What's cookin' @ The Crafty Buffet

Quintessence...the Musical!

2012-01-16T19:30:00.000-08:00

Want to be a part of something destined to be a classic for generations to come!

Quintessence...the Musical is a modern day Wizard of Oz with spiritual overtones and a delightful cast of characters! Can you imagine meeting Talent & Creativity in person? How about "I AM THOUGHT" and a "The Keeper" of memories? Amusing and thought-provoking, this creative masterpiece is the brainchild of my hubby, Cliff Robinson who just launched with kickstarter.com. Please help us obtain the funding necessary to allow Quintessence...the Musical to reach the heights it is capable of achieving. Pledge anywhere from a $1 to over $500 by clicking on the link below.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/440697514/quintessencethe-musical-a-spiritual-adventure?ref=city

"More or Less"

2012-01-16T18:17:00.001-08:00

I was inspired by the wording on a plaque purchased from T.J. MAXX. It was untitled but I named it, More or Less.

To honor MLK Day I wanted my students to work on something together. As such I provided each grade (1st thru 6th) with sentence strips and assigned them either a MORE or a LESS. Each student used their creativity to recreate the original piece. I mounted each class on foam board and took pictures give to each student along with their "individual" strip from the board.

The lesson plan was, "working together."

The project reflects individuality and unity.

I think they both came together nicely...!

Sticky Note Burgers To Go?

2012-01-08T13:43:00.000-08:00

Well my Sticky Note Burgers are official...they have a logo! What do you think? Designed it myself. They can be ordered pre-made or as a kit from my website

www.thecraftybuffet.com . I'm working on offering them as workshops for Teacher Professional Development Days, Office Luncheons, Staff Meetings, Parent Involvement Activities, Team Building Exercises and more!

A unique & useful desktop accessory

that's fun and easy to make! Wish me luck! Better yet - schedule a workshop or order a burger or two to go! :-)

Crafty Buffet "Sticky Note Burgers" to appear in B.L.A.C. Magazine December Holiday Issue

2011-11-19T17:26:00.000-08:00

I received a call this week from an editor for B.L.A.C. (Black Life Arts & Culture Detroit) Magazine who was looking for something unique to include in their December Holiday Issue. Apparently she had ran across my Sticky Note Burgers (formerly Hamburger Notebooks) on my website -

http://www.thecraftybuffet.com/ . Wow! A Magazine publication wanted to advertise a product of mine? For free???? How cool is that?
You just never know where or when the seeds you plant are going to sprout. The Sticky Note Burgers, much like the cardboard box oven that got me on Martha Stewart, were created years ago. They re-surfaced in 2009 when a writer from The Detroit News saw them (loved them!) and wanted to feature them in her column. Here I was working (2011) on marketing The Coloring Book Ovens and seeking to re-designed the cardboard stove kit?!?!?

Sticky Note Burgers are (just as their name implies) burgers that hold post-it notes. A delightful desktop accessory and whimsical conversation piece that I plan to offer as a Workshop to inspire creativity and teamwork in the workplace.

Sticky Note Burgers are offered as a single kit at http://www.thecraftybuffet.com/ . The website will be updated to include Pre-Made (in case you don't want to make it!),Workshops and Wholesale Group Kits. Stay tuned...and don't forget to look for "Sticky Note Burgers" in the December Issue of B.L.A.C. Detroit!

"In The Midst of A Storm..."

2011-02-25T04:32:00.000-08:00

On February 5 we awoke to water flowing from the bathroom into our bedrooms downward from the ceiling into the kitchen, living, dining rooms and basement soaking everything in sight! Needless to say I have not been creating since! Moving would be the more appropriate "word" after the insurance company deemed it necessary for us to re-locate until our home could be repaired (which by the way, could take anywhere from 6-8 weeks!) That week alone we moved on four different ocassions before finally finding suitable permanent housing 2 weeks ago.

But in the midst of the storm...

