Season of Friendship - Raised Border

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  All You Have Is All You Need

Today's lesson is one that comes out of the craft room quite a bit :)  Yesterday we spent time thinking about renovation work we could do on our home.  We talked about different ideas and different costs and I came to the realization that renovating wouldn't "fix" things.  We really have all that we need - we just need to clean and organize.  So we began pulling things out of the kitchen cabinets and filling boxes of items that will be donated.  We already feel better!  One day we may do some renovation, but for now we are going to take better care of the space we have - after all, we have all that we need :)

Today's card was for the Ways To Use It challenge on SCS - the challenge was to make a card inspired by the concept of time.  The card isn't quite what I pictured, but I figured it's part of my process and will hopefully lead to other cards that build on the ideas I used here :)  I'm going with a PMA (positive mental attitude) today! :)  I added a bunch of stitch marks in Old Olive and white gel pen.  The theme of time made me think about the seasons.

Here's how I made the raised border.  First, I cut a square of thin chipboard to the size of the raised border I wanted.  Then I temporarily adhered the square to the back side of the cover of the card.

Then I rubbed the front of the card with was paper to make my embossing stylus slide more smoothly.

I followed the edge of the square (which is underneath the front of the card) with my embossing stylus.

Finally I removed the chipboard from the back side of the front of the card and drew on my faux white stitching.  Hope you like this quick and easy technique for embossing!

Define Your Life - Always

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  You Can Do It!!!!

So the door on one of the kitchen cupboards has been hanging precariously for months.  Yes, months!  I kept hoping that a magic fairy (or Michael) would fix it in the middle of the night and I would wake up one morning and it would be fixed!  Well, today the magic fairy came...she just happened to be me :)  I guess Michael had taken a look at it awhile ago and was stumped by the hinge and how it worked, so he was waiting for some inspiration.  Rather than wait any longer, I got out the screwdrivers - 3 of them, mind you - and went to work.  I am very happy to report that I did have to go into the craft room for a bit of clay so that I could hold the screw onto the end of the screwdriver while trying to screw it into place! :)  Michael even tested out my handiwork and was quite impressed with the result!  Yeah!!!!!  It's amazing how happy a properly working cupboard door can make you :)  So the next time you are waiting around for the magic fairy, thinking you can't do something on your own, think again!  YOU can do it!!!! :)

This card was for today's sketch challenge and SCS and it came together quickly - although I must admit, it came together backwards :)  I was originally thinking about using 2 different patters of paper and then decided I liked it best with this one pattern...and realized that I cut my paper diagonally the wrong way - at least according to the sketch challenge - oops!  So, I hope you will forgive me - you can imagine the diagonal line going the other way...after all, I was able to fix the kitchen cupboard today and that's gotta give me some points to use against other goofs :)  I think this will make a very sweet Valentine's Day card.  Hope you like it!

Greetings Earthling, Clean and Simple

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  You Are How You Act, Not Just How You Believe

I began reading the book "Have A Little Faith" by Mitch Albom yesterday.  I'm loving it so far!  Today's lesson is a quote from the book (p. 44) and it really struck me as something to always keep in mind.  It's easy to have faith and to believe.  It also seems that it can be challenging to continue to make sure that our actions line up with our faith and our beliefs.  In the coming year I hope that I will continue to make progress in assuring that my actions are in line with my faith and my beliefs - I wish the same for you :)

Today's card came together quickly for the color challenge on SCS - the challenge was to combine neutrals of your choice with dusty durango, barely banana and basic gray.  Something about this color combo made me think "retro" and "robots!"  It's hard to tell, but I popped the barely banana layer up on the basic gray.  Hope you like it :)

Van Gogh Technique

Wow!!!!  I haven't had this much fun coloring since I was a kid with one of my Altair Designs coloring books!  (do you remember those???)  I've named this card "Van Goghing, Goghing, Gone" since I got so involved in all of this coloring I was gone! :)  This card was made for the New Technique challenge on SCS today.  The challenge was to use the Van Gogh technique (start by coloring your image in as usual and then get crazy with the markers by making faux brush strokes in darker colors).  What fun!  I stamped the flowers from Fifth Avenue Floral and then did some drawing and paper piecing for the vase and the leaves.  I added some sponged whisper white at the bottom as a table.  Hope you like it!

