Special holidays are like birthdays.... you always know when they are, but they have an uncanny way of sneaking up on us. We are diligently forewarned by commercials we see on T.V. and the quick change of greeting cards displayed in the grocery store, so there's really no excuse to forget, but, if you're like me, you're still scrambling at the last minute looking for ideas for things for the home and/or gifts for neighbors, family and friends. Here are some of our designers' favorite ideas to make your holidays fun, special and Quick'n EZ. Enjoy!
The Designer Crafts Connection is a group of premier Arts & Crafts industry designers who have joined together to share their creativity and design talents, to support and promote crafts in general, introduce readers to new project ideas, innovative manufacturer products, new trends and techniques and ultimately inspire creativity in others.
Sunday, December 4, 2016
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Rinea® Paper Foil
For our final blog hop in 2016, designers were invited to spark their creativity with Rinea® Double-Sided Paper Foil from Global Crafting.
Rinea paper-foil is a specialty crafting material imported from Germany. It is made up of two thin layers of colorful aluminum foil with a sheet of paper sandwiched between them. This creates paper-like sturdiness and stiffness with the shininess and malleability of foil. It will maintain the shape however it is bent or folded without wrinkling, making it ideal for a wide variety of arts and crafts projects. The paper-like characteristic also makes it perfect for embossing and die-cutting. It can easily be cut with regular, or decorative edge scissors and punches.
Rinea foil paper comes in many interesting color combinations including bold, pastel, and metallic colors with glossy, matte and embossed finishes giving you lots of options to play with. This is one of the most popular projects made with the foil, showing a combination of colors.
Here's how to enter: Comment here, on the DCC blog and on any of the projects from the designers listed above - they always love to hear from their readers - then use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter to win! The winner will be announced by the end of November, just in time for you to create for the holidays. Good luck!
Rinea paper-foil is a specialty crafting material imported from Germany. It is made up of two thin layers of colorful aluminum foil with a sheet of paper sandwiched between them. This creates paper-like sturdiness and stiffness with the shininess and malleability of foil. It will maintain the shape however it is bent or folded without wrinkling, making it ideal for a wide variety of arts and crafts projects. The paper-like characteristic also makes it perfect for embossing and die-cutting. It can easily be cut with regular, or decorative edge scissors and punches.
Rinea foil paper comes in many interesting color combinations including bold, pastel, and metallic colors with glossy, matte and embossed finishes giving you lots of options to play with. This is one of the most popular projects made with the foil, showing a combination of colors.
Not just for holiday decorating, Rinea paper foil can be used for projects throughout the year. Check the gallery of ideas here then see what DCC member designers have created.
Don't you just love it! Well here's your chance to try it for yourself..... You can win:
Sunday, November 6, 2016
Grateful Gifts
It's the first Monday in November, a month filled with thoughts of Thanksgiving and gift giving for the upcoming holidays. There are so many ways to show how grateful we are thru creativity in the home and the handmade gifts. Designers are sharing their gift, home décor ideas and projects to show how grateful they are.
Thursday, October 20, 2016
Amazing Casting Products
This month Designer Crafts Connection members received Amazing Casting products - Amazing Mold Putty and Amazing Clear Cast Resin by Alumilite, which they used to create their own resin project pieces from found objects. Come join us on our Great Mold Putty Scavenger Hunt and discover amazing things to mold and transform into your own art. Be inspired by our designer creations then enter to win your own Amazing Casting products to work with - details below.
Enter to win the product selection shown above using the Rafflecopter widget below. "Like" our FB page plus one entry for each time you comment here and on the designers' blogs. The winner will be announced one week from today, so check back here and on the Designer Crafts Connection Facebook page to see if it's you!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Sunday, October 2, 2016
Fall Crafts - Halloween and Thanksgiving
Designers are sharing more crafts for Fall, Halloween and Thanksgiving! What are your favorites?
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Gel Press for Printing
Have you ever wondered what to do with a gel printing plate? Well wonder no more. This month DCC members received product from Gel Press and we were inspired!
