Pat Catan's Crafting & News Blog

 

Be sure to stop over at the Holiday Crafting Ideas, Tips & Inspiration page!

Count Down

Well here we are...31 days until Christmas. 

 
Kind of puts a bit of panic into a crafter's heart doeesn't it?  It doesn't have to though because there is a website I check often that tells me the number of days, hours and even minutes until the big day.  You can find the Christmas Countdownhere. It goes to zero on the big day and then after the new year it starts all over again.  I've used it the past couple of years to keep me on track for Christmas planning.

One of the things that can be difficult for me when I'm making crafts for a far off date is to stay focused.  I can lose whole weeks of production time simply by thinking, "I have plenty of time" and then before you know it the special day is here and I'm not quite prepared.  A tool that I use that helps are counters.  There is a good one at timeanddate.com.  You just fill in the information, save it to your favorites and then you can check back any time you wish to see how much time you have left until the special day.  Planning a wedding?  Use a counter to count down the days.  Making favors for an upcoming baby shower?  Use the counter.  It will help keep you focused, make planning easier and hopefully, elimate some last minute panic. 

If you use a counter let me know how it works for you. Do you use a different one than the ones mentioned above? Do you have another favorite way to keep yourself focused on a big project?  Leave a comment and let other crafters know you stay focused.

Vicki

Holiday Parties for Children

I just wanted to stop in today and let you all know about some of the fun things Pat Catan's carries for your childrens' school, church or scout holiday parties.

There are several kinds of Foamies kits...

and wooden crafts for the children to make. We have all sorts of group kits available that don't have a holiday theme as well.  PLUS each of our stores has a Craft Coordinator (Craft Expert) who might be able to give you some craft ideas for a fun childrens' party.  

Let, me just say... that if you'd like to make a craft for a future party you may want to come in soon to make your purchase.  Usually, by the time it's actually time for the parties we've sold out of most of our kits.  So hurry in soon! 
 
 

Vicki

Turkey Treat Holder

 

Find out how to make this Turkey Treat Holder HERE.

Chalkboard Paint on Glass Update

Pier 1 Imports has the chalk board labels on glass in their flyer again.  There are different pieces but it's the same concept.  I scanned the image in for you.  The online flyer doesn't show this close enough for you to really see it.  It's shown on a bar a background decoration.  

The pieces are reasonably priced.  I don't know if it's cheaper to buy the supplies and make your own or not but then you can't say, "I made it"! 

The directions for MY version of Chalkboard on glass are HERE. 
 

Vicki O'Dell

Looking For Something To Do? Want To Learn New Crafts?

Pat Catan's craft stores have so many creative and talented people at all of our store locations willing to teach you new craft ideas through demonstrations and classes! Check out our store calendars for the most up to date class, demonstration, special event and other event information!

Visit the store events page for more details. Be sure to select the store location nearest you and the month you are interested in.

Also, if you're interested in craft fairs check out the craft fair page on our website. Add an event or see what's going on in your community!