Mini-Collage Challenge #4

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Let Go Or Be Dragged.  -Katie Holmes
Yes, I looked at People magazine on-line...I admit it...I am trying to kick the habit...For once though, the mindless reading actually provided some much needed insight!  There was an article about 5 words that have impacted Katie Holmes' life and those 5 words are let go or be dragged.  Letting go seems to be a theme that is running through my life (and my veins) right now.  It is a lesson I learned in the pool the other day when we were told to try to only breathe every fifth stroke instead of every third stroke.  It became harder to do the more I tried to hold onto my breath!  I started to tell myself, "Michelle, you need to be just as willing to let it go as you are to let it in."  Yes, let go or be dragged.  Oh there is so much that I allow to pull me down right now.  I need to be willing to let go...
Today I am sharing my fourth collage in my mini-collage challenge.  This one incorporates quite a few pieces of tape that I painted.  I then added some dimensional paints and a bit of Sharpie poster paint marker.  The green tape I used in the background was part of an experiment I conducted with heating acrylic paint.  I love all the texture it created!  I hope you like it...and if you don't...let go :)

Mix & Match Winter Holiday Boxes & Tags by Yapha Mason

This festive holiday packaging by Yapha Mason includes four different size square boxes along with four gift tags that can be mixed and matched. Using shades of blue and silver, there are options for both Hanukkah and Christmas, with designs that will work for either one. This project set is great for a stamp camp, a class, or just getting ready for the upcoming holiday season. It includes instructions for two square holiday cards as well.  Head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of November for full step-by-step instructions!

Mini Collage Challenge - #3

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  You Can Create An Entire World In A Tiny Space
I have been enjoying the challenge I gave myself - to create at least one 2"x 2" mini collage every day.  When I approached the first collage I was quite uncertain about what to do.  Now that I have completed three, I am beginning to realize that you can create an entire world in a tiny space.  2"x 2" can seem so small at first glance.  Yet the more you dive into what seems to be such a limited space, the more you realize how much you can do in the expanse of 2" x 2"!  Ideas seem to be flowing to me right now - we'll see if that lasts!
For today's mini collage I turned to some painted tape that I had made.  This allowed me to skip using any other type of adhesive for my mini collage.  After tearing and adhering the bits of tape, I cut out a few pieces of the tape to create the house.  I then used some markers to add a touch of shading and a bit of outlining.  Yes, you can create an entire world in a tiny space!

Count Your Blessings Table Decor

Take time to count your blessings during the upcoming holiday season!  This set includes a blessings bank, gratitude cards to fill out and insert into the bank, place cards to gather blessings from your guests and a blessings list that your guests can fill in and take home with them.  This set can be used to adorn your holiday table or you can use the box, gratitude cards and lists as a way to remind yourself how blessed you truly are each and every day!  This is my November project for Craft Project Central.  If you want to get the full step-by-step instructions for making this entire set, head on over the Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of November.

Mini Collage Challenge - #2

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Allow Fate To Intervene
This is the second 2"x 2" mini collage that I created.  I began by adhering bits of torn painted paper to the watercolor paper with Utrecht matte medium.  You can also use painted tape, washi tape, masking tape...and you don't have to worry about having glue or matte medium with you :)  As I continued to put the torn pieces down I began to worry about what else I would add...and while I was worrying, I turned one of my pieces of painted paper over and saw these words staring right at me!  I had done some paper painting on one side of a page from a book!  And fate brought me to these exact words at the exact right moment.  So I cut them out and added them to my mini collage with matte medium.  I love it when I am open to allowing fate to intervene!

Christmas Survival Kit by Amanda Corbet

Christmas is fast approaching and there are always those last minute cards you forget to send or gifts you need to give and you’re out of time! Oh no! Well this Christmas Survival Kit by Amanda Corbet includes five cards with envelopes, four gift bags, 10 gift tags, and 8 gift card holders as well as space to put other necessities, all tucked away in this beautiful gift shaped box. Just lift off the lid and one side falls down to show the beautiful row of drawers and two back pockets. Make this for yourself or someone special to save a little headache around Christmas. Or change up the patterns and colors to make a gift set ready for any holiday!

This Christmas Survival Kit is the October Bonus at Craft Project Central.  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!

