A Gift From The Heart

The week before Christmas break I had my students color
"fuzzy" cards with envelopes to share with family and friends.
Thomas, a quiet third grader who rarely says anything
commenced to coloring his cards along with classmates.

Upon dismissal and to my surprise Thomas had made a card
for "miss Robinson." He didn't say anything as he handed it to
me. I opened the envelope to see a beautiful penquin
that Thomas had colored blue. On the back he wrote,
"I love my family and you miss robinson."

How precious is that? A gift from the heart with the
message of Christmas wrapped inside...LOVE!

I love you too...Thomas. Merry Christmas!

miss robinson

What's Cookin' at Granny's?

My mom crocheted this hat & scarf for a friend's grand-daughter who loves Elmo! Eagar to share, I snapped a pic before she added the "grin" on the hat! A two-piece one-of-a-kind set soon to be sold on Ebay along with other exclusive creations. Big Bird, Oscar and Cookie Monster will make their "crochet" appearance in an upcoming post entitled, Look What's Cookin' at Granny's - stay tuned!

The perfect Gift for The MJ Fan

I ran across this MJ bag and thought, "These are hot!" I loved and still do love Michael Jackson. Although I must admit my admiration goes back to my childhood, when he was my idol and the lead singer of the Jackson 5. That admiration carried on into my first year of college when the Off The Wall single "I want to rock with you" hit the airwaves! Was he sexy or what???

As a young adult and into adulthood I enjoyed his music but rarely bought any. No offense to Michael, I didn't buy music period and rarely listened to the radio. Now that he's passed away, it seems I can't get enough of any item that reflects him. These bags are $20. I have a "one of a kind" that came from New York that is taupe in color for$65. Well, it's not exactly "one of a kind" because I have two but believe me...you won't find it anywhere else. If you'd like to see it look up MJ Bagged on a previous post - it's HOT!

The Coloring Book Oven would not be complete without the wonderful illustrations of two gifted Michigan artists, John Rios and J. Opoku Ofei. Both gentlemen "graciously" shared their talent to help bring my dream into fruition. Although gifted with a "conceptual" mind, I lack drawing ability. I "create" in my head and "craft" with my hands. I visualized the original items "baking" in the oven and John drew them. I viewed children interacting with foods and Opoku drew them. I am grateful we have a God that gifts each of us with different talents to be used by others. Now if I can just find someone who has a talent for buying coloring books that look like ovens??? :-)

"Coloring...An Activity in Diligence"

The weeks leading up to Thanksgiving I worked on "Diligence" with my students. Specifically, we learned that diligent people, 1. Work hard 2. Finish what they start, 3. Don't leave things unfinished and 4. Never quit (especially when it's hard!). These 4 major characteristics were drilled into their "little" heads through song and dance. For the week of Thanksgiving I incorporated The Coloring Book Oven as an activity wherein my little "peeps" could "demonstrate" what they learned!

The activity involved coloring a complete Thanksgiving Dinner from start to finish! We started with the Turkey, then Mac & Cheese, Aspargus and Baked Potato, Green Beans in the Can, and Cake or Pie and Chocolate Chip Cookies! Each little coloring cook was rewarded with a Coloring Book Oven to take home! Although the photos aren't the best (i.e. they were taken with my cell ), it was certainly a "Kodak" moment!

Coloring Book Oven Debuts at America's Thanksgiving Parade

Well my Coloring Book Oven debuted at America's Thanksgiving Parade on Thanksgiving Day! We gave away (I don't know how many books!) to a bunch of smiling parade goers. Some even took the time to color with us! Maiah and her friend Bridget wore oven & crayon box costumes...that were a-b-s-o-l-u-t-e-l-y perfect for the ocassion! The day started off cold and rainy but turned out nice; the floats were amazing as usual; and Santa rolled in as scheduled with the traditional "ho ho ho!" My blow-up turkey got lots of laughs; Mrs. Michigan and Mrs. Claus were my "tent-mates and Parade Company volunteers helped make the event a HUGE success! Stay tuned...!

"If I only had a...???"

I vowed after watching the movie Julia & Julia to Blog everyday. Afterall, I generally create or discover something cute to create everyday and I have tons of original ideas to share. The problem is TIME!!! Remember the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz?

He sang, "...if I only had a brain." My lyrics would be, "...if I only had a Maid? A Cook? More time?

This week I plan to remove "every inch" of craft items from our living quarters. I'm tired of Cliff tripping over stuff! It's amazing how Maiah and I never trip. We "remember!" But not Dad...he trips over the same stuff in the

SAME PLACE! You would think...he would remember?!?!?

