Did you know? Did you know that early matboard was nothing more than sign board pressed into use for framing artwork? It was simply a board with a wood pulp core and a white paper lining. In its natural state, wood has lignin in it. Early matboard was used primarily to make signs where acidity was not a major concern. But when lignin is subjected to sunlight and humidity over time, acid can pass out of it. It was some time before the impact  of what was happening  was felt because acid burn can take up to 25 years to manifest itself. In the 1980’s manufacturers started neutralizing regular matboard which you will now find labeled as “acid free” or “lignen free”. Source: www.books.google.com

Julianna Hudgins is an innovative expert, TV personality, author, and designer extraordinaire, and has turned millions on to the joys of crafting through her first-hand experiences and applications of the hobby.

As Product Spokesperson for the Ellison & Sizzix brand products, Julianna can be found traveling the USA and abroad teaching unique die cutting techniques using alternative materials for paper crafting, home décor, fashion and jewelry ideas.

Julianna has appeared regularly on such TV programs as Aleene’s Creative Living, HGTV’s Carol Duval Show, PBS Scrapbook Memories, DIY Scrapbooking, Discovery Channel’s Home Matter’s, Shop at Home TV, QVC and the Home Shopping Network. Julianna was also recognized as one of the “Top Eight Scrapbooking Authorities” by the DIY Network and has already penned four insightful books on various aspects of crafting. In addition, Julianna’s work and words continue to be featured in popular hobby publications. Listen to Julianna's interview! GO>>

If given the choice of only one natural remedy to have at home, my pick is Tea Tree essential oil. This oil, which has the scent of camphor, hails from Australia and is a superb remedy for almost all skin ailments.  It is anti-viral, counteracts bacteria, fungus and viruses and eliminates parasites. What more could you ask for in an aromatherapy oil? This oil also inhibits inflammation, eases pain and protects the skin. Tea tree oil penetrates the outer layers of the skin and attacks infections. Tea tree oil can be applied directly on the skin without carrier oil and has almost no cautions except to not get into your eyes.  Tea tree oil is a mosquito repellent, good for cracked skin, toe nail fungus (apply to toe nail in the morning and in the evening - it takes a long time but it will kill the fungus), ringworm, shingles, athletes foot, yeast infections and bleeding gums.  Many dental products now contain tea tree oil and many shampoos contain tea tree oil as it works well for dandruff.   Can also work well on spider bites and head lice. In the garden, use 15 drops of tea tree oil to 1 cup of water and spray on your plants to kill aphids, ants and mildew. This oil is just so good for what ails your skin.  >>Candace   P.S.  Shop local for Tea Tree Essential Oil. If you can't find it local - you can order it from our Marketplace! 

House Plants -  Did you know that house plants are really good for you? Plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen and remove pollutants from your home by absorbing many chemical compounds that are released into the air from a process called "off-gassing". Many of the items in our homes release chemical compounds that are not so good for us! House plants play a big part in cleaning up the air in your home. One house plant in good health can filter 100 square feet of living space. The healthier the plant the more air it can filter. So, do remove sick or dead plants from your living space and replace them with house plants that are known to filter the air such as philodendrons, spider plants and pothos which all so the best at removing formaldehyde from the air. Gerbera daisies and chrysanthemums are good at removing benzene from the air. Other plants that are really good for your indoor environment are aloe vera, dieffenbachia, and some species of palms, rubber plants, dracaenas, English ivy, ficus, Boston fern and peace lily. No wonder these are such popular house plants -- and you thought it was just because they do so well growing indoors! >>Candace

• Decorative paper or cardstock
• Scissors or craft knife
• Metal ruler
• Craft plastic, acetate or page protector
• Thick craft foam, cardboard or foamboard
• Paper glue
• Shaker stuff:  confetti, small paper punched shapes
• Optional:  mat cutter (oval or circle)

Step-by-Step

1. There is more than one way to make a shaker box or card. And you can buy shaker box kits or pre-done pieces.  This is a way to make one from scratch.
2. There are 4 pieces to a shaker box:  The front, the window craft plastic (or acetate or page protector), the thick frame and the backing.
3. Decide on the design of your shaker box.  For beginners, a simple square is best.  But keep in mind you can use a square with a circle window or even cut out a shape for your shaker box.  Let’s start with a square with a square window.  The measurements will be 4” x 4” with a 3” x 3” window centered in the middle.
4. Cut the front, the plastic, the frame and the backing.  All will be 4” x 4”.
5. Cut a window for the front and the frame.  The window for the front should be slightly smaller that the window in the frame.
6. Adhere the backing to the frame.  Backing can be simple plain cardstock.  Or if you want a decorative paper to show through the window, make sure you glue the right side showing through the window.
7. Adhere the plastic to the front.  Make sure you get a good seal all the way around the window.
8. Add your shaker confetti into the frame. 
9. Adhere the front to the frame.  You might want to put a heavy book on top for a few hours to get the best seal.
10.  Shake, shake, shake!  Shaker cards are fun as card fronts, accents on a scrapbooking page, embellishment of an altered book, or as part of a collage.  You can increase or decrease the size and proportion to fit any need!