DZ Doodles Digital Stamps

DZ Doodles Bouquets, Topiaries, and Other Spring Project Ideas!

2012-01-26T00:32:00.004-06:00

Hello doodle followers!

Spring is a wonderful time; the air is fresh, temperatures are pleasant, plants are growing and blooming, and the birds are chirping ... gosh I can hardly wait! The anticipation of Valentine's Day always seems to set the whole "flower," floral theme in motion. Inspired by color and flowers, these simple projects and new techniques will help put you in the mood for a cheery spring arrival!

Ultrafine Art Glitter Bouquet Relief makes a great spring decoration for home accents, card projects or scrapbook pages with its sparkly bright colors and cheery shaped flowers! Get the materials list and directions HERE.

Whether it's a moment for "love in the air," tea party time, Mom's Day (or birthday), a gift for a friend or someone who needs a "...feeling better" lift, this burst of bright silk flowers affixed atop a delicately-painted teapot creates an exquisite topiary centerpiece! Get the materials list and directions HERE. Peonies and tulips harmonize beautifully with green leaves! A green-and-white scheme is easy on the eyes and perfect for spring entertaining; viburnum, French tulips, lisianthus, and roses!

Silk roses suspended over a vintage teacup creates a strikingly beautiful tableaux. This topiary will be especially lovely at springtime gatherings! Get the materials list and directions HERE. Small silk blooms, such as hydrangeas and grape hyacinths or lily-of-the-valley, that matches the scale of the cups, make for a supremely simple arrangement!

Easy Molasses Sticky Buns! "Oh yum." What family wouldn't be drawn out of bed in the morning smelling these ooey-gooey caramel rolls baking in the oven?! Nancy Foust's tender treats recipe looks as delicious as they taste! Just log in or join HERE to acquire Taste of Homes recipes!

Ric-Rack Rose Hair Clips?! Barb Schram's "first try" hair clip discussion at Explore.Dream.Discover. blog found her inspiration over on Pinterest and followed the blog instructions which she has posted for you to follow as well! Using brooch back pins instead of hair clips would easily convert this project into apparel accents.

Stamp 'n Stitch? Well I'll be, a combination of two crafts I enjoy doing! I accidentally came across this and thought I'd share the video and a sample booklet from Leisure Arts to give you some simple ideas. All you do is stamp your Aida or linen fabric with ink, let it dry, cross stitch the charted image you've selected for your project, embellish, frame, and you're done!

Homespun Pincushions are a nifty project that pairs up fabric scraps and heart-shaped cookie cutters! My thought is, if you cut out a piece of foam board into a heart shape, attached with glue a narrow strip of sturdy card stock to create the outer shape of the foam board cut out, you would get the same results as using a cookie cutter. To reinforce the card stock strip I would apply glue to it and allow to dry thoroughly before proceeding to the fabric application. Get the materials list and instructions HERE.

Thought I'd remind you that with the convenience of My Avon on line shopping it's never been easier for you and I to meet up, and for you to view Avon's Campaign eBrochures daily needs, fragrance, skin care and color cosmetic deals, specials and savings being offered - very often with free shipping available! Registering at My Avon Store doesn't require you to make a purchase. It simply is a convenient way for you to receive Campaign eBrochures to browse at your leisure, so you won't miss a thing!

Happy crafting!

Diane :0)

DZ Doodles "Cabin Fever" Time-To-Try-Something New and Different!

2012-01-01T21:27:00.000-06:00

Hello doodle followers,

Happy 2012 and I hope everyone's holidays were filled with fun-festivities that made for fond and lasting memories. My last post content hopefully inspired you to try something new and different this year, especially throughout our upcoming cabin fever winter season. If your crafting is feeling a bit more boring than it used to be or if you've been looking for some way to spice up your crafting without spending a lot of money or doing anything too dramatic - just something to bring flavor back into your craft world, there is a trick that you should know about and that could give you the answer you've been looking for.

It's so simple, you'll be surprised that you haven't thought on it before. The trick is to make sure that you try something new or different every single day or week without giving up on the endeavor to do so! This could be a new or different crafting method or implementing the use of a new tool to your projects, a new or different recipe and making time for baking, a new or different sewing, stitching, or fabric project, to mention just a few of them. January is National Hobby Month and time for you to expand your "interests"!
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BOLD and BEAUTIFUL! This Summer Days paper cone wreath is just too cute and colorful to say you can't re-create it! Scrappy Canuck Sudio's used the SUMMER DAYS paper collection from Echo Park Paper Co., more of a girl's theme, but there's A BOY'S LIFE paper collection that would be cute for the little guy in your life! CLICK HERE for the video tutorial to give you an idea of how it's done and start re-creating your own paper cone wreath for someone special!

"Oh so cute!" ... If you haven't been a fan of the Matryoshka dolls (Russian nesting dolls), these adorable thank you cards in a Matryoshka style from Vintage Umbrella just may have you making some up! CLICK HERE for Jenni Swenson's tutorial!

So what's special about this crocheted Cloche ... "it can be lined," it's definitely made for someone who loves to pop on a hat every day of the year unless it's about 90 degrees, and lined or unlined you'll most likely want one in more colors. HERE'S where you can find Laura's pattern guide and lining tutorial, the designer of this pretty hat, so you can make your own hat collection of colors or gift-giving Cloche!

Ever think about creating your own stamp image, just for personal use; a one-of-a-kind stamp?! Craft Test Dummies shares a video on how to carve small erasers into cute little stamps - which in turn will help you carve into bigger eraser stamp projects too!

Yes, it's still the winter season and there's nothing like a warm batch of cookies to warm your insides by treating yourself to some 'wintry' ones at that!

Sweetopia's cut out cookies covered with royal icing, fondant flowers and snowflakes shares a video on How to Make Simple Fondant or Gumpaste cut outs that are really quite simple to make. Her "What you'll Need ..." lists the recipes as well as where to purchase utensils used to create theses designs.

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Kid-friendly treat idea that is a lot of fun to make! We're all about the handprint thing in our house. It's cheap, it's easy, and it's totally sentimental. Best gift-giving resource EVER, right?? So why not put it on a cookie?

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Did you know that January is Hot Tea Month! "No?" Neither did I, so get out those "tea" stamps, embellishments, and make some tea themed cards or scrap pages. This month is also Oatmeal Month and Soup Month. Bake up some oatmeal cookies or bread and find a soup recipe new to you to serve up to your family. January is a month with the 13th falling on a Friday as well!

Brighten up your space with a piece of your own handmade art! Candace Jedrowicz Glue Art Wall Hanging, using the vintage burnt brown bag technique, Aleene's Original Tacky Glue, and metallic powders to add a special touch, has never looked better!

National Hat Day is January 15th - National Hat Day is set aside to wear and enjoy a hat of your choice and style. Isn't it great that hats come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and styles? There's one to fit every size head and personality. Often, hats are used to make a statement, or to promote a cause or a product.

Create beautiful greeting cards based on stylish floral and abstract designs using embroidery on paper techniques! They are then combined with decoupage techniques to create cards based on stylish floral and abstract designs.

And here's a simple repetitive cross-stitch design to get you started!

Heart "Felt" Ornaments on Cheryl's FELT SEW GOOD blog are created as Christmas ornaments, however, what a lovely Valentine decoration or gift-on-a-card this will make. They could also be used as sachets, pin cushions, small brooch, or hang them on door knobs for Valentine's Day. Cheryl's tutorial, Handmade Holidays Part 1 will guide you through the process of re-creating your own felt heart designs.

This tutorial, BUTTONS CUT FROM SHRINK PLASTIC is easy-to-follow and something to create throughout the year!

Maravian Star Ornaments are a paper folded ornament featured in Create & Decorate Magazine in the Perfectly Prime series by designer, and creative guru, Kim Grasso. Pictorial instructions are easy-to-follow - print out this one!

Introducing my REDNECK MASON STEMWARE by Dizzy Designs!

Get all the info HERE!

The Redneck Stereotype: A redneck is usually typified in popular culture by a straight male with a beer belly that consumes cheap American beer such as Busch or Miller by the case (Pabst Blue Ribbon in more traditional settings) as well as Jack Daniel's. The stereotypical redneck lives in a trailer, and drives an old, large, beat-up pickup truck with a gun rack in the rear window. He genrally wears a stained, sleeveless t-shirt, blue jeans, and a trucker hat. Their hair is generally worn in a mullet style, and they favor long sideburns. Personal hygiene is a lost concept with the stereotypical redneck, and what teeth they have left generally show the complete anthology of the stages of dental care. Their favorite activities include hunting, shooting at road signs and lights, professional wrestling, NASCAR, monster truck rallies, car engine repair, collecting junk cars and large appliances on their lawns, having too many children and dogs, participating in domestic disturbances, and waiting around for their welfare checks. Country and Southern Rock bands such as Lynyrd Skynyrd figure in as their preferred genre of music.

Stereotypical Redneck Women: Have similar characteristics and interests on a feminine scale. They are most often seen barefoot, pregnant and wear Daisy Duke shorts with stiletto heels.

"OMG! So many ideas." Hope you've enjoyed these few more quick ideas I've thrown your way!

Diane :0)

DZ Doodles Plethora of Ideas and Projects to Re-Create During The Winter Season!

2011-12-19T17:48:00.000-06:00

Hello, doodle follower friends!

Although the celebration of the Christmas season is over, it's still winter and a time when 'snow' thoughts still fill our minds. For some, there's been snow, but for our area it's been pretty much a brown season, overcast or just rainy so far. However, if you're feeling a bit of the cabin fever, especially with the kids, here's a variety of crafting ideas you'll all be able to enjoy together while passing the time for spring to arrive.

Play with some clay this winter season following Polyform's Extruded Snowflake Tutorial, and have some fun creating your own snowflake versions as well!

Polyform Sculpey - EZ Shape, Granite, Puffy, Premo, Eraser Clay, Glow In The Dark, Sculpey III, Bake & Bend Clay, Ultra Lite, Super Sculpey and Super Sculpey Firm, Living Doll, Translucent Liquid Sculpey has some wonderful featured projects listed to get you motivated!

Brassy Apple's Magnetic Snowman Tutorial is great 'frosty' fun for the whole winter season and your hands won't get too cold making him either!

Make a felt fabric wreath like the variety of wreaths shown on Crafts 'n Coffee blog. They are easy and inexpensive to re-create or dream up your own using this selection of inspiration!

CLEAR TOY STORAGE BAGS with drawstring closure are a perfect way to keep things organized! Using 17 gauge clear vinyl, some fabric, a little machine stitching, and a drawstring Ashley's post at Make It and Love It shows you how easy it is to make.

Looking for the newest and favorite things to do throughout the new year? At 365 Lucky Days blog I found some inspiration that I look forward to re-creating, and you may to!

Here's an idea to use on your next card or scrapbook page, or gift-giving and paper crafting projects ... the blog My Poopet's How-To Make Handmade Fabric Decorator Tape is great idea to make now while winter-bound and save-the-stash for use throughout the year!

Sometimes I just have to say to myself, "why didn't I think of this?" Ideas From The Forest blog made these snowflake teabags for a nice warm cup of tea ... a great touch to add to tea lover's gift-giving project!

Have a ball creating fabulous polymer ornaments like the variety of designs created by these polymer artists - 1. by Starless Clay. 2. by Mandarin Moon. 3. by Jainnie. 4. by Curly Girl Designs.
At the Polymer Clay Super Store sign-up for discount coupons, new product announcements, weekly specials and more!
At Polymer Clay Central there's a message board, challenges, chats, illustrators, International Teacher's Director, PC Central Events Date Book, and so much more to enjoy!

Printable Seed Packet - click on image to enlarge, right click mouse on enlarged image and in drop down menu "Save As..." to your digi files. Great little May Day gift (May 1st).

Learn how to create a Soda Can Butterfly Pin with Eileen Hull using your Sizzix die cuts - it's quick, easy and a great gift to give (or keep for yourself). Her video teaches you how easy it is and great inspiration for other 'pin' creations you can think up. Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, wedding dates are just some of the important events happening in the first six months of the year.

This may be the perfect clear double-sided "metal" tape that I've found to use in holding soda can pieces together.
SIZZIX Catalog

What kinds of goals are on your list for 2012?

Click on to download a New Years Printable!

Happy New Year! Here's to oodles of doodle crafting in 2012!
Diane :0)

More DZ Doodles Christmastime Projects and Fun-Freebie Count Down Digi's!

2011-12-16T23:09:00.002-06:00

Hello, fellow doodle friends!

Are you ready? Every time I think I am, so many more great Christmas craft ideas still come through my email and I have to add this one or that one to my huge list of them that I 'Gotta Try' - and once in a while I've actually crossed one off! Here's a few more that have caught my eye that you may want to add to your 'list' as well. Although hubby mentions the doom's day prediction of the Mayan Calendar for Dec. 21, 2012, I'm still planning to re-create a lot of these projects during my 'cabin fever' time within the first part of the new year for the 2012 Christmastime (tee-hee). ;0)

BITE-SIZE HOLIDAY COOKIES IN A JAR

The Decorated Cookie

MOD HANUKKAH DREIDEL by Kelly Lyden

Adds a festive touch to your holiday ...

Download your free template HERE.

Bree Y., over at Anatomically Incorrect Creatures has this faux taxidermy cheeky creature available for purchase in the Etsy Creature Shop 'after' Christmas, and hopes to make patterns available as well! Be sure to view her 'Creature Gallery' of comical felt fabric designs!

Let the smell of gingerbread fill your home during the cold days with

Just My Delicious by Paula, CHRISTMAS GINGERBREAD RECIPE!

Here's two more DZD favorite countdown to Christmas day freebie-fun images.

The Doris Scarf is a great pattern for the beginner crocheter

as it uses the easy stitches when you first learn to crochet.

Measurements:3 x 43"/8 x 109cm

Materials:

NaturallyCaron.com 'Country' (75% Microdenier acrylic/25% merino wool; 3oz/85g, 185yds/170m skein) Color #0013 Spruce, 3oz/85g
5.5mm/I-9 or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn needle

GAUGE

Take time to check your guage/24 sts = 4”/10 cm in pattern st.

