Friday Folds: Door Fold Rosh Hashanah Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  I Want To Live Each Day As If It Is My First And May Be My Last

As Fall begins to find her way into the air, I am reflecting on this past year and wondering about my hopes for the coming year.  For those of you celebrating Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, (beginning Sunday at sundown), you may be finding yourself doing similar reflection.  For each of us, our aspirations for our time on this planet may be different.  Those aspirations may also change with time.  One thing that will remain certain for me - the desire to approach each new day that I have been granted with a sense of wonder and gratitude.  If this is the awareness I can bring to each day, then I feel I will have succeeded in some small way.  This awareness will impact my life and the lives of those that I touch.  So today I wish for you, and for myself, that we can experience our daily lives with a sense of awe and wonder at what is around us, at what is beneath us, at what is above us and what is in us and others.  That we can appreciate and be grateful for all of the blessings we experience each day - from the ability to breath in and breath out; the ability to release waste from our systems; the ability to love and laugh; the ability to feel pain and express empathy.  I wish for us that we can remember to bring this awareness into each day we are granted on this planet.  I wish for us, peace.  For those of you celebrating the Jewish New Year, may you be inscribed in the Book of Life for a year of health, happiness, prosperity and peace.  Shana Tova!

Today's Friday Fold card is a door fold Jewish New Year card.  I began with an 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" piece of Early Espresso card stock and scored it at 2 1/8" and 6 3/8" from the left-hand side.  I then took a strip of Baja Breeze card stock (2 1/2" x 9 1/2") to create the "belly band" for the card.  The tree from Thoughts & Prayers was stamped onto a Very Vanilla label that I had die cut in the Big Shot with a Labels Collection framelit.  I used a combination of Early Espresso and Baja Breeze ink.  Since I didn't have any appropriate greetings, I decided to create a few stamps of my own :)  I carved a "Shana Tovah" (a traditional Hebrew greeting shared on the holiday of Rosh Hashanah - it means "Good Year!") and a Star of David stamp.  Here is a picture of the carved stamps:

A touch of Dazzling Details was added to the leaves of the tree.  I hope you have a wonderful weekend - full of love, peace and creativity.  For those of you celebrating the holiday - Happy New Year!!!!

Friday Folds...Coming Soon :)

I am running a bit behind, so Friday Folds will be posted a bit later today.  Thanks for your patience and have a beautiful beginning to your day!!!!!! (or a beautiful night's sleep...depending on when you are reading this :)

Fine Feathers Thanks Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Get Mesmerized By What Is In Your Backyard

This past weekend we decided we were not normal.  Well, actually, we realized we weren't normal a long time ago.  We just reconfirmed it this past weekend when we found ourselves staring at the backyard for hours.  We watched the downy woodpecker move from place to place.  We watch the flight paths of the bees that visit our little water dish (and decided there might be members of three different hives visiting us for water since they fly off in three distinct directions).  We even watched the little mice in the corner of the yard, where the fence meets the driveway.  They come hunting for fallen seed.  We laughed about what it would be like to be on the dating scene again and, when asked what we like to do, to answer "sit in the backyard and stare at the bees for hours!"  Not quite the "watch movies and eat at fine restaurants" answer :)  Then we learned that maybe we are not as abnormal as we think.  Or we just seem to find people who are as weird as us when it comes to nature :)  We were in the park at night and were talking to one of our park friends.  He told us that they just had there small pond in their backyard cleaned - with the extra lilies and other plants removed and the liner replaced.  As a result, the pond was about a foot deeper.  He said he and his wife sat out in the evening, for hours, after the person who cleaned the pond left.  They sat there and watched their two koi swim happily in their cleaned out surroundings.  When was the last time you were mesmerized by what's in your backyard?
For today's card I decided to keep it clean and simple.  I took a small piece of chipboard and stamped it with the small feather in the Fine Feathers stamp set using Early Espresso (or maybe it's Soft Suede...I'm sorry I can't remember) ink.  I then stamped some background leaf images from Tiny Tags using the same ink at 1/3 strength.  I also sponged the edges of the chipboard.  Next I used my paper piercing tool to make a hole in the chipboard and added an Antique Brad.  Then, I stamped the sentiment from Little Labels onto a piece of Sahara Sand card stock and cut it out to form the banner end.  I then stamped the tiny postage stamp from Little Labels with the same ink at 1/3 strength.  This little banner was then added to the chipboard with glue and the whole piece was adhered to a Sahara Sand card base with dimensionals.  Here is a close up of the chipboard piece.  I hope you like it!

