Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Wanted: Craft Entries for 2nd Quarter

Crafters, the 2nd Quarter period for our Craft-A-How-To contest is still open. We need your entries!

Assemble a simple project for Father's Day and draft a quick how-to instructions. That's it! You don't only have a Father's Day gift, but with your entry you also have a chance to win $100 Gift Card from www.ATreasureNest.com!

Or the Fourth of July is fast approaching. ATreasurenest carry those cute little Americana appliques and red-white-and-blue trimmings that you can surely use for some projects such as an embellished hat or banner.

Or maybe you already have some beautiful creations lying around. Why not take pictures of them and describe how you created them.

We will be waiting for your entries, ok?

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Congratulations to our new Craft-A-How-To winners!

Here are the recent winners of our Craft-A-How-To Contest. It's truly amazing how they transform trimmings, fringes, and appliques into beautiful elements of these simple yet elegant creations!

Craft-A-How-To Contest 1st Quarter 2009 Winners


1st Place

Title: "A Long Distance Veil"
Created by: Jackie Denison
East Haddam, CT 06423

I made this veil for a co-worker of my sister, who lives in Florida.

CraftHowTo_Entry_BridalVeil

Materials:

1 yard of white illusion or shimmer tulle
9 yards Diamond Lace Trim (L2302WH)
1 pair white Bridal Bouquet Swirl Lace Appliqué (L2737WH)
1 pair white Bridal Daisy Lace Appliqué (L2703WH)
1 metal 3” clip barrette
1/3 yard white satin ribbon ¼” wide
White thread (sewing machine and hand sewing)
Hot glue gun

Scissors, rotary cutter, razor knife

To view how-to instructions, click here.




2nd Place

Title: "Funky Trim Bracelet"
Created by: Nyla Grace
Tampa, Fl 34292

A bracelet using 3 different trimmings and fringes.

CraftHowTo_Entry_FringeBracelet

Materials:
10” Elastic strings – 2 pieces
1.5” Safety pins – 36 pieces
IR1824FS - Sequin Beaded Trim / Fuchsia – 1 yard IR1830FS - Tusk Sequin Fringe / Fuchsia – 1 yard
IR1978FSM - Crystal Fringe / Fuchsia Multi – 1 yard

To view how-to instructions, click here.



3rd Place

Title: "Lace Wedding Money Box"
Created by: Carol Jaworski
Amsterdam, NY 12010

A wedding money box with lace and appliques.

CraftHowTo_Entry_Wedding Money Box

Materials:

1 wooden treasure box
White lace
Bridal appliques – BA6492WH (Leaf with Pearl Dangles), BA6508WH (Rose with Pearl Edging), BA6498WH (Entwined Hearts Bridal Applique), LB5602WH (Lace Bouquet Jane Applique.)
Lace and pearl trim
Glue gun

To view how-to instructions, click here.


Thursday, April 30, 2009

ATN's YouTube Video

Transform your ideas and inspiration into creative works! Here are samples of craft and design projects you can do as a simple hobby, or to embellish your home, or even to start a small business. Showcased in this video are previous winners of ATreasureNest.com's Craft-A-How-To quarterly contest. Winners get to win up to $100 Gift Cards.


Or you can view it in YouTube.com by clicking here.

Enjoy!

Friday, April 24, 2009

1st Quarter Contest Period Closed and 2nd Quarter Opens

The 1st Quarter 2009 contest period has ended. Entries are now being evaluated and winners will be posted soon. Thanks to all who shared their creations!

So the 2nd Quarter period in now open. We hope that more of you will share your craft projects. No craft project is small to be shared or is simple to win. Just look at our previous entries and winners.

Remember every entry is a winner! Upon submission you automatically receive 20% to 30% Discount Card (depending on number of ATN products utilized).

Actually, by just submitting photos of your creation (without how-to instruction) you will already win a 10% Discount Card.

And who knows, your project may land in the top 3 and win you a $30, $50 or $100 Gift Card!

Submit your entries now!

Monday, March 30, 2009

New Peel 'N Glitz Stick-On Appliques

stick-on appliques
stick-on appliquesSo here comes a new and exciting product that is now available at www.ATreasureNest.com - the Peel 'N Glitz Repositionable Stick-On Appliques!

These fun stick-on appliqués can be used to embellish garments and fashion accessories. You can also use them to decorate home decor items such as decorative vases and even use it in your scrapbooks. Also, it is a unique way to lively up personal items such as your cell phone and laptop!

Come to think of it, you can use stick-on appliques on almost all your craft projects. What is great about the product is that you can peel them off again, then reuse and reposition them.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Last Call for 1st Quarter Entries

We would like to announce our last call for entries for our 1st Quarter 2009 Craft-A-How-To contest.

