Mini-Collage Challenge #12

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  In the end the only genuine safety in this world comes from risking oneself completely in order to become oneself more fully. - Michael Meade
Landscapes seem to keep appearing in my mini collages.  For those of you following me on this journey, I have challenged myself to create a 2" x 2" mini collage each day for at least 30 days (I'm off a bit on the "every day" part, but I am continuing to move forward with the challenge).  Sometimes you will see me using a similar color palette - often this is because I am traveling for work and have challenged myself to use the limited supplies that I carry with me :)  I wonder if landscapes keep appearing because part of this challenge is about trying to become familiar with my inner landscape.  Who am I?  How can I get to know myself more fully?  I get to know myself a little bit more each time I show up to my 2" x 2" square of watercolor paper and risk taking any action to begin to fill the blank square.  Yes, it makes sense to me that landscapes keep appearing - they are nature; they are about my inner exploration; they are me.

Mini-Collage Challenge #11

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  In A House, On A Plane, In A Lounge, On A Train
I am learning to create wherever I can during my travels.  Sometimes that might be in my hotel room.  Other times it is on a plane, in a waiting lounge, or on some other mode of transportation.  I have had to get over the fear of someone watching me - looking over from the seat beside me - the fear of judgement.  I have learned to just take a deep breath and dive in...and soon it as if no one is around me.  This collage I created from some bits of ephemera from my recent trip to Doha.  The patterned papers are a combination of a cut up pamphlet from the Museum of Islamic Art and some pieces of washi tape I had with me.  The dark blue is actually a cut up piece of paper describing the journey through customs at Heathrow Airport in London.  I love that these little collages are filled with the secrets of my trip!  This collage is 2" x 2" and is part of my Mini Collage Challenge that I gave myself - to try to make one 2" x 2" mini collage every day for at least 30 days...(or maybe one collage every 3 days for 90 days :)  Sometimes I do a collage a day - sometimes two - sometimes I skip a few days...but I continue to make progress!  And for me, that's what matters most!

Online Extravaganza!!!!!

Enjoy Stampin' Up!s Online Extravaganza with flash deals on select items and bundles at a 20%-50% discount! But quantities are limited, and this great opportunity only lasts from November 24 through December 2, so get yours before they're gone.

As an added bonus, Stampin' Up! will be bookending the beginning and end of the promotion with door busters on special products—some that have never before been paired together—that are only available for 24 hours and while supplies last! These specific deals are extremely limited, so act fast!  Click HERE to shop now!!!!!

Seasonal Printers Tray by Sharon Maranich

Get into the holiday spirit with this Seasonal Printers Tray by Sharon Maranich.  This Christmas Printers Tray and matching card would make a unique gift, that will be used year-after-year for someone special on your list.  The colors – Lost Lagoon, Soft Sky, Smoky Slake and Pear Pizazz - go together to capture the image of a silent, snowy night.  Head on over to Craft Project Central to learn how to access the full step-by-step instructions!

Lantern & Greeting Card by Monika Davis

This beautifulTriangle Shaped Lantern & Greeting Card was created by Monika Davis.  You can make this triangle shaped lantern and learn how easy it is to make your own template. Switch out the vellum for cardstock and turn it into a gift box for teachers, friends, and neighbors or fill it with some treats as a party favor.  Either way, it would also look great as a party or holiday table decoration. You can also make it in different sizes.  Learn how to make your own heat embossed design, using a mask. Great for class projects, stamp clubs and or camps.  Head on over to Craft Project Central to learn how to access the full step-by-step instructions!

Mini-Collage Challenge #10

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Use Ephemera From Your Travel To Memorialize Your Journey
Today I am sharing my tenth mini collage from my personal Mini Collage Challenge.  For those of you just joining me on my blog, I challenged myself to create one 2" x 2" mini collage a day for at least 30 days.  I haven't always been true to creating a collage a day, but I am pleased with my progress!
This mini collage was created while I was on a layover on my flight back to Denver from Doha, Qatar.  While in Doha I was able to visit the Museum of Islamic Art.  The building itself was gorgeous, let alone the art and artifacts found inside.  I decided to take one of the pamphlets I was given in the museum and cut it up to create this mini collage.  I also added additional pattern and detail with a Sepia marker and a white gel pen.  I love the idea of using ephemera from my travels to memorialize my journey in these mini collages!

