Free Articles: books | Free Articles

Mini Paper Heart Wreath Tutorial By June Crawford of A Creative Dream

Posted by Unknown Posted on 12:44 AM with No comments

Do you like recycling old paper and creating all sorts of decorations for your home? If you do then you'll be pleased to know that June Crawford has a wonderful tutorial on her A Creative Dream showing you how to make a paper heart wreath. Have fun making yours.

Mini paper heart wreath... part 1

Mini paper heart wreath... part 2

Here's what June had to say about her tutorial: It seems that wreaths made of cones of paper are enjoying a resurgence. We have one at the office that we bring out during the holidays that Charlene made 30 or so years ago... she used some of that great perforated computer paper that is probably no longer in existence, glued the cones onto a cardboard wreath shape, added some embellishments, and voila... an interesting wreath. We have a local artist who makes them from books that are falling apart, and I've seen them done in various papers all across the web.

Well, if these are going to be a hit again, I want to get in on it too... with a little twist of course. I decided they might make some lovely small wreaths, and, since it is February... why not make them heart shaped too? And, maybe a tad smaller than the regular size wreath so they can hang on door handles, or maybe in a window pane, or be added to packages, or put on the windshields of cars in parking lots to surprise the random stranger... the possibilities just keep coming. Mine didn't turn out exactly as I had seen them in my head, but I thought I'd share the process with you anyway.

Please respect June's TERMS OF USE: Please note, in regard to the copyright, all of the directions and photographs in my tutorials are mine, you may not copy or reproduce them without my consent. These instructions are for you to use for PERSONAL use only, not for profit.

June's Bio: Me... a dreamer, a ponderer of big and small thoughts. A wanna-be artist, a soon to be empty-nester... wondering what the heck I am gonna do with the rest of my life...

Copyright © 2011 - All Rights Reserved - June Crawford of A Creative Dream.

Please visit her A Creative Dream blog at http://acreativedreamer.blogspot.com/. Her A Creative Dream Flickr page is at http://www.flickr.com/photos/creativedreamer/.

Love to Cook - Rumer's Cookery Book Tutorial By Ros Coffey of RosMadeMe Blog

Posted by Unknown Posted on 1:23 AM with No comments

Are you looking for the perfect gift to make your favorite cook, your Mum, your daughters or granddaughters who LOVE to cook? If you are then you'll be pleased to know that Ros Coffey has a wonderful tutorial on her RosMadeMe Blog blog showing you how to make a bag to store all those handwritten family recipes. What a wonderful idea for gifts this holiday season. Thanks, Ros.

Love to Cook - Rumer's Cookery Book Tutorial

Copyright © 2012 - All Rights Reserved - Written by Ros Coffey of RosMadeMe Blog.

Here's what Ros had to say about her tutorial: I have a friend called Rumer, she likes to cook, mind you she also likes to knit, sew and play on her DS, which is not a bad thing considering her mum runs our local yarn shop. When I saw her today, she said she wanted to make lemon drizzle cake and then we started talking about her granny's amazing chicken soup and I thought now is the time for her to start collecting her family recipes in her own cook book which is why we are going to make her very own book to gather up the recipes. I wonder if like me and my mum you have recipes books filled with hand written little scraps of paper with your beloved family recipes, if you do then this is the perfect project for you start on.

Ros's Bio:I live by the sea, in Essex, in Leigh-on-sea. I have been making things since I was a child, earliest memories were embroidering squares of binca matting, making felt egg cups and ripping back my knitting when my sister had picked up a dropped stitch... yep, it really did have to be all my own work! I am a dreadful hoarder, with stashes of wool and fabric hidden around my house, together with the projects that I have not yet finished. I am currently making cushions, quilted, appliqued, stencilled... actually just anything that I will enjoy crafting.

Copyright © 2010 - 2012 - All Rights Reserved - Ros Coffey of RosMadeMe Blog .

Please visit her RosMadeMe blog at http://rosmademe.blogspot.com .

Altered Book Frame Tutorial By June Crawford of A Creative Dream

Posted by Unknown Posted on 12:49 AM with No comments

I am a book lover and book collector and just hate throwing a good book away. Well, you can imagine how pleased I was to see that June Crawford had a wonderful tutorial on her A Creative Dream blog showing you how to make an altered photo frame from an old book. I just love this idea.

Altered book photo frame

Here's what June had to say about her tutorial: Let's alter a book.... Not like I haven't done that pretty often, eh? I am somewhat obsessed with it aren't I? This time I have a twist though... instead of making another journal, how about we turn a book into my current fancy... a frame?

