TIP TUESDAY #11 - Creative Girlfriend Travel Crafts?

It's a little late for me, I leave tonight for Frankfurt, but I thought I'd ask for future reference for all of us travelers! This week's TIP TUESDAY question is:

Do you take your creative projects with you when you travel? If so, how and what?

Again, a little late for me, I'm taking off for a business trip to Frankfurt and Paris today and I have my web marketing articles, and two Christmas gift books - I'll check in from the road but please share tips among yourselves!

Just FYI, the December Girlfriendology Contest winners are announced on a new podcast - listen in for inspiring stories on why we're thankful for girlfriends. And there is still a week left in the January Contest - enter and win prizes (like Starbucks gift cards and a Girlfriendology Journal)! Thanks Girlfriends! Bonjour!

P.S. Just FYI, I highly recommend travel books by Marybeth Bond. Listen to her podcast for great girlfriend or personal travel tips. Check out her web site for the "Gutsy Traveler" and her travel books for women!

TIP TUESDAY #10 - Girlfriend Glitterizing Tip?

Glitter, glitter everywhere! I had the opportunity to go to the Atlanta Gift Mart the past two days. As we walked the aisles looking at what is and what will be in stores in the coming year, we noticed a definite trend for holiday decor in 2008 - glitter! Sparkly elves, glistening reindeer, sequined Santa - there was a definitely glow and glisten to the holiday home decor items available to gift stores to purchase to then sell to us.

So, this week's TIP TUESDAY question is:

Do you like the glitter trend and, if so, how will you incorporate it to your home and holiday decor in the coming year?

For me, I was fortunate to have some DecoArt Glitter paint (Craft Twinkles Writers) this year when I wanted to touch up a wooden word (Joy) that my sister gave me. I spray painted the red wood with white (to better match my holiday decorations) then painted it with several coats of this glitter paint. It sparkled wonderfully and made me happy!

Are you a glitter girl? Do you limit it to holiday decor or use it throughout the year? If so, speak up! (If not, let's hear from you too.) Let us know ways you embellish items to sparkle like your great personality! (-;

P.S. Someone who must have glitter on her somewhere at all times is my girlfriend Kathy Cano Murillo - "the Crafty Chica." She has great books and spoke with Girlfriendology on our second podcast about girlfriends, groups and glitter. Check it out!

Help a Girlfriend in Bed-rest with your Creative Advice

I need some girlfriend advice. Actually, I need some creative girlfriend advice. And, specifically, I need some creative girlfriend advice on knitting!

My girlfriend Angie is in bed for the next two to three months awaiting her first baby. (Madelyn, who will only be dressed in pink!) Angie is a former knitter newbie and wants to get back into it, and obviously has time right now to get started. I'm a knitting amateur. I can cast-on knit (or pearl, I have no idea) but lack knowledge of how to do anything except a scarf.

What knitting books and materials should I get for Angie? What advice do you have for her and her knitting education? (Angie - I know you're reading so hopefully you'll get some good info!)

Thanks creative girlfriends!

p.s. Angie's situation is tough but she realizes how blessed she is that the baby is okay. If you're dealing with girlfriends in tough situations (like losing a job or friend, divorce, etc.), listen in to the most recent Girlfriendology Podcast. Caroline Cheshire of HealingBaskets.com (and her beautiful British accent!) talked with me about how to care for friends dealing with life. Her passion for helping people support their friends and family is beautiful and inspiring!

TIP TUESDAY #9 - Creative Girlfriend Tips

Don't you love the New Year? Such a great time for starting over, making new goals and resolutions and for trying new things.

2008 awaits and you get to choose how to spend your time and what creative adventures you'll go on. So, this week's TIP TUESDAY question is:

What new fun crafts or creative things do you want to do in 2008?

For me, I'm tempted to try some new crafts - felting, book-making, more metal/wire work. Recently two amazing girlfriends and creative gurus/authors Marie Browningand Katie Hackersent me books for the Girlfriendology "Great Girlfriend Gift Giveaway." Of course I had to look through the books before sending to participants in the December Girlfriendology Contest so now I'm inspired do do more beading, paper crafting and metal work.

What creative adventures are you planning for 2008? Share and inspire others!

Girlfriendology Contest - VOTE for your favorite Girlfriend Story

Stop by Girlfriendology to vote for your favorite girlfriend story! Just a few excerpts:

(1) ... It really made me love the neighborhood because I had such a great friend and neighbor.

(2) ... My friend Rachel stayed in touch with me ... She was a good example of friendship to me.

(3) I am so thankful for my friends because they are so thoughtful ... Friends are always there for each other, and know when you need the extra love.

(4) I worked in an ER with three other great nurses ... I'm thankful that I've found these wonderful girlfriends to share my life stories with.

(5) My best friend and I grew up together ... It's like I still live two houses down from each other. We are still best of friends to this day!

(6) I am so thankful for a girlfriend who has sent gifts, encouraging emails and cards after cards while I recover.

(8) ... We are identical twins and are so much alike that I can talk to her about anything and she understands.

(9) I am SO thankful for girlfriends! Without them I wouldn't have the job I do today! ... I am so thankful because girlfriends listen AND REMEMBER!

(10) I love my girlfriends. Each one is totally unique, and yet we're often so much the same. ...
-------------------------
For their complete girlfriend stories, visit Girlfriendology to VOTE. So, who do you think has the best girlfriend story? VOTE!!!

