Four Ways Friday #22 - On The Green

Welcome to another Four Ways Friday!  Today I'm sharing four different ways to use the a la carte stamp, On the Green.

For this first project I decided to make a wine tag.  I stamped the image in Crumb Cake onto Crumb Cake card stock that I hand cut into a tag shape.  The image was then stamped in Versamark onto a piece of Soft Suede card stock and heat embossed with black embossing powder.  The greeting, from the Afterthoughts hostess set, was stamped in basic black ink onto Very Vanilla card stock.  Then I spritzed everything with some black ink and sponged the edges with black and early espresso ink.  The hemp twine and an extra large grommet finish the look!

I heat embossed again for this second project - this time using white embossing powder on designer paper - it's a great way to make the stamped image pop!  I then layered the designer paper onto Early Espresso card stock and a piece of Old Olive that I ran through the Big Shot with the square lattice embossing folder.  The chocolate chip button with a sliver of Old Olive paper in the holes completes the card!

Get out your stamp-a-ma-jig for this card!  Here, I repeatedly inked and stamped just the golfer image using Old Olive ink on Old Olive card stock.  I then sponged and spritzed with Old Olive ink as well.  I repeatedly stamped the image in Crumb Cake ink on the Soft Suede card stock to give the background some interest.  A few strips of designer paper (neutrals stack) were added for addition texture and color.  The greeting, from the Afterthoughts hostess set, was stamped in Early Espresso onto Very Vanilla card stock and the edges were sponged.  I am in love with these new antique brads - they really add a lot to your cards!

For this final card, I decided to get colorful :)  I used my markers to color the image (Wild Wasabi, Not Quite Navy and Elegant Eggplant).  This is such a fun way to create a knockout image!  I used a bit of glitter on the designer paper and made a golf ball using my 1/2" circle punch and running the punched out circle through the Big Shot with the square lattice embossing folder.  I hope you like it!  Thanks for stopping by for this week's Four Ways Friday!  I hope to see you next week! :)

Because I Care - Sympathy Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Put Your Love Into It

My friend's mother passed away unexpectedly last week.  I sit here and wish I was next to her - able to reach over and give her a hug.  The best way I can think to do that from too far away, is to send her a card.  I had some sympathy cards, already made...yet I wanted to make a special one - one that I could put my love into for her.  One that would be made thinking of her - and her mom.  For some reason these colors came to mind.  I have never had the pleasure of meeting her mother - however, my friend is a light - fun, full of energy, an infectious smile.  Her mother must have been an amazingly bright light as well to have raised such an incredibly special daughter.  So bright and happy colors were required!  I hope my friend feels the love I poured into this card for her - I'll be surprised if this much love can fit into an envelope!

Cute By The Inch!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Sometimes You Need To Turn Down The RPM's!

I was thinking today about the old record player I used to have.  Sometimes I found it very funny to put on a 45 and either turn up the speed to make it sound like Alvin and the Chipmunks or turn down the speed to maaaaakkkkkkkkkeeeeeeee iiiiiiiittttttttttt ssssssssssooooooouuuuuuuuunnnnnnnnnddddddd lllllllliiiiiiikkkkkkkkeeeeeeeee ttttttttthhhhhhhhhhiiiiiiiissssssssss!  I have to say that today is definitely a day where I needed to turn down my RPM's!  As I listened to my body this morning, I realized it was telling me that the pace was just too quick and it was time to slow down.  So, I am staying in the house, turning down the RPM's and trying to act as snail-like as possible :)  I didn't have a lot of energy to put into this card, but hopefully it will inspire you in some way...when was the last time you paper pierced or used Crystal Effects?  How about coloring only a portion of a stamp and stamping it multiple times?  Maybe today would be a great day to turn down your RPM's and try something new in the craft room :)  Enjoy!

Amsterdam Inspiration

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Look Up!

It's easy to walk around with your head down - eyes glued to the floor or pavement.  I would never have seen this gorgeous site if I hadn't looked up!  I was in the Flower Market in Amsterdam and this was the roof of one of the flower shops!  How gorgeous is that!!!!  So, look up - you never know what might be waiting for you!

Today I leave you with this photo as inspiration :)  I hope that the colors or subject matter will inspire you to create something wonderful!  I decided not to share a card or paper project so that your mind would be clear - free of all suggestion....other than this photo.  Have fun!!!!  If you would like to leave a link to your creation in the comments section, I would love to see what you create!

DIY Designer Paper Halloween Card & Card Play Video!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Be Proud Of Your Achievements!

I am soooo excited!  I ran 18 miles this weekend!!!!!  I am really proud of my progress!!!!!  I have to admit those last couple of miles were rough...and, I made it!!!!!  I am still in awe at what you can do if you put your mind to it.  Still hard to believe that back on March 6th I hadn't even run a foot, let alone a mile...let alone 18 miles!  I have to admit that I find it difficult to shout my achievements - I find myself instead saying things like..."yeah, but I'm slow" or "it takes me a long time" - almost apologizing for my achievement.  But as I sit here now, I realize how proud I am and I'm not going to apologize!  I did it!!!! Yeah me!!!!! :)

Today's card was inspired by Kristina Werner's Finally Friday video last week.  The color palette of black and kraft/crumb cake, with a dash of white, is what inspired me (thanks Kristina!).  Here's a video to show you how to make some DIY designer paper and this adorable spooky card:!  I hope you like it!

Four Ways Friday #21 - Two-Step Owl Punch Video!!!!!