STITCHES USED

Chain (ch)

Single crochet (sc)
Half double crochet (hdc)

Double crochet (dc)

Treble crochet (tr)

SCARF

Ch 24.

Row 1: (Sc, ch 3, sc) in 13th ch from hook, *ch 5, skip 5 ch, (sc, ch 3, sc) in next ch; rep from *, ending with ch 5, skip 5, sc in last ch, turn.

Row 2: Ch 7, sk 1st sc, skip 5 ch, (sc, ch 3, sc) in next ch-3 loop, *ch 5, (sc, ch 3, sc); rep from *, ending with a ch 5, skip 5, sc in last ch, turn.

Rep Row 2 a total of 68 times; do not fasten off.

RUFFLE

Next row: Ch 4 (counts as 1st tr), 4 tr in same st as ch, ch 5, skip 5 ch, 5 tr in next ch-3 sp, ch 5, skip 5 ch, 5 tr in next ch-3 sp, skip 5 ch, 5 tr in next st. Turn.

Next row: Ch 2, hdc to end. Turn.

Next row: Ch 3 and dc in same st, 2 dc in next st; rep to end. Fasten off. Pick up st on corner of opposite end and rep ruffle instructions.

FINISHING

Weave in ends. Block if necessary.

Greet your guests and dress up your front door with this lovely Silver Bell Welcome wreath by Annabelle Keller for Krylon, that you'll cherish for the Christmas seasons to come.

Materials:

Krylon Short Cuts® Aerosol Paints - Chrome (#SCS032)
Krylon Glitter Spray - Shimmering Silver (#402)
(1) 24" artificial pine wreath
(5) 4" craft foam bells
(17) 1" craft foam balls
1" × 12" x 18" sheet of craft foam
(2 yds) braided 3/8" wide silver trim
(3-1/3 yds) 2 1/4" wide silver ribbon for bow
(5 yds) 3/16" wide wire edge silver ribbon for bells
Silver hologram glitter
(2) 18" lengths of cloth covered floral wire
1 green chenille stem
5 round toothpicks
17 bamboo skewers
Scissors
Yard stick
Glue gun and glue sticks
White craft glue
3/4" wide flat brush
Waxed paper

Steps:

To create bell clappers, glue toothpicks into bottoms of bells off center leaving 1/2" protruding. Glue a ball onto each toothpick, twisting to fit securely against bottom of bell.
To serve as handles, place skewers into the top of each bell and into remaining balls.
Spray all pieces with Chrome. Stand in sheet to dry.
Spray balls with Glitter Spray. Stand in sheet to dry. When dry, remove all skewers.
Cut to fit with a 1/4" overlap and glue 3/8" trim around the bottom rim of each bell.
Use flat brush to coat bell clappers with white craft glue.
Over waxed paper, sprinkle clappers with Silver Hologram Glitter. Let Dry.
To make bell bows from 3/16" ribbon, cut (5) 27" lengths for bows and (5) 9" lengths for tails. Cut (5) 3 1/2" lengths of cloth covered floral wire.
Make a six–loop bow with each 27" length. Using floral wires tie bows to center of tails. Curl tails.
Glue bows to tops of bells over holes made by skewers.
To complete bow and hanger, cut a 24" piece for tails.
Make 8–loop bow with center knot with remainder.
Using floral wire, wire tails to bow and bow to wreath at 12 o’clock position.
Tie chenille stem to wire wreath frame behind bow for hanger.
Arrange bells and balls on wreath. Glue in place. Mist entire wreath with Glitter Spray.

Inspired by a similar real gingerbread cookie dough wreath on Martha Stewart's website, Carrie at Saving 4 Six made her own wreath, to last longer than just this season, she opted to use a Salt Dough Recipe. Upon seeing this, loving wreaths + gingerbread men + the Christmas season scents I had to re-create it incorporating a few 'twists' of my own to her version.

THE DOUGH: This is a good recipe that is just right for baking a tray of small figures.
2 level cups (8 oz/225g) of wheat flour (or white)

1 heaped cup (4oz/100g) of common household salt

1/4 cup cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

pinch of ground cloves

(OR substitute; 1/4 cup Allspice)

3/4 cup (6fl oz/150ml) of lukewarm water

1 Tbsp wallpaper paste

1 Tbsp olive or peanut oil

Some people think wallpaper paste and oil are unnecessary, and that the dough is good enough with just flour, salt and water. Others think the paste makes it easier to join the various part together, and that the oil makes the dough more supple. However, if there is no oil or paste at home, do not let that hold you back. With this dough, it does not matter if you leave out those two ingredients. However, using the recipe as shown I think it is a good, firm dough, one that does not crack as easily as others I have tried out. But if you are not happy with it, there are alternative recipes ... DOUGH 2 (quite soft): 2-cups (8oz/225g) flour, 1-cup (4oz/100g) salt, 1-cup water, 1 Tbsp oil. DOUGH 3: 2-1/4lb (1kg) wheat flour, 2-1/4lb (1kg) salt, 3-Tbsp wallpaper paste, 3-Tbsp oil, 21fl oz (600ml/1.3pt) water (oil included). DOUGH 4: 1-1/2lb (1-1/2kg) flour, 2-1/4lb (1kg) salt, 18fl oz (500ml/1 pt) water (sprinkle on a little flour and knead). DOUGH 5: 1-1/2lb (1-1/2kg) flour, 5oz (125g) salt, 12fl oz (350ml/3/4pt) water, 1 Tbsp wallpaper paste. DOUGH 6: 5.5lb (2-1/2kg) flour, 2.2lb (1kg) salt, A good liter (2.2pt) of lukewarm water, 6 Tbsp oil, 6 Tbsp wallpaper paste.

Blend together the flour and salt (I sift it) and if necessary the paste-powder, and pour on the water/oil combination. It is fine to use cooking oil or sunflower oil, but some people think olive oil or peanut oil increases durability. Stir well in the bowl and pour mixture out on the table/counter (oilcloth makes a good base to work on). The dough looks crumbly and dry, but when you have kneaded it steadily for about 10-15 minutes you will have a dough that is both supple and firm. With such consistency, the figures keep their shape better; they are less likely to collapse, or get blisters during baking. It is better to knead it a little longer than to add more water too early.

You can test the dough by holding a roll straight down for about half a minute. If it keeps its shape fairly well, the dough is good: if it quickly pulls itself down a great deal, then it is too wet. In that case put a little flour on your hands and knead it in. On the other hand, if the dough is too dry, even after a large amount of kneading, mix in an extra teaspoon of oil, or just moisten your hands.

With kneading you may find it easier to divide the dough into two parts and knead one lump at a time. Once the dough is just right, it should be left for 30-60 minutes, well packed in plastic wrap or a container with a tight-fitting lid. The most important thing is not to let any air get in, as this will dry out the dough. It doesn't matter if the dough is left for a few hours, or overnight, since it can be kept cool for a few days. But take it out an hour before you intend to use it. If kept for a long time the dough may get too damp; you then have to knead in a little flour and/or bake it at a low oven temperature. However, for the best results, use newly-made dough.

Cut the dough into fourths and roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/8-inch (1cm) (you DO NOT NEED TO USE FLOUR). Even though the front side of the dough may have a few cracks, the reverse side can be smooth and even, so turn it several times (doing so also prevents sticking).

BAKING and DRYING: Most ways of baking dough are variations of three principal methods. Lay figures on foil lined cookie sheets.

Long drying: Dry the figures at a temperature of 180-190 degrees F (75-80C) for about 12 hours, or at 130 degrees F (50C) with fan-assisted ovens. This method uses up a great deal of energy, but many people think it is the gentlest and safest way of stopping the dough from rising or cracking.
Gradual increase in temperature: You start with a cold oven of 180-210 degrees F (75090C) and bake at this temperature for 1-2 hours; then 1-2 hours at 230 degrees F (100C), then 1-2 hours at 280 degrees F (125C) and so on until the figure is done at around 330 degrees F (150C). At high temperatures it is important to check carefully that the figures do not get burnt, rise or crack.
Rapid baking: Some people think small figures should be baked for two to three hours at 250-270 degrees F (110-120C.

The reason for the different methods is that ovens vary so much, and there are also differing opinions on whether or not fan-assisted ovens are so efficient. But if you don't have much heat coming from below, speed up the process by placing the baking tray on the lowest rack. Opinions vary on whether or not the oven door should be slightly ajar during the baking process. Some people start baking with a slightly open door, and after a while shut it completely; others keep it closed the whole time. All agree, however, that you MUST LINE THE TRAY WITH BAKING PAPER OR ALUMINIUM FOIL to avoid rust, and many people bake several trays at a time. If you're worried about the figures getting burnt you can always cover them over, and also use aluminium foil as a means of support. If you want to stop baking for a while, you can do so after a couple of hours. Later on put the tray in a cold oven and let it slowly heat up again.

WHEN IS IT DONE? You can test in two ways: 1.) Tap lightly with your fingers on the back of the figure. The sound should be "hollow" and even all over; if it is faint and dull anywhere the figure is not ready. 2.) Try to "push a needle" through the figure; when finished this should not be possible and the surface will be as hard as stone.

Over at Kim's Craft Cottage you'll find the tutorials for two of her lovely creations using felt fabric. Although Kim used Spellbinders dies and 35% wool/65% rayon felting something similar can be made up without all that expense.

FIVE TYPES OF FELT: Felt 101 with tutorials teaches you in this article by Maria Canfield Clark of "Creative Dish" FavCrafts.com about 5-types of felts, and what felt craft projects you can make with each type.

And here's a look at my second A Christmas Story themed card!

Have fun ... times running out, but of course there's always next year's Christmas season to look forward to!
Diane :0)

DZ Doodles Christmastime Projects and Fun-Freebie Count Down

2011-12-05T02:27:00.001-06:00

Hello, fellow doodle friends!
I'm excited to share with you my favorite doodles as we count down to Christmas Day. For the next eleven days, a Christmas Fun-Freebie Design will be listed for that day only, an old or a new design, either on this post or a new post. Simply click on image to enlarge, right click your mouse on enlarged image and in drop down menu "SAVE AS..." to your digi folder.

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Pizzazzerie's Candy Cane Topiary is just simply a gorgeous idea for decorating and their site will show you the how-to to recreate the project using simple and inexpensive items!

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Cookie-in-a-jar (a quick little gift) at Things For Boys make great gifts, party favours, teacher's gifts and are perfect for the school fete. The recipe won a KitchenAid mixer and has become Abby's 'go to' cookie recipe! She's even included a downloadable PDF file to recreate the labels with recipe to print out!

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Katrina Kennedy's 365 is about your life. It is about capturing, documenting, and preserving all that is important to us. People come to this project for so many different reasons, with so many different motivations. Join us as we explore all the options available, are inspired by each others techniques, and learn to make this fit who we each are.

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NAOMI TABATHA Was born 1963, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. After working at two toy manufacturers, she began working freelance as a 3D figure illustrator. Her original stuffed toys have graced countless magazine, book, and CD covers. She also creates baby goods and writes columns in women’s magazines on making cute stuff. An Aquarius with blood type B, her love of making things by hand is part of the eco-friendly lifestyle she tries to lead.

All you need is a needle, thread, and some brightly colored felt to bring these new friends to life! The badges in the book are a delight and would make awesome rewards for children when they achieve a goal. Many of the patterns are full sized or you can scan the patterns and enlarge the image in a computer photo editing program or have them photocopied larger if that is what you need. The pictures are so darling and the instructions are clear. I think you will love this book! It is clear and exact from its pictures to its instructions. This book includes 86 easy-to-make toys and accessories in felt. 32 pages are devoted to full-color pages of photographs of the toys and accessories, with the emphasis on cute animal characters. All toys and accessories have a Japanese cute sensibility, and are reminiscent in style of the type of character goods that were popular in Japan in the 1960s and 1970s when the author was a child. The remaining 32 pages give easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions for each project. Patterns for every project are included. All projects are hand sewn and are made with just felt and needle and thread. The instructions are simple enough to be followed by anyone from about age 10 upwards, and there is an explanatory page of basic stitches used in the book. Until recently, sewing was an everyday activity in most households. But somewhere along the way we stopped making and started buying. It seems to me that most people have forgotten how to make things, which is a shame, because there’s nothing to compare with the sense of accomplishment that comes from creating something yourself, or the happy smile on a loved one’s face when they receive a homemade gift you’ve spent hours making. I hope I can convey to you the warmth that comes from making something yourself with love and care. All the toys and accessories in this book are made of felt and they can all be made by hand. If you think a project looks too challenging, just give it a try anyway and start sewing. As long as you take it one careful stitch at a time, you shouldn’t have any problems, even if you’re a beginner. Don’t worry about making mistakes! Just have a go. I’m sure your creations will become your best friends. Welcome to the cute and colorful world of handmade toys.

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This is the year end of the Samplers offered by Red Brolly to stitch for Christmas, for yourself or gift-giving. Bronwyn Hayes has included the pattern and instructions in two different ways for you to download. I'm thinking, for the stitchy-person in your life, of creating a kit with a printed fabric piece of the image, DMC thread assortment, needle package, and mounting board/frame with glass piece! Include an embroidery book of stitches too!

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During all this Christmas-holiday hoopla you may be in need of a 'good drink' to sit back with and enjoy all that you have created. The Skinny Drink of The Month by Bethenny Frankel may be the perfect pick-me-up! This coffee drink is part hot chocolate, part cappuccino - but at only 43 calories a mug, it has way fewer calories than either! JUST COMBINE: 10-tablespoons ground coffee, 1-teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4-teaspoon ground nutmeg in a coffee filter. Brew with 6-cups water in a coffeemaker. Then mix 1/2-cup steamed or heated soy milk (Silk brand is the best), 3-tablespoons agave nectar, and 1/8-teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder. Pour coffee into 6-mugs and top with soy milk mixture. So good!