TIP TUESDAY #8 - 2008 Creative Girlfriend "Goals"

Happy 2008, Creative Girlfriends! I hope the holidays were happy and that you enjoyed amazing times with your family and friends. The festivities and social plans may be over - so hopefully there is time for us all to look ahead to a great '08.

From being an entrepreneur for several years, I recognize the benefits, and need the structure, from goal setting. It helps me focus on the important 'stuff and make sure I commit my time and efforts to what I really want to happen. I think this is good even when it comes to friendship. Not that it is a structured program with a forced deadline, but more of a personal goal - like exercising or eating better. And, to be honest, it is more fun that the treadmill every morning and counting calories!

So, this week's TIP TUESDAY questions are:

What are your girlfriend goals for 2008? Do you want to start a girlfriend group or have a regular get-together with a few friends? Is there a particular girlfriend you need to focus on to help her or be more of a friend? Do you need to make time for your girlfriends or to meet new friends?

In addition to setting goals as a good way of making changes in our lives, I know that it makes me more accountable if I share them with someone. (That's why I have a couple girlfriend mastermind groups who challenge and encourage each other to reach our goals.) Having a packed schedule and limited income, I know a realistic goal for me has to be simple, yet heartfelt. I commit to sending Thank You notes to my girlfriends in 2008. (You being creative may have one to MAKE cards for your girlfriends but I'm starting small with something I can hopefully stick with!) I want to be a better friend by acknowledging how much my girlfriends contribute to my life and make sure that I tell them how special they are to me.

What are your goals? Please share and check back in with updates. Girlfriendology is about inspiration, appreciation and celebration of girlfriends. Consider goals of inspiring others, showing your appreciation or going out of your way to celebrate your friendships. 2008 will be great - with your girlfriends by your side!

TIP TUESDAY#7 - What was your favorite girlfriend gift this holiday?

First my holiday confession. We got a new puppy (Brando) on the 22nd so all I want to do is play and snuggle with him. So forgive me that this is TIP TUESDAY is on a Thursday!


My creative girlfriends are great at giving advice, helping me through life and also in giving me perfect presents. I like to think of the Girlfriendology visitors as girlfriends too so thanks to all of you for the GIFT of your friendship (to me or to your girlfriends).

Girlfriends ARE gifts, so we'd like to hear from you for this week's TIP TUESDAY question:

What is your favorite gift you received from a girlfriend this holiday?

I love hearing others' comments so that I can improve my gift giving skills - so
please add a comment - we want to hear from you!

I'll start ... My creative friend Jill gave me a meaningful book for creative women (so I know I'll love it and I'm sure it is appropriate for you and your creative girlfriends!). Terri, my always thoughtful and very creative girlfriend, gave me some "olives" (that are really chocolate covered almonds, since she knows I don't like olives but I do like chocolate and almonds!) as well as Eat Pray Love, another book I've heard about and need to read. Designer, pillow maker and fellow entrepreneur, Tina gave me a beautiful pair of earrings her sister makes to replace the ones I bought previously that I lost one of - how sweet was that! (Other girlfriends gave great gifts too - THANKS to all of you - especially for the GIFT of your friendship!)

What do all these gifts have in common? They were specifically selected for ME! Did your girlfriends do a great job of finding gifts that were perfect for YOU? Share your COMMENTS and help us all be better girlfriend gift givers!

ORNAMENT #2 - creative girlfriends linking & sharing

My girlfriend Katie Hacker (who just did a podcast interview with Girlfriendology) invited me (aka: GirlfriendologyToo!) to participate in an ornament round robin with other creative women's sites. (Thanks Katie!)

Last week I visited all the other sites and got great ideas for ornaments and gifts - it was like visiting new creative girlfriends and getting inspiration from them. (Try it! I'm sure you'll get some wonderful ideas!)

For this week's ornament, I have to confess that I'm somewhat a hardware junkie. I don't know why, but I just like crafting with some materials generally used for home repairs or decorating, etc. Again, I've got the flashing out (found in the plumbing section of home improvement stores) and the metal ABC stamps. So here goes ...

GIRLFRIEND ORNAMENT/SUN CATCHER

I cut a small square out of flashing and hammer stamped in some word/wish (Hope, Peace, Love, Joy, Dream - depending on the girlfriend to receive the ornament). Then I sanded it to remove a bit of the shine and add some distressed texture (and to remove any rough edges). I drilled holes in the top and bottom for the wire. Using colored wire and beads, I added adorments and a handle. Pretty simple ornament to make but also very versatile. I gave to some girlfriends last year and they kept them up all year in their offices, windows, bathrooms.

EXTRA ORNAMENT

Okay, so all these creative women kind-of intimidate me! (They're some pretty BIG blog/craft stars in the bunch!) So, I thought I should throw in a bonus ornament to earn inclusion in the group! This is just a simple ornament with coated wire formed into a swirly hanger and then in spirals to form a mini tree. I added metallic plastic beads on thinner coated wire to 'decorate it.' I love how it sparkles in the tree lights!

For more GREAT ORNAMENT IDEAS check out these creative girlfriends and their ornament ideas:

Easy needle-felted orb - Katie Hacker
Christmas cookie - Jennifer Heynen
Christmas tree finger labyrinth - Hali Chambers
Ring in the New Year - Kriss Cramer
Quilty pieced snowman - Linda Augsburg
Simply striking sparkling spheres - Margot Potter
Beaded memory wire - Elaine Luther
Wire & beaded tree - Lynn Kvigne
Jolly and yummy ceramic candy - Melanie Brooks Lukacs
Polymer snowflake embedded in resin - Melissa Lee
Beaded candy canes - Candie Cooper
Polymer clay gift tag/ornament - Heather Powers
Twisted blues - Lampwork Diva aka Cindy Gimbrone
Holiday spiral tree & party pixie - Art Bead Scene
Wire bird's nest - Rebecca Peck
Plush gingerbread doggie - Jenny Harada
Swell ornament - Alexa Westerfield
Holiday paper crafting - Brandy Lung Gill
Shaving cream & chipboard ornament - Michelle McGee

Thanks Katie! Thanks Creative Girlfriends! Have fun!!

