Blended Bloom Thank You Card Using Blendabilities

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Every thought you produce; Anything you say, any action you do; It bears your signature.  -Thich Nhat Hanh
What a beautiful quote for all of us who create art with our hands.  Any action you do bears your signature.  You are putting your intention - your energy - into everything.  On my recent exploration into Ayurveda and cooking, this concept also came up for me.  The idea that a cook puts their energy into the food that they make.  The idea that if you cook your own food you can be aware and mindful of the energy you are placing into your food.  The energy is ingested with the food.  I imagine the same is true of the cards we send and give.  The energy we put into them is transferred to the recipient.  What signature do your thoughts, words and actions say about you?

 Today I am sharing my first attempt at coloring using the Blendabilities and the Blended Bloom stamp!  I stamped the image using Memento ink and then colored in the flower with a variety of the Blendabilities colors.  I also used the Color Lifter to add some additional shading.  I was really happy with how the color worked on the Whisper White card stock.  I know that I have a lot of learning to do, but I was taught that if the color bleeds through to the back of the card stock you are blending an appropriate amount.  I should have taken a picture of the back of the flower because I had a good amount of color bleeding through to the back of the flower.  Of course this means that you will likely always be using Blendabilities for layering on cards or you would have to add some type of decorative panel on the inside of the card if you chose to use the Blendabilities directly on the card front.  Blendabilities should be available for purchase sometime later this month!  I will definitely keep you posted...and hopefully I'll continue to perfect my skills :)

Nuts About You - Thinking of You Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  It's Good To Have A Friend To Go On The Journey With!
The need to clean the craft room.  The desire to get organized.  Dealing with the emotional attachment to things.  Feeling overwhelmed.  When it comes to actually beginning to declutter and straighten - whether in the craft room or elsewhere in the house - I can sometimes become a bit paralyzed.  I made some progress today though!  And part of that is due to the fact that I have a friend out there who shares the goal of creating a peaceful space in which to create.  Knowing she is out there - working toward the same goal - and that we are supporting one another - is making a huge difference for me!  It is good to have a friend to go on the journey with - even if you live many miles from one another!  Thank you Doris!!!!!
Today I am sharing my first attempt at inking up the stamps in the Nuts About You stamp set!!!!!!  The images in this set are so cute and with the sun shining and birds singing outside, this is the card that needed to happen today!  I inked up the stamps using my markers and added the sentiment from the Wetlands stamp set.  I have a feeling the little squirrels in this stamp set are going to get inked up next!!!!

Masculine Cards & Treat Set by Regina Andari

Some of the most challenging projects for stampers and paper crafters are the masculine ones, and this Masculine Cards & Treat Set by Regina Andari features four card designs that the men in your life can appreciate!  The set also includes a gift card holder and a treat pouch/bag that you will enjoy making—and others will enjoy receiving.
For the step-by-step instructions for this project and the 9 other projects that will be posted for June at Craft Project Central, head on over to CPC and subscribe to the month of June!

Designer Garden Window Box and Card! – May Bonus Project by Amanda Corbet

Make a lovely flower garden window box to brighten up your space with fun patterned flowers that will last! No need to water! These bright and fun blossoms will never wilt.  This Designer Garden Window Box and Card! is the Craft Project Central May Bonus Project! and was designed by Amanda Corbet.  You could gift this bunch of flowers to someone special with the matching card. Don’t need a window box? The flowers would still make a lovely bouquet in a vase for the perfect gift!
Bonus projects can be obtained by subscribing to Craft Project Central for two or more months in a row; putting the Craft Project Central badge on your blog; or by referring a friend and when the friend subscribes, letting Craft Project Central know.  Head on over to Craft Project Central for more information!

