Craft Critique :: Call For Reporters!

If you love crafting and would like to join the Craft Critique team as a reporter, here's your chance:

Call For Reporters! Ongoing!

There's are endless options from writing about knitting or fabrics to bedazzling and paper crafts ... and so much more. You can write reviews of products, projects, magazines, books and events. Not to mention all the fun on Facebook and Twitter.

I think the deadline is looming ... like January 18th.

Oh, and I used to be a Craft Critique reporter ... until I fell off the craft world locator. I'm still lurking, but as my Mom would say, I haven't made a card 'in who knows when'. Don't judge me ...

My Fav Papercrafting Websites

It's been a while since I've done any papercrafting. However, I've still been taking a peak at what's going on in the craft world.

Here are just a few of the websites that I continue to visit regularly:

A Bit East: Full of fresh inspiration and Keisha is so personable.

Two Peas in a Bucket: There's always something interesting going on on Two Peas (I always take 'Today's Poll')

Papertrey Ink: They always manage to find a way to make the same ole stuff look new and different

Craft Critique: This is how I stay up-to-date on all of the new products

Savitri's blog: Just a bunch of cuteness and she's a wonderful story teller.

Thanks for stopping by (especially since I've been sporadically posting).

Change is Good

Hello everyone,

I have not posted here in a few weeks, so here's the update:

I'm moving to Cairo, Egypt in a few weeks to teach journalism at The American University in Cairo. Very exciting.

Unfortunately, the preparation for the move has taken me away from crafting. But that's just temporary. I am taking some craft items with me including my sewing machine. Oh and on a side note, I did find my old Cuttlebug - somehow I left it in Pittsburgh.

I also took a leave from my craft commitments so that I can transition to my new city and my new job. I'm still keeping an eye on the design team at Cuttlebug Challenge. And I always love the wealth of information that I get from Craft Critique. Everyone has been quite supportive. Thanks much.

Though I was disappointed to see that the Cuttlebug Challenge DT got some new Cuttlebug embossing folders; that came after my resignation. I hate when that happens. I put in a lot of time an effort w/that DT. I would have loved to have gotten that stars embossing folder. I'm not sour, just feel like I am missing out. Well, I am indeed missing out.

I will be blogging and tweeting and podcasting about my new life in a different country. You can follow me on twitter @ohradiogirl and you can check out my Radiogirl blog.

Thanks for your support and I'll still be posting here, it will just be a few weeks before I begin posting my cards and what not. I think I'll be doing some digital scrapbooking as well.

Craft Critique: K&Company's Que Sera Sera Papers

My apology for the late post, but my Craft Critique article was originally scheduled for Friday and not Thursday.

I bought the K&Company Que Sera Sera Specialty Paper Pad and Designer Paper Pad at Michaels a few months ago. Love them. I have a complete review of them on Craft Critique. Make sure you check out the review there because I am also giving away a 4.75x6.75 paper pack Only comments submitted on Craft Critique will be eligible for the giveaway (no international shipping on the giveaway).

I made several cards to compliment the review. Check out my slide show of the cards.

"You're The Best" Card
cardsctock: craft supply and Die Cuts With A View (DCWV)
patterned paper: K&Company Que Sera Sera designer paper
heart die cut: CuttleKids
cork: Quartet Cork Craft Sheets (at Michaels)
stamp: Hero Arts
ink: Tim Holtz/Ranger
ribbon: Hobby Lobby

"Take Good Care" Card
cardstock: craft supply and Die Cuts With A View (DCWV)
patterned paper: K&Company Que Sera Sera designer paper
dry embossing: Quickutz labels embossing folders
stamp: Hero Arts
ink: Tim Holtz/Ranger

"Many, Many Thanks" Card
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper: K&Company Que Sera Sera specialty paper
stamp: Hero Arts
ink: Tim Holtz/Ranger
ribbon: May Arts
scalloped circle die cut: Quickutz
circle punches: EK Success

"Happy Everything" Card
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper: K&Company Que Sera Sera designer paper
circle punches: EK Success
butterfly punch: Martha Stewart/EK Success
twine: Darice
buttons: unknown

"Hello" Card
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper: K&Company Que Sera Sera specialty paper
letter stickers: American Crafts Thickers

Tag Book
See the Que Sera Sera Tag Book short video including all the pages from the tag book

Thanks for looking.

Craft Critique: Button Cover Tutorial

I have an article posted on Craft Critique. It's a review and tutorial on using button covers.

I do like fabric covered brads and buttons. They bring a classy element to the craft world. I've come to like making my own too. Especially since I don't have a lot to work with in my current craft stash. And when you purchase button cover kits, the only other thing you need is the fabric. And I must admit that I sometimes grab some fabric swatches from Joann.