TIP TUESDAY #7 - Favorite Girlfriend Book(s)

Do you love to read? Do you have a girlfriend who does? Actually, what girlfriend of yours doesn't have a favorite hobby or interest? We all do - right? Well, the Holidays are a great time to give books as gifts - especially when you give books that perfectly match your girlfriends' interests.

So, this week's TIP TUESDAY question is:

What is your favorite book(s) for giving to a girlfriend? What books are you giving your friends for the Holidays?

Please add a comment. Tip Tuesday questions always make me think of my response, so I'll start. Without giving away any specific gifts I'm giving (since my girlfriends read this!):

My girlfriend Renee gave me this book, I read it and passed it along to my friend Lisa who will then read and give to another girlfriend - Law of Attraction, by Michael Losier

My girlfriend Katie Hacker (who just inspired us on our recent podcast) wrote this book and donated several for the "Great Girlfriend Gift Giveaway" (and I just bought one for my niece!) - Hip to Bead

After taping with Carol Duvall a couple dozen times, you get to know her - she is the real deal! She has a new book out that is perfect for paper lovers: Paper Crafting with Carol Duvall

Other books I've given in the past or enjoyed receiving: The Success Principles, How to Get from Where Your Are to Where You Want to be - by Jack Canfield. (Actually I've given this and love having it on CDs that I listen to often.) Another podcast girlfriend - the Crafty Chica herself (Kathy Cano Murillo) - Art de la Soul - Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life. Margot Potter (The Impatient Beader) has several great beading books - Impatient Beader books - check those out! Other ideas?

Look for more books and share your ideas with creative girlfriends! You might just inspire a gift from one of your girlfriends!



Happy Holidays Creative Girlfriends!

Getting creative inspiration from a crafty girlfriend - like KATIE HACKER

I'm so lucky - my girlfriends inspire me so much! I was inspired to a marathon by my 'jock' girlfriend, Allison. Becky ("the Kitchen Goddess") inspires me to be a better cook (although admittedly I don't try often!). Jill inspires me with her jewelry designs. I love that about girlfriends. Together we have more fun, learn more and become more 'ourselves' through our female friends.

My girlfriend KATIE HACKER is creative, kind, talented and inspiring. She is author of more than 20 craft books including Hip to Bead, Katie's Basics of Beading and 30-Minute Beading. She also presents Beading Lessons on the PBS show Beads, Baubles & Jewels, is a regular columnist for Simply Beads magazine and teaches workshops at national shows like the Bead & Button Show. Although she is best known for beading, she does lots of other crafts and she has some wonderful ideas for crafting with and for your girlfriends.

Just listen to our NEW podcast with Katie and she'll inspire you - to craft for and with your girlfriends, to make time for your friends, to connect with your creative girlfriends through the internet and just to be more comfortable with your own creativity!

Check out Katie's blog for updates, creative ideas and her recent Ornament Round Robin (see following blog).

Do your girlfriends inspire you? Please join in the Girlfriendology December CONTEST - which asks for stories on girlfriends you're thankful for. Spread the girlfriend gratitude! Honor your girlfriend by telling everyone how much she inspires you! (and win prizes in the Great Girlfriend Gift Giveaway!) Thanks Katie!

Sparkly Girlfriend Ornaments for the ORNAMENT ROUND ROBIN

As you know, Girlfriendology is all about 'appreciation, inspiration and celebration of girlfriends.' GirlfriendologyToo is for the creative side of girlfriends - like those who like to share fun creative ideas ... hmmm, like a SPARKLY ORNAMENT to give your girlfriends!

This easy project takes flashing (from a hardware store, plumbing dept.), tin snips, double-sided adhesive (like Double-sided Super Tape, by Therm O Web), awl, glitter, beads and wire. I also used some metal letter stamps to personalize them.

Draw and cut patterns from paper - mine were for a star, purse and heart. Using the tin snips (don't use scissors, it may ruin them!), cut the tin shapes and use the awl to make holes to hang them from. If you want to personalize, hammer metal alphabet stamps in the flashing. Cut the double sided tape to cover the tin (like for the purse and star) or in shapes (like the heart) for the first glitter color and apply to the tin. Remove the tape backing and apply wire words (like the star "Dream"), rhinestones or beads. Then cover in glitter. Apply any other pieces of the tape and add other colors of rhinestones. Cover the back with tape and glitter. Use the awl again to open up the holes (going through the glitter and tape) and insert wire (with beads, like for purse handle or curled) for hangers.

