"FREESTYLE FRIDAYS"

It's my turn to share a Freestyle Fridays project, and I think that I successfully completed the mission as set forth by Julie in her post last week . . . to use a marker to add a sentiment or part of an image.  I had to read the mission a couple of times to make sure that I understood what was expected of me, and it seemed to be quite a challenge--until I decided what to do.  

I needed to make a birthday card and had stamped the floral image from Happy Watercolor (from Stampin' Up!'s upcoming Occasions catalog), colored the image with Copic markers, and then added a little Dazzling Diamonds glitter.  For the sentiment, I used the Pear Pizzazz marker to ink the word happy from one of the sentiment images included in the stamp set and then used a Marina Mist marker to write the word birthday.  Other Stampin' Up! products used to complete the card include the Decorative Labels and Photo Corners (retired) punches, Pear Pizzazz Classic ink, sponge dauber, and the following card stock:  Whisper White, Marina Mist, and Pear Pizzazz.

CHRISTMAS SNOW GLOBE

Sharing today another project that was made possible by a cut file, designed by Samantha Walker, that I purchased from the Silhouette online store during their recent sale.  The most difficult part of making this card was choosing the paper and card stock to use.  

I used a marker to give the snowman eyes, a smile, charcoal buttons, and to write "J-O-Y" for the banner, which is held together with glue dots and Stampin' Up!'s linen thread.  I don't believe it's apparent from the photos, but a piece of acetate was used for the "glass", and two snowflakes were adhered to the edge of the globe's frame.  Partly, this was done to draw the eye away from a little glue smear.  ;-)

It's just a fun little trifold that I sent to aunt Betty!

NEW YEAR MEMORIES SET

This New Year Memories Set, which features an envelope mini book, coordinating card, and a matching pen pocket, is perfect for welcoming in the New Year and would make a wonderful gift for a friend!  You could also create the mini book for yourself to keep track of your 2014 memories!  The inserts in the mini book provide a wonderful place to journal and add special photos.

I think this project, designed by Michelle Wecksler, would be a great gift, but it would also be a really fun project to create (with friends) on New Year's Day!  The complete and easy-to-follow tutorial can be found at Craft Project Central.

MY VINTAGE PRINTED BURLAP STOCKING

Last year, I really wanted a printed burlap stocking but couldn't find the burlap.  Well, that's not true.  I found the exact burlap that I wanted at an online site where individuals often sell handmade items, I became a member of the site so that I could order the burlap, but I never received the item.  It turned into a nasty episode when I opened an inquiry, and the seller turned into quite a psycho because I had the audacity to take reasonable steps to find out why I hadn't received the item that she had listed but obviously didn't have on hand and available to sell.  I don't mean that the seller was just a little unfriendly . . . I mean that she went to the far depths of hell for some extra crazy fury and tried to twist everything into something that it definitely wasn't.  She had no choice but to refund my money (which she eventually did), but she never admitted that the listing shouldn't have been there and that she didn't have the item to sell or ship.  Maybe that would have created an issue between her and the popular online site.  All I know is that it was such a nasty experience that I immediately cancelled my account once my money had been refunded and have never gone back to that site again.  Isn't it unfortunate how one unreasonable and awful person can make you cringe over something that could be quite enjoyable?  I don't even like to hear the name of the site, but I often do because people love it.

So, several months ago, I found burlap that would work nicely for my stocking and later purchased other stockings to use as a pattern.  When my mother and sister didn't have time to make it for me, I had to resort to my own means which takes the quality down a notch or two.  Ha!  It wasn't until I looked at photos of the finished stocking that I noticed some areas where I could have made the cut line a little smoother and blended.  It's not a perfect door decoration, but I am so happy to have it.  In the making, I learned that Stitch Witchery and a hot glue gun will hold just about anything together.  Don't tell anyone, but I breathe a sigh of relief each time I open the door and find everything on the stocking still intact.

WINTER SAMPLER

This winter sampler of snowflakes, snowmen, and snowy hills will decorate your home all winter long.  Make one for a friend and one for you to enjoy.  You'll probably want to go ahead and make several of these to give away!

What I like most about projects like this is that it's really easy to make several at one time.  Sharon Burkert designed this project, and it is so pretty!  Her tutorial can be found at Craft Project Central.

MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY

Today's MISM project was a very snappy one to make.  I came across the cartoon on Facebook and decided to print the picture and make a card with it.  I didn't actually send this particular card to anyone; instead, I made another one without a Christmas sentiment and gave it to my grandmother with a delicious batch of cheese biscuits.

I used a little of Stampin' Up!'s Dazzling Details for some glimmer to the "ice hole".

HOLIDAY POP-UP CARD

What do I enjoy making as much as boxes, bags, and other 3D items?  Cards that have fun or fancy folds, interactive cards, or any card that has a design element that might wow the recipient.  I used a Silhouette cut file (by Daniela Angelova) to cut the pop-up insert for this card, and it is really a quick and easy one to make.  Choosing the papers and deciding how to decorate the front is what takes the most time.  I used a cut file designed by Lori Whitlock for the skate and chose glittery card stock for the white boot and silver blade, and a shiny black card stock for the bottom of the boot.  The designer paper that I chose for the card has its own shimmer and glimmer going on with the white embossed detail.  I used torn strips of card stock to create the snow, a piece of ribbon to create a scarf, and a punch to cut the leafy sprigs coming out of the top of the boot.

There was very little to do on the inside of the card, other than adhering the white bell (again, I used glitter card stock), sparkly rhinestone jewels, and the silver ribbon. 

FREESTYLE FRIDAYS

Happy Friday!!!  It's Julie Beaulieu's turn to share this week's Freestyle Fridays project, and this is the sneak peek that she sent to me.  Maybe it's the rhinestone jewel, but something about the stars reminds me of Hollywood.  To see the whole project and learn more about it, hop on over to Julie's blog.  Leave a little comment love (it's her birthday tomorrow) while you're there.  ;-)

CHAPSTICK & TISSUE HOLDER

Make this small "Feel Better" survival kit that holds Chapstick and a pack of tissues.  This is the perfect little package for those sick days when you need those items within reach, and the box will look great on your desk.

Isn't this a neat and cheery project?  It was designed by Monika Davis, and her tutorial can be found at Craft Project Central.

PERPETUAL CALENDAR WITH ANYTIME NOTES

This Calendar will not only last a lifetime because it has every day, month and date possible, but also its coaster board construction makes it everlastingly durable! And the coolest part of making it is the cheapest but most awesome alphabet ‘secret’ stamp set – and you can only find out about it when you get the tutorial! Plus you’ll get the directions to the everlasting Note Card Box and twenty Anytime Notes.  You’ll want to make several of these to give away as gifts!

What's not to love about a perpetual calendar to save you from having to fill in birthdays, anniversaries, and other important reminders on a new calendar each year?  Julie Beltramo designed this project, and her complete tutorial can be found at Craft Project Central.  Have you subscribed yet???