Personalized Note Cards

I don't have a lesson from the craft room today.  What I do have is a wish.  A wish for you.  For a healthy, happy, peaceful, creative, prosperous and fulfilling New Year!!!!!  Wishing you all the best in 2014!!!!!!  Looking forward to sharing it with you!!!!!!
Today's note cards were a quick gift I put together for my swimming coach.  She has shared her passion for swimming with me and that passion is contagious!!!!!  I thought it would be nice to share a bit of my creative passion with her :)  The triangle punch created little flags that reminded me of the flags at the ends of the pool.  Hopefully she'll like them :)  I know I'm looking forward to spending many more laps in the pool in 2014!
(ps  Do you like the designer series paper I used?  If so, you can order it from the Occasions catalog starting on January 3rd!)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

Tag a Bag Mini Album & Card by Laurie Zoellmer

Capture your memories with this Tag a Bag Mini Album & Card created by Laurie Zoellmer as this month's bonus project over at Craft Project Central!  This project was made using the Tag a Bag Bundle.  This mini album is perfect for adding photos from just about any occasion, birthdays, vacations, retirement, etc.  Included are ten pages you can add photos to, plus three decorated panels that tuck into the open pages.  You can journal or add more pictures to the panels.  The possibilities are endless!  Pair this darling album up with a coordinating greeting card, and it makes the perfect gift!
You can obtain all the instructions for this bonus project by subscribing to two or more months in a row at Craft Project Central; putting the Craft Project Central badge on your blog; or by referring a friend and when that friend subscribes, letting Craft Project Central know.  To learn more about this bonus project and all the other December projects at Craft Project Central, head on over to Craft Project Central!

Cork Coaster Gift Set by Angie Jones

Here’s a gorgeous set of four Drink Coasters to give as a gift with a matching note card and handmade envelope. Or simply enjoy having on hand when your crafting friends arrive for that Stamp-A-Stack afternoon.  This Cork Coaster Gift Set was created by  Angie Jones!  Want all the instructions to create a set of your very own?  Then head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of December!

Art Journal Pages

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  It Doesn't Have To Be Clean To Create :)
Ugh!  What a mess I have in the craft room!  I know, you're not surprised! :)  It seems to happen on quite a frequent basis and sometimes I use it as an excuse to not create.  (On a side note:  I've become quite aware of the contradiction I live - I always say that I want to create and yet, I also watch myself finding all kinds of different excuses or using my time in other ways - shopping for art supplies being a big culprit.  This is a contradiction I need to examine a little more closely.  After all, if what I profess to want to do is to create, why am I avoiding it????).  Anyway, back on track...I found myself standing over my completely covered craft table today ignoring the mess and just creating right over all of the objects littering the table!  It wasn't the flattest of surfaces, but I made it work.  And I'm so glad I did!  No, it doesn't have to be clean to create :)
Today's art journal pages were ABSOLUTELY INSPIRED BY DONNA DOWNEY!!!!!  I watched her amazing Inspiration Wednesday video last week and it really stuck with me.  Thanks for the inspiration Donna!  You can check out her pages and the "how to" video on her website here!  I used some different supplies - most notably a product called Gilder's Paste by Baroque Art.  You have to use it in a well-ventilated space to deal with the initial odor, but it can make so many objects look like metal!  Very cool!  I also used some glass bead gel from Golden.  Very fun for creating extra texture in the flower centers.  Hope you enjoy!!!!  For those of you celebrating Christmas...I hope you have a very merry and wonderful holiday!!!!!!

Eastern Elegance Desk Set by Jen Arkfeld

 

Check out this Eastern Elegance Desk Set by Jen Arkfeld!  It’s almost 2014 and it's time to get organized!  In this project you will create a desk organizer and two decorated notepads to help clean up your desk area.  This is perfect to keep for yourself or give as a gift!  Want all the step-by-step instructions for constructing this project?  If so, head on over the Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of December!  Or, if you're feeling lucky, head on over the Craft Project Central and find my project that was posted on December 21st and leave me a comment.  On December 27th I will be choosing one lucky winner to receive a free December subscription to Craft Project Central!!!!