I seem to have caught this particular bug (for making frames) while I was working on the woven photo frame. (You know... the one that I've got up for grabs as the current give away...over there on the left). Since you can alter books into so many other things, surely I can alter a book into a frame, right?

First is the deconstruction phase. One of the most interesting things I have found since I started altering books is how very simple it is to deconstruct one. I have always thought of a book as something that is rock solid, but all it takes is two carefully created incisions and you have a book cover separated from the book pages. My only caution here is that you be very careful (if you follow along and create your own) not to puncture the spine of the book while you make the incisions.

Please respect June's TERMS OF USE: Please note, in regard to the copyright, all of the directions and photographs in my tutorials are mine, you may not copy or reproduce them without my consent. These instructions are for you to use for PERSONAL use only, not for profit.

June's Bio: Me... a dreamer, a ponderer of big and small thoughts. A wanna-be artist, a soon to be empty-nester... wondering what the heck I am gonna do with the rest of my life...

Copyright © 2011 - All Rights Reserved - June Crawford of A Creative Dream.

Please visit her A Creative Dream blog at http://acreativedreamer.blogspot.com/. Her A Creative Dream Flickr page is at http://www.flickr.com/photos/creativedreamer/ .

A Book Tutorial By June Crawford of A Creative Dream

Posted by Unknown Posted on 1:18 AM with No comments

Have you ever wanted to make a journal or book, but didn't know how? Well, if you have then you'll be happy to know that June Crawford has a wonderful tutorial on her A Creative Dream blog showing you how to make a book. Have fun!

A book, part 1

The book, part 2

Here's what June had to say about her tutorial: I am soooooo OVER this... Ok folks, I feel like I am always bitching...but I gotta tell ya...I really am SO OVER THIS...this was the view in my neighborhood Tuesday morning just a bit before 6:00 am. Snowing like the dickens...and, there's ice under that snow too. The city of Lexington had declared a snow emergency Monday evening...and work was going to begin on a two hour delay. I just couldn't face it. I called in and took a vacation day.

What better time to play with things I love the most? Ok, a couple of things I love the most...I've bunches of paper sitting around here, large, huge sheets of watercolor paper. I am not someone who plays well with watercolors, they are something I simply have not mastered...or come close to...at this point, but I do love the paper. Of course, if you read this blog you know I have a thing about paper...I'm not sure why, but I really have a thing about paper. I adore paper...it's a bizarre love affair really. I adore it, love the potential of what will come to be on it, and yet, I have shelf after shelf of blank books. Another thing I have "something" about...books, especially journaling sort of books. And, I have wanted to work on this coptic binding thing...Seemed like the perfect time to make another book.

Please respect June's TERMS OF USE: Please note, in regard to the copyright, all of the directions and photographs in my tutorials are mine, you may not copy or reproduce them without my consent. These instructions are for you to use for PERSONAL use only, not for profit.

June's Bio: Me... a dreamer, a ponderer of big and small thoughts. A wanna-be artist, a soon to be empty-nester... wondering what the heck I am gonna do with the rest of my life...

Copyright © 2012 - All Rights Reserved - June Crawford of A Creative Dream.

Please visit her A Creative Dream blog at http://acreativedreamer.blogspot.com/. Her A Creative Dream Flickr page is at http://www.flickr.com/photos/creativedreamer/ .

Altoid's Tin Book Tutorial By Laura Carson of Artfully Musing Blog

Posted by Unknown Posted on 1:09 AM with No comments

If you love mixed media vintage creations and working with altoid tin's then you're going to love the "Altoid's Tin Book" tutorial that Laura Carson has on her Artfully Musing blog. I'm definitely going to make one. How about you?

Altoid's Tin Book

Copyright © 2012 - All Rights Reserved - Written by Laura Carson of Artfully Musing.

Here's what Laura had to say about her tutorial: In this tutorial I’ll walk you through creating a vintage Altoid’s Tin book using chipboard and two Altoid’s tins. The fun part of this project is that by hinging two tins together it creates niches that you can load up with all kinds of embellishments.

Please respect Laura's TERMS OF USE: My tutorials are protected by U.S. & International copyright laws. Do not copy, duplicate, alter or reproduce in anyway. Please use for inspiration only. ALL NAMES, LOGOS AND DESIGNS ARE THE PROPERTY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS. ©2012 Laura Carson (Artfully Musing), All Rights Reserved

Laura's Bio: After retiring from the computer software industry where I spent my career designing, building and marketing software, I needed a creative outlet. A few years ago I discovered Mixed Media Art and have had a love affair ever since. I’ve taught classes in Altered Books, Handmade Books, Collage Art and Mix Media Art. I currently design for Alpha Stamps and I enjoy trading in various art groups. Starting this blog is a way of sharing my art and the wonderful art I have received from others. I specialize in very detailed multi-layered and textured pieces. I live in Anthem Arizona with my husband Kevin, dog Sandy, and cat Tigger.