Papillon Potpourri Birthday Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Honor Your Need For That Which Soothes Your Soul
When I am on the road for work it can be easy to forget to honor my need for that which soothes my soul.  I continue to realize that if I make taking care of myself a high priority, I can find ways to honor self care while I travel.  This week some of the things that have provided comfort for me on the road include:  a visit with a friend, walking outdoors and seeing baby geese, a cup of warm soy milk, time spent drawing bits and pieces of the world around me, a warm meal that met my dietary needs.  All little ways to honor my need to soothe my soul.  What do you do to honor your need for that which soothes your soul?
Today I am sharing another card that was inspired by a card sample in the new catalog!  I love using the Idea Book & Catalog for ideas!  Sometimes I am struck by a special card design. Other times my eye is caught by a color combination I never would have thought of.  And yes, I pulled out a few retired items that I'm trying to use (as opposed to put away and have gather dust).  So glad the Papillon Potpourri stamp set didn't retire!

Happy Birthday Grunge Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  The New Causes Me To Reflect On The Old
It's that time of year - NEW CATALOG TIME!!!!  I would by lying if I said I wasn't excited.  I am excited about the freshness of new products - trying new things - playing with new images, patterns and colors.  Every time the new catalog comes around I also find myself reflecting on the old.  I know that as a Demonstrator I'm probably not supposed to say this...but before you buy new products, go back and look at what you already have.  The new animal set may make you swoon...until you realize you have an animal set from a few years back that is just as cute and is in need of some love :)  Or maybe you will decide to sell the old set in order to purchase the new set.  All I ask is that you make considered, as opposed to impulse, choices.  Sometimes it is just as fun to play with what we already have - challenging ourselves to use our supplies in new ways - as opposed to just adding more to our "stash."  That said, I will confess that I plan on making some purchases from the new catalog.  Partly due to my role as Demonstrator - I need to keep things "fresh and current."  I also do some design work that pays me in the form of Stampin' Up! product and I have been saving up those payments for new catalog time.
For today's card I brought out a retired stamp - Engraved Greetings - to make this Happy Birthday card inspired by a layout in the new catalog.  The new definitely causes me to reflect on (and use) the old!  I plan on sharing a few other "old reflections" in the coming weeks :)  And I'll likely interject some of the new too :)

Venetian Romance Gift Set by Sharon Maranich

A perfect gift for a special person.  Never forget a birthday or anniversary again!!  This Venetian Romance Gift Set by Sharon Maranich includes a Card Reminder Box that will help you keep track of all those important dates that you want to remember.  Just fill in the calendar pages with dates and drop the cards for the event behind!  When it’s time to send a card, it’s ready for you!
Get the full step-by-step instructions for this project by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of May!

Patriotic Card Set by Yapha Mason

Just in time for Memorial Day, Yapha Mason created this great Patriotic Card Set with Window Box!  This set of patriotic notecards is great for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or celebrating the heroes in our armed forces any day.  It includes eight cards with matching lined envelopes, a themed gift tag,  and a coordinated box with a window.  For full step-by-step instructions, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of May.  Or, head on over to Craft Project Central and leave a post on one of the two projects I created this month!  I will be selecting a winner later this month to receive a free May subscription to Craft Project Central!

Whoooo Are You? Art Journal Page

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Find A Mantra That Helps You On Your Journey
I find that my mind is one of my most powerful muscles when it comes to my swimming (or my art making).  If my mind is in a supportive place, I find that my other muscles follow - my arms, legs, lungs (ok, they may not be muscles, but they follow along too!).  In the craft room, the muscle of creativity follows if my mind is in a supportive place.  But when I fall into negative thinking and let my mind focus on destructive thoughts, my other muscles will follow that thinking as well - and it's like I'm slogging through mud in the pool or a creative block in the craft room.  This past week I tried a new mantra for myself when I was swimming.  It was something that the Ayurvedic practitioner I recently saw mentioned during one of our classes.  The mantra is, "I am on my own hero's journey."  I kept coming back to the mantra as I swam and I felt calm, still, peaceful.  Find a mantra that helps you on your journey.  You other muscles will follow.
Today I am sharing an art journal page that I created for Paper Crafter's Library.  I had a ton of fun creating it - using some tape I had painted and some fabric I had marbled.  If you are interested in the full step-by-step videos on how I made the page, head on over to Paper Crafter's Library by clicking on the badge in the upper right-hand corner of my blog and check out becoming a Paper Crafter's Library member!

Layered Wax Paper: A Video!!!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Let The Inspiration Sweep You Up!