Welcome to another Four Ways Friday!  Today's Four Ways Friday features the Two-Step Owl Punch.  I decided to do things a bit differently and have created a video for you!  I hope you like it!!!!!  If you have a minute, please let me know in the comments if you would like to see Four Ways Friday videos in the future or if you prefer the individual photos.  Thanks!  Enjoy!!!! :)


Here is a photo of the 5 ways to use your Two-Step Owl Punch!

Coloring Your Stamping With Colored Pencils

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Know What Is Most Precious To You

As I sit here in Denver, I am keenly aware that a fire is raging outside of Boulder.  Many people have lost their homes in the fire around Lefthand Canyon and Sunshine Canyon.  I keep praying for rain and for the strength of the firefighters and comfort for those experiencing such loss during this time.  At the same time I wonder what would I do...what if someone said to me "you have 5 minutes to evacuate your home" - what would I do?  What is most precious to me are not my things - they are the souls that surround me - my first instinct would be to grab my companions - 2 and 4-legged alike and beyond that to believe that I would be okay.  It does make me wonder about taking action about some things though - like scanning old family photos and keeping them on a disc somewhere outside of my home - or keeping a fire box within easy reach.  They say there are lessons from every challenging situation.  As I watch the fire in the hills on tv, I am moved to consider what is most precious to me.

For today's card I broke out the colored pencils - something I hadn't done in ages!  I used the Upsy Daisy stamp set along with a greeting from Sincere Salutations.  Of course, I had to add some dazzling diamonds for bling...and yes, it is all over me :)  I hope you like it!  For anyone celebrating the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah this week, I wish you a year of health, happiness, peace and art! :)

Punch Art Gumball Machine and Card Play Video!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  The Most Important Things In My Life Never Have To Get Placed On A "To Do" List

Have you ever noticed that the most meaningful and important aspects of your life never have to get placed on a "to do" list?  These are the things that we love to do and won't forget to do if we don't write them down - watering the garden; walking the dog; eating a warm meal; spending time petting the cat on the couch.  It seems the task that we put on our lists are those that aren't as near to our hearts and we need to write them down lest we forget.  Take a look at your "to do" list - it may provide some interesting insight into your life.

I shared a version of today's card with you during last week's Four Ways Friday.  I decided to make a few changes to the card and share a video with you on how to make it!  I hope you like it!

Extreme Elements, Charming, And, And, And :)

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Some Days You Just Need To Stamp, Stamp, Stamp!

The question isn't what did I use to make this card...the question is what DIDN'T I use :)  I brought out a bunch of stamp sets and ink and had one of those days where all I wanted to do was to keep stamping on the same piece of Whisper White card stock and see where it led me.  Well, here's what happened :)  I sprayed it all with a whole bunch of champagne shimmer paint too...this card SPARKLES! :)  Some days you just need to stamp, stamp, stamp :)

Friends Fur-ever Birthday with Paper Pieced Cupcake!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  You Are Interesting!

I was walking Buddy the other day and a woman was walking down her driveway.  Buddy immediately became curious and decided to go and greet her.  As he was walking over the woman smiled and said, "I'm not too interesting."  I was struck by the contradiction - smiling while saying the words "I'm not too interesting."  Once again I was reminded of the power of the words we speak.  Why do we want to tell ourselves, even if we are joking, that we are not too interesting?  We are interesting - each and every one of us in our own very special way.  We have to be conscious of the messages we say to ourselves and the ones we verbalize - even when joking.  I'm not sure our subconscious can tell the difference.  You are interesting and I appreciate your visit :)

Today's paper pieced cupcake came to me in a waking dream and I thought it would go perfectly with this furry friend from the Friend Fur-ever stamp set.  Here's a video to show you how:

Four Ways Friday #20 - Round Tab Punch and Poppin' Pastels Video

Welcome to another Four Ways Friday!  Today I decided to play with punches and show you four ways to use the Round Tab Punch.

This first card uses the round tab punch in a very traditional way.  I punched a piece of Crumb Cake card stock using the round tab punch and then stamped the "happy halloween" greeting from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set in Chocolate Chip ink.  The tab was then adhered to the back of the Pumpkin Pie layer on this card.

Did you know that the round tab punch makes a great nose?! :)  This box was inspired by a video by Amy Manhart (Thanks Amy!).  You can view Amy's video HERE.  I made the box with some slight differences, including color changes.  You can also find some other wonderful Halloween characters online that use the round tab punch for a nose as well.  I've seen a witch, Frankenstein, and a few others.  What fun!

I used the poppin' pastels technique with the Medallion stamp to make this simple card.  I have created a video to show you how.  Here's the video:

You never know what you'll come up with when you spend time playing with your punches! :)  I created this gumball machine after a friend showed me a gumball machine birthday invitation she had received.  I thought...hmmm...gumball machine...I bet I can make one using punches!  Here is the finished result!  It is difficult to see, but I punched a piece of window sheet/transparency so that the gumball machine globe looks like glass.

There are so many things you can do with your round tab punch.  You might enjoying watching this video by a woman named Catherine (I'm sorry I don't know her last name).  Talk about a lot of ways to use a single punch!  She does an amazing job of showing all the different things this wonderful punch can do!  Thanks Catherine!  And thank YOU for joining me for another Four Ways Friday!  Have a wonderful weekend!

Witches Feet Top Note Halloween Treat Holder

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Try Out Your Local Farmer's Market - There's Still Time!