Creating Pretty Cards - Sketch Challenge #30

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  You Can Even Fit It In During The Commercials!
If you happen to tell yourself that you don't have time to create, I challenge you to think again!  Tonight we decided to chill out and watch a movie on tv.  Usually I'm not a fan of tv movie watching since the movie is often edited for tv and is loaded with commercials.  But tonight, those commercials that I often dread actually were my friend!  During each commercial break, I went into my craft room and added one more element to this card!  It was an interesting way to create - just one thing at a time and then walking away until the next set of commercials.  There was something freeing about it - allowing myself to not know what would come next and being able to look at what was happening with fresh eyes every time I went back into the craft room.  I might have to challenge myself to do this again sometime soon!  It's nice to try a change of creating pace :)
Today's card was creating for the Creating Pretty Cards - Sketch Challenge #30 over at Craft Project Central.  Feel free to visit Craft Project Central and join the challenge!  If enough people participate there will be a chance to win a free one-month subscription to Craft Project Central!!!!  I combined Crisp Cantaloupe, Pool Party and Crumb Cake card stock with some washi tape, embossing and random stamping.  The sentiment is from Express Yourself.  I hope you like it :)

New Year's Eve Party Set by Yapha Mason

Ring in the new year with this elegant New Year’s Eve Party Set by Yapha Mason.  This fun and festive set includes a bottle tag, matching card, set of four champagne glass charms and a box to put the charms in.  To get the step-by-step instructions for creating this great project, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of December.  Or, if you are feeling lucky, find my project over at Craft Project Central and leave me a comment.  I will choose one lucky winner on December 27th to receive a free December subscription to Craft Project Central!!!!

More Tag/Ornament Boxes!!!!!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Discover What Quiets Your Mind
When I am on the road working I often don't have time to slow down and just think about my life, my future, my current state of being.  I'm in fast forward when I'm working.  When I get home, my speed shifts down into a slower gear...sometimes even to "park!"  And, of course, my mind starts wandering, thinking, pondering, questioning.  Sometimes where my mind goes creates stress or depression or just overwhelming distraction or disjointedness.  I am so very grateful that on my recent vacation I met an incredible woman who introduced me to the practice of Yoga Nidra.  She even guided a number of us through the meditation practice and allowed me to record the session.  It has become a source of peace for me.  When I begin to feel like I'm becoming overwhelmed or stressed or just plain unfocused, I can go and lie down and experience this guided meditation.  It helps to quiet my mind and allows me to find a place of stillness and comfort.  There are a number of CDs of Yoga Nidra that she recommended.  I have not listened to them yet, but I have purchased them.  One is Experience Yoga Nidra by Swami Janakananda.  The other is called Journey Through The Body by Amrit Desai.  I do not know if Yoga Nidra can do for you what it seems to be doing for me.  What I do know is that it is important to discover what quiets your mind and I am so grateful this practice found its way to me :)  (Another thing that found its way to me in the form of a gift is the Feel Good Hug by Origins and the Stress Relieving Hug by Origins!  These make wonderful gifts - a body wrap filled with essential oils that can be heating or cooled!  I highly recommend them!  There is a final flavor - Bedtime - that I haven't smelled yet, but I imagine it is as delicious as the other ones!).
Now on to today's projects!  The elf head design was created by Cathy Gray!  So cute!  You can find out more about Cathy and the elf head directions at Splitcoaststampers or on her blog here.  The body - specifically the arms and shoes were inspired by Marie Shaughnessy.  You can find a great elf card tutorial on her blog here!  Of course, the triangle box and the Santa were both inspired by Lisa Brown whose YouTube video I mentioned to you yesterday!  It's amazing how one box shape can inspire you to keep creating!  The adorable tag/ornament boxes can hold candy or other small surprises!  Of course you can also adapt them for any holiday/celebration!  Yes, you will be seeing these boxes again :)