I watched a video by Suzi Dennis the other day and watching her experiment with wax paper really intrigued me!  The minute she showed herself flexing and bending the dried finished product and said, "it feels like leather," I knew I had to give it a try!  I guess I am a texture kind of gal!  Somehow the video wasn't satisfying enough - I needed to find out what that paper felt like!  So I let the inspiration sweep me up and off I went to the craft room!  Warning:  The inspiration might be contagious!  Here is a video of my encounter with layering wax paper!  Enjoy!

Swallowtail Dream Pillow Set

I created two projects for Craft Project Central for May!  I got out the iron for this Swallowtail Dream Pillow Set!  The pillow is a really fun way to use your stamps on velvet!  This set features a velvet dream pillow with a coordinating tag and matching gift card.  What a wonderful gift for a special friend!
Interested in the full step-by-step instructions on how to make this set?  If so, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of May.  Or, head on over to Craft Project Central and leave a comment on this project or my other May project.  I will be choosing a winner later this month who will receive a free subscription to the month of May!  Good luck!

Creating Pretty Cards - Sketch Challenge #35

This is my entry for this month's Creating Pretty Cards - Sketch Challenge #35 over at Craft Project Central.  Sometimes it's nice to have a sketch to work from as opposed to creating everything from scratch.  I really enjoyed all of the layers in this challenge!  It's been a long time since I put layer upon layer on a card.  Head on over to Craft Project Central and participate in the challenge!

Surprise Box by Buffy Cooper

Isn't this Surprise Box! fun?!?!  It was created by Buffy Cooper for Craft Project Central for May!
A “Surprise Box” can be used in so many fun ways:  to cheer up anyone who is having a rough day, to entertain the kiddos if they’re having a “sick day”, or to keep kids entertained during a long car trip.  It’s easy to change the contents, so you can use the box over and over.  Each time it’s opened a new adventure is waiting!
Interested in the step-by-step instructions for this fun project?  If so, head on over to Craft Project Central to subscribe to May or, go to one of my May projects posted over at Craft Project Central and leave me a comment.  I will be choosing one lucky winner who will receive a free subscription to May!

Soho Subway K-Cut Holder by Laurie Zoellmer

What a great gift for the coffee lover!  This SoHo Subway K-Cup Holder by Laurie Zoellmer is a pretty box that will hold three K-cups!  These boxes go together quickly, so you can make several for gifts, vendor shows, or it also makes a great class!  The coordinating buckle-card adds just the right touch to this ensemble.

Want the full step-by-step instructions for how to make this wonderful project?  If so, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of May!  Or, head on over to Craft Project Central and leave a comment on my Fresh Prints Place Setting post!  I will be selecting one lucky winner who will receive a free one-month subscription to Craft Project Central!

Home Is Where The heART Is Art Journal Page

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Do You Lose Your Head Or Bounce Back?
I am writing this post on Monday and as I look out the window, snow is on the ground!  Yes, it's May 12th and there is snow on the ground!  In Denver we are taught not to plant our flowers until after Mother's Day and this year that advice was spot on!  Who would have expected inches of snow to fall after enjoying such beautiful spring weather?!?!  Some of our aliums had already bloomed and I was worried about them.  With their 3-foot-tall stalks, there wasn't much we could do other than watch and hope.  Some of the flowers that had opened ended up being too challenged by the snow and the flower blooms fell off - in effect, the flowers lost their heads :(  Others however, seemed to bend with the weight of the snow and now, as the snow melts, they are bouncing back into an upright position - blooms still intact.  It makes me wonder about myself.  How easily do I lose my head?  Or, can I let the weight of the world bring me down a bit and then find my strength to bounce back?  I will never look at those aliums the same way again...
Today I am sharing an art journal page that I created for Paper Crafter's Library.  I have been having a lot of fun with collage and painted papers and this page grew out of that love.  If you are interested in the full "how to" videos for the page, head on over to Paper Crafter's Library and look into subscribing for a month or more.  To learn more about Paper Crafter's Library, click on the badge on the upper-right corner of my blog.  Thanks for stopping by!

