Mini Valentine's Sweet Box

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Use What You've Got!
When it comes to holiday stamping I am quick to look into my collection of past stamps to see what I have that will work.  Yes, I like buying new stamps to add to the collection.  At the same time, I also like to make sure I use what I have and that I'm not buying a stamp set just for the sake of being "current."  If you like these little boxes, but don't have the stamps I used, think about what stamps you already have that you might be able to substitute.  And yes, if all else fails, you can always shop HERE to find something new :)
This mini box can hold quite a bit of chocolate!  I used the retired Hello Doily stamp to stamp the lid.  I guess you could call this a throwback since I also used a retired stamp :)  I am a firm believer that if you have a stamp already in your collection that will work...use it! :)  I also found some different pink ribbons hanging around the craft room to tie around these baby boxes.  Happy Valentine's Day!

Bonnets & Butterflies Easter Ensemble by Buffy Cooper

Spring is on the way with flowers, butterflies, and sunshine!  Here’s a fun Bonnets & Butterflies Easter Ensemble by Buffy Cooper that includes an Easter Bonnet centerpiece or wall hanging, bonnet favors for your Easter festivities and spring card.  These projects would also be perfect for Mother’s Day, a spring tea party, or even a bridal shower.  With your Big Shot and a few framelits and dies – including the new Butterflies Thinlits Dies – you can create these projects in a snap!  Head over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of February for full step-by-step instructions!

Valentine's Day Candy Box

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  In terms of art, the only real answer I know of is to do it.  If you don't do it, you don't know what might happen. - Harry Callahan
Whether it's creating a small box to hold chocolates for Valentine's Day, painting a large canvas to hang on your wall, or doing an art journal entry every day, you are creating art.  And, as Harry Callahan says, if you don't do it, you don't know what might happen.  It is fine to read blogs and watch videos.  It is fine to watch other artists at work.  It is okay to organize your art and crafting supplies.  What you want to make certain is that you don't allow these other activities to take you away from the actual doing - the actual making - of art.  What piece of art can you begin or make today?
Today I am sharing a small Valentine's Day box that can hold a whole bunch of sweets!  I created a belly band with Sweet Taffy designer series paper.  Happy early Valentine's Day! :)

All About Owls Gift Set

It’s all about owls and all about simplicity!  You don’t need a million supplies to make a gift set that you can be proud of!  This is my February project for Craft Project Central.  Learn how to make this adorable owl from Whisper White card stock and then turn him into an embellishment for cards and a card holder.  Take it to the next level by making the same owl from Simply Pressed Clay!  The clay owl will stand up tall in a plant or pencil cup! This set would make a great class and would be a fun way to involve children in your crafting!  Head over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of February for full step-by-step instructions!

Mini-Collage Challenge #21

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Honor The Artist
Three simple words.  Honor the artist.  Yet some days I find myself struggling to fulfill them.  What does it mean to honor the artist that you are?  To give yourself the freedom to play.  To be kind to yourself as you learn and grow.  To make time - no matter how little or how much - for doing whatever creative act makes your heart sing.  These mini collages have been one way for me to try to honor the artist that I am.  2" x 2" squares that I can fill with whatever I want.  No judgement.  No rules.  Take as much time or as little time as I like.  What can you do to honor the artist that you are?

Happy Birthday Box Set by Amanda Corbet

With this fun January Bonus Project - A Happy Birthday Box Set by Amanda Corbet - you will be ready for those birthdays that pop up throughout the year.  This gift set features five different fun card designs that double as gift card holders and five small gift bags that are perfect for a gift card or any other small gift.  All of this comes with a fun box to keep it all in so it’s ready when you need it! This would be fun class project too!
This is the January Bonus Project 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.   Get more details by heading over to Craft Project Central!