I had an upcoming presentation on creativity to give at a K-8 school. While exhausted and feeling displaced, the thought of cancelling was not an option even though it had graciously been extended. That morning I mustered up a few crafts, put on my oven costume and hoped for the best. The program ran non-stop from 9-3 with droves of classes coming to hear what I had to say. At the end of the day both students and teachers appeared to have enjoyed the presentation! I was relieved and elated. It had been a pleasant end to a stressful week. But the "true" highlight of the day appeared in my inbox later that evening from a 2nd grader who had attended the presentation. It read as follows...

Hello Mrs Robinson,

I am Box Man. I listened to you and used my imagination.

Thank you for coming to our school.

John Webster
2nd Grade, 2A

Born from the imagination of a 2nd grader who listened! I can see "Box Man" as a cartoon on cereal boxes or in The Adventures of Box Man, an animated series. Afterall, Mickey Mouse was born from imagination?????

Random Acts of Creativity

2011-01-30T04:22:00.000-08:00

I am often asked, "where do you come up with your ideas?" I always look above. God gifted me with a creativie mind and everything that comes from it belongs to Him. One day, Maiah referred to one of my "spurts" of creativity as being "totally random." Wow! That's so true! I don't get up and decide to make anything in particular...it just happens! Like when the box in my basement "started to look like an oven to me," it just comes." But when it does, I act on it!"

These "cardboard meals" are one of my "random acts of creativity." Enjoy!

Now That's Entertainment!

2011-01-26T17:37:00.000-08:00

My 2nd through 5th grade students got a thrill making these "add a voice" studio headphones!

I came up with the idea after viewing We Are The World the 25th Anniversary Video of The Story Behind The Song. In the video, everyone wore headphones. So to create realism and get their "buy in" to learn the song - we would have headphones too! The only difference...we would make ours!

A few simple ingredients made them a cinch to make and you would have thought I purchased each child their very own "working" headphones! It was Over The Top!

I cranked up my portable Bose and we pretended to be in the studio re-creating the music video! It was a priceless experience! Look for these and other creative ideas in my book, Random Acts of Creativity coming soon! Stay tuned...

Looking for something NEW TO DO in 2011?

2011-01-07T06:40:00.000-08:00

Have a murder mystery dinner party and invite guests over to watch Ellery Queen!

Remember it from the 70's? It was a WHODUNNIT series with Tim Hutton. I did not watch it back then...heck I was a teenager! But I love it now and Maiah does too! It was my Christmas gift to myself. I discovered it on Amazon and ordered a copy. We watched a portion of the first episode this AM and can't wait to finish it later today!

Ellery, (Tim Hutton) brings you into the action by looking directly into the camera and asking if "you" know who is the murderer before he tells you how he solved it. And what a "cutie pie" Tim Hutton is! I was sad to learn he died at the young age of 45.

If you like lighthearted "figure it out" mysteries without the sex, violence and commercials of today get this series!

A Slice of Kleenex?

2011-01-01T07:34:00.000-08:00

It took a creative person to come up with this design - a tissue box shaped like a slice of cake and pie! I could hardly resist buying ALL of them! A perfect hostess gift and ideal for someone with a cold or flu. Packaged creatively they can be given for Valentine's Day, Sweetest Day, Birthday's and other special occasions. Shown here on a plate with a fork ink pen, they make an adorable desktop accessory. Now...if I can just figure out how to make the ice cream??? :-)

A Gift From The Heart

2010-12-19T08:11:00.000-08:00

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?

2010-12-18T18:07:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-05T18:46:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-12-05T16:33:00.000-08:00

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"

2010-12-03T10:18:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-01T13:07:00.000-08:00

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...???"

2010-11-07T15:23:00.000-08:00

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?

2010-11-01T06:47:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-10-22T18:14:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-10-19T17:57:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-12T16:58:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-10-05T05:57:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-04T05:19:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-09-13T18:04:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-09-07T19:52:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-07-26T18:16:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-06-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-03-14T17:06:00.000-07:00

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...!

