Wallies; Not Just for the Wall!

Reported by Sarah Moore

Recently our team was introduced to a product that we never really considered for our personal craft projects; Wallies. This company, known for pre-pasted paper cutouts is a staple in creative home decor. Decorating a room becomes quick and easy with these trendy decorations... just moisten and apply directly to the wall. Many of you have been using these decals in your homes for years.

But Wallies go beyond this basic concept. We were especially intrigued by their Peel and Stick Chalkboard shapes. Thiner than cardstock, matte finished, flexible and minus the awful texture of the traditional chalkboard... these vinyl-like self adhesive shapes can make quick work of your creative concepts. This line is perfect for kids rooms, kitchens and craft rooms. Whether you are looking to use them to aid organization, share personal messages with your family, encourage creative expression or alter a home decor item. We also love the available colors; traditional slate gray and schoolhouse green, and the more unique grape and blueprint. Our tests showed that the chalkboard rectangles can be cut with ease or used with your favorite diecut machines or hand punches. They are easy to remove from most surfaces as well... but test your surface accordingly. They my not fair well on a wallpaper, wood, painted or varnished surface.
Wallies recommends these vivid Chalk Ink Pens as a colorful alternative to run of the mill chalks. Another wonderful way to get the look of chalkboard without the icky powdery mess.

Chalkboard Peel and Stick Ideas:

• Cut into shapes or letters to use as a unique texture on your scrapbook pages... with or without chalk.
  
• Cut to appropriate size and use to label boxes and drawers in your child's pay area or your craft room.
• Label decorated gift boxes or bags to personalize a gift for a child.
  
• Decorate the cover or edge of a 3 ring album with a chalkboard rectangle and personalize.
• Add a square to an inexpensive bulletin board to create a family message center.
• Place directly on a wall as-is for an instant message center or creative palette.

Another product line that caught our interest were the Wallpaper Cutouts. Acid and Lignin free; these products were born to craft with! As with most of the traditional product line you moisten the cutouts to activate the wallpaper adhesive and apply them to your surface. Our tests also used a traditional liquid scrapbooking glue and worked well. Use these decorative embellishments as you would any sticker or diecut, but with increased permanence. They can be applied to paper, wood, ceramic, metal, or even stiff fabrics (like those on lampshades or canvas). The possibilities for creating home decor projects and gifts is endless! Numerous style choices are availible.





Other Wallies product lines that are on-spot with current decorative trends...

Wall Candy Arts: Big, bold, colorful and trend setting... look to this line for unique patterns and themes with a youthful independent feel. More Chalkboard availible in this line as well... but these are in unique colors and shapes. I love this "transport" series... it'd be so sweet in a little boys room, and you could use the shapes to embellish a lampshade or a even a dresser too! Below that the "Carnivale" line is so great for any kids room... replicating that cool banner look so popular now in papercrafts projects.




Plage and Nature Deco: More trend focused lines... fashion forward, French inspired and haute. This top Chandelier pattern is so glam! And I love the look of these fun cartoon though bubbles from the "Philacteres" line.



We encourage you to consider the Wallies product line the next time you are searching for crafting supplies that match with your desired theme or desired decorative look. They truly offer something for every style. See their in depth website for TONS of great home decor ideas too!

Click HERE to order your free catalog.

Photos used are courtesy of WALLIES®

Sound Off: Cuttlebug vs. Sizzix

It's time for our next Sound Off.

Our next Sound Off is all about those ever popular die cutting systems, Cuttlebug vs. Sizzix. While these 2 machines are in many homes, we know that there are a few other machines out there, so if you own one of those, let us know about them too.

Here's a little bit of information about both products.

Cuttlebug:
Cuttlebug starter kit retails for $69.99
Plates can be sandwiched to accept a variety of dies

Sizzix:
BigKick and Big Shot starter kits retail for $129.99
SideKick starter kit retails for $49.99
Accepts the entire Sizzix library

So now here's your chance. Let us know what you think. Please use the following format so everyone can easily see which product you have and what you think. Please be as constructive as possible and note that posts that are overtly derogatory or inflammatory will be deleted by our editors. You are encouraged to use your name... but anonymous posts will be accepted.

For example:
Product Name
# of Stars (out of 5)
Your comments

We will also post a poll on the sidebar. The poll will ask you about if you own Sizzix, Cuttlebug, both, or another die cutter. This is your chance to help us provide the Craft Critique readers with the most comprehensive information possible.

So, get to Sounding Off...we can't wait to hear what you think! We will also post a link to this post on the sidebar for easy access later... feel free to add your critique to this post at anytime. Thank you for helping our readers!

