting at the seams.

The school grounds were immaculate for what they were. The children were all neatly dressed in school uniforms. You'll notice the students in the upper grades immediately stood up when we walked in their classroom to show respect. They don't whine about their food, their accomodations or feel a sense of entitlement.

They want to be in school getting an education so bad that they are willing to leave their families (they go home for two days the last weekend of the month, sleep on a concrete floor on top of a thin blanket, crammed into a small classroom shared with 40 other people and sit on the bar of the desk if they have to. The bare feet you will see are not all by choice. They receive one pair of shoes a year. When they get too tight, they cut the tops out of their shoes so that their toes can grow thru the shoes. They want the shoes to keep their feet warm in the winter months.

When they were offered their treats and meat - they cheered and clapped...and each of them said "thank you" with a bow and a courtsey. They were really a breath of fresh air and a wonderful example for all of us, including myself.

Unexpectedly, this topic has really become something I'm very passionate about and so I wanted this post to be the first one that you would see. I have promised to myself that I will do what I can so I can to continue to support these kids, whether it's providing them with paper and pencil, art supplies, socks, chairs...whatever....because they've given me a gift and a lesson that will last a life time....

Enjoy the video!

How to make feather earrings and droplet dangles

linda@lindapetersondesigns.com (Linda Peterson) — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Polka Dot Feather Earrings – How to make a droplet danglies

Look around, feathers are fashionable and trendy. In this step by step tutorial, Linda Peterson will show you how to make feather earrings using guinea feathers, chain and teardrop beads. Materials: Guinea feathers – any color (we purchased a hair clip with lots of feathers) Chain in length of choice Earring wire Jump rings Black tear drop beads in size of choice 24 gauge Artistic Wire in non-tarnish silver Jewelry Pliers Round Nose pliers Jewelry wire cutters

Remove feather(s) from chain. If using purchased feathers, attach a fold over crimp bead to the attach the feather

Slide a length of wire thru the whole on the teardrop bead Bend ends of wire upwards. Hold the jewelry pliers where the bead and wire meet. Twist wire. Place the round nose pliers at the base of the wire. Wrap ends around wire to form a loop. Finish by wrapping wire around the base to secure and trip excess wire. Attach feathers, chain and beaded dangle together with a jump ring. Attach ensemble to earring wire.

How to make Memory Inspired serving tray by Savannah Starr

linda@lindapetersondesigns.com (Linda Peterson) — Fri, 04 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Savanna has come up with the coolest way to make someone special - feel special!!! This is so cool - I have to try it!

In this video, Savannah Starr transforms a frame into a collaged tray for a Mother's Day gift. Featured on Cool2Craft TV. For more ideas, info and inspiration go to http://cool2craft.com or scan QR code at end of video to link directly to on-line print tutorial.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nN9aMd916v8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

How to make Mini Floral Canvases by Tiffany Windsor

linda@lindapetersondesigns.com (Linda Peterson) — Thu, 03 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Here is a quick and easy way to create art on a canvas! If you think you can't make great art - watch this video by Tiffany Windsor of Cool2Craft and see just how easy it is!!

In this video, Tiffany Windsor shows how to dye paper towels with acrylic paint, collage onto mini canvases and draw easy outline florals to create pretty canvases for Mother's Day gifts or for anytime. Featured on Cool2Craft TV. FOr more ideas, info and inspiration, go to http://cool2craft.com or scan QR code at end of video to link directly to on-line print tutorial.

How to make a Hex Explosion Box by Candace Jedrowicz

linda@lindapetersondesigns.com (Linda Peterson) — Wed, 02 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

One of my favorite things to incorporate in my artwork is "interaction"...movement...pop ups...and of course pictures. So when I saw this Candace's video on making a hexagon explosion box - I knew I had to share this with all my peeps in the blogosphere. High FIVE Candace!! You're the coolest! In this video, Candace Jedrowicz shows how to make a paper hexagonal box with lid. Personalized with family photos, this box makes a lovely Mother's Day gift. Featured on Cool2Craft TV. For more ideas, info and inspiration go to http://cool2craft.com or scan the QR code at end of video to link to on-line tutorial.

How to make Vintage style flowers from Craft Foam by Heidi Borchers - Cool2Craft New Project Video

linda@lindapetersondesigns.com (Linda Peterson) — Tue, 01 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

I Love love love vintage and mixed media and the two together are just my style! I hadn't thought about doing this with plain craft foam so I couldn't resist sharing this technique from my gals at Cool2Craft

In this video, my friend, EcoHeidi Borchers shares a quick peek at how she transformed her embossed craft foam Mother's Day flowers into pretty mixed media collaged and painted flowers. For more ideas, info and inspiration go to http://cool2craft.com

How to make a Vintage Inspired basket from Chicken wire - Hardware Store Crafts

linda@lindapetersondesigns.com (Linda Peterson) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:30:00 +0000

Free Project Tutorial!

