Fall Flannels with a Twist

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few weeks, you have been made very aware of the season’s change. Twitter is atwitter, Google Buzz is buzzing and your Facebook newsfeed is, undoubtedly, overflowing with update after update of friends and family sharing their pumpkin-spice-whatsits and chattering about the temperature change. If you’ve somehow been left out of the virtual loop, Nature is dropping hints left, right and all over your driveway, that FALL IS HERE. And we are excited! With no shortage of good things arriving with the season, we bring you one of the things that has got us excited about Fall:

The Tailor Made collection, from Timeless Treasures.

Tailor Made is a brand new line of flannels with an interesting twist – all are printed to look like wool blends. That’s right – Herringbones, Houndstooths and Tweeds – oh my! This is an incredibly versatile line that truly has something for everyone.

Printed on 100% cotton flannel, these prints are absolutely perfect for this season, and beyond. From straightforward textured looks, to florals, and even animal prints (Like I said, something for everyone), this line has got it all, in those classic looks we love, without the hefty price tag. Available in an accommodating array of colors, the possibilities of these cotton flannel fabrics are widespread (blankets, pajamas and pillowcases, for starters).

Did I mention Tailor Made comes in pre-cuts? No? Yes! There are 4 fantastically coordinated fat quarter bundles to choose from, offering a little bit of everything from this line. What’s not to love about these flannels? It’s just one of those beautiful things in life that is everything good, all at once. Tailor Made is subtle, yet statement-making. It is dignified enough for the manliest of men, and irresistibly soft enough to cuddle the newest addition to the family. And as the holidays near (too soon?), we are aware that both manly men and new additions must be considered!

So, in addition to those pumpkin-spice-whatsits mentioned earlier, you know what we’ll be curling up with as the temperature cools: Tailor Made flannels from Timeless Treasures. What has got you inspired this season?

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I Love Yarn Day

Friday, October 14th, 2011 has been declared "I Love Yarn Day" by the Craft Yarn Council! Spreading the good feeling people have about yarn and yarn-related crafts is what "I Love Yarn Day" is all about. Knit it, crochet it, wear it, post it, tweet it, carry it, give it, bomb it, share it! Let people around you know why you love yarn!

Whether you knit, crochet, craft or just adore fiber, Friday, October 14th is the day to affirm your passion for yarn. Here are some great ways to show your love...

• Teach someone to knit or crochet
• Do something for charity
• Wear a knitted or crocheted item
• Give the gift of yarn
• Take your yarn to work day
• Host a yarn-a-bration party
• Knit, crochet or craft in public

Beverly's Fabric & Crafts wants to help you celebrate "I Love Yarn Day", so we're offering yarn lovers 50% off the regular price of one skein of the yarn of their choice! This offer is valid in-store only, and is limited to one skein per customer on Friday, October 14, 2011 only.  You can print this coupon and bring it in to one of our stores to choose your skein. Let's show the world how much we love yarn!

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We Have A Winner!

Congratulations to Anita H, the winner of our Tim Holtz Limited Edition Distress Ink Pads! Here's what Anita had to say about her favorite color of Distress Ink:

I have to pick just one favorite! Impossible! =) I am very fond of Pumice Stone though. It is a chameleon color and quite versatile.

Anita, to claim your prize, send an email to terryu@beverlys.com. Include "Tim Holtz Distress Ink Contest" in the subject line. Please include your mailing address, and your ink should arrive just in time for some fall crafting!

Thanks to all who played along! I loved hearing about your favorite colors of Distress Ink, and there are a few colors I'm looking forward to trying myself!

There are still a few sets of this limited edition Distress Ink available. Contact your local Beverly's Fabrics & Crafts to purchase yours today.



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Crafts from Our Halloween Bash

On Saturday, customers were treated to a Halloween Bash in our Beverly's Fabrics & Crafts stores! Fun make'n take crafts for the kids, treats and Halloween inspiration were everywhere. Even if you weren't able to join us for this fun event, you can still make the crafts that were featured with the printable how-to's below.

