Elegant Birthday Set by Monika Davis

This Elegant Birthday Set was created by Monika Davis.  If you are looking for a special and unique way to dress up a birthday gift, these elegant pieces will definitely do the trick!  These fun medallions make the perfect embellishments!  Great for a stamp camp, or as a class project.  To get the full step-by-step instructions for this sweet and classy project, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of June!

Bloom With Hope Creating Pretty Cards - Sketch Challenge #36

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Sometimes You Need To Push Yourself To Places You Don't Think You Can Go!
Swimming is teaching me so much about myself and about life in general.  Earlier this week I went to swim class and we were doing 50m intervals.  I hadn't been swimming much due to all of my work travel so I was a bit concerned at my ability to maintain stamina for eight intervals!  So I began by telling myself to just take it slow.  Sure enough, my first interval was my slowest.  But as we continued through the intervals I got faster and faster - with the last one being my fastest.  Afterwards my coach talked about how going out slow is challenging because once you are going slow it's hard to motivate yourself to pick up the pace.  Instead, if you go out fast and set a faster cadence, it's easier to maintain that pace and, if you can't, at least your slower pace will likely not be that slow since you have the seconds from your faster earlier pace still going for you.  I know the same is true about creating art.  It's easy to go slow...or not at all!  To go into the craft room and just sit and stare.  What if we were bold and just picked up the nearest ink color, stamp, paintbrush, clay and just did something - out of the gate just moving fast?  What would happen?  We can always go a bit more slowly once we start out with our fastest cadence.  I might have to give this a try!  I'll let you know what happens :)
Today I am sharing my card for the Creating Pretty Cards - Sketch Challenge #36 over at Craft Project Central.  I've really been enjoying the Bloom With Hope hostess set and my Stampin' Blendabilities.  There is something very peaceful about coloring :)  I also love that you can use your Blendabilities to color adhesive pearls, rhinestones, even the faceted buttons!  Nothing is safe ;)  Head on over to Craft Project Central and participate in the challenge.  You might win a free month membership!

String Art

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Dabble :)
Dab-ble:  verb - immerse "one's hands or feet) partially in water and move them around gently; take part in an activity in a casual or superficial way
I like to dabble!  I see something and wonder how I might make it or do it or try it.  That happened with string art this past weekend.  I wondered how to make it; what it would feel like to make; what it would lead to.  Right now I can't answer the third wondering ie what it might lead to, but I can answer the how to make it and what it feels like and I know I am going to do more dabbling!  Sometimes casually trying something can ignite a flame that leads to a deeper immersion.  I am looking forward to get tangled in more string!!!!!

“Work of Art” Treat Bag Cover & Gate Fold Card by Laurie Zoellmer

This darling “Work of Art” Treat Bag Cover & Gate Fold Card by Laurie Zoellmer is easy to assemble and makes a great gift.  These would also be great to make for a vendor show or a stamping class as well!  Get the full step-by-step instructions over at Craft Project Central!  Just subscribe to the month of June and get access to this and nine other wonderful projects!

Lullaby Baby Shower Ensemble by Buffy Cooper

What could be more fun than planning a baby shower and welcoming a new member of the family?  This Lullaby Baby Shower Ensemble by Buffy Cooper is the perfect way to coordinate your party favors and gift bag using the Lullaby designer series paper, and send the mom-to-be home with a mini album she can use to record the memories.  For full step-by-step instructions on how to make this adorable project, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of June!

Blended Bloom With Blendabilities!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Some days I don't have many words...just pictures I want to share :)  Here are a few Blended Blooms that I have been coloring with Blendabilities.  I'm still learning and experimenting :)

Custom Cupcake Quartet Box & Card by Julie Beltramo

Make this Custom-Made Cupcake Box that will fashionably hold a quartet of cupcakes! It’s made with every detail in mind, including a perfectly fitted insert for each of the four cupcakes to sit into, and cute décor for the box outside – with a gold foil bow to top it off! With the coordinating “Hey There, Cupcake!” card, this gift is ready to give for any special occasion!  To get the full step-by-step instructions for this adorable set created by Julie Beltramo, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of June!

