Cute By The Inch!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Sometimes You Need To Turn Down The RPM's!

I was thinking today about the old record player I used to have.  Sometimes I found it very funny to put on a 45 and either turn up the speed to make it sound like Alvin and the Chipmunks or turn down the speed to maaaaakkkkkkkkkeeeeeeee iiiiiiiittttttttttt ssssssssssooooooouuuuuuuuunnnnnnnnnddddddd lllllllliiiiiiikkkkkkkkeeeeeeeee ttttttttthhhhhhhhhhiiiiiiiissssssssss!  I have to say that today is definitely a day where I needed to turn down my RPM's!  As I listened to my body this morning, I realized it was telling me that the pace was just too quick and it was time to slow down.  So, I am staying in the house, turning down the RPM's and trying to act as snail-like as possible :)  I didn't have a lot of energy to put into this card, but hopefully it will inspire you in some way...when was the last time you paper pierced or used Crystal Effects?  How about coloring only a portion of a stamp and stamping it multiple times?  Maybe today would be a great day to turn down your RPM's and try something new in the craft room :)  Enjoy!

Amsterdam Inspiration

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Look Up!

It's easy to walk around with your head down - eyes glued to the floor or pavement.  I would never have seen this gorgeous site if I hadn't looked up!  I was in the Flower Market in Amsterdam and this was the roof of one of the flower shops!  How gorgeous is that!!!!  So, look up - you never know what might be waiting for you!

Today I leave you with this photo as inspiration :)  I hope that the colors or subject matter will inspire you to create something wonderful!  I decided not to share a card or paper project so that your mind would be clear - free of all suggestion....other than this photo.  Have fun!!!!  If you would like to leave a link to your creation in the comments section, I would love to see what you create!

DIY Designer Paper Halloween Card & Card Play Video!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Be Proud Of Your Achievements!

I am soooo excited!  I ran 18 miles this weekend!!!!!  I am really proud of my progress!!!!!  I have to admit those last couple of miles were rough...and, I made it!!!!!  I am still in awe at what you can do if you put your mind to it.  Still hard to believe that back on March 6th I hadn't even run a foot, let alone a mile...let alone 18 miles!  I have to admit that I find it difficult to shout my achievements - I find myself instead saying things like..."yeah, but I'm slow" or "it takes me a long time" - almost apologizing for my achievement.  But as I sit here now, I realize how proud I am and I'm not going to apologize!  I did it!!!! Yeah me!!!!! :)

Today's card was inspired by Kristina Werner's Finally Friday video last week.  The color palette of black and kraft/crumb cake, with a dash of white, is what inspired me (thanks Kristina!).  Here's a video to show you how to make some DIY designer paper and this adorable spooky card:!  I hope you like it!

Four Ways Friday #21 - Two-Step Owl Punch Video!!!!!

Welcome to another Four Ways Friday!  Today's Four Ways Friday features the Two-Step Owl Punch.  I decided to do things a bit differently and have created a video for you!  I hope you like it!!!!!  If you have a minute, please let me know in the comments if you would like to see Four Ways Friday videos in the future or if you prefer the individual photos.  Thanks!  Enjoy!!!! :)


Here is a photo of the 5 ways to use your Two-Step Owl Punch!

Coloring Your Stamping With Colored Pencils

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Know What Is Most Precious To You

As I sit here in Denver, I am keenly aware that a fire is raging outside of Boulder.  Many people have lost their homes in the fire around Lefthand Canyon and Sunshine Canyon.  I keep praying for rain and for the strength of the firefighters and comfort for those experiencing such loss during this time.  At the same time I wonder what would I do...what if someone said to me "you have 5 minutes to evacuate your home" - what would I do?  What is most precious to me are not my things - they are the souls that surround me - my first instinct would be to grab my companions - 2 and 4-legged alike and beyond that to believe that I would be okay.  It does make me wonder about taking action about some things though - like scanning old family photos and keeping them on a disc somewhere outside of my home - or keeping a fire box within easy reach.  They say there are lessons from every challenging situation.  As I watch the fire in the hills on tv, I am moved to consider what is most precious to me.