Thank you for participating in our latest Sound Off. Here are the results of the poll.

Cuttlebug : 421 (60%)
Sizzix : 254 (36%)
Another Die Cutter : 221 (31%)
None : 51 (7%)
Not Interested : 11 (1%)

Votes : 693 Poll closed

Fiskars 12" Rotary Trimmer

Reported by Julie Campbell

I am always drawn to whatever product is new and fresh on the market. I see an ad in a magazine for a new type of cereal, and somehow it makes its way into my cart on my next shopping trip. This "personality trait" also follows me in the crafting world. There are, however, a few products and tools that have stood the test of time and are not easily replaced by the newest gadgets on the venue. One of these tried-and-true products is my Fiskars Paper Trimmer.

I purchased my paper trimmer about five years ago when I really started to get interested in paper crafting. I went to my local Michaels store and purchased it with my 40% off coupon (originally around $50). You can still find this trimmer at most craft and hobby stores or at Amazon.com.

There are several reasons why I love this trimmer.

* It has a full 12" cut length. (I didn't want to get a separate trimmer later for my large scrapbooking paper.)
* It produces a consistent straight cut.
* You can cut several pieces of card stock at once.
* You can make very narrow and precise cuts without fraying card stock.
* Blades are easily replaced and are inexpensive.
* Additional decorative blades are available (scoring blades, perforating blades, various decorative blades)

There are a few drawbacks to this product. Because the trimmer is made to hold paper up to 12", it is really beneficial to have room on your tabletop to hold it. For those of you who are limited on space, the trimmer is very lightweight and can be stored easily. Also, you will need to periodically change the cutting blade. I try to change mine about once a year. I have found that if my blade seems to not cut as easily, sometimes the cutting strip needs to be rotated. The cutting strip is the four sided removable/replaceable strip that the rotary blade cuts against. Because it is four sided, you can get a lot of use out of this strip before it needs to be replaced.

I'm somewhat embarrassed to say that even though I have always had good results with this paper trimmer, I was curious about other "newer" styles of trimmers and recently purchased the Making Memories trimmer with the self-sharpening blade. Although I read several good reviews about this trimmer, I found that I could not recreate the straight, precise cuts that I was use to with the Fiskars Rotary Paper Trimmer.


Finally, I thought I would leave you with a card I recently created using my Fiskars paper trimmer. Notice how straight and precise I was able to create layers and borders for this project. I encourage you to try out this tried-and-true product for yourself!

Elsie Flannigan Interview

Reported by Kim Brimhall

It's been a little over a month since Martha and I had the chance to sit down with Elsie Flannigan, scrapbooker/artist, and the designer of the Love, Elsie line by KI Memories. When I approached her on doing an interview, she was completely accepting and polite. Sitting with her, hearing about her thoughts on her creative process, her art and her life, was such an enlightening experience.

In speaking with Elsie, we got a small peek into the creative mind of such an inspiring artist. Her new line of products were revealed at the Winter CHA expo, and we were not disappointed. The Claire, Cody, Daisy, and Forrest kits were adorable.

We asked Elsie what she was most excited about and she said her New Recipe Idea Book (which will be out in May)...it is something she is truly proud of...

...And her new Hobby Lobby lines, Emma and Josie, were announced recently on her blog, A Beautiful Mess.

When asked what people would be surprised to know about Elsie, she said that "I usually work late at night, sometimes until six in the morning," and that she felt it was more peaceful, without distractions. She also stated that she gets her inspiration from many different places, from books, from movies, and even her Flickr photo account.

She is inspired by everything around her...art, her boyfriend's music, the DVD Sigur Ros, the film Amelie, and especially hardworking, ambitious, and creative people. Surrounding herself with artistic people makes her more creative she says. She also spoke about her parents influence on her work, saying, "My parents have always been really supportive with everything I've done," mentioning her past interests in comic books and fashion. She spoke gently of doing art with her mother, and it was obvious that she finds that time very special.

On her style itself, Elsie says," I like to keep the basics and add fresh new pieces." She says she is excited about constantly evolving and having fun with her work. Elsie admires other designers as well. We asked her what her favorite of the winter CHA and she said "BAM POP!, it's different but fresh, and is an artistic compliment to my lines."

Whatever your style, Elsie Flannigan is definitely an artist anyone can relate to. Her fresh outlook on scrapbooking and her artistic approach is truly inspiring.

Thank you Elsie for such a lovely experience and for sharing with us.

You can find her new Hobby Lobby line here and her new CHA lines at your local scrapbook stores or online boutiques.