Felt Treat Bags

Magical Pompom Pals

Paper Spider Hat

Pet Ghostie

Costumes-on-a-Stick

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Frightful Finds for Halloween!

The days are getting shorter, and fall is definitely in the air! With that, it's time to start thinking about Halloween. Besides Christmas, this is my favorite holiday! I love the costumes, the colors, and the memories from childhood that October 31st always conjures up. There are a few trends this year that are definitely on my list to try.

With the Steampunk style so hot this year, it was a natural fit for some of that Victorian Gothic flavor to show up in Halloween decor. I'm reminded of a haunted mansion and days of forgotten elegance. Potion bottles, tattered lace, vintage glitter, candelabras, apothecary jars, and a color scheme of black, white, crimson and tarnished silver. It's easy to incorporate these elements into your home decor this season, adding an ethereal elegance with a bit of edginess.


For a quirkier feel this year, how about eyeballs? They've been seen in trees, masquerading as bats, and even as fun, knitted softies for the kids! This trend keeps Halloween fun and bright, with a bit of whimsy that is fresh and new. Eyeballs offer a great Halloween option without the scare factor.






There are a lot of fun costume options this year as well. From Smurfs, to Lady Gaga to an iPhone, the possibilities are endless. I found some great how-to's that are easy to do. And if you're short on time, throw on a crazy hat and dare anyone to say that you aren't "dressed up!"

At this year's party, there will definitely be a photo booth! These are popping up at events across the country, from weddings to birthday parties, but what better time to play dress up than Halloween. Create a photo booth corner and stock it with wigs, masks, crazy glasses, wacky hats, feather boas and "costumes-on-a-stick." Include a big, empty picture frame as a fun prop, and your guests will have fun all evening!



And, last but not least, don't forget the four-legged members of your household. A few pieces of felt, some tulle, and a little bit of glue are all it takes to create a fun look for your furry friends this year!
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"Falling" for Tim Holtz

Tim Holtz and Ranger  have an exciting announcement just in time for fall creativity! Together, they have created a limited edition collection of Distress Ink Pads in harvest hues. Like the changing of the seasons, this autumn set of distress ink pads is only here for a limited time, and it is available at Beverly’s Fabrics & Crafts now!

Made from their unique Distress Ink dye formula, these fade-resistant, non-toxic and acid free distress ink pads will add a timeless nostalgic flair to your Halloween and Thanksgiving craft projects.

The Autumn Set is available in 3 rich harvest colors, Seedless Preserves, Gathered Twigs, and Ripe Persimmon.

For a closer look at these gorgeous autumn hues, watch this Tim Holtz video.

We think these Tim Holtz inks are amazing, so we're running a contest for a free set. Leave a comment on this blog telling us what your favorite regular line Distress Ink colors are and how you plan to use them during the Fall.  We'll choose and announce a random winner on October 12, 2011. Good luck!
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Breast Cancer Awareness & A Coupon

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time for women everywhere to increase their awareness of the disease, while learning prevention strategies and methods of early detection.

The Susan G. Komen Foundation is a year-round resource for education and information for survivors, patients and the general public.

The pink ribbon has been the official symbol of breast cancer awareness since 1992. It was first used by the Susan G. Komen Foundation in 1991 at their annual race in New York City.

In support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Beverly's is offering 25% off one cut of any regular priced fabric with pink in it (there is a limit of five yards, but just think of what you could do with all that fabric!). Just print the coupon below and bring it to your local Beverly's Fabrics & Crafts to receive your discount. But before you visit, make an appointment for your annual mammogram. And guys, why not remind the women in your life make their appointments? You'll be glad you did!

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Authentique Paper Pads Exclusive to Beverly's!

Don't you love it when you find a fresh new product that makes you swoon? That's how we're feeling about the new line of paper pads from Authentique! Not only are these 12x12 double-sided paper pads beautiful, but they are printed here in the USA, and the quality is exceptional. And on the West Coast, Beverly's is the only place you can find the paper pads!