Remember, all entries are instant winners! As token of our appreciation, everyone who submits an entry receives a 20% to 30% Discount Coupon for your next order in our website.

Plus you get a shot at our top 3 prizes: $30, $50 and $100 ATreasureNest (ATN) Gift card!

It's so easy to join -- simply submit pictures of your creation that includes at least one ATN product together with a how-to instruction.

So, share your creations!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Craft-A-How-To Contest 4th Quarter 2008 Winners

Here are the new winning entries of our quarterly Craft-A-How-To contest (4th Quarter 2008)! All the entries are really beautiful, including the other entries that did not make it to the top three. We thank everyone who shared their creations with us. We hope you send more!


Craft-A-How-To Contest

For complete mechanics, click here.

4th Quarter 2008 Winners


1st Place

Title: "Angel Grace"
Created by: Shaaron Chambers
San Diego, CA 92104

Angel Fringe Doll


Supplies Needed:
  1. Ceramic doll head with arms (Example is a 3” head from top to bottom)

  2. 2 pcs. 12” pipe cleaners any color
  3. 2 strips of thin batting – 1 pc. 5”x1 ½” & 1 pc. 3”x 1 ½”
  4. Rayon Chainette fringe - approximately 20“ (Example shows one color in 6” depth and the other is 9” in depth)
  5. Beaded fringe - approximately 3 ½” or do your own (See Beaded Fringe for Clothing Tutorial on this site)
  6. Scraps of matching or coordinating ribbon, decorative trims, lace or fabric
  7. Feather wings
  8. Suction cup with a hook attached
  9. Aleene’s Quick Dry Tacky Glue
  10. Aleene’s Clear Gel Tacky Glue
  11. Fray Check by Dritz
  12. ¼” diameter dowel x 4" in length
  13. Scissors
Instructions:
  1. Wind 2 pipe cleaners around each other to make them stronger.
  2. Bend the pipe cleaners in the middle and push this section into the head cavity bending the arms out to the sides. This will give you an idea of the area to be wrapped with the batting.

  3. Take the 3”x1 ½” strip of batting and glue (Quick Dry Tacky) around the bent middle of the pipe cleaners. When slightly dry, glue (Clear Gel Tacky) this area inside the head cavity pushing it all the way up inside the head. Set this aside to dry.


  4. The 4”x¼” dowel will hold the fringe for the dress. Lay out the length of fringe to be use and place a line of glue (Quick Dry Tacky) along the top of the fringe. Note: A large head such as the example will take approximately a 20” length of fringe. In this example I am using two different colors and depth of fringe; one is a 6” fringe and the other is a 9” fringe for a different effect, gluing them together first. Since there are two layers of fringe in this example, it will be thicker around the dowel and therefore needing less fringe. You will now wind the fringe in an upward spiral from about ¾” from the bottom of the dowel slightly overlapping fringe top as you go. Ending with 2” of dowel left for insertion into the head cavity. Set this aside to dry for several hours.

  5. Bend excess pipe cleaner for the arms up towards the upper arms. Leave just enough for the upper arms after placing the hand sections on the end of the bent pipe cleaners. For this example I left approximately 1 ½” of upper arm area after gluing (Clear Gel Tacky) on the hands. Let this dry.

  6. Beaded fringe can now be added to the dress section. Refer to the Beaded Fringe for Clothing Tutorial on this site if doing your own beaded fringe or use purchased beaded fringe in a depth that appeals to you. You will need enough beaded fringe to go around the upper dress once. Usually this will be about 3 ½”. The example shows doing my own fringe in coordinating colors.

  7. Take other strip of batting and wrap upper arm area 1 ½ times. Cut and glue (Quick Dry Tacky) in place. Use remaining half on the other arm. This will give body to the upper arms.

  8. After all parts have dried, place a large amount of glue (Clear Gel Tacky) in the head cavity. Now insert the remaining exposed dowel with the fringe inside the head all the way inside. Being careful not to push too hard and therefore breaking the bisque head. You may need to pinch the top of the fringe somewhat to make it fit just inside the bodice area. The top of the fringe should now be hidden. Let dry for several hours.

  9. For this example I am using a scrape piece of wide satin ribbon for the sleeves and bodice. Cut 2 pieces the length of the arms or shorter if desired plus ½” for the hem and approximately 1 ½ to 4 times the circumference of the upper arm area for gathering. The example shows 4 times. Hem bottom of sleeve with a narrow hem. At this time a trim can be added as I have done in the example stitching it on when doing the hem. With right sides together stitch the underarm seam. Turn right side out and finger press the seam.