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Here's a way to 'eat your way' through a Yoga pose ... with a Yoga Pose Cookie Cutter Set by Patti Paige. And what a fun gift to give, anytime of the year, to that Yoga fan! Baked Ideas has a huge assortment of cookie cutters and ideas that will have you creating all sorts of cookies in the coming year!

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HEART IN HAND SNOWFLAKE by Extreme Cards is a traditional motif, representing the Shaker belief "hands to work, hearts to God." This snowflake is for machine cutting with assorted cutting files, however, if you're very patient you could try the download PDF file to hand cut it using an Xacto/craft knife.

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Crafts 'n Coffee's Father Christmas + Mother Nature = one dozen beautifully natural Christmas decorations are holiday decorating ideas that use natural materials such as this Au Naturel Birdseed Wreath!

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I love Yuletide Log's! Here's a Stuffed Buche de Noel created with felt fabric including a 2-part How-To Instruction by Erika Kerin at Craftstylish that you can probably whip now or for next year's Christmas decor!

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Dizzy Designs Homemade
Santa Sleigh

I'll be back with more ideas ASAP!

Happy Crafting, Diane :0)

DZ Doodles More Holiday Ideas to Re-create!

2011-11-18T02:18:00.001-06:00

Hi Doodlers!

A handmade gift is the sweetest thing. Not fancy, just straight from the heart. I've gathered up some more holiday "creative ideas" that I've come across and freebie-fun images! The more I search for projects for the holidays the more I see things created using the felt fabric and buttons this season!

Foam Board Creations are something I've always enjoyed creating ... and this 19" x 29" Foam Board Cabinet (2nd photo) step-by-step tutorial at Paper Castle will guide you through the construction of this awesome project! Whether you create yours as a 5-drawer, or 15, 20 or more, the finished piece is really inexpensive to make, decorative and lightweight but fun to use for storage ... jewelry, herbs in the kitchen, trinkets, etc.! I came across another design, not necessarily using foam board, but another idea using "cork" in the center to make it even more functional! It measures 13" x 13" and sells for about $42.00 and is made of press boards.

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Poinsettia Coasters tutorial and PDF pattern by Deborah Schlegel at Art Threads is a quick and easy decorative accent piece to make and use throughout your holiday entertaining. And a set of 6 or 8 makes a wonderful hostess gift too! Using inexpensive felt fabric, which is easily hand washable, you can either machine stitch as she has done, hand sew, or even hot glue gun pieces together.

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A mistletoe kissing ball adds a festive touch to holiday decor, and your kids will have a blast trying to avoid getting anywhere near it. DIY's Felt Design How To felt fabric makes it easy, quick and inexpensive to whip up a few of your own!

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Reindeer Noses packaging by Zoe Robson at A Personal Touch make it a fun gag gift to give and stocking stuffer. Give someone a bag of Christmas reindeer poop!

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Thinking about doing a felt fabric ornament project? Spellbinders felt and button decorative ball may be the inspiration you (and the kids) need to design some for your holiday decor. You don't necessarily need to use the materials required to create the Spellbinders project, sometimes free-hand cutting is the funnest way to go! It's a great way to use up any scrap leftovers from other felt fabric projects. Just use your imagination!!

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Becca Feekan at Amazing Paper Grace creates a card and matching box, and a video, to demonstrate how to re-create her hexagon box and lid. Although she uses the Spellbinders Hexagon Petal Envelope, which does the form cutting for you, I came across some hexagon templates cut-out using scissors or craft knife that you may like to use instead to get a similar design. Just click on the images to enlarge. Right click your mouse on enlarged image and "Save As..." to your digi folder.

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Ladies Home Journal gingerbread House is labeled as "easy" and given that is starts off with a stove-top gingerbread dough, I think perhaps they are on to something. Find the slideshow HERE.

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People around the world are discovering a love for felt-making. Learn all about working with fleece roving that you can find online or in almost any craft store. You will learn how much fun it is to work with this palpable product and suitable for all ages and level of crafters. There are 25 appealing projects in “Making Felted Friends” illustrates how creative it can be working with this colorful medium using wet and needle-felting techniques. You will find a new and exciting artistic outlet for yourself. From cats, dogs, and penguins to snakes, dinosaurs, and monkeys, all the favorite animal friends are covered. Most start with a simple armature, which is wrapped with fleece roving. Then, with the addition of a bit of soap, water, and elbow grease, most projects can be made in several hours. Felting invites embellishment, and these projects make the most of it with brightly colored spots, stripes, spikes, and beaks that offer the imaginative crafter opportunities for sculpting one-of-a-kind creatures. This book comes just in time to make some of these fuzzy felted friends’ a perfect toys as holiday gifts or add a decorative touch to a tabletop or mantel display. Gift this book as gifts or kept for your own inspiration.

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Felt fabric "Blanket Stitch" step-by-step corner and two pieces together.

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More project ideas coming soon!
Diane :0)

DZ Doodles Santa's Sleigh, Wreath's To Create!

2011-11-08T22:24:00.004-06:00

Hi Doodlers!

Now that I've got a fireplace, although it's only the kind with a room heater and fake fire, I thought that this year 'we' would just decorate around it because family and friends will be visiting out-of-town and it seems like a lot-of-ta-do for just the two of us. I remembered the sleigh my mother drew up when I was a child and Dad made from wood-cuts and that she had handed down the original pattern to me awhile back when she was downsizing her stuff ... but do you think I could find the thing when I needed it?! What to do even after restructuring my filing system to find it?

The only thing was to design my own "sleigh" and here's one that I came up with that I call, SANTA'S DOOHIKEY SLEIGH. Using chip board as my base I doubled the sleigh runner's inside up to the part where the blue card stock will be attached and did the crunched-up foil wrap effect just on the runner's (tutorial is in one of my earlier posts), then buffed a blue acrylic paint over the pieces. Blue card stock is applied to both cut pieces of chipboard panels as well as a red dry-embossed card stock panel. The panel-piece holding the sides together measures 3-inches wide. THEN I added the finishing touches that brought it all together!

The holly leafs are from some printable download that I bought - just printed them out on card stock, cut around each piece and applied them to both sides using glue dots. The bow is made of card stock using Hot Off The Press Fold-It-Bow Template - they are so much fun to use (HINT: I sometimes create a larger bow by drawing around the original template bow, scan it, and using one of my programs I enlarge it to the size I need - print out, cut around and well-la!). PRODUCTS USED IN SLEIGH CONSTRUCTION: Chipboard, cheap roll of thin foil wrap, acrylic paints, Aleene's All Purpose Tacky Glue, Best-Test Rubber Cement. Measures approximately 6-7/8-inches high x 10-1/2-inches long x 3-inches deep.

This sleigh shape can be decorated prior to assembling, and after, using a large variety of holiday items such as stickers, rub-on's, stencils, paper, fabric, buttons, charms and more. Use it for creating home decor floral centerpiece, gift-giving containers, and whatever your creative mind wants to make of it ... the possibilities are limitless!

What I'm going to do is give this sleigh filled with some wrapped Avon products, as it is very durable, so that it can be used as a Christmas card holder by the recipient for years to come. This is only one-of-the-many sleigh designs that I am creating, and I'm looking into the easiest way to make them available to you without all the arduous hand-cutting of chipboard. I'd like to offer my designs to you as pre-cut chip board pieces, so we'll see what I can do. And I have a bunch more goodies (like sleigh's) to show - so keep checking back!! :0)

This sweet candy Christmas wreath idea doubles as a holiday decoration and an advent calendar. Count down the days until Santa's arrival with a special treat from the wreath. Kids will love this creative advent calendar and wreath idea.

Christmas Craft Ornament Garland – With a beautiful design that features a range of lovely pastel colors and button, string and yarn accents, this faux garland will bring a look that you are sure to love to your holiday decor. Try winding this beautiful, colorful garland throughout your Christmas tree for a lovely addition to your arrangement of ornaments, or display it above your mantel for a beautiful, colorful effect. Quality craftsmanship helps to ensure years of lasting beauty. Cheerful colors will bring a festive look to any room in your home.

The Decorated Cookie, by Meaghan, a blog about decorated cookies, painted marshmallows and other crafty sweets has a sneak-peek look at her SUGARLICIOUS 2012 book release of cookies, cupcakes, and cakes - which also covers everything you'd ever want to know about crafting sweets. A must read article about "how to get a book deal" has some solid, brilliant and spot-on-advice for anyone who has thought about publishing. I can't wait to get my hands on it as one of my New Year's resolutions is to commit to getting more enjoyable 'baking' done come next year! :0)

I love wreath's but lets face it, a "wreath is a wreath" and I can never seem to find what I'm looking for - and what I want is too expensive! That is until you find something as gorgeous and different such as these. The Red Thread, a world of design, art, craft and interiors, and whatever else catches her eye has this gorgeous PAPER CHRISTMAS WREATH TUTORIAL that you may like to re-create! I know I am. I love the 'craft-equipment' she used. I came across another Autumn Wreath design and some suitable pre-made leaf patterns to use; just size and print out - click on image to enlarge, right click mouse on enlarged image and in drop down menu "Save As..." to your digi folder!

After the Halloween hoopla, place your photo's onto your version of a Spooky Haunted House 12" x 12" scrapbook album like the fabulous creation made by Melissa Samuels at The Art of Scrapbooking!

FOR-A-DONATION! Quite frankly and sad to have to say this, but, I've had to eliminate FeedBlitz email alerts, and a few other such programs, so you will need to look-me-up in order to view my blog updates and any freebie-fun images that I may be offering. However, on some image listings, once I've received notice from PayPal of your donation (left-side column) I will be more than happy to email you the set of images listed here "unwatermarked".

For most of my "Freebie-Fun Images"and projects you'll need to join us at Paper Craft Planet.

$1.49 DONATION REQUIRED

$2.98 DONATION REQUIRED

Woman's Day Holiday Craft: Felt Stockings. Trace the stocking template onto three pieces of felt, then cut them out, using pinking shears for a decorative edge on the front. Sew the pieces together, and embellish with felt poinsettias, trees and ribbon-trimmed packages.

Creative Breathing's blog on PEPPERMINT ELVES and assortment of various other project designs made of felt, pipe cleaner pieces, floss and a bit of hand sewn stitching is not only inspirational but just too darn cute! Tutorials and patterns available!

CRAFT FOR A CAUSE! Pine Ridge Reservation.

Introducing the many faces of MR. POTATO HEAD cookies

that rocked the facebook world!

BIG POW OF COLOR! Elizabeth Allan's Art Studio share's some great tips about coloring your images with Ranger's Distress Inks on glossy paper. One that I really need to practice doing as well! :0)

Have fun,

Diane :0)

2011 (c) DZ Doodles Digital Stamps and DZ Doodles Doohikey Designs. All rights reserved. Any third party products, brands or trademarks listed above are the sole property of their respective owner. No affiliation or endorsement is intended or implied.

A Plethora of Fall and Winter Projects and Bunches of Digi-Freebie-Fun too!

2011-10-17T21:42:00.039-05:00

Hi Doodlers!

I am pretty much all Halloweened-out and thinking more of the lovely fall colors now on display throughout our area, and leaning more towards the planning of Thanksgiving and Christmas events. Leaves seem to be on my mind and how to present 'the smell' of Christmas in my home. My Christmas tree goes up following the early afternoon turkey feast with hot apple cinnamon cider, cookie treats, mint hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts and warm brie, to name a few of the treats. It's a celebration with whoever hasn't left to go sleep-off their stuffed feelings! So, to start off this Doodles Fall and Winter Celebration, and throughout the many blogs to come, I will be offering bunches of freebie's to help inspire you to get creative this holiday season! Along with project-finds from artisans I find interesting ... so "sign-up" to get all our latest news! :0)

Here are a few freebie-fun template designs you should find fun to work with. One is a simple money stocking unusually folded and the other is a half cut-out folded front card design. Click on the image to enlarge. Right click your mouse on the enlarged image and "Save As..." to your digi folder. I like to print it out and use them as templates. :0)

CRAFTY IDEA: Have you ever made Cinnamon Ornaments? Cinnamon ornaments are easy to make in any shape you desire and the aroma is fantastic. You can string many ornaments together on ribbon or string to make a festive garland. Kids can help with this project but make sure you tell them the dough is not edible!

Recipe 1

You Will Need:

1 spice bottle of cinnamon (4.25 ounces) or 1/2 C.

1/3 C. applesauce

1 Tbs. glue (Elmer’s works fine.)

Preheat oven to 200 degrees F or 100 degrees C. Place the cinnamon in a large bowl. Add the applesauce with a spatula. Stir in the glue until you have the right consistency. Gather into a ball of dough and flatten with your hands. To make rolling easier, place the dough between two pieces of plastic wrap. Roll out with a rolling pin to 1/4 inch thick. If the dough is too dry, you can add a little water. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle with more cinnamon. Use cookie cutters or a template (with a craft knife) to cut out shapes from the dough. Possible shapes include Christmas trees, stars, or birds. Use a drinking straw to punch a hole for hanging the ornament or several holes at the top for stringing on a garland. To dry the ornaments, place ornaments on a baking sheet and bake for two hours, flipping halfway through. Once the ornaments are dry, you can decorate with acrylic paint, glitter, or beads. Hang from ribbon for a single ornament or thread onto string or ribbon for a garland.

Recipe 2

This version is even more aromatic, but since this recipe version has no glue, they will take longer to dry and will be more fragile. However, I have added 1/4-cup of glue.

You Will Need:

1 C. cinnamon

1 C. applesauce

1 tsp. nutmeg

1 tsp. allspice

1 tsp. ground cloves

Combine all dry ingredients and add applesauce a little at a time, until you have the right consistency. Follow instructions as above, but keep in mind drying time will take longer (unless you add a little of the glue). Dry in the oven on low heat for around 3 hours and then let sit on wire racks overnight. Decorate when dry or leave plain. Hang with ribbon or string.

