LadyPens » Crafts and Hobbies http://www.ladypens.com Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:09:37 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Fast Scrapbooking Tips and Hints http://www.ladypens.com/fast-scrapbooking-tips-and-hints/ http://www.ladypens.com/fast-scrapbooking-tips-and-hints/#comments Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:43:39 +0000 Lain Ehmann http://www.ladypens.com/?p=3103 To me, any day when I get to scrapbook is a good day. Sometimes (most times!) I don’t have hours to spend on a layout; instead, it’s a process of squeezing in a few minutes here and a few minutes there. I’ve discovered by breaking my scrapbooking tasks into smaller chunks, I can take advantage of the small blocks of time I do have. They add up, and before I know it, I have a layout completed. Full Article

]]> To me, any day when I get to scrapbook is a good day. Sometimes (most times!) I don’t have hours to spend on a layout; instead, it’s a process of squeezing in a few minutes here and a few minutes there. I’ve discovered by breaking my scrapbooking tasks into smaller chunks, I can take advantage of the small blocks of time I do have. They add up, and before I know it, I have a layout completed. Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/fast-scrapbooking-tips-and-hints/feed/ 0 Making Small Changes to Your Cross Stitch Pattern Or Cross Stitch Kit For a Big Difference http://www.ladypens.com/making-small-changes-to-your-cross-stitch-pattern-or-cross-stitch-kit-for-a-big-difference/ http://www.ladypens.com/making-small-changes-to-your-cross-stitch-pattern-or-cross-stitch-kit-for-a-big-difference/#comments Wed, 01 Sep 2010 01:13:01 +0000 Loretta Oliver http://www.ladypens.com/?p=3087 Sometimes you pick up a cross stitch chart or even a cross stitch kit and even though you love the design you just want to make a few changes to it or give it a bit of your own pizzazz! I don’t think I’ve personally ever stitched anything exactly to the charted key, I always add some little something, whether it’s a floss change, a bit of blending filament, or maybe a few beads here and there for texture just to give it that little extra bit of me. Full Article

]]> Sometimes you pick up a cross stitch chart or even a cross stitch kit and even though you love the design you just want to make a few changes to it or give it a bit of your own pizzazz! I don’t think I’ve personally ever stitched anything exactly to the charted key, I always add some little something, whether it’s a floss change, a bit of blending filament, or maybe a few beads here and there for texture just to give it that little extra bit of me. Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/making-small-changes-to-your-cross-stitch-pattern-or-cross-stitch-kit-for-a-big-difference/feed/ 0 Top 3 Mistakes That Most Cross Stitch Enthusiasts Make http://www.ladypens.com/top-3-mistakes-that-most-cross-stitch-enthusiasts-make/ http://www.ladypens.com/top-3-mistakes-that-most-cross-stitch-enthusiasts-make/#comments Wed, 18 Aug 2010 21:19:39 +0000 Loretta Oliver http://www.ladypens.com/?p=3071 There are a handful of mistakes I see a lot of cross stitch enthusiasts making from newbies or novices. I’m not a super picky stitcher by any means, but these few things can make a huge difference in your finished project and if you’re mindful of them while stitching your next project I think you’ll be happy with the results. Full Article

]]> There are a handful of mistakes I see a lot of cross stitch enthusiasts making from newbies or novices. I’m not a super picky stitcher by any means, but these few things can make a huge difference in your finished project and if you’re mindful of them while stitching your next project I think you’ll be happy with the results. Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/top-3-mistakes-that-most-cross-stitch-enthusiasts-make/feed/ 0 The Importance of Spending Time with Your Children http://www.ladypens.com/the-importance-of-spending-time-with-your-children/ http://www.ladypens.com/the-importance-of-spending-time-with-your-children/#comments Fri, 28 May 2010 23:40:40 +0000 Stephanie Martin http://www.ladypens.com/?p=2921 How many times a day do you catch yourself saying, “not now” or “I don’t have time”?  Now, how many times a day do you catch yourself saying this to your children?  Too many times we, as busy moms, get caught up in the daily grind of our family’s lives and trying to get everything done that needs to be done, but we forget the real reasons why we’re trying to bake 4 dozen cookies, schedule a doctor’s appointment, make out a grocery list and go to the store, make sure our child’s soccer jersey is clean and ready to go for the game that is scheduled at 5 p.m., have dinner ready before leaving for said soccer game, and squeeze in homework – all before putting our children to bed.  Then, we take the next few hours to get caught up on housework such as dishes, laundry, and general tidying up when one of our children, or even your spouse, comes up and reminds you that you have a family get-together the next day that you are supposed to cook 3 dishes for!  So, you stay up half the night preparing for the next day knowing that you are going to be completely exhausted but expected to put on a happy face. Full Article