I took inspiration from my Mother's old broken bits and pieces of broken jewelry to embellish a basket I made from chicken wire!.

In this FREE project tutorial, you'll learn how to create your own basket from chicken wire. These make great gift baskets and organizers too!! Oh and don't forget the spray paint

Hardware Store Chicken Wire Baskets
by Linda Peterson

Chicken wire – any size depending on the size you want your basket (ours is approximately 6 x 9”)

Old bits and pieces of jewelry (optional)

20 gauge stainless steel wire

Wire cutters

Pliers

Metal file (optional)

Krylon outdoor spray paint gloss in your choice of color (optional)

Protective gloves (optional)

*Caution*: The chicken wire can get a little naughty and cause cuts, so be careful when cutting and wrapping the wire. Use protective gloves to be safe.

Cut the desired size from chicken wire. Ours is approximately 6” x 9”. Hint: cut from the selvage edge of the wire to create a finished look

Fold ends together

Match pattern and wrap wire ends around opposite side to secure. This creates the cylinder for your basket

Fold in the bottom and wrap ends to secure. Cut off any excess wire and make sure there are no sharp edges. File edges smooth if necessary.

Loop a length of 20 gauge stainless steel wire in your hands 2 or three times.

Wrap the end of the wire around the center to secure loops and create a handle. Add additional wire if needed to finish.

Bend in half

Attach handle to basket with 20 gauge wire

OPTIONAL spray with desired color of spray paint. Allow to dry. You can distress some of the paint away as we did with a little bit of sandpaper to give an aged vintage look.

Thread wire thru jewelry findings and wrap onto basket where desired.

Be sure to check out more of my videos on my youtube video channel LindaPetersonDesigns
and friend me on facebook!

How to make jewelry with Friendly Plastic - New Friendly Plastic Video

linda@lindapetersondesigns.com (Linda Peterson) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:42:00 +0000

How to use alcohol inks with Friendly Plastic! New Video

Rich vibrant corals, hot succulent pinks and juicy purple color combine to create this stunning floral pendant.

In this episode, Linda Peterson shows you how to use alcohol inks to create a stunning floral pendant. Get out your broken jewelry - this is a great project to upcycle those pieces as well. Enjoy!

Linda Peterson is compensated and endorsed by AMACO. The guests features may or may not have any affiliation with AMACO.

Eco-Friendly Project just in time for Earth Day by Melony Bradley

linda@lindapetersondesigns.com (Linda Peterson) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:10:00 +0000

Dear Packrat, and you know who you are,

Do have stacks and stacks of old magazines that you just can't bear to part with. Are you a magazine hoarder. Are those stacks taller than your house? Okay maybe that's a little exaggerated, but I can bet that some form of the above is true....Right?

I can relate. I will keep a whole magazine just for one page and I wind up with stacks and stacks of magazines taking up space.

If this phonemena is happening to you, this project is a perfect solution!! Recycle, Reuse and make a great bag, gift bag or any time bag with upcycled magazines. Yes, sorry you'll have to tear them up! But look how great they can be!

Designer Melony Bradley creates a Gift Bag from repurposed Magazines. - Save those pretty ads!!!

Learn how to make Melony's repurposed and upcycled gift bags in this free project tutorial from FaveCrafts

If you need more project ideas - Click here to see all my projects courtesy of FaveCrafts

How to make a mixed media crown by Candace Jedrowicz - Cool2Craft Jewelry Box Week Featured video

linda@lindapetersondesigns.com (Linda Peterson) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 22:14:00 +0000

I'm so delighted to be sharing today's featured video!

This week at Cool2Craft we're all about jewelry making. Candace J, digs into her jewelry box to make this adorable mixed media crown.

< Watch a new Cool2Craft show each Monday on the Livestream channel. Noon eastern, 9 Pacific

How to Make Window Screen Bracelets by Heidi Borchers - Inside the Cool2Craft Jewelry Box

linda@lindapetersondesigns.com (Linda Peterson) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:00:00 +0000

This week - Cool2Craft is taking a look inside the jewelry box.

In this episode, eco-Heidi Borchers shows you how to make a window screen bracelet.

How to make a vintage inspired Headband - New Video - Linda Peterson on Cool2Craft

linda@lindapetersondesigns.com (Linda Peterson) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Love love love my Monday mornings with Cool2Craft. It's a great way to start the work week with a little crafty inspiration from the whole gang. As of this episode, I'll be appearing regularly along with all the other Cool girls. I couldn't be happier about that.

This week is all about Mixed Media Jewelry and Accessories, so into the studio I go to upcycle some dollar jewelry finds to create this vintage inspired headband.

CRAFTY THEME OF THE WEEK - COOL2CRAFTS JEWELRY BOX

linda@lindapetersondesigns.com (Linda Peterson) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 13:00:00 +0000

The Cool2Craft Jewelry Box show

Hmmm, wonder what's in our jewelry box?? It's all things jewelry and jewelry related next Monday April 16th on Cool2Craft and I am pleased to join all my totally Cool and crafty girlfriends to bring you these fun episodes.