Santa and Reindeer freebie-fun image! Click on image. Right click your mouse on enlarged image and in drop down menu "Save as..." to your digi folder. Have fun and don't forget to show us what you've created by linking your post to this Oodles of Doodles News post! :0)

Peppermint Sweets Christmas Tree by STYROFOAM Brand Foam.

Always a tasty eye-catching centerpiece for the holidays.
This pretty and sweet candy Christmas decoration is quick, easy and inexpensive. And the peppermint aroma is so much a part
of the Christmastime holidays!

Days Until: Halloween/13, Thanksgiving/36, Hanukkah/63, Kawanzaa/65, Christmas/68, New Year's/75

Printable gingerbread Christmas cookie coloring sheet

with gingerbread boys and gingerbread girls.

Print and color, then cut out to make cute gift tags,

holiday decorations, tree ornaments.

Doodle Tricks and Tools: Love stamping, but sometimes you don't get the best image when using clear stamps? To get the results you want, I find these Tips and Tools help me;
Condition before use, otherwise the ink tends to pool, resulting in uneven stamped images. Simply rubbing the surface of the stamp with an eraser will do the trick.
Add a bit of cushion under your projects while stamping to get a clean, even image. Remember when a 'mouse pad' was used underneath your mouse to operate it? Instead of tossing the several that I had, they make for a great cushion under your projects. Or purchase a sheet of craft foam which works great for this purpose.
Make sure you are using an ink that's compatible with your clear stamps. I have had great results with many of the pigment inks on the market.
Stamp a layer of watermark ink [like VersaMark] first on the clear stamp. Then, add a layer of ink on top of it. That extra layer of watermark ink can help the dye ink look more even when you stamp and give you a cleaner impression.
Place the clear stamp in the "center' of the acrylic block. This way you will be less likely to rock the stamp when stamping.

Over at RED BROLLY by Bronwyn Hayes enjoy browsing about a variety of felt-flower tutorials

from bouquets to just the thing for a Christmas package toppers ... or birthday, or Mother's Day!

Stitched Felt Flowers Part 1 with Stitched Flower Instructions!

Stitched Felt Flowers Part 2 with PDF Tutorial and Flower Templates!

Here are some freebie-fun accents to add to your Christmas cards, tags, or for your tree ... the "ornament" can be enlarged to suit your photo size to be hung on the tree.

Halloween Craft: Paper Bats

by Mama King at 4 Crazy Kings

There are so many uses for these Folded Paper Bats, you'll just have to make a bunch! The little pocket on this craft bat makes it functional as well as cute. This is one of those Halloween kids craft ideas that you'll want to make year after year because it's so fun!

16 Decorative Front Door Wreaths for Fall

If you want to get a head start on fall home decor and need instructions on how to make a decorative wreath, this guide of 16 Decorative Front Door Wreaths for Fall will help you create beautiful handmade wreaths and give you plenty of fun decorative outdoor wreath and door wreath ideas that can be used anywhere in the house. To make autumn wreaths is a great way to welcome the changing seasons, and with this helpful collection of projects featuring wreath decoration ideas, you'll be on your way to making great conversation pieces.

These freebie-fun single leaves images are great to use to enhance the background freebie image (above) ... again great to print out and use as templates! :0)

CRAFTING REBELLION by Rebel Crafter, knows that she is a crafting site, not a food site, and desserts in jars are not that unique...but a really good dessert free of gluten, dairy, and egg is well, rebellious! Something moist, and rich, and comforting does not usually equal gluten free and vegan, but this cake does. She had to share this recipe she created because it really is that yummy. Those without food allergies will love it equally. I like this one because I live a glutin-free lifestyle. :0~

Tidy Mom blogger has several Halloween snacks listed, but the Candy Corn Cake, from Bird On a Cake has caught my eye because this is the only time of year when the tasty treat of candy corn comes out! I'm definitely making this one! A great cake idea for October birthday's too! :0)

SAUCY SPIDER with HAIRY LEG STICKS Recipe ...

Spin a web of doughy deliciousness with this party-perfect appetizer. If you can’t find pizza dough at your supermarket try a local pizza parlor, which will likely sell you a fresh ball. For extra effect, sprinkle the legs with poppy seeds, in addition to Parmesan.

I know this is basically a craft blog but because my lifestyle doesn't just revolve around papercrafting and stamping, I come across and hope you enjoy, the food and cookie, candy and cupcake recipe information I pass along in my blogs?! Some crochet patterns, sewing tut's, foamboard projects too, as I know that other creative outlets inspire a person to be more crafty with 'all' they enjoy doing! :0)

Diane :0)

Time to Think of Gift-Giving Packaging Templates, and "Inside" The Box!

2011-10-11T20:30:00.090-05:00

Hi Doodlers!

Sometimes you just have to wait to have all the elements of your design before you can show it properly! Here's what I came up with as a Halloween Gift-Box Idea using the Vintage Foiling technique in a previous blog and My Time Made Easy Lunch Box pattern template (without the handle to make it resemble a "tin" box). The entire thing is an inexpensive gift to give, when you think about it, instead of the usual candies - anyone can give that out! It truly will make for a memorable "keepsake".

I made up the "web" pattern template - applied it to a piece of black textured cardstock with repositional glue to hand cut around it with an Xacto knife, embossed the "boo" and glittered up a plastic spider! I carefully 'unglued' the seam of the Avon sleeves for the watch and earrings box. Using Aleene's Tacky Spray glue, each piece was sprayed and applied to the paper used as lining for the inside. Can't wait to get started on my Christmas themed gift box ideas!

I crocheted this lovely Witch Hat
to include with her Tin Gift Box!

Thinking about making one for myself,
to wear while I hand-out candy!

Apply crinkled foil to the entire template page
on opposite side of line-image - cut on line-side.

Set cut-template onto a piece of wax paper;
paint and buff-off excess paint
to allow foil to come trhough.

Overlapping paint onto wax paper
helps stabilize template while buffing.

Peel off wax paper after paint has throughly dried.
Apply pattern paper to this side of template,
reverse and cut-out-along template edge.
Piece is finished and ready for construction.

Creepy is creepy and I just love this idea and recipe because hubby and I are Jell-O-freaks! And this is the perfect Jell-O-surprise to make for him on Halloween ... he'll love it and sounds yummy! Just go to In Katrina's Kitchen to get her Creepy Beepers Halloween Jell-O recipe!

Googly-Eyed Halloween Cookies Recipe by The Decorated Cookie will have "You're cookies watching you!"

Frosted Glass Candles ... this article of Angie's over at Burton Avenue is Halloween themed but still a great gift-giving idea for a Thanksgiving Host and Christmas time "little something" to give! Angie used some clear glass Dollar Tree candle holders ($1.00 each), contact paper/cut-out design as a template using Xacto knife and #11-blade ... peel and stick on, spray and let dry, remove contact paper template and "wella!" How simple and easy is that?! I think the hard part would be what type-of-stencil design to choose from.

Crafting Up My World candy corn topiaries can easily be re-designed for Christmastime decor! I'm thinking, wrap the styrofoam balls with crunched up pieces of aluminum foil [see post on Vintage Foiling] attached using Alleen's Tacky Glue (or Spray Adhesive), or even Mod Podge. Add glittery circles of red' and green's or blues, etc., dotted with scattered snowflakes made from some of those awesome punches available! Step-by-step instructions available on her site.

ICE POPS! There is a delicious moment in the making of ice pops that simply doesn't happen with the supermarket variety, as you feel the pop slip to bonds of its frozen mold and come sliding out, still frosty but showing the first signs of melting. Your mouth waters, ready for a cold shock and a burst of intense, homemade flavors!

Set Of 12 Frozen Treat Makers available at my Dizzy Designs Commodities Store!

Chocolate Pudding Pops - Limoncello Pops

Sparkling Strawberry Pops - Blueberry-Peach Ice Pops

Click on these Cooking Class images (courtesy of Food Styling) to enlarge - right click your mouse on enlarged page(s) and in the drop down menu either "Save Picture as... or Print Picture...".

Well folks! That's all for right now ... back-to-the-drawing-board for me :0)

Diane

Creative Package Design Project and Cookies for The Holidays

2011-10-08T20:19:00.000-05:00

Hello Doodlers!

Christmas is a special time for baking and trying both new and traditional recipes. From holiday desserts to classic main dishes, Christmas is a festive season full of joy, family, friends and food.

Food and Dessert Recipes for Homemade Christmas Holiday Baking

There are many Christmas baking recipes online as well as great decorating ideas and ways to turn your Christmas baking into much appreciated gifts. You can print recipes off online, try them out, and if you like them, save them for next year.

This is just too cute and something I thought, if not sock monkey cookies, it's a great idea for something like gingerbreads - it's that time of year for them! The Sweet Adventures of Sugarebelle Sock Monkey cookies! You can even get a Sock Monkey Cookie Cutter!

FYI-REMEMBER! FREE SHIPPING $30 or more! Use Coupon Code: FS30REP - Please check availability for International orders.

And here's a place to get a Gingerbread Cookie Recipe: Cooks Recipe Search - Gingerbread Cookies for Cut-outs to use with the "Sock Monkey" or Avon's "awesomely" large Christmas Tree Cookie Form [page 157/Campaign 22 eBrochure], which will have you making "tree cookies" for everyone!! :0) Or giving them a Cookie Form as a gift! At this special $4.99 price each it makes for a great stocking stuffer too!

AND you can't let this "huge" Personalized Silicone Stocking Cake Pan [page 159/Campaign 22 eBrochure] get away at this special $9.99 price for either yourself or as a gift! I am REALLY IMPRESSED with this! And here's a Gingerbread Cake Tested Recipe from Joy of Baking that I feel is an excellent "hit" to use in this stocking form ...

I can't wait to get baking!!!

THEN THERE'S THIS AWESOME Cakes and Candy Silicone Bakeware Mold (16-molds) [page 158/Campaign 22 eBrochure] that is not only perfect to use throughout the upcoming holidays but throughout the year, for all sorts of occasions! At this $9.99 price it's a great "just a little something" bakeware mold gift for under $10.00!

And I was really "impressed" with this 3-Tiered Cupcake Stand when I got it ... nice and heavy-duty construction! Still available for a great price of $19.99 in [Campaign 21 eBrochure #604-904].

The ULTIMATE DONUT Silicone CAKE PAN [#511-450 for $12.99/2-piece set/Campaign 21 eBrochure-page 152 ] and MINI DONUT PAN and RECIPE [#190-980 for $9.99/Campaign 21 eBrochure-page 155] are now may favorites as well! AND for the price they make great $10.00 gifts that will "impress" your recipient. You could even include a "Donut" Cookbook too! Baked 'Donut' Buffins are easy and fun to make and a real comfort to snack on especially when using this Baked 'Donut' Buffins Recipe in these Avon Pans!

[To order from a past Campaign eBrochure click-on Shop My eBrochure [left side column of My Avon Website]. In the top header above Welcome, Login/Register is SHOP BY PRODUCT. Click onto it and a page will come up where all you need do is type in your product number (without the hypen between numbers i.e. 190980) and quantity, check the product name that appears. BUT BEFORE DOING THAT in the column that say's, Campaign, you are able to select the Campaign number of at least the last two Campaign's from its drop-down-menu in order to receive an item at that eBrochures prices!]. This list will then go to your shopping cart where you will be able to process your payment. How "kewl" is that?! :0)

HOST A Cookie Exchange Party or call it Baking Exchange Party! Here's the details to organize and throw your own party!

Just thought I'd toss you some awesome ideas to help you out with some early holiday gift-giving specials from Avon (or for any occasion: B-days, Bridal Showers, Thank You gifts, etc.) and tasty treat planning made from Avon's Bakeware and Cookware!

Diane :0)

Fall Holiday Homemade Craft Projects

2011-10-07T21:12:00.089-05:00

Hi Doodlers!

Nothing says "Hello, Fall" like some homemade pumpkin decorations to display around the house! Their use seems short-lived as we exit fall the day after Thanksgiving into the Christmas mind-set. So, make pumpkin inspired crafts using styrofoam, foamboard, paper mache or actual pumpkins to get your home ready for the fall festivities - Halloween and Thanksgiving! And here are some fantastic reuseable from year-to-year projects that I'd like to share with you!

CRAFTS 'N COFFEE

GLITTERED STYROFOAM PUMPKINS, using Glitter Blast spray paint from Krylon, to add a few scented candle-lit touches of fall to your home.

Kimberly created decorative 3D paper eyelet pumpkins using Spellbinders Shapeabilities Pendants: Eyelets. These approximately 4" x 4" and 2" x 2" folded eyelets pendants are lovely enough to decorate your Thanksgiving table or to accent your fall decor. Don't have the equipment or time to make these up yourself? Then head on over to my Dizzy Designs Store to purchase the pre-cut cardstock pieces to create your own 3D pumpkins!

FUNKIN + Modge Podge + Designer Papers = a beautiful re-created frosted Funkin pumpkin project like the one by Vicki O'Dell (The Creative Goddess) that lets you keep this Jack O'Lantern creation from year-to-year!

FUN⋅KINS are synthetic pumpkins that are carefully crafted and painted by hand to look just like real pumpkins. They can be carved and lit to look like spooky works of art just like pumpkins. They are made hollow so there is no scooping of seeds and pumpkin guts necessary. And they never ever rot, so carvings last forever!

Unlike any other fake pumpkins available, FUN⋅KINS are constructed of patented low density foam. About the same consistency of real pumpkins. The walls of a FUN⋅KIN are generally about one half of an inch thick (a little more for the really big ones, and a little less for the really small ones) so they are strong enough to last for years to come and endure shipping, carving, use, and storage.

ADD SOME CLEVER IDEAS to add humor and ghoulishly good fun to your Halloween event! Let your imagination take flight with Inkadinkado's "design your own mask" pattern projects! Three great projects to inspire you with helpful mask pattern downloads; Cat and Bat Mask, Flourish Mask and Spider Mask.

CLICK ON IMAGE TO
GET HOW-TO INSTRUCTIONS!

