Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Crafty Wednesday

Welcome Back to Crafty Wednesday!

With Halloween right around the corner I thought it would be fitting to do a fun Zombie project. This project is brought to us by the wonderful people at Etsy. Grab your supplies and lets get craftin :)

Zombies!!! http://www.etsy.com/storque/how-to/how-tuesday-make-a-zombie-10882/

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

~Crafty Wednesday~

Hello Everyone.

Today's Crafty Wednesday comes to us from the TV show Creative Juice. Fine you spare jewelry and broken parts, gather them all up together and lets decorate.

Jeweled Home Frames

Materials and Tools:

broken jewelry
orphaned earrings
old buttons
picture frames
wire cutters
E6000 glue

Steps:

1. Collect an assortment of broken jewelry, orphaned earrings and old buttons, remove any earring, pin backs or button shanks with wire cutters.

2. Attach embellishments to frame with E6000 glue.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Crafty Wednesday!

Today's Crafty Wednesday is an experience I had recently with a project.

Couples weeks ago I had talked about a knitting book called Stitch n Bitch. I was (hense was) working on the Lucky Clover Lace Wrap sweater. Wonderful lacy stitch pattern that is just oh so cute. Well I was having a hard time figuring out the directions. The pattern is 12 row long. It would say increase and decrease ever so many rows but it didn't specify if I was increasing or decreasing on the 9th row of the stitch pattern or ever 9 rows. So I looked around on the internet and came up with no answers. The one answer I found the most was "don't do this project." So i have abandoned the lace wrap and am going to move on to something else. I'm a little bummed that I didn't make it but I still have the yarn and hopefully one day I will try it again.

So let this be a lessen...If you are having problems with a project it's OK not to finish it. Set it aside...give yourself some space and maybe in the fuuture try it again. When I do a project I have a need to finsih. This time I had to tell myself it is ok to back away. I hope this helps and other crafters who run into a snag ever now and then.

Happy crafty and see you next week.

Monday, September 13, 2010

National Capital Cat Show

This weekend I went to the National Capital Cat Show. Both my mom and I are cat owners and lovers so we enjoy going to see such perfect feline specimens. Plus it always makes me feel better because these people are really obsessed with their cats. This year persians and burmese stole the show. I like the persians puffy fur and the squishy face although I have come to find not everyone likes those faces. There was a small black persian kitty that let me pet it and I oh so wanted to take it home. It also had some very high prized ribbons on it's cage so it was probably well loved by someone although you wouldn't know it cause no one was sitting with it. Part of the fun is walking up and down the aisles of the cats and their owners set ups. They go all out! Bg colorful and exotic print fabrics with matching beds but a lot of cat were sleeping in the litter box instead of the cushy bed. Some cat curled up with each other for a nap. One cat was digging under it's bed and mat an was knocking its water every where. Just shows you, know matter how much you train them they still have a mind of it's own. It makes me want to get another cat. With a full-time job, craft business and school my Fiona might need a friend. I could have easily walked away from several cats. If you love cats I recommend going to a cat show. The Judges are great, they are funny and know a lot (ok well i guess duh! they are the judges) and you see a whole bunch of great cats and crazy owners.

P.S. there is an obstacle course. There is no real point to it. Cats are uninterested in running it but they like to hide and jump out at the toy the owner is holding out to entice them to run the course.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Wednesday! Time to Get Crafty

Channel your inner rock star with these fun-to-make fashion accessories. Bring on the glam with this rock-inspired belt buckle, customized with glitter and rhinestones. This projects comes to us from the show Creative Juice. One of my favorite craft shows.

Materials and Tools:

belt buckle blank with a ridge
rock 'n roll images
scrapbooking or wrapping paper
glue stick
rhinestones
jewel glue
toothpick
découpage medium
ultra-fine glitter
small paintbrush
leather paints
paintbrushes
leather belt

Steps:

1. Trim the paper and the image(s) to fit inside the belt buckle blank well. Glue paper to the inside of the buckle blank.

2. Decide on the placement and glue image(s) in place.

3. Using jewel glue and a toothpick, attach rhinestones in a decorative pattern.

4. Add glitter to a small amount of découpage medium and brush over both the image(s) and rhinestones. Work carefully to keep the medium in the well of the belt buckle. Let dry overnight, or longer if needed.

