Christmas Tag.......

In my quest for different Christmas pieces, each year I always try new things and sometimes the outcome is a keeper.  Sometimes not so much!  This one is definitely a keeper.  I saw this idea somewhere so I won't even pretend to take credit except for the fact that I made it my own by doing my own thing for a totally different finished piece than the initial piece I saw.  So there!

I have a Sizzix Tim Holtz Movers and Shapers die that is a tag and I use it a lot.  It is a steel rule die and will cut almost anything.  Did I say...I love it?  Anyway, being the Craft Hoarder I am, I am forever keeping the plastic blister packs products come in and until now, I've never really used them for anything.  I purchased some new Anna Griffin embossing folders for the Christmas season and they are just gorgeous.  So of course I had to use them on my project!

The sentiment is a retired Stampin-Up sentiment (A Cardinal Christmas) and the deer is a Memory box die (Leaping Deer).  The small tag with the sentiment on it is from Heartfelt Creations HCD 745 Luggage and Tags dies.  

I can tell you one thing...this was very difficult to get a photo of!  I took many photos and turned the tag every which way but loose!  Photography is definitely not my strong point.  But this is a delicate but gorgeous piece and will be wonderful slipped down into a gift bag with a little gift.

Can I just say in closing this morning...we are forecast for snow and snow showers in the Tennessee Valley tonight and tomorrow.  I'm sorry but isn't this just a tad bit early?  The leaves are just beginning to get gorgeous where I am.  I love snow but in it's own time!  Now that I have made my statements on the matter.....Happy Halloween and stay safe wherever you are!

WOYWW #282

It's Wednesday and I'm here to welcome you to the blog hop hosted by Julia Dunnit.  Each and every Wednesday we take a photo of our work space and blog about it, then we link it to Julia's blog and so begins this weekly world wide blog hop.  If you have any questions, Julia has all the bases covered on her blog so you can go check it out and join us, but be warned it is very addictive!

On Monday I had some errands to run and while I was out I visited our local hardware store, Walmart and Hobby Lobby.  When I go to Hobby Lobby I have to touch everything in the store!  I love that place and can spend hours on end inside.  I was gathering supplies to make my own sponge daubers and low and behold I found everything. At the  hardware store I found chair tips... 5/8" size and then I purchased some round make-up sponges and I folded them and pushed them down inside and yes it works!  For about $4 I have enough supplies to make 12 brand new sponge daubers, yes I'm a very happy camper!  You can see one made with a cut up sponge (sort of yellow) and the one made with the make-up sponge is white. I'm so proud of myself!  I've also been making these cute little bird house ornaments using a  template by Nichole Heady.  You can Google "birdhouse by Nichole Heady and you get all kinds of information.

You just let your imagination run wild and they do make an awfully cute ornament to hang on your Christmas tree. I used some pink metal run through an embossing folder and made the roof.  Both of these will be gracing my own tree this year!

Also more glue this one from Ivy Hollow for when I make flowers.  I'm always trying to find the perfect glue and one of these days I will!  The sparkly stuff is Stampendous Frantage Glitter which will be a new adventure for me in the coming days.  Also I just want to point out the clear tag in behind the birdhouses.  It doesn't show up very well but I cut out a tag using some of the clear plastic that we all receive when we purchase stamps and dies etc. Run it through an embossing folder and it sort of frosts the plastic.  It is quite delicate and beautiful and it's going to be a challenge to photograph.  Hopefully I will have some to show you in the coming days.

Well I'm sure I've exhausted you this morning.  We are supposed to keep this short and sweet but I am very excited about all the little goodies on my desk this morning and I just can't stop talking.  I'm off to visit as many of you as I can.

Heartfelt Creations October Alumni Design Team Blog Hop

 Good morning and welcome to our monthly Alumni Design Team Blog Hop for Heartfelt Creations.  Prepare yourself to be inspired as we bring you this month's creations from the team.  I'm here to tell  you this is one talented group of women that love this company, the people and their products.  I use something from Heartfelt Creations on most everything I make and am always happy to play with their flower stamps and dies.  If you arrived here from Vicki's blog you are right on track and next is Caroline's blog

This morning I have made a Christmas card and I think this stamp is timeless!

