Nov 27, 2012 |

KLUTZ Review
“Mom. We haven’t watched TV at all tonight.”
How great a statement is that?
Dot and I spent the evening crafting with our Klutz books. Earlier, she and her friend Megan reviewed MINI CAPSTERS JEWELRY for me.

Mini Capsters Jewelry
We’re a crafty bunch.
KLUTZ donated four of their craft books for our review; and they’re just waiting for one lucky reader to win a set all their own!

KLUTZ Assortment
MINI CAPSTERS JEWELRY, FASHION FORMS, WICKED COOL FRIENDSHIP BRACELETS, and BEADED BANDS.
Here’s what we loved about the KLUTZ books:
- They’re fun. Not in an oh-what-a-nice-way-to-spend-a-few-minutes way. But in an oh-my-gosh-this-is-so-much-interactive-fun-look-how-creative-we-are way.
- The guidebooks are just that: Guides. You can totally change up the colors and mix designs. Whichever book you’re working with, your project is Your Own.
- They’re all inclusive. Nearly everything you need (except scissors and maybe a little extra glue) is included. The products store neatly within the covers.
- The variety of projects is astonishing. We’ve had KLUTZ books for making Fairy Dolls, Nail Art, and an assortment of jewelry making.
- The directions for each project and book are detailed, illustrated, and very easy to follow. There’s no confusion as to what this means or how that reads. It’s very easy, which makes for a much more enjoyable crafting experience.
- If you run out of supplies, you can either visit your local craft store or order extra supplies from Klutz online.
Here’s what we didn’t like:
- The included products don’t always come in our favorite colors. The Beaded Bands that I worked with was limited to blues, browns, and oranges. I’ve never been a big fan of blue but I have to admit, I’m quite happy with the finished product.
- With Fashion Forms, the paper was double-sided. Which means you have to decide which pattern or color you’d like to use. Unfortunately, sometimes it’s both and there’s not enough to make two complete outfits with one sheet of paper.
- Some of the books and projects are more suited to smaller, pre-teen fingers. My adult fingers didn’t always cooperate when threading tiny beads.
- With some projects, the work seemed a bit tedious. Dot wasn’t thrilled with all the tracing and cutting she needed to do in order to complete one Fashion Form. But once she got the hang of it and saw her first finished project, it was worth the effort.
Having said all that, the Fun definitely wins out, no matter which KLUTZ book you’re crafting with. And since a picture’s worth a thousand words, here’s our Statement for KLUTZ:

MINI CAPSTERS: Choosing a Size

MINI CAPSTERS: Pages of Designs

MINI CAPSTERS: Finished Projects

WICKED COOL FRIENDSHIP BRACELETS: Unique Techniques

WICKED COOL FRIENDSHIP BRACELETS: Baubles and Beads and Charms; Oh My!

FASHION FORMS: Templates

FASHION FORMS: First Project

FASHION FORMS: Pretty Papers

FASHION FORMS: Final Runway

BEADED BANDS: Small Beads. Big Effect.

BEADED BANDS: Finished Project
We each had our own favorite KLUTZ book. Mine was the Beaded Bands. I’m already thinking of different color combinations and bracelet styles to keep making these for Dot and myself. Dot’s always been interested in fashion, so the FASHION FORMS is her pick. With a little bit of scrapbook paper and craft-store embellishments, she’ll have plenty of runway-ready projects.
Want to share the fun with some girls on your Christmas list? Or maybe you need a little creative vacation of your own. Puh-leese. Would I even post this if there wasn’t a way for you to win it? You can always count on me!
Just follow the links in the Rafflecopter entry form below. Just like KLUTZ, it’s just that easy!
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Nov 26, 2012 |
Two days ago I came up with the idea to start a Photo Challenge on Instagram. Little did I know, you would eagerly await the start on December 1st!
I’ve received some wonderful comments and suggestions. But the best help of all was when Dot showed me how to make a better posting for it.
I went from this:

To this:

I changed just a few of the challenges. I hope you’ll participate; I can’t wait to see everyone’s photos!
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Nov 25, 2012 |
Take a look at these creative hand-made greeting cards and gift tags.

Winnie’s Inky Fingers
My camera doesn’t do justice to these beautiful originals from Winnie’s Inky Fingers.
When I first imagined my inaugural Holiday Gift Basket Giveaway, I immediately contacted Winnie. She eagerly created these one-of-a-kind sets to give to one lucky reader.
Look at this sample of her wonderful work:

Merry Christmas

Christmas Charm

Merry Little Christmas
Each card and tag is stamped, inked, colored, and embellished by Winnie. She’s been making them for family and friends and posting her work on her Blog, which is how I found her. She’s inspired me to try my own hand at card making. But hers are much, much nicer.

Let It Snow!

Snow Tag

Peace on Earth

Peace Tree

Joy

Joy Tag

Peas on Earth

Peas
I love the stories she has behind each card she makes with someone special in mind. Her cards are not only skillfully crafted, but done so with a backstory, with character and plot and memories and hopes.
One lucky reader will win all five sets: Merry Christmas, Let It Snow, Peace on Earth, Joy, and her humorous Peas on Earth. Each card and tag are individually sealed in a protective sleeve. Not only is she creative, she’s cautious!
This quality collection is perfect for mailing or hand carrying. You can use the matching tag on a gift or as an ornament. Winnie’s Inky Fingers Cards and Tags will be a delightful delivery to whomever you choose!
If you’d like to win this set of five matching greeting cards and gift tags, just follow the directions below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Nov 24, 2012 |
There’s a trend going around Instagram, a challenge to post a photo a day for a month. Each day has a particular theme or suggestion. It’s fun to follow and see what a variety of people come up with for, say, “Turkey” or “autumn”.
Such a wonderfully interactive way to share your world, so I’ve designed my own photo challenge. Care to participate? All you need is a cell phone camera and your own Instagram account.
Starting December 1st, just add the hashtags #FranklyMyDearMojo and #25PhotosofChristmas to your photos and let’s have fun!

And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Nov 23, 2012 |
Turkey Hangover? Eggnog nipping and sipping? Black Friday basket filling?
What does the day after Thanksgiving look like where you’re at?
Here’s a glimpse of the fun we’ve had today!

Favorite Snack and Favorite Mug

Instagrammed!

Souvenirs from the Big Feast

Decorating Party Feast

Dot’s Decorated Tree

Knick Knacks
We slept in, cleaned this morning, and spent all afternoon decorating. When we were done, we settled in with our plates of goodies and watched MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET. The original.
And now it’s time to watch HOOPS & YO-YO RUIN CHRISTMAS.
Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, have a wonderful weekend.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!