5. Decorate the belt with leather paints and attach buckle to belt.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Google Analytics Experiment: Log 2

It has been 3 whole weeks and the winners so far are: tied for first is Tuesday and Friday and Sunday is in close second. I would have never thought tuesday or sunday would be good days. Since the school year has started I haven't had much time to make the quantity I usually do but I do have 3 boxes being posted soon. (keep an eye out for Geisha Girl Photo Box) All the days have different number of views. Some days I have 10 views and others I have 1. I really see a spike when I comment on Etsy Treasuries and Storque Blogs such as the Featured Sellers and How-Tuesdays. Since my business is still super small I am excited with each new discovery. I am taking online classes and one thing you do at the beginning of each new class is introduce yourself and let the teacher and classmates know a bit about who you area. Each time I always have new traffic to my business which is always good to see.

The goal is to get up between 10 to 15 boxes and then see about making photo albums. The google experiment will continue and I'll keep you posted on the results and if anything changes.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Today is Crafty Wesnesday!!!

Hello

I love to knit and crochet. It's something I can do infront of the TV and still be creating. So today I wanted to share mt favorites yarn books....Stitch n Bitch. These books teach you how to knit and crochet easily and have wonderful projects. From a knit Joan Jett doll, crocheted doormat and a knit bikini with matching bag. I believe the binikii is more for hanging out in the sun but it's really cute. I have known how to knit since I was 7. My mom taught me how. My sister was the crocheter in the family. In college she made a beautiful afghan blanket. Currently I am working on a pattern from the Stich n Bitch nation book. It's a Lace Wrap Sweater in a muted purple. I struggled in the beginning but now it's smooth sailing. Recently they have released Son of Stitch n Bitch which I have yet to see. So i recommened to any yarn lover to check out Stitch n Bitch, Stitch n Bitch Nation and Happy Hooker for fun and modern projects.

Happy Crafting:)

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Jim Parsons and The Big Bang Theory

Hooray and Congrats to Jim Parsons for winning an Emmy for The Big Bang Theory. I LOVE this show and Sheldon is a character i could follow for seasons. Being a small Star Trek fan (actually Star Trek: The Next Generation) and somewhat of a geek I enjoy the awkwardness of this show and it's cast of characters. I am super excited for the next season since Sheldon (Jim Parsons) will be going on a date. Now that doesn't seem big but for this show it completely demonstrates the uncomfortableness of having to be social.

The only thing that worries me is that it's moving to Thursday nights. If it's opposite on 30 Rock I won't know what to do.

If you haven't seen The Big Bang Theory, please check it out. It brings out the inner nerd in us all :)

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Hooray Craft Wednesday!

Hello...We meet again for another Crafty Wednesday.

Today's Craft: Paper Covered Pencils

Materials:
Mechanical Pencils
Decorative Paper (experiement and find a paper that works for you)
PVA Glue (or any tought glue. I think PVA is the best, but Sobo glue would be good too)
Glue Brush
Scissors
Guillotine Paper Trimmer (optional)

Instructions:
1. Cut strips of decorative paper to fit lengths of mechanical pencils, with a 1/4” overlap.
2. Coat backs of decorative strips with glue. Wrap around barrels of mechanical pencils just below erasers.
3. Reuse over and over and over again!

Happy Crafting and see you next week :)

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

~Crafty Wednesday~

Hello and Welcome to another addition of Crafty Wednesday.

Today's craft comes to us from everyone's favorite handmade marketplace, Etsy. It was presented in one of the How-Tuesday's video through You Tube.

Parchment Flowers

Super Cute and Super Easy.
http://www.etsy.com/storque/article/4207/
Grab your supplies and get craftin!

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Google Analytics Experiment: Log 1

I have been so inspired by my fellow D List Teamers from Etsy and all of their great advice on Google Analytics. So I created an Excel spreadsheet tracking my Daily Views to see which days are best for posting. This is the first week and so far Tuesday seems to be a winner. I wonder why that is? This experiment will be over a month long and I'm sure to learn a lot.