Copyright © 2012 - All Rights Reserved - Laura Carson of Artfully Musing.

Please visit her Artfully Musing blog at http://artfullymusing.blogspot.com/.

Wee Bird Tutorial By Karen Bailey of Todolwen Blog

Posted by Unknown Posted on 1:14 AM with No comments

Some creations are just too cute. Such is the case with the wee birds that Karen Bailey shows everyone how to make on her Todolwen blog. I'm definitely adding these to my "to do" list for Christmas gifts this year.

Wee Bird Tutorial

Copyright © 2011 - All Rights Reserved - Written by Karen Bailey of Todolwen Blog

Here's what Karen had to say about her tutorial: Hello my dear friends, at last I have finished the tutorial for my wee bird! It has taken me so much longer than I thought it would but sometimes things just don't work out the way we would like them to.

Please respect Karen's TERMS OF USE: Please do not copy my tutorials in full and/or claim them to be your own and/or post them on your blog without my permission. Furthermore the sale of my tutorials is prohibited. All my designs are protected under copyright.

Karen's Bio: My name is Karen Bailey, and I am the wife for over 20 years to a now retired british serviceman and a Mum to two beautiful daughters. For many years we traveled and lived all over the world whilst serving in the army. After leaving the army we now live in Ontario, Canada. My passion is antiques, especially victorian unrestored furniture and household items and creating/crafting. For me there is nothing better when I have a moment to sit down and make something beautiful. My blog is 'Todolwen' which is an anogram made up from 'old to new' which is what I love to do ~ take something old and give it a new life. I hope you enjoy my makings as much as I enjoy creating them.

Copyright © 2011 - All Rights Reserved - Karen Bailey of Todolwen Blog.

Please visit her Todolwen blog at http://todolwen.blogspot.com/.

The Spiky Ball Tutorial By June Crawford of A Creative Dream

Posted by Unknown Posted on 1:42 AM with No comments

Are you looking for an adorable and different ornament for your tree this year? If you are then you'll be happy to know that June Crawford has a wonderful tutorial on her A Creative Dream blog showing you how to make a spiky ball ornament. I'll be making plenty of these. &Have fun making yours.

The spiky ball...

Copyright © 2012 - All Rights Reserved - Written by June Crawford of A Creative Dream

Here's what June had to say about her tutorial: Wow... a new year... I was wondering what in the world I would share with everyone to start the new year off right, and then I opened my email. Y'all seem to really like my spikey balls... at least judging by the number of emails asking how I made them and requesting a tute. Honestly, I didn't share these earlier because I thought everyone knew how to make them. I remember doing them with my grandmother when I was little, so they're not something new. I was wrong... who knew? Always one who likes to give my readers what you want, seems the perfect thing to share to begin this new year. So here we go... the first tutorial of 2012...

Please respect June's TERMS OF USE: Please note, in regard to the copyright, all of the directions and photographs in my tutorials are mine, you may not copy or reproduce them without my consent. These instructions are for you to use for PERSONAL use only, not for profit.

June's Bio: Me... a dreamer, a ponderer of big and small thoughts. A wanna-be artist, a soon to be empty-nester... wondering what the heck I am gonna do with the rest of my life...

Copyright © 2012 - All Rights Reserved - June Crawford of A Creative Dream.

Please visit her A Creative Dream blog at http://acreativedreamer.blogspot.com/. Her A Creative Dream Flickr page is at http://www.flickr.com/photos/creativedreamer/ .

How to Study (Category: Education)

Posted by Unknown Posted on 8:26 AM with No comments

Reading (study) is an art. The students are familiar with the art can get high marks with less hardwork. Our often students are not familar with this art so that they work hard but can't get the high marks. If you familar with principles of study, then you can also get high marks without hard work or with less hard work.

While studying important thing is that you have to calm, confident and alert. When you'r calm, the speed of studying increases. Due to mental stress, the concentration is effected and you will not understand anything. It also effects memory and after reading several hours there is no advantage of study. For study please obey the following some peinciples.

It is important to study in good and calm atmosphere so you need to make sure that:

The atomsphere is relaxed. There is no T.V, Radio, Telephone etc . Not often peoples come there. Distruction is too low / Minimize outside interference۔ Place of study like chair is comfortable. There is natural light, if not then use that light wich is like natural light. Fresh air can com easily so you can take long breathings. The best place of study is sitting on the table in the bedroom.

You have to determined the location of study. Place your medals and certificates around you because it helps you to increase your confident. Donot use mobile while studying or make sure to switch off it so no one can disturb you.

