I’m very excited to share the newest issue of Amy Power’s Inspired Ideas. It’s just the cutest one ever and I’m tickled to be a part of it. Here’s a little preview:

In this Spring issue, Amy shares a project excerpt from my new book, Rosette Art. The project is the Money Rosette, with full photo instructions, just in time spring graduations or summer weddings.There are many darling projects in this issue. Wait until you see the little Spring Cloches by Ashlee Park made from plastic wine glasses. Super sweet brilliance, lots of great visuals and ideas. There are so many treasures to be found in each issue of Inspired Ideas. And all for only $3.99 for a digital issue!For even more creative inspiration, be sure to follow Amy Power on her blog, Inspire Co. She is one remarkable woman. You’ll be blessed to know her. I know I am.

Craft Paint and Kraft Paper: Fun Gift Wrapping

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Baby showers are notorious for giant packaged gifts. The wrapping alone can cost a bundle. Come check out my latest post at SC Johnson Family Economics on crafting your own cute, handmade gift wrap for events, birthdays and holidays using some supplies you may already have around the house!

Disclosure: I am a paid blogger for SC Johnson.

Crescent® OddJob™ Tool and Giveaway

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Recently I was sent the OddJob™, an all-in-one DIY Multitool by Crescent®. The timing couldn’t have been better since I’ve been setting up my new barn studio over the past few months and really need the extra help. Normally I would go digging for my husband’s tools when I needed to fix, repair, hang or build things. But having this awesome lightweight tool has really saved the day! When I first opened the package my husband stated, “Wow! It’s from Crescent! They make really good tools!” (Take it from a firefighter.) This bright red baby is now the number one hardware tool in my studio.As you can see it’s a hammer- for driving small nails and tacks with the steel head side- but the other side is a soft mallet! The bottom of the handle is a ratchet screw driver with forward and reverse functions for tightening and loosening. The OddJob™ comes with a Phillips head screw driver in place, and there are six additional drill bits tucked into a removable compartment in the handle. I collect vintage standard screws that I find at garage sales or flea markets for the purpose of repairing vintage pieces or adding antique embellishments to things. Standard screw driver heads are getting harder to find, so I was really glad to see that one was included.

The OddJob™ also comes with a flexible screwdriver attachment. This allows you to reach awkward areas like with these plate racks that I hung for storing craft supplies in my studio. I could get a long screwdriver to fit through those wires, but not one with a ratchet mechanism that makes turning so much easier.

On the top of the hammer section has a handy a nail puller. And there’s even a removable utility knife on the other side of the handle.Here’s a quick video demonstration of it in action: