Cork Coaster Gift Set by Angie Jones

Here’s a gorgeous set of four Drink Coasters to give as a gift with a matching note card and handmade envelope. Or simply enjoy having on hand when your crafting friends arrive for that Stamp-A-Stack afternoon.  This Cork Coaster Gift Set was created by  Angie Jones!  Want all the instructions to create a set of your very own?  Then head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of December!

Art Journal Pages

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  It Doesn't Have To Be Clean To Create :)
Ugh!  What a mess I have in the craft room!  I know, you're not surprised! :)  It seems to happen on quite a frequent basis and sometimes I use it as an excuse to not create.  (On a side note:  I've become quite aware of the contradiction I live - I always say that I want to create and yet, I also watch myself finding all kinds of different excuses or using my time in other ways - shopping for art supplies being a big culprit.  This is a contradiction I need to examine a little more closely.  After all, if what I profess to want to do is to create, why am I avoiding it????).  Anyway, back on track...I found myself standing over my completely covered craft table today ignoring the mess and just creating right over all of the objects littering the table!  It wasn't the flattest of surfaces, but I made it work.  And I'm so glad I did!  No, it doesn't have to be clean to create :)
Today's art journal pages were ABSOLUTELY INSPIRED BY DONNA DOWNEY!!!!!  I watched her amazing Inspiration Wednesday video last week and it really stuck with me.  Thanks for the inspiration Donna!  You can check out her pages and the "how to" video on her website here!  I used some different supplies - most notably a product called Gilder's Paste by Baroque Art.  You have to use it in a well-ventilated space to deal with the initial odor, but it can make so many objects look like metal!  Very cool!  I also used some glass bead gel from Golden.  Very fun for creating extra texture in the flower centers.  Hope you enjoy!!!!  For those of you celebrating Christmas...I hope you have a very merry and wonderful holiday!!!!!!

Eastern Elegance Desk Set by Jen Arkfeld

 

Check out this Eastern Elegance Desk Set by Jen Arkfeld!  It’s almost 2014 and it's time to get organized!  In this project you will create a desk organizer and two decorated notepads to help clean up your desk area.  This is perfect to keep for yourself or give as a gift!  Want all the step-by-step instructions for constructing this project?  If so, head on over the Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of December!  Or, if you're feeling lucky, head on over the Craft Project Central and find my project that was posted on December 21st and leave me a comment.  On December 27th I will be choosing one lucky winner to receive a free December subscription to Craft Project Central!!!!

Creating Pretty Cards - Sketch Challenge #30

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  You Can Even Fit It In During The Commercials!
If you happen to tell yourself that you don't have time to create, I challenge you to think again!  Tonight we decided to chill out and watch a movie on tv.  Usually I'm not a fan of tv movie watching since the movie is often edited for tv and is loaded with commercials.  But tonight, those commercials that I often dread actually were my friend!  During each commercial break, I went into my craft room and added one more element to this card!  It was an interesting way to create - just one thing at a time and then walking away until the next set of commercials.  There was something freeing about it - allowing myself to not know what would come next and being able to look at what was happening with fresh eyes every time I went back into the craft room.  I might have to challenge myself to do this again sometime soon!  It's nice to try a change of creating pace :)
Today's card was creating for the Creating Pretty Cards - Sketch Challenge #30 over at Craft Project Central.  Feel free to visit Craft Project Central and join the challenge!  If enough people participate there will be a chance to win a free one-month subscription to Craft Project Central!!!!  I combined Crisp Cantaloupe, Pool Party and Crumb Cake card stock with some washi tape, embossing and random stamping.  The sentiment is from Express Yourself.  I hope you like it :)

New Year's Eve Party Set by Yapha Mason

Ring in the new year with this elegant New Year’s Eve Party Set by Yapha Mason.  This fun and festive set includes a bottle tag, matching card, set of four champagne glass charms and a box to put the charms in.  To get the step-by-step instructions for creating this great project, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of December.  Or, if you are feeling lucky, find my project over at Craft Project Central and leave me a comment.  I will choose one lucky winner on December 27th to receive a free December subscription to Craft Project Central!!!!

