Hello Friend Bleached Background Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  See It While You Can
On our walk today Buddy and I saw the most amazing leaves!  They literally stopped me in my tracks and I immediately took a few photos and started collecting a few to bring back home to press in a book.  Tonight (I'm writing this on Wednesday evening) I shared the pictures with Michael and then went to get the heavy book I had put them in - protected by wax paper.  When I opened the book to show him the leaves, the green portions had already browned, although the other colors were just as vibrant.  It reminded me to stop and appreciate things while you can - to truly see them - because in this ever-changing world moments keep passing and things keep evolving.  I am so grateful I saw those leaves in all their glory this morning.  I hope you get a sense of them from the photo.  Enjoy!

Today's card began with an inked and bleached background.  I then incorporated stamping using the Morning Meadow stamp set and a butterfly from Papillon Potpourri.  The sentiment is from Six-Sided Sampler.  Funny how I share this very spring-like card on a day that I was so inspired by the falling leaves...
And for those of you celebrating Halloween.....BOOOO!!!!! :)

Don't miss out on this week's Weekly Deals!!!!!  Click HERE to shop now!!!!

Be Merry String Art by Amanda Corbet

Get ready for the holiday season with this beautiful Be Merry sign. This art is sure to get you into the holiday spirit! It also doubles as a greeting card holder! When those holiday cards start coming in just use a regular paper clip to attach the card to the ribbon and you will have all your cards on display! There is a card included so you can make one to give as a gift!  This fun project was created by Amanda Corbet as the October Bonus Project for Craft Project Central.  Bonus projects can be obtained by subscribing to two or more months in a row; putting the Craft Project Central badge on your blog; or by referring a friend and when they subscribe letting Craft Project Central know!  Find out more about Amanda on her blog HERE!  And, head on over the Craft Project Central to learn more about subscribing for the month of October!

Tag It Bundles

Tag It Bundles are here and they are only available October 29-November 19, 2013!  These two Tag It bundles include the tags, the ribbon, and the boxes to make your own pretty packages.  Here are the details:

The Holiday Tag It Decorative Box Bundle (item 135811, $18.95) includes

• Stamp a Tag Kit
• Cherry Cobbler 1" Stitched Edge Grosgrain Ribbon (10 yards)
• Decorative Window Gift Boxes (6 boxes)

The Holiday Tag It Extra-Large Box Bundle (item 135812, $19.95) includes

• Stamp a Tag Kit
• Cherry Cobbler 1" Stitched Edge Grosgrain Ribbon (10 yards)
• Extra-Large Gift Boxes (3 boxes)

Shop HERE now! :)

Sunflower Thank You Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  The minute you begin to start to judge what you're doing, you're done.  -Cher
I was watching the show The Voice the other day and Cher, one of the celebrity coaching assistants, made the above statement to one of the contestants.  To put it into context, the contestant was trying to connect with the song he was singing, but he was so focused on other people judging his singing that he wasn't connecting at all.  This is so true for me with my art making.  The minute I begin to start to judge what I'm doing it's as if I have placed a huge creative block in my way.  I create my own obstacles and for what?  Why not leave the judging to someone else and leave the creating to me? :)
For my birthday one of my friends gave me a bunch of sunflowers!  How perfect to have the Sunflower background stamp to create a thank you card :)  I stamped the flower using So Saffron ink on Very Vanilla card stock.  Next, I stamped the sentiment from From My Heart using Basic Black ink.  The panel was then layered onto a Basic Black card stock panel and a So Saffron card base.  As an added touch, I stamped the flower onto the envelope as well.  I hope you like it :)

