We are off and running

So its been a whirlwind the last few weeks, months for that matter.
Lorine and I and our good friend Eileen all made the trip to NYC. Lorine and I debuted the DivaSchmivas artwork and product and man did we make a splash!

Looks like our hardwork and perseverence is paying off. We made some wonderful contacts at the show and all I can add is that if everything goes the way we'd like it to we will have a very good year!

More about the show and what we saw coming your way very soon!

Stay tuned,

Cyndi

Bet you guessed who's the list maker!

Well the countdown is on. Lists are being highlighted as we speak!
Artwork done - check
Posters made - check
Tools & such packed - check
Website updated - check
Highlights in hair - check
Wax upper lip - check
Nails done - check
Now the hard part begins - the packing of the clothing!

This is probably harder for me than anything else.
I'm one of those that changes outfits 6 times before I make up my mind.
Then there's the whole shoe, accessory thing.
Change one thing you can throw off the entire lot!
So I thought I'd make it easy on myself this trip. I'm wearing black!
Black and pink, black and peach, black with flowers, black and black.
I may even cut back to only 2 pairs of black shoes!

But seriously, Lorine and I have worked very hard to get to this place. To show what
we can do as artists, as a company, and as good friends. We hope you will all be thinking of us this next weekend as we embark on another Diva adventure. Please tell your friends to follow our blog and stay tuned for more news from New York!

Cyndi

Countdown to Surtex

The countdown has begun and the DivaSchmivas are almost on their way to New York City. After much hard work, a lot of laughter and no less than a few thousand emails flying across the country between Arkansas and Virgina they are getting close. The DivaSchmivas, the heart and the soul of the company will meet at an undisclosed hotel in the great city of New York on Saturday, May 15th, 2010. Let the party begin. But first a quick look at their journey.

The true list maker of the two has had her hands full these last few months, but change is good they say so between the deadline, artwork, jobs and ultimate vision changes to the business model she has managed to maintain a quirky half smile and that is good thing. She has a sense a humor and that gets her through most things. Well that, and the back up plan on becoming a laughter yoga teacher if her day job does not work out.

As for the non-list making partner, she too has had her trials with this partnership thing. Working with a partner that needs to go to bed before the witching hour when she is just getting started is definitely a challenge at times. Never mind the house full of dogs, the yard full of ducks and guinea hens, the day job that pays the bills and of course all those lists that keep coming, she remains somewhat focused and has learned pretty quickly just how to work the list thing to her advantage when needed.

Through all this they remain friends and partners with the knowledge that to be a DivaSchmiva you have to know when to put away the Diva and just relax and let the Schmiva part of your true personality shine.

Get ready New York the DivaSchmivas are about to shake things up .....

Sizzix Blog Hop Entry

What is better than a treasure chest full of pretty pink chocolate candies? Not much, except if the box was created using one of Eileen Hull's Scoreboard dies from Sizzix. A quick little project to send to a fellow designer who is having some health issues. She truly is the "stamping queen" and every queen needs a treasure chest full of goodies.

Supplies you will need:

Scoreboard die cut of rectangle box, Pink wool-blend felt, Steam-a-Seam fusible web, Melissa Francis molded keyhole, Silver metal bookplate with prongs, Microbeads, Screw top brads, Silver acrylic paint, Hole punch, Scissors, Paper glue and an Iron.

The How to:

Cover the die cut with Steam-a-Seam2, following the manufacturers instructions.

Remove the paper backing and cover with Pink wool felt. Press well and trim around the edges of the die cut.

Use the hole punch to punch holes through the felt,adding four additional holes to the front of the box and two to the bottom edge of the box along the back edge.

Fold the box along the scorelines and insert brads into the holes, attaching the lid.

Attach the bookplate inserting the prongs into the top of the box, bending the ends over to the inside of the box lid.

Fill the center of the bookplate with glue, drop microbeads into the glue and let dry.

Glue keyhole to the front edge of the box lid. Let dry. Add silver paint to the front of the keyhole.

Using the point of a pencil dipped into silver paint, add dots of paint to the front flap of the box. Let dry.

Fill up the box with chocolate goodies and present it to the person of your choice.

Yum!!!!!!

Check out more fun ways to use Scoreboards diecuts - Adorable designs from the most creative people ever.

http://www.creativitystirsthesoul.com/

usaandcgmom

http://www.candicewindhamdesigns.blogspot.com

http://carlaschauer.wordpress.com/2010/04/27/sizzix-scoreboards-blog-hop-rectangle-box/
canbaps

http://www.FatCatCreations.blogspot.com

http://www.eileenhull.blogspot.com

http://scrapinit.blogspot.com/ einatkessler

JGoode Designs Little box of sunshine filled with hugs http://make-a-get-well-gift-little-box-of-sunshine-full-of-hugs
jenniferlgoode

http://juliemcguffee.blogspot.com

http://lifesnippets07.blogspot.com/2010/04/box-blog-hop.html

http://katydiddys.blogspot.com/2010/04/sizzix-blog-hop-moulin-rouge-theater.html

http://stampinqueencreations.blogspot.com/

http://madelinesthoughts.blogspot.com

http://mel-designs.typepad.com/my-blog/2010/04/you-are-special-mom.html

http://faeriedustdreams-michelle.blogspot.com/2010/04/sizzix-score-board-rectangle-box-blog.html