Out On A Whim Wednesday: A Trip To The Milwaukee Museum Of Art

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Get Your Brakes Fixed

On Sunday we were planning to go for a bike ride.  As often happens, we decide that we will head out early, before the heat of the day and then somehow it is noon and we haven't left yet.  So off we went a bit later than expected...and a bit hotter than expected.  So I was in a bit of an "off" mood when we started.  My back brake seemed a bit loose and my mood was a a bit looser.  Next came a couple of riders behind me that didn't seem to follow bike etiquette.  No verbal indication of their intentions - riding up along my side on the left, than the right...and wearing headphones - so that after they passed me and I went to pass them, they didn't hear my "on your left" warning...or at least didn't do anything to acknowledge they had heard (one of them swerved toward me, ignoring my warning).  So then I was really grumpy and hot and pissed and angry and and and.  So when we reached the top of a hill after about 35 minutes of riding, I was ready to go home (or get off my bike and throw a tantrum right there on the bike path...but I figured riding home was the more mature thing to do).  So we started to head home and I realized that the bike store that I purchased my bike from was on the way home.  So we decided to head there so I could get my brake tightened.  It was an easy fix and after the brief stop we headed for home.  My attitude had shifted.  The ride became enjoyable.  I had to smile at the irony of getting my brakes fixed.  Sometimes you just need brakes that work better - whether that is on your bike or the brakes that help you stop your bad mood when it starts to run away without signs of stopping.  When was the last time you got your brakes fixed?
For today's Out On A Whim Wednesday, I decided to share a recent trip with you.  I had a trip last week to Milwaukee for work.  I had two flight choices - one early in the morning and one that would get me in quite late at night.  I decided to choose the earlier flight and then I started to consider how I might take advantage of arriving in Milwaukee early.  The art museum was the first idea to come to mind and, it turns out, it is only about 15 minutes from the airport!  I arrived around 2 pm and the museum was open until 5.  (The museum sits on Lake Michigan and the building is gorgeous!  You can see its conical shape in the photo above).  I took full advantage of those three hours - immersing myself in the art that was there.  There was one piece I would have walked by en route to another area I was wanting to see.  But one of the guards in the museum stopped me to see if I needed any help finding my way and she pointed out this piece...

 It is by an artist named Tara Donovan (you NEED to Google her and see her amazing creations!!!!).  The guard asked me if I could tell what it was made of.  Of course, at first glance, I thought it was an amazing mineral formation of rose quartz.  But then I ventured closer and I was AMAZED by what I saw.  Let me show you...

And a little closer still...

BUTTONS!  All the exact same color and size!!!!!  Can you believe it!?!?!  Of course the thought then crossed my mind how much it would cost to try to create something like this with a Stampin' Up! button :)  Yup, I'm definitely a Stampin' Up! demonstrator :)  Ms. Donovan's work focuses on taking one item and seeing where it takes her.  Really, if you like this, you need to Google her and check out her work - just amazing!  Through October, there is an exhibition of some of her other work.  If you happen to live in the Milwaukee area - or if you are itching to go and visit Milwaukke - definitely go!!!!  I definitely filled my creative well with my 3-hour visit.  I even had to stop and sit on a bench and journal just to process what I was seeing.  When was the last time you took yourself on an artist's date to an art museum?  I highly recommend it!

Two Ways Tuesday: Bird Builder Punch

For this week's Two Ways Tuesday, I decided to take out my Bird Builder Punch.  I'm sure I was inspired by all of the bird watching I've been doing in the backyard lately!

The bird builder punch can be used all on its own to punch out card stock and designer series paper.  Here I chose to simply punch a "raven" from Basic Black card stock (it's hard to see the wing in the picture since the black is so dark).  The wing was added to the bird with a dimensional.  I then layered the bird on top of a number of other punches and die cuts from the decorative label punch and the labels collection framelits.  The Gumball Green background was run through the Big Shot with the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder.  The sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes.  I really enjoy making simple, graphic cards.
Of course, you can pair your bird builder punch with coordinating stamped images.

For this card I used the Language of Friendship stamp set.  The bird and wings were stamped onto Bashful Blue card stock and adhered together with glue and dimensionals.  Notice that I gave this bird two wings to make it look like it is in flight.  The Pool Party card base was run through the Big Shot with the Framed Tulips embossing folder.  The sentiment from Language of Friendship was stamped in Basic Black and a piece of Always Artichoke seam binding was wrapped around the card (I created a small slit along the "spine" of the card with my hobby blade so I could thread the seam binding ribbon through it).
I hope you've enjoyed this week's Two Ways Tuesday!  If there is a stamp set or product you would like to see used in two different ways, please let me know.  If I have the product, I am happy to share some ideas with you!

Perfect Penants Wonderful You Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Sit In A New Seat

I have a habit.  Whenever I sit outside on the porch, I always sit in the same chair.  I'm not sure why.  I guess a part of it is the view - the ability to see the back gate and the feeders.  Maybe it's the way the cushion has conformed to my tush.  The other day I came outside for lunch and Michael was in "my" chair.  He said, "I thought I'd give you the chair with the better view."  Funny how he felt he always had the chair with the better view...I always thought it was the chair where I sat.  So I sat in a new seat - a view I hadn't experienced.  At first it felt incredibly weird!  I couldn't see the back gate and my view of the back bird feeder was different.  But I was a lot closer to the chicadee who came to drink on the porch fountain.  And I was a bit closer to the hedge where the sparrows congregate - their song a bit louder than usual.  So there I sat.  Looking out at the world from a bit different vantage point.  It was good for a change.  Maybe if I sit there a bit more, then switching things up will become habit and I will see things I have never seen before.  When was the last time you sat in a new seat?
Today's card began with a leftover designer paper circle that had been die cut with the Perfect Pennants die in the Big Shot.  I took a Baja Breeze card base and then sewed on a Crumb Cake panel that I had run through the Big Shot with the Lacy Brocade embossing folder.  Next I took a strip of Baja Breeze card stock and ran it through my paper crimper.  I then cut the end to look like a ribbon.  I then layered the Perfect Penants circle and additional punched circles on top of the crimped layer.  The sentiment from Loving Thoughts was stamped on Whisper White card stock and cut to look like a banner.  I adhered it to the "ribbon" with dimensionals and then added the entire "ribbon" to the card.  I hope you like it!