Wonderful Woodcuts - Birthday Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  It's OK To Be Lost Between What We Want And What We Need

I admit it - I've developed an addiction to HGTV!  Not the crafting shows, but all of the house shows...Property Virgins, House Hunters, Bang For The Buck, House Hunters...yes, all of them!  At first I found it incredibly fun and entertaining...and now I have to admit that although I am still addicted, my addiction is sprinkled with a bit of sadness.  I continue to be amazed by how much space 2 people need...or should I say "want."  Here in the States we seem to live by the mantra that "bigger is better."  We want bigger rooms, more space, more stuff, more, more, more.  I'm guilty too (something I am all to keenly aware of as I've been working through cleaning out all the "stuff" in the craft room!).  So now I am a bit lost - between what I want and what I really need.  Do we really "need" bigger bathrooms, bigger bedrooms, media rooms, wine cellars, spa tubs and coffered ceilings?  And if we don't "need" them, is it okay to want them?  Where is the line when our wants are just too excessive and we need to stop?  How do we encourage ourselves to remember that all that we have is really all that we need - or at least prevent ourselves from continuing to have the "more" mentality?  Yes, I'm lost - somewhere between want and need - hopefully I'll find my way home :)

This is a simple card that I put together for Michael's dad - it's his birthday this week!  The image is from a retired SU! set, Wonderful Woodcuts.  I stamped the image two times with Jet Black Staz-On onto watercolor paper and then used my Aqua Painters and ink to color in the main image.  I cut out the main image and popped it up onto the second image for some dimension.  I also used a bit of Crystal Effects to make the water glossy.  Hope you like it!

Canada Journal/Scrapbook (Inside)

...just wanted to show you the inside cover of the Canada scrapbook/journal I made for my friend (see post below).  I made a stencil of a maple leaf from the Canadian flag and sponged whisper white ink to create the leaves.  Added a few punched snowflakes and, since she's headed to Ottawa, I had to include that too :)  This is a pocket page - there are a total of 6 pockets in the journal.  The rest of the journal is blank for her to fill in with her thoughts, photos and musings :)

Canada Journal/Scrapbook

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Enjoy Good Food and Good Fun With Friends!

We had a group of friends over for dinner tonight.  It's become a tradition - our Sunday night dinners.  We cook and people come and relax and enjoy a home-cooked meal.  Everyone brings something along - a bottle of wine, some chips & dip, a bit of fudge.  I always know there will be a lot of laughter :)  One of our Sunday night friends is headed to Canada to be with her boyfriend for a few months - we're going to miss her.  He is one lucky guy (and he better not forget it!) :)  This is a small gift I made for her to take on her journey - a place she can capture her thoughts and store some photos/memories.  There are pages and some pockets inside.  I am still in love with my bind-it-all!  I love the ability to create books like this that can survive a trip without falling apart at the binding!  Hope you like it!

Clutter...Away!!!!

This is the hallway outside the craft room...full of clutter!  I've been working on the craft room for days and these boxes and piles have been living in the hallway for a week now!  Hopefully I'll make some more progress today - I'm ready to have the hallway back!  You can see the sun shining through on the floor halfway down the hall - that's the doorway to the craft room on the right there...when I'm done I'll take a photo so you can see my clean, organized space!!!!

Season of Friendship - Inspiration Challenge

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Stop Trying To Be Clever And Allow Yourself To Just Be

I know that sometimes when I go to post a card or a lesson from the craft room, I wonder what you all will think.  Will it be good enough?  Will it be clever enough?  Will you think I have talent?  And yes, I do care what you think.  Sometimes, though, caring what others think gets in my way - I freeze - I can't think of the next lesson from the craft room or I'm afraid to post my card - especially if it's experimental.  What I continue to learn is that I really need to stop "trying" and just allow myself to be.  I won't always be clever or gifted or talented - but what I will be, is me :)

Today's card was inspired by this painting http://www.poshtots.com/Decor/Wall-Art-by-Theme/Popular-Artwork-for-Girls/Silhouetted-Bird-on-Blue-Hand-Painted-Canvas/23/1446/1344/17881/PoshProductDetail.aspx.  I made the bird using punches (I cheated a bit on the legs since I took the scissors out after I punched from the word window punch).  I sponged the bird with chocolate chip and popped him up on dimensionals to give him some dimension.  The tree, flowers, leaves and greeting were all heat embossed.  Hope you like it!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Be Still

On my walk with Buddy this morning I was so aware of how peaceful and quiet it was in the neighborhood.  This is one thing I am so grateful for on Christmas - the neighborhood seems to slow down.  There are very few cars on the road.  You can almost hear the silence of the mountains :)  I wonder how we can create this feeling more often in our lives - those moments when we can just be still and breathe...

Today's limited supply challenge on SCS was to make a card from wrapping that was on a gift you received from the holidays.  I love the recycle theme!  This card was made from the silver wrapping and burgundy tissue paper that were a part of a gift I received last night.  I seem to be addicted to my Daisies die, so I used it again to make these layered flowers.  I hope you like it!

Medallion Wishes 2

I decided to make a 2nd version of the Medallion Wishes card.  This is for a friend's birthday - she LOVES purple!  I used the same supplies as the first card and then stepped things up with a little dazzling diamonds, liquid pearls and the stamp-a-ma-jig to piece together the greeting.  Hope you like it!  Happy holidays!!!!