TODAY is an ornament round robin so you can get lots of ideas, like:

Framed Memory Art - Katie Hacker
Fun spoon snowmen - Candie Cooper
Joyful stamped dovie - Margot Potter
Pretty bead embroidery - Linda Augsburg
Scented clay cookie - Melanie Brooks Lukacs
Dual purpose art bead ornie - Art Bead Scene
Jingle spiral - Cindy Gimbrone
Charming art bead ornies - Heather Powers
Stamped poly clay & beads - Polymer Clay Craft Gossip
Glitter paint and glass - Alexa Westerfield
Starry stamped polymer clay - Elaine Luther
PMC & kid's art ornie - Melissa Lee
Painted glass orbs - Michelle McGee
Super bright starburst - Jennifer Heynen
Stephen Colbert angel - Hali Chambers
Vintage cone - Kriss Kramer
Peppermint decor - Lisa Liddy
Sweet snowy guys - Brandy Lung Gill
And there's a cool star ornament at Beading Daily

And some that will be posted after this writing...
Jenny Harada
Rebecca Peck
Jean Yates
Sara Naumann
Lynn Kvigne
Suzanne

Just some fun ideas from crafty girlfriends! Girlfriends add sparkle to our lives, so why not make an ornament to match?! Have fun Creative Girlfriends!

TIP TUESDAY #6 - Girlfriend advice for making gifts

Tip Tuesdays (even when posted on Wednesdays!) are meant to bring out the collaborative, helpful, sharing side of girlfriends. You know - the tips you learn while shopping, walking, eating, driving ... do anything together.

Last Tuesday Laura offered the greatest tip. I do plan to take her girlfriend gift advice and encourage you to read on - it is our great fortune that she left her comments?

Who will leave comments this week for our TIP TUESDAY Question?

You're creative. What is your advice for making gifts? Stocking stuffers, big/small gifts - what do you make for your friends?

Please add a comment. And, if your thoughts on this lead you to being thankful for your girlfriends, check out our December Girlfriendology Contest and "Great Girlfriend Gift Giveaway" - we need your stories on how thankful you are for girlfrineds (and you have a very good shot at winning a prize!). Happy Holidays Girlfriends!

Creative girlfriends are thoughtful girlfriends!

Robin shared about a wonderful memory book and charm bracelet given to her for a special birthday. Another scrapbook was created with funny blooper pictures from Heather's wedding, presented to her by a wonderful girlfriend. Veronica is learning chainmail from Jezka, who noticed that Veronica was especially enamoured with one of her necklaces which, of course, she gave her friend.

Creative girlfriends ARE thoughtful girlfriends! I know from experience. These stories and more are on our new Podcast - taken from your response to our November Girlfriendology Contest (which asked about your favorite gift given to or from a girlfriend).

I wish we could give everyone a prize (several won Starbucks gift cards to take their girlfriend out for coffee on Girlfriendology), so we launched the "Great Girlfriend Gift Giveaway" for December. (A prize every day for entries to our December contest!) Just send us your comments on which girlfriend(s) you're thankful for and you could win! Show your girlfriend gratitude!

Girlfriend Gifts are Timeless!

Want to make a girlfriend gift that is personalized and will remind her of your friendship 24 hours/day?!

Inspired by a vacation with friends a few years ago, I took photos from the trip and decorated a clock. I added some thin scrapbook embellishments and stickers (to not interfere with the hand movement). It was a really fun gift to make and give.

Several companies sell clock pieces that allow you customize them - from different shapes, styles of numbers, hands, etc. I just found one that I worked for who posted my ideas on their site.

Really, it doesn't take that much TIME! Make your girlfriend a gift with pictures of the two of you and/or elements that make it uniquely HER. Have fun!

TIP TUESDAY #5 - Creative ways to wrap girlfriend gifts?

I'm sure, being creative, organized and thoughtful, that you've already made all your girlfriend gifts for the holidays. Without spending time in shopping malls, you've enjoyed long knitting sessions with your cat and re-runs of Dr. McDreamy. Life is good, right?

Well, if your creative life isn't quite so organized and your schedule not so serene, and you haven't finished a lot of your gifts and/or shopping, that you can't even allow yourself to think about the gift wrapping process. Here's where we all chip in to help each other - right?!

This week's TIP TUESDAY question is:

"What creative ways do you wrap gifts for your girlfriends? How do you personalize packages? Do you make greetings to go with your gifts?"

Here's mine (with a little history): 1995. Living in cold, COLD Minnesota where they're very nature-lovin'. I thought - hmmm, we waste a lot of paper in gift wrap so why don't I make cloth gift bags? I started making and selling them. I loved decorating the end of the drawstrings, adding little plastic sleeves for the TO/FROM cards, making my own labels, etc.

I still have some around and now I keep them in the house for our gifts because I love using them and they not only are pretty, personalized and 'green' but they also make wrapping gifts (especially tough shapes/sizes) easy and fast.

Now it's your turn ... How do you wrap those special gifts for your creative girlfriends, family, etc.?

New Girlfriendology Podcast - you or a girlfriend needs to hear this!

There isn't a 'creative girlfriend' angle but there is a very strong girlfriend lesson and, since it impacts all of us, I wanted you to know about it.

Our new podcast features ELLEN SHUMAN an emotional eating coach who has been Oprah, featured in O Magazine, etc. Her web site is www.aweighout.com and she offers a free teleconference seminar on emotional eating. Not sure what "emotional eating" is and why it is so important? Check out our podcast or our other Girlfriendology blog. Thanks girlfriends - for being supportive, caring, loving people!

Ideas for Girlfriend Gifts ... and an opportunity to win some too!

I love that feeling when I open a gift from a special friend and it is PERFECT! Something she puts some thought or time into. Something that was so ME and so perfectly from HER! And admittedly, I'm partial to handmade gifts from my creative, crafty girlfriends. Anything my craft girlfriends make me is priceless and better than store-bought gifts!