Paper Expressions 5: A Video!!!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Allow That You May Not "Do" Anything With It
As I have been posting my Canvas Play and Paper Expressions videos, I have been getting asked "What do you do with the paper/canvas after you create it?"  It is a very reasonable question.  After all, the pieces may not appear to be finished works of art ready for framing.  At the same time, I am intrigued by the question and I wonder if it comes from a place deep within us where we somehow believe that something does not hold value unless we "do" something with it.  I feel this pressure on myself sometimes.  Am I of any value if I am not "doing" something with my time (at all times!)?  It is this worship of "doing" that has led me to unhappy and unhealthy places in my own life.  Times when I am not taking care of myself because I feel guilty if I am not "doing" something with my time.  So I am toying with the answer, "I don't do anything with it."  For some of the pieces I have created, that currently is the correct answer.  The paper or canvas sits in my craft room - waiting to see what the future will hold.  Will it be turned into something?  A mixed media piece?  A collage?  A greeting card?  Or will it just sit?  And, if it does just sit...is that okay?  My resounding answer to that question is YES!  It is okay to not "do" anything with it.  I believe that in many ways its purpose has been fulfilled in the making - by just coming into being.  The fact that I was able to spend minutes of my life engaged in the act of creativity - of giving birth to something - of allowing expression to come through me - this is what the piece has "done" and I really need not ask more of it.  My focus being on the process and what it teaches me, versus the product.  Of course, I may find, as time passes, that the piece has more creating to do in this lifetime.  That will be fine.  It is also fine if the answer is I may not do anything with it.  I hope you enjoy my Paper Expressions 5 video :)

Domed Pedestal with Floral Bouquet & Card by Bev Adams

A fitting tribute, this Domed Pedestal with Floral Bouquet & Card by Bev Adams is enthroned on a glimmering pedestal and protected under a shiny clear dome.  Flowers in Wisteria Wonder, So Saffron, and Blushing Bride are tied around their stems with silky Wisteria Wonder Seam Binding.  The coordinating card is dedicated to Bev's sister, but could also be a fitting tribute to your lovely mother or other special woman in your life.  Get the full step-by-step instructions by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of January!

Choose Happiness Tear Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Let Shape Inspire You
I was playing around with dry embossing using stencils.  This particular stencil was called Mini Rain.  As I was doing the dry embossing, I noticed how much those rain drops looked like tears.  The tears led me to use the greeting from the Choose Happiness stamp set from Stampin' Up!  What will shapes inspire in you?

Stacked with Love Notes & Treat Pouch Gift Set by Julie Beltramo

Get ready for that someone special with this complete Stacked with Love Notes & Treat Pouch Gift Set by Julie Beltramo! A simple, but sweet Note Card Box is fun and easy to make. It holds nine 3” x 3” cards and envelopes that will be easy to access, and perfect for those quick notes everyone needs to write! The Treat Pouch is the perfect companion that will hold those special goodies you want to share. And the coordinating card is simple, sweet and stunning! And, if that’s not enough… this tutorial will teach you a ribbon trick that you’ll love and use again and again!  Get the full step-by-step instructions by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of January!

Canvas Play 2: A Video!!!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Go With The Flow...Release!
In today's video I decided to use Golden Acrylic Flow Release for the first time.  Rather than get myself very familiar and comfortable with the product before filming, I decided to show you what it is like for me to learn about a product while I am using it!  After I finished the video I wondered if I should delete the whole thing and refilm it and just use the paint that I discovered worked best with the flow release.  Then I decided it was better to show you the journey I went through.  And, just because one paint worked better than another, doesn't mean you should stop using the paint that flows less!  I ended up liking the finished product and that wouldn't have happened if I didn't "flow" with the lessons as they unfolded!  Enjoy!

Mini Baby Book Gift Set by Monika Davis

Make this sweet “Baby Girl” mini accordion album by Monika Davis for a friend who is expecting or has just had a baby. The mini album is perfect for scrapbooking or keeping keepsake photos. It nicely fits in a hand bag. These pieces can be mass produced easily and the greeting card can serve as the invitation or/and the baby announcement. Great for a stamp camp, or as a class project.  Get the full step-by-step instructions by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of January!

Paper Expressions 4: A Video!!!!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Process Is Messy - Austin Kleon
I don't know where I'm going!  This is looking like a mess!  What if I can't get this to a place where I can stand to look at it?  Why am I filming this???  All of these thoughts run through my head as I film my process of creating.  My Paper Expressions and Canvas Play videos are all about letting you into my process.  Sharing my experimentation with you.  Taking you with me on the journey I am on.  When these videos begin I have no idea what will transpire on the paper or the canvas.  I just begin.  And I share it with you.  Because I want you to see it is okay to not know what you are doing.  It is okay to not know where you are going.  It is okay if you end up creating something you (and others) don't even like.  The important part is that you just make it!