Medallion Wishes

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Some Days Are Play Days!

We woke up to a ton of snow this morning - a winter wonderland!  Buddy was so excited for his walk!  We went to a favorite park and saw Abby, a Golden Retriever, we met yesterday.  Yesterday Buddy wasn't interested in playing with Abby, but today was a whole different story!  They ran after one another - bounding around in the snow!  It was adorable!!!!  Some days are just play days!  Today is one of them :)  Hope you have a fun play day today!

Today's card has so much dimension in person - it was hard to capture in the photo.  I used the Medallion background stamp for this background challenge.  I stamped the image on the card and used the spritzer tool to age things a bit.  I then stamped the image over and over on a piece of kraft cs and ran that through the Big Shot with the Daisy #2 die.  I layered 6 daisies on top of each other and used a build-a-brad for the middle.  The daisies are popped up on dimensionals.  I used the curly label die and punch for the greeting and popped that up too!  Hope you like it!!!!

Faux Suede

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Nest
 
noun:  a person's snug or secluded retreat or shelter.  verb:  use or build a nest.

It's snowing here in Colorado today and my desire to nest is as strong as ever.  I have been on a week-long cleaning journey in the craft room - trying to create my nest - that place that feels secluded - the place that can be my creative shelter.  It sounds quite romantic, doesn't it?  I have to admit that most of my nest is storage for all my nesting material :)  But getting it organized and put away in a way that makes me feel comforted, rather than crazed, is an important priority for me right now.  How is your nesting instinct?  What makes you feel comforted and calm?

Today's sketch challenge called out to me for simplicity.  I went with a monotone look and pulled out the hole punch to make random holes as decorative accents.  I used the bone folder to break down the fibers in both the circle and one of the rectangular pieces.  When you break the paper fibers down enough, you can peel the paper layers apart to reveal a faux suede look.  I added the large grommet to the faux suede flower and topped everything off with one of my favorite stamps of all time!  Hope you like it!

Valentine's Card #1

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  It Doesn't Have To Feel Like Groundhog Day!

I admit to having gotten into a bit of a routine - wake up, shower, check the computer, walk the dog...seems I could do it in my sleep - and sometimes it does feel like I'm sleeping - or like it's Groundhog Day (very funny movie by the way)!  It doesn't have to be like that though.  Sometimes all it takes is switching things up a bit - head out to run some errands at a time when you don't normally go.  Switch chores with someone else in the house just to try something new.  Or maybe even give yourself a day off :)  Enjoy!

Today's card is for the clean and simple and color challenges on SCS - simple to make.  The only added step was to apply crystal effects to the hearts.  Hope you like it!

House of Peace

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Consider Living More For Today Than For Some Day

I had to smile when today's challenge was about building a house...granted it is a birdhouse, but it makes me think of all the house cleaning I've been doing lately.  Oh to be a bird with such a little space to keep clean :)  I've been spending most of my time cleaning in the craft room and I realize that I save a lot of things for "some day."  For instance, I'd better save this big plastic bottle because "some day" it may come in handy for a project.  Oh, and this cardboard packing material, and those beat up plastic containers, and don't forget those wrappers from those candies...and so on, and so on, and so on...until eventually I am surrounded by piles of things for "some day" and unable to live comfortably in a clean space today.  So I've been purging a lot - trying to live more for today than for some day.  It has been an emotional purging for me since I seem to have a hard time letting go.  I have to admit though - every time I remove things from the craft room and deposit them in the trash I feel a bit lighter and a bit more at peace :)   So today's birdhouse is my house of peace - this is hopefully what I will end up with when I finish my purging - a peaceful, clean space where I can cozy up and create :)  Wish me luck!

The roof of the birdhouse was cut from silver tooling foil and then scalloped and embossed.  I used a sewing pin to attach the die cut bird and ribbon.  The flowers were punched and then embellished with silver liquid pearls.  Hope you like it and I hope you enjoy today!

Handmade Stencils

Just in case you wanted to see what my handmade circle stencils look like - here they are :)  I used these to create today's inspirational tree card :)

Inspired Tree

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Sometimes A Little Insanity Can Be A Good Thing!

What a fun challenge!  This was my inspiration http://www.fabulousstationery.com/mini-joie-brown/.  I have to confess to a bit of insanity in making this card.  I punched some circle templates out of transparency film - a bunch of circles in different sizes - that was the start of the insanity :)  Then I sponged all the different color inks using all the different sized circle templates - that was the middle of the insanity :)  Then I cut out the whole tree and popped it up on dimensionals - that was the end of my insanity :)  The bird and the greeting were embossed with white embossing powder.  Hope you like it!  Sometimes a little insanity can be a good thing :)

Silver Embossed Christmas

Just wanted to share this quick and easy card!  The stamp is from the Season of Joy SU! stamp set and I stamped it with VersaMark ink and heat embossed with silver embossing powder.  Hope you like it!  Happy Holidays!!!!!