Christmas Tree Ornament/Gift Tag

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Dogs Know Best :)
Scattered.  Distracted.  Bouncing from place to place.  All describe how I was acting/feeling earlier today.  Somehow Buddy could sense what I was going through (although it wasn't a huge stretch for him to see me acting like a chicken with her head cut off!) and he came over to me to nudge me and lead me toward the back door.  Yes, once again, my dog knew what was best for me - a bit of time outdoors - watching the birds and the squirrels - enjoying the sunshine on an unusually mild day.  It was exactly what my pinball-bouncing brain needed!  Yes, dogs know best :)  (Doris, I know you already know this :)
Today's Christmas tree ornament/gift tag was inspired by a video I saw on YouTube by Lisa Brown.  I loved the triangle box she created so I decided to alter the design and make a few different versions (I will be sharing another version with you tomorrow).  Inside this little box are some mini candy canes and on the back I stamped "to" and "from" so that the box can be attached to a gift as a gift tag and later hung on a tree.  The sentiment is from Petite Pairs.  I hope you like it!

New Years Memories Set

This New Year Memories Set is perfect for welcoming in the New Year! This set features an envelope mini-book, a coordinating card and a matching pen pocket!  This set would make a wonderful gift for a friend for the New Year!  You could also create the mini-book for yourself to keep track of your 2014 memories!  The mini-book inserts are a wonderful place to journal and add special photos.  I am planning on keeping track of special highlights for each month in 2014 :)
Are you interested in receiving all of the step-by-step instructions for creating this set?  If so, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of December.  Or, if you're feeling lucky, head on over and find the post for this project at Craft Project Central and leave me a comment.  On December 27th I will choose one lucky person who will win a free subscription to the month of December!

Home Again

I'm back :)  For those of you that follow my blog consistently, you may have noticed that my lessons from the craft room had been put on pause.  I debated whether or not to let you know I would be taking time off and decided not to.  I still feel odd publicizing the times when I will be away from the computer.  I had a series of work trips and a vacation all in a row and felt it was too much pressure to place on myself to try to get posts scheduled for my time away.  So I just kept my commitment to Craft Project Central and scheduled those posts and gave myself permission to step away for a bit.  Vacation was much-needed and I'm not sure I found the type of consistent peace I was looking for.  However, there were a few highlights to the trip that transported me to a place of peace and serenity and the photo above captures one of them.  I was in a bay where the water stretched on for miles and the water only got as deep as my waste - so I enjoyed walking out into the water and looking out on the horizon and simply breathing.  It was magical!  I also experienced yoga nidra - taught by a wonderful woman who shared her gift of guiding people through this spiritual and meditative practice.  She allowed me to record one of the sessions and I have been trying to continue the practice since my return.  I am hoping she will come out with a CD so that I can share her information with you - truly a blessing for me!
As I look forward to 2014 I know there are lessons that I need to continue to grow into - letting go; being open; creating; and quieting the terrorist that lives inside my head.  I am home again and I am looking forward to sharing my time and my growth with you.

Winter Sampler by Sharon Burkert

This winter sampler of snowflakes, snowmen and snowy hills will decorate your home all winter long.  Make one for a friend and one for you to enjoy.  You’ll want to make several of these to give away as gifts!  Also makes for a fun holiday crafting class!  This Winter Sampler was created by Sharon Burkert.  You can learn more about Sharon here!  Head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of December to receive the step-by-step instructions for this great project!

New Photopolymer Stamp Sets!!!!!

Say it all with Stampin' Up!s latest additions to the photopolymer stamp set line!  With all the love sentiments, Countless Sayings 1 (135892; $13.95) would be wonderful for Valentine's Day or just to let someone know that you love them!  Countless Sayings 2 (135893; $13.95) is an all-occasion set that is perfect when you are searching for just the perfect sentiment!  Interested in these great new sets?  If so, shop HERE now! :)

Perpetual Calendar with Anytime Notes by Julie Beltramo

This Calendar by Julie Beltramo will not only last a lifetime because it has every day, month and date possible, but also its Coaster Board construction makes it everlastingly durable! And the coolest part of making it is the cheapest, but most awesome alphabet ‘secret’ stamp set – and you can only find out about it when you get the tutorial! Plus you’ll get the directions to the everlasting Note Card Box and twenty Anytime Notes.  You’ll want to make several of these to give away as gifts!
To get all the instructions for this project and all the other December projects at Craft Project Central, click HERE now and subscribe to the month of December!

