I just finished reading The Real Z by Jen Calonita.  The book is definitely worth reading, and is a pretty easy reading level (ages 8+).  The chapters are about 10 pages long, which makes it easy if you don't want to be committed for a long period of time.

We find out Z's full name pretty quickly (in the first chapter), get to meet some of her friends, and follow her journey as she prepares a film to submit to the film festival contest.  This book is good at showing us that it's important to not let exciting events in our lives dominate and take over.  Z is pretty easy for girls to relate to.  She is tech saavy, and is probably in middle school.  She does spend a lot of time with her friends, and video chats with her friends who live overseas.

I hope that you all are able to enjoy the book as much as I did!  If you read the book, be sure to share your thoughts in the comments below.  I do have to approve the comments, but plan on logging on more often than I have in the past few years.  I plan on reading her new book (Z on Location) and will write a review once I'm done.
~Lily

Once again, I've missed my one week goal, but you have to admit that I have been doing much better than I have been!  I used this book (again) to make a duck tape purse for my doll.  In the book, you use a box for your "mold."  (You get this box back after you have finished your form).  I followed the instructions in the book, but a box from a deck of cards.  I think the purses came out really great!

If you use a bigger box, you can make a purse for you.  My mom is in the process of making one for herself (it'll be a lunch box), and it looks like the one on the cover of the book!  I can't wait to be able to show more duck tape crafts soon!

These are the purses I made!  Nicki modeled a few that went with her dress, and would like to know which one you think goes best!  Leave your comments below!

As always if you make a duck tape purse for you or your doll (using any pattern you find), I would love to see pictures, and will be happy to post them for you!!

I should have another post this weekend (since I have a long weekend)!!
Lily

I know I didn't quite make my weekend goal, but I have time tonight, as all of my homework is finished, and now we areRecently, I made a few more duck tape crafts for my dolls.  I made a hair bow.  I cut about 2" of duck tape for the doll's bow (and used about 6" for a human bow).  The directions on the Duck Tape website aren't very specific about how much tape to use. 

I also made a bracelet.  The directions for this bracelet came out of the same book that I got the necklace out of.  I just followed the directions at the end... but I did still fold the tops of the duck tape like you do for a Duck Tape Rose.

You can also make a duck tape bows for mini-dolls.  I cut about 1 1/3" of duck tape for these, and then when I was finished, I cut some off the ends because it was too big for the mini-doll (and it's really hard to work with a really small amount of tape).

If you make any duck tape crafts, please email me a picture and I will definitely post it!  I'm so happy to have found a new hobby. ;)
~Lily

I really do enjoy blogging (again)!!  I am thinking of doing another craft for next weekend.  Can't wait to share it with you once it's finished. :-)  If you try this craft, please send me a picture [email protected]. 
~Lily