How to Make a Face Mask/JoAnn Fabric

Calling all crafters!

Beauty of Creating was invited to help our community by making face masks.  

If you would like to help you, your family/friends, and community be safe during this time, JoAnn Fabric and many other crafters have provided instruction videos on how to make a face mask!

If you are not a crafter but would like to help, we could use 1/4" elastic: donate here

You may find the instructions to download/print here:
COVID-19 Mask DIY

Video tutorial below:

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Here's another version of the mask, thanks to MimiG!

Cricut Explore Unboxing...finally (not recorded)

It only took me three months...and it would have been even longer if I insisted on recording it...the unboxing of my Cricut Explore Air 2 (CEA-II).

I spent the entire week between filling orders, learning the ins and outs of my CEA-II.  I even registered, started a few of the walk-through tutorials, along with researching any 'must have' tools that did not make the initial bulk buy!

In actuality my purchase came as the 'Wisteria Bundle'. I am new to Cricut and green to the different series of cutting machines.  I originally thought that was a brand, but instead found it to be a color, while the bundle included a collection of shimmery, sparkly vinyls.

As I mentioned, I discovered that I needed more accessories.  I am sure I will discover that some will be unnecessary.  But like with everything crafty, I always find an alternate use.

Here is a card I made...

I made an original, straight from the tutorial.  But on the second trial, I flexed my wrists a bit and changed up the colors.

Now that the Week 1 has come to an end, I still need to pick up a roll of transfer vinyl.  I am ready to put this baby into high gear!

I am looking forward to die cutting without buying dies and creating some unique transfers.

how one signature spring-summer outfit

...turned into an entire collection

Nothing goes as planned, very often when it comes to artistry.  I learned a long time ago, make plans, but leave a lot of room for inspiration, that often drops in unexpectedly.

Originally I planned an entire bounty for Winter, short of the awesome collection turned out for the Fall, headlined at the 6th Annual Detroit Doll Show.  When that was swapped out for the 18th Anniversary Ensemble, I considered punishing myself and only releasing one complete signature design for Spring/Summer and focus the remaining space on shoes.

Then JoAnn Fabric happened...and it does not happen often, but lately this store has been in the zone!!!

I had a bag full of coupons, and along with their sales, I walked out with a haul of solid cottons and floral cottons...and here we go!  Another plan backed into the fan blades of spontaneous creativity!

Does this mean the shoes are trashed until next year?  Not at all.  They will companion this Spring/Summer Collection.  So far, it is off to a good start...we have featured: gold, silver, black, white...along with lots of flowers and bare shoulders, just to summarize.

fabric.com What happened?

A few months ago I was granted a business partnership with fabric.com and was grateful for the opportunity to shop and save.  It seems while one hand graciously welcomed me, another appears to be taking away what made fabric.com my premiere online fabric store.

I believe that more than a year has passed since I placed an order with them.  They still have an awesome web presence and I have been nothing short of amazed with my orders from them.

The problem is that they rarely offer anything less than a yard.  The minimum is quite often 2 or more yards to meet the requirement to purchase.  This is not a problem for those making human garments and able to warehouse bundles of fabric.

For me, a smaller craft house, yards and yards is not practical or economical. Even though I often receive adjusted orders and 'out of stock' listings on my invoices from FFC Fashion Fabric Club, they cater to my business because they allow me to purchase less than a yard.  The website is not boasting color, but I am able to sample in small pieces, make a list of what is favorable for re-order, and find loads of sales.

As much as fabric.com was the premiere spot, it has lost its favor with me.

Even JoAnn's has been on my 'heart' list of late.  Although they also have a sketchy minimum purchase caveat, at least they are local and allow you to shop and ship free to the store!

JoAnn's: The Biggest Coupon Event

Last week I received my regular coupon mailer from JoAnn's and I could not believe that I am about to shop again...and here I was thinking that the madness was over...

Wrong!

Now I do need a few things to round out the stock required to complete our biggest sellers.

I pray, Lord please control my spending!