MJ Bagged

2009-11-14T19:29:00.000-08:00

I loved Michael Jackson as a child, teenager, young adult and even moreso now since his passing. I realize just how"special" he was. Lately, I've been carrying him around. This Collector's addition handbag is soon to be available at The Crafty Buffet! It's a faux leather shoulder bag with various pictures of Michael throughout his career. A "must-have" for the true MJ Fan! Look for it, and other variations, at www.thecraftybuffet.com. Makes an AWESOME gift for anyone who loves him!

Priceless!

2009-11-13T15:22:00.000-08:00

I carried my Michael Jackson purse to class on Tuesday. When I showed it to my K-3rd grade students they surprisingly applauded! It was priceless! Totally unrehearsed and unexpected! Also this week, I was pleasently surprised at my Wednesday class. When I entered the classroom, my K-2nd students began applauding! Bless their little hearts! They are truely "gifts" from God...!

It's In The Box!

2009-11-05T09:46:00.001-08:00

Ta da! The packaging is finished! This is what you will see in the stores (when they get there!) The concept is to have it look like a box of cake mix with ingredients inside and directions on back to complete! And with a pre-cut window, pre-punched holes and slide in slots -it's a cinch to put together!

No need to paint either! This version comes in standard white! However if you choose to paint, it covers very nicely! Now I need only to dust off my marketing shoes and get to marketing! Stay tuned...!

Cake Mix vs Oven Mix? What a Concept!

2009-09-10T19:11:00.000-07:00

Been working for the past few days on a packaging concept for the oven kits. I see them packaged as an "oversized box of cake mix with all the ingredients inside to make a cardboard oven that lights up, has dials that turn and removeable racks!" Even the directions will be on the box back just like with the cake mix! I think it's a COOL concept with great marketing potential (I hope others will see it too!) Also, the kit is new

and improved! The oven window is pre-cut, the back range self-attaches and it no longer "requires" painting (comes in white) - now even more - s of a cinch to put together! This is just the first draft - stay tuned!

Now That's Sweet!

2009-09-08T18:47:00.000-07:00

Well…yesterday was my birthday and I had a great day! Cliff did
everything I wanted without complaint – a priceless gift! Spent
the afternoon at the Hamtramck and Jazz Festival. Wore my latest
creation, The Chocolate Charm with my marketing tee,
“ How Sweet Is That “ and WOW - I received so many positive responses! One individual wanted to buy the one I was wearing right off my neck!! It’s such a great feeling to create something from your hands and have people want it! I plan to have the chocolates and tee-shirts (s-xl) available at www.thecrafybuffet.com by the end of september '09 - just in time for Sweetest Day!

"Hool So Ever Will Studios"

2009-09-02T19:59:00.000-07:00

I forgot to

mention I created

"Hool So Ever Will

Studios" on

my kitchen counter this summer! Hool is my grandfather's name. The..."so ever will" is a verse from the Bible. I inherited my grandfather's home when he passed away and it is there where I shoot The Crafty Buffet Show and the How To DVDs. The pictures above are the version on my kitchen counter...it even has a miniature Crafty Buffet Oven and "me" on the set! Gotta start somewhere - stay tuned!

Where did the summer go?

2009-09-02T18:02:00.000-07:00

Wow! It has been months since I last blogged. I think it was spring?

My segment with Martha re-aired on 8/21 which brought interest from an individual looking to open a speciality toy store in Jersey ...sounds exciting - keep your fingers (and toes!) crossed! I love watching Shark Tank? Sent my ovens in but...think they would literally "eat me and my ovens ALIVE on that show! Did you see the woman who's business was all about "happiness?" They swallowed (sp?) her whole! I wanted the umbrella...I thought it was a nice concept, oh well. As for being creative...

I've designed an item for "our" number 1 baseball team - Go Tigers! I call them, Tiger Paw Scrathers (at least that was the last name!?!)! I got the inspiration from a pair of slippers designed like tiger paws I picked up from a closeout store. Just like the "ovens," the backscratchers "started to look like paws to me - so I created them! Last year I made Tiger Hearts! Where on earth can you find a Tiger Heart? Only at The Crafty Buffet! They're orange with stripes and they light up and flash - if only I could get them in the Stadium????