For today's card I broke out the colored pencils - something I hadn't done in ages!  I used the Upsy Daisy stamp set along with a greeting from Sincere Salutations.  Of course, I had to add some dazzling diamonds for bling...and yes, it is all over me :)  I hope you like it!  For anyone celebrating the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah this week, I wish you a year of health, happiness, peace and art! :)

Punch Art Gumball Machine and Card Play Video!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  The Most Important Things In My Life Never Have To Get Placed On A "To Do" List

Have you ever noticed that the most meaningful and important aspects of your life never have to get placed on a "to do" list?  These are the things that we love to do and won't forget to do if we don't write them down - watering the garden; walking the dog; eating a warm meal; spending time petting the cat on the couch.  It seems the task that we put on our lists are those that aren't as near to our hearts and we need to write them down lest we forget.  Take a look at your "to do" list - it may provide some interesting insight into your life.

I shared a version of today's card with you during last week's Four Ways Friday.  I decided to make a few changes to the card and share a video with you on how to make it!  I hope you like it!

Extreme Elements, Charming, And, And, And :)

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Some Days You Just Need To Stamp, Stamp, Stamp!

The question isn't what did I use to make this card...the question is what DIDN'T I use :)  I brought out a bunch of stamp sets and ink and had one of those days where all I wanted to do was to keep stamping on the same piece of Whisper White card stock and see where it led me.  Well, here's what happened :)  I sprayed it all with a whole bunch of champagne shimmer paint too...this card SPARKLES! :)  Some days you just need to stamp, stamp, stamp :)

Friends Fur-ever Birthday with Paper Pieced Cupcake!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  You Are Interesting!

I was walking Buddy the other day and a woman was walking down her driveway.  Buddy immediately became curious and decided to go and greet her.  As he was walking over the woman smiled and said, "I'm not too interesting."  I was struck by the contradiction - smiling while saying the words "I'm not too interesting."  Once again I was reminded of the power of the words we speak.  Why do we want to tell ourselves, even if we are joking, that we are not too interesting?  We are interesting - each and every one of us in our own very special way.  We have to be conscious of the messages we say to ourselves and the ones we verbalize - even when joking.  I'm not sure our subconscious can tell the difference.  You are interesting and I appreciate your visit :)

Today's paper pieced cupcake came to me in a waking dream and I thought it would go perfectly with this furry friend from the Friend Fur-ever stamp set.  Here's a video to show you how:

Four Ways Friday #20 - Round Tab Punch and Poppin' Pastels Video

Welcome to another Four Ways Friday!  Today I decided to play with punches and show you four ways to use the Round Tab Punch.

This first card uses the round tab punch in a very traditional way.  I punched a piece of Crumb Cake card stock using the round tab punch and then stamped the "happy halloween" greeting from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set in Chocolate Chip ink.  The tab was then adhered to the back of the Pumpkin Pie layer on this card.

Did you know that the round tab punch makes a great nose?! :)  This box was inspired by a video by Amy Manhart (Thanks Amy!).  You can view Amy's video HERE.  I made the box with some slight differences, including color changes.  You can also find some other wonderful Halloween characters online that use the round tab punch for a nose as well.  I've seen a witch, Frankenstein, and a few others.  What fun!

I used the poppin' pastels technique with the Medallion stamp to make this simple card.  I have created a video to show you how.  Here's the video:

You never know what you'll come up with when you spend time playing with your punches! :)  I created this gumball machine after a friend showed me a gumball machine birthday invitation she had received.  I thought...hmmm...gumball machine...I bet I can make one using punches!  Here is the finished result!  It is difficult to see, but I punched a piece of window sheet/transparency so that the gumball machine globe looks like glass.

There are so many things you can do with your round tab punch.  You might enjoying watching this video by a woman named Catherine (I'm sorry I don't know her last name).  Talk about a lot of ways to use a single punch!  She does an amazing job of showing all the different things this wonderful punch can do!  Thanks Catherine!  And thank YOU for joining me for another Four Ways Friday!  Have a wonderful weekend!

Witches Feet Top Note Halloween Treat Holder

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Try Out Your Local Farmer's Market - There's Still Time!