Tune in next week for Log 2

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Crafty Wednesday!

Hello
We meet again for another addition of Crafty Wednesday.

Today's Topic: Craftzine.com

Craftzine was a quarterly magazine that was around for about 2 years. The they decided they would have a larger outreach if they became solely an online magazine. You can buy old copies of Craftzine from their website, which I highly recommend. Cratfzine is made for crafters (ok duh!) but it not only gives great projects and ideas but showcases artists in the field. Everything from a woman who knitted a house equiped with gfood, table, dishes and artwork to feature Project Runway designers who put LED lights into clothing. Some of my favorite projects were making a wallet out of underwear, ironging plastic bags together to create a recycled reusable plastuc bag (who doesn't love the Target bullseye), crocheting a fancy granny square bag, and one of my next projects a hawaiian blank.

Right now you can get the same great expereince from the Craftzine website that includes interviews, tutorials and a network to be among crafty people. Sign up for their news letters and become a fan on face book. The exciting thing about crafting is there is always something new to discover and these people are at the forefront.

Tune in next wednesday to see what we're crafting.

Have FUN! :)

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Crafty Wednesday :) Book Review: Retro Revamp

Hello Crafters!

Today’s Crafty Wednesday is a book recommendation. I collect craft books like some people collect stamps.

“Retro Revamp: Funky Projects, from HandBags to Housewares” by Jennifer Knapp



This book has a ton of great projects including:
~Holly Golightly’s Dream Bag – which is a great made out of assorted ribbons
~Comfty T-Shirt Quilt – a quilt made out of you’re old favorite T-Shirts. I want to do this but first I have to get over the idea of cutting up all of my concert shirts.
~Mad Hatter Teapot – great project is you like to mosaic
~Flower-Power Bike Basket – make it even if you don’t own a bike. Just hang it on your wall or something
~Mystery Date End Table – you could use any board game you like. Monopoly would make a wonderful table

And for the pets you love oh so much:
~Dapper Dog Collar – super cute and super fashionable
~Mice Madness – fun catnip toys and a great way to use up scrape fabric

Get this book and go Crafty Wild!

Happy Crafting :)

Monday, August 2, 2010

3 Custom Orders and 2 Papers

WOW! What a weekend. My dayjob was falling behind on work so overtime was offered this weekend. I made a deal with my boss that if I can in for the maximum amount of time then to let me have monday off to do school work an my Etsy orders. I have been seeing great success with my custom orders. Someone gave me the task of pineapple and colonial VA. Pineapple is a symbol of hospitality. I used a "colonial" color on the outside to make the box, I have a pineapple patch to place on the front and I''m using a map of Northern VA for the inside pages. It's being given as a present for someone who is moving away from our lovely Metro DC area. I also have 2 papers for school due and so I am etremely happy to have the day off.

I juat read this great blog: http://etsyadventures.blogspot.com/2010/08/15-things-to-do-while-youre-waiting-for.html
Check it out if you're an etsy seller. Great information and tips!

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Crafty Wednesday!

Welcome back to another installment of Craft Wednesday :)

Today's craft comes to use from "Handmade Books" by Kathy Blake.

Making a memo pad.

I use memo pads all the time. I use them for "to-do" lists and grocery lists and anything else i need to write on.

Materials
A stack of paper (any color. I would recommend a text weight paper)
1 piece 0f cardboard cut the same size as the paper
clamps or clothespins
rubber cement

Steps:
1. Cut paper to desired size and however many sheets you would like
2. Tamp the stack of paper and the cardboard together, making sure that the side to be glued is flush and even
3. Clamp the stack, with the edge of the cardboard on the bottom, applying clamps on opposite sides, leaving free the side that will be glued
4. Apply rubber cement to the even sides of the stack, rubbing the ends of the brush into the edges of the paper, including the cardboard, to be sure every sheet is glued. Let it dry at least 2 hours, then apply more glue and let it dry overnight. (I have read that this can be done with PVA glue, which is a bookbinders glue)
5. Remove the clamps

Note, before you glue your paper decorate it with stamps to give it a fun theme, just remember to keep the one side free for gluing.

Happy Crafting :)

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Happy Crafty Wednesday!

