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! :)

Altered Phone Book for Paper Crafter's Library

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Find Your Peace During Your Days
I am trying to do a much better job of finding moments to create harmony and peace for myself when I am traveling for work.  Sitting outside of a Whole Foods to eat my dinner.  Putting music on in my hotel room - music that soothes my soul.  Walking slowly in the airport - not getting caught up in the tumult around me.  I am realizing how important it is for me - no matter where I am - to find my peace during my days.  How do you find your peace?
Today I am sharing an altered phone book project that I created for Paper Crafter's Library.  It seems that a phonebook is left on our doorstep once every 6 months and we like to keep one in the house, but have no use for the others...until now! :)  I used some cardboard, polymer clay, paint and spackle to totally transform this phone book into something I can hang on the wall and look at to remind me to follow my dreams :)  Here is a photo showing the depth of the altered phone book:

If you are interested in seeing the full step-by-step videos on how to make this project, feel free to click on the Paper Crafter's Library badge in the upper-right hand corner of my blog to learn about becoming a member of Paper Crafter's Library!  I create all kinds of projects for them - cards, mixed media, art journal pages, 3-D items.  I will continue to share photos of some of those projects here on my blog :)  I hope you have a beautiful weekend filled with peace and love!!!!!
Don't forget, today is the last day for FREE SHIPPING on all of your favorite Stampin' Up! products (and retiring products)!!!! Click HERE to shop now!!!!

Scallop Punch Flowers

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Be Joyous In What You Do!
She was almost singing her greetings as we walked in the bathroom!  If you have ever flown to or through the Charlotte, NC airport, maybe you've heard her too!  There are attendants in each of the bathrooms at the airport and the woman taking care of the restroom on the C concourse is so joyous in what she does!  She sang her greetings and blessed everyone on their departure.  She reminded me that no matter what you are doing, you can positively impact those around you by treating what you do and the people you encounter with joy.  The bathroom in an airport was the last place I would have expected to learn this lesson.  I am so grateful I did!
Today I just wanted to share part of a project I began working on.  It might be difficult to see in the photo - I layered a whole bunch of scrunched and crinkled scallop-circle-punched pieces of card stock and then sprayed them with some ink and applied some paint.  The leaves were made from cut out art tape that I created.  I'm not sure where this project will end up, but the flowers made me think of Spring and I thought I would share them with you :)
Don't forget, there is FREE SHIPPING through the 25th of April!!!!!  Don't miss out on the products that are retiring!  Shop HERE now!

Thoughts & Prayers with Swallowtail Sympathy Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Channel Your Emotions Into A Card
They say things come in 3's, and that seems to be the case for me when it comes to sympathy cards.  Late Saturday night our neighbors had to rush their dog to the emergency vet and, unfortunately, they had to say goodbye to their beautiful canine family member.  We learned about it on Sunday morning and my immediate instinct was to make a card.  I didn't know what I was going to say inside.  What I did know is that I wanted to share in their sorrow and send them some comfort.  This is the card that came out of those emotions.  Something simple.  Something sincere.  The words came easily once the card was made.  What a beautiful gift you can give someone by channeling your emotions into a card.

FREE SHIPPING!!!!
Get FREE shipping on everything (excluding expedited orders) April 21-25! The lists of retiring products is available, so you can take advantage of free shipping by ordering all your favorites before they are gone!  Click HERE to shop now!!!!

The Retiring Lists Are HERE!!!!!

Stampin' Up! has announced the products that will be retiring from the 2013-2014 catalog!  Check out the list of retiring stamps HERE.  Check out the list of retiring accessories HERE.  Shop NOW before these wonderful products are gone!  And don't forget...there is FREE SHIPPING from April 21st through April 25th!!!!!

Simply Sketched Sympathy Card #2

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Stretch
I guess the word "stretch" can be interpreted in different ways - Stretch yourself beyond your current limits; stretch your body; stretch your mind.  I hadn't spent time stretching my body in awhile and with tight muscles announcing themselves in my neck and shoulders, I decided a stretching session was long overdue.  I still have my P90X workout videos, so I grabbed the X Stretch DVD and gave my body some much-needed attention.  It felt wonderful!  I wonder why I don't choose to make more time for stretching.  I wonder what it would feel like to make that a higher priority in my life (above things like internet surfing, for example!).  In what ways can you stretch?
Today's card is a second sympathy card that I made for another friend.  I used some of my painted paper and the sentiment from Simply Sketched.  I am really enjoying incorporating my own painted papers into my cards - something about it feels very authentic to me.  I hope you like it :)