Mini Collage Challenge #1

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Make It Manageable
As some of you may know from reading my blog, I sometimes find it challenging to head into the Craft Room and start creating.  The idea of picking up materials and getting started can feel overwhelming.  So I have decided to make it manageable for myself.  After all, why would anyone be intimidated by a 2"x 2" piece of watercolor paper?  So I went ahead and cut a small stack of 2" x 2" pieces of watercolor paper and I have decided to try to make at least one small 2"x 2" collage a day.  This feels doable to me.  Even if I am traveling I always have a glue stick with me and there are likely to be bits and pieces of receipts, ticket stubs, trash that I can incorporate into a mini collage.  My hope is to share this journey with you - sometimes one at a time - sometimes maybe a few at a time.  Feel free to join in the challenge with me!  Right now I will commit to 30 days...but who knows...it might turn into a year-long affair!  The nice thing about these mini collages?  You can always use them on a card front or incorporate them into other paper crafting projects.
Since I wasn't sure where to begin...even with a 2" x 2" piece of watercolor paper...I went with an easy start - the shape of a heart.  I have tons of scrap papers around the craft room that I like to paint on and this is the perfect way for me to start putting those little papers to use!  I am using Utrecht matte medium for adhering my pieces down, but I may play with adhesives a bit the more I make these mini collages.  I hope you'll enjoy this journey with me!

Creating Pretty Cards - Sketch Challenge #40

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Of all the reasons for being an artist, there is one that outweighs all others:  Art offers a path to our souls. - Nick Bantock
The path has definitely been bumpy so far for me!  Bumps, bruises, stumbles and falls.  But I keep getting back up because there is no other path I would rather be on!
Today I am sharing my submission for this month's Creating Pretty Cards - Sketch Challenge #40 over at Craft Project Central!  There are still a few days left for you to join in the challenge...and you might just win a free one-month subscription to Craft Project Central!  Come on over to Craft Project Central and play!!!!!

Autumn Wreath by Jen Arkfeld

It’s time to create something fun for your autumn home décor!  This Autumn Wreath by Jen Arkfeld screams fall with its warm colors, feathers and touches of raffia. The great thing about this design?  You can easily use other Designer Series Paper for summer, spring or winter!  It’s a versatile design.  Happy Crafting!  Get the full step-by-step instructions by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of October!

Fall Banner & Candle by Christy Fulk

This Fall Banner & Candle by Christy Fulk would be wonderful Fall décor for your home. The banner is made with coaster board, and the matching candle is stamped, along with other embellishments.  Make one set to keep as your own, and make another set to give as a gift. This would also make a great Fall-themed class.  Head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of October for full step-by-step instructions!

Take Flight Art Journal Page

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Sometimes Beginning Is The Hardest Part
I walk by the craft room, peer inside, and keep walking.  I think of every excuse to not go in - I'm tired; I'm not motivated; I can't.  It's all the little gremlin voice trying to prevent me from taking the risk of creating.  And I succumb.  Often I just let the gremlin win.  Yesterday I decided to slay the gremlin and just picked up a piece of paper that had been sitting on the craft room table.  It had some ink stains and paint drips on it and I just began to add to it.  That's all it takes to slay the gremlin.  Just beginning.  Just picking up the pen, brush, stamp and putting it onto the paper.  A small move of your hand.  A small risk in the grand scheme of things.  Yes, the gremlin will be back.  But for now, I feel victorious!
Today I am sharing an art journal page I created for Paper Crafter's Library.  For a supply list and full step-by-step video instructions, head on over to Paper Crafter's Library by using the badge in the upper right-hand corner of my blog and look into becoming a member.  I create projects for Paper Crafter's Library every month and enjoy stretching my creative limits!  Come join us!

Perfect Blend Thank You Card by Doris Male

Today I am sharing the final card that Doris shared with me on our visit.  I love how she used the Alphabet rotary stamp to customize the greeting!  I hope you enjoy this inspiration as much as I did!

Fall Favors & Table Décor by Buffy Cooper

How cute is this Fall Favors & Table Décor project by Buffy Cooper?!?!  Fall is here (and so is my birthday today!!!!) with beautifully colored falling leaves, scarecrows, pumpkins and family gatherings.  Create simple and adorable favor boxes for your fall parties and dinners, a beautiful centerpiece, and a card to send to family and friends using fun fall colors and the Color Me Autumn suite.  Get the full step-by-step instructions by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of October!!!!

Traveler Card by Doris Male

Today I wanted to share a wonderful card created by Doris Male (thanks Doris!).  On my recent visit with her she shared cards that she had created or altered from designs she found online.  I love how Doris uses Designer Series Paper to come up with unique color combinations and this card is no exception.  Doris has also inspired me to pay more attention to the inside of my cards.  Her cards always have a special stamped surprise inside!