Creative Memories Custom Cutting System

Reported by Carolyn King

No one can say that Spellbinders Nestabilities dies are not an incredible innovation in the craft industry; however, I want to show you another product that I have had for five years and still use all of the time.

The Creative Memories Cutting System, available at http://www.creativememories.com/ through a consultant, consists of a self-healing mat, three interchangeable blades and templates which allow you to cut circles, ovals, wavy frames or gemstone shapes.

The reason I have not abandoned this cutting system completely is because there are some projects that the Nestabilities dies still cannot do. For instance, for this project, I took a folded piece of cardstock and wanted to cut just a half circle at the fold mark.

The Creative Memories Cutting System enabled me to line up the template and cut just the portion of cardstock I wanted to remove.

The result is an inverted topper card.

PROS:

• The Creative Memories Cutting System is very affordable. The mat and blades can be purchased for $26.00 and the circle templates can be purchased for $14.00. There are also many other templates to be used with the system.
• The circle template pack includes a sizing template and three translucent patterns, which allow you to see where you are cutting. This particular template pack allows you to cut 18 different sizes of circles.
• Creative Memories sells refill blades for this system which allow an even longer life. (However, I have had my original blades for five years and they still work just fine.)
• The cutting templates feature non-slip feet, so you can cut out paper or photos without worrying about the template shifting.

CONS:

• The only downside I have found with this cutting system is that every once and awhile, a shape will not be completely cut when you run the blade around the template. To remedy this, simply run the blades twice around the template to ensure that the shape separates completely.

Overall, this is a really great cutting system that you will be using for years to come, no matter what innovations are made in the industry. Let us know what you think...leave a comment!

The Look Book: Autumn Leaves

Reported by Amber Ulmer

When I first started scrapbooking a couple years ago, I really wanted to develop my "look" and my "style". This book really came in handy in helping me achieve my own personal "LOOK".

It caters to all styles due to the many designers that The Look Book, by Autumn Leaves, features. With 8 Chapters, this idea book focuses on the many topics that we scrapbook about. These chapters are full of great inspiration; from story-telling to adding those special details that makes a page eye catching. The Look Book features these talented designers: Danielle Thompson, Jackie Bonette, Kelli Crowe, Elsie Flannigan, Jenni Bowlin, Shelley Laming, Jamie Waters, Mellette Berezoski, Lisa McGarvey, Tara Whitney, Erica Hernandez, Teresa McFayden, and Maria Grace Abuzman.

You are bound to find a designer among this list that can direct you to finding YOUR look.

One of my favorite features of The Look Book is the little personal features about the designers throughout the book. It really helped me "get to know" the designers and where they find their inspiriation and how they developed their look. Here is a photo from my book about Danielle Thompson.

Throughout the book, there are some question and answer features from the designers that might lead you in the right direction to finding your look. Questions like: "What is your trademark look?" or "What are your favorite techniques?" and "What inspires you?" could really get your brain going down the right path to finding your look. There is also an abundance of inspiriational layouts to look through along with a supply list, which is always helpful.

The last chapter of The Look Book is the "Artist Exhibit". It takes you into the artist's scrap space and gives you a nice little tour. Along with some layouts, it gives you a little idea of what these artists NEED to scrapbook and achieve their look along with some of their favorite things. A nice personal touch if you ask me. I love getting to know the artist especially since this hobby is so personal. Here is a peek at Jenni Bowlin's Artist Exhibit page.

I still reach for The Look Book when I'm struggling on finding that perfect little touch that my page needs. It's a perfect idea book for all levels of scrapbooking.

You can purchase "The Look Book" through Scrapbooker Online and CreativeXpress

Now that I have spent some time in my Look Book, I have developed my style. Here is a layout of mine that The Look Book really helped me to develop.

Do you have this book? Share you thoughts with everyone in the comments. We'd love to hear all about your look!

Quick Photo Fixes in Photoshop

Reported by Nicole Seitler

Would you love to give your photographs a more professional touch? You are going to be surprised at just how easy it is to do that! There are several small tweaks you can do to make a photo improve instantly. Let me share a few of them with you.

Probably my favorite fix for snapshots is the Levels Adjustment Feature in Photoshop. Let me show you an example of what it can do.

First, let's say that you have a snapshot that looks like this:

Could be a great snapshot, but it's a little dark, isn't it? But by just playing around a little with the Levels, my photo is transformed into this:

Here's how it's done in Photoshop:

There are two ways to get to the Levels toolbox. The first way is by selecting Image > Adjustments > Levels. The second is a simple keyboard shortcut: CTRL + L. When the little Levels menu pops up, you will see a graphical representation of all the light and dark areas of your photo. Here's what it looked like for my photo:

On the bottom of this graph, you will see that there are three sliders. If you were to move the white slider over from the edge to a spot near the base of the graph shown in the window (like I've already done here), your photo will suddenly lighten! That's because you are adjusting intensity of the levels of shadows and highlights in your picture.

