BABY'S FIRST YEAR MINI SCRAPBOOK & CARD

If you've got a new baby in the family, or a friend has had a baby, then you really should make this mini scrapbook for them. This mini scrapbook is a great little keepsake for the baby's first year. There is room for a picture of the baby for each of its first twelve months, along with two pockets to put little keepsakes in. This scrapbook shows a new way to use the Project Life Baby Girl Card Collection and Hello Baby Accessory Pack. It also features the Hello Baby Stamp Set. It can be customized for a baby boy by using the Project Life Baby Boy Card Collection instead. This would also make a great Project Life Class.

This ensemble, which was designed by Christy Fulk, is the December bonus project at Craft Project Central.  Qualifying for the bonus tutorial is easy . . . just subscribe to two or more months in a row, put the Craft Project Central badge on your blog, or refer a friend to the site.  When your friend subscribes, just let us know!

CAROLINA PANTHERS BANNER

Two of my Christmas presents that will get a lot of use are tabletop quilt stands.  My husband and son gave me one that will hold a 6" x 9" applique project, and my parents gave me a larger one that will hold a 12" x 14" banner/wall hanging.  I had a small (unfinished) piece for the smaller stand but was anxious to make something for the larger one.  Last Friday night, I was thinking about the Sunday game (Panthers vs. Falcons), and I decided that we needed a Panthers banner.  I whipped up this banner on Saturday and, sadly, our Panthers lost their first game of the season.  What????  I wasn't sure if the banner was a jinx, but I took it off of the stand halfway through the game hoping things would take a turn for the better, and now I'm afraid my guys won't allow the banner in sight during games. 

I knew my banner would need a panther and a football, and I knew the football would be an easy graphic.  The panther . . . not so easy.  I don't have an artistic bone in my body, but the process seemed much easier once I decided to stitch the blue and white shapes to a black background instead of having to cut the black shapes, too.  I've not worked with as many small/thin pieces of wool before and, even though the panther isn't spot-on perfect and my stitching could have been better, I am very pleased with how this banner turned out.  In case you can't tell what the gray thing is, it's my version of the NC state outline with an asterisk by Charlotte (I hope). 





SEWN BOX & CARDS GIFT SET

Do you love to sew and to do paper crafts?  If so, then this is the project for you!  In this project you’ll sew a gift box and some great cards to go in it!  Give the set as a gift (tag instructions included too!), to a crafty friend who will appreciate the time and creativity that you’ve put into this fun gift!

What a cute project this is, and I am anxious to try the tutorial!  This project was designed by Michelle, and you can find her tutorial at Craft Project Central.  Have you subscribed yet?

SNOW DAY FUN

It’s 10 a.m. on a snow day. The snow is piling up outside and doesn’t look like it’s going to stop, and then you hear those three dreaded words – “Mom, I’m bored.” Keep your children entertained with this Snow Day Fun set. Use the Stampin’ Up! Snow Place bundle to create mix and match elements that will cling to the scenic background board. It’s simple enough for older children to create for younger siblings or neighbors, and smaller children will enjoy mixing the pieces to create cute snow scenes. Best of all, it’s durable enough to stand up to hours of use by tiny fingers. If you don’t have children, you can create this project for a friend who does and make a young child’s day. Instructions for a storage/gift box and a coordinating card are included. This would make a fun class for moms so they’ll be ready for that first snow day!

The colors of this project, which was designed by Buffy Cooper, are so pleasing!  You can find the tutorial at Craft Project Central--complete with step-by-step instructions and photos!

NO BONES ABOUT IT . . . QUICK & EASY CARDS & PACKAGING

This project includes two cards and two gift packaging ideas that are quick and easy…and no bones about it…they’re super cute, too!  The No Bones About It Stamp Set is featured and provides the dinosaur theme for each project…and Schoolhouse Designer Series Paper provides fresh, fun colors and patterns.  Those colors and patterns also bring the versatility that allows you to create for either the special little boy or girl in your life!  For a final finishing touch the matching envelopes are a cinch using the Envelope Punch Board.

The tutorial for this clever project, which was designed by Sue, can be found at Craft Project Central.

"MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY" . . . AND THE WINNER OF THE CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL SUBSCRIPTION

One of the good things about having a FREE one-month Craft Project Central subscription to give away today . . . a Monday . . . is that it was the perfect time to share a Make-It-Snappy-Monday project!  Lately, I have been a slacker about sharing MISM projects and, for that, I apologize!  As I mentioned in a recent post, I haven't been creating many projects lately.  There's a remedy for that!When I recently received my preorder from Stampin' Up!'s Occasions catalog, I was anxious to work with some of the new products and chose the gorgeous Birthday Blooms stamp set.  I liked it so much that I made a small set of cards in assorted colors to give to my mother.  Win-win!

Isn't that a pretty image?  It's a dream to color, and I love the size of the image!  I used an Aqua Painter with Tangelo Twist and Always Artichoke ink pads to color the flowers and leaves and then brushed the image with the Wink of Stella Clear Glitter Brush.  The sentiment (as well as the outline/border) is from the Rose Wonder stamp set, and I used the coordinating Rose Garden Thinlits die to cut the sentiment.  Other Stampin' Up! products featured are Tangelo Twist and Thick Whisper White Cardstock, Basic Black Archival ink pad, and Timeless Elegance DSP.

WINNER! WINNER! WINNER!

Many thanks to those who took the time to leave a comment HERE on the project that I designed for Craft Project Central this month!!  Random.org was used to choose the winner of the FREE one-month subscription, and the winner is #5--ROSIE HOWELL.  Rosie, if you'll contact me at randari at Hotmail dot com, we'll get your FREE subscription started!



A WOOLY GIFT FOR MY PARENTS

One of my new passions this year has been the discovery of wool appliqué, and this is a fun piece that I completed as a Christmas gift for my parents.  The design (from Bonnie Sullivan's "Seven Snowmen") is so adorable!  While this pattern with so many little pieces was quite a challenge (for me), I did little else for the better part of two days besides prep the pattern cuts, choose the wool for each piece, and stitch, stitch, stitch.  It's true that my stitches may not be perfect, but I am very pleased with this piece because . . . well . . . it's cute as can be.  See that big snowflake that Mr. Snowman is holding?  It was a clever cover-up because I could never get his "hands" just right and after I stitched the snowflake into place with Stampin' Up!'s Silver Metallic Thread, I kind of made a mess in the center, which I covered with a pretty bow from silver cording trim.  ;-)  This is one of the awesome things about wool appliqué . . . it's forgiving of minor imperfections.  I'm still not sure if it's "wrong" for a snowman to be holding a snowflake--would it be right for a man to be holding skin?--but it is what it is.  Ha!

HANDBAG CARD SET

Everyone needs some pretty colors and flowers to get them through the cold winters, and this card set would definitely cheer them up! The cards are stored in a cute little handbag with pretty Antique Brads on the handles. The handbag can hold eight cards and envelopes. This tutorial includes two card designs made with the Remarkable You Stamp Set, and four of each design can be made to fill up the handbag. This would make a perfect gift, and a great class project. 

The tutorial for this project, which was designed by the talented Christy Fulk, can be found at Craft Project Central.

SWINGING CARDINAL CHRISTMAS CARD

I've been a bit slack lately when it comes to posting new projects, and that's partly because I have been working on some Christmas gifts and also because I've been trying to learn to use a new camera.  Just yesterday, I took what would have been pretty good pictures, but I didn't have the card in the camera (argh!!!!) and didn't want to figure out how to connect the camera to the computer.  I do, however, have something to share today.  While the Silhouette Design Store had a 50% off sale, I purchased a lot of images/cut files, including this lovely dimensional card.  It's comprised of three layers (they cut like a dream) that are supposed to be attached with adhesive foam.  While the card definitely looks amazing when assembled with all of that dimension, I discovered that it looks quite striking without it.  

I brushed the cut snowflakes and the tops of the snowy ground layers with a Wink of Stella Clear Glitter Brush.  A brush of glitter instantly adds a little wow, you know?  I almost need a truckload of those glitter brushes because I want to use them on nearly everything--they're THAT awesome!  They don't disturb or muddy a watercolored image, are fast-drying, and the glimmery glitterness does not come off.  If you ask me, I think the Wink of Stella Clear Glitter Brush is one of the BEST products ever on the paper-crafting scene.  You can even purchase your own truckload of them from me once Stampin' Up!'s Occasions catalog goes live on January 5th, and I do recommend that you treat yourself to at least more than one.

 

WANT A SWINGING CARDINAL CARD?

