Friday, February 28, 2014

DIY: "Good Friends Are Like Stars" Wood Block

Have you heard of the "Me & My Big Idea" company? It was created by a mother and daughter team in 1998. From the very beginning, they've come up with unique sticker designs. Lately, they came out with these "mambiSTICKS stickers". They're so much fun to craft with. It makes it easy to create a gift for your friends which will reflect the importance of your friendship!

MambiSTICKS "Good Friends are Like Stars"

Supplies required for this project:
• 1- 6" x 6" Unfinished Wood Block
• Silver Acrylic Paint
• Paint brush
• Scrapbook Paper of your choice
• Mod Podge (which is used as glue and as a sealer)
• MambiSTICKS by Me & My Big Idea
• Self-Adhesive Star Gems

You will start by painting your wood block with the silver acrylic paint. Let it dry completely.

Cut your scrapbook paper to fit your block. Brush Mod Podge on the wood where you'll glue your paper. Place the paper on the wet Mod Podge. Do this for all sides of the block. When you're done adhering your paper, brush a coat of Mod Podge to your entire project to seal it. It will dry clear.

Once the block is dry, position your MambiSTICKS sticker where you want it. Press firmly to make sure the entire sticker is smooth against the surface. Embellish with the self-adhesive star gems. Now it's ready to give to a friend!

For more crafting tutorials, visit our Project Gallery HERE

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Silver Pearl Mason Jar

The Mason jar craze continues. This project has a touch of elegance.


Supplies:
One Mason Jar
Silver Acrylic Paint
Pearl Gem Stickers

Directions:
Remove the lid from your Mason jar.
Pour silver paint into the jar and swirl around until the paint completely covers the inside.
Turn jar upside down and pour excess paint into a small bowl.
Place the jar on an old baking cooling rack to allow extra paint to drain out. Let dry completely.
(This should be placed on a newspaper lined tray or other surface to prevent paint leakage.)
Place pearl gem stickers in two rows around the Mason jar lid.
Now place pearl gem stickers on the outside of the entire jar. Press firmly to bond the stickers to the glass.

Your pearl Mason jar project is finished!

For more great projects visit our website.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

You Are My Sunshine Wooden Sign

This popular verse makes a great sign to hang on your wall!

 

Supplies:
Unfinished Wood Slatboard (available to purchase online- CLICK HERE)
Canary Yellow Acrylic Paint
Orange Acrylic Paint
DecoColor Acrylic Paint Pen
"You Are My Sunshine" Vinyl Words

Directions:
Paint the front of the wood slatboard with yellow paint. Allow to dry.
Mix small amount of water to orange acrylic paint to create a wash. Paint a sun in the right hand corner. Allow to dry.
Outline the sun and draw rays with paint pen.
Apply words to the board by rubbing vinyl lettering firmly with a burnishing tool or similar object. Peel back carefully. If the vinyl does not stick reburnish gently.

This is an easy project that can be finished in one afternoon.

For more great projects and inspiration visit our website.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

DIY Beachcomber Treasure Box

Believe it or not, spring is coming soon and will bring warmer weather. Beach combing is a perfect outdoor activity to shake off winter, and just one of the perks of living in the Puget Sound area. We have a great wooden box project that we are excited to share with you. This is the perfect display box for all of your beach treasures!




Supplies:
  • Unfinished Wood Box
  • Turquoise Acrylic Paint
  • One Roll Jute Ribbon
  • Sand (aprox. one cup)
  • Mod Podge
  • One Bottle Black Sparkle Glitter
  • One Sheet Fabscraps Coral One Scrapbook Paper
  • One Sheet Fabscraps Big Belly Seahorse Paper
  • Two Sheets Fabscraps Splashes Paper


Directions:
  1. Paint the inside and outside of wood box with turquoise paint. Allow to dry completely.
  2. Place Big Belly Seahorse scrapbook paper over the lid, mark edges lightly with a pencil and trim off excess paper.
  3. Attach paper to lid with Mod Podge.
  4. Using Splashes scrapbook paper, trace sides of box, cut out and glue on all three sides.
  5. With Coral One scrapbook paper, trace the top of box, cut and glue on.
  6. Pour Mod Podge inside of the box and dump in a mixture of sand and black glitter. Allow to dry.
  7. Glue the jute ribbon to top and bottom of all three sides.
  8. Allow the box to dry completely and then add your favorite shells.

This beachcomber treasure box will be a great addition to your coffee table or mantle.

Visit our website for more inspiring ideas and projects.

Monday, February 24, 2014

DIY Spring Fairy Wreath

This spring fairy wreath is sure to brighten up your entry!