I've been trying to eat local and eat organic more and more frequently.  If you truly are what you eat, then I want to be as healthy as possible...with some chocolate thrown in :)  We have a local farmer's market here every Wednesday and Saturday this time of year.  It's fun to watch the different varieties of peaches that come in every week - each has their perfect peak time.  Do you have a local farmer's market?  Have you tried out consumer supported agriculture and bought a share of a farm's harvest?  Maybe you've taken things to the very local level and have planted your own fruits and veggies in your own backyard or harvested the apples from a neighbor's tree (I did this the other day and made 2 yummy apple cakes!).  To see if there is a CSA farm near you, you can always visit www.localharvest.org.  As the bumper sticker says - Think Globally, Act Locally :)

Today's treat holder is a ton of fun to make and will be one of the items we make at my upcoming Halloween stamp-a-stack!  I found this adorable version by Marie Shaugnessy here and decided to make my own with some revisions.  (Thanks for the inspiration Marie!).  I used the Top Note die in the Big Shot with Old Olive and Basic Black card stock.  A little crystal effects on the gold buckles and the Real Red stripes on the stockings add a fun shine.  The greeting is from Holiday Best (retired hostess set).  I may just have to do a video on putting one of these adorable treat bags together! :)  I hope you like it!

Punch Jack-O-Lantern Halloween Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Try A Massage :)

Massage seems to be one of those things that people either love or hate.  I definitely fall on the love side when it is done well!  When I used to live in Atlanta I was very consistent in getting massages - it was a great way to respect all the wonderful work my body does for me on a daily basis.  Unfortunately, I did not keep up the habit when I moved to Denver.  However, now I have found a great massage therapist and I am committed to treating my body with the respect that it deserves.  Traveling, running, stress all take their toll on my muscles and it feels wonderful to spend some time focusing on releasing those toxins.  If you haven't ever had a massage or haven't treated yourself to one in awhile, now might be a great time to give your body the respect it deserves.  If you can't afford a massage by a massage therapist, find a friend or loved one you can swap massages with - your body will thank you for it!

Today's card was inspired by a video that Amy Manhart put together on how to make a pumpkin using the small oval punch, the ornament punch and the round tab punch.  You can check out Amy's blog and the video here.  (Thanks Amy!).  I decided to make the pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern so I added eyes using the small star punch and a mouth using the oval punch.  This will be one of the cards for my upcoming Halloween stamp-a-stack!  Can't believe September is here!

Here's another photo from my Amsterdam trip.  Amsterdam is filled with canals throughout the city and there are houseboats on the canals.  What a neat way to live!  I had to take a picture of this houseboat - I loved the color and loved that they created a lawn on the roof of the houseboat!  The bicycle in the forefront of the picture is also so typical for Amsterdam.  Everyone rides bikes there!  By the central train station there was a bicycle parking structure that was 3 stories tall!  What a great, environmentally friendly way to travel!

Sense Of Time Wall Hanging

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Get Conscious About How You View Time

On my trip to Amsterdam, I became keenly aware of the difference between how I view time at home and how time was viewed in Amsterdam.  Granted, that on my trip, I did not have my usual morning chores or constantly "plugged in" computer.  However, I was very aware of time, particularly when it came to meals.  In my experience, when I go to a restaurant in the States, it seems that "quick" is the mantra.  How quickly can we get seated.  How quickly is there a person to wait on us.  How quickly do we get served.  How quickly can they get us the check.  It's as if the eating portion of the visit is just a necessity and something not really worth our expense of time.

In Amsterdam, the experience was entirely different.  Whether a restaurant was crowded or full, it was as if we were given the space of time.  Time to sit and contemplate the menu.  Time to just chat prior to looking at the menu.  Time to relax and ease into the ritual of eating prior to any food being served.  Time to digest and relax after eating - no hurry to get us out the door or throw the bill at us.  In fact, not a meal went by where we were given a check prior to asking for it.  The message that sent to me was something like "you are welcome to relax and enjoy here for as long as you like.  When you are ready, you just let us know."  I'm sure it helps that the staff in restaurants is paid differently than here - tipping is not the norm in Amsterdam so restaurant staff do not rely on tips to make their wage sufficient.  So there is no sense that the restaurant wants to turn the tables quickly.  However, it seemed to go so far beyond that - just a different meaning given to time and a different appreciation of it.  It is definitely time for me to examine how I view time.  If I firmly believe in the quote above, which I believe I do, how can I encourage and support an unhurried sense of time in my life?

Home Again :)

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Solid Ground Feels Good :)

I'm happy to report that I am safely back from Amsterdam :)  (you may not have even realized I was gone since I scheduled posts for while I was away - ahh the amazing internet!).  What a wonderful trip - a combination of work and play - an exploration of another place.  I have to admit that after spending so many hours in the air, solid ground is a welcome change!  This picture is from the Flower Market in Amsterdam - I hope the colors transport you!  There is so much to process from the trip - a visit to the Van Gogh museum and the Anne Frank house.  Walking through the Red Light district.  Eating in restaurants - all of which were in no hurry to hand you a check and show you the door - just a different approach to time and pace.  And so few cars - everyone on foot or on bicycle - a large city and yet so quiet since the sound of pedaling and feet are so much softer than engines and horns.  I will try to share a few more photos, as well as stamping, with you this week.  It's, as always, good to be home :)

Gratitude

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Express Your Appreciation!

You may have stopped by today to see this week's Four Ways Friday...unfortunately, I only had time to make One Way Friday :)  And since you stopped I did want to express my appreciation and say thank you for your visit.  Knowing that you are coming by inspires me to keep creating.  Knowing that someone out there takes the time to visit my blog makes me feel connected to you even though we have likely never met.  I appreciate you and the time you are willing to share with me.  Please stop by again next week when Four Ways Friday will return or anytime - I'd love to see you again!