Stamped CD Case Calendar

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  A Clean Space Can Clear Your Mind

Pre-New Year's Resolution #1 - get the office and craft room clean!  Right now Michael is in the lead - he cleaned his office today and it is amazing how soothing it is to walk into that space right now!  Before it was a whole lot of clutter - now it is a whole lot of open space and clean - ahhhhhh.  If that doesn't motivate me, I don't know what will!  The feeling of calm and quiet that enters my mind when I enter his office is definitely something I want to experience in the craft room!  Pre-New Year's Resolution #1, here I come!!!!

This calendar idea was inspired by kwerner.  I saw the idea for creating a printed calendar and went from there!  I created the calendar template using Pages on the Mac and then I stamped each month individually.  This version is for my aunt who is a fanatic for white and blue!  The calendar "stand" is a CD case that is folded back on itself (I hope that makes sense - you open the CD case and then you keep pushing...even if you think you're going to break it...and it makes this great little stand that you can slide your calendar pages in each month).  The calendar pages are 4 3/4"x 4 3/4".  I may just have to turn this project into a class!  Hope you like it!  Off I go to tackle that resolution!!!!! :)

Box of Love

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Keep Trying

Keep trying...at least that's what I'm telling myself.  I wonder at what point I'll get too discouraged to keep trying?  Yet why do I allow myself to get discouraged at all?  I created this glittery boxed set of Valentine's cards for one of Stampin' Up!'s challenges and, since I haven't heard by now, it did not get chosen as a winner :(  Yet, when I sent it out I was all smiles - feeling grateful to Robert Indiana for his inspiring and iconic LOVE sculpture that inspired this whole card set.  So why allow myself to get discouraged at all?  Just because the set doesn't make it to the top of someone else's list doesn't mean I need to get all sad and depressed!  If anything, this is an opportunity to keep trying - to dust myself off and go at it again with as much, if not more, gusto than before!!!!  Just wait 'til you see what I come up with next!!!!  Hope you like it...and if you don't, I refuse to be discouraged :)

Happy New Year...A Little Early :)

A little pre-bedtime stamping for tonight.  I decided to put together something for the sketch challenge on SCS.  Guess I just wasn't ready for bed after going to see The Blind Side - great movie by the way!  I used the flower in Kind & Caring Thoughts to try to imitate fireworks :) Not sure if I imitated fireworks or freezing flowers...either way, the sentiment is still the same - Happy New Year! :) (a little early)!

Circle Circus - Happy Everything!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Begin Again!

Wow - the last time I posted on SCS was in October!  Time sure does fly!  But there's no time like today to Begin Again!  How amazing is that?  Any moment of any day, you can make the decision to begin again and to actually do it! You can begin to eat healthy, right now!  You can begin to treat yourself more kindly, right now!  You can begin to exercise, right now!  What can you begin again today, right now??????

This card was quick and easy.  I used a curved mask and then stamped like crazy with Circle Circus on the bottom of the card.  This card is 3.75" x 3.75" - just perfect to tuck in with a gift that I am sending to a friend!

Stamped Tile Coasters...Again!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Some Things Are Better Left Private!

Someone sent me a pretty funny video today.  It is an old SNL skit where a company is advertising a toilet for two!  You can sit next to your sweetheart and share your most intimate bathroom moments...YIKES!!!!  I have to say that might be one of my worst nightmares!  I remember going to the clothing store, Loehmann's as a kid with my mom.  That was close to my second worst nightmare since they had communal changing rooms for trying on clothes.  I guess I'm just one of those modest people - I believe some things are better left private :)  In light of the recent news about this celebrity and that, I wonder how much of what we do and say is appropriate for the public and where our boundaries should be.  Seems like today we want to know every little detail about everyone...and I wonder how healthy that really is for all of us.  Something to ponder...

OK - these might be the last tiles I share with you this year...is that a sigh of relief I just heard from you? :)  I have been in tile-making madness the last few days - trying to get some last minute gifts completed for mailing.  These 2 tiles are for my nieces.  The one on the left is for my niece who LOVES to cook and the one on the right is for my older niece.  I may have shared the butterfly story with you in a post a long time ago...anyway, this tile is a reminder to her of how beautiful and unique she is - something the butterfly represents for us.  Hope you like them!!!!

Daisy Die-Cut Cards

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  There's Nothing Like Watching A Dog Romp In The Snow To Put A Smile On Your Face!

It's been amazingly cold here in Denver and today, the freeze finally broke.  I decided to take Buddy to the big dog park - acres and acres of free space to run.  I have to say that I am no longer sure if I take Buddy to this park for him or for me :)  I LOVE watching him run around - bounding through the dried brush; barking at the horses; slip-sliding across the ice in the creek.  It's good for both of our souls :)

One of my customers is putting together these cards to give as teacher gifts.  I love the layered look of the daisy die cut flowers!  This is also the first time we are using build-a-brads and we love them!!!!  It's great to be able to customize the brad and the large size of them is perfect for these flowers!  Hope you like them!!!!