Friday Folds: Every Little Bit Pocket Card

Welcome to Friday Folds!  I have decided to change things up a bit on my blog.  Instead of finding Four Ways Friday on Fridays, you will now find Friday Folds.  On Fridays I will share with you a card or paper project that somehow incorporates a fold...or many folds.  On Tuesdays you can find Two Ways Tuesdays where I will share two ways to use a single stamp.  I hope you enjoy the changes!  I look forward to your feedback!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  When You Conquer Something You Didn't Think You Could, What Was Hard Before Becomes Easier :)

Last Friday we went on quite the bike ride!  I hadn't ridden any hills all summer long and we decided to go and give High Grade a try!  We had heard from friends that it is viewed as the toughest hill ride in the Denver area...good thing I didn't know that as I got on my bike! :)  The scenery was gorgeous and I learned that you can actually stay upright going just under 4 mph on a bike! :)  At times I wanted to give up - a lot of times actually - but somehow I kept telling myself that I could do it - I could conquer that hill before it conquered me.  My legs weren't in pain - I just felt exhausted - as if the wind had been taken out of my sails.  Which it might have been, given the 3000 foot climb in altitude.  But, after push after push on those pedals, I made it!  (And coming down was a ton of fun...and a lot quicker!).  Then, last week, we went out on the bikes again.  This time on a ride that we have done frequently.  It is a ride that has a number of hills that in the past felt challenging.  However, this time, they felt like flat ground!  It was amazing!  Sometimes when you conquer something you didn't think you could, what was hard before becomes so much easier :)  What can you conquer today????

Today's Friday Folds card is a simple way to create a whole new look to a card.  I started with an 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" piece of card stock and scored it down the center.  I then added an extra score line 1 1/4" in from one of the ends.  I folded the card as usual and then folded the 1 1/4" scored side in the opposite direction.  I sewed the edges of the "pocket" down on the sewing machine.  Of course, you can use sticky strip or another adhesive...or even a row of brads...to hold the card together as a pocket.  I stamped the hammer from Every Little Bit using Early Espresso ink all over the card.  Next I stamped the Curly Cute greeting.  I then cut a rectangle of Very Vanilla card stock that would fit in the pocket and stamped it with the hammer and the greeting from Bring On The Cake.  One quick extra tip - I used white thread on the sewing machine and then rubbed the thread on the card with a cotton swab that I had rubbed in the Soft Suede Stampin' Pastel.  You can tone down the brightness of the white thread this way...and not have to change the thread in your sewing machine every time you want to sew on a card.  I hope you have a wonderful weekend filled with creativity, laughter and love!!!!!!

Established Elegance Canvas Stamping

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  We must remember that everything is ordinary and extraordinary.  It is our minds that either open or close.  - Natalie Goldberg
I have been reading an amazing book that I let sit on my shelf for too long...or maybe until the exact right moment since I seem to be gobbling it up right now!  The book is Writing Down The Bones:  Freeing The Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg.  As I am reading it I am finding it equally applicable to any creative endeavor.  All of her advice and wisdom around writing is so true for those of us who try to make creativity a part of our daily practice - no matter what medium we use.  Goldberg goes on to say that if we see others lives and festivals and experiences as fantastic and our lives as ordinary, we come to writing with a sense of poverty.  The same is true for us as we show up at our card stock - our stamps at the ready - our ink poised.  If we see what others make as fantastic and what we make as ordinary, we come to creativity with a sense of poverty.  We show up defeated before we have even begun.  Remember, it is our minds that either open or close.  It is your choice.  Which do you choose?  Ordinary?  Or Extraordinary?
For today's card I decided to stamp the crown from Established Elegance using Staz-On on a piece of canvas.  I then used the element as a layer on top of a piece of vellum that I had run through the Big Shot with the Lacy Brocade embossing folder.  Next came a piece of crochet trim.  Finally I added the greeting from Itty Bitty Banners.  Oh, and in case you can't tell, the card base is Crumb Cake.  I hope you like it!  I think it's extraordinary :)

Out On A Whim Wednesday: Polymer Clay Switch Plate

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Turn Around!
On Sunday evening we went for a walk with Buddy.  It had rained briefly and the pavement was shining.  As we were walking around the park we heard noise that sounded a bit like a transformer exploding!  It was a little strange since the neighborhood seemed quiet otherwise.  I started to look around and finally turned around and WOW!  The sky was a brilliant mix of colors and sparkles!  They were fireworks not too far away!  So off we trotted, to another park that is close to our house - using the fireworks as a beacon.  When we got beyond the trees at the edge of the park it was as if a private fireworks display was being put on for us!  So close and so bright!  It was amazing!  I am still all giddy inside as I'm writing this! :)  The park sits on a hill so on clear days you can see for miles - the mountains in the distance.  From this vantage point we watched until the first fireworks show was over and then another one began - far off to our left.  We watched for a bit and then took another route out of the park going down a hill.  I turned around again to look back and the hill obstructed the view of the fireworks.  Oh well.  But as we kept walking I heard another "boom!"  This one seemed louder.  So I turned around again and caught a gorgeous, huge circle of green sparkle behind a really large circle of red sparkle.  Yet another fireworks show had begun!  Be willing to turn around.  Maybe what's behind you needs to be front and center!!!!
For today's Out On A Whim Wednesday I decided to share the switch plate that adorns the light switch in my craft room.  I made this switch plate ages ago and it still makes me smile every time I turn on and off the light.  I used a metal switch plate as a template and as a surface for baking the polymer clay.  The clay was stamped with a variety of stamps (this was prior to my introduction to Stampin' Up!...the wheels are already turning on using my SU! stamps with polymer clay!).  I added some metallic powder to add a bit of shine.  I hope this inspires you to go out on a whim! :)

Two Ways Tuesday: Mixed Bunch

Introducing Two Ways Tuesday!  I have decided after 100 Four Ways Friday posts to change things up.  So now, on Tuesdays, you will see Two Ways Tuesdays where I will show how to use one stamp set image or product in two different ways.  At times I may repeat a stamp set - just using a different image.  I would love your feedback :)  For this week's Two Ways Tuesday I used an image from the Mixed Bunch stamp set.

