Fold Out Mini Album & Card by Julie Beltramo

What a sweet Fold Out Mini Album & Card designed by Julie Beltramo!  Everyone loves to remember an event with photos! So why not make this quick and easy Fold Out Mini Album to capture those moments and share them with someone you love! The album has two fun fold out ‘pages’ that will give you a total of five spots for pictures, or just spaces for writing your thoughts! Whatever you choose to put inside, the recipient is sure to have a smile on their face when they see the surprise inside!! And the coordinating card completes the sentiment!  Head on over to Craft Project Central for full step-by-step instructions.  Just subscribe to the month of October!

Halloween Ensemble by Regina Andari

Bwaaaahaaahaaaa!  Check out this Halloween Ensemble by Regina Andari.  This ensemble includes a quick-to-make triangle treat holder, a fun, interactive Waterfall card, and a candy dispenser that everyone can enjoy.  Get the full step-by-step instructions by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of October!

A Special Visit!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Connections can come from the places you least expect them!
I had the wonderful pleasure of visiting Calgary for work earlier this week!  I also had the amazing pleasure of meeting up with my wonderful friend Doris!  Doris is a phenomenal human being and an outstanding Stampin' Up! demonstrator!  If I lived in Calgary, Doris would be my demo!!!! :)  Doris and I met in a place I would have least expected it...here on-line!!!!!  Our friendship is something I treasure!  Doris was sweet enough to present me with this great gift when we met up for dinner!  I love the ring with all of the card stock colors.  It's going to come in quite handy as I design cards and projects!  I love the gift wrapping as much as the gift!  One of my favorite parts is that Doris stamped the Eclectic starburst in the middle of the doily!  So pretty!!!!  I plan to share with you some of the amazing samples Doris shared with me during her visit!  I hope you find the pieces as inspiring as I do!

In Beauty May I Walk Art Journal Page

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Commit To Creating Every Day
This is not a demand I have of you.  It is one that I have for myself.  I find, especially when I travel for work, that I can let my creating fall by the wayside.  I allow (yes, I take full responsibility) for all of the excuses to take over...I'm too tired; I don't have my craft room; Someone will see what I'm doing (if I'm thinking about doing something creative on an airplane or on a park bench)...you know, the regular excuses.  So yesterday I decided I was done with the excuses!  I have chosen one thing that I want to work on - trying to draw...or maybe I should frame it as "putting pen to paper in a visual way" - somehow even the word "draw" brings sweat to my forehead!  It feels so intimidating!  My commitment is to put pen to paper in a visual way to create pictures (or representations) of people...starting with myself.  If I am brave, maybe I will share my first two pictures with you.  The first one I did without looking down at the paper (which is quite obvious :)  The second one I did without lifting my pen from the page and only looking down at the paper a couple of times.  Both of the pictures are quite abstract...to say the least :)  And, at least I am following through on my commitment!  The best part?  Each one has only taken about 5 minutes!  I can't find an excuse to stop me from keeping this commitment! :)
Today I am sharing an art journal page I created for Paper Crafter's Library.  For full step-by-step videos on how I created the page (yes, that is a dryer sheet that is giving texture to the background!), feel free to head on over to Paper Crafter's Library by clicking on the badge on the upper right-hand corner of my blog and become a member of PCL!  I create a set of videos for the site each month with the hope of keeping your and my creative juices flowing!

Freaky Friends Halloween Treat Box & Card by Laurie Zoellmer

Make this cute little Halloween treat box and matching card for your favorite little goblins, witches, and ghosts this year!  This Freaky Friends Halloween Treat Box & Card was designed by Laurie Zoellmer.  The template is easy to adapt to different occasions too, and doesn’t have to be used just as a Halloween gift!  Makes for a fun class project as well!  Head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of October for full step-by-step instructions!

Mighty Ugly

I have been reading a book entitled Make It Mighty Ugly by Kim Piper Werker. This led me to try to take pictures of some ugly things on my most recent trip! I tried to find places on the airplane that were collecting dust, lint, and other yucky stuff! Here's what I came up with! The funny thing is… The more I look at the pictures the less ugly they become. I wonder if this might apply equally to the ugly things I have created in my craft room?

Halloween Puppet Theater

This Halloween Puppet Theater is my October project for Craft Project Central!  This Halloween Puppet Theater is a great way to celebrate the season of spooky creatures!!!!  This set features a foldable puppet theater, three spooky puppets, and an envelope and tag for gift giving.  Make your little goblins smile with this fun foldable theater!  Or keep it yourself and use it as adorable holiday décor for Halloween!  Get the full step-by-step instructions over at Craft Project Central!  Just subscribe to the month of June!