JACK FRIENDLY PUMPKINS!

The perfect decoration for that is Friendly Jack. He's a pumpkin you can create and be happy that you did.

OMG! You've heard me talk about being a "foamboard-addict" but when I came upon this article of free inexpensive foam-material Angel's and instructions WITH PATTERNS INCLUDED I just "had to share this with you"! Angels are a beautiful symbol with which to decorate your home. Whether you are decorating for the holidays or creating permanent fixtures for various rooms, this collection of angel craft projects will help you choose a lovely little angel. These angels are great Christmas crafts.You can also use your favorite angel images from the net or draw your own.
Fill your home with the soft warmth of angels as shown below.

CLICK ON IMAGE
FOR ALL THE INFO

I am in the process of re-creating these angel's in pre-cut foamboard images. They will be available for purchase in time for Christmas !!ASAP!! at my Dizzy Designs Store!

CLICK ON IMAGE TO GET PATTERN

CRYSTALIZED 3D WILD ROSE CROCHET SNOWFLAKE project - Lindsey says it's "for Mom on Mother's Day," but, I'm thinking for Mom's Christmas tree ornament added to the outside of her Christmas gift!

"Oh no" you're saying, "I don't crochet!" Keep checking my Dizzy Designs Store where they will be available. :0)

Make Decoupage Upcycled Jars! Vintage Collection - Glass Jar Reproductions It is hard to tell these items from the "old" ones. Useful, attractive pieces for the country kitchen or family room. Ideal for gift giving.. fill with their favorites!

WANT TO MAKE VINTAGE LOOKING CRAFTS? Watch this How-To-Make Look of Forged Metal with Aluminum Foil with EcoHeidi and learn a fun and exciting craft technique (or view her video of how it's done)! This is a vintage craft technique that was used in the 1960's to create fantastic decorative pieces! All you need is some aluminum foil from your kitchen and a willingness to learn something new. You'll want to use this technique over and over again.

When using cardstock, such as for box or mug-coffee cup templates, instead of adhering with Aleene's Tacky "Liquid" Glue use the Tacky Spray adhesive to attach foil and pattern paper pieces - works great, quick and easy! Heavy spraying gives you more time to attach the foil to the cardstock and any embellishment designs you've applied under the foil.

I created something fun using My Time Made Easy Lunch Box Template made from posterboard I found at Dollar Tree, 2-sheets for $1.00. I cut the 28" x 22" sheet into six pieces of, 8-1/2" x 11" sizes to fit into my inkjet printer. Posterboard does-not-at-all go through ink jet printers where it pulls the sheet up and around, so I advise you to use a printer that just draws the posterboard down to print on.

Of course, I had to re-design some aspects of it to suit my structural improvements and I lined it with pattern paper pieces (applied with spray glue) all prior to assembling the parts. You wouldn't need to do what I did unless you were as persnickety as I am about structual details of a finished project - I don't make things simple for myself!

I designed a spider web and used my Xacto knife to cut-out the web details. I spray glued and glittered a plastic spider and added brads. I didn't add the handle piece because I wanted it to resemble a tin box. When completed it perfectly housed my Halloween gift-giving AVON products - my Avon Unit Manager was amazed when she found out that it wasn't "tin" and made with posterboard and foil and that the Ghost Watch [C-20/page 150], Pumpkin Earrings box [C-20/page150] and four Harvest Lip Balms [C-20/page 195] "just fit" inside so nicely (total cost of Avon products $22.74+tax). She was really impressed! This is a gift for my youngest goblin! (I'm in a rush to get this post out to you and waiting on the lip balms via mail. So I'll show you the finished images on my next post if not sooner).

I'm also creating another "Lunch Box Avon Set" using Avon's Snowman or Snowflake Watch/available NOW in the Avon HOLIDAY 2011 eBrochure on page 18-19, Angelic Inspirations Mary Birthstone Angel Necklace/available NOW Campaign 22 page 119 [9/27-10/11], and four Tis' The Season Lip Balms/ available NOW Campaign 22 page 193 [9/27-10/11].

POLYMER CLAY + STAMPS = Keri Lee Sereika's BEAUTIFUL CLAY BUTTON embellishment How-To! And I made sure to print this one out to keep it in my How-To file ... if you're unable to re-create something now that you think you could use someday, always make a print-out. I have a notebook of How-To printouts with tabbed inserts labeled with things such as, Clay Works, Template Designs, Card Design Ideas, etc. - this way I can browse through the notebook at my leisure and be inspired!

Diane :0)

Vist my newly designed Dizzy Designs Store where I'll be offering Avon deals, specials, and many of the things that I create! Although I'm still working on most of it, just click on the tabs, I'm constantly trying to add items as I get them done ... if they don't sell to my friends and neighbors before I get to do so!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like "BOO-time" Everywhere You Go!

2011-09-30T18:00:00.005-05:00

A Boo-Doodles Hi!

Once again, it's almost that wonderfully witching time of year - Halloween! Never has Halloween been more popular than it is today. What used to be primarily a night for kids to dress up in elaborate costumes and ring neighborhood doorbells for treats has turned into a big-time party event.

Today, adults are hosting more and more Halloween parties for the kids and having just as much fun as the youngsters. They are going all out to make indoor celebrations big events for little ghosts and goblins, with spooky decorations, fun costumes and yummy treats. So much fun!

To help ease some of your planning ideas I thought I'd share something I came across the other day. Bird's Party Magazine has a Halloween Special of Spooktacular Parties! Stunning seasonal ideas and birthday inspiration from renowned designers, events stylists and party bloggers!

Glad so many of you left comments about the freebie Christmas images offered in my last blog, I appreciate your thank you's and sentiments and would really love to see what you've created (attach it to that blog entry whenever you've created something so others can see too)!

BUT! Here's THREE MORE images that I'm offering for a limited time only as freebie's!!

Over at Crissy's Crafts {fresh and easy crafts on a budget} she shows you her HAUNTED HOUSE cut-out design made out of poster board. Now I'm a "foamboard-addict" and this has given me another idea-way to re-create something similar! Thanks Crissy!

Spider by Kathy Shaw

Kathy Shaw's gorgeous beaded spider ... scroll down the blog page to her spider collection photo's offered on Etsy (you may need to join her site in order to get access to her studio).

Christmas Spider Legend

On Christmas eve, a long time ago, a gentle mother was busily cleaning the house for the most wonderful day of the year... Christmas day, the day on which the little Christ child came to bless the house. Not a speck of dust was left. Even the spiders had been banished from their cozy corner on the ceiling. They had fled to the farthest corner of the attic.

The Christmas tree was beautifully decorated. The poor spiders were frantic, for they could not see the tree, nor be present for the little Christ child's visit. Then the oldest and wisest spider suggested that perhaps they could wait until everyone went to bed and then get a closer look.

When the house was dark and silent, the spiders crept out of their hiding place. When they neared the Christmas tree, they were delighted with the beauty of it. The spiders crept all over the tree, up and down, over the branches and twigs and saw every one of the pretty things.

The spiders loved the Christmas tree. All night long they danced in the branches, leaving them covered with spider webs. In the morning, when the little Christ child came to bless the house, he was dismayed! He loved the little spiders for they were God's creatures, but he knew the mother, who had worked so hard to make everything perfect, would not be pleased when she saw what the spiders had done.

With love in his heart and a smile on his lips, the little Christ child reached out and gently touched the spider webs. The spider webs started to sparkle and shine! They had all turned into sparkling, shimmering silver and gold.

According to legend, ever since this happened, people have hung tinsel on their Christmas trees. It has also become a custom to include a spider among the decorations on the Christmas tree.

A TIRED SOAP PUMP HOLIDAY PROJECT IDEA: If you're tired of looking at the same old soap pump and are looking for a replacement soap pump, check out this Mod Podge Soap Pump Tutorial from Victoria Lavertu, which will show you how to create cheerful liquid soap dispenser pumps, perfect for a bathroom pump soap dispenser.

Materials:

A soap pump that's ugly/outdated/out of season

Mod Podge

Sponge brush

Scrapbooking paper

Scissors or cutter

Pencil/marking utensil

Ribbon or embellishment of your choice

Hot glue gun

Instructions:

1. Measure to see how much of the pump you want covered. Measure up to where the sticker goes, and measure around it. 2. Cut your piece of paper to the measured size. 3. Pull out your Mod Podge and apply it to where you need covered. 4. Carefully place your paper onto the soap pump on the appropriate spot. Smooth the paper as well as you can. 5. Apply the Mod Podge over the paper. 6. Let dry and reapply another coat. 7. Once it's dry, you can embellish as you wish. 8. For the ribbon, line it up along the top and the bottom, and hot glue it on.

ARTIST: Deena Ziegler

Transform your candles into something more stylish. All it takes is a few decorative touches and you! Sizzix Texture Impressions, many of them on sale, make creating for the home a snap!

I know some of you out there 'crochet' and like me you're always looking for gift-giving patterns that are quick and easily made up. For birthday's, but the Holidays especially, I love to give a 'container' of some sort of papercrafted boxey thing that I've designed, as a gift that includes the 'YUMMY' bath & body products AVON has with a little something I've crocheted included! Here's a BATH BUDDY MITT crochet pattern I always use and you may want to too! I don't add the floppy ears or facial details. It uses Lily Sugar'n Cream cotton yarn, and I've crocheted it using the nylon netting 6" wide strips pre-cuts (with and without the cotton yarn-instructions below) for an all-over-body sluffing.

Lily Sugar'n Cream yarn (or just yarn) and NYLON NETTING Scrubbies: Crafters are making a handy kind of dish or body scrubber, called scrubbies, using yarn and nylon netting, which they then give as gifts, sell to others or use in their own homes. Instead of buying dishcloths and scrubbers, make your own scrubbies. If you crochet, you can easily combine yarn and nylon netting to make a supply of scrubbies.

Difficulty:: Moderately Easy

1 yard nylon netting
Butterfly clips
Scissors
1 ball worsted-weight yarn
Crochet hooks, size G and K

Fold the netting lengthwise until you have a narrow length of material. Clip the netting, using your butterfly clips. Space the clips about three inches apart, then cut the folded netting so each piece is two and 1/2 inches wide. Roll each piece of netting into a ball. Then, as you are ready to add a new ball, tie the end of the new ball to the end you have crocheted.
Put one ball of the netting you cut earlier together with your yarn, matching the ends.
Crochet a foundation chain of 15 chain stitches, using your K crochet hook. The 15th chain is your turning chain. Turn your work.
Make one chain stitch and begin crocheting one single crochet (SC), starting with the second chain from your hook. Make one SC into each chain stitch to the end of the row for row 1. Crochet one turning chain and turn your work.
Repeat row 1, adding new nylon netting strips as you use up a strip. One scrubbie should take four strips of nylon netting.
Tuck in the loose end of the final strip using your G crochet hook after fastening off.

Diane :0)

Vist my newly designed Dizzy Designs Store where I'll be offering Avon deals, specials, and many of the things that I create! Although I'm still working on most of it, just click on the tabs, I'm constantly trying to add items as I get them done ... if they don'rt sell to my friends and neighbors before I do!

Paper Craft Like A Kid Again and Three Christmas FREEBIES!

2011-09-20T21:59:00.039-05:00

Hi Doodlers!

Back-to-school is a time when you want to get out your own scissors, paper and glue to paper craft like a kid again, because there's no reason to stop now that you're an adult! What with the season changing and the autumn days on their way, the fall season offers so many opportunities to decorate with papr crafts, including harvest festivals, Halloween and Thanksgiving, and the approaching winter holidays!

The Sweet Adventures of Sugarbelle's Slice and Bake Candy Corn Cookies includes her recipe and how-to recreate your own batch ... put them into a Dollar Store bought glass jar which makes the perfect Halloween treat-gift!

Crafts 'n Coffee has some unique and "oh so cute" styrofoam Halloween Pumpkins with Personality Plus! that I know you'll enjoy recreating, or be inspired to creat your own images! Step-by-step instructions link is also included.

DARICE CRAFTING PRODUCTS - Styrofoam & Dylite Items

Since we're on the 'baking' subject for Halloween here is a DZ Doodles Digi limited time freebie's offer for those batches of Christmas Cookies you'll be creating! We'd love seeing what you can create with these images!

And our Rosalien created these adoreable cards from some of the Christmas Collection images!

P.S. Help CRAFTSY keep a kid warm this winter!

Diane :0)

Shop My Avon eBrochure Free Direct Delivery with your $10 order. Enter AUTUMN2011 code by 9/23/11 midnight at checkout! Visit my Avon Blog to see the list of fantastic BUY NOW and SAVE's that I've found!

2011 (c) DZ Doodles Rubber Stamps and DZ Doodles Doohikey Designs. All rights reserved. Any third party products, brands or trademarks listed above are the sole property of their respective owner. No affiliation or endorsement is intended or implied.

DZ Doodles Goes Rubber Laser Cut Clings!

2011-09-14T06:53:00.046-05:00

Hello Doodlers!

Dear me, "WOW"! Ever so often I browse a sites policies and have found sites that proclaim a "zero tolerance policy" in regards to "sharing" copyright materials; some have gone so far as to state that if you are caught sharing files and there's solid proof, you are instantly banned AND FACE THE POSSIBILITY of having your username, email address and IP address on a "blacklist" shared amoungest other digital community owners.

I know sharing and "pirating" is inevitable in the digital world, but, I'm not policing buyer's friends and families (and the list most likely goes on and on) to make sure that they bought it, or shared it. And if I have to have a "nasty" policy statement, a Blacklist threat about the consequences, then I need to move on into a different route of making them available ... which leads me to announce my decision to go rubber laser cut clings with the majority of my image designs. But the real reason for the change is that I am finally able to take the route that I wanted to in the beginning! Plus I miss "stamping"! There will be more details as soon as everything is ready to go.