http://blog.modernsurrealist.com/2010/04/27/modern-surrealist-girlfriends-gift-box-on-the-sizzix-blog-hop.aspx

http://nikimeiners.wordpress.com/2010/04/27/sizzix-scoreboard-blog-hop-creative-imagination-real-wood-paper/

http://web.mac.com/sandylaipply/Site_2/Blog_2/Entries/2010/4/27_Sandy_Laipply’s_Entry_in_Eileen_Hull’s_Sizzix_Scoreboard_Blog_Hop-Pink_Rose_Jewelry_Box.html

Sparkle's Studio http://http://

Cool2Craft

Project Photo: Mother's Crafting - Photo Transfer with TAP
Cool 2 Craft - April 19th 12:00 est

It has gone from Winter straight to Summer here in Viriginia. I cannot believe how warm it has been this last week. I find myself sitting at my computer or at my sewing machine with the fan blowing so hard it moves papers/fabrics and the odd thread spool from my work surface. I believe tomorrow is going to be a little cooler so I will probably get more work done as I will not have to spend time searching for my windblown supplies.

I recently received my order of TAP, Transfer Artist Paper and have being playing around with it. Ever since I saw Lesley Riley demonstrate the product on Cool2Craft, I have been waiting to get my hands on some. My next appearance on Cool2Craft in the segment entitled; Sew far Sew good with Lorine Mason promised Mother's Day Crafting using photo transfer. My initial plan was to use a competitor's product but once I witnessed Lesley, I decided that TAP is the way to go. I will appear on the show on April 19th with a project called; Mother's Day Pockets. My parents are in a Senoir's living apartment building and my uses a walker to get around these days. She loves to personalize her walker and I decided what better way than a pocket that she can tie onto her walker featuring a photo of her and my dad, taken at their 50th Wedding Anniversary.

After my appearance on Cool2Craft, I will be offerring a kit for the project as well as packages of TAP for those of you interested in creating your own designs. The items can be purchased at:http://cool2craft/shop/lorine-mason.htm

I would love for you to tune into the program on April 19th at 12:00 est.

Here is the link: http://apps.facebook.com/cool2craft/ See you there........

Sew far Sew good,

Lorine

It is strange to see yourself after the fact on a program such as Cool 2 Craft. No matter how much I prepare my samples, set the stage, put on the lipstick etc it seems I am somehow caught off guard while on air. I cannot seem to stop the questions running through my head at 50 miles an hour even while I am presenting my latest creation live on air. Am I explaining it correctly, do I look into the camera lense enough, can the viewers connect with me. It is amazing I don't just explode right there on air. However it seems I trudge along and get through the craft while explaining at least 90% of what I needed to say. Why do I do this to myself? I guess I have a need to push and I love what I do and need to connect to others that love being creative. This business I have chosen to navigate my way through can be a lonely one as I find myself day after day sitting in my studio working with my various projects, meeting deadlines and communicating through the internet but not talking face to face with anyone. It does not seem normal somehow to be surrounded by so many people yet be so isolated from everyone. We connect on websites, blogs, texting, and once in awhile even communicating through the telephone but what happened to sitting across the table from someone and crafting. I am not alone in this - that I am positive of. I have been invited to a luncheon next week where we were asked to bring along something to work on - some of us knit, some of us sew - but we all like to talk and of course eat which will be the common denominators. I am so looking forward to this luncheon and connecting face to face with creative types. I have been alone too much lately.

By the way, here is a photo of my latest project seen on Cool2Craft. Be sure to tune in on April 19th where I will be showing off Mother's day crafting 'photo transfer' gift ideas.

Sewfar, Sewgood

Lorine

Living in the Country has a downside

Well until just recently I couldn't think of too many reasons I didn't like living in the country. The air is fresh, there's plenty of room, and the neighbors are far enough off they don't bother you too much. However, when it comes to modern technology we are a little lacking. Case and point - I was supposed to be on Cool 2 Craft with my partner extraordinaire Lorine Mason last week. However, my computer waves weren't strong enough to get a decent picture out for all to see. So I opted out on the live video for the time being and chose to go into town and use the computer at work where I could chat along with everyone else. Little did I know the work computers don't have speakers! therefore no sound! So I must apologize for not contributing to the show. However, Lorine did such a fine job on her own I don't think anyone missed me.

Thanks to all who tuned in to see Lorine and the other fine designers that joined Tiffany. Be sure and tune in often to see all the wonderful things we designers can dream up. And when u hit a lull please wander over to our website for a looksey!
www.DivaSchmivas.com

Also visit: Lorine at masoncreation@msn.com and Cyndi at www.cyndihansendesigns.com

Appearing on Cool2Craft

Well I must admit it was kind of fun appearing with Tiffany on Cool2Craft this past week. I was very nervous but was prepared with step outs and a little practise and things went quite well. I did learn after watching myself that I tend to roll my eyes too much and need to move the camera lense over a touch but other than that I will give myself a 7 out 10.