]]> How many times a day do you catch yourself saying, “not now” or “I don’t have time”?  Now, how many times a day do you catch yourself saying this to your children?  Too many times we, as busy moms, get caught up in the daily grind of our family’s lives and trying to get everything done that needs to be done, but we forget the real reasons why we’re trying to bake 4 dozen cookies, schedule a doctor’s appointment, make out a grocery list and go to the store, make sure our child’s soccer jersey is clean and ready to go for the game that is scheduled at 5 p.m., have dinner ready before leaving for said soccer game, and squeeze in homework – all before putting our children to bed.  Then, we take the next few hours to get caught up on housework such as dishes, laundry, and general tidying up when one of our children, or even your spouse, comes up and reminds you that you have a family get-together the next day that you are supposed to cook 3 dishes for!  So, you stay up half the night preparing for the next day knowing that you are going to be completely exhausted but expected to put on a happy face. Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/the-importance-of-spending-time-with-your-children/feed/ 0 How to Keep Your Children Occupied Once School Is Out http://www.ladypens.com/how-to-keep-your-children-occupied-once-school-is-out/ http://www.ladypens.com/how-to-keep-your-children-occupied-once-school-is-out/#comments Thu, 27 May 2010 20:51:33 +0000 Stephanie Martin http://www.ladypens.com/?p=2916 I do know that I am very fortunate to be able to work from home and, in turn, be home with my children and not have to worry about childcare. I am very blessed to be able to be involved in my children’s lives on a daily basis like I am. However, they are still kids and will still “get bored” and “have nothing to do”. But, I do not plan to let boredom turn into watching TV all day or playing on the computer/Wii all day while they are home from school. I do not allow that during the school year and I definitely will not allow it during the summer months. So, what do I do to keep my children occupied? We do have season passes to a local amusement park and a local aquarium, but we do not plan on spending all of our time inside. Full Article

]]> I do know that I am very fortunate to be able to work from home and, in turn, be home with my children and not have to worry about childcare. I am very blessed to be able to be involved in my children’s lives on a daily basis like I am. However, they are still kids and will still “get bored” and “have nothing to do”. But, I do not plan to let boredom turn into watching TV all day or playing on the computer/Wii all day while they are home from school. I do not allow that during the school year and I definitely will not allow it during the summer months. So, what do I do to keep my children occupied? We do have season passes to a local amusement park and a local aquarium, but we do not plan on spending all of our time inside. Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/how-to-keep-your-children-occupied-once-school-is-out/feed/ 0 Sell Your Crafts Online http://www.ladypens.com/sell-your-crafts-online/ http://www.ladypens.com/sell-your-crafts-online/#comments Tue, 18 May 2010 12:20:41 +0000 Alice Seba http://www.ladypens.com/?p=2885 If you love to make crafts, you might already be selling your creations at local markets and to friends. But have you thought about taking your craft business online? Doing so can give you more exposure, greater visibility, and bring in a lot more sales. Local shoppers will visit to learn more about you. You can also sell your crafts to people all across the country.  Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/sell-your-crafts-online/feed/ 0 Gifts For Crocheters Under $10 http://www.ladypens.com/gifts-for-crocheters-under-10/ http://www.ladypens.com/gifts-for-crocheters-under-10/#comments Sat, 12 Dec 2009 17:22:28 +0000 Stephanie Martin http://www.ladypens.com/?p=2534 I, myself, love to crochet, as does my oldest daughter.  But, it can be a very expensive habit hobby to have.  I would love it if someone were to give me a gift that would help me support my habit hobby.   It’s one of those hobbies that I find very relaxing, and I can take it with me just about anywhere.  So, I thought I would share with you some of the things that I would enjoy receiving as a gift that you might give the crocheter on your gift list this year. Full Article

]]> I, myself, love to crochet, as does my oldest daughter.  But, it can be a very expensive habit hobby to have.  I would love it if someone were to give me a gift that would help me support my habit hobby.   It’s one of those hobbies that I find very relaxing, and I can take it with me just about anywhere.  So, I thought I would share with you some of the things that I would enjoy receiving as a gift that you might give the crocheter on your gift list this year. Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/gifts-for-crocheters-under-10/feed/ 0 How to Find Free Cross Stitching Patterns Online http://www.ladypens.com/how-to-find-free-cross-stitching-patterns-online/ http://www.ladypens.com/how-to-find-free-cross-stitching-patterns-online/#comments Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:32:50 +0000 Loretta Oliver http://www.ladypens.com/?p=2369 If you’re a fan of free cross stitch patterns but you’re not all exactly an online guru or a technical computer genius, then there’s no need to worry. The internet is a wonderful place and literally you can find anything you want on there if you know where to look and how to look for it. You must also be careful though, because a lot of websites out there were designed to harm your computer or steal information from you, but they’re not hard to spot. Full Article

]]> If you’re a fan of free cross stitch patterns but you’re not all exactly an online guru or a technical computer genius, then there’s no need to worry. The internet is a wonderful place and literally you can find anything you want on there if you know where to look and how to look for it. You must also be careful though, because a lot of websites out there were designed to harm your computer or steal information from you, but they’re not hard to spot. Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/how-to-find-free-cross-stitching-patterns-online/feed/ 0 5 Ways to Enhance Your Cross Stitch Project With Different Floss and Fibers http://www.ladypens.com/5-ways-to-enhance-your-cross-stitch-project-with-different-floss-and-fibers/ http://www.ladypens.com/5-ways-to-enhance-your-cross-stitch-project-with-different-floss-and-fibers/#comments Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:25:14 +0000 Loretta Oliver http://www.ladypens.com/?p=2362 The basic design element of any cross stitch project is the embroidery floss used to create the pattern itself. The DMC and Anchor cotton floss lines provide a beautiful palette of colors to work with, and most designers are, of course, going to use these. But, sometimes you want a little something special in your project, maybe an added touch or two to make your piece different from everyone else’s. Full Article