Let It Snow Décor by Amanda Corbet

Decorate for winter with this lovely Let it Snow frame created by Amanda Corbet. There is even a card so you can gift this set to someone who is wishing for snow. Although it looks complicated it’s easier than it looks to make.  Also makes for a fun holiday crafting class!
Get the step-by-step instructions for this beautiful project, and all the other December projects over at Craft Project Central, by clicking here and subscribing to the month of December!

Holiday Napkin Rings & Place Tags by Buffy Cooper

Don’t you just love having a pretty table during the holidays?  These napkin rings, using the Joyful Christmas stamp set, are so easy and quick to create, and add a little glitz to your table as well.  The mini muslin bags make unique place tags for the table, and they hold a special treat for guests.  Makes for a fun Holiday class too!  This ensemble was created by Buffy Cooper.
To get all the instructions for this and the other December Craft Project Central projects, click HERE now and register for the month of December!

Thank You Gift For Stampers by Regina Andari

This is the time of year when we like to come up with useful gifts for customers, neighbors, co-workers, etc. — to thank them for their business, loyalty, and friendship for the past year.  And since we’re all crafters, we want the gift to give some creative inspiration.  This ensemble features the perfect box to hold a sampling of assorted card stock and designer paper, and the small container filled with an assortment of embellishments is decorated with Washi Tape and a 3-D floral topper.  Of course, this project wouldn’t be complete without a greeting card.  This whole project was created by Regina Andari.  You can learn more about Regina here!
To get all the instructions for this project and all the Craft Project Central December projects, click HERE and subscribe to the month of December!

Happy Hanukkah Gift Tag

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Create your own sanctuary

With all of my recent travels I am learning how important it is to create my own sanctuary. Whether it is bringing art supplies on an airplane and journaling in my seat, or finding a favorite video to watch while waiting for the next plane, creating my own sanctuary in the midst of all the chaos of airports, crowds and all kinds of invasive noise is a must for me.  It is how I maintain my connection to my creativity and my sanity.  How can you create a sanctuary for yourself wherever you are?

Today I am sharing a quick and easy Hanukkah gift tag!   Some whisper white and tempting turquoise card stock combined with some stamping, an embossing folder and a  touch of glitter does the trick!  Sticky strip and glitter make great friends :)

Christmas Gift Packaging Projects by Christy Fulk

It’s time to start wrapping those presents, and here are four packaging projects to help you out.  They are all made with the Envelope Punch Board and Winter Frost designer paper.  Two of the packages are perfect for treats, one is a pretty way to package gift cards, and one is perfect for a little gift.  All of these great projects were created by Christy Fulk.  To get all the instructions for this project and all the Craft Project Central December projects, click HERE and subscribe to the month of December!

Festive Flurry Wreath by Lauri Ingram

This Festive Flurry Wreath, created by Lauri Ingram, is the November Bonus Project for Craft Project Central!  Nothing rings in the holidays like snowflakes and glitter.  Highlighting the wonderful Winter Frost DSP and the Festive Flurry Bundle, brighten up your door with a shimmery, glimmer wreath.

Instructions for creating bonus projects can be obtained by subscribing to two or more months in a row at Craft Project Central; putting the Craft Project Central badge on your blog; or by referring a friend and when that friend subscribes, letting Craft Project Central know.  To learn more about this bonus project and all the other November projects at Craft Project Central, head on over to Craft Project Central!

A Day Away...