Colorful Lace Glass Plates

Our project today comes from “The Big Ass Book of Crafts.” It’s one of my favorite craft books with over 150 super funny things to make.

Materials:
Clear glass plates, any size
1 yard of nylon athletic fabric or polyester lace to use as a stencil
Krylon Spray Adhesive
Several different colors of spray paint (at least 2 colors), Krylon is suggested for this project because of the deep, rich and bright colors
Krylon Acrylic Crystal Clear

1. Wash plates and dry
2. Cut out a piece of the athletic fabric or lace big enough to cover the back of the plate
3. Place the plate facedown on some newspaper, and secure the fabric to the plate with the Krylon Spray Adhesive
4. Spray your first color over the fabric. Make sure you hit every spot.
5. Give the paint about 5 minutes to dry a bit, and then remove the fabric by carefully peeling it off the back of the plate. You will be left with a relief design of the fabric. The Spray Adhesive takes awhile to dry you will be able to pull it off the plate. In the stencil section of your local craft store there is a repositionable stencil spray adhesive.
6. After the paint dries completely, give it 15-30 minutes, spray it with a second color of paint and let it dry
7. When the second color is dry, coat the back of the plate with the Krylon Acrylic Crystal Clear
8. Spray 2 more coats of the Krylon Acrylic Crystal Clear, letting it dry between coats. See spray can directions for recommended drying time.

Hand wash these plates carefully. I recommend buying plate hangers and display them on your wall.

Happy Crafting :)

Thursday, July 15, 2010

SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE @ LeslieGallery.etsy.com

Christmas in July SALE!!!!!!!!!

Who doesn't like a sale? Well Etsy is having their Christmas in July SALE between July 15-25th.

I am offering Free Shipping and Handling!!!!!!
Type in CIJ to the message to seller and discount will be given via PayPal.

Also Check out my fellow D-List Team Members by typing Dteam in the search field.
2VirgosDesigns, aDesperateCreative, ashleyjoyphotography, AudreyGardenLady, bluecalla, CarolinaKudzu/VintageCarolina, ChickaDeesigns/FoxglovePhoto, ClassicSparklers, CookiesForSale, craftrimony, DeborahJulian, DiffusiveDesign, DoBatsEatCats, DorothyAndMrLee, DoubleLOriginals, EireDynamics, EncoreGems, FantasyBijoux, fiberpuppy, FictitiousFauxPas, fishbonesilver, frillsandfluff, gemandicollection, graceparks, HandmadeByAnnabelle, healingmadesimple, hezzabeth, HippieChickBoutique, Hotdogsandpoodles, IlluminaJewelry, InitiallyYou, jewelrybybird, JoanHunterHandmade, jrosenberry1, Jtrescott, JudysDesigns, JulieEllynDesigns/JEDStudio/SweetPB, Juanitas, kittycatmm10, KVJewelry, LakeTyeDye, Linzertart, lizbethsgarden, lizmmoran, lmturnedart, LoveAndPenguins, lsndesigns, magsamillion, mayicarles, Melindotty, mimisbabies, mycrochetgarden, NatalieKelseyFineArt, NerdJerk, obachansflowers, OneTimesTwo, OriginalMischief, photogirlie, pinky98, PinkyCrafts, PinkMoustache, PoppyLuxeDesigns, RoseofLinden, rosymom, SaRa10, sassybellewares/SassyBelleButtons, satrngrl, smileypomegranate, soulstone321, Stemjewelry, starseedjewelry, StichesInTime, StrayPathDesigns, Sweetjasminedesigns, TheBodyParlour, TheFeistyRedhead, thesolitario, TheWhirlwind, UrbanHandiwork, usafwife08, VikingJones, WhimseyWabbit, yourethatgirldesigns, ZiasCottageIndustry

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Crafty Wednesday!

Hello!!!

While my family was in town my niece Makenzie and I decorated a Blank. It's something we saw at Toys R Us and they're blank animals like a cat or dog and they have ones with a round head or square head. Basically you buy one and can go crazy decorating it with whatever you want. It comes with 3 markers and an extra chunk of molding clay to make an accessory for your blank. The 2 of us decorated it together. She picked out what we were going to do and I applied everything else. Except the eyes and hair. The eyes were painted by Makenzie and she also applied the sparkly hair in front. I strongly suggest you buy one because we had so much fun.