Gel Press is the new brand name of gel printing plates manufactured by POLYGEL. Polygel is the company that developed the original formula and fabrication process for a permanent gel mono printing plate and they hold the patent. At one time this formula was private labeled with another company. That company is now sourcing the gel elsewhere. Polygel believes strongly in the high quality of its product and launched GEL PRESS to ensure when you purchase a Gel Press brand product, you are purchasing the quality gel plate that is known to perform. Any other gel plate is NOT the original gel. Visit www.gelpress.com for more information. Now lets check the following posts for some Gel Press inspiration:
Gel Press is the new brand name of gel printing plates manufactured by POLYGEL. Polygel is the company that developed the original formula and fabrication process for a permanent gel mono printing plate and they hold the patent. At one time this formula was private labeled with another company. That company is now sourcing the gel elsewhere. Polygel believes strongly in the high quality of its product and launched GEL PRESS to ensure when you purchase a Gel Press brand product, you are purchasing the quality gel plate that is known to perform. Any other gel plate is NOT the original gel. Visit www.gelpress.com for more information. Now lets check the following posts for some Gel Press inspiration:
Sunday, September 4, 2016
Fall & Halloween!
It's Fall Y'all...
In case you hadn't noticed, Fall is almost upon us and Halloween is just around the corner
BOO!
The stores have been overflowing with Fall and Halloween decorations for almost a month now, so DCC members are sharing their favorite projects to inspire you to "get crafting"! Enjoy!
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Fabric Elements Blog Hop
For this month's blog hop, Designer Crafts Connection members are creating with Fabric Elements. Fabric Elements is a fabulous product line developed by CHA designer, Rebekah Meier.
If you are not familiar with the product, you can check it out at
Rebekah’s Etsy store (rebekahmeierdesigns). You can also find more
information and inspiration on Rebekah’s website, www.rebekahmeier.com.
Follow the links below to see how creative DCC members have been with this fabulous product, then comment on their blogs and here on this blog to be entered to win this amazing selection of product. Don't forget to use the Rafflecopter widget below for your entry to be included! Good luck and happy hopping!
Monday, August 1, 2016
Crafting with School Supplies!
Can you believe it's almost time to go back to school.... The first clue is the appearance of tons of school supplies in the stores and they're all on sale! What a great opportunity to stock up on markers, journals, paper and a whole lot more. Here are some ideas to inspire you to stock up now, whether you have children heading back to school or not....... Enjoy!
Thursday, July 21, 2016
Deflecto Blog Hop
This month Designer Crafts Connection members are hopping with members of the deflecto design team. Projects feature either the 3-tier dessert stand, clip-on sign holder, frame, or all three.... Follow the links below to see how creative you can be with deflecto products, then enter to win your own!
Anita Scroggins - The Flamingo Chronicals
Steph Ackerman - Live, Laugh, Scrap
Lisa Fulmer - Lisa, Liza Lou Designs
Nadine Carlier - my scrap'n stuff
Ann Strecko Koeman - Annmakes
Roberta Birnbaum
Maria Soto - What is Creativity???
Marilyn Gossett - Marilyn Gossett Designs
Susan Brown - SBArtist: Painting in the Dark
Laura Bray
Lorrie McCullers - Forty 11 Designs
Monica Taylor - taylormadecards4U
Larissa Pittman - Muffins and Lace
Michelle Frae Cummings - Faerie Dust Dreams
Jennifer Davey - bestillmycraftingheart
Roberta Birnbaum
Maria Soto - What is Creativity???
Marilyn Gossett - Marilyn Gossett Designs
Susan Brown - SBArtist: Painting in the Dark
Laura Bray
Lorrie McCullers - Forty 11 Designs
Monica Taylor - taylormadecards4U
Larissa Pittman - Muffins and Lace
Michelle Frae Cummings - Faerie Dust Dreams
Jennifer Davey - bestillmycraftingheart
Sunday, July 3, 2016
Red, White and Blue
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!
Here are ideas from our designers to help you celebrate in style.... let the fireworks begin!