]]> The basic design element of any cross stitch project is the embroidery floss used to create the pattern itself. The DMC and Anchor cotton floss lines provide a beautiful palette of colors to work with, and most designers are, of course, going to use these. But, sometimes you want a little something special in your project, maybe an added touch or two to make your piece different from everyone else’s. Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/5-ways-to-enhance-your-cross-stitch-project-with-different-floss-and-fibers/feed/ 0 Purchasing a Cross Stitch Kit Versus Purchasing Chart & Supplies Separately http://www.ladypens.com/purchasing-a-cross-stitch-kit-versus-purchasing-chart-supplies-separately/ http://www.ladypens.com/purchasing-a-cross-stitch-kit-versus-purchasing-chart-supplies-separately/#comments Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:51:41 +0000 Loretta Oliver http://www.ladypens.com/?p=2259 Many new cross stitchers wonder what the difference is between purchasing a cross stitch kit and purchasing the chart and supplies separately. Many cross stitch designs come in both kit and chart only forms. There are several things to consider for this popular stitcher’s dilemma. Full Article

]]> Many new cross stitchers wonder what the difference is between purchasing a cross stitch kit and purchasing the chart and supplies separately. Many cross stitch designs come in both kit and chart only forms. There are several things to consider for this popular stitcher’s dilemma. Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/purchasing-a-cross-stitch-kit-versus-purchasing-chart-supplies-separately/feed/ 0 The Power of Portable Projects http://www.ladypens.com/the-power-of-portable-projects/ http://www.ladypens.com/the-power-of-portable-projects/#comments Wed, 20 May 2009 12:58:42 +0000 Lisa Akers http://www.ladypens.com/?p=1709 As I sit here in a conference room waiting for my next meeting (in 90 minutes), I am brought back to this article. It has been on my list of articles to write for some time now. It just seems that it gets pushed a little lower on the priority list as the days pass. But, here I am with a perfect opportunity to capture those thoughts and put them together. Full Article

]]> As I sit here in a conference room waiting for my next meeting (in 90 minutes), I am brought back to this article. It has been on my list of articles to write for some time now. It just seems that it gets pushed a little lower on the priority list as the days pass. But, here I am with a perfect opportunity to capture those thoughts and put them together. Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/the-power-of-portable-projects/feed/ 0 The Scarf http://www.ladypens.com/the-scarf/ http://www.ladypens.com/the-scarf/#comments Fri, 13 Feb 2009 04:12:25 +0000 Lisa Akers http://www.ladypens.com/?p=1328

Once upon a time, if you saw me knitting a scarf, I would most certainly have been doing it while teaching a beginner’s knitting class. Why would an experienced knitter be working on something as simple as a scarf? Just a long rectangle with rows upon rows of repetition. In the last week, I have changed my mind. I am now finding all sorts of reasons why knitting a scarf is a great idea. I am drawn to creating them and seeing what happens! Here’s some of the reasons why scarf knitting has re-inspired me. Full Article

]]>

Once upon a time, if you saw me knitting a scarf, I would most certainly have been doing it while teaching a beginner’s knitting class. Why would an experienced knitter be working on something as simple as a scarf? Just a long rectangle with rows upon rows of repetition. In the last week, I have changed my mind. I am now finding all sorts of reasons why knitting a scarf is a great idea. I am drawn to creating them and seeing what happens! Here’s some of the reasons why scarf knitting has re-inspired me. Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/the-scarf/feed/ 0 Boredom and Frustration – A Knitter’s Friend http://www.ladypens.com/boredom-and-frustration-a-knitter%e2%80%99s-friend/ http://www.ladypens.com/boredom-and-frustration-a-knitter%e2%80%99s-friend/#comments Sun, 05 Oct 2008 23:13:48 +0000 Lisa Akers http://thenewsiewriter.com/?p=510 It seems a bit unusual to consider boredom and frustration to be a knitter’s best friend. I know that it wasn’t my friend when I began to knit. It’s that feeling that makes you want to give up in the middle of a project or makes you want to stab your needles in your leg. After you knit for a while and learn to enjoy the process of making stitch after stitch into beautiful fabric, you’ll come to see why boredom and frustration can be your friends. Full Article

]]> It seems a bit unusual to consider boredom and frustration to be a knitter’s best friend. I know that it wasn’t my friend when I began to knit. It’s that feeling that makes you want to give up in the middle of a project or makes you want to stab your needles in your leg. After you knit for a while and learn to enjoy the process of making stitch after stitch into beautiful fabric, you’ll come to see why boredom and frustration can be your friends. Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/boredom-and-frustration-a-knitter%e2%80%99s-friend/feed/ 0 Knitting isn’t Skydiving http://www.ladypens.com/knitting-isnt-skydiving/ http://www.ladypens.com/knitting-isnt-skydiving/#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 23:13:23 +0000 Lisa Akers http://thenewsiewriter.com/?p=509 You know, one of the most wonderful things I’ve heard lately is that knitting isn’t like skydiving. There’s very little that you can do when you’re knitting that you can’t take back or even accept as a flaw and move on. Skydiving, on the other hand, has some very grave consequences for mistakes. For those of you who skydive (or those who’ve watched it on TV), you know that every move is critical. That’s why you practice so much. Knitting has some critical moves, too. Fortunately, each mistake you make is an opportunity to learn a new skill and to learn something new about yourself. Full Article