Father's Day Pop-Up Box Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Expand Time By Being Mindful
It is so easy to say that we are too busy to do something.  Too pressured by the ticking minutes.  Too rushed to stop for a minute.  What I have been finding is that I can make time expand by being mindful.  Instead of allowing myself to multi-task, simul-task or go into task overdrive I am choosing moments to just be mindful of exactly what I am doing.  When I give something or someone my full attention, time seems to expand for me.  When I am harried and rushing, the clock seems to work against me.  When I am calm, the clock slows down for me.  How can you expand time by being mindful with what you are doing?
Today I attempted my first pop-up box card (you can find a tutorial on Splitcoast...and I may attempt a tutorial of my own at some point in the not-too-distant future :).  I brought together old stamp sets, new Typeset designer series paper and some other non-SU! odds and ends to create this card.  I love how this card is a surprise for the recipient since it arrives flat with just the outside paper showing.  I even created a matching envelope using the Typeset DSP.  I know this is not the last pop-up box card I will be making :)

Floral Box Card Set by Christy Fulk

Everyone needs a card now and then, and this Floral Box Card Set by Christy Fulk would be a great gift to give to anyone.  The flowers are made with the new stamp, Blended Bloom, and colored in with the new Stampin’ Blendabilities.  The card box holds six cards and envelopes.  This card set would also make a great card class.  Head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of June to receive the full step-by-step instructions for this and the nine other great June projects!

Woven Painted Paper Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Wake Up And Create!
Yesterday morning I woke up very early.  I had traveled earlier in the week and my internal clock is a bit out of whack.  I was lying in bed staring at the ceiling and finally decided I should just go into the craft room and start painting.  My wonderful friend Doris provided me with some beautiful papers and I have thoroughly been enjoying using some of them to paint on.  The textures are wonderful!  So I took out a piece of the textured paper and began playing with layers - paint, stamping, drawing with permanent ink, tissue paper, gesso...I kept adding until I was pleased with the result.  Layering is really fascinating to me right now.  Layering is like life.  You can be pleased one moment and the next minute you are totally unhappy with how things are going...but if you just keep going you may find yourself in a beautiful new place that you never expected.  I'm glad I kept going :)
Once the paper was dry I decided to cut it into strips and do some paper weaving.  I even punched a butterfly from the paper to add to the card.  What did I learn?  Sometimes the perfect thing to do is wake up and create! :)

Layered and Painted Paper

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  I Am Intrigued By Layers
The warm weather causes us to shed layers of clothes.  People have many layers - some they share and some they keep hidden.  Art can have layers of meaning.  Paper can be layered with paint, ink, tissue, more paper...and on, and on, and on.  Today I found myself in the craft room intrigued by the idea of layers.  I wonder how many layers I can add to a base of paper?  I wonder if I will try to answer that question? :)  Today I began with a beautiful piece of paper that was given to me by a wonderful friend :)  It started with ink and paint and then gelatos and then tissue and painted paper...and on and on and on.  I love the depth and interest that this creates.  I love what is showing and what is hidden.  I am showing you a picture of one of the layers and then more layers placed on top of it.  It's intriguing to think I could keep going and no one would ever know what is underneath...not even me...unless I captured the layers with photos.  Yes, I am intrigued by layers!

Moonlight Magnet Board Set

This Moonlight Magnet Board Set is my June project for Craft Project Central!  This set is a great way to brighten up your office!  The set features a magnet board, coordinating magnet box with six magnets, and a small card for gift giving!  Perfecct as a gift, or to do some organizing in your home office (something I definitely need to do!)!
For the full step-by-step instructions for how to create this set, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of June.  Or, go to this post on Craft Project Central and leave me a comment for a chance to win a free subscription to the month of June :)

Blended Bloom Thank You Card Using Blendabilities

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Every thought you produce; Anything you say, any action you do; It bears your signature.  -Thich Nhat Hanh
What a beautiful quote for all of us who create art with our hands.  Any action you do bears your signature.  You are putting your intention - your energy - into everything.  On my recent exploration into Ayurveda and cooking, this concept also came up for me.  The idea that a cook puts their energy into the food that they make.  The idea that if you cook your own food you can be aware and mindful of the energy you are placing into your food.  The energy is ingested with the food.  I imagine the same is true of the cards we send and give.  The energy we put into them is transferred to the recipient.  What signature do your thoughts, words and actions say about you?

