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 :)

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!