ORGANIZE IDEA! This is one of those ideas that you say to yourself "why didn't I think of that". Over at Rock It Like June Cleaver she's got a great monthly CHORE CHART creation which is not only a tangible way for children to remember what they need to do each day (throughout the month) it would be a fantastic hands-on crafter's planner too! Just think, no more excuses because you'll remember those "projects you've gotta do", events you want to attend, special occassion cards you need to create (ahead of time!), and so much more!

I save a variety of this 'n that's for re-purposing purposes. Most of the time I haven't a clue for their use, but it looks-like something I need to hold onto. Family (especially) ask all the time, "Why do you have so much of ______ ... what are you using it for"?! I tell them that I don't know (or try to fake that I do), but as usual I'm thankful that I did when a time comes that I come across a project idea that a re-purpose piece of my collection can be substituted.

I collect "back boards" from my art tablets and found one large enough to make my project version of the Chore Chart shown above; 18-3/8" Long (18.375) x 23-5/8" Wide (23.625). This board is 1/16-inch thick and sturdy enough to take abuse. I began determing my layout by first figuring square sizes for each day of the week verses a calendar's 5-rows of the week for the month. After drawing my 1/4"-border around all of the sides and adding a 1-inch wide "day's of the week strip" on top, from inside that space, each pocket size came to 3-1/2" Long (3.50) x 3" Wide (3.00). This left me a side panel size of 18-3/8" Long x 2-1/8" Wide strip to use for my 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" month squares that are held in place with velcro, making them easily interchangeable each month. You'll have to wait to see my finished project because I'm still trying to find time to finish it.

Occassionally I'll collect a jar that various products come in if they've got some shape or design that I like. I've found that sauce jars are cleverly shaped once you remove their labels and some are really cute! I especially like the ones that have the glass embedded measurements on the side of the jar. Never knew what I was going to use them for other than gifting with cookie mixture or soup ingredients and a recipe card attached. On the other hand, I've been wanting to do 'something' creative and decorative to have an herb garden in my kitchen. Stacy's blog 'Not Just a Housewife' article, MASON JAR WALL PLANTER design is 'just the idea' I was looking for! Thanks Stacy for sharing and I thought I'd share it with you too!

I have to invest in this system ... it's just too 'organized'!

The Scrap Rack Organization Product

Halloween's going to be here sooner than you think and here are some 'just too cute' ideas that I stumbled upon and had to share with you ... I just love both of them!

Gotta have these cup cakes to go with the shoes below!

How to make recycled Halloween 'witch shoes' featured over at the blog Craft Test Dummies. Ladies, wouldn't these be great to wear to work on Halloween?! :0) It gives everyone "just a 'hint' about your after hour plans".

C20/Brochure ... Avon's Best Offers Ever! SHOP MY BROCHURE ONLINE HERE!.

SAVE 'BIG' ON AN EXOTIC
TROPICAL VACATION
FOR THE SENSES
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I want to take this time to mention that I've decided to sell Avon and want to thank you ahead of time for your support. Visit my Avon website and shop online 24/7! Within no time your delivery will be at your door! :0) I've listed just some of the great deals that Campaign 20 Brochure has to offer. Last date to order from this brochure is Sept. 26th, 2011!

I just got my order of the watches listed below and they are JUST GORGEOUS! You won't be disappointed ... I love them all!

YOU'LL HATE YOURSELF FOR PASSING UP
THIS GREAT "STOCKING STUFFER" SAVINGS!
BUY ONE and GET ONE FOR $5.00

MY ABSOLUTE "FAVORITE" BATHING PRODUCTS!!!!
I dare you ... I double dare you, to try it at this price, BUY ONE and GET ONE FREE
and not fall in love with it too!

HALLOWEEN'S CUTEST TREAT SEEKER "PETE"
Buy Now and Save $19.99

THERE'S NOTHING LIKE
WARM BRIE FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

Thanks for stopping by!

Diane

Box Within a Box and Mechanical Skeleton

2011-09-11T10:51:00.152-05:00

Hello Doodlers!

With summer coming to a close and the first of fall breezes in the air - it's time to start thinking about making those autumn holiday projects. Halloween and Thanksgiving in particular. But, I also want to take this time to mention that our project challenges will eventually resume and many of the other activities Valerie always has planned, as soon as family medical issues get resolved and she's able to get back-on-track again with her crafting! We hope it will be soon ... so, please give her a shout-out of encouraging wishes and prayer's to help her and hubby get through this challenging time (to your right, just under Google Translate where it says, LETS CHIT-CHAT/Pop up my CBox, click on that to bring a drop down menu to type your message onto). Just so you know, I'm trying to hold down the fort!

Here's a freebie Box-In-a-Box Doohikey Design Template ... I just love the ability to make it itty bitty or as large as my program paper print-out can create it! No matter how you size it, both template pieces fit into one another. We're excited to see what you come up with in your project ideas using this template, so please attach a photo of your finished project to this post ASAP! NOTE: To acquire image, click on line image shown to enlarge. Right click your mouse on enlarged image and in drop down menu "SAVE AS" to your computer's digi folder. If you prefer not to have the "score lines" I print out varying template sizes using posterboard pieces [cut 8-1/2" x 11" to fit into my printer] and draw around each using a pencil, which is easily eraseable.

It's now that time of the year where the holidays begin with a fun and sweet event. Halloween is the start and I love bringing out my Dizzy Doodles Mechanical Skeleton Design to cut out in plenty of time for you to have fun creating projects ... this freebie is available for a limited time only! Simply print-out your desired size, cut out between soild and broken line, attach skeletal pieces usinging itty-bitty brads or eyelets. NOTE: To acquire image, click on line drawing image to enlarge. Right click your mouse on enlarged image and in drop menu 'Save As' to your computers digi folder.

I love one-of-a-kind photo frames especially as a gift and to give and Heidi Brochers Cool2Craft Network has a Photo Frame video that shows a vintage technique, the look of embossing, using Aleene's Tacky glue! She also shows how a "taped nozzle" helps create fine glue lines! It never dawned on me to do this, but now I know. :0)

Are you thinking of gifts for a crafter's birthday, for the holiday's, the 'Santa' gift for Christmas? This 4 Post easy-to-use Ribbon Carousel is compact, and uses less than 7-square inches on a crafter's workspace. A great value with minimal assembly! I've gotta get myself at least two! Also available, is a large selection of ribbon and the original "Bow Easy" making template which makes gorgeous bows for your projects in seconds!

A DELECTIBLE DELIGHT and CONTAINER TOO! I'd like to say that I DON'T purposely buy these plastic container's just for their re-purposing use, but instead, because they are filled with lucious strawberries ... you do have to admit that they make great containers for storing just about anything small enough to collect in them; easily stackable and see-thru too!

Online Editor of Clothe, Paper, Scissors, Studio Magazine's WE CAN RELATE, IN OUR OWN WAY is an inspirational web article about your favorite studio organization or decor tips now that crafters are about to embark on the "heavy-duty" project months of the year. Even I found that although I have a bedroom as my studio it still could use some improvement on its layout and organization!

Find thousands of projects to help inspire your next crafty creation at CRAFTSY! There's amazing deals on crafting tools and supplies, get advice from renowned craft experts and enjoy popular online courses ... show off your favorite projects too!

You've got to see this ~SOUTH PARK WELCOME SIGN~

Remember those 'Memory' games as a kid? Not sure what you would define as 'challenging' but there's something charming about its simplicity. So, over at EAT-DRINK-CHIC Amy Moss created a bit of cute fun by re-creating the game with a slight twist. Amy calls them, Popsicle Memory Game by replacing the 'cards' with paper posicles. Sooo cute! Scroll down to the end of the article and pick up the freebie 'in color' pre-designed popsicle PDF file. And don't forget to read beneath that the How to Play Rules refresher (tee-hee). I'm adding this game project to my gift's for the kids list!

August 7th blog post introduced you via video to the Pop/Soda Can Die Cut Flowers. If you haven't the time for collecting cans and cutting them (machine and die cut expense) then let me help ease your want and desire to create projects with them. While quantities last, by that I mean as long as you show an interest in buying them, I've packaged and making available the SU FLOWER, Daisies #2 Pop/Soda Can Cuts. Each package contains 3/3-piece sets (3-small (1-1/2"), 3-medium (2-1/4"), 3-large (3-1/4") at $4.49 which includes shipping for each (no shipping discount on quantity purchases). Visit Dizzy Designs Store TAB!

DIZZY DESIGNS DOOHIKEY MUG-O-MINE CREATIONS ARE 'BUY NOW' AVAILABLE TOO! I will be adding a variety of numerous items throughout the coming months that I've been creating and making available as BUY NOW'S! Hope you will check-it-out under the 'TAB' above called, DZD Doohikey Designs Store!

Diane ;0)

Paper Mugging's?! Using DZ Doodles Doohikey Interlock Pattern Design!

2011-08-20T00:22:00.153-05:00

Hello Doodlers!

Lately the world seems so unpredictable, creating some tough times for many of us. But it seems to me, rather than abandoning crafting pursuits, creative people are more passionate than ever about stamping and scrapbooking. It may not be a livelihood, but a lifeline to feeling sane in a trubulant world.

Still, you can't eat paper, rubber and ink, or embellishments. If you've got limited resources and one (or more) of life's financial emergency's arise, that will most likely deplete the crafting budget for a time. With "back to school" cost in mind, many of us are saying, "we've been negatively affected by the economy" and can't afford the kinds of supplies we were planning to purchase. This got me thinking about what DZ Doodles could do to help ease the crafting budget woe's? I hope to offer more DZ Doodles Digi Stamp "limited time only" freebie images and even a few DZ Doodles Doohikey Designs "limited time only" Template's as they are created. Your comments and suggestions, photo attachments, are greatly appreciated as you use them!

Tough times will always come around, and they will go. But crafters can always make do when they make and do. After all, we're creative!

And on that note, the other day I opened my cubboard, after having my fav coffee mug handle break, and noticed that half of two shelfs were filled with a pile up of an unwarranted collection of "gift mugs" that I'm not able to part with and because of that didn't realize I had collected ... one or two for "da-da-da-memorable year birthday's," one or two celebrating a holiday, an illness, having surgeries, and so on. I was quilt-ridden as I sorted each one as either a shelf keeper, garage seller, or Goodwill-ish.

I also came across a reasonably priced program called, CraftArtist Program by DaisyTrail. The ultimate application for any print project! An exciting new range of digital crafting products that contain all the tools needed to easily and quickly make professional-looking print projects at home. There are templates and graphics for all types of projects – everything from photobooks, tags and invitations to greeting cards, gift bags and scrapbooks. This Platinum edition contains these 4 products: Wedding Day, Baby Photos, Greeting Cards and Scrapbooks, making it incredible value for money. Compatible with cutting machines too!

Since we are entering into the candy season, I found a Bakerville sweet inspiration, "Goodie Goodie Gumdrop" recipe to have fun with. Gumdrops are an old-fashioned favorite candy. It's a perect activity to make during the hloidays and makes a tasty homemade gift! Also look into their other Bite-Size Sweet and Easy Recipes!

Then there's an adorable packaging idea that I came across in Stampin' Up's just released Holiday Mini Catalog (page to your left). All of this will be listed on the Stampin' Up site the first of September! Howl-o-ween Creeps Stamp set; wood: 123827 @ $21.95 and clear: 123829 @ $16.95, Cellophane Bag - 124134 each measures 1" x 8". 50 per pkg @ $2.50. Use candy or lollipop molds to form interesting shapes. Read more: How To Make Gumdrops

Diane :0)

2011 (c) DZ Doodles Rubber Stamps and DZ Doodles Doohikey Designs. All rights reserved. Any third party products, brands or trademarks listed above are the sole property of their respective owner. No affiliation or endorsement is intended or implied.

Projects To Help Motivate ... use the coming months free time "craft-wisely"!

2011-08-07T18:14:00.096-05:00

Hi Doodlers!

Ahhh ... a good thunderous evening downpour with lightening lighting up the night sky is just the thing to re-energize a person, especially when it takes the humidity with it, and you're able to open windows to breath again. For me the anticipation for fall because of summer's cabin fever, is less of a concern although it will be here soon enough. The elementary school down the street from us and the high school just up the road are adding all sorts of announcements to their billboards. "UGH!" The early morning and afternoon traffic build-up is here again. But, for those of you with children, I know you'll enjoy all that free time as it's that time of year for you to get-down to working on projects!

So that means, we here at DZ Doodles have to keep you inspired! We're thinking we can do a great job of trying with all of our "to the end of the year" plans for posting, freebies, and Doohikey Designs! We hope you will continue to grow with DZ Doodles. Who knows what's next! Your ideas and projects are welcomed so please leave a comment on our blog ... don't miss a Oodles of Doodles News post, scroll down to our FOLLOWERS to "Join this site" (right side).

Pop/Soda Can Die Cut Flowers

by Kim Burmeister

While browsing my Stampin' Up demo's video collection I found her video for aluminum can die cut flowers that she calls, Pop Can Flowers and thought it was something that would be fun to do! So of course I had to place an order for that particular die cut. Of course none of this is new to many of us, but it's always nice to be re-reminded of those older ideas and perhaps to re-think new materials-use, like mylar, or lightweight plastics. Hmmm, wonder what would happen using shrink wrap with this die cut? Of course, viewing other YouTube videos I came across one that uses Stampin' Up's Snowflake #2 in the same way. YAY! Let's recycle!

My way to begin cutting your pop/soda cans (learned this in the late 60's when crochet beer can hats were all the rage) is to use a hand-held can opener to cut around the rim. This removes the entire top piece and is the easiest way to clean the can - use a damp-dry paper towel to swipe out the inside and well-la start cutting! This makes cutting into the can with your scissors, from the top, easier, quicker, and stays "dry" without having to begin by fumbling around with the entire top section. Just snip the metal ring and continue cutting ... always remember,"carefully"! SUGGESTION: We would always wear a cotton pair of gloves because in addition to cutting numerous squares from the can strips, paper punched holes had to be made around each one for crochet stitiches.

