Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Technical Difficulties
Saturday, July 25, 2009
New Hip Colored Portfolios
Portfolios are for protecting and presenting works of art and presentations. Choose your portfolio based on how you plan to use it. They are perfect for Artists, musicians, photographers, architects, and presentation professionals.
We carry 11” x 17” to 24” x 36”.
Stop by and take a look at the many sizes and colors to chose from
Friday, July 24, 2009
New Charger Plates
Charger Plates make a great surface for Vinyl Sayings. You can then place the plate on a table easel or use a plate hanger to hang the plate as wall art.
These plates can add a formal elegance to your table setting. When placed under your dinner plates, they will make your table look elegant instantly. These plates are designed to protect table linens from dinner plates and bowls.
**They are not intended to be uses as dinner plates themselves.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Just Bead IT-Turquoise
Hardness and Toughness standards of gemstones
Gemstones require different cleaning methods based on their hardness and toughness. The measure of a mineral’s hardness and it’s resistance to scratching was invented by a mineralogist named Friedrich Moh. He invented a scale that ranges from talc (number 1) being the softest, to diamonds (number 10) being the hardest substance. The toughness of a gemstone is the resistance to breakage. The combination of the toughness and hardness of a gemstone largely defines its durability.
To clean Turquoise:
Turquoise’s toughness is poor to good and on Moh’s hardness scale it receives a 5-6. Even though it is harder than pearls and howlite you should still never steam or boil them. You can use a soapy brush or an untreated cloth to safely clean your Turquoise.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Enviro Tex hook project.
If you have been keeping up with the blog every week, you will know that we have covered hooks with enviro tex. Using the instructions on the box of enviro-tex (we can answer any questions), apply the enviro-tex over your desired project. Now add a hook (with a flat back), place where you want it and then using a small bristle brush, cover the hook with enviro-tex and let it dry for 48 hours. WOW, you will be amazed by the results.
Monday, July 20, 2009
New Tea Towels
We have received a huge new shipment of Donroven Towels. These are made from only the best, high quality 100% cotton. Classic patterns in tea dye as well as white and cream backgrounds. These towels are 20 x 27. Twill tape corner for ease of hanging. Machine wash in cool water and tumble dry at low temperatures.
Donroven towels classic simplicity is at home in rustic country, French or English country, as well as in any contemporary settings.
NOTE: it is never to early to start your holiday gift making. Embellish with embroidery, appliqué, Aunt Martha’s fabric paint or fabric.
Keep a few on hand for the “Unexpected” occasions you might need a gift.
Stop by and see our new selection and pick up a pattern for a purse made from the towels.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
marshmallow Pops
Materials:
· Large Marshmallows
· Chocolate Melts
· Sprinkles or Chopped nuts, nonpareils, shredded coconut, etc.
Instructions:
· Prepare chocolate by melting, using one of these methods: MICROWAVE (melt in a microwave safe dish at 40% power for 1 min. Stir thoroughly Continue to microwave and stir at 30 second intervals until smooth).
· DOUBLE BROILER (fill lower pan with water to below level of top pan and set into position on lower pan. Stir constantly, without beating, until smooth and completely melted).
DELUXE CHOCOLATE MELTER ( pour 1/2 of your candy melts into pot and start melting stirring occasionally, adding the rest of the bag as melt. It will hold1 full bag of melted melts.
SLOW COOKER: this method is for large quantities (3-5 lbs) Place 12-14 oz bag of chocolate into slow cooker and set on low. Never use a higher setting. Stir occasionally. When finished melting (about 20 min) add another bag of chocolate. Repeat until you have as much candy as you need.
· Dip whole marshmallow into chocolate and let chocolate drip back into pan.
· Dip covered marshmallow into sprinkles
· Place pop onto a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Hinged Shadow Boxes
We have many different styles and sizes of shadow boxes available.
Come in and see our nice selection for your precious memories.
Friday, July 17, 2009
White Cube
These votive cubes are great for single flowers or picks.
You can decorate them with vinyl, rub-ons, raffia, buttons, moss and more.