Halloween Costumes Inspired By Nick Cave Soundsuits and A Winner!!!!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  The Images And Art We See Leaves An Impression And Can Lead To Inspiration!
A number of months ago we went to the Denver Art Museum and there was an exhibit of some of Nick Cave's art.  Part of the exhibit was a display of Soundsuits.  Mr. Cave has been making Soundsuits for over 20 years.  I had never seen (or heard) them before.  As I walked through the exhibit, the mixed-media suits intrigued me...but when I then saw and heard video of the suits in motion, everything changed!  The sounds and anonymity the suits provided was incredible.  That was a number of months ago.  (To see a video of Nick Cave and a few of his Soundsuits in motion, click HERE.  I also encourage you to Google Mr. Cave and learn more about his intriguing art!).
Fast forward to Saturday and a last minute decision to come up with an interesting costume for a Halloween party that night.  Michael and I did some talking and, since he was already at the flea market, he looked around for a bit of inspiration.  A $3 abacus was all we needed!  He brought it home and the creativity took flight!  We had the Soundsuits in mind (one of the Soundsuits by Nick Cave incorporates a large abacus as the "face"), so we broke out some cardboard boxes, skewers, wooden spools, newsprint and hot glue.  Michael took apart the beads from the abacus as I began duct taping and fringing newsprint.  It looked like a paper feather bird exploded in the house!  The result?  Total fun!!!!!  We put the Soundsuits on and had a blast moving our heads and bodies to make the abacus rattle back and forth and the paper feathers "swoosh!"  The anonymity was also an amazing experience (although the hostess of the party figured us out pretty quickly :)  I even carried an article about Nick Cave and his Soundsuits in my pocket so that when people asked what we were we were able to share with them our inspiration.
As an aside, I was also intrigued by how disorienting it was for people to see something they had not seen before.  Many people had not been to the exhibit or were unfamiliar with Nick Cave's work and we could overhear them saying things like, "I don't know what that is?!  Is it an owl?  A weird alien?"  They were puzzled.  We try so hard to define what we see - to give it a name - and when we can't name it we are a bit uncomfortable.  We try to put boundaries on it - a description - rules.  I wonder how this need to define what we see impacts our ability to fully experience what we encounter?  What if we just lived the experience?
Today I am left with both a lesson and a question:  What we encounter, leaves an impression that can lead to inspiration.  How can we allow ourselves to experience what we encounter without needing to categorize or define it?

And for those of you waiting to find out the winner of the October subscription to Craft Project Central...The winner is...

TiaraHelen!!!!!  Helen, I will be contacting you to set up your free subscription to October!  Congratulations!!!!

Christmas Countdown by Dani Dziama

Love counting down the days until Christmas?  This is the perfect addition to any holiday décor for the upcoming Christmas season!  Simply turn the calendar days one by one starting on December 1st and Christmas will be here before you know it!  This fun project was created by Dani Dziama!  You can learn more about Dani on her blog HERE!

Want to subscribe to the October 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!

Art Journal Pages

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  It Can Happen In Stages
I can't remember when I first began today's art journal pages.  I know I did some painting and them some journaling on the background and then days, maybe weeks, went by.  I would pass by the craft room and at certain times the journal would call to me.  So, I would walk in and add a little more and then walk away and wait for the calling again.  This morning I woke up knowing I needed to add a touch of dazzling diamonds glitter and I would be done :)
Making cards I sometimes start to believe that art needs to begin and end in one sitting.  The idea that leaving something "unfinished," even for a short time means your just not creative enough or good enough or something enough.  That belief is hogwash!  Art is a process.  Yes, sometimes it will be a "one-sitting" serving and you will have a completed project.  Other times it will be a multi-sitting...maybe even multi-year, process - just like so many other things in life.  Our growth, our change, happens in stages.  Allow your art to follow this natural flow as well.
I hope you have a beautiful, creative, love-filled and inspiring weekend!  May this day and every day be one more stage in your process!

Holiday Decorative Plate Collection by Amy Storrie

You will love having this beautiful plate displayed in your home year round!  Each of the 8 inserts has a Velcro back so that you can easily switch out the center each month for the appropriate holiday.  Or, when you are not in a holiday month, use the generic everyday insert. This would also make a wonderful gift for a special friend or family member.  This beautiful collection was created by Amy Storrie!  You can learn more about Amy on her blog HERE!
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Want to subscribe to the October 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!  Or, if you are feeling lucky, head on over to Craft Project Central and comment on my project that was posted on October 1st to be entered to win a FREE October subscription!  I will be choosing the winner tomorrow!!!!  Good luck!!!!

Let The Party Begin! 25% Off 25 Stamp Sets!!!!!

Stampin' Up! is celebrating its 25th anniversary all year long, but during the week of the actual date (October 25th to be exact) the party is being pumped up even more!!!!!  What better way than a sale on the very products that started it all: stamps, of course!
Dates: October 22-28, 2013
Offer: Get 25 percent off 25 stamp sets!!!!  Click HERE to find out which wonderful stamp sets are a part of the sale!!!!!

Photo Keeper by Monika Davis

Summer is over, but you don’t have to forget about your vacation just yet. Make this super cool Photo Keeper, created by Monika Davis, that can also function as a mini scrap book in a box. Keep your treasured photo memories in one place.  Its size makes it perfect to take it with you in your bag to hold your pictures while you travel. This is also the perfect present with the matching greeting card and small embellishments to someone who loves to travel and take pictures. Also makes for a fun Stamp Camp project.
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Want to subscribe to the October 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!  Or, if you are feeling lucky, head on over to Craft Project Central and comment on my project that was posted on October 1st to be entered to win a FREE October subscription!  I will be choosing the winner on October 25th!!!!  Good luck!!!!