Vellum Gift Box & Card by Monika Davis

This elegant Vellum Gift Box & Card was created by Monika Davis as her May project for Craft Project Central.  Nothing makes a better impression than a hand-made gift bag.  Make this elegant gift bag and fill it with some yummy treats or a special gift.  It is perfect for any occasions, from birthdays to weddings.   Great for a stamp camp, or as a class project.

Want the full step-by-step instructions for how to make this wonderful project?  If so, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of May!  Or, head on over to Craft Project Central and leave a comment on my Fresh Prints Place Setting post!  I will be selecting one lucky winner who will receive a free one-month subscription to Craft Project Central!

Sketched Birthday Card Set by Regina Andari

 

How sweet it is!!!!  This Sketched Birthday Card Set! by Regina Andari helps you stock up on those birthday cards you always need!  This ensemble includes four cards featuring fun polka dots and a handy decorated box to hold them.  The box will hold four cards and four envelopes, or you might prefer to fill the box with two sets of cards.  Perfect for a class, this project would also be a well-received and useful gift.

Want the full step-by-step instructions for how to make this wonderful project?  If so, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of May!  Or, go to Craft Project Central and leave a comment on my Fresh Prints Place Setting project!  I will be selecting one lucky winner to receive a free one-month subscription to Craft Project Central!

A Remembrance and Newspaper Beads

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Finding Happiness In The Midst Of Sadness
I find that sadness creeps into my heart a bit when I travel.  Being away from home and my routine.  Those that I love.  I know that they are with me, even as I sit in a hotel room, and yet I want to be with them.  To hold them. Walk with them.  Watch them breathing.  Today I am reflecting on a different sadness as well.  The sadness that washed over me on this day back in 1986 when I learned that my father had died.  Maybe that's why the sadness comes to me when I travel.  Maybe it's drawn to me by fear.  The fear of not seeing those that I love again.  So as I sit in this hotel room (I am writing this on Thursday evening), I am trying to find happiness in the midst of my sadness.  Looking back on a project that I created back in 2010 to honor my relationship with my father.  And pulling out some glue, an embroidery needle, scissors and the newspaper that was left outside my door this morning.  Cutting some strips and creating a few newspaper beads.  Yes, I can find happiness in the midst of my sadness and I am comforted knowing that my next post will hopefully be written from the comfort of the craft room!  I hope you have a beautiful weekend surrounded by those you love!

Fresh Prints Place Setting

I designed this Fresh Prints Place Setting as one of my May projects for Craft Project Central (yes, I designed two separate projects this month!).
This Fresh Prints Place Setting is a great and easy way to brighten up your table!  It features a wipe-able placemat, a place card, a coordinating napkin ring and a sweet treat envelope to finish your meal!  Use this place setting as a gift, for a party, or to just brighten up your morning meal!

Want the full step-by-step instructions for how to make this wonderful project?  If so, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of May!  Or, go to the post of this project at Craft Project Central and leave a comment on my project :)  I will be randomly selecting one lucky winner to receive a free subscription!!!!!

Traveling Art Kit

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  You Can Take It With You!!!!
I want to thank Amanda for encouraging me to take some art supplies with me when I travel.  I usually get a bit depressed being away from the craft room, so this is a fun way to bring my craft room along with me (a much "lighter" version of course)!  Sorry for the blurry photo - it was taken on the bed in a dimly lit hotel room...but hopefully you can see some of the supplies I included on my latest trip.  Some glue, pens, watercolor pencils, an aqua painter, bone folder, vellum, scissors, sharpener, bubble wrap, washi tape, some painted art tape, a small alphabet stamp set, sponge, a few stencils and an art journal.  It all fits inside a small zip bag.  I also have a few other markers and a piece of freezer paper in the bag...oh, and a small bag filled with salt (hopefully it doesn't look like anything else when I go through security at the airport!!!).  I am finding that this small art bag is loaded with creative opportunity!  Hopefully I will be able to share some of the pages I create while I'm traveling.  What I'm learning is you can definitely take it with you!!!!!  Do you have favorite supplies you like to travel with????  I would love to hear your ideas!

