JCasa *handmade BLOG

2011 [spring highlights]

: A P R I L :

my first book was published this month, bringing with it 75 projects readers can craft with their kids.  it was a whirlwind of an experience to create and write with my daughters, and is filled with memories we'll treasure for a lifetime.  my hope is that it brings about similar joyful experiences and memories for those who read it. 

: M A I :

the sun was shining, so i made a springy wreath.
what can i say, making wreaths is our thing.

: J U N I :

i participated in an online painting class.  and really enjoyed it.  i had no clue what i was doing, so i really tried to focus on the prompts and techniques being introduced, and found great inspiration in the words and experiences of the teachers.  i lost myself in the paintings for a few weeks, and truly enjoyed learning - "just because."

if you've ever been afraid to try something new / creative because you thought you would be a colossol flop, do it anyway.  seriously, what are you waiting for?  this is not a contest.  this is your life.  if you want to try something new, then i say GO FOR IT !

xoxo

advent 2011 [20] : felted wool marbles

join me over on Wiley Craft today and we'll make felted wool marbles together - it's a fun (and addictive) project you can do with your kids using a few simple materials.  use them to make garlands, ornaments, jewelry, and enjoy them as playthings.

happy crafting!  xoxo

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advent is a happy time when we celebrate, give and share with the ones we love.
join us here for simple + handmade daily projects to celebrate the season.
pass it on.  xoxo

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grab a button to display on your site | blog.
click over each morning to see our project of the day.

happy holidays!  xoxo

Rainy Day Crafts with Kids

i am so excited to share news i've been keeping under wraps for a little while:

Rainy Day Crafts with Kids contains 16 fun + simple projects to make with kids that are organized into three sections:  fabric, paper and fun + games.   this mini-book version of TYV Crafting with Kids is the brainchild of my brilliant editor at Wiley, and i am so very excited to see it in person!  and what's really super exciting - this pocket-sized book is available at Michael's Art + Craft Stores all across the land and is also available in the JCasa SHOP.

and... YES!  i have a copy of Rainy Day Crafts with Kids to G I V E A W A Y !

TO ENTER : leave a comment on this post and share your go-to rainy day craft.
(one entry per person, please.)  comments close shortly after 8am on monday (7-Nov), and the randomly chosen winner will be announced in this post.

Thank you, to everyone who entered the giveaway - drumroll, please - the winner of a copy of my new mini-book, Rainy Day Crafts with Kids, is...

congratulations, valerie!  check your inbox for an email from me + i'll have it sent to you this week.  and for the rest of you, i'll have copies of Rainy Day Crafts with Kids in my shop later this week.

happy crafting!  xoxo

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I truly appreciate your comments. Thank you for sharing + spending time in this space.

happy halloween!

just in time for Halloween, Wiley Craft is featuring a sweet little craft project from my book, TYV Crafting with Kids on their blog : Trick or Treat Fortune Tellers!  xoxo

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p.s.  looking for illustrations?  check out my printable Halloween Pals, too!

two projects to share!

while we were on holiday this week, i was honored to have had a full-page feature in The Plain Dealer (Ohio's largest newspaper, woot!) as a part of their Back-to-School section.
and featured in the article were two projects from my book, TYV Crafting with Kids:

[origami paper beads and interchangeable add-a-button barrettes]

and now for the fun part - BOTH projects are available online through The Plain Dealer's sister-site, Cleveland.com.

GO TO THE PROJECTS NOW

enjoy + happy making!  xoxo