Supplies:
One Moss Wreath
Two Fairies
One Metal Mini Wheelbarrow
Moss
One Roll 3" Green Chevron Ribbon
One Roll 1/2" Solid Green Ribbon
Yellow Silk Daisy Floral Stem
White Mini Daisy Floral Stem
Hot Glue Gun
Floral Wire
Wire Cutter


Directions:
  • Start with one moss wreath on a flat working surface.
  • Cut half of the floral stems off.
  • Place flowers on wreath. You may have to adjust their placement a few times until you are happy with the look.
  • Wire them to the wreath.
  • Using both the chevron green ribbon and the solid green thin ribbon, create a bow and tie with a small piece of floral wire. 
  • Now attach bow to wreath with floral wire.
  • Using a hot glue gun, glue the fairies, wheelbarrow and moss on the the wreath.

Your spring wreath is finished. This easy project can be finished quickly and hanging on your door.

For more inspiration and great craft projects visit our website project gallery.


Sunday, February 23, 2014

Apothecary Jar Terrarium

Have you noticed the new trend for indoor plants is the terrarium. This 1970's relic is being brought back as a popular alternative to potted plants. The new twist on an old design is placing your plants in an unusual container. Designers are showcasing apothecary jars, Mason jars, old glassware and other unusual items. The benefit of these stylish terrariums is the low maintenance they require. We have created some great terrarium displays for our store.


Supplies:
Large Apothecary Jar or Glass Terrarium
One Bag of Decorator Rocks
Three Live Succulent Plants
Soil

Directions:
Place small amount of rocks in the bottom of jar or container for drainage.
Pour dirt in to cover rocks - enough to place plant in and cover roots.
Optional - add small amount of activated charcoal (sold in pet stores or hardware stores) to keep dirt fresh.
Remove succulent plants from their potting containers.
Place plants in small hole in dirt, cover roots and press dirt firmly around them.
Place a few rocks on top of the dirt for decoration.
Pour a very small amount of water into the jar, just enought o give the plants a drink.
Place the lid on container and your terrarium is finished.

This low maintenance decoration is a great spring addition to your home decor. 

If you really do not want to maintain plants at all, we have a great alternative.


Instead of using dirt and live plants, we suggest using mini potted Rosemary plant and two fake succulents. These new plants look real, but are a great no maintenance option.



Visit our website for more great project ideas and inspiration.

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Our In-Store Classes for March

March is National Craft Month!  

Crafting can be a fun way to get rid of stress. It's also a great reason for a social gathering where you share ideas and conversation. We are excited to share some new classes and some trending favorites.


Our Class Schedule is available on our website here.


Stack It Up Saturdays Bracelet - Saturday March 1 at 10am and 11am
Stack it Up Saturdays Bracelet - Saturday March 8 at 10am and 11am
Stack It Up Saturdays Bracelet - Saturday March 15 at 10am and 11am
Stack It Up Saturdays Bracelet - Saturday March 22 at 10am and 11am
Stack It Up Saturdays Bracelet - Saturday March 29 at 10am and 11am
Alphabet Tile Bracelet - Saturday, March 15 from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Bead Along With Nancy - Wednesday, March 5 from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Bead Along With Nancy - Wednesday, March 19 from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Beginning Kumihimo - Sunday, March 16 from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Beginning Kumihimo - Saturday, March 29 from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Tile and Crystal Bracelet - Saturday, March 8 from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Advanced Acrylic Painting - Animal Portraits  -  3-part series - 
   Mondays, March 17, 24, 31 from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Beginning Acrylic Painting - Hydrangeas - 3-part series - 
   Mondays and Friday, March 3, 10, 14 from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Create a Creature - Wednesdays, March 5, 12 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Create a Creature - Thursdays, March 6, 13 from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Zentangle - Saturday, March 1 from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Zentangle - Saturday, March 8 from 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Zentangle - Friday, March 21 from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Zentangle - Sunday, March 30 from 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Afternoon Knit - Thursday, March 6 from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Afternoon Knit - Thursday, March 13 from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Afternoon Knit - Thursday, March 20 from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Afternoon Knit - Thursday, March 27 from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Knit or Crochet with Milly - Monday, March 3 from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Knit or Crochet with Milly - Wednesday, March 5 from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Knit or Crochet with Milly - Monday, March 10 from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Knit or Crochet with Milly - Wednesday, March 12 from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Knit or Crochet with Milly - Monday, March 17 from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Knit or Crochet with Milly - Wednesday, March 19 from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Knit or Crochet with Milly - Monday, March 24 from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Knit or Crochet with Milly - Wednesday, March 26 from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Knit or Crochet with Milly - Monday, March 31 from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Cricut I - Intro  - Saturday, March 15 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cricut II - Intermediate  - Saturday, March 29 from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Explosion of Color Photo Album - Sunday, March 16 from 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Explosion of Color Photo Album - Saturday, March 22 from 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Explosion of Color Photo Album - Monday, March 24 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Explosion of Color Photo Album - Friday, March 28 from 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Make a Mini-Comic Book  - Tuesday and Thursday, March 18 and 20 from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Make a Mini-Comic Book  - Fridays, March 21, 28 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Make a Mini-Comic Book  - Sundays, March 23, 30 from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Project Life Experience - Saturday, March 15 from 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Rustic Photo Star - Basic - Friday, March 7 from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Rustic Photo Star - Layered - Friday, March 7 from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Sand Castle Album - Saturday, March 29 from 11:00 am - 1:30 pm
Spring Banner - Sunday, March 16 from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Stamping and Card making Techniques - Buckle Card - Saturday,  
   March 22 from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Stamping and Card making Techniques - Buckle Card - Thursday, 
   March 27 from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
5 Minute Block Table Runner - Tuesday, March 11 from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Cutie Patootie Bag - Saturday, March 15 from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Cutie Patootie Bag - Monday, March 24 from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Rag Quilt - Saturday, March 1 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Rag Quilt - Tuesday, March 18 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Copic Marker Basics  - Sunday, March 2 from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Copic Marker Basics  - Sunday, March 30 from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Copic Markers Background - Wednesday, March 19 from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Copic Markers Hair - Sunday, March 23 from 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Copic Markers Shadows - Wednesday, March 12 from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Copic Markers Skin - Saturday, March 8 from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Spectrum Noir Marker Basics - Saturday, March 22 from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Spectrum Noir Marker Basics - Monday, March 24 from 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Spectrum Noir Markers Coloring Skin - Sunday, March 23 from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Spectrum Noir Markers Coloring Skin - Wednesday, March 26 from 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Spectrum Noir Markers Fabric Folds - Tuesday, March 25 from 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Wilton Cake Decorating Gum Paste and Fondant - Course 3 - 4-part Class - 
   Tuesdays, March 4, 11, 25 and April 1 from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