Creating Pretty Cards - Card Challenge #43

This is my submission for this month's Creating Pretty Cards - Card Challenge #43 over at Craft Project Central!  I combined the One Tag Fits All and the Stacked With Love Designer Series Paper Stack.  Do you know where the little punched heart came from?  Look closely...it's the little heart from the Owl Builder punch and it works perfectly with this banner and sentiment!
Head on over to Craft Project Central and participant in the challenge!  For every ten cards submitted, they 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!  Good luck!

Blooming Perpetual Calendar by Amanda Corbet

Create and hang this beautiful Blooming Perpetual Calendar by  Amanda Corbet to always keep track of what day it is. Easily update the calendar each month for years to come. Storage is provided right on the back of the frame for any extra pieces that aren’t used. So all the pieces you need are right there. Give this as a great gift for the new year with the coordinating card. This would be a wonderful class project!  Get the full step-by-step instructions by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of January!

XOXO Gift Set

Love for the season.  Love all year long!  This XOXO Gift Set is a wonderful way to show your affection for someone you love.  The set includes a love-themed sign along with a coordinating gift card and matching box.  This set would make a great class and also offers a perfect way for you to decorate for Valentine’s Day!  This is my January project for Craft Project Central.  For full step-by-step instructions, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of January!

Mini Collage #20 & Paper Expressions 3: A Video!!!!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Find The Little Girl
I have been having a lot of fun playing with color and allowing myself to not judge, not assess and just flow.  I call it "finding the little girl."  At one time in my life (oh so long ago!) there was a little girl who wasn't afraid to play with color.  She didn't care what anyone thought.  She just wanted to eat those colors up and let them take her wherever they wanted!  It didn't matter what she did with what she made.  All that mattered was that she made.  She created.  She put crayons to paper, paint to brush, markers to walls (but that's a whole other story...and it was mostly hidden in my closet :)  So today I took a piece of deli paper along with some FW Acrylic Artist Inks and I found the little girl.  I hope you enjoy the video and the mini-collage I made with the deli paper to commemorate this important creative adventure!

Memory Wire Bracelet

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Play With All The Ingredients!
The ingredients for a creative life are vast!  And I am studying to be a gourmet craft chef!  Which means I have to play with ALL the ingredients!!!!!  That includes beads! :)  Memory wire and beads came together to create this olive and pink bracelet that is fun to wear and easy to put on and take off.  I even added a few dangles to the ends :)  I'm thinking about opening an Etsy shop...I will let you know if I do.  I have a feeling I will be able to make more jewelry than I will ever be able to wear ;)  I'd better go....more ingredients are waiting! :)

Canvas Play 1: A Video!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Make Mud!
I had a scrap piece of raw canvas sitting on the craft table and I decided to play with it!  I also had a bunch of Daler & Rowney Acrylic Artists Inks on the table...so the match was made!  I paired the two together in this video and the beginning was a bit rocky - I made what looked like mud!  But I kept going and am really happy with the result!  The lesson from this video?  Make some mud!!!!!

Art Canvas & Garland Decor! – Regina Andari

Art Canvas & Garland Decor by Regina Andari
With this tutorial, you’ll learn to make two home décor items that are perfect for Valentine’s Day but, since they stray from the traditional colors of pink and red, it won’t be necessary to rush to put them away.  First up is the adorable black canvas, which would be a sweet gift item, featuring the Hearts Decorative Mask.  You will probably make a list of people for whom you can make a canvas once you see how easy it is to go from a blank canvas to WOW.  The second project is a heart garland that you will thoroughly enjoy making!  It is surprisingly quick and easy from start to finish, and it has such a sweet presentation that you will be looking for the perfect place to hang it—and leave it year-round.  Lastly, there’s a greeting card that coordinates with the canvas and garland.  Head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of January for full step-by-step instructions!

A Little Kindness Goes A Long Way Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  A Little Kindness Goes A Long Way
I'll let the sentiment on this card speak for itself :)  What little kindnesses can you bestow on others in 2015?
To create this card I played around with heat embossing on vellum and dry embossing using a stencil.  I also decided to do a non-traditional closure.  After all, it is 2015!  Time to do a few new things! :)

A Variety of Valentine Treat Holders! – Yapha Mason

A Variety of Valentine Treat Holders by Yapha Mason
Are you looking for a variety of ways to package up Valentine treats for your friends and loved ones? Do you need new ideas for treats your child can take to school? Or maybe something to send your grandchildren? This project contains instructions to create six different holders for five types of Valentine candy, plus one more for Valentine pencils. Some of the packaging is easy enough for children to make, and others are more complicated. The variety of choices available make this the perfect project to get ready for Valentine’s day at home, at school, or to have plenty of options for a Valentine themed stamp camp or class.  Head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of January for full step-by-step instructions!