Twenty Days of Thanks by Heidi King

Now is the season of refection and thankfulness.  This Twenty Days of Thanks advent project by Heidi King is a perfect way to remind us of our blessings.  Add treats for little ones and each day add a slip of paper with what you are thankful for.  Thanksgiving Day is the perfect time to read them and reflect!  For full step-by-step instructions head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of October!!!!!

Seasonally Scattered Cards

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  See Colors In A Whole New Light!
I love seeing what other people create with Stampin' Up! stamps!  Colors that I pass right over suddenly attract my full attention when I see the used in unique combinations.  Doris shared these two cards with me during our recent visit and the second card just popped!  I love that color combo and I'm sure it will be inspiring my own creation in the near future!  Both of these cards use the Seasonally Scattered stamp set from the Holiday Catalog.  Click HERE to shop now!

Baby Shower Ensemble by Monika Davis

What an adorable Baby Shower Ensemble designed by Monika Davis!  Make these sweet baby shower decoration pieces for a sweet friend who is expecting. This set contains a shaker card, a sweet baby carriage treat box, a book mark and a wand/straw decoration. You will be the talk of the party. These pieces can be mass produced easily and the greeting card can serve as the invitation and/or the baby announcement. Great for a stamp camp, or as a class project.  Subscribe to the month of October over at Craft Project Central for full step-by-step instructions for creating this great project!

Kinda Eclectic Card Assortment

Today I wanted to share three gorgeous cards that my wonderful friend Doris showed me during our recent visit.  Each card uses the Kinda Eclectic stamp set in a unique way!  These cards incorporate original designs as well as layouts that Doris found on-line.  How can you use the Kinda Eclectic stamp set in a new way?

Bright & Beautiful and Festival of Trees Cards

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  The Same Materials In The Hands Of Different Makers Can Create Wonderful Results!
I am always amazed by how one single stamp set can be used by many different crafters to create cards and paper crafting projects that are incredibly varied!  During my visit with Doris I was able to see a huge variety of cards she had created!  Some of them were her own original designs and some were adaptations of cards she had seen on-line.  Stamp sets that hadn't even caught my eye in the catalog were brought to life by her creations!  Of course, my wish list grew and grew! :)  For a few days I'm going to share some of the cards she shared with me.  I hope they inspire you to use your sets in new ways...or maybe they will inspire you to look at a set that you had passed by and see it in a new way.  Enjoy!  The top card uses the Bright & Beautiful stamp set and the bottom card uses Festival of Trees. I love how there is always a beautiful surprise inside each of Doris' cards!

Fold Out Mini Album & Card by Julie Beltramo

What a sweet Fold Out Mini Album & Card designed by Julie Beltramo!  Everyone loves to remember an event with photos! So why not make this quick and easy Fold Out Mini Album to capture those moments and share them with someone you love! The album has two fun fold out ‘pages’ that will give you a total of five spots for pictures, or just spaces for writing your thoughts! Whatever you choose to put inside, the recipient is sure to have a smile on their face when they see the surprise inside!! And the coordinating card completes the sentiment!  Head on over to Craft Project Central for full step-by-step instructions.  Just subscribe to the month of October!

Halloween Ensemble by Regina Andari

Bwaaaahaaahaaaa!  Check out this Halloween Ensemble by Regina Andari.  This ensemble includes a quick-to-make triangle treat holder, a fun, interactive Waterfall card, and a candy dispenser that everyone can enjoy.  Get the full step-by-step instructions by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of October!

A Special Visit!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Connections can come from the places you least expect them!
I had the wonderful pleasure of visiting Calgary for work earlier this week!  I also had the amazing pleasure of meeting up with my wonderful friend Doris!  Doris is a phenomenal human being and an outstanding Stampin' Up! demonstrator!  If I lived in Calgary, Doris would be my demo!!!! :)  Doris and I met in a place I would have least expected it...here on-line!!!!!  Our friendship is something I treasure!  Doris was sweet enough to present me with this great gift when we met up for dinner!  I love the ring with all of the card stock colors.  It's going to come in quite handy as I design cards and projects!  I love the gift wrapping as much as the gift!  One of my favorite parts is that Doris stamped the Eclectic starburst in the middle of the doily!  So pretty!!!!  I plan to share with you some of the amazing samples Doris shared with me during her visit!  I hope you find the pieces as inspiring as I do!