Cross The Sea Art Journal Page

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Your Experimentations Can Lead You Further Down The Road
Today I am sharing an art journal page that I created for Paper Crafter's Library.  I was exploring how to color a transparency and use it as a focal image on an art journal page.  The texture and shine of the fish scales are hard to see in this photo, but the actual page makes me feel like the fish is swimming right in front of me!  Experimenting with transparencies in this way has taken me down the road to do some further transparency explorations.  I don't know where the transparency journey will take me. What I do know is that this page was a launching platform for my continued exploration.  If you are interested in the full step-by-step videos for creating this page, head on over to Paper Crafter's Library by clicking on the badge in the upper right-hand corner of my blog and learn about becoming a member!

Mini-Collage Challenge #9

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Do those creative things you love to do, even if their only purpose is to make the rest of your life better. - Jill Badonsky
Sometimes we may ask ourselves why we are bothering to create at all.  Maybe we put off creating because we have a laundry list of things to do and somehow, when we begin to rank things, creating falls to the bottom of our list.  Why do we give it such little credence, particularly if our heart's yearnings are telling us otherwise?  Why do we give it short shrift when ignoring the urge to create leaves us unsettled and even annoyed.  If you need to find a purpose that will bring creating back to the top of your list, consider how much better the rest of your life would feel if you indulged your innate need to create!  As Jill Badonsky says, "Do those creative things you love to do, even if their only purpose is to make the rest of your life better!"
Today I am sharing my next 2" x 2" mini collage from my mini collage challenge that I gave myself.  I've been carrying 2" x 2" pieces of watercolor paper with me when I travel so that I can indulge my urge to create whenever the urge strikes.  In this way, I can do the creative things I love to do no matter where I am :)

A Wreath For Every Season by Amanda Corbet

What a beautiful Wreath for Every Season by Amanda Corbet!  Inside this lovely box are six different card designs using the Wonderful Wreath stamps and Framelits. Get a glimpse of the endless possibilities of this truly wonderful wreath set. This makes a wonderful gift or class project and it’s all wrapped up ready to give to someone special!  Get the full step-by-step instructions by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of November!

Creating Pretty Cards - Card Challenge #41

This month I created the sketch for the Creating Pretty Cards - Card Challenge #41 over at Craft Project Central!  This is the card I created using the sketch :)  Why don't you come join us at Craft Project Central and submit a card for the challenge?!  For every ten cards that are submitted, Craft Project Central will pick one winner of a free month subscription on Craft Project Central! The winner(s) will get to select the month of their choice! CPC really wants to give away some free subscriptions, so please do join the challenge!!!!!

Christmas Tree in an "Exploding" Box Gift Set by Carol Lovenstein

Check out this Christmas Tree in an "Exploding" Box Gift Set by Carol Lovenstein!!!  This gift set is perfect for a hostess, friend or co-worker.  The box is easy and quick to make with the Gift Box Punch Board.  The lucky recipients will burst with excitement when they open the "exploding" box and find the beautiful free-standing Christmas tree ornament inside!  The tree can be removed from the box and used as a desk decoration or kept as a keepsake ornament to treasure for years to come.  The accompanying card makes the Gift Box feel even more like a gift!  Get the full step-by-step instructions by heading to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of November.

Mini-Collage Challenge #8

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Themes Arise When They Need To
When I sit down to create my small 2" x 2" collages each day (well, almost each day), I have no idea what will appear on the tiny piece of watercolor paper.  What I am finding is the certain themes arise as I start gluing papers.  This is one of those themes - house, home, landscape.  As I find myself traveling a lot for work, it is no surprise to me that the theme of home keeps coming to life in these mini art pieces.  Themes arise when they need to.  Your emotions will find their way into your art...if you allow them to unfold.  What themes arise in your art?