My belly is full and my heart content.  I have decided to take a day off to let my food digest and my heart continue to sing :)  Wishing you and yours a wonderful weekend filled with love!!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving and Recycled Magazine Page Envelope

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  You Can Choose Another Story
Stories, myths, legends, history - they all come to mind as we enjoy the beginning of the holiday season.  I notice how many stories surround the holidays - stories about where we have come from; stories about where we are going; stories about what and who we are.  I also am aware of the stories I tell myself - stories about who I am, what I need, and where I am headed.  My stories aren't always ones I want to keep reading - stories of not being good enough; stories of not having enough; stories of needing more time...more talent...more supplies.  A lot of stories of want.  I'm tired of some of my stories - tired of the power I give to them - tired of the energy they drain from me.  I realize I can choose another story.  A new place to put my energy.  A new legend.  A powerful myth.  Something I can believe in and live into.  Yes, you can choose another story.  What will it be?
I want to wish those of you celebrating Thanksgiving a season of gratitude and appreciation for all that you are, all that you have been, and all that you will be.  My your blessings be abundant, your sense of satisfaction deep, and your heart full.  Today I also share with you a simple little project that began with the belief that I have enough right here, right now - I tore out a magazine page - something I might otherwise have recycled - and I turned it into an envelope with the envelope punch board, a bit of gesso and a touch of stamping!  Can't wait to see what I fill it with and who I send it to!

And the winner is....

Tammi!!!!  Thanks so much for your comment on my project over at Craft Project Central!  I will be contacting you so that you can access your free November subscription!  Congratulations!!!!!

Envelope Punch Board Photo Holder by Laurie Zoellmer

This bright and fun Envelope Punch Board Photo Holder was made by Laurie Zoellmer!  This photo holder is designed to hold 4” x 6” photographs, but with the Envelope Punch Board you can adapt it to any size you want. Pair this cute photo holder up with your favorite designer series paper and the possibilities are endless!  We’ve also included the instructions on how to make this “pocket style” file folder card.For all the instructions for this set and the other November projects at Craft Project Central, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of November!!!!!

No Title Required

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Some Days I Am Rendered Speechless By The Beauty Of Nature....Most Days, Actually
I didn't use any photo editing software - I'm hoping you see this as I saw it on my recent travels.  Just a chance encounter with the sky while walking to dinner somewhere in Washington, DC.  It literally stopped me in my tracks and rendered me speechless...

Greeting Card Set with Decorative Box by Monika Davis

This all-season Greeting Card Set with Decorative Box was created by Monika Davis.  This all occasion greeting card set has a matching decorative box to hold them. It is the perfect present for anyone. It’s easy to make and can be mass produced without any difficulties. The box, with its magnetic closure, can be re-used over and over.  Great too for a stamp camp, or as a class project.  For all the instructions for this set and the other November projects at Craft Project Central, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of November...
Or, if you feel lucky, head on over to Craft Project Central and comment on my project.  I will be selecting a winner on November 27th (in honor of Thanksgiving) who will receive a free subscription to the month of November!  Good luck!!!!!

Holiday Sale!!!! November 20 - December 2!!!!

It's time for online holiday shopping! Now through December 2nd get incredible discounts-up to 50 percent-on some of your favorite products! This is the perfect time to stock up on some of your favorite items or to give Stampin' Up! a try.  Click HERE to shop now!!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Let Color Inspire You!
I have been in love with the Venetian Romance designer series paper since I first set eyes on it.  Okay, love might be a strong word for designer series paper...but there was just something about it!  The more I think about it, the more I realize it was the combination of those beautiful colors that really drew me in.  So I decided to use a similar color palette for this card that I created for my Thanksgiving Stamp-a-Stack last weekend.  Island Indigo, Crisp Cantaloupe, Pistachio Pudding and Early Espresso....sounds like a wonderful meal on a Caribbean Island! :)  I rolled out the gingham wheel and the grass stamp from the Wetlands stamp set.  I added more pattern and texture with the scallop punch and the chevron embossing folder.  The sentiment is from Label Love.  Yup, color can definitely inspire you if you let it!!!!
I hope you have an incredibly wonderful weekend!  As I am writing this (on Monday, November 18), I am sitting in a hotel room in Kansas City, thinking about where I will be when you are all finally reading this!  I plan on being at home (if the Universe helps me out), enjoying a wonderful weekend and holiday week surrounded by love and warmth!  There's no place like home!!!! :)

