Fall is in the air!

Good Morning.  I'm wondering if everyone else is enjoying the cooler weather??  I have been opening up the windows in the early am.  And I just put up a bird feeder, right outside of my studio, so I'm hoping to have some winged visitors to enjoy soon.  The cats are going to have a ball watching!  I just have to make sure they don't get so enthusiastic that they don't push the screen out. 

Yesterday I decided it was time to start posting some fall projects.  So I'm starting out with a place setting ensemble using some really fun Creative Cuts and More dies.  I created a place card, napkin ring, and guest gift box.

Wouldn't a little peice of pie with a surprise inside be so much fun adorning your table this year???  The back side has a flap that opens up.  They come pre-cut and pre-scored, so all you have to do is fold, adhere and embellish!!  All you need is the Cake Slice Box die and some Killer White Tearable Tacky Tape (or adhesive of your choice).

I have never created an easel card before and recently a friend hooked me up with a tutorial (thanks Patti J).  So when brainstorming for my place setting, I thought the a mini easel card would make the perfect place card.  (link to easel card tutorials in the supply section at bottom of post) I used one of Creative Cuts and More  Filigree Square Label dies.

 

And to carry on the theme, decided to use it for the napkin holder as well. I love this shape.

see the complete supply list at the bottom of the post


I'm linking this project to the following challenges:

Stamptacular Sunday is challenging bloggers to create anything but a card.

Yummy, yummy, yummy is the theme over at Fab N Funky (my project is created for a yummy meal)

Truly Scrumptious wants to see "easel cards" (will an easel name plate do???)

Fall is the challenge theme over at Crazy 4 Challenges

Our Creative Corner wanted 3 or more embellishments (how about leaf buttons, ribbon, die's, glitter, and stamps)

and Paper Cutz says "anything goes"

I have to share my new coffee cup with you.  I LOVE it and it was inexpensive, $3, and so pretty.  I am enjoying sitting out on the patio with the pups, sipping my coffee in my new cup this am!  Temp 65!!  I'm lovin' it!

You can get this one at The Cracker Barrel.

Project Supply List

Last month I was out and about searching for fall/thanksgiving supplies to use and honestly was a little disappointed that there was very little in my local scrapbook stores and craft stores.  I feel like we go straight from halloween decor to Christmas decor.  So when I found Teresa Collins' Giving Thanks line, I got really excited!  I loved that the paper and images included flourishs and was so pretty.  No the only issue I had was that there was NO brown in it.  I LOVE brown!  But I knew this line would be a good starting point.  You can check out here products HERE and HERE.  For this project I used here stamp set and DP.

And I think this set is versatile as well!  Thank you Teresa Collins for creating such an elegant Fall line!!

The leaf stamp images are from a retired TAC set "Charcoal Leaves" and the little acorn is from Technique Tuesday.

Glitter - Martha Stewart "Brownstone"

Buttons local craft store.  They were plastic buttons and I cut the shank off the back and covered them with the glitter.

Beaded fiber - I have fallen in love with this.  I have it in green as well and I think I'm going to go back by Hobby Lobby and see if they have it more colors.  You can't beat the price, 24ft for 2.99! 

I'm sure all of you have made an easel card before (I'm always the last one trying a new thrend), but just in case HERE and HERE are tutorials.

Stay tuned for more fall idea's!!

Upcoming projects ... fall center peices, photo frames, altered hostess gift can, mini album, art canvas and I'll throw a few cards in there as well!

You are invited to join us on Wednesday for the

Creative Cuts and More Holiday Blog Hop!
It will be just the inspiration you need to get you started on your holiday projects!

Altered Bird Cage Home Decor

Good Morning Papercrafters.  Today I am thrilled to have participated in the Stampin' Sisters for Christ Challenge.  I just love this challenge blog and wish I had time to play along more often.  These ladies are so very special in what they do on their challenge blog.  Each Sunday they provide a bible verse to inspire us!  In addition they have wonderful sponsors each week and this week the sponsor is Layers of Color!

Today's verse is ...

Matthew 6: 9-13 "This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."

And the challenge is ...

Make a card/project that features prayer; either someone praying, or a verse about prayer, or a greeting that lets someone know you are praying for them.