 Today I am sharing my first attempt at coloring using the Blendabilities and the Blended Bloom stamp!  I stamped the image using Memento ink and then colored in the flower with a variety of the Blendabilities colors.  I also used the Color Lifter to add some additional shading.  I was really happy with how the color worked on the Whisper White card stock.  I know that I have a lot of learning to do, but I was taught that if the color bleeds through to the back of the card stock you are blending an appropriate amount.  I should have taken a picture of the back of the flower because I had a good amount of color bleeding through to the back of the flower.  Of course this means that you will likely always be using Blendabilities for layering on cards or you would have to add some type of decorative panel on the inside of the card if you chose to use the Blendabilities directly on the card front.  Blendabilities should be available for purchase sometime later this month!  I will definitely keep you posted...and hopefully I'll continue to perfect my skills :)

Nuts About You - Thinking of You Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  It's Good To Have A Friend To Go On The Journey With!
The need to clean the craft room.  The desire to get organized.  Dealing with the emotional attachment to things.  Feeling overwhelmed.  When it comes to actually beginning to declutter and straighten - whether in the craft room or elsewhere in the house - I can sometimes become a bit paralyzed.  I made some progress today though!  And part of that is due to the fact that I have a friend out there who shares the goal of creating a peaceful space in which to create.  Knowing she is out there - working toward the same goal - and that we are supporting one another - is making a huge difference for me!  It is good to have a friend to go on the journey with - even if you live many miles from one another!  Thank you Doris!!!!!
Today I am sharing my first attempt at inking up the stamps in the Nuts About You stamp set!!!!!!  The images in this set are so cute and with the sun shining and birds singing outside, this is the card that needed to happen today!  I inked up the stamps using my markers and added the sentiment from the Wetlands stamp set.  I have a feeling the little squirrels in this stamp set are going to get inked up next!!!!

Masculine Cards & Treat Set by Regina Andari

Some of the most challenging projects for stampers and paper crafters are the masculine ones, and this Masculine Cards & Treat Set by Regina Andari features four card designs that the men in your life can appreciate!  The set also includes a gift card holder and a treat pouch/bag that you will enjoy making—and others will enjoy receiving.
For the step-by-step instructions for this project and the 9 other projects that will be posted for June at Craft Project Central, head on over to CPC and subscribe to the month of June!

Designer Garden Window Box and Card! – May Bonus Project by Amanda Corbet

Make a lovely flower garden window box to brighten up your space with fun patterned flowers that will last! No need to water! These bright and fun blossoms will never wilt.  This Designer Garden Window Box and Card! is the Craft Project Central May Bonus Project! and was designed by Amanda Corbet.  You could gift this bunch of flowers to someone special with the matching card. Don’t need a window box? The flowers would still make a lovely bouquet in a vase for the perfect gift!
Bonus projects can be obtained by subscribing to Craft Project Central for two or more months in a row; putting the Craft Project Central badge on your blog; or by referring a friend and when the friend subscribes, letting Craft Project Central know.  Head on over to Craft Project Central for more information!

Papillon Potpourri Birthday Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Honor Your Need For That Which Soothes Your Soul
When I am on the road for work it can be easy to forget to honor my need for that which soothes my soul.  I continue to realize that if I make taking care of myself a high priority, I can find ways to honor self care while I travel.  This week some of the things that have provided comfort for me on the road include:  a visit with a friend, walking outdoors and seeing baby geese, a cup of warm soy milk, time spent drawing bits and pieces of the world around me, a warm meal that met my dietary needs.  All little ways to honor my need to soothe my soul.  What do you do to honor your need for that which soothes your soul?
Today I am sharing another card that was inspired by a card sample in the new catalog!  I love using the Idea Book & Catalog for ideas!  Sometimes I am struck by a special card design. Other times my eye is caught by a color combination I never would have thought of.  And yes, I pulled out a few retired items that I'm trying to use (as opposed to put away and have gather dust).  So glad the Papillon Potpourri stamp set didn't retire!