]]> You know, one of the most wonderful things I’ve heard lately is that knitting isn’t like skydiving. There’s very little that you can do when you’re knitting that you can’t take back or even accept as a flaw and move on. Skydiving, on the other hand, has some very grave consequences for mistakes. For those of you who skydive (or those who’ve watched it on TV), you know that every move is critical. That’s why you practice so much. Knitting has some critical moves, too. Fortunately, each mistake you make is an opportunity to learn a new skill and to learn something new about yourself. Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/knitting-isnt-skydiving/feed/ 0 How do you know if you need to take time to be still? http://www.ladypens.com/how-do-you-know-if-you-need-to-take-time-to-be-still/ http://www.ladypens.com/how-do-you-know-if-you-need-to-take-time-to-be-still/#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 23:12:57 +0000 Lisa Akers http://thenewsiewriter.com/?p=508 We’re living in an outcome-based society. If what you’re doing isn’t producing a result, chances are you’re going to quit doing it. We’re just too busy to keep doing things that don’t make something happen. When you started pruning your to-do list, I would bet that one of the first things you quit doing was taking time for you. It could be that you quit reading for fun or that you quit a hobby that you enjoyed. You may have quit spending time alone and watching the sunrise over a cup of coffee. You may have quit taking a long bubble bath. Looking back on that choice, has it served you well? What have you lost as a result of not pampering yourself for a few minutes each day? You may not know, but you should think about it. Full Article

]]> We’re living in an outcome-based society. If what you’re doing isn’t producing a result, chances are you’re going to quit doing it. We’re just too busy to keep doing things that don’t make something happen. When you started pruning your to-do list, I would bet that one of the first things you quit doing was taking time for you. It could be that you quit reading for fun or that you quit a hobby that you enjoyed. You may have quit spending time alone and watching the sunrise over a cup of coffee. You may have quit taking a long bubble bath. Looking back on that choice, has it served you well? What have you lost as a result of not pampering yourself for a few minutes each day? You may not know, but you should think about it. Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/how-do-you-know-if-you-need-to-take-time-to-be-still/feed/ 0 The Benefits of Knitting Circles http://www.ladypens.com/the-benefits-of-knitting-circles/ http://www.ladypens.com/the-benefits-of-knitting-circles/#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 23:12:28 +0000 Lisa Akers http://thenewsiewriter.com/?p=507 I was reading Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and was struck by something very powerful. He said that our growing fear and insecurity about work, finances, the future, and the vulnerability that comes with that fear is really paralyzing our society. Our response to fear is to focus inward – to focus on our own performance and our own concerns with the hope that we will be ok. That was a real scary thought for me, as I see more and more of that in myself and others. Can you imagine what happens to society if we all become hermits? Full Article

]]> I was reading Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and was struck by something very powerful. He said that our growing fear and insecurity about work, finances, the future, and the vulnerability that comes with that fear is really paralyzing our society. Our response to fear is to focus inward – to focus on our own performance and our own concerns with the hope that we will be ok. That was a real scary thought for me, as I see more and more of that in myself and others. Can you imagine what happens to society if we all become hermits? Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/the-benefits-of-knitting-circles/feed/ 0 Patience is a Great Teacher http://www.ladypens.com/patience-is-a-great-teacher/ http://www.ladypens.com/patience-is-a-great-teacher/#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 23:11:51 +0000 Lisa Akers http://thenewsiewriter.com/?p=506 I had an interesting experience last month. I was invited to teach a Girl Scout troop how to knit. I’ve taught kids before and had great success with it, but this was the first time I’ve taught a large group of kids at once. I was humbled by the experience and am giving thanks to all those fifth grade teachers out there who do this every day. Full Article

]]> I had an interesting experience last month. I was invited to teach a Girl Scout troop how to knit. I’ve taught kids before and had great success with it, but this was the first time I’ve taught a large group of kids at once. I was humbled by the experience and am giving thanks to all those fifth grade teachers out there who do this every day. Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/patience-is-a-great-teacher/feed/ 0 Prayer Shawls http://www.ladypens.com/prayer-shawls/ http://www.ladypens.com/prayer-shawls/#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 23:11:20 +0000 Lisa Akers http://thenewsiewriter.com/?p=505 Knitters and crocheters all over the world are hard at work making prayer shawls. Have you heard of them? These are the most amazing garments I have ever seen. It’s not because they are complex or because they use fantastic colors or stitches. It is because they are so simple, yet so powerful. Full Article

]]> Knitters and crocheters all over the world are hard at work making prayer shawls. Have you heard of them? These are the most amazing garments I have ever seen. It’s not because they are complex or because they use fantastic colors or stitches. It is because they are so simple, yet so powerful. Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/prayer-shawls/feed/ 0 Building A Successful Craft Show Booth http://www.ladypens.com/building-a-successful-craft-show-booth/ http://www.ladypens.com/building-a-successful-craft-show-booth/#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 23:10:15 +0000 Lisa Akers http://thenewsiewriter.com/?p=503 If you attend craft shows as a vendor, you’ve probably experienced this: people walk by your booth, take a peek inside, and then walk on. Even if you do your best to greet them and invite them to browse, they smile politely and keep moving. How frustrating! I know that I’ve been there myself. I know I have great products, if people would just take a moment to come in, I know I could make a sale! Full Article