Trio of Trees Holiday Gift Display by Julie Beltramo

This sweet Trio of Trees Holiday Gift Display by Julie Beltramo comes together quickly, and uses just one package of designer series paper! Plus, with all the leftover designer series paper pieces, you’ll be able to add a bunch more custom little gift boxes – they’re fun and addicting to make! You can frame the card to make a great mantle display, or use it as it’s displayed for a special gift to give someone!  Get the full step-by-step instructions by subscribing to the month of November over at Craft Project Central!

I Carry Your Heart Art Journal Page

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: Be Open To Surprises
I recently traveled to Doha, Qatar for work and I had all kinds of preconceived notions of what I would experience there.  I am so glad that I remained open to the experience!  It turned out to be so much different than the stories and "build up" I had been exposed to.  Once again I was reminded to be open to surprises - to allow myself to take in what I am experiencing and to not be blinded by assumptions and preconceived notions.  I am so grateful for the experience and for the reinforcement of a lesson that I need to continually be reminded of!
Today I am sharing an art journal page that I created for Paper Crafter's Library.  It was inspired by an ee cumming's poem.  Every month I create a number of art journal pages for Paper Crafter's Library.  If you are interested in accessing the full step-by-step instructional videos for these art journal pages (and the other projects I create for Paper Crafter's Library), click on the badge in the upper right-hand corner of my blog and look into subscribing to PCL!

Recycled Bottle Gifts by Regina Andari

Don't throw those Starbuck's bottles away!  These Recycled Bottle Gifts by Regina Andari are a fabulous way to repurpose the bottles!  Create three holiday gifts by recycling your drink bottles.  This tutorial will demonstrate three unique gift ideas with festive decoration, and the gifts are sure to be a perfect fit for some of the names on your list.  Get the full step-by-step instructions by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of November!

Mini-Collage Challenge #7

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Find Inspiration In The Colors Of The Landscape
We went for a hike about a week ago and I was struck by the yellows in the landscape.  The grasses are drying up in preparation for winter.  The verdant green of summer gave way to the kaleidoscopic burst of Fall color and now the quiet hush of Winter is coming ever so close.  I used a variety of torn washi tape pieces to create this simple landscape.  What colors are in your landscape?  How might they inspire a piece of your artwork?

Festival of Trees Votive Box & Tent Card by Laurie Zoellmer

We all need little gifts to hand out during the Holidays, right?  This Festival of Trees Votive Box & Coordinating Tent Card by Laurie Zoellmer comes to the rescue!  This votive holder is easy to assemble using the Envelope Punch Board!  It makes a great teachers gift, hostess gift or thoughtful handmade gift for anyone!  The coordinating tent-card and envelope add just the right touch!  Get the full step-by-step instructions by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of November!

Mini-Collage Challenge #6

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Allow Art To Help You Manage Your Emotions
I have been a bit stressed about a work trip to a place that is very different from the place where I live.  I want to be sure that I am respectful of the culture I will find myself in - that I don't do anything that might cause offense unintentionally.  The stress has been eating me up quite a bit and I finally decided to pour that feeling into this tiny 2" x 2" space.  It felt good to let it out - to try to acknowledge and manage my feelings by creating something inspired by the feelings.  Art is a wonderful place to work on acknowledging and managing your emotions.  I'm feeling better already :)

Mini-Collage Challenge #5

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Faltering Doesn't Mean You Have To Abandon The Effort
I gave myself the challenge to create one 2"x 2" mini collage every day...at least for 30 days.  And I admit I have already had a few days where I don't get to the collage early in the day, the day gets away from me, and then I don't find the energy to go and create my mini collage.  I falter.  At first I got down on myself - the usual, "Come on Michelle!  It's only 30 days and you can't even keep up with that?!?"  Then I allowed myself to accept that I am doing the best I can and just because I falter one day does not mean I have to abandon the effort.  I have even been finding that some days I may skip making a collage and other days I make more than 1!  I am going to keep moving forward with the challenge!!!
Today I am sharing the collage I made on Halloween :)  I used a combination of paint, painted tapes, washi tape and chalk marker.  I am enjoying allowing the inspiration come to me in whatever form it takes - a flower on a walk, a holiday, a question I am pondering, a feeling inside of me.  I'm curious to see where this mini-collage journey continues to take me!