Happy Birthday Grunge Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  The New Causes Me To Reflect On The Old
It's that time of year - NEW CATALOG TIME!!!!  I would by lying if I said I wasn't excited.  I am excited about the freshness of new products - trying new things - playing with new images, patterns and colors.  Every time the new catalog comes around I also find myself reflecting on the old.  I know that as a Demonstrator I'm probably not supposed to say this...but before you buy new products, go back and look at what you already have.  The new animal set may make you swoon...until you realize you have an animal set from a few years back that is just as cute and is in need of some love :)  Or maybe you will decide to sell the old set in order to purchase the new set.  All I ask is that you make considered, as opposed to impulse, choices.  Sometimes it is just as fun to play with what we already have - challenging ourselves to use our supplies in new ways - as opposed to just adding more to our "stash."  That said, I will confess that I plan on making some purchases from the new catalog.  Partly due to my role as Demonstrator - I need to keep things "fresh and current."  I also do some design work that pays me in the form of Stampin' Up! product and I have been saving up those payments for new catalog time.
For today's card I brought out a retired stamp - Engraved Greetings - to make this Happy Birthday card inspired by a layout in the new catalog.  The new definitely causes me to reflect on (and use) the old!  I plan on sharing a few other "old reflections" in the coming weeks :)  And I'll likely interject some of the new too :)

Venetian Romance Gift Set by Sharon Maranich

A perfect gift for a special person.  Never forget a birthday or anniversary again!!  This Venetian Romance Gift Set by Sharon Maranich includes a Card Reminder Box that will help you keep track of all those important dates that you want to remember.  Just fill in the calendar pages with dates and drop the cards for the event behind!  When it’s time to send a card, it’s ready for you!
Get the full step-by-step instructions for this project by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of May!

Patriotic Card Set by Yapha Mason

Just in time for Memorial Day, Yapha Mason created this great Patriotic Card Set with Window Box!  This set of patriotic notecards is great for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or celebrating the heroes in our armed forces any day.  It includes eight cards with matching lined envelopes, a themed gift tag,  and a coordinated box with a window.  For full step-by-step instructions, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of May.  Or, head on over to Craft Project Central and leave a post on one of the two projects I created this month!  I will be selecting a winner later this month to receive a free May subscription to Craft Project Central!

Whoooo Are You? Art Journal Page

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Find A Mantra That Helps You On Your Journey
I find that my mind is one of my most powerful muscles when it comes to my swimming (or my art making).  If my mind is in a supportive place, I find that my other muscles follow - my arms, legs, lungs (ok, they may not be muscles, but they follow along too!).  In the craft room, the muscle of creativity follows if my mind is in a supportive place.  But when I fall into negative thinking and let my mind focus on destructive thoughts, my other muscles will follow that thinking as well - and it's like I'm slogging through mud in the pool or a creative block in the craft room.  This past week I tried a new mantra for myself when I was swimming.  It was something that the Ayurvedic practitioner I recently saw mentioned during one of our classes.  The mantra is, "I am on my own hero's journey."  I kept coming back to the mantra as I swam and I felt calm, still, peaceful.  Find a mantra that helps you on your journey.  You other muscles will follow.
Today I am sharing an art journal page that I created for Paper Crafter's Library.  I had a ton of fun creating it - using some tape I had painted and some fabric I had marbled.  If you are interested in the full step-by-step videos on how I made the page, head on over to Paper Crafter's Library by clicking on the badge in the upper right-hand corner of my blog and check out becoming a Paper Crafter's Library member!

Layered Wax Paper: A Video!!!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Let The Inspiration Sweep You Up!

I watched a video by Suzi Dennis the other day and watching her experiment with wax paper really intrigued me!  The minute she showed herself flexing and bending the dried finished product and said, "it feels like leather," I knew I had to give it a try!  I guess I am a texture kind of gal!  Somehow the video wasn't satisfying enough - I needed to find out what that paper felt like!  So I let the inspiration sweep me up and off I went to the craft room!  Warning:  The inspiration might be contagious!  Here is a video of my encounter with layering wax paper!  Enjoy!