Reindeer Tag

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  The Early Bird Catches The Worm...Or At Least That's What I'm Hoping!

Today I got up early to try to get a jump on my day.  Lots to do in the next 8 hours...we'll see if I get it all done!  I was tempted to stay in bed this morning - it's cold outside and the bed was cozy.  But here I am, at the computer and ready to go!  Sometimes it's nice to get a jump on the day and challenge yourself to see what you can accomplish!

Isn't this tag adorable???  I created him yesterday for my holiday tag class.  His nose is covered in Crystal Effects to make it shiny.  He would be adorable both as a tag and as an ornament!  Hope you like him! :)

Stamped Foil

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Sometimes It Just Takes A Little Extra Nudge

Okay - I admit it.  I did not want to go and work out today.  It was freezing here in Denver today and the last thing I wanted to do was leave the comfort of my warm home.  But, since we had an appointment with the trainer, I felt I needed to go.  Then the prospect of eating at one of my favorite Thai restaurants after working out gave me just the extra nudge I needed :)  So, off I went to workout.  I have to say, I'm glad I did (and the Thai food was yummy too!).  Sometimes you just need to give yourself that little extra nudge - you'll be glad you did!

Today's card builds on yesterday's card.  I added one extra step - I stamped the foil with black staz-on before running it through the Big Shot with a Texturz plate.  It's an interesting look...I might have to play with it some more.  Hope you like it!!!!

Embossed Foil

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Happines Is When What You Think, What You Say, And What You Do Are In Harmony (Gandhi)

Today's card was made by placing some heavy duty aluminum foil in the Petals-A-Plenty textured impressions folder and running it through the Big Shot.  I doubled the heavy duty foil before running it through the Big Shot.  The stamp is a retired SU! stamp that my cousin sent to me (thanks Brenda!).  I added a little elegance with some embellishments from the Pretties Kit.  Hope you like it!

Stamped Coasters

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Use Your Words For A Kind Purpose

I remember a story that was once told to me by a rabbi.  It went something like this:  There was a man who spoke badly about another person in his town.  In reflecting on his gossiping he decided that he wanted to see if there was anything he could do to repair his wrong.  So the man went to the head rabbi in the town and asked what he should do.  The rabbi told him to go and find a feather pillow and to come back once he had the pillow.  The man went and got the pillow and returned to the rabbi.  The rabbi then said, "Do you see that high mountain over there?  Go and climb to the top of that mountain and when you get to the top you need to cut open the pillow and shake all of the feathers out.  Once you have done that, return to me with the empty pillowcase."  The man agreed and went out and climbed the mountain and followed the rabbi's instructions.  He returned to the rabbi with the empty pillow case and the rabbi said, "Now I want you to go and retrieve all of the feathers that you have scattered far and wide.  For when we speak gossip it is as if we have scattered feathers across the land and our ability to repair what we have done is like trying to pick up all of those scattered feathers."  I hope that I can remember this whenever I am tempted to gossip about someone or say harsh words.  I hope I can remember to use my words for a more noble purpose.  I wish the same for you :)

Copper Mirror

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Experiment!

When I was setting up for last night's workshop, I decided to play a little.  A few people were coming to make the butterfly mirror that I posted on my blog a few weeks ago and as I set out the mirror for the class I was inspired to create.  I pulled out the Big Shot and some dies and some copper and went to town!!!!  Here is the creation that resulted from my experimenting!  I love it!!!!  Wish you could see it in person - it has a ton of dimension.  I realized that the copper was probably 9 years old and had been following me around from creative space to creative space waiting to be used.  Yesterday the day came and I'm so happy I decided to experiment a little.  What can you experiment with today?  You might LOVE the results!

Holiday Gift Class - Stamped Coasters and Trivets

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  You Never Know What You Can Achieve Until You Try It!

Tonight was the first Gift Giving Workshop.  My favorite part of these workshops is when people who have never come to a class, or have never really explored their creativity, come to the workshop.  They show up and say things like, "I'm not really creative" or "I've never done anything like this before so I'm sure I won't do it well."  I begin to smile inside because I know the transformation I am about to experience!  It happened again tonight - watching someone move from nervous and uncertain to proud and excited!  It's like watching the butterfly burst out of the cocoon!  Yes, these are my favorite workshop moments!  These are some of the coasters and trivets created by tonight's workshop participants!  Just looking at the color and the creative exploration makes me smile :)  You never know what you can achieve until you try it!

