Designer Garden Window Box and Card! – May Bonus Project by Amanda Corbet

Make a lovely flower garden window box to brighten up your space with fun patterned flowers that will last! No need to water! These bright and fun blossoms will never wilt.  This Designer Garden Window Box and Card! is the Craft Project Central May Bonus Project! and was designed by Amanda Corbet.  You could gift this bunch of flowers to someone special with the matching card. Don’t need a window box? The flowers would still make a lovely bouquet in a vase for the perfect gift!
Bonus projects can be obtained by subscribing to Craft Project Central for two or more months in a row; putting the Craft Project Central badge on your blog; or by referring a friend and when the friend subscribes, letting Craft Project Central know.  Head on over to Craft Project Central for more information!

Papillon Potpourri Birthday Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Honor Your Need For That Which Soothes Your Soul
When I am on the road for work it can be easy to forget to honor my need for that which soothes my soul.  I continue to realize that if I make taking care of myself a high priority, I can find ways to honor self care while I travel.  This week some of the things that have provided comfort for me on the road include:  a visit with a friend, walking outdoors and seeing baby geese, a cup of warm soy milk, time spent drawing bits and pieces of the world around me, a warm meal that met my dietary needs.  All little ways to honor my need to soothe my soul.  What do you do to honor your need for that which soothes your soul?
Today I am sharing another card that was inspired by a card sample in the new catalog!  I love using the Idea Book & Catalog for ideas!  Sometimes I am struck by a special card design. Other times my eye is caught by a color combination I never would have thought of.  And yes, I pulled out a few retired items that I'm trying to use (as opposed to put away and have gather dust).  So glad the Papillon Potpourri stamp set didn't retire!

Happy Birthday Grunge Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  The New Causes Me To Reflect On The Old
It's that time of year - NEW CATALOG TIME!!!!  I would by lying if I said I wasn't excited.  I am excited about the freshness of new products - trying new things - playing with new images, patterns and colors.  Every time the new catalog comes around I also find myself reflecting on the old.  I know that as a Demonstrator I'm probably not supposed to say this...but before you buy new products, go back and look at what you already have.  The new animal set may make you swoon...until you realize you have an animal set from a few years back that is just as cute and is in need of some love :)  Or maybe you will decide to sell the old set in order to purchase the new set.  All I ask is that you make considered, as opposed to impulse, choices.  Sometimes it is just as fun to play with what we already have - challenging ourselves to use our supplies in new ways - as opposed to just adding more to our "stash."  That said, I will confess that I plan on making some purchases from the new catalog.  Partly due to my role as Demonstrator - I need to keep things "fresh and current."  I also do some design work that pays me in the form of Stampin' Up! product and I have been saving up those payments for new catalog time.
For today's card I brought out a retired stamp - Engraved Greetings - to make this Happy Birthday card inspired by a layout in the new catalog.  The new definitely causes me to reflect on (and use) the old!  I plan on sharing a few other "old reflections" in the coming weeks :)  And I'll likely interject some of the new too :)

Venetian Romance Gift Set by Sharon Maranich

A perfect gift for a special person.  Never forget a birthday or anniversary again!!  This Venetian Romance Gift Set by Sharon Maranich includes a Card Reminder Box that will help you keep track of all those important dates that you want to remember.  Just fill in the calendar pages with dates and drop the cards for the event behind!  When it’s time to send a card, it’s ready for you!
Get the full step-by-step instructions for this project by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of May!

Patriotic Card Set by Yapha Mason

Just in time for Memorial Day, Yapha Mason created this great Patriotic Card Set with Window Box!  This set of patriotic notecards is great for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or celebrating the heroes in our armed forces any day.  It includes eight cards with matching lined envelopes, a themed gift tag,  and a coordinated box with a window.  For full step-by-step instructions, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of May.  Or, head on over to Craft Project Central and leave a post on one of the two projects I created this month!  I will be selecting a winner later this month to receive a free May subscription to Craft Project Central!

Whoooo Are You? Art Journal Page

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Find A Mantra That Helps You On Your Journey
I find that my mind is one of my most powerful muscles when it comes to my swimming (or my art making).  If my mind is in a supportive place, I find that my other muscles follow - my arms, legs, lungs (ok, they may not be muscles, but they follow along too!).  In the craft room, the muscle of creativity follows if my mind is in a supportive place.  But when I fall into negative thinking and let my mind focus on destructive thoughts, my other muscles will follow that thinking as well - and it's like I'm slogging through mud in the pool or a creative block in the craft room.  This past week I tried a new mantra for myself when I was swimming.  It was something that the Ayurvedic practitioner I recently saw mentioned during one of our classes.  The mantra is, "I am on my own hero's journey."  I kept coming back to the mantra as I swam and I felt calm, still, peaceful.  Find a mantra that helps you on your journey.  You other muscles will follow.
Today I am sharing an art journal page that I created for Paper Crafter's Library.  I had a ton of fun creating it - using some tape I had painted and some fabric I had marbled.  If you are interested in the full step-by-step videos on how I made the page, head on over to Paper Crafter's Library by clicking on the badge in the upper right-hand corner of my blog and check out becoming a Paper Crafter's Library member!