Determine the time of the study. Donot do anything in the studytime. Make a timetable for the study so you can easily study the tareted subjects and lessons etc.

Snowman Ornament Tutorial By June Crawford of A Creative Dream

Posted by Unknown Posted on 1:16 AM with No comments

Are you looking for an adorable and different baby gift or ornament for your home? If you are then you'll be happy to know that June Crawford has a wonderful tutorial on her A Creative Dream blog showing you how to make an adorable snowman ornament.

Snowman Ornament

Here's what June had to say about her tutorial: A new baby is coming (thank goodness it isn't mine!)!!! We have a new mommy to be at work. This is Kristen's first baby, it's a little boy, and she's due in August. I really don't know Kristen more than to say hi and ask her how it's all going in the hallway, but I sure am excited for her. I don't have a first clue about what the nursery is done in, or really what she's interested in, or what she has for the baby...but, because I think First Christmas ornaments are always a great gift, I'm going to make one for the baby. I asked several people in her department what the baby's name is going to be, and not a single one could remember, but they promised to find out for me so I could make it more personal. After considering all of my options, I've decided to go with a snowman (mostly because I think they are so darned cute!). I'm going to share the making of it with you, so on to the snowman! (Many thanks to my daughter, Kate, for taking pics for me!)

Please respect June's TERMS OF USE: Please note, in regard to the copyright, all of the directions and photographs in my tutorials are mine, you may not copy or reproduce them without my consent. These instructions are for you to use for PERSONAL use only, not for profit.

June's Bio: Me... a dreamer, a ponderer of big and small thoughts. A wanna-be artist, a soon to be empty-nester... wondering what the heck I am gonna do with the rest of my life...

Copyright © 2009 - All Rights Reserved - June Crawford of A Creative Dream.

Please visit her A Creative Dream blog at http://acreativedreamer.blogspot.com/. Her A Creative Dream Flickr page is at http://www.flickr.com/photos/creativedreamer/ .

New Birds Nest From Old Doilies Tutorial By Karen Bailey of Todolwen Blog

Posted by Unknown Posted on 1:29 AM with No comments

I love doilies and love decorating my home with them. So, I was pleased to see that Karen Bailey had a wonderful tutorial on her Todolwen blog showing you how to make a birds nest from old doilies. What an adorable decoration.

New Birds Nest From Old Doilies Tutorial

Copyright © 2011 - All Rights Reserved - Written by Karen Bailey of Todolwen Blog

Here's what Karen had to say about her tutorial: Bring Out Your Doilies - A New Birds Nest Tutorial - Hello my dear friends, whilst working with my little coconut fibre pot on Tuesday and waiting for the tea stained eggs to dry I thought it would be nice to come up with a new little tutorial for you! After my Easter basket which was made from a stiffened doily my thoughts went with a nest made the same way.

Please respect Karen's TERMS OF USE: Please do not copy my tutorials in full and/or claim them to be your own and/or post them on your blog without my permission. Furthermore the sale of my tutorials is prohibited. All my designs are protected under copyright.

Karen's Bio: My name is Karen Bailey, and I am the wife for over 20 years to a now retired british serviceman and a Mum to two beautiful daughters. For many years we traveled and lived all over the world whilst serving in the army. After leaving the army we now live in Ontario, Canada. My passion is antiques, especially victorian unrestored furniture and household items and creating/crafting. For me there is nothing better when I have a moment to sit down and make something beautiful. My blog is 'Todolwen' which is an anogram made up from 'old to new' which is what I love to do ~ take something old and give it a new life. I hope you enjoy my makings as much as I enjoy creating them.

Copyright © 2011 - All Rights Reserved - Karen Bailey of Todolwen Blog.

Please visit her Todolwen blog at http://todolwen.blogspot.com/.

Paper Gum Weaving and Woven Chain Paper Frame Tutorials By June Crawford of A Creative Dream

Posted by Unknown Posted on 1:00 AM with No comments

I can remember making gum wrapper chains? Can you? If you can remember these or if you have always wanted to learn how to make something from them then you'll be happy to know that June Crawford has a wonderful tutorial on her A Creative Dream blog showing you how to make picture frame from gum wrapper chains. I'm definitely going to try making one of these. Boy, does that bring back memories!

Paper (gum wrapper) weaving

Here's what June had to say about her tutorial: This current obsession I have with re-purposing old books into creative journals has left me with a whole lot of book guts. All those pages that fall out or I remove are hanging around in my creative space and I swear, they are taunting me. Maybe it's because they are really starting to pile up, or maybe it's because the pile is starting to topple over... either way, it seems time to turn some of my attention to all those pages.