Use them for party favors, weddings, table decorations, or a small gift for a friend.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Zip Dry Glue
Jenn’s Favorite Glue
As an avid scrapbooker I’ve found that the arsenal of glue, tape adhesive runners, refill and the like were taking over my craft space! I often used double stick tape for ribbon and glitter, craft glue for metal embellishments and semi-permanent adhesives to play with layouts until I was ready to adhere them permanently. This all changed of course when I started taking a card making class and a friend introduced me to ZIP DRY. Not only is it fast drying and permanent it’s easy to use and the 2 fl. Oz bottle lasted me and entire year and half! WOW! Amazing!
Zip dry does it all! Metal, ribbon, bits of fabric, glitter, and just about anything else you can dream up! It has been said that hot glue is the duct tape of the working woman, if that statement proves true with than zip dry is the hot glue of the scrapbooking world.
Stop by and pick up a bottle of it today.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Bead It FAQ
Hardness and Toughness standards of gemstones
Gemstones require different cleaning methods based on their hardness and toughness. The measure of a mineral’s hardness and it’s resistance to scratching was invented by a mineralogist named Friedrich Moh. He invented a scale that ranges from talc (number 1) being the softest, to diamonds (number 10) being the hardest substance. The toughness of a gemstone is the resistance to breakage. The combination of the toughness and hardness of a gemstone largely defines its durability.
To clean Howlite:
Howlite’s toughness is fair and on Moh’s hardness scale it receives a 3-3 ½ . This means that steaming your howlite can be risky and shouldn’t be done. It is also not the best idea to boil them. The safest way to clean your howlite is to use soap or an untreated cloth.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Stack N Store Bobbin Tower
Tidy up your sewing area with our new Clover Stack N Store Bobbin Tower as seen on Nancy Zieman’s Show.
These great little gadgets hold any type bobbin, secures thread ends- No more tangles.
Shows you thread color at a glance, and are convenient and compact.
To use just wrap loose thread around each bobbin, slide bobbins into sections of each bobbin wheel and stack the wheels on the bobbin stand.
Easy as 1 – 2 – 3
What a great organizer. Come see the Stack N Store Bobbin Tower here at Sierra’s and be sure to bring your $3.00 off coupon found on this page.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Fun in the kitchen
Melt 2 packages German sweet chocolate
Add 5 tsp. water blend together
Stir in 2 egg yolks, 2 T. powder sugar, ½ cup nuts.
Fold in 1 cup whipped cream
Break up angel food cake into small pieces and make layers of alternately with cake and chocolate mixture
Chill and serve
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Calligraphy
Calligraphy is type of visual art, hobby, fun, and means beautiful writing or skilled penmanship.
Last week we talked about the different colors of India ink that we carry. We have all the supplies needed to get started.
We have the speedball calligraphy sets for Artists, cartooning and calligraphy, plus parchment paper and a calligraphy practice pad.
New Item! We have a calligraphy set that comes with everything you need to get started.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Glass apothecary jars and vases
Glass Jars are a wonderful way of adding a special accent to your home. They can be used on a mantel, tabletop, kitchen or bathroom counter.
Place a candle in one to bring light to the room, add some floral to add brightness or add vinyl words to the side to make a statement.
Are you doing an ice cream social this summer?
Our small apothecary jars make fun looking holders for all your toppings!
Terrariums have become popular again. For those who are too young to know what a terrarium is, I will tell you about them.
Terrariums are mini indoor gardens that you make in glass. By layering pebbles, charcoal, moss, soil and plants, you can create a beautiful garden that is easy to care for and looks great on your desk or table.
ACTIVITY IDEA:
Need something to do with the kids this summer? Why not let them experience nature by building a terrarium. This is a great way to allow them to learn how to take care of something and enjoy nature.
We have lots of glass jars and bowls to choose from. Stop by and get started with your decorating today.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Red, White,Blue and You
This layout is a great way to show off one of your favorite memories from this
Independence Day!