In any event, I am getting stuff up and out. I have a wonderful idea for turning "cinderella's" glass slipper into a "leather look" pump and glow bracelets into mini wreaths that "light-up!" I also have an idea from an American Girl book for creating a "mini "cake that I think is "too" cute! My holiday candles from cardboard tubes are a big hit too! Stay tuned...I'll show you how to make these simple yet appealing crafts in an upcoming post! Thanks for tuning in...!

ps the picture is of one of my students proudly displaying his wreath project from last year...isn't he adorable? Just thought I'd share him...!

What Flavor would you like?

Well...October 31st has come and gone! Can you guess what I was??? Tic...toc...tic...toc...A COLORING BOOK OVEN! How fun is that?




I am having my first "drop in or out" Coloring Book Oven workshop on November 13th. Participants will receive a Coloring Book Oven, sponge brush and their choice of watercolor. An array of crayons, markers, colored pencils, chalk, etc. will be supplied along with an assortment of fun pages to color!

The workshop will be at The International Institute (across from the DIA) at 111 E. Kirby Detroit, 48202 on Saturday, November 13th from 12 Noon until 2PM. The cost is $10 per participant. Please call (313) 282-6407 or email me at maiahsmom2@yahoo.com to confirm your attendance. Participants can "stay" and color with us or "stop by" and pick up materials for at home fun!


The Coloring Book Oven makes for a great Birthday Party activity or Fundraiser! Coloring Book Ovens can be ordered at http://www.thecraftybuffet.com/. Wholesale and Group pricing is available. Please call for details.



Hope to see you there!



Cheryl

Are they done yet?

It has been an adventure (to say the least) with my most recent creation, The Coloring Book Oven. You may recall about a week ago I posted, "A Sticky Situation" wherein the initial books, all 737 of them arrived glued shut!

Since that time, I have returned another 950 due to poor print quality and the most recent delivery (today), was retuned for lopsided artwork and smudges!!!

Through-out it all..I remain faithful that, "they'll get it right!"

The Coloring Book Oven comes in white but can be painted using watercolor paint and a sponge brush. (see photo). It has a fold-out easel for displaying and comes with a 12 sheet Illustration Pad. The original illustrations (shown) are by John Rios who was gracious enough to illustrate the coloring book for The Crafty Buffet Oven. He and his wife Mary designed The Crafty Buffet Website and Brand. I am forever grateful to them both. The 2nd illustration Pad (not shown), created by my good friend and gifted Artist, Opoku Ofei, captures children interacting with food! I will post illustrations soon. The Coloring Book Oven is available at www.thecraftybuffet.com

As for now, I'm hoping the "ovens are done" in time for...Thanksgiving!
Keep your fingers crossed and STAY TUNED..!

A "bright" idea for Lights On!

Looking for a Lights-On activity that will light up children faces? Something inexpensive yet engaging and fun? I've got it - a Balloon Light Bulb!

This is what you will need: Cardboard tissue roll; 5in balloon (yellow, white or clear); Aluminum foil sheet; Hot glue gun and glue sticks; Battery operated tea light; Balloon pump.

Cut 2 inch piece from cardboard tube and 6 by 3 1/2 inch piece from foil; wrap tube with foil (tucking excess inside); inflate balloon with pump; run hot glue around top edge of covered tube; place balloon (knot side down) on tube top; hot glue tea light inside tube bottom underneath balloon; write and decorate with permanent marker; use tea light on/off switch to turn on balloon bulb!

A Sticky Situation

Yesterday morning I received an unexpected call from my Box Company. My long-awaited for coloring books were being delivered. Finally the product I dreamed up almost a year ago could be marketed! I immediately re-scheduled my plans for the morning thinking, "Where the heck am I going to put 1,000 coloring books!?!!? Decidedly the garage was the best option. The books would store nicely and be out of the way on top of display tables I had gotten a few years back from a Department Store that was going out of business.

Shortly after 12:30ish the truck arrived! I bounced out the front door and cheerfully greeted the driver. Both him and I stacked the books on the tables in about 10 minutes - it was a cinch and I was delighted! I promptly paid my invoice and thanked the driver. Boy was I excited! The box company had packaged the books neatly in bundles of 25. Just the right "bite sizes" for me to handle. I grabbed a bundle, closed the garage door and headed inside to construct my first 25.

Or so I thought...