Swallowtail Dream Pillow Set

I created two projects for Craft Project Central for May!  I got out the iron for this Swallowtail Dream Pillow Set!  The pillow is a really fun way to use your stamps on velvet!  This set features a velvet dream pillow with a coordinating tag and matching gift card.  What a wonderful gift for a special friend!
Interested in the full step-by-step instructions on how to make this set?  If so, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of May.  Or, head on over to Craft Project Central and leave a comment on this project or my other May project.  I will be choosing a winner later this month who will receive a free subscription to the month of May!  Good luck!

Creating Pretty Cards - Sketch Challenge #35

This is my entry for this month's Creating Pretty Cards - Sketch Challenge #35 over at Craft Project Central.  Sometimes it's nice to have a sketch to work from as opposed to creating everything from scratch.  I really enjoyed all of the layers in this challenge!  It's been a long time since I put layer upon layer on a card.  Head on over to Craft Project Central and participate in the challenge!

Surprise Box by Buffy Cooper

Isn't this Surprise Box! fun?!?!  It was created by Buffy Cooper for Craft Project Central for May!
A “Surprise Box” can be used in so many fun ways:  to cheer up anyone who is having a rough day, to entertain the kiddos if they’re having a “sick day”, or to keep kids entertained during a long car trip.  It’s easy to change the contents, so you can use the box over and over.  Each time it’s opened a new adventure is waiting!
Interested in the step-by-step instructions for this fun project?  If so, head on over to Craft Project Central to subscribe to May or, go to one of my May projects posted over at Craft Project Central and leave me a comment.  I will be choosing one lucky winner who will receive a free subscription to May!

Soho Subway K-Cut Holder by Laurie Zoellmer

What a great gift for the coffee lover!  This SoHo Subway K-Cup Holder by Laurie Zoellmer is a pretty box that will hold three K-cups!  These boxes go together quickly, so you can make several for gifts, vendor shows, or it also makes a great class!  The coordinating buckle-card adds just the right touch to this ensemble.

Want the full step-by-step instructions for how to make this wonderful project?  If so, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of May!  Or, head on over to Craft Project Central and leave a comment on my Fresh Prints Place Setting post!  I will be selecting one lucky winner who will receive a free one-month subscription to Craft Project Central!

Home Is Where The heART Is Art Journal Page

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Do You Lose Your Head Or Bounce Back?
I am writing this post on Monday and as I look out the window, snow is on the ground!  Yes, it's May 12th and there is snow on the ground!  In Denver we are taught not to plant our flowers until after Mother's Day and this year that advice was spot on!  Who would have expected inches of snow to fall after enjoying such beautiful spring weather?!?!  Some of our aliums had already bloomed and I was worried about them.  With their 3-foot-tall stalks, there wasn't much we could do other than watch and hope.  Some of the flowers that had opened ended up being too challenged by the snow and the flower blooms fell off - in effect, the flowers lost their heads :(  Others however, seemed to bend with the weight of the snow and now, as the snow melts, they are bouncing back into an upright position - blooms still intact.  It makes me wonder about myself.  How easily do I lose my head?  Or, can I let the weight of the world bring me down a bit and then find my strength to bounce back?  I will never look at those aliums the same way again...
Today I am sharing an art journal page that I created for Paper Crafter's Library.  I have been having a lot of fun with collage and painted papers and this page grew out of that love.  If you are interested in the full "how to" videos for the page, head on over to Paper Crafter's Library and look into subscribing for a month or more.  To learn more about Paper Crafter's Library, click on the badge on the upper-right corner of my blog.  Thanks for stopping by!

Vellum Gift Box & Card by Monika Davis

This elegant Vellum Gift Box & Card was created by Monika Davis as her May project for Craft Project Central.  Nothing makes a better impression than a hand-made gift bag.  Make this elegant gift bag and fill it with some yummy treats or a special gift.  It is perfect for any occasions, from birthdays to weddings.   Great for a stamp camp, or as a class project.

Want the full step-by-step instructions for how to make this wonderful project?  If so, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of May!  Or, head on over to Craft Project Central and leave a comment on my Fresh Prints Place Setting post!  I will be selecting one lucky winner who will receive a free one-month subscription to Craft Project Central!

Sketched Birthday Card Set by Regina Andari

 

How sweet it is!!!!  This Sketched Birthday Card Set! by Regina Andari helps you stock up on those birthday cards you always need!  This ensemble includes four cards featuring fun polka dots and a handy decorated box to hold them.  The box will hold four cards and four envelopes, or you might prefer to fill the box with two sets of cards.  Perfect for a class, this project would also be a well-received and useful gift.

