Ugly Christmas Sweaters!

It seems that the Ugly Christmas Sweater has become a phenomenon in the cyber world and at holiday parties! And, thanks to this strange infatuation for ugly, my Ugly Christmas Necktie Sweater has been pick up by several top sites!  I'm over the moon, happy, and just shocked at how popular they are.  

The Ugly Christmas Sweater that keeps getting featured was made for the blog at iLoveToCreate, and also here on my Pattiewack blog.  I really think that the cute factor comes from our fabulous model/copywriter, Chloe Tatro.  She is a cutie patootie, and really sells it!  I mean, who else do you see holding an ornament with so much sassy-tude, right? 

To top it all off, our iLoveToCreate social media expert, Alexa Westerfield is a contributor for Buzzfeed.com and she put my sweater in a countdown for 27 Ugly Christmas Sweaters yesterday!  Love ya, Alexa!

  

Today.com did a cute segment on the Today Show, then followed it up with their top Ugly Christmas Sweaters, too.  They found my sweater on Pinterest, and it was #2 on the list!!  

But wait, there's MORE!  *giggle*

Yahoo.com featured it, too!  They found the sweater on iLoveToCreate.com and put it in a slideshow on their front page.  Wowza!  I've actually been in shock to tell you the truth, but super excited that the world is embracing pompoms, glue, and DIY just for the fun of it.  Yes!  What the world needs more of right now is some stinkin' holiday cheer!

So, just in case you need to know how to make your own ugly but cute Ugly Christmas Sweater, here's the instructions.  Look in the closet and grab those ugly neckties or run down to the thrift store and then glue yourself a fabulous and fun sweater to wow your friends and family!

Made in the USA!!!! PattieWack Pom-Pom and Tassel Makers

MADE in the USA

Yes!  We did it.  The quest for having our tools made here in America is not a dream any more.  We actually found someone right here in California that would come close to our China pricing and help us continue to make our tools profitable.  I am so excited to make the announcement today.  My hubby Scott just wouldn't give up, and it was worth it.  We ran out of the mini tassel makers several months ago and lost some sales, but he was determined to continue the search, and see where we could go with US makers.  

So, if you've been waiting to order your PattieWack Mini Tassel Maker, today's your day.  We are in the photography studio right now, getting the beauty shots done, and will have them on the web soon.   Look for them on www.PattieWack.com and in my Etsy store at https://www.etsy.com/shop/PattieWackDesigns ..... 

We are trying to do our part to save the economy through a thought process.  It will take the effort of every American to look for the USA logo on all their purchases.  We are trying to help American people to rely on each other in bringing our industry back.  Please consider supporting the companies that feel it is important to manufacture products in our country.

Thanksgiving Topiaries

When I think about Thanksgiving, I think about spices, pumpkin pie, and all that goodness coming from the kitchen.  And I really love to create something pretty for my table for Thanksgiving.  So, I came up with this idea to crush old potpourri in a food processor and add spices and yummy smells to the mix, then glue it all to foam cones to make Thanksgiving Topiaries.

Check out this video from a few years ago when I was in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  I think you'll like it, just because it will give you a great idea to spice things up on YOUR Thanksgiving table.

P.S.  Don't laugh at my hair!  LOL

Here's what you'll need :

Bagged Potpourri
Food Processor
Cloves
Cinnamon Sticks
Craft Stick
White Craft Glue
Foam Cones & Spheres
Ground Spices
Rubber Band
Ribbon
Tea Lights
Candleholders & Tray

Grab a bag of potpourri and some spices out of the kitchen, because in less than an hour you can make a Spicy Centerpiece! These pretty trees and candles are made with foam shapes and a secret technique with your food processor. Who knew!

Steps:

1. Crush potpourri in a food processor. Be sure to remove large pieces of wood or sticks that would harm the processor. Add a few cloves to add to the fragrance of the mix. Pour the mixture into a shallow bowl.
2. If you want a row of cinnamon sticks around the base, adhere them all the way around the cone with glue. Use a rubber band to hold until dried completely.
3. Spread a generous amount of glue with a craft stick, to completely cover the entire cone. Lay the glue-covered cone into the potpourri mixture as your roll it and scoop handfuls of the mixture over the glue, until it is completely covered.
4. Pour ground spices over the cone to fill in any spaces that are not covered with the potpourri.
5. Press a decorative pinecone or dried flower from the bagged potpourri, into the top of the cone. Let it dry.
6. Tie a ribbon around the base of the cone, tying it into a bow. Place the completed cone on a candleholder and display on a coordinating tray.
7. For the tea light candles, cut a sphere in half, scoop out a hole to place the tea light. Follow the previous steps to cover with potpourri and let it dry. Glue ribbon around the sphere and push a tea light into the top to complete.

