New In-Colors Arriving June 2nd!

It's almost time for the new catalog!  That means we will be saying good-bye to some favorites and saying hello to new friends!  I am really going to miss Crisp Cantaloupe, Coastal Cabana, Strawberry Slush, Pistachio Pudding and Baked Brown Sugar.  At the same time I am excited to begin playing with Tip Top Taupe, Cucumber Crush, Watermelon Wonder, Delightful Dijon...and that beautiful new Mint Macaron!  Be sure to stock up on your retiring favorites HERE and begin to get excited about all the new colors and products arriving on June 2nd!!!!

Everything Eleanor Greeting Card Set by Monika Davis

Everything Eleanor Greeting Card Set! by Monika Davis
Make this elegant card set showcasing four different lay-outs, using the same stamp sets and same colors.  Learn how to make your own water color background. You will also learn a new technique: emboss resist. The cards come in a sliding box case that’s easy to make and reproduce. Great for a stamp camp, or as a class project.  For full step-by-step instructions, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of May!

Speak Your Truth Art Journal Page

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Speak Your Truth
Too many times I am silent.  Too many times I don't speak my truth - even to myself.  What if I changed that?  What if I gave voice to my truth?  What if by speaking my truth it became more real?  What if it could no longer be ignored?  What then....
I created today's page for Paper Crafter's Library.  If you are interested in watching my full step-by-step process, head on over to Paper Crafter's Library by clicking on the badge in the upper right-hand corner of my blog and explore becoming a member.  You will have a world of paper crafting resources right at your fingertips!

Hats Off for the Men Ensemble by Yapha Mason

Hats Off for the Men Ensemble!– Yapha Mason

If you’re looking for some ‘formal attire’ for a card ensemble gift set – This is it! With Father’s Day coming up, graduations, or weddings, this little set is sure to please! You’ll learn how to make the Top Hat, which you can use as just a fun décor piece, or fill it with a special treat. Plus you’ll make six simple Note Cards that will be perfect for all those masculine card needs. And those Note Cards are a perfect fit into the simple, but sophisticated Suit Box. Wrap it all up for the most stylish masculine gift!   Get full step-by-step instructions for creating this project by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of May.

Help For The Bees

Today's Lesson From Outside The Craft Room:  Provide Help For The Bees
"One-third of every bite we eat is due to a pollinator," Scott Black, executive director of the invertebrate conservation nonprofit Xerces Society told the Huffington Post last year.   He continued, "These pollinators are vital for us as humans, but they're also vital for the planet -- we require animal pollination for 85 percent of flowering plants. These bees are producing the fruits and the seeds from pollination that feed everything from songbirds to grizzly bears."  We forget how much we really on these beautiful pollinators and how different our lives would look without them.
The other day Michael and I were out for a walk with Buddy and we came upon a swarm of bees on the ground.  They were wet and some were barely moving, but we had hope for them.  We are comfortable around bees - we have a few bird baths in the backyard that we fill with a very low level of water so that the bees can come and get the water they need.  Every so often a bee will land in the water and their body temperature quickly drops and they look as if they are dead.  But we pick them up and blow on them to warm them up and it is amazing to watch them spring back to life and fly off on their journey.  Sometimes we have even had to bring a bee in overnight - we have a little "bee box" that we created that we place flowers and sugar water in - because they won't fly at night.  So when we saw this pile of bees, we knew there must be something we could do to help.  We made a little lean-to with cardboard and a tarp (since rain was threatening) and then we hit the internet to find somehow who might help.  We contacted Gregg McMahan (aka The Bee Guru here in Denver) by phone and he was able to send out a call to local beekeepers to see if someone could come and relocate this swarm.  Within and hour and a half I was standing in the pouring rain with a beekeeper named Brent and a friend of his and we were capturing all the bees to be relocated to a safe spot where they could thrive!  It was a thrill!  The bees were totally willing participants - not an angry bee in the bunch!  (I am not recommending relocating bees on your own - please consult an expert!!!).  While we were waiting for Brent's arrival, someone walked by us and said, "Oh!  Those bees have been there for a few days!  When I was out the other day someone told me to be careful!"  Learning this made me sad.  Knowing that someone could have saved more of these bees had they made a call a few days earlier.  Don't just walk by.  See if you can help.  Provide help for the bees - we need each other!

