Handmade Menorah Stencil Hanukkah Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  What If You Made It Yourself?
I wanted to make some Hanukkah cards for family and friends and didn't have a stamp that I liked.  So I sat and wondered what to do and decided I would try making my own stencil :)  I wanted to draw the menorah image freehand - instead of using a photograph that had perfect lines and dimensions.  I drew the image on a scrap piece of paper with pencil and then went over it with a Sharpie marker.  I then taped it to the back of a piece of stencil film and used a stencil cutter to cut out the image.  I then decided I needed some flames (they weren't included in the first stencil), so I cut a separate stencil for the candle flames.  I'm really pleased with how it turned out!  I love the idea that the card is unique and that each one I create will be a little different depending on how I apply the ink (or paint...I could make little napkins and other home decor pieces using the same stencil)!  Next time you don't have an image that you would like ask yourself, "What if I made it myself?"  Wishing a very Happy Hanukkah to those of you celebrating this special holiday!

"Tote"ally Terrific Golden Card Trio Gift Set! – Carol Lovenstein

"Tote"ally Terrific Golden Card Trio Gift Set by Carol Lovenstein:
Who doesn't love a fashionable tote?  Just in time for the new year, this project features an elegant tote and three sophisticated cards, all featuring gold accents & embellishments.  Think Watercolor Wonder Washi Tape, Gold Foil sheets, Gold Glimmer papers, Gold Brushed cardstock, Gold Fancy Foil Designer Vellum, gold heat embossing, Gold Glitter, and Baked Brown Sugar Classic Stampin' Ink Pad for a faux gold look.  This tutorial will show you step-by-step how to coordinate all these wonderful products together for an amazing, perfectly finished look.  This project is easy to assemble but looks like you spent hours on it.  It's a perfect New Year's gift for that stylish and chic friend on your list!  Head on over to Craft Project Central for all the details and subscribe to the month of December!

Where Is She Art Journal Page

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Art Is A Means Of Finding Yourself
I am finally home for the year - no more planes, no more hotel rooms, time to slow down.  I turn to my art to turn within.  To burrow deep within myself to find what is there.  Maybe this piece is the beginning of my journey within.  The weather will become colder.  The snow will fall.  The heat will warm me inside and I will burrow.  Not with my mind - my rational thoughts.  I will burrow with color, shape, form, texture.  Art is a means of finding yourself.

Monogrammed Note Cards Gift Set by Yapha Mason

This Monogrammed Note Cards Gift Set by Yapha Mason makes a wonderful gift for teachers, college students, and anyone else who might enjoy sending a personalized note. The handsome display case holds six single-sided note cards plus six folded note cards, for a total of twelve cards in three different designs. Wrapped in cellophane and finished with a tag, the completed project is ready for gift giving. This monogrammed gift pack is great for a stamp camp, a class, or making a gift for a friend.  Get the full step-by-step instructions for this wonderful project by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of December!

I Believe I Can Fly Art Journal Page

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Find Your Inspiration In Everyday Things
I think we sometimes believe we have to have some type of outrageous travel experience or life experience in order to find inspiration.  What is revealing itself to me is that seeing what we pass everyday - actually seeing it - meditating on it - taking it in - is a way to have an outrageous life experience!  Take a walk and being present is a spectacular travel experience.  Because there...right in front of you...is inspiration knocking!  Those feathers you pass that have been left behind by a bird.  The leaves that have fallen.  The blooms that are opening, then closing, then dying.  All of it...inspiration.
Today's art journal page was inspired by some feathers I picked up in the backyard.  I created the page for Paper Crafter's Library and you can see my full step-by-step process by heading over to Paper Crafter's Library using the badge in the upper right-hand corner of my blog and signing up to be a member.  Come join me on my art journal journey!