More Tag/Ornament Boxes!!!!!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Discover What Quiets Your Mind
When I am on the road working I often don't have time to slow down and just think about my life, my future, my current state of being.  I'm in fast forward when I'm working.  When I get home, my speed shifts down into a slower gear...sometimes even to "park!"  And, of course, my mind starts wandering, thinking, pondering, questioning.  Sometimes where my mind goes creates stress or depression or just overwhelming distraction or disjointedness.  I am so very grateful that on my recent vacation I met an incredible woman who introduced me to the practice of Yoga Nidra.  She even guided a number of us through the meditation practice and allowed me to record the session.  It has become a source of peace for me.  When I begin to feel like I'm becoming overwhelmed or stressed or just plain unfocused, I can go and lie down and experience this guided meditation.  It helps to quiet my mind and allows me to find a place of stillness and comfort.  There are a number of CDs of Yoga Nidra that she recommended.  I have not listened to them yet, but I have purchased them.  One is Experience Yoga Nidra by Swami Janakananda.  The other is called Journey Through The Body by Amrit Desai.  I do not know if Yoga Nidra can do for you what it seems to be doing for me.  What I do know is that it is important to discover what quiets your mind and I am so grateful this practice found its way to me :)  (Another thing that found its way to me in the form of a gift is the Feel Good Hug by Origins and the Stress Relieving Hug by Origins!  These make wonderful gifts - a body wrap filled with essential oils that can be heating or cooled!  I highly recommend them!  There is a final flavor - Bedtime - that I haven't smelled yet, but I imagine it is as delicious as the other ones!).
Now on to today's projects!  The elf head design was created by Cathy Gray!  So cute!  You can find out more about Cathy and the elf head directions at Splitcoaststampers or on her blog here.  The body - specifically the arms and shoes were inspired by Marie Shaughnessy.  You can find a great elf card tutorial on her blog here!  Of course, the triangle box and the Santa were both inspired by Lisa Brown whose YouTube video I mentioned to you yesterday!  It's amazing how one box shape can inspire you to keep creating!  The adorable tag/ornament boxes can hold candy or other small surprises!  Of course you can also adapt them for any holiday/celebration!  Yes, you will be seeing these boxes again :)

Christmas Tree Ornament/Gift Tag

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Dogs Know Best :)
Scattered.  Distracted.  Bouncing from place to place.  All describe how I was acting/feeling earlier today.  Somehow Buddy could sense what I was going through (although it wasn't a huge stretch for him to see me acting like a chicken with her head cut off!) and he came over to me to nudge me and lead me toward the back door.  Yes, once again, my dog knew what was best for me - a bit of time outdoors - watching the birds and the squirrels - enjoying the sunshine on an unusually mild day.  It was exactly what my pinball-bouncing brain needed!  Yes, dogs know best :)  (Doris, I know you already know this :)
Today's Christmas tree ornament/gift tag was inspired by a video I saw on YouTube by Lisa Brown.  I loved the triangle box she created so I decided to alter the design and make a few different versions (I will be sharing another version with you tomorrow).  Inside this little box are some mini candy canes and on the back I stamped "to" and "from" so that the box can be attached to a gift as a gift tag and later hung on a tree.  The sentiment is from Petite Pairs.  I hope you like it!

New Years Memories Set

This New Year Memories Set is perfect for welcoming in the New Year! This set features an envelope mini-book, a coordinating card and a matching pen pocket!  This set would make a wonderful gift for a friend for the New Year!  You could also create the mini-book for yourself to keep track of your 2014 memories!  The mini-book inserts are a wonderful place to journal and add special photos.  I am planning on keeping track of special highlights for each month in 2014 :)
Are you interested in receiving all of the step-by-step instructions for creating this set?  If so, head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of December.  Or, if you're feeling lucky, head on over and find the post for this project at Craft Project Central and leave me a comment.  On December 27th I will choose one lucky person who will win a free subscription to the month of December!

Home Again

I'm back :)  For those of you that follow my blog consistently, you may have noticed that my lessons from the craft room had been put on pause.  I debated whether or not to let you know I would be taking time off and decided not to.  I still feel odd publicizing the times when I will be away from the computer.  I had a series of work trips and a vacation all in a row and felt it was too much pressure to place on myself to try to get posts scheduled for my time away.  So I just kept my commitment to Craft Project Central and scheduled those posts and gave myself permission to step away for a bit.  Vacation was much-needed and I'm not sure I found the type of consistent peace I was looking for.  However, there were a few highlights to the trip that transported me to a place of peace and serenity and the photo above captures one of them.  I was in a bay where the water stretched on for miles and the water only got as deep as my waste - so I enjoyed walking out into the water and looking out on the horizon and simply breathing.  It was magical!  I also experienced yoga nidra - taught by a wonderful woman who shared her gift of guiding people through this spiritual and meditative practice.  She allowed me to record one of the sessions and I have been trying to continue the practice since my return.  I am hoping she will come out with a CD so that I can share her information with you - truly a blessing for me!
As I look forward to 2014 I know there are lessons that I need to continue to grow into - letting go; being open; creating; and quieting the terrorist that lives inside my head.  I am home again and I am looking forward to sharing my time and my growth with you.

Winter Sampler by Sharon Burkert

This winter sampler of snowflakes, snowmen and snowy hills will decorate your home all winter long.  Make one for a friend and one for you to enjoy.  You’ll want to make several of these to give away as gifts!  Also makes for a fun holiday crafting class!  This Winter Sampler was created by Sharon Burkert.  You can learn more about Sharon here!  Head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe to the month of December to receive the step-by-step instructions for this great project!

New Photopolymer Stamp Sets!!!!!

Say it all with Stampin' Up!s latest additions to the photopolymer stamp set line!  With all the love sentiments, Countless Sayings 1 (135892; $13.95) would be wonderful for Valentine's Day or just to let someone know that you love them!  Countless Sayings 2 (135893; $13.95) is an all-occasion set that is perfect when you are searching for just the perfect sentiment!  Interested in these great new sets?  If so, shop HERE now! :)

Perpetual Calendar with Anytime Notes by Julie Beltramo

This Calendar by Julie Beltramo will not only last a lifetime because it has every day, month and date possible, but also its Coaster Board construction makes it everlastingly durable! And the coolest part of making it is the cheapest, but most awesome alphabet ‘secret’ stamp set – and you can only find out about it when you get the tutorial! Plus you’ll get the directions to the everlasting Note Card Box and twenty Anytime Notes.  You’ll want to make several of these to give away as gifts!
To get all the instructions for this project and all the other December projects at Craft Project Central, click HERE now and subscribe to the month of December!

