Something For Baby Gift Ensemble by Regina Andari

I am in love with the colors in this “Something for Baby” Gift Ensemble by Regina Andari!  The next time you receive an invitation to a baby shower, just whip up an ensemble like this.  The shadow box frame makes a pretty decoration for a nursery, and the greeting card has an interior pocket to hold an envelope filled with cash or a gift card.  Head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of September for full step-by-step instructions for creating this ensemble!

Abstract Transparency Cards

I plan to put together a quick video to share how I made these ink blot cards! But until then, enjoy the art :)

Today's lesson from the art studio: sometimes it's fun to let your art make itself!

I played around with ink and transparencies and ended up creating some colorful abstract art pieces! I can't wait to make more....or see how they make themselves! It's always a surprise when you let the ink do the creating!

Mad Hatter Tea Party Decor by Melissa Banbury

How cute is this Mad Hatter Tea Party Decor by Melissa Banbury?!?!  If you are looking for a unique theme for an upcoming Birthday, Baby, or Wedding Shower this Mad Hatter décor and favor box might be just what you’re looking for!  This set comes with a little playing card matchbox that is just large enough to hold a tea bag for each guest, a Mad Hatter’s hat, and a tea cup full of red, white, and “painted” red roses (to mimic the line from the Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland: “Who has been painting my roses red?”).  Get the full step-by-step instructions to create all of these wonderful decor pieces by heading over the Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of September!

Flashback Mini Book Set

This Flashback Mini Book Set is my September project for Craft Project Central!  This Flashback Mini Book Set can be filled with your favorite moments, favorite quotes or favorite thoughts!  This set features a mini book, a protective box to hold your book and a coordinating card for that special someone!  Use this set yourself or gift it to someone special!  Head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of September for full step-by-step instructions for how to create this project!

Creating Pretty Cards - Sketch Challenge #39

This is my submission for the Creating Pretty Cards - Sketch Challenge #39 over at Craft Project Central!  I have been enjoying all of the different patterns in the Flashback designer series paper!  I combined the paper with the Four Frames and Good Greetings stamp set and a few rhinestones I colored with my Blendabilities markers.  Such a quick card to put together - such an important message to give to someone you are thankful for!  Head on over to Craft Project Central to join the challenge!  You might win a one-month subscription to the site!!!!  Do you like the Good Greetings stamp set?  Now until Oct. 31,  you can earn this exclusive Good Greetings Stamp Set when your party or your order reaches $300...and that's in addition to the other exiting hostess benefits! This versatile stamp set covers holidays from Halloween to Valentines and more. Contact me if you would like more information or head here to place your order!

Happy Blooming Birthday Flower Patch Card

Today's Lesson From The Art Studio: Walk Away From It For A Night
I find that sometimes I will create something and look at it with a frown.  Then, when I get up the next day and head into the art studio, I will see the exact same creation again and all of a sudden there is a smile on my face!  I don't know what it is that happens overnight.  Maybe a pixie comes into the art studio and sprinkles fairy dust over my creation?  Or maybe it is just that I am a little bit further removed and seeing the piece with fresh eyes.  If you find yourself frowning at something you've created, try walking away from it for a night.  You may find that what once made you frown will now make you smile :)
Today's card was creating using the Flower Patch stamp set and accompanying Flower Fair framelits.  I used Flashback designer series paper for the background and to create a matching envelope with my Envelope Punch Board (which I absolutely adore!).  I hope you like it!!!

Fall School Supply Set by Yapha Mason

This fun Fall school supply set by Yapha Mason will brighten any student's day!  It includes a corkboard for a locker, a bookmark, a mini notebook, and a matching card.  Get the full step-by-step instructions by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of September!

Rustic Wedding Table Décor by Christy Fulk

Rustic wedding themes are all the rage right now and this Rustic Wedding Table Décor by Christy Fulk fit that trend perfectly!  These three projects would make wonderful rustic decorations.  Learn how to tint a mason jar, turn a mason jar into a rustic gem and, as a bonus, make two different types of roses with punches.  This is the August Bonus Project over at Craft Project Central.  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 to Craft Project Central and when they subscribe, letting Craft Project Central know.  Head on over to Craft Project Central to learn more!

