Pin Cushion Display for Antique Gold Stick Pin Collection

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Go Big Or Go Home! :)
After yesterday's experiment with making a pin cushion for the first time I decided I needed to "go big or go home!"   I wanted a pin cushion that was a little more substantial to display a collection of antique gold stick pins.  So I went into my fabric stash (which includes a collection of upholstery and decorator fabric samples that I picked up at the flea market a few years back) and decided to cut 7" circles (as opposed to the 4 1/2" circles I used yesterday).  I also went through my button stash to find some buttons that would accent the stick pin collection.  I have to say that I am really proud of this pin cushion - especially since it was only my second attempt!  I am hoping the cushion enjoys its new role as the base for this beautiful collection of pins.  Here are the pins displayed on the cushion - it is really spectacular in person!

My First Pin Cushion :)

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  What Have You Got To Lose?
A friend recently asked me if I could come up with a way to display a collection of antique gold stickpins.  Of course I was up for the challenge!  I did some searching on Pinterest and saw a bunch of ideas - displaying them in pincushions that were placed in teacups or antique shoes.  They all looked pretty and, at the same time, I was drawn to creating something a bit more simple to keep the focus on the beauty of the pins.  I figured my first step was to learn how to make a pin cushion!  So, I watched a great instructional video on YouTube and gave my first pin cushion a try using simple muslin and embroidery floss.  So here it is...my first pin cushion!  It is going to sit on my craft table and hold a few pins and needles...and remind me that it's worth giving something new a try...because after all, what have you got to lose?
Stop by tomorrow and I'll show you my completed stick pin display!

"Too Kind" Greeting Card Set by Regina Andari

Fall colors and bold shapes make up this gorgeous “Too Kind” Greeting Card Set by Regina Andari.
Create a boxed set of greeting cards that feature Stampin’ Up!’s “Too Kind” stamp set.  In this tutorial, you’ll make a colorful set of cards--each adorned with coordinating jewels--and a coordinating envelope for each card.  This ensemble wouldn’t be complete without a handy decorated box that’s perfect for gift-giving or storing the cards until needed.  Get the full instructions to make this great set by heading on over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of August.

"Little Notes" Journal by Suzi Dennis

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

Flower Frenzy Pocket Full Of Dreams Set

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

Painted Paper Book Covers

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

Messy Art Card

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

Chatty Chicken Note Cards Gift Set by Yapha Mason

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

Back To School Fun by Buffy Cooper

Check out this Back to School Fun from Buffy Cooper.  The first day of school is always an exciting time.  Help your children transition from lazy summer days to the adventure of a new school year with these fun treats tucked into a mini muslin bag.  The inspiring card can be slipped into a backpack or lunch box as a reminder to a child that you’re thinking about them all day.  For the full step-by-step instructions for this adorable and fun project, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of August!

Opposites Art Journal Page

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Creating Art Isn't Just About Doing
Sometimes I can get frustrated.  Feeling like I'm not creating - like my art is "on hold" - especially when I am traveling for work.  Remembering that creating is about appreciating opposites helps me quiet the frustrations.  Creativity is about doing & being.  I can sit with ideas.  Let them percolate.  Allow them to stew.  And then I can get back into doing.  I can open myself to new ideas - ideas that can be inspired by scenery, what I see happening around me, what I read in a magazine or book.  All of it put into the pot of creativity to stew.  How can you appreciate the opposites?
This is an art journal page I created for Paper Crafter's Library.  You can get the supply list and full step-by-step videos by heading over to the Paper Crafter's Library site (click on the badge in the upper right of my blog) and becoming a member for a month or longer!

Some Pictures From My Morning Walk

Floral Tote Bag & Card by Amanda Corbet

Need a beautiful way to present a special gift to someone awesome?  This Floral Tote Bag & Card by Amanda Corbet can hold your gifts!  Amanda created this set as the July Bonus Project for Craft Project Central.  The finished tote is 9” long, 3” wide, and 9” deep so it can hold several small gifts or one larger one.  Bonus projects can be obtained by subscribing to two or more months in a row at Craft Project Central, putting the Craft Project Central badge on your blog, or by referring a friend and when your friend subscribes, letting Craft Project Central know.