I've been trying to eat local and eat organic more and more frequently.  If you truly are what you eat, then I want to be as healthy as possible...with some chocolate thrown in :)  We have a local farmer's market here every Wednesday and Saturday this time of year.  It's fun to watch the different varieties of peaches that come in every week - each has their perfect peak time.  Do you have a local farmer's market?  Have you tried out consumer supported agriculture and bought a share of a farm's harvest?  Maybe you've taken things to the very local level and have planted your own fruits and veggies in your own backyard or harvested the apples from a neighbor's tree (I did this the other day and made 2 yummy apple cakes!).  To see if there is a CSA farm near you, you can always visit www.localharvest.org.  As the bumper sticker says - Think Globally, Act Locally :)

Today's treat holder is a ton of fun to make and will be one of the items we make at my upcoming Halloween stamp-a-stack!  I found this adorable version by Marie Shaugnessy here and decided to make my own with some revisions.  (Thanks for the inspiration Marie!).  I used the Top Note die in the Big Shot with Old Olive and Basic Black card stock.  A little crystal effects on the gold buckles and the Real Red stripes on the stockings add a fun shine.  The greeting is from Holiday Best (retired hostess set).  I may just have to do a video on putting one of these adorable treat bags together! :)  I hope you like it!

Punch Jack-O-Lantern Halloween Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Try A Massage :)

Massage seems to be one of those things that people either love or hate.  I definitely fall on the love side when it is done well!  When I used to live in Atlanta I was very consistent in getting massages - it was a great way to respect all the wonderful work my body does for me on a daily basis.  Unfortunately, I did not keep up the habit when I moved to Denver.  However, now I have found a great massage therapist and I am committed to treating my body with the respect that it deserves.  Traveling, running, stress all take their toll on my muscles and it feels wonderful to spend some time focusing on releasing those toxins.  If you haven't ever had a massage or haven't treated yourself to one in awhile, now might be a great time to give your body the respect it deserves.  If you can't afford a massage by a massage therapist, find a friend or loved one you can swap massages with - your body will thank you for it!

Today's card was inspired by a video that Amy Manhart put together on how to make a pumpkin using the small oval punch, the ornament punch and the round tab punch.  You can check out Amy's blog and the video here.  (Thanks Amy!).  I decided to make the pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern so I added eyes using the small star punch and a mouth using the oval punch.  This will be one of the cards for my upcoming Halloween stamp-a-stack!  Can't believe September is here!

Here's another photo from my Amsterdam trip.  Amsterdam is filled with canals throughout the city and there are houseboats on the canals.  What a neat way to live!  I had to take a picture of this houseboat - I loved the color and loved that they created a lawn on the roof of the houseboat!  The bicycle in the forefront of the picture is also so typical for Amsterdam.  Everyone rides bikes there!  By the central train station there was a bicycle parking structure that was 3 stories tall!  What a great, environmentally friendly way to travel!

Sense Of Time Wall Hanging

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Get Conscious About How You View Time

On my trip to Amsterdam, I became keenly aware of the difference between how I view time at home and how time was viewed in Amsterdam.  Granted, that on my trip, I did not have my usual morning chores or constantly "plugged in" computer.  However, I was very aware of time, particularly when it came to meals.  In my experience, when I go to a restaurant in the States, it seems that "quick" is the mantra.  How quickly can we get seated.  How quickly is there a person to wait on us.  How quickly do we get served.  How quickly can they get us the check.  It's as if the eating portion of the visit is just a necessity and something not really worth our expense of time.

In Amsterdam, the experience was entirely different.  Whether a restaurant was crowded or full, it was as if we were given the space of time.  Time to sit and contemplate the menu.  Time to just chat prior to looking at the menu.  Time to relax and ease into the ritual of eating prior to any food being served.  Time to digest and relax after eating - no hurry to get us out the door or throw the bill at us.  In fact, not a meal went by where we were given a check prior to asking for it.  The message that sent to me was something like "you are welcome to relax and enjoy here for as long as you like.  When you are ready, you just let us know."  I'm sure it helps that the staff in restaurants is paid differently than here - tipping is not the norm in Amsterdam so restaurant staff do not rely on tips to make their wage sufficient.  So there is no sense that the restaurant wants to turn the tables quickly.  However, it seemed to go so far beyond that - just a different meaning given to time and a different appreciation of it.  It is definitely time for me to examine how I view time.  If I firmly believe in the quote above, which I believe I do, how can I encourage and support an unhurried sense of time in my life?

