by Sharon | May 18, 2016
I can’t believe these things are still around . . .
As long as parents and grandparents and great-grandparents are around to share these Lucky Stars with their kids, grand kids and great grand kids, these will be around for generations to come.
I learned how to make them in elementary school. One of my friends couldn’t walk, so we made stuff during recess. We made all kinds of things out of paper. Maybe that’s why I love paper crafting so much. Thank you, Susan!!
We did lose track of one another, but I remember some of the things we made. I imagine she’s gone a long way in her life — she was a good friend and taught me how to make things out of strips of paper . . .
As the tradition goes, when you give someone a jar full of these lucky stars, you’re giving them good luck. I hope by giving you the link to download these lucky stars instructions some of that good luck will rub off on you. Just click the image and you’ll be taken to the print out tutorial. If you’re looking for some paper to print out to make your lucky stars, click here.
Well, that was a delightful trip down memory lane for me. I hope it was enjoyable for you as well.
Thank you for stopping by!
Sharon
by Sharon | May 16, 2016
Formal Education vs. Self-Education
What do you think?
Perhaps a bit of both?
Formal education gives you the basics and the theories . . . but self-education digs in to bring out the essence . . . motivating you to think outside the box, perhaps . . . to discover more and to learn and apply this new knowledge in ways no one ever imagined . . .
There are many simple solutions to normal everyday problems, but if you can eliminate that problem completely . . . you have a great discovery . . .
Isn’t that what great thinkers do? How about writers? All those great best sellers . . . much of what they show us is what was learned through life — their self-education.
Aren’t we dumbfounded to find out that someone discovered an easier way to remove stains from clothing . . . or to separate the yoke and the egg whites . . .
How many times have you said, “I wish I thought of that” ?
Probably more times than you can count.
So, not all great education is in text books . . . much great education is in life . . . our experiences and those experiences of others . . .
Sometimes it’s important to get a different perspective on issues . . . Think about it . . . get input from others . . . try brainstorming . . . experiment a bit . . . but safety first . . . I’m not talking about taking risks, I’m talking about thinking things through . . . following your thoughts . . . adding new thoughts . . . and see where it takes you.
I love hearing about the success of others . . . it motivates me to continue . . . and eventually hit on the right combination to find my success, too. There is a whole world of people who share in your dream . . . see where their dreams take them . . . and see where yours will take you . . .
The more you dig into whatever it is you want to know . . . the better chance you’ll have of making yourself rich beyond your wildest dreams . . .
Something to think about.
Sharon
by Sharon | May 13, 2016
In honor of Friday the 13th . . .
It’s true! Every Friday the 13th I stay home . . . maintaining a low profile . . . Yes, I am superstitious! 
It’s not that anything has happened to me of a negative nature on that particular day — it’s just that I don’t make plans and I stay home . . . just to be on the safe side.
Now, doing a paper craft isn’t my thing — especially if I am to use an exacto knife . . . so, I’ll leave the printing out and cutting out and construction for this weekend . . . not today . . . Oh goodness, no — Not today!
This paper model is a Ray Keim creation from his website Haunted Dimensions. He has some lovely pieces that you should check out.
Phantom Manor has a lovely double staircase leading up to the porch . . . I truly like the design of this house . . . it has a definite story to tell . . . I do wonder who lives within the walls of the manor . . . are they friendly? Do they enjoy the company of the living? Do you dare go inside?
Not today for me . . . but maybe . . . and maybe not . . . I’m not the bravest person when it comes to haunted places . . .
This model you’ll be constructing is quite large — 12 inches high, 11 inches wide and 13 inches deep. This is a project that will keep you busy for quite some time.
It comes complete with instructions . . . and is recommended you print it out on card stock. You’ll want it to be sturdy and have it around for quite some time.
It’s important that you become acquainted with the pieces and the construction process before beginning. That’s perfect for me this Friday the 13th.
Have fun!
Sharon
by Sharon | May 13, 2016
I’ve been surfing the web . . . again . . .
I came across a lot of different fun paper crafts.
Strange how I’ll be looking for boxes . . . then I find 3-D houses and even a gazebo . . . and I thought, Yes!! This is perfect for spring and summer. I could have some fun decorating this with flowers and adding all kinds of things inside . . . Then I thought of other things that would be season appropriate . . .
And then there were vintage-type stuff that I truly love . . . and it got me thinking . . . about spring . . . and summer . . . and vacationing . . . and picture taking . . . so, a camera would be quite appropriate . . . even a vintage one . . . Just click the image and you’ll be taken to the page to download and print out the black box camera.
This is a box camera . . . and there’s a box inside where you can keep some small pictures . . . maybe a few sweet treats . . .
The internet is a definite feast for the eyes and the mind . . .
And can cause a lot of confusion in the process.
I found so many things I’d like to make . . . and then wondered what would be appropriate on TwoCansOnAString to share with you . . .
Decisions, decisions, decisions . . .
I had to do a lot of thinking . . . and wondering what you would like to make. Do you want something simple or quite involved? Would you like it to be functional or decorative?