Every month Girlfriendology has a contest for girlfriend stories. The theme changes monthly and for the November contest, in preparation for the holidays, the theme was on 'gifts.' What gifts have you given to or received from a creative girlfriend that was special?

We were blessed with lots of great stories from wonderful female friends. From simple acts of kindness to those wonderful, special creative gifts; from thoughtful expressions of friendship to personalized presents that recognized the individuals personal style and celebrated their special day - it was inspiring! (Just in time for holiday shopping!)

Our dilemma is that we only have room for five winners!* There were many, many wonderful stories. It was a challenge to judge the monthly Girlfriendology Contest!

Interested in what girlfriends shared on their favorite gifts to give or receive? Listen to the podcast (that will be posted by 12/3/07) to hear all the stories - the winners and those who still are winners because they are/have great girlfriends!

Thanks to everyone who participated in the November Girlfriendology Contest! Winners are: Christine - for her Thanksgiving basket, Cherie - pregnancy pampering girlfriend story, Jenny - for her caffeinated and thoughtful friend, Robin - with her charming charm bracelet story and Beth - for her beautiful best friend poem. Each of these winners will receive a $10 Starbucks gift card (to take your girlfriend out for coffee on Girlfriendology!) and Beth also receives the Girlfriendology Journal for her top entry girlfriend story. (See the other Girlfriendology Blog for her best friend story and poem.)

The creative submissions included:

- Robin is super creative so it must be hard to be her friend and give her something she couldn't make herself! For a 'special birthday' (ended in an "0"), her friend Ana presented her with a book of photos and letters from friends and family. She also presented Robin with a charm bracelet filled with charms selected by all those friends and family who wrote for her book. (Love that idea!) Check out her blog for more creative ideas!

- Veronica was admiring the beautiful chainmail jewelry that her friend Jezka was making. The next time Veronica got a gift from Jezka it was this necklace. Jezk noticed this longing and thoughtful shared her creative talents with her good friend!

- Heather shared: "The best gift that I have ever received from a girlfriend was a scrapbook that she made for my wedding. She put pictures that you wouldn't normally contribute to a wedding. It was full of all the bloopers pics and natural fun." (Another great idea!)

All these stories and more will be on the Girlfriendology Podcast - just check out the November Contest Winners podcast. Check it out - you might get some great ideas for your holiday girlfriend gifts!

* All these great stories and only five 'winners' - that is a dilemma! So, in honor of all these girlfriend sharing their stories we've designated December as the Girlfriendology "Great Girlfriend Gift Giveaway"! Every day in December, everyone who submits a girlfriend story will go into a drawing for a free book/gift. In addition, the top five stories will win a $10 Starbucks gift card (to take you and a girlfriend out for coffee) and the top over all will win the Girlfriendology Journal. See Girlfriendology for the rules/information. Then write us! I'm sure you have a girlfriend who deserves to be recognized for her friendship (and you deserve a great girlfriend gift!).

Sparkly girlfriend gifts (and easy to make too!)

I love candles at the holidays and throughout the year. I've given candles in the past but, without time to actually make the candles myself, I feel like a store-bought candle needs a little creative help!

In anticipation of the holidays and wanting to make girlfriend gifts, I found/bought small glass tealight and votive holders for the past year. I have quite a varied collection. Time to get crafting!

Inspired by the Craft Chica, Kathy Cano-Murillo (who talked with us on a Girlfriendology Podcast) - who just happens to LOVE glitter, I decorated several with lines, dots and solid coverage using DecoArt's Craft Twinkles Writers for great glitter colors and coverage!

Also using DecoArt's products, this time Liquid Beadz, I decorated the tops of these glass home accessories. Actually, this is the pair I made for my friend Terri (who inspired the article on giving great girlfriend gifts). She entertains a lot and I thought they'd be fun little accent pieces for her home.

Like the embellished gloves below, what can YOU personalize for a present for your girlfriend, mother, sister, coworker? Make a little effort and I know you'll get a BIG response! Happy Crafting Creative Girlfriends!

P.S. Don't have time to make a gift? Girlfriendology has selected fabulous items to give your female friends for holidays, Christmas, birthdays, etc. Stop by our Girlfriend Gift Shop!

Quick idea for making a warm and unique girlfriend gift

Last year I decided to give a bunch (like 30-40?!) of girlfriends a gift that I made. How did I do it? I made something easy where I just modified a store-bought product. Fortunately, it got a great response so I thought you might to try it.

First, go the the dollar store (or Wal-mart, Target, etc.) and purchase the plain knitted gloves. (They come in lots of colors but I tend to stick with a lot of darker colors so your hands don't look too Mickey Mouse-ish!) Being a crafty girl, I have lots of beads, pompoms and embellishments in my studio (aka: basement office/crafting area!).

With a rather large needle and clear, stretchy beading string, I sewed embellishments around the cuff of the glove. For some girlfriends I made a specific design, for others I made a bunch of random designs and then let them pick their own. For example, my girlfriend Angie wanted a ring for Christmas. On her white gloves I stitched colorful mini pom poms around the cuff and attached a larger yellow pompom on her ring finger! (Congrats Mrs. L!) For my fellow Bengal fan Amy, I added bright orange pom poms on black gloves. On some I sewed buttons, fake pearls, beads, charms, scrapbook embellishments, even bells!

Like my girlfriends, each pair was like them - unique and beautiful. And, like their friendship is to me, I hope they feel warm and loved.

Look around. Maybe there are other things you can buy and just add embellishments to personalize. What about one of cheapo journals at Michaels? Glue on some beads, yarn, glitter or whatever she would love receiving. Or, buy or make a scarf and add creative elements to make it a unique gift. Have fun! She'll love it!