I made more of these cards than I need and have 3 extras.  Sooooooo . . . the first three people who place an online order through my Stampin' Up! web site (click HERE) will receive one of these cards in the mail.  The inside of each card has a stamped greeting from the Flurry of Wishes stamp set, "Sending you a flurry of warm Christmas wishes".



WATERCOLORED MASCULINE GIFT CARD SET

Have you ever wanted to try your hand at watercoloring but thought you couldn’t do it?  Here is your chance to give it a try using the masculine set The Wilderness Awaits and an Aqua Painter. The step-by-step instructions will show you how to make a wonderful set of four masculine cards with envelopes that fit right in the box that showcases your water colored creations that you can give away as a gift or keep for yourself.

The tutorial for this great project, which was designed by Sara Hoogendoorn, can be found at Craft Project Central.  Sara is a guest designer this month.

GO WILD AND PAMPER YOURSELF

This gift set is a mini spa day packaged in a coordinated kit. This set includes a nail file holder, a nail polish caddy, and chocolates that all fit inside a unique gift bag. There is also a matching gift card holder to add a little something extra. This spa day kit is perfect for that special person who deserves an indulgent gift. There is also a bonus recipe for a sugar scrub to add as an optional gift!

The tutorial for this project, which was designed by Boni, can be found at Craft Project Central.  Have you subscribed yet to this month's awesome projects and tutorials?

"ENGLISH GARDEN" BOX & CARDS

Today I'm happy to share a sneak peek photo of the project that I designed for Craft Project Central this month.  It's a decorative box filled with six different card pockets to hold an assortment of greeting cards that feature the same floral/honeycomb/bee design that decorates the box.  Following is the introduction that I wrote for my project:

Need a fantastic, useful, and attractive gift for someone special?  You will enjoy making this project, and the recipient will cherish it!  Create six pockets to hold an assortment of cards, a box to hold the pockets, and this tutorial also includes instructions for six assorted—coordinating—greeting cards to start filling the pockets.  Once you give this box of cards to a special someone, don’t forget to replenish the cards throughout the year on holidays, special occasions, or just because.  This ensemble would be great for a stamp camp.

 

Would you like to win a FREE one-month subscription to all of the fabulous project tutorials at Craft Project Central?  Getting entered in the drawing is really easy . . . just visit Craft Project Central and leave a comment on the post where my project is featured by clicking HERE.  A winning name will be drawn and announced on Monday, December 21st, so be sure to visit my blog again on that date.

EVERLASTING LUMINARY GIFT SET

This sweet and sparkly little gift set is sure to please! Learn how to quickly, and elegantly, turn a battery-operated tea light into an everlasting décor piece. Then you’ll learn how to make the coordinating gift box that is the perfect custom size to fit the three tea lights. And the simple, but sweet card will make this the perfect hostess gift for those holiday drop-ins!

The tutorial for this gorgeous ensemble, which was designed by Julie Beltramo, can be found at Craft Project Central.

SKETCH CHALLENGE #54

It's been a while since I have shared one of my own creations, and today I'm sharing the card that I created for Craft Project Central's Creating Pretty Cards - Sketch Challenge #54.  This is what the sketch looks like:

And this is the card that I created for the sketch:

Did you know that for every 10 cards submitted for the sketch challenge, a name will be drawn to determine which participant will receive a FREE one-month subscription to Craft Project Central? It would be awesome if you would take a few minutes to create a card to submit!  Just post a picture of your card online, and then upload/post the link HERE.

Stampin' Up! products featured on my card include:

Stamp Set:  Butterfly Basics

Ink:  Mossy Meadow, Blackberry Bliss

Cardstock/Paper:  Whisper White, Blackberry Bliss, Mossy Meadow, Gold Glimmer Paper, Winter Wonderland Designer Vellum Stack

Punches:  3/4" Circle, 1" Circle, 1-3/4" Circle

Sizzix:  Butterflies Thinlits, Greetings Thinlits

WINTER HOLIDAY PUNCH ART TAG SET

Punch art is a fun way to create images that you may not have stamps for, as well a great way to get extra mileage out of your punches. In this project we will create punch art images for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s Eve. Each of these images is part of a cute tag, and all of the tags fit nicely in a decorative box. Includes a matching card for gift giving. These fun punch art designs are great for a club or a class, or just a fun winter afternoon of crafting.

