Cappuccino Cash Stash

Ahhh! The first sip of my afternoon latte tastes so good. It's just what I need to get me through the afternoon, a kick-start to the second half of my day.

Do you have a daily liquid indulgence? Maybe a mocha or Americano? Or a delicious, exotic green tea? Whether it's a non-fat, iced grande, extra foamy cappuccino, straight-up cup o' Joe, or your favorite tea, do you feel guilty splurging on this daily treat, when you think you shouldn't spend the money? Well, what if it's "play money"?

Which brings me to the question, "What do you do with your leftover change?" You know what I mean: those annoying pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters that bulk up your wallet or are tossed into the bottom of your purse, never to be seen again. Except for an occasional parking meter, what good is the heavy metal anyway? The creative solution: Your very own Coffee Cash Stash -- a place for your extra change, while turning it into your "play money.”

Gathering a smorgasbord of my favorite coffee-themed embellishments and paper, I re-purposed an empty can into a beautiful Coffee Cash Stash! First, I mod-podged the can with designer papers and ribbon. Then, I created a label using my Slice and an old coffee sleeve. I stamped the coffee sleeve with the sentiment, "Coffee Run!", edged it, and mod-podged the label into place on the front of the can. I then adhered brads, layered flowers and added stamped images of coffee beans. After making a slit on the lid of the can, I mod-podged the lid with matching paper. I then glued red hemp around the lid, slid the coffee-sleeve tag (which I made using a punch) on it and tied it into a ribbon. I finished the tag with buttons and a flower and finally tied two coffee bean buttons at the bottom of the ribbon ties.

The only thing missing now is the heavy metal. Now, where did I put my purse? Meet you at the coffee shop!

I shutter to think of the possibilities!

A few years ago, we replaced the shoddy, water-damaged wood shutters in our den. 

I couldn't just toss out these worn out window coverings, so I stuck them up in the attic.  Recently, one of my crafty friends came over.  We tried to think of something unique to alter.  It was then that I remembered the old shutters I had stored away.  Well, one trip to the craft store to pick up some magnet sheets, hooks and sandpaper, and we were off and running! 

We each created a beautiful, useful and artistic note holder/message board.  After sanding, painting, stamping, nailing, and mod-podging, it was time for the embellishments:  a few Prima flowers, faux leaves, buttons, ribbons, antique cup hooks, and chipboard letters.  Voila!  Not only is it useful, it really jazzes up the side of our kitchen cabinet!  

                                                                        

     

Hop on over to these par-tays:

Funky Junk Interiors Salvaged Kitchen Decor Ideas

Domestically Speaking Power of Paint Party

One Artsy Mama

Our Delightful Home

My 1929 Charmer

The Thrifty Home Penny Pinching Party

I Heart You! Valentine's Projects & Workshops

How do I love thee?  Let me count the ways -- with altered art of course!  There are so many creative ways to say "I love you" -- especially with candy!  Whether it's chocolate kisses you crave, candy hearts, jelly bellies, always tasty m&m's or old-fashioned cinnamon hearts, I'd like to share a few of my ideas on ways you can package sweet treats for the special people in your life. 

The first project is an altered tin mailbox.  It sure is mundane, but such an altered artworks opportunity!  I began by choosing beautiful designer paper which I applied directly to the metal using Mod Podge (of course).  Then I pulled out a few of my favorite embellishments including an ivory Prima flower (which I just bought at CHA), a bright red button, three kinds of ribbons (I am the self-adorned ribbon queen), and a fun silver lock and key I borrowed from a second hand necklace.  The key is then tied to a small ceramic heart button adhered to the flag while the lock is tied onto the front end of the                                                                                                 mailbox. 

The completed altered Valentine's Mailbox

I filled the mailbox with my favorite candy and raised the flag.  

Now all I have to do is hide it until February 14.

You can also think "outside the box" and fill it with other Valentine's theme goods including scented candles, colorful tissue packets, memo pads and key chains. Wouldn't this make a nice gift?

Want more Valentine's themed ideas?  Check these out:

I'm NUTS about you!

Be My Valentine

You had me at Hello

Partying with

From My Front Porch To Yours

Great Cafes and Good Bargains

On our new year's vacation, we strolled up and down Oxnard's downtown shopping corridor in search of great cafes and good bargains. I found both! After sipping a delicious latte on an outdoor patio, I happened upon a busy thrift shop. In less than a minute, I found this sad-looking wooden box marked down to $1.50, with its original store tag still attached. Well, I couldn't exactly leave it on the shelf in its sorry state, so I bought it, and vowed to put it to good use.

After a light sanding, I chose bright red and chocolate brown acrylic paint to cover the entire surface. When completely dry, I mod podged a vintage-style dotted paper on the long edges and a mini print on each end.  Another coat of mod podge, added a few tags and ribbons, and...voila!  I reincarnated this drab box into a stylish tea and candy tray.  I can't wait to use it at next week's book club meeting, although I doubt the chocolate candy will still be there (yum).

