Is summer warming up your love life a little?  Those beautiful summer nights do make romance bloom in the air.  As fireflies flit by and you walk together on the sidewalk enjoying the beautiful evening, it seems Valentine’s Day must be at the wrong time of year.  There is something about summer that brings out love.

Sending a card is still one of the most time-honored ways to celebrate love.  Today, with the digital age and creativity blending together, there are more options than ever before.  I personally love this little “Two Peas in a Pod” card and you can do it all right at home with absolutely no skills at all in crafting. 

Two Peas In A Pod Card

Creativity knows no limits.  At least, I haven’t found any boundaries yet.  The human mind seems to come up with all kinds of amazing ideas that express creativity in new and unusual ways.  Such is true with the Web site I found today.  This site is about using paper to make everything from motorcycles to penguins.  And no, it isn’t origami.  This is a new, technology rich way to make paper models.

Everything you need, in the way of learning this craft, is provided on this site.  You of course will need the printer, the paper and the appropriate inks, but the instructions and a lot of hints are provided free of charge.  Incidentally the patterns are free as well. 

There are many patterns on this site.  There are of course Yamaha motorcycles, being that it is a site presented by Yamaha.  There are also endangered animals, and seasonal decorations.  There is sure to be something for everyone.  And although it is a little more complicated than many crafts, with its intricacy and construction, it should provide a sense of accomplishment and a finished project you can be proud of.

Paper Crafts

Paper Crafts FAQs

One Point Advice – Or Hints and Tips on Paper Model Making

Image copyrighted by Yamaha Motors

One person’s junk is another person’s treasure.  At least, that is what the old saying is.  Considering the success of garage sales, I would have to agree.  What I really like though is when discarded items from one person become crafts and works of arts of another.  I particularly liked, being on the computer as much as I am, the idea of jewelry being made out of computer parts.  We all end up with bits and pieces of hardware that we can’t use; something fails and is replaced, so do you just throw that piece of “useless” equipment away?  Maybe you should reconsider what you could do with it.

Bonnie Meltzer is an artist that has taken discarded computer hardware and turned it into some of the most intriguing jewelry you will find.  She creates pins by using the bits and pieces of computers and then embellishes them.  Each piece is one-of-a-kind.  The faces are incredible.  I would not have thought such expression could be achieved using this technique but she has done it and she has done it well.  I debated for awhile before I decided on which photo to post because I like them all, but this particular one had a look of surprise (dare I say “shock” when it has to do with computer parts?) on its face, and that appealed to me.  I see these pieces as a great way to show your emotions of the day to the outside world.  I can guarantee you that while you are wearing one, you are going to have people asking about it – these are completely unique and just a lot of fun.

Meltzer also makes necklaces and wall art.  The photo at the top is one of her pieces of art.  It measures 24″ X 64″ X 7″.  Wouldn’t that just be perfect in a contemporary office setting?  I believe her style adapts well to a contemporary, yet softened feminine look, for the office and career woman.  I know I would love to have that piece hanging near my desk.  I decorate in contemporary lines and styles and I am totally smitten with Meltzer’s style.

Take a look at her Web site.  I know you will enjoy the photographs.  Exhibition information is also available.  And whatever you do, don’t miss her Portrait Series.  I have the link provided below.  It is very unique – I couldn’t leave you without being sure you took at look at it.  I know that once you spend a few minutes at this site, Bonnie Meltzer will have a new fan; it is impossible to see her work and not become an admirer.

Bonnie Meltzer- Very Mixed Media Constructions

Bonnie Meltzer – Pins

Bonnie Meltzer’s Portrait Series 

Are you interested in scrapbooking?  Do you happen to also have a flare with computers?  If so, I have the perfect site and craft for you.  Get out your digital camera, your imagination, send the family out for the afternoon, and have some serious fun.  Digital scrapbooking online is a great new craft and although unconventional, is a craft you might find very relaxing and definitely rewarding.

Scrapblog is a combination of blogging and scrapbooking.  The practical uses are obvious – do you have photos that grandma and grandpa would love to see?  Does your child have godparents that now live on the other side of the country?  Would you like to create something for them to see that is unique and easy to access on the computer? 

This is going to be your answer.  Backgrounds and other graphics are provided to make creation of a fun scrapbook easy.  You can also write a journal with the photos, essentially a blog, so that the photos can be placed in context.  You can put in little conversation “bubbles” with the captions you would like to see within a photo. 

It can be serious.  It can be fun.  It can be private or public. It is something that just about anyone would enjoy.  I first thought of it as a great way to put together a class album for a class of any age – younger grades would need help of course, but middle school kids and older would have a great time with this project.  Church youth groups could make an album as could all of the vacation Bible schools that take place during the summer.

Keep in mind the site is a beta site so it is important to back up your photos and data.  That should always be done with any digital artwork.  Having backups and hard copy printouts of any photography or journaling you do, is always smart.

Have fun – I think you will have a great time with this new idea on the Internet.

Scrapblog