Layered Wax Paper: A Video!!!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Let The Inspiration Sweep You Up!

I watched a video by Suzi Dennis the other day and watching her experiment with wax paper really intrigued me!  The minute she showed herself flexing and bending the dried finished product and said, "it feels like leather," I knew I had to give it a try!  I guess I am a texture kind of gal!  Somehow the video wasn't satisfying enough - I needed to find out what that paper felt like!  So I let the inspiration sweep me up and off I went to the craft room!  Warning:  The inspiration might be contagious!  Here is a video of my encounter with layering wax paper!  Enjoy!

Swallowtail Dream Pillow Set

I created two projects for Craft Project Central for May!  I got out the iron for this Swallowtail Dream Pillow Set!  The pillow is a really fun way to use your stamps on velvet!  This set features a velvet dream pillow with a coordinating tag and matching gift card.  What a wonderful gift for a special friend!
Interested in the full step-by-step instructions on how to make this set?  If so, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of May.  Or, head on over to Craft Project Central and leave a comment on this project or my other May project.  I will be choosing a winner later this month who will receive a free subscription to the month of May!  Good luck!

Creating Pretty Cards - Sketch Challenge #35

This is my entry for this month's Creating Pretty Cards - Sketch Challenge #35 over at Craft Project Central.  Sometimes it's nice to have a sketch to work from as opposed to creating everything from scratch.  I really enjoyed all of the layers in this challenge!  It's been a long time since I put layer upon layer on a card.  Head on over to Craft Project Central and participate in the challenge!

Surprise Box by Buffy Cooper

Isn't this Surprise Box! fun?!?!  It was created by Buffy Cooper for Craft Project Central for May!
A “Surprise Box” can be used in so many fun ways:  to cheer up anyone who is having a rough day, to entertain the kiddos if they’re having a “sick day”, or to keep kids entertained during a long car trip.  It’s easy to change the contents, so you can use the box over and over.  Each time it’s opened a new adventure is waiting!
Interested in the step-by-step instructions for this fun project?  If so, head on over to Craft Project Central to subscribe to May or, go to one of my May projects posted over at Craft Project Central and leave me a comment.  I will be choosing one lucky winner who will receive a free subscription to May!

Soho Subway K-Cut Holder by Laurie Zoellmer

What a great gift for the coffee lover!  This SoHo Subway K-Cup Holder by Laurie Zoellmer is a pretty box that will hold three K-cups!  These boxes go together quickly, so you can make several for gifts, vendor shows, or it also makes a great class!  The coordinating buckle-card adds just the right touch to this ensemble.

Want the full step-by-step instructions for how to make this wonderful project?  If so, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of May!  Or, head on over to Craft Project Central and leave a comment on my Fresh Prints Place Setting post!  I will be selecting one lucky winner who will receive a free one-month subscription to Craft Project Central!

Home Is Where The heART Is Art Journal Page

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Do You Lose Your Head Or Bounce Back?
I am writing this post on Monday and as I look out the window, snow is on the ground!  Yes, it's May 12th and there is snow on the ground!  In Denver we are taught not to plant our flowers until after Mother's Day and this year that advice was spot on!  Who would have expected inches of snow to fall after enjoying such beautiful spring weather?!?!  Some of our aliums had already bloomed and I was worried about them.  With their 3-foot-tall stalks, there wasn't much we could do other than watch and hope.  Some of the flowers that had opened ended up being too challenged by the snow and the flower blooms fell off - in effect, the flowers lost their heads :(  Others however, seemed to bend with the weight of the snow and now, as the snow melts, they are bouncing back into an upright position - blooms still intact.  It makes me wonder about myself.  How easily do I lose my head?  Or, can I let the weight of the world bring me down a bit and then find my strength to bounce back?  I will never look at those aliums the same way again...
Today I am sharing an art journal page that I created for Paper Crafter's Library.  I have been having a lot of fun with collage and painted papers and this page grew out of that love.  If you are interested in the full "how to" videos for the page, head on over to Paper Crafter's Library and look into subscribing for a month or more.  To learn more about Paper Crafter's Library, click on the badge on the upper-right corner of my blog.  Thanks for stopping by!

Vellum Gift Box & Card by Monika Davis

This elegant Vellum Gift Box & Card was created by Monika Davis as her May project for Craft Project Central.  Nothing makes a better impression than a hand-made gift bag.  Make this elegant gift bag and fill it with some yummy treats or a special gift.  It is perfect for any occasions, from birthdays to weddings.   Great for a stamp camp, or as a class project.

Want the full step-by-step instructions for how to make this wonderful project?  If so, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of May!  Or, head on over to Craft Project Central and leave a comment on my Fresh Prints Place Setting post!  I will be selecting one lucky winner who will receive a free one-month subscription to Craft Project Central!