Many of us are preparing for Christmas and in need of clever tags, such as these designed by Yapha.  Her complete tutorial can be found at Craft Project Central.  Have you subscribed to the awesome tutorials this month?  Consider giving a subscription as a Christmas gift to your stamping and paper-crafting friends!

2016 CALENDAR / KEEPSAKE BOOK GIFT SET

Are you looking for a thoughtful gift for a special person this Christmas or for an upcoming birthday? This 2016 Calendar/ Keepsake Book Gift Set is a wonderful choice! This calendar will not only look beautiful sitting on a desk or counter, it will also turn into a keepsake book at the end of the year. There is space to write down goals for the New Year, record special memories and each month has a place for a treasured photo. The calendar and custom pen fit nicely inside the gorgeous gift box that doubles as storage when the year is done. And don’t forget to add the matching card! This lovely card is the perfect way to let your recipient know that you are thinking of them.

The tutorial for this great project, which was designed by Julie, can be found at Craft Project Central.

LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS GIFTS - BONUS PROJECT AT CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL

We all have that one holiday gift we forget to buy, don’t we? The new neighbor, our hair stylist, Uncle Joe who just moved back to town…forgetting a gift for any of these could cause more stress during a season that should be fun. If you have a last minute addition to your list, here are a few ideas that are quick and relatively simple. Best of all, they use products that almost every crafter keeps on hand. The projects use the Jingle All the Way Bundle to create gorgeous gifts anyone would love to receive. They also make beautiful home décor pieces for your holiday decorating. And since they’re winter themed, they can stay up into the New Year.

Even if you don't need a last-minute gift, you'll enjoy making these!  This ensemble, which was designed by Buffy Cooper, is the November bonus project at Craft Project Central.  Qualifying for the bonus tutorial is easy . . . just subscribe to two or more months in a row, put the Craft Project Central badge on your blog, or refer a friend to the site.  When your friend subscribes, just let us know!

HONEYCOMB STAR ORNAMENT GIFT SET

Make this beautiful 3D honeycomb star ornament to deck your halls with some holiday sparkle. Or give this lovely ornament as a gift with the coordinating card and box that allows the ornament to spin inside and show off that sparkle. This would make an excellent hostess gift or class project! The patterns, colors, and stamps can easily be changed out to match those of another holiday if you don’t celebrate Christmas.

The tutorial for this lovely project, which was designed by Amanda, can be found at Craft Project Central.

ALTERED MUFFIN TIN DECOR & GREETING CARD

As the holiday season is nearing, wouldn’t it be fun to decorate your home with this holiday décor item? Perfect for your table, wall, or refrigerator, this sweet 3-D project could also work as a countdown calendar, and for hiding holiday treats and treasures. Give your craft punches and dies a workout to make holiday scenes, getting a glimpse of all the fun and precious things you are looking forward to. This project is also great for holiday stamp camps and small classes.

You'll have a lot of fun creating this project, which was designed by Monika.  Her complete tutorial can be found at Craft Project Central.

"HELLO DECEMBER" ORGANIZER & HOLIDAY ACCESSORIES

You’ll say a happier hello to December when you’re organized and ready for this busiest of months!  This project features the Hello December 2015 Project Life Card Collection and Hello December 2015 Project Life Accessory Pack as a fun organizer…with the support of a double Berry Basket to help keep everything together!  This project also includes lovely ornaments, three sets of holiday gift tags and three holiday greeting cards.  This project and these amazing Project Life cards…in combination with the bright, fun accessories...are the perfect canvas for an organized December and a lovely holiday season!

The instructions for this project, which was designed by Sue, can be found at Craft Project Central.  Have you subscribed yet to this month's awesome tutorials?

ADVENT CALENDAR BANNER BOX SET

Celebrate each day of December up to Christmas with a sweet little treat all held on a twine banner in these cute little boxes that are all decked out in red and gold. Want to give this banner as a gift? The coordinating box holds all 25 boxes folded flat with mini clothespins, twine, and decorative trim.

The tutorial for this fun project, which was designed by Amanda, can be found at Craft Project Central.