Her Dreams Reveal - Mixed Media Art Piece

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Listen To Your Dreams
I have been dreaming vividly as of late.  And, not surprising, there have been themes to my dreams.  I am calling them dreams...though, at times, they feel like nightmares.  I wake up feeling the same frustration, anger, futility that I might feel if I were actually awake.  When I feel so strongly in my dreams I know that I must listen to them.  Lately the theme seems to be about not being able to go in the direction I want to go.  Wanting to go somewhere, do something, and being thwarted at every turn.  I know I am being encouraged by my dreams to make a choice.  To choose to head in a direction and to be brave.  My first step toward bravery was to listen to my dreams and create this mixed media piece.  The house shape represents me in this piece.  I am working on a second piece in this series - a house also has emerged in that piece.  Yes, it's time for me to listen to my dreams.

Summer Party Banner & Card by Heidi King

Check out this Summer Party Banner & Card by Heidi King.  This banner and matching card set is great for any summer party!  Perfectly fun and bright, it will bring smiles and festivity to any gathering!  Use the project instructions and change up the colors for any party theme, birthday, shower or any holiday!  Full step-by-step instructions can be yours by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of July!

Secret Gift Box & Card by Monika Davis

Shhhh!  It's a Secret Gift Box & Card by Monika Davis.  Make this gift box with secret boxes inside for any occasions - a birthday, wedding, or for no reason at all!  The gift box can hold embellishments, jewelry, and/or candy.  The box also looks great on a desk holding office supplies. It is very easy to make and you don’t need a lot of craft supplies. You can leave it simple or add different embellishments to suit your style. Great for a stamp camp, or as a class project.  Get the full step-by-step instructions over at Craft Project Central by subscribing to the month of July!

Morning Prayer Mixed-Media Piece

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Prove To Yourself What You Are Capable Of!

I enjoy watching the Tour de France on tv every year.  This year has been no exception.  There is something about watching people test their limits that I find very inspiring.  During the first 10 days of the Tour, Andrew Talansky experienced a few setbacks - he crashed twice, very heavily and learned about his ability to combat pain.  During Stage 11 he was in so much pain that he pulled to the side of the road and his Team Director, Robbie Hunter, spoke with him for about four minutes.  In an interview with ESPN.com, Talansky described what Robbie Hunter said to him on the side of the road.  This is a small excerpt from that conversation:  This is a choice only you can make, but take a moment to make sure you make the one you're going to be happy with, make it not out of a place of emotion or anger or fear, but make it out of what can you do, what's possible.

As I watched that conversation without being able to hear the words, my assumption was that Andrew Talansky would abandon the Tour.  I, however, was wrong.  I watched in amazement as Talansky got back on his bike and actually fought his way to the end of the race that day.  Only he knew how his body was feeling.  Only he knew if he could continue.  I was crying as I watched him cross the finish line that day.  Talansky summed up what he learned that day in this way:  The sport constantly has redefined for me what I'm capable of mentally and physically. That day showed me when I need it, there's more in my body, more I can do than even I can believe sometimes. I think it's a day that will serve me very well in the future.  As artists, each day we have an opportunity to constantly redefine what we are capable of.  You can do more than even you can believe sometimes.  You just have to be willing to make the decision to go for the ride!

Today I am sharing a small mixed-media piece that I created.  I am calling it Morning Prayer.  It began with an upcycled dryer sheet and kept going from there :)  I enjoyed the ride :)

A Little Basket Weaving

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Get Inspired At An Arts Festival!
Over the 4th of July holiday weekend I walked around the Cherry Creek Arts Festival here in Denver.  I am always inspired and amazed by the creative energy exploding from the booths at these festivals!!!!  There was a beautiful booth filled with incredible basket weavings and forms and I came home wanting to try to basket weave!  I headed straight to YouTube and found this video.  It gave me enough info to improvise with materials that I had (instead of "reeds" I used yarn, felt and even transparency sheets!  My advice?  Get inspired at an arts festival!!!!