I decided on a sneaker . . . something you could make and fill with goodies . . . Also something I associate with summer . . .
Just click the image and you’ll be taken to the PDF for downloading and printing. There’s also a white shoe version you can print out here.
I hope you found this post helpful and worthwhile. Have fun putting the cameras and sneakers together!
Sharon
by Sharon | May 12, 2016
Hi there!
Have you noticed how much you can learn from the internet?
When I got my new printer, I was a bit nervous about setting it up for the first time . . . I got the Epson WorkForce ET-4550 Eco Tank Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer with Scanner, Copier and Fax. I was fine with the plugging in and setting up the wireless connection, but I was more concerned about adding the ink to the various compartments. I was used to putting in a cartridge and away I go . . . but I wanted to try this out and maybe save on ink in the process.
Well, I did find a very helpful YouTube video that walked me through the whole process. I also had the written instructions . . . but there is something about watching someone else do it that is helpful.
I did notice that people do their own thing. Yes, they read the directions, but when it’s time to follow through, they just wing it. That works for many confident people . . . and it was helpful for me to watch someone who wasn’t glued to the instruction sheet.
This wasn’t meant to be a review of the printer, but it is helpful in explaining the point of my post. I do highly recommend this printer. I am really pleased by the results I’ve received in my various printing experiences.
This how to video I watched was extremely helpful and it allowed me to calm down enough to set it up and get printing.
I have found so very many helpful and generous people who share their various craft projects on YouTube . . . and I’ve found some rude individuals, too.
And why is this?
Do they realize they’re being rude?
Is this supposed to be entertainment? Or helpful?
I’ve written other posts about vloggers . . . and there are some popular channels with the whole family . . . on their various sporting events and vacations and outings . . . even chilling at home . . . I know at times not everyone gets along, but do we have to video that . . . or when children are rude or disrespectful to their parents?
I’m not a real fan of watching people argue . . . even in a store . . . or in a movie . . . that isn’t entertaining . . . yes, there are conflicts, but they aren’t for airing publicly . . . I thought adults are to be role models for their peers and the young.
Do we truly like hanging out with angry people or argumentative ones? I certainly don’t. And I don’t want to see feuds going on on YouTube . . . or kids who are out of control . . . rude, disrespectful . . . under of guise of “being cute.”
I’m not here to tell parents how to parent . . . or telling you what to watch or not to watch . . . I’m just saying that I’ve been taught to put my best foot forward and to treat others how I’d like to be treated.
I know when I’m not providing something you’re interested in on this blog, you stop coming.
And I know to stop subscribing to YouTube Channels and to stop watching their videos may change the quality of them . . . or they don’t care . . . or people like what they’re watching . . . and people will continue recording what people like.
I may be in the minority . . . I want the best for everyone. I’m very appreciative of those who share their craft ideas without complaining about someone who “stole their idea” or someone who’s angry because they’re not getting subscribers.
As many of you have found here, many of the crafts I’ve shared with you are not my own. I give credit to those who have been generous in their making templates we can download and print out and make for ourselves. During this process, I hope to learn how to make my own designs and to share them here and on YouTube . . . but that will all come later . . . way later . . . I do have so very much to learn.
And, if I do find a better way of doing something, I’m sure someone else has also found it, too. And they may have shared it . . . but I missed their documented discovery . . .
Many crafters have mentioned that they learned something from a particular individual . . . and sometimes they say they found if they do it this way, it is easier for them . . . but it may not be an original idea . . .
I do respect that. It’s like the many explorers who see something in the sky and at that exact moment someone else or several someone else’s have observed the same thing . . . they all seemed to be looking for the same thing, not knowing anyone else was doing the same. It’s only natural with a world full of people someone out there is going to come up with a similar short cut or whatever.
From all the videos I have watched, I’ve received some tips . . . I don’t remember from whom . . . and I’ve heard these tips from others as well . . . Does it really matter who was the first to do it? If the goal is to be helpful . . . then I’d say not . . . but if it is to be original and unique and the person worked really hard on figuring it out . . . maybe . . . or is it ego? I don’t know . . . just asking.
I subscribe to those I like on YouTube and I follow blogs that I like . . . and with the vlogs . . . I don’t watch as many of those as I have in the past . . . either I’ve changed or I’m no longer interested in what they find entertaining . . .
There are plenty to choose from . . . and I go for those with people who are real, gracious and helpful . . . not angry, rude and argumentative.
YouTube is a wonderful platform for just about anyone who has something to share with others. It could be reviewing a product or setting one up. It could be teaching someone how to make something — apply make-up, hair styling . . . buying clothing and matching various elements to make a fashion statement. There are many talented people who have a gift in various areas — even cooking . . . there are plenty of people with cooking channels and there is always room for you, too . . . in whatever area you choose. I’ve learned a lot from people who have shown me some computer stuff for my website . . . and using various software I’ve purchased . . .
There are people with tips for writing a resume or going for an interview . . . maybe even taking a test and how to study for one . . . there could also be tutorials for various subjects . . . and if there aren’t there should be . . . it’s all about people helping each other . . .
Thanks for stopping by!
Sharon