SYMPATHY TUNNEL CARD . . . AND THE WINNER OF A FREE ONE-MONTH SUBSCRIPTION TO CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL

Instead of the usual Make-It-Snappy-Monday blog post today, I decided to share a tunnel card that I made two nights ago for a special aunt and uncle whose son passed away.  I guess all stampers have their own unspoken rule-but-not-really-a-rule, and mine is that I don't send ready-made sympathy cards--regardless of how many I may have on hand . . . as I need one, I make one.  I don't really know why I do that (just as I don't know why I mention this each time I share a sympathy card) but, somehow, it just feels like the right thing to do.  Besides, it affords me the opportunity to think of the family and the one who has passed as I create the card.  When someone receives a sympathy card from me, they don't know that I created that particular card especially for them, but it's important for me to know that I gave that thought and time along with a little piece of my heart.  About the card . . . there's nothing really special about the front:

but the inside (IMHO) is quite special:

Stampin' Up! products featured on this card include:
Cardstock:  Whisper White, Cajun Craze
Stamp Sets:  Sheltering Tree, Heartfelt Sympathy, Blessings from Heaven (retired)
Ink:  Cajun Craze
Punches:  Elegant Butterfly, Scallop Oval
Sizzix:  Lots of Labels Framelits, Fluttering Embossing Folder
Accessories:  Rhinestone Jewels, Metallics Sequin Assortment

WINNER! WINNER! WINNER!

With my November 12th blog post (HERE), I promised that I would announce the winner of the FREE one-month subscription to Craft Project Central .  To be entered in the drawing, there was one simple requirement . . . just leave a comment HERE about my project.  Thanks so much to those who took the time to comment.  I only have one subscription to give away, and it goes to #8 . . . SUE ROOT.  Congratulations, Sue!  If you'll email me at randari at Hotmail dot com, we'll get your subscription started!

CHRISTMAS LODGE GIFT SET

With the holidays approaching, many of us are looking for creative gifts and packaging to show appreciation for the wonderful people in our lives. Look no further! Delight someone special on your list with this beautiful Christmas Lodge Gift Set! The Christmas Lodge Gift Box looks like it was taken right out of a charming mountain scene. It is a stunning way to package goodies or a gift and can be used as a decorative centerpiece after the gift is opened! The December 2015 Mini Book is the perfect gift to go inside! Learn the simple saddle stitch to create this custom book and create a photo album or journal to capture all of the Christmas memories this year. A coordinating card tops off this festive ensemble! If you want a quick way to package gifts and treats this holiday season, the tag in this set is an easy way to dress up a cellophane bag. 

There's so much to take away from this tutorial, so be sure to really study the sneak peek photo.  Better yet, get your Craft Project Central subscription started today so that you can start working on any or all of this month's awesome projects--one of which is this project was which designed by Julie.

"PEACEFUL PINES" STAMP-A-STACK . . . AND CARD CASE!

I'm excited today to share a sneak peek of the project that I designed for this month's edition of awesome tutorials at Craft Project Central.  Following is the introduction that I wrote for my project:

You’ll enjoy the ease of using one stamp set and one set of dies to create a variety of Christmas cards that feature an array of simple decorative elements and techniques.  With this tutorial, you will make six cards and decorate a stamp case for storing them until time to drop them in the mail.  Once the case is empty, you’ll probably end up placing a gift in it for someone since it’s decorated and ready to go!  This ensemble is perfect for a class or stamp camp!

How would you like to win a FREE one-month subscription to Craft Project Central?  To get your name entered in the drawing, all that's required is for you to leave one little comment at Craft Project Central (click HERE) where you see the sneak peek photo of my project.  It's really that simple!  On Monday, November 23rd, I will announce the winning name here on my blog so be sure to come back for a visit on the 23rd to see if you have won!

A MOSAIC BEAUTY

I am pleased to share this gorgeous work of art that was waiting for me when I walked in the door tonight. 

Isn't this a great card????  It's got color, texture, sparkle, and even better than just good design . . . it's got style!  Debbie, pat yourself on the back for not only creating a beauty but for also making my day.  Way back when I was a brand new Stampin' Up! demonstrator, Debbie was the first new customer who contacted me and was interested in classes.  Over the years, I think of her more as a friend who has been faithfully attending my classes. . . for 10 years!  That's actually one of the best things about being a demonstrator--the friends you make along the way.  It sounds cheesy to say that, but it really is true.

