Hoot! Hoot! I'm changing things up a little. I've re-vamped my website and so now I'll be blogging on my main domain - Don't worry - I'm still alive and kickin- and now I'm kickin even higher!
Friday, October 31, 2014
A little change is in the air.
Hoot! Hoot! I'm changing things up a little. I've re-vamped my website and so now I'll be blogging on my main domain - Don't worry - I'm still alive and kickin- and now I'm kickin even higher!
Friday, October 17, 2014
Crochet is not just Grandma Crafts - Easy Beginner Crochet Flower + Paracord Jewelry Announcement
Sullivan USA Blog Hop - it's not just Grandma Crafts!
As a kid, sitting next to my Grandma, I didn't realize at the time, just how cool being a Grandma was! I also didn't realize just how fast the time would go by until March 1, 2013 when I held my Grand daughter Carlee for the first time.
I am the first to admit, I had a misconception about crocheting. I thought it was for old people - for little ole Granny's who sit in their rocking chair and crochet the day away. Actually in today's world of stress, that sounds like bliss!
I wasn't that long ago that when people asked me "what do I do"...I would say "everything but knit and crochet." Well, now I have to amend that phrase, I know do "everything but knit" at least for now.
My mind changed about crochet after attending last years CHA runway fashion show put on by multiple yard companies. What I saw was cool, trendy and on YOUNG people. I want to be young people - so, in the past month or so I have learned to crochet. Among my favorite is flowers. They're easy, they're quick and who doesn't like a beautiful flower to brighten up your day.
Of course being the mixed media, funky junk, juxtaposition girl that I am, I had to throw a little curve in the mix. So I combined a metal flower I had made with the crocheted one. I like the soft against the hard. The instructions for the flower are at the bottom of this post. I simply glued all of the elements to the top of a mini mason jar and filled it with my bath salt recipe.
When the opportunity to join this blog hop came about, I immediately said yes! YES! YES! for two reasons - one, I wanted an excuse to crochet and two, because I just wrote a book on making jewelry with paracord which will come out in the Spring of 2015. Its filled with all sorts of ways to use paracord and teaches you the art of tying chinese knots. It's so much fun.
How to Crochet a Mini Flower for beginners:
The number in parenthesis refers to the number of stitches at the end of each round.
The {} refer to a sequence that is to be completed
I used a 3.5mm hook
Sullivans Hebe cord; Yellow (this is a thin paracord type cord that is slightly larger than micro paracord)
sl st = slip stitch
ch = chain stitch
sc = single crochet (US) (insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through two loops)
hdc = half double crochet (yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull through three loops)
dc = double crochet (yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull through (three loops on hook) yarn over pull through two loops, yarn over pull through remaining two loops)
Round 1 - ch 3
Round 2 - beginning in 2nd chain from hook sc 6 in that same chain (6)
Round 3 - 2 sc in each stitch (12)
Round 4- {sl st, ch 3, sl st} repeat the sequence 5 more times for a total of 6 (30)
Round 5 - Into each hole created by the chain complete this sequence {1sc, 1 hdc, 2 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc)
for a total of 6 sets to create the petals.
Sl St, bind off.
Pretty easy!
Please be sure to check out the other amazing designers in this hop and hop on!
Monday, October 13, 2014
Upcycled Jewelry-Belts, Bags and More - Released Oct 2014
So excited to for the release of this new book!!! It's such a challenge for me to throw anything away! I keep a recycle bin for plastics, metals, poptabs, you name it, in my studio. So when the opportunity came to design a book with upcycled materials, I jumped right on it.
In this book, I show you how to upcycle innertubes into purses and jewelry, plastic bottles into bracelets and necklaces, even bike chain to create a more masculine gift. There's 35 ideas to help you upcycle and recycle and create stylish jewelry.
Watch a 1 minute promo - click here
Grab yourself a copy - they're available at Barnes and Noble and Amazon (these are not affiliate links)
Happy Upcycling!!
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Make Vintage Style Earrings with Friendly Plastic - Simulate lucite
At a popular bead show a while back I spotted a gorgeous bracelet made with lucite flowers. Those tiny little flowers came with a BIG price tag! Friendly Plastic does well in simulating these flowers without breaking the bank. In this video, you'll learn how to create these vintage style earrings and create a bell like flower too from Friendly Plastic Pellets. I find that the water method is best when working with this technique. (keep it just below a simmer) I hope this inspires you to create your very own. Enjoy
Watch the video on our youtube channel - click here
Linda Peterson is compensated and endorsed by AMACO. The guests features may or may not have any affiliation with AMACO.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Let's decorate for fall! Make a chicken wire lampshade video + 50 other fall decorating ideas
It's FALL! YEAH!!! Beautiful colors and crisp air! I love it!!