My card size is 4 1/4" X 5 1/2".  I used the Poinsettia Ornament 2 (HCPC 3417 )stamps and Spellbinders Heirloom Ornament 2011 dies to create my card.  t's pretty simple really as the embossing folder and the pretty ornament have done most of the heavy lifting on this one.  A pretty pink poinsettia and matching bow and it's all ready to go! I took a white pearl, covered it with white glue and then added gold Gala Glitz to make the center for this flower and the ornament is embossed with gold embossing powder.  I love using non traditional colors on my cards.

Try to follow along the blog hop and leave a comment on as many blogs as you can.  You can never tell which blog will be the one they choose from.  If  your name is chosen you win a $25 gift certificate for products from Heartfelt Creations.  You have until 12 midnight ET on Friday October 31 st. to leave your comments.  The winner will be announced on Saturday, November 1st..  Good luck to you all!

Giovana Smith
Vicki Dutcher
Glenda Brooks - You Are Here...

Caroline Duncan

Amarilys Doria
Alissa Wells 
Emilia van den Heuvel 

Selma Stevenson  

Tesa Broman

Sarah Miller
Lisa Gregory

Lisa Allen

Supplies:
Canson Watercolor Paper for Strength and Stability
White Cardstock
HCPC 3417 Poinsettia Ornament 2 PreCut Set
Spellbinders Heirloom Ornament 2011 Die
Spellbinders Layered Poinsettia Die
Half Pearl
Glue
Gold Gala Glitz
White Seam Binding Colored with Distress Ink
Pink Polka Dot Paper
Scor Tape
Gold Embossing Powder
Sizzix Vintage Wall Paper (Stampin-Up) Embossing Folder

We Must Begin.....

Here we are in the middle of October and like it or not Christmas is coming!  I'm actually feeling a bit stressed as there is so much I want to do this year and since I don't have a huge amount of commitments, there is no reason for me not to begin!  So with head bowed and saying a small prayer that I will be able to do more this year, here we go!

My card this morning is 4 1/4" X 5 1/2" and it is a white on white card with a pop of color.  I almost wish I had used a pretty pink instead of red but it's too late now.  I used a new Anna Griffin embossing folder I purchased recently and I have to say I love the quality of the embossing!  Some red Pan Pastel and a little gold Gala Glitz for the flower center and the card is all ready to go.  Very quick and simple but it makes a statement.  The bow is white seam binding and I love how it ties up into a very pretty Christmas bow!  

OK, that is it for me this morning.  This whole week for me has been something out of the funny papers!  I get to feeling like the very last Keystone Cop coming out of the little car!  I plan to spend today and tomorrow hidden away here in my craft room, just playing until my heart is content!

WOYWW #281...What a Mess!

I was sitting here yesterday playing with the little floral box to the left and I was pulled away.  When I came back through this morning I couldn't believe I didn't come back and clear off a space.  So this morning, first things first, I took the photo and then started the process of putting things away.  I just received 4 rolls of Scor-Tape and the cute little Banner die and those went into the drawer first!  Next the scissors and the Scor-Pal tucked away in the proper place.  The black and white boxes sitting here will be decorated and used for an upcoming design team challenge; and so it goes.  You know the drill my friends.

So if you are wondering why I would show you my shame....the answer is...Julia made me do it! Julia hosts a world wide blog hop each and every Wednesday where you take a photo of  your desk and blog about what  you have going on and then link to Julia's blog.  You can take a quick visit and she has all the rules and regulations as well as instructions for linking listed there.  Thank you Julia for hosting this little get together where we can just go a little crazy and show each other the madness.  I have become quite addicted and don't know how I'd survive the Wednesdays in each week without her!

OK, I've shown you mine, now show us yours!  Come join us....we are quite friendly and totally crafty and totally harmless!  I'm off to visit as many blogs as I can before my schedule takes over today!