A Day Off Because....

It's my birthday!!!!!! :)  I am so grateful to have reached yet another year of life!  I am so grateful to be able to create and share that creativity with you!  I am grateful that my heart is full of love!  I am grateful for the gift of change - the ability to make choices and pursue dreams.  I am grateful it is my birthday :)

Family Banner & Leaf Jar Set by Heidi King

This is a great time of year to decorate for the season and this wonderful project by Heidi King would do the trick!  Included in this project are the “Family” banner, a beautiful “leaf” jar and a matching card.  These little décor items are perfect for a gift or to decorate your own home.  The project also makes for a fun holiday class, club, or camp project!!  You can learn more about Heidi on her blog HERE.
--> Want to subscribe to the October edition of Craft Project Central and get 10 wonderful tutorials for only $10?  Head on over to the Craft Project Central website HERE!  Or, if you are feeling lucky, head on over to Craft Project Central and comment on my project that was posted on October 1st to be entered to win a FREE October subscription!  I will be choosing the winner on October 25th!!!!  Good luck!!!!

Grid Birthday Card Redux

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  It's Never Too Late To Add To Your Creative Output!
Today I was going through a box of completed cards and I saw a birthday card I had created and posted a while back.  When I saw it this time around it looked totally incomplete to me.  Just a Smoky Slate card with the Grid stamp stamped in Smoky Slate and "happy birthday" in Basic Black.  I decided it needed a makeover!  So out came the paper trimmer and I cut the front off of the card.  Next I added a few hand-cut banners from Tempting Turquoise and Basic Black card stock.  I stamped the word "celebrate" from the Express Yourself stamp set onto Whisper White card stock and cut a little banner end.  I began layering the banners onto the card front with different depths of dimensionals.  I then layered the panel onto a Tempting Turquoise panel and a Basic Black card base.  A Tempting Turquoise panel was also glued inside the card.  Finally, a few rhinestone adhesive jewels added a bit of sparkle.  I'm much happier with the card now - it feels finished...at least for now :)  It's never too late to add to your creative output.  What can you give a creative makeover to?
I hope you have a beautiful, creative and loving weekend!  There is a touch of snow in our forecast here...can't wait to see if it happens!  Buddy will be so excited!!!! :)

Two-Sided Halloween Treat Holder

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  There Is A Crack In Everything
I purchased a wonderful book that I have been reading at night before bed.  It is a book of quotes and small stories entitled Wabi Sabi The Art of Everyday Life by Diane Durston.  Last night I read this quote by Leonard Cohen, "Ring the bells that still can ring; Forget your perfect offering; There is a crack in everything; That's how the light gets in."  It is in a chapter about the beauty of imperfection.  I love the concept that there is a crack in everything and that is what allows our light to shine.  It led me to the idea that our perfection is actually that we are imperfect.  We are perfectly imperfect :)  And so too is our artwork.  Sometimes the lines aren't straight or the stamping is tilted or smudged.  Sometimes the card stock doesn't fold exactly as we would like or the impression doesn't stamp as clearly as we wish.  And it is in these "cracks" that the light of you gets in.  It is through these perfect imperfections that we show that we made it - that we put our heart and soul into it - in its perfectly imperfect state.
I decided to make a 2-Sided Halloween treat holder...'cuz it is all about the candy on Halloween (and Buddy and I wish people would just put candy on their lawns instead of all of those scary skeletons and spooky ghosts)!  I hope you have a perfectly beautiful day!  May it be filled with love, laughter...and cracks that let the light in!!!!

2 New Christmas Photopolymer Stamp Sets!

Stampin' Up! has come out with a new Christmas photopolymer stamp set!  Love the beautiful script writing!  The set is called Endless Wishes (133455) and it is $13.95.  Click HERE to order now!

Stampin' Up! has also released another wonderful new Christmas set - great for making tags!!!!  It's called Christmas Taggables (134623) and it is also $13.95.