I also love to decorate for fall and so I teamed up with my friends at MD HOBBY & CRAFT to create this chicken wire lampshade by upcycling a lampshade I already had. You can paint the shade and flower with any color that suits your decor and since I made the flower detachable, I can change it out with the seasons.
To view the video on youtube click here:
View more How to Fall Videos here
I've also assembled some of my favorite fall decorating ideas on my Pinterest board! Hey we all need a little inspiration right? If you can't tell I love pumpkins, in all forms, shapes, colors and sizes!!
Check out all these amazing ideas (theres over 50 of them and stuff!) by clicking here.
Friday, August 8, 2014
Don't worry, I'm not gone! Just taking a break - so watch this video :)
No, I didn't drop off the face of the earth, though it may seem like it. I'm just taking a much needed break to enjoy the summer with my family and friends and to also recoup from deadlines and book writing and well, to just enjoy life!
I have been busy creating content for you all to see, which I'll share soon! But until then, enjoy this new Friendly Plastic video on how to create BOHO style earrings :)
Monday, June 9, 2014
Taking stuff from Trash to Treasure! What's the secret ingredient? Mini Journals
Let's start the week on a positive note shall we and do something to help the environment while exploring our creative side!
I know we all have loads of toilet paper roll cores, so why not take this free commodity and put it to great use.
I know we all have loads of toilet paper roll cores, so why not take this free commodity and put it to great use.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Amazing Ideas to Spruce up your garden
I'm so totally into my gardening projects right now and can't wait until my flowers grow and blossom so I can take some pictures to share.
In the meantime, I'll just share some great ideas that I've found on pinterest that hopefully will inspire you to create and repurpose too as well as some of my favorite garden art videos.
First up - I adore these birdhouses from Our Fairfield Home and Garden - so many ideas for birdhouses and more!
Monday, June 2, 2014
How to make a hanging herb garden in 20 minutes + How to Video
Sometimes a task seems so overwhelming, that it's better left undone. Or, so it seems. Okay, on second thought, that's never a good idea! I've turned a blind eye to a portion of our yard directly between our house and my studio for the past 2 years because a repair to our waterline two years ago left us with a a complete and utter mess of dirt, rocks, lumps, uneven ground and so much more that I just can't describe in words.
Friday, May 30, 2014
VLOG - The backyard makeover in progress - and it's a piece of work
Hey Crafty Friends!
It's FRIDAY! Yeah - or should I say friDIY as some of my friends call it! I've got so many projects in progress and I'm crazy busy loving every minute of it, as my Grandma Molden would say.
Here's a peek into Monday's diy How to make a hanging herb garden video and an insider's look at what I've been up to this week. I'm hoping to do more VLOG's, outtakes and who knows what so that you get to see what my life is like - inside and outside of the studio.
Today's menu consists of weed wacking and upcycling an old drawer into a ribbon organizer..we'll see how that goes. It's all a work in progress to turn our yard into a backyard farm homestead. Have a great weekend everyone!
CLick here for the video
I've also put together some links to inspire you - they're some of my favorite finds! And I'm totally going to make a suitcase garden - and there's free instructions on how to make it! What a clever idea!
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Bloopers and Out-takes! A peek at our dinner table banter eating carcass - mmmm appetizing!
I took this past Monday off to go fishing - which was a bust! And that's a whole other story and a whole other blooper video!
I'm not always in the studio designing craft projects. My other favorite pass-time besides fishing is eating Dana's delicious wild game! Here's what it's like at times at our dinner table - A little friendly bantering over dinner. Yikes! Is he really gonna make me eat possum next time?
Leave me a comment and let me know if we should make a Possum eating video? Yes? or No! You decide (and PS - it will be this fall because possum season isn't during the summer )
I'm not always in the studio designing craft projects. My other favorite pass-time besides fishing is eating Dana's delicious wild game! Here's what it's like at times at our dinner table - A little friendly bantering over dinner. Yikes! Is he really gonna make me eat possum next time?
Leave me a comment and let me know if we should make a Possum eating video? Yes? or No! You decide (and PS - it will be this fall because possum season isn't during the summer )
Friday, May 23, 2014
The Washington Post - Spring is the time to organize your clutter - A little shameless self promotion.