Season of Style Ensemble by Jen Arkfeld

This fun and festive Season of Style Ensemble  by Jen Arkfeld is perfect to Deck the Halls and wrap up the gifts!  Why not make some cute décor and great packaging to match?  This ensemble includes an up-cycled project – a wall hanging from old CD’s!  Plus some adorable gift boxes and a festive jar to use for holiday giving, too.  Want to get all the instructions for this ensemble and the other November projects at Craft Project Central?  Then, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of November...
Or, if you feel lucky, head on over to Craft Project Central and comment on my project.  I will be selecting a winner on November 27th (in honor of Thanksgiving) who will receive a free subscription to the month of November!  Good luck!!!!!

Blossom Punch Turkey Thanksgiving Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Keep Pushing Yourself Past The Discontent
This card was the final item I created for my Stamp-a-Stack this past weekend.  I had seen people make turkeys using the 2-step bird punch (I'm actually beginning to wonder if there is anything you CAN'T make using the 2-step bird punch!) and I thought they were adorable.  But somehow the blossom punch caught my eye and I decided it would make gorgeous feathers!  So I altered some of the ideas I had seen and came up with this.  Now the story behind this card is a bit more complex than I have let on.  Yesterday I mentioned I had been traveling like a crazy woman lately and I was trying to come up with card designs under tight pressure.  Well, I created 2 or 3 cards prior to this one and each one that I created just didn't feel right.  I was discontented.  One part of me was tempted to just go with a design I wasn't totally thrilled with, just to be done with it.  But the other part of me just couldn't accept that feeling of discontent.  So, I decided to push through it.  This card never would have come out of me if I hadn't pushed myself past the discontent.  It can be hard to push yourself further...and easy to give in to "good enough."  And, sometimes, that might be exactly what you need to do.  In this case, what I needed to do, was push past it.  I was rewarded for the effort (at least I think he's cute and a great reminder to me to give thanks for the ability to push past the discontent :)  Happy Turkey Day!!!!!  (p.s.  In case you start looking for this sentiment stamp, I must confess that it is from a retired set :)  For some holidays I tend to go digging in my retired stamps to find appropriate holiday greetings.  I just can't seem to bring myself to purchasing new sets every time a holiday rolls around) :)

Thanksgiving Turkey Place Cards

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Invite Someone Into Your Home To Create With You :)
I have been traveling like a crazy woman lately and, in the midst of it all, I decided I had to have a Thanksgiving Stamp-a-Stack at my home over the weekend!  I should have called it a "Stamp-A-Flock" since each person was making 8 turkey place cards in addition to some Thanksgiving cards!  By the time those turkeys were all stamped, it looked like a hen house! :)  I used lots of designer series paper that had been piling up in the craft room :)  We also used the Envelope Punch Board to create little boxes to hold a peppermint patty.  The turkey heads and bodies were made from a variety of punches and the greetings are from the Wetlands stamp set and Teeny Tiny Wishes.
Watching everyone create and chat with one another made me recognize yet again how important it is to share the gift of creativity with one another!  Open up your heart and your home - invite someone in to create with you! :)

Frosted Holiday Decor by Gayle Smith

These gorgeous Frosted Holiday Décor items were created by Gayle Smith.  If you love decorating for the holidays, you’ll love creating this fun and frosty tree and wreath to add to your holiday home decor.  Make several and give them away gifts!  Makes for a fun holiday class or camp project too!
Want to get all the instructions for creating these festive items?  Head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of November...
Or, if you feel lucky, head on over to Craft Project Central and comment on my project.  I will be selecting a winner on November 27th (in honor of Thanksgiving) who will receive a free subscription to the month of November!  Good luck!!!!!