P.S. There is only one day left to enter the current Girlfriendology Contest that asks the question: "What is the best gift you've received from or given to a girlfriend?" (or that you've made for a girlfriend!) Go for it! Take your girlfriend to Starbucks on Girlfriendology!

TIP TUESDAY #4 - Share your craft organization tips

The holidays are officially HERE! WOW! I have lots of ideas for girlfriend gifts, little time and a messy craft working space (aka: studio/basement - where the mess can hide from others!).

No only are making your own gifts for girlfriends or family fun and special, but, during this budget-blowing season, it also can help you not go too crazy on spending. With some creativity and miscellaneous supplies from projects throughout the year, you can create personalized, unique gifts for all the people on your list. We'll explore more ideas on that in the coming blogs but since today is TUESDAY, let's get your ideas too!

This week's TIP TUESDAY question is:

"How do you manage to keep your crafts organized - so you can create gifts and greetings without stressing over where things are? What is your secret for organizing your craft space?!"

TIP TUESDAY was started to get women to do one of the many things that we do best - share information and our lives, and make things better for each other. Well, this question definitely can make our lives better.

My tip for craft space/materials organization? Hmmm - that isn't my speciality (but will be for our upcoming podcast with organizational guru Debbie Williams!) As I mentioned, my craft studio is in the basement so that gives me room to spread out, keep lots of supplies and not to worry about when friends come over. I have big, clear plastic bins that separate beading materials (that are then in smaller containers to keep them grouped by style/type) that are labeled by craft materials - paper, wire/foil, scrapbook embellishments, hardware craft materials, etc. And, I try to take 20-30 minutes every week or so to just put things up - return the scissors to the correct hanger on my pegboard, clear off the surface areas so I have more space to work, etc.

Now, we NEED to hear from you! What do you do to organize your craft materials? How does this help you in holiday crafting? Thanks girlfriends for sharing. I need your help!

Get creative and get traveling - with your Girlfriends and Travel Expert MARYBETH BOND

Did you know that the growth in the travel industry is a result of women traveling and women's travel companies? Where do you start when you want to travel as a single female or with a group of girlfriends.

You're in luck! Girlfriendology talked with the #1 Women's Travel Expert in the World - MARYBETH BOND, the "Gutsy Traveler." Marybeth is the author of nine books (and more coming!) including: 50 Best Girlfriend Getaways in North America, A Woman's World and Gutsy Women. She's been on Oprah, CNN, NBC, CBS, ABC, etc. and has won awards for her travel writing.

With Marybeth's ideas and information, you and your female friends will find the perfect shops and actitivies all over the globe. In our podcast interview Marybeth shared shared wonderful ideas from her most recent book (50 Best Girlfriend Getaways, published this year by National Geographic) - like the best cities to visit for girlfriend trips to shop, what destinations are best for bonding with your female friends or where to go to heal (from a relationship, from losing a job, etc.). Great info for women travelers! Think of the creative girlfriends you could travel with and the adventures you could have!

Listen to Marybeth's podcast or read one of her helpful, well-researched books. Then email us at Girlfriendology with any questions, comments or podcast requests.

Get creative with your travels and have a blast going with your creative girlfriends! Have wonderful, creative adventures - all over the world! And, thanks Marybeth!

Happy Thanksgiving Girlfriends!

Let the season of thanks begin! I'm thankful for all my creative girlfriends who inspire, encourage, support and cheer me on! Thanks to ...

Jill MacKay - my dear friend who helps me with business decisions as well as creative jewelry designs!

Katie Hacker - for her supportive friendship and wonderful beading inspiration!

Lisa Galvin - the other half of my designer girlfriend mastermind group (along with Katie) for her encouragement and helpful assistance!

Vicki Schreiner - a wonderful friend and amazing artist! (Check out the Bazooples on her web site!)

Tammy Browning-Smith - legal guru (aka, my lawyer!) who creates beautiful art and sends the best gifts and greetings!

Julie Stephani - editor of Today's Creative Home Arts and director of the Creative Home Arts Club, for her friendship and creative inspiration. (And for being interviewed in a recent Girlfriendology Podcast!)

Linda Peterson - for her always fun and inspiring blog on the creative life!

My Creative Canadian Girlfriends - Marie Browning, Debra Quartermain and (the TV personality and all-around fun person!) Sue Warden for their creative inspiration and friendship! (And Karen too!)

I know I'm missing others but it is time to run to Thanksgiving dinner. Thanks to all of you girlfriends for inspiring, appreciating and celebrating girlfriends - at Thanksgiving and all throughout the year!

TIP TUESDAY #3 - Creative Girlfriends get ready for the Holidays!

Wow - two days until Thanksgiving! Last chance creative women, to help each other through the sometimes stressful, always hectic holidays. So ...

You (like me!) make cards and gifts for girlfriends. You decorate the house (and come up with some really cool ideas/decorations!) You do it all. But how do you survive when the creative pressure is pressure cooker hot?! This week's TIP TUESDAY question is:

"What is your secret for sanity during the holidays? What do you recommend for taking care of you when you have way too much on your 'to do' list?!"

What is MY tradition for getting through the holidays? Well, the annual card mailing ritual is pretty wild - expectations are high and hectic. This year (just a warning to you on the holiday card list), the goal is to simplify and to think about the important things - like just recognizing and appreciating my friends, and taking care of our planet and each other. Keeping in that line, the important things in the holidays are seeing friends and making them feel special, loved and, basically, well ... happy! (As in "Happy Holidays!")