So... do ya remember the gum wrapper chains from forever and a day ago? I think the last time I made one I was in... oh, maybe the fourth grade. We won't discuss exactly how many years ago that was, suffice it to say, it was a few. Which makes it all the more strange that creating one popped into my head a couple of weeks ago. But, once an idea comes to roost it must eventually come to fruition. It seemed a good thing to make those book pages stop taunting me, so this weekend I searched the depths of my memory and with a few mishaps... ok, maybe a whole bunch of mishaps (I tried to make it so much more difficult than it needed to be)... I think I finally got it. In case you haven't made one, or if you just need a refresher, I thought I'd share... Start with papers the size of gum wrappers. Mine were 1.5" x 3.25".

Woven paper frame part 1

Woven paper frame part 2

Woven paper frame finish

Here's what June had to say about her tutorial: To weave the gum wrappers again, I needed a project to use them up. This is what I came up with. Quite pleased with myself. I mean.. cool idea huh? Who else would come up with a frame? Then my daughter came home. It seems she's seen these everywhere. Talk about an immediate deflate... anyway, I'm going to share with you the process of creating this frame regardless. Along with the things I won't be doing for the next ones.

Please respect June's TERMS OF USE: Please note, in regard to the copyright, all of the directions and photographs in my tutorials are mine, you may not copy or reproduce them without my consent. These instructions are for you to use for PERSONAL use only, not for profit.

June's Bio: Me... a dreamer, a ponderer of big and small thoughts. A wanna-be artist, a soon to be empty-nester... wondering what the heck I am gonna do with the rest of my life...

Copyright © 2011 - All Rights Reserved - June Crawford of A Creative Dream.

Please visit her A Creative Dream blog at http://acreativedreamer.blogspot.com/. Her A Creative Dream Flickr page is at http://www.flickr.com/photos/creativedreamer/ .

Little Flowers In Salt Shaker Vase Free Tutorial By Karen Bailey of Todolwen Blog

Posted by Unknown Posted on 1:30 AM with No comments

I just love paper creations - especially when they are combined with another one of my loves which is floral crafts. So, I was pleased to see that Karen Bailey had a wonderful tutorial on her Todolwen blog showing you how to make little paper flowers in a saltshaker vase. They are just too adorable to resist.

LITTLE FLOWERS IN SALT SHAKER VASE

Copyright © 2011 - All Rights Reserved - Written by Karen Bailey of Todolwen Blog

Here's what Karen had to say about her tutorial: My First Tutorial. Hello my dear Friends. As I mentioned yesterday, I was working on a tutorial for the little flowers in the salt-shaker vase. Well, it is ready. So, here we go!

Please respect Karen's TERMS OF USE: Please do not copy my tutorials in full and/or claim them to be your own and/or post them on your blog without my permission. Furthermore the sale of my tutorials is prohibited. All my designs are protected under copyright.

Karen's Bio: My name is Karen Bailey, and I am the wife for over 20 years to a now retired british serviceman and a Mum to two beautiful daughters. For many years we traveled and lived all over the world whilst serving in the army. After leaving the army we now live in Ontario, Canada. My passion is antiques, especially victorian unrestored furniture and household items and creating/crafting. For me there is nothing better when I have a moment to sit down and make something beautiful. My blog is 'Todolwen' which is an anogram made up from 'old to new' which is what I love to do ~ take something old and give it a new life. I hope you enjoy my makings as much as I enjoy creating them.

Copyright © 2011 - All Rights Reserved - Karen Bailey of Todolwen Blog.

Please visit her Todolwen blog at http://todolwen.blogspot.com/.

How’s My Hair – Accordion Folded Book Free Tutorial By Laura Carson of Artfully Musing Blog

Posted by Unknown Posted on 1:37 AM with No comments

I'm enthralled with Marie Antoinette and all the amazing art creations there are today about her. So, I was really pleased to see that Laura Carson had a wonderful tutorial on her Artfully Musing blog showing you how to make a Marie Antoinette accordion book. It's on my "to do" soon list.

“How’s My Hair” – Accordion Folded Book

Here's what Laura had to say about her tutorial: Accordion folded books are simple to make and require no sewing. Everything is assembled with glue. You can make them any size you want and can use them to display art, as a journal, as scrapbook or as a piece of art. The new Rectangular Fleur de Lys Frames carried by Alpha Stamps make perfect book covers. I also thought that Alpha Stamp’s new humorous “How’s My Hair” rubber stamp set and collage sheet would make a fun topic for a book.