As for my dream of having my own tv show? Well, the following is from a stranger who saw me on Martha on 8/21. Her kind words below are inspiring...

"While I was multitasking with the school and watching Martha, I was pleasantly surprised!

Have you ever seen someone on TV that just makes you smile? Just a regular person, not a "star", although she should be! Well, I did! She was on Martha the other day making the cutest craft goodie. I just had to go to her website, then find out if she had a blog. I wrote her a little note and she wrote back, what a sweetheart! She does blog, WOOHOO!

If I had to vote for someone to have their own TV show, Cheryl would be right up there with the Queen Alicia Paulson and the Goddess Laura. I wrote this prior to reading The Crafty Buffet bio, only to find out her goal is her own show! Where is that petition?"

How nice is that? At least I know "one" person who'll tune in! :-)

Burgers, Daisys and Moms - oh my!

2009-04-23T06:54:00.000-07:00

A few photos from the workshop with the Girl Scouts Daisy Troop in Northville, Michigan.

The Crafty Buffet makes Notebook Burgers with Girl Scout Daisy Troop in Northville, MI.

2009-04-23T04:55:00.000-07:00

I had the

"delightful"

opportunity

to make

notebook

burgers

with fifteen,

smiling,

giggling

1st graders

in Northville

this past Tuesday! Bubbling with enthusiasm, the girls eagerly obtained supplies from The Crafty Buffets' inflatable salad bar then built their "own" burger complete with eyes and "painted on" mustard and ketchup! We had burgers with pink eyes, blue eyes, white eyes, yellow eyes and "no" eyes! The girls packaged their project in the provided foam container which came with a pattern for making "french fry" notes and a complimentary pencil.

What a great time we had - even the moms were amused! Kits and instructions are available at http://www.thecraftybuffet.com/. Just go to the products page and scroll down to make your selections.

The Crafty Buffet is available for your upcoming event! We can either come to your location or provide kits and instructions for you to have your own "Crafty Buffet" experience!

We make burgers, sundaes, milkshakes, popcorn, cotton candy, gumball machines, etc. (all faux - of course!) Each Crafty Buffet menu item, although nice to look at, generally serves a purpose as well (i.e. the burgers have sticky notepads inside for jotting down notes, the popcorn is a safe for keeping valuables and the gumball machine makes for the ultimate - treat bucket!)

Our next scheduled event is on Friday, May 1st. We will be "mixing up"Stationary Shakes" with thirty elementary students from Oak Park, MI @ Fuddruckers! Stay tuned...

The Crafty Buffet "grills-up" Field Trip Concept with Fuddruckers!

2009-04-17T06:34:00.000-07:00

Crafty Buffet owner Cheryl Robinson has "cooked up" an innovative field trip concept for local schools, organizations, camps, etc.. The Make & Take Burger or Shake Field Trip @ Fuddruckers combines an activity, lunch and souvenir all into one! Upon arrival students get supplies to make either a a Notebook Burger or Stationary Shake. After completing, they dine-in with their classmates and afterwards, pick-up their take-out order (project) to take home!
What better way to spend an afternoon?

Pricing starts at $12 per participant for ages 12 and under and $15 per participant for ages over 12 to adult.

The Crafty Buffet Beyond Martha Stewart

2009-04-16T14:51:00.000-07:00

Well...it's been two months since my appearance on the Martha Stewart Show. Crafty Buffet Oven Kit sales are still trickling in and a new item, Cheeseburger Notebooks have been added to The Crafty Buffet website. If you are looking for an activity for summer birthday parties, camp-outs, cook-outs or just plain old "pig-outs" I've grilled up a good one! These "delicious-looking" faux burgers not only look like the real thing - but have function too! Adults and children alike will delight in making them! Complete with a foam display container and topped with or without eyes these adoring burgers make for a great group activity! I'll send you the kit for $19.95 (plus s&h), or you can gather your own supplies and get the receipe for $10 (plus s&h).