Paper Beads From Painted Paper

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  I am learning to eat with intention...
No distractions - not an iPhone, a computer, a television.  Beginning my meal with a recognition of the food that is about to nourish me.  Eating with mindfulness.  And then, after completing the meal, staying conscious for 15-20 minutes.  Maybe some light reading or a slow walk.  I am learning to eat with intention.
Today I wanted to share my first exploration into paper beads.  I cut a few strips from some of my painted paper and began winding :)  I haven't finished them yet - I want to coat them so that they will be water resistant.  I love the idea of having a project that I can take on the road with me when I travel.  I'm already envisioning cutting up airplane magazines :)

Proud of My Grad! by Julie Beltramo

Get ready for that special graduation celebration with this great party display for guests to leave a special message for the graduate. Julie Beltramo designed this great ensemble for May for Craft Project Central.  The So Proud of You tasseled garland, draped along an everyday yardstick, will inspire your guests to add a message on one of the handmade note cards. The ‘Memories’ and ‘Wishes’ labeled jars will hold those messages for the grad!
--> Want the full step-by-step instructions for how to make this wonderful project?  If so, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of May!  Or, check back on 5/8 to find out how to win a free May subscription!

Ink Blot to Art Page Honoring My Feelings

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Allow Art To Help You Honor Your Feelings
I've been feeling a lot lately and on Wednesday, when my ink painting called out to me with what appeared to be a face, I decided to go with it to see where it might take me.  Not surprisingly, this is where I ended up.  The process was quite cathartic for me - helping me honor the feelings that have been with me this week.  I still marvel at how the same ink painting could have led in so many different directions depending on who looked at it and played with it.  And, of course, it took me to exactly where I needed to be.
Wishing you a wonderful and creative weekend.  How can you allow art to help you honor your feelings?

Long Envelope Mini Album & Card by Christy Fulk

Isn't this Long Envelope Mini Album & Card gorgeous?!?!  It was created for Craft Project Central by Christy Fulk.  This mini album, which was made with the Envelope Punch Board, has three, 2-page layouts.  It also has three pull-out pages that can be used for journaling or more pictures.  With a wonderful matching card, this would make a great gift for any occasion.  It would also make a great scrapbooking class!
Want the full step-by-step instructions for how to make this wonderful project?  If so, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of May!

Ink Painting on Watercolor Paper

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Do You See What I See?
I began by spraying a piece of watercolor paper with some water and then swiping the paper with a few different ink pads.  Next I let it dry and sprayed it with some fixative so that I could layer more ink on top of the first layer without having everything run together and create mud.  I did that a number of times and this is the resulting piece.  I wonder what you would do with this piece of inked watercolor paper?  Maybe you would cut it up and create some backgrounds.  Maybe you would journal on top of it.  Maybe you would set it aside without a clue of what to do with it!  That's the beauty of art.  Each of us would likely do something different because we each see something different.  I ended up taking pictures of the piece as I was working on it and that's when I saw her!  I decided to take one of the photos I took and printed it out on the computer in black and white.  Can you see her now?

She's there - on the left-hand side of the page.  Maybe you can see her face and some of her features.  I adhered her to a piece of watercolor paper and now she is waiting to be brought to life some more.  I will continue to let her inspire me and will share her with you when I'm done.  In the meantime I wanted to share with you what I saw.  Do you see what I see?

A Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  There Are Some Cards You Wish You Never Had To Make
This is one of them.  A card that I so wish I never had to make.  A card created because someone was in desperation.  Someone was deep in sadness.  Someone felt they had no other option.  Someone so precious, special, warm.  Someone I am holding close in my heart - hoping their pain, their sorrow, their suffering is no more.  A family left behind in grief, mourning, emptiness.  There are some cards you wish you never had to make.

Playing With Comics On Stripcreator

I learned about Stripcreator today and decided to play a little bit since tonight is the Stampin' Up! live catalog premiere!  I won't be going, but I'm hoping lots of demonstrators who are going will share some of what they learn (and I will definitely pass along what I hear!!!!).  Thought I'd make a fun comic about the upcoming release of the new catalog :)  Check out Stripcreator (it is addictive!).  Some of the artwork you are allowed to share outside of Stripcreator!  That might mean that more comics will be coming soon ;) (ps sorry about the typo in my comic...I'm a new user and couldn't figure out how to fix it!)

