JULIE'S "FREESTYLE FRIDAYS" PROJECT

It's Julie's turn to share a Freestyle Fridays project and, just in case you have a crazy mind like mine, let me assure you that you're looking at the top of a heart.  Fortunately, Julie's sneak peak photo included a clue by showing the stamped sentiment; otherwise, I would have had to ask her to go back to the stamping room!  ;-)  Of course, to see the entire project, we'll have to visit Julie's blog.  I'm sure she'll a mission posted for me, so be sure to check it out because you might want to challenge yourself to complete it!

EASY ANGEL ORNAMENTS

Late Tuesday night, it occurred to me to make these two angels to take to my parents and grandmother on Wednesday.  I made my first angel a couple of weeks ago and didn't think I wanted to make more, but they really aren't difficult.  I especially enjoyed making the white one since I didn't have to work with the die-cut doily or do the "dot, tap, dot, tap" to glue it to the angel's skirt.  The designer paper that I used for the white angel (retired from Stampin' Up!) was heavy and kind of stiff but, since she didn't have a doily overlay, I decided to emboss her wings for some extra pretty.  My grandmother has angels and snowflakes on her tree, so it was important that I make an all-white angel for her.  The second angel was made for my parents using Stampin' Up!'s "Be of Good Cheer" designer paper and the large Sizzix Doily die.  I know the picture makes it look like she has a lopsided wing, but she doesn't--she's not standing as straight as she should.  ;-)  For both angels, I used Baker's twine for the bows and a Vintage Faceted button for their halos.  I tried other buttons, but these clear faceted buttons were just too perfect and looked the best.  I didn't get good pictures of the boxes, but I used coordinating card stock and designer paper to make gift boxes for both angels.  You know, it feels so good to do something nice for others, and I was so glad that I had made these little angels for three of the angels in my life.

BONUS PROJECT ON CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL

Christmas is just around the corner!  Get the little ones excited with a tree filled with candy and treats!  Watch their excitement as they countdown the 12 Days of Christmas on their way to December 25th!  Why not mix things up and add holiday activities with the treats?  Spending the holidays through the eyes of the kids will bring wonderful memories for everyone to cherish!  Melissa Davies designed and created this awesome project, and her tutorial was posted today at Craft Project Central.

NOVEMBER "STAMPER'S CHOICE" SWAPS

During my monthly Inkerbelles' class, we decide on a swap theme (for the next month's class), and whoever wishes to participate is welcome to do so.  The November theme was "Stamper's Choice", and following are the awesome swaps that were shared:      

We got to sample this cake last month, and it's delicious!

I love the color blocks and texture on this card, and Debbie didn't forget to add bling!

     

Dorri's package of tags is so pretty!

The tags are beautiful!  Designed with MDS2 with plenty of bling (rhinestones, pearls, and glitter) added to them!

Pam's card is striking and so elegant!  The glittery die-cut layer is perfect!

How cute is this set of coasters?!?!  Great gift idea!

  

And this is the "pizza box" that I made for the swap, topped with a 3D "ribbon candy" bow.

TWO NEW PROJECTS POSTED TO CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL

Oops!  I am late posting about two new tutorials that were recently added this month on Craft Project Central.  The first project--"Scentsational Season" Gift Bags--was designed by Carrie Rhoades.  These little gift bags are perfect for those people you want to give a little something to this holiday season. This tutorial is complete with directions on how to make the cute window gift bags as well as directions/recipes for the fun treats to fill these bags. What fun things fill these bags? Each gift was designed to coordinate with the bag it goes in; homemade Hot Cocoa mix, Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies, Black and White Peppermint Bark, and Felt Ornaments. As a bonus, the cut out pieces from the window gift bags are used to make gift tags!  

The second project is this "We Believe" Wall Art, which was designed and created by Tara.  With this wall art and decorations, you’ll be able to spruce up your mantle at Christmas, and let the world know you believe!  Believe in the magic of Christmas, the love and friendship, and the joy and hope!

With your paid subscription to Craft Project Central, you'll be able to create both of these projects and not only add a festive decoration to your home but to your gifts as well.

"MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY"

"Now bring us some figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer"

For today's MISM project, I wanted to try an svg cut file that I recently downloaded.  I just got my Silhouette Cameo about a month ago and haven't found the time to use it as much as I'd like but, as I looked at all of the images available to me, there was one that stood out . . . figgy pudding.  Surprisingly (and thankfully, too), it was so easy to add a duplicate of the darkest shape, which I welded to the top of the existing shape to form the base for this shaped card.  My only other addition to the cut file was the shaped layer for the inside of the card so that a handwritten note would be visible.  In no time, my card layers were perfectly cut and ready for assembly.  Stampin' Up! products used to create this card include Early Espresso, Naturals Ivory, Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, and Old Olive card stock, "Teeny Tiny Wishes" stamp set, Word Window and Modern Label punches, Cherry Cobbler Baker's twine, and Crystal Effects (on the berries).  This was truly a snappy card to make.  Waiting for the Crystal Effects to dry took the most amount of time.  Now, I have never had figgy pudding and didn't realize that it's more of a cake than a pudding but, if you'd like to try it, a recipe and a little bit of history was found HERE.

HOLIDAY 2012 BLOG BANNER

I know that it's not even December yet and you probably still have some leftover turkey and pumpkin pie in the 'fridge--assuming, of course, that you've made it back over the river and through the woods--but I was ready for a change and decided to go ahead and post my holiday blog banner.  There's a chance that I'll get tired of seeing this one and, if that should happen, I'll just design a new one!  As you may have already guessed, I used Stampin' Up!'s MDS2 software to design the banner and used the following digital content:

Designer Kits:  Home for the Holidays, Trim the Tree, Christmas Jingle, Joyful Times

Embellishments:  Timeless Taffeta Trimmings, Basic Pearls & Rhinestones, Mis-Stitched

Punch:  Lots of Tags

I'd love to know what you think about this new banner!

"FREESTYLE FRIDAYS"

Last week, Julie made a pretty sympathy card for Freestyle Fridays using Stampin' Up!'s Bravo Burgundy and Naturals White card stock, challenging me to create something this week using the same colors.  Well, she is some kind of sneaky because I don't even own Naturals White card stock!  As a matter of fact, I didn't realize that it was still available from Stampin' Up!  So, for my card, I used Bravo Burgundy and Naturals Ivory card stock.  This card was difficult to photograph, and I wasn't able to get the lighting just right so my Naturals Ivory wouldn't look like Crumb Cake.  The other Stampin' Up! products used to complete this card include "Aviary" and "Blessings from Heaven" stamp sets, clear heart-shaped button, linen thread, antique brad, and the Simply Scored scoring tool to create the embossed lines.  This was definitely an interesting mission from Julie and, if you're not too tired from all of the "Black Friday" shopping, you might want to make a card using these colors--or the actual colors according to Julie's mission.  Obviously, I need to add a pack of Naturals White card stock to my next order.  ;-) 

SNOWFLAKE CARDS & BOX

Are you looking for a pretty little set of cards with a coordinating box to put them in? Look no further! This box and cards set makes a great gift for a special person this holiday season.

I think what is most striking about this set is the "quiet" colors with that splash of dazzle from the glittery snowflakes.  Actually, this ensemble reminds me of diamonds and suede.  Years ago, my mother had a suede coat that was very near the color of Soft Suede.   Heidi King did a fabulous job with this project, and her tutorial is posted today at Craft Project Central. 

"MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY"

I have been so focused on holiday cards lately, so I decided to make something Fall-ish for MISM.  It doesn't seem to matter how many years of stamping experience I gain, the same cycle repeats itself each year . . . Halloween comes and then BAM! . . . Thanksgiving and Fall get totally lost (erased, really) in my frenzy to work on Christmas projects.  For my card, I used Stampin' Up!'s "French Foliage" and "Moving Forward" stamp sets.  It's ridiculous how long I wanted "French Foliage" but kept bumping it off of my orders.  I {heart} this stamp set!!!!  The other Stampin' Up! products used to complete this card include Perfect Plum taffeta ribbon (gorgeous), Very Vanilla card stock, and Square Lattice embossing folder (this has got to be the most used embossing folder that I own).  I roughed the edges of the stamped layer, and it was adhered to the embossed layer with Stampin' Dimensionals.  Have a wonderful Monday, and a blessed Thanksgiving!