 

DECORATIVE MASKS SAMPLER INSPIRATION CANVAS

What can you do with decorative masks?  This tutorial is designed to expose you to a myriad of techniques you can use with your purchased or DIY decorative masks!  Learn how to combine masks with modeling paste, inks, sanding blocks, pens, and more!  This canvas incorporates all of these techniques into a beautiful home décor item that is perfect for gift-giving or hanging on one of your walls.  Let’s explore what you can do with decorative masks!

There are a lot of fun techniques included in this pretty canvas, which was designed by Michelle.  You can find her step-by-step tutorial at Craft Project Central.  Have you subscribed yet to this month's awesomeness????

NOEL SQUARE PILLOW BOX GARLAND GIFT SET

Hang this festive garland for the holidays! The Square Pillow Box Thinlits Dies makes this cute décor item a cinch to put together! Plus, you’ll learn how to adapt the pillow box to make an Altered Open-Top Pillow Box – perfect for holding some special treats. After you’ve made a set for yourself, you can make the coordinating card and give another set as a gift! 

The tutorial for this creative project, which was designed by Julie, can be found at Craft Project Central.

CREATING PRETTY CARDS - SKETCH CHALLENGE #53

This month's Creating Pretty Cards - Sketch Challenge #53 at Craft Project Central is a really easy one, and you'll have no trouble creating a card to upload for the challenge!  A picture of the sketch is shown below, and there's even a FREE tutorial which you can find HERE.

I chose to create a Christmas card for the challenge:

My card features the following Stampin' Up! products:
Cardstock:  Whisper White, Pacific Point, Silver Glimmer
Stamp Set:  Jingle All the Way
Ink:  Pacific Point
Punches:  Triple Banner, Snow Flurry
Sizzix:  Decorative Dots Embossing Folder
Accessories:  Silver Cording Trim, Metallics Sequin Assortment, Fine-Tip Glue Pen, Stampin' Dimensionals

If you read the list of products used, you may be wondering what I did with the punched snow flurries.  I did a dumb thing, actually.  I punched them from Pacific Point cardstock with the intention of having them embedded with the embossed blue layer.  They are, indeed, embedded and nearly invisible to the naked eye.  Now, why didn't I know that was going to happen?  Oh well, it is what it is.  

Did you know that for every 10 cards that are uploaded HERE, a name will be drawn to receive a FREE one-month subscription to Craft Project Central?  That's pretty awesome!  If I were you, I'd get busy making a card for this challenge and get it uploaded!

POINSETTIA CHRISTMAS TREE & FRAME

If you love poinsettias at Christmas time, then this Christmas tree and picture frame will be perfect additions to your Christmas décor. The tree is full of poinsettias, and the frame has a beautiful large poinsettia attached to it. The frame would be perfect for a picture of your kids with Santa! This tutorial teaches how to make two different size poinsettias with the Festive Flower Builder Punch. It also features the Reason for the Season Stamp Set and Season of Cheer Designer Series Paper. 

Doesn't this look like a gorgeous ensemble?  The talented Christy Fulk has been busy making a lot of poinsettias and, apparently, put them to work in a beautiful way!  You can find her step-by-step tutorial at Craft Project Central.

"PRETTY THANKFUL" FUN-FOLD CARD

I needed a special thank you card to send to my parents, and I wanted to make something with a fun fold or unique design.  This design seemed to fit the bill.  A lot of time and thought was spent on this card and, surprisingly, I didn't have to make a second one which is normally the case when I try something new or different.  The only problem was that--after all was said and done and I finished being pleased with myself--I realized that I had nowhere to enclose the check that needed to accompany the card.  And that's where the handy dandy circle clip came to the rescue.  I've had those clips for YEARS, and it was quite nice to finally have a use for one of them after all the times that I have moved them from one jar to another and to a container and to a box and back to a jar and so forth and so on during many re-organizations in my stamp room.  

I haven't had time yet to make specific notes about this card design, but I hope to do that soon.  It's really a fun one in that the red strip with the white dots is attached to the front and back panels, but it has the necessary folds to be bent--or straight--when opened. There are a lot of design options with this card, but I mostly left that task to the patterned paper that I chose! I won't lie . . . this card is a bit bulky, but sometimes that just doesn't matter when something special is needed for special people.

THANKFUL SCRAPBOOK WITH POCKETS

This fun-to-make book can be used for so many things – scrapbook, gratitude journal, cookbook, and more! It features the gorgeous Into the Woods Designer Series Paper for a fabulous fall look. There are lined pages for writing, pockets for adding items, and room for pictures. Preserve your autumn memories or give it as a gift with the matching card. This project would also make an excellent class or club project.