For this first card I stamped the image multiple times in different colors to create an entire card background.  These small cards are 3x3 in size.  I paired the image with the blossom punch and a greeting from Petite Pairs.

 For this second card I decided a bit of "overlapping" was in order!  Here I overlapped the stamped image.  I used Rich Razzleberry ink.  You might also choose to do this at full, half and one-third strength or you might use a variety of colors - beginning with the lightest shade and moving to darker shades.  I then used this square of card stock as a backdrop for the greeting from Petite Pairs.  Why not give overlapping stamped images a try?

Every Little Bit Get Well Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  I Used To Be Afraid Of Bees

I have never been stung by a bee.  At least not to my knowledge.  A friend of mine used to carry around a special "pen" when we were young.  She said that if she ever got stung by a bee she needed to prick herself with the pen - that it had some magic inside that would keep her from dying from the bee sting.  Maybe that's why I grew up being afraid.  My relationship with bees has changed in the backyard.  We are friends - the bees and I.  We have a shallow dish that we have placed on top of an upside down planter.  We fill it with water and have placed some small rocks in the center so the bees can stand and gather the water they need to bring back to the hive.  There are times that a bee will find it's way into the water.  It's not a good thing for bees - they cannot survive in the water and will drown.  So, when we pass by the shallow dish and notice a bee, motionless, in the water, we reach in and place the bee on our hand.  Michael did this before me - maybe that's where I began to learn to not be afraid.  It is amazing to watch so many of these motionless bees come to life again.  Most of them do.  They begin slowly - moving a leg or two.  Then, the more they sit on my palm, the more they begin to dry off and the more they move - preening themselves like cats.  Drying off all the soggy areas.  So methodical.  The first time I felt a bee start to fan it's wings in my hand it was a bit startling.  After all, I was supposed to be afraid.  But I watched in fascination as the wings dried in the wind.  As the tiny hairs on the bees head began to define themselves in the sun.  And finally, sometimes after 20 minutes of preening on the hand, the bee will lift off and fly away.  I used to be afraid of bees.  Now they are my friends.  I hope they won't sting!
My friend asked if I could put together a get well card for her mom.  Her mom loves dogs and so I went to the only current dog stamp I have - the puppy in Every Little Bit :)  If you have a few moments to cut out and color these adorable images, you can put together quick and easy cards that are sure to bring a smile :)  A piece of Bashful Blue card stock and a torn piece of designer series paper (brights pattern stack) create the background.  I used my scallop circle punch to create the clouds and added a bit of sparkle with dazzling diamonds glitter.   The greeting is from Teeny Tiny Wishes.  Hope it helps here feel better :)

It's Back To Spool Time!!!!! Free Ribbon!!!!

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Four Ways Friday #100 - Perfect Pennants Die

I can't believe this is the 100th Four Ways Friday!!!!!  I have been pondering what I want to do moving forward.  I'm thinking about doing Two Ways Tuesdays and then introducing Friday Folds.  Friday would be a day where I share different ways to add folds to your cards and paper craft creations.  I would also go back to sharing a current project on Thursdays.  What do you think???  I am really looking to you to help guide my decision, so please feel free to share your input!  Thank you to those who already have ;)
For the 100th Four Ways Friday I decided to play with the Perfect Pennants Die in the Big Shot.  Here's what I came up with:

The Perfect Pennants die is perfect for making all kinds of cards!  I die cut the large pennant shape and one of the circles from designer series paper.  I then added a few circle punches and layered them all together on top of a piece of Pacific Point card stock that I had embossed with the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder.  The sentiment is from Petite Pairs.

I love triangles because they lend themselves to being turned into so many different things!  Here I die cut a few of the smaller pennants in Wild Wasabi card stock.  I then used the Fancy Fan embossing folder to emboss them.  I cut a few Chocolate Chip card stock rectangles and embossed them with stripes.  The trees were sponged with ink and I added dazzling diamonds to the embossing on the trees.  The snowman is from No Peeking (so cute!).  The greeting is from Wacky Wishes.  Get creative with those triangles!!!!!

Don't forget that you can die cut fabric with this great die!  Here I die cut a triangle of Flirtatious fabric and sewed it to the card front.  I then gathered some twigs from the backyard and used them as stems for tissue paper flowers that I made by layering tissue paper that I punched with the Boho Blossoms punch.  Adhesive pearls were used for the flower centers.  The greeting is from Itty Bitty Banners.

Once I started die cutting fabric I couldn't stop! :)  I die cut two triangles of the Flirtatious fabric and then sewed the triangles with right sides together.  I then turned the "cone" inside out and began decorating it.  I used hot glue to add the seam binding ribbon, the satin flower that I made from white satin ribbon and a button, and the First Edition specialty designer series paper trim.  This little "cone" would be great for a gift card or simple gift (handmade jewelry comes to mind!).
I hope you've enjoyed this week's Four Ways Friday and I hope it inspires you to get out your Perfect Pennants die and play!!!!!  I hope you have a wonderful and creative weekend, filled with love, laughter and peace :)

Circle Circus Paper Pierced B'day Card & An Acrobatic Squirrel

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Don't Let Anything Stand In Your Way!!!!