Timeless Talk Desktop Card Set by Laurie Zoellmer

This project isn't just about cards!  You also create a darling card box, and when the cards are gone you can use it as a notepaper holder!  Simply cut 8-1/2” x 11” sheets of copy paper, or recycled paper, into quarters and you have notepaper for the holder!  This project, created by Laurie Zoellmer, makes a nice addition to any desk.  Also, a great gift idea or class idea for demonstrators.  You can get full step-by-step instructions for this elegant project by subscribing to the month of October over at Craft Project Central!  Or, if you are feeling lucky, head on over to Craft Project Central and comment on my project that was posted on October 1st to be entered to win a FREE October subscription!  I will be choosing the winner on October 25th!!!!  Good luck!!!!

From My Heart Thank You Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  You Can Find Every Reason Not To, But All It Takes Is One Reason To Do It
I'm sneaky.  At least that's what I'm discovering when it comes to creating.  If you asked me if my #1 thing to do is to create, I would be screaming, "Yes!!!!" before you finished the question!  But I'm sneaky.  I've started to notice that when I have minutes that I could be creating, I am doing anything but creating!  I am checking email.  I am straightening.  I am going outside to put out more bird seed.  I am drawn to do laundry, pet the dog, make a "to do" list.  Yup, anything but creating!  I can find every reason not to do it at that moment.  And yet I say that it is my most favorite thing to do.  So what is the deal?  I know!  FEAR!  The fear of creating.  The fear that I will be discovered as a fake!  That as long as I am not creating I can skip around the world believing I am an artist!  But what if I create something and...I...don't...like...it?????  Or, worse yet....YOU don't like it????  What then?  Am I still an artist??????  So I'm sneaky...that little fear monster helps me to find every reason not to create.  But all it takes is one reason to do it and that one reason is because I was born to create!  No matter what comes out of me.  No matter what mess I make or masterpiece I come up with.  It is what I was born to do!  And that's the only reason I need to march myself into that craft room and Do It!!!!!  Find your reason....and DO IT!!!!
Today's card began with the idea of sponging on computer paper.  Which then turned into putting the computer paper on top of the inside of an embossing folder and doing some rubbing with a sponge.  And then I ran the typing paper through the Big Shot with the embossing folder...and then sponged some more (a combo of Soft Suede and Always Artichoke ink).  The Always Artichoke panel was stamped with the Woodgrain stamp and then I adhered the computer paper.  Today I figured out that the sentiment from From My Heart actually fit into one of the labels framelits! :)  So I die cut it and sponged the edges and heat embossed the little heart with gold embossing powder.  I decided it needed a little something more so I created the mini hang tag using the Lovely Little Labels set.  I hope you like it...but if you don't...I'm still calling myself an artist! :)

Envelope Punch Board Halloween Treat Holder

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  There is...beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for the spring.  There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature - the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter.  - Rachel Carson
After my travels last week I found my healing in walking with nature.  This past weekend was gorgeous here in Denver - the leaves turning every shade of yellow, red and orange.  I am once again in awe of nature - her ability to make death so stunning.  All of these leaves reaching the end of their lives and doing so brilliantly!  Leaving us (pun intended) with a dazzling reminder of the cyclical nature of life.  I hope to make such a glorious exit one day - to go out with colors blazing - having lived a full life of joy, appreciation and love.  Nature, you dazzle me!
I am in love with my envelope punch board!  How fun to be able to make "pocket" treat holders in so many different sizes!  I created this one from a 7 7/8" x 7 7/8" piece of Pumpkin Pie card stock.  It fits a regular-sized candy bar perfectly!  The mummy is on a belly band that slides up and down the treat holder.  I used the Top Note Bigz die along with the Halloween Hello stamp set and a few punches.  I foresee making a whole lot of these "pockets" to contain treats of different types :)  Can't wait to figure out what I can do next with the envelope punch board!!!!!

Fall Appreciation Gift Set by Julie Beltramo

This Fall Appreciation Gift Set is packed with all the writing essentials you’ll need, plus a super simple two-ingredient recipe for ‘The Best’ Pumpkin Spice Cookies - just right for the season! The six note cards, coordinating covered notepad, and Stampin’ Write Marker all fit into the two-pocket fold up tote. If you subscribe to the month of October over at Craft Project Central, you’ll also get the instructions for making the Pumpkin Spice Cookies that fit just perfectly into the Stampin’ Up! Tag a Bag Gift Box.  This yummy Pumpkin Spice Fall Appreciation Gift Set was created by Julie Beltramo.  You can check out Julie's blog HERE.  And, if you are feeling lucky, head on over to Craft Project Central and go to my October project that was posted on October 1st...leave a comment on that post and be entered to win a FREE subscription to the month of October at Craft Project Central!  I will be choosing the winner on October 25th!!!!

