Field Of Flowers Canvas

Blue skies, a field of flowers and butterflies!  This Field of Flowers home décor canvas will brighten up your home and make you long for Spring!  With a few simple supplies you can create a gorgeous piece of art for your wall.  A coordinating card for any occasion is also a part of this set…just in case you decide to make an extra canvas and gift it to a lucky friend!  This canvas is sure to brighten any wall!  For full step-by-step instructions head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of March!

Campout Gift Box & Pop-Up Card by Melissa Banbury

Campout Gift Box & Pop-Up Card! – Melissa Banbury
Do you have a hard time coming up with project ideas for the men in your life?  This Campout Gift Box & Card may be the perfect solution if they love the outdoors!  This 4” x 4” gift box features all the makings of a perfect outdoor getaway – a tent tucked into the trees, a cozy fire, stars in the sky, and even a “cuddly” guest!  The pop up card completes the set and is sure to bring a smile to his face!  For full step-by-step instructions head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of March!

Standing Scrapbook for Baby by Yapha Mason

Standing Scrapbook for Baby! – Yapha Mason
This scrapbook is perfect for displaying a dozen pictures of a new baby, using an inexpensive frame that is transformed into spectacular standing scrapbook. The double sided pages can be turned to showcase different pictures at different times. This project combines the Sweet Dreams Designer Series Paper with the Something for Baby stamp set into a fresh and fun scrapbook. It would make a fabulous gift for any new parents or grandparents, as well as a great class or club project. Includes instructions for a matching card.  Head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of March for full step-by-step instructions!

Basket Full of Note Cards by Regina Andari

Basket Full of Note Cards! –  Regina Andari
With this tutorial, learn a quick and easy way to assemble the Berry Basket, which you’ll fill with an assortment of 3” x 3” note cards that feature the Adventure Bound Designer Series Paper Stack.  The note cards, which feature an interesting variety of designs, are perfect for a vast selection of events and occasions.  If a larger card is what you need, there is a project in this tutorial that shows you how to take one of the note cards and convert it to an A2 greeting card that also doubles as a gift card holder.   Head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of March for full step-by-step instructions!

Envelope Punch Board Desk Caddy by Laurie Zoellmer

Envelope Punch Board Desk Caddy!  – Laurie Zoellmer
This darling desk caddy is perfect for office supplies, stamping supplies or anything else you want to organize on your desk.  It’s made using the Envelope Punch Board and so easy to assemble!  This Desk Caddy makes the perfect gift for anyone and can be altered for men, women or children – simply change out the Designer Series Paper and embellishments to customize, add a coordinating greeting card and you are set!  Or make one for your own desk or make several to sell at Craft Shows!  Head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of March for full step-by-step instructions!

Butterfly Mini Note Card Set by Monika Davis

Butterfly Mini Note Card Set! – Monika Davis
Make this beautiful mini note card set for a sweet friend.  There are also instructions for a matching box to hold them and a sweet butterfly pin.  Learn how to make your card look like it was bought in a store by heat embossing and adding glitter paper. Try your hand at a technique, called ‘Bokeh’ affect, and turn your butterflies into multicolored embellishments. Learn how to add simple, but interesting touches to your cards that will wow any recipients.  Great for a stamp camp, or as a class project.  Head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of March for full step-by-step instructions!

Torn To Pieces Art Journal Page

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  When You Are Torn To Pieces, You Can Choose How To Put The Pieces Back Together Again
I'm not quite sure what to say about today's lesson or today's art journal page.  Maybe I will just let the lesson stand on its own.  It's hard to remember that when you are torn to pieces, you can choose how to put the pieces back together again.  It's a lesson I need to take to heart.  Somehow literally tearing a photo of myself apart brought some insights into my process of piecing myself back together again.  Now if I can only put those insights into practice in my life...
Today's page was created for Paper Crafters' Library.  If you are interested in viewing the full step-by-step videos of how I created the page, head on over to Paper Crafters' Library by clicking on the badge in the upper right-hand corner of my blog and look into becoming a Paper Crafters' Library member.  You'll be glad you did!

