Papers Gone Vintage

Heidi Swapp put on an incredible show at CHA with this adorable dress made out of paper! I couldn't believe how much work was put into their vintage style displays.

The motifs of damask and birds, chandeliers and sweet prints made me want to cover an entire wall or maybe a dressing table with paper and decoupage glue. I'm in love!

Blue Agave Goodbye

Since we are moving soon, we simply had to get together with some old friends that some of you know from being guests or working on the set at the Aleene's Creative Living show, which was on the TNN Network about 10 years ago. Yeppers, that's my gal pal Jen Fullerton who used to be the Director. She's the one whom I used to have talking in my earpiece when I was hosting the show. (Can you say, "I hear voices in my head...?")

And that's Kat Shannon who used to be the Audio Engineer. (Yeah, the long-hair, sexy-voice dude that used to put the microphone on ya...remember?) Kat is now a talk radio personality on KZSB 1290-AM in Santa Barbara, and you probably hear him every day if you live there.

We've all changed in looks a lot since then. Scott had long curly red hair, and I had short hair and braces! But, the friendships have not changed one bit. We all still stay in touch.

We met at the Blue Agave in Santa Barbara and had a spectacular dinner in one of the cozy handmade booths that our friend Joseph built for the restaurant. (He used to run camera at Aleene's, so you might remember him, too.) Anyway, the night was warm and wonderful, and we swapped stories about what's new with each other, and remembered all the crazy stuff that used to happen on the set.

We're gonna miss you guys!

Going Green!

Piggy Tales had the BEST press kit at CHA Winter 2008. They gave away actual tree plantings! This was a great way to announce that they are the first major scrapbook company to take the big plunge to Go Green. They will be printing their fabulous new papers on certified recycled paper with organic ink, and keep the outrageously vibrant colors, and still be acid and lignin free. The press kit claims that they are estimating saving 100 trees a year by converting their line to recycled paper.

They also had some very cool interactive paper crafts in their scrapbooking line that I just thought were a kick in the pants. The chipboard mechanisms have sliding doors and barn doors so you can hide cute pics and journaling in a very unique and quick fashion. I am so impressed with their efforts, and proving that it is possible to be green and fabulous, all at the same time. You can also visit their Piggy Tales Blog for some cool ideas about how to go green.

Wallies for your Wall

Oh my gosh, the new peel & stick paper in the Wallies booth was soooooo cool! I simply must have some of this crazy stuff for my house, my grands, and my office. Would you believe that they have come up with a way to turn an entire wall, table or cabinet into a chalkboard, or a dry erase board?

You know, sometimes you just think they've thought of everything, and then someone comes up with something to razzle dazzle your socks off, and this idea does it for me. Wallies had an entire table covered with chalkboard squares and it was really darling, useful and chic. Oh, and there was a table that was tiled with the dry erase squares that you thought at first glance was actual high gloss ceramic tiles. But, the kids would love to write, doodle, and play all day on that table. I just think that the chalkboard squares would be terrific at a cute cafe if you put one on each table with the day's special. Soup de Jur, baybeee!

Vanna, Vanna

The fashion show by Lion Brand Yarn is always a great place to see the latest in knit and crochet designs. Vanna White has been the host for several years. Scott has been involved with the production side in the past, but this year he hung out with me to see what's new. We recognized some of the models from other shows such as the St. John line that shows in Orange County. The fashions were fabulous as usual!

Trade Show Shenanigans

Don't tell the peeps at the Krylon booth, but I jumped up (Scott told me to) onto their display for a quick pic of their dress form made out of cans! Is that cool, or what? They also had a Christmas tree of cans and other funky things to turn heads. They also have some wonderful latex spray paint that was causing a stir at the show. If you look closely you'll see the beautiful stencil design on the chair and rug. Loved it!

Party Crashers

I was so happy to be invited to dinner as an author for Sterling Publishing on Monday night. We went to the White House and the funniest thing happened! Scott dropped Susan Levin and I off at the valet and we promptly went to the hostess for directions to our event. There was a lovely tent full of people, drinks and platters of appetizers.

We got our wine and started to mingle, but quickly realized we didn't know a soul! Turns out, we were at the wrong party. By this time we had eaten some yum sushi, drank a little wine, and mingled with complete strangers! (giggle)


We were eventually guided by another hostess up the stairs and down the hall to our darling group of authors, distributors and editors whom we knew. Whew! The napkins were folded to look like starched shirts with bow ties and the menu choices were named after presidents and first ladies. Too cute. We had a scrumptious dinner and talked the night away. Who knew we were such good party crashers!

CHA Peeps

The VERY best part of a trade show is getting to see all my friends. I tried to get pics of most everyone, but got caught up in the moment several times and forgot. But, who could forget to get a pic with these crazy peeps? Kathy Cano Murillo and Traci Bautista were hanging out as designers at the Duncan booth, and Crafty Chica products were everywhere! These gals rock the craft world every day with the latest and greatest designs and ideas.