A View From The Road

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Imagination is more important than knowledge, for knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world – stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution.  — Albert Einstein

I just landed and it's nice to have my feet back on the ground. I was in Indiana and caught this photo of the sun setting as I made my way to the airport! What a view! I hope it inspires your imagination!  Wishing you a peaceful and creative weekend!

Polka Dot Card Set by Regina Andari

A set of blank greeting cards is always a great gift idea and is particularly a gift project worth considering for the upcoming holiday season.  This ensemble, created by Regina Andari for Craft Project Central, includes assorted sentiments and a handy coordinating box for the cards.  Subscribe to the month of October over at Craft Project Central for full instructions on how to make this gorgeous card set.  You can also head on over to Craft Project Central and go to my project posted on October 1st and leave a comment there to be entered for a chance to win a FREE October subscription!  I will be choosing the winner on October 25th!

Colored Glimmer Paper Halloween Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  You Really Do Loosen Up If You Keep Moving!
Ahhh exercise.  Gotta love that "I can't climb the stairs or squat over the toilet" feeling after you've done a leg workout!  Ouch!!!!!  What I am realizing as we continue to do the P90X workouts is that doing some swimming during the week is really helping me.  Really.  I am not staying sore for as long and, if I workout later in the day and then swim the next morning, the soreness hasn't fully set in yet, so I can swim without pain :)  You really do loosen up if you keep moving...and the same is true with creating.  Just keep putting ink to card stock, color to surface, layer after layer - it will loosen you up creatively!
Today's card is another one we will be making at my upcoming Halloween Stamp-a-Stack!  I began with Crumb Cake card stock and then used some ink and a sponge dauber to add Tangerine Tango to some silver glimmer paper.  I die cut the glimmer paper with the Typeset Alphabet die.  I added the date with the Remember This and That rotary stamp.  The skull is from Halloween Hello and the grunge in the background is from Gorgeous Grunge!  I hope you like it! :)

That's The Ticket Halloween Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Do Your Best And Forget The Rest! - Tony Horton
Well, we've gone ahead and done it.  We've started P90X again...yikes!  For those of you unfamiliar with P90X, it is a very intense workout program that lasts for 90 days (if you do the workouts everyday) and gets you into amazing shape in the process.  We felt like we needed to get back into exercising and we found our last time through P90X to be pretty beneficial.  So, here we are again.  It was interesting to listen to my internal (and external) voice as we were engaged in our first workout (chest & back).  I called myself a "wimp," told myself that I was weak, wanted to give up time and time again.  Michael helped keep me going and so did Tony Horton - the amazingly motivating coach who designed the workouts and who leads you through the videos.  He continuously says, "Do your best and forget the rest!"  I needed reminding of that.  Thank you Tony!  I did the best I could do for the first workout (keeping in mind that I wanted to swim the next day so I didn't want to push myself so hard that I wouldn't be able to move my arms!).  I'm not sure you could say I'm excited about the next workout...but I know I will bring my best and forget the rest.  It's a wonderful lesson to carry into new creative endeavors too - new techniques, new skills, new supplies - just do your best and forget the rest :)
For today's card I wanted to create a non-traditional Halloween card and the combination of Lovely As A Tree with That's The Ticket seemed to do the trick!  I also used some non-traditional colors - Smoky Slate and Night of Navy.  This is one of the cards that we'll be making at my upcoming Halloween Stamp-a-Stack.  I hope you like it!

Autumn Themed Boxed Cards Set by Jen Arkfeld

This seasonal Autumn Themed Boxed Cards Set by Jen Arkfelt really matches the season!  Who wants a spring themed birthday card when they have a birthday in October?  In this project, you’ll craft some cards with rich fall colors for various occasions, plus a great box that’s perfect for gift giving – if you don’t decide to keep the cards for yourself!  This set was created by Jen Arkfeld for Craft Project Central.  You can learn more about Jen on her blog HERE.  You can also head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of October to get full step-by-step instructions for this wonderful project.  Or, if you're feeling lucky, head on over to Craft Project Central and go to my Trick or Treat Gift Set that was posted on Oct. 1.  Leave a comment on that post and be entered to win a FREE October subscription to Craft Project Central!  I will be selecting the winner on Oct. 25th!!!!  Good luck!!!!