This squirrel inspired today's lesson from the craft room:

By gosh, by golly, he was going to get to that suet if it killed her!  I have never seen such amazing squirrel gymnastics!  It was like watching a trapeze artist at work!  Nothing was going to get in this girl's way!  We each need to take a bit of this determination into our own lives.  If there is something you want to do.  If there is something you have been dreaming of.  If there is an experience you know you would enjoy.  What can you do to stretch (yes, stretch - just like her) toward that goal?  How can you use your strength and determination to get closer to the dream?  Yes, this little squirrel is my hero (even if there is a part of me that wishes she would stick to the peanuts and let the birds have the suet!).
Today's card is all about paper piercing :)  (I know that I had been doing Throwback Thursday for a number of weeks, but I've decided to box up my retired stamps for now and focus on using what is current...I needed to create more space in the craft room and decided boxing up my retired stamps for a little while might give me a bit of breathing room...We'll see if they keep whispering to me from the boxes :)  I used the paper piercing tool and templates to paper pierce with the adorning accents edgelit.  I also paper pierced decorative corners and a circle.  I even used the template to evenly space my adhesive pearls.  The stamped circles are all from Circle Circus and the greeting from Pennant Parade.  I added a touch of First Edition designer series paper to the Summer Starfruit and Melon Mambo palette.  I hope you like it!  You can check out my YouTube channel here to see a few videos on different paper piercing techniques.  Enjoy!

Out On A Whim Wednesday: Rainbow Man Paper Cut

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Let Nature Captivate You

There are always birds in our backyard.  But I wasn't expecting to see the bird that I saw when I looked out the window the other day.  Here is what was looking back at me...

We will see hawks fly to our backyard on occasion.  They are usually there to hunt - looking for mice and small birds.  You may notice, if you look closely enough, that this hawk had caught a small bird.  At first I was upset - after all, we have created a beautiful sanctuary in the backyard for the birds to come and eat seeds.  This hawk decided we had created a beautiful restaurant for him as well!  I accept that this is nature at work - the food chain playing itself out in our backyard.  And then I became fascinated by this beautiful hawk.  I ran and got the binoculars and, knowing that the small bird was already gone, I sat there and watched as this hawk dined.  It was captivating to me.  I thought I would be grossed out, but watching his amazing feathers, talons, beak - it was breathtaking.  Of course, when he finished his dinner and started looking around the backyard again, I decided it was time to go outside to let him know there was a one-bird limit in our yard and that he would just have to go somewhere else to hunt for the night!  This experience was a highlight of my day - allowing nature to just captivate me.
Today's Out On A Whim Wednesday card was created for Michael.  He had been taken to dinner by some friends who are enamored with Native American jewelry so he asked me to make a thank you note for him.  The image is of a Rainbow Man.  I took a picture of a Rainbow Man pin and used it as the basis for creating this papercut.  I used a hobby blade and Basic Black card stock.  I also used my paper piercing tool for creating small holes (which are very difficult to see in the photograph).  I've been enjoying getting to know the art of papercutting.  It is opening a whole new world to me :)  You might enjoy it too! :)

Just Believe Happiness Card With Rose Red Glitter

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Go Barefoot!

It wasn't my intention.  I purchased a new pair of shoes and was bold enough to try to wear them on my morning walk with Buddy.  They felt comfortable enough so I thought I would be safe.  But about 3/4 of the way into our walk, I started to develop a little blister on the edge of my pinkie toe and I decided it was time to take the shoes off and walk the rest of the way home barefoot.  I can't remember the last time I walked any distance barefoot.  I think I took my shoes off in the backyard one day - just to feel the grass in my toes - probably after watching Pretty Woman for the umpteenth time (I can still see Richard Gere gingerly stepping through the grass in his bare toes).  Now I'm wondering why I don't go barefoot more often!  It was a wonderful experience on a number of levels.  Are you aware of the different sensations caused by walking on different surfaces?  It was like a tactile explosion on my feet!  First there were the cement sidewalks.  Then the asphalt of the road.  The grass on a few yards we walked by.  The field of weeds in the park.  And it wasn't only the different textures - there were also different temperatures.  The coolness of the cement; the heat of the blacktop; the cold wetness of the watered grass.  And yes, there were the occasional "ouchies!"  The little pebbles that found their way under my foot - to that exact spot on your heel that makes you want to yelp!  The one little pine needle that tried to come home in my toe (now I know why Buddy stops immediately when one of those pine needles gets into his paw).  But the "ouchies" were far less than the wowies!!!!!  Yes, going barefoot was a highlight of my day.  Why not give it a try? :)
Today's card was made using some Rose Red glitter that I colored on my own (yesterday's video will show you how!).  I stamped the floral image from Just Believe with Versamark and then covered it with heat & stick powder, heated it with the heat tool and covered it with the Rose Red dazzling diamonds glitter.  I then tore the edges of the piece of Crumb Cake card stock.  Next I stamped the word "happiness" from Fabulous Phrases in Early Espresso ink onto Whisper White card stock that I cut into a banner.  The banner was added to the Crumb Cake card stock with dimensionals.  I then crimped a strip of Baja Breeze card stock with the paper crimper and sewed this piece to the Crumb Cake piece with a sewing machine.  The whole panel was then adhered to a Crumb Cake card base with dimensionals.  I hope you like it!