Mini-Collage Challenge #4

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Let Go Or Be Dragged.  -Katie Holmes
Yes, I looked at People magazine on-line...I admit it...I am trying to kick the habit...For once though, the mindless reading actually provided some much needed insight!  There was an article about 5 words that have impacted Katie Holmes' life and those 5 words are let go or be dragged.  Letting go seems to be a theme that is running through my life (and my veins) right now.  It is a lesson I learned in the pool the other day when we were told to try to only breathe every fifth stroke instead of every third stroke.  It became harder to do the more I tried to hold onto my breath!  I started to tell myself, "Michelle, you need to be just as willing to let it go as you are to let it in."  Yes, let go or be dragged.  Oh there is so much that I allow to pull me down right now.  I need to be willing to let go...
Today I am sharing my fourth collage in my mini-collage challenge.  This one incorporates quite a few pieces of tape that I painted.  I then added some dimensional paints and a bit of Sharpie poster paint marker.  The green tape I used in the background was part of an experiment I conducted with heating acrylic paint.  I love all the texture it created!  I hope you like it...and if you don't...let go :)

Mix & Match Winter Holiday Boxes & Tags by Yapha Mason

This festive holiday packaging by Yapha Mason includes four different size square boxes along with four gift tags that can be mixed and matched. Using shades of blue and silver, there are options for both Hanukkah and Christmas, with designs that will work for either one. This project set is great for a stamp camp, a class, or just getting ready for the upcoming holiday season. It includes instructions for two square holiday cards as well.  Head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of November for full step-by-step instructions!

Mini Collage Challenge - #3

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  You Can Create An Entire World In A Tiny Space
I have been enjoying the challenge I gave myself - to create at least one 2"x 2" mini collage every day.  When I approached the first collage I was quite uncertain about what to do.  Now that I have completed three, I am beginning to realize that you can create an entire world in a tiny space.  2"x 2" can seem so small at first glance.  Yet the more you dive into what seems to be such a limited space, the more you realize how much you can do in the expanse of 2" x 2"!  Ideas seem to be flowing to me right now - we'll see if that lasts!
For today's mini collage I turned to some painted tape that I had made.  This allowed me to skip using any other type of adhesive for my mini collage.  After tearing and adhering the bits of tape, I cut out a few pieces of the tape to create the house.  I then used some markers to add a touch of shading and a bit of outlining.  Yes, you can create an entire world in a tiny space!

Count Your Blessings Table Decor

Take time to count your blessings during the upcoming holiday season!  This set includes a blessings bank, gratitude cards to fill out and insert into the bank, place cards to gather blessings from your guests and a blessings list that your guests can fill in and take home with them.  This set can be used to adorn your holiday table or you can use the box, gratitude cards and lists as a way to remind yourself how blessed you truly are each and every day!  This is my November project for Craft Project Central.  If you want to get the full step-by-step instructions for making this entire set, head on over the Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of November.

Mini Collage Challenge - #2

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Allow Fate To Intervene
This is the second 2"x 2" mini collage that I created.  I began by adhering bits of torn painted paper to the watercolor paper with Utrecht matte medium.  You can also use painted tape, washi tape, masking tape...and you don't have to worry about having glue or matte medium with you :)  As I continued to put the torn pieces down I began to worry about what else I would add...and while I was worrying, I turned one of my pieces of painted paper over and saw these words staring right at me!  I had done some paper painting on one side of a page from a book!  And fate brought me to these exact words at the exact right moment.  So I cut them out and added them to my mini collage with matte medium.  I love it when I am open to allowing fate to intervene!

