How to make a snowman journal cover in 5 minutes

It's time to ring in the new year.  I want to see some SNOW!  But it looks like the only snow I'll be seeing anytime soon is artificial snow  - the kind I make or draw.  Oh well.

I want to share with you one of my latest videos featured on Creative Life TV - How to make a snowman journal cover in 5 minutes.  I think you'll enjoy this time lapse video featuring loads of mixed media techniques.

Love to hear your comments - so please post them below.

Best wishes in 2012!
Remember the next episode of Creative Life TV is January 16 at Noon eastern http://livestream.com/cool2craft

How to make a polymer clay snowman - Free Video Tutorial by Creative Live TV

My favorite time of year - winter.  I use to say summer, but the summers have been way tooo hot!  I love snowman and the beauty that winter brings.  I've been collecting snowmen for years and they are among my favorite to make out of polymer clay.

So here I am sharing a video tutorial with you on how to make a polymer clay snowman.  Maybe it will inspire you to create a snowman collection all your own!

Please share your comments  ;)
Next Creative Life TV is January 16 at noon on the Cool2Craft Network where I'll be sharing lots of Mixed Media techniques.  http://livestream.com/cool2craft

Click here to view the step by step photo tutorial -

Wishing you Love and Happiness in 2012

I blog, mostly for myself. I have an awful memory, so I find that if I want to remember it, I have to write it down - and I have to remember "where" I wrote it down! HA!

 I started my blog in 2007 with my trip to CHA and a follow up trip to England. I can't believe how much has happened since then and how much I love going back thru my old posts to see what I did.

 As this year draws to a close, I hope you take some time to reflect on all the great memories you've had this past year and in your lifetime. Cherish your loved ones and your friendships and strive to make 2012 as best and as fulfilling as it can be.

 I have some "GOALS", I don't call them resolutions, because I never live up to resolutions - some creative goals for licensing my artwork and some personal development goals as well.

 I'm thankful for all the friends that I have that read this blog and watch my Creative Life TV show, thankful for my creative girlfriends - Tiffany, Heidi, Julianna and Candace who as a team have worked so hard to bring you creative inspiration thru our Cool2Craft shows each Monday - 52 shows this year and NO RERUNS! Isn't that amazing?

 Many, many thanks to my publisher, Cico Books who I'm currently working with to write another book - Mixed Media Inspirations and also the many many manufactuerers such as AMACO and iLovetoCreate to just name a few, who have supported me as a designer and support designers in their creativity.

 Here's to wishing you a year full of happiness!

Mark your calendars for Monday January 16th at noon eastern for the next Creative Life TV - Crazy Mixed Up Art on the Cool2Craft network.

How to incorporate Friendly Plastic with Fabric - Mixed Media Friendly Plastic Video

In this latest episode of Friendly Plastic TV, Linda Peterson shows you how to incorporate Friendly Plastic with Fabric to embellish an eye glass case. It's a technique developed by Liz Welch, a well known Friendly Plastic artist living in the UK. Thank you Liz for the inspiration. Please check out Liz's blog at www.rarelizzie.wordpress.com





Linda Peterson is compensated and endorsed by AMACO. The guests features may or may not have any affiliation with AMACO.

Creative Life TV - How to make a polymer clay snowman - Linda Peterson

Linda Peterson shares how to create an adorable snowman from polymer clay. It's easy and fun and great for all ages. The perfect project to chase away the winter blues and bring a smile to your face. Featured on Livin' the Creative Life TV.

Click here to watch the video tutorial If you like this project - we invite you to give it a thumbs up at StumbleUpon Materials: Polymer clay: White, black and orange along with any accent colors desired Plaid ribbon Toothpick or needle tool Knitting needle Ceramic tile (optional) Baby wipes

	These are the basic shapes needed to make a snowman.
	Roll a ¾” ball on one side to create a tapered log.
	Repeat this three more times.
	Create a large tapered log from a 2” ball. To create the body, press the thick end down on the work surface while pulling the thinner end upwards to elongate the neckline.To create the legs, push the thick end up towards the thinner end creating a foot.
	Press arms and legs to body.
	Create a 1” ball for head. Roll a tiny piece of orange clay into a triangle for the nose.
	Pre-bake small black balls. Press in for eyes.
	Draw in smile and eyebrows with needle tool.
	Press head to body.
	Before baking I sprinkled him with clear glitter.Bake according to manufacturer’s directions for approximately 1 hour. Allow to cool.Tie the ribbon around his neck. Add chalk "blush" to his cheeks and the bottom of his feet.