Sketched Birthday Card Set by Regina Andari

 

How sweet it is!!!!  This Sketched Birthday Card Set! by Regina Andari helps you stock up on those birthday cards you always need!  This ensemble includes four cards featuring fun polka dots and a handy decorated box to hold them.  The box will hold four cards and four envelopes, or you might prefer to fill the box with two sets of cards.  Perfect for a class, this project would also be a well-received and useful gift.

Want the full step-by-step instructions for how to make this wonderful project?  If so, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of May!  Or, go to Craft Project Central and leave a comment on my Fresh Prints Place Setting project!  I will be selecting one lucky winner to receive a free one-month subscription to Craft Project Central!

A Remembrance and Newspaper Beads

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Finding Happiness In The Midst Of Sadness
I find that sadness creeps into my heart a bit when I travel.  Being away from home and my routine.  Those that I love.  I know that they are with me, even as I sit in a hotel room, and yet I want to be with them.  To hold them. Walk with them.  Watch them breathing.  Today I am reflecting on a different sadness as well.  The sadness that washed over me on this day back in 1986 when I learned that my father had died.  Maybe that's why the sadness comes to me when I travel.  Maybe it's drawn to me by fear.  The fear of not seeing those that I love again.  So as I sit in this hotel room (I am writing this on Thursday evening), I am trying to find happiness in the midst of my sadness.  Looking back on a project that I created back in 2010 to honor my relationship with my father.  And pulling out some glue, an embroidery needle, scissors and the newspaper that was left outside my door this morning.  Cutting some strips and creating a few newspaper beads.  Yes, I can find happiness in the midst of my sadness and I am comforted knowing that my next post will hopefully be written from the comfort of the craft room!  I hope you have a beautiful weekend surrounded by those you love!

Fresh Prints Place Setting

I designed this Fresh Prints Place Setting as one of my May projects for Craft Project Central (yes, I designed two separate projects this month!).
This Fresh Prints Place Setting is a great and easy way to brighten up your table!  It features a wipe-able placemat, a place card, a coordinating napkin ring and a sweet treat envelope to finish your meal!  Use this place setting as a gift, for a party, or to just brighten up your morning meal!

Want the full step-by-step instructions for how to make this wonderful project?  If so, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of May!  Or, go to the post of this project at Craft Project Central and leave a comment on my project :)  I will be randomly selecting one lucky winner to receive a free subscription!!!!!

Traveling Art Kit

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  You Can Take It With You!!!!
I want to thank Amanda for encouraging me to take some art supplies with me when I travel.  I usually get a bit depressed being away from the craft room, so this is a fun way to bring my craft room along with me (a much "lighter" version of course)!  Sorry for the blurry photo - it was taken on the bed in a dimly lit hotel room...but hopefully you can see some of the supplies I included on my latest trip.  Some glue, pens, watercolor pencils, an aqua painter, bone folder, vellum, scissors, sharpener, bubble wrap, washi tape, some painted art tape, a small alphabet stamp set, sponge, a few stencils and an art journal.  It all fits inside a small zip bag.  I also have a few other markers and a piece of freezer paper in the bag...oh, and a small bag filled with salt (hopefully it doesn't look like anything else when I go through security at the airport!!!).  I am finding that this small art bag is loaded with creative opportunity!  Hopefully I will be able to share some of the pages I create while I'm traveling.  What I'm learning is you can definitely take it with you!!!!!  Do you have favorite supplies you like to travel with????  I would love to hear your ideas!

Paper Beads From Painted Paper

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  I am learning to eat with intention...
No distractions - not an iPhone, a computer, a television.  Beginning my meal with a recognition of the food that is about to nourish me.  Eating with mindfulness.  And then, after completing the meal, staying conscious for 15-20 minutes.  Maybe some light reading or a slow walk.  I am learning to eat with intention.
Today I wanted to share my first exploration into paper beads.  I cut a few strips from some of my painted paper and began winding :)  I haven't finished them yet - I want to coat them so that they will be water resistant.  I love the idea of having a project that I can take on the road with me when I travel.  I'm already envisioning cutting up airplane magazines :)

Proud of My Grad! by Julie Beltramo

Get ready for that special graduation celebration with this great party display for guests to leave a special message for the graduate. Julie Beltramo designed this great ensemble for May for Craft Project Central.  The So Proud of You tasseled garland, draped along an everyday yardstick, will inspire your guests to add a message on one of the handmade note cards. The ‘Memories’ and ‘Wishes’ labeled jars will hold those messages for the grad!
--> Want the full step-by-step instructions for how to make this wonderful project?  If so, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of May!  Or, check back on 5/8 to find out how to win a free May subscription!

Ink Blot to Art Page Honoring My Feelings

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Allow Art To Help You Honor Your Feelings
I've been feeling a lot lately and on Wednesday, when my ink painting called out to me with what appeared to be a face, I decided to go with it to see where it might take me.  Not surprisingly, this is where I ended up.  The process was quite cathartic for me - helping me honor the feelings that have been with me this week.  I still marvel at how the same ink painting could have led in so many different directions depending on who looked at it and played with it.  And, of course, it took me to exactly where I needed to be.
Wishing you a wonderful and creative weekend.  How can you allow art to help you honor your feelings?