Sunday, July 11, 2010

Willow

My sister's family, The Stebbins, are in town visiting. It's so much fun to be Aunt Leslie to my super cute nieces Taylor and Makenzie. I always bring dvds from my place for them to watch. This time it was Pee-Wee's Playhouse set 1 & 2, Powerpuff Girls "Meet the Beat-Alls," Yellow Submarine and my all time favorite Willow with Val Kilmer and Warwick Davis. I forgot how much I loved this movie. Story by George Lucas and directed by Ron Howard which is so 80's. What was it about the kids movies in the 80's that made them so awesome? Well anyway my favorite part is when they sled on the shield and Val Kilmer falls off and turns into a big snowball. Both girls having been asking to watch it which makes me very excited. Tomorrow is the last day of their visit and I will be sad to see them go. They have been visiting more but I am going to make an effort to go visit them in MA. I'm taking 2 classes next semester plus the LeslieGallery business is branching out into more ways to collect your memories into one place. What's your favorite 80's movie?

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Crafty Wednesday!

Welcome Back! It's Crafty Wednesday.

Todays Lesson: Handmade (kinda) Wrapping Paper

Materials:
Paper; this can be brown craft paper, a roll of colored paper, a pad of blank newsprint paper or recycle and use the newspaper from this morning.
Stamps
Ink pads

My mom and I were walking around Ikea and saw they were selling rolls of solid color paper. We bought a roll of brown and a roll of red. Craft stores usually have stamps for sale. Michael's has a bin of $1 stamps. If it's a Christmas theme pick out some trees, snowflakes, snowmen and of course Santa. I personnally like maing these for all occasions because you can make it personal for the person who's present you're wrapping.

1. Find a large work surface. a table or island in your kitchen works great. Roll out enough paper to cover the work surface.
2. Pick out your stamps and stamp pads
3. Have FUN!!!!!!!! Do a Design, go free flow, have a color pattern. You name it and it can be done.
For extra embellishment use glitter glue, stickers, paint...etc. I prefer stamps because they come in so many great designs.

This project is good for the Etsy sellers out there. Wrap your items in these great papers to make your customers feel that you went the extra mile to make their purchase that more special.

Happy Crafting and see you next week :)

Monday, July 5, 2010

July 5th

Hooray no work today. I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July with food and fireworks galore. July 3rd was my mom's birthday. her, my dad and me went out to a wonderful italian restaurant called Florano's. i made her a lovely photo box with a red flower fabric on the outside and green paper with leaves printed on them for the inside pages. she loved it. i'm also crocheting a hand-towel for their kitchen but haven't finished it yet. My sister and her family are coming into town tomorrow for a visit. i am so excited because they are so much fun. one day we're going to the zoo. the DC Zoo is great. lots of fun animals. i will be staying away from the reptile exhibit. they have snakes and i do not like snakes. Oh my mom just sent me a text saying that both my nieces want to watch Powerpuff Girls and drink out of the Powerpuff Girl cup. The Powerpuff DVD i have is fine but i only have 1 cup. then they will have to learn to share. I love the Powerpuff Girls.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

College Wednesday?

Today is not going to be Crafty Wednesday but instead College Wednesday. I come across some good ideas when I am online working towards my Masters in Museum Studies.

Todays' Tip: How to Look Like you Read the Whole Text

My teachers assign a lot of readings and working a full-time day job and a part-time craft business doesn't leave much time to read everything they give. On our discussion board the teacher will post about 2-4 topics/questions we need to comment on about the reading. the key too looking good is Always Use a Quote. Whether it's a quote in the reading or a tid-bit of text, it will always help you to look good even if you only ready half the chapter.

Give it a try and see you next week :)

Friday, June 25, 2010

Hippy-ness??

