Tutorial: Knit a Starbella Ruffle Tote

The Starbella Ruffle Tote is larger than a handbag. The larger size is great to use when heading out to the park and day trips with the family.

Created by Milly at our Bonney Lake Store.

Here's what you'll need:
• 4 Skeins of Starbella
• Size 13 Needles, 24" Long
• Stitch Marker

DIY: Wedding Jars & Favor Ideas

Are you preparing a wedding? Maybe for yourself? Or maybe you're helping your best friend prepare the most important day of her life! Here at Ben Franklin Crafts and Frame Shop in Monroe, WA, we have the supplies needed to create the best Do-It-Yourself wedding & reception! Our paper, stickers, and embellishments for creating wedding invitations and thank you cards are stunning. On top of it, we have experienced designers that can help you get started.

DIY Wedding Supplies and Accessories at Ben Franklin Crafts, Monroe, WA

Now let's talk about wedding favors! We have so many options! But today we'll focus on our Wedding Jars & Bottles. These are so simple to make!

WIN IT WEDNESDAY: 10" Flower Pot with Hydrangea Bush

UPDATE: Thurs. March 27, 2014

CONGRATULATIONS to Bridget Rummel Castle who is the winner of this week's WIN IT WEDNESDAY prize! Thanks again to everyone who Liked, Commented and Shared our Facebook Win It Wednesday post from yesterday! Be sure to LIKE our Facebook page to become a fan and follow along to see what next week's WIN IT WEDNESDAY giveaway will be!

https://www.facebook.com/bfranklincraftsmonroe

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We are back for our 2nd WIN IT WEDNESDAY Facebook giveaway promotion!
This week our store is celebrating spring with vibrant flowers and colorful pots! Today's winner will receive this 10” pot and silk hydrangea bush valued at $45.00. Everlasting beauty that will never need watering.

Winner will receive this 10" pot and artificial hydrangea flowers.

To be entered to win, go to our Facebook page and COMMENT, LIKE and SHARE the "Win It Wednesday" post!

A random winner will be announced on our Ben Franklin Crafts & Frame Shop Facebook page on Thursday, March 27th and has 14 days to claim their prize before it is considered void. 

(Facebook has complete release by each entrant or participant. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook.)

DIY - Do Small Things with Great Love Frame

Mother's Day is always a great time to share gifts that communicate a message of love. Mother Teresa was mother to so many in need of love. What a great message she has left us with: "Do small things with GREAT LOVE".

Do Small Things with Great Love

Here's what you'll need to create this frame:
• 10" x 12" Floating Frame
• Vinyl Saying (Cut in our Imaging Center)
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Scrapbook Paper (to make the flowers)
• Glue
• Pearl Stickers

DIY Mod Podged Initial Bow Holder

This cute DIY Bow Holder has been so popular on Pinterest that we thought we would share it with you guys. Linda from burlap+blue created this adorable Bow Holder using Mod Podge. She is sharing the tutorial on Mod Podge Rock Blog.

Here are the supplies you will need to create this versatile holder:

• Mod Podge Gloss
• Wooden or Paper Mache Letter
• Foam Brush
• Scrapbook Paper
• Ribbon

Knitting and Crochet - Reading Patterns and Abbreviations

Information courtesy of The Craft Yarn Council of America

The first time you look at a crochet or knitting pattern, you’ll probably think you’re looking at a foreign language, because patterns traditionally are written using abbreviations. Most magazines or books will have a key explaining these abbreviations, but following is a helpful reference list.

In-Store Classes for April 2014

Taking a class with us is not just about learning a new skill, but it's also about meeting new people, creating friendships, having fun for a couple of hours with people that have the same interest and learning from experienced instructors. Our beautiful large classrooms make it even more enjoyable because of all the space you have to organize your supplies. 

Our April 2014 class schedule is out, so this is a great time to join in on all the fun! We make it easy for you to register for these classes! You can do it directly from our website HERE, or over the phone (360-794-6745 ext. 100), or at our in-store customer service counter.

WIN IT WEDNESDAY: Three Graphic 45 Paper Packs

UPDATE: Thurs. March 20, 2014

CONGRATULATIONS to Merle Swan who is the winner of our first Facebook WIN IT WEDNESDAY prize!!! Thanks again to everyone who Liked, Commented and Shared our Facebook Win It Wednesday post from yesterday! Be sure to LIKE our Facebook page and check back for our next WIN IT WEDNESDAY giveaway!  https://www.facebook.com/bfranklincraftsmonroe

We are so excited to announce our new WIN IT WEDNESDAY giveaway promotion! Today, Wednesday, March 19th, 2014, will be the first of many weekly Facebook giveaway posts!