Holiday Tags

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  The Tortoise Went At His Own Pace And So Must We

I have been engaged in a mental battle lately.  It's not one that others can see, but it's one I am very acutely aware of.  I feel like I "should" be doing a lot in each day.  I feel like taking it easy and lounging and enjoying is not what I'm "supposed" to be doing.  Maybe my body is trying to tell my mind something - that the tortoise was smart - he went at his own pace - and my body is trying to go at its own pace as well.  I think I'm scared that if I lounge I will not step up the pace again.  That a body at rest will stay at rest - and that scares me.  At the same time, without rest, I can't rejuvenate and listen to the inner voice that seems to be most wise.  I have a feeling this mental battle might continue for a bit...I'm hoping the tortoise wins! :)

This tag and tag container (made from a cd tin) are experiments for my upcoming Holiday Tag workshop.  It's been fun doing a bit of playing in the craft room today...not sure which tags will "win" and get to be on the menu for the workshop...I'll be posting some more the rest of this week and we'll see which turn out to be the finalists!  Hope you like it!!!!

Footsteps on the Moon - Greetings Earthling Stamp Set

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Don't Tell Me The Sky's The Limit When There Are Footsteps On The Moon!

I saw this quote on a t-shirt when I was traveling over Thanksgiving.  I had never seen the quote before and, after a bit of research, came up with "anonymous" as the author.  That "anonymous" sure does come up with a lot of great quotes!  These little aliens from the Greetings Earthling stamp set make the cutest companions for this computer-generated greeting.  Hope you like it!

Memories Sympathy Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Enjoy The Time You Have With Your Loved Ones

I spoke to a friend today and he told me that his dog, Wilson, passed away on Thursday.  Wilson was only 5 years old.  A beautiful golden retriever who developed cancer.  For those of us who have animals that have come into our lives and become a part of our family, the loss of our family member leaves a giant gaping hole in our hearts.  I am sad for my friend and glad at the same time that Wilson chose him to spend his 5 years with.  They made a very special pair!  Today, enjoy the time that you have with your loved ones.  Be grateful for every minute that you get to share your lives together :)

This card was made with an embossing folder.  I stamped the "m" with the Contempo Alphabet set and the definition of the word "memories" came from the Define Your Life set (I use this set ALL the time!).  I hope you like it!!!

Joy Christmas Stamp-a-Stack Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Sometimes We Organize Because We Need To Get Organized...And Sometimes It's Because We Are Avoiding Creating

I notice that sometimes I organize the craft room because it has just gotten totally out of control.  I also realize, however, that at times organizing the craft room is just an excuse for not creating.  I have a few excuses for not creating:  1) I need to organize first or 2) I need to go out and buy some craft supplies (if you saw my craft room you would know that I don't need to go out and buy ANYTHING!).  Sometimes it's just easier to do everything other than sitting down in the craft room and facing that blank card front or that mass of items and embellishments waiting to be cut, scored and adhered into something new.  Why are we so afraid of the act of creation?  What scares us?  I ponder that question a lot and it seems that often my response is that I am afraid of what I will create - I am afraid it won't be (fill in the blank) - you can fill in the blank with "good enough," "pretty enough," "worthy enough," "impressive enough," etc. etc. etc.  The list goes on and on.  Yet if we don't try to create - if we don't go through the process of trying and trying again, how can we expect ourselves to create something beautiful?  You can't hit the home runs unless you are willing to get into that batter's box and give it your best shot.  So the next time you decide you have to organize or head to the craft store...ask yourself if you really NEED to - or if what you really need to do is sit down and create! :)

This card is one of the cards from my Christmas Stamp-a-Stack class.  I have had this class set up for 3 weeks in a row at the house to accommodate snowstorms and illnesses.  I have to say that a part of me is really looking forward to cleaning up after the class tomorrow and finally being able to enjoy the dining room and living room again :)  Now stop reading this and go create something :)

Pennant Die Christmas Tree

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  You Never Know Who You Will Touch

I volunteer for the Audio Information Network of Colorado.  It is a reading service for the visually impaired here in Colorado.  I read two different programs and have been reading for a number of years.  I record the programs at home, on my computer, and then send the electronic files in to AINC, where the recording is then magically transformed so that listeners all over the state can tune in.  Last weekend I went to the volunteer appreciation brunch and I was really amazed when one of the speakers indicated that there are over 20,000 listeners across the state!  Sitting here, in the privacy of my home, doing the recordings, it is hard to remember how many people might be touched by the minutes I spend recording.  I have the same thought about this blog - is anyone out there?  Who am I touching?  There are so many blogs that I like to check out on a daily, weekly or every-once-in-awhile basis and I know how inspired and uplifted I feel when I make those rounds.  I hope that something I have posted or written has inspired or uplifted you in some way!  Just knowing you may be out there keeps me going! :)  Whatever it is that you are doing in service of what you love - don't worry if you don't think anyone is watching.  Trust me - someone is out there and you are making a huge difference in the lives of people you may never know!