Coloring Dazzling Diamonds Glitter: A Video!!!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Some Things You Learn Best By Doing

I'm not suggesting you try skiing from a helicopter without any form of instruction!  What I am suggesting is that some things you learn best by just sitting down and giving them a try.  Sometimes I think telling ourselves, "I don't know how to ______" is a way to keep ourselves from even trying.  Fill in the blank with whatever you have kept yourself from doing artistically - I don't know how to ______ (draw, paint, sketch, take pictures, make a card, collage..).  If you can pick up a pen, pencil, brush, glue and use it, then there is a lot you CAN do.  I'm not saying you will love what you create the first time.  I'm not saying you will even be willing to share it with another human being or even your cat, dog or fish.  What I am saying is that if you can pick up the pen, pencil, brush or glue then do so...and be willing to see what happens.  I know one thing - your inner critic will definitely show up and try to deter your efforts.  You call that a picture of a person?!  You call that art?!  Who gave you permission to give that a try - you're making me cringe!  Yup - the inner critic will do what it does best - try to deter you.  I think he gets points for every time he can deter someone from stretching their limits, going outside their comfort zone, demonstrating a willingness to try.  Well you show that inner critic that he ain't gonna get points from you!!!!!!  Just do it!!!!  And then do it again...and again...and again.  Soon you might actually find bits and pieces to smile about.  Maybe even a drawing that you want to share with someone else (or your cat).  One day maybe you'll decide to read a book on it or take a class on it or watch a video on it.  But before you do.  Before you watch someone who creates end products that you can't even imagine you can create right now...pick up those supplies or tools and try it.  Some things you learn best by just doing...and doing...and doing :)
If you have ever wanted glitter to coordinate with your cards or papercrafting projects, this video is for you!!!!  Learn how to color your Dazzling Diamonds Glitter to make whatever color you choose!  Enjoy!!!

Four Ways Friday #99 - Googly Ghouls & Video!!!

For this week's Four Ways Friday I decided to get into the Halloween spirit and play with the Googly Ghouls stamp set!  This set is adorable on its own or paired with the Ghoulish Googlies Designer Kit!

It doesn't get more simple than this!  I kept things super easy by just pairing the spider from Googly Ghouls with the tag and bag from the Ghoulish Googlies Designer Kit.  I didn't even put googly eyes on this guy (although you could add them in an instant since they come self-adhesive!).  I stamped the spider and then added a large black scallop circle behind the tag with a brad.  I cut a banner from Pumpkin Pie card stock and stamped it with the greeting from Teeny Tiny Wishes.  The bag was filled with candy, sealed shut, and then embellished with the tag.

You can definitely create a scene with these adorable images! :)  I stamped the mummy onto Whisper White card stock and cut him out.  Had to add a googly eye to this guy - he's too cute!  For the background I began with a Whisper White piece of card stock (I think glossy card stock would work even better).  I punched a piece of post-it note with a circle punch and temporarily adhered the circle to the cardstock.  Next I brayered the background with three shades of purple (Wisteria Wonder, Perfect Plum and Elegant Eggplant).  I then masked off most of the card and sponged the bottom with Basic Black ink to create some ground.  The bats were stamped next and I added googly eyes to one of them.  The greeting from Wacky Wishes (LOVE the font!) was colored using Basic Black and Pumpkin Pie markers and then stamped onto Whisper White card stock and cut out.  I added the mummy and greeting with dimensionals.  The whole panel was layered onto a Pumpkin Pie layer and then adhered to a Basic Black card base.  I put a Whisper White panel on the inside of the card.

How about a little home decor?!  I created some banners using the Perfect Pennants die and the Big Shot and then sewed them onto a piece of Basic Black grosgrain ribbon.  I then decorated each of the banners with the images from the Googly Ghouls stamp set!  The greeting from Wacky Wishes is the centerpiece of the banner.  This banner would be adorable on your front door to greet trick-or-treaters!

Of course, you can't think of Halloween without thinking about the treats!  These guys make adorable additions to this incredibly easy to make treat container!  This is a great upcycling project too!  These treat containers are made out of recycled toilet paper rolls!  Here is a video to show you how to make them!  Enjoy!!!!!

I hope you've enjoyed this week's Four Ways Friday!  It's hard to believe that next week I will reach the 100th Four Ways Friday!!!!!  How crazy!  I'm wondering if it may be time to switch things up on Fridays and try something new.  What are your thoughts on what you would like to see on Fridays?  I'm looking for your input :)  I hope you have a wonderful and creative weekend!!!!!

Throwback Thursday: All In The Family Anniversary

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Celebrate Your Special Moments!

Michael had me create this card for friends of his that were celebrating their 1000th day together :)  I thought it was so cute that they were celebrating their 1000th day anniversary and it reminded me that we can choose to celebrate whatever and whenever we want!!!!  What special moment can you celebrate today????
I created the card using a combination of retired and current products.  The numbers are from the Typeset Alphabet and I ran the dies through the Big Shot with Brushed Silver card stock.  The word "day" is from Bring On The Cake and was stamped and then covered with Crystal Effects.  The "th" was created with the Calendar Alphabet & Numbers stamp set and then punched with the Little Labels punch pack.  "Happy" is from Curly Cute and the people are from All In The Family.  The word "anniversary" is from a retired hostess set (I can't remember the name...).  I threw it all together and here's what I came up with!  The couple got a kick out of it and said they were displaying it in their store :)