Today begins a brand new month of awesome project tutorials at Craft Project Central, which is where you can find the tutorial for this wonderful project, which was designed by Yapha.  

CHRISTMAS TAGS & ORNAMENT IN A BOX

It’s time to get ready for Christmas! This project would make a wonderful gift, and anyone would love to receive it. While you’re at it, make one for yourself, too. The tutorial includes a decorated box with a window, and has five compartments to hold 20 tags and a Christmas ornament. It also includes four different tag designs, and five are made of each. It includes a little Christmas ornament, too. The project features the Snow Place and Embellished Ornament Stamp Sets, along with their coordinating dies.

This is the September Bonus Project at Craft Project Central, and it was designed by the talented Christy Fulk.  Qualifying for the bonus tutorial is easy . . . just subscribe to two or more months in a row, put the Craft Project Central badge on your blog, or refer a friend to the site.  When your friend subscribes, just let us know!

A CUTIE PIE CHRISTMAS

This festive set includes a trio of lit Christmas dioramas, a box full of assorted gift tags and a set of matching cards. This compilation is the perfect way to start the Holidays. The dioramas make a joyous centerpiece when used together or make lovely individual ornaments. The gifts tags make gift giving a breeze. This set makes the perfect gift for your neighbor, teachers and friends. Of course, be sure to make an extra to keep for yourself!

This lovely project was designed by Boni, and you will find her step-by-step tutorial at Craft Project Central.

FALL/CHRISTMAS MANTLE DECOR ENSEMBLE

Fall is finally here and Christmas is just around the corner! What better way to celebrate the changing seasons than with this Fall/Christmas Mantle Décor Ensemble! The accordion style banner sits beautifully on a mantle or shelf to welcome fall into your home. Perfectly coordinated votive candles with tiny, dangling autumn leaves border the banner on either side. And can you guess the best part? Just flip the banner around and switch the dangling leaves on the candles for trees and stars and you are ready for Christmas! The banner folds up and fits nicely between the two candles inside the custom gift box. The gift box is also a great way to store the décor each year when not in use. Two matching greeting cards top off this festive ensemble.

The tutorial for this colorful decor, which was designed by Julie, can be found at Craft Project Central.

GET WELL KIT

With Fall and Winter coming, you know that the cold season will be in full swing! How about making a little Get Well Kit to make a friend’s illness a tiny bit better to get thru? This kit comes with a tissue holder, a chapstick holder, tea bag holder, a can of soup and a notecard with matching envelope all in a container that you can carry! Guaranteed to cure and put a smile on their faces!

This cheery ensemble was designed by Cindy, and you can find her step-by-step tutorial at Craft Project Central.  

"MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY" . . . MATCHBOOK TREAT HOLDER (& INSTRUCTIONS)

As the saying goes . . . better late than never (with this MISM post).  But, before I get to the usual  MISM share, I have some good news to share . . . 15% off stamp sets!  Check it out below:

Of course, I would appreciate it if you do your shopping with me.

Click HERE to shop now!  Maybe this would be a good time to

ask your significant other to place a holiday gift order for you!  ;-)

Today I have a really quick and easy project to share--a matchbook treat holder.  Seriously, this project is so easy to make that I whipped up four of them lickety-split.  I have to admit, though, that I didn't create a poinsettia for all of them.  

Although the poinsettia isn't hard to make, it takes a bit of time to punch all of the petals and build the layers.  The end result is worth the effort, don't you think?  I used Stampin' Up!'s Festive Flower punch, which has a coordinating stamp set (Reason for the Season), but I opted to not do any stamping for my flower.  I think the best way to make a bunch of these poinsettias would be to take the time to punch a LOT of petals and just have an assembly party with yourself--or a friend.  Or have a friend do all of the punching and assembly for you.  Ha!  The color of my poinsettia is Cherry Cobbler, but let me tell you . . . an absolutely gorgeous color is Blackberry Bliss.  I made two of them last week, and that color was a stunning choice.  For one of them, I stamped the petals with Blackberry Bliss ink and used VersaMark for the second flower.  The one that was stamped with VersaMark (believe it or not) looked the best, so you might want to try it.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE MATCHBOOK
I found the matchbook instructions on Pinterest (the land of whatever you want to know or find) but, before I had a chance to pin the project or write down the blog addy, the tab got closed or used for more browsing.  :-(  Following is what you need to know to make some matchbooks of your own.
1.  Place your 8-1/2" x 11" card stock on the Simply Scored Scoring Tool with the 8-1/2" edge at the top.
2.  Score at 3/4, 4-1/2, and 5 inches.
3.  Place the card stock on your Stampin' Trimmer with the 11" edge at the top, and cut at 2-3/4" intervals.  You'll end up with four matchbooks!
4.  Fold the 3/4" scored section upward, and place your treat inside (or you could make a note pad by placing blank paper inside).  Staple your treat or blank paper as close to the bottom of that scored section as possible.  This will secure whatever is placed in the matchbook and will also keep the front flap closed once the bottom of it is tucked inside that small flap.