I had so much fun with this project.  My guest bedroom (when we get our new house in the spring, is going to be shabby chic).  I have already bought the bed linens and I want to fill the room with shabby pieces of art.  So here is another project for that room ...

I had so much fun creating this one.

1. Spray metal birdcage with white spray paint.  After this is dry, apply crackle paint.

2. Embellish with pearl trim (Hobby Lobby).

3. Add a branch (purchased in the floral department at Hobby Lobby) to the inside of the cage.  To make it look more realistic paint it brown and add brown crackle paint.

4. Add floral embellishment to outside of cage (Prima).

5. Stamp butterfly images, color, and trim. Apply black glitter with a glue pen.

6. Adhere to outside of cage.

7. Type bible verse and print.  Trim to a banner.

Aren't these butterfly images gorgeous??  They are from a Layers of Color set called "Flutterescent"!

You can view all of my Altered Projects HERE

Don't forget to hop over and play along with Stampin' Sisters for Christ this week!!

Have a blessed Sunday!

More Layers of Color New Release Projects!!

Good Morning. Let me start out be reminding you that saturday morning Laura at Layers of Color will be announcing another drawing opportunity for more free cling mount stamps!!  Did I mention that some of them are compatible with Spellbinders Labels 14 and 16!!  Yep, LOC is a preferred partner with Spellbinders!  Two fabulous companies teaming up to bring you wonderful artistic products.
You can check out the details saturday morning at the Layers of Colors Blog.

I used another one of Layers of Colors new Cling Art stamps on this card! It's called Embroidered Butterfly. I also used Belle Brocade art stencil. I just love all the art stencils and techniques I've discovered using them. This was very simple. I stamped the butterfly image on the background and then created mask with my eclipse masking tape. I covered up the background butterflies with the mask and then layed the art stencil over them. I used a stencil brush and applied ink.

This is another one of the new cling mount art stamps that is compatible with SPELLBINDERS!!! I'm lovin' this! This is Floral Frame cling art stamp and it is compatible with Spellbinders Label 16.

You can check out all the Layers of Color New Releases HERE!

Each stamp has it's own gallery with lots of idea's for you.

Upcoming Events

Creative Cuts and More is having a big Holiday Blog Hop next week.  And you don't want to miss it!!  It will be October 20th, so stay tuned!

I hope you were inspired to create something this weekend!!
And remember that if you are inspired to create something based on any of my post, I would LOVE to see it.  Link me in the comments, or email me!

On a personal note :
We took our son out to dinner last night for his 23rd birthday!  Wow, I feel really old! 
And did I mention that I'm taking a 12 week long online class over at Big Picture Scrapbooking by the wonderful Donna Downey!!  I'm so very excited.  The class is called "Fun with Fabrics".  I hope they offer more online mixed media type classes in the future.  I'm am totally inspired to create some raw canvas art and can't wait to start sharing!!

See ya saturday morning with some fall stuff!

Layers of Color New Release Blog Hop!!

Welcome to the Layers of Color first ever Cling Art Stamp Release Blog Hop! We have so much to be excited about at Layers of Color!  Red Rubber on cling.... we're lovin it!  If you got here from the Layers of Color Blog, you are in the right place! If not, you want to be sure to start there so you read all about the release, and the Two New Release Prize Drawings!

Ladies these prizes are fabulous!  And if you don't win with today's hop, then no worries.  Laura, LOC owner is giving away more prize packages in October!  I will be posting more LOC new release projects and info on how you can win for the next couple of saturdays!  You can also follow the LOC blog for details.

So here is my first project.  This is a shabby art piece I can hang on the wall.  I used the Cottage Rose cling art stamp and Flutterescent art stamps on this one.  Cottage Rose is 4 1/2 x 5".  It's absolutely gorgeous!

 The verse is a digital by Nina Brackett. You can check out all of Nina's awesome digi's along with Laura's over at Squigglefly.

Nina's Digi's

Laura's Digi's

You can view more of my Cardboard Art HERE.

You can view my other Faith Art projects HERE.

You can view more of my Collage / Mixed Media projects HERE.