Monogrammed Cards For Mother's Day

Today's Lesson From the Craft Room:  Whip Together A Quick Homemade Gift!
Flowers.  Candy.  Jewelry.  Somehow the usual Mother's Day gifts just weren't exciting me this year.  So I decided to whip up a quick homemade Mother's Day gift for my mom using the Flower Patch stamp set!  Just stamps, ink and a few punches and I had everything I needed to create the perfect present for my mom.  I love how these cards look like they are woodblock prints!  I used some colors that are retiring and a few stamps that I have had in my stash for ages (Lovely Letters Alphabet is a set that I use over and over and can't imagine living without!).  I boxed up 8 cards with matching envelopes and they were a huge hit!  What homemade gift can you whip together today?

Wedding Table Décor & Card by Buffy Cooper

Wedding Table Décor & Card! –  Buffy Cooper

Butterflies, roses, diamonds and gold glitz make this table decoration and card extra special for a summer wedding.  The Something Borrowed suite from the Stampin’ Up! Occasions Catalog makes this project a snap to pull together.  Change the sentiment on the card, and the ensemble is perfect for a bridal shower, tea party, or wedding anniversary.  It’s also a fun Stamp Camp project!  Get full step-by-step instructions for creating this project by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of May.

Amidst The Chaos Art Journal Page

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Put Your Chaos Down On Paper
Expressing our feelings - letting those feelings out - through art can be incredibly cathartic.  You may have noticed that my personal art posts on my blog have been a bit sporadic lately.  Part of that is due to the chaos that found its way into my life over the past few months.  I won't go into details.  Needless to say, I found expressing some of those feelings in an art journal page was really helpful.  I added a tab to the page and was able to do some private art journaling on the back of the tab while still being able to share the page with you.  This is a page that I created for Paper Crafter's Library.  Well really, I created the page for myself and filmed it for Paper Crafter's Library (also minus the personal journaling).  If you are interested in the full step-by-step videos for how I created this art journal page, head on over to Paper Crafter's Library by clicking on the badge in the upper right-hand corner of my blog and explore becoming a member.  I think you'll enjoy the resources that Paper Crafter's Library has to offer!

Shimmy Mob Shirt Decorating!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Boldly Go Where You Haven't Gone Before!
If you told me I would be belly dancing in the morning at Denver International Airport and then belly dancing in the evening in a hotel lobby and then outdoors on a major street in the pouring rain...I would have told you you were nuts!!!!!  But the truth is...you're not nuts!  I was the nutty one - out there in all my belly dancing glory at the airport, the hotel and on the rain-filled street.  Mind you, I had not belly danced before.  But my friend Caitlin has a dance studio (Bella Diva Dance) and she was gathering people together to participate in an international shimmy mob to promote awareness around domestic violence.  How could I say no?!  I had every reason to say no:  lack of belly dance knowledge; perceived inability to memorize steps in any order; a whole bunch of self-consciousness when doing something I haven't done before in a public setting...and a whole other host of reasons.  But heck - you only live once - so why not boldly go where you haven't gone before!  As a result, I now have memories that will last a lifetime and I met some incredible people on the journey.  I was even able to bring some of my creativity to the experience by painting my shirt :)  The design on the back of the shirt was inspired by search I did online for henna designs and lotus flowers.  I wish I knew who the original artist was so that I could give them full credit for the beautiful design.  I did a little improvising, but not much!  I used the design on the back as a platform to launch from for creating the flower on the front.  That one I did on my own :)  I used Tulip Slick dimensional fabric paint and I just added the gems on blobs of paint...and they stayed on!  We'll see if they make it through a hand washing :)  Now I have to go and find the next place I can boldly go where I haven't gone before!!!!  How 'bout you????

