December 16, 2009

Winter Wonderland Dress

Ruffles & Stuff shares how to make this {soooooo adorable} dress, HERE!

Holiday Candy Bar Wrappers

Need a super cute treat for a friend or neighbor?!
Laurie Furnell has free downloads to make any treat festive. You can resize the images to fit any size candy bars, too!

December 15, 2009

Charlie Brown Tree!

Watching "A Charlie Brown Christmas" has been a tradition in our family for years.
Charlie Brown rocks and so does his little tree!
Check out this awesome tutorial at Instructables.

Portable DVD Player Tote

You'd think Ashley from Make It and Love It would run out of crafty ideas in that head of hers, but no she keeps going and going and going and going and...
Check out her newest portable dvd player tote, HERE!
LOVE IT!

GORGEOUS Tree Mural!

SO.
GORGEOUS.
Just A Girl is the creator if this beautiful project and tutorial, HERE.

Happy Hanukkah

These Hanukkah crafts are fabulous!
Find out how to make theme @ Embellish It!

December 14, 2009

Christmas Gift for Teachers!

I love this simple, personalized gift for any teacher!!
Find this fabulous idea @ My Mix of Six.

Are you like me and you're clueless when it comes to vinyl? Your in luck because my cute sister will make a set of 4 for only $5.50. Email her at beckymarie8@gmail.com.

Creative Guest: HowDoesShe {Floating Frame Tutorial}

HowDoesShe is so excited to be featured today on U-Create {aka the Oprah of Crafting}. Being invited to contribute to all of the U-Create goodness going on here is truly an honor!

We are awe struck by all the amazing things women around us do---from balancing a healthy lifestyle, to throwing the perfect party, to implementing creative ideas with family. We always seem to be asking, "How Does She do this, or How Does She do that?" While none of us is perfect, we all seem to be striving to become better. Better mothers, better wives, better women...HowDoesShe.com. Our goal is to Unite Inspirational Women and Share Inspirational Ideas. So please hop on over, check out our site and share your great ideas!


Today we are sharing a Tutorial especially for U-Create readers! This Floating Frame is beautiful to display, unique, and easy to make!

What you'll need:
*1- 18x24 frame of choice with glass included (I found mine at Michaels,...don't forget your coupons)
*1- 18x24 additional piece of cut glass (call your local glass or plexi-glass shop for a custom cut. My piece cost me about $10)
*1- 8x10 Family Picture
*1- 8x10 Document of choice (Family Motto, Proclamation to Family, Another picture?)
*2- 8x10 Pieces of Vellum paper
*Ink Distress Pad
*Vinyl Lettering of choice
*Ribbon of choice
*Hot Glue Gun
*Tape

Unpackage your 18x24 frame and set aside.

Place your custom cut 18x24 piece of glass (or plexi glass) on the table. This is what you will be taping everything to.Cut down your family picture and your document so it is slightly smaller than the 8x10 Vellum paper, leaving a nice border.Ink Distress the edges on both sheets of vellum, the family picture, and the document.Use two sided sticky tape and place the picture, document, and ribbon on the custom cut 18x24 glass sheet.Flip your finished glass sheet over and place it in your 18x24 frame (with original glass included).Both glass sheets will lay on top of each other in the frame like this. Use a hot glue gun in the four corners to hold the glass in the frame. Throw out the cardboard back that usually holds glass in place. Let Dry.Flip the frame over so you are looking at it correctly. Add Custom Vinyl to the top of the original glass in the frame. (Use your Cricut, or U-Create recommends using ScribbleIt and HowDoesShe uses MyTalkingWalls. You can usually find someone locally as well).{Tada!}Display for all to see and be proud you made it! Easy as pie! And such a beautiful personalized gift to give! {Both my in-laws and parents are receiving one this year,...hopefully they aren't looking} ;)

---


A few of our other recent projects include this easy Tiered Cupcake StandOur Cookie Sucker Tutorial {with sucker holder tutorial arriving today}and Today at HowDoesShe we will be posting on how to make these adorable Carrot Ice Wreaths to leave out for Santa's Reindeer on Christmas Eve. {Santa isn't the only one that gets hungry!} ;)

U-Create, Thank you for having us. We are seriously tickled about it!


Merry Christmas!

Felt Owl Ornaments

AHHHH! NO WAY!
I absolutely have to have these owl ornaments by Juicy Bits!

December 12, 2009

Printable Jewelry Necklace

You have to check out this jewelry tutorial over at Peace On Earth!
The possibilities with themes, colors, holidays, etc. are endless!

Photo Blocks & Tiles!

K, now this is am amaaazing gift!!
Go to Little Birdie Secrets to see how to make these super cute photo blocks
and tiles, HERE.