Paper Expressions 8: A Video!!!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition.  What you'll discover will be wonderful.  What you'll discover is yourself. - Alan Alda
Today I am sharing another video in my Paper Expressions series.  I am creating these painted papers in an effort to get more in touch with "the wilderness of my intuition."  I hope this video inspires you to go on your own journey to discover your inner guide.  Enjoy!

Family Established Shadow Box & Card! by Christy Fulk

Family Established Shadow Box & Card!  by Christy Fulk
Need an anniversary gift for that special couple?  This shadow box is the perfect gift for them.  It features their family name, along with the year they were married.  Make one for them, and one for yourself.  Make the coordinating card to make the gift complete!  The shadow box and card feature the Butterfly Basics Stamp Set and the Butterflies Thinlits Dies.  Directions on how to color the flowers and Gold Foil Sheets with Blendabilities is included in this tutorial.  This would also make a great class.  Head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of March for full step-by-step instructions!

Finding Herself Art Journal Page

Today's Musing From The Craft Room:  It's funny how the closer I get to my dream, the more obstacles I put in my way
I can be my own best friend and my own worst enemy!  I have been aware of an interesting pattern in my life lately.  It seems the closer I move to the dream of becoming a full-time artist - the more I acknowledge the desire within me - the more I keep doing things that push me further away from that dream.  What is up with that?  Why am I getting in my own way?  When I figure that out, I will let you know :)  In the meantime, I will keep dreaming....and try to prevent myself from getting in my own way!
Today I am sharing an art journal page I created for Paper Crafters' Library.  My art journal is a place I can experiment and play - it's like an art playground!  I can also express my thoughts and feelings.  Hmmm, so I guess it's like an art playground and a therapist's office all in one! :)  If you are interested in the step-by-step videos for how I created this page, head on over to Paper Crafters' Library by clicking on the badge in the upper right-hand corner of my blog and look into becoming a paper Crafters' Library member.  You'll be glad you did!

Mini-Collage Challenge #26

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Get In Touch With Your Creative Instincts
Instinct is defined as "a natural or intuitive way of acting or thinking."  I am on a journey to get in touch with my creative instincts.  I find that the only way to get to a place where I am in tune with my intuitive way of acting when I create is if I keep creating.  Sometimes I am much more rigid in my approach...until I loosen up a bit...and then I can let go.  It's funny howt hat is true in so many areas of my life.  The lesson keeps appearing in my swimming lessons.  When I am tight and thinking so much in my head, it is hard for my body to be fluid in the water.  When I am critical and rigid in the craft room, it is hard for me to be fluid in my art.  Get in touch with your creative instincts by creating more.  This will loosen you up and your natural way of acting will begin to flow!
Today I am sharing mini-collage #26 in my mini-collage challenge of 30 collages.  In some ways this piece really isn't a collage - I only used pen and watercolor...but hey, I was getting in touch with my creative instincts :)

Paper Succulent Garden Gift Set by Julie Beltramo

Paper Succulent Garden Gift Set! by Julie Beltramo
Create the ultimate no-maintenance garden with these faux succulent plants! You’ll learn how to make five different succulents in a variety of colors and textures that will make the everlasting garden. The coordinating ‘succulent’ card makes for the perfect presentation to give this as a gift to someone special. The Gift Box is a quick, but cute way to add a little special wrapped treat or small gift to include for your recipient. Plus, you’ll get a great tip on how to wrap this Takeout Box without a lot of fuss using your Designer Papers!  Head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of March for full step-by-step instructions!

Floral Bouquet Explosion Box & Card by Amanda Corbet

Floral Bouquet Explosion Box & Card – February Bonus Project!  by Amanda Corbet
Brighten up your home or someone’s day with this beautiful bouquet gift box. This lovely bright box topped with fun spring flowers opens up to reveal a stunning bouquet of flowers on the inside. The box also features fold out panels perfect for adding a picture and pockets where you can place a special note, gift card, or more. Give this as a gift to someone special with the coordinating greeting card and gift bag. This would be a wonderful class project too!

Bonus projects can be obtained by subscribing to two or more months in a row at Craft Project Central, putting the Craft Project Central badge on your blog, or by referring a friend and when they subscribe, letting Craft Project Central know.  Head on over to Craft Project Central for more details!