I showed how to create fun 'Soda Can Coasters' this time around and I am happy to report that they received wonderful comments. I personally liked the project as my 26 year old daughter thought that they were very cool. It is always nice when your children like what you come up with now and then.

Here is the How To:

Wash out the soda can and then turn it over onto a dry cloth and let it drip dry.

Cut the can apart using craft scissors (no, not your sewing scissors) along the top and bottom edge of the can. Be careful not to cut your fingers as the edges can be quite sharp.

Press fusible web to the back of the of the soda can cut-up and using a rotary cutter, mat and ruler cut into 3" squares.

Remove the paper backing from the metal square and press it to the center of a 5" square of scrap cotton fabric.

Cut 1" wide strips from two complementary fabrics.

With right sides together stitch the solid color strip of fabric along both sides of the 3" square, stitching through the scrap fabric base. Trim the strips even with the metal square and press the fabric away from the the metal center piece. Repeat stithcing the strips to the top and bottom of the 3" sqaure, trimming and pressing the strips away from the center.

Repeat stitching the second strip of fabric to the outside edges of the first row of sewn strips. Trim and press the second row away from the metal center piece. You have created the top layer of the coaster.

Layer the following together, right sides up. Top layer of the coaster, 5" square of heavyweight craft double sided fusible interfacing and a 5" square of felt. Press well.

Sew through all layers of the coaster, stitching between the two rows of fabric strips and then again 1/4" in from the outside edge of the coaster fabric.

Trim close to the outside stithcing lines using pinking or scalloped scissors.

You're done.

Cool 2 Craft

the DivaSchmivas are getting ready to hit the airwaves when they appear as guests on the Cool 2 Craft web TV episode this coming Monday, March 8th. We, Cyndi and I will be throwing out crafting challenges to the group twice a month and see where they land. Our first challenge is to get up and running. Cyndi is having some technical difficulties out there in Arkansas and might have to call into the show. We will be sure to post her photo so that you can see how pretty she is. Our first challenge involves soda pop cans - it seemed like such a good idea I thought we should go for adding sewing to the mix. Of course sewing can mean so many things. Do you have to use a sewing machine - no way. Sewing can be hand, machine or using your feet if you are that talented. Simply put - thread somethings through a hold in the soda can and call it sewing. I myself love my sewing machine and am planning on using it in my part of the challenge. I will put my 30+ year old Elna 'a workhorse of a machine by the way' into the mix. Here is a photo of a quick project I did for my Sewing Savvy e-letter a few months ago. It received some wonderful commments. Have fun and be sure to tune in on Monday, March 8th at 12:00 noon EST.

Anaheim here we come!

After only 3 1/2 months of preperation the DivaSchmivas were on the road to Anaheim via United and American Airlines. Lorine flew in from Virginia and I flew in from Arkansas and we met in California raring to go.

In less than 4 months time Lorine and I accomplished what I think is a small miracle. Together we developed 3 full lines to show at CHA. Not an easy feat I might add. It began with the concept for each line, then the artwork was designed, then made into fabric, then products were designed, that were then photographed, written about, and made ready for the show. We also created our own website, developed our own marketing materials, and planned the set up for our booth.

And it was all worth it. We received a great deal of interest in our products, met many new people, and were able to see all of our designer friends too boot.

More from the "real" writer in the partnership - Lorine - next time right here!

Cyndi Hansen

The start of a New Business

Welcome to the DivaSchmivas blog. My name is Lorine Mason and my partner is Cyndi Hansen.

Have you ever met someone and you just hit it off - when you try to explain your vision for a project they just get it. That is how I met Cyndi. I was heading up a CHA committee and was looking for designers to help with a display for an upcoming show. I had already agreed to take on the overall job but was also faced with leading the designing of two rooms as I was short of volunteers. Well, my lucky day arrived when I talked with Cyndi - who responded to my request with a few questions. Basically she asked me to convince her why she should join CHA and attend the show. Well - I put on my thinking cap and gave her the reasons I joined and then asked a few questions and just for good luck threw in some designing ideas to get her interested. It worked - we talked some more and I mentioned my vision for the Birthday Party Kitchen Room display. I don't remember discussing the painted backdrop complete with an aqua refridgerator idea or my total vision for the room, but before I knew it - Cyndi had emailed me a rough drawing of how she envisioned the room complete with - you guessed it an aqua refrigerator from the 1950's along with clippings and tear sheets from magazines she must have had lying around. WOW! She blew me away. We have been friends ever since.

We often discussed working together but things just never fell into place. We discussed working on books, tear sheets as separate designers with a commom goal and many more scenarios but never really came up with a firm plan. We decided last fall that since I was heading out to the Houston Quilt Market, I should fly into Little Rock and stay with her and then we would drive to Houston together. That is exactly what we did and after spending many hours discussing things - tossing out ideas, and comparing notes - we formed the DivaSchmivas. Now the fun will truly begin. . . . Next blog - CHA Anaheim plays host to the DivaSchmivas!