Pattie’s Pointer:
This is a fantastic way to use old potpourri that has lost aroma, but too good to throw away. Simply add a few fragrant cloves to the mixture for that holiday fragrance. Not only is this a pretty Thanksgiving centerpiece, but it will also move right into your Christmas decorations by changing the orange plaid ribbon to red velvet bows. Make several to add pizzazz to a holiday buffet that will be sure to impress your guests!

Happy Crafting!
Pattiewack

Grand Opening Today! PattieWackDesigns Etsy Store

Big Announcement....

I'm pleased to announce the Grand Opening of the spankin' new PattieWackDesigns Etsy Store!   Yeehaw!  

I've been working on it for over a month and it finally came together.  Sooo happy that now I can share the PattieWack Tassel Tools, Pompom Tools, mixed media art, pompom keychains, color wheels, PattieWack Custom Crowns, and more crafty tools and supplies. 

Trust me, this is just the beginning. I've been hoarding craft supplies, and saving handmade items for YEARS.  And now it's time to unveil all the goodies!

One of the items in the store is just making me giddy.  I've always loved taking paper, rolling it, and making cool things with it.  And I've thought for a long time that making PattieWack Custom Crowns for special occasions would be fun.  Well, it's TIME.  I'm offering to make personalized crowns for those very special moments like a 50th birthday, or a Golden Wedding Anniversary, maybe a Sweet Sixteen Birthday girl, or any celebration.  There's a full description in the Etsy store :) 

So, please...please...please...head on over to the PattieWackDesigns Etsy Store and check it out.  I can't wait to hear back from y'all and hear what you have to say about it.  And remember, there's more to come!

Happy Shopping!

Pattiewack

I love Tassels

You know how much I love Tassels, and there are countless images of tassels on the internet, and I'm always browsing for beautiful tassels for inspiration to make my own.  

In my internet journeys, I found the most amazing tassel pics at 

http://thepeachskin.tumblr.com/

I love this beautiful outfit, and the tassel necklace and bracelet make it so pretty.  Love the peace sign, love the beads, I just love it ALL!

The unbelievable colors in this necklace are simply delicious.  The tangerine tassel combined with the turquoise beads and knotted string are a beautiful combination.  I can see wearing this with a crispy starched white and a pair a indigo skinny jeans.

The ombre dye technique on this tassel really caught my eye, and shows how a simple silk tassel can be dipped into dye for an organic and thoughtful decoration on any door. 

And this one is extremely elegant in it's simplicity with the pure white embroidery floss and wooden beads, just slightly dipped in an ash brown dye.  Beautiful!

For more eye candy, check out:  http://thepeachskin.tumblr.com/

I know you love tassels too, or you wouldn't be hanging out here with me..... so if you want more inspiration and to see how easy it is to make your own tassels, you just might enjoy my little video.

How to Make PattieWack Tassels How-To Video on the PattieWack Designs Channel on YouTube right here:

DIY Bird Feeder Yard Art

Yard Art

I've been working in the yard a lot lately, and thought you might like to see my little bird feeder with a bird bath.  The bonus as you can see, is that the little birdies that take a bath here are hanging out with this cute gnome!  He's always ready say Hi! to all comers.

The best part about this bird feeder/bird bath is how easy it was to make.  All you need is a cup and saucer, a handful of buttons, a copper 3/4" pipe, and a 3/4" copper cap.  And GLUE!  

If you're unfamiliar with the pipe and cap, just ask the dude at the home improvement store, and they'll fix you right up.  I purchased an 8 foot pipe and asked him to cut it in half so I could make 2 while I was at it.  And I grabbed two copper caps.