The new stamps and images are based on the craze of the French court in the 1770s (Marie Antoinette’s time) of creating huge hairstyles called “le pouf”. Hair dressers used cushions made of fabric or cork and the woman’s own hair as well as added hair pieces that would be combed over and piled on top of the cushions. Next were added enormous curls, feathers, lace, flowers and other ornaments. The bigger the hair the higher the status!

Please respect Laura's TERMS OF USE: My tutorials are protected by U.S. & International copyright laws. Do not copy, duplicate, alter or reproduce in anyway. Please use for inspiration only. ALL NAMES, LOGOS AND DESIGNS ARE THE PROPERTY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS. ©2012 Laura Carson (Artfully Musing), All Rights Reserved

Laura's Bio: After retiring from the computer software industry where I spent my career designing, building and marketing software, I needed a creative outlet. A few years ago I discovered Mixed Media Art and have had a love affair ever since. I’ve taught classes in Altered Books, Handmade Books, Collage Art and Mix Media Art. I currently design for Alpha Stamps and I enjoy trading in various art groups. Starting this blog is a way of sharing my art and the wonderful art I have received from others. I specialize in very detailed multi-layered and textured pieces. I live in Anthem Arizona with my husband Kevin, dog Sandy, and cat Tigger.

Copyright © 2012 - All Rights Reserved - Laura Carson of Artfully Musing.

Please visit her Artfully Musing blog at http://artfullymusing.blogspot.com/.

Vintage French Painter’s Canvas Book Free Tutorial By Laura Carson of Artfully Musing Blog

Posted by Unknown Posted on 1:15 AM with No comments

All I can say to the next mixed media creation is "WOW!" That's amazing. If you would like to make a mixed media book from painter's canvases then you'll want to check out the amazing "Vintage French Painter's Canvas Book" tutorial that Laura Carson has on her Artfully Musing blog. I hope you enjoy her tutorial.

Vintage French Painter’s Canvas Book

Copyright © 2012 - All Rights Reserved - Written by Laura Carson of Artfully Musing.

Here's what Laura had to say about her tutorial: This project started with Leslie of Alpha Stamps sending me a picture of the French Kiss 6x6 paper pad and asking me if I would like to create something using these papers. I said “YES”! These papers are so up my alley. Next, I had to decide which images I would use as a focal point and I couldn’t resist using the Cléo de Mérode collage sheet. Her images are some of my favorites. With the papers dictating the style and with Cleo as my muse, I decided to make a vintage French book from two painter’s canvases. I love using canvases because the wood frame on the backside creates little niches that you can fill will all kinds of goodies and it’s really easy to hinge the canvases together.

Please respect Laura's TERMS OF USE: My tutorials are protected by U.S. & International copyright laws. Do not copy, duplicate, alter or reproduce in anyway. Please use for inspiration only. ALL NAMES, LOGOS AND DESIGNS ARE THE PROPERTY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS. ©2012 Laura Carson (Artfully Musing), All Rights Reserved

Laura's Bio: After retiring from the computer software industry where I spent my career designing, building and marketing software, I needed a creative outlet. A few years ago I discovered Mixed Media Art and have had a love affair ever since. I’ve taught classes in Altered Books, Handmade Books, Collage Art and Mix Media Art. I currently design for Alpha Stamps and I enjoy trading in various art groups. Starting this blog is a way of sharing my art and the wonderful art I have received from others. I specialize in very detailed multi-layered and textured pieces. I live in Anthem Arizona with my husband Kevin, dog Sandy, and cat Tigger.

Copyright © 2012 - All Rights Reserved - Laura Carson of Artfully Musing.

Please visit her Artfully Musing blog at http://artfullymusing.blogspot.com/.

Free Tutorial - How To Make An Accordion Fold Book By Laura Carson of Artfully Musing Blog

Posted by Unknown Posted on 1:11 AM with No comments

I've had my eye on some accordion books for quite some time and would love to make one. If you would, too, then you'll be happy to know that Laura Carson has a wonderful tutorial on her Artfully Musing blog showing you how to make an accordion book. I hope you enjoy her tutorial.

Tutorial - How To Make An Accordion Fold Book

Copyright © 2011 - All Rights Reserved - Written by Laura Carson of Artfully Musing.

Here's what Laura had to say about her tutorial: Accordion books are simple to make and require no sewing. Everything is assembled with glue. You can make them any size you want and can use them to display art, as a journal, for a scrapbook or as a piece of art.