  10. Hand-stitch a small running stitch along the top of the sleeve for gathering. Leave the needle attached for gathering and securing later. Now thread another needle and do a similar running stitch along the bottom of the sleeve. Place the sleeve on one arm making sure the seam stays facing down. Pull the upper thread until very tight around arm. Hold in place while you run a tacking stitch and knot. Do a couple knots to secure. Now gather the bottom the same. Do other sleeve.

  11. Bodice is done with bits of lace, ribbon, small appliqués or fabric. Cut small pieces and glue (Quick Dry Tacky) to cover bodice. Example shows satin ribbon underneath an ornate trim. Being sure to cover the upper gathering of the sleeves.


  12. Glue (Clear Gel Tacky) a small piece of cording or very narrow ribbon to the head for hanging. After this has dried completely, using the same glue, run a decorative trim around the head making sure the cord ends are covered with the trim.

  13. Glue (Clear Gel Tacky) the wings of appropriate size to the back. Let dry for 24 to 48 hours before hanging with a suction cup containing a hook. Hang from any glass or mirrored surface and out of direct sunlight.
Resources:
  • Heads - wingsofangels.com; mangelsens2.com
  • Fringe - atreasurenest.com
  • Beaded Fringe - miltondecoratorfabrics.com; wholesaletrims.com; fine fabric stores; Wal-Mart
  • Wings - wingsofangels.com; mangelsens2.com
  • Suction Cup with hook - Hardware stores; Wal-Mart
  • Glue - Wal-Mart; Michaels
  • Fray Check - Wal-Mart
  • Dowel - Wal-Mart; Home Centers; Hardware stores

2nd Place

Title: "Feather Headband"
Created by: Bluma Stein
Lakewood, NJ 08701

It’s soooo pretty and so so easy. I made them for so many of my friends!!!


Materials:


  1. Feathers from ATreasureNest
  2. Thin Headband
  3. Gem Stone
Instructions:
  1. Using any glue, fastener or needle and thread, attach the three small feathers to the bottom corner of the large one in a fan shape.

  2. Attach gem stone to cover the ends of the small feathers.

  3. This is how it would look like - side view and bottom view.



3rd Place

Title: "Holiday Hair Bow"
Created by: Amy Ferris
Wilmington, DE 19803


Materials:
  1. Assorted christmas ribbon
  2. Ponytail holder
  3. Poinsettia applique - #SM996XS
Here are the directions:
  1. Gather assorted christmas ribbon, make assorted bow loops as in photos, tack loops with stitches (or hot glue gun).

  2. Sew ponytail holder on bottom bow.

  3. Sew bows one on top of another.

  4. Place applique in center. Carefully sew applique on to bow.

  5. Wear and enjoy!

Lots of options here - halloween, easter. Thank you, I love your products, and can't wait to make more!

Beads Super Sale at ATreasureNest!

To all beading enthusiasts, this is a great time for you.

The prices of ATN's very affordable beads are further dropped by 50%!

Yes that's 50% off on ALL BEADS AND PENDANTS -- clay beads, crochet Beads, faceted glass beads, fashion beads and pendants, glass and pearl beads, gemstone beads and pendants, wood and nut beads, shell beads and pendants, acrylic beads, metal beads.

This sale is only until March 30, so make sure you grab some before time runs out. Click here: www.ATreasureNest.com.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Craft-A-How-To Contest 3rd Quarter 2008 Winners

Creating beautiful craft projects need not be complicated. Just look at these winning entries to our Craft-A-How-To contest (3rd Quarter 2008)!


Craft-A-How-To Contest

For complete mechanics, click here.

3rd Quarter 2008 Winners


1st Place

Title: "Jacob's Stocking"
Created by: Natasha Brown
Youngstown, OH 44512

Christmas stocking embellished with ATreasureNest sequin appliques.

Materials:
  • Sequin Letter Appliques (SM1216J, SM1216A, SM1216C, SM1216B)
  • Wreath and Snowman Sequin Applique (SM3118)
  • Snowman Sequin Applique (SM3176)
  • Fabric glue
Directions:
I purchased the felt stocking and simply applied fabric glue to the back of each appliqué and then firmly pressed down to attach to stocking.


2nd Place

Title: Dare to Dream
Created by: Sarah Ellis
Tempe, AZ 85281

A simple decor craft project made from embellished die-cut word.


Materials:
  • Die-Cut Word "Dream" – WRD5936M
  • Natural Applique - SM2870
  • Paint
  • Air Brush
  • Glue
Directions:
  1. Paint die-cut using air brush.
  2. Position and glue natural appliques.