Hideaway Cupcake Container & Card by Julie Beltramo

Yummy, yummy, yum!  I could just about eat this Hideaway Cupcake Container & Card by Julie Beltramo.  This little ‘Hideaway’ Cupcake Container is a festive way to wrap a birthday gift for someone special. Or, how about just filling it with some yummy little treats? Whatever you choose to put inside, the recipient will surely be delighted with the container. The quick and clean card, with the coordinating envelope, will be sure to please as well!  Get the full step-by-step instructions by subscribing to the month of July over at Craft Project Central!

Manly Man Cards & Paper Weight by Judi Sparks

Sometimes you just need a card or two that would be appropriate for a man.  Other times you need a simple gift that a man could use.  This Manly Man Cards & Paper Weight set by Judi Sparks is the perfect answer!  This set was kept simple and non-frilly as a man would like best.  In addition, the project includes a matching paper weight!  For full step-by-step instructions on how to make this manly set, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of July!

Upcycled Denim Bookmark

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Put Your Head Into The Darkness And Listen
Allowing yourself to just "be" gives you the opportunity to finally listen to the small voice that can so easily get buried inside of you.  I love creating pieces like this upcycled denim bookmark because the process allows me to just be.  I have no outcome in mind.  I just start putting paint to the "canvas" of the denim and let go and allow things to happen.  Creating in this way is a way for me to "put my head into the darkness" - the unknown of the creative process - and just listen to my inner voice.  How can you put your head into the darkness and listen?

Creating Pretty Cards - Sketch Challenge #37

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  You Are A Fabulous Work Of Art!
Today's card and lesson speaks for itself!  You...yes, you...are a fabulous work of art!  You are the only one who has, and will ever have, the fingerprints that you have and the imprint you will leave on this planet!  Celebrate the beautiful work of art that you are!!!!
I made this card for the Creating Pretty Cards - Sketch Challenge #37 over at Craft Project Central.  Head on over to Craft Project Central to participate in the challenge!  For every ten cards submitted to Craft Project Central, one winner will be chosen for a free month subscription at Craft Project Central! The winner(s) will get to select the month of their choice!

Personalized Lobster Note Card Gift Set by Yapha Mason

What do you think of this Personalized Lobster Note Card Gift Set by Yapha Mason?  This boxed set of lobster-themed nautical note cards just screams summertime at the beach!  The note cards are easily accessible in their handy box, and can be personalized with almost any name. It includes a matching card for easy gift giving.  For full step-by-step directions for how to make this super set, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of July!

Kinda Eclectic Kindness Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  You Don't Have To Be "Productive," You Just Have To Be
Today's lesson is one that I am learning myself.  Somehow I've bought into the cultural imperative that we should always be producing something - minutes spent staring at the clouds are minutes you could be "doing" something.  Well to heck with that!  Staring at the clouds IS doing something!  It is doing exactly what your soul needs you to be doing.  When did I buy into this "productivity" myth?  I wonder if this is why smartphones are so successful?  They create the guise of being productive.  Yet I recognize that the exact opposite is happening for me.  So many minutes spent surfing, checking, jumping from here to there.  I'm done.  I'm taking back my control.  I'm allowing myself to just be - that will be my measure of productivity - how many minutes did I allow myself to just "be" today?
This was the first card I made using the new Kinda Eclectic stamp set...and I can't wait to make another!  I also used the new In Colors!  I go through a bit of back and forth every year when it comes to deciding whether or not to purchase the new In Colors.  And, as you can see...I gave in this year :)  I'm glad I did!  Somehow the colors always look so much better in person than in the catalog!  This card was created with one layer and then the addition of a punched butterfly.  So quick and easy and yet so pretty!  I hope you like it!