Want the full step-by-step instructions for how to make this wonderful project?  If so, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of May!  Or, go to Craft Project Central and leave a comment on my Fresh Prints Place Setting project!  I will be selecting one lucky winner to receive a free one-month subscription to Craft Project Central!

A Remembrance and Newspaper Beads

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Finding Happiness In The Midst Of Sadness
I find that sadness creeps into my heart a bit when I travel.  Being away from home and my routine.  Those that I love.  I know that they are with me, even as I sit in a hotel room, and yet I want to be with them.  To hold them. Walk with them.  Watch them breathing.  Today I am reflecting on a different sadness as well.  The sadness that washed over me on this day back in 1986 when I learned that my father had died.  Maybe that's why the sadness comes to me when I travel.  Maybe it's drawn to me by fear.  The fear of not seeing those that I love again.  So as I sit in this hotel room (I am writing this on Thursday evening), I am trying to find happiness in the midst of my sadness.  Looking back on a project that I created back in 2010 to honor my relationship with my father.  And pulling out some glue, an embroidery needle, scissors and the newspaper that was left outside my door this morning.  Cutting some strips and creating a few newspaper beads.  Yes, I can find happiness in the midst of my sadness and I am comforted knowing that my next post will hopefully be written from the comfort of the craft room!  I hope you have a beautiful weekend surrounded by those you love!

Fresh Prints Place Setting

I designed this Fresh Prints Place Setting as one of my May projects for Craft Project Central (yes, I designed two separate projects this month!).
This Fresh Prints Place Setting is a great and easy way to brighten up your table!  It features a wipe-able placemat, a place card, a coordinating napkin ring and a sweet treat envelope to finish your meal!  Use this place setting as a gift, for a party, or to just brighten up your morning meal!

Want the full step-by-step instructions for how to make this wonderful project?  If so, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of May!  Or, go to the post of this project at Craft Project Central and leave a comment on my project :)  I will be randomly selecting one lucky winner to receive a free subscription!!!!!

Traveling Art Kit

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  You Can Take It With You!!!!
I want to thank Amanda for encouraging me to take some art supplies with me when I travel.  I usually get a bit depressed being away from the craft room, so this is a fun way to bring my craft room along with me (a much "lighter" version of course)!  Sorry for the blurry photo - it was taken on the bed in a dimly lit hotel room...but hopefully you can see some of the supplies I included on my latest trip.  Some glue, pens, watercolor pencils, an aqua painter, bone folder, vellum, scissors, sharpener, bubble wrap, washi tape, some painted art tape, a small alphabet stamp set, sponge, a few stencils and an art journal.  It all fits inside a small zip bag.  I also have a few other markers and a piece of freezer paper in the bag...oh, and a small bag filled with salt (hopefully it doesn't look like anything else when I go through security at the airport!!!).  I am finding that this small art bag is loaded with creative opportunity!  Hopefully I will be able to share some of the pages I create while I'm traveling.  What I'm learning is you can definitely take it with you!!!!!  Do you have favorite supplies you like to travel with????  I would love to hear your ideas!

Paper Beads From Painted Paper

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  I am learning to eat with intention...
No distractions - not an iPhone, a computer, a television.  Beginning my meal with a recognition of the food that is about to nourish me.  Eating with mindfulness.  And then, after completing the meal, staying conscious for 15-20 minutes.  Maybe some light reading or a slow walk.  I am learning to eat with intention.
Today I wanted to share my first exploration into paper beads.  I cut a few strips from some of my painted paper and began winding :)  I haven't finished them yet - I want to coat them so that they will be water resistant.  I love the idea of having a project that I can take on the road with me when I travel.  I'm already envisioning cutting up airplane magazines :)

Proud of My Grad! by Julie Beltramo

Get ready for that special graduation celebration with this great party display for guests to leave a special message for the graduate. Julie Beltramo designed this great ensemble for May for Craft Project Central.  The So Proud of You tasseled garland, draped along an everyday yardstick, will inspire your guests to add a message on one of the handmade note cards. The ‘Memories’ and ‘Wishes’ labeled jars will hold those messages for the grad!
--> Want the full step-by-step instructions for how to make this wonderful project?  If so, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of May!  Or, check back on 5/8 to find out how to win a free May subscription!

