It seems everywhere you turn everyone is embellishing their cell phone cases and well I thought I’d better jump on the Button wagon! As you can see from the previous post Cricket has completed 3 of her own and what great ideas and well you know I wanted to see for myself…

The trend is called “Decoden” – originated from Japan – “deco” being short for decorated and “den” short for phone – “denwa”. The base is like a “faux” icing and then your embellishing the top from beads, gems, BUTTONS, miniatures such as candy, desserts…you name it! When I say faux icing many people have used “caulking” which you can get from the hardware store.  Believe me from what I’ve seen this is not just for phones – it’s showing up on fingernails, boxes, e-readers you name it. But that’s the fun of it!

Although I personally have not tried the technique above – I took a simpler route “glue”… So here is my very simple, but bright, colorful cell phone!

Materials:  BUTTONS – Favorite Findings, Colors by Favorite Findings, La Mode, LaPetite; seed beads; plastic cell phone case; glue (I used E6000); dimensional glue; wooden craft stick; sandpaper

I actually lightly sanded my cell phone case so that the glue would adhere better (you don’t have to this is just an option).  Next step as you see below I laid out my buttons to give me a concept of what it will look like:

and from there I “schmeared” (not sure if that’s a word but it works and you know exactly what I’m talking about!) my glue using a wooden craft stick and started placing my buttons downs – there was no rhyme or reason. As you can see from the photo on the left it does look different – but at the end it all fit!  Next step I used was Dimensional Glue…you’ll see why…

Many of you right now are saying “are you kidding”? It actually went quicker than I thought – wherever there was a space I filled it with seed beads! This was just a bit tedious but the end result..let it dry for several hours before using!

Don’t forget to do the sides and careful not to obstruct the photo lens. 

Have fun with the project – we have such a great selection of themed buttons – flowers, rock theme, Sweet Treats (as in Crickets blog), fun bright colors. Check out some of our Favorite Findings – I’m thinking maybe gems – give my next one the “bling” look! Why not invite some friends over and see what each one creates – it’s endless. And don’t forget to share your ideas with all of us…

Happy Crafting!

Helen

So now that I’ve settled down and have caught up with everything (well almost everything),  I’ve gotten a chance to quickly put together a little something about the recent h+h show in cologne that we attended this year in Germany.

For those who are not familiar with h+h cologne – this is the International Trade Fair for Creative Handicraft & Hobby. It’s known as the leading fair for innovations, trends in the areas of handicraft and hobby.

From March 22 – 24th, 12,000 visitors walked through the show this year (based on trade fair info).  A total of 321 exhibitors from 37 nations represented the international specialist in trade from knitting, crocheting, sewing, embroidery and crafts.

In addition to exhibiting we were able to walk the show and to experience what the retailer sees…and honestly it’s very impressive! Here are some of my photos to share with all of you…

     As many of you know you start with a blank canvas and by the end of the day…

the next several photos were from COATS!

Felting very popular – this was actually created on a silk dress!

Above two photos – Miriam Tegels -hold the guinness world record for the “fastest knitter” and during this 3-day event women attempted to beat that record in 3 minutes! Haven’t heard the results however the woman can hand knit  188 stitches in 1 (yes I did say 1) minute!

lastly some art pieces that were centrally located! The Teepee – installation by Ute Lennartz-Lembeck. This photo does not do this creation justice – to experience this –  one needs to be inside. You feel as though you are in a teepee created of stain glass.

If your interested next years show is March 21 – 23, 2014 – MARK YOUR CALENDARS! 

Happy Crafting

Helen

Is it me or the holidays just keep coming faster and faster…It’s amazing how the holidays just “hop” up behind us! We seemed rushed these days but we always make time for a craft or two…Which leads me into my project today! Peeps on a Stick…we’ve seen them in stores – kids love them and well it’s either you love them or hate them – but as a craft project they are cute! I must mention I was “inspired” by a photo I pinned from Pinterest…and I thought how cute is this so a shout out goes to:  http://www.yourhomebasedmom.com/peeps-on-a-stick/ 

So here we go…my version of Peep on a Stick!

here are the materials you will need: Favorite Findings Assorted Buttons (your choice); La Mode Novelty buttons;  craft sticks; Fun Fur yarn; green paint; assorted ribbon; glue; Peeps; scissors; green shredded grass paper; decorative tin; floral styrofoam; clear plastic cellophane bags.

     So I never really know which button I’m going to use – so I’ve included some of which I thought would work really well!  

I’m amazed of what can be found in my binns here and in the end it all works! I used wooden craft sticks – however you can use the white lollipop sticks you find in the bakeware department (they may not be as long).  I painted one stick green (but remember only paint 1/2 way up) and the other two sticks I covered with green fun fur! (again only 1/2 way up – yes it did remind me of grass and that is why I used it). 

Next pull apart your Peeps (I recommend that you take a knife a cut them apart).  Slide them down the stick – I used three per stick. They will nestle ontop of each other. Place/slide them into the plastic wrap and then tie/secure with ribbon – make a bow.  Trim excess ribbon and plastic.

 Layer buttons – as shown above and adhere with glue (hot glue worked well – hold for a minute or two until it cools). 

Add floral styrofoam into decorative tin and insert sticks…add the shredded green paper and you’re done! This is such an easy project to create with the kids – but remember to buy extra “Peeps” !

Thank you again – Leigh Anne of www.yourhomebasedmom.com for the inspiration!

Happy Easter!

Happy Crafting!

Helen

The days are longer and the weather is warmer, making me believe that there is a light at the end of this years wintery tunnel! I’m very much looking forward to catching up on this years spring and summer trends as we start to leave the cold, stormy days behind us. There is definitely a lot of chirp about wedding trends this year as we move into the warmer seasons  and we’re very excited here to share some of what we’ve been working on.

Here, at Blumenthal Lansing Company, we have been whipping together a creative, inexpensive way for all of you love birds to add an elegant touch to your wedding- and when it comes to weddings, elegant and inexpensive are too very important words that every wedding planner loves to hear!

Button bouquets are quite the hot trend for 2013/14 and this year we have a special occasion line of buttons called “Bliss”  now available for brides to customize their bouquets. What is completely wonderful about these bouquets is that you can add a lot of personality by turning them into a theme, combining new and vintage pieces, and adding extras like fabric flowers, feathers, or even real flowers.

I love, love, love this trend because it not only is a wonderful way to exhibit the brides personality, but it transforms the bouquet into a timeless piece that you can keep forever. Unlike that traditional slice of wedding cake that really has no place in the back of your freezer! -Who wants to hold on to food you can’t eat, anyway?

Here are a few of our special occasion products now available in stores!

You can tie your bouquet in with the rest of your wedding look by using some of these lovely pieces on a sash, a pair of shoes, head piece, necklace, and whatever else your glistening heart desires! And don’t be intimidated! This is a simple and inexpensive way to add a little sparkle to your look. There is nothing I love more than a unique and creative project that is EASY to put together! Hail to the beautiful and crafty bride!

pinterest.com