Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving

So much for my goal of posting twice a week. Life just happens. I made this quick card for a coworker. This adorable turkey is from the Cricut cartridge create a critter. I made a large one for my bulletin board at school. I just wasn't sure about the back ground for the card. I wanted something fast-so embossing was my choice. I used a Tim Holtz texture fade. Dry embossing is a quick way to add texture and interest to a card.

After taking two online classes from Jennifer McGuire. I have been trying to focus on  finishing touches. Last year I could not have added the orange punched border.  I am looking forward for a few days to enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I hope to make time for some crafting! Have a great turkey day!

Saturday, October 29, 2011

I am extremely busy so what do I do? I sign up for two online classes. One is from Get it Scrapped. It's called McGuyver's remix. The title had me intrigued and then I read the class description about using and repurposing what you have. The other class, Giving Well, is from Big Picture classes. As the title implies, it is about making gifts to give to others. The first two projects did not interest me. Not really my style. One nice thing about taking classes at Big Picture and Get it Scrapped is that you have lifetime access to the classroom.

If you haven't checked it out, you should visit My Craft Channel. It has a variety of shows. I am a very nostalgic person, but since Carol Duvall went off the air, there hasn't been a craft show on television that seems to last more than one season. I know there is a plethora of blogs, utube videos about crafting, but I miss tv shows. Everyone needs to sit with their feet up, beverage of choice in hand, and watch something they enjoy.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Happy Halloween

Remember, I said I would use the Prom Queen stamp again! My friend loves to color stamped images. I enjoy coloring some images. Cutting them out - totally different story! Glaze pens were used to color her eyes and shoes. The pens give an embossed look. The paper is from the Eerie 6 X 6 paper pad by Basic Grey. Yes, I bought it on clearance at the end of last year.



I used the tree background for 2 cards. For the other cards, I used various backgrounds. I cut out the trees and treat bags with my Cricut. It's hard to tell in the photography that I used foam tape on Prom Queen. The fence is a metal die from Memory Box. It's so delicate. I still send Halloween cards to ny niece, nephew and a few friends. I really just like Halloween and Prom Queen!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Happy Anniversary

I'm trying to venture out of my comfort zone. So, I tried a sketch from a challenge blog, Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge. My brother and sister in law are celebrating a wedding anniversary- 20 years. I hardly ever remember someone's anniversary, or send a card. I needed a focus for the card - so I look like a caring sister!


As much as I try I find it hard to stray from my clean and simple look. My new neutral is craft!

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Using my stash

 Two of my longtime friends'  Mothers are recovering from  surgery, and are in a facility for rehabilitation. This one of my favorite fall stamps.


 I used sticky back canvas. Another one of those products I just had to buy, and I am finally using 6 months later!  It is easy to remove and reposition. I tried ripping it, but the top was not very straight. After looking at the photograph I trimmed the top edge. I colored the leaves with Marker. I colored the yellow leaf with a Copic, which  bled a little, compared to the Stampin up markers.  The craft card stock is from Archiver's, which looks more like a brown paper sack. I really like the texture. The leaf is actually a button. I just cut the back off with scissors.

I am still taking the Scrapbook organization webinar and have been going through embellishments. I need to focus on my stamps. It took fifteen minutes to find the fall stamps! I have most of seasonal stamps stored in a different bookcase. The fall ones were not there, nor were they  labeled - like 75% of my stamp sets. Organization is definitely a process!

Monday, October 3, 2011

Getting Ready for Halloween

 I made this banner last year the week of Halloween. Each panel is 10 inches long. All the images were cut from the Paper Doll Dress Up Cartridge. Happy Halloween is from the Wild Card Cartridge. I want to make a new banner this year. This one is going to work to hang on my empty bulletin board at school!



The tree, fence and tombstones were cut from Grunge Paper. I used my deep cut blade. I used  Diamond Glaze on the tombstones. The rubber stamp is one of my favorites. Her name is Prom Queen.  I colored her with markers after I stamper her. Isn't she gorgeous! She will be on some of my Halloween cards this year! For some reason the orange panel would not stay rotated when I imported it so it did not make the cut! I used vellum on the windows and doors of the Haunted House. I really like making banners. It's committing to the idea that takes me forever!

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Look Mom - clean hands!