]]> If you attend craft shows as a vendor, you’ve probably experienced this: people walk by your booth, take a peek inside, and then walk on. Even if you do your best to greet them and invite them to browse, they smile politely and keep moving. How frustrating! I know that I’ve been there myself. I know I have great products, if people would just take a moment to come in, I know I could make a sale! Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/building-a-successful-craft-show-booth/feed/ 0 Easy Cookie Bouquets http://www.ladypens.com/easy-cookie-bouquets/ http://www.ladypens.com/easy-cookie-bouquets/#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 22:00:18 +0000 Rachel Paxton http://thenewsiewriter.com/?p=443 Surprise a friend (or your mom) with an easy-to-make cookie bouquet. Use your imagination to create a gift that special someone will really enjoy. Full Article

]]> Surprise a friend (or your mom) with an easy-to-make cookie bouquet. Use your imagination to create a gift that special someone will really enjoy. Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/easy-cookie-bouquets/feed/ 0 Vellum Birth Announcement http://www.ladypens.com/vellum-birth-announcement/ http://www.ladypens.com/vellum-birth-announcement/#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 22:00:00 +0000 Rachel Paxton http://thenewsiewriter.com/?p=442 Making your own birth announcements can be very easy and rewarding. By using vellum, you can announce the birth of your baby while also personalizing the announcements with a picture of your new bundle of joy. Here’s what you need to make your own vellum birth announcement: Full Article

]]> Making your own birth announcements can be very easy and rewarding. By using vellum, you can announce the birth of your baby while also personalizing the announcements with a picture of your new bundle of joy. Here’s what you need to make your own vellum birth announcement: Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/vellum-birth-announcement/feed/ 0 How to Make a Girl’s Journal http://www.ladypens.com/how-to-make-a-girls-journal/ http://www.ladypens.com/how-to-make-a-girls-journal/#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 21:59:37 +0000 Rachel Paxton http://thenewsiewriter.com/?p=441 If you’re looking for the perfect gift for a teen or pre-teen girl or female friend, then you might want to consider a handmade journal. Use these tips to get started, then use your own creativity to create a personalized work of art. These journals also make great birthday or graduation gifts. Full Article

]]> If you’re looking for the perfect gift for a teen or pre-teen girl or female friend, then you might want to consider a handmade journal. Use these tips to get started, then use your own creativity to create a personalized work of art. These journals also make great birthday or graduation gifts. Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/how-to-make-a-girls-journal/feed/ 0 Easy Fabric-Covered Gift Box http://www.ladypens.com/easy-fabric-covered-gift-box/ http://www.ladypens.com/easy-fabric-covered-gift-box/#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 21:59:01 +0000 Rachel Paxton http://thenewsiewriter.com/?p=440 Patchwork fabric-covered gift boxes are an easy, affordable way to dress up any gift package. They’re also great for storage. Total preparation and assembly time for this project is approximately 2-3 hours, depending on the size of the shoe box. Full Article

]]> Patchwork fabric-covered gift boxes are an easy, affordable way to dress up any gift package. They’re also great for storage. Total preparation and assembly time for this project is approximately 2-3 hours, depending on the size of the shoe box. Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/easy-fabric-covered-gift-box/feed/ 0 Butterfly Candle Holders http://www.ladypens.com/butterfly-candle-holders/ http://www.ladypens.com/butterfly-candle-holders/#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 21:58:22 +0000 Rachel Paxton http://thenewsiewriter.com/?p=439 Butterfly candle holders are easy to make and a great gift idea. The materials are very inexpensive, and you can use your imagination for a variety of designs. To get started, you will need: Full Article

]]> Butterfly candle holders are easy to make and a great gift idea. The materials are very inexpensive, and you can use your imagination for a variety of designs. To get started, you will need: Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/butterfly-candle-holders/feed/ 0 Friendship Albums http://www.ladypens.com/friendship-albums/ http://www.ladypens.com/friendship-albums/#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 21:56:49 +0000 Rachel Paxton http://thenewsiewriter.com/?p=438 I’m new to scrapbooking, and I still can’t believe all the possibilities there are for scrapbook layouts. Full Article

]]> I’m new to scrapbooking, and I still can’t believe all the possibilities there are for scrapbook layouts. Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/friendship-albums/feed/ 0 Easy Fabric-Covered Photo Album http://www.ladypens.com/easy-fabric-covered-photo-album/ http://www.ladypens.com/easy-fabric-covered-photo-album/#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 21:56:26 +0000 Rachel Paxton http://thenewsiewriter.com/?p=437 These thoughtful, inexpensive keepsakes are easy to make and personalize for any friend or family member. Full Article

]]> These thoughtful, inexpensive keepsakes are easy to make and personalize for any friend or family member. Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/easy-fabric-covered-photo-album/feed/ 0 Fall Leaf Collage http://www.ladypens.com/fall-leaf-collage/ http://www.ladypens.com/fall-leaf-collage/#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 21:56:05 +0000 Rachel Paxton http://thenewsiewriter.com/?p=436 Fall is a great time for kids to do fall crafts. Leaf collages
are easy to make and can provide hours of fall fun. Kids enjoy
looking for the leaves as well as using the leaves to create
their creative collages. Full Article