I also got a sneaky pic of Mike Hartnett of Creative Leisure News, Mark Peters and Larry Duncan at the Duncan booth. These highly respected fellas looked like they were solving the world's problems, and coming up with the next big thing in the arts and crafts industry.

Of course, the Lifetime TV.com team was there! That's Harriet Ells, Director and Mary Graff, Editor checking out all the exciting new stuff while we discussed what's going to be next on my "Let's Craft with Pattiewack" web-isodes and all kinds of new projects for the site. I'm holding the cute hand-out they were giving to everyone. I can't wait to get started on some new projects. Hmmmm, I see jewelry, beads, party themes, and holiday projects in the future.....stay tuned!

It wouldn't be a trade show without Joan Fee there to get a hug! We have been buds forever, and it's always great to catch up with her to exchange ideas and discuss the latest happenings. She has a great craft blog, Express Your Creativity, and is the Senior Copywriter at Duncan. Her life is filled with exciting things like adventure vacations, parties, and tons of crafts.

Oh my gosh! It was such fun to catch up with Heather Lancaster, who is just a ball of fire when it comes to scrapbooking and developing innovative products for Provo Craft, including the Coluzzles™ and the Cricut®. She is a well-known Hall of Famer for Creating Keepsakes and has begun hosting on the PBS show, Hands On: Crafts For Kids!


Check out that bag, baybee! Cheryl Ball is a diva of design at Duncan, and she was styling with her hand-painted roll-around. You can find hundreds of her projects all over the web when you google her name, or go to DuncanCrafts.com and find tons of great ideas made especially by Cheryl.


After a long day at the show, my pal and design partner, Susan Levin and I crashed at the Cheesecake Factory and almost threw out a lip, eating cheeeeeeeeesecake! Scott took the pic, otherwise you could see the cheesecake evidence on him, too. Susan is co-Author of the absolutely delightful new "SHOW ME HOW" books about a little girl named Mary Ruth, that teach how to knit and quilt. I will be discussing more about those cute books later.

CHA was fabulous! I'll be posting more about new products, and showing some of the latest and most innovative ideas I saw while I was there, so come back!

Project Runway

One of the most exciting things at the CHA trade show was the new Project Runway™ kit by Wrights®. It's stuffed full of fab trims that anyone can add to their finished fashions, or to embellish a brand new outfit that you've sewn yourself. I don't know about you, but I'm completely addicted to Project Runway™ and have withdrawals when I'm too busy to watch. Thank goodness they rerun those shows to death, so I can keep up!

In the Project Runway™ lounge, there were several examples of ways to use the new trims and patterns to make gorgeous outfits for everyday, office, and for a fun party. I'll be sure to get back to you on some great ways to get that Project Runway™ look in a quick and easy application. I love to sew, and I can't wait to get started on some trendy wardrobe additions. After seeing all the styles, I'm about ready to pitch my whole closet and start over!

Yes, that's Michele DeFay, VP of Marketing at Wrights! Hugs were in order, since I am so happy to have accepted a position with them as their new Product Manager in charge of appliques and Bondex™ products. I'll be keeping you in the know about all the latest products from this leading manufacturer of trims, rickrack, fringe, tassels, tools, needles, and so much more it would fill this entire page! And, yes, this new position means that Scott and I will be moving.....so keep coming back for updates!

Happy Valentine's Day!

CHA again!

The 2008 CHA trade show for the crafts and hobby industry is in full swing, and we are right in the middle of it. We'll be scouting out all the fab new products, and catch up on hugs with old friends. We'll be getting some great video of the best craft demonstrators and some behind the scenes pics for you. I can't wait to see what's new at the Wright's booth, at Duncan, EK Success, Coats & Clark, Provo Craft, Krylon, and more! I'll keep you posted on the cool stuff....

Do Not Disturb

Nothing is worse than your roommate (or the kids) crashing in on your privacy, especially on Valentine’s Day. This adorable felt door hanger is the perfect signal to tell them, “Do Not Disturb!”

I made mine with scarlet red felt, cut into a shape like a slice of pizza. You’ll need 2 pizza shaped pieces of felt, and your hot glue gun, and gorgeous trims & buttons & ribbon. You just might have it all in your craft stash right now.

Glue two sides of the felt pieces together and poke some stuffing in there and glue it shut. I used a pair of old panty hose (yes, they were clean!) and a handful of lavender. Now you can glue pretty trim along the sides, bows on each corner, and buttons onto the front. I especially love the cameo in the center. Cut two lengths of ribbon 18” long, and glue them to the back of the door hanger at the top. Now you’re ready to tie it onto the doorknob.

So, now your doorknob is all dolled up and it’s time for you to get ready for a Happy Valentine’s Day!

Be Mine

If you are a fiend for fabulous machine embroidery, you will love the MyEmroideries.com site, where I found this cute little design from the folks at SVP Worldwide. (That's Singer, Viking, Pfaff.) Just in time for Valentine's Day, this darling pair of children are holding their hearts and proclaiming the ever popular endearment, "Be Mine" that would look amazing on a little cotton shirtdress pocket, or on a cute card!