Today's card was inspired by a scrapbook page made by Jennifer McGuire.  I used the tree from Forest Friends and created a mask on scratch paper and then stamped the image multiple times using the mask to cover the trees as I went.  The ground and sky were also created with masks.  The greeting is from an all-time favorite stamp set - Define Your Life.  I hope you like it and again, thank you for stopping by!  I hope to see you again soon!

Manhattan Flowers Watercoloring

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Stretch Your Body

We put our body through a lot - whether we are working, exercising, or just sitting.  Our body deserves our utmost care and kindness.  When was the last time you stretched and focused on caring for your muscles?  I know I do not do it often enough and lately, my body has been telling me it is tired of being neglected.  Today I commit to taking better care of my body.  Today, I will stretch and appreciate my muscles.

For today's card I pulled out the Manhattan Flowers stamp set.  I used Versamark and Rose Red ink to stamp the large flower on watercolor paper and then embossed with clear embossing powder.  I used my aqua painter and some ink to water color the flower and then added some frost white shimmer paint for a little shimmer.  The background was created by stamping the large flower many times with Rose Red ink onto the Rose Red card stock base.  I used the Friendly Words wheel to stamp the Whisper White strip.  I hope you like it!

Batty For You Halloween Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Don't Stop!

Today's card was definitely a lesson in not stopping!  Everything I did seemed to take me one step further away from a card I would even be willing to photograph, let alone post!  However, I ignored my inner critics (and even a few outer ones) and kept going!  I didn't stop - I just kept adding and changing and coloring and glittering...and here is the result!  It's a bit crazy and, I'm happy to have learned a lesson making it :)  I hope you like it...and, if not, I at least hope it encourages you to keep going :)

2-Step Bird Punch & Elements of Style Love Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Find Some Fresh Tomatoes To Eat!

Okay - maybe today's lesson didn't come from the craft room...well, it almost did since I look out the craft room window and can see the tomatoes in the garden!  For the past few years we have enjoyed growing vegetables and seem to get a huge delight out of eating homegrown tomatoes.  If you haven't grown your own, try to seek out some from a neighbor or local farmer's market.  However, I should warn you, you will never want to eat a store-bought tomato again!

Today's card took a vintage turn :)  I used Confetti card stock and stamped the floral image from Elements of Style with Crumb Cake ink.  I also stamped the flourish image from the same stamp set and the heart image from the Tiny Tags stamp set on the card stock - the flourish in Crumb Cake and the heart in Soft Suede at half strength.  I dipped a brush in a mixture of champagne shimmer paint and alcohol and painted a few of the flowers to give them some shimmer (it is difficult to see in the photo).  The bird was punched out of Very Vanilla card stock and then stamped in Soft Suede with the A to Z stamp.  The wing was stamped with the floral image from Elements of Style.  Both pieces were sponged with Soft Suede ink.  The tag was sponged with some Soft Suede and then stamped with an image from the Tiny Tags set and a greeting from Short & Sweet.  The Kraft taffeta ribbon was adhered to the card using sticky strip.  Don't forget, you can make your white taffeta ribbon any color with a little ink and water!  I hope you like it!  Now go eat some tomatoes...or, you can shop here now - both are equally yummy :)

Scissor Cut Hummingbird Card & Card Play Video!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Put Together A Puzzle!

I can't even tell you when the last time was that I put together a puzzle.  However, when I was visiting family a few weeks ago, there was a puzzle set up on the coffee table and I was drawn to it!  Trying to place pieces into the puzzle brought the same type of focus and relaxation I feel when I'm in the craft room.  So, of course, when I got home, I ran out to purchase a few puzzles at target.  I chose a few National Audubon society puzzles - one of which was a hummingbird that inspired this card!  When was the last time you played with a puzzle?  It might be fun to try again!

Today's scissor cut card was also inspired by a videoby Melanie Schulenberg (thanks Melanie!).  I've put together a video to show you how I made it.  I hope you like it!

Four Ways Friday #19 - Animal Stories Stamp Set

Welcome to another Four Ways Friday!  Today's Four Ways Friday focuses on the Animal Stories stamp set - soooo cute!

For this first card, I stamped the whale with Going Gray (retired) ink and cut the image out.  I added a bit of dazzling diamonds to his spout.  The waves were created with torn Marina Mist card stock adhered to Bashful Blue.  The whale was popped up in between the waves.  The crests of the waves were given a bit of dazzling diamonds sparkle.  The greeting was stamped in Night Of Navy from the Sincere Salutations stamp set.

This adorable tag began with a tag from the Two Tags die that I ran through the Big Shot with Pretty In Pink card stock.  A piece of Whisper White card stock was stamped with the A to Z stamp in Versamark and then I used the poppin' pastels technique to bring the letters into view.  I used Chocolate Chip and Pretty In Pink chalk with my sponge daubers.  The edges were sponged with Chocolate Chip ink.  The adorable elephant was stamped with Chocolate Chip ink and cut out with a hobby knife.  The greeting is from the Elements of Style stamp set and seemed to fit perfectly for this tag!  The scalloped oval punch in Pretty In Pink creates a wonderful background for the greeting.  I used a piece of sticky strip to adhere the Pretty In Pink taffeta ribbon to the tag and finished the ribbon off with a rhinestone brad.