Adventure Bound Square Card Pack by Yapha Mason

Adventure Bound Square Card Pack!  – Yapha Mason

This pack of eight 4-1/4” x 4-1/4” square cards features the gorgeous photo-realistic paper from the Adventure Bound Designer Series Paper Stack.  The cards cover a wide variety of occasions and sentiments.  Each card has a custom made envelope, and they all fit neatly into the card holder with a tag just ready for gift giving.  This pack would make a fabulous gift for Father’s Day, as well as a great class or club project.  Get full step-by-step instructions for creating this project by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of May.

“Just Kidding” Greeting Card Set by Regina Andari

“Just Kidding” Greeting Card Set! – Regina Andari

Create a fun set of greeting cards and coordinating envelopes with a pleasing color palette, and package them neatly in a Takeout Box with a decorative slip-off band.  This project features the fun Just Kidding Stamp Set, which has images and sentiments that are sure to put a smile on someone’s face.  Each of the cards in this ensemble have a colorful, trendy design—the envelopes even have a little decorative flair!  Get full step-by-step instructions for creating this project by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of May.

Birthday Bash Ensemble by Christy Fulk

Birthday Bash Ensemble!  – Christy Fulk
This cute birthday ensemble includes a birthday party invitation, a special pop-up box card for the birthday girl or boy, and a party favor box that will hold little goodies and treats for each guest. All three projects are made with the Celebrate Today Stamp Set, Balloon Framelits Dies, and Birthday Bash Specialty Designer Series Paper. The party favor box is made with the Mini Treat Bag Thinlits Dies, and has a little balloon-shaped window that gives a sneak peek of the items inside.  Get full step-by-step instructions for creating this project by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of May.

Flower Frenzy Gift Ensemble by Carol Lovenstein

Flower Frenzy Gift Ensemble! – Carol Lovenstein

Spring into Summer with this beautiful gift ensemble.  You will be ready to celebrate any occasion with this bouquet of floral projects.  They will bloom forever, no watering or weeding needed!  This project is perfect for Mother’s Day, teacher appreciation, graduation or just because!  Get full step-by-step instructions for creating this project by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of May.

BYOP Boxed Card Set – April Bonus Project! by Amanda Corbet

BYOP Boxed Card Set  – April Bonus Project!  – Amanda Corbet
This project includes five over the top cards that each show a different method for holding a gift card inside the card. With this project we explore using the BYOP stamp set and Adventure Bound Designer Series Papers to create five beautiful cards and a lovely storage box to keep them in. You will get the opportunity to use each and every image included in the BYOP stamp set to create cards for five different occasions.  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 over to Craft Project Central to learn more!

Something Borrowed Gift Ensemble by Melissa Stout

Something Borrowed Gift Ensemble! –  Melissa Stout
Paper flowers are a great way to dress up any table for a Spring party.  Use this floral display around cupcakes, candles, or a cake stand.  After the party, you can use the wreath to decorate your door.  The neutral colors of the Something Borrowed Designer Series Paper will work well with most party themes and home décor.  Get the full step-by-step instructions by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of April!

Confetti Altered Journal and Prompts Set

This Confetti Altered Journal and Prompts Set, my April project for Craft Project Central, gets your creative juices flowing!  This set includes an altered art journal waiting to be filled and a jar filled with prompts to stimulate your creativity!  This is a wonderful set to gift to yourself or to a friend!  You can even invite a class to come up with different sets of prompts to share!  Get the full step-by-step instructions by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of April!

Baseball Fever! – Boni Montano

Baseball Fever! – Boni Montano
Baseball season is here! This gift set is for the ultimate baseball fan. It includes a baseball gift box with a customizable key chain, a matching card, and a game-day journal to keep track of your favorite player's schedule, stats and memories. It is perfect for the baseball mom or dad who wants to chart their little-league slugger's rise to the majors.  Get the full step-by-step instructions by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of April!

Mother’s Day Memory Folder & Card! – Buffy Cooper

Mother’s Day Memory Folder & Card! – Buffy Cooper
Sometimes you need more than a card to express how much your mom means to you.  This beautiful little folder tells her five different ways, and it doubles as a hanging organizer to keep business and appointment cards, coupons, or little mementos.  The pockets are the perfect size for Project Life cards, so this can also be used as a Brag Book later.  Create a coordinating card and a napkin holder or gift box topper to make Mom’s day extra special.  This would make a fun “class with purchase” or a girls’ night out event.  Get the full step-by-step instructions by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of April!

