Ho Ho Ho Ho....

I'm back!!!!! Yehey! 

Finally, after two months of struggling with personal and work related trials and obstacles, I'm back to giving my blog some attention and lovin'...

The holiday season is very near and it's time for celebration and gift giving. Gift giving is not just for family and friends, but it is also important to give back to mother nature. Reduce, recycle, and reuse is my favorite; thus, here's another tip to save some "moolah" and at the same time give back to the environment. REUSE old calendars most especially those of high quality paper. 

You will need old or used glossy calendars/magazines, ribbons, gift toppers, and adhesives. Attach the pieces of paper together; then, wrap the gift. Fold a section of the wrapper to create an effect; then, proceed to embellish the gift with ribbons and gift toppers from Christmas tree ornaments or others. 

 

And viola...you have an instant, inexpensive and customized gift wrapper. In this instance, the paper images aptly shows a special child of which the gift's recipient also has a special child. 

On the side note, if you are faced with a dilemma on how to wrap odd-sized gifts, you can view some videos in "How to Wrap Gifts of Different Shapes". Enjoy wrapping the gifts and Merry Christmas. 

Craft from Recycled Soda Cans

I have not been productive, craft wise so to speak. I've been battling with unwanted guests - "vampires" and the battle is yet to be won. Anyhooo...although, I have not produced any cards lately, I still blog hop for any inspiration to create from scratch. Re-use and recycle is one of my fave finds; thus, let me share a tutorial on how to make the most out of empty soda cans.

lifted from Tenth Muse Studios

Instead of immediately throwing away your empty soda cans, you can actually create something from it. Try out the step by step instructions from Tenth Muse Studios on how to create Pop Flower Magnets.

Love mother earth, do your share...reuse...recycle...

C:13:01 Error Code: The Artsybelle Fix and Trix

I know most people who have owned a Sony Cybershot camera one way or another and have probably encountered the dreaded error C:13:01 message. I hope you never got into this problem but if you are reading this, Oh no!

 
Yes, I hear yah! I've been there before and have scratched my head in total disappointment. Hopefully, my little Fix 'N Trix will put a smile in your face.

Vintage - y Container

I made an all purpose storage container as inspired from my previous DIY craft tube. This time it's a 5 1/2 inches container with cover to store knick knacks or can also be converted into a pencil, pen, or brush holder. The container has a vintage feel/look to it by using a designer paper.

DIY Tutorial: Funky All-Purpose Storage Tube

I have this very ambitious cross-stitch project that is a replica of the "The Maiden", a Klimt painting. It's a humongous pattern that when completed it's size is about 16 3/8 x 16 1/8 inches. It's not easy to complete the project and since the aida cloth is white, I fear that it will get dirty even before I can finish the stitches. I thought of a draft tube to house the unfinished project, but aside from there's no available draft tube that fits the huge cloth, it is also expensive; hence, I let the dust accumulate for a few months.

Thanks to BB for the BRIGHT idea to create my own draft/storage tube. Here's a do-it-yourself instruction on how to create one.
Step 1. The materials needed are as follows: cardboard, tube (made of plastic, thick-board tube, or what have you), paper with design, craft glue, ribbon, brush, and scissors.
Step 2. Create a circular tube from the cardboard...this will serve as an inner lining and guide for the individual tubes. Be sure that the circular cardboard is longer than the tubes. Stack the tubes following the cardboard guide.
Step 3. Before stacking the last of the two tubes, insert a ribbon that will serve as handle. Note: You may use other materials for the handle, such as a plastic rope, rafia, and others.
Step 4. Cover the bottom-end of the tube and make a cap.
Step 5. Wrap a paper around the tube, paint, or unleash your creativity.