Homemade Window Clings For Any Season!

I just added this new gift idea to The Best Homemade Gift Ideas website. Here are some directions on how to make homemade window clings using fabric paint. This is a fun activity for winter, but you can use it for any holiday or season you like. Check it out!

Glitter Fabric Paint

Window Clings Holidays & Celebrations!

Children's Book Illustrator Interview with Becky Driscoll

September Crafter/Artist Interview of the Month

Crafter/Artist Interview of the Month Since school is starting I thought it would be fun to interview a children’s book illustrator for the month of September. Becky Driscoll is a very talented and published illustrator. She not only illustrates for children’s books but she also has illustrated for magazines and greeting card companies. She has a fun colorful style to her illustrations. So it is my pleasure to introduce you to Becky Driscoll.

1) Could you describe your journey to becoming an artist? What were your original inspirations?

I have always known I wanted to be an artist. When I was two, I was drawing and creating. I think Disney inspired me as I remember going to see Bambi in the theater and just going WOW as the illustrations were so wonderful. I was 5 at the time. You just can't beat those Disney movies like Bambi and Lady and the Tramp.

2) How did you become interested in illustrating literature for children?

I love children's books and love looking at the illustrations. I also would like to tell a story with my art.

3) Who are some of your favorite children's illustrators? Were any of them particularly inspirational? If so, whom and why?

I think Beatrice Potter is one of my favorites. I love the way she illustrated and the stories she wrote.

4) Do you remember which illustrated children's books were your favorites back when you were a young reader and why?

Probably Bambi and Beatrice Potter. I liked Bambi as I love animals and I guess with Beatrice Potter too.

5) Could you please describe how you became a published illustrator?

A lot of hard work and getting your name out there and not giving up. It was pretty exciting getting my first greeting cards published.

6) Could you tell us a little about your illustration style? What's the medium you use to do you illustrations?

I illustrate in watercolor and then I use colored pencil to make highlights or detail in the work. I love using the traditional medium and having the painting in front of you when you are done. It is very satisfying.

7) Could you please go through the steps you use to submitting your work to publishers?

I usually research publishers first and find out if their style is suitable to mine. That is important as you don't want to send your work if it is not what the publisher wants. It is a waste of their time and yours. I will either send them colored copies or sometimes they want work via email. It just depends on the publisher. I will then send them updated post cards every 6 months or so to let them know I am still breathing. You can find a lot of publishers on line or an artist should buy the "Artists & Graphics Designers Market" They have oodles of publishers in there.

8) What has been your favorite project you have worked on so far?

I really don't have a favorite. I love doing all my art.

9) Do you have any big projects coming up in the near future? What are you currently working on now?

No big projects at this moment. I just finished up some greeting cards for Gallant Greetings so that was my last big project.

10) Do you have any advice for anyone interested in breaking into the illustration business? I guess to be persistent and never give up. You are always trying to sell yourself and getting a foot in the door. Also, keep drawing. Every day if you can. Even if it is doodling.

Crayon Batik

Crayons aren't just for kids anymore! Here is a fun homemade gift that anyone can do. Yes, I mean anyone. I have done this project with kids as young as 6 or 7. Crayon Batiks are a lot of fun and much less complicated than a regular batik. But they are just as beautiful and frame worthy.

Batik a technique used to dye cloth using a wax resist. Back in December I interviewed Beth McCoy, a well known batik artist for my newsletter.

So the next time you sit down to color with your youngster, think about trying something different! They will love you for it!

Polar fleece tie blanket

It's never too late to start thinking about Christmas and to get going on those homemade gifts. Here's a simple polar fleece blanket that is easy to make and inexpensive. With so many fleece pattern choices you will be able to personalize a blanket for everyone on your list!

Polar Fleece







Sew What! Fleece crafts book

Project of the month in the July Best Homemade Gift Ideas E Zine

This was a tutorial submitted to me by Sarah Jane. Very neat looking project so I had to share it! If you try this project please let me know. I would love to see pictures and hear about what went well and even not so well. I love learning from you too! Paper Rose Tutorial Instructions.

For more of the Best Homemade Gift Ideas E zine issues click here!

The amazing things you can do with polymer clay. An interview with a wedding cake topper artist.

Artist/Crafter of the Month Interview Featured in the Best Homemade Gift Ideas News Letter for the Month of July.

This month our artist is a very talented sculptor who uses polymer clay to make wedding memories. This woman really knows how to top a cake! I am so happy to introduce you all to Dawn Syubitsch from Summerville, SC.

1)Dawn, you look like a very busy lady. Could you please tell us a little bit about yourself? Where are you from? Your family?

Yes, I'm very busy! My cake toppers take a great deal of my time and I am active in my church. I also enjoy making jewelry out of polymer clay and am in the process of making that a larger part of my polymer claying. I've also done some graphic design but my passion is sculpture. My son and his wife and their 3 year old son, live with my husband ,Jon, and myself at the moment and I have a daughter at Clemson University. My husband of 34 years works for Boeing on their flight simulator here in Charleston. We retired here in Charleston after 20 years in the Airforce. My dad retired from the Airforce here also and we wanted to be around family. Charleston's a beautiful place. We actually live in Summerville but it's all considered the "Charleston Area".

2)How did you get interested in working with polymer clay?

I first discovered polymer clay when my kids were little. I was doing wood sculpting but it's messy and hard to do while chasing toddlers. I got hold of a magazine that had an article about making a figure in polymer clay. I had never even heard of the stuff but I was intrigued. I bought some Sculpey, which didn't come in all the colors yet and made my first figure. I was instantly hooked. I thought I could make these Kid figures and then maybe try to sell them. I could do it inside and watch the kids at the same time.Since it didn't come in colors I had to paint the figures. I devised a way to bake and disassemble the figures so I could paint each part and then put it together. The clothing could be complicated and it is very hard to paint details without getting it where it wasn't supposed to go and each piece needed to be painted several times.

3)How does the process of making a polymer clay cake topper begin?

I start with the faces. I refer to photos that are sent to me and try to get a good likeness. The heads range from 3/4" to about 1". It's hard to go smaller because of the sizes of my tools. The had sizes have gotten smaller over the years. I never thought I would ever be making them this small. I think my first face was about 2" tall and I thought that was the smallest I'd ever go. I use the white glass heads of straight pins for the eyes. The finished figures are between 6.5 and 7.5 " tall. I then make a sturdy metal armature and then build up the torso with clay. When the torso is finished I attach the head and bake it for the first time. I usually finish the groom first so I can arrange the brides dress around his pants and shoes. I bake the figures multiple times to set up the clay so that I don't mess up the earlier applications of clay. I try to smooth the clay as much as I can but it still needs to be sanded especially when clay has to be added to fill a crack or hole or dip in the clay that I'm not happy with. I don't add the brides arms until last or they would just get in the way. When I am going to bake a figure multiple times I don't bake at the higher temps because the clay will darken some and then not match when you add more clay like the bodice added to the baked skirt part of the dress. That means that the clay is fragile so it has to be handled carefully especially when sanding. If it does crack I just add more clay to repair the damage. Once everything is in place I do a final long bake at the curing temperature but I wrap the figures in polyester batting to protect the figures.

4)Where do you create your cake toppers? Do you have pictures of your work space? We just moved into a larger home 3 years ago and for the first time I have a small room of my own for my clay. I quickly out grew it but it's better than the dining room table where my mess was out for all to see for years and what's great now is that I can close the door to hide it all! I clean up between projects but it's usually really messy. I've heard that mess is a sign of genius??? Somewhere!

5)Do you enjoy doing any other types of artwork? I love carving sculpture whether it is wood or stone. I also really like to draw but I just don't find the time. I'm hoping to find time soon to carve again. I have a sketchbook full of sculptures waiting to carved.

6)Were you influenced by anyone creative when you were younger? What did they do that helped encourage your creativity?

I don't remember any specific influence when I was younger except that I wanted to be a cartoonist for Walt Disney. My parents suspected that I was artistic and encourged me by supplying me with art materials while I was young so I was always making, drawing or painting something. I was a very creative kid and I was happy as long as I had an art or craft project keeping me busy. I used to go door to door in my neighbor hood trying to sell the things I made so I could make money to buy supplies to make more things. I think they started to hide when they saw me coming!

7)How many cake toppers do you make each year and what are your prices for these beautiful sculptures?

I started by doing maybe 20 toppers a year but I could never do that many now. I put much more time and detail into my toppers now and that takes a lot more time. I've actually just decided to cut way back and only do about 4-6 a year hope that my jewelry can fill in the income gap. I've been making toppers for at least 8 years and I need a little bit of a break. I would love to make figures of my own design one day especially fantasy characters and art dolls. I'm hoping cutting back will allow me to explore that. At the moment I charge $2800 for the basic topper. That includes all the basic bride and groom attire and flowers. If a person wants other things such as pets or vehicles then there would be an additional charge . It also includes a really nice glass dome so the topper can be displayed nicely. I think that the word cake topper works against me when people see my prices. What I make will go on a cake but it's really a highly customized piece of art work that you will have for many years to come. It also takes me 3 weeks or more to complete a topper. One I'm working on now will feature the couple on a motorcycle and that will take quite a bit more time and work.