Craft Hoarders Anonymous Challenge #18 .....

Good morning everyone and welcome to Challenge #18....Layer It!  I love me some layers!  One good way to use up some of your hoard is to use lots all at once.  So show us some layers!  We need to see at least THREE layers on your project.  (Ink, paint, embossing and mixed media products do count as layers.  Drag out that hoarded paper and those embossing folders that are way in the back of the drawer.  Use those stamps, dies and punches!  Show us the layers!

My card today is a Joy Fold card and I think I really love this quick and easy card.  Once you get the pieces cut and glued together, then all you have to do is layer and play, layer and play!  Did you notice no flowers today?  I used an old earring on the front to tuck the fold under and  it sort of serves as my flower.  I just wanted the other elements to come into play and I didn't think the card needed anything more to get in the way.

My card unfolded:

I used some pretty design paper and I embossed the Add a Little Dazzle metal sheet and then I cut out one of the poinsettia flowers and put on the ribbon.  The deer also has a metal nose! I also glittered his antlers.    I made a side pocket for one of the folds and created a cute tag for a sentiment.  Did I say I love me some layers?  I didn't count but I know there are more than three layers on my project and I used quite a bit of my hoard so I have accomplished what I set out to do!

One talented participant will receive this prize donated by Lindy's Stamp Gang, a $30 Gift Certificate to the Lindy's Stamp Gang store!

Now get busy and show us your layers.  I can't wait to see what you create!  You have until Midnight PT on November 2 to enter.  Good luck to you all!

Just a quick reminder that our Sponsors for the month of October are:  Polly's Paper Studio, Lind's Stamp Gang and Add a Little Dazzle metal!

Design Team

Amber Milone
Christy Butters
Debbie Seyer
Donna Idlet
Ginny Nemchak

Glenda Brooks - You are here!
Gloria Stengel
Jan Marie Ennenga
Karen Zueger

Kathy Clement

Pam Bray
Wendi Robinson

Supply List:

Berry and Cream Cardstock
Hoarded Designer Paper
Hoarded Earring
Add a Little Dazzle Metal
Stampin Up Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder (Hoarded)
Anna Griffin Poinsettia & Holly Embossing Folder
Memory Box Leaping Deer Die (Hoarded)
HCD 745 Heartfelt Creations Luggage and Tags Dies
Stampin Up A Cardinal Christmas - Retired and Hoarded
Scor Tape
Memento Ink
Clear Glue
White Glitter

Easy Peasy Birthday Card.....

Yesterday I felt behind all day and suddenly it was afternoon and I didn't finish my card for posting in the morning so I put my nose to the grindstone and used some of the bits and pieces left on my desk from another piece and here is what I came up with.

I purchased some new embossing folders to be used for just such an occasion and I had been playing with them on white cardstock just to see how they looked.  I thought this one was especially pretty and I'm sure you will see it often.  We are going to become old friends!  I paired it with purple card base and a Birthday sentiment, a little purple ribbon and a little blood, sweat and tears and here you go...not a handmade flower in sight.  I just let the pretty folder do the heavy lifting on this one.

I hope you enjoy this little card.  I really did enjoy making it, even if it was on the spur of the moment.  We are slipping right into the weekend.  Hope yours is a good one!

Pearls, Glitter and Glue, Oh My.........

Good morning everyone and welcome to WOYWW  #280!  If you would like to have the details of this little event that happens every Wednesday just scoot over to Julia's blog (she is the creator and owner of this world wide get together).

I've been struggling with an ear ache and let me just say, I'm not a happy camper.  This morning I do feel better but I need to get it in high gear today.  I'm behind on a design team project and need to get crackin!  I took this photo over the weekend ... can you tell I was working with pearls and glitter?  If it were up to me everything would have glitter on it!  I don't feel like I've been creating unless I have glitter in my eyebrows!  The stamps you see are from Flourishes and there is a Saturated Canary image way over on the left.  Also an ATB in the background and glue everywhere.  And yes I do use a lot of different glues.  So far I haven't found one that does it all but I am trying to use up my "Hoard" and move on!