Another Submission for Creating Pretty Cards Sketch Challenge #28

I am writing this on Thursday.  It is 70 degrees outside and the forecast for tomorrow is for a high of 42!  So, I decided I needed to make a summery card that would keep me warm through the upcoming chill :)  The layout is one that I created for the Creating Pretty Cards sketch challenge over at Craft Project Central.  Think about posting a card of your own on their site.  For every 10 cards that are posted, they will be giving away a FREE one-month subscription to a month of your choice at Craft Project Central!  And, while you're there, I would love it if you would comment on my Halloween project that was posted on October 1st!  They are running a little contest for the project that gets the most comments and I would love to win! :)  Hope you are having a lovely weekend! :)

Fall Centerpiece by Christy Faulk

It’s officially Autumn and time to put out Fall decorations!  Wouldn’t this Fall Centerpiece be wonderful to add to your suite of decorations?  Fall colors are so beautiful, and this centerpiece is full of them!  The centerpiece would look great on any dining room table, mantle, bay window, or entry table.  This project would make a fun class, too!  Christy Faulk created this beautiful centerpiece for her October project for Craft Project Central.  You can learn more about Christy on her blog HERE and you can sign up for an October membership at Craft Project Central to get full step-by-step instructions on how to create this wonderful home decor!  Don't forget you can also head on over the Craft Project Central and enter a comment on my October project - the Trick or Treat Gift Set - to enter to win a FREE October subscription to Craft Project Central.  I will choose a winner on Oct. 25!!!!  Have a wonderful weekend!!!

Today I also wanted to share the a few of the newest stamp set additions at Stampin' Up!  This first stamp set is called Bite Me and you can find out more about this adorable 10-stamp photopolymer set HERE.

This second set is a clear-mount set called Best of Christmas (134384, $14.95).  I love that the Dasher stamp is back in this collection!  Click HERE to learn more!

Witches Broom Halloween Treat

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Relax and Try Not To Be So Rigid
I am learning so much from my swim classes.  The other day I was working on my back stroke and my arms were just not doing what they needed to be doing.  I was trying so hard.  So I stopped and told my coach that I thought I was trying too hard and that it was getting in my way.  She said that I needed to relax and try not to be so rigid.  Wow!  Talk about a whole life lesson!  Relax and try not to be so rigid.  Just think about that.  Rigidity infects so many areas of my life - my work, my art...my exercise.  What would it mean to relax into something?  To release the stiffness and see what happens?  I tried it in the pool...and everything seemed to flow into place.  Next stop, the craft room!  Who knows what will happen if I allow myself to release some of my stiffness as I am creating! :)
For my upcoming Halloween Stamp-a-Stack I decided to make a witches broom halloween treat :)  I had discovered this video on YouTube by Diana Gibbs (there are quite a few videos out there on how to make these brooms) and then I saw a cute idea by Kadie Labadie to use a licorice stick instead of a lollipop!  Of course I couldn't stop there :)  I decided I needed to make some adjustments because I wanted my broom to be able to stand on its own and I also wanted to provide a bit more candy in the treat.  So, I used a small cello bag that I filled with candy corn and through some creative maneuvering and disguise, I was able to make it all work! :)  I used one of the stamps from Gorgeous Grunge to "dirty" things up and then used the witch from Halloween Hello and the sentiment from Teeny Tiny Wishes (I just wanted to type Teeny Tiny "Witches!" :)  I hope you like it!
P.S.  Head on over to Stampin' Up!s blog to learn about today's Thursday deal on washi tape!!!!!!!!!  

Creating Pretty Cards Challenge #28 for October!

I had the honor of making the layout for this month's Creating Pretty Cards sketch card challenge over at Craft Project Central!  This is the card I created with my layout.  Something about the combination of the Pleasant Poppies stamp and Crumb Cake card stock feels perfect for Fall!
Head on over to Craft Project Central to participate in the Creating Pretty Cards sketch card challenge.  For every ten cards that are submitted, one winner will be chosen for a FREE month subscription on Craft Project Central!  The winner(s) will get to select the month of their choice!  So if there are 15 submissions this month one winner will be randomly selected from all submissions.  If there are 40 submissions four winners will be randomly chosen from all submissions, and so on!  Craft Project Central really wants to give away some free subscriptions, so please do join the challenge!!  And, while you're there, don't forget to enter a comment on my project that was posted yesterday!  On October 25th I will choose a winner for a free October subscription from the comments!!!!!