Out On A Whim Wednesday: Paper Cut Inspired By The Backyard

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  If It's Calling To You, You May Want To Indulge The Impulse
I have been fascinated by paper cutting lately.  It began with a book at a museum - one that caught my eye and couldn't be left behind!  Then I tried my hand at a few small cutting exercises and was pleased with the result (will likely be sharing those soon).  Then I began to be drawn to the idea of paper cutting some of the scenes from my backyard.  We have a hedge along the side of the yard and sparrows love to sit and sleep in and on the hedge.  So I finally went hunting with my camera and snapped some photos!  I then went out on a whim!!!!  I cropped and printed one of the photos that I really liked and temporarily adhered it to the back of an 8 1/2" x 11" piece of charcoal paper.  Next I began to get busy with a sharp blade!!!!    I had tried doing papercutting using heavier SU! card stock.  It is a bit harder to cut through, so I don't think I'd choose it for larger projects.  But for a card or smaller project it would be fine!  Here's how the project looked when I was part way into it:

 

The finished paper cut is 8 1/2" x 11".  I went ahead and matted it onto white and framed it in a black frame.  It was difficult to try to get a photo of the framed piece due to the glare.  Hopefully you can get an idea of the finished work from the first photo.  I was really happy with how it came out (and, after a full day of working on the paper cutting, my right hand was very happy to be done!) :)  If something is calling to you, you may want to indulge the impulse!  I have a feeling I will be doing more papercuts about life in the backyard :)

Apothecary Art and Circle Flower Birthday Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Change Your Place, Change Your Mood!

As I am writing this post I am thinking about the bike ride I am planning to go on in about 10 minutes :)  I realize how much of a positive impact my bike rides and strolls have on my mental state.  Whether it's the rhythm of turning over the pedals or putting one foot in front of the other, changing my place from sitting in front of the computer or at a desk to being out in nature in some way can lift my spirits in a minute!  If you are feeling a bit stale or your mind seems to be spinning in circles, why not try changing your place!  You might like what it does to your mood :)
For today's card I paired Wisteria Wonder with Pool Party for the palette.  I ran the Pool Party card stock through the Big Shot with the Lacy Brocade embossing folder.  I stamped the images from Apothecary Art and then cut the sentiment into a banner and die cut the label with the Labels Collection framelits.  I used the holiday paper piercing pack to paper pierce the labels - I love this added detail.  I also pierced around the border of the card using the Essentials paper piercing pack.  Tip:  If you don't have any flower punches or dies, don't worry!  You can create some adorable flowers by simple piling circles one on top of the other!  Here I punched (you can also hand cut) a bunch of circles, crumpled them a bit and sponged the edges.  I added adhesive pearls to both centers and added a bojo blossom to one of them.  I hope you like it!

Curly Cute Chevron Congrats Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Coincidence Is A Funny Thing

I didn't plan it...really I didn't!  But somehow this card brought together an amazing number of "c" words!  Just look at it...Crumb Cake card stock, Curly Label punch, Curly Cute stamp set, Chevron embossing folder, Comfort Cafe designer series paper...so bizarre!!!!  Coincidence is really a funny thing...and maybe it's not coincidence at all.  Maybe all of these "c's" were destined to be together :)  It might be a fun challenge to try - create a card using only those supplies that start with the same letter :)  Have fun!!!!
My friend asked me to create a wedding card for a friend that was getting married.  Since she only knows the groom, she decided she wanted a more masculine looking card.  Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake and Midnight Muse created a great palette.  I added a touch of paper piercing to create a border around the chevron panel.  I was pretty pleased with how it turned out.  I hope you like it too!

Four Ways Friday #98 - Pleasant Poppies Background Stamp

When I saw the Pleasant Poppies background stamp in the catalog I immediately knew we were meant to be together! :)  Of course, once the stamp arrived, I wasn't sure what to do with it.  I figured that using the stamp for Four Ways Friday would be great motivation to get it inked up and stamped!

Let's start simple, simple, simple!  For this first card I just inked up the stamp with Basic Black ink and stamped it onto a Whisper White card base.  Next, with the help of the stamp-a-ma-jig, I stamped the greeting from Teeny Tiny Wishes with Basic Black ink vertically along one of the stems.  I love the graphic look of this card.

It's hard to believe it's already August and that 2013 is around the corner.  I have had some events come up that I needed to mark on a 2013 calendar and, since I didn't have a 2013 calendar yet, I decided to make one! :)  Yes, I still love keeping a paper calendar because I love being able to glance at an entire month at a time to see what is coming up.  I printed off a calendar on my computer - using iCal on my Mac - and printing 2 months per page.  I then cut the pages in half and had a stack that looked like this:

I used a prong fastener to mark the holes on the left-hand side of the pages.  I then cut the front and back covers from Crumb Cake card stock.  I actually glued 2 pieces of card stock together for both the front and back covers in order to make the calendar sturdy enough to withstand a year of handling.  I used Versamark to stamp the poppies on the cover and then heat embossed using clear embossing powder.  The numbers were die cut from some mat board that I had, using the Typeset Alphabet in the Big Shot.  I also used the Chevron embossing folder to create a Baja Breeze panel to decorate the front cover.  A ribbon slide, Baja Breeze seam binding and a scallop-edge piece of First Edition designer paper added the finishing touches.

I kept embossing for this third project.  I used Versamark and Basic Black ink to stamp the image onto watercolor paper.  I then heat embossed with clear embossing powder.  Next I took my Aqua painter and a few of my ink pads and began water coloring the flowers and stems.  I used Tangerine Tango, Riding Hood Red, Garden Green and Always Artichoke.  The Tangerine Tango card base was run through the Big Shot with the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder.  The watercolor panel was layered onto Basic Black card stock before being adhered to the card.  Finally, I stamped the greeting from Lovely Little Labels onto watercolor paper and punched it out with an oval punch.  I layered that onto a partially punched curly label punch.