So now I'm off to visit as many of the blogs as I can.  I always enjoy seeing what everyone is doing!

Double Front Card.....

I love those special fold cards and think they are awesome, but I seldom get into that type of card because they just seem too fussy for me.  Every now and then I come across one that is not too difficult and I just  have to try it.  I found the instructions on Pinterest and just had to give it a try.  I wrote down all the dimensions as I watched the video and now I can make one anytime I want without trying to find the video again.  I needed a birthday card and I used this Double Front Card and I just love how it turned out.

 I used a Stampin Up set of retired stamps for the sentiments.  I love how elegant the lettering is and  had forgotten I had this set.  You know the old saying...Out of sight, Out of mind.....

This picture shows the second front part of the card.  I used the Anna Griffin embossing folder (Foundry) on this card and I love the look it gives.

Clean and simple inside of the card.  I always leave this part blank and I can write a message for the recipient.  It just gives the card the personal touch I think.

I really enjoyed making this card and will make more of these soon.  Hope you are ready for your weekend and that you get to do something you love.

Crafty Secrets October Linky Party.....

I'm here to share with you a card I made using Crafty Secrets products.  The theme for this months blog hop is Cooking and Thanksgiving so I did the Thanksgiving part.

The background paper and the image are from the Crafty Secrets Thanksgiving Digital products!  My photography skills are sadly lacking and I find the light is not good this time of day.  So I'll just go ahead and apologize and keep moving.  All the dew drops are the same color...green.  I love the image and think it really says it all.  I love that Crafty Secrets gives  you gorgeous papers as well as the focal images that match.  Just makes me a happy girl!

WOYWW # 279

I'm here this morning with head bowed, asking for forgiveness.  I have very little to show for myself for the week so far and my desk is very boring I'm afraid.  I've had a painter in the house doing my ceilings and I had to put so much away so he could do the craft room and I've just been sitting here this morning admiring his handiwork.  Now I would not even begin to show you a photo of clean, stark white ceilings but I have say I am really enjoying looking at this one for sure.  So please forgive me for my clean desk and I promise to share a mess next week!

This is just showing some leftover supplies that I didn't get put away but there is nothing in process to show you at all. Also my little white shelf holds lots of inks and glues that I use most often.   I suppose I should consider this a mini vacation, but somehow I don't feel rested so we won't go there.

Now if you are wondering why I'm showing you this photo this morning, It's because of the worldwide blog hop sponsored by Julia.  Just click on her name and you can be taken away to her blog and you can see what all the commotion is about!  I love visiting all the desks each week and seeing what everyone has going on in their world.  We are a generation of talented people loving showing off our messes.  But sometimes there has to be a mess in order to accomplish something wonderful.  There is nothing like inky fingers and bits of paper and card stock and metal and paint, etc. to get your heart to pumping.

OK, that's it for me this morning.  I'm off to visit as many desks as I can before it is time to move along.

Craft Hoarders Anonymous Challenge #17 ... Happy Fall, Y'all!

It's time for Challenge #17 at Craft Hoarders Anonymous and our theme is:  Happy Fall, Y'all!  Many of us like to purchase New seasonal products EVERY season.  What happens to last years Fall, Halloween, and Thanksgiving products?  WE HOARD THEM!!!  Of course we do!  Well actually I like to think of it as misplacing them instead of hoarding them.  But I guess it is what it is!  So drag out some of those hoarded items and create something wonderful to share with us.  You can make something for Fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving, or any other Fall or harvest celebration!  Once you have created your piece link it on the Craft Hoarders Anonymous blog.  I can't wait to see what you make!

I love making tags and so I just had to make a Halloween tag to share with you this morning!  I used items from all three of our Sponsors for the month of October:  Polly's Paper Studio,  Lind's Stamp Gang and Add a Little Dazzle metal!