So, if you get a chance, check out the button cover review and tutorial on Craft Critique. I'm especially interested in what folks think about the video tutorial. I sort of like it.

Here's the scoop on the card that accompanies the article:
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper: Basic Grey
ribbon: Offray
stamp: Hero Arts
ink: Tim Holtz/Ranger
scalloped circle dies: Cuttlebug
twine: Darice
felt: unknown

Craft Critique's 2nd Anniversary

Craft Critique's 2nd Anniversary has rolled around. Since we keep giving them hits on their blog, they're going to give us something in return. Only I don't know what it is. I do know they have some freebies for some lucky folks.

So, if you get a chance and you can remember throughout the week, stop by and congratulate them for continuing to give us reviews of products before we spend our hard-earned money on them.

• Craft Critique
  

Cuttlebug and Quickutz Cards

I failed to post up the details of the cards that are included in the Cuttlebug v. Quickutz article on Craft Critique.

So here are the details:


Shimmery Thinking of You Card
NOTE: this card was featured in the September issue of CARDS magazine
cardstock: Bazzill Bling
patterned paper: K and Co.
circle punches: Sizzix and EK Success
stamp: Inkadinkado
ink: VersaMark
embossing powder: Stampendous!
dry embossing and butterfly die: Cuttlebug Butterfly Combo
rhinestone: craft supply


Happy Love Day Card
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper: Basic Grey
chipboard: DCWV
heart dies: Quickutz and Cuttlebug
stamp: ???
ink: Tim Holtz/Ranger

The Cuttlebug v. The Quickutz Squeeze: A Craft Critique Article

I have another article posted on Craft Critique.

This one is The Cuttlebug v. The Quickutz Squeeze.

I know that you will find it interesting since you know that I recently lost my Cuttlebug. You should also know that I bought another one.

Oh and you can follow Craft Critique on Twitter: @CraftCritique

Thanks for hanging around.

It's a Valentine's Carnival @ Craft Critique

Oh ... this time of year is so much fun. Unfortunately, I was not able to play w/any of my goodies for this one. But I did oggle over some of my old cards and I shared the link w/the good folks at Craft Critique.

They've compiled a very lengthy list of ideas for this lover's holiday. If you get a chance, check it out. You are sure to get inspired.

• Craft Critique Valentine's Carnival (part 1) (that's where you'll find my listing)
• Craft Critique Valentine's Carnival (part 2)

Help - Lost Cuttlebug

It's a sad day and a sad time ... I recently moved/relocated ... whatever you want to call it. Point is, I had to pack up my humongous craft stash and now I don't know where things are. I created a pile of craft stash that I absolutely had to have w/me and that I could have immediate access to. I thought that's where the Cuttlebug is/was. It is not.

You do know how hard it is to misplace a Cuttlebug, right ... ? I mean, it's a bright green color and it's a bit heavy too. But I can tell you one thing, it is NOT in this house. What I am also afraid of is that I will find the machine, but then, where in the heck are the plates ... ? Jeez.

I am soooo tempted to grab a 40% off coupon and go buy another one. But that would be wasteful. My sister offered to mail me hers ... not so genius since I already mentioned how heavy it is.

My only hope is that someone in my neighborhood will invite me over to craft and that they will have all of the super cool craft tools including a Cuttlebug. Wow ... wake me from that dream. I'm sure my neighbors know nothing about the CB or its popularity in the craft world or my sadness for being w/out mine for that matter.

Oh woe is me ... how I am going to partipate in the Cuttlebug Challenge? How am I going to write my next article for Craft Critique, which includes critiquing the Cuttlebug?

What if I wrote Provo Craft - the makers of Cuttlebug - a note? Why not just send them this blog post? Silly me, silly, silly me ... well, if you live in Ohio and have a Cuttlebug - Holla.

Thanks to Ruthie for the "Missing" poster! :-)

CHA Winter 2009

The Crafts & Hobby Association (CHA) 2009 Winter show is in progress. This is when many craft companies release their new lines and products and then the crafters get antsy trying to get their hands on it.

I've never attended CHA, but I hope to go in the near future. It seems like a good time. Lucky for those who are not going that the people who are there share the knowledge and pictures.

Here are a few places that are providing lots of information about what's happening at CHA and/or sneak peaks:

Lifetime Moments

• I always check this site. However, I can barely keep up

Craft Critique

• There's a team from Craft Critique and they are taking lots of pics and updating the site w/some frequency

Making Memories

• Lots of fun here and a chance to win some goodies

There are many other places to get info on specific lines, but I like an aggregator of information.

So go on and get giddy on the new goods.

Let's Make Envelopes!

I recently wrote an article for Craft Critique about the Kreate-a-lope. It's a template used to make envelopes. I have the A2 sized template.