In Beauty May I Walk Art Journal Page

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Commit To Creating Every Day
This is not a demand I have of you.  It is one that I have for myself.  I find, especially when I travel for work, that I can let my creating fall by the wayside.  I allow (yes, I take full responsibility) for all of the excuses to take over...I'm too tired; I don't have my craft room; Someone will see what I'm doing (if I'm thinking about doing something creative on an airplane or on a park bench)...you know, the regular excuses.  So yesterday I decided I was done with the excuses!  I have chosen one thing that I want to work on - trying to draw...or maybe I should frame it as "putting pen to paper in a visual way" - somehow even the word "draw" brings sweat to my forehead!  It feels so intimidating!  My commitment is to put pen to paper in a visual way to create pictures (or representations) of people...starting with myself.  If I am brave, maybe I will share my first two pictures with you.  The first one I did without looking down at the paper (which is quite obvious :)  The second one I did without lifting my pen from the page and only looking down at the paper a couple of times.  Both of the pictures are quite abstract...to say the least :)  And, at least I am following through on my commitment!  The best part?  Each one has only taken about 5 minutes!  I can't find an excuse to stop me from keeping this commitment! :)
Today I am sharing an art journal page I created for Paper Crafter's Library.  For full step-by-step videos on how I created the page (yes, that is a dryer sheet that is giving texture to the background!), feel free to head on over to Paper Crafter's Library by clicking on the badge on the upper right-hand corner of my blog and become a member of PCL!  I create a set of videos for the site each month with the hope of keeping your and my creative juices flowing!

Freaky Friends Halloween Treat Box & Card by Laurie Zoellmer

Make this cute little Halloween treat box and matching card for your favorite little goblins, witches, and ghosts this year!  This Freaky Friends Halloween Treat Box & Card was designed by Laurie Zoellmer.  The template is easy to adapt to different occasions too, and doesn’t have to be used just as a Halloween gift!  Makes for a fun class project as well!  Head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of October for full step-by-step instructions!

Mighty Ugly

I have been reading a book entitled Make It Mighty Ugly by Kim Piper Werker. This led me to try to take pictures of some ugly things on my most recent trip! I tried to find places on the airplane that were collecting dust, lint, and other yucky stuff! Here's what I came up with! The funny thing is… The more I look at the pictures the less ugly they become. I wonder if this might apply equally to the ugly things I have created in my craft room?

Halloween Puppet Theater

This Halloween Puppet Theater is my October project for Craft Project Central!  This Halloween Puppet Theater is a great way to celebrate the season of spooky creatures!!!!  This set features a foldable puppet theater, three spooky puppets, and an envelope and tag for gift giving.  Make your little goblins smile with this fun foldable theater!  Or keep it yourself and use it as adorable holiday décor for Halloween!  Get the full step-by-step instructions over at Craft Project Central!  Just subscribe to the month of June!

Merry Everything Halloween Tent Box: A Video!!!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Lasting changes and improvements are made through the cumulative effects of individual actions. - Shaun McNiff
Each moment is an opportunity.  A choice.  A decision point to do something that resonates with who you are or to deny who you are or go against your grain.  Oh how much power there is in each and every moment!  This is where the potential for lasting changes and improvements live.  In each moment.  Even this one - right now.  By writing this I am honoring my need to share my creativity and inspire others to connect with theirs.  In this small way I feel I am making a difference in the world.  By putting it out there.  Yet here at the computer I also make choices that do not align with who I want to be and how I want to spend these precious moments.  I need to see each of these individual actions - each of these moments - as the building blocks that come together in a cumulative way to create my reality.  Yes little moments - I am watching you - and watching to see what I will do next... 
Today I wanted to share a video for another cute Halloween treat box!  I've been going a little box crazy lately and was hoping to pass along the excitement :)  Enjoy!

Halloween Mini Scrapbook & Card by Yapha Mason

Just in time for the Halloween season...check out this Halloween Mini Scrapbook & Card by Yapha Mason.  This mini Halloween scrapbook and matching card are a wonderful way to preserve your memories of a special costume, or several years of celebrations. It also makes a fun gift for family and friends who are too far to share in the festivities.  Get the full step-by-step instructions for creating this adorable album by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of October!