Painted Blooms Handy Dandy Purse Pack! by Yapha Mason

Painted Blooms Handy Dandy Purse Pack! by Yapha Mason

Featuring the gorgeous Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper, this set includes four useful items that we all need in our purses – a hand sanitizer, post-it note holder, notebook, and a mini photo album. The saying on the fronts can be customized for a variety of occasions and recipients, or use it as shown for Mother’s Day. This project is great for a club, a class, or a girls’ night out, as well as making a lovely gift.  Subscribe to the month of April at Craft Project Central for full step-by-step instructions!

“Lovely Amazing You” 3” x 6” Cards & Holder! by Regina Andari

“Lovely Amazing You” 3” x 6” Cards & Holder! by Regina Andari

Greeting cards that stand out usually have a unique design, but another characteristic that gets attention is when the card is a unique size or shape.  With this tutorial, create a lovely and useful set of 3” x 6” greeting cards that will stand tall for attention, and then make coordinating envelopes for them using Gold Soiree Specialty Designer Series Paper.  Complete the ensemble and make a perfect gift by creating a coordinating mini magazine holder that is the perfect size for holding this set of tall cards.  You’ll love this project so much that you’ll want to make an extra to keep for yourself!  Subscribe to the month of April at Craft Project Central for full step-by-step instructions!

Look At That Sparrow Art Journal Page

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Life Is Full Of Dualities
Happiness/Sadness; Ease/Struggle; Health/Illness - life is full of dualities - the interplay of opposites.  It is something we all know and yet, when we experience the duality, it can put us into a tailspin.  Today I pray for the ability to hold the opposites with peace and acceptance.  May I see the duality in all of its wholeness - the pleasure with the pain, the release with the stress, the connection with the loneliness.
Today I am sharing an art journal page I created for Paper Crafter's Library.  I love finding words that inspire pages or creating art and then finding words that seem to fit perfectly!  For the full step-by-step videos for how I created this page, head on over to Paper Crafter's Library by using the badge in the upper right-hand corner of my blog and explore becoming a member!

Couture Clutch Gift Set! by Amy Kunkle

Couture Clutch Gift Set!  by Amy Kunkle

An elegant spring-themed gift set perfect for anyone who appreciates cute accessories! The flower pot clutch can hold a small gift and has a removable flower topped lid. The matching wallet has a coin purse, and mini-shaker, you could add a gift card or note in this handmade keepsake. The card tops it all off with its curvy shape and gold embossing. This gift set uses the Gold Soiree Specialty Designer Series Paper and has gold accents throughout.  Subscribe to the month of April at Craft Project Central for full step-by-step instructions!

Spring Pencil Holder & Greeting Card! by Monika Davis

Spring Pencil Holder & Greeting Card! by Monika Davis

Make this pencil holder out of recycled toilet paper tubes and bring Spring into your office or workplace. This hand-made piece will be the talk of the lunch break or party. Give those tubes a new look with a textured finish, and then cover it with pretty flowers and butterflies. Use different textures to bring those images ‘alive’. Great for a stamp camp, or as a class project.  Subscribe to the month of April at Craft Project Central for full step-by-step instructions!

Free Shipping!!!!

• Get FREE shipping on any orders placed April 6-April 10, no minimum purchase required (excludes expedited orders).
• All order types qualify (customer, demonstrator, workshop, online)
• Orders placed for Hawaii and Alaska will receive free 2nd Day Air shipping.
• Paper Pumpkin past kits and kit refills are eligible for free shipping if purchased online. Paper Pumpkin subscriptions are not eligible for free shipping.
• Submit orders by:
  • Phone: Friday, April 10, 2015; 6:50 pm (MT)
  • OEX: Friday, April 10, 2015; 11:50 pm (MT)

Moon Over The Mountains Art Journal Page

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Your Sense Of Place Lives Inside Of You
Today I am sharing another art journal page that I created for Paper Crafter's Library.  Once again I find myself coming back to landscapes with mountains - Colorado is definitely in my heart! :) Sometimes I don't think we realize how strongly the place we live can influence us.  In my art, mountains keep appearing.  I know that on my walks, the mountains bring me peace.  They humble me.  They continue to remind me how small I really am.  They center me.  When I am in a frenzy or a stressed state, it seems that mountains show up in my art to remind me of my center.  There's something about the moon too - a full moon in full glory.  A beacon in the darkness.  Yes, your sense of place lives inside of you and finds its way into your art.