Remember to look at your stamps in different ways.  I realized that the stems on the flowers created a really cool pattern so I decided to just stamp the stems in multiple colors (Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry, and Tempting Turquoise).  I then attached the stamped pieces to a Whisper White card base.  The greeting was stamped onto Whisper White using Rich Razzleberry and Old Olive markers.  I layered the greeting onto a piece of Old Olive card stock that I had paper pierced.  Finally I added a Rich Razzleberry button which I threaded with a piece of Old Olive card stock.
I hope you've enjoyed this week's Four Ways Friday!!!!  Have a beautiful, creative weekend!!!!!

Throwback Thursday: Big Pieces Birthday Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Just Keep Stamping!!!!

Is this card crazy or what?!?!  I pulled out the Big Pieces stamp set for Throwback Thursday and began stamping the different images with a variety of ink colors.  If you look at the background closely you'll see traces of Summer Starfruit, Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral Island Indigo and Rose Red!  I began stamping and then didn't like what I was seeing so I kept stamping and stamping and stamping until somehow I had something that I thought might work as a background!  I figured I needed to tame things a little bit by adding some solid pieces of color in the form of punched circles and a few strips of solid card stock.  The sentiment is from Wacky Wishes (which is a current Hostess set in the catalog!).  Sometimes you gotta just keep stamping!!!!!

Out On A Whim Wednesday: Wood Burned Sign

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Tomorrow is a new day.  You shall begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense.  -Ralph Waldo Emerson

I was leafing through the Oprah Magazine the other day and came across this quote and it immediately gave me a sense of calm.  It can be so easy to carry one day's woes into the next day and this is a reminder that each day we can start anew.  I want to create another gratitude journal (I write in my gratitude journal every evening) and put this quote on the cover.  This would be a wonderful thought to go to sleep with every night :)
Today's Out On A Whim Wednesday project is a sign that I created quite awhile ago.  I was playing around with my wood-burning tool and created a series of signs that I have hanging on my craft room door.  After doing the wood burning I went back and colored the images with colored pencils.  These signs always make me smile.  One says "Be Yourself" and another says, "Express Yourself."  If you haven't tried wood burning, you might want to give it a try!  It's a fun way to take scrap wood and make it into something special :)

Beautiful Wings Mixed Bunch Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Pause And Observe

Buddy continues to teach me lessons every day...if I pay attention :)  Today on our walk he would be trotting along and then suddenly stop - still as a statue - and just observe.  Sometimes he would slightly turn his head.  You could tell his senses were all on high alert - watching for the slightest movement; sniffing for the slightest odor (of rabbit!!!!).  His actions, or non-action, reminded me once again that we all need to pause and observe.  To stop what we are doing and take it what surrounds us.  By pausing and observing, Buddy and I become aware of the songs of birds, the slightest movement in the brush of a bunny eating grass, the rustle of the leaves.  All of these are things I would miss if I did not pause and observe.  That Buddy is one wise canine :)
Today's card brings me peace just by looking at it.  I love the softness of Pool Party - so gentle.  (I was inspired by p. 149 of the Idea Book & Catalog).  I embossed the card base with the striped embossing folder.  I stamped one of the flowers from Mixed Bunch using Pool Party on Pool Party card stock.  The butterfly was created using the Beautiful Wings embosslit.  I sponged the edges and added some adhesive pearls.  A piece of organza ribbon adds a finishing touch.  I hope you like it!

Burlap Fun Flowers Box: Published In PaperCrafts Magazine!!!!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  I LOVE Page 44!!!!!

I was sooooo excited to receive an envelope in the mail that contained the new September/October 2012 issue of PaperCrafts Magazine!!!!

I was even more excited to see page 44...because look what was there!!!!!!

Yiiipppppeeeee!!!!!  When your project gets accepted for publication, you are never quite sure if it will end up in the magazine or on-line...or on what page...or how it will look.  I was SO HAPPY when I started leafing through the magazine (okay, devouring the magazine) and found my box on p.44...and it even has a "bonus idea!"  Yes, I love page 44!!!!
The box was fun to make using the Fun Flowers die in the Big Shot.  I used burlap as well as denim fabric from an old pair of jeans :)  I love upcycling loved jeans into new creations!  An antique brad decorates the center of the flower.  I added a tag with a greeting from Teeny Tiny Wishes and tied it to the seam binding with Early Espresso baker's twine.  I hope you enjoy page 44 as much as I do!  And, if you want to see your projects in print, try submitting your projects to PaperCrafts Magazine!!!!  You never know what might happen!!!!!

Four Ways Friday #97 - Paper Piercing Tool

For this week's Four Ways Friday, I decided to do something a little different! :)  I have created four different videos to show you four different ways you can use your Paper Piercing Tool on your cards and paper crafting projects!  Enjoy! :)




I hope you have a beautiful, creative and love-filled weekend!!!!

Discontinued Designer Fabric For 99 Cents!

The following discontinued Designer Fabrics from the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog are now available for just 99 cents!!!!!  This offer is for a limited time and only while supplies last!  Click HERE to order now!

• 121716 Deck the Halls Designer Fabric $0.99 
• 121715 Candy Cane Christmas Designer Fabric $0.99 
• 121817 Springtime Vintage Designer Fabric $0.99 
• 121818 Sweet Stitches Designer Fabric $0.99