Much to my disbelief, the box company had GLUED THE DOOR TO MY BOOK SHUT!!! All 737 of them! Can you believe that!?!?!?! I was totally flabergasted!!! Was I dealing with The Three Stooges or what?!? This was a C-O-L-O-R-I-N-G Book that was suppose to open and shut! I called my sales rep and asked, Are you sitting down?

Stay tuned...

Just in time for Thanksgiving Dinner!

The Coloring Book Oven has arrived! At least I am expecting it to!?!?! Not just ONE but a 1,000! I've stepped out on faith and finally committed to seriously market something "I" totally originated, designed and created (of course, with God's help). Don't ask, "why another oven, Cheryl?" I don't know. I got this thing about FOOD! One of my most memorable experiences as a child was coloring pictures of it! I liked to color. But pages with "edibles" would capture and engage me for hours! I was, The "Original" Coloring Cook!

My slogan is, "Coloring with a Cooking Twist. A Coloring Book for The Coloring Cook!" It comes in standard white (like most ovens did) but can be painted any color using washable paint and a sponge brush. It is approximately 15 1/4 by 12 1/2 inches, has a fold-out easel, a see-thru window, Velcro closures and coloring pad with 12 food illustrations. Children can select a page or draw and color their own pictures on any 8 1/2 by 11 sheet of paper. Colored pages placed into the window appear to "bake" when displayed using the fold-out easel - How cool is that?

Although created with children in mind, The Coloring Book Oven is NOT just for kids! Coloring is a great stress reliever! Adults and teens too can benefit from it! Why not color up a batch of Chocolate Chip Cookies or a Submarine Sandwich for lunch? How 'bout a Turkey for Thanksgiving Dinner? With a series of coloring pads soon to be available online at www.thecraftybuffet.com... the fun is endless!

Restaurant owners? Display your "specials" of the day in The Coloring Book Oven's window and have books available for customers to purchase (we have wholesale pricing available). Or use as an incentive to get customers in the door! I can think of numerous ways The Coloring Book Oven can be utilized to engage and entertain patrons of all ages! And it's MADE IN MICHIGAN!

I've designed my business cards to fold into an oven, my flyers are oven shaped, I have an Oven Costume with a "cooked" turkey hat and...an OVERSIZED Coloring Book Oven Prop for display (thanks to my good friends at Michigan Box, specifically Mary and Ryan). Am I serious or what?

I have no choice. The house can't stand it. If I don't market and sell these books we'll be living on the roof and the residents living inside will be oven kits, oven coloring books, big cat glasses, popcorn hats, chocolate charmers and ALL my MANY other crafts and inventions!?!?!? Wish me luck! And as always...stay tuned!

A Word from The Creator

Well, it is October. What will be my "highlight" for 2010?

Last year it was the Martha Stewart Show. In 2001 in was FamilyFun Magazine. In between those years I grew Kid's Crafts. So far, this year I debuted Big Cats (both Tigers & Lions), Chocolate Charmers/Strawberries and The Coloring Book Oven. The Tigers didn't make the playoffs and it does not look as if the Lions will win a game (according to Cliff)! I got bored making the chocolates/strawberries but have since re-visited them (i.e. made chocolate covered strawberries all day Saturday). They represent, "Fruit of The Spirit...joy, patience, long-suffering, etc. The Chocolate Charmers, originally named Love Defined Chocolates, represented the "true" meaning of Love as defined in the Bible. Yesterday, the Lord brought to my rememberance that I had initially created these products with Him in mind. However, somewhere down the road...that got lost. I have since restored the original vision for these products. Perhaps now I can market them in the spirit in which they were originally created!

As for The Coloring Book Oven...I've got 1,000 on the way! This is a must do! The house can't stand it - we'll have to live on the roof when they arrive! I took a HUGE leap of faith...now I've got to back it up with WORK - stay tuned!

One Creative Argument!

Well, I am finalizing my coloring book and have been practicing expressing where I got the inspiration from for when Martha invites me back, or Oprah, Ellen, ,Rachael, Wendy, etc. invites me on (wishful thinking!) or perhaps even from my own show. It goes something like this...

"We had been to Borders, the same one where I met Martha Stewart at her book signing, and Cliff was buying all these Writer's Digest Magazines which HE WASN'T GOING TO READ!! That has got to be a "pet peave" with me. He drives me crazy with it! He's always ordering, buying, subscribing, etc. to things he NEVER uses!!!!! He couldn't just buy ONE...NOOOOOOO he had to buy 3 or 4!!! We got into this BIG argument over money. He had taken me to this "very nice" restaurant and the argument carried on until we ALMOST didn't have dinner!!! I don't recall exactly how, but things simmered down and we had an enjoyable dinner, considering. While waiting for Cliff to finish (I inhale he savors), I began thumbing thru the Writer's Digest Magazine and discovered articles about book publishing and publishers. One thing led to another and the next thing I know I had designed the cover for my coloring book from a sheet of paper! I took that paper template (I hope I still have it somewhere) to my box company and had it designed! What could have been a disasterous night proved to be an evening of ispiration, creativity and the birth of a new idea! Thanks, honey - I love you!"