Fall Fest Card Box Set by Christy Fulk

This Fall Fest Card Box Set by Christy Fulk is the September Bonus Project for Craft Project Central.  Summer is just about over, and it’s time to be thinking about Fall. This card set is centered on the Fall season, and the box is made with the Gift Box Punch Board. There are six cards in this set, along with matching envelopes made with the Envelope Punch Board. This box set would make a great gift, and would also make a great card class.  Bonus projects can be obtained by subscribing to two or more months in a row at Craft Project Central, putting the Craft Project Central badge on your blog, or by referring a friend and when they subscribe, letting Craft Project Central know.

Day To Day Happy Halloween Punch Art Cards

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  There Is A Joy In Coming Together To Create
Last week I had some women over for a stamp-a-stack.  We are a pretty intact group - coming together every few months to create.  But it's so much more than that.  We come together to laugh, to share stories, to share the difficulties we are facing.  It is a time I truly treasure.  There is a joy in coming together to create and that joy doesn't just come from the activity - it comes from the beautiful souls who are gathered together.  I am so grateful for these women and for all of you I create with here in this virtual world.  You bring me joy!  Thank you!!!!!
Today I am sharing
 a punch art card that I created for the Halloween stamp-a-stack.  See if you can figure out which punches I used :)

Kinda Eclectic Gift Set by Boni Montano

This Kinda Eclectic Gift Set by Boni Montano is fun and unique!  It includes a hand stamped bowl, earrings, a gift box, and a coordinating card. The bowl makes a fun little catch-all for your jewelry or other small items.  Check out the full step-by-step instructions by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of September.

By The Tide Birthday Greetings

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  I learn over and over again that the creative process is an intelligence that knows where it has to go.- Shaun McNiff
Trust.  Such a simple five-letter word.  Yet we often feel it is not so simple to trust ourselves and trust the creative process.  Trusting the creative process does not mean that you will always like the outcome.  It does not mean that everything you create will be beautiful and worthy of space on your wall.  What it does mean is that whatever you create, if you trust the process, is exactly what you are meant to be creating...the beautiful, the ugly, the spontaneous, the highly detailed, the chicken scratch, the masterpiece.  That is our challenge.  To trust.
Today I created another card using my Stampin' Blendabilities and alcohol technique that I shared with you earlier in the week.  If you missed the video you can view it HERE.  I stamped onto the front of the window sheet with the By The Tide stamp set and Jet Black Staz-On ink.  The panel was adhered to the card with glue dots.  I hope you like it!  Have a wonderful and creative weekend!!!!

Halloween Mini Treat Box: A Video!!!!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  The most threatening element is the lack of confidence that people have when the process becomes difficult and tense.  They don't realize that the conflict and uneasiness that they are experiencing are necessary and 'part of the process.' Transformation occurs when we lose our way and find a new way to return. - Shaun McNiff
My wish for myself today...to lose my way time and time again and to find new ways to return! :)
Today I wanted to share this Halloween mini treat boxes with you!  You can decorate them for other holidays and purposes.  I just love how cute they are :)  Enjoy the video!  For those of you celebrating the holiday of Rosh Hashanah, I wish you a sweet, prosperous and healthy New Year!  Shana Tova!

Halloween Frame & Card Ensemble by Heidi King

Halloween will be here soon and this Halloween Frame & Card Ensemble by Heidi King is a great way to celebrate the holiday!  It’s that spooky time of year!  This frame is the perfect décor for any home…just put a picture of your little goblin inside! Or with this card make it a perfect gift for any teacher!  Get the full step-by-step instructions by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of September!

I also want to wish all of you who are celebrating the Rosh Hashanah holiday a very healthy, happy and sweet New Year!  May your year be filled with courageous acts of creativity!!!!!!  Shana Tova!

Power Of Words Art Journal Page

Today I am sharing an art journal page that I created for Paper Crafter's Library.  I will let the message of the art journal page be today's lesson from the craft room :)  For full step-by-step videos on how I created the page, head over to Paper Crafter's Library by clicking on the badge in the upper right-hand corner of my blog and become a member of Paper Crafter's Library!  I am an Educator/Designer for Paper Crafter's Library and I am always sharing new projects!

Stampin' Blendabilities Alcohol Technique: A Video!!!!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  As Long As You Show Up, So Will The Ideas
Creativity loves to give back!  The more I spend time in the craft room/art studio playing with materials, the more ideas begin to show up - ideas for how to use the materials in different ways - questions that begin with, "What if?"  This card came about from wondering what would happen if I combined Stampin' Blendabilities markers with alcohol...and I LOVED the answer! :)  Here is a video showing you how I created this card.  I hope it leads you to play with your materials.  As long as you show up to create, the ideas will show up too!