Search Results for: blog plush o rama by linda kopp

Plush-O-Rama by Linda Kopp

Well I must be immature because I find Plush-o-rama: Curious Creatures for Immature Adults hysterical and completely charming. The book includes projects for monsters, creatures with tentacles and third eyes, star shapes, cushions with teeth, octopus, gremlins, a cross between a pig and a duck, a “catzilla” and a bipolar cloud. Apparently monster plushes are a growing trend. You can find then in art shops and even in museums. I love the creative aspects of these projects. They are truly one of a kind creatures. Each project has an example creature with their own name and background stories and personality. … Continue reading →

Bichon Frise

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It’s hard to forget a Bichon Frise if you’ve seen or met one. These little wooly white dogs are clever and playful. The breed comes from the Mediterranean and is descended from the Barbet (also known as the Water Spaniel). Originally called the “Barbichon”, the name was shortened to Bichon. These little dogs traveled well and were often used in trade between continents. Spanish sailors introduced the breed to the Canary Islands; Italian sailors rediscovered the little dogs in the 1300s and brought them back to Europe. During the Renaissance, the Bichon Frise was seen as a court dog under … Continue reading →

Cloth Paper Scissors – Magazine Review

Cloth Paper Scissors is a unique and creative magazine that makes me drool. Published six times a year by Interweave Press, it is a magazine devoted to collage, mixed media, and artistic discovery. The magazine covers many types of fiber arts and collage including altered books, art dolls, visual art journal, rubber stamping, and assemblage. The featured crafts are truly works of art. Even though are beyond anything I am doing, I still learn a great deal from this publication. They cover a lot of basic techniques like glazing, how to sew on paper, and how to use rubber stamps … Continue reading →

The Lost Art of Towel Origami – Alison Jenkins

When my husband I went to Mexico last fall, I was charmed by the view, the ocean, and the towels. Every day our towels were twisted and folded into different creatures. I’d never seen anyone do that with a towel before. I found it very whimsical and fun. Last week I spotted The Lost Art of Towel Origami in the bookstore. This book by Alison Jenkins gives instructions for all sorts of fun folded towel projects: fans, windmills, sky scrapers, palm trees, lotus flowers, hearts, lady bugs, angel fish, a birthday cake, a gift basket, a lady bug, a monkey, … Continue reading →

Creative Ideas for Kid’s Rooms – Sieta Lambrias

I’m always on the lookout for original and easy projects to decorate children’s rooms. Creative Ideas for Kid’s Rooms by Sieta Lambrias has ideas for children of all ages. Most of the projects can be completing within a day. Step by step instructions are provided for more than twenty-five project. The instructions include full color photographs of the process and finished project. What I like best about this book is the “Try This” section that follows each project. This section includes ideas for adapting the project for other applications, or ways to take the original idea even further. The projects … Continue reading →

Week in Review – Media Reviews

This week we’ve covered special stories for Christmas, craft books, and even an author interview. What does a dump truck have to do with Christmas? Read Dumpy Saves Christmas to find out! A Doll’s Christmas by Tasha Tudor tells a charming story of little girls throwing a Christmas celebration for their dolls. Lauri shares another favorite Christmas picture book in Christmas Tree Memories the story of a family sharing the memories their ornaments bring back to them. Tristi interviewed Shelia Roberts author of On Strike for Christmas. What would happen if all the women went on strike for Christmas and … Continue reading →

Snowflakes For All Seaons – Cindy Higham

Snowflakes For All Seasons by Cindy Higham takes an old idea and makes it exciting again. Remember folding paper and cutting out shapes, then unfolding the paper to reveal snowflakes? That’s the basic idea behind this book, but that’s all that basic. Snowflakes For All Seasons has seventy-two snowflake patterns that really are for all seasons, even summer. There are snowflakes for major holidays, not just Christmas but the 4th of July and St. Patrick’s Day too. Everyone always says that no two snowflakes are alike, and these patterns are sure not like anything I’ve seen before. At first glance … Continue reading →