Flower Patch Cards & Box by Laurie Zoellmer

All is in bloom with this Flower Patch Cards & Box by Laurie Zoellmer.  This cute little card box will hold several 3” cards and envelopes!  These cards are nice to have on hand and are perfect to tuck into a gift.  This project also makes a great gift, class idea or easy project to put together to sell at a craft show.  Get the full step-by-step instructions for this project by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of July!

Stampin Sponges Organization

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Small Victories Matter When It Comes To Organizing!
Maybe today's post won't have you jumping up and down for joy like I was when I put all these little sponges into this plastic organizer...but I gotta tell you that this little box absolutely makes me smile!  These little sponges have a mind of their own and they have been known to find their way into all kinds of secret hiding places...or a drawer where they are all thrown together like one big pool party!  So now they have found a cozy little home.  A place to call their own.  A place where I can easily find them, use them, and put them away.  Yes, the small victories matter when it comes to organizing!

Summer Tea Tray by Buffy Cooper

What a perfect way to enjoy the Summer weather!  This Summer Tea Tray by Buffy Cooper would make a lovely summer tea tray for your front porch.  You can easily switch the designer series paper and stamped images in the tray for a fresh look for any season, and the coasters are so simple to make, you’ll want a set for every occasion.  Complete the ensemble with a darling Simply Pressed clay box for candy, sugar or flowers.
Get the full step-by-step instructions for this Summertime set by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of July!

Rolled Magazine Pages

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Elevate The Detritus Of Your Life
Junk mail. Realtor magazines.  Phone books.  It seems there is an endless cycle of print, deliver, recycle, repeat.  I decided to interrupt the cycle in an attempt to elevate some of the detritus of my life.  I created a small wall sculpture using the pages from a junk mail magazine from a real estate company.  I believe I succeeded in elevating the detritus.  I also believe I succeeded in straining every muscle in my hands!  Time to recuperate!  Next time I'll work with newsprint (thinner and easier to roll!) :)

Wetlands One Stamp Birthday Card and Prayer Request

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Put A Stamp On It!
I needed a quick and easy birthday card and this qualified!!!!  My friend Doris gave me a wonderful collection of beautiful papers (thank you soooo much Doris) and I went into the stash and found this wonderful paper with a leaf motif.  I cut the paper down and folded it in half and just added the birthday sentiment from the Wetlands stamp set.  One simple stamp is all it took (plus a piece of card stock adhered on the inside for writing).  Sometimes all it takes is one simple stamp and you're done!
I originally created/wrote this post about a week ago.  I am very sad to say that my beautiful friend Doris had to say goodbye to her precious poodle Teesha over the weekend :(  Teesha was so very young and was overcome by a very aggressive disease.  Please place Doris and her family in your prayers.  They need your strength.  This is a picture of a visit I recently had with Doris' beautiful fur-kids.  Teesha is the beautiful girl in white in the center and the other gorgeous guys are Toby and Tucker.  Thank you for your prayers.

Sea Street Nautical Party Ensemble by Carol Lovenstein

Ahoy!  Have a look at this Sea Street Nautical Party Ensemble by Carol Lovenstein.  This Nautical Party Ensemble is perfect for a boy's birthday, 4th of July party or Summer BBQ party.  It starts with an invitation to the party.  Next is an adorable sail boat favor, cupcake topper and garland to add extra sparkle!  Then a thank you card to tell everyone you enjoyed their company and cannot wait to see them again.  Finally, for that special birthday someone, there is a triple easel birthday card.
Get all the step-by-step instructions for this great ensemble by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of July!

Bloom With Hope Altered Can Set

This Bloom With Hope Altered Can Set is my July project for Craft Project Central.  This set is a pretty way to brighten up a room in your home or brighten up someone’s day!  This set features an altered can, coordinating votive light, and a matching card for gift giving.  Place some bath salts in the altered can and use the set as a gift or place the spa in your own home and create a spa-like feel in your bathroom!
For full step-by-step instructions for this project, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of July.  Or leave a comment for me over at Craft Project Central to be entered for a chance to win a free subscription to the month of July!  Good luck!