My October Project For Craft Project Central: Trick or Treat Gift Set

Today I'm sharing a double post!  Some art journal pages that I created yesterday and my October project for Craft Project Central!  This Trick or Treat Gift Set is the perfect Halloween gift for that special little someone in your life! This set features an altered, no-sew, pillowcase trick or treat bag, a personalized trick or treat bag name tag, a trick or treat pin and a spooky gift card for giving this set as a gift!  Any one of these projects, individually, would make for a wonderful creative session for you and your spooky little friend!  You could also create any of these items in a small class or stamp camp to share with others!  I had a lot of fun using the Undefined stamp carving kit to create a pumpkin and bat stamp!  You can get all the step-by-step directions to create this gift set by subscribing to Craft Project Central for the month of October.  Or, you can head on over to Craft Project Central and leave a post on this project on that site to be entered to win a FREE subscription for the month of October!!!!!  Winners will be chosen on October 25th!!!!  Good luck!!!!!

Art Journal Pages

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  I Have A Short Fuse When I Don't Allow Myself To Decompress
I have had a full few weeks as well as visitors in the house and I realize that when I don't allow myself to decompress from all the activity my fuse becomes quite short.  I felt it the other day on a phone call.  I hadn't had my morning nature walk with Buddy and I was just out of sorts.  It's funny how I can feel the pressure building up within me in those moments - like I'm going to burst or say something I'm going to regret...or even act in ways that I'm not proud of.  When I was off the phone I came back to these pages that I had begun the day before.  Let Go Of Judgement seemed to be the best advice to give myself.  When I am tired and short-fused, I jump to that place of judgement and impatience.  The minute I glued the words down I started to feel better.  And then I took Buddy on a short walk and we sat in the park and watched the world go by.  I have a short fuse when I don't allow myself to decompress...and stepping into art and nature is the key to my decompression!

Craft Project Central September Bonus Project by Carrie Rhoades

Fall is definitely in the air here in Denver and this Thanksgiving Décor Trio, created by Carrie Rhoades, is the perfect way to celebrate Fall!  This project is the September Bonus Project at Craft Project Central.  You can learn more about Carrie on her blog HERE.
These Thanksgiving Home Décor projects are easy to make and will be a nice addition to your home this fall.  In this September Bonus tutorial you will learn how to make a woodland wreath accentuated with die cut leaves and a burlap bow to hang on your door or wall.  You will also be taken through all the steps to make this subway art piece of a traditional Thanksgiving verse and some miniature stuffed pumpkins.  You are sure to have fun making these quick and ease décor projects.  Bonus projects can be obtained by subscribing to two or more months in a row over at Craft Project Central, putting the Craft Project Central badge on your blog, or by referring a friend and letting Craft Project Central know when your friend subscribes.  Find out more about Craft Project Central and earning the September Bonus Project HERE!

Gorgeous Grunge Card Set by Amanda Corbet

Amanda has done it again!  Have you been wondering how you can use the Gorgeous Grunge stamp set? Not sure what exactly to do with it? Well then this project is for you! This fun grungy box includes five different card designs and five envelopes all using the Gorgeous Grunge and Chalk Talk stamp sets! It’s time to put your Gorgeous Grunge stamp set to use to make this bright and fun cards and box set!  Learn more about Amanda and her amazing creations on her blog HERE.  You can get full step-by-step instructions for this great set by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of September!

Bleached Pleasant Poppies Thank You Card

 

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  I Need A Ritual To Let Me Know I Am Entering My Creative Zone

Scatter here.  Scatter there.  Scatter scatter everywhere.  This seems to be the state of my mind so often and I would like to put some of the responsibility on the computer and other electronic devices.  We can dart around from page to page; message to message; picture to picture - so quickly - skip, skip, skip...move, move, move.  And it seems the more often we do it, the more our mind becomes accustomed to operating in this "blip" mode.  Because of this, I am extra grateful for the gift of art making.  It makes me slow down and focus - get lost in the colors, shapes, textures and process.  And yet, sometimes I find myself blipping in and out of the craft room - distracted by thoughts or noises or activity in another room.  What I would like to create is a ritual to let me know that I am entering my creative zone.  A ritual that will signal to my brain that it is time to focus on color, shape, texture and process - time to get lost in the moment.  I'm not sure yet what that ritual will be - maybe a sign that I read to myself - a sign that hangs on the doorway to my craft space - maybe a commitment that I voice as I enter the space.  Or it could be a certain piece of music.  Or maybe a scent.  I guess my mind will "blip around" for now - trying to figure out what my ritual might be.  Do you have any special rituals you use?  If so, I would love to hear what works for you....maybe I could adopt it too!

Today's card was the result of having fun with bleach and a paintbrush!  I stamped and heat embossed the Pleasant Poppies image and then painted with bleach to take the color away from the Blushing Bride card stock.  The sentiment is from Postage Collection.  I hope you like it!