Beautiful Birthday Present and Ikat Photopolymer Stamp Set!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  A Surprise In A Mailbox Can Make Your Day!!!!!!
I have been traveling a lot lately and it's been quite exhausting.  Changes in time zones, routines, locations - the idea of stillness is so attractive to me right now!  In the midst of all the tumult I was home for 2 days and a package arrived for me from England!  The minute I saw who it was from I knew that package was going to contain something special!  I opened the package and inside was a box that was decorated with papers and inside the box was this AMAZING card from my beautiful friend Helen!!!!!!  (You can check out Helen's blog here!!!!).  I fell in love with the gorgeous clay leaves and acorn!  They are colored so beautifully!!!!  This gorgeous card and the very special message inside provided me with stillness and love in the midst of all my craziness.  Thank you Helen!  You have shown me, yet again, that a surprise in a mailbox can really make someone's day!!!!!!

 

Check out this great new photopolymer stamp set!!!!!  It's called Eye-Catching Ikat (#134624, $13.95).  These designs will give an exotic fabric-like texture to your projects!  It's available starting today!  Click HERE to shop now!

Sunflower Creating Pretty Cards - Sketch Challenge #29

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: The Floor Is For More Than Walking :)
As I am typing this, I am actually sitting on the wood floor in my craft room.  Yes, a part of the reason is because my craft room table is so covered my laptop didn't stand a chance of finding a spot.  And...my chair is being occupied by a bunch of boxes of rubber stamps.  But, part of the reason is actually that I enjoy sitting on the floor!  Chairs can definitely be overrated!  You can find me sitting on floors in airports, hotels, living rooms and convention centers.  My legs outstretched.  My back leaning against a wall...or couch...or in my case right now, a shelving unit.  I feel grounded on the floor (pardon the pun :).  I feel supported and, in a way, safe.  I also like the change in perspective (except for some of what I am seeing now...some scraps of paper...a few dust bunnies :)  Yes, the floor is for more than walking.  Give it a try.  Come have a seat :)
I made today's card for the Creating Pretty Cards - Sketch Challenge #29 over at Craft Project Central!  I combined a few of my favorite things - the Sunflower background stamp, Venetian Romance designer paper, seam binding ribbon, Smoky Slate card stock and an embossing folder!  Feel free to join in the Sketch Challenge!  If enough people participate, Craft Project Central will be giving away free month-long memberships to some lucky winners!!!!

Getting Ready For Santa Gift Set by Julie Beltramo

I love this Getting Ready for Santa Gift Set by Julie Beltramo!  This gift set will make anyone excited to get ready for Santa!  The Covered Notepad will help you keep track of who’s been naughty and who’s been nice.  Then, as Christmas draws near, you can give the Hot Cocoa Tote and Mini Muslin Bag of Gift Tags as a gift.  Or, why not make a few sets of it all as part of your holiday gift giving?
Want to subscribe to the November edition of Craft Project Central and get 10 wonderful tutorials (including the one for this project) for only $10?  Head on over to the Craft Project Central website HERE!

Punch Scraps and Gel Pen Flowers

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  You can't use up creativity.  The more you use it, the more you have. - Maya Angelou
I keep relearning that it's okay to create ugly art, bad art, unfinished art, art without a purpose other than to create.  Why?  Because you are at least tapping into your creativity and honoring it.  You are allowing the flow and not getting in its way with your judgements and concerns.  And, as Maya Angelou says, the more you use it, the more you have!  So release the flow...and see where it takes you!
For this card I once again turned to all the misfit punch shapes sitting on my craft room table.  They didn't have a home so I decided to create a special garden for them.  The punched shapes were sponged, layered and stamped and then placed on the card with some white gel pen stems and leaves.  Is it my best art?  My most special card?  An outstanding display of color and layout?  Who cares!!!!  What it is and what it is meant to be is me releasing the flow of my creativity.  And now, more of that creativity is on its way!!!!! :)