Merry Everything Halloween Tent Box: A Video!!!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Lasting changes and improvements are made through the cumulative effects of individual actions. - Shaun McNiff
Each moment is an opportunity.  A choice.  A decision point to do something that resonates with who you are or to deny who you are or go against your grain.  Oh how much power there is in each and every moment!  This is where the potential for lasting changes and improvements live.  In each moment.  Even this one - right now.  By writing this I am honoring my need to share my creativity and inspire others to connect with theirs.  In this small way I feel I am making a difference in the world.  By putting it out there.  Yet here at the computer I also make choices that do not align with who I want to be and how I want to spend these precious moments.  I need to see each of these individual actions - each of these moments - as the building blocks that come together in a cumulative way to create my reality.  Yes little moments - I am watching you - and watching to see what I will do next... 
Today I wanted to share a video for another cute Halloween treat box!  I've been going a little box crazy lately and was hoping to pass along the excitement :)  Enjoy!

Halloween Mini Scrapbook & Card by Yapha Mason

Just in time for the Halloween season...check out this Halloween Mini Scrapbook & Card by Yapha Mason.  This mini Halloween scrapbook and matching card are a wonderful way to preserve your memories of a special costume, or several years of celebrations. It also makes a fun gift for family and friends who are too far to share in the festivities.  Get the full step-by-step instructions for creating this adorable album by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of October!

Fall Fest Card Box Set by Christy Fulk

This Fall Fest Card Box Set by Christy Fulk is the September Bonus Project for Craft Project Central.  Summer is just about over, and it’s time to be thinking about Fall. This card set is centered on the Fall season, and the box is made with the Gift Box Punch Board. There are six cards in this set, along with matching envelopes made with the Envelope Punch Board. This box set would make a great gift, and would also make a great card class.  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 they subscribe, letting Craft Project Central know.

Day To Day Happy Halloween Punch Art Cards

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  There Is A Joy In Coming Together To Create
Last week I had some women over for a stamp-a-stack.  We are a pretty intact group - coming together every few months to create.  But it's so much more than that.  We come together to laugh, to share stories, to share the difficulties we are facing.  It is a time I truly treasure.  There is a joy in coming together to create and that joy doesn't just come from the activity - it comes from the beautiful souls who are gathered together.  I am so grateful for these women and for all of you I create with here in this virtual world.  You bring me joy!  Thank you!!!!!
Today I am sharing
 a punch art card that I created for the Halloween stamp-a-stack.  See if you can figure out which punches I used :)

Kinda Eclectic Gift Set by Boni Montano

This Kinda Eclectic Gift Set by Boni Montano is fun and unique!  It includes a hand stamped bowl, earrings, a gift box, and a coordinating card. The bowl makes a fun little catch-all for your jewelry or other small items.  Check out the full step-by-step instructions by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of September.

By The Tide Birthday Greetings

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  I learn over and over again that the creative process is an intelligence that knows where it has to go.- Shaun McNiff
Trust.  Such a simple five-letter word.  Yet we often feel it is not so simple to trust ourselves and trust the creative process.  Trusting the creative process does not mean that you will always like the outcome.  It does not mean that everything you create will be beautiful and worthy of space on your wall.  What it does mean is that whatever you create, if you trust the process, is exactly what you are meant to be creating...the beautiful, the ugly, the spontaneous, the highly detailed, the chicken scratch, the masterpiece.  That is our challenge.  To trust.
Today I created another card using my Stampin' Blendabilities and alcohol technique that I shared with you earlier in the week.  If you missed the video you can view it HERE.  I stamped onto the front of the window sheet with the By The Tide stamp set and Jet Black Staz-On ink.  The panel was adhered to the card with glue dots.  I hope you like it!  Have a wonderful and creative weekend!!!!

Halloween Mini Treat Box: A Video!!!!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  The most threatening element is the lack of confidence that people have when the process becomes difficult and tense.  They don't realize that the conflict and uneasiness that they are experiencing are necessary and 'part of the process.' Transformation occurs when we lose our way and find a new way to return. - Shaun McNiff
My wish for myself today...to lose my way time and time again and to find new ways to return! :)
Today I wanted to share this Halloween mini treat boxes with you!  You can decorate them for other holidays and purposes.  I just love how cute they are :)  Enjoy the video!  For those of you celebrating the holiday of Rosh Hashanah, I wish you a sweet, prosperous and healthy New Year!  Shana Tova!

Halloween Frame & Card Ensemble by Heidi King

Halloween will be here soon and this Halloween Frame & Card Ensemble by Heidi King is a great way to celebrate the holiday!  It’s that spooky time of year!  This frame is the perfect décor for any home…just put a picture of your little goblin inside! Or with this card make it a perfect gift for any teacher!  Get the full step-by-step instructions by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of September!

I also want to wish all of you who are celebrating the Rosh Hashanah holiday a very healthy, happy and sweet New Year!  May your year be filled with courageous acts of creativity!!!!!!  Shana Tova!