I used the beautiful image from Polly's Paper and the teal matched the Add a Little Dazzle teal metal sheet so I just had to make a rose and the cheesecloth/spider web and the leaves behind the rose were sprayed with a Starburst Spray from Lindy's Stamp Gang. And low and behold I even had some teal card stock that matched beautifully.  The blackbird and the checkerboard trim are also from Polly's Paper Studio on Etsy!

Craft Hoarders Anonymous' very own Ginny Nemchak owns Polly's Paper and very generously gave the design team some wonderful designs to play with and she is supplying the amazing prize for this challenge!

This prize package would be a wonderful addition to your Fall hoard.  The ribbon alone is enough to make your fingers itch in anticipation!  Thank you Ginny for being so generous!

Now go get busy and make something wonderful for the challenge.  You have until midnight PT, October 19 to enter the challenge.  I can't wait to see what you create; good luck to you all!

Design Team:

Amber Milone

Christy Butters

Debbie Seyer

Donna Idlet

Ginny Nemchak

Glenda Brooks

Gloria Stengel

Jan Marie Ennenga

Karen Zueger

Kathy Clement

Pam Bray
Wendy Robinson

Supply List:
Vintage Halloween Digital TS Frames (Polly's Paper)
Nevermore Halloween Tags Collage (Polly's Paper)
Digital Spiderweb Paper
Teal Metal Sheet from Add a Little Dazzle
Lindy's Stamp Gang Starburst Spray in Tainted Love Teal
Midnight Teal Enbossing Powder from Lindy's Stamp Gang
Heartfelt Creations HCD 745 Luggage Tag Die
Heartfelt Creations HCD 748 Arianna Blooms Die
Cuttlebug Embossing Folder (Textile Textures)
Tim Holtz Alterations Die - Weathered Clock
Glossy Accents
White Leaves
Cheese Cloth
Scor-Tap
Teal Card Stock
Glue
Staz on Black Ink
2008 Clear Art Stamps - Halloween
Tag

My First Christmas Project This Year.....

Good Friday morning all and I'm so glad you have stopped by to visit!  I have been seeing some gorgeous Christmas cards online lately and was beginning to feel a little pressure to start my projects for upcoming holidays!

In the past, I have made these for family and friends and decided my Christmas tree needed one of these hanging between the boughs as well.  They can also be used as a tag to go on a pretty gift or slip it down into a gift bag.  It is made using watercolor paper, stamping the image with embossing powder and then coloring the image with Ranger Distress Inks.  I went around the outside edge with a gold leafing pen and tied a big pink silk ribbon at the top.  I will be making more of these for sure. These pretty stamps are a mystery to me as I purchased them long ago and didn't label them.  I've had them so long they are yellowing.

We are expecting strong storms today ahead of a cold front and weekend temps are to drop into the 30's at night and 60's for highs during the day.  Fall is definitely almost here.  I love this kind of weather...minus the storms of course.  Hope you have a good day and that you have a great weekend planned!

WOYWW #278

Here we are again at Wednesday and that means we get to participate in the blog hop over at Julia's. All over the world bloggers like you take a photo of their work space and blog about it.  Then we link up on Julia's blog and have this wonderful blog hop.  What that means is we get to have a little look in craft spaces all over the world.  The type of crafts is limitless and I am always inspired by something, whether it be a card, some coloring or maybe even a bit of storage.  I never tire of looking around and seeing what is going on out there.  So take a photo of  your space, blog about it and then head over to Julia's and link up!  It is addictive and I can't seem to stop!

I've been working on a couple of things that I can't share yet but in a week or so you will see what I've been playing with.  Hint...it has teal on it and a teal metal flower!  Do you see those wonderful images lying there?  They are from a fellow design team member and she has an Etsy shop.  She very graciously gave us several of these sheets to print off and play with.  I just love them and will use them for years to come! I don't want  to put up a link for her shop as this seriously goes against everything WOYWW stands for.  If you are interested just fire off an email for me and I will get back to you.

Well that's it for me this morning.  I'm off to visit as many of you as I can!