Category Archives: Tutorial

Nov4

Last summer I posted a tutorial for an usual Artist Trading Block over at the Robin’s Nest. It was so well received that I thought it deserved a full replay here.

My Cinderella’s Time Gone By Artist Trading Block (ATB) features remnants of Cinderella’s ballroom dance at the castle and plays with the concept of Time: the importance Time played during Cinderella’s special night, the fact that this Time took place in the past and how Time distorts, warps and fractures memories. Read the rest of this entry →

Oct30

Make a vintage Halloween wreath & fa la la all the way into the holidays

Posted on October 30, 2014 by Betsy Skagen

Make a vintage Halloween wreath & fa la la all the way into the holidays

It is the end of October. Tomorrow is Halloween. Yet, my Pinterest feed is inundated with Christmas projects. When I head to Target, I make a beeline to see what’s new in the the Christmas section. The Daughter™ has even begun singing Christmas carols.

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Oct28

Make a cutie pie pumpkin centerpiece from bags

Posted on October 28, 2014 by Betsy Skagen

Make a cutie pie pumpkin centerpiece from bags

It is Day 11 of Paper Calliope’s 13 Days of October and today’s post offers a little treat for the center of your table. Remember the rosette party decorations we made way back in Day Two? Well, to make this pumpkin centerpiece, you are going to follow most of the same directions. Read the rest of this entry →

Oct26

An artist trading block–be careful when toying with Number 13

Posted on October 26, 2014 by Betsy Skagen

An artist trading block–be careful when toying with Number 13

As you are probably aware by now, Paper Calliope has been hosting the 13 Days of October. For 13 days in October I am featuring different autumn and Halloween focused craft projects. I playfully chose the number 13 to toy with spooky superstitions. Read the rest of this entry →

Oct21

I’m on a faux leather frenzy

Posted on October 21, 2014 by Betsy Skagen

I’m on a faux leather frenzy

It’s day four of Paper Calliope’s 13 Days of October and I’m on a roll. I have been creating faux leather books like crazy. Read the rest of this entry →

Oct19

It’s day three of Paper Calliope’s 13 Days of October

Posted on October 19, 2014 by Betsy Skagen

It’s day three of Paper Calliope’s 13 Days of October

How good are you at faking it? Are you good enough to fool that special someone in your life? Of course, experiencing the real thing always gives the best Wow!, but maybe you have been in a situation where you felt the need for some harmless deception. Read the rest of this entry →

Oct12

Golden Age of Travel Altered Art Box Tutorial at Robin’s Nest

Posted on October 12, 2014 by Betsy Skagen

Golden Age of Travel Altered Art Box Tutorial at Robin’s Nest

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There was a time during the 1940s to 1970s when some families got to experience the Golden Age of Travel. These were the days of roomy planes with curtained windows and hot meals; luxurious hotels with gloved bellhops; and even wood-paneled stationwagons with kids frolicking unbuckled in the back, while adults navigated empty interstates using a map from the Amoco station.

Ok, truth be told, I don’t remember most of those either. I am not prehistoric after all!.

My altered art box reflects how I imagine some mid-century Americans families spent their holidays during this era You can read more about this altered art box, see a tutorial on how to make it and even find out what it has in common with Oprah by visiting my post at the Robin’s Nest.

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Oct9

Decorate your Halloween party with these festive rosettes

Posted on October 9, 2014 by Betsy Skagen

Decorate your Halloween party with these festive rosettes

It is Day Two of Paper Calliope’s 13 Days of October and guess what! Halloween does not have to be all gloom and doom.

You can move away from the creepy and the scary by throwing a festive and fun Halloween party full of colorful cheer. If you do, make sure you decorate with these eye-popping Halloween rosettes.

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Oct4

Spook up your Halloween with these creepy plants

Posted on October 4, 2014 by Betsy Skagen

Spook up your Halloween with these creepy plants

If you thought Venus Fly Traps were scary, just wait until your guests see these these scary sprouts. Talk about creeper vines.

Welcome to Day One of Paper Calliope’s 13 Days of October. Each post in October will feature a unique October-themed craft. These projects aren’t for the faint of heart. All you mummies with young children should carefully wrap up and tuck away your tender little ones before attempting any of these projects. Even if you don’t try them, you are sure to be sent to an early grave by all my horrible Halloween puns. Read the rest of this entry →

Oct1

Paper Calliope’s 13 Days of October

Posted on October 1, 2014 by Betsy Skagen

Paper Calliope’s 13 Days of October

Do you dare enter the halls of Paper Calliope during the month of October? Brave souls will unearth tutorials for 13 hair-raising Halloween projects ranging from scary to festive. It is sure to be spooktacular!