I'm always seeking out new ways of promoting what I do and finding a way to earn a little along the way, but looking after my friends' and customers' interests (read - purses!) at the same time. I think I may have found something good here...

Artella is a vintage-themed, creative marketplace, offering kits, bundles, photos, e-books and just about everything a crafter can imagine. The site has a friendly feel to it aswell and I like the old-fashioned banners too! So go HERE to check out the Thanksgiving Sale and let me know what you think - there's a lot going on here, though, so be sure to have a cuppa to hand while you're browsing! 'o)

Step 1: Cover the reverse (patterned side) of the puzzle piece with scrapbook paper and trim to neaten.

Step 2: Paint the plain side with acrylic or craft paint and allow a few minutes to dry.

Step 3: Stamp your images onto the red painted side and heat emboss if desired. I used Ranger archival ink and clear embossing powder.

Step 4: Run a gold Krylon or Signo pen right round the edge of the puzzle piece so that no "grey" areas are showing when it hangs.

Step 5: Punch a small hole at the bottom of the piece for a dangly embellishment and one at the top for the hanger. I used an old Christmas tree ornament at the bottom and gold embroidery floss at the top.

Step 6: Use white 3D paint for the faux snow along the top and red for the holly berries. Make sure you give it enough time to dry as it's really tacky! Finish with white gel pen highlights, if you like. I used a spray fixative and while it was still wet, I sprinkled a little fine glitter over the puzzle piece.

Easy-peasy!!

A few months ago, I made some Christmas Ornaments using giant Kids' floor puzzle pieces. Today I found out that they have been published in the Ideas Gallery section of the UK-based magazine, Craft Stamper! I thought I'd share a photo of them with you and then tell you how I made them. I'll list the materials and then tomorrow write up the easy steps to making them!

Materials:

• Kids' floor puzzle piece - I bought mine from a car boot sale. All the pieces are about 4"x6"
• Red and green acrylic/craft paint
• Scrapbook paper for the back in red/green or patterned
• Christmas-themed rubber stamps or images of your choice
• Stazon or Ranger archival black ink or similar stamp pad
• Embossing powder and heat gun, or glitter
• Gold, black and white gel pens
• 3D white paint for the fake snow effect
• gluestick
• Gold thread
• Recycled Christmas mini ornaments/cracker toys

Tomorrow I'll share how I made the first one! ;o)

I have now listed my mixed media canvas, called "Together", for the BBC Children In Need event. It's on Ebay in the Auctions for Charity section HERE.

Please go have a look - it's a great cause! Tell your friends and family and let's raise some cash for needy kids! Thanks!

I watch the BBC's Children in Need Telethon every year and this year I have painted a mixed media canvas which I am going to auction for them.

Here's why I want to do this... and a sneak peek of the Canvas in question! I just have to get the details organised and decide how best to raise the funds - legally and completely safely. I'll keep you updated!