Creative Fire Art Journal Page

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Quench The Fire!
The only way I have found to quench my creative fire is to just make something!  Artist Dina Wakly says, "My challenge to you is to just make. Don't worry about finishing, just make. In my classes I always say, 'No thinking, only doing.' Eventually pages get finished as you go from piece to piece. When you create in this organic way, your art evolves dynamically.  Have fun!"
Today I am sharing a page I created for Paper Crafters' Library.  A combination of cheesecloth, packing tape, alcohol inks and other sundry supplies came together to create this bonfire of a page!  Interested in seeing the full step-by-step videos for how I created this flaming page?  Head on over to Paper Crafters' Library by clicking on the badge in the upper right-hand corner of my blog and explore subscribing to Paper Crafters' Library.  You'll be glad you did :)

Book Box Card Set by Christy Fulk

Book Box Card Set! – Christy Fulk
This is an easy and attractive way to store a set of cards on any desk or shelf. The card box is shaped like a book with two pockets inside. One pocket holds eight cards and the other pocket holds eight envelopes. The card set includes two card designs, four of each design. The book box is held closed with a ribbon tied into a bow. The box and cards are made with the Sheltering Tree Stamp Set, Best Year Ever Designer Series Paper, and the Best Year Ever Accessory Pack. This would make a great card class, too.  Get the full step-by-step instructions by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of February!

Mini-Collage Challenge #23

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  If What You Read Inspires You, Turn It Into A Work Of Art!
Today I am sharing mini-collage #23...slowly, but surely, I am making it to #30!  This mini collage was inspired by a daily meditation I read awhile back in The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo.  The message was about living outside the tank that we put ourselves in - the limitations we create, that society creates.  What if you moved beyond those limitations and boundaries?
Have you read something inspiring lately?  How might you turn what you have read into a work of art?

Paper Expressions 7: A Video!!!!

 

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  It Takes Courage To Honor What Your Heart Is Telling You

The voice is getting louder - more insistent.  It was a whisper for awhile.  A faint cry from my innermost being - the call to be an artist.  And for so long it felt as if the faint cry was coming from behind a closed (and locked) door.  But instead of trying to break down the door and burst through to the other side, in many ways I have spent time piling things up against the door - placing obstacles in my way - not allowing myself to even see the possibility that the door can be opened and I can walk through.  But now the faint cry has becoming a yearning - a scream - and nothing, not even everything I have piled in front of the door, can keep me from moving forward.  So with brush in hand and puddles of color before me I have been painting.  Painting because I have to.  Painting because I want to.  Painting because the colors are flowing in my blood.  I am becoming more courageous - even in the midst of my fears.  I am listening to what my heart is telling me.

Today I am sharing another Paper Expressions video.  My process with paint, brush and paper - as I learn to listen to my heart.  Enjoy!

All About That Easel Base by Regina Andari

Easels are easy, and they add interest (and convenience) to a variety of projects.  This All About That Easel Base ensemble by Regina Andari features a handy calendar stand with a pocket for note paper that would dress up any desk.  There are two greeting cards—the first one features four easel panels to display four mini stamped creations—art and/or sentiment—and would make a pretty conversation piece.  The second card features a fun twisted easel.  Lastly, the generously-sized gift box (drawer style) has an attached greeting card with its own easel and a subtle, elegant decorative design.  Get the full step-by-step instructions by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of February!

Paper Expressions 6: A Video!!!

Today I just want to share another one of my Paper Expressions video.  I also want to share a wish:  May you find the courage to express yourself!  Have a beautiful weekend! :)

Lucky Framed Art Gift Set by Julie Beltramo

Make someone's St. Patrick's Day the luckiest one yet with this Lucky Framed Art Gift Set by Julie Beltramo.  You’ll make this fun and festive Lucky Framed Art that is cute to display anywhere in your home or workspace. You’ll also learn how to make the simple, but creative Treat Box. And top off the gift set with a coordinating greeting card! This would make a fun class to host with your crafty friends too! Get the full step-by-step instructions by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of February!

Happy Valentine's Day Scrap Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Clean Up Your Craft Surface Onto A Card!
I love making cards like this.  Cards that wouldn't have come together but for all the little bits a pieces that were lying around on my craft table.  Cut them up, rearrange them, glue and mix them - you'll be surprised what you can come up with!  I began by stenciling the background with Crisp Cantaloupe ink and wrapping the panel with a bit of crochet thread.  Then the scrap mixing began!  Go clean up your craft surface onto a card!  You might just love what you create!

Painted Blooms Card Holder by Laurie Zoellmer

This beautiful Painted Blooms Card Holder by Laurie Zoellmer will easily hold eight cards and envelopes, making it the perfect gift!  Lovely and sure to impress – and easy to assemble!  You can change out the Designer Series Paper to suit any occasion or holiday.  Not only does this make a perfect gift, but also a great idea to sell at Craft Shows or to hold a fun class!  Once you start making these Card Holders, you’ll be hooked!  Head over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of February for full step-by-step instructions!

Work Of Art Treat Cup

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  What you create should be determined by your needs, not your weaknesses. -Anna Held Audette
When was the last time you created something that you felt a need to create...even though you knew you weren't good at making the thing you wanted to create?  Whether it's drawing an animal, painting a face, trying to capture a scene during your travels - do you find that you shy away from putting pen to paper because you tell yourself, "I don't know how to draw a face," "I can't make an animal," "I have no idea how to draw something in perspective."  If this is the case, recognize that you are allowing your weaknesses to confine you and there is no way to turn your weaknesses into strengths if you don't give them a try!  So put that pen to paper!  Put paint on that brush!  Scribble out what the scene looks like to you.  With every step your weaknesses will begin to diminish and your courage will grow!
Today I am sharing a quick and easy treat cup that I made with a 8" x 8" piece of designer series paper and a bit of folding!  You might remember making these origami cups when you were younger - they were fun to drink from!  I added a bit of stamping using the Work of Art stamp set.  Such a simple way to let someone know they are special for Valentine's Day!

Birthday Balloons Party Set by Yapha Mason

Everyone has a birthday and every birthday deserves a party! This Birthday Balloons Party Set by Yapha Mason will help you get your party planning underway from beginning to end. Using the new Celebrate Today stamps and matching framelits with the festive Birthday Bash Specialty Designer Series Paper, this project includes instructions for an invitation, cupcake toppers, a favor box, and thank you cards. This would be a fun class or birthday stamp camp, and it is perfect for the next birthday party you throw.  Head over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of February for full step-by-step instructions!

Mini-Collage Challenge #22

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Where You've Been Will Find Its Way Into Your Art
The mountains.  They keep showing up in my mini collages.  They are a part of my landscape on my morning walk with the dog.  They bid me farewell and welcome me home when I find myself heading to and from the airport.  Where you've been will find its way into your art.  The places you call home.  The landscapes you've seen.  The emotions you have lived.  Come back to those inspirations and enjoy them even more...and more.
This is the 22nd collage in my mini-collage challenge.  I purchased some tape at a dollar store while I was on a work trip and enjoyed a bit of art-making on the road :)  I hope you like it!

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!