Painting Papers

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Get Back Into The Art-Making Groove!
I traveled last week and when I travel I seem to have a little bit of a struggle getting back into the art room and beginning.  I'm not sure why I struggle - maybe just being out of my element when I'm on the road and having to readjust when I get back.  Maybe my energy is a little low when I return from trips.  What I'm learning is good for me is to just walk into the craft room and begin.  Trouble is, I often didn't know what or where to begin!  So now my "go to" beginning is to just start painting, scribble, stamping on random paper.  Book pages, deli paper, scrap paper, recycled paper - it doesn't matter.  And I try not to focus on what the papers will one day be used for.  Instead I just begin and it gets me back into the groove!  These are three pictures of a large piece of paper I scribbled, painted and printed on.  And added a few scrap pieces of tape too.  Who knows what it will be turned into.  But at least I'm in the groove! :)

Altered Phone Book for Paper Crafter's Library

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Find Your Peace During Your Days
I am trying to do a much better job of finding moments to create harmony and peace for myself when I am traveling for work.  Sitting outside of a Whole Foods to eat my dinner.  Putting music on in my hotel room - music that soothes my soul.  Walking slowly in the airport - not getting caught up in the tumult around me.  I am realizing how important it is for me - no matter where I am - to find my peace during my days.  How do you find your peace?
Today I am sharing an altered phone book project that I created for Paper Crafter's Library.  It seems that a phonebook is left on our doorstep once every 6 months and we like to keep one in the house, but have no use for the others...until now! :)  I used some cardboard, polymer clay, paint and spackle to totally transform this phone book into something I can hang on the wall and look at to remind me to follow my dreams :)  Here is a photo showing the depth of the altered phone book:

If you are interested in seeing the full step-by-step videos on how to make this project, feel free to click on the Paper Crafter's Library badge in the upper-right hand corner of my blog to learn about becoming a member of Paper Crafter's Library!  I create all kinds of projects for them - cards, mixed media, art journal pages, 3-D items.  I will continue to share photos of some of those projects here on my blog :)  I hope you have a beautiful weekend filled with peace and love!!!!!
Don't forget, today is the last day for FREE SHIPPING on all of your favorite Stampin' Up! products (and retiring products)!!!! Click HERE to shop now!!!!

Scallop Punch Flowers

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Be Joyous In What You Do!
She was almost singing her greetings as we walked in the bathroom!  If you have ever flown to or through the Charlotte, NC airport, maybe you've heard her too!  There are attendants in each of the bathrooms at the airport and the woman taking care of the restroom on the C concourse is so joyous in what she does!  She sang her greetings and blessed everyone on their departure.  She reminded me that no matter what you are doing, you can positively impact those around you by treating what you do and the people you encounter with joy.  The bathroom in an airport was the last place I would have expected to learn this lesson.  I am so grateful I did!
Today I just wanted to share part of a project I began working on.  It might be difficult to see in the photo - I layered a whole bunch of scrunched and crinkled scallop-circle-punched pieces of card stock and then sprayed them with some ink and applied some paint.  The leaves were made from cut out art tape that I created.  I'm not sure where this project will end up, but the flowers made me think of Spring and I thought I would share them with you :)
Don't forget, there is FREE SHIPPING through the 25th of April!!!!!  Don't miss out on the products that are retiring!  Shop HERE now!

Thoughts & Prayers with Swallowtail Sympathy Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Channel Your Emotions Into A Card
They say things come in 3's, and that seems to be the case for me when it comes to sympathy cards.  Late Saturday night our neighbors had to rush their dog to the emergency vet and, unfortunately, they had to say goodbye to their beautiful canine family member.  We learned about it on Sunday morning and my immediate instinct was to make a card.  I didn't know what I was going to say inside.  What I did know is that I wanted to share in their sorrow and send them some comfort.  This is the card that came out of those emotions.  Something simple.  Something sincere.  The words came easily once the card was made.  What a beautiful gift you can give someone by channeling your emotions into a card.