Ink Blot to Art Page Honoring My Feelings

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Allow Art To Help You Honor Your Feelings
I've been feeling a lot lately and on Wednesday, when my ink painting called out to me with what appeared to be a face, I decided to go with it to see where it might take me.  Not surprisingly, this is where I ended up.  The process was quite cathartic for me - helping me honor the feelings that have been with me this week.  I still marvel at how the same ink painting could have led in so many different directions depending on who looked at it and played with it.  And, of course, it took me to exactly where I needed to be.
Wishing you a wonderful and creative weekend.  How can you allow art to help you honor your feelings?

Long Envelope Mini Album & Card by Christy Fulk

Isn't this Long Envelope Mini Album & Card gorgeous?!?!  It was created for Craft Project Central by Christy Fulk.  This mini album, which was made with the Envelope Punch Board, has three, 2-page layouts.  It also has three pull-out pages that can be used for journaling or more pictures.  With a wonderful matching card, this would make a great gift for any occasion.  It would also make a great scrapbooking class!
Want the full step-by-step instructions for how to make this wonderful project?  If so, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of May!

Ink Painting on Watercolor Paper

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Do You See What I See?
I began by spraying a piece of watercolor paper with some water and then swiping the paper with a few different ink pads.  Next I let it dry and sprayed it with some fixative so that I could layer more ink on top of the first layer without having everything run together and create mud.  I did that a number of times and this is the resulting piece.  I wonder what you would do with this piece of inked watercolor paper?  Maybe you would cut it up and create some backgrounds.  Maybe you would journal on top of it.  Maybe you would set it aside without a clue of what to do with it!  That's the beauty of art.  Each of us would likely do something different because we each see something different.  I ended up taking pictures of the piece as I was working on it and that's when I saw her!  I decided to take one of the photos I took and printed it out on the computer in black and white.  Can you see her now?

She's there - on the left-hand side of the page.  Maybe you can see her face and some of her features.  I adhered her to a piece of watercolor paper and now she is waiting to be brought to life some more.  I will continue to let her inspire me and will share her with you when I'm done.  In the meantime I wanted to share with you what I saw.  Do you see what I see?

A Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  There Are Some Cards You Wish You Never Had To Make
This is one of them.  A card that I so wish I never had to make.  A card created because someone was in desperation.  Someone was deep in sadness.  Someone felt they had no other option.  Someone so precious, special, warm.  Someone I am holding close in my heart - hoping their pain, their sorrow, their suffering is no more.  A family left behind in grief, mourning, emptiness.  There are some cards you wish you never had to make.

Playing With Comics On Stripcreator

I learned about Stripcreator today and decided to play a little bit since tonight is the Stampin' Up! live catalog premiere!  I won't be going, but I'm hoping lots of demonstrators who are going will share some of what they learn (and I will definitely pass along what I hear!!!!).  Thought I'd make a fun comic about the upcoming release of the new catalog :)  Check out Stripcreator (it is addictive!).  Some of the artwork you are allowed to share outside of Stripcreator!  That might mean that more comics will be coming soon ;) (ps sorry about the typo in my comic...I'm a new user and couldn't figure out how to fix it!)

Painting Papers

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Get Back Into The Art-Making Groove!
I traveled last week and when I travel I seem to have a little bit of a struggle getting back into the art room and beginning.  I'm not sure why I struggle - maybe just being out of my element when I'm on the road and having to readjust when I get back.  Maybe my energy is a little low when I return from trips.  What I'm learning is good for me is to just walk into the craft room and begin.  Trouble is, I often didn't know what or where to begin!  So now my "go to" beginning is to just start painting, scribble, stamping on random paper.  Book pages, deli paper, scrap paper, recycled paper - it doesn't matter.  And I try not to focus on what the papers will one day be used for.  Instead I just begin and it gets me back into the groove!  These are three pictures of a large piece of paper I scribbled, painted and printed on.  And added a few scrap pieces of tape too.  Who knows what it will be turned into.  But at least I'm in the groove! :)