My 2010 Resolutions

What would a new year be without a few resolutions? After a wonderful 3-day get-together with close friends to bring in 2010, it's time to pack away the holiday decorations and clean the wax out from the menorahs. I really do not want to find this year's wax next year! Or is it last year's wax this year? Whichever the case, it is time to begin the year anew.
Living in Southern California, it is difficult for us to imagine snow flurries, icy roads and cold, cold nights. We are enjoying 70' sunshine in shorts and tank tops. Believe us, it is not our first choice as California is in desperate need of rainfall. I would like nothing better than to sit by a warm fire, sipping on hot buttered rum while working on my altered art. However, until we get some rain, I will make do with the sun's rays creeping through the window in my tiny craft room.
This brings me to my first resolution AND my first altered art project of the year: My 2010 Resolutions post-it note holder. Starting with a piece of cardboard, which I cut into three pieces, I covered it using two of my favorite papers. I then adhered my post-it note pad inside, and then embellished the cover with polka dot ribbon,red & white flowers, brads, an acrylic frame, and using my handy Dymo-label maker, printed "My 2010 Resolutions" as the title. A little Mod Podge and voila! A beautiful note holder that can be tucked into my purse, tossed in my car, or kept right by my phone-- a place to write down all my resolutions, thoughts, lists and more. Happy New Year!

Egg Nog Anyone?

So here it is...the countdown to 2010--a new decade. Weren't we just celebrating the New Millennium? Do you think time is just marching on while we go through the motions? That is why I am hosting one more altered art workshop this year -- a time to relax, have fun, and create some last-minute gifts. And I'll even whip up a batch of spirited eggnog.

You are also in for another treat: Elysa is home for winter break and will be showing us how to make some beautiful and versatile greeting cards.

So don't delay -- RSVP now by emailing me at Dozeedo@gmail.com with the subject "Creative Therapy".

And if you just cannot carve out a few hours, stop by for some quick last-minute gifts. I have many already-made projects for sale, ready to be wrapped at bargain prices. Hope to see you Sunday.

Happy Holidays!

Pleasing Aunt Betty and Creating That Perfect Gift

Turkey sandwich, anyone?  I didn't think so.  Then think desserts.  How about some scrumptious chocolate chip cookies?  Blueberry blintzes?  You bake it -- we'll eat it!  Come share your favorite appetizer or dessert  while we eat and craft our way through the holidaze season.  My annual holiday workshops begin this Friday, December 4 and will continue through December 20.

Do you have people on your gift list who are impossible to please?  What about Aunt Betty who says, "Oh, don't get me anything" but would be extremely disappointed if you believed her?  How about creating a personal gift that is both useful and beautiful, tailored just for those special people in your life?   If you've answered yes to any one of these questions, then sign up now for the Altered Artworks workshops.

Choose from several projects including altered clipboards, photo frames, earring "trees", candle holders, message pad holders, photo boxes and more!  View pictures of sample projects on the right sidebar of this page.  Click on any photo to enlarge it to view the detail.  Projects range from $10 - $20.  Make a coordinating tag and gift bag at no extra charge.  All supplies are included.  You choose the theme, colors and embellishments to create unique and useful art.

Below is the schedule of December workshops, each limited to 8 people, so RSVP early.  Email me directly at Dozeedo@gmail.com with the subject, "Altered Artworks RSVP".

• Friday, Dec 4 (10 AM -1 PM)
• Sunday, Dec 6 (1 - 4 PM)
• Wednesday, Dec 9 (7 - 10 PM) - NEW DATE & TIME
• Friday, Dec 18 (10 AM -1 PM)
• Sunday, Dec 20 (1 - 4 PM)

Looking forward to sharing creative and delectable moments together!

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Holiday Boutiques and Workshops

Now that Halloween decorations have been put away, it's time to direct our attention to the upcoming December celebrations.  Even though they are still several weeks away, the holiday boutiques have already begun.  For those of you who want to actually see and touch the altered artworks projects, stop by this Sunday, November 15, at Temple Shomrei Torah's Holiday Boutique in West Hills.  I will be one of their vendors, and will be featuring my new Chanukah candle holders.  The square crystal glass is embellished with blue & white ribbon, flowers and a silver dreidel charm.  It comes with 45 menorah candles (enough for all 8 days) or one beautifully scented "Festival of Lights" Yankee Candle.  It will complement any menorah table and make great hostess gifts.

If you'd rather create your own candle holder, come to an altered art workshop this Friday, November 13 at 10 AM.  In addition to the altered crystal glass, projects will include clipboards and photo boxes.  There are only a few spaces left in this Friday's workshop, so RSVP now! To sign up, email me at Dozeedo@gmail.com and I will send you my address and details.  Bring a friend to the workshop, and you will get $5 off the cost of your project!  Please forward this blog to your friends and leave a comment on one of my posts.  Looking forward to seeing you Friday or Sunday!