Home Again :)

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Solid Ground Feels Good :)

I'm happy to report that I am safely back from Amsterdam :)  (you may not have even realized I was gone since I scheduled posts for while I was away - ahh the amazing internet!).  What a wonderful trip - a combination of work and play - an exploration of another place.  I have to admit that after spending so many hours in the air, solid ground is a welcome change!  This picture is from the Flower Market in Amsterdam - I hope the colors transport you!  There is so much to process from the trip - a visit to the Van Gogh museum and the Anne Frank house.  Walking through the Red Light district.  Eating in restaurants - all of which were in no hurry to hand you a check and show you the door - just a different approach to time and pace.  And so few cars - everyone on foot or on bicycle - a large city and yet so quiet since the sound of pedaling and feet are so much softer than engines and horns.  I will try to share a few more photos, as well as stamping, with you this week.  It's, as always, good to be home :)

Gratitude

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Express Your Appreciation!

You may have stopped by today to see this week's Four Ways Friday...unfortunately, I only had time to make One Way Friday :)  And since you stopped I did want to express my appreciation and say thank you for your visit.  Knowing that you are coming by inspires me to keep creating.  Knowing that someone out there takes the time to visit my blog makes me feel connected to you even though we have likely never met.  I appreciate you and the time you are willing to share with me.  Please stop by again next week when Four Ways Friday will return or anytime - I'd love to see you again!

Today's card was inspired by a scrapbook page made by Jennifer McGuire.  I used the tree from Forest Friends and created a mask on scratch paper and then stamped the image multiple times using the mask to cover the trees as I went.  The ground and sky were also created with masks.  The greeting is from an all-time favorite stamp set - Define Your Life.  I hope you like it and again, thank you for stopping by!  I hope to see you again soon!

Manhattan Flowers Watercoloring

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Stretch Your Body

We put our body through a lot - whether we are working, exercising, or just sitting.  Our body deserves our utmost care and kindness.  When was the last time you stretched and focused on caring for your muscles?  I know I do not do it often enough and lately, my body has been telling me it is tired of being neglected.  Today I commit to taking better care of my body.  Today, I will stretch and appreciate my muscles.

For today's card I pulled out the Manhattan Flowers stamp set.  I used Versamark and Rose Red ink to stamp the large flower on watercolor paper and then embossed with clear embossing powder.  I used my aqua painter and some ink to water color the flower and then added some frost white shimmer paint for a little shimmer.  The background was created by stamping the large flower many times with Rose Red ink onto the Rose Red card stock base.  I used the Friendly Words wheel to stamp the Whisper White strip.  I hope you like it!

Batty For You Halloween Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Don't Stop!

Today's card was definitely a lesson in not stopping!  Everything I did seemed to take me one step further away from a card I would even be willing to photograph, let alone post!  However, I ignored my inner critics (and even a few outer ones) and kept going!  I didn't stop - I just kept adding and changing and coloring and glittering...and here is the result!  It's a bit crazy and, I'm happy to have learned a lesson making it :)  I hope you like it...and, if not, I at least hope it encourages you to keep going :)

2-Step Bird Punch & Elements of Style Love Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Find Some Fresh Tomatoes To Eat!

Okay - maybe today's lesson didn't come from the craft room...well, it almost did since I look out the craft room window and can see the tomatoes in the garden!  For the past few years we have enjoyed growing vegetables and seem to get a huge delight out of eating homegrown tomatoes.  If you haven't grown your own, try to seek out some from a neighbor or local farmer's market.  However, I should warn you, you will never want to eat a store-bought tomato again!

Today's card took a vintage turn :)  I used Confetti card stock and stamped the floral image from Elements of Style with Crumb Cake ink.  I also stamped the flourish image from the same stamp set and the heart image from the Tiny Tags stamp set on the card stock - the flourish in Crumb Cake and the heart in Soft Suede at half strength.  I dipped a brush in a mixture of champagne shimmer paint and alcohol and painted a few of the flowers to give them some shimmer (it is difficult to see in the photo).  The bird was punched out of Very Vanilla card stock and then stamped in Soft Suede with the A to Z stamp.  The wing was stamped with the floral image from Elements of Style.  Both pieces were sponged with Soft Suede ink.  The tag was sponged with some Soft Suede and then stamped with an image from the Tiny Tags set and a greeting from Short & Sweet.  The Kraft taffeta ribbon was adhered to the card using sticky strip.  Don't forget, you can make your white taffeta ribbon any color with a little ink and water!  I hope you like it!  Now go eat some tomatoes...or, you can shop here now - both are equally yummy :)

Scissor Cut Hummingbird Card & Card Play Video!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Put Together A Puzzle!

