I'm hosting Let's Create LIVE!

With only a few weeks away to our Let's Create Live event, we plan on bringing you fun tidbits, interviews, and details about the live show!

First up, we wanted to introduce you to our beloved hostess with the mostest for the event...Pattie Wilkinson! Pattie is a lead designer and spokesperson here at iLoveToCreate and can churn out sketches and projects like it's no one's business! If you are a DIY/craft show fan, you may remember Pattie as a co-host on the TNN show, Aleene's Creative Living! So hosting is second nature for Pattie! Not only is Pattie a fab host and designer, she's worked all over the craft industry developing in-store merchandising, products, tools and more for major companies and retail chains.

You can peek into Pattie's crafty mind by some of these projects she's created!


We wanted to find out more about Pattie, so we asked her 5 fun questions! This crafty lady didn't disappoint!

1. Having been raised in rural Oklahoma, what were the kinds of crafts you made as a kid? Being a preacher’s kid, my mom was always coming up with Bible School and Church Bazaar projects for us to make. Did you do a lot of repurposing? We didn’t throw anything away! I could make anything from a makeup bag out of a bleach bottle and some fabric remnants, to a wreath out of egg cartons.

2. You’ve been the host of TV shows and many video demos, but not a lot of them have been live. Are you prepared for the unexpected at “Let’s Create Live”? There’s nothing like a LIVE show, as I’ve experienced many times on QVC and HSN where thousands of people are watching. The worst thing that ever happened to me was when the thread broke as I was demonstrating a quilting attachment and I had to rethread the sewing machine right then and there. I just kept talking and smiling!

3. In your many hosting experiences, do you have a most embarrassing moment? Please share it with us. We’re dying to know! Well, I’ve told this story before, but my friend Darsee and I were doing a live show at Universal Studios one time for the Home Show, and we thought it would be fun to blow eggs and decorate them for Easter. There we were with our big hair, dressed up all fancy, blowing eggs, AND not realizing how ridiculous we looked. Of course, being LIVE, we didn’t stop and watch play-back. But, imagine our bewilderment that night when we ended up on Talk Soup for everyone to laugh at!

4. Your motto is, “If I can’t glue it, I don’t do it!” What would you say is the biggest glue project you’ve ever tackled? Wow, that’s a hard question, since I’ve done lots of BIG things, like a room divider covered with fabric swatches, and a lazy boy with repurposed jeans glued over it entirely.

5. You recently moved to a new home, what kind of crafty remodeling projects are you looking forward to? There are dozens! But, I think my first project is to cover a ghastly mural on one wall that has white cranes and cattails on it… maybe a decoupage project? And I’ve got the local thrift store holding some huge chairs that I’m going to recover with Marimekko textiles. You’ll have to check my blog and facebook page to watch the progress. It’s going to be so much fun!

Pattie is a regular contributor to our blog and you can find many of her behind the scenes projects here. Also visit her web site at Pattiewack.com for crafty projects, books, videos and more!

You can also find Pattie in various videos on our Youtube page! She's always caught on the spot at her desk in impromptu videos!



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Pompom Purse

Make a pompom purse like I did, with a felted bag and adding felt appliques that are embroidered with the same yarn you used to make the pompoms...

Here's what you'll need.

Yarn:

Red Heart - Easy Tweed - 6613 Aran

MODA DEA - Spellbound - 2741 Lancelot

Red Heart - Soft Yarn - 1882 Toast

Felt:

Grey, Gold, Beige, Brown

Tools:

Small size Pattiewack™ Pompom Tool

Small size Pattiewack™ Tassel Tool

Pinking Shears

Upholstery Needle

Steps:

1. Make 3 Aran pompoms, on the 1” step of the Pattiewack™ pompom tool, winding 20 times and tying with 8” of yarn.  Lay aside.
2. Make 3 Lancelot pompoms, on the 1-1/2” step of the pompom tool, winding 20 times and tying with 8” of yarn.  Lay aside.
3. Cut hearts, flowers and shape from felt with pinking shears.  Embroider assorted stitches in the felt shapes. 
4. Cut 3 brown circles with pinking shears and sew wooden beads into the centers.
5. Arrange shapes and pompoms on the side of the purse, pinning in place.  Use photo as a guide if desired.  Sew to the purse, using the upholstery needle.
6. Make 3 tassels, on the 2” step of the tassel tool, winding 20 times and tying the tops with 12” of yarn.
7. Tie the tassels onto the zipper pull.

 

Pompom Wreath for Everyday

I'm totally infatuated with the BodieandFou blog right now.  I love the organic taste and the DIY practicality of the images and projects, including this truly sweet pompom wreath!