Look at all the detail in this rose!  It's gorgeous!!

I added stickles to the rose and butterflies.

I had so much fun making the background.  I started by tearing away some of the top layer of the corrugated cardboard to reveal some of the ridges.  Then I started layering acrylic paint and crackle paint.  This background makes me so happy.  I love the texture and distressed look!

And here is project #2

One of the reason's I'm so excited about this release is that some of the stamps are compatible with SPELLBINDERS!!!  Whoot!!  See the frame below, it's called Victorian Frame cling art stamp.  And I'm in love with it.  It is compatible with Spellbinders Labels #14.

I also used Nature Walk and Butterfly Collector art stamp sets.

I have updated all the links directly to the post, so just click on the name to check out all the other artist!!

Laura and the Layers of Color Blog

Grace

Janice

Jennie

Linda

Melisa (your here)

Nina

Discover dozens of stunning new release artwork samples in the new Layers of Color Cling Art Galleries HERE.

And you can get you Layers of Color stamps in the Boutique HERE! 

My Layers of Color Art Gallery is HERE.

And If you'd like to visit with other Layers of Color fans and be inspired both creatively and spiritually, please stop by our forum on SNR! We have a group that's like family!

Good Luck with drawing!!

Cute as a Button!

Good Morning Papercrafters.  Today I'm sharing another baby card and a replay of the baby ensemble from the Perfect Pair blog hop.  Creative Cuts and More has

great products for baby showers and more! 

I used the A7 Scallop Card for this one.

Whenever I think babies, I think scallops.

And in case you missed it ...  here is the shabby ensemble I posted for the Perfect Pair Blog Hop.  You can check out all the details HERE.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope that you will think of Creative Cuts and More for all your baby shower needs!

Lots of great news!!

Good Morning Ladies.  I have several exciting things to share with you today.  

Layers of Color has a new release party happening October 11th!  I can not wait to show you some of the new product!!!

And here is a little sneak peak of one of my projects

 Layers of Color is adding a new Designer and she is fabulous!!  Woooowhooo!  I just love this girl and she is going to be such a blessing to our team!

Jennie Harper

And here is just one of her wonderful projects

This girl has madd skills!!  You can check out more of her fabulous designs in her newly opened gallery over at Layers of Color HERE.

Jennie's blog is :

Stampin' Away the Day

And if you have never joined our group over at SNR, we would love to invite you.  This one of the most wonderful group of women I have ever been a part of.  Need prayers, well then this is where you want to be.  These ladies are prayer warriers and have been such a blessing to me.   Please join us ...

Layers of Color at SNR

And if you are a member of the group, Laura will give you a discount on your first order!  Check it out!

And one last big announcement.  I'm so far behind on this one.  I was planning on creating a card first and then make the announcement, but haven't had a chance yet.  So without further ado ...

Laura, owner of Layers of Color is such a wonderfully giving person and testimony for God.  She has designed an entire line of digital images over at Squigglefly and all of her profit is going to charity!!  You can read more about Laura and the charity her profits go to HERE.

I have purchased a few and can't wait to design some cards with them!

As I finish up this post, the song "He Reigns" by the Newsboys is playing .  I love this song!  "It's all God's children singing Glory! Glory! Halleluja!  He reigns!".  And my soul is just filled with joy.  I am so very thankful that I am not alone.  That God has surrounded me, blessed me with so many other like minded Christian Sisters.  Who are singing and praising along with me today!  Alone my voice would be soooo small, but with my sisters our voices come together in unison and loudly proclaim the great news of how wonderful our Lord and Saviour is.  And this is a sweet sound to His ears.  Praise God! and have a blessed day!

hugs,

Melisa

Shabby Sympathy Card

Good Morning.  I hope all is well in your neck of the woods.  I just finished working the last 3 days and have missed my crafty time.  So I'm hoping to get busy today.  There are lots of magazine calls this month I'd like to submit to and I have so many idea's that have been floating around in my head the last couple of days.  It's hard to do some of the calls because they work so far ahead.  We just had cooler weather this week and I'm so in the fall mood, but the calls are for spring!  So I'm trying to do Easter.  Crazy!  I went to the newstand yesterday and found one of my cards in the Oct/Nov Stamper's Sampler so that is enough to motivate me to get more calls done.