]]> Fall is a great time for kids to do fall crafts. Leaf collages
are easy to make and can provide hours of fall fun. Kids enjoy
looking for the leaves as well as using the leaves to create
their creative collages. Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/fall-leaf-collage/feed/ 0 Easy Pumpkin Centerpiece http://www.ladypens.com/easy-pumpkin-centerpiece/ http://www.ladypens.com/easy-pumpkin-centerpiece/#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 21:55:03 +0000 Rachel Paxton http://thenewsiewriter.com/?p=435 Need an easy, inexpensive centerpiece for your autumn table? All
you need is a pumpkin and a handful of fall flowers. You can
complete this project in less than an hour! Full Article

]]> Need an easy, inexpensive centerpiece for your autumn table? All
you need is a pumpkin and a handful of fall flowers. You can
complete this project in less than an hour! Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/easy-pumpkin-centerpiece/feed/ 0 Recycling Christmas Cards http://www.ladypens.com/recycling-christmas-cards/ http://www.ladypens.com/recycling-christmas-cards/#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 21:54:35 +0000 Rachel Paxton http://thenewsiewriter.com/?p=434 No one wants to throw away Christmas cards after Christmas. It
seems like such a waste! I have a few creative ideas for
recycling Christmas cards from visitors to my web site, as well
as a few crafty ideas of my own: Full Article

]]> No one wants to throw away Christmas cards after Christmas. It
seems like such a waste! I have a few creative ideas for
recycling Christmas cards from visitors to my web site, as well
as a few crafty ideas of my own: Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/recycling-christmas-cards/feed/ 0 Kids Craft: Fall Leaf Placemats http://www.ladypens.com/kids-craft-fall-leaf-placemats/ http://www.ladypens.com/kids-craft-fall-leaf-placemats/#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 21:52:00 +0000 Rachel Paxton http://thenewsiewriter.com/?p=433 Making placemats from fall leaves is a fun activity for kids of
all ages. Even toddlers will have fun collecting leaves and
creating their own placemat. For this craft you will need: Full Article

]]> Making placemats from fall leaves is a fun activity for kids of
all ages. Even toddlers will have fun collecting leaves and
creating their own placemat. For this craft you will need: Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/kids-craft-fall-leaf-placemats/feed/ 0 Dyeing Pasta for Craft Projects http://www.ladypens.com/dyeing-pasta-for-craft-projects/ http://www.ladypens.com/dyeing-pasta-for-craft-projects/#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 21:51:24 +0000 Rachel Paxton http://thenewsiewriter.com/?p=432 Kids love to play with pasta! Who knew something so simple and
inexpensive could be so interesting to young children. Full Article

]]> Kids love to play with pasta! Who knew something so simple and
inexpensive could be so interesting to young children. Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/dyeing-pasta-for-craft-projects/feed/ 0 Christmas Cookies Scrapbooking Layout http://www.ladypens.com/christmas-cookies-scrapbooking-layout/ http://www.ladypens.com/christmas-cookies-scrapbooking-layout/#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 07:06:47 +0000 Rachel Paxton http://thenewsiewriter.com/?p=359 One of my favorite family holiday traditions has always been making Christmas cookies. It is a tradition that has been passed down through our family, and I am continuing it on today with my daughter. This year my daughter decided she wanted to try to make them herself, and they turned out great! I was the official documenter, taking pictures and recording the decorative results for our family scrapbook. Full Article

]]> One of my favorite family holiday traditions has always been making Christmas cookies. It is a tradition that has been passed down through our family, and I am continuing it on today with my daughter. This year my daughter decided she wanted to try to make them herself, and they turned out great! I was the official documenter, taking pictures and recording the decorative results for our family scrapbook. Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/christmas-cookies-scrapbooking-layout/feed/ 0 Christmas Tree Holiday Scrapbooking Layout http://www.ladypens.com/christmas-tree-holiday-scrapbooking-layout/ http://www.ladypens.com/christmas-tree-holiday-scrapbooking-layout/#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 07:06:22 +0000 Rachel Paxton http://thenewsiewriter.com/?p=358 A Christmas tree is a fun focal point for your holiday scrapbooking layouts. Here’s what you need to get started: Full Article

]]> A Christmas tree is a fun focal point for your holiday scrapbooking layouts. Here’s what you need to get started: Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/christmas-tree-holiday-scrapbooking-layout/feed/ 0 Christmas Present Holiday Scrapbooking Layout http://www.ladypens.com/christmas-present-holiday-scrapbooking-layout/ http://www.ladypens.com/christmas-present-holiday-scrapbooking-layout/#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 07:05:50 +0000 Rachel Paxton http://thenewsiewriter.com/?p=357 Accessorize your holiday scrapbooking layout this year with a brightly wrapped Christmas present. Here’s what you need to get started: Full Article

]]> Accessorize your holiday scrapbooking layout this year with a brightly wrapped Christmas present. Here’s what you need to get started: Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/christmas-present-holiday-scrapbooking-layout/feed/ 0 Preserving Thanksgiving Memories for Scrapbooking http://www.ladypens.com/preserving-thanksgiving-memories-for-scrapbooking/ http://www.ladypens.com/preserving-thanksgiving-memories-for-scrapbooking/#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 07:05:21 +0000 Rachel Paxton http://thenewsiewriter.com/?p=356 Last year our family tried out a new way to preserve Thanksgiving memories, and the result was truly a treasured keepsake. Full Article