Glitter on the loose

I saw this at ABC Carpet and Home in New York and fell in love with the idea. They poured loose glitter on the tabletops and encouraged shoppers to play in it. I love this idea.




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Pompom Garland

I'm in love with this pompom garland and it's an easy project to make with my pompom tool!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

St. Patrick's Day - Lucky Charm

St. Patrick's Day is next week.
In fact, it's next Tuesday.  

So, I remembered this cute charm I made last year to wear for a little luck.  

It is on the iLoveToCreate site with full instructions under Lucky Charm Necklace.  

You will love how easy it is to get the pretty resin look with Aleene's Paper Glaze.  

You can either wear it as a pendant or on a cute bracelet as a charm.  

Or wait!  Give it to a friend as you're giggling over a green brewskie!

March is National Craft Month

In accordance with the Craft & Hobby Association, March is National Craft Month. Created in 1994, it was designed to help people learn about and re-discover the joy of crafting and all its many benefits.

You'll see this sign in your local craft stores and find lots of project ideas, classes, super sales, and inspiration this month as all of us crafty peeps join together to celebrate crafts!

 

Tie Dyed Bridesmaid

At the national Craft Place website you'll find projects from everyone in the industry,
including this Tie Dyed Bridesmaid Dress we designed for  iLoveToCreate,
along with dozens more fabulous ideas.

So, spread the word and throw a craft event this month to share your love for crafting...

Cloth Paper Scissors - Mixed Media SHOES by PattieWack!

Just as I was about to leave the iLoveToCreate studio Friday, Holly bounced around the corner with a package from our mail drop.  Of course I had to open it when I saw that it was from Interweave, because I've been looking for the issues to come out with my three pairs of Mixed Media Shoes.

 There they were in the March/April 2011 Issue of Cloth Paper Scissors magazine.

Not only did the Editor, Jenn Mason publish the shoes... 

SHE WAS WEARING THEM.

Tooooo cute, Jenn!

And I love her matching leggings, too.

This issue is "all about being inspired by fashion," according to Jenn.  "Whether it's shoes, jewelry, or the shirt off your back - mixed media and collage can definitely help you make your own fashion proclamation."

 When you open your magazine, you'll see my 'zentangle' art shoes... 

my poetic stillettos, and my favorite painted polka dots with decoupage pin-up girls!

Get your March/April 2011 issue of Cloth Paper Scissors and let me know what you think!

Urban Ornaments Shopping Spree

My favorite boutique and home decor store,

Urban Ornaments in Clovis had a 4-Year Anniversary party this weekend.  

Scott and I met some friends there to enjoy the cupcakes, mimosas, and fabulous finds. 

 The store is filled with gorgeous vignettes of refinished furniture, 

art, and crafts by local artisans.

 I absolutely am in love with the line of Papaya paper goods and gifts.  

I couldn't resist a new notebook.

 The crowd kept lingering for the finger-licking good cupcakes.

 This darling bookcase reminded me of some footstools I decoupage years ago.  

Must do some more of that!

 Scott went crazy for these 50's glass tumblers.  

I love the "Happy Hour" sign with the pin-up girl.

 Spools of thread, tassels, and wreaths were inspiring.  

I came home and went to my yarn stash to make a wreath with pompoms and tassels.

 This old clock would be gorgeous on a brick wall.

 The front of the store is adorable and you can't help but go inside.

 Rebekah and I both went nuts over these medallions of sheet music cones.  

I can just see these around her piano in her apartment.

What a fun day!  I picked up a vintage tiara, girlie notebook, and tons of inspiration.  

They have a facebook page, if you want to check it out:

http://www.facebook.com/urbanornaments

Pompom Scarf

Pompom Scarf

This adorable pompom scarf is perfect to toss around your neck on a dreary winter day.  I loved making the pompoms in these yummy colors and the tassels on the bottom make a fancy dancy trim with a fun fringe.  

To make yours, you'll need the following yarns, and PattieWack Tools by Susan Bates.

Yarn:

Red Heart Soft Yarn, 4422 Tangerine

Red Heart Soft Yarn, 4420 Guacamole

Red Heart Soft Yarn, 9518 Teal

Tools:

Small size Pattiewack™ Pompom Tool

Small size Pattiewack™ Tassel Tool

Steps:

1. Make 4 Tangerine pompoms, on the 1” step of the Pattiewack™ pompom tool, winding 50 times and tying with 8” of yarn.
2. Make 4 Guacamole pompoms, on the 1-1/2” step of the pompom tool, winding 55 times and tying with 8” of yarn.
3. Make 4 Teal pompoms, on the 2” step of the pompom tool, winding 60 times and tying with 8” of yarn. 
4. Tie the pompoms onto the scarf, using the photo as a guide if desired.
5. Make 4 Teal tassels, on the 2-1/4” step of the tassel tool, winding 30 times and tying the tops with 12” of yarn.
6. Make 6 Guacamole tassels, on the 1-3/4” step of the tassel tool, winding 40 times and tying the tops with 12” of yarn.
7. Make 8 Tangerine tassels, on the 1-1/4” step of the Pattiewack™ tassel tool, winding 50 times and tying the tops with 12” of yarn.