Power Of Words Art Journal Page

Today I am sharing an art journal page that I created for Paper Crafter's Library.  I will let the message of the art journal page be today's lesson from the craft room :)  For full step-by-step videos on how I created the page, head over to Paper Crafter's Library by clicking on the badge in the upper right-hand corner of my blog and become a member of Paper Crafter's Library!  I am an Educator/Designer for Paper Crafter's Library and I am always sharing new projects!

Stampin' Blendabilities Alcohol Technique: A Video!!!!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  As Long As You Show Up, So Will The Ideas
Creativity loves to give back!  The more I spend time in the craft room/art studio playing with materials, the more ideas begin to show up - ideas for how to use the materials in different ways - questions that begin with, "What if?"  This card came about from wondering what would happen if I combined Stampin' Blendabilities markers with alcohol...and I LOVED the answer! :)  Here is a video showing you how I created this card.  I hope it leads you to play with your materials.  As long as you show up to create, the ideas will show up too!

Stained Glass Lantern & Card by Amanda Corbet

Check out this amazing Stained Glass Lantern & Card by Amanda Corbet.  What a way to brighten up your fall décor!  The jewel toned windows are sure to brighten up your space.  Give this lovely lantern and matching card as a gift to someone extra special.  For the full step-by-step instructions head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of September.

Stamping With Padded Envelopes!!!!

Today's Lesson From The Place Where I Create (since I can't decide what to call the place...Craft Room...Art Studio...for now it shall be known as the place where I create :) :  Don't throw away those padded envelopes!!!! :)
I was trying to clean up a bit in my craft room (aka place where I create) today and I was about to recycle a padded envelope.  Mind you, I have recycled many padded envelopes in my time and somehow today was different.  I saw that padded envelope with different eyes.  I guess the thought may have crossed my mind before - to try to stamp with the bubble wrap side of the envelope.  But I killed the thought since I always knew that the bumpy side of the bubble wrap was the one adhered to the envelope walls.  This time I didn't kill the thought.  Instead I just said, "let's give it a shot!"  And guess what?!?!  You get the same circle texture as if you were stamping with the bumpy side.  The added bonus?  You have the backing paper or plastic from the envelope so that you can stamp pretty evenly!  These are a few pictures of pieces I have cut from the padded envelopes and some of the stamping I've done.  Enjoy!

Tap, Tap, Tap Screen Card & Journal by Laurie Zoellmer

I love small journals and this Tap, Tap, Tap Screen Card & Journal by Laurie Zoellmer is no exception!  This fun screen card can be altered to any occasion you like!  Screen cards are easy to assemble and are definitely a “wow card”.  The coordinating Journal is a perfect gift addition!  Get the full step-by-step instructions to this fun set by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of September!

Alcohol Inks & Transparencies: A Video!!!!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Once You Start, You Will Go Places You Never Imagined!
Art teaches me over and over that once you start you will go places you never imagined.  I had the desire to play with alcohol inks and transparencies and the idea that came to mind was to just drip the ink onto the transparency.  But once I started dripping, new ideas came to mind!  My lesson?  Just begin!  You will go places you never imagined!!!!
Today I'm sharing a video of three techniques using alcohol inks and transparencies.  You can use these panels on your cards, scrapbooking pages or in your mixed media projects!  Have fun!

Butterfly Mobile & Card by Monika Davis

Soooo sweet!!!!!!  What a beautiful Butterfly Mobile & Card created by Monika Davis.  Make this sweet butterfly mobile to decorate your craft room or give it away as a special present to a sweet friend who likes butterflies.  It’s easy to change the theme and make this mobile for a baby shower or as a wedding decoration. 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 September.

Bloom and Grow Art Journal Page

Today's Lesson From The Art Studio:  The inner critic wants you to stay in the same place, repeating the same thing over and over again like donuts being pumped out of a machine.  No changes, no growth:  in a word, safe.  But safe is not what will ultimately be satisfying.  Don't ever be afraid of who you really are or of what you want to express.  Great artists were built by being strong in their convictions that they were right in pursuing their dreams.  - William Kluba in Where Does Art Come From?
I created this art journal page for Paper Crafter's Library.  I allowed myself to not be safe - to try something new and to see what would happen.  This is the process of blooming and growing.  To go beyond what is familiar and comfortable.  To venture into the unknown.  Here are a few close ups:

For full step-by-step videos demonstrating how I created the page, you can head on over to Paper Crafter's Library by clicking on the badge in the upper right-hand side of my blog and signing up to become a member of Paper Crafter's Library!

For All Things Fall Gift Set by Julie Beltramo

The season has arrived for this “For All Things” Fall Gift Set by Julie Beltramo.  This Fall Gift Set will be a great seasonal surprise for any recipient! The Decorative Kerr Jar is filled with pistachios, but can be filled with any special treat.  The coordinating Kraft Journal, of course accompanied by a Blackberry Bliss Stampin’ Write Marker, is great for making lists or journaling thoughts.  And the coordinating card is a must to top off the gift!  Get the full step-by-step instructions by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of September.

Notice What Is Around You

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!