Play around a little with the different sliders and see what happens to your photo. The more you play around, the more you will understand how this powerful tool works!

Photoshop is probably the best tool for tweaking photos, but it's not the only program you can use (which is good, because it's a little pricey!). Adobe has also created Photoshop Elements, a program that's geared towards hobbyists and reasonably priced, too. There is also a great program called PaintShop Pro which will do a lot of the things that Photoshop does for a fraction of the price. And if new software s just not in your budget at all, there is a wonderful free program called Paint.net which can also make adjustments like these to your photos.

I have a few other favorite tweaks I like to use, too. Open a photo and trying playing around with the "Brightness and Contrast." Or, if your photo is looking a little dull, select "Hue, Saturation and Brightness" and up the Saturation a little bit (+10 or so). Photoshop also has a few "Photo Filters" that will place a slight colored cast over your photos. You can transform a harsh photo taken with a flash into a much warmer snapshot by selecting a warm colored filter to lay over top of it. These options and many more can all be found under the Image > Adjustments menu.

Another really easy way to improve your photographs is with the use of something called an "action." An action is a programed series of steps that someone has taken the time to create for you so that all you have to do is click a little button to transform your photos. Sounds delightful, no?

I'll show you an example using a beautiful Black & White action from the Photo Pro Series from Microferk Designs. First, here is this cute picture of my kids in color:

And here it is after running the "Industrial" colored Tritone action on the photo:

Isn't that lovely? And so easy! I found all the actions in the Photo Pro Series to be of great quality. Each set includes eight different settings, each with different color wash. I tested the Duotone, Tritone and Quadtone actions on a few different photos. I found that each collection would give the original photo a different intensity. The Duotones generally had a softer black and white look, where as the Quadtones created a higher degree of contrast between the highlights and shadows of my photo. Picking which set made for the best picture was a matter of taste, however, because no matter which collection I used, my photo looked fantastic! If you twisted my arm, I definitely recommend the Tritone collection to you. It's the one I keep returning to for layouts like this:

Another look I'm very fond of is one that's often called "Acidic." That's when you take a photo like this:

And run an action on it, like Acidic Addictions by Amy Eileen Head. At the click of a button, your photo will turn from something that's "everyday" and ordinary to something that's captivating:

Now, I do have to say that this action was a bit tricky for me to figure out at first. One good thing about it is that Amy has programed the script to stop and open up the Curves adjustment menu so that you can customize the amount of "tweaking" you want do to your original photo. But I am far from an expert in Curves adjustments (it just goes right over my head!), so I found I had to really pick the right photo to get the action to work the way I wanted it to (not too dark, not too green). I found that it worked best with high contrast photos with light colored backgrounds that were also taken with a flash.

It could be that I'm just picky because I've already found my all-time favorite action. And best of all, I found it for free! It's called Lomo and it's available from Addicted to Design (A2D). It will transform a boring, overexposed photo into something remarkable. For example, here's a snapshot of my kids at the window (waiting for spring), which I think is a little bland:

But look at what it becomes when I use the Lomo action:

Wowie! Now I want to scrap it! Not only does this action make the colors "pop," it also adds a nice touch of vignetting (a darking around the edges of the photo).

A2D also carries several other beautiful actions, as well. One of my new favorites is 300, which reproduces the haunting sepia look of the movie of the same name. There are three different color choices in this set: natural, sepia and a pretty soft blue. There is also a "Sky Enhancer" effect that helps add a touch of dramatic flair to your snapshots by adding a sort of sideways vignetting to the sky.

Another favorite action of mine from A2D is the Orton Effect. It adds a glow and a "pop" to photos that need just a little help. Take this snapshot, for example. I took it in the hopes that I could scrap this photo for a page containing some of the things I love about our home. But it looks so flat and boring...

Now look at how much better this looks after I've run the Orton Effect action on it (at the 2 px radius setting):

And that was how it turned out without any additional tweaking. So much better! I tried the 25 px radius setting on the original photo and now look at it:

Isn't that neat? So dreamy! All I did was click a button! If that doesn't convince you that actions are fun and easy to use, nothing will!

Well, I hope you have enjoyed this little taste of the varied things you can easily do to transform your photos into professional looking masterpieces. Have fun trying out your own little experiments in Photoshop!