Mini-Collage #19: A Video!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Open Yourself To The Inspiration That Is Right There With You!
The dove was in my backyard.  The music bowl was waiting to be rung.  The birds were chirping in the hedge.  These three things come together in the video I am sharing with you today!  For those of you following my blog, you know that I have been working on a challenge I gave myself - to complete 30 mini collages (2"x2") in 30 days.  The 30-day part has fallen by the wayside, but the intent was to make sure I was creating something every day and I have been doing a pretty good job at that.  I have continued to move forward with the 30 mini collages and will allow them to be completed in whatever time they fill :)  I hope you enjoy the video!  (ps For those of you watching my videos, you will notice that I cut up the deli paper that I created in my Paper Expressions 2 video in order to create this mini collage!)

Mini-Collage #21: Paris - A Tribute

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Process Your Feelings Through Art
A tragedy.  Hatred.  Violence.  It is hard for me to absorb, understand, process.  Art helps me heal.  Heal from wounds that are opened worlds away.  I was on a plane yesterday.  Hours after the news announced the tragedy in Paris.  On the plane I took out my collage materials and tried to process.  It began with a torn paper napkin from United Airlines.  I loved that I was on an airline called "United" - it seemed like a perfect beginning for this tribute.  Sometimes the only way to try to process your feelings is through art.
For those of you following my mini-collage challenge, you may notice that this is mini-collage #21 and not #20.  I have #20 scheduled to post next week, but thought it necessary to share this mini-collage with you now - in the moment - while the wounds are open.  My thoughts and prayers are with those who died and with those who are injured who all held the value of expression through art so close to their hearts.

Masculine Gift Box & Desk Accessories! – Buffy Cooper

Masculine Gift Box & Desk Accessories by Buffy Cooper
Here’s a fun project using Simply Pressed Clay to personalize a gift box made with the Envelope Liners Framelits.  Use Designer Series Paper to jazz up office supplies, create a paper weight using Clear Blocks in creative ways, and you have a great handmade gift for one of the special men in your life.  The box makes an attractive desk accessory to hold pens, paper and more.  This would also make a fun class or stamp camp!  Head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of January for full step-by-step instructions!

Mini-Collage Challenge #18

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Find Some Unfinished Business To Finish
Weeks.  Maybe a few months.  That's how long this little collage sat, unfinished, on my craft room table.  Until today!  I was staring at it and thinking that it was unfinished business...and that was the inspiration I needed!  I took the mini collage over to my manual typewriter and typed out "unfinished business" amidst the other stamping that already existed on the collage.  This collage is the 18th of my mini-collage challenge that I gave to myself.  I have 12 more collages to go!  What unfinished business can you finish today?

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Join: It’s a great time to join Stampin’ Up! as a new demonstrator! New demonstrators can choose one of the following limited-time Sale-A-Bration offers when joining between January 6 and March 31.
• Option #1: Receive a FREE Simply Created Project Kit from the occasions catalog with your Starter Kit.
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Paper Expressions 2: A Video!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Use Your Hands!
Fancy brushes.  Just the right tool.  Sometimes I get so wrapped up in what I am using to create that I lose the joy of creating!  So for this video I challenged myself to just use my hands :)  I hope you like it!

Valentine’s Day Gift Packaging & Card! – Christy Fulk

Valentine’s Day Gift Packaging & Card by Christy Fulk
Show your Valentine how much you care by making these gift packages and coordinating card for your sweetie. There’s a treat basket made with the Mini Treat Bag Thinlits Dies and two treat holders made with the Scalloped Tag Topper Punch. Fill the packages up with goodies, and give them all to your Valentine, along with the coordinating card. This would also make a great Valentine’s Day themed class.  Head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of January for full step-by-step instructions!