December 11, 2009

Another FOLLOWERS ROCK GIVEAWAY!!

Those of you who are new to Ucreate might ask: What's a follower's rock giveaway??

Every so often, out of the blue I will give something away to one of my followers on the right hand side bar. I LOVE my followers and LOVE rewarding them!

Today's Prize...

this lovely "Oh Holy Night" plate!


The Lucky Winner is...

Thank you for following Ucreate!
Congratulations and enjoy your beautiful plate!

Creative Guest: Shrimp Salad Circus {Hidden Message Necklace Tutorial}

Hola, and happy Friday, Ucreate-ers! I'm Lindsay from Shrimp Salad Circus, and I am so excited that Kari has given me the opportunity to share a little Shrimp with you guys today!

Shrimp Salad Circus is a site designed to inspire you every day - to encourage you to create, think outside the box, better your business, and just to appreciate the pretty, simple, and happy things in life. I cover just about every random topic you can think of, from food to fashion and everything in between.

Today I am going to show you how to make a really creative, thoughtful, and personal gift (or just some bling for yourself!). My Hidden Message 'Locket' Necklace would be perfect for the Ms. Impossible-to-Shop-For on your Christmas, and it really doesn't take very long to make! Plus, once you have all the supplies, you creative possibilities are pretty much limitless.

Materials:
  • sterling silver disc
  • brass or copper disc
  • metal letter stamps
  • dapping block and punch
  • steel bench block
  • hammer or heavy rubber mallet
  • jump ring
  • sterling silver necklace chain
Most of these tools can be purchased for a relatively low start-up cost from Evie's Tool Emporium on Etsy. For the rest, I recommend browsing Etsy and eBay.

Step 1. Decide what you would like your disc to say. Count the letters in the word or phrase to determine which is the middle letter. I like to start at the middle to make sure the word is centered. My disc will say 'blessed,' so I started with the 's.'

Step 2. Place your sterling disc onto the steel bench block. This absorbs the shock of the hammer's blow and allows for a deep, even impression. Be sure that your stamp is right side up, and position it at the bottom center of your disc. Holding the stamp firmly in place, strike it twice very firmly just as you would with a nail. I have heard from people who know far more than I do that it is better for your stamps to use a heavy rubber mallet.

Step 3. Position your next letter next to the first. You can set the stamp in place and then tilt it back a bit to check the reflection to see where the letter will fall. I like my letters to be fairly widely-space, but you can put them as close or far as you'd like. Repeat until your word or phrase is complete.

Step 4. Place your brass or copper disc into the largest well on your dapping block. It is essential to begin with the largest well and gradually move into smaller wells to prevent your disc from skirting from being forced too suddenly into another shape.

Step 5. Very firmly hammer your punch while constantly moving it around the circumference of the disc and gradually rotating inward until you've reached the center. When you have formed the disc into the shape of the first well, you can move it into a smaller one and repeat the process.

Step 6. Continue dappping your disc until it has taken on a sufficiently domed appearance.

Step 7. Thread the sterling disc onto a jump ring. Next, thread the brass or copper disc onto the same ring over the sterling disc. Be sure that the dome is facing upwards, sort of like a little roof over your sterling disc. Close the ring and thread it onto a sterling silver necklace chain.

The domed disc can be rotated on the jump ring to reveal a hidden message beneath! This would make a really thoughtful gift for the woman who already has everything in the world. Now head on over to Shrimp Salad Circus for more tutorials, recipes, fashion finds, and giveaways!!!

A big thanks to Kari for having me on Ucreate today!!!

December 10, 2009

Wooden Presents, Bucket of Snowballs, Doorbell Wreath {must see!}

Mariel @ Or So She Says shared these projects with me and I had to feature them immediately.

Check out these fabulous ideas!

I have to make these wooden presents!! I LOVE the rustic look and the simplicity!

How cute are these snowballs and pinecones in a bucket?!

Super cute wreath doorbell hanger. Love her style!!
Find out how to make all of these HERE!

Joel Dewberry Fat Quarter Sets!


You will LOVE Joel Dewberry's new line Deer Valley. For a limited time get the following fat quarter sets for only $12!

Azure set:


Persimmon set:


It gets even better...FREE SHIPPING!
{limited quantities available}




Joel Dewberry Fabric Sets



Christmas Theme Gift Idea!


Check out this super fun gift idea by Jeanne Winters. She also mentions she does this for bridal showers, too.
GENIUS!!

December 9, 2009

Trend Alert: Frame It!

Wanna spice up a craft or make a favorite item stand out?!
Just FRAME IT.

Empty frames are a huge home decor trend right now and they're everywhere!
Here are some fun examples:


Frame a Plate by Mt. Hope Chronicles



Frame {or use a framed mirror} a wreath by V and Co.