Since I'm on a roll here regarding "recycling" projects, how about this one using beans and plastic soda pop bottles to create a gorgeous "gift-giver" vase! Heck, I'm thinking of one for myself. And how about just cropping off the top of plastic juice drink bottle to create another shaped vase! Egads! So much fun, for so little money, for gorgeous crafting projects that I bet no one would hardly know you're so cheap ... I mean thrifty (tee-hee). Recycle badly worn, and those not so good enough for even Goodwill jeans or your can't bare-to-part with "fav-pair" of jeans into a fashionable JEANS PURSE ... little girl or big this is such a cute idea and easy tutorial to follow!

I CROCHET "A LOT" and sell most of what I make by word-of-mouth or at craft fairs. Everyone's always asking me to teach them to crochet, and as much as I try to send them away with the basics, I'm always their hotline for pattern questions. My Polish Grandmother, Francis Mary, who immigrated from Poland at age 15 taught me early on the craft of crocheting, either by sight or hands-on ... her thread crochet lessons were a blessing. Although I didn't really begin to appreciate what I had learned, even watching her do stitches and projects I could only think about doing, it wasn't until the afghan craze hit the market in the 70's that I began to apply all that knowledge into making afghans ... after all I knew all the stiches and project outcomes. I feverishly crocheted afghan's for everyone! A few years before "Busha" passed away, she made me a vest from yarn and "oh-oh" that was my start to crocheting clothing (and everything else) ... Busha was always my hotline! Although I lean toward thread crochet, for those of you who "ask to be taught to crochet," especially using yarn which is easiest to use, I came across CROCHET ME Special Offer that may give you the incentive to pick up a hook and learn the art of crochet too! It's as rewarding as card making and scrapbooking!

With school starting soon, here's a Cool Crochet Backpack, Stashbuster Safety Helmet Backpack, and Crochet Bookbag FREE PATTERNS to whip up for the kids - easy patterns to entice you to begin crocheting or to add to your crochet pattern collection.

This candle project idea just had me saying, "OMG why didn't I think of this!" And what a beautiful gift to give anyone, anytime of the year?! We all love the aroma of candles and your recipient can enjoy the attractive look as well as the enticing scent of candles! Candle-gift yourself first!! :0)

Diane :0)

Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will spend its whole life believing it is stupid. - Albert Einstein

Punch-Punch-Punch Craft Punches add creative design to projects!

2011-08-05T18:15:00.031-05:00

Bursts Of Creativity has a project idea for those TONS of buttons - Button Magnets! This now has me thinking of using other "stuff" for magnet projects as well for gift-giving card stuffers!

Martha Stewart Punches are so wonderful and she's made a punch-addict out of me with all the awesome punches she's come out with! Scroll down Scrapbook website for some video information Martha Stewart Crafts - Punches . HSN debuted Martha Stewart Craft Paint Line on July 21st.

Want to add some "knot" interest to your crafting projects? Then KNOT GALLERY has not only a gorgeous Heart Knot video but also a variety of other knotted video ideas for you to learn to make! Just click on the "index" button to view them all - to view the YouTube video, below the image photo is a link that says "Click here to learn how to tie the _____".

For those of you who may not of seen this, PaperCrafts has this adoreable JPEG or PDF "Smooches Lollipop Card by Kim Hughes" available for download. It's always good to send someone a smooch anytime throughout the year!

Just when you think you've seen everything there is in using materials to create your own stamps, someone comes up with another way to create stamps for us stamp enthusiast! If your thinking of the possibilities of designing your own stamps this How-To: No-Carve Stamps tutorial is a simple way! And the results? Clear stamps just like the ones you buy at the craft stores, but made in any design and pattern you want, in any size.

We hope you enjoy your viewing and find things you like ... your ideas and projects are welcomed - please leave a comment on our blog.

FUN EXCUSES TO CELEBRAT IN AUGUST

Aug 3rd - National Watermelon Day

Aug 4th - National Chocolate Chip Day

Aug 7th - Friendship Day

Aug 8th - Dollar Day

Aug 10th - S'Mores Day

Aug 16th - Roller Coaster Day

Aug 22nd - Be An Angel Day

Aug 25th - Kiss and Make Up Day

Aug 28th - Dream Day

Aug 30th - National Toasted Marshmallow Day

P.S. For some template fun, become a member of DZ Doodles Group over at Paper Craft Planet and pick yourself up some freebie image offers!

Diane :0)

How wonderful is it that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world -Anne Frank

Try Fresh Techniques and Tools ... Freebie Too!

2011-07-16T22:01:00.032-05:00

I can hardly believe that the year is half over with and it means it's time to wrap up some projects that I have started and not finished. I've abandoned these projects because they needed something I couldn't quite put my finger on. After getting some feedback and viewing some new techniques to energize my project-mindset, I'm getting my creativity flowing again!

So, take time for yourself this summer. Immerse yourself in a design and techniques workshop in your area. Expand your horizons and learn new techniques. :0) Strathmore has FREE Visual Journal online workshops ... they have a PDF workshop series available or scroll to the bottom of the page to sign up! And for you digi scrappers and crafters Scrapbooking Gems by Genie Balfour offers FREE Exclusive Sketches - just click on the SKETCHS tab! Experimentation is all part of the fun and you might find that one technique and tool that just makes crafting SO much fun!

Oh "wow"! Over at Two Peas in a Bucket they've got a wonderful Class Lesson: Scrapbook Stamping video by Nichol Magourik on making your own pattern paper. Although it's called Scrapbook Stamping, those of us who are card crafters or paper project crafters will enjoy this video's information ... it sure inspired me to be more creative! I'm always searching the paper aisle looking for that just right paper print and color to go with my design elements, and it seems, it's seldom or never out there when I need it. This video has opened me up to all sorts of possibilities in making my own stamped paper that will compliment my project and lessen my crafting woe's.

If you are not into all that stamping, Paper Wishes is the place to go for HOTP Color Me Sampler Packs. Don't forget to view the Color Me 2 Featured Webisode too! Of course, video webisodes from Paper Wishes new 'Stamp Camp' program is full of exciting products to work with along with some inspirational designing! Be sure to DOWNLOAD THIS VIDEO to add them to your video collection. Then you'll always have it at your finger tips.

Viva Decor has such an amazing array of products! A new arrival over at SCACD is an embellishment product called, Crystal Gel! And, if you're my age, who hasn't played with Shrink Plastic?! Jane Johnson at Whiff of Joy Stamps has a tutorial on making shrink plastic BUTTONS and making some SANTA EARRINGS. These Santa earrings, or something similar in design, would be just too cute for gift-giving a little 'something' when added to a matching card?! Hmmmm, already this has got me thinking of Christmas card ideas with a gift. OMG! Shrink Plastic holiday pendnat pins too! Pink Persimmon has a Banner Pendant tutorial by Nancy Grant that uses stamp sets sized for Shrink Plastic projects. Click on their 'Clear Stamps' tab to see their assortment of stamps!

I've noticed that buttons are all the rage to use on projects, but they can be awfully bulky and heavy in mailing a project. I came across Sculpey Ultra Light Oven Bake Clay after making some molds using Suze Weinberg's Mold-n-Pour Quick Set Custom Mold Compound that creates three dimensional embellishments - I now know I'd go crazy re-creating many objects other than just buttons with this stuff! :0) It's available at Scrapbooking Warehouse! I did come across this Etsy site called, Silicone Molds by Mold Muse and found a wonderful variety of pre-made molds for sale! For even more variety Mad About Molds is another site of pre-made molds that you should visit too!

Freebie ~ Freebie ~ Freebie!

This image was ONLY available for a limited time ...
until July 31st 2011 12:00pm CST.

Use this freebie digi image on your project ... by adding an image of your project in the Links To This Post you will receive another free image via your email of this unpublished digi series of images (to make delivery easy, be sure to leave me your email address). If you've acquired this image prior to the limited availability deadline and haven't had time to create something with it, you can still add your project ... it's the only way to get a free emailed image!

NOTE: To add your "project" to this post (or any post on this blog) click on, Comments. Click on the POST A COMMENT below the list of comments left. Type in Leave Your Comment - Santa Lapland. Scroll down and add Word Verification. Scroll down and click on NAME/URL - in the Name area enter either Santa Lapland or site/blog name. In the URL area you must first type in the "http:// " followed by your site/blog address unless of course you copy-paste your site/blog info for that particular page. You will see how it works when you click on the comment in "red" that says DIANE. :0)

We hope you enjoy your viewing and find things you like ... your ideas and projects are welcomed -

please leave a comment on our blog.

Diane :0)

Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the floor each morning, the devil says ~ "Oh crap, she's up!"

DZ Doodles Plaqued With The Mundane!!!

2011-07-10T02:05:00.023-05:00

Sorry, I've been plaqued with the mundane tasks of everyday issues ... the blog and crafting needed to take a backseat! And my biggest issue was cleaning out the apartment storage area located in the basement. My heartbreak was the decision to sell my porcelain doll collection that's been in storage for years! Reality has finally set in that there'll never be room to display them like I once did in a house. Besides, I have other interests now that take up plenty of space as it is! :0) If interested she's available under my Dizzy Designs Store tab.

Amoungest my many creative hobbies I'm a clay-addict, although I haven't had time to create, I did come across these adorable handcrafted originals by Buttonwilloe that make for great gift-giving ideas!

And for you pursey-people, another addiction of mine as well, Mel Stampz has Purse Templates Galore that you'll truly enjoy using!! :0) And she uses some awesome crafting techniques that you could also apply to scrap pages and card crafting or any paper craft project!

Even though the "mundane issues" are preventing me from staying on-top-of-my-crafting projects, I did manage to quickly throw this card idea together - actually it was a quick card creation that I needed for a birthday! I'm not particularly pleased with the background idea for the front, but it's cute and got rave reviews ... just love the simplicity of the pop-up character inside.

Now I don't know about you, but when I would look for a card in the card aisle, I was always on-the-hunt for one with a 'wow' factor whether it was on the outside or in the inside. I'm a pop-up-card-fanatic and have an extensive collection of books by authors who have done some amazing pop-up designing - as well as a collection of cards from friends. I have done some elaborate card designs based on some of theses authors creations that I've given to family and friends. But this card in its simplicity has the 'wow' factor to bring a smile on your recipient's face and perhaps a few chuckles within as they entertain themselves by pinning the tail on the donkey (held on by velcro). Images are handrawn by me and only availabe for purchase as part of 'my projects' for sale under Dizzy Designs Store tab!

MELTED ICE CREAM CUPCAKES! Confessions of a Cookbook Queen says that ice cream is such a fun summer party theme, and you don't have to save it for just birthdays. Slumber parties and cook-outs are the perfect excuse to serve these fun treats.

Plus, people will think that you worked really hard on them and you will get tons of compliments. And all the other moms will spend the rest of their born days trying to live up to the party treat standard you've set!

To keep your creativity flowing duing these dog days of summer I've got some freebie card template shapes, listed in our FREEBIES tab, that you may want to use on your next project (or scrap page). I'll be adding more templates throughout the week until there's plenty to choose from. Then I'll do some type of template rotation so you aren't checking back and seeing the same 'ol thing.

Oh my gosh ... the knock on the door meant that FedX just brought my craft stuff order. I hope to have tutorials available explaining some of my many uses of them in the cards and projects I create. Hope your weekend has been a good one! "I'll be back blogging soon."

We hope you enjoy your viewing and find things you like ...

please leave a comment on our blog.

Diane :0)

NOTE: Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the floor each morning
the devil says ~ "Oh crap, she's up!"

Ooodles of Doodles Summertime Blog Break ... DZD Doohikey Projects!

2011-06-28T14:19:00.025-05:00

It's been fun hasn't it?! But I'm in need of a summertime break and so does the wonderful Design Team Coordinators, Valerie and Rosalien. A "big shout-out for them!" However that doesn't mean I'm not busy working on new ideas and designs! I'm just taking this time to relax while doing so. We appreciate your participation in the DT Challenges and patronage of DZ Doodles images ... hope you'll be patient with us while we do some re-vamping and make some necessary changes as well.

Because my second love is sewing and needlework

I came across this article and give credit to So September. Within this "light bulb" moment I began thinking "foamboard + cardstock + decorative paper," and came up with a "paper" version of something similar and dimensional. As I began grabbing tools and templates and punches together the ideas came quickly ... so I thought I'd share this one with you now!! :0) More designs are still in the development stage and I'll show them as they get done. With the dog days of summer upon us and keeping most of us inside, hope it's a project that will inspire you to give it a try!

I took some step-by-step photo's to give you a quick overview of how it was done. The products used in this project were, CTMH My Acylix Stamp Set #D1308-All Decked Out, and Oriental Trading Christmas Card Title Stamp Set, Circle Template I used it's 6-inch for this project, Christmas 12 x 12 Paper Pack. Hobby Lobby 1/4-inch foamboard, poster board, foam dots, Best-Test Rubber Cement, Aleene's Fast Grab Tacky Glue, Scribbles Crystal Gel Sparkle. Martha Stewart Aspen Snowflake Punch-Around-The-Page Set (small flakes embellish the frame/ring). Dick Blick Prisma Color Colored Pencils. X-acto Knife with #11-blade. TIP: Using an X-acto Knife to make your cuts and splices makes work easier and quicker than using scissors.

Make a template from poster board using the 6-inch circle template. Oriental Trade Circle Template makes the perfect 6-inch half-inch width ring/frame.

Draw circle and cut out one foamboard base. From poster board draw and cut out one ring/frame to apply dimensionally to the top front.

Ahere poster board ring/frame to decorative paper using rubber cement glue, cut out leaving 1/4" to a 1/2" paper allowance outside and inside for splicing and folding over for a finished edge (be sure to clean-up excess glue). With your embossing tool, to better help you fold, score along ring poster board edges. Draw and cutout circular piece from decorative paper selected for your projects back-side. Draw and cut out a circular piece from decorative paper selected for your projects front-side.