DOUBLE-SIDED BOX OF CARDS ON CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL TODAY

This double sided 3" x 3" box and cards is easy to assemble and makes a perfect little gift for the holidays!  Or you can also change it up for just about any occasion!  This box and cards is a great gift item!  The tutorial for this adorable project, which was designed and created by Laurie,  was posted to Craft Project Central today.

JULIE'S "FREESTYLE FRIDAYS" PROJECT

It's Julie's turn to share a Freestyle Fridays project, and it's obvious that she's been doing some embossing.  I'm pretty sure she used the floral stamp from Stampin' Up!'s "Blooming with Kindness" stamp set.  I really love that flower!  To see her project in full, let's hop on over to Julie's blog.  She's been having a stressful week.  She's in snowy Canada, and slow drivers are causing very long commutes for her.  Can you imagine a 25-minute drive to work that takes 2-1/2 hours????  I'm afraid you'd see my photo on the late night news with a crazed look on my face and a report about my temporary insanity--questioning that, of course.  Have a wonderful weekend!!!

WONDERFALL BOX & SET OF CARDS

The leaves are changing color and falling off the trees. The air is crisper and the smell of fall wafts through the air. Celebrate fall with this fun card set and coordinating card box, which was designed by Elaine Schader. 

The tutorial for this project was posted today at Craft Project Central, and it's not too late to get your subscription for the month. 

TO MARKET, TO MARKET, TAGGETY TAGS

A couple of months ago, one of my grandmother's quilting friends asked if I'd like to put some cards for sale in her quilt consignment shop, which will open on Black Friday.  I am so excited about the opportunity and have been busy making cards and also choosing some of the cards from my stash.  One of the things that I made for my spot in the shop was the "CARDS" banner that I shared last month, and I recently purchased an assortment of baskets to hold the cards.  The one thing that the baskets needed were identifying tags, and that's what I'm sharing today.  Except for the t-shirt and dress form dies, all other products used are from Stampin' Up!  I still need to price the cards, and I would like to make some non-card items (ornaments, card holders/containers, treat boxes, etc.) to offer, but I'm not sure that I'll find time for such a lofty goal.  I'm sure I will come up with other ideas once the shop opens, but I wanted to share my tags today. 

"MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY"

What's black and white with a tiny splash of red?  Today's MISM project!  I recently got this stamp set (Stampin' Up!'s "Love and Laughter") and have been wanting to play with it.  I hardly ever have the opportunity to make a wedding or engagement card, but I really like the images in this set and feel that it's a keeper.  I couldn't decide on a color combo, but then it occurred to me that black ink on white card stock would suffice.  The only thing that I wish I had done differently is the ribbon, and I still might swap the white organdy for black satin.  The main images in this set definitely lend themselves to a simple color palette so, if you're like me and would like to have a stamp set on hand for that rare wedding/engagement opportunity, take a closer look at this one.  It's simply striking.

GINGERBREAD HOUSE BOX & CARD

Send someone special a really festive holiday gift in this sparkling gingerbread house box with a matching card!  The roof lifts up and allows you to insert your gift and close it back up.  The nice large box is 5" wide x 6-3/4" long and 7-1/4" tall.  Plenty of room for a few sweet holiday treats!!

This project was designed for Craft Project Central by Amanda, and her tutorial was posted today.   I think this is a lovely project with a festive presentation, and I am anxious to make one for myself!  With your $10 subscription, you will be able to access this tutorial and all of the others that post this month, and you won't be disappointed!

 

OWL BOX & CARD ON CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL

Make this super cute owl box for anyone, for any occasion.  The owl box can hold gift cards, candy, or small gift items.  It’s the perfect way to present something cute for someone special, especially if they like animals and nature. 

 

This cute project was designed by Monika Davis, and her tutorial was posted today to Craft Project Central.  The box is as cute as can be, but notice the simplicity of the card design.  Gotta love that!