Watch a BRAND NEW show each week on the Cool2Craft community channel on Livestream at Noon eastern, 11AM central and 9AM pacific
Chat Live with the Cool2Craft gang too!

This week we will feature:

How to Make Window Screen Bracelets by EcoHeidi Borchers

How to Make Mixed Media Crown Brooch by Candace Jedrowicz

How to Make Embossed Foil Water Bottle Bracelets by Tiffany Windsor

How to Make SavvySparkle Bling Rings by Savannah Starr

How to Make a Vintage Inspired Floral Headband by Linda Peterson

Can't watch the show today? No worries, it's aired all week long 24/7 - Crafts on your schedule!

When delete...isn't deleted....... Recovering deleted files

linda@lindapetersondesigns.com (Linda Peterson) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 22:06:00 +0000

I seriously do not know why on earth someone would spend their time writing malware, spyware and software that will totally destroy and infect your computer and destroy precious pictures and software. Seriously EVIL PEEPS? Can't you find something better to do with your time?

Well..enough venting, that didn't solve anything but I do want to share just a couple little tidbits I learned and I'm blogging it - for one, because I might need to refer to this again, and for two, maybe one of you out there is experiencing or has experienced the same thing and hopefully this will save you a little money.

Saturday night, Dana's lap top came up with this error that wouldn't let it write to the hard drive, as we opened picture files, those files were deleted and we literally watched icons disappear on the "desktop" in front of our eyes. Dana was just sick that he lost all his hunting pictures!

My first thought was to just dump the whole system and reload it fresh since it appeared that the files we wanted we're deleted, what did we have to lose? (first of all - major lesson in backing up anything of value, sensitive or precious hunting photos)

Most people think that when you delete something *permanently* off your hard drive, it's just that...deleted...but it really isn't. Actually, in real people non nerdy, sorta geeky terms, the computer loses the link to the deleted file and marks it as "okay to write over" if it should happen need that space in the future. So...until the computer needs that space it is still there and possibly recoverable. This is why it's important not to download a bunch of stuff or add/copy a bunch of files to your drive because these new files, might replace and write over the old files that you are wanting to cover.

The first thing I had to do was to do a system recovery and set the system back to the way it was before the problem happened. Typically in windows you can do a search for "system recover" and it will walk you thru.

Once that is finished and your computer is fairly stable, download to a zip drive a "unerase" program that will look at all the files on your hard drive and recover those you specify. I downloaded one that was freeware from the internet, but eventually had to pay $30 to have it recover my files because it was a trial version (still cheap if you really want those files back).

Once you download the unerase program, run it and scan your hard drive. Generally it will come up with a list of files on your computer. In this case I was looking for two specific files on my desktop and all the "My Picture" files. Once you select the files you want to recover, click the recover button and make sure that you also write these to a zip drive not to your hard drive as it may write over some files that you want to recover.

When it was finished...viola! I had recovered all my hubbys hunting photos (photos he can't replace) and he's a happy camper.

Now...to permanently get rid of whatever it was that infected the computer, I'm safe to wipe and reload....

I sure hope I never have to do this again !!!

Meet Linda Peterson and enjoy Free Friendly Plastic Demonstrations

linda@lindapetersondesigns.com (Linda Peterson) — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 17:44:00 +0000

Meet Linda Peterson and enjoy free Demo's of Friendly Plastic and Cloud Clay Demo's Saturday April 13th from Noon to 4pm Sunday - Cloud Clay Class at Noon to 1:30 (must pre-register) Come on out for a fun weekend of Creativity! See you there!! :)

Duck Tape Jewelry on Safari - A little Zebra love!

linda@lindapetersondesigns.com (Linda Peterson) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 18:14:00 +0000

My jungle love...Oh we Oh WE OH! - well, I'm not going to the jungle or at least I don't think I'm going to the jungle, but I AM going on Safari to Africa in 26 days!!! It's the countdown!

I grabbed my zebra safari print duct tape and went on a little crafting safari of my own. Believe me - I got lost in the craft jungle.

Watch how I create more duct tape jewelry with duct tape on an upcoming episode of Cool2Craft. I promise your tweens will love this too and I think you'll be surprised at what I use to make them.

How to use Friendly Plastic Pellets in your Mixed Media Projects - New Video

linda@lindapetersondesigns.com (Linda Peterson) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:50:00 +0000

In this episode, learn how to use Friendly Plastic Pellets with molds to create unique mixed media and found object artwork.
The best challenge is to use what you already have and incorporate it into a piece of finished art! It's lots of fun and the possibilities are endless. Enjoy! We'd love to hear your comments and feedback.

Linda Peterson is compensated and endorsed by AMACO. The guests features may or may not have any affiliation with AMACO.