Supplies:
12x12 white paper
12x12 red bazzil paper
12x12 dark blue cardstock
1 yd. red, white, blue ribbon
1 yd red & white ribbon
Coordinating “Original” embellishments
1 pkg. of silver star brads
Scenic route “Liberty” chipboard shapes
5x7 photo to coordinate
Striped red and white paper
Lighter rid paper than the bazzil red
1. Begin by making the flag at the top of the page using stripes of paper and ribbon. I used the die-cut to make the perfect star in the left hand corner. Attach Silver Star brad in the center of star, tie a small piece of coordinating ribbon around brad. Attach all to the red bazzil paper.
2. Make a mat for your photo by cutting a border of white paper around the 5x7, follow with lighter red paper
3. Attach chipboard photo corners to the 5x7 photo, attach stars to flag stripes
4. To make ‘Red, White, Blue and You” title use 4” x 6 ½” of white cardstock and mat with dark blue. I used the die-cut machine to spell the work blue. You can use letter stickers if you want.
5. Attach 5 Silver Star brads along the side of the “Red, White, Blue and You” title. Starting at the top, tie red, white and blue ribbon around every other star.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Just Bead It
Just Bead It…Hematite
Have you seen our magnetic hematite jewelry? If not, you should come in and check it out!
Hematite is said to prevent and improve arthritis pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches/migraines, neck and back pain, stress circulation disorders and much more. Legends say it has healing properties like those previously mentioned and can even draw out inflammation.
We have hematite strands for $8.00 and wraps ranging from 24-36” in length for only $5.99
Beading Class
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Card Class
Monday, July 6, 2009
Faux leather and Suede
This week in the fabric dept we are featuring our “Faux’ leather and suede. It comes in a number of colors and textures. Faux leather is great for vests, chaps, bags or recovering your kitchen chairs.
The “Faux” suede would be terrific for vests, skirts, & bags. Renee’ has seen the suede being used for curtains and table cloths in the Home design magazines. Use the suede to make stuffed toys as well. Make a stick horse using the pattern that is available only at SIERRA’S
“Faux” is the French word for false or fake.
Take advantage of our coupon for great savings
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Oatmeal Cookies
Too Hot too Cook!
You don’t have to turn on your oven to enjoy making cookies in your kitchen. Grab the kids and have some fun family time!!
Recipe: No Bake Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients:
2 cups granulated sugar
½ cup butter/margarine
½ cup milk
3 tablespoons unsweetened baking cocoa
3 cups cooking oats
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
Directions:
In a saucepan combine sugar, butter/margarine, milk and cocoa cook over medium heat. Bring to a boil for 1 minute, remove from heat.
Add cooking oats ,vanilla & nuts ; mix well
Working quickly, drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax/parchment paper and let cool before serving.
Makes 48 cookies
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Ribbon picture hanging project
Friday, July 3, 2009
Artifical Trees, silk plants and greenery
We carry potted trees, plants and greenery garland. These will add some texture and create a perfect reflection of nature in your home or office. These silk plants never loose their luster or drop leaves. No watering required. Great for those of us who do not have a green thumb. Perfect for people who suffer from allergies.
Now is the time to bring nature indoors.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Simplicity Rotary cutter Machine
NEW! NEW! NEW!
This new table top machine makes cutting strips quick and accurate. Cut paper or fabric strips measuring 3/8” to 2 ¾ “ in half the time it takes by hand.
Perfect for scrapbooking, quilting, rug hooking, and more.
Includes
1 straight blade 1 ¼ diameter
1 pinking blade (zig zag) 1 ¼ diameter
Power cord with foot pedal
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Bead it FAQ
Hardness and toughness standards of gemstones
Gemstones require different cleaning methods based on their hardness and toughness. The measure of a mineral’s hardness and it’s resistance to scratching was invented by a mineralogist named Friedrich Mo. He invented a scale that ranges from talc (number 1) being the softest, to diamonds (number 10) being the hardest substance. The toughness of a gemstone is the resistance to breakage. The combination of the toughness and hardness of a stone largely defines its durability.
To clean PEARLS:
A pearl’s toughness is poor and on Moh’s hardness scale it receives a 2 ½ - 4. This means you should never steam or boil your pearls to clean them. You should never us a soapy brush to clean them either. The only way to safely clean your pearls is to use an untreated cloth.