This little 3x3 Marina Mist card is the perfect gift card.  I used the reverse masking technique and cut a circle template and then stamped the Dot, Dot, Dot stamp in Marina Mist inside the circular mask.  I removed the mask and stamped the greeting from the Sincere Salutations stamp set in Night of Navy.  The cute little owl was stamped with More Mustard and then punched out using the 1 1/4" circle punch and then layered on a 1 1/2" circle of More Mustard card stock.  A dash of dazzling diamonds and a button with linen thread finish the look.

For this last card I decided to stamp on acetate with white Staz-On ink.  The acetate was actually from the packaging from a man's razor - what a bonus!  I adhered 2 pieces of designer paper onto the card to create a fun background.  I then punched a piece of Tempting Turquoise with the round label punch and added the word "baby" from the Tiny Tags stamp set.  The label was adhered to the acetate using snail.  I then placed the buttons onto the acetate using mini glue dots.  Finally, I used dimensionals - hidden underneath the round tab and the lower right-hand corner button, to pop the acetate up onto the Rose Red card.  I hope you are inspired by these four ways to use the Animal Stories stamp set.  If you would love to own the stamp set, or any of the other products I've highlighted here, feel free to shop HERE now!

Friends Fur-ever Balloon Birthday!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Focus On What You Can Do, Rather Than What You Can't

I have to admit to being a bit punky the past few days.  My left knee started bothering me - not from running, but from sitting on planes and traveling and carrying a backpack with a laptop in it...my body is not happy!  So I have not been able to run and it's been driving me crazy since I have been so focused on my marathon goal and I have a very specific running schedule that I've been following.  Today I decided to stop focusing on what I can't do and instead got on the recumbent bike at the gym and rode.  It didn't pound my knee at all and at least I got some exercise.  I've been icing and taking anti-inflammatories...hopefully I'll be back on the pavement soon!  In the meantime, I'll keep focusing on what I can do and let my body heal!

For today's card I pulled out the Friends Fur-ever set again!  I LOVE this stamp set!!!!!  It is way too cute!  I also pulled out one of my favorite greeting sets that is now retired, Happy Everything.  How can you not like a stamp set called Happy Everything?!  The striped background was created using a reinker technique on glossy card stock...might have to film a video to show you how later this week!  The balloons are super simple to make - just a 1" circle punch and some white gel pen.  I jazzed them up with a bit of twisted wire that I adhered with Tombo mono multi-adhesive.  I hope you like it!  If you can't live another moment without this adorable Friends Forever stamp set and need to adopt these wonderful dog stamps, please feel free to shop HERE now!

Extreme Elements & Bird Punch Halloween Card!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Check Your Assumptions

I heard an interesting story the other day - the kind of story that really makes you stop and consider your own actions.  A woman in her 20's had driven her grandmother to a grocery store.  She dropped her grandmother off in front of the store and went to park in a handicap parking space - her grandmother had a handicap tag due to her frail condition.  While her grandmother was shopping in the store, the granddaughter told her grandmother that she would run out to the car and return her grandmother's rented videos to a store in the same shopping center to save her grandmother the additional trip.  Out she ran to the car, grabbed the videos, returned them to the store and then went back into the grocery store to finish helping her grandmother with the shopping.  When they got back out to the car, there was a note slipped under the windshield wiper.  To hear her describe it, the note was the nastiest, meanest note the granddaughter had ever seen.  The note berated her for being young and able-bodied and taking up a handicap space in a parking lot and accused her of being a liar and inconsiderate!  The person who wrote that note made assumptions based on the limited information in front of them - a young woman running to a video store.  I wonder how the note-writer would feel if they were reading this post right now...The next time you are tempted to jump to a conclusion, take a pause and check your assumptions - there might be something important that you're missing.

Today's card is an early Halloween card!  Can you believe it's already mid-August?!  I used the Extreme Elements stamp set and Perfect Plum and Elegant Eggplant ink to create the background.  The "spooky" banner was created using the points from the large star punch with the Rough Type stamp set.  I dyed the linen thread black by running it across my black ink pad.  The "boo" is from the Tiny Tags stamp set.  I punched the 2-Step Bird out of Basic Black card stock and used my scissors to create feathers on the wing.  The bow and some dazzling diamonds finishes the look.  I hope you like it!

Artistic Etchings Birthday Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Try A Variation On A Theme

It can be easy to get stuck in the same old rut.  The same routine.  The same clothes.  The same entree on the menu at the same restaurant.  Why not try a variation on a theme?  Maybe pair a funky new top with those favorite pants.  Try a new side dish with that favorite entree.  Throw a new ingredient into that favorite recipe.  You may discover that variety truly is the spice of life!

Today I tried a variation on a theme of a card I shared with you back on August 9th.  I switched up the greeting and turned it into a birthday card.  I also took a mini card and made it into a standard size card and added some Soft Suede ink to the background of the Sahara Sand card with the spritzer tool.  It's a subtle variation...maybe next I'll try to do something bold!  If you can't live without Artistic Etchings, feel free to shop HERE now!  I would love to be of service to you!

Scallop Sunflower Mini Card - Card Play Video!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Stop and Share!

This weekend seemed to be a weekend filled with sharing - a neighbor sharing the apples from his apple tree; sharing tomatoes from our garden; sharing time in the park with friends and four-legged loved ones.  I forget sometimes how good it feels to share and to have someone share with me.  What can you share today?

I decided to share a video with you today!  You may have seen this card in my last Four Ways Friday and I thought it would be fun to share with you how I made it!  I hope you like the video!

