Balzer Designs

Christmas in July: Stamped Gift Box

Back in December I did a crazy blog series called "Holidays Handmade." For a week I posted at least three tutorial posts every single day. There were some amazing guest bloggers and lots of fantastic projects. But it was a lot to digest. So I thought that this week we might do "Christmas in July" and highlight some of those awesome crafty projects in case you're already planning what to make for the holidays this year. Let's go.... Now that we've made all these handmade gifts, what are you planning to put them in? Why a beautiful handmade gift box,... Read more →

Christmas in July: Jigsaw Puzzle Pin

Back in December I did a crazy blog series called "Holidays Handmade." For a week I posted at least three tutorial posts every single day. There were some amazing guest bloggers and lots of fantastic projects. But it was a lot to digest. So I thought that this week we might do "Christmas in July" and highlight some of those awesome crafty projects in case you're already planning what to make for the holidays this year. Let's go.... This guest post is from Liz Curtin. She is going to show you how to transform ordinary looking puzzle pieces into little... Read more →

Art Journal Every Day: Watercolor Rocks

If you're new to Art Journal Every Day, all the posts can be found here. Please read this post first. There is a flickr group for sharing right here. Remember, it's just ten minutes of nourishing your creative self every day! No need to finish anything or even like it. Just play! You can join the linky list for July right here. Watercolor paints are one of my absolute favorite things to use in my art journal. They are wonderfully versatile, inexpensive, and just plain fun! I have several sets of watercolors for several different occassions. But the ones I... Read more →

Christmas in July: Photo Ornaments in Amac Boxes

Back in December I did a crazy blog series called "Holidays Handmade." For a week I posted at least three tutorial posts every single day. There were some amazing guest bloggers and lots of fantastic projects. But it was a lot to digest. So I thought that this week we might do "Christmas in July" and highlight some of those awesome crafty projects in case you're already planning what to make for the holidays this year. Let's go.... This guest post is from Wendy Price. She is going to inspire you to run to The Container Store to pick up... Read more →

Christmas in July: Holiday Tags

Back in December I did a crazy blog series called "Holidays Handmade." For a week I posted at least three tutorial posts every single day. There were some amazing guest bloggers and lots of fantastic projects. But it was a lot to digest. So I thought that this week we might do "Christmas in July" and highlight some of those awesome crafty projects in case you're already planning what to make for the holidays this year. Let's go.... This guest post is from Karen Grunberg. She has SIX fun and artsy tags (and 3 bonus printable tags too) to share.... Read more →

Christmas in July: Christmas Button Tree

Back in December I did a crazy blog series called "Holidays Handmade." For a week I posted at least three tutorial posts every single day. There were some amazing guest bloggers and lots of fantastic projects. But it was a lot to digest. So I thought that this week we might do "Christmas in July" and highlight some of those awesome crafty projects in case you're already planning what to make for the holidays this year. Let's go.... This guest post on making a button tree is from Diane Payne. She has an awesome tutorial on how to turn hundreds... Read more →

Christmas in July: Cookie Crafts for the Holidays

Back in December I did a crazy blog series called "Holidays Handmade." For a week I posted at least three tutorial posts every single day. There were some amazing guest bloggers and lots of fantastic projects. But it was a lot to digest. So I thought that this week we might do "Christmas in July" and highlight some of those awesome crafty projects in case you're already planning what to make for the holidays this year. I'll post one tutorial and highlight several others all this week (except on Friday). Let's get started.... This guest post is from Valerie Mangan.... Read more →

Art Journal Every Day: My Three Best Tips

If you're new to Art Journal Every Day, all the posts can be found here. Please read this post first. There is a flickr group for sharing right here. Remember, it's just ten minutes of nourishing your creative self every day! No need to finish anything or even like it. Just play! You can join the linky list for July right here. There were some comments left on the last Art Journal Every Day post asking for this month's theme. I did respond to those comments, but I also wanted to let everyone know that there's never a theme for... Read more →

You're Only As Good As Your Pictures

I have LOVED reading the thoughtful comments on my "Some Thoughts on Blogging" post. Thank you! And as I mentioned in that post, here are some thoughts on crafty photography. One of the hard truths about this internet age is that you're only as good as your photographs. If your blog or website is your calling card, then most people will only ever see the photographed version of your artwork. I am always studying how other artists I admire photograph their art. It's hard to do it well. I struggle with it constantly. And it's especially hard to do it... Read more →

Guest Designing for JBS Mercantile Kit Club

I was absolutely thrilled to guest design for JBS Mercantile (Jenni Bowlin) Kit Club this month. I made four layouts and a pair of earrings. I loved creating with the kits. Funny story about this layout. Originally the entire top section (skyline, photo, strips of paper) was at the bottom of the layout. But it just looks so right where it is, doesn't it? The handwriting is not mine. It was on the vintage bus transfer that I pieced into this collage of papers. But I was thrilled that it was in red ink and fit with the urban theme... Read more →