Frame Vinyl words or designs that are directly on your wall by Quote the Walls {above} and Apartment Therapy {below}.






I love this unique way of framing a map or poster by Create Envy.


Frame a holiday decoration by Erin Keith.



Frame fun items on your front door by Blue Cricket Design.


You can even frame a frame {delight by design}!


I think you get the point. Isn't this such a fabulous trend?!
I LOVE IT!

Doll Hat & Scarf

My little Savannah is going to love this for her doll!
The amazing Care from Obsessively Stitching shares this tutorial at Dollar Store Crafts.

December 8, 2009

Critter Condos!


We all know that Zhu Zhu pets are hot right now!
Well...Check out this critter condo by Everyday Chaos!
She used this tutorial to make it and aren't the hamster sleeping bags ADORABLE, too?!

Creative Guest: Blue Cricket Design {Homemade Gift Tags Tutorial}


Greetings Ucreate fans! I'm Becca From Blue Cricket Design and I am thrilled to be here! It's a guaranteed good time over here on Ucreate! Kari is known for spoiling all her readers with her amazing talent and great finds! It's quite an honor to be a part of all this fun!


I'm a wife and mother and always in search of ways to occupy and entertain my three girls! It's common place to find me and my kids working together on projects! Blue Cricket Design in my collection of Sewing projects, Craft Ideas, Tutorials, Recipes and more! It's my fun way to archive my creative process!

Today I would love to share an easy and fun project perfect for this Holiday Season! Personal touches to any gift add charm and sentiment. Try your hand at Homemade Gift Tags to finish off those gifts before you put them under your tree or give them to your closest friends! They also make a wonderful gift given as a gift set to Piano Teachers, Music Instructors or anyone who enjoys the joy of Music!


Gather the following materials:

Scrapbook paper
Paper Cutter
Glue Stick
Distress Ink
A Holiday Stamp
Paint
School Glue
Glitter
Hole Punch
Ribbon
and...

Used Sheet Music! I buy my Sheet music at my local Thrift Store. Each one of these books were $1 or less!

Based on the size of your stamp, you will want to cut your sheet music to be slightly larger.

Use your Distress Ink on all the edges to add detail.

Now we need to cut our background paper. Use Scrapbook paper and cut it to be slightly larger and longer then your sheet music. By making it longer we can turn it into a Tag shape.

Cut off the top corners to achieve a tag like shape!

Time to Distress once again!

Use a glue stick to adhere your sheet music onto your scrapbook paper. Be sure to notice the music and make sure it's arranged the correct way!



Now we can add our stamp detail!

Once the paint has dried we can then add our glitter!

Paint a thin layer of glue onto your stamp.

Stamp it on top of your painted stamp. It doesn't have to be perfect! I think a layered whimsical look is best!

Sprinkle on your glitter!

Remove the excess glitter and watch it sparkle!


Punch a hole and add a ribbon to hang them on your gift boxes! Write the "To: and From:"
on the reverse side!


These are the perfect personal touch that are sure to be admired!


I'd love for all of you to come and see what else I've been up to over at Blue Cricket Design! This time of year is a favorite and I have plenty to share! Gift Ideas, Decorating Tricks and Recipes await you!

And be sure to come and play every Wednesday over at out "Show and Tell" linking party! It's your chance to show off your latest and greatest projects!

Thanks so much Kari for the fun feature!

December 7, 2009

My Favorite Ornament Tutorials!

There are sooo many ornament tutorials in craft blog land right now so I thought it would be fun to show you my very favorites!

Here we go...

Washer Ornament by Nannygoat


Paper Globe Ornaments by Just Deanna



Silhouette Ornament by Roots&Wings




Glittery Ornaments Homemade by Jill

Vinyl Word Ornaments by Oh My Crafts!



Photo Ornaments by Not So Idle Hands



Patterned Paper Ornaments by Heartland Paper



Paper Mache Ornaments by Blue Cricket Design.

...and these adorable Burlap Word Ornaments by My Little Gems
I just LOVE every single one of these!!

Drop Cloth Tree Skirt & Stocking!

You have to see Whitney's awesome tree skirt that she made from a drop cloth, HERE.

It gets even better!
Whitney also shares her fabulous drop cloth stocking, HERE!

Inexpensive and darling!!

Ribbon Wallets!

Super creative Ashley @ Lil Blue Boo has this AmAzInG wallet made out of ribbons, HERE.

Beautiful Vintage Stockings

These stockings are simply gorgeous!!
Susie Harris shows how to make a no-sew version, HERE.
(I would probably sew mine to give them a little more strength).

Vintage Signs

LOVE how Vanessa shows us how to give a sign that "vintage" look. Check out the tutorial, HERE.