There are currently six different styles available, four in different colorways, and two themed for Halloween and Christmas. It's hard to decide which is prettiest! The patterns are contemporary, with a slightly distressed look, and all the papers they coordinate beautifully. Just look at the variety you'll get in each pad!

Splendid

Blissful

Uncommon

Journey

Glowing

Wonder

And there's more to come from this great new company! They've announced a line of 6x6 papers called Freebird, and select Beverly's stores will be carrying paper pads and individual sheets! This is a breakthrough in the world of papercrafting that cardmakers and scrapbookers alike are looking forward to.

Authentique has put together a talented design team, and their projects are featured in a Gallery on their website. Additionally, the Authentique blog is updated often with lots of inspiration and information. We can't wait to see what they come up with next!


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Vintage Lace Scarf

Our in-store Social Crafting event this evening was a big success, and everyone had fun creating this vintage lace scarf! It will be a perfect accessory this fall. The lace adds a touch of nostalgia, while the twisted fabric and ribbon flowers give the scarf some whimsy. Since the project was such a hit with those who attended, we wanted to share it with you as well.

Read on for step by step instructions or download the Vintage Lace Scarf project from our website.

Materials:

• White Lace, 2 pieces - 9” x 80” and 9” x 36”
• Strong brewed tea in small plastic cup (Save the teabag…you will need it!)
• Sponge brush (optional)
• 7/8” Grosgrain Ribbon, 3 coordinating prints
• Fabric Strips, 2”x20”, 2 coordinating prints
• Rhinestones
• Fabri-Tac Glue
• Scissors

To Make:

Brew tea in small plastic cup. Allow to cool.

Fold fabric into double layer. Use teabag to tea dye by dabbing bag directly onto fabric (be sure you are working on a protected surface). Dip teabag back in tea to re-saturate as needed. If teabag is not useable, a sponge brush can be substituted. Flip fabric and dye the opposite side.

Use scissors to cut fringe about 5" deep on each end of one piece of lace.

Cut second piece of lace into 6”x9” pieces. Layer and cut fringe on all pieces about 5” deep. Adhere 3 layers of fringed lace over each fringed end of scarf. Fold long sides to center back and glue for a narrow end. Repeat for other end of scarf. Your ends will be approximately 4- ½” wide.

Cut a piece of ribbon about 10” long. Adhere over raw edges at top of lace, wrapping around back and folding top raw edge under. Repeat for other end of scarf.







Create twisted fabric and ribbon flowers and adhere as desired on one end of scarf. For the ribbon flowers, you may use the directions below, or watch a video tutorial on making twisted fabric flowers.

Materials:

1-1/2” cotton fabric strip (torn), or piece of ribbon

2” felt circle

Rhinestone or button(optional)

Hot glue

To make:
Glue fabric strip or ribbon to outer edge of circle.
Pleat and glue around, working your way to the center.
Glue rhinestone or button to center front.

Your scarf is complete. Go forth and be stylish!

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Polymer Steampunk Bird

One of the rages sweeping the crafting world right now is Steampunk. What is steampunk, you ask? Think of it as Victorian science fiction, futuristic workings in the past, goggles, gears, clockworks!

Renowned polymer artist Christi Friesen has truly embraced the steampunk style, and has even published a book about it, Steampunkery! Christi combines polymer clay, beads, gears and small found objects to create animals, hearts and other interesting treasures.

Now, I hadn’t ever dabbled in the world of polymer clay before today. I scrapbook, knit, quilt and sew, but clay has always been a mystery to me. That is, until I watched Christi’s new video tutorial on making a polymer steampunk bird.

Her friendly style and amusing explanations had me smiling from the start. She made rolling a ball of clay look so easy and fun (and her cake analogy made me hungry)! I had to try it! So, with a block of Sculpey, some beads, and bits and pieces of old watches, here’s what I came up with.

Not bad for a rookie, huh? I have to say, following Christi’s step by step instructions made this little project both easy and fun. And a pasta machine to help soften the clay didn’t hurt either.








Next up, I’m going to brave another creation from her book...maybe this elephant? I think I’m hooked on the steampunk craze too!

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