I saw a tree made from the large pennant die on one of my recent blog tours.  I decided to try making one with the small pennant die and added a bunch of "bling" for ornaments.  Hope you like it!!!!

Stamped Tile Trivets

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Give It Time, It Will Grow On You!

I began making these trivets yesterday.  I pulled out a retired SU! stamp set that I thought would look quite beautiful on the trivets and began stamping away.  I made the olive one first.  Once the solid image was stamped I stamped the line art image and thought "ugh - that doesn't look too great."  But then I kept staring at it and it began to grow on me...and it grew on me so much that I decided to stamp 3 more in different bright colors!  Then Michael came home and when he walked by the craft room and saw them he said, "WOW!  Those are great!"  It's funny how my first reaction was "ugh" and his first reaction was "WOW!"  Yet, once I gave it a little time, my "ugh" turned into a "wow!"  I wonder how often that happens in life - where our first reaction to something isn't too great, but if we give it some time, our impression changes.  I used to believe that my first impressions were always right - now I'm a firm believer that with time, some things can grow on you :)

These tiles are 6"x6" and are perfect to use as trivets.  I love how you can use one for smaller dishes, or put all 4 together for larger hot dishes.  These will definitely be a part of my upcoming gift-giving workshop!  I can't wait to make them to give as gifts!  Hope you like them!

Butterfly Mirror

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Change Your Routine

I have gotten into what I consider to be a bad habit.  Every morning I begin my day by feeding Willow and then sitting down at my computer and checking a few websites.  I've decided that not only is sitting in front of the computer a "downer" way to start my day, the other issue is the sites that I check - in particular cnn.com.  I'm not sure what news I think I'm going to miss.  What I do know is that seeing all of those stories about who has died and who has killed and who has gone missing does not set me up for a positive and creative day.  If anything, it drains my energy and makes me depressed.  So today I decided to change my routine.  After feeding Willow I went outside in the snow to fill up the bird feeders and then I sat down on the porch, with Buddy by my side, and watched the magpies swoop and land in the yard to eat the fresh peanuts and seed.  I have to say, this was a much better way to start the day :)  Now it is almost noon and I find that I had the energy to go into the craft room and create this frame - the idea came to me while walking Buddy this morning.  I am now in front of the computer...and am still following through with not checking on the news :)  Hopefully I can hold out for the entire day :)

This frame was so easy to make!  I am experimenting with additional gift-giving ideas for my upcoming gift-giving workshop.  I have a feeling this might make it into the finals :)  I used craft foil and the SU! exclusive Butterfly die in my Big Shot.  I also used SU!'s embossing folders to emboss the foil.  I love how this turned out - I've already hung it in the house!  I hope you like it!!!

Coaster Calendar

 

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Your Mind Continues To Create, Even When You Are Sleeping!

I have finally been catching up on my sleep and sleeping peacefully since I am at home and not jumping on another airplane in the near future.  I'm finding that my dreams have become much more peaceful and fun, as opposed to stressful and troubling.  This morning I almost woke up laughing because in my dream, my mind had created a joke!  That's never happened to me before!  Of course, you will likely not find the joke funny...but I will share it with you anyway since I am really amazed at the ability of the mind to create, even when we are sleeping.  Here goes...What did the kidney bean say to the lentils?  You're a dahl!  (a little vegetarian humor...for those of you who aren't laughing yet, "dahl" is an Indian lentil stew)...are you laughing yet? :)  Somehow my mind put this together in my sleep - who knows what I'm in store for tonight!

Today's project is a cute little coaster calendar that you can set on your desk.  These make great teacher/friend gifts!  This will be one of the options at my upcoming Gift Giving Workshop.  Hope you like it!

Joy Banner - Pennant Die

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Feel The Joy!!!!!

It is sooooo good to be back and blogging!  I slipped away for a few weeks - I had 3 back-to-back work trips and when I got home earlier this week I was fresh out of blogging and creating energy.  Yesterday, though, I went into the craft room to clean...or so I thought.  All of a sudden I was taken over with the urge to create!  It just called to me and I decided to go ahead and allow myself to feel the joy of creating again.  So, one "joy" banner and a few altered clipboards later, I'm back!!!!!!  I hope you can feel the joy of creating in your life today!

This banner was so easy to make!  I used Stampin' Up's exclusive pennant die (which you can purchase on my site at www.m.stampinup.net).  The die is so versatile because it can cut through card stock, felt, fabric, craft metal, vinyl - AMAZING!!!!  I pulled out some glittery felt that I had and it cut through it like butter :)  I also used the scallop circle die and the simply serif alphabet for the letters.  I hope you like it!!!!

Bashful Blue, Old Olive and Rich Razzleberry

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Sometimes You Just Have To Put On Your Cloak Of Positivity!