To be entered to win, go to our Facebook Page and COMMENT, LIKE or SHARE the "Win It Wednesday" post to get yourself entered for a chance to WIN!

The winner for this week's giveaway will take home a paper pack of each of the new Graphic 45 Collections: By the Sea, Good Ol’ Sports and Botanical Tea. Good luck everyone!  Go to our Facebook page HERE.

Win one of each paper pack of the new Graphic 45 Collections: By the Sea, Good Ol’ Sports and Botanical Tea. 

DIY Clear Glass Paper Weights or Magnets

This would be a great gift for Mother's Day, Father's Day, a teacher, a coach, or a friend. You can personalize it with a picture or an inspirational saying. Scrapbooking paper is a great place to find "quotes" and "sayings" of all sorts. The paper weight can also be placed on a small easel for a fun way to display your gift.

Materials you'll need:
Clear Glass Paper Weights
Scissors or X-Acto Knife
Pencil
Glossy Accent Glue
Small Sponge Brush
Flat Disc Magnets
E6000 Adhesive
Pictures, Decorative Paper, or Quotes
Small Easel (optional)

St. Patrick's Day - Draw your discount up to 50% off

"Every year on March 17, the Irish and the Irish-at-heart across the globe observe St. Patrick’s Day. What began as a religious feast day for the patron saint of Ireland has become an international festival celebrating Irish culture with parades, dancing, special foods and a whole lot of green." 
Source: www.history.com

Are you celebrating St. Paddy's? As always, Ben Franklin Crafts in Monroe, WA has a fun way to celebrate this holiday! On Monday, March 17th, 2014, come in our store, do your shopping, process to the register where you'll receive a gold discount coin. Your saving could be up to 50% off your regular priced merchandise!

Coin discounts range from 5% - 50% off your regular priced merchandise only. One coin is offered per customer. After drawing of the discount coin, no items may be added to your purchase.

Not redeemable for cash. Customers pay sales tax. Includes full paid custom framing orders. Valid on in-stock merchandise only.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Ben Franklin Crafts and Frame Shop, Monroe, WA
19505 Hwy 2, Monroe, WA 360-794-6745
http://www.bfranklincrafts.com/HomeMonroe.html

Tutorial: BON APPETIT Wood Sign

I'm sure you've seen these french-style signs in expensive stores, and wish you could afford to purchase one for your kitchen? Here's the good news! You can make them yourself! This easy do-it-yourself craft can be done in a couple of hours.

Supplies:
• 5" x 18" Unfinished Wood Board
• Old Rag
• Fine Sand Paper
• Chalk Paint
• Folk Art Mahogany Stain
• Paint Brush
• "Bon Appetit" Vinyl Words (created in our Ben Franklin Imaging Center)
• Popsicle Stick

DIY Mod Podge PERFECT MOMENT Shadow Box Frame

It's very easy to capture a perfect moment using the Pebbles Front Porch Paper Collection to express what the moment was about. Put it all together using an unfinished wooden shadow box frame.

Using Mod Podge, adhere scrapbook paper to your frame.

Supplies:
• Unfinished Wooden Shadow Box Frame
• Pebbles "Front Porch" Paper / Phrases and Expressions
• Mod Podge (will be used as a glue and a sealer)
• Foam Brush
• Acrylic Paint (color of your choice - to match your paper)
• Paint Brush
• Scissors or X-Acto Knife
• Double-Sided Tape
• Photo

St. Patrick's Day Pot of Gold and Leprechaun Village

Invite your kids to join you while making these simple St. Patrick's Day DIY crafts. Their favorite will for sure be the Pot of Gold Chocolate Coins! Place the leprechaun village in your office, home or patio for a bit of Irish whimsical decor.

DIY Pot of Gold Chocolate Coins

DIY St. Patrick's Day Pot of Gold Chocolate Coins

Supplies:
• One Terra Cotta Pot
• Gold Acrylic Paint
• Paint Brush
• One Package Chocolate Coins

DIY Spring Flower Rustic Photo Star

Our popular Rustic Star makes a great canvas for a photo collage. No need to do any preparation to the star. Just glue your paper and photos directly to the metal.

Supplies:
• Rustic Metal Star
• 10 Photographs 4" X 6"
• 5 -12" x 12" Patterned Paper
• Tim Holtz Distress Ink
• Mod Podge
• Optional: Additional embellishments such as gems, ribbon, buttons, flowers, etc.

DIY Barnwood Frame and Chicken Wire Bulletin Board

This shabby chic bulletin board was made with our extremely popular barnwood frame.