Please respect Laura's TERMS OF USE: My tutorials are protected by U.S. & International copyright laws. Do not copy, duplicate, alter or reproduce in anyway. Please use for inspiration only. ALL NAMES, LOGOS AND DESIGNS ARE THE PROPERTY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS. ©2012 Laura Carson (Artfully Musing), All Rights Reserved

Laura's Bio: After retiring from the computer software industry where I spent my career designing, building and marketing software, I needed a creative outlet. A few years ago I discovered Mixed Media Art and have had a love affair ever since. I’ve taught classes in Altered Books, Handmade Books, Collage Art and Mix Media Art. I currently design for Alpha Stamps and I enjoy trading in various art groups. Starting this blog is a way of sharing my art and the wonderful art I have received from others. I specialize in very detailed multi-layered and textured pieces. I live in Anthem Arizona with my husband Kevin, dog Sandy, and cat Tigger.

Copyright © 2011 - All Rights Reserved - Laura Carson of Artfully Musing.

Please visit her Artfully Musing blog at http://artfullymusing.blogspot.com/.

Stitched Gift Wrap and Holiday Crafting With Book Pages Free Tutorials by Alisa Burke

Posted by Unknown Posted on 2:16 AM with No comments

Looking for some really cute ideas for holiday wrapping this year and holiday decorating? If you are you'll love the stitched gift wrap and holiday crafting with book pages tutorials from Alisa Burke.

stitched gift wrap

Here's what Alisa had to say about her tutorial: So here is the deal- I don't think I have purchased wrapping paper in years (this is probably not a surprise)! I would never, EVER buy any kind of gift wrap when I can make my own so I am always looking for new ways to wrap holiday gifts. Since sewing has become such a big part of my creative life, I have been experimenting will all kinds of ways to create unique wrapping with stitched surfaces.

holiday crafting with book pages

Here's what Alisa had to say about her tutorial: This holiday season I am noticing a trend- book pages! They are everywhere from Anthropologie to West Elm, it is obvious that everyone has discovered the versatility and beauty of text on a book page. I have been using recycled book pages for quite a while and can attest to the fact that they are a simple, affordable and a beautiful supply to use in art and craft projects.

Please respect Alisa's TERMS OF USE: I work really hard to come up with my art, tutorials, ideas, classes, inspiration and more. Please understand that everything I post on my blog is for your personal use only - not for resale or redistribution. Please contact me if you are interested in using anything that I share online-thank you!!!

For more information on Alisa's Terms of Use please CLICK HERE.

Alisa's Bio: Alisa Burke is a freelance painter and mixed media artist who studied fine art at Portland State University. With a background in painting and printmaking, a desire to explore and push materials, Alisa is always looking for new ways to break the rules and redefine art. She draws inspiration from street art, graffiti, art history and fashion and it is not uncommon to find her digging through the trash in hopes of recycling something unique use in her artwork.

Alisa’s paintings have been exhibited in a variety of galleries and her handmade, painted accessories are carried in a number of boutiques across the country. Her artwork has been featured in publications such as Cloth Paper Scissors, Quilting Arts, Where Women Create, Somerset Studios’ Haute Handbags, Art Doll Quarterly, and the University of San Diego Magazine. In addition to making art, Alisa teaches a variety of workshops nation wide. Alisa appeared as a guest artist on the DIY Network show Craft Lab and book Canvas Remix was released in spring 2008.

Copyright © 2010 - All Rights Reserved - Alisa Burke of Alisa Burke.

Please visit her Alisa Burke website at http://www.alisaburke.com and her Alisa Burke - Redefine Creativity blog at http://www.alisaburke.blogspot.com. Her Alisa Burke Etsy shop is at http://alisaburke.etsy.com.

Cereal Box Booklets Free Tutorial by Sue Bleiweiss

Posted by Unknown Posted on 4:48 AM with No comments

I just love mixed media creations and admire all the mixed media fiber artists on the web. Sue Bleiweiss is one of the mixed media fiber artists that I so admire and I have marveled at her creations for a few years now. She teaches mixed media fiber arts online and has written many, many free articles and tutorials for her Sue Bleiweisswebsite and her Sue Bleiweiss blog.

I thought you'd be happy to know that Sue has a wonderful tutorial on her blog showing you how to make a cereal box booklet. If you recycle this is a great way to use cereal boxes.

Cereal Box Booklets
Copyright © 2008-2011- All Rights Reserved - Written By Sue Bleiweiss

Here's what Sue had to say about her cereal box booklets: Like most households we have recycle bins for paper and plastic and make it a point to toss in whatever we can to reduce the amount of waste that goes into the trash bin. I noticed recently that there was a pretty big pile of cereal and cracker boxes along with brown paper bags building up in the bin and so I pulled a few out and decided to bring them into the studio to see if I could turn them into something.

Use a light weight cereal, cracker or snack box for these booklets. You want to choose a box that has been made with cardboard that bends easily. Heavier cardboard boxes won’t work very well for this project.