Four Ways Friday #18 - Pocket Silhouettes Stamp Set

Hi Everyone!  Thanks for your patience with Four Ways Friday!  I appreciate your stopping back by to see this week's Four Ways Friday using the Pocket Silhouettes stamp set.  This set has been around for a bit and I haven't tired of it at all!

Each of the cards I will be sharing with you is 3x3 in size.  For this card, I punched out a circle and used it as a mask as I stamped the image from Pocket Silhouettes in a circular pattern in Garden Green.  I then punched a circle from Tempting Turquoise and a scallop circle from More Mustard.  I used my scissors to cut petals into the More Mustard to create a flower and sponged the edges with More Mustard ink to give it some dimension.  The center was created by punching a circle out of Soft Suede and then using my piercing tool to make a bunch of holes in the circle.  I then sponged with Soft Suede ink.  The greeting is from Pocket Silhouettes as well, stamped onto Soft Suede with Soft Suede ink and then punched with the Modern Label punch.  A bit of linen thread finishes the look.

For this second 3x3 card, I also used a mask...but this time a reverse mask.  I punched a circle out of a piece of thin chipboard and then used that as a stencil.  I used a post-it note to create an additional mask so that I could sponge both the Bashful Blue sky and then turn the mask around and sponge the Garden Green grass.  The stamp-a-ma-jig was used to help me position the Pocket Silhouettes leaf image and then stamped in Basic Black.  The greeting is from Teeny Tiny Wishes.  I couldn't resist the urge to add a bit of dazzling diamonds to the leaves :)

For this card I decided to go formal.  I stamped the image from Pocket Silhouettes using Versamark ink and then heat embossed with Iridescent Ice embossing powder on a small piece of Whisper White card stock.  Three of the edges were rounded and then a hole was punched in the bottom right-hand corner using my crop-a-dile so that I could thread a piece of Crumb Cake taffeta ribbon through the hold and knot it.  The piece was then put on the base card using dimensionals.  The greeting is from Tiny Tags and was stamped in Soft Suede and then punched out using a 3/4" circle punch.  The edges of the circle were sponged with Soft Suede ink and applied to the layer using a dimensional.

I created this adorable little holder to hold the 3 cards and mini envelopes (it can accommodate 4 cards, but since it's Four Ways Friday and I already had 4 samples to show you, I decided not to go overboard :)  I used the Scallops #2 die in the Big Shot to create the background  Rose Red "flower" and used the Circles #2 die for the Whisper White circle.  I used a mask again to sponge the circle and added some glitter to the stamped flowers.  The greeting is from Tiny Tags.  I sponged the Crumb Cake folder with Crumb Cake ink and used Crumb Cake taffeta ribbon as my closure.  Here is the inside of the folder:

I hope you like it!  Let me know if you have any questions.  A video demonstrating how to make a few of the cards and the card holder may be on the way at the beginning of the week!  Have a great weekend!

Four Ways Friday on Saturday...

Hi!  Thanks for stopping by!  I am happy to say that I am home and exhausted!  My hope is that by tomorrow I will feel awake, alert, alive and enthusiastic and will get Four Ways Friday posted a day late.  Thanks so much for your patience!  Please stop back by for a visit :)

Four Ways Friday Coming Soon!

Today's Lesson While Wishing I Was In The Craft Room:  Some Things Don't Happen According To The Time Frame You Imagine

Alarm clocks going off at 4 a.m. in the hotel room next door to you...and off again...and again...every 15 minutes until Security can come and do something about it.  Meeting rooms that are freezing no matter how many calls you make to get the temperature adjusted.  Skies that open up and dump tons of rain that results in closed airports and canceled flights.  These are the events that were not happening according to my time frame over the last few days.  And so, like a domino effect, Four Ways Friday will not be here in the time frame I imagined.  I wonder if there is some reason behind all of this.  Some purpose or maybe a lesson I am supposed to learn.  I do realize that when I am tired I have a short fuse.  That I allow myself to get all worked up and that after awhile I calm back down.  Maybe part of the lesson is learning to not let it get me so worked up.  To allow myself to flow through the fact that some things in life...many things actually, won't happen according to the time frame that I imagine and instead will happen and unfold in exactly the right time.  Yes, today I am learning a lesson...I hope to be back in the craft room at the exact perfect time to bring you Four Ways Friday...and I'm secretly hoping it will be some time on Friday!!!! :)

Pocket Silhouettes Sympathy Card & Card Play Video!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Sometimes The Impossible Is Exactly What We Need!

When was the last time you called something "impossible?"  Sometimes this word comes up when we think about taking time off or changing our work situation or just slowing down and changing our pace.  When this word comes up for you, it's a great sign that maybe you've hit upon something significant for yourself!  What are those things that you consider impossible and why?  Sometimes I tell myself it is impossible to be a full-time artist...and yet, when I start to examine that belief I begin to notice that there are tons of full-time artists out there who seem to be living that life just fine!  Maybe the issue isn't that it's impossible at all.  Maybe the real issue is my own belief in myself.  This is where I need to begin my journey into the impossible...and watch it turn into the possible!  How about you?

Today's card is a simple and peaceful sympathy card.  We learned this week that a family in our hometown lost their father.  He was 86 years old and lived a full and amazing life.  It seemed important to pause and make a handmade card to send to them.  Here is a video if you want to check out how the card was made.  I hope you like it and, most importantly, I hope it brings the family a moment of comfort.

Extreme Elements Ink Blot Technique & Card Play Video!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Clean Off Your Desk :)

Ok, maybe today's lesson is more for me than it is for you...at least you would know that if you could see my desk and my craft room right now!  What a mess!  I guess the good news is that the mess means that I've been busy and productive...although now the mess is getting in the way of my productivity!  So, it's time to set aside some time to clean things up a bit so that I can actually see the desktop :)  What do you need to clean today?