Christmas Survival Kit by Amanda Corbet

Christmas is fast approaching and there are always those last minute cards you forget to send or gifts you need to give and you’re out of time! Oh no! Well this Christmas Survival Kit by Amanda Corbet includes five cards with envelopes, four gift bags, 10 gift tags, and 8 gift card holders as well as space to put other necessities, all tucked away in this beautiful gift shaped box. Just lift off the lid and one side falls down to show the beautiful row of drawers and two back pockets. Make this for yourself or someone special to save a little headache around Christmas. Or change up the patterns and colors to make a gift set ready for any holiday!

This Christmas Survival Kit is the October Bonus 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 and when they subscribe, letting Craft Project Central know.  Head on over to Craft Project Central for more details!

Mini Collage Challenge #1

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Make It Manageable
As some of you may know from reading my blog, I sometimes find it challenging to head into the Craft Room and start creating.  The idea of picking up materials and getting started can feel overwhelming.  So I have decided to make it manageable for myself.  After all, why would anyone be intimidated by a 2"x 2" piece of watercolor paper?  So I went ahead and cut a small stack of 2" x 2" pieces of watercolor paper and I have decided to try to make at least one small 2"x 2" collage a day.  This feels doable to me.  Even if I am traveling I always have a glue stick with me and there are likely to be bits and pieces of receipts, ticket stubs, trash that I can incorporate into a mini collage.  My hope is to share this journey with you - sometimes one at a time - sometimes maybe a few at a time.  Feel free to join in the challenge with me!  Right now I will commit to 30 days...but who knows...it might turn into a year-long affair!  The nice thing about these mini collages?  You can always use them on a card front or incorporate them into other paper crafting projects.
Since I wasn't sure where to begin...even with a 2" x 2" piece of watercolor paper...I went with an easy start - the shape of a heart.  I have tons of scrap papers around the craft room that I like to paint on and this is the perfect way for me to start putting those little papers to use!  I am using Utrecht matte medium for adhering my pieces down, but I may play with adhesives a bit the more I make these mini collages.  I hope you'll enjoy this journey with me!

Creating Pretty Cards - Sketch Challenge #40

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Of all the reasons for being an artist, there is one that outweighs all others:  Art offers a path to our souls. - Nick Bantock
The path has definitely been bumpy so far for me!  Bumps, bruises, stumbles and falls.  But I keep getting back up because there is no other path I would rather be on!
Today I am sharing my submission for this month's Creating Pretty Cards - Sketch Challenge #40 over at Craft Project Central!  There are still a few days left for you to join in the challenge...and you might just win a free one-month subscription to Craft Project Central!  Come on over to Craft Project Central and play!!!!!

Autumn Wreath by Jen Arkfeld

It’s time to create something fun for your autumn home décor!  This Autumn Wreath by Jen Arkfeld screams fall with its warm colors, feathers and touches of raffia. The great thing about this design?  You can easily use other Designer Series Paper for summer, spring or winter!  It’s a versatile design.  Happy Crafting!  Get the full step-by-step instructions by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of October!

Fall Banner & Candle by Christy Fulk

This Fall Banner & Candle by Christy Fulk would be wonderful Fall décor for your home. The banner is made with coaster board, and the matching candle is stamped, along with other embellishments.  Make one set to keep as your own, and make another set to give as a gift. This would also make a great Fall-themed class.  Head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of October for full step-by-step instructions!

Take Flight Art Journal Page

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Sometimes Beginning Is The Hardest Part
I walk by the craft room, peer inside, and keep walking.  I think of every excuse to not go in - I'm tired; I'm not motivated; I can't.  It's all the little gremlin voice trying to prevent me from taking the risk of creating.  And I succumb.  Often I just let the gremlin win.  Yesterday I decided to slay the gremlin and just picked up a piece of paper that had been sitting on the craft room table.  It had some ink stains and paint drips on it and I just began to add to it.  That's all it takes to slay the gremlin.  Just beginning.  Just picking up the pen, brush, stamp and putting it onto the paper.  A small move of your hand.  A small risk in the grand scheme of things.  Yes, the gremlin will be back.  But for now, I feel victorious!
Today I am sharing an art journal page I created for Paper Crafter's Library.  For a supply list and full step-by-step video instructions, head on over to Paper Crafter's Library by using the badge in the upper right-hand corner of my blog and look into becoming a member.  I create projects for Paper Crafter's Library every month and enjoy stretching my creative limits!  Come join us!

