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.