Have you ever known someone who walks around with a dark cloud over their head?  That person is the first to point out what is wrong with the world, or the day, or whatever is in front of them!  That negativity can have a very powerful pull and if we're not careful, we can get sucked into its vortex!  So put on your cloak of positivity!  Let all that negativity bounce off of you.  It's a good thing I remember to pack that cloak with me wherever I go :)

This card was inspired by a card in an old Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog.  The inspiration card was made with colors that are now retired, so I chose colors that are current that provided the same feel.  I hope you like it!

Snow!

Today's Lesson From Far Away From The Craft Room:  There's A Little Bit Of Magic If You Look For It!

I arrived in London today and just woke up from my catch-up-on-my-sleep-after-my-flight nap and I looked out the window and I counted 12 cottontail rabbits in the field outside my window!  That's a lot of cottontails!  It all seems quite magical.  I've also heard the word "magic" used a number of times today, from people here, in casual conversation - saying things like "wow, that's magic!"  It seems to be a substitute for the word "excellent" - I like it :)  And then there was little bit of magic waiting for me in my email from home - this beautiful picture of the snow as it begins to accumulate in the front yard of the house - it's magic!  Where do you see magic today????

I am going to try to play more with My Digital Studio while I'm on the road - we'll see what I can come up with!  I may try a scrapbook layout - or maybe a calendar - so many choices, not sure what I want to create!  Hope you are having a day of magic!

Holiday Stamp-A-Stack

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Find The Pollyanna In Every Moment!

I always loved to watch the movie Polyanna whenever it came on the television.  Somehow that young girl has the ability to find the silver lining in any moment.  It's not that she is being naive, she just chooses to look for the gift in whatever she is experiencing.  I need her help when it comes time to leave home.  I'm heading out on a trip to London and I always seem to get a bit sad and anxious when the time comes to leave home.  I worry about whether I will be safe and whether I will return to the people, creatures, and place that I love.  There is a snowstorm that will be moving in tonight so I will likely miss our first big snowfall of the season - something I like to be around for since Buddy gets crazy happy in the snow!  So where is the Polyanna?  I will have quiet time on the plane - time where I can contemplate how to build my Stampin' Up! business.  I will have quiet time to watch movies and rest.  I will get to meet new people in a different culture and also visit with a long-time friend in London.  Yes, there is some Pollyanna in every moment - I just have to stop and look!

These are some of the cards we will be making at the November Holiday Stamp-a-Stack workshop.  I'm having a hard time not putting some type of glitter on every single card!  It's just a glittery time of year :)  Hope you like them!

Glitter Birthday Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  The Only Way To Drive Cattle Fast Is Slowly

I turned to the book Don't Squat With Yer Spurs On! by Texas Bix Bender for today's lesson.  This book cracks me up and has some incredibly important messages for life.  I was waiting in line the other day at a craft store and I could feel the woman behind me getting frustrated at having to wait in line.  It seems we  live in a society where the concept of "waiting" has become obsolete - or at least we want it to be obsolete.  We want it all now and waiting is not an option.  Why are we in such a hurry?  What has happened to enjoying the journey and focusing less on the destination.  Today I hope that I can go slow and enjoy the drive :)

This card came together very quickly.  I used the Big Shot and the Simple Alphabet dies to cut the letters.  I used heat and stick powder to adhere the silver glitter.  The greeting is from the Happy Everything stamp set (#115235) - I just got this set and I love how it has a greeting for just about every occasion!  I cut the prongs off of the rhinestone brad and adhered it to the card with a mini glue dot.  Hope you like it!

Video: Stamped Tile Coasters

Stamped Tile Coasters

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Play With Those You Love :)

Today's lesson speaks for itself - when was the last time you took a few minutes to play with those you love?  Your spouse?  Your family?  Your 4-legged family members?  A little play everyday is absolutely essential for your soul :)

These stamped tile coasters are very easy and economical to make.  What a great gift for the holidays!  My technique video will be posted shortly....stay tuned...

Big Shot Pennant Die

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Time Flies When You're Having Fun!!!!

Today my friend came over to make up treats for her son's upcoming birthday party.  Since we had some leftover designer series paper we decided to try out the SU! exclusive pennant die to make a sign for her son's party (which he can keep in his room after the party).  It came out sooooo cute!!!!!!  It was very quick to put together and with a few eyelets and some ribbon it is ready to hang!  By the time we looked at our watches it was time for her to head out and pick up her son from school.  Time really does fly when you're having fun!  What fun did you have today????

Happy Birthday To Me! :)

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: Celebrate Being Born!!!!

Today is my birthday and I am so grateful to be here on this planet!!!!!! A big shout out to my mom and dad for having me :) Today's card says it all - "happy everything!" May we all appreciate everything wonderful in our lives!!!!!

Today's card was quick and fun. I used a pencil eraser to make the dots on the bermuda bay cs and coated them with crystal effects. The alien was cut out and colored and covered in crystal effects. Hope you like it!