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!