WINNER! WINNER! WINNER!

With my October 13th blog post (HERE), I promised that I would announce the winner of the FREE one-month subscription to Craft Project Central .  To be entered in the drawing, there was one simple requirement . . . just leave a comment HERE about my project.  Thanks so much to those who took the time to comment.  I only have one subscription to give away, and it goes to #10 . . . MICHELLE MALLETT who wrote, "Those Christmas cards look fabulous!!!! Way to go Regina"  Congratulations, Michelle!  If you'll email me at randari at Hotmail dot com, we'll get your subscription started!

FRY BOX MINI BOOK SET

Have you ever wondered if there was more you could do with the Fry Box Bigz L Die and the Big Shot than just make little boxes?  Yes you can!  In this Fry Box Mini Book Set Tutorial you will learn how to use your Fry Box Bigz L die to make a mini book that you can use for recording everything you are grateful for this Thanksgiving.  We will make the mini book and a holder for the book.  You will also learn how to make a wonderful 3-D flower using your Scallop Circle punches.  Let’s have some fun!

This is such a gorgeous project!  It was designed by Michelle, and her tutorial can be found at Craft Project Central?  Have you subscribed yet?  If not, you are missing out!

MASCULINE GREETING CARD SET W/BACKPACK BOX

Make this cool greeting card set for your hubby or a male friend, with a stylish backpack box. You will make four different card designs with nautical and classy styles. Make a ‘t-shirt’ and a ‘dress shirt’ card that are easy to reproduce and will please any male recipient. If you have trouble making masculine cards, this set is perfect for you. 

The tutorial for this great masculine set, which was designed by Monika Davis, can be found at Craft Project Central.

"SPARKLY SEASONS" FOR SKETCH CHALLENGE #52

I hardly ever go searching for a fun sketch challenge to try, but I always look forward to the new one at Craft Project Central each month.  This month's Creating Pretty Cards - Sketch Challenge #52 looks like this:

Christy Fulk provided the sketch this month, and you will find her gorgeous creation and a FREE tutorial HERE.  Did you know that for every 10 cards that are uploaded for the challenge, a winner will be drawn to receive at FREE one-month subscription to Craft Project Central?  All you need to do is participate in the Creating Pretty Cards - Sketch Challenge by following the sketch to create a card and upload it HERE.  Following is the card that I created:

My card features the following Stampin' Up! products:
Cardstock:  Mint Macaron, Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Watermelon Wonder
Specialty Paper:  Black Glimmer (I love this paper!!!!), Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer
Stamp Set:  Sparkly Seasons
Ink:  Basic Black Archival, Tip Top Taupe, and the following markers:  Mint Macaron, Pool Party, Bermuda Bay, Watermelon Wonder, Delightful Dijon
Sizzix:  Seasonal Frame Thinlits dies, Softly Falling embossing folder, Boho Chic embossing folder
Accessories:  Silver Cording Trim, Vintage Faceted Designer Button, Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

The fact that the Silver Cording Trim snaps back to its curled state (from being rolled on a spool) adds an extra decorative touch (IMHO), and I'm really enjoying it for that reason. 

It's your turn to create a card following the sketch, and don't forget to share a picture of it HERE.  ;-)
ETA:  If you would like to participate in the challenge for a chance to win a free one-month subscription to Craft Project Central but don't have a blog, you can still participate by sharing your creation on another online site from where you can link, such as Pinterest.  Just be sure to mention that your card was created for "Craft Project Central's Creating Pretty Cards - Sketch Challenge #52".