Here's what you do:  

Mix a little 2-part Epoxy on a paper plate with a craft stick.  You won't need tons, and you can always swirl a little more together if you run out.  Then glue the cup to the saucer, and the buttons around the edge.  Tape the buttons on with masking tape until the glue sets up so they don't slide off.  Now turn everything upside down and glue the copper cap to the bottom of the saucer; flat side to the saucer.  The cap will be what holds the pipe to the saucer.  you don't want to glue the pipe to the cap.  

After everything dries (it won't take long), poke the pole in the ground and then place the finished bird feeder/bird bath onto the top of the pole, fitting the cap over the end of the pole.  It really IS that easy.  Now you can sit a little friend like my gnome, or a frog, or any other kitschy critter on the side of the cup to keep the birdies company.

Lastly, you can wind a string of beads on a wire around the top of the pole for added decoration like I did.  Voila!  How cute is that? And don't forget to pour birdseed into the saucer, and fill the cup with water.  Now you're ready to sit back and watch the birds enjoy!

Happy Summer!

Pattiewack

One Kings Lane: Iris Apfel - A Journey in Style

I'm such a big fan of Iris Apfel!  I spent some YouTube time tonight, listening to videos of her being interviewed, and it was such a fun learning experience.  One of her famous lines is, "I don't see anything so wrong in a wrinkle!"  She is so much fun, and is not afraid to speak her mind.  Her style is undeniably iconic and daring, with no apologies.  I seriously adore her.

I hope you enjoy this as much as I did, and if you want more, go to:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzTRQUfJZO4

In the longer interview with Nadja Swarovski, she tells about her life and how that she worked with several First Ladies in the White House that was very interesting.

Enjoy!
Pattiewack

How To Make Pillows with a Scarf!

I absolutely LOVE anything Missoni, and I was searching the internet to find the perfect pillows to put on the new hanging bed in our gazebo.  (....more to come on that later...)  So, of course I fell in love with several Missoni pillows that I found.  But oh my goodness, they were all over $200 a pillow!  Yikes!

So, I'm NOT going to be paying $285 for a pillow, unless it comes with a cute young man with a silk fan in one hand and a dirty martini in the other!  (giggle)

But I'm definitely the person who's going to be on the look-out for fabric that reminds me of the Missoni chevron, and I got lucky at World Market and found this fabulous knit scarf that totally made me squeal when I found it.  Plus, it was on sale for 1/2 off so I got it for $12.50.  Score!  The scarf has all the colors in it that I was looking for.  The turquoise and coral pillows I put it with are perfect.  

As you can see by the step-out photos, I simply cut the scarf in half.  Then I folded the halves over and sewed up the sides on the sewing machine.  Next, I stuffed them with old pillows. (I never throw anything away :-)  Then I grabbed a needle and thread and sewed the opening closed.  That's it!  

Now I have to decide whether or not to add pompoms or tassels to them.  What do you think?

Pattiewack 

New Blog Look on Pattiewack!

I think my biggest downfall is boredom.  (sigh) As you can see, I got bored with my blog and just had to go in and change it up.  It all started this weekend when I was browsing around and did a little test on +Home Good's blog to see what my style is.  (As if I didn't know already!) And I discovered that I'ms Sassy with a dash of Boho.  Yep, I knew it.  But my blog didn't really say that about me, so I went into blogdom and started playing with the template.  I'm still not finished, but at least I'm experimenting with it, right?

So here's my question.  What do you like when YOU go to blogs?Do you just go there for the eye candy?  Do you like a good story?  Are you searching for tutorials?  Patterns?  Free stuff?

Let me know!  Make a comment here on on my PattieWack Designs Facebook page and tell me WHAT MAKES A GOOD BLOG?

That's it for now!
Pattiewack

DIY Wind Chimes with Vintage Silverware - How-To Video

Upcycled Shabby Chic Wind Chime

I love to sit outside in the evenings, and it's even better if there are wind chimes rattling in the breeze.  So I made this cute one out of silverware, wire, silk flowers and a bit of ribbon.  This is a video I did several summers ago, but I think it's still pretty and it's a fun project to make that only takes a little time and it's super easy.  

The only tools you'll need are scissors and wire cutters.  You could even make it with old metal objects out of your junk drawer!

So here ya go, a cute little garden wind chime to make some sweet music in the wind.... 

I hope you like it, and it inspires you to make something fun!

p.s. Don't forget to subscribe to my 

YouTube Channel -  Pattiewack Designs, 

and then you'll know every time I upload something new!