Last, but definitely not least

And here's some more of our new reporters. We still have two more bios to run, but they are out of town without internet access, so they will run with their first articles.


Shannon Shafer : Jewelry Specialist

I love beads! I am addicted to crafting. Jewelry, felt, clay, oh my! I live in Sunny Florida in the hip town of St. Petersburg. The Burg is where it's at. The art scene is boomin' and I am glad to be a part. I am also addicted to Etsy. I'm a member of the admin team for the Florida Etsy Street Team and co-planner of some local indie type shows. My plans for future craft endeveors include glass bead making and resin jewelry. Give me a shout if you visit the sunshine state. Craft-on!!!!


Katie Skiff : Staff Reporter

My name is Katie Skiff, and I live on the Rural hi-line of Montana, with my husband Greg and our three kids, David, RC and McKinley. I've had an obsession with Papercrafting since my first Creative Memories crop 8 years ago. I started scrapbooking with our wedding album and my baby shower pictures for our oldest. I soon learned about rubber stamping and card making, and haven't had to buy a store card since. I am passionate about both hobbies, but I also enjoy quilting and sewing, as well as cross stitching from time to time. Currently I am a stay at home mom, enjoying being able to be here for my family as well as spending time in my craft room.

Emilie Ahern : Staff Reporter

I am a 30 year old wife and a mommy of two little red-haired girls. I have been scrapping since 1997. I love scrapping because I feel that it is not only an opportunity to express yourself and be creative, but is also a way to tell the true and genuine story of your life. My passion is journaling. I have an unhealthy addicition to... Project Runway, creme brulee, the color orange, scrapbooking, writing life stories, hanging with girlfriends, blogging, carbohydrates and cool Indie music. I mostly do paper scrapping, but once in a while I make cards, altered items and digi scrap. The more ways to scrap the better right? I am on eight Design Teams and my work has appeared in Creating Keepsakes, Simple Scrapbooks, Paper Crafts, Scrapbooks Etc., Memory Makers, Scrapbook Trends, Digital Scrapbooking, Scrapbook Retailer and others.


Tracy Shultz : Staff Reporter

From day one, curiosity and creativity ruled my life. As a child, I dreamed of being an artist, carrying my Prismacolor pencils everywhere I went. Despite my desires, I settled for a more practical career path. I attended Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts, majoring in Public Relations and Marketing Communications (try saying that three times fast!). At times I balanced three jobs alongside my studies. I dabbled in psychology, graphic design, journalism, animation, and history. After graduating, I worked a series of jobs, always struggling to find my place in this world. It wasn’t until a few years ago, when I began crafting again, that I was able to let my worries go. Crafting allowed me that release I sought after for so long.
I currently work full time as an Information Technology Specialist for a growing local healthcare company and freelance web design through my own company. My husband and I just bought our first house less than a year ago and are working on turning it into a home. My passions include jewelry making, papercrafting, sewing, photography, gardening, webdesign, running, and playing tennis and volleyball. I can’t sit still unless I’m doing something.
As new homeowners, our budget is always strained. I love finding ways to craft for less. Of course, that just leaves more money to buy more craft supplies!

Kim Fox : Staff Reporter

I was born and raised in Akron, Ohio and am graduate of Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. I am currently teaching media-related courses at Penn State New Kensington. I have been published in Cards magazine and have had my work displayed in the Basic Grey gallery. In addition to card making, I enjoy reading, hip hop music and am venturing into the digital scrapbooking world.

Amber Ulmer : Staff Reporter

Well hello! My name is Amber Ulmer and I am 24 years old and live in Old Hickory, Tennessee. I have been scrapbooking for almost 2 years now and am pretty much addicted to this paper hobby. I am married to my best friend, Josh Ulmer and we have 2 pups. Roxy Lucille, a boxer mix, and Harley Vaughn, a pug mix. They are the primary focus of my scrapbook pages. I recently joined the amazingly talented design team at Scrap In Style TV and am so excited to be a FASHIONISTA! I am also on the creative team for the challenge blog, One Little Word. When I am not scrapbooking, I am photographing. My husband and I have started our photography business, Ulmer Studios and are enjoying capturing life's precious moments of the families in our area. Ever since I received my first digital SLR camera in 2006, it has become such a huge passion of mine. We are excited to see how God uses us in this ministry. My favorite scrapbooking products would have to be Hambly, Love,Elsie, Bam Pop, and American Crafts. I pretty much could not scrapbook with out Thickers. I have an embarrassing addition to those. I am a banker by day and a scrapper by night and professional photographer on the weekends. I love the outdoors... especially the beach and the wilderness. We love to go camping and are dying to try rock climbing. We'll see if that ever happens though since my husband is afraid of heights... haha! I'm excited to join the staff of reporters at Craft Critique!