Speaking of love, I am still a flutter with my fabulous Singer ® Confidence 7470 machine. It has push button controls, one-step functions, and is perfect for me, and would also be perfect or the first-time sewer. I have been making aprons, comfort pillows, ruffled rubber gloves, and everything else I need to design with confidence. Love it!

Rows of Roses

Valentines Day is a perfect time to bring out the roses and this little topiary is just the ticket for a simple centerpiece. All I did was purchase a readymade foam tree with a pole that is inserted into a pot-shaped foam base. You will find these in the floral department at the craft store. If you don’t find one, simply use a foam cone, a square of foam and a dowel rod.

I painted stripes on the pot with acrylic paints and let it dry while I gathered around 60 rosebuds (dried or silk), Spanish moss, ribbon, my hot glue gun, and Aleene's Quick Dry Tacky Glue.

Next, I smeared Aleene's Quick Dry Tacky Glue all over the top of the topiary and pressed a thin layer of moss into the glue. It’s smart to lay newspapers on your table to catch the extra moss.

Then, I cut the stems off the roses to about 1 1/2 inches and hot glued them into the topiary in neat rows, glueded the base into my striped pot, covered the top with moss, and finished it off with a pretty bow around the pole.

You could change it up with pink and chocolate stripes on the pot, green moss, and all pink roses for a more girlie-girl look!

Candygram Valentine

Are you ready for Valentine's Day? Well, here's a fun idea using all your fave candy bars and a little poem to give a candygram to your sweetie! Just be sure you buy more candy than you need, so you can "test" it while you make it..... "snicker".

If you go to Pattiewack.com you can see a cute candy bouquet I made, too!

Candygram Card -
Supplies:
Poster Board or Foam Board
2-inch Ribbon for the Trim
Scissors
Hot Glue & Glue Sticks
(Option: Use glue dots to attach the candy bars.)
Printed Poem on Paper
Glue Stick
(Option: Use a marker to write the poem onto the board.)


8 Candies:
Big Hunk (for a guy) or SweetTarts (for a gal)
Symphony
Whoppers
Snicker
100 Grand
Good & Plenty
Bit O’Honey
Mounds

Steps:
1. Cut a large heart from the poster board or foam board.
2. Glue ribbon around the edge of the heart.
3. Write the poem onto the heart, or print out the poem and cut out the words, then glue each word onto the heart with a glue stick, leaving space for the candy bars.
4. Glue the candy bars to the heart, with glue dots or hot glue.



Candygram Poem:

Life is a (Symphony) on Valentine’s Day!
And to my (Big Hunk or SweetTart) I just wanna say….
Please don’t (Snicker) at my silly rhyme,
And we’ll celebrate with a (Whopper) of a time!
I wouldn’t trade you for…(100 Grand)
Because you’re (Good & Plenty) and my best friend.
You probably think this gift is funny,
But I’ll always be your…(Bit O’ Honey)
So, let’s have (Mounds) of fun today,
And have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

I'm BACK!

Whew! It seems like I’ve been gone a year, my gosh! The After Party in Tulsa was absolutely dreamy. My huge family was there, and we got to celebrate to our heart’s content. As you can see, the rich colors at Lola’s at The Bowery were the perfect backdrop for the flowers, the favors, and my ruby red dress. I gathered the most vibrant colored roses and tied luscious green bows onto each stem. I held them together in my arms while my Daddy read a poem and a blessing over us, and then gave them to the significant women in my life, which are my Mom and my Auntie Mary Lou, and my daughters Tricia and Stacey, and then to my granddaughter Lacricia.

We had the most incredible raspberry cake you ever wrapped your lips around, and Lola blew us away with her delicious spinach dip with flat breads, fruits and cheeses and all sorts of yummy finger foods. Oh, and the coffee and chocolate favors we made for everyone were a big hit.

Scott and I danced to a few tunes and of course had to dip at the end. So cheese-waddy and fun. I had to hem my dress up about 2 inches since I’m such a shorty. I think it turned out okay.

Instead of a guest book, we had our guests sign a red lacquer tray with well wishes. I had gold, copper, and silver Krylon paint pens for painted perfection. There were some pretty creative things written on there, and even a couple of sketches. Too fun!

Our photographer, Laura Hahn, was incredible the way she documented every little thing. She took us outside for some great pics with the Tulsa skyline in the background. Scott was his usual sneaky-pants.

My Mom and Dad gave us the ultimate gift. A handmade quilt made especially for us! (If you click on the pic you will get a better look.) I have been wanting a black and white quilt for the longest, and they seized the opportunity to make it special. They run a little quilt studio, Pearl’s Quilts out of their home at Grand Lake. I can’t wait to curl up under this gorgeous quilt, and every time I do, I’ll think of them, and the love they poured into this priceless gift.

Tricia and Stacey were so pretty and we got a nice group hug. They especially liked Scott’s funky hat that belonged to his grandfather. Pretty snazzy, Scott!

Lola had the Cutest bride and groom in the window, and gave us a gift of miniature dolls just like the ones in the window. How cool is that?

I had the best day ever, with family and friends, food and fun, and Scott.