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Favorite Designer Products
Designers love to be creative and there is nothing more exciting than an opportunity to work with a new product. Manufacturers are constantly developing new products and often send samples to designers, who are willing to use them to create projects and participate in blog hops, providing boundless inspiration for the customer.
The best place for designers to see what's new is at the annual Craft & Hobby Mega (CHA) show held in January; products that have now made their way into the craft stores. This year was no exception and many DCC members left the show, their heads spinning with new ideas and opportunities. You can see a re-cap of the new hot products here http://juliemcguffee.blogspot.com/2016/01/cha-hot-product-showcase.html and designers have added links to their favorite products below. Please let us know which project features one of your favorite products by adding your vote then comment below which new products you would like to work with.
The best place for designers to see what's new is at the annual Craft & Hobby Mega (CHA) show held in January; products that have now made their way into the craft stores. This year was no exception and many DCC members left the show, their heads spinning with new ideas and opportunities. You can see a re-cap of the new hot products here http://juliemcguffee.blogspot.com/2016/01/cha-hot-product-showcase.html and designers have added links to their favorite products below. Please let us know which project features one of your favorite products by adding your vote then comment below which new products you would like to work with.
Sunday, June 5, 2016
Gifts for Him
It's Father's Day on the 19th, so the First Monday theme for June is "Gifts for Him".
Not just for Father's Day, there are lots of times throughout the year when we need a "guy" gift. Here are some designer projects for inspiration.... Enjoy!
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Smoothfoam Ruled Wreaths
This month Designer Crafts Connection members are hopping with
Smoothfoam, a US manufacturing company, is family owned and was the first to introduce their dense, craft foam products to the craft industry. Its smooth, foam surface is ideal for a wide variety of crafts, home décor and mixed media projects. You can paint it without prepping, pin it, sand it, rubber stamp on it, cut it and a whole lot more. Earlier this year at the trade show in Anaheim, Smoothfoam introduced their "Ruled Wreaths" to the Craft and Hobby industry. Available in 5 sizes, 8", 10", 12", 14" and 16", the surface of these wreaths has markings, dividing the ring into 12 equal sections. This makes them SO easy for designers to work with - no measuring required! Imagine what you could do!
Each of the following designers received ruled wreaths. See where their creativity led them then check back and let us know in the comments section HERE which project inspired you to be creative and how you would use a ruled wreath! A winner will be selected at random to receive their own set of "Ruled Wreaths"... Don't forget to check back here on June 1st to see if it was you!
Julie McGuffee - Creating with Joy
Michelle Frae Cummings - Faerie Dust Dreams
Susan Brown - SBArtist Painting in the Dark
Anita Scroggins - The Flamingo Chronicles
Marilyn Gossett - Marilyn Gossett Designs
Sunday, May 1, 2016
Make It for Mother's Day!
It's Mother's Day on Sunday!
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Chibitronics Blog Hop
This month Designer Crafts Connection members are hopping with
The brain child of Jie Qi, Chibitronics is the result of her passion for combining technology and art in the form of paper electronics. This innovative blend of electronics and traditional arts and crafts media, will allow additional levels of creativity to every day projects and design.
Each of the following designers received the Chibi Lights kit featured above. Enter to win your own Chibi Lights kit by visiting each blog then comment HERE on the projects you saw. Don't forget to let us know what you'd like to create. (Open to US and Canadian residents only.)
Julie McGuffee - Life in the Craft Lane
Michelle Frae Cummings - Faerie Dust Dreams
Lynda Kanase - Lynda Creates
Susan Brown - SBArtist Painting in the Dark
Anita Scroggins - The Flamingo Chronicles
Marilyn Gossett - Marilyn Gossett Designs
Michelle Frae Cummings - Faerie Dust Dreams
Lynda Kanase - Lynda Creates
Susan Brown - SBArtist Painting in the Dark
Anita Scroggins - The Flamingo Chronicles
Marilyn Gossett - Marilyn Gossett Designs
Sunday, April 3, 2016
April Showers Bring May Flowers
"If April showers should come your way
They bring the flowers, that bloom in May"
music written by Louis Silvers and lyrics by B. G. Sylva
Flowers are great inspiration for all kinds of arts & crafts projects. Here some examples of how they inspired these designers:
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Make it Easter!