Perfect Blend Thank You Card by Doris Male

Today I am sharing the final card that Doris shared with me on our visit.  I love how she used the Alphabet rotary stamp to customize the greeting!  I hope you enjoy this inspiration as much as I did!

Fall Favors & Table Décor by Buffy Cooper

How cute is this Fall Favors & Table Décor project by Buffy Cooper?!?!  Fall is here (and so is my birthday today!!!!) with beautifully colored falling leaves, scarecrows, pumpkins and family gatherings.  Create simple and adorable favor boxes for your fall parties and dinners, a beautiful centerpiece, and a card to send to family and friends using fun fall colors and the Color Me Autumn suite.  Get the full step-by-step instructions by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of October!!!!

Traveler Card by Doris Male

Today I wanted to share a wonderful card created by Doris Male (thanks Doris!).  On my recent visit with her she shared cards that she had created or altered from designs she found online.  I love how Doris uses Designer Series Paper to come up with unique color combinations and this card is no exception.  Doris has also inspired me to pay more attention to the inside of my cards.  Her cards always have a special stamped surprise inside!

Twenty Days of Thanks by Heidi King

Now is the season of refection and thankfulness.  This Twenty Days of Thanks advent project by Heidi King is a perfect way to remind us of our blessings.  Add treats for little ones and each day add a slip of paper with what you are thankful for.  Thanksgiving Day is the perfect time to read them and reflect!  For full step-by-step instructions head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of October!!!!!

Seasonally Scattered Cards

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  See Colors In A Whole New Light!
I love seeing what other people create with Stampin' Up! stamps!  Colors that I pass right over suddenly attract my full attention when I see the used in unique combinations.  Doris shared these two cards with me during our recent visit and the second card just popped!  I love that color combo and I'm sure it will be inspiring my own creation in the near future!  Both of these cards use the Seasonally Scattered stamp set from the Holiday Catalog.  Click HERE to shop now!

Baby Shower Ensemble by Monika Davis

What an adorable Baby Shower Ensemble designed by Monika Davis!  Make these sweet baby shower decoration pieces for a sweet friend who is expecting. This set contains a shaker card, a sweet baby carriage treat box, a book mark and a wand/straw decoration. You will be the talk of the party. These pieces can be mass produced easily and the greeting card can serve as the invitation and/or the baby announcement. Great for a stamp camp, or as a class project.  Subscribe to the month of October over at Craft Project Central for full step-by-step instructions for creating this great project!

Kinda Eclectic Card Assortment

Today I wanted to share three gorgeous cards that my wonderful friend Doris showed me during our recent visit.  Each card uses the Kinda Eclectic stamp set in a unique way!  These cards incorporate original designs as well as layouts that Doris found on-line.  How can you use the Kinda Eclectic stamp set in a new way?

Bright & Beautiful and Festival of Trees Cards

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  The Same Materials In The Hands Of Different Makers Can Create Wonderful Results!
I am always amazed by how one single stamp set can be used by many different crafters to create cards and paper crafting projects that are incredibly varied!  During my visit with Doris I was able to see a huge variety of cards she had created!  Some of them were her own original designs and some were adaptations of cards she had seen on-line.  Stamp sets that hadn't even caught my eye in the catalog were brought to life by her creations!  Of course, my wish list grew and grew! :)  For a few days I'm going to share some of the cards she shared with me.  I hope they inspire you to use your sets in new ways...or maybe they will inspire you to look at a set that you had passed by and see it in a new way.  Enjoy!  The top card uses the Bright & Beautiful stamp set and the bottom card uses Festival of Trees. I love how there is always a beautiful surprise inside each of Doris' cards!