Hello Fellow Doodlers!
Memorial Day set in motion the great American BBQ Season and thought it appropriate to bring you some apron-ology before the first day of summer, June 20th, when BBQ really begins to make it's debut!
An apron is an outer protective garment that covers primarily the front of the body; worn for hygienic reasons as well as in order to protect clothes from wear and tear. The word "apron" actually originated from the word "naperon" which is a French word for a napkin or small tablecloth. And, surprisingly enough the apron did not start off as a piece of apparel worn singularly by women. Instead, aprons were mainly worn by men when they were first invented. These men wore the apron while completing work in such professions as: blacksmiths, farmers and gardeners, fishmongers, meat and wood carvers, furniture makers, leather smiths, cobblers, tailors, barbers, and stonemasons to name just a few. 
Women "officially" donning aprons came about right around the turn of the 20th century, and originated in Victorian England. These early aprons were almost always delicately hand embroidered and stitched to perfection. Most pioneer matrons proudly wore an apron, as well, and wore them for all the right reasons: an essential garment for hands-on-tasks that they had to do throughout their long day. As the 1920's roared around, women no longer wanted to be solely associated with the home front and aprons, which were once a symbol of "domestic pride". The 1950's were definitely the high point of apron popularity. Creativity reigned, as aprons again became the way that many used to show off their handiwork while playing hostess, and up until the 60's, to quote the famous Martha Stewart, it was, "a good thing". Cheaper clothes and washing machines made aprons less common beginning in the mid 1960's in some countries such as the United States. However, the practice of wearing aprons remains strong in many places.
With the 20th century warily marching on, aprons lost their pizazz and domestic enthusiasm. Today, the apron has enjoyed a minor renaissance in terms of both women, men, and children now wearing them when performing a variety of chores and reverted back to the half apron, popular phrases aprons, and BBQ aprons for men. But the truth is, if these fancy items of apparel would have burned better, they more then likely would have suffered the same ending as several great bras did during those years of the early fighting feminist era. Aprons have been on a roller coaster ride of popularity over the years with feminism, gender roles, and sensibility of class ultimately dictating whether or not the apron is "in" or "out" of fashion. Currently, the majority of those who wear aprons seem to be the ones who have to for employment reasons, of course, those of us, despite our age, value the morals and beliefs of another generation and time. Then there are some, like me ... who simply and honestly, just really love aprons!
Fairly soon it will be time to celebrate Father's Day and honor dear ol' Dad, so here's some freebie images to get you started on your dad's projects that he's sure to love, and some projects that will inspire you!
Above are two styles of father's cards, one shirt card is with a tie for that office dad, and one is for that handy dad! These Shirt Pocket Cards are meant to look like the pocket on a man's shirt. Pick out a gift card you know your dad will like (or cash, theatre tickets, "game" tickets, etc.), and it can go in the pocket, and be a card and gift in one! Holiday Crafts and Creations also includes the how-to's in their post, and the pocket, tie, and collar lapel PDF template to get your started! Now that's easy!
Kate posted an awesome origami folded tie tutorial on, OWH Stars and Stamps, that inspired Julie, Handmade By Julie, to creat her card projects!
And if card shirts aren't interesting enough, then Thethered 2 Home created an unusual version of Creations by AR Templates, Comfy Sofa Gift Box, and Papa's Trunk.
Paper Crafts by Laurel watercolor video with Faber-Castell Gelatos is a demonstration of how you needn't be a Van Gough to watercolor those stamped images and create something beautiful ... you'll learn some stuff and a cool way to use a butterfly! Did you catch the quick part towards the end, where she conceals her reusable Distress Ink "pads' for distressing? Who would of thought, on the bottom of each inking pad!
View an assortment of Penny Black stamped projects using Faber-Castell coloring products HERE that Designers created for their Faber-Castell Showcase!
Fab You Bliss states, "this is probably the cutest thing I've ever made with felt." The idea came to her from the front cover of this month's issue of Country Living magazine, which has a felt sunflower pillow adorably displayed on the couch. It does somehow stand out, and this only goes to show, inspiration can be found anywhere! You can find the supplies you'll need, her measurements and photo tutorial to guide you through the process HERE!
Banana Nut with Strawberry Filling ("oh my") and Peanut Butter Frosting ... "OMG!" all of my fave's in one cupcake, I can't believe it! Get the recipe ingrdients for cupcakes, filling, and frostings HERE and start making up these scrumptous cupcake creations!
Darlene Designs shares photo's and her video how-to for making this super-fun double slider card after coming across an inspirational grocery bag slider card video and thinking it was cool, and decided to give it a try!
Nichole Magouirk took forever, she says, to come up with this Hello Sweet Baby card idea. Thankfully forever didn't last long! I found the card cleverly constructed and had to show, what seems like forever, can come up with. Baby cards are sometimes difficult to think up a lot of times, especially when you are wanting "unique". 
Basket Minatures From Polymer Clay. "OMG!" You know how I'm always introducing you to "clay" project articles, well, the technique of twisting strands of polymer clay to a rope to make very effective baskets, by Todd Toys and Minatures, is just a great example of clay work! You'll get all the how-to info HERE! Plus a variety of other projects that may be of interest to you as well.
STASH HAPPY FELT and PATCHWORK, and now STASH HAPPY APPLIQUE by Cynthia Shaffer, is the latest in the STASH HAPPY series from Lark Crafts. There's 25 applique projects that make the design. The smaller pieces of fabric typically used in applique will send you digging happily through your scrap bin for those favorite little bits of fabric you couldn't bear to part with. Full color photos accompany patterns (other than simple shapes) are provided at the end of the book.
Vintage Umbrella's candy crafted Gumdrop Topiary was created for a graduation party, however, this would be great for any ocassion or event's decor! Jenni Swenson hot glued her gumdrops but I'd use toothpicks hot glued into the stryo ball, then stick my gumdrop onto each one ... only on the top half, the bottom pieces would probably fall off, to entertain "picky eaters". There's also a lot of other fun ideas too!
Advice From Collage Artist and Creative Guru Tim Holtz.Tim recently sat down with Cloth Paper Scissors Editor Jenn Mason for an early morning chat on the floor of the Craft and Hobby Association (CHA) trade show. Among many topics, Tim shared his top 10 tips for creating your own signature style.Here are five of her favorites: 1. Be yourself. Your personal style is simply that—your style, so be sure to stay true to what you like. 2. Look around. While our creative surroundings are full of inspiration, it's what you take from them to make it your own that's important. 3. Get inspired. There are so many ways to find inspiration from other designers. Check out blogs, magazines, and other online sources. 4. Experiment. Trying new things is key to developing your style. It's true that you won't know what you like until you try it. 5. Take time to play. It's a simple word we associate with children, but it's even more important as an adult-play. Play with a variety of colors, products, and mediums to discover what you like.
Straightforward and down-to-earth advice, to be sure. But Tim's gotten pretty far with it, don't you think!