Only a few more days to the Easter weekend, so designers are sharing some of their favorite Spring and Easter decorating ideas and projects. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Oly*Fun Metallics by Fairfield World
It's National Craft Month and Designer Crafts Connection members are hopping with
In 4 bright amazing colors, this craft material is perfect for use indoors and out. Fun and innovative, it will shimmer, sparkle and shine in Gold, Silver, Rose Gold and Red. Easy to cut and sew, it does not fray so hemming is not required - perfect for crafts, costumes, accessories and playful home décor. 30" wide, Oly*Fun metallics is available in 10 yard bolts. You can find it at your local craft/fabric stores, order online, or enter here to win one bolt in the metallic color of your choice!
To enter to win, visit each of the following designer blogs, then hop back and comment HERE on the projects you saw and let us know what you'd like to create - EZPZ. (Open to US and Canadian residents only.)
Laura Bray - Laura Bray Designs
Susan Brown - SBArtist Painting in the Dark
Michelle Frae Cummings - Faerie Dust Dreams
Susan Brown - SBArtist Painting in the Dark
Michelle Frae Cummings - Faerie Dust Dreams
a Rafflecopter giveaway
You can also enter to win a $100 shopping spree by hopping over to FairfieldWorld and registering. No purchase is necessary.
Sunday, March 6, 2016
Most Popular Blog Projects
Which are your most popular blog projects? Here's a round up from Designer Crafts Connection members - we'd love to see yours too! Please add permalinks only - limit 2 per designer.
National Craft Month Mystery Box - Reveal
I hope everyone had fun with this little challenge to start off National Craft Month. Some of these items were real head scratchers....... and, let's be real, there may be a reason that a couple of them are no longer being sold; other than the fact that the companies are no longer in business. Anyway, here are the answers:
1. Bind It All by Zutter.
Originally in Robin's Egg Blue, this little spiral binding machine was updated to pink together with some of their other tools. I'll include some "O" wires and a couple of other things from Zutter. You can find more information here BindItAll
2. Tag Maker by Making Memories.
The Tag Maker created tags with a metal rim, like the ones you can purchase in the office supply store. This was one of my favorite companies. They had a large product line for scrapbooking, but unfortunately they are no longer in our industry.
3. Handmade Charlotte by Plaid.
Stencils primarily for Home Dec DIYers.
4. Scraparatus by Karen Foster Designs.
This tool comes with 2 tiny dies with a ring to attach to a charm bracelet and tips to punch a hole anywhere and an eyelet setter. It works like a "spring hammer". I'll add some eyelets to the box too. Use it on a hard surface with dies, or on a self healing mat for setting eyelets. It's a pretty cool tool; love it for eyelets.
5. Snap Stamps by Karen Foster Designs.
Still a great concept, but KFD is no longer in business. Happy to see other companies are now selling these stamps. My grand children love them!
I've been in the Arts & Crafts Industry for over 25 years and have quite a collection of product from over the years, especially during the 15 years I hosted the scrapbook TV show on PBS and presented for manufacturers on Shop At Home and HSN. So, if you need something that may no longer be available, for one reason or another, let me know and, if I have it, I'll send it to you for cost of shipping. (I use USPS - if it fits it ships.)
Today is also Mother's Day in England, so if you have relatives in the UK, don't forget to give them a shout out......... Have a delightful day and y'all come back now!
1. Bind It All by Zutter.
Originally in Robin's Egg Blue, this little spiral binding machine was updated to pink together with some of their other tools. I'll include some "O" wires and a couple of other things from Zutter. You can find more information here BindItAll
2. Tag Maker by Making Memories.
The Tag Maker created tags with a metal rim, like the ones you can purchase in the office supply store. This was one of my favorite companies. They had a large product line for scrapbooking, but unfortunately they are no longer in our industry.
3. Handmade Charlotte by Plaid.
Stencils primarily for Home Dec DIYers.