If you want the full step-by-step videos for how I created this page, explore becoming a member at Paper Crafter's Library.  Head on over to Paper Crafter's Library by clicking on the badge in the upper right-hand corner of my blog and see all that they have to offer!  You'll be glad you did :)

Painted Blooms Stationery Box! by Christy Fulk

Painted Blooms Stationery Box!  by Christy Fulk

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

Happy Passover and Easter!

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

The Time Is Now Art Journal Page

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

April Showers Umbrella Décor Set! by Julie Beltramo

April Showers Umbrella Décor Set! –Julie Beltramo

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

Butterfly Terrarium Gift Set by Amanda Corbet

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

Bonus projects can be obtained by subscribing to two or more months in a row at Craft Project Central, putting the Craft Project Central badge on your blog, or by referring a friend and when they subscribe, letting Craft Project Central know. Head on over to Craft Project Central for more details!

Bokeh Gift Ensemble by April Vicary

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

Rustic Office Décor Ensemble! – Julie Warnick

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

Field Of Flowers Canvas

Blue skies, a field of flowers and butterflies!  This Field of Flowers home décor canvas will brighten up your home and make you long for Spring!  With a few simple supplies you can create a gorgeous piece of art for your wall.  A coordinating card for any occasion is also a part of this set…just in case you decide to make an extra canvas and gift it to a lucky friend!  This canvas is sure to brighten any wall!  For full step-by-step instructions head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of March!

Campout Gift Box & Pop-Up Card by Melissa Banbury

Campout Gift Box & Pop-Up Card! – Melissa Banbury
Do you have a hard time coming up with project ideas for the men in your life?  This Campout Gift Box & Card may be the perfect solution if they love the outdoors!  This 4” x 4” gift box features all the makings of a perfect outdoor getaway – a tent tucked into the trees, a cozy fire, stars in the sky, and even a “cuddly” guest!  The pop up card completes the set and is sure to bring a smile to his face!  For full step-by-step instructions head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of March!

Standing Scrapbook for Baby by Yapha Mason

Standing Scrapbook for Baby! – Yapha Mason
This scrapbook is perfect for displaying a dozen pictures of a new baby, using an inexpensive frame that is transformed into spectacular standing scrapbook. The double sided pages can be turned to showcase different pictures at different times. This project combines the Sweet Dreams Designer Series Paper with the Something for Baby stamp set into a fresh and fun scrapbook. It would make a fabulous gift for any new parents or grandparents, as well as a great class or club project. Includes instructions for a matching card.  Head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of March for full step-by-step instructions!

Basket Full of Note Cards by Regina Andari

Basket Full of Note Cards! –  Regina Andari
With this tutorial, learn a quick and easy way to assemble the Berry Basket, which you’ll fill with an assortment of 3” x 3” note cards that feature the Adventure Bound Designer Series Paper Stack.  The note cards, which feature an interesting variety of designs, are perfect for a vast selection of events and occasions.  If a larger card is what you need, there is a project in this tutorial that shows you how to take one of the note cards and convert it to an A2 greeting card that also doubles as a gift card holder.   Head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of March for full step-by-step instructions!

Envelope Punch Board Desk Caddy by Laurie Zoellmer

Envelope Punch Board Desk Caddy!  – Laurie Zoellmer
This darling desk caddy is perfect for office supplies, stamping supplies or anything else you want to organize on your desk.  It’s made using the Envelope Punch Board and so easy to assemble!  This Desk Caddy makes the perfect gift for anyone and can be altered for men, women or children – simply change out the Designer Series Paper and embellishments to customize, add a coordinating greeting card and you are set!  Or make one for your own desk or make several to sell at Craft Shows!  Head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of March for full step-by-step instructions!

