Archive for May, 2010

May 31, 2010

We Want YOU: Become a Paid Plaid Intern!

Do you have an interest in working on our web staff?  Check out this job description!  The position starts as an internship, but could lead to a longer-term position. See below for all of the information!

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Job Description – Internet Communications Assistant (ongoing)

This is an excellent opportunity to get hands-on web marketing experience – campaign planning and implementation; working on multiple objectives as part of a marketing team.

Craft consumer goods manufacturer is currently looking for a Part Time Internet Communications Assistant. This is a fun, hands-on position with many opportunities for personal growth and gaining new skills. If you have a passion for working with online/social media, an ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, as well as great communication and interpersonal skills, please send resume and samples to the link provided.

Primary Responsibilities
· To provide support for the Marketing Internet & Social Media Team in relation to the creation of concise, compelling content for on-line marketing activities to include:
· Writing and editing new and existing Web content
· Proof and edit website content for grammar, spelling, brand/voice consistency and style
· Work closely with marketing to gather content as required
· Participate in the development of and execute new ideas to drive web traffic and sales
· Work with team to leverage new content for its value in Search Engine Optimization
· Competitive analysis research to assist in the development of new ideas
· Participate in on-line consumer research projects and assist in analysis of results
· Collecting, entering and maintaining product data on the internet
· Preparing web-ready graphics
· Assisting with editorial and other day-to-day content needs for website
Technical skills required

Qualifications
· Creativity, strong verbal and written communication skills, excellent knowledge of the English language, Web Savvy, Information Analysis, Multi-tasking, Detail Oriented
· Ability to work in fast-paced, deadline driven environment; think quickly; high level of enthusiasm
· Independent worker with strong project and time management and organizational skills, capable of taking ownership of projects and meeting tight deadlines with minimal supervision
· Enthusiastic, outgoing personality, love of creative activities and crafting
· Ability to write/edit content for web
· Working knowledge of HTML and CSS
· Experience with web content management tools
· Experience using html editors (ie. Dreamweaver); ability to understand and troubleshoot html code
· Intermediate Adobe Photoshop skills, knowledge of cropping/color correcting images and using layers
· General knowledge of preparing graphics for web
· Experience creating simple layouts in Photoshop
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs including Word and Excel

Education Background – We are accepting those with Bachelor’s/Master’s degrees who are looking for part-time work; we will also consider a Junior or Senior year college student with a 3.0+GPA
Computer Skills – Experience with HTML, CSS, Dream Weaver or Photoshop
Available to Work – Minimum of 20 hours per week
How to Apply - Please send resume, cover letter and any pertinent work samples to

May 28, 2010

TGIF Project: The Incredible Painted T-Shirt

Happy upcoming Memorial Day! If you are going on vacation, have fun and relax.  If you are looking for a craft project to do, then this guest post by Heather of Dollar Store Crafts on Make and Takes will be right up your alley. Heather stamps on used t-shirts and onesies with acrylic paint, giving them a second life. She even gets the kids involved! I too love imperfect stamping, and think her technique is fabulous. Visit here to see it.

Tags: fashion crafting, t-shirt
May 27, 2010

Technique Thursday: Painting on Glass


Have you heard of Donna Dewberry?  If not, where have you been?  I’m kidding, but truly, Donna Dewberry is not only creator of the One Stroke painting method, but also a great instructor.  With the current popularity of glass painting, I suggest watching this and giving FolkArt Enamels a try.  You’ll be able to create projects like this.  Check it out!

Tags:
May 26, 2010

Inspired Ideas!

Have you been to the Inspired Ideas portion of the Plaid website? This special section features trendy ideas and inspiration – projects are organized by category for easy browsing! A great example is the personalized plaque above in everyone’s favorite color of the season. Go here to see more inspired ideas, or click on the picture above to get a supply list and instructions for Ben’s personalized plaque.

May 25, 2010

Tuesday Huesday: Colorful Room

I saw this image in Better Homes & Gardens Do It Yourself Magazine (Summer 2010) and I had to share. Many people shy away from bright colors and I wonder if it’s because they seem hard to put together well and not have them overpower a room. I think this photo above is a great example, and the same thought process can translate into your painting projects. A few bright pieces on a white background can really liven up a room.  I pulled a few colors out of the above picture to inspire you to consider brights in your projects:

I used FolkArt Acrylic paint to create my color palette (clockwise from top left): Bright Baby Pink, Hot Pink, Medium Yellow, Pumpkin.

May 24, 2010

Quatrefoil Stool Redo Using FolkArt

Patina is one of the best FolkArt paint colors ever! When I found this re-done stool on using Patina, I had to share. Creating this quatrefoil pattern was more of a “manual” process than you would guess, as Jen from T&J hand-painted in after tracing a stencil. The result is gorgeous! You must visit her to learn more, and then follow her link for a free printable pattern!

Tags: quatrefoil, stool
May 21, 2010

TGIF Project: Daisy Spinner

Spring is in full gear for most of you, and summer is quickly approaching!  You may be poolside this weekend, barbequeing, bicycling . . . or, like me, you’ll be crafting.  Each Friday I give you a quick and easy project to complete over the weekend, and this week it’s a daisy painted pinwheel. Make a few for summer party decorations, or use FolkArt Outdoor and plunk it in the yard. Use any color combinations you desire! For complete instructions, visit here.

Tags: spinner, yard art
May 20, 2010

Technique Thursday: Chalkboard Paint

Have you ever worked with Chalkboard Paint? If you haven’t, you are going to LOVE it!  You can turn any porous surface into something to write on (with chalk, of course). View the video above, and then visit here for more information about our Chalkboard Paint.  The link includes some inspiration, like the projects below:

Tags: clay pots, photo box,
May 19, 2010

Apple Barrel and Styrofoam Contest!

Did you know that Apple Barrel paints VERY WELL onto Styrofoam?  The two are like peas and carrots!  Here are just a few examples of the fun projects that you can make with Styrofoam and Apple Barrel paint.

Now it’s your turn! Show us your best Styrofoam crafting projects using Apple Barrel paint – just submit a photo for a chance to win one of three prizes. There are two categories, children and adults. Learn more about the contest here, and remember, we need your project photo by August 1st!!

Tags: Styrofoam
May 18, 2010

Tuesday Huesday: Shower Curtain

I love my shower curtain – it’s so fun! I’m not a morning person, but the combination of darks and brights makes me happy.  The curtain is from Dwell Studio, one of my favorite places for home decor items.  I only wish I had more money, because then my entire apartment would look like my shower curtain.

Another reason I like this color palette is because Father’s Day is coming up, and I think the colors are perfect for a project.  Check it out – what do you think?

I used FolkArt Acrylic paint to create my color palette (from top left to right): Midnight Garden, Aqua, Jamaican Sea, Fawn and Night Sky.