Tranquil Garden Art Journal Page

Today's Lesson From The Art Journal Page:  Sometimes Words Aren't Needed
I find when I art journal I often include words on my pages.  As I was creating this page, I felt it could stand on its own - no words needed.  It reminds me of looking out into my backyard to watch the beauty that exists - the birds, the growth, the activity.  And with all the snow outside, it definitely makes me think of Spring :)
I created this page for Paper Crafters' Library.  If you are interested in the full step-by-step videos for how I created the page, head over to Paper Crafters' Library by clicking on the badge in the upper right-hand corner of my blog and look into becoming a member!  You'll be glad you did :)

Mini-Collage Challenge #25

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Explore What Is In Your Core
There are some things that are fundamental for each of us.  I was talking to Michael the other day and we were talking about what it means to be an artist.  I said that I consider him to be an artist and he disagreed.  When I asked why he said, "because I don't feel compelled to create."  I'm not sure that's what defines being an artist.  At the same time, he identified for me something that is fundamental to who I am - I feel compelled to create!  The energy comes from a fundamental place within myself and I feel most at peace when I honor that energy.
Today I am sharing mini-collage #25!  I cut out some tape that I painted to create these concentric circles - all leading to that fundamental place within myself...

Birthday in a Box by Lisa Althouse

Birthday in a Box! by  Lisa Althouse
Need to throw a birthday party in a pinch?  This bright and fun Birthday Box has everything you need…just add cake! From invitations to décor, this project has you covered.  And, when you’re box is empty, you can use it for the present!  Get the full step-by-step instructions by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of February!

Mini-Collage Challenge #24

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Breathe
Today I need to tell myself to breathe!  I sometimes get myself a bit worked up with all the busy thoughts of busy-ness.  It's funny how some days I feel like a warm breeze and other days I feel like a total dust storm!  Art can have a calming and centering effect on me.  To just sit - even for a few minutes - a put some paint on paper, or string some beads on a wire.  Yes, just breathe.
Today I am sharing mini-collage #24 of my mini-collage challenge.  Home and mountains have shown up a lot in these little collages.  I'm not surprised :)  Hard to believe I only have 6 more collages to go!  This is one challenge I am going to finish...if I continue to breathe :)

Berry Basket Gift Set for Baby by Boni Montano

Berry Basket Gift Set for Baby! by Boni Montano
This berry basket is full of handmade goodies that will make a new mom smile, including a decorative door knob hanger to remind guests that baby is sleeping, a coordinating piece of art for baby’s room, and an adorable mini card to give best wishes for the new baby. These items are set in a cute berry basket that can also be used to store baby mementos! This is a one of a kind gift set!   Get the full step-by-step instructions by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of February!

Drawer Treat Box & Greeting Card by Monika Davis

Drawer Treat Box & Greeting Card! by Monika Davis
Make this cascading Drawer Treat Box for your crafty friend. Fill it with treats, craft embellishments, needle work supplies or/and office supplies and make your friend’s day. After emptying this little treat ‘heaven’ it can be re-filled and re-used over and over again. It is the perfect desk accessory. Learn how to add a water color look to your flowers without being an artist, and find out how you can Partial Die-Cut with your dies.  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 February!

Mini-Collage Challenge #27

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Of all places, art is a spot where mistakes should be considered honored guests. - Melanie Rothschild
I am very excited to read Melanie Rothschild's book The Art of Mistakes!  I love a book that is based on the fundamental belief that mistakes are a beautiful thing!  If we are too afraid of making mistakes, we freeze up.  Or worse yet, we never even start.  If we can think of our art as an open invitation for mistakes to come and pay us a visit, we will react to them differently as they occur.  As a matter of fact, we may begin to see our mistakes as the reason why we are creating!  The mistakes are the places where we learn and grow!  The mistakes, if we are inviting them to the play date, are where we can abandon the critic and have fun!  How can you open the door to mistakes today?
This is mini-collage #27 in my personal challenge to create 30 mini collages (in 30 days....but I'm ignoring that part of my own challenge!).  I created the background by sticking down a lot of different pieces of tape that I had painted.  The words were cut out of a book.  I hope you like it!  Now go make some mistakes :)