Tie the tassel onto the ends of the scarf into bows, using the photo as a guide.

Oh, and if you realllly love this, please go to our new Facebook Page and 'like' us! 

Design Studio Eye Candy

As I walked through the iLoveToCreate Studio this week, it occurred to me that the room is filled with crafty eye candy.  I grabbed my iPhone and captured some images to share with you on my blog.  At any given time, there are dozens of dyed, painted, glued and decoupaged pieces of art in progress.  Here's a snippet at what you'll find in this amazing flurry of activity that I love so much!

Love Pillow

Designed by Pattie Wilkinson

 

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!
I hope you get lots of chocolate, kisses, and lots of love today.

Here's a 'lovely' idea for the day.  When I designed this pillow, I thought the contrast of the burlap with the glitz would be nice.   Fun textures enhance its appeal with the felt letters and jewels you add onto the stylish burlap fabric using Aleene’s® adhesives. It’s an accent piece you’ll love to have in any room in your home not just for Valentine's Day, but EVERY day.

Materials List

• Aleene's® Fabric Fusion® Permanent Dry Cleanable Fabric Adhesive
  
  
• Aleene's® Jewel-It Embellishing Glue™
  
  

• Miscellaneous

  •   Black craft felt square
  •   Burlap fabric – ½ yard
  •   Fiberfill
  •   Assorted jewels and buttons
  •   Straight pins
  •   Jeweled Trim – 1 yard
  •   Scissors
  •   Black bias tape – 1 yard

• Instructions

  1. Cut two heart-shaped pieces from burlap fabric.
  2. Sew pieces together, edging with black bias tape and leaving approximately a 4” opening.
  3. Stuff pillow with fiberfill and sew opening closed at seam.
  4. Cut out “Love” letters and heart from black felt.
  5. Lay cut-out letters and heart onto pillow for placement.
  6. Use Aleene’s® Fabric Fusion™ to glue “Love” letters and heart to pillow. Pin in place until set.
  7. Use Aleene’s® Jewel-It™ to adhere jewels and jeweled trim around edge of pillow. Pin in place until dry.
  8. Use Aleene’s® Jewel-It™ to adhere jewels and buttons to heart shape. Pin in place until dry.

Grammys Fashion Favorites

 

I love to watch the awards shows just like everybody else.  And it's totally out of control to see the fashions  at the Grammys.  This year was just as crazy and fun as all the years past.

Rihanna stole the show on the red carpet in a daring peek-a-boo gown with ruffles by Jean Paul Gaultier and Christian Louboutin shoes.  

Outrageous, and I love it!

Lady Gaga was in Thierry Mugler by Nicola Formichetti and shocked everyone as usual.  

She arrived in a "womb" and emerged in latex for her performance.

Nicole Kidman was stunning on the runway and was hands-down my favorite as she chose Jean Paul Gaultier for her turn on today's Grammys red carpet, and what a frock it is! The strapless, floral print column dress suits Nicole Kidman's slender frame, and the ruffle edge detailing on the bust, and lower tiers of the dress adds texture and a sense of fun to her frock. Opting for contrasting rather than coordinating accessories, her leopard print peep toe heels and gold and emerald jewels stand out against her dress of choice.

Jazz bassist Esperanza Spalding pulled off the biggest upset of tonight’s Grammys when she won the award for best new artist over far better-known competition, including rapper Drake and pop star Justin Bieber.  I fell in love with her fabulous dress.

Rihanna performed with Eminem, Dr. Dre and Skylar Grey, wearing an absolutely fabulous gown that mimicked the fire graphics in the background of the huge stage.  

Katy Perry showed up in a princess-like frock and sang "Not Like the Movies" from her 

latest album "Teenage Dream" while sitting on a sparkly swing.

She also showed footage on a huge projector playing behind her, from her wedding to Russell Grand with the British comedian kissing on their big day.

After the mellow performance, Katy was back to her cheering route by singing "Teenage Dream". "This one goes out to all the Valentine lovers!" she shouted to the audience. 

She joined dancers in red outfits on the stage fitted with crystal heart-shaped appliques.

The Grammys gave me a fabulous fashion fix tonight :-)