You may register for these classes online or at the store.

Class policies: Minimum enrollment must be met for all classes 48 hours prior to schedule time or the class will be cancelled. If you are interested in a class please preregister and prepay for the class 48 hours before the class date. A 10% coupon is available at Customer Service for the purchase of your class supplies and should be purchase in advance so classes may begin on time.

In the event that you cannot attend a class, your fee may be credited to another class or refunded only if you notify the store at 253-862-6822, 48 hours in advance of class date. If no notification is given you will forfeit your class fee.
 

Friday, February 21, 2014

DIY Blue Spring Wreath


 This is a simple wreath that has a lot of charm. It is a perfect spring touch to your home decor!


Supplies: 
One White Styrofoam Wreath
Blue Fabric 8" Wide x 45" Long
One Roll Jute Ribbon
One Tan Burlap Daisy
One Blue Burlap Daisy
One Twine Bee
E6000 Glue

Directions:
1. Apply a small amount of glue at the top of the styrofoam wreath. 
2. Attach one end of blue fabric to the glue. 
3. Wrap blue fabric completely around the wreath and glue the end.
4.  Wrap the jute ribbon around the wreath and glue both ends.
5. Glue the burlap tan and blue daisies to the wreath.
6. Now glue the twine bee to the flower and allow to dry.
7. Add one strip of burlap ribbon to the top for hanging the wreath. 

For more great projects and inspiration visit our website




Thursday, February 20, 2014

Founders Day Event Saturday February 22!

Our Founders Day Celebration is this Saturday February 22 from 12:00 - 3:00 pm. Come join us for fun demonstrations of trendy crafts and a FREE make and Take Altered Art Tag project.
Ann will be demonstrating terrarium design, and also spring wreath making. Keralee will demonstrate how to create a Vintage Market necklace. Christy is excited to show you how to create the very popular photo transfer and decoupage art. Join Milly for a demonstration of a hand crocheted scarf that does not use any tools, just your hands! Sherri will be hosting a Make and Take project that shows you how to use sponge daubers and ink to create beautiful artsy tags while giving you hands on experience. All of these demonstrations are designed to show you how quick and easy crafting can be. We hope that sharing our arts and craft ideas will inspire you to create your own personal projects.

We have some great items on sale during this event. View the full version here.



You can also take advantage of our Founder's Day coupon that is valid for Feb.22, 2014 only.
Click here for a printable coupon.


Wednesday, February 19, 2014

DIY Rainbow Anklet

This is an everyday jewelry design that is great for your casual days doing errands or just hanging out. This anklet goes well with cropped jeans or leggings and flats.