Today's card was a ton of fun to make!  I was thinking about monotype printing - something that I have recently gotten interested in - and I decided that I could play around with freezer paper and my reinkers to create a great ink blot background!  Here's a video to show you how I did it!  I hope you like it!

Lazuli Bunting 2-Step Bird Punch - Little Bird Note & Card Play Video!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Challenge Your Excuses!

It is so easy to come up with a list of excuses for why you can't do something.  I don't have time.  I don't have the energy.  What would people think?  Today I challenge you to challenge your excuses!  You have time - you just need to determine how you want to use it.  You have the energy if you make a commitment and start taking steps - any size steps - in the direction of your goal.  We can't control what other people think.  All we can control is what we think and today, I think I can!!!!!!!!  Now go for it!!!!

The Lazuli Bunting is cousin to the Lark Bunting, the state bird of Colorado.  Here in Denver I must admit that I have only ever seen a Lazuli Bunting once - I think they like the mountains more than the city :)  I guess I don't blame them :)  I decided to try to create a colorful Lazuli Bunting using my 2-Step Bird extra-large punch.  Here's a video to show you how I did it!  The finished card size is 3 1/2" x 3 1/2".  I hope you like it!

Artistic Etchings - Amour Love Note & Card Play Video!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  "Mantras you shouldn't say:  I don't know; I'm not ready; I can't do it."

Today's lesson came from the tea bag in my tea this weekend :)  I had a cup of Yogi tea for restless sleep and I had to smile when I saw the message on the tea tag!  Our self-talk can uplift us and it has the power to send us into a serious state of the doldrums.  Whenever I find my self-talk has turned to negative messages, I head on over to Louise Hay's website.  If you click on "Daily Affirmation" on her site, you can instill some positive energy into your self-talk every day of the week!  Make your mantra:  I do know!  I am ready!  I can do it!!!!!

Today's card was made with the Artistic Etchings stamp set.  I am loving this set!!!!  Check out my video to see how I made this 4x4 Amour love note!  I hope you like it!

Four Ways Friday #17 - Bella Toile Background Stamp

This week's Four Ways Friday focuses on different ways to use the Bella Toile background stamp!

For this first card, I stamped the Bella Toile stamp onto Whisper White cs using a combination of Versamark ink and Basic Black ink.  If you ink up your stamp with Versamark first and then ink over it with your classic ink pad and then stamp, the ink will stay wet enough to use embossing powder.  I used clear embossing powder and heat embossed the image and then used sponges with Soft Suede and Basic Black ink to color the background.  A piece of torn Basic Black cs was added and the greeting from Sincere Salutations was punched out with the Extra Large Oval punch and the edges were sponged with Soft Suede ink.  This yummy Basic Black 1 1/4" striped grosgrain ribbon was tied around the layer and then the entire layer was adhered to a Soft Suede card base.

For the second card I stamped the Bella Toile onto Very Vanilla cs using Basic Black ink.  I then took my 1" circle punch and punched out 8 circles.  The circles were adhered to a piece of Basic Black cs.  It's hard to see it in the photo, but the central image is very "thick."  I actually punched out six 1 1/2" circles using my punch and then glued them one on top of the other to create a think central embellishment.  The top layer was stamped with the word "love" from the Things I Love stamp set and then the entire "stack" was adhered to a 1 3/4" Basic Black circle.  I used the Big Shot and the Naturally Serif decorative strip die for the letters in the word "you."  Finally, I added some dazzling diamonds to the Bella Toile circles using my 2-way glue pen.

I used the Poppin' Pastels technique for this third card - I couldn't seem to get a great picture of it.  I stamped the image in Versamark onto Whisper White cs and then pounced over the image with Certainly Celery and Perfect Plum chalks using my sponge daubers.  This technique is a lot of fun!  I sponged the edges with Perfect Plum ink and then used the color spritzer and my Perfect Plum and Certainly Celery markers to add a bit of "spatter."  The center piece of Elegant Eggplant cs was stamped with the Bella Toile stamp as well, using Elegant Eggplant ink.  The modern label punch was sponged and then adhered to the panel using antique brads.  The greeting, from the Always stamp set was stamped and punched out with a circle punch.  I then used my crop-a-dile to adhere the eyelet so that I could attach the greeting to the card using linen thread.  Finally, I used sticky strip to attach the Certainly Celery satin ribbon to the card in a ruffle fashion and finished it off with a button.

This background stamp was calling out to be cut down!  I stamped the Bella Toile stamp onto a piece of Whisper White cs using the combination of Versamark and Basic Black ink and then heat embossed with clear embossing powder.  I then cut out this portion of the image and began coloring it in using different colors of markers.  Finally, I added a bit of glitz with my 2-way glue pen and dazzling diamonds.  The greeting is from the Because I Care hostess set and was stamped in Elegant Eggplant onto Whisper White cs.  I used my spiral punch on the edge of the Elegant Eggplant panel and finished the greeting panel with a piece of knotted Pretty In Pink taffeta ribbon.
I hope you've enjoyed this week's Four Ways Friday!  If there is a product or stamp set that you would like to see featured in a future Four Ways Friday please let me know.  I'll do my best to respond to your requests!  If you can't stand going another minute without owning the Bella Toile stamp, you are always welcome to shop HERE now :)

Simple 3x3 Thank You & Card Play Video - Episode #1

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Some Things Are Just Right!