8)If someone wanted to start working with polymer clay what would be your advice for them? Get a pasta machine, buy a book about polymer clay or search the internet for a project to start with and dive in. It can be a little overwhelming because this medium is SO versitile and there is so much information out there about polymer clay. There's not much you can't do with it and it can be hard to know where to start. Just start with something simple and don't be afraid to make mistakes.

9)Do you have any advice for anyone who thinks they might be interested in turning a hobby into a business? Don't feel the need to put your first efforts out for sale. Get good at what you want to do. Now I didn't say perfect because you'll always be growing but you will be rewarded if you take the time to put out a good product. Another bit of advice is don't cut corners on your work. Have a critical eye and take the time to do your best. Quality is better than quantity. Then check out the local craft shows. If you can put together a web site you will have a place to send your customers between craft shows and build a following from there. Don’t quit your day job right away! It takes time to build a business.

10)What direction do you see yourself going in in say the next 5 years?

I really hope to be making and selling my own line of character figures or art type dolls in clay. I mentioned fantasy characters and I'd love to do that. I am in the progress of putting together a book that shows exactly how I do my cake topper figures. I've learned many techniques that would really help those who want to do this type of work and don't have 9 years to figure it all out. Up until now I have gathered many of photos of my process but I haven't had the time to put it together. That is one of the things I hope to accomplish by backing off a little.

The best ever Strawberry Margaritas!

Ingredients:

1 can of frozen Limeade

1 Beer any kind. I personally use Corona. I mean we are making Margaritas here!

Jose Quervo Tequilla

Fresh or frozen strawberries

Instructions:

In a blender add 1/2 can of limeade, 1/2 can of beer and up to 6 oz of tequilla. Depending on how strong you like your margaritas.

Blend in blender until smooth. Add fresh or frozen strawberries and blend again.

Pour into a margarita class and serve. Wha la... Instant yummy!!

The July News letter is out!

The Best Homemade Gift Ideas July Newsletter is out! In this month's issue: Wedding cake topper artist interview and a paper rose making tutorial. There's also a recipe for the BEST homemade strawberry freezer jam! YUM!

The Crafteteria: Paper Rose Tutorial

I found this great craft idea and thought I would share! Cute idea for easy hanemade flowers that I think look pretty real.

The Crafteteria: Paper Rose Tutorial

This is an easy summer recipe you can make to enjoy at home with your family or take with you to a party or family reunion. You can't go wrong with desert and you definitely can't go wrong with ice cream! This fudgy ice cream cake looks like you may have bought it, but make sure you let everyone know you made it yourself!!

Fudgy Ice Cream Cake:

Ingredients:

1/2 Cup Fudge ice cream topping, warmed so it pours out of the jar a little easier.

1 Tub ( 8oz) Cool Whip thawed. ( I usually use the fat free kind just to eliminate a little guilt)

1 package (4 servings ) Chocolate instant pudding

8 Oreo Cookies

12 Vanillas ice cream sandwiches. ( You can also use other flavors like mint or chocolate chip. What ever flavor you like)

Directions:

1)Pour the fudge topping into a medium bowl. Stir in 1 Cup of whipped topping until it's blended well. Add in the dry pudding mix and stir for about 2 minutes. Your fudge topping should be spreadable. If it seems to be too thick add a little milk to thin the fudge.

2) Chop the Oreo Cookies into large pieces (TIP) Throw the cookies into a zip lock bag and remove all the air. Zip the top closed and start whacking away. I usually use my rolling pin. Very little clean up when you are finished! Stir crushed cookies into pudding mixture.

3)Lay 4 ice cream sandwiches side by side on a piece of aluminum foil 24" X 12". Top the ice cream sandwiches with half of the fudge mixture. Repeat the layers.

4)With the remaining Cool Whip "frost" the top and sides of the ice cream cake.

Remember: You can always add a little extra flair by topping with sprinkles or adding more decoration with frosting. If you are adding sprinkles make sure to put them on BEFORE you wrap it and freeze the cake. If you are adding decoration with frosting add this AFTER the cake has been frozen for best results!

5) Bring the sides of the foil up and around the "cake" fold and seal the top and ends of the foil.

Put the cake into the freezer for at least 4 hours. Let stand at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting and serving.

If there are any left overs, which I highly doubt... return the cake to the freezer to enjoy again later.

Homemade Camping gift idea.