PINCH. ME! I'm so excited! One of the writers for the Washington Post, got wind of my latest book, Creative Ideas to Organize Your Home and called for an interview!
That was a few weeks ago and now the article is out! You can read it - here
Thanks to Beth Luberecki for the shout out!!!
That was a few weeks ago and now the article is out! You can read it - here
Thanks to Beth Luberecki for the shout out!!!
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Organize your Office space - How to make a Flower Pen set + Video
Today I'm sharing a Creative Idea on how to organize your office work space. It never seems to fail that whenever I look for an ink pen, they're gone! No matter how many I buy, I never have one around when I need it! Dare I blame the kids or the hubby for sneaking them away! Well, it's time ladies (and gents) that we take control!
Monday, May 12, 2014
How to sew a vintage fabric cuff bracelet - Easy sewing + video
Today
I’m sharing a simple sewing project made with dies and bezels from the newest
Spellbinders® line A Gilded Life. I was
going through my fabric stash, much of which I inherited from my Mom and found bits of lace. I combined some of the bits of lace with some scraps of muslin left over from another project to create this easy jewelry cuff with just a few stitches. Broken bits of jewelry were the perfect compliment. Watch the video to see how I
used the die to create a lace effect on the fabric.
Friday, May 9, 2014
Class Event Update - VINTAGE Dressforms
**UPDATE**
I invite you to join me at a new date, same location, for the Vintage Dressform Class in the San Franscico area. June 28 from 10 to 4ish. You won't be disappointed. We are going to have so much fun together, working with free form paper mache. You'll learn how to create your own form, and create vintage textures and finishes and so much more. Hurry though, space is limited and it's a ONE DAY ONLY special event!
As with all my classes, I bring special treats for you! And door prizes too! It's gonna be AHHH-SOME sauce! See you there :)
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Hot new decorating trend: Industrial Chic Decor
DIY home decor projects are HOT! and if you've noticed some of the trends lately, Industrial Chic decor is TRENDY and popular, especially among those living in small spaces and loft apartments.You may be thinking that this style isn't quite up my alley. But, you'd be amazed at just how versatile it is and how it can go from Industrial Chic to Shabby Chic in a matter of minutes
Monday, May 5, 2014
Dedicated to Mom - Make a keepsake pillow that is two gifts in one! +Video
I believe handmade gifts, in any size or form. They can be as simple as a note on a piece of paper , an elaborate design taking hours to make, or somewhere in between. It doesn’t matter, it’s the thought and the love behind it that counts.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Celebrate Spring Series - How to make an upcycled dressform +video
Well here it is folks, WEDNESDAY! I thought I had this scheduled on Monday, but truth is, I've been out with the flu, and well, it affected my brain! But in this case better late than never.
The UPS man has delivered his share of stuff in boxes to the Peterson household and being the upcycler, repurposer and for all intents and purposes, though I deny it with the greatest of all denials, a craft hoarder, I turn to my stash to find cheap materials in which to repurpose into divine art.......
Monday, April 21, 2014
Celebrate Spring and make an upcycled birdhouse topiary! + Video
Make an Upcycled Birdhouse Topiary in less than an hour! In this video I show you an easy way to create this birdhouse from cardboard boxes to decorate your table or next party.
Click here to view on Youtube
Click here to view on Youtube
Friday, April 18, 2014
Mixed Media Dressform Class at Mainely Stampin' - San Francisco Bay Area! May 17th
Monday, April 14, 2014
Art Journal Series - How to letterpress - Easy Art Journal Pages
Finishing
up the series on art journaling, I’m sharing this very simple page made with
elements from the Spellbinders®, Media Mixáge™ and A Guilded Life lines. In
this tutorial, I share how to letter press and create a page in about 20-30
minutes.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
If you're a Tightwad, you won't want to miss this! ROAD TRIP!
I can't tell you how long it has been since I've had no contact what-so-ever with anyone other than the people I was presently with. I spent the weekend with no internet and no cell service, tucked down into a hollar where the river roared and the trout were biting. IT WAS WONDERFUL!
Monday, April 7, 2014
The Art Journal Series - Creating textures with Caulk - Spring Posies
Happy Monday Everyone!
I'm so excited to be sharing this technique with everyone. I've had several emails from my sneak peekers telling me just how much fun it was to play with this technique and how easy it is!
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Throwback Thursday - Circa 2005 Carol Duvall Show - Moose Pen Part 1
So you want to make a moose pen? Well, let me help you do that! Here's a Throwback Thursday special as one of my last tapings (so sad!) of the Carol Duvall Show just before HGTV took the programming off the air.