So I was walking from Whole Foods to my car with dinner for tonight inside, 2 slices of pepperoni pizza. I saw this glamor puck rock couple and helped them catch their runaway shopping cart. As I walked up ahead of them I heard from behind "I like her hippy-ness." Shocked, I kept walking and didn't look back. Looking at my shadow projected on the parking lot asphalt I started to consider how I looked. My hair is red so in hot VA weather it gets frizzy, my purple v-neck flower shirt, a pair of bootcut jeans that are a little long so the bunch up at the bottom, my flip flops and from my purse is a scarf I had wrapped around the bags handles. Yes, I did look like a Hippy.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Sold 2 Boxes!!

Hello Everyone

GREAT NEWS!!! I sold 2 boxes today. The Black and White Flora box and the Tropical orange box. Also what might turn into being a custom order :)

Today was a Good Day,
Thank you for being supportive
Leslie

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Craft Wednesday

Hello :) Welcome to Crafty Wednesday.

Today is how to make Starch Paste.

I use starch paste when I am making book cloth for my photo boxes. I find it's easy to make and works well. Also would be good for Paper Mache.

This recipe makes about 2.5 cups of paste

Materials:
1/4 Corn Starch
1/4 Cold Water (I'm talking straight from the fridge)
2 cups Boiling Hot Water

1. Heat up the hot water. I use a teapot on my stove. You can use a small sauce pan, just make sure it holds enough water and will get it to a good bubble.
2. Combine the equal parts Corn Starch and cold water in a tupperware container. Stir until well mixed. It may be a bit stiff. Just stir it enough to get all the lumps out.
3. When the water is at a roaring boil pour 2 cups of it in to your cold starch mix.
4. Continue to stir. You will see a reaction in about 30 seconds maybe less. It should be thick and a hazzy foggy color.
5. Let cool. I am impatient so I wait about 30min - 1hr.
Ready to Use!

This will last for up to 2 days in the fridge.

Quick, Easy and super Cheap

Happy Crafting and See You Next Week :)

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Indiana Jones

Yesterday was an Indiana Jones marathon on Epix. What is it about those movies that make them so Awesome?! Is it Harrison Ford and his tough guy personality? Is it the 1930's time period they used? The locations they used? The stunts? Most probably all of the above. My favorite has always been The Temple of Doom. The big ritual with the guy taking out peoples hearts but they stay alive....who comes up with this stuff? Do we really having anything today that matches these movies? I guess the Bourne Identity trilogy but that's more action than an adventure movie. These will always be a favorite of mine. Classic

Thursday, June 17, 2010

time to contemplate life

So i'm sitting here at work training the 15th person since march (YIKES). I sit here and contemplate what i'm going to do when i get home. I've been working on a 4th of July themed photo box. It's coming out almost perfect. One of those days where all the angles and cuts just lay into each other easily without any touch-ups. With getting my MA in museum studies, work and etsy, I've created quite a work load for myself. It's fun thought. I always have something to do. Recently I have been watching all the seasons of Arrested Development. Probably one of the best shows ever. It's so funny. It reminds you that everyone has a crazy family and it's not just yours. So when I go home I'm going to be eating dinner, finishing up my box and read for school.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Crafty Wednesday!

Hello :)

Today's Crafty Wednesday comes from Etsy.com How-To Tuesday. Simple instructions for a wonderful Fabric Flower. It can be created as a pin, an embellishment for a garment or a cute hair pin. So grab your favorite fabric and let's get crafty :)

Follow the Link:
http://www.etsy.com/storque/how-to/how-tuesday-fabric-flower-pin-8462/

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

New Nautical Photo Box

Hi Everyone!
I was inspired by the beach, sun and fun and created a Nautical themed box! Just added last night. Check it out and let me know what you think :)

http://www.etsy.com/listing/49447798/photo-box-4x6-nautical

Thursday, June 10, 2010

VOTE for my SISTER, KATIE STEBBINS!!!

Hi Everyone,
So Oprah is having this contest to vote for a new talk show host for her network. Vote for my sister Katie. She's beautiful, wonderful, smart, great mom, fantastic wife and my ultra cool older sister. She used to make us matching pj's. Plesae vote for Katie Stebbins

http://myown.oprah.com/audition/index.html?request=video_details&response_id=8683&promo_id=1

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Crafty Wednesday!

Hello Everyone. Today is Crafty Wednesday. Lets get artisitc.