Butterfly Mini Note Card Set by Monika Davis

Butterfly Mini Note Card Set! – Monika Davis
Make this beautiful mini note card set for a sweet friend.  There are also instructions for a matching box to hold them and a sweet butterfly pin.  Learn how to make your card look like it was bought in a store by heat embossing and adding glitter paper. Try your hand at a technique, called ‘Bokeh’ affect, and turn your butterflies into multicolored embellishments. Learn how to add simple, but interesting touches to your cards that will wow any recipients.  Great for a stamp camp, or as a class project.  Head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of March for full step-by-step instructions!

Torn To Pieces Art Journal Page

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  When You Are Torn To Pieces, You Can Choose How To Put The Pieces Back Together Again
I'm not quite sure what to say about today's lesson or today's art journal page.  Maybe I will just let the lesson stand on its own.  It's hard to remember that when you are torn to pieces, you can choose how to put the pieces back together again.  It's a lesson I need to take to heart.  Somehow literally tearing a photo of myself apart brought some insights into my process of piecing myself back together again.  Now if I can only put those insights into practice in my life...
Today's page was created for Paper Crafters' Library.  If you are interested in viewing the full step-by-step videos of how I created the page, head on over to Paper Crafters' Library by clicking on the badge in the upper right-hand corner of my blog and look into becoming a Paper Crafters' Library member.  You'll be glad you did!

Paper Expressions 8: A Video!!!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition.  What you'll discover will be wonderful.  What you'll discover is yourself. - Alan Alda
Today I am sharing another video in my Paper Expressions series.  I am creating these painted papers in an effort to get more in touch with "the wilderness of my intuition."  I hope this video inspires you to go on your own journey to discover your inner guide.  Enjoy!

Family Established Shadow Box & Card! by Christy Fulk

Family Established Shadow Box & Card!  by Christy Fulk
Need an anniversary gift for that special couple?  This shadow box is the perfect gift for them.  It features their family name, along with the year they were married.  Make one for them, and one for yourself.  Make the coordinating card to make the gift complete!  The shadow box and card feature the Butterfly Basics Stamp Set and the Butterflies Thinlits Dies.  Directions on how to color the flowers and Gold Foil Sheets with Blendabilities is included in this tutorial.  This would also make a great class.  Head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of March for full step-by-step instructions!

Finding Herself Art Journal Page

Today's Musing From The Craft Room:  It's funny how the closer I get to my dream, the more obstacles I put in my way
I can be my own best friend and my own worst enemy!  I have been aware of an interesting pattern in my life lately.  It seems the closer I move to the dream of becoming a full-time artist - the more I acknowledge the desire within me - the more I keep doing things that push me further away from that dream.  What is up with that?  Why am I getting in my own way?  When I figure that out, I will let you know :)  In the meantime, I will keep dreaming....and try to prevent myself from getting in my own way!
Today I am sharing an art journal page I created for Paper Crafters' Library.  My art journal is a place I can experiment and play - it's like an art playground!  I can also express my thoughts and feelings.  Hmmm, so I guess it's like an art playground and a therapist's office all in one! :)  If you are interested in the step-by-step videos for how I created this page, head on over to Paper Crafters' Library by clicking on the badge in the upper right-hand corner of my blog and look into becoming a paper Crafters' Library member.  You'll be glad you did!

Mini-Collage Challenge #26

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Get In Touch With Your Creative Instincts
Instinct is defined as "a natural or intuitive way of acting or thinking."  I am on a journey to get in touch with my creative instincts.  I find that the only way to get to a place where I am in tune with my intuitive way of acting when I create is if I keep creating.  Sometimes I am much more rigid in my approach...until I loosen up a bit...and then I can let go.  It's funny howt hat is true in so many areas of my life.  The lesson keeps appearing in my swimming lessons.  When I am tight and thinking so much in my head, it is hard for my body to be fluid in the water.  When I am critical and rigid in the craft room, it is hard for me to be fluid in my art.  Get in touch with your creative instincts by creating more.  This will loosen you up and your natural way of acting will begin to flow!
Today I am sharing mini-collage #26 in my mini-collage challenge of 30 collages.  In some ways this piece really isn't a collage - I only used pen and watercolor...but hey, I was getting in touch with my creative instincts :)