More New Reporters!

Here's the second group of new reporters. Give them a warm welcome!

Meredith Taylor : Staff Reporter

Hello Hello. I'm Meredith and I am 25 years old. I'm a NW Indiana Hoosier, transplanted to South Florida who is currently en route to NYC! (totally excited...) I have a really amazing and creative husband Joseph and two kids of the canine persuasion, Crystal & Roxy.

I'm addicted to learning and trying new things... art, photography, crafts, travel, music, fashion, flea markets, food, and on and on. I collect just about anything and everything (sunglasses and owls are my fav!) and have too many books. I am a product hoarder and new product junkie, I'll admit it! I love my creative outlets and the freedom I have to explore them... I am committed to making, learning, and experiencing the art of everyday.


Kristine Fowler : Staff Reporter

First and foremost I am a stay-at-home Mom with 2 great kids (a boy 7 and a girl 6) and an incredible husband that supports me in everything that I do. We live in Hamilton, Ontario. I also work from home, operating a multi-media design company specializing in computer graphics and presentation materials. In my spare time (when I'm not working or running the kids around), I am an Independent Consultant with Close To My Heart. I absolutely love the flexibility of working from home as it has allowed me to spend time with my kids that I might have otherwise missed if I was working for someone else.

While I am willing to tackle just about anything crafty, I definately have a passion for paper crafts -- scrapbooking, cardmaking & altered art. I have been scrapbooking for about 13 years now, and have been stamping for about 5 years. Despite the fact that I work with computers day-to-day, I have not yet ventured into the world of digital scrapbooking. While I am amazed and intrigued by the possibilities afforded by digi-scrapping, right now I am still enjoying the tactile nature of the art in it's traditional (paper) form.

I also enjoy sharing what I know about paper arts with others which is why I became a Close To My Heart demonstrator, which is why I blog, and is why I was intrigued by the possibility of becoming a Craft Critique Staff Reporter. I am truly looking forward to this opportunity -- I can't wait to get started.


Dana Vitek : Staff Reporter

I'm so happy to be joining the Craft Critique staff! My name is Dana Vitek, and I'm a 34 year-old craft supply addict. I've been stamping for about 10 years, still have the first stamp I ever bought (it's a bunch of daffodils), and once I discovered the magic of embossing powder, I was HOOKED! I've been stamping ever since, much to my husband's chagrin. Actually, I'm lucky in that my husband isa graphic designer, and understands the importance of good tools and supplies. We've been married for 8 years, and have two fabulously frustrating kids: Max is 5 and KNOWS everything, Jenny is 17 months and is INTO everything.
My family and I live in Delaware, which, among other things, is famous for having no sales tax (YAY!) and being close to everything cool. I'm 45 minutes from Philadelphia and Baltimore, and about 2 hours from New York City and Washington D.C. Not that I ever go anywhere, but I could!
I work (very) part-time as a geologist and have a Bachelor's degree in Geology and a Master's in Geophysics. Even though geology is probably the most creative ofthe sciences, I found myself in a not-so-creative career. Desperate for an artistic outlet,I stumbled into Interior Design classes at a local art college, and wound up with an Associate's degree in picking colors for other people. Still no tcontent, I started studying Floral Design at Longwood Gardens, and am now a certified Floral Designer. I also design jewelry, and dabble in stained glass. I just learned how to crochet, so my husband is dealing with yet another of my obsessions.
I'm really looking forward to getting started! Watch this space... I could write something brilliant at any moment!


Carolyn King : Staff Reporter

I'm Carolyn King and I'm a stay at home mother of three children. I took up papercrafting when my husband’s job as an army anesthesiologist moved me away from my job as a Pubic Relations Director. In order to be home with my children, I took up scrapbooking three years ago and soon got hooked on cardmaking. I am a designer for three stamp companies, have my own line of stamps distributed by Gina K. Designs and have had many of my cards published in national magazines

Amy Migliore : Staff Reporter

I grew up surrounded by musicians and artists, markers and sketch pads, kilns & potter’s wheels. I spent weekends as a child at craft fairs, museums, parks and other aesthetic pursuits. Needless to say, I was one of those lucky kids whose hippie-dippie parents encouraged her to pursue the arts. After finishing with a high school art academy, I pursued my degree in Fine Arts with minors in theater and voice (There are as many musicians as there are artists in my family). Along the way, I came to the realization that being around people, sharing with them and teaching is what invigorates me. I pursued my teaching certificate and have been a high school art educator for the past 10 years. After embarking on the adventure of marriage to my best friend, I also discovered two little red heads that invigorate my life—my sons, who were born 11 months apart and are the most curious little monkeys I know. I dabble with many art mediums but have concentrated most of my effort into scrapbooking over the past 7 years. I have done many freelance assignments in murals, photography and continue to move toward my aspirations of bring an author.

