"Little Notes" Journal by Suzi Dennis

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Be Supportive Of Another Artist
There are so many ways we can support one another as artists.  One way is to show our appreciation through comments or links to blogs and websites.  Another is to actually purchase some of the art that the artist we admire creates.  I have really enjoyed the videos that Suzi Dennis shares and I decided to show her my support by purchasing one of her adorable "Little Notes" journals!  You can check out her Etsy shop here!  I thought I would give you a peek inside this small journal that Suzi created and show you one of my favorite pages!  I love how she includes her special painted papers alongside recycled bits and pieces!  I plan to use this journal for recording hopes and dreams.  How can you support another artist that you admire?

Flower Frenzy Pocket Full Of Dreams Set

This Flower Frenzy Pocket Full Of Dreams Set is my August project for Craft Project Central!  As you know, I am a big fan of upcycling and this time an old pair of jeans couldn't escape my creativity!
This Flower Frenzy Pocket Full Of Dreams Set is a wonderful way to keep track of your dreams!  This set features a small pocket book to keep track of your dreams, a special denim pocket to hold your book and a coordinating gift tag for that special someone!  Use this set to believe in your own dreams or gift it to someone to show them you support them in pursuing their dreams!  For the full step-by-step directions for how to create all of the elements in this set, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of August.  Or, if you are feeling lucky, head on over to Craft Project Central and leave a comment on my project on that site.  I will choose one lucky winner who will receive a free subscription to the month of August!!!!

Painted Paper Book Covers

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Make Pretty From Your Messy :)
I have become a big fan of having a scrap piece of paper covering my craft table at all times.  I wipe paintbrushes off on it.  Stamp off stamps on it.  Scribble on it when I am trying to think through ideas.  I used to recycle the paper and then, the more I left it on the table, the more I liked all of the random colors, marks, shapes and patterns that began showing up.  Now I treasure those papers and sometimes even intentionally add paint, ink, gesso to them.  I decided to use one of the papers today.  This is the back side of a piece of freezer paper that had been on my craft table.  I cut it into two pieces and used it to cover two pieces of Davey board (board that you can use for bookmaking).  I have no idea how I am going to go about making a book out of the covers, but I have been doing a little reading and research and I decided making the covers was a good first step!  For the inside papers for the covers I used some beautiful handmade paper that my wonderful friend Doris had given me.  Can't wait to see where I go next with this book!  I will keep you posted!  I'm having fun making pretty from my messy :)

Messy Art Card

Today's Question From The Craft Room:  What Would It Be Like To Be My Own Best Coach?
I'm at it again.  Letting the inner critic run wild in my mind.  Letting the negative messages and self-talk bring me down.  So I'm wondering, what would it be like to be my own best coach?  What if I put that voice in my head - the voice of the supportive coach who wants me to succeed?!  I think I'm on to something here!  I'm going to give it a try.  Yes Michelle, you can do it!
Today's card began as some messy splatter on some Whisper White card stock.  Then I took a homemade stamp and did a bit of stamping.  Then I inked up the bottom of my Stampin' Mist bottle with ink and stamped that too!  And a pencil eraser...that was no longer round.  I added some sequins, a greeting and a few beads and rhinestones...oh, and a bit of sewing with some gold thread.  I really like how this messy art card turned out!  The process is a lot of fun too!  Just go with it and let your inner coach cheer you on!!!!

Chatty Chicken Note Cards Gift Set by Yapha Mason

How adorable is this Chatty Chicken Note Cards Gift Set by Yapha Mason!  This sweet note card set features adorable punch art chickens with unattached quote bubbles so that the cards can be personalized by the recipient. It includes a handy folder as well as a coordinated card to give with the set.  Want all the instructions for how to create these Chatty Chicken cards?  Then head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of August.