]]> Last year our family tried out a new way to preserve Thanksgiving memories, and the result was truly a treasured keepsake. Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/preserving-thanksgiving-memories-for-scrapbooking/feed/ 0 Scrapbooking Teen Memories http://www.ladypens.com/scrapbooking-teen-memories/ http://www.ladypens.com/scrapbooking-teen-memories/#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 07:04:44 +0000 Rachel Paxton http://thenewsiewriter.com/?p=355 By the time your teen is in high school, you probably aren’t taking as many pictures of them as you used to. I have to keep reminding myself that I only have a couple of years left and no time to waste trying to capture fleeing teenage memories. Full Article

]]> By the time your teen is in high school, you probably aren’t taking as many pictures of them as you used to. I have to keep reminding myself that I only have a couple of years left and no time to waste trying to capture fleeing teenage memories. Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/scrapbooking-teen-memories/feed/ 0 Easter Scrapbooking Ideas http://www.ladypens.com/easter-scrapbooking-ideas/ http://www.ladypens.com/easter-scrapbooking-ideas/#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 07:02:08 +0000 Rachel Paxton http://thenewsiewriter.com/?p=354 Easter is a great time to capture family photographs for scrapbooking. Even if you don’t scrapbook, planning your picture taking ahead of time ensures you won’t miss any of these great family memories. No family traditions? Then this is a great time to start! Full Article

]]> Easter is a great time to capture family photographs for scrapbooking. Even if you don’t scrapbook, planning your picture taking ahead of time ensures you won’t miss any of these great family memories. No family traditions? Then this is a great time to start! Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/easter-scrapbooking-ideas/feed/ 0 Saving Family Keepsakes for Scrapbooking http://www.ladypens.com/saving-family-keepsakes-for-scrapbooking/ http://www.ladypens.com/saving-family-keepsakes-for-scrapbooking/#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 07:01:38 +0000 Rachel Paxton http://thenewsiewriter.com/?p=353 I’m new to scrapbooking, and I still can’t believe all the possibilities there are for scrapbook layouts. Full Article

]]> I’m new to scrapbooking, and I still can’t believe all the possibilities there are for scrapbook layouts. Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/saving-family-keepsakes-for-scrapbooking/feed/ 0 Creating Vacation Memories http://www.ladypens.com/creating-vacation-memories/ http://www.ladypens.com/creating-vacation-memories/#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 07:01:04 +0000 Rachel Paxton http://thenewsiewriter.com/?p=352 My daughter and I recently had the opportunity to spend a week at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. We were totally overwhelmed with all the things there were to do, and I had no idea how we would ever be able to remember it all. Full Article

]]> My daughter and I recently had the opportunity to spend a week at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. We were totally overwhelmed with all the things there were to do, and I had no idea how we would ever be able to remember it all. Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/creating-vacation-memories/feed/ 0 Scrapbooking Graduation Memories http://www.ladypens.com/scrapbooking-graduation-memories/ http://www.ladypens.com/scrapbooking-graduation-memories/#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 07:00:16 +0000 Rachel Paxton http://thenewsiewriter.com/?p=351 It’s hard to believe that my daughter has just graduated from
high school. She has some great memories of this event for us to
preserve in a graduation scrapbook. Full Article

]]> It’s hard to believe that my daughter has just graduated from
high school. She has some great memories of this event for us to
preserve in a graduation scrapbook. Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/scrapbooking-graduation-memories/feed/ 0 Let’s Go Fly a Kite Scrapbooking Layout http://www.ladypens.com/lets-go-fly-a-kite-scrapbooking-layout/ http://www.ladypens.com/lets-go-fly-a-kite-scrapbooking-layout/#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 06:59:36 +0000 Rachel Paxton http://thenewsiewriter.com/?p=350 Flying a kite is a great outdoor activity that the entire family
can enjoy. Better yet, it is a great opportunity to take some
photos for your family scrapbook…there’s nothing cuter than
tiny, beaming faces looking up into the sky at a kite they’re
trying so hard to hold on to. We ended up tying the string to
our boys’ wrists so they wouldn’t let go. I have a great picture
of me tying the string to my son’s wrist while he has a look on
his face that says “Mommy, no! I can do it myself!” Full Article

]]> Flying a kite is a great outdoor activity that the entire family
can enjoy. Better yet, it is a great opportunity to take some
photos for your family scrapbook…there’s nothing cuter than
tiny, beaming faces looking up into the sky at a kite they’re
trying so hard to hold on to. We ended up tying the string to
our boys’ wrists so they wouldn’t let go. I have a great picture
of me tying the string to my son’s wrist while he has a look on
his face that says “Mommy, no! I can do it myself!” Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/lets-go-fly-a-kite-scrapbooking-layout/feed/ 0 A Cat’s Life Scrapbooking Layout http://www.ladypens.com/a-cats-life-scrapbooking-layout/ http://www.ladypens.com/a-cats-life-scrapbooking-layout/#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 06:58:23 +0000 Rachel Paxton http://thenewsiewriter.com/?p=349 If you love your cats as much as our family does, you probably
have dozens, even hundreds, of photos of your furry friends. I
have been going through and sorting out all my old pet photos,
and I will be creating scrapbook pages as tributes to each of the
pets we have owned. While my husband and I were looking at the
photos, we noticed all the photos of our cats had one common
theme: days of eating, sleeping and playing! So I decided to put
together a scrapbook layout to celebrate a day in the life of a
cat, dedicated to our precious kitties. Full Article