Julie Campbell : Staff Reporter

Hi! My name is Julie Campbell. Some of you might know me from my blog, Stamped In His Image. I am a mom of two energetic boys (6 & 2) and also work as an operating room nurse at a pediatric hospital. We live in a small, rural town in Indiana. When you're surrounded by cornfields, it's good to have a hobby! Like a lot of people, crafting is my therapy! Over the years, I've done everything from quilting to painting to pottery... but when I discovered paper crafting a few years ago, I knew I had found my niche. I have a strong addiction to the 'newest & greatest' products in the crafting world and also love to write. So, when I heard that there was an opportunity to join Craft Critique's team, I jumped at the chance! I am really excited and can't wait to share my 'newest & greatest' discoveries with you!

The New Reporters... Here They Are!

Firstly, let me say... selecting this wonderful team was next to impossible! We had so many amazing submissions. There sure is a lot of talent out there! If you did NOT make it, I hope you will reapply the next time we have a call.

Now without further ado... please join me in congratulating...

Staff Reporters

Amber Ulmer
Emilie Ahern
Simone Collins
Mary Chong
Kristine Fowler
Dana Vitek
Carolyn King
Katie Renz
Julie Campbell
Katie Skiff
Amy Miglorie
Sara McKenzie
Tracy Schultz
Kim Fox
Meredith Taylor

Shannon Shafer: Jewelry Specialist
Susie Ziegler: Fabric Specialist
Nancy Beyer: Assistant Vendor Coordinator and General Craft Specialist
Nicole Seitler: Webmaster and Digi Specialist

Stay tuned for more details about our new staff in the following days.

The New Reporters...

... are not answering their emails!

I am sort of kidding... but we are having difficulty contacting all of our new reporters to tell them the news! It's not spring break right??? lol!

Anywhoo... stay tuned, as soon as all the new reporters have been reached we will announce the team... hopefully tomorrow!

Sweet Seconds ~ Cake Q & A...

Reported by Lexi Daly

Thank you for the comments yesterday! It seems that many of you enjoyed reading about something other than paper and since there were a few questions, I thought I'd do a quick follow up post rather than leave too long of a comment. If there are more questions, I will continue to answer them here.

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Q: Very cool this cake leveler is! Must find one for me - but have you ever done the 2 toothpicks and thread? Please tell me that I can throw my toothpick and thread away!

A: I've never done the toothpicks and thread thing. And though they might be cheaper and always around, the cake leveler is well worth its $3.00! I bought mine at Michael's, but the links I added yesterday all go directly to the same products in the Wilton Online Store.

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Q: Do you use box cakes or make your own like the type Grandma used to make?

A: Betty Crocker was probably someone's Grandma, right?! I started making cakes for my kids' birthdays and they love basic yellow and I've always been happy with Betty Crocker Butter Recipe Yellow. Adding the home made buttercream icing (see below) to a perfectly baked Butter Betty makes the whole thing taste like home made--at least that's what everyone says and they keep coming back for more. So if it ain't broke...

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Q: When you chill the cake - I take it you cut it up - than chill it - not cut it up after it is iced between the layers?

A: I typically bake the cakes the night before I need them. After they cool, I wrap them in Saran Wrap and put them in the fridge in their original shape. Then, the next day, I cut them. I find that the cutting is easier when the cake is cold and you get less crumbs. I stack them if I'm doing a two-layer design, but not with icing yet. I add icing between the layers only after I cut it the way I want it. I usually do a thin crumb coat at this point too, and put it back in the fridge again for it to set before I add the more decorative icing. I always have to do a little creative rearranging in there!

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Q: Buttercream yes? If so - can you share your favorite recipe?

A: Yes, buttercream! The recipe I have is very easy, but so not low-cal! It was given to me by a friend and is very similar to the one on my powdered sugar box. I honestly haven't tried any others--again, if it ain't broke...

mix:
• 2 sticks salted butter (I soften at room temperature)
• 1 t. vanilla (I use one from William Sonoma)
• 2 T. milk
sift & add a 1lb. box of confectioner's sugar.
blend until fluffy.