Flower Patch Thinking Of You Card

Today's Lesson From The Art Studio:  Your Work Will Take You Where It Needs To Go
A Very Vanilla card base.  Some Marina Mist stamping.  A huge "thank you" stamped in black in the center of the card.  That's where this card began.  Hard to believe, isn't it?!  The "thank you" didn't stamp well so then I decided to try to do a bit of covering up with the Flower Patch stamp set.  Some of those images didn't stamp well...so I kept stamping over and over until I had almost covered up the original card front!  So then I decided to cut the card front off of the card and use it as a panel on another card - the card you are seeing here.  Since the middle was really a hot mess, I decided to put another panel over the center and this is where I ended up.  It never ceases to amaze me what can happen when you allow your work to take you were it needs to go.  Don't give up on it...just go with it!

Sunflowers for Inspiration

Today I wanted to share some pictures that I took of sunflowers on a recent morning walk.  I hope they inspire you!  My creative juices are flowing...can't wait to see what these pictures inspire me to make!

2500 YouTube Subscribers!!!!!

I am so excited that I just reached 2500 subscribers on my YouTube channel!!!!  It feels like a big milestone to me!  I'm going to make it a goal to add more videos to my channel to keep my subscribers happy :)  Thank you for subscribing!!!!!

Sea Street Summer Fun Ensemble by Julie Warnick

This Sea Street Summer Fun Ensemble by Julie Warnick is just what you need to celebrate the last few weeks of summer vacation!  The darling bucket filled with beachy friends is a perfect centerpiece for an end of summer party! And if it’s a birthday you are celebrating, the port hole birthday card is just what you need! The Summer Memories Journal/Album will help you document all of the fun you have had over the summer months.  Get the full step-by-step instructions to create this entire project by subscribing to the month of August over at Craft Project Central.

Flashback Celebrate Card

Today's Question From The Craft Room:  Is it time to call the craft room a studio?
I wonder how I ever started calling it "the craft room" and why?  Why wasn't "studio" the first word that came to mind when I decided to start posting my lessons and my creations...(see, even here I struggle to call what I create "art").  Why do I give the word "art" so much power...and why does it scare me?  I was reading a book the other day (Language and the Pursuit of Happiness by Chalmers Brothers) and it talked about the concept of be...do...have as opposed to have...do...be.  Have..do...be is thinking that sounds like this:  if I have the art supplies then I can do things like make art and then I will be a truly creative artist.  Switching to a mindset of be...do...have creates thinking like this:  I am a truly creative artist and as a truly creative artist I create art and as a result I am happy and fulfilled.  So today I am declaring myself a truly creative artist...and today I also formally declare my craft room to be an art studio!
Today's card immediately has me thinking circus thoughts!  I used the Starburst Sayings stampset and framelits along with Flashback designer series paper.  I hope you like it!

Elegant Greeting Card Set & Box by Monika Davis

Nothing makes a better present than a set of hand-made greeting cards.  This Elegant Greeting Card Set & Box was created by Monika Davis.  Make this elegant set with a matching carrying ‘case’ and your present will be a hit!   Great for a stamp camp, or as a class project.  For full step-by-step instructions head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of August!

Starburst Sayings Flashback Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Some Days Make My Brain Hurt!
Looking for new health insurance coverage options.  Fixing websites.  Conducting webinars.  Some days my head starts to hurt!  I didn't spend time in the craft room today since most of my time was spent taking care of insurance, websites and webinars.  I'm thinking it's going to be a good afternoon for some stretching and relaxation :)  Maybe that should be my lesson for today...when your brain hurts, focus on stretching other parts of your body :)
Today I am sharing a bright card that I made using the Starburst Sayings stamp set and the Flashback Designer Series Paper!  I used my Envelope Punch Board to create a fun matching envelope.  Coloring your adhesive rhinestones with Stampin' Blendabilities markers is also a wonderful way to create quick and cute embellishments for your cards!  I hope you like it!

Flashback Envelope Mini Album

Check out this Flashback Envelope Mini Album by Laurie Zoellmer!  This fun mini album is made out of envelopes!  These mini albums are easy to put together and a perfect way to show off your photos!  Or you could pair it up with the coordinating greeting card and give away as a great gift!  Get the full step-by-step instructions to create this mini album by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of August!