FREE SHIPPING!!!!
Get FREE shipping on everything (excluding expedited orders) April 21-25! The lists of retiring products is available, so you can take advantage of free shipping by ordering all your favorites before they are gone!  Click HERE to shop now!!!!

The Retiring Lists Are HERE!!!!!

Stampin' Up! has announced the products that will be retiring from the 2013-2014 catalog!  Check out the list of retiring stamps HERE.  Check out the list of retiring accessories HERE.  Shop NOW before these wonderful products are gone!  And don't forget...there is FREE SHIPPING from April 21st through April 25th!!!!!

Simply Sketched Sympathy Card #2

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Stretch
I guess the word "stretch" can be interpreted in different ways - Stretch yourself beyond your current limits; stretch your body; stretch your mind.  I hadn't spent time stretching my body in awhile and with tight muscles announcing themselves in my neck and shoulders, I decided a stretching session was long overdue.  I still have my P90X workout videos, so I grabbed the X Stretch DVD and gave my body some much-needed attention.  It felt wonderful!  I wonder why I don't choose to make more time for stretching.  I wonder what it would feel like to make that a higher priority in my life (above things like internet surfing, for example!).  In what ways can you stretch?
Today's card is a second sympathy card that I made for another friend.  I used some of my painted paper and the sentiment from Simply Sketched.  I am really enjoying incorporating my own painted papers into my cards - something about it feels very authentic to me.  I hope you like it :)

Free Shipping on Everything!!!!

Get FREE shipping on everything (excluding expedited orders) April 21-25! The lists of retiring products will be available on April 21, so you can take advantage of free shipping by ordering all your favorites right away!  Click HERE to shop now!!!! (but don't forget to wait to place your order until the 21st in order to get the free shipping!!!!)

Simply Sketched Sympathy Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  It Is A Gift To Be Loved
Yesterday I once again appreciated the gift of being loved.  I had a wonderful swim in the morning and then, unfortunately, a migraine decided to pay me a visit.  I got into bed and closed my eyes and hoped for the visual aura to pass :(  Michael came home and asked if I needed anything.  I felt a bit bad asking him to go out to purchase some Gatorade, Aleve and Benadryl, but I set aside feeling like I was inconveniencing him and I asked.  And off he went - without any questions.  The Gatorade, Aleve and Benadryl had all been mentioned to us the other night at the park.  A friend's daughter experienced her first migraine, including numbness that traveled to different parts of her body.  They ended up at the hospital trying to figure out what was wrong and it took some time before the migraine diagnosis was given.  They learned that many patients experience some relief by taking some Gatorade and then, if that doesn't stop the migraine, moving to Aleve and then finally Benadryl.  It was something I hadn't heard before, but I'm willing to give almost anything a try when it comes to migraines.  So I drank the Gatorade and actually did feel a bit better.  I am typing this about six hours after my head started bothering me and I made it through the day.  My head is still not feeling great, but I know that by tomorrow I will feel more like myself.  In the meantime I am just experiencing the gratitude of what it means to be loved and taken care of.  I am also grateful that this is a gift that I can give to others.  Don't underestimate the power of your love!
Today I am sharing a sympathy card that I created for the wife of one of Michael's friends who passed away.  I was drawn to using one of my hand-painted pieces of deli paper.  I adhered it to the card and then stamped the sentiment from Simply Sketched onto acetate using a permanent ink.  I added some of my painted tape to hide the dimensional adhesive that I used to add the acetate to the card.  I hope you like it!  Wishing you a wonderful weekend.  For those of you celebrating Passover and Easter, I hope you are able to enjoy a love-filled holiday with family and friends!!!!

Introducing Project Life by Stampin' Up!

A Brief Visit With Nature

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Awaken And See The Beauty
Yesterday was a gorgeous day!  It began with awakening in the middle of the night to throw on pajamas and a coat and go into the backyard to look up at the sky!  What an amazing blood red moon we saw!  The photo was taken with my iPhone and the moon is quite far away...but hopefully you can get a glimpse of the beauty we saw.  We went back to bed and woke up to a beautiful morning and decided to take a drive in the afternoon to see a little scenery.  I'm sharing just two of the pics from our drive - such glorious mountains and endless roads.  Some days you need to awaken and just see the beauty!