Happy Summer Everyone!

Pattiewack

4th of July Pompom Party!

Happy Birthday, America.  

You deserve a PARTY! 

Here it is the 4th of July, and I'm just now making my pompom decorations.  I know, I know, it's a bit late, but I was under the weather the last couple of days, so now I'm catching up.  Anyway, we certainly can't have a holiday without a cute centerpiece, now can we?  So, I ran to the Trader Joes to grab goodies for tonight, and grabbed a bundle of fresh flowers and plopped them in a vase when I got back home.  I threw a nice satin ribbon around them and tied a little bow.  But, when I stood back to check it out it was pretty much a yawn.   What to do, what to do??  Well of course, there's always PattieWack POMPOMs, right?  So here's the pics for what happened next.  I hope it inspires you to decorate your space with some fancy little pompoms, too.  I even threw some cute little swizzle sticks together so that we would feel all fancy when we have a little cocktail later.

Everybody have a happy and safe celebration.....Happy 4th!!

To find your PattieWack Pompom Tools, go to:

www.pattiewack.com

PattieWack

How to Carve A Watermelon - DIY Video

Happy 4th of July!

Here's a fun idea for your 4th of July picnic this weekend.

All you need is a watermelon and a carving tool, and you'll have a fabulous centerpiece to decorate the table.

As you'll see, I added little plants to the watermelon, but you could also put the chunks of watermelon back in the hollowed out watermelon for a great way to serve it.  

This video is from when we lived in Tulsa, Oklahoma and LeAnne Taylor is the host on Channel Six. I was a weekly guest and we always had a blast with something crafty for the viewers to try.

So there you go....a fun food idea for the fourth!

Happy Crafting!

PattieWack

Crafty Chica - How To Make Purse Tassels and Keychains

I'm super excited about Kathy Murillo's blog post today!  She made the most adorable purse tassels and keychains with the PattieWack Tassel Tools.  Her color choices are SO much fun, and her energy is electric in her tassel-making designs.  She even made a keychain for her hubby Patrick that you'll just love.  

Thing is, she made it in PINK, so his face is PRICELESS!  hahaha!

Please visit Kathy and Patrick on the CraftyChica .com blog today and see some fabulously fun ideas!

Click here for Kathy's tutorial, video, and tons of pics!

Playing with Image Transfers by Courtney Cerruti

Image Transfer Art

One of my favorite things is COLLAGE, and of course as anyone who's been on Pinterest or Craftgawker knows, one of the most popular crafts right now is QUOTE ART.

So, when my friend Stefanie Gerard asked me to review the book, "Playing with Image Transfers" by Courtney Cerruti, I was super excited, because it's all about creating mixed media designs.

The book is very informative, and a brilliant go-to book for referencing how to create image transfers, using 5 transfer techniques, complete with supplies and photos of the steps in Chapter 1.  My favorite part of the book is Chapter 2, which she entitled "Purposeful Play" and it totally inspire me to open up my studio and PLAY!

The technique that stood out to me is "Photo on Canvas" because she points out that not only can you use copies of photos, but you can also use glossy magazine pages to transfer images onto canvas.  If you know anything about me, you know I'm nuts about altering magazines into crafts, fashion, and collage.  

I quickly gathered 4 stretched canvases and started tearing out magazine pages into strips.  Mostly pages of fashion with no words on them, were perfect for what I had in mind.

Just look at this sofa with all the fun flowers!  This print would make a great background for the next layer of the collage.

The first step was to arrange all the torn magazine pages  on the canvas until I liked the way they looked.

Then I flipped the torn pieces over (face down) to get them ready to stick to the canvas.

I grabbed my Aleene's Collagepauge gel medium for the image transfer technique.  I've done this technique before, but it's been probably 15 years, and I was eager to try my hand at it again.

According to the author Courtney Cerruti, it's best to apply the gel medium to the canvas, and then lay your image face down into the gel.  Then press firmly with your fingers or a library card to burnish the paper into the gel.  I'm sure that's where the magic is!  The ink in the magazine pages were being transferred into the fibers of the canvas.

Now the hardest part...leaving it alone to let it dry!