"FREESTYLE FRIDAYS"

Last week, Julie shared a beautiful triple-layer card and challenged me to create a square one this week.  I love square cards, so this was more of a treat than a challenge.  For my card, I used Stampin' Up!'s absolutely gorgeous "Blooming with Kindness" stamp set.  My ink choices were Summer Starfruit and Midnight Muse, and I think these two colors look so pretty together.  I'm telling you . . . Summer Starfruit can plop down comfortably in the neutral zone.  When I first saw this color, I thought it looked like something you might find in a newborn's diaper, but the color has really grown on me!  As for "Blooming with Kindness", if it was a grocery item, it would be known as a staple . . . something that every pantry should have.  Yes, we all have a lot of flower stamps and who needs another one?  We all need this one!  I swore that I would not buy this one, but I'm so glad that I have it because it's truly a go-to set when you need a quick card but aren't sure what you want to make and, as a bonus, it has some beautiful sentiments.  I think the floral background on my card turned out so pretty, and how often does that happen with just one stamp? 

 

On Monday, I mentioned that I have a FREE one-month Craft Project Central subscription to give away, and the winner is Laura Lipe!  Laura left this comment:  "What a cute little girl card. And I still love your blog heading so much! Way to go!"  I appreciate the others who took the time to leave a comment and congratulate Laura on winning! 

CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS TREE & CARD

It’s time to start decorating for the holidays, and  this pretty little Christmas tree would be a great addition to your holiday decorations!  The tree is made with Designer Series Paper and decorated with little ornaments made using the Ornament Keepsakes stamp set.  Make one as a gift,  and make another one to keep for yourself!  There’s also a coordinating card to go with the tree if you’re making it as a gift.

Christy Fulk designed this festively creative project for Craft Project Central, and her tutorial was posted today.  I can hardly wait to make a tree like this!  Don't forget that I'm giving a FREE one-month subscription to Craft Project Central.  To be entered in the drawing, all you have to do is leave a comment on my "Make-It-Snappy-Monday" blog post. 

"MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY" . . . AND A GIVEAWAY!!!

For today's MISM project, I used a stamp set that I received last week.  The name of the stamp set is "Prehistoric Girl" and, for some reason, I love this little girl with the bone in her hair.  My son wanted to know why her eyes were on her cheeks, and I wish I knew.  She's cute anyway with her paper-pieced dress!  Stampin' Up! product used to complete this card includes Crumb Cake card stock, Soft Suede ink, brads, and white gel pen.

And now . . . for the giveaway . . . I am designing for Craft Project Central again this month and have a one-month subscription to give away.  To be entered in the drawing, simply leave a comment on this blog post.  I will announce the winner with my Freestyle Fridays post this week.

ELEGANT "ELEMENTS OF STYLE" CARD HOLDER

Here’s an elegant card holder and cards that you can make several of to give as gifts!  Don’t forget to make some of the cards for yourself as they are gorgeous and designed to impress!  Sharon Burkert designed this ensemble for Craft Project Central this month, and her tutorial was posted today.  Unfortunately, I got busy cleaning out some cabinets and totally forgot  to post earlier.  With your subscription to Craft Project Central, you'll have access to this elegant ensemble and all of the other project tutorials that post this month!

JULIE'S "FREESTYLE FRIDAYS" PROJECT

I don't know what it is about this week (or maybe it's an age thing), but I haven't been able to keep up with what day it is.  It's hard to believe that it's already Friday!  It's Julie's turn to share a project, and it looks like she's designed something floral and with lots of layers.  Her sneak peek photo is quite small--she's being quite the tease this week!  I can't wait to see the whole project because it looks so pretty.  We'll have to hop on over to her blog to see exactly what she has created, and we can also find out what kind of mission she has for me.  I always look forward to that! 

FAUX WOODEN GIFT BOXES ON CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL!!!

It's hard to believe that November has already rolled around, and that means it's time to get all of your thoughts in order for those holiday projects and gifts that you want to work on. Once again, I am designing for Craft Project Central, and I'll bet most of the project tutorials shared this month will be the perfect inspiration!  These gorgeous faux wooden gift boxes, designed by Julie Beltramo, will help you get in the spirit of the Winter season! They can be filled with whatever fun treats you might want to give as a gift, and then they can be displayed on a mantle or shelf for a festive decoration.