Accordion Memory Keeper Gift Set by Gayle Smith

This project is a perfect gift for a friend or loved one. It consists of an Accordion Memory Keeper,  that you can personalize with messages and/or add photos, four thank you note cards, and a one - of - a - kind flower pen.  This beautiful set was created by Gayle Smith.  You can learn more about Gayle on her blog HERE.  Head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of September to get step-by-step instructions for how to make this gorgeous set

Happy 50th Birthday Card!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Remember, You Can Always Close The Door
This past weekend I had a friend come to visit from London (yippeee!)!  I had a very long list of things I wanted to get done before she arrived, not the least of which was to try to get my office and craft room looking a bit more presentable.  And, it was causing me quite a bit of stress as the time was ticking away and the rooms weren't looking any better because I was also trying to get videos filmed and work done.  Finally, on Friday, at my dentist appointment, the receptionist and I were chatting and I mentioned my stress.  Her response?  Remember, you can always just close the door!  What a relief!  She was right.  It's not that I gave up on the idea of straightening.  I just put it all into perspective - recognizing that yes, I could close the door and we wouldn't have to look at the piles of paper and scattered art supplies.  I also remembered that my friend wasn't coming to see neat and tidy offices!  She was coming to be with us.  And that is the most important thing of all! :)  Remember, you can always close the door and enjoy the neat, clean and uncluttered door :)
Today I am sharing the card I made for my brother for his 50th birthday!!!!!!  It is such a significant milestone for so many people and it has particular meaning for us since my father passed away just one month shy of his 50th birthday.  It's hard to imagine that my brother is now older than my dad had the opportunity of being.  I am so blessed to have shared this time with my brother and I am hoping for many more beautiful years to come!  The card began with a Midnight Muse card base.  I stamped Soft Sky at full and half strength onto Whisper White card stock using a stamp from Gorgeous Grunge.  The edges were then sponged with Midnight Muse.  Next I took the numbers from ABC-123 Sketch Alphabet & Numbers and stamped them on the background with Midnight Muse ink.  A 2 1/2" circle was punched and then stamped with the Gorgeous Grunge stamp as well.  I then mounted the circle onto a piece of Midnight Muse card stock that was die cut with the framelits Window Frames Collection.  I added some brads in the corners with a paper piercing tool.  Finally, I adhered the numbers that were die cut using the Typeset Alphabet Bigz dies.  I hope you like it!

Summer Silhouettes Thank You Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  It Can Be Right In Front Of You And You Don't Even See It!
Buddy and I tend to travel some of the same routes on our morning walks.  Mind you, Buddy has been with us for over 10 years, so that's a lot of traveling the same streets and sidewalks over the years.  This morning, though, we were at a corner we are often at and I noticed the amazing way that the rust was patterned on the side of a telephone pole.  Just incredible!  And, inspiring!  I took a quick photo to inspire a card or art project in the future and then I just wondered over the thought that we pass that pole all the time and yet I had never truly SEEN it!  I know this must happen in every aspect of my life - filtering out that which is right in front of me - missing what could be incredible and inspiring.  So today I am opening my eyes and my awareness a little wider - wondering what is right there in front of me that I may not be seeing.
Today's card began with playing around with the new decorative blades for the Stampin' Trimmer rotary addition.  I cut some Rich Razzleberry card stock with the tiny wave blade and then decided I needed to make the pieces into a card!  So, I adhered the pieces to a Whisper White card base and then began stamping a flower from Summer Silhouettes all over the card using Rich Razzleberry ink at full and half strength.  The card started to look like a hot mess to me, but I kept going, ignoring my inner critic...and I'm glad I did!  Next came a punched white circle and a white heat embossed sentiment from Petite Pairs that I punched out with the Bracket Label Punch.  A few adhesive rhinestones and some organza ribbon added a touch of elegance.  I hope you like it!

Harvest Party Decor by Jen Arkfeld

Jen Arkfeld loves decorating her home with Fall Décor!  She loves all of the rich, warm colors.  This month she created some simple, new ways to jazz up her home, and yours, for a Harvest Party.  A festive banner can hang from your mantel or window; refresh your cake stands with some die cut leaves; create gratitude and treat jars, and give those pumpkins a facelift with glitter. You’ll be ready in no time to celebrate the Harvest Season.  To learn more about Jen, check out her blog HERE.  To get all the instructions for this wonderful project, subscribe to the month of September over at Craft Project Central!