Let It Snow Décor by Amanda Corbet

Decorate for winter with this lovely Let it Snow frame created by Amanda Corbet. There is even a card so you can gift this set to someone who is wishing for snow. Although it looks complicated it’s easier than it looks to make.  Also makes for a fun holiday crafting class!
Get the step-by-step instructions for this beautiful project, and all the other December projects over at Craft Project Central, by clicking here and subscribing to the month of December!

Holiday Napkin Rings & Place Tags by Buffy Cooper

Don’t you just love having a pretty table during the holidays?  These napkin rings, using the Joyful Christmas stamp set, are so easy and quick to create, and add a little glitz to your table as well.  The mini muslin bags make unique place tags for the table, and they hold a special treat for guests.  Makes for a fun Holiday class too!  This ensemble was created by Buffy Cooper.
To get all the instructions for this and the other December Craft Project Central projects, click HERE now and register for the month of December!

Thank You Gift For Stampers by Regina Andari

This is the time of year when we like to come up with useful gifts for customers, neighbors, co-workers, etc. — to thank them for their business, loyalty, and friendship for the past year.  And since we’re all crafters, we want the gift to give some creative inspiration.  This ensemble features the perfect box to hold a sampling of assorted card stock and designer paper, and the small container filled with an assortment of embellishments is decorated with Washi Tape and a 3-D floral topper.  Of course, this project wouldn’t be complete without a greeting card.  This whole project was created by Regina Andari.  You can learn more about Regina here!
To get all the instructions for this project and all the Craft Project Central December projects, click HERE and subscribe to the month of December!

Happy Hanukkah Gift Tag

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Create your own sanctuary

With all of my recent travels I am learning how important it is to create my own sanctuary. Whether it is bringing art supplies on an airplane and journaling in my seat, or finding a favorite video to watch while waiting for the next plane, creating my own sanctuary in the midst of all the chaos of airports, crowds and all kinds of invasive noise is a must for me.  It is how I maintain my connection to my creativity and my sanity.  How can you create a sanctuary for yourself wherever you are?

Today I am sharing a quick and easy Hanukkah gift tag!   Some whisper white and tempting turquoise card stock combined with some stamping, an embossing folder and a  touch of glitter does the trick!  Sticky strip and glitter make great friends :)

Christmas Gift Packaging Projects by Christy Fulk

It’s time to start wrapping those presents, and here are four packaging projects to help you out.  They are all made with the Envelope Punch Board and Winter Frost designer paper.  Two of the packages are perfect for treats, one is a pretty way to package gift cards, and one is perfect for a little gift.  All of these great projects were created by Christy Fulk.  To get all the instructions for this project and all the Craft Project Central December projects, click HERE and subscribe to the month of December!

Festive Flurry Wreath by Lauri Ingram

This Festive Flurry Wreath, created by Lauri Ingram, is the November Bonus Project for Craft Project Central!  Nothing rings in the holidays like snowflakes and glitter.  Highlighting the wonderful Winter Frost DSP and the Festive Flurry Bundle, brighten up your door with a shimmery, glimmer wreath.

Instructions for creating 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 that friend subscribes, letting Craft Project Central know.  To learn more about this bonus project and all the other November projects at Craft Project Central, head on over to Craft Project Central!

A Day Away...

My belly is full and my heart content.  I have decided to take a day off to let my food digest and my heart continue to sing :)  Wishing you and yours a wonderful weekend filled with love!!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving and Recycled Magazine Page Envelope

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  You Can Choose Another Story
Stories, myths, legends, history - they all come to mind as we enjoy the beginning of the holiday season.  I notice how many stories surround the holidays - stories about where we have come from; stories about where we are going; stories about what and who we are.  I also am aware of the stories I tell myself - stories about who I am, what I need, and where I am headed.  My stories aren't always ones I want to keep reading - stories of not being good enough; stories of not having enough; stories of needing more time...more talent...more supplies.  A lot of stories of want.  I'm tired of some of my stories - tired of the power I give to them - tired of the energy they drain from me.  I realize I can choose another story.  A new place to put my energy.  A new legend.  A powerful myth.  Something I can believe in and live into.  Yes, you can choose another story.  What will it be?
I want to wish those of you celebrating Thanksgiving a season of gratitude and appreciation for all that you are, all that you have been, and all that you will be.  My your blessings be abundant, your sense of satisfaction deep, and your heart full.  Today I also share with you a simple little project that began with the belief that I have enough right here, right now - I tore out a magazine page - something I might otherwise have recycled - and I turned it into an envelope with the envelope punch board, a bit of gesso and a touch of stamping!  Can't wait to see what I fill it with and who I send it to!