I can't even tell you when the last time was that I put together a puzzle.  However, when I was visiting family a few weeks ago, there was a puzzle set up on the coffee table and I was drawn to it!  Trying to place pieces into the puzzle brought the same type of focus and relaxation I feel when I'm in the craft room.  So, of course, when I got home, I ran out to purchase a few puzzles at target.  I chose a few National Audubon society puzzles - one of which was a hummingbird that inspired this card!  When was the last time you played with a puzzle?  It might be fun to try again!

Today's scissor cut card was also inspired by a videoby Melanie Schulenberg (thanks Melanie!).  I've put together a video to show you how I made it.  I hope you like it!

Four Ways Friday #19 - Animal Stories Stamp Set

Welcome to another Four Ways Friday!  Today's Four Ways Friday focuses on the Animal Stories stamp set - soooo cute!

For this first card, I stamped the whale with Going Gray (retired) ink and cut the image out.  I added a bit of dazzling diamonds to his spout.  The waves were created with torn Marina Mist card stock adhered to Bashful Blue.  The whale was popped up in between the waves.  The crests of the waves were given a bit of dazzling diamonds sparkle.  The greeting was stamped in Night Of Navy from the Sincere Salutations stamp set.

This adorable tag began with a tag from the Two Tags die that I ran through the Big Shot with Pretty In Pink card stock.  A piece of Whisper White card stock was stamped with the A to Z stamp in Versamark and then I used the poppin' pastels technique to bring the letters into view.  I used Chocolate Chip and Pretty In Pink chalk with my sponge daubers.  The edges were sponged with Chocolate Chip ink.  The adorable elephant was stamped with Chocolate Chip ink and cut out with a hobby knife.  The greeting is from the Elements of Style stamp set and seemed to fit perfectly for this tag!  The scalloped oval punch in Pretty In Pink creates a wonderful background for the greeting.  I used a piece of sticky strip to adhere the Pretty In Pink taffeta ribbon to the tag and finished the ribbon off with a rhinestone brad.

This little 3x3 Marina Mist card is the perfect gift card.  I used the reverse masking technique and cut a circle template and then stamped the Dot, Dot, Dot stamp in Marina Mist inside the circular mask.  I removed the mask and stamped the greeting from the Sincere Salutations stamp set in Night of Navy.  The cute little owl was stamped with More Mustard and then punched out using the 1 1/4" circle punch and then layered on a 1 1/2" circle of More Mustard card stock.  A dash of dazzling diamonds and a button with linen thread finish the look.

For this last card I decided to stamp on acetate with white Staz-On ink.  The acetate was actually from the packaging from a man's razor - what a bonus!  I adhered 2 pieces of designer paper onto the card to create a fun background.  I then punched a piece of Tempting Turquoise with the round label punch and added the word "baby" from the Tiny Tags stamp set.  The label was adhered to the acetate using snail.  I then placed the buttons onto the acetate using mini glue dots.  Finally, I used dimensionals - hidden underneath the round tab and the lower right-hand corner button, to pop the acetate up onto the Rose Red card.  I hope you are inspired by these four ways to use the Animal Stories stamp set.  If you would love to own the stamp set, or any of the other products I've highlighted here, feel free to shop HERE now!

Friends Fur-ever Balloon Birthday!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Focus On What You Can Do, Rather Than What You Can't

I have to admit to being a bit punky the past few days.  My left knee started bothering me - not from running, but from sitting on planes and traveling and carrying a backpack with a laptop in it...my body is not happy!  So I have not been able to run and it's been driving me crazy since I have been so focused on my marathon goal and I have a very specific running schedule that I've been following.  Today I decided to stop focusing on what I can't do and instead got on the recumbent bike at the gym and rode.  It didn't pound my knee at all and at least I got some exercise.  I've been icing and taking anti-inflammatories...hopefully I'll be back on the pavement soon!  In the meantime, I'll keep focusing on what I can do and let my body heal!

For today's card I pulled out the Friends Fur-ever set again!  I LOVE this stamp set!!!!!  It is way too cute!  I also pulled out one of my favorite greeting sets that is now retired, Happy Everything.  How can you not like a stamp set called Happy Everything?!  The striped background was created using a reinker technique on glossy card stock...might have to film a video to show you how later this week!  The balloons are super simple to make - just a 1" circle punch and some white gel pen.  I jazzed them up with a bit of twisted wire that I adhered with Tombo mono multi-adhesive.  I hope you like it!  If you can't live another moment without this adorable Friends Forever stamp set and need to adopt these wonderful dog stamps, please feel free to shop HERE now!