Buddy and I used to pass a man on our morning walks.  The man usually had headphones on and he always had his black standard poodle along for the walk.  About a year ago, we saw the man walking alone and realized that his dog had passed away.  For months we have passed the man - we try to say hello sometimes, but he always has his headphones on so he doesn't hear us.  Today our walk was extra special because there was the man, no headphones, with a very young black standard poodle puppy with him!  We said "hello!" and he said "hi" back!  I wish I would have said to him "that's a very good look for you!"  A man and his new puppy - some things are just right!

Today's card was inspired by a pad of paper on my desk at the hotel I stayed at earlier this week.  I used the Dot, Dot, Dot background stamp on Very Vanilla cs and stamped with Baja Breeze ink at 1/2 strength.  You may notice I had used the extra large oval punch to create a mask so that part of the card stock did not get stamped.  I kept the mask on and then stamped a portion of a stamp from Baroque Motifs in full strength Baja Breeze on the same card stock.  Then the mask was removed and I used my stamp-a-ma-jig to stamp the greeting from Sincere Salutations in Early Espresso ink.  I adhered this piece to a piece of Early Espresso cs.  Then I took a piece of Whisper White taffeta ribbon and sprayed it first with a mixture of Baja Breeze ink refill and water that I keep in a small spray bottle.  Then I sprayed it with my mister of Champagne shimmer paint and alcohol.  I used my heat tool to dry it since I didn't want to wait :)  The ribbon was knotted around the card stock and then the layer was adhered to the Baja Breeze card using dimensionals.  The finished size of the card is 3x3.  I hope you like it!  Here's a video to show you how I made it, step-by-step!

Manhattan Flowers Embossing Folder - Sympathy Cards

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Be Kind To Your Body
In the September 2010 issue of Vegetarian Times, editor Elizabeth Turner shares The Dirty Dozen.  This is a list of the 12 fruits and vegetables most likely to be contaminated with pesticides.  The list may surprise you:  celery, peaches, strawberries, apples, blueberries, nectarines, bell peppers, spinach, cherries, kale/collard greens, potatoes and grapes (imported).  Be kind to your body.  If at all possible try to find the 100% organic version of these fruits and veggies to reduce your exposure to pesticides.  After all, if we truly are what we eat, I'd prefer being 100% natural :)

These are two takes on a sympathy card using the Manhattan Flowers embossing folder, the Define Your Life stamp set and the letter "M" from the Lovely Letter Alphabet.  Natural images seem so fitting to me for sympathy cards since life and death are all a part of the natural cycle.  For the monogrammed card, I stamped the "M" at half strength and used my stamp-a-ma-jig to stamp the greeting in full-strength right over it.  This is a great way to get multiple shades from the same ink pad - in this case, Soft Suede.  I hope you like them!

In A Word Sympathy Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Begin Whatever Calls To You!

Today's lesson comes from the book Living Juicy by SARK.  If you don't know SARK and you are an artist, you need to check her out!  She is such an inspirational spirit!  There are some books that find their way to my bookshelf and sit there and then seem to find their way back into my life when I need them.  SARK's books definitely fall into this category.  I always feel uplifted and inspired when I read her encouraging words.  What is calling to you?  What is your inner voice tempting you to try?  Don't get in the way...go for it!!!!

A friend's mother passed away the other day and I felt it was time to make a few sympathy cards to have on hand for these moments difficult moments.  This card came together quickly.  I put the Very Vanilla panel through the Big Shot with the Manhattan Flowers embossing folder.  I rounded 3 of the edges and left one square.  The greeting is from the In A Word stamp set and was stamped in Early Espresso onto Very Vanilla cs and punched out using my 1 1/4" circle punch.  A separate 1 1/2" circle was punched out of Early Espresso as a layer for the greeting and the greeting was popped up on dimensionals as was the entire embossed panel.  A knot of Very Vanilla satin ribbon finishes the look.  I hope you like it.  Now, go and begin whatever calls to you - you are still here and there is no time like the present!!!!!

Friends Fur-ever Birthday!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  It's Amazing What You Can Do When You Set Your Mind To It!

For those of you that have been following my blog, you know that in March I decided to start running.  I couldn't run for more than a few minutes (if that) without wearing myself out.  Well, I want to give you an update...yesterday I went for a 16-mile run!!!!!  You read that right - 16 miles!!!!  I am sooooo proud of myself!  I am following Jeff Galloway's running program.  He advocates a run/walk approach so I run for 5 minutes and then walk for 1 minute...and I did that for about 3 hours, bright and early, before the day turned hot.  I still can't believe it!  It truly is amazing what you can do when you set your mind to it.  All you need to do is decide to begin!  Now I have my goal out in front of me - Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. in October - watch out world, here I come!!!!!

I am still addicted to the Friends Fur-ever stamp set!  It is just too cute!  This is a birthday card for Michael's mom.  I stamped the dog and the presents in Basic Black onto Whisper White cs and cut them out with a hobby blade.  I then stamped the cart onto Crumb Cake cs with Basic Black ink and also cut it out.  The tire was colored with a Basic Gray marker and I added a cute little silver bead for the tire center.  The presents were colored with markers and then glitzed with 2-way glue and dazzling diamonds...as was the dog's color.  The ground was made by cutting curves into a piece of Certainly Celery cs and then sponging a bit on the edge and the cs in general with Certainly Celery ink.  The greeting came from Happy Everything - one of my favorite, although retired, stamp sets.  I hope you like it!  If you have to have the Friends Fur-ever stamp set, feel free to shop HERE now :)