It's camping season again and that mean mosquitos! I have instructions on how to make homemade citronella candles for any outdoor activity where pests may be a problem. I hate spraying myself full of stinky bug spray especially while camping because showers aren't always easy to take before we go to bed. I hate the mosquito spray smell and feeling on my skin. Yuck! I am making a bunch of these to take camping with us 4th of July weekend. I will be sure to make plenty of candles because it's always good to share. You can buy Yaley Soy Wax 1 lb through a place called CreateForLess
I like soy wax because it burns cleaner and it also burns straight to the bottom of the jar. You can also get Candle Wick with Wire Core and the Citronella Oil I found at a place called SHOP.COM Good Luck and here's to summer! Don't forget to check in at The Best Homemade Gift Ideas website for new homemade Father's Day Gift Ideas as well as more homemade summer gift ideas!

What's a good homemade summer time gift?

I was just recently asked," What's a good summer time gift?" When I think of summer, I think of watermelon. It's the official summer time fruit! These hand painted watermelon flower pots are really cute and very easy to paint. What a great gift to give someone for a housewarming or a hostess gift? In fact, my children painted these for their grandmas for Mother's Day. Both Grandmothers LOVED them! You can add whatever flowers you like to the pots. I'm a petunia girl so I made sure to put those in, but I also added some marigolds and some ivy as well.

What did you think about this project or any others! Did you try this project? Show us pictures!!!
Sometimes it's hard to find art supplies in some areas.

Click on the TERRA COTTA Pots 8" SET to purchase pots for painting. If you are looking for paints click Basic Set Acrylic Paints to be able to purchase paints and painting supplies. I get a lot of my art supplies from Dick Blick Art Materials .They ship supplies very quickly and the operators/order takers are very polite and nice to work with.

Here are a few more ideas for painting terra cotta pots:

102 Terra Cotta Projects: Pretty & Practical, Whimsical & Wonderful Ideas for Terra Cotta Pots of All Sizes!


Painting and Decorating Clay Pots: 117 Step-by-Step Projects for Making People, Animals, and Fantasy Characters on Terra-Cotta Pots


Painting and Decorating Clay Pots : 150 Step-by-Step Projects for Making People, Animals, and Fantasy Characters from Terra-Cotta Pots
Once you start painting you may find it very adictive!! Have fun!

Literally... A handmade strawberry trivet

I saw this project and had to do it with my kids at school. These turned out so cute! The starwberry trivets are made out of a simple ceramic tile and acrylic paint . They were so easy to make.




Here's some more craft and gift ideas using ceramic tiles:
Creativity For Kids Ceramic Tile Art


Mosaic Project [VHS]


Mosaic Tile Flower Kit

Is there an easy way to paint a portrait with watercolor?

Is there an easy way to paint a portrait in watercolor? The answer to this is YES! One of my wonderful readers submitted this awesome tutorial. Thanks Kat from Seattle Washington!

Here is a tutorial for painting a watercolor portrait using a stencil. So you think you can't paint... well, think again!

The weather is getting warmer and the thumbs are getting greener. I have already bought some flowers to make hanging baskets and planters. So it's time to start thinking about how we can decorate our gardens and such. Here's a really cute idea that you can even get the kids involved in. Painting animal rock critters is a very cheap and easy activity and gift to make for someone. They are great to use outside in a garden or inside in a planter. Here is a great book I have found with instructions and pictures for painting all sorts of different critters.

Set Your Goals In Pen!

I am sure many of you have heard the saying, "___________ ( Fill in the blank) is set in stone." Many times people find that they hold themselves more accountable when they write their goals down. When you can harness your creative energy and direct it toward solving a problem (how do I doing what I love? Become successful and happy? Be creative and satisfied?) something amazing happens—ideas start flowing out of nowhere. Without a plan creative people tend to get distracted easily." Hey look, something shiny!" As I was saying , begin by coming up with key words that you aspire to and inspire you when it comes to your creativity and what you would like to do and try. Try typing these words into a Google Image Search and see what comes up. You may be lead into directions you never thought you might go. Try new creative gift making ideas and crafts. Share these projects and ideas with others. Who knows what might happen!

If you haven't yet read the book or watched the movie "The Secret" I highly recommend it. Watching this movie has really changed how I think about life and everything in general. Think it, it can happen. Ask for it, you will receive it. It sounds simple and in reality it is. I review this movie often when things aren't going quite the way I planned and my goals aren't being met. Set goals, write them down and make them happen!

Happy goal setting everyone!

How do you find great artists and new craft work?

One of my wonderful readers e mailed me today asking," Brenda, where do you find all the great artists and craft work for the interviews in your newsletters?"

As an art teacher I am always looking for fun projects to do with my students. I go to art fairs, exhibits, do internet research and just plain e mail artists asking "How do you do that?"
Most artists love to share and talk about what they do and how they do it. I have been very fortunate to meet some wonderful people who are very knowledgeable in all different areas of art, from doll making to mosaics. Well done art and craft make cherished gifts.