Please respect Sue's Terms of Use: For personal use only. Please feel free to make as many as you like for gifts, swaps and donations, however; at this time I cannot provide licensing for readers to sell items made from the patterns provided on my website. Tutorial, text & images are the property of Sue Bleiweiss. Do not copy or distribute in any form for any reason without my permission!

Copyright © 2011 - All Rights Reserved - Written By Sue Bleiweiss of SueBleiweiss.com.

Sue is a Mixed Media Fiber Artist and Instructor. She teaches classes online in mixed media, surface design, fiber arts.

Handmade With Love - Gift Ideas For The Holidays - Ideas #21, #22, #23, #24, and #25

Posted by Unknown Posted on 1:32 AM with No comments

If you support handmade and love to give gifts from the heart then you're going to love our "Handmade With Love - Gift Ideas For The Holidays" series of posts.

The handmade ideas are taken from all the wonderful free Christmas articles, e-patterns, tutorials, graphics, stitcheries, craft projects and more that The Best Free Craft Articles blog contributors have to offer.

Here's ideas #21, #22, #23, #24, and #25:

Idea #21 - Create a journal and journal cover for your favorite writer, blogger, traveler, adventurer, and more.

Journal Cover Tutorial - long post!

Idea #22- How about a sketchbook cover for your favorite artist or doodler?

Tutorial: Sketchbook Cover

Idea #23 - Photo block ornaments make a great gift!

dec. daily {no. 22} photo ornament tutorial

Idea #24 - Fabric Boxes make a wonderful gift.

Fabric boxes

Idea #25 - Handmade Holiday boxes filled with home cooked cookies and treats always makes a wonderful gift.

How-To: Holiday Treat Box

Please respect each artist or crafters Terms Of Use for their free article.

I hope you are inspired to create handmade gifts of your own for the holidays.

Stay tuned for Ideas #26, #27, #28, #29 and #30.

Mini Saddle Stitched Booklet and Make Bags From Envelopes & Pretty Tape Free Tutorial From Jessica Jones of Jessica Jones

Posted by Unknown Posted on 1:28 AM with No comments

I just love cute little things - especially if they are little notepads and gift bags so I was happy to see that Jessica Jones had two wonderful tutorial on her How About Orange blog showing you how to make a mini saddle-stitched booklet and how to make gift bags from envelopes and pretty tape. Have fun!

Make a mini saddle-stitched booklet

Here's what Jessica had to say about her tutorial: I have a stack of scratch paper that's been sitting on top of my filing cabinet, annoying me. You know how when you print emails, sometimes there's nothing but one line of text on the second page? It's stuff like that. And yet in my purse, I never seem to have any paper whatsoever, so I scribble people's email addresses on the backs of crumpled receipts. So here's my solution: tiny notebooks.

Make bags from envelopes and pretty tape

Here's what Jessica had to say about her tutorial: I got a little tape-happy the other day. This project is like the envelope gift bag tutorial from awhile back, but approximately 200% cuter due to fancy tape. These little gift sacks could be used as party favors filled with candy or as packaging for wee presents.

Please respect Jessica's TERMS OF USE: You're welcome to link to my How About Orange blog or use a single image and brief description to link back to any post. Republishing posts in their entirety is prohibited without permission.

Copyright © 2007-2010 - All Rights Reserved - Jessica Jones of Jessica Jones. Jessica is a professional graphic and textile designer.

Please visit her Jessica Jones website @ http://www.jessicajonesdesign.com/ and her How About Orange blog @ http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/.

Reading books

Posted by Unknown Posted on 3:07 PM with No comments

One advantage of flying to the US is the chance to do some reading. At Newark (EWR) I picked up Guy Kawasaki's "Reality Check", which is a fun read. You can get a flavour of the book from this presentation Guy gave in 2006.

While at MIT for the Elsevier Challenge I was browsing in the MIT book shop and stumbled across "Google and the Myth of Universal Knowledge" by Frenchman Jean-Noël Jeanneney. It's, um, very French. I have some sympathy with his argument, but ultimately it comes across as European whining about American success. And the proposed solution involves that classic European solution -- committees! In many ways it's really a librarian complaing about Google (again), which librarians just need to get over:

OK, I'm not really doing the arguments justice, but I'm getting a little tired of European efforts that are essentially motivated by "well the Americans are doing this, so we need to do something as well."

Lastly, I also bought Linda Hill's "Georeferencing: The Geographic Associations of Information", which is a little out of date (what, no Google Maps or Google Earth?), but is nevertheless an interesting read, and has lots of references to georeferencing in biodiversity informatics. Given that my efforts for the challenge in this area where so crude, it's something I need to think about a bit more deeply.

Now, if I can just find my gate...

Blog Archive