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Launched in October 2009, Cool2Craft TV broadcasts weekly internet TV episodes and special live-streaming events featuring industry recognized hosts, reporters, designers, authors and manufacturers. Visit www.cool2craft.com to watch this week’s show via the LiveStream player. Visit our Blip.tv channel for full archived episodes, our YouTube Channel for project and technique demo videos and check out our current programming schedule for upcoming LIVE-streaming events. Visit www.cool2craft.com for current programming schedule.

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How to make a Snowman Mixed Media Journal Cover - Video

This is my first time lapse video and I think it is sooo fun!!! I'll show you how to create a snowman journal cover using LOTS of mixed media techniques in about 7 minutes! Enjoy

Creative Life TV - How to etch a snowflake design on a candle votive

Linda Peterson shares great way to add a festive glow to your dinner table with this snowflake etched candle or give as a gift to someone special. A few minutes and a little glass etching is all you will need to create this snowflake candle votive. Featured on Livin' the Creative Life TV.

Click here to watch the video tutorial If you like this project - we invite you to give it a thumbs up at StumbleUpon Materials: Snowflake clip art from photo editing program or copyright free clip art on internet Clear contact paper Glass etching cream Alcohol based marker Glitter glue Make up sponge Double stick tape Craft knife

	Create snowflake pattern by drawing or using a photo editing program to fit the size of your glass votive. Cover votive with contact paper. Apply double stick tape to back side of snowflake pattern and apply to votive where desired.
	Cut out snowflake pattern with craft knife and remove contact paper.
	Apply etching cream leave on according to package directions. Completely rinse with water again following package directions.
	Rub marker over etched design...
	and wipe away excess ink with a damp cloth.
	Add glitter glue to give it a glittery sparkle.
	Enjoy!

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Launched in October 2009, Cool2Craft TV broadcasts weekly internet TV episodes and special live-streaming events featuring industry recognized hosts, reporters, designers, authors and manufacturers. Visit www.cool2craft.com to watch this week’s show via the LiveStream player. Visit our Blip.tv channel for full archived episodes, our YouTube Channel for project and technique demo videos and check out our current programming schedule for upcoming LIVE-streaming events. Visit www.cool2craft.com for current programming schedule.

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Creative Life TV - How to make Snowflake Window Cling Decals

Linda Peterson shares a great project to get the kids involved on a gloomy winter day and dress up your windows too!! Everyone will have fun making these adorable window clings. Featured on Livin' the Creative Life TV.

Click here to watch the video tutorial If you like this project - we invite you to give it a thumbs up at StumbleUpon Materials: Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue Tulip® Puffy Paint – white or color of choice Page protector Clip art of snowflakes in a variety of sizes Pigment powder in color of choice or acrylic paint in color of choice

	Place the page protector over snowflake clip art template.Outline the snowflake with puffy paint and allow to dry.
	Apply tacky glue to inside of snowflake.
	Add pigment powders and create swirls with toothpick or needle tool.
	Allow to dry.Carefully peel off of page protector and trim if needed.
	Wet with a baby wipe and apply to window.

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Launched in October 2009, Cool2Craft TV broadcasts weekly internet TV episodes and special live-streaming events featuring industry recognized hosts, reporters, designers, authors and manufacturers. Visit www.cool2craft.com to watch this week’s show via the LiveStream player. Visit our Blip.tv channel for full archived episodes, our YouTube Channel for project and technique demo videos and check out our current programming schedule for upcoming LIVE-streaming events. Visit www.cool2craft.com for current programming schedule.

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Snowflakes in the air - Get your Crafty on the Next Creative Life TV Monday December 12

Get your winter crafty on!  I'll be sharing three new projects and a bonus on my next Creative Life TV show.  Monday December 12 at noon eastern.

Just go to the cool2craft livestream channel at showtime to watch the episode and chat with me live. 

Can't watch then?  No worries - the show will air 24/7 until December 19th.  Watch any time it's convenient for you.  Also be sure to check out all of ourarchived  Cool2Craft videos on youtube - there's over 500 episodes!

It's supposed to snow....seriously?