Paper Succulent Garden Gift Set by Julie Beltramo

Paper Succulent Garden Gift Set! by Julie Beltramo
Create the ultimate no-maintenance garden with these faux succulent plants! You’ll learn how to make five different succulents in a variety of colors and textures that will make the everlasting garden. The coordinating ‘succulent’ card makes for the perfect presentation to give this as a gift to someone special. The Gift Box is a quick, but cute way to add a little special wrapped treat or small gift to include for your recipient. Plus, you’ll get a great tip on how to wrap this Takeout Box without a lot of fuss using your Designer Papers!  Head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of March for full step-by-step instructions!

Floral Bouquet Explosion Box & Card by Amanda Corbet

Floral Bouquet Explosion Box & Card – February Bonus Project!  by Amanda Corbet
Brighten up your home or someone’s day with this beautiful bouquet gift box. This lovely bright box topped with fun spring flowers opens up to reveal a stunning bouquet of flowers on the inside. The box also features fold out panels perfect for adding a picture and pockets where you can place a special note, gift card, or more. Give this as a gift to someone special with the coordinating greeting card and gift bag. This would be a wonderful class project too!

Bonus projects can be obtained by subscribing to two or more months in a row at Craft Project Central, putting the Craft Project Central badge on your blog, or by referring a friend and when they subscribe, letting Craft Project Central know.  Head on over to Craft Project Central for more details!

Tranquil Garden Art Journal Page

Today's Lesson From The Art Journal Page:  Sometimes Words Aren't Needed
I find when I art journal I often include words on my pages.  As I was creating this page, I felt it could stand on its own - no words needed.  It reminds me of looking out into my backyard to watch the beauty that exists - the birds, the growth, the activity.  And with all the snow outside, it definitely makes me think of Spring :)
I created this page for Paper Crafters' Library.  If you are interested in the full step-by-step videos for how I created the page, head over to Paper Crafters' Library by clicking on the badge in the upper right-hand corner of my blog and look into becoming a member!  You'll be glad you did :)

Mini-Collage Challenge #25

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Explore What Is In Your Core
There are some things that are fundamental for each of us.  I was talking to Michael the other day and we were talking about what it means to be an artist.  I said that I consider him to be an artist and he disagreed.  When I asked why he said, "because I don't feel compelled to create."  I'm not sure that's what defines being an artist.  At the same time, he identified for me something that is fundamental to who I am - I feel compelled to create!  The energy comes from a fundamental place within myself and I feel most at peace when I honor that energy.
Today I am sharing mini-collage #25!  I cut out some tape that I painted to create these concentric circles - all leading to that fundamental place within myself...

Birthday in a Box by Lisa Althouse

Birthday in a Box! by  Lisa Althouse
Need to throw a birthday party in a pinch?  This bright and fun Birthday Box has everything you need…just add cake! From invitations to décor, this project has you covered.  And, when you’re box is empty, you can use it for the present!  Get the full step-by-step instructions by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of February!

Mini-Collage Challenge #24

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Breathe
Today I need to tell myself to breathe!  I sometimes get myself a bit worked up with all the busy thoughts of busy-ness.  It's funny how some days I feel like a warm breeze and other days I feel like a total dust storm!  Art can have a calming and centering effect on me.  To just sit - even for a few minutes - a put some paint on paper, or string some beads on a wire.  Yes, just breathe.
Today I am sharing mini-collage #24 of my mini-collage challenge.  Home and mountains have shown up a lot in these little collages.  I'm not surprised :)  Hard to believe I only have 6 more collages to go!  This is one challenge I am going to finish...if I continue to breathe :)

Berry Basket Gift Set for Baby by Boni Montano

Berry Basket Gift Set for Baby! by Boni Montano
This berry basket is full of handmade goodies that will make a new mom smile, including a decorative door knob hanger to remind guests that baby is sleeping, a coordinating piece of art for baby’s room, and an adorable mini card to give best wishes for the new baby. These items are set in a cute berry basket that can also be used to store baby mementos! This is a one of a kind gift set!   Get the full step-by-step instructions by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of February!