I hope to find those "original" Writer's Digests, still in the bag with the receipt - never read by "you know who?!?!?" I'll let you know when I'm on...stay tuned!

Happy Birthday 2 Me!

Greetings from Maiah's Mom!

Well....I am another year older! Today, September 7th is my birthday and I vowed (after seeing the movie Julie/Julia a couple weeks ago) to BLOG everyday. Afterall...I have alot to BLOG about! I am crazy creative and always inventing SOMETHING! My latest creation is due to debut later this month at Metro Parent Magazine's 15th Annual Education Expo. It is my first time participating, and I am hoping for a successful outcome. Last year this time it was Chocolate Charmers...remember? With pink & brown tee-shirts? I have chocolate covered strawberry charms too! But I got bored with them!?!? That's my problem...I need a marketing & distribution team to get my products out before BOREDOM sets in and I've moved on to the next creation! I will be opening my official EBAY store soon, at the prompting of my wonderful hubby, Cliff who is constantly burning himself with my glue gun!?!? You would think after the 2nd or 3rd time he would realize that the glue gun is a "stationary" item on the kitchen counter ALWAYS plugged in and ready for use! Fortunately for him I ONLY use low-temperature guns so the pain is minimal! In any event, he thinks I am the best thing since sliced bread and wants to produce my tv show - I think I'll let him! Stay tuned! :-)

When was the last time you made something with your child or grandchild?

Well...when WAS the last time?

I've decided to take The Crafty Buffet Oven Kits on the Mommie & Me, Daddy & Me, Grandma & Me. Grandpa & Me circuit - offering Parent and Child "Make & Take" Workshops!

Available at your location or mine - just think of the delight parent and youngsters alike will feel walking out with a toy you both made together!

And what a toy it is!

With a light, knobs that turn, removeable racks and window for displaying coloring pages of food...the fun is endless! I can just see the happy, smiling and proud faces eagar to say, "look what mommie/daddy/grandma/grandpa and me made! It makes for a memorable experience that won't soon be forgotten.

Well...enough said. It's time to start moving.

I'd like to offer the first workshop just in time

for Thanksgiving dinner! Stay...tuned!

BIG CATS R in the D!

Well...well...well! I can't believe it's been six months since I've blogged! In fact, it's been so long I had forgotten my logon info! However, that doesn't mean I havn't been busy creating!?! Never! My latest invention Big Cats, are OVERSIZED glasses with fierce Tiger lenses soon to be available at http://www.thecraftybuffet.com/ . With (3) lens types to choose from (PICTURE, SEE-THRU and LIGHT-UP) and priced introductory from $8 to $15 I'm looking for BIG CATS to be a GRAND SLAM - Go Tigers!

Old News...just posted!

Well...it's a new year and I can't believe I'm just now updating my Blog! Sold (4) Crafty Buffet Oven Kits this week (yippee!)

Working on another creative and exciting project (at least I think so) to be added to the website. It is in the "prelimenary" stages i.e at the printers. I hope to get the cost(s) for production later this week.

Also, The Crafty Buffet Oven Kit is new and improved! It noew comes in white (no need to paint), with a pre-cut window, pre-punched range and slots for oven racks - it's a "cinch" to put together! Hopefully Martha will have me back on her show to demonstrate???? Or maybe Rachael? Ellen? Oprah? (smile).

Let's see...what else? Well it's almost Opening Day at Comerica Park. I have no new creations as of yet but I ran across an "awesome" product that should be "hot" for the season! It is sooooooooooooooooooooooo cool! And I mean that "literally!" It's a message Fan for the Detroit Tigers. I will try to post a pic later this week. If I don't sell out...I'll be surprised!

Uhm...what else...??? Oh, I am now teaching Character (i.e trustworthiness, diligence, responsibility, etc.) and I LOVE it! The children are embacing it! The ages are K-5th. I'm liking it better than the Arts & Crafts...can you believe that? Well...better go now and do some paperwork I really NEED to do!!! Tomorrow is the start of a NEW 11 week session and I've yet to develop my curriculum?!?! Will keep you posted...!