If you get a chance, check out the review:

• Kreate-a-lope article on Craft Critique

This was a fun article to write. I really enjoyed using this product. I hardly use it, but now I think that I will take some of the paper packs that I have and get to work; oh, and you should too! ;-)

Ooooh, look ... it's thick stickers!

My most recent article for Craft Critique is for American Crafts Thickers; those awesome thick stickers. What's not to love about these?

• easy to use
• great colors, textures and fonts
• no mess

I could go on ... this is such a wonderful product, oh, and the price. Very reasonable especially if you catch them on sale like I do. I usually buy a ton of them when Hobby Lobby has them at 50% off.

So I made a batch of cards to compliment my article. Love the simple-ness of this "Hi" card.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
card base: Joann
patterned paper: Die Cuts With a View (DCWV)
bling: Darice
ribbon: Martha Stewart
oval die cut: KI Memories
letter stickers: American Crafts Cream Soda Foam Thickers

Another Thanks :: 2 Sketches 4 You

I'm back in action on the crafting front. I was planning to travel again this weekend, but it takes such effort for me to pack and prepare for traveling that I am 80% certain that I will not go anywhere this weekend.. Thus giving me more time to craft.

Oh, if you get a chance, check out my recent article on Craft Critique about card sketch sites.

I was going to wait to work on the 2 Sketches 4 You (2S4Y) sketch, but I managed to get my ATCs done. I'm in three different ATC swaps on the SIS TV Swap Board. Fun stuff too. I have them all done and two sets will be postal sometime tomorrow. Point is, I got that done since the deadline is Monday and I was still feelin crafty, so wah-lah (sp).

Nice sketch Laura ... just simple enough yet leaving ample room to improvise. How about that bow? I am not good at tying bows. For this one, I tied the bow before I cut the ribbon from the spool. I tied the bow just like I tie my shoe laces. It worked to this, but sometimes not - get it, (k)not. ;-) Oh, and this card is a mini: 5x3.5.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: Bazzill
patterned paper: K&Co.
ribbon: Martha Stewart
pearls: Mark Richards
stamp: Stampabilities
ink: VersaMark and VersaMagic
embossing powder: Ranger
other: sewing

Craft Critique is seeking new reporters!

If you have a knack for discovering and using craft items, then working on the Craft Critique reporting could be a perfect opportunity for you to hone your writing skills.

Craft Critique is a website dedicated to writing reviews about craft items - from knitting and jewelry to scrapbooking and other paper crafts. Sometimes the reviews are on new products and sometimes it's about an item that's been around for years.

Just check out this link for more info:
Craft Critique Seeks New Reporters

Good luck.

Craft Critique/CHA/SIS TV

Well, in case you don't know this week is the big Craft and Hobby Association (CHA) Convention in Chicago. Disappointed that I am missing it. I am going to make it a goal to attend next summer (can't make it for the Winter event in January).

CHA is when many of the companies release new products for the craft happy crew. There have been so many sneak peeks, that I can not keep up. But maybe you can and/or want to.

Here are some places to see the goodies before they are available to the paying public. NOTE: At CHA, you can not purchase product, but stores can place orders:

Craft Critique has posted/is posting their Annual Carnival list. This time, they are distributing it over several days. Much too see and oggle over.

I like to visit Lifetime Memories. They do a wonderful job of keeping up (though their webbie is not currently loading).

I am still waiting for the Basic Grey sneak peeks and/or releases. I understand that will be made available to anxious people like me sometime on Friday (seems like forever from now).

Over at SIS TV (Scrap In Style TV), there are lots of contests and challenges. Your participation means that you too will become anxious about when products will actually be in the store for purchase.

Happy crafting!

Craft Critique Cards

I have an article posted on Craft Critique today. It's about the Quickutz Squeeze die cutting tool. I've had my Squeeze for a few years now and I still use it w/some frequency.

Anyway, there are three cards that compliment the article, but I had no room there to post the details about the card.

So here is the scoop:

Celebrate Card (above)
patterned paper: K&Co. and ??
cardstock: craft supply
dress die cut: Quickutz
oval die cuts: Nestabilities
ribbon: Michaels
dry embossing: Cuttlebug - swiss dots
stamp: Stampin Up! - wonderful words
ink: VersaMark
embossing powder: Ranger
flower punch: EK Success
bling/rhinestone: craft supply

Happy Mother's Day Card (above)
patterned paper: K& Co.
cardstock: craft supply
die cut letters: Quickutz - Star
alphabet stamps: Making Memories
ink: Tim Holtz/Ranger
circle punch: EK Success
butterfly punch: Martha Stewart/EK Success
dry embossing: Cuttlebug - swiss dots and Quickutz Goosebumps - Daisy
ribbon: craft supply

Hello Card (above)
cardstock: craft supply
die cut letters and blossom: Quickutz
bosher (olive green item w/the ribbon): Bazzill
ribbon: Michaels

From Craft Critique: Paper Crafting with Photos

Here is my first article that was published on the Craft Critique website.

