Terry Ricioli Designs

Hi Crafty Friends! Since spring is here and everyone is out planting their gardens, it's the perfect time to add an accessory like a fairy house or elfin hideaway.  They are fun for the kids, but I think adults must like them just as much since they are so popular now.   Here is one I made from Smoothfoam that I call "A Home for a Gnome" .  But, I'm sure any of the little people would love to live in it.  You could make it a fairy house or a home for a hobbit. Gnome Home by Terry Ricioli I crafted this little house with a new product from Smoothfoam - a hollow half ball.  It's quick and easy to make this and decorate it with your own special touches.  Can you guess what the thatched roof is made from?  You can find out and all the instructions for making your own on the blog ! Have fun creating your own little home for the little people!  I'd love to see the results! Happy Crafting! Terry

Hi Crafty Friends! Happy Spring!  I'm sure some of you have been eagerly awaiting this day, and I hope you have a lovely spring after such a snowy winter!  For those of us on the West coast, we are wishing for some spring showers after a very dry winter.  But, whatever you have endured, it's time to break out the spring decor and celebrate the season.  We on the Smoothfoam Creativity Team are celebrating by creating some new designs with the hollow half-balls that Smoothfoam has provided us.  We're creating Bonnets and Baskets, which are perfect for springtime activities and Easter festivities.  I was inspired to create a spring hat.  I found the prettiest yellow place mat that looked like a straw brim and had some flowers embroidered on it, so it was easy to create this hat in a flash.  This hat hangs on your wall and would be perfect for your home or springtime events like wedding showers, Mother's Day teas or Easter decorating.  ...

Hi Crafty Friends! I created this little bee for the Smoothfoam blog last month with a Valentine's theme in mind.  But then I realized that with a change of message or no message at all, it would be perfect for any occasion!  How about "Bee Well" for a friend who's feeling under the weather?  Or, "Don't Worry, Bee Happy"?  I could go on and on with different bee-related themes, but I'll bet you can think of a few of your own.  And, with some of you out there participating in spelling bees right now, I think this would be the perfect mascot! Whether you put this little bee in a flower arrangement or on a bulletin board, he'll brighten up your corner of the world with his cheeriness!  Here's a link to the Smoothfoam blog where you can find the instructions for this little bee. Happy Crafting! Terry

Hi Crafty Friends! I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.  - Pablo Picasso  I think this quote by Picasso sums up my philosophy toward art, design and crafting.  I love to try new techniques and what other way to learn is there than to jump in and try it!  Of course, there will be craft fails, do-overs, and dead ends, but that is the way I learn - trial and error!  This month the designers in the Designer Crafts Connection are all about new techniques to try out and add to your arsenal of crafty skills.  I can hardly wait to try out some of them!  To cruise the blogs, click forward or back on the big blue button off to the left side of this post.  My technique this month is one I've been dying to try - pun intended!  Yes, I'm going to use Rit dye on a few things.  I haven't played with this before, but I've admired what other designers have done with it.  So, we will see how ...