What does that mean for a creative woman who is committed to her girlfriends? Some gifts won't be handmade this year - but I do love to embellish things, so I think that counts! Cards may not be as labor-intensive but they are just as deeply felt and expressed. And, I'm getting away from giving 'stuff' to giving things we can do together. I'm thinking of beading materials for a girlfriend with a coupon to spend the night together making jewelry. (And I'll check out my friend Katie Hacker's site for cool ideas and my girlfriend Jill MacKay's site for wonderful beading products!)

Remember, one of the great benefits of girlfriends (personal friends or those found through Girlfriendology) are the lessons we learn from each other. Share your ideas in our comments. Or, ask a question. Be thankful for your female friends. Show your gratitude for girlfriends. Share your creative ideas with other creative women or ask them what they'd recommend. We're here for each other. Be a girlfriend. Have a girlfriend. Be thankful for your girlfriends. (And girlfriends - HAPPY THANKSGIVING early!)

New Girlfriendology Podcast - "Choose to Inspire your girlfriends," says life Coach Debbie Lundber

Starting out in a male-oriented industry, life coach DEBBIE LUNDBERG noticed women either supported each other to grow or held other women down. This initiated her life coaching (to primarily women, but also to men and organizations) as well as her active role in fostering growth in women.

Now MBA, author, trainer, speaker and Life Coach Debbie talks with Girlfriendology on our most recent podcast regarding her philosophies on women and in the importance in inspiring each other.

As our previous podcast authors and experts have advised, she just 'did it.' She started a women's group - the Tampa VEGAs (for Vision, Experience, Growth and Appreciation) who encourage each other to grow, learn and be their best self. Their recent event, Choose to Inspire, inspired women to be empowered through organization of their home, meals, finances, life and spirit.

Maybe now is a good time to start your creative girlfriends group (like Crafty Chica, Kathy Cano-Murillo advised in her podcast with Girlfriendology)! And maybe now is a great time to hear Debbie's advice for supporting other women, for starting a girlfriend's group and for making a difference in women's lives in our new Girlfriendology podcast. Thanks Debbie!

TIP TUESDAY #2 - Share your Holiday Crafting Tips with Girlfriends

Okay, girlfriends! Now it's your turn. You share your opinions, ideas, funny stories, shopping tips, recipes, favorite books, reality show updates, crafting techniques, store sales, celebrity gossip ... whew! We share A LOT, especially when it comes to girlfriends!

Now every Tuesday Girlfriendology is asking for YOUR TIP on a selected topic. For general topics, visit our other Girlfriendology Blog. But, for GirlfriendologyToo (the creative side of girlfriends) we'd like your crafty comments.

So, this weeks question is:

What is your holiday crafting secret?

Do you start early? Simplify? Embellish store-bought products?

Okay, I'll start first ... You already know, if you're a friend or a 'bleader' (blog reader) that I make my own holiday cards which I try to at least start thinking about the theme early in the year. For gifts, I try to make something little for a lot of my girlfriends. Last year I sewed pompoms, buttons and beads on cheap gloves (I'll share a photo in an upcoming blog). This year I plan to add glitter (thanks to our podcast conversation with the Crafty Chica!) to some glass tea light holders. Again, simple. Same project for lots of girlfriends but with variations (like color, decor elements - circles, swirls, words in glitter paint). Now, it's your turn!

Girlfriend Greetings - More ideas for holiday cards

It was my first house. I bought it on my own without even tell my parents until it was mine. (I told my mom, "guess what I bought that's older than you?!" She never guessed it, but I wanted to do it on my own and I did.) So, of course to celebrate it I had to make my holiday card about having a home of my own.

This simple card featured my home but I wanted it to be somewhat colorful and year 'round. I did a pointilism image of the house and printed it on vellum. Underneath I did watercolors to fit the drawing of spring blooms, summer grass, fall leaves and winter snow. Inside it read:

The animation of spring, the vitality of summer, the beauty of autumn, the peace of winter ... may each season refresh our joy of friends. season's greetings.

What does this have to do with girlfriends? Well, as creative girlfriends we like to share our crafty ideas with each other so I hope someone finds some inspiration in this artwork that I did over 15 years ago. My cards have always been my expression of my appreciation for all my friends. So I wanted to express it to you too.

Have special friends? Take the time to make them a special greeting this holiday season. Is your BFF the best friend ever? Make her a custom card to show your love and appreciation. Life is short. Celebrate the good stuff - like holidays, girlfriends and happy memories together.

Talking Crafting, Creative Women and Marie Osmond - with JULIE STEPHANI

Creative girlfriends - this podcast is for you! You know how your creative female friends 'get you?' They understand why you take time to craft and the amazing satisfaction in working on and completing a creative project. Well, JULIE STEPHANI gets us!

Sure, JULIE STEPHANI is editor of Home Arts magazine and The Creative Arts Club (with over 340,000 members!). She's written craft books, hosted her own Scrapbook TV shows (and guest hosts on "Scrapbook Memories"), has been in the craft/hobby industry for over 20 years. You might wonder if this woman even has time to craft, much less talk with Girlfriendology. Thankfully for us, she does and she did! Check out our latest podcast as Julie inspires us to get together with our female friends (creative or who think they're not creative!) And, hear her insight into crafting given to her by Marie Osmond!

Thanks Julie for inspiring us to enjoy, appreciate and create with our girlfriends!

TIP TUESDAY #1 - Share ideas with girlfriends all over the world!