What I failed to mention was that the mag was a gift from a swap that I participated in for Valentine's Day. My thanks to Laura in Texas for the wonderful items.

Oh, and the photos in the cards below are my photos. They are not professional quality, but it's a start, for me at least. Thanks for looking.


Reported by Kim Fox

166 Ways to Use Your Photos – that’s one of the headlines you’ll find on the cover of Paper Crafting with Photos. This is the first edition of this magazine from Paper Crafts. But it’s easy to see how there could be more issues in the future much like there was a Card Creations and then variations on that theme for other editions.

The ideas in Paper Crafting with Photos are endless – and that’s what you will find here – ideas! Along with a supplies list and brief instructions on how to replicate the examples on your own.

There are cute ideas for sentiments like the card with the photo of a horse that says "why the long face?" and another card with the image of a frog with the phrase "you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find a prince!".

Like most Paper Craft mags, there are plenty of tips sprinkled throughout the publication along with links to more information, tips and instructions online.

Oh and a perk for picking up this mag is access to images that you can download online for free.

Here's what you'll find inside:

Fun Photo Manipulation
Very basic tips for manipulating images are the focus of this section. The sample image that is used in this section is a landscape image; you'll get a general idea of some of the things that are possible with photo editing. NOTE: This section does not focus on one particular photo editing software program.

Give Cards a Photo Finish
In 27 pages this sections highlights a variety of ways to incorporate pictures on your cards. The examples of occasions were birthdays, Father’s Day, love and Valentine’s Day, retirement, welcome baby, Christmas and more. The variety of images utilized run the gamut from the obvious for the occasion to animals, landscapes and food. It’s another way to make your cards unique and memorable.

Envelope Envy
This one-pager offers ideas for including images on the envelopes. Don’t be afraid to use photos on the return address label or as an envelope sealer, just to name a few.

Picture Perfect Gift Wrap
So you’re giving someone a lovely gift, why not compliment the gift with a gift wrap that they will cherish as well. There are over 20 ideas for packaging your gift and including images. The one that stood out for me is on p. 42 and includes a photo of a stack of books; the photo was adhered to a piece of cardstock and then adhered to a bag; the gift bag also has a book mark with the same image on it. Gift bags were mainly used, but so were boxes, pails and a lunch box. Many of the examples also have a wide variety of embellishments like ribbon, flowers, stickers and more.

Play Dress up with Your Photos
This section was so cool. It offers more simple tips for jazzing up your framed photos. These are techniques that crafters often use in crafting, but you might hesitate to use to frame your photos; but why not? The finished projects included stitching, painting and stamping. The techniques make the images much more exciting and fun to look at.

Picturing Fabulous Home Décor
Here are lots and lots of creative ideas and the completed projects would be lovely gifts in your home or in the home of your family and friends. The more unique ideas are decorating a vase; a door hanger, a light plate, a clock, and coasters. My fav in this section was the refreshment holder – it is cute and colorful and has some relatively easy instructions.


Using Your Resources
There are numerous photo editing software and other photo-related tools on the market. This section highlights six products that could be helpful in editing images or making calendars or other items.

Preserving Magical Memories
When we think of photos, we sometimes think of photo albums. There are some really fun ideas for photo albums in this section. However, this section is not just about albums, but layouts too. There is a lot of diversity in this section which include both large and small albums as well as one- and two-page layouts.

Tips for Perfect Photos Every Time
The cover of the mag touts ‘Learn How to Shoot & Edit like a Pro' well, these tips are simple, yet can make an impact on any image. There’s the rule of thirds, which many know about but rarely put to use and the same goes for color contrast. You can never get enough tips for improving your picture taking skills.

Pros:

• Lot and lots of wonderful ideas
• Ideas that you can execute in a matter of minutes
• Very few advertisements
• Index section in the back of the magazine
• A lot of bang for your buck

Cons:

• Some of the pictures and themes are a little hokey
• Most Paper Crafts editions include a sentiments page with various quotes, but this edition does not include one

Bibliographic Information:
Title: Paper Crafting with Photos
Magazine: 92 pages
Publisher: CK Media/Paper Crafts Publication
Copyright: 2008
MSRP: $5.99 US/$6.00 Canada

I'm in @ Craft Critique!

My reading group member sent me an email a while back about Craft Critique. At the time they were seeking reporters, you know, crafters, like me, to review and critique various craft products.

So I whipped up a review of the Cuttlebug and its many sandwiches.

I'm excited to be one of their reporters. The official notice is on their webbie.

Yea me!!!