 Supplies:
• Two 14” lengths of .015” Diameter Bright Beadalon® 19 Strand Wire
• One Silver Torpedo Clasp
• Two 1.3mm Silver Beadalon® Crimp Beads
• E beads, 5 of each color: Blue, Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink, Green
• Beadalon® Wire Nipper Tool
• Beadalon® Crimp Tool

Instructions:
1. Hold both Beadalon® 19 Strand wires together and place a crimp bead 1/2” from the end. String the wires through half of the clasp and back into the crimp bead to form a loop. Use the Crimp Tool to secure the crimp bead.


2. Place each strand through the opposite side of a blue E bead. Pull the strands gently until the bead is vertical and the strand ends are even. Repeat the technique using a red bead. Adjust the wire between the first two beads to about 1/8”- 1/4”. String beads in the following color order: blue, red, orange, yellow, pink, green until the desired length is reached.

3. Hold the wire ends together and string a crimp bead 1/2” from the end. String the ends through half of the clasp and place them back into the crimp bead to form a loop. Use the Crimp Tool to again secure and finish the anklet.

If you wish to print this tutorial, download the PDF file HERE.

Designed by Katie Hacker. Project courtesy of Beadalon.com

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

DIY Vintage Paper Mache Box

Jeanette created this vintage box out of Graphic 45 scrapbook papers.

   
Graphic 45 Couture Paper Designer Box


Supplies:
Graphic 45 Couture Scrapbook Paper
Paper Mache Box
Tim Holtz Curio Knob
Miniature Wooden Spools
Light Blue D&C Floss
Tan Acrylic Paint
Blue Lace - about 19" long
Strand of Mini Pearls 18" long (from notions dept.)
Package of Mini Flowers

Directions:
Paint the box with tan paint.
Allow to dry.
Wind the blue floss around each thread spool until completely covered. Secure the end.
Glue one spool to each corner of the box bottom and allow to dry. 
Place box on paper and trace out a cutting template for all four sides. Cut out paper.
Using reverse side of paper trace out a template for top of the box.
Glue all pieces to the box and lid. Allow to dry.
Glue the blue lace to the edge of the box lid.
Next glue the string of pearls over the lace and glue one flower to each corner of the box lid.
Glue the knob to top of box and allow to dry.
Place the lid on the box and your vintage box project is ready to display.

For more great projects and ideas see our website here.

Monday, February 17, 2014

Happy President's Day!


Today is a day designated to be proud of our country and forefathers. Originally know as Washington's birthday, this holiday was created to celebrate the man known as "the father of his country." It was later changed to Presidents Day to include honoring President Lincoln, too. Take a moment to be thankful for our great country and all those who worked hard to create and keep it. Ben Franklin would like to wish you a happy President's Day.

Saturday, February 15, 2014

DIY Pearl and Ribbon Necklace

This necklace is an easy project for beginners and seasoned jewelry crafters! If you are looking for an inexpensive way to get started with beading, we highly recommend this.  A hand crafted necklace also makes a great gift for someone.


Materials Needed:
Sheer Ribbon (color of your choice)
Needle - Note: the eye must be large enough for the ribbon to thread through it.
Pearls, assorted sizes
Ribbon Choker Fastener (optional)
Toggle Clasp (optional)
Split Rings (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Thread sheer ribbon onto a needle.

2. String pearls onto ribbon as desired. To make the necklaces pictured above, you will need: Top necklace: 4 mm, 6 mm, and 8 mm round pearls. Bottom necklace: 5 mm oval pearl, 4 mm and 6 mm round pearls.

3. Trim ribbon to the desired length. You may simply tie a bow to wear these pieces, or attach jewelry findings. To attach jewelry findings, close the ribbon choker fastener over the end of the ribbon. Attach the toggle clasp to the choker fastener with a split ring.

For more jewelry-making tutorials, visit our Project Gallery HERE.

Friday, February 14, 2014

Show Your Community Love Food Drive in Bonney Lake

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! 
What better way to celebrate than to do something nice for someone? Bonney Lake Food Bank can use some help stocking their shelves. Ben Franklin is hosting a food drive to show how much we love and appreciate our community.


Our February Food Drive will be held Feb. 14th through Feb.28th.

You can support your community by bringing donations of food items to the drop boxes located in our store. We will also have a drop box located in our Ben's Espresso coffee shop for your convenience. Ben's Espresso is offering $0.50 off your drink order with a food donation.

The food bank items most needed are:

  • Canned Fruits
  • Canned vegetables
  • Soups
  • Canned Chilis
  • Past
  • Peanut Butter
  • Canned Meats (tuna, chicken)
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Cereal
  • Baby Formula
  • Baby Food
  • Diapers
For more information on the Bonney Lake Food Bank and their services click here.