4. Scraparatus by Karen Foster Designs.
This tool comes with 2 tiny dies with a ring to attach to a charm bracelet and tips to punch a hole anywhere and an eyelet setter. It works like a "spring hammer". I'll add some eyelets to the box too. Use it on a hard surface with dies, or on a self healing mat for setting eyelets. It's a pretty cool tool; love it for eyelets.
5. Snap Stamps by Karen Foster Designs.
Still a great concept, but KFD is no longer in business. Happy to see other companies are now selling these stamps. My grand children love them!
I've been in the Arts & Crafts Industry for over 25 years and have quite a collection of product from over the years, especially during the 15 years I hosted the scrapbook TV show on PBS and presented for manufacturers on Shop At Home and HSN. So, if you need something that may no longer be available, for one reason or another, let me know and, if I have it, I'll send it to you for cost of shipping. (I use USPS - if it fits it ships.)
Now for the Mystery Box Winner....
I published all the comments and one person guessed 4 out of 5 correctly. Come on down
CINDY deROSIER
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!
email me your address Cindy and I'll get this box of goodies out to you next week!
(julie@juliemcguffee.com)
Don't forget to check to check back here tomorrow. It's the first Monday of the month and we are having a linky party for "Most Popular Blog Projects" and a blog hop for Oly*Fun Metallics on March 17th. I may even have another giveaway at the end of the month, just to keep you guessing!Today is also Mother's Day in England, so if you have relatives in the UK, don't forget to give them a shout out......... Have a delightful day and y'all come back now!
KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON CRAFTING!
Saturday, March 5, 2016
National Craft Month Mystery Box - Item #5
Snap together alphabet stamps are being sold by a few companies this year, but they're definitely not new. This company was selling them 10 years ago - in fact I presented these stamps for them on HSN in 2006 and these sold out every time! Each letter is an individual stamp and they snap together to form words, dates, etc. There is a large and small set of both numbers and letters, and yes, in case you're wondering, I still have a set that my grandchildren love to stamp with!
There are now 5 items to identify to go in the box. All will be revealed at 2 pm, CST on Sunday, and if there's still room in the box I'll be adding even more, so don't forget to comment. If you have a US or Canadian shippping address, you may be the one to win the whole kit'n kaboodle..... So, enjoy your weekend, and don't forget to comment again on Sunday. The more times you comment, the better your chances are to win! Good luck!
KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON CRAFTING!
Friday, March 4, 2016
National Craft Month Mystery Box - Item #4
Do you know what this is?
Type your answer in the comments section to add it to the Mystery Box together with the name of the tool in the pink bag and items #2 and 3 (see posts below).... then check back each day thru Sunday to add even more items to the Mystery Box - you may be the one to win it all!
KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON CRAFTING!
Thursday, March 3, 2016
National Craft Month Mystery Box - Item #3
Do you know the name of this brand of stencils?
KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON CRAFTING!
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
National Craft Month Mystery Box - Item #2
Do you know what this is?
Comment below if you can name it. It will be added to the mystery box together with item #1!
See post below.....
See post below.....
KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON CRAFTING!
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
National Craft Month - Mystery Box
It's National Craft Month - time to get your craft on
and rock out some projects!
But, first things first. Take a look at the photo below. Do you know what's in the bag, in the box? Comment if you do and, if you're correct, you may win whatever it is. Since there's still plenty of room in the box, I'll be adding something different each day up thru Sunday, March 6th. You may have to guess what some of those products are too, or it may be quite obvious. (Comments won't be published until the last day.)
A winner will be picked on First Monday, March 7th in celebration of our National Craft Month linky party and all the comments will be posted at that time. Open to residents of US and Canada only. Good luck!
KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON CRAFTING!
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Valentine's Day Projects!
It's almost February - love is in the air and around the house! Valentine's Day is a wonderful day to share your love with each other and who doesn't love to brighten up their home again with hearts, flowers and chocolate!! Designers post their favorite projects here each month to share their love of crafts. We hope you'll visit often for inspiration and more!
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