Floral Art Journal Page

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Sometimes our mind is thinking of one thing and our body is doing another, and mind and body are not unified. - Thich Nhat Hanh
Ain't that the truth!  This is an ailment I am often afflicted with - my mind and body not being unified.  Maybe that's why I love art-making so much.  Because when I am making art I feel like I am one - aligned - in sync.  I am reading the book Peace Is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh and right now I am learning about breath - how to be conscious of my breath - how to allow my breath to bring me back to a unified place where my mind and body are working together.  I am so grateful for the practice of making art because it is a meditation - if we allow it to be.  We can allow our art to be our guide - taking us where it wants to - allowing ourselves to be a passenger on a wonderful journey!
Today I am sharing another art journal page that I created for Paper Crafter's Library.  This page took me on quite the journey and it became quite thick in the process!  It now acts as the "front" of my art journal since it is difficult to close my art journal with this page inside :)  Full step-by-step videos of the process are available to members of Paper Crafter's Library.  To learn more about membership, feel free to click on the link in the upper right-hand corner of my blog.
To those of you beginning the celebration of the Passover holiday this evening, I wish you a wonderful and meaningful holiday!

Gwen's Gift Box Decorating

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Get Someone Else's Creative Juices Flowing!
I was fortunate enough to see my friend Gwen last week.  She is a fellow creative spirit and I know she loves doing collage.  So I figured I would bring along a small gift for her - a little box filled with some of my painted tapes.  I knew she would take them and run with them...and I wasn't disappointed!  Over the weekend she shared with me these amazing boxes she decorated using the tapes!!!!!!  It was an idea I never would have thought of!  She even decorated the little box I had given her the painted tapes in!  What little gift could you give someone to get their creative juices flowing????  Gwen gave me the gift right back!  I know these boxes are going to inspire me in so many ways!  Thanks Gwen!!!! :)

Birthday Chicken!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Share Your Art With Someone You Love!
Today is Michael's birthday so I decided I needed to make him a special card :)  It's actually not really a "card" - it's more of a very large postcard.  It is 6" x 9 1/2".  I have really been enjoying playing with collage lately (as you have probably noticed!)!  What better way to celebrate a birthday than with a birthday chicken!!!! :)  At least I think it's a chicken...I guess it could be some other type of bird...actually, it can be whatever you think it is :)  I used Mixed Media paper as a base since you can apply both wet and dry media to it.  I incorporated dry wax paper that I had painted and also some that I painted and made into tape.  A touch of stamping, detail painting, white gel pen and a bit of marker were all added.  I hope Michael wakes up this morning with a smile on his face that grows even larger when he sees his chicken! :)  Who needs your art to make them smile today????

You Are Moo-Tiful Art Journal Page

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  If You Bought It, Play With It!
This page began as a decision to finally take out the Derwent Inktense Blocks I had purchased awhile back and give them a try!  So I sprayed the watercolor paper with a bit of water and began scribbling color with the blocks.  The scribbling led to a landscape background and then I just went with it!  Something about the blue sky and the green grass made me think...COW!  Yes, this is how my mind works and I try to just go with it!  Maybe what triggered COW! was a trip I took back in 1990 with my mom.  We were driving on the California coast toward San Francisco and I was so taken by the gorgeous coast, the beautiful green hills and the cows grazing in the grass.  Those cows looked so content.  (This was also the moment in my life when I became a vegetarian (I am now vegan) - those cows looked so happy I decided I didn't need to eat them anymore :)  Anyway, I digress...So, the inktense blocks led to COW! and COW! led to this completed page :)  This page makes me smile - I'm even wondering about taking it, and the bird page I did last week, and maybe doing some framing so that I can enjoy these pages on a wall.  I know I would lose a bit of the page given the holes of the spiral binding...or maybe I should just frame them with the holes and all :)  Either way, what this page taught me is that if you have a supply that you purchased that you haven't yet played with...the time is now! :)