It's amazing to me all the stuff I learned on facebook.  Like the weather forecast...major snow storm on Monday?  Hmmm...gotta check that out.  I say bring it on.  When it's snowing outside, some people like to coze up with a book or a movie.  Not me - I wanna hunker down in the glitteryest, most colorful, full of crafty junk place I can find and create, paint, blog..and just plain get messy.

It's been a gloomy month of November here in the hollars of the Ozark Mountains, actually quite depressing.  But it's during that time like those that I go off in the far off corners of my studio and draw, create, let my mind wander and I'm always suprized with what I unveil.  Not everything is neat and pretty.  Sometimes it's just doodles....but SOMETIMES... it's this kinda stuff that I want to share...

I have so many - SO MANY crafting passions that it's hard to focus on one.  My first love is, and always will be polymer clay, making characters and jewelry.  But lately, I've been focusing on mixed media everything, painting on everything, using everything, mixing up everything and making lots and lots of drawings and canvas art.  I love when you can take bits and pieces of artwork, cut them up and create new artwork from them. 

There's something about the face that intriques me.  I draw LOTS of faces...bodyless faces most of the time.  Much of my past drawings have been whimsical characters, but lately, I've been focusing on people faces

combining them with words and feelings.....

and when it's all put together...it magically appears...

I'm fortunate to get to spend the next month up to my ears in mixed media creativity as I design the projects for my next book.  - I'lll keep you up to date how it's going... 

Wishing you lots of creating and happiness!

Update...a few days went by and I didn't get this post done as quick as I had intended.  Monday came and went without snow - BUM...but Tuesday - Yeah...we woke up to our first dusting and I LOVE IT!!! Bring on winter! :)

Friendly Plastic TV - How to create old looking objects with Friendly Plastic Pellets and Molds

In this episode of Friendly Plastic TV, Host Linda Peterson shows how to use pellets to create old looking objects and artifacts for your mixed media projects.


Linda Peterson is compensated and endorsed by AMACO. The guests features may or may not have any affiliation with AMACO.

November is Going...Going...Almost Gone!

I swear, I never intend to go a whole month without writing a little something something, but it seems that's exactly what happens as the days go by with a blink of an eye.

I've been busy - swamped with designing projects for my WebTV show - Creative Life.  The next show airs December 12th and is inspired by Snowflakes.  I love glitter and snowflakes remind me of natures glitter.  And who can resist adorable snowmen? 

So here's a sneak peak at the projects you'll see on the next show on the Cool2Craft network.

 Among the favorites, I'll share how to make a snowman from polymer clay, decorate your windows and make you're own window clings with Aleene's Tacky Glue and how to etch glass.  Fun fun fun!!!

This time of year is also when the Scrappin' Sisters get together for our semi-annual retreat.  We had a great time and the younger girls kept us in stitches in the middle of the night with their antics.  I love being with all my creative friends.  This year, I didn't scrapbook, rather I worked on book projects for my upcoming Mixed Media book.  I'm so so so excited about this book as it combines everything I love to work with, metals, paints, glue, ink, found objects and above all I get to get messy!!!

I got a little sentimental and created this special piece for my Mom (she hasn't seen it yet, it needs to get framed!)

I remember going to War Eagle craft show back in the early 80's.  It was our mother-daughter day.  Every year it was brutally cold - and I mean brutal.  And every year it was muddy when the sun warmed up in the afternoon, but that didn't deter us.  We just piled on layers of clothes and wore boots! 

It was at this show that I discovered artist Jan Hagara.  She did beautiful drawings of children from the vintage era.  I saved up enough money on year to even buy a doll ornament - which I still have in the original box.  She was an inspiration to me and I always remember her sweet little girls faces. 

I think it was this memory and the days spent with my Mom going to the fall craft shows that inspired this piece.  I sketched the face, colored with watercolors and acrylic paints and added layers and layers of texture.  I'm thrilled with the results - quite out of my comfort zone for sure.

Yes, there is something about being safe in your Mother's arms don't you think?

I've created several more pieces since then.

Last week we went to Iowa to spend time with family.  I really enjoyed this time so much and especially the time I had with my Mother In Law, Sister in Law and my Neice and Nephew. I spent the weekend teaching the kids to draw and I was blown away by their talent!

Here is a picture Riley drew from one of my pieces!  Isn't it awesome?

Powershopped on black Friday - got some amazing deals and had a fabulous time!! And Saturday, we just sat around the house in our jammies and crafted. 

I whipped up a couple of gifts for my family with this snowman collage. 