Hang out with a group of female friends and you're likely to get some advice. It is just what we do - share information among our friends to help each other solve problems or have a better life. That is one of the greatest benefit of having girlfriends!

I've heard/shared information with my female friends on new restaurants, make-up tips, recipes (generally those my husband has tried!), crafting techniques, good books, sales and specials, etc. Just thought quick phone conversations, my girlfriends have helped me improve my life by offering web sites that might interest/educate me, magazines and TV shows I should check out and what stores have great paper craft supplies, and much, much more.

So, in an effort to solicit ideas from you and to see what all we can share together, I've created TIP TUESDAY. Each week I'll post a topic and question. I welcome (beg?!) you to participate and give your feedback so we can all learn from each other's experiences. So, here goes your creative girlfriend challenge ...

This GirlfriendologyToo TIP TUESDAY question: What magazines do you recommend for the latest crafting techniques and projects? What publication would you HAVE to have with you on a deserted island?!

Share a TIP! Leave a comment. Give some girlfriend advice! Or just send on to a girlfriend you know who has an opinion they might like to share. And come back next Tuesday for more!

And ...
* Not to sway your votes on this, but JULIE STEPHANI of Today's Creative Home Arts Club (and editor of their magazine) will be our next podcast interview! Send us any questions you have for her and check out the other podcasts!

* The other Girlfriendology Blog also has a TIP TUESDAY. Check it out for less crafty questions and tips! And please share your comments so we can all learn from each other!

Girlfriend gifts, holiday greeting cards - what are you making this year?

I just recorded the most recent podcast with the winning entries from our Girlfriendology Contest. It was fun just to share the stories of female friends who have been there for their girlfriends - just when they needed them the most to wonderful friends who have fun and funny traditions of doing life with their girlfriends. All of them were so inspiring!

This month's contest is about "girlfriend gifts" - what wonderful things have your girlfriends given you or done for you? GirlfriendologyToo is all about the creative side of girlfriends so I'm really looking forward to your inspiring ideas and stories!

Football games and cooler weather make me start getting excited about the holidays. What will I make for our holiday card? I have a ridiculous tradition of overproducing a card at the most hectic, stressful time of the year! I thought I'd share this and will show my progress in future blog entries to inspire you or to show you what NOT to do! Shown here is my first card. It was back in the 80's and I made my own stencils on a cardstock postcard.

Unfortunately this is my only one and it suffered some water-damage but it is still fun to have and look back on! In fact, it reminded me of blogs some of my creative girlfriends wrote on old crafts that they now laugh about. (We all have those non-timeless designs or goofy projects that we love even if they're not perfect!) Get inspiration and fun ideas from my creative girlfriends (who wrote those blogs) - Katie Hacker and Linda Peterson.

I also try to give handmade gifts to my girlfriends. I'm looking for inspiration! Anyone have great ideas for girlfriend gifts? Do you have a creative holiday tradition to share with your Girlfriendology girlfriends? Has a girlfriend given you a special present? Maybe her time, or a handmade gift or a wonderful surprise. Share that too in our contest. Girlfriends are a blessing - share your stories and ideas!

Are your girlfriends a GIFT? (Want to win one too?)

Our October Girlfriendology Contest was about special girlfriends and we received several really inspiring stories (including T and all those rubber stamps!). (Thanks to all of you!) Today is November 1, we're off on a New CONTEST and a new way to win prizes just for having thoughtful girlfriends - or being one yourself. Maybe you'll be able to take your girlfriend out for a Starbucks on Girlfriendology! So, drum roll please ...

NOVEMBER CONTEST: Has a girlfriend ever given you a really special gift? Or, have you had the opportunity or a great creative* idea to give your girlfriend something that she really, REALLY appreciated (and that you loved giving)?! Tell us about it! (*I'm really looking forward to the GREAT responses by all the crafty, creative women reading this!)

And what perfect timing for girlfriend gift ideas, right? The holidays are right around the corner and we all love ideas for making our friends feel as special as they make us feel. If you're one of the five top stories, you'll win a $10 gift certificate for Starbucks to take your girlfriend out for a coffee on Girlfriendology. Also, the top overall story wins a Girlfriendology Journal.

And, as you may know, the October Contest ended with a big BANG! Seal Press ("groundbreaking books by and for women!) generously provided five copies of Rosie Molinary's book, "Hijas Americanas: Beauty, Body Image and Growing Up Latina" (featured on our recent podcast) for the next five girlfriends to share a story on their girlfriends.

Another drum roll please! This months winners are:

Another drum roll please! This months winners are:

Our Monthly Contest Winners: Tammy, Carol, Michele, Brooke and Elizabeth*. All receive a $10 Starbucks card to take their girlfriend out for a coffee on Girlfriendology. *Elizabeth also won the Girlfriendology journal for the best overall girlfriend story. Congratulations Girlfriends!

Our Special Prize for entries at the end of the month (they win a free copy of Hijas Americanas): Debbie, Rochelle, Jane, Michele and Brooke.

Want to hear their great girlfriend stories? Listen to our new podcast for their inspiring tales of appreciation of their fabulous female friends. Like the quote from As Good As it Gets, these stories make me want to be a better girlfriend. Thanks to all of you inspiring women!


Send in your story today, then think about it and send in another story tomorrow. What great gift has a girlfriend given you? Her time? Her friendship? A personalized present? A shoulder to cry or a reason to laugh? Share your story. Inspire other women. Then be the girlfriend that shows her female friends how much she appreciates and loves them. Thanks girlfriends!