Journal Page

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Make Room To Create With What You've Got On Hand
I've been traveling quite a bit lately and when I travel I struggle with not being able to create.  I wish I could take my whole craft room with me, yet I know that is not realistic.  I also haven't quite figured out how to take along a small stash of supplies that I can turn to when the need to create overwhelms me on the road.  So on my most recent trip I decided to take along a small journal and some permanent markers to see if they could fulfill my need to create on the move.  One night, after eating dinner, the desire to create something - anything - struck.  I had no idea what I wanted to do, I just knew I wanted to create something.  So out came the journal and the black pens and out came this page.  Sometimes you just need to make room to create with what you've got on hand.  In this case, some paper and some black pens.  Yes, I will be taking them on the road again with me :)

O Holy Night Boxed Set by Kris McIntosh

This gorgeous O Holy Night Boxed Set by Kris McIntosh includes a beautiful set of Vintage style Christmas cards and Tags, and the matching box to keep them in!  If you would like to subscribe to the month of November over at Craft Project Central, you can receive step-by-step instructions for this wonderful project and 9 other projects in November!  10 projects for $10!  Head on over to Craft Project Central HERE!

Morning Meadow and Metallic Pan Pastels

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Indulge Your Desire To Play
I'm not sure what prompted me to buy them.  Actually, I'm quite sure.  I somehow happened upon a video where someone was playing with the metallic Pan Pastels and after watching the video I just had to have those darn pastels (I need to stop watching videos!).  So I treated myself to the set and when they arrived I set them aside...until a few hours later I could feel them pulling me into the craft room!  I just had to play with them!  I had no idea what I was going to do!  I just knew that I needed to open those pastels and start playing with them.  I needed to learn how they felt and what they could do.  So, I embossed a piece of card stock with the Square Lattice, took out some little sponges, and went to town!  I ended up with the background panel that you are seeing on this card.  Of course I then needed to figure out what to do with the panel! :)  The card is what happened as a result of indulging my desire to play with those Pan Pastels.
I have to say that I'm still not sure how the Pan Pastels really work or what I can really do with them.  But what I do know is that they definitely brought out my desire to play and for that I am grateful! :)  How can you indulge your desire to play today???????

Envelope Punch Board Mini Album by Peg Coombs

This Envelope Punch Board Mini Album was created by Peg Coombs and it was made with the Envelope Punch Board!  The little album would make a fabulous gift for the Holidays and you can add all of your Christmas/Holiday pictures.  Also makes for a fun class or camp project, or a fun girls crafting night in.
Want to subscribe to the November edition of Craft Project Central and get 10 wonderful tutorials (including the one for this project) for only $10?  Head on over to the Craft Project Central website HERE!

Sketch Alphabet Happy Birthday Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  What Are You Looking At?!
I think the Universe is trying to tell me something.  Last week I saw the most beautiful leaves that I would have missed had I not been paying attention to where I was.  The same thing happened to me this morning as I was eating my breakfast and looking out the window.  A bird I had never seen before - a mountain bluebird I believe - came to eat for a bit at one of our feeders.  These days it is so easy for me to be distracted - to have my attention diverted by some type of electronic device (as your attention is diverted now...reading this...and mine, typing this).  I take my smart phone on my walks with me.  I tell myself that it is just in case of an emergency and yet I find myself checking email as I'm walking or I will pause to sit in a park and within minutes the phone is out and I start surfing.  Ugh!  I am not pleased with this behavior I've been exhibiting and I am very grateful that the Universe is sending me signs that I need to pay attention to where my attention is.  How unfortunate it would have been had I missed the gorgeous leaves or that precious bird.  I've gotta finish typing this...there might be something out my window that I am not seeing because I am too busy looking at this screen!
Today's card began with a scrap piece of Very Vanilla card stock that I found on my craft table.  I had been inking up some vellum card stock earlier in the week and it takes awhile for ink to dry on vellum.  So, rather than wait, I decided to just rub this piece of card stock over the wet vellum and this is the "monoprint" that I ended up with.  I decided it would be the perfect backdrop for a simple birthday card so I just stamped the letters from the Sketch Alphabet set using Midnight Muse ink.  So simple :)