So now we're home and I'm back designing more in the studio for my show in February - Crazy Mixed Up Art and my mixed media book too!!

Lookin forward to a fun, creative winter and lots of crafting in my PJ's!!!

Happy Winter everyone!

Pupcake Cupcakes gourmet pet treats are in the news

We're excited to have been featured in the Springfield News-leader business section this week!  We're also proud that we are doing this venture as a family.  We would like to thank Jan Peterson and the Springfield News-Leader for the write up about our treats in the business section.

Here's an excerpt:

Pupcakes owner Linda Peterson (holding pup Charlie) gets assistance making all-natural dog treats from daughter Mariah Welsh, 20, (second from right) and stepdaughters Julia Peterson, 10, (left) and Elise Peterson, 15, (right). / Jan Peterson / for the News-Leader

For the entire article - click here!


We pride ourselves on delivering quality - all natural pet treats that are a healthy alternative.

Visit us on our website at:  http://pupcakecupcakes.com/

 We're also promoting our online store, (just click the store link) and receive 10% off your first order now thru the end of the month. Just use the promo code: SIGNUP to activate the discount. Remember to "Treat your pet" to a healthy gourmet snack.

Woof Woof! (That's doggie talk for have a great day!)
Linda :)

Image Transfers on Friendly Plastic - New Friendly Plastic TV How To Video

I receive lots of emails asking to do videos on a variety of techniques.  The most popular and to date the most challenging has been to create an image transfer to Friendly Plastic.  Because FP is so smooth, it's been difficult to transfer any image to the surface and get it to stick.  But, with this technique, a popular technique in transferring images to a variety of surfaces, we seemed to have solved this delimma. 
I really believe this will jump start your FP creativity and give you loads of new possibilities for your FP . Take notes and enjoy watching how to transfer images onto Friendly Plastic. Have you tried this technique before? What have you made using Friendly Plastic and this technique? Please leave me your comment below. Also remember you can "like" us on Facebook at Friendly Plastic too!

Linda Peterson is compensated and endorsed by AMACO. The guests features may or may not have any affiliation with AMACO.

I'm a month behind! October in the rear view mirror....

So it's the last day of the month and I'm left sitting here thinking once again - where did the time go? All I know is that i was constantly busy and didn't blog like I should have! At the beginning of the month, Mariah and I displayed our Pupcake Cupcake gourmet puppy treats at the local Ozark Craft show. We were also honored to be featured in the local Christian County Headliner So the month was off to a good start! Along with online we now have two locations to get our all natural gourmet pet treats - Northwoods Candy Emporium in the Branson Landing and Wild Root Grocery in Springfield - home of Missouri Made produce. Also signed a book contract for the next in the series called Mixed Media! I am so pumped about this book! it's so me...funky, junky....found objects - one that I can really get my hands into! Easy yet, fun, artful projects that ANYONE can do...and I mean anyone!!! Fun fun fun!!!...all I can say bout that...the rest you'll have to wait! :) Dana headed off to Maine for Moose and Bear hunting - Proud to say that it was a very successful hunt and our freezers are full of wild meat...can you say Mooseburger? or how about MooseTaco's....Moose-sketti? YUM!!! The whole family is loving this! Meanwhile, when Dana was gone hunting, Mariah and I decided we needed to adopt, so we answered an ad on craigslist for a "blue long hair chihuahua". Well, not sure he's there's any ounce of chihuahua in him, but we love little Charlie Bear none the less!! and he loves his Pupcake Cupcake treats too!! He is one spoiled rotten dog...and he even has outfits!! Go Figure! I know...we're hopeless! Last week the fall leaves peaked! It's the most beautiful fall we've had in....well...YEARS!!! I've not seen the trees with such bright orange, yellows and reds! We couldn't resist the opportunity to for a fall photo shoot! I could have stayed outside ALL DAY LONG...but it rained! Oh well.... Two days ago we celebrated 8 years of marriage and Dana turned the big 4 - OH! After all the project designing, the craft shows, the photo shoots and an unexpected trip to Iowa for a death in the family, Dana's dear Grandpa died at the age of 87, needless to say it's been an eventful month. Today - Livin' the Creative Life - the Fashion (accessory) show aired to top it all off and bring it back around on a positive note. Don't worry, if you missed the show - you can still take a virtual road trip and watch. See you next month...uh...tomorrow!!!