]]> If you love your cats as much as our family does, you probably
have dozens, even hundreds, of photos of your furry friends. I
have been going through and sorting out all my old pet photos,
and I will be creating scrapbook pages as tributes to each of the
pets we have owned. While my husband and I were looking at the
photos, we noticed all the photos of our cats had one common
theme: days of eating, sleeping and playing! So I decided to put
together a scrapbook layout to celebrate a day in the life of a
cat, dedicated to our precious kitties. Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/a-cats-life-scrapbooking-layout/feed/ 0 Snow Fun Scrapbook Layout http://www.ladypens.com/snow-fun-scrapbook-layout/ http://www.ladypens.com/snow-fun-scrapbook-layout/#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 06:56:50 +0000 Rachel Paxton http://thenewsiewriter.com/?p=348 Playing in the snow is a great time to take candid pictures of
your family. Where we live we might only get one or two days of
snow each year, if we’re lucky, so this year we decided to drive
to the snow! We found a state park only a couple of hours away
where they had great sledding hills, and took the whole family
along for an afternoon of sledding and snow fun. Full Article

]]> Playing in the snow is a great time to take candid pictures of
your family. Where we live we might only get one or two days of
snow each year, if we’re lucky, so this year we decided to drive
to the snow! We found a state park only a couple of hours away
where they had great sledding hills, and took the whole family
along for an afternoon of sledding and snow fun. Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/snow-fun-scrapbook-layout/feed/ 0 Finding Deals On Fabric For Your Sewing Projects http://www.ladypens.com/finding-deals-on-fabric-for-your-sewing-projects/ http://www.ladypens.com/finding-deals-on-fabric-for-your-sewing-projects/#comments Wed, 11 Jun 2008 01:28:16 +0000 Susanne Myers http://thenewsiewriter.com/?p=230 If you love to sew and work on different projects, you are always on the lookout for a great deal on fabric. And if you are just starting out, you don’t want to spend a lot on fabric in case you make a mistake and have to start over. Here are some of my favorite ways to shop for great deals on fabric. Full Article

]]> If you love to sew and work on different projects, you are always on the lookout for a great deal on fabric. And if you are just starting out, you don’t want to spend a lot on fabric in case you make a mistake and have to start over. Here are some of my favorite ways to shop for great deals on fabric. Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/finding-deals-on-fabric-for-your-sewing-projects/feed/ 0 Tips For Buying A Sewing Machine Online http://www.ladypens.com/tips-for-buying-a-sewing-machine-online/ http://www.ladypens.com/tips-for-buying-a-sewing-machine-online/#comments Wed, 11 Jun 2008 01:27:37 +0000 Susanne Myers http://thenewsiewriter.com/?p=229 You can get some great deals on sewing machines when you purchase them online. Companies that sell them don’t have to worry about the overhead of a brick and mortar store and you get the convenience of having the sewing machine shipped to your front door. Full Article

]]> You can get some great deals on sewing machines when you purchase them online. Companies that sell them don’t have to worry about the overhead of a brick and mortar store and you get the convenience of having the sewing machine shipped to your front door. Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/tips-for-buying-a-sewing-machine-online/feed/ 0 Embroidery Gift Ideas http://www.ladypens.com/embroidery-gift-ideas/ http://www.ladypens.com/embroidery-gift-ideas/#comments Wed, 11 Jun 2008 01:26:52 +0000 Susanne Myers http://thenewsiewriter.com/?p=228 Embroidered items make great gifts. Not only do they have that handmade feel to them, but you can personalize almost anything with some simple embroidery and make it special. Here are a few ideas for gifts you can make if you love to embroider. Full Article

]]> Embroidered items make great gifts. Not only do they have that handmade feel to them, but you can personalize almost anything with some simple embroidery and make it special. Here are a few ideas for gifts you can make if you love to embroider. Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/embroidery-gift-ideas/feed/ 0 Take an Extra Step Before You Scrapbook http://www.ladypens.com/take-an-extra-step-before-you-scrapbook/ http://www.ladypens.com/take-an-extra-step-before-you-scrapbook/#comments Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:01:56 +0000 Annette Yen http://thenewsiewriter.com/?p=43 Ten years ago my best friend died of cancer. It all happened very fast and was pretty unbelievable. In a whirlwind her husband was charged with the terrible task of picking out a grave plot, a headstone and planning a funeral. All that on top of caring for two young girls and making sure he didn’t lose his full time job. Full Article

]]> Ten years ago my best friend died of cancer. It all happened very fast and was pretty unbelievable. In a whirlwind her husband was charged with the terrible task of picking out a grave plot, a headstone and planning a funeral. All that on top of caring for two young girls and making sure he didn’t lose his full time job. Full Article

]]> http://www.ladypens.com/take-an-extra-step-before-you-scrapbook/feed/ 0