I have no idea what I was looking for when I stumbled upon this product. I am a messy crafter. I usually have ink on my fingers. Glue and spray adhesives are the worst. I've tried loofahs and dandruff shampoo. I know I heard that tip from a rubber stamp convention. And yes I tried it! It didn't work any better than regular soap. Well this Craft Scrubbie from Ranger works. I didn't have to scrub forever. Now it costs around $5, which might be a little pricey for some. For me, it was worth it to get the glue and paint off my hands quickly. Where was this Scrubbie when I painted my house!


 

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Balancing Act

I've been having difficulty balancing crafting, blogging, and reading with the rest of me life! What's ironic is that Balance is my one little word for all those Ali Edwards followers. I finally read the Hunger Games. It's not one of those books you can put down. Hopefully my friend will finish book 3 and pass it on soon. So I have managed to do a little crafting while I'm waiting for the book. I'm taking 2 online classes right now. Inspiration Showcase through Jennifer McGuire, and Get Organized Challenge with Tiffany Spaulding. If I actually organize I will be sharing my progress with you.


This card uses one of the techniques in the Inspiration Showcase class. I don't even remember where or when I bought the acetate flower. In my embellishment storage there's actually a drawer dedicated to acetate and acrylic shapes.  I have definitely used this card design a lot. I need to challenge myself to use a different design.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

An Oldy but Goody

If you've been crafting awhile you probably have made these coasters. They are 4" square marble tiles. Staz On ink works best on nonporous surfaces including tile, glass, and acrylic. I colored the flowers with my Stampin up pastels and blender pen. Then I sprayed 4 coats of acrylic sealer. It does take a couple of hours to apply the coats of sealer and let it dry. I glue felt to the back. I have never used anything other than the pastels (chalk)  to color the images. I know that Copic Markers are not recommended to use with Staz On ink. I guess I will need to experiment!


 When I first made the coasters, I gave them to everyone. A couple of years ago I wanted to make something for some coworkers and I remembered the coasters. For some reason I had not made them for this one friend, so the set of coasters will be part of her birthday present!

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Finding time to Craft

I'm trying to change one limiting thought - I don't have time to craft during the week. If that holds true, the weekend is the only time to craft. I know I'm not the only one who uses the weekend to clean the house, do laundry, and get ready for the next week. Then, I'm too tired to craft. The big thing is I feel so much better when I craft, or even just spend time in my craft space. I am able to get lost in what I'm doing. I'm sure the people around me might benefit from my better mood. But it's really not about others. It's about taking time for yourself to do something that makes you happy. I'm sure the tips I'm going to offer are not new. I believe it's all about timing, when we receive the information can be almost as important as the information itself.

Timers are your friend

I set the timer when I pick up in the evening during the week. Fifteen minutes a day makes a huge difference. I also set the timer when I craft. Pick the amount of time that works for you 15 - 30 minutes is a good place to start. What can you accomplish in 15 to 30 minutes? Plenty!

Stamp images to color
Color an image
Stamp some of your favorite background images
Sort a stack of photos
Plan a scrapbook page
Select embellishments for a page
Put supplies back where they belong
Paint a background for an art journal page
Cut some die cuts
List topics for blog posts
Look at your calendar. What celebrations do you need cards for?

Part 2 of this tip is: have a designated place or container for the in progress projects. It can be a zip lock bag or file folder. It's all about finding a system that works for you to make your life easier.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Back to Work

After the first few days of school, I remembered I wanted to make a sign about walking in the hall, or turtle speed . I wanted something cute that maybe wouldn't get ripped down. Granted I could of just made something on my computer, but what fun would that be! So I actually used several things I had purchased a while back.

Fringe scissors
Create a Critter Cartridge
Puffy Clouds Die

I like my Cricut but I also like to use dies, especially if it's a stamped image, or in this case printed from the computer. The words on the clouds are the school expectations. I cannot explain why I just had to buy the fringe scissors. I've had them for months and just now used them or grass. I love gadgets and tools. I inked the edges of the cloud. It's a very simple thing that really helps die cuts stand out.  If I were using the  clouds on a card I would  use  foam tape. I thought anything sticking our even a little might be tempting to little hands!