Once it was dry, I gently removed the paper with a damp sponge, using circular motions.  This was so fun, that I had a hard time stopping from rubbing it too much.  Be careful, because you don't want to remove the ink from the canvas.... just the paper!

Voila!  The canvases were so cool looking, and were the perfect base for a layered collage with paint and decoupage.  I was ready to grab my Tulip For Your Home stencil, paint, and a roller for the next layer.

I pushed the canvases together and laid the stencil over all of them, then painted a lime green chevron pattern over all of them.

I used a Dahlia motif stencil and tomato red paint to add a burst of color, and build a broader palette of hues.

I decided to turn the canvas around and mix them up to break up the pattern for a true collage feel.

Then I put on my creative thinking cap for the best Quote Art I could think of.  I had plenty of ideas from cruising on Pinterest, but there was one that stood out the most.  I cut magazines up for the letters, so that they would really stand out from the background.

I brushed Aleene's Collagepauge gel medium to the backs of the letters and then placed them on the canvas, and added a coat over the top to seal it.

The image transfers look amazing as a background.  I'm thinking I need to do another one, and use photos of my kids when they were little, maybe with their favorite sayings...

I'm so happy with the way it turned out! Now, I just have to find the perfect spot to hang it on a wall : )

Thanks to Courtney Cerruti, author of "Playing with Image Transfers" for your beautiful book, and for the inspiration to PLAY, connect with images, and to create more image transfer art!

Here's how to see what Stefanie's up to:

Stefanie Girard

http://thecardalbum.blogspot.com/ 

http://sweatersurgery.blogspot.com/ 

http://craftside.typepad.com/ 

http://recycledcrafts.craftgossip.com/ 

Facebook facebook.com/StefanieL.Girard

How To Make Tassel with Vicki O'Dell

I'm so excited, I just HAVE to share! The #CreativeGoddess, Vicki O'Dell has written a fun and informative editorial on tassels at About.com. 

Vicki wrote an article on jewelry making with tassels, and she included an editorial about how to make tassels. And guess who's tool she featured...Yes, the PattieWack Tassel Tool! Please click over and check it out, and then click on over to her massive website for more creative ways to make jewelry and so much more. 

— with Vicki O'Dell

Vicki's website is filled with crafty goodness.  She's a brilliant teacher and her tutorials are written so well, and filled with tons of pics for easy steps and inspiration.  You'll find her at www.vickiodell.com 

The Creative Goddess, Vicki O'Dell

While you're there, just click in her search box for tassels or pompoms and see how to make some really beautiful jewelry, using the Pattiewack Pompom Tool and Tassel Tools. 

Thanks so much Vicki!

Kids Crafts 1-2-3 Issue #11

I'm all giggles this morning! My Kids Crafts 1-2-3 magazine came in my mailbox and I couldn't hardly wait to open it.

Long time friend and editor of the magazine, Jennifer Perkins, asked me to contribute a few projects for the summer issue. Isn't her family adorable? And she is an awesome Designer and Blogger. Of course her big focus right now is kids crafts and parties for families. She has a pretty spectacular party in this magazine for all things plaid and lumberjacks. Yes, lumberjacks! LOL. 

I feel very honored to be in the company of so many great designers, including Kathleen George, and so many more!

Sometimes it seems like boys are left out of crafting a little bit but not this month in the magazine. Several fabulous product were featured including Tulip One-Step Tie-Dye kits in camouflage colors. These are so cool for boys to make camo T-shirts.  So quick and so fun!

Speaking of boy-friendly crafts, one of my projects in the magazine is a nature scavenger hunt that's pretty fun. Girls will like this too! All you need is a recycled pizza box, Aleene's Original Tacky Glue, and a list of items that can be found on a nature trail, for the kids to go and find. Check it out on page 46. 

I didn't leave the girls out because I did a Boho Bag on page 61. You'll find that it's easy to make, and it includes tie-dye for the girls. All the details are right there in four easy steps!

I just want to say thanks to Jen for including me in this issue of Kids Crafts 1-2-3 Magazine. If you're not a subscriber already, you can subscribe online at www.kidscrafts1-2-3., or pick one up at your local Walmart in the magazine section. There are at least 34 projects in this magazine that your kids are going to love! And if you're not a mom or a dad, but you're grandparent,  this is the perfect go-to source for keeping the grandkids happy all summer!