Thank you to all of those who I have talked to and learned from. To those artists and crafters I haven't met yet, I look forward to it!
For past artist and crafter interviews go to e zine archives.

Looking to try a new art or craft? Remember, everyone was a beginner once. Teaching yourself how to make things isn't hard. I do it all the time. I read books, watch videos and ask questions of people who already do what I want to learn.

How to make Candy Bouquets

Looking for an easy homemade gift good enough to eat? How about making a candy bouquet?

For full instructions go to this candy bouquet tutorial by Clare Rothwell.

Trying to come up with a gift

My Mom is the hardest person to shop for on earth! She has everything, but nothing. Does that make sense? She's a simple woman. Yes, they do exist. She's a jeans and sweatshirt kind of gal. Whenever we ask her what she would like for any kind of gift all she says is, "All I need is your love." Ya, right whatever Mom!!! She loves receiving flowers, but in Wisconsin our weather is still cold and there are a few daffodil and tulips here and there. Plus I don't think the neighbors would appreciate me raiding their flower gardens. So what I think I am going to do is order her some flowers and send her some Milky Way bars in a box. Those are her favorite candy bars. I plan on packing the box with some pretty tissue paper and then at the bottom of the box..... JACKPOT! Milky Ways! For more Mother's Day ideas go to http://www.the-best-homemade-gift-ideas.com

Mother's Day Is Coming Are You Ready?

Don't forget that Mother's Day is Sunday May 10th! Mother's aren't just those who give birth. They are step mothers, grandmother, teachers, mentors and any other female who has taked time out of their life to make a difference in yours.

What about a a basket full of wonderful gardening items? New gardening tools... hand shovels, gloves, and whatever else your Mom might need to make her gardens bloom.
For quality flower bulbs and perennial plants at rock bottom prices, go to BloomingBulb.com

Bloomin bulb also offers vebetable garden items as well.

Happy Planting!!

How can you be cre-8-tive today?

To be creative doesn't mean coming up with some huge exciting project. It's the little things that we do everyday for friends and family that show real creativity. How about making your kids or significant other Micky Mouse pancakes? It's easy. I just make a regular size pancake and then 2 smaller ones for the ears that touch the larger one. My daughter likes just chocolate chips for the eyes, nose and mouth. My son on the other hand like chocolate chips for the eyes, but then prefers whipcream for the nose and mouth. It puts a smile on their faces in the morning and cuts down on the getting ready for school crabbies! Who would think such a small act could mean so much?

Easter Gift Ideas

Well It's April first and I am thinking about Easter and everything related to it.
I have been looking for new and interesting ways to color eggs. I came across instructions on how to make dyes using vegetables and spices. All natural!

Another great gift idea to present the host or hostess of Sunday brunch is an edible flower fruit bouquet.




Here is a fun interview with a very talented Pysanky Egg artist. Her eggs are so beautiful they deserve to be displayed all year long! You can also read more about this Ukranian Art form here!

Happy April Fools Day!

In Like A Lion and Out Like a Lion?

As I sit writing this newest blog entry we are gearing up for another snow storm tonight. 3 - 6 inches ofsnow is expected for parts of Wisconsin tonight into tomorrow. YUCK! Make it stop already mother nature! We are only a few weeks away from Easter and I have started to think about little homemade gifts I can make for my kids and other family members we will see on Easter Sunday. I made some homemade Easter bakets with my kids last year using a plastic gallon milk jug. They loved it! When they searched for their baskets on Easter Sunday they knew exactly what they were looking for. They had so much fun!Go to http://www.the-best-homemade-gift-ideas.com/gallon-milk-jug.html for instructions.

Do you have a favorite Easter gift you like to make? I would love to hear about it! Share your ideas at: http://www.the-best-homemade-gift-ideas.com/share-your-idea.html

Everyone's a little Irish this time of year!

It's March and many of us are thinking Spring. We are looking forward to March Madness and all the basketball games. St. Patrick's Day is here and along with it comes Shamrock shakes and corned beef and cabbage.

When you are getting ready to go out on St. Patricks Day or visit a friend or 2 think about how you might brighten someone's day. What about a St. Patrick's Day gift? Check out some of these great ideas at
http://www.the-best-homemade-gift-ideas.com/St-Patricks-Gift.html

It's also time to start thinking about Easter and all the goodies we want to put in those Easter baskets!

Do you have an idea or crafty lesson you would like to share?
Contact me!
bmullard@the-best-homemade-gift-ideas.com