This is the episode, that just before going live on camera, Carol looked at me, put her hand on top of mine - (because literally, this was the last day of taping, the last segment, the last show of the season and the last show forever taped) - and she said with a warm smile - "Linda, when one door closes, another one will open". I will always remember those words even though sometimes the doors have been a little rusty to open...they do open!
Monday, March 31, 2014
The Art Journaling Round UP! + videos
Happy Springtime!!! I know you are all wanting to get out and enjoy the springlike weather. So, why not take your journaling outdoors? Set up a table, grab some paper, paints and markers and enjoy the fresh air and do some creating at the same time.
Today, I'm sharing a round up of the recent Art Journaling videos we've had to date. In this round up of videos, I show you how to create texture with caulking, how to add layers to your art journal pages and canvases, how to doodle to add fun and whimsey, and how to make art dolls using a combination of simple shapes. There's a one more "secret" video left in the series and to get a sneak peek, make sure you're signed up to my newsletter which includes helpful hints and tips that I don't share on my blog.
Have fun, happy spring and I'll see you soon with more projects!!
Click here for the playlist on youtube
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Throw back Thursday and a little trip to the Carol Duvall Show +Polymer clay pens
Time for a little throwback in time. 2005 doesn't seem that long ago, but oh my goodness, how my styles have changed since then. So without further adieu, from the HGTV vault - here's one of my guest appearances on the Carol Duvall Show! In this episode I show you how to turn ink pens in to fun polymer clay pens. They are featured in my POLYPENS book! Have a great day everyone!
And you want a funny? Dana and I joke that this is my "just like so" episode - count how many times I say it in 6 minutes! At least I can laugh at myself!
Want more projects like these? I have a CD rom filled over 170+ projects with Step by Step photos and a free signed copy of my PolyPens book available - click here for details.
Monday, March 24, 2014
The Art Journal Series - Create Art Girls
Don't you just love that phrase? We must lose the fear of messing up....because if we don't what happens? NOTHING! because we stop dead in our tracks and do nothing out of fear.
That's what happens a lot in art, sometimes I don't even try because I can't accept failure. I have to remind myself and give myself permission to fail and that I'm going to enjoy the process despite the results.
In this episode, I show you how to create an art doll using my very tried and true technique of 6 simple shapes. Enjoy the process, have fun...and be fearless!
Monday, March 17, 2014
The Art Journaling Series Part 2 - Let's Doodle
Art
Journaling is a way for me to relax and release. Sometimes, I sit down with
paper, ink and paint and just play around with backgrounds and other times, I
finish a whole page. The important thing
to remember is that art journaling is fun and it’s okay to make mistakes. It’s about exploring and letting go of
stress! Fill your art journals with
inspirational sayings. I find they are
just what I need when I’m feeling gloomy!
In this how to art journal video, I share with you a very simple way to doodle and to add color to your pages. Have fun exploring!
Click here to watch the video on my youtube channel
How to Art Journal - Create a page and backgrounds
MMM-001 Artisan-Xplorer™ machine
S5-151
Spellbinders® Expandable Patterns Basic Lattice*
MD1-004
Spellbinders® Media Mixáge™ Triangles 1
MD1-013
Spellbinders® Media Mixáge™ Rectangles 2
MD1-007
Spellbinders® Media Mixáge™ Circles 1
MD2-010
Spellbinders® Media Mixáge™ Houses 2
White
cardstock
Acrylic
Paint in colors of choice
Sharpie®
brand fine tip markers in coordinating colors plus black
Ink
in coordinating colors
Scissors
Stamps
Glue
Paper
towels
Cosmetic
sponge
Rubbing
Alcohol
*
See the video on how to create your own foam stamps – click here
Cut triangles, rectangles, circles and houses
from white card stock using the Artisan X-plorer™ machine. Save the negative space paper.
Draw
in scalloped lines on the triangle and the top of the house and outline with a
black marker. Draw in doors on the rectangle and on the lower portion of the
Houses 2 die cut.
Color
in the circles with desired colored marker (I used a yellow)
Apply
paint with fingers or a cosmetic sponge to the paper. Allow to dry and add any additional colors.
Apply
paint to foam stamp. Stamp textured
design onto paper. Repeati for
additional texture and pattern if desired.
Apply
ink and spritz with alcohol. Blend with
paper towel.
Use
paper towel to color the paper negative.
Tear into random shape.
Collage
all elements together onto background paper and glue.
Write
out phrase with marker. Cut and glue to
background.
Add
any additional stamps and doodles.
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