Altering A Tin Can With Acrylic Felt!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Stretch!
I have been swimming quite a bit lately and I am quite aware that I have not been taking the time to stretch out the muscles that are serving me so well when I swim.  So I finally followed through on my desire to spend an hour stretching.  I have to say that by the time I was done with the hour I was ready to fall asleep!  Who knew that stretching could be so exhausting!  Or maybe it was just relaxing.  Either way I feel that I treated my body to a much deserved break.  Whatever we are doing - work, creativity, exercise - we need to also provide ourselves the gift of stretching out or relaxing the muscles that are serving us so well.
Today I want to thank Alisa Burke for the amazing inspiration that prompted me to run to the craft room and turn this tin can into a felt-covered scissor holder!  I used hot glue and acrylic felt and had a lot of fun playing!  Here is Alisa's original post!  I love her use of color in these projects!  Can't wait to felt some more things! :)

Back To School Teacher Gift by Judi Sparks

It's time for school and this Back to School Teacher Gift by Judi Sparks is a great way to start the school year off right!  We all know how fun and intimidating the start of a new school year can be for both the student and the teacher. Why not start off on a good note with your child’s teacher and present them with a Start of School Gift Box full of fun things for the teacher to use for her/himself! Add a handmade card and you are done.  Get the full step-by-step instructions for this great project by heading over the Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of August!

Creating Pretty Cards - Sketch Challenge #38

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  We see the world not as it is, but as we are. - Albert Einstein
I swam today and I listened attentively to the thoughts that came into my mind.  Thoughts of competition.  Thoughts of not being good enough.  Thoughts of allowing myself to do the best I could do.  Thoughts of release and calm.  Everything I "saw" in that pool today was not the world as it is, but as I am.  My thoughts were directly connecting with how I was experiencing the world - experiencing my swim.  When I could "see" with thoughts of release and calm, the water was supporting me - working with me.  When I "saw" with my thoughts of competition and inadequacy, I fought the water.  Yes, we see the world not as it is, but as we are.  So the questions I need to ask myself are "How am I?" and "How do I choose to be?"
Today I am sharing my Creating Pretty Cards - Sketch Challenge #38 submission!  I had fun using the Tap Tap Tap stamp set!  I was inspired by the sample challenge card to just use black ink and Very Vanilla card stock and this is what happened!  I hope you like it!  Head on over to Craft Project Central and participate in the challenge!  You might win a free month subscription to Craft Project Central!

Back To School Writing Set by Julie Beltramo

Take a look at this Back to School Writing Set by Julie Beltramo.  This writing set is the perfect Back to School gift for any teacher’s desk! The Covered Junior Legal Pad is all set up with a convenient little spot to hold a special pencil along its edge. The Open Top Card Box holds 50 easy-to-reach-for Grid Cards for a quick note. And top off the gift with the coordinating card and wrapped up extra pencils!  Get the full step-by-step instructions by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of August!

The Open Sea Ensemble by Bev Adams

Ahoy Matey!  Check out The Open Sea Ensemble by Bev Adams  This set is a perfect way to celebrate the man in your life.  Whether that’s your spouse or a teen, he’ll love the nautical theme.  This set includes a gift box, card, and banner.  The pillow box has a window view of a ship at sea and there’s room for a gift card or small gift.  Continue the theme with the coordinating banner.  Feeling like you want to sail off and make this set yourself? Then head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of August!

Allium Art Journal Page for PCL

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  There's Beauty In Taking Care Of What Relies On You
As I've been watering the garden the past few days I've noticed how wonderful it feels to provide for and take care of a garden that relies on me.  I have also been taking care of a few pets for friends that are traveling and am warmed by the love I receive from them.  There truly is beauty in taking care of what relies on you.  Recognizing that beauty transforms what might otherwise be perceived as routine or a bother.
Today I'm sharing an art journal page that I created for Paper Crafter's Library.  To get the full step-by-step videos and supply list, head on over the Paper Crafter's Library by clicking on the badge in the upper right-hand corner of my blog and look into becoming a subscriber!

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!