Paper Expressions 1: A Video!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Just Play!
Happy New Year!!!!  One of my goals for 2015 is to play more in the craft room!  I started today by pulling out a piece of deli paper and painting, stamping and doodling.  I wanted to share the process with you in a video.  I am calling this video Paper Expressions 1...which means there will be more playing to come!  Hope you enjoy the video and the sound of the birds in the background :)

Valentine Treat Holder & Joy Fold Card! – Laurie Zoellmer

This darling Valentine Treat Holder & Joy Fold Card by Laurie Zoellmer is sure to impress this Valentine’s Day!  The treat holders are easy to assemble so you can show all your loved ones how special they are to you by making them this special gift this year!  The coordinating card adds just the right finishing touch!  Get the full step-by-step instructions by registering for the month of January at Craft Project Central!

Born From Color Art Journal Page

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Begin With A Blob
Yes, you heard me right.  Begin with a blob!  If you are sitting there thinking, "I can't paint" or "I'm not creative," all I'm asking you to do is create a blob and go where it takes you.  Our friend Mario is an amazing artist and he has told me stories about his childhood.  One of his precious memories is about being on his kitchen floor - a laminate that looked liked marble - and his mother saying to him, "Find the horse Mario!"  So he would sit there, looking at the veins of fake marble pattern on the floor and he would find the horse - the places where the darker veins of color would somehow come together and form the shape of a horse.  She would have him find other animals and objects in the random patterns of the veins on the floor.  This page was like that for me.  I began with blobs of paint and blew them around with a straw.  Once they were dry I just looked at the patterns...and found this woman!  I created this page for Paper Crafter's Library.  If you would like to see videos with my full step-by-step process for creating this page, head over to Paper Crafter's Library by clicking on the badge in the upper right-hand corner of my blog and sign up to become a Paper Crafter's Library member!  Whether you choose to sign up or not, I encourage you to begin with a blob!

Floral Purse Card Set – December Bonus Project! – Christy Fulk

Floral Purse Card Set – December Bonus Project! by Christy Fulk.
This beautiful purse has a set of six cards with envelopes inside. There are two card designs, and they are both made with the Beautiful Bunch stamp set, Moonlight Designer Series Paper Stack, and Fun Frames Textured Impressions Embossing Folders to coordinate with the purse. The purse is made with Coaster Board, and there are two pockets inside to hold three of each card design and envelopes. This would make a wonderful gift and 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.  Head on over to Craft Project Central to learn more!

Elegant Greeting Card Set & Box! – Monika Davis

Elegant Greeting Card Set & Box! by Monika Davis.
Nothing makes a better present than a set of handmade greeting cards. Make this elegant card set showcasing four different lay-outs, using the same stamp sets and same colors. Learn how to make your own striped paper using a stencil. The cards come in an envelope style box with its own decorative band. 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 December!

Happy Holidays!!!!!

Today I wanted to wish all of those who will be celebrating the holiday of Christmas a very HAPPY HOLIDAY!!!!!!  As I think about the coming year, this picture seemed quite fitting.  It is part of a piece of canvas that I painted - colors, details, depth.  May the coming year be filled with color.  May you find happiness and love in the details.  And may you experience every moment with depth and gratitude.  I will be spending some quiet time reflecting and creating over the holiday!  I hope you have a precious, peaceful and love-filled rest of your week!

Spiral Flowers & Polka Dots! – Boni Montano

Spiral Flowers & Polka Dots! by Boni Montano.
This project uses an embroidery hoop to make a fun and easy work of art for your home. The coordinating card has a matching envelope with a unique twist on your “average” envelope. This trendy piece of art will put a smile on anybody’s face. It is so easy to make you will want to make two so you can keep one for yourself!  For full step-by-step instructions, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of December!

Simply Pressed Clay Ornament Tree

This Ornament Tree is my December project for Craft Project Central.
What if you had a tree base that you could decorate all year round?  This project features a unique and beautiful handmade sculpted tree.  In this tutorial you will learn how to create an armature using upcycled cardboard.  You will also learn how to color your Simply Pressed Clay to create realistic color for your tree. The set also includes instructions for four different types of mini ornaments you can decorate your tree with.  You might even choose to make customized ornaments for holidays throughout the year and change the look of your tree with the changing seasons.  Of course there are also instructions for a coordinating gift card so that you can gift these trees to friends and family for the holiday season.   You might even choose to spend an afternoon or evening making ornaments with them! Head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of December for full step-by-step instructions!