Seriously, how can you go wrong with so much butter and sugar! But maybe I'll have to conduct a taste test one day--I do have a couple of kids perfect for the test panel...

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Q: If you do buttercream - what is your favorite powdered chocolate to make your chocolate frosting?

A: I am usually creating brightly colored cakes, so I have yet to venture into chocolate buttercream. But I am a chocoholic, so I know I will eventually have to find an answer to this for myself!

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Q: Do you have a hand or stand mixer?

A: I have a small kitchen and a hand mixer to match! I used to have a really old hand mixer, but last year my husband bought me a Cuisinart PowerSelect 7 Speed Electronic hand mixer. It has a built in elapsed time keeper, which is very handy because I like to follow the cake box directions as closely as possible. It really does make a difference!

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Q: Yummy looking! I think you should have a cake blog too! :) Where did you find the recipe for the jello cake?

A: Thank you! I do show them on my blog whenever I make one and have them filed in the "tasty creations" and "theme parties" photo albums or under the "edible art" category if you want to see the original postings. The recipe for the jello cake was in the May/June 2007 issue of the American Girl magazine--my daughter fell in love with it, so I changed it to a square and added the cross to make it work for her first communion. You can read a little more about it and see the invitation I made to match it here!

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Remember, if you leave comments with any more cake questions, check here for the answer. And if you want me to report on something else cake-related, let me know! So how about a few more of my sweet treats...

another cut cake, created to match an invitation i made--I winged it and luckily it worked!

more fun embellishing--a sugar island for the hula girl, flowers from a lei, & fondant "raffia"

fluffy white clouds and a fondant cross--the surprise here is when you cut it open!

Cut Your Cake & Ice It Too

Reported by Lexi Daly

My typical canvas is a card; my tools, paper, ink, and stamps. And here, at Craft Critique, that's what I usually write about. But today, I thought I'd report on another favorite creative medium--cake! If you've read my blog, chances are you've seen a couple. I'm definitely not an expert and everything I know I've learned from books, magazines, and the cake supply aisles at William Sonoma and Michael's. Since my cake baking is all about decorating and creating a centerpiece, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite tools for doing just that.


1. Cake Leveler--Once I got this, I couldn't believe I'd gone so long without it! It makes it so easy to cut the rounded top off of the cake for perfectly flat layers. When your layers are flat, they stack nicely and you have an even surface for decorating. I used to use a knife, but this is so much smoother and more perfect. It's also very easy to change the height of the wire for different sizes of layers. A must-have at $2.99--and the family loves the scraps that result from the cutting!

2. Bread Knife--I like to create shape cakes and most of the ones I create come to life by cutting up basic shapes and piecing them together to make something new. I've found that chilling the cake overnight and cutting it with a bread knife gives the cleanest cuts. (Again, more scraps to enjoy!)

3. Angled Spatulas--These spatulas are made especially for icing cakes. You definitely get better control with them and they're comfortable to use. I use the biggest one the most, especially for large open surfaces. The smaller one comes in handy for the sides and inside corners. If I could only have one, I'd take the 13 inch one for $6.49.

4. Icing Colors--I collect Wilton concentrated gel icing colors like I collect ink pads! There are so many colors to choose from and you can even mix up those to create your own custom shades. Just a little bit of gel produces a nice, strong color without watering down your icing. There are several sets available or you can get individual colors for $1.99 each. I even use them for pancakes!

5. Decorating Tips--If you're going to add details to your design, you'll need to use icing bags and decorating tips. I've included my favorites in the picture--round no. 4, open star no. 18, and basketweave no. 47. The tips range in price from $.89 to $2.69 or you can buy a set (at Michael's with a coupon, like I did!). The large one pictured is actually for icing cupcakes and I love it, especially when I want quick and cute.

These tools are not comprehensive, just those special favorites that I typically use every time I create a cake. I have the basics for baking--mixer, sifter, spoons, spatulas, the list goes on! I also use fondant details on many cakes so I have tools for that, too (another article?). Like any crafting hobby, there's much to buy and you can add it piece by piece as you try new things. It's a lot of fun--especially when you get to eat the results for dessert! If you want to see one of my cakes from start to finish, check out my blog post on How to Bake a Margarita. And of course, I can't leave you without showing you a few sweet treats right here...

a cut cake of my own design

fondant icing details & incorporating paper!

more fondant details, icing hair and a real towel!

the large cupcake icing tip in action--perfect grass for fondant ladybugs!

Remember, I'm not an expert. But if there is anything cake-related you'd like me to explore and report, leave a comment here. And if you have any tips, I'd love to hear them, too!