Painted Blooms Stationery Box! by Christy Fulk

Painted Blooms Stationery Box!  by Christy Fulk

This pretty little stationery set holds everything you need for sending out cards. There’s a place for eight envelopes, eight cards, post-it notes, postage stamps, and a pen. This would make a great gift for Mother’s Day, Teacher Appreciation Day, and any other occasions you can think of. This tutorial teaches how to make the stationery box, and two different card designs. It features the lovely Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper and the coordinating stamp set, Painted Petals. This would make a great Mother’s Day class, too.  Subscribe to the month of April at Craft Project Central for full step-by-step instructions!

Happy Passover and Easter!

Wishing those of you who celebrate a very Happy Passover and a very Happy Easter!  Hope you have beautiful holidays!!!!!

The Time Is Now Art Journal Page

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  You Do What You Can Do
I have been scarce on my blog lately.  Lots of work-related travel and a 2-week bout with the flu has taken my energy away from my creative routine and the blog is the first to suffer (or maybe I'm the first to suffer and the blog takes a close second!).  I realize that the imbalance of work and creativity has all been a choice - my choice.  I haven't quite figured out why I've been making this choice.  For right now, I am just accepting that it is a choice I have made.  Maybe it's the season.  Or the fear of doing something different.  I will accept that for now I am doing what I can do.  (by the way...that is a very impromptu photo of me in my pjs this winter...hair in a bun, old sweatpants...nothing like sharing the true version of yourself with the blogosphere :)
Today I wanted to share an art journal page I created for Paper Crafter's Library.  I really enjoy creating art journal pages - a place to explore, experiment and release what is inside of me.  Ironic that this is the page I am posted along with today's lesson - they seem a bit opposite from one another.  A conundrum for me to figure out :)  If you want the full step-by-step videos for how I created this page, explore becoming a member at Paper Crafter's Library.  Head on over to Paper Crafter's Library by clicking on the badge in the upper right-hand corner of my blog and see all that they have to offer!  You'll be glad you did :)

April Showers Umbrella Décor Set! by Julie Beltramo

April Showers Umbrella Décor Set! –Julie Beltramo

Get ready for your April ‘showers’, or any other spring, or maybe Luau, party with these umbrella décor pieces! You’ll learn how to make two types of umbrellas and you can accessorize them in a variety of ways. Plus, you’ll make a Gusseted Mini Treat Bag, large enough to hold a variety of goodies, and coordinates perfectly with the umbrellas. A quick and simple accompanying card can either be used as the perfect invitation card or be adapted to give the whole set as a cute gift!  Subscribe to the month of April at Craft Project Central for full step-by-step instructions!

Butterfly Terrarium Gift Set by Amanda Corbet

Butterfly Terrarium Gift Set  – March Bonus Project!  by Amanda Corbet
Bring the spring time right inside with this beautiful spring butterfly in the delicate, yet sturdy terrarium to keep it safe and protected. Hang this sweet little terrarium up and enjoy the butterfly's company. Give this beautiful piece of spring as a gift with the matching card and gift box! Worried about cutting out all those windows? If you have an e-cutter have no fear, an SVG file is included with the tutorial package so you can quickly be on your way to putting together this butterfly's home!

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!

Bokeh Gift Ensemble by April Vicary

Bokeh Gift Ensemble! –  April Vicary
Let’s get out of those winter blues and make a couple bright and cheerful projects that you can keep or send to someone that needs a little brightness to cheer them up.  All you need is a Big Shot, a few circle punches, the Basic Butterfly Stamp Set, Butterflies Framelits, and some bright cardstock!  Gift ensemble includes a shaker card, matching pen and keepsake box!  For full step-by-step instructions, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of March!

Rustic Office Décor Ensemble! – Julie Warnick

Rustic Office Décor Ensemble!  – Julie Warnick
This Rustic Office Ensemble is the perfect gift for a college graduate, someone starting a new job or a new phase of life! This gift offers functionality, décor and words of advice that can encourage and uplift the man in your life every day! The framed sentiment can either stand on the desk or hang on the wall to remind the recipient of important elements of success. The magnetic board holds a handy, custom notebook and can also be a place for photos or reminders. The pencil holder and business card holder are coordinated perfectly and keep necessary items within reach and clutter off the desk. The matching card tops of this ensemble and gives you a place to congratulate your man on his accomplishments!  For full step-by-step instructions head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of March!

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!