Friday, August 12, 2011

Another Door Closes

One of the first rubber stamp stores I found in my area is closing. The owner has another business she is going to focus on. My local scrapbook store closed in the spring. A store 20 minutes away closed this summer. This economy is hurting my hobby and some very nice people. The latest store is one of those places where you feel happy when you enter. I happened to find the store when I read an article about their first anniversary. My friend and I went to the demonstrations that day. That trip started our field trips (regular craft shopping trips). I've also taken classes there. I understand that some items are cheaper online. Someone greeting you by name, and the service you get from a local store can't be replaced by an online store. I realize I need to spend more money at the few remaining local stores that are left, and less at the big box stores. I know the 40% coupons are so enticing!

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Time to stock up


This is the time of year school supplies are on sale. For paper crafters two things I like to have on hand are glue sticks and composition books. Many brands of  glues sticks are acid free. Sometimes I am in a hurry and somehow manage not put the cap back on the glue. I've learned it's better to buy the small ones and have several on hand. Composition books are great to cover for a quick gift. Sometimes you can find the mini composition books that are also great to cover.




A couple of other items that you might find useful are pencil grips and a label maker. I have a friend with arthritis and she puts pencil grips on her colored pencils. I use my label maker everywhere! Organization makes crafting easier. Containers of all sizes are often on sale too! Let's face it you can alter almost any item to make it personal including - but not limited to  pens, pencils and  Post-it notes.

If you're planning on buying any big items. Check to see if your state or a nearby state has a tax free weekend. The more money you save the more money you have to spend on craft supplies!!!

Sunday, July 31, 2011

A Quick Baby Gift

I work with mostly women, and someone is always having a baby! This brag book is quick and easy to make. It also drives me crazy when I ask to see pictures of a new baby and someone hands me their phone! The hardest part is finding a brag book where the insert can be removed. Lately, I have been using my Cricut for the name, but I have also stamped the name. You could also use stickers. I have admitted my fondness for clearance items. I found the brag books at a weekend's only store. Some dollar stores have them, but it varies. I have also picked up several when Michael's has their photo albums on sale. I try to keep a couple on hand.



I uses this same card design for most of my baby cards. I stamped on twill ribbon just to change things up!

Friday, July 29, 2011

Summer Fun

I have been trying to use patterned paper in my card making. I have found that the 6 x 6 paper pads have helped ease me in to the world of patterned paper. I am one of those people who started card making with Stamp'n up and scrapbooking with Creative Memories.  So I've had to unlearn some things. I have found a paper company that tends to use fun colors and patterns - Echo Park is one of my new favorites.


I used the Cricut Sweet Treats cartridge for the cake.  The stamp is from Inkadinkado.



Friday, July 22, 2011

Off to a Good Home

I have been organizing and going through my paper supplies. I found a place to send unwanted scrapbook supplies. Operation Scrapbook is a not-for-profit organization that provides foster children with Life books. They also partner wit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to provide supplies to children with cancer.  Why so much excess supplies - I am a clearance junkie! It's very hard for me to pass up a great deal. There are also some freebies I received at crops. I heard Peter Walsh, an organizing expert say if the best part of the bargain is the price, leave it at the store! I am trying to remember that when I shop. Archiver's no longer has the Hot Spot so that will help a little! I will be sharing some of the projects I make with my bargains.

The contents of the box!



Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Really - it's over?


This is the final week of the Summer Card Camp. I  have  really liked learning some new techniques and tips. The tip I used on this week's card was from Jennifer McGuire. If your white embossing isn't perfect, you can use a white pen to fill in the spot. I know I'm not the only person who really likes a stamp set and purchases it, only to have the stamps sit untouched! This Tim Holtz set was one of those! The color palette reminded me of water, which my brain translated to alcohol inks.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Card Camp Week 3

This is the first online class I'm keeping up with! Neutrals are not my first choice. I did not look at the class gallery until I finished my card. I look at the other cards and become intimidated. I like simple designs with a few embellishments. My friend makes great cards that are layered - really they are mini collages. It could be that my short attention span does not allow me to use too many elements!
     

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Summer Card Class 2011

I am really good at procrastination. I know I can't be the only one. I started this blog after taking an online blog class for scrapbookers last fall. Then - I never posted again. Now I am taking another online class, the Summer Card Class 2011, with Jennifer McGuire and Christina Werner. Each week we are given a color palette. The color scheme is definitely out of my comfort zone - which is a good thing.












Week 2