Handmade Menorah Stencil Hanukkah Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  What If You Made It Yourself?
I wanted to make some Hanukkah cards for family and friends and didn't have a stamp that I liked.  So I sat and wondered what to do and decided I would try making my own stencil :)  I wanted to draw the menorah image freehand - instead of using a photograph that had perfect lines and dimensions.  I drew the image on a scrap piece of paper with pencil and then went over it with a Sharpie marker.  I then taped it to the back of a piece of stencil film and used a stencil cutter to cut out the image.  I then decided I needed some flames (they weren't included in the first stencil), so I cut a separate stencil for the candle flames.  I'm really pleased with how it turned out!  I love the idea that the card is unique and that each one I create will be a little different depending on how I apply the ink (or paint...I could make little napkins and other home decor pieces using the same stencil)!  Next time you don't have an image that you would like ask yourself, "What if I made it myself?"  Wishing a very Happy Hanukkah to those of you celebrating this special holiday!

"Tote"ally Terrific Golden Card Trio Gift Set! – Carol Lovenstein

"Tote"ally Terrific Golden Card Trio Gift Set by Carol Lovenstein:
Who doesn't love a fashionable tote?  Just in time for the new year, this project features an elegant tote and three sophisticated cards, all featuring gold accents & embellishments.  Think Watercolor Wonder Washi Tape, Gold Foil sheets, Gold Glimmer papers, Gold Brushed cardstock, Gold Fancy Foil Designer Vellum, gold heat embossing, Gold Glitter, and Baked Brown Sugar Classic Stampin' Ink Pad for a faux gold look.  This tutorial will show you step-by-step how to coordinate all these wonderful products together for an amazing, perfectly finished look.  This project is easy to assemble but looks like you spent hours on it.  It's a perfect New Year's gift for that stylish and chic friend on your list!  Head on over to Craft Project Central for all the details and subscribe to the month of December!

Where Is She Art Journal Page

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Art Is A Means Of Finding Yourself
I am finally home for the year - no more planes, no more hotel rooms, time to slow down.  I turn to my art to turn within.  To burrow deep within myself to find what is there.  Maybe this piece is the beginning of my journey within.  The weather will become colder.  The snow will fall.  The heat will warm me inside and I will burrow.  Not with my mind - my rational thoughts.  I will burrow with color, shape, form, texture.  Art is a means of finding yourself.

Monogrammed Note Cards Gift Set by Yapha Mason

This Monogrammed Note Cards Gift Set by Yapha Mason makes a wonderful gift for teachers, college students, and anyone else who might enjoy sending a personalized note. The handsome display case holds six single-sided note cards plus six folded note cards, for a total of twelve cards in three different designs. Wrapped in cellophane and finished with a tag, the completed project is ready for gift giving. This monogrammed gift pack is great for a stamp camp, a class, or making a gift for a friend.  Get the full step-by-step instructions for this wonderful project by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of December!

I Believe I Can Fly Art Journal Page

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Find Your Inspiration In Everyday Things
I think we sometimes believe we have to have some type of outrageous travel experience or life experience in order to find inspiration.  What is revealing itself to me is that seeing what we pass everyday - actually seeing it - meditating on it - taking it in - is a way to have an outrageous life experience!  Take a walk and being present is a spectacular travel experience.  Because there...right in front of you...is inspiration knocking!  Those feathers you pass that have been left behind by a bird.  The leaves that have fallen.  The blooms that are opening, then closing, then dying.  All of it...inspiration.
Today's art journal page was inspired by some feathers I picked up in the backyard.  I created the page for Paper Crafter's Library and you can see my full step-by-step process by heading over to Paper Crafter's Library using the badge in the upper right-hand corner of my blog and signing up to be a member.  Come join me on my art journal journey!

Gold & Silver New Year Party Ensemble by Julie Warnick

You will be ready to celebrate the New Year in style with this classic Gold and Silver New Year Party Ensemble by Julie Warnick! This fun and festive set features a banner, party hat, party blowers and a card/invitation! The banner will look fabulous hanging in your home anywhere you want to add some sparkle! You can create the decorative bottom edges of the banner pieces using the Labels Collection Framelits. The party hat can either be worn or used as a focal point in a centerpiece. And don’t forget party blowers! You can make them yourself to coordinate beautifully with your party décor. They are simple to put together and make any event a celebration! For the finishing touch, the matching card is perfect for invitations for your friends and family to come and ring in the New Year!  For full step-by-step instructions head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of December!

