Crafts of All Kinds

If you have abandoned detailed dry embossing because it is too much work, or you are tired of having a waxy coat from treating your embossing paper with waxed paper, you may want to try Inspired Crafts’ Paper Glide treatment. This fine mist leaves no residue, even on vellum, and takes the “snap” out of dry embossing. We first tried it at CHA Winter 2006 and have used it regularly since then.

Paper Glide was developed by Inspired Crafts’ founders for avid embossers whose hands were suffering from all that embossing. Even if you’ve invested in a Wizard or other embossing press, Paper Glide conditions paper - without altering the color - for a smoother embossed image. A great product; visit Inspired Crafts web site or ask your local craft/specialty store about getting it.

We’ve been dormant for several months now, but rest assured, we will be very active in 2007. We will be brining craft ideas of all sorts to Creative Geek and blogging regularly!

As I look around my craft room at all the unfinished projects and all the ideas awaiting action, I wonder where to start. Do I start on next Valentine’s Day projects? Do I finish last year’s Christmas projects? There are so many things to do, all of them worthy and not enough time to squeeze them all in. Once again, I look to my calendar for inspiration. The upcoming June holidays are actually inspiring me to use some of my previous project ideas in different ways. I think some of those Valentine ideas will adapt themselves well to Red Rose Day in June. There are some Indepdence Day (US) supplies that I can also use for Flag Day (US).

Some special days in June around which to create themed crafts are:

• Red Rose Day on June 12
• Flag Day (US) on June 14
• Fathers’ Day on June 18
• First Day of Summer (Summer Solstice) on June 21

Just in time for Mother’s Day is the “Home is Where the Mom is” Painted Paper Heart Box at Creative Geek. This is a fast project for all ages and is sure to charm any mom. Visit a local craft or discount store to get a small paper box, some craft paints and crackle medium and paint away. It’s that simple!

Not that each of us doesn’t have enough crafts on the back-burner, but keep that that calendar in front of you for inspiration. Granted, the very few “craft” entries recorded can be disheartening, but the interesting holidays, quotes, and pictures on a weekly calendar can add to ideas for projects. Special days to remember in May for craft themes: Cinco de Mayo (May 05), National Scrapbook Day (May 06), Mothers Day (May 14–you’re in real trouble if you didn’t remember that one), Wear Purple Day (May 16) and Memorial Day (observed May 29).

Cold Heat, the maker of the Cold Heat Soldering Tool, has developed a cordless glue gun, the Freestyle, utilizing the same technology. It takes 1-3 minutes to heat up (depending on the remaining battery life) and the battery lasts for over an hour. There’s a built-in stand that is actually sturdy and keeps the gun upright (unlike others), a built-in worklight, a viewer to see the glue stick inside, and it has a power-save feature. The Cold Heat web site sells these for only $29.95 and word is that extra battery packs will soon be offered. Cold Heat will be at the CHA Summer trade show, so we should see lots of ‘em in retail stores soon. This is glue gun is getting great reviews and it’s so small it fits right into a basic craft travel kit.

Check out this project that uses glaze ink pens to uniquely decorate your high-tech devices with your own personal touch. Use glaze ink gel-type pens and stickers, stamps, or just free-hand it — however you want to personalize your electronics, it’s up to you.

The Do-It-Yourself Network’s web site is updated frequently, providing the latest scoop on all its shows with program schedules. The DIY Network has complete project “recipes” with well-written instructions from home decorating to home improvement. Check the videos out for quick motivation. There are plenty of paper craft and scrapbooking inspirations available. Check it often!

Simple greeting card designs are often the best and definitely the quickest. Even when rushed, it is still possible to whip out a neat, personalized greeting card celebrating milestones in the lives of friends and family. Check the Paper Crafts 101 Project Ideas page for quick inspiration.

If you have abandoned detailed dry embossing because it is too much work, or you are tired of having a waxy coat from treating your embossing paper with waxed paper, you may want to try Inspired Crafts’ Paper Glide mist. This fine mist will not discolor your paper but adds significant pliability, making dry embossing a smooth “glide”. Try it with your embossing/die cut system, too, to see what a difference it makes with the impressions. Inspired Crafts also as a new product called Cutter Glide, that really improves the smoothness of cutting with even the least expensive scissors. Ask at your local scrapbooking store or visit Inspired Crafts.