Nuts About You Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  It Doesn't Have To Be An Earth-Shattering Work Of Art.  It Just Has To Be
Oy the pressure!  We can sit down in our craft space and feel the weight of the world on our shoulders.  The idea that was have to create some type of Earth-shattering, phenomenal work of art.  I love when cards like this happen in the midst of other projects.  It reminds me that what I create does not have to be an Earth-shattering work of art.  I just need to let my creativity happen.  I need to let it be - no matter what it is.  In the being, it is enough.
Today's non-Earth-shattering card was made with the adorable Nuts About You hostess set!  I colored the toothpick with some ink and made a banner worthy of any squirrel :)  If the squirrels in my backyard could carry little flags, I bet they would carry these...until the birdseed was no longer there..then they would need new flags that said, "More Nuts Please!"

Hang In There Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Rome Wasn't Built In A Day!
How many times have you heard that expression?!  Today it really hit home for me as I continued to try to find the strength to organize and clean up the clutter in my craft room.  It feels like I'm hitting a wall every 2 minutes.  Small burst of energy that fizzle out into bouts of melancholy.  Who knew that trying to clear the clutter could be so agonizing...I have to keep reminding myself that Rome wasn't built in a day.  My craft room (and office) didn't take a day to get into the states they are currently in and I can't expect that in one simple day it will all go "poof" and disappear and be magically clean and wonderful!  I know that clearing the clutter is bringing up long-seated issues for me - the issues have been creeping into my dreams.  Or maybe I should be calling them nightmares.  But at least the issues are rising to the surface.  As I unbury my craft room I am unearthing myself.  Yes, Rome wasn't built in a day.
Today I'm sharing a very apt card for today's lesson!  I am loving the adorable creatures in the Nuts About You hostess set!  This easy card began with a line across a piece of Crumb Cake card stock.  Then I added some simple stamping and I was done!  I hope you like it :)

Ribbon Clip Adornment Gift Trio by Regina Andari

Check out this beautiful Ribbon Clip Adornment Gift Trio by Regina Andari!  Create three gift packages that feature a double-prong clip covered with 3/8” Stitched Satin ribbon.  You’ll enjoy making the adornments and, best of all, you can make several to have on hand when needed.  They lend a perfect finishing touch to just about any gift.  To get the full step-by-step instructions for this beautiful trio, head on over to Craft Project Central!

During the entire month of July, when you purchase three Designer Series Paper packs, you'll get one free. That's like getting $10.95 off your purchase AND receiving an extra--did we mention FREE?-- DSP!

These items don't qualify for the offer:

• Designer Series Paper Stacks
• Specialty Designer Series Paper
• Designer Series Paper from the holiday catalog preorder
• Designer Series Paper ordered through hostess benefits

Family Cookbook and Card by Amanda Corbet

Amanda Corbet was busy this month!  She created this wonderful Family Cookbook and Card as the June Bonus Project at Craft Project Central.  Recipes are something that are special and get passed down through generations.  Keep all those special and secret family recipes in this lovely cookbook complete with dividers for categories.  You might also choose to give someone special all those hand written recipes with the matching card!  Bonus projects can be obtained by subscribing to two or more months in a row at Craft Project Central; putting the Craft Project Central badge on your blog; or by referring a friend and when the friend subscribes, letting Craft Project Central know.

Nuts About You Postcard

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Take A Few Moments To Send Some Love
It's summertime and my nieces are at camp!  I remember those camp days and I remember how fun it was to receive mail!  So today I am sharing one of the postcards I created using the Nuts About You stamp set.  Postcards are such a quick and easy way to send some love!  I hope you have a beautiful and creative weekend!

Nautical Party Ensemble by Heidi King

Ahoy There!  Check out this Nautical Party Ensemble by Heidi King!  With summer right around the corner and the beach in mind, this party is planned!  Celebrate that summer birthday, have a pool party or backyard BBQ.  The tutorial over at Craft Project Central is the perfect way to decorate!  Just sign up for the month of June and the instructions are yours!