Flower Pens

Ok not my idea but I Love making them.

Materials:
Pens
Floral Tape
Silk Flowers
Glue
Wire Cutters

I like to buy the flowers that come in a bunch or bundle. They tent to have smaller stems. Tulips also work great because the leaves are long and you can cover up the stem.

1. With the wire cutters, cut off the flower you want to attach to your pen. You can add more than 1 flower. I find 3 works well without being too much.
2. Place the flower towards the middle of the pen. You can determine how much you want it to stand off the pen but the middle is good because then there is a good amount of support between the flower and the pen.
3. Start wrapping the floral tape around the stem and pen and work your way up to the top. Give the floral tape a little tension because that makes it stick to itself.
4. Once you have reached the top, start wrapping down towards the tip of the pen. This will give the stem of the flower double coverage for extra strength.
5. Once you have wrapped is all the way around, cut off the floral tape and dab a little glue of the end to make the floral tape end stay tight to the pen.

I find this really adds some color to my desk at work and you'll surely get a lot of compliments. It's decorative and handy.

Extra tip: Go to your favorite Home Goods, Target, Wal-mart...etc and pick out a vase or pitcher and place a bouquet of pens in it.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Etsy D List Team

I have recently joined the Etsy D List Team. The Etsy Teams are for promoting, helping, advertising and just a general community of people that help each other out. This one in particular are for the newbies to etsy. (Like me!) We have a large group of great crafters and handmade goods.

To find them:
Go to Etsy and in the search field type, DTeam. This will narrow down the search to find only this group. There are many more teams out there, visit them and help out the handmade world!!

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Crafty Wednesday!

Hello Everyone. Today's Crafty Wednesday tip are for the knitters out there. This is good for new and experienced.

Yarn Stitch Holders

Recently I was working on a very lacey shawl with size 4 needles and super fine yarn. Everyother row required yarn overs. Whenever I lost track and messed up a stitch I was having to pull the whole thing part and start again. I had to find a solution to my problem.....Yarn Stitch holders.

Materials:
Tapestry needle, size 18
Contrasting colored yarn
-Long enough to go all the way aross your piece and bright enough to see without blending in with your knitting

1. Take the yarn and thread it though the tapestry needle
2. Select a row that will be easy to go back to. Luckly for my shawl everyother row was a purl. I selected one of thoses
3. Take you threaded tapestry needle and run it along your knitting needle through all your stitches (loops)
4. Take the needle off the yarn

This is great when working with an inticate stitch pattern. I usually will have about 2 or 3 of these throughout my piece just incase I make a huge boo-boo.

Happy knitting!

Upload your knitting projects to share with others.

Sunday, May 30, 2010

New Item! Flower Photo Box

Hey Everyone!
A new photo box has been added to LeslieGallery.etsy.com
It is a spring inspired box. Come check it out :)


Friday, May 28, 2010

Great Find for Plant Lovers

Today I stumbled on an etsy shop called The Succulent Garden. I am a big fan of succulents! They are easy to grow and take care of. Plus they add a lot of personality and color. I find mine grow well at home indoors and yes on my desk at work! Go and check it out. I just added them to my etsy "Favorites."

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheSucculentGarden

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Crafty Wednesday!!!

Come join me every wednesday for a weekly craft tip. Also share your ideas too. LeslieGallery would love to hear from you.

TODAYS TIP!!
During the holidays you are receiving cards left and right. What do you do with them afterwards? Here's an idea......Make them into tags for presents.

1. Bring out your markers, stamps, glitter glue or ribbon
2. Cut out an image you like
3. Decorate it
4. Write on the front or back (which ever works best) to whom you're giving it to and who it's from
5. Secure to the present with a ribbon or tape
* If there is writing on the back already, just glue a piece of paper; white, contruction or tissue, over it to cover the writing.

TA DA instant tag and you look so smart for reducing, reusing and recycling.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010



My buddy. She steals my chair but I don't mind. How could you resist this face.
I have a pretty good office, but it is always so cold. BBBBRRRRRRR

Monday, May 24, 2010

Today is the Day!

Hello,
Summer is here and my cat feels the need to stalk birds......indoor from the window.
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