Bulletin Board created with a Barnwood Frame and Chicken Wire

Supplies:
- One Barnwood Frame
- Craft Chicken Wire
- Mini Wooden Clothes Pins
- Staple Gun or Standard Office Stapler
- Wire Cutter

DIY Shabby Chic Mason Jar Vase

Billy Jo, from our Ben Franklin store in Bonney Lake, WA, made this great shabby chic vase from a mason jar.  This is an easy project that you can finish in an afternoon and display by dinner time!

Supplies:
Quart Mason Jar
Yellow Acrylic Paint
Turquoise Acrylic Paint
Paintbrush
Sandpaper
Silk Flowers

Beading 101 - Free Class in March 2014

We meet every Saturday in March! The class begins at 2 pm and will last 1 ½ - 2 hours depending on the number of students.

This is a FREE Beading class for all levels! It's a great time for beginners to try this very easy craft, jewelry making, without having to purchase all the tools and beads. And it's also a great time for more advanced beaders to make new pieces of jewelry.

Just purchase the $15 kit which includes everything you need to make a Bracelet & a Pair of Earrings, and we'll show you how to make it. The kit is available to purchase starting at noon the day of the class. Space and kits are limited so come in early to save your spot and buy your kit.

No need to pre-register. Just come in, buy the kit and be ready to start at 2:00 pm.

To see what else is happening in our Bead Shoppe, visit our website HERE.

Ben Franklin Crafts and Frame Shop
19505 Hwy 2, Monroe, WA 98272 | 360-794-6745

DIY Graphic 45 BY THE SEA Frame

Have you seen the latest paper collection from Graphic 45? This one is called "By The Sea". Bonnie created this 3D framed art piece which is stunning!

Supplies needed:
• 5 sheets of the Graphic 45 "BY THE SEA" collection

Make one $5 Bracelet every Saturday!

Stack-It-Up Bracelets is a new program we're doing at our Ben Franklin Crafts and Frame Shop store in Monroe, WA. Come in every Saturday from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm and make a beautiful bracelet for only $5. This includes the supplies too! You'll make a different bracelet every week.

Make sure to register for these in-store classes to save your spot!

Sea Glass Bracelet ($5)
Sat. March 8 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Register HERE

Saturday, MARCH 8th, 2014

DIY St. Patrick's Day Canvas Display

We decided to use Reminisce Lucky Day Sticker Paper "Sayings" to create more St. Patrick's Day DIY projects. They're all very similar, so this allows you to create multiple projects using the same supplies.

• Paint your canvas with green acrylic paint. Let it dry. On the small canvas, we rubbed Inka Gold Paint on the corner edges. Glue paper of your choice to cover the entire canvas, or leave it with the green paint showing. Adhere the Reminisce Lucky Day Sticker Paper "Sayings" on your canvases. Add ribbon or any other embellishments.

May your TROUBLES BE LESS and your BLESSINGS BE MORE & nothing but HAPPINESS come through your door.

New Webkinz Pets!

We just got some new Webkinz Pets as of Feb 28, 2014

• Raccutie
• Howdy Horse
• Poshy Poodle

We still have Carrot Bunny (Easter Pet), and Clover Cat (St. Paddy's Pet).

The Webkinz Pet of the Month for March 2014 is the Bichon Frise.

Bichon Frise Webkinz Pet of the Month (March 2014)

To learn more about these adorable Webkinz Pets, visit our website HERE.

DIY Vintage Paper Mache Box using Graphic 45 Couture Paper

Jeanette, from our Bonney Lake store, created this beautiful vintage box using the Graphic 45 "Couture" scrapbook paper.

Vintage Paper Mache Box - Graphic 45 Couture Paper Collection

Supplies:
Graphic 45 "Couture" Scrapbook Paper
Paper Maché Box
Mod Podge
Glue OR Hot Glue Gun & Glue Sticks
Knob
4 Miniature Wooden Spools
Light Blue D&C Floss
Tan Acrylic Paint + Paint Brush
Blue Lace - about 19" long
Strand of Mini Pearls 18" long
Package of Mini Flowers

March is National Craft Month - Cre8time

As your lives become increasingly crowded with “responsibilities,” you tend to ignore yourselves and find it difficult to justify creative pursuits; they are often the first things you discard. We're here to help you RECLAIM YOUR CREATIVITY!

• During the entire month of March, we will have something fun going on every day! Check the list of all the Demos, Make & Take Crafts, and Unique Classes HERE.

• Sign up for a CLASS! Learn a new craft! We have classes available for all levels.
View our Class Schedule HERE.

• "Like" us on FACEBOOK! We'll share daily tips during the entire month of March!
"LIKE us HERE.

• Subscribe to our BLOG! Get all our free crafting tutorials delivered directly in your inbox. Just enter your email address on the right side of this screen in the "Follow by email" box.