March on over to JoAnn's and get those online coupons.  And sign up...if you have not done so, to get the mailer.

The thing that caught my eye was that bounty of (4) 50% coupons.

The event runs from 12/18-12/20 (per the mailer), but you might find other things you would like to stuff inside a few stockings!

I need some ribbon...so that is one thing to get if hopefully it is not on sale.  I have no qualms with walking right out of there with nothing in tow.  Sewing Gods...be with me, and left this adventure be profitable!

Halloween Treats @ JoAnn Fabric

Click the image to increase size, save, and print!

Free Fabric and 40% Off!

First thing's first...

I planned an impromptu fabric haul for the Journey Girl Dolls at JoAnn Fabric.  The 40% off all regular priced fabric and merchandise was the tipping point. There was so much on sale that I did not believe this to be a worthwhile trip in '40 % off' savings...but it was!!!

Not only did I knock a huge chunk off of the bill, but I got a piece of fabric for free!!!  The one I actually wanted, desired, longed for...since last night's perusal of Pink2Paris (YouTube) Channel.  In one of her ensembles, she is sporting a pink Burberry scarf.  I hit up JoAnn.com to prepare for the shopping trip today and I could not find it.  I even checked fabric.com...fail!

Well I got it for free inside JoAnn Fabric Store!!!  How?  It would not scan at the cutting counter.  Therefore, the clerk suggested it to be a discontinued fabric and the price pulled from the system.  So...FREE!!!

Pink, Black, White Plaid

Now, with a few hours remaining, you can still use the 40% off total regular priced fabric and merchandise at JoAnn Fabrics!

It was a good day! 

Stay tuned to see what flourishes from today's creative haul!

Dollar Tree Haul

Several months ago I did a Dollar Tree haul and discovered this wonder:

A plastic storage box to feed my ever growing button supply.  The need was great, but a storage box of this size can easily run you about $10 (between 6 and 15) at JoAnn Fabric.

With a collection that could easily outgrow that investment, I would find myself shopping for another or at least one of a bigger size.  But thanks to great fortune, I found one at the Dollar Tree.

Then suddenly, I needed another, and then another.  However, someone was making the same discovery and bought out the remaining stock.  Favor found me again.  It is back to school time, and the store received a huge shipment.

I picked up three additional ones.  I have yet to fill them, but they will definitely be put to good use!

Memorial Day

Thanks to all who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service and protection of our freedom. 

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Fortunately, I was able to answer to all of the constant fliers, emails, and notices courtesy of JoAnn Fabric announcing its Memorial Day sale.  This shopping trip focused on bedding materials. Before going to the store, I started mapping out exactly what I wanted from the online store, in order to minimize time and the overwhelming feeling you often get, akin to a kid in a candy store.

My pre-work effort served me well.  Considering from all of the tons of fabric candy to choose, I narrowed it down to two calico prints.  That was the limit!

I will not spoil all of the surprise, but I want to show a visual of the comforter selections.  Remember this is for a trundle bed, which is why the starter set limit is set for two.  The budget also included a splurge on coordinated solids in broadcloth, flannel, and "soft 'n comfy" dot fabric.  Blankets need sheets and pillowcases.  Plus the mattresses need a protective layer!

Stay tuned for the bedding showcase!

What You See is...

...not always what you get!

JoAnn Fabric which is my favorite craft barn hosted a free shipping day and I found some great little bargains to add to the summer swimsuit composition, and additionally located some ideas for classic leggings, slated for fall/winter.

The selections list as "loungewear heart knits" and they are absolutely adorable.

Sometimes, the colors shall fool you.  And I was caught looking at numbers, while praying the colors in this purchase are exactly what I see on the screen.

Unfortunately it was not the same.

My hopes: cream and charcoal grey

Dreams shattered!  This is yellow and black!

I phoned customer service whose eyes saw pretty much the same as I did. Thanks to excellent service, I received a refund for these two bargains which I have no clue what to do with them.  But strongly considering making underpants for the dollies!

As far as what you see is not always what you get, take a look for yourself and you make the call.