3rd Place

Title: Spring Slippers
Created by: Jill Fabrizio
Anchorage, AK 99506

Bedroom slippers decorated with cute butterfly appliques.

Materials:
  1. 2 Pcs SM6354-14 - Butterfly Appliques
  2. Bedroom Slippers
  3. Glue
Process:

The process is very fast and simple. Simply glue the butterfly appliques on the front area of the slippers. Now, I have a made a unique and personalized bedroom slippers!

Bead Fashion Forecast for 2009

We would like to share this nice article about trends in bead fashion for 2009.


2009 Beads Jewelry Fashion Trends Forecast

Author: Krista QQ(www.123giftfactory.com)

Foreword:In 2009 you’ll see more bright and natural colors in fashionable beads jewelry…

Spring of 2009 is right around the corner and there’s no better time to plan for the upcoming bead jewelry trends than right now, before the 2009 spring and summer seasons really begin! Predicting future fashion and jewelry trends is always a little bit of a game, but I’ve been reading a lot of fashion magazines, listening to my customers that visit my bead jewelry display table and generally talking to people about what they are looking for. There are some definite trends for 2009 and here are some of the things I’m hearing:

Colorful and Natural

I have seen some emphasis on "nature" influences which sometimes shows itself in the materials such as wood or stone beads use in jewelry, but I’ve also seen a lot more "flower" and "leaf" shaped beads and pendants on the scene. Any sort of botanical or organic looking jewelry pieces or beads are still popular from what I’ve seen. I don’t make much, but I’ve actually had people asked me if I have anything that has "natural warmth".

Big and Beautiful

It sounds like the days of dainty shiny pieces of metal jewelry are gone for the moment and the big and colorful gemstone jewelry and beads are still pretty hot right now. People are still asking for more “chunky” jewelry, sometimes with larger stones and crystals that catch the eye, sometimes with asymmetrical patterns or at least oddly cut beads and gemstones.

Cocktail Rings

If you're shopping, wearing or making rings, consider “rings with bling!” Cocktail rings are generally over-the-top diamond or gemstone rings that are overly colorful, shiny and, yes, sometimes a bit gaudy. But that’s part of the fun! These go along with the bright and bold bead jewelry you might be wearing and could even match or compliment it with similar gemstones or beads. You can make cocktail rings with gemstone beads, crystal beads or just about any other shiny materials.

Charms and Pendants

Again, going with the bold and bright bead jewelry, what stands out more than a beautiful chain that meets with a large bold diamond or gemstone charm or pendant on the end?

Modern Metals

Yes, natural and chunky are in, but there is still room for metals in beaded jewelry, especially when it is sleek and modern looking or even mixed with natural materials like wood and stone beads. There are always people who like the more “modern” beads and jewelry as opposed to the more traditional bead jewelry designs. You can buy modern beads for jewelry making or you can go for a more unique look and actually make beads jewelry out of hardware washers!

Silver and Gold

Silver has been popular for the last few years and that will probably continue, but you’ll also see more gold and even two-tone chains and metals being used in both beads and jewelry pieces. Some of those silver and gold Trollbeads are excellent examples of mixed metals being used as a charm or pendant in bead jewelry pieces.

Faux Foreign Influence

I’m still seeing a lot of Asian and Moroccan influences in fashion, home furnishings and even jewelry. The influences don’t have to be completely genuine or "realistic" but that sense of something coming from a foreign country and past time are still popular. Even the big chain stores are catching this vibe and a lot of their house wares and jewelry give off that "Pier One" vaguely Indian or Eastern Orient vibe. When you’re creating bead jewelry necklaces or bracelets you could think about using dark wooden beads (natural) and mixing it with large metal Oriental looking coins and rings with a hole through the center to bring in the foreign feel!\

Colorful

You'll want to think about bright and bold, but remember that natural element! Neons and wild synthetic colors are not popular, but bright natural colors definitely are in, both in clothing and jewelry fashion. Once again, I have to turn to the color experts at Pantone who have picked out the trendy colors for 2009. Don’t forget to look at the 28 page Adobe Acrobat guide there! It’s fun and inspirational! I’m thinking about printing a few of the pages out and hanging them around my beading area for inspiration when I’m creating my jewelry.

Last, if you have seen any other bead jewelry trends for 2009 that I missed, please don’t hesitate to let me know...

About the Author:

I'd like to introduce and display an excellent selection of China fine art products and gifts - www.123giftfactory.com to you, also give you great suggestions about gift ideas and the latest fashion art trends in China.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com