Cookies In The Kitchen

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Take Your Creativity Into The Kitchen!
Sometimes I crave something sweet.  Usually I don't eat a lot of sweets, but when that craving comes it needs to be satisfied :)  I eat a vegan, gluten-free diet, so I need to get creative when I bake!  These cookies have no eggs, dairy or wheat!  I made them with ingredients that would meet my needs including garbanzo bean flour and quinoa flour, some applesauce, a bit of banana, vanilla, dark chocolate chips, coconut and walnuts.  They have a touch of added raw sugar - an ingredient I have reduced each time I make the cookies and they still taste wonderful!  Sometimes it is a lot of fun to take your creativity into the kitchen...and then into your tummy :)

Watercolor Play

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Follow The Art Impulse!
I was on a work trip earlier this week and had an opportunity to go to a contemporary art museum and take in some art and inspiration!  One of the paintings that drew me in was by Mark Rothko and it had a combination of colors that spoke to me - orange, grey, a touch of red and black.  It spoke to me so deeply that I just HAD to make some art...but I was ill-prepared.  I had my usual little kit with me - some black markers, washi tape, a glue stick and scissors.  But I wanted color!  I guess I could have found some magazines or paper to cut up that included the respective colors, but somehow the urge took over to be able to brush pigment onto paper.  Next stop?  The museum gift shop!  I went straight to the section in the back that was for kids...after all, the kid in me wanted to play!  And there they were - smiling at me - a set of watercolors, brush included - for $8!  Nirvana!  I bought that set and went straight back to my hotel room.  I filled up a glass with water and opened my new set and off I went in my small sketch book!  Follow the art impulse!  Let it take over!  Find the colors you need!  You will be glad you did :)

Snow Day Party by Buffy Cooper

Unless you live near the equator – or Florida – you’re going to have snow in the winter.  It’s inevitable, so you might as well enjoy it and have a party with this Snow Day Party set by Buffy Cooper!  Here are some fun – and “out of the box” - ways to use the Gift Box Punch Board and All Is Calm suite from the 2014 Stampin’ Up! Holiday catalog to make party favor boxes and a basket of snow party refreshments.  Add a fun invitation and a sparkly snow banner using the Build a Banner Simply Created Kit, and you’ll have the best party ever.  If you live in an area that doesn’t get much snow, or your party is in the spring or summer, it’s easy to switch it to a “no snow” or beach party just by changing the designer series paper and colors.  To see the entire project and to get full step-by-step instructions, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of December!

Mini-Collage Challenge #17

Today's lesson from the craft room: Experiment!

This mini collage started with a new little jar of paint that I bought at the art store the other day - Pebeo prisme paint - I just had to try it out! Sometimes you can be inspired by one little blob of paint that looks like a moon or a planet or something you've never seen. Show up and experiment!

Mini-Collage Challenge #16

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  It's All About Losing Myself
My mind was full of twisted wires.  Crissing and crossing.  Confusing.  I needed a break.  I could have gone for a swim.  Could have taken a nap.  But what I was led to do was to head into the craft room.  A place where I can lose myself.  Where my thoughts turn from twistedness to serenity.  Where my focus turns to what color to apply.  What tool to use.  And everything else melts away.  There are days when I question why I create.  Today I knew the answer.  It was all about losing myself in the process.
This is the next mini-collage in my 2" x 2" mini-collage challenge that I have set for myself.  I began by experimenting with a thin layer of crackle paste - it didn't quite crackle.  The layer was too thin.  But it created a nice "toothy" surface to work on.  So I stamped and colored in with some metallic Sharpie markers and found some suitable words in a book I've been cutting up.  As always, the perfect message always appears.  If I lose myself and allow the process to take over.

Under the Tree Window Treat Box & Money Holder by Laurie Zoellmer

Fill this festive Under the Tree Window Treat Box & Money Holder by Laurie Zoellmer with your favorite goodies for the perfect gift!  These boxes are easy to make, but sure to impress – and the window in the front adds just the right touch!  The coordinating money holder makes this ensemble the perfect gift for anyone on your list!  Head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of December for full step-by-step instructions!