Splice inside and outside around ring/frame paper edges (as shown) and fold decorative paper edge in. Working in sections, run a "bead-line" of Tacky Glue along poster board - with finger, spread glue on ring/frame and paper edges. Work quickly because you have to both spread glue, fold edge pieces in (both sides) as you go along, as well as run your embossing tool around each section of the poster board edge to keep a smooth and rounded appearance.

As shown, your poster board ring/frame is completed. Cut 1-1/2 to 2 strips of decorative paper (to use for the edge of the foamboard), make it 3/4" wide, scoring each paper strip 1/4" twice before cutting. I do 1/4-inch score from the edge, 1/4-inch score from that marking, and cut the next 1/4" marking - quick and easy! This leaves you with a 1/4" edge + 1/4" center + 1/4" edge. The foamboard fits so that both sides overlap each side. Slightly crease score marks inward and splice along both edges "from" your score marks out to the papers edge.

Working in sections run a bead-line of Tacky glue along foamboard cut-edge AND both sides of foamboard and spread glue with finger, again working in sections, apply your strips. Run the foamboard cut-edge on working surface as you work around foamboard piece to sharpen your sides. Make sure you are spreading an even coat of glue ... watch out for globs of glue.

Now you've got your ring/frame and foamboard base work completed ... with your rubber cement adhere front and back decorative paper circles onto foamboard being sure there's no lumps and bumbs in the paper. Allow to dry a bit. Clean up any glue left behind.

Now your surface is ready for you to apply your projects embellishments onto. As you apply pieces, use your ring to calculate piece placement as you go along. Once all your embellishments are glued into place, apply foam dots on inside of ring/frame and apply to foamboard front side, and "wel-la," your framing job is done! Embellish the ring/frame ... add bows, flowers, sentiment banners, etc.

The Martha Stewart Punch-Around-The-Page Aspen Snowflake set was used to "dot" the ring/frame and I dabbed the Scribbles Crystal Gel onto each one, as well as dabbing some to the snowman figure and swirls.

Final Challenge Winners at DZ Doodles

2011-05-31T07:42:00.003-05:00

This posting is a bit late, as I was away on vacation, but now I am ready to announce the Winners for our 10th challenge. This is our last challenge, for the time being, but you never know what the future may hold. We've all enjoyed working with Diane's images, and I think you have too! Her store will remain open, and you will still be able to purchase additional images, and I'm sure we will still see each other in Blogland.

Now for the Winners!

Winner #1 (using a DZ Doodle image)

winner of 2 DZ Doodles images

(#8) Christi Hicks

Winner #2 (using any image)

winner of 1 DZ Doodles image

(#4) Diane R

Congratulations ladies! Both random winners used the freebie digi...how cool is that!

please contact Valerie @ valerie1011@q.com with your image selections from our shop.

Winners of Challenge #9 at DZ Doodles!

2011-05-13T18:12:00.005-05:00

Welcome back, we have some winners today! Sorry I'm posting this so late in the day I'm so used to Joyce doing it but she's off today so I'm here now! Thanks so much for joining our challenge, we love looking at all your your cards and projects. Hopefully you will join us again for our current challenge and remember it's our last one before the store closes (UGH! really makes me sad saying that)! Anyways..we gotta make it really good before we say our final good bye so here are the winners!!!

I'm also sorry that we won't be picking a guest designer since we are closing down but we included the people in the challenge that joined in no matter what!

Winner #1 (using a DZ Doodle image)

winner of 2 DZ Doodles images

(1) Kitty @ Intruderlady's World!!!

Winner #2 (using any image)

winner of 1 DZ Doodles image

(2) NikkiByrne @ NM Card Creations

Congratulations ladies

please contact me (Valerie) @ valerie1011@q.com with your image selections from our shop.

Have a GREAT weekend!

May 11th - Challenge #10 & DZ Doodles News!

2011-05-11T00:59:00.001-05:00

Hello there! Thank you all so much for joining the last DZ Doodles challenge! There are so many talented women out there it amazes me every time I go through the entries!!!

So as you all read in the Title line is that we have some DZ Doodles news. I'm so sad to be the one to have to tell you all that DZ Doodles is going to be ending. Diane has decided to close DZ Doodles. She has a lot going on in her personal life right now and isn't able to bring to you all what she wants to bring. She does want to reopen in the future but I'm not sure when this will be! She is also going to start her own personal blog sometime soon and will be giving away freebies still from time to time. Once she gets that all set up I will post a link here on the DZ Doodles blog so you all don't miss out on her great freebies! I just want to thank all the fans out there and all who have joined in the challenges and have followed us along the way.

Before we say our final good bye's we will be having today's challenge and winners to the challenge so don't go anywhere just YET!!!

This week I (Valerie) got to pick the challenge and freebie! YAY! So we are going to do a color challenge and here is the picture to inspire you all along with the freebie to follow! You all asked for it and so Diane created one last Chloe for you all to enjoy! She's such a cutie and I hope all of you enjoy her!

The challenge will run from Wed. May 11th - Wed. May 25th. Winner will be posted on Friday, May 27th. So if you would like to join us just post the link directly to your card on Mr. Inlinkz down below.

Here are the details for Challenge #10!
RULES TO JOIN THE CHALLENGE:
-WINNER ONE - To win 2 free DZ Doodle images from the store you must create a card/project using a DZ Doodles image.
OR
-WINNER TWO - To win 1 free DZ Doodle image you can use any digital image.

And now of course we NEVER forget our talented Design Team member cards! They are just BEAUTIFUL!!!

Anesha

Rosalien

Joyce

JuelMarie

Valerie

Winners of Challenge #8 at DZ Doodles

2011-04-29T03:02:00.006-05:00

Welcome back, we have some winners! Thanks so much for entering our challenge, as we do love looking at your cards and projects. Hopefully you will join us again for our current challenge!

Winner #1 (using a DZ Doodle image)

winner of 2 DZ Doodles images

(#8) Sara Dunlop

Winner #2 (using any image)

winner of 1 DZ Doodles image

(#4) Paulaholifieldcrafts

Congratulations ladies

please contact Valerie @ valerie1011@q.com with your image selections from our shop.

April 27th - Challenge #9 & May Guest Designer Call!!!

2011-04-27T00:59:00.001-05:00

YAY! another great challenge to post for you all here! I just LOVE all the participation going on here it's so much fun seeing all of DZ Doodles images being used in so many ways!

DZ Doodles design team member Rosalien has created a sketch for our next challenge!!!

Here are the details for Challenge #9!
RULES TO JOIN THE CHALLENGE:
-WINNER ONE - To win 2 free DZ Doodle images from the store you must create a card/project using a DZ Doodles image.
OR
-WINNER TWO - To win 1 free DZ Doodle image you can use any digital image.

We are also looking for our May guest designer so if you would like to be our talented and creative gal for the month of May here are the details...

Responsibilities as a Guest Designer:
-You will need to make 2 cards for the two challenges we have monthly.

What you will get for being a Guest Designer:
-A DZ Doodles Guest Designer badge to place on your blog.
-2 freebie images to start for your challenges that month!
-Then at the end of the month you will be able to pick 4 images for FREE from the DZ Doodles store just for being a Guest Designer & helping us out for that Month.

What you need to do to apply:
-It's simple all you need to do is create a card with the challenge & use the freebie we are giving today!
-VERY IMPORTANT!!! If you are applying and are interested in becoming a Guest Designer for DZ Doodles...when you post your card to Mr. Ink PLEASE REMEMBER TO ADD GD next to your name so we know who is interested.

The challenge will run from Wed. April 27th - Wed. May 11th. Winner will be posted on Friday, May 13th. So if you would like to join us just post the link directly to your card on Mr. Inlinkz down below.

And now for your FREEBIE!!!

And of course the amazing inspiration from the design team! The first card that I want to share is the card by our April guest designer, Anesha's card!

and here are the rest!

JOYCE

JULEMARIE

ROSALIEN

VALERIE

Challenge #7 Winners at DZ Doodles

2011-04-15T09:01:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday everyone!! Which means it's time to announce our latest challenge winners!. We had a lovely turnout, and so enjoyed visiting your blogs and looking at your work.

As you know, we now have 2 lucky prize winners
WINNER ONE (using a DZ Doodles image) - will win 2 free DZ Doodle images
WINNER TWO (using any image) - will win 1 free DZ Doodle image

So, here are the winners using Random Org.

Winner #1

winner of 2 DZ Doodles images

(#1) Bunny

Winner #2

winner of 1 DZ Doodles image

(#9) Anne

Congratulations ladies, please contact Valerie @ valerie1011@q.com with your image selections from our shop.

We hope to see you all again for our next challenge at DZ Doodles which you can find here. There is still plenty of time to enter, and once again there is another lovely image to play with....but its only available free for a limited time!

April 13th - Challenge #8

2011-04-13T00:59:00.002-05:00

Hi! Well I'm back from my trip to Florida and it was AMAZING!!! It's somewhere I wouldn't mind living forever and ever...it's paradise that's for sure!

I want to THANK all of you who are joining the challenges here at DZ Doodles! I'm loving all of the talent out there and seeing what you all do with Diane's beautiful images.

Here is the adorable little bear we are giving away as our freebie today!

Today we are bringing to you a NEW challenge with a TWIST! We want you to use black and white on your card & also using only ONE other color!

Here are the details for Challenge #8!
RULES TO JOIN THE CHALLENGE:
-WINNER ONE - To win 2 free DZ Doodle images from the store you must create a card/project using a DZ Doodles image.
OR
-WINNER TWO - To win 1 free DZ Doodle image you can use any digital image.

The challenge will run from Wed. April 13th - Wed. April 27th. Winner will be posted on Friday, April 29th. So if you would like to join us just post the link directly to your card on Mr. Inlinkz down below.

The first card I would like to share with you is from our April Guest Designer...Anesha! Polka dots are my favorite so I'm loving your card Anesha..Thank you so much for joining our team for the month of April!!!

And of course I can't forget our talented and hard working team designers and their cards!

JEN

ROSALIEN

JUELMARIE

JOYCE

LISA

Challenge #6 Winners & GD for April

2011-04-01T06:02:00.002-05:00

Thank you to everyone that joined us in our last challenge at DZ Doodles. So many lovely entries. As you may have noticed, our challenge rules have changed, and from now on we will have 2 lucky winners!

WINNER ONE (using a DZ Doodles image) - will win 2 free DZ Doodle images
WINNER TWO (using any image) - will win 1 free DZ Doodle image

So, here are the winners using Random Org.

Winner #1

winner of 2 DZ Doodles images

(#5) Sara I

Winner #2

winner of 1 DZ Doodles image

(#3) Kate Edwards

Congratulations ladies, please contact Rosalien @ m.zwackhalen@planet.nl with your image selections from our shop.

And now, for the first time

our Guest Designer for April

Anesha

Rosalien will be contacting you with all of the details. Congratulations!!

Our next challenge is up and running, with a lovely sketch and an adorable image...free for a limited time. Please be sure to check it out here, as we'd really like to see your wonderful creations and visit you in blogland!

March 30th - Challenge #7

2011-03-30T00:59:00.005-05:00

Hello out there! How is everyone doing? I'm not doing so good...have a horrible allergy infection going on. Dr. called me in some antibiotics a couple days ago so I'm HOPING to kick this VERY soon! I hope everyone had a WONDERFUL March! Can you believe it's just about over..WOW how time flies right before our eyeballs!

Today Rosalien brings a great sketch challenge and freebie to all of you. Plus the design team did an outstanding job as usual!!! Thank you ladies for all your hard work!

So here are the details for Challenge #7!
RULES TO JOIN THE CHALLENGE:
-WINNER ONE - To win 2 free DZ Doodle images from the store you must create a card/project using a DZ Doodles image.
OR
-WINNER TWO - To win 1 free DZ Doodle image you can use any digital image.

The challenge will run from Wed. March 30th - Wed. April 13th and the winner will be posted on Friday, April 15th. So if you would like to join us just post the link directly to your card on Mr. Inlinkz.

The sketch...
and freebie...

THE FREEBIE "Garden Song" IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE FOR FREE BUT YOU CAN PURCHASE IT AT THE DZ DOODLES STORE...HERE!

Here is our inspiration to you...

JEN

JOYCE

JULEMARIE

ROSALIEN

DZ Doodles Digital Stamps

DZ Doodles Bouquets, Topiaries, and Other Spring Project Ideas!

DZ Doodles "Cabin Fever" Time-To-Try-Something New and Different!

DZ Doodles Plethora of Ideas and Projects to Re-Create During The Winter Season!

More DZ Doodles Christmastime Projects and Fun-Freebie Count Down Digi's!

DZ Doodles Christmastime Projects and Fun-Freebie Count Down

DZ Doodles More Holiday Ideas to Re-create!

DZ Doodles Santa's Sleigh, Wreath's To Create!

A Plethora of Fall and Winter Projects and Bunches of Digi-Freebie-Fun too!

Time to Think of Gift-Giving Packaging Templates, and "Inside" The Box!

Creative Package Design Project and Cookies for The Holidays

Fall Holiday Homemade Craft Projects

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like "BOO-time" Everywhere You Go!

Things You'll Need

Paper Craft Like A Kid Again and Three Christmas FREEBIES!

DZ Doodles Goes Rubber Laser Cut Clings!

Box Within a Box and Mechanical Skeleton

Paper Mugging's?! Using DZ Doodles Doohikey Interlock Pattern Design!

Projects To Help Motivate ... use the coming months free time "craft-wisely"!

Punch-Punch-Punch Craft Punches add creative design to projects!

Try Fresh Techniques and Tools ... Freebie Too!

DZ Doodles Plaqued With The Mundane!!!

Ooodles of Doodles Summertime Blog Break ... DZD Doohikey Projects!

Final Challenge Winners at DZ Doodles

Winners of Challenge #9 at DZ Doodles!

May 11th - Challenge #10 & DZ Doodles News!

Winners of Challenge #8 at DZ Doodles

April 27th - Challenge #9 & May Guest Designer Call!!!

Challenge #7 Winners at DZ Doodles

April 13th - Challenge #8

Challenge #6 Winners & GD for April

March 30th - Challenge #7