This week I'm sharing a sympathy card I needed last month.  I hope you like it.  It was really easy and fast to create.

I love the peach lace.  The latest thing that I am collecting for my stash is colored lace.  I found this peach lace at a local scrapbook store, By Design Scrapbook Boutique!  I LOVE this store.

Stamps: background flourish (Ancanthus Leaves) and wings(Regal Wings) Layers of Color, sentiment The Angel Company

Ink : Palette Haystack and VersaFine Onxy Black

Clear embossing powder (Stampendous)

Glimmer Mist - Mimosa

Lace unknown

Stamp flourish in the center of A2 card with Haystack. Create a mask with Eclipse Mashing tape. Mask image and stamp wings. Remore mask and spray front with Glimmer Mist. Stamp sentiment with black ink and heat emboss using clear embossing powder. Add lace along the bottom of card.

I told you it was easy!

Have a blessed day!

Stencil Tutorial #2

Good Morning!  Today I want to share another stencil tutorial with you.  Did you know that Layers of Colors sells Art Stencils??  Gorgeous patterns!  You can check all of them out HERE.

Last week I shared a project using one of the stencils and modeling paste.  If you missed it, you can check it out HERE.

This week I want to share a card using a stencil and color sprays.  Another messy project, but worth the effort.  This background turned out so cool.

Supplies

White watercolor paper, Black VersaFine Ink (Tsukineko), Clear Embossing Powder (Stampendous), Memento Tuxedo Black, Glimmer Mist - Glimmer Mist Fully Purple, Lily Pad, Twighlight, Ink - Brilliance Pearlescent Crimson around the edges, Copic Markers, Stencil (background) - Layers of Color, Stamp set - "Under the Sea" and "Old World Flourish" - Layers of Color.

Technique : Stencil with Color Sprays

Use a circle cutter and cut watercolor paper / card.  Spray watercolor panel with twilight Glimmer Mist.  After dry lay stencil over watercolor paper ( I used stencil adhesive with mine).  Spray with Lily Pad and Fully Purple Glimmer Mists.

I just love how this background turned out.  And with all the choices for color sprays, the results are endless.  I am totally loving these stencils!!

After drying ... ink edges with Brilliance Pearlescent Crimson.  Stamp flourishes, sea grass, and coral with pigment and emboss with clear embossing powder on watercolor paper.  Adhere to front of card. Stamp shells, fish, and sea horse on white cardstock with Momento Ink and color using Copic markers. Cut these images out and adhere to front of card.

Glimmer Mist tip:  Do not shake up and down to mix.  Shake from side to side to help keep it from clogging up.

I hope you will try a stencil out on one of your projects!  If you do, leave me a link.  I would LOVE to see what you come up with!

More stencil techniques coming in the future.

I'm linking this one to the following awesome challenge blogs!

A Spoon Full of Sugar - "Anything Goes"

Creative Inspirations - 2 or more shaped images

Have a blessed weekend!

Stamping 101 : Stamp Products

Introduction:

In chatting with friends I found that some of them said they had stamps at home that they purchased with the intent of using, but became overwhelmed with how to use them.  So I decided to put together some basic information to share with new stampers, breaking it down first to be basics and then sharing some techniques to inspire them.

I think most people associate stamps with card making, but they are so versatile and my goal is to inspire others to use them in other crafty projects as well.

I love the versatility of stamps and the choices I have in style and color. I used to shop for a paper line I liked and then by all the pre-made embellishments that were sold with it for my pages. I don’t do that as much anymore. Now I shop for a paper line I like and then think about what stamps do I have and how can I create my own page embellishments, titles. And when I buy embellishments I’m wondering, “can I stamp on that?”.

This is post #1 of a series that will help answer some of the questions a brand new stamper might have.  I hope this helps you fall in love with stamping as I have!

 

There are several type stamps to choose from
so lets break down:

Foam Stamps

Foam images are secured to a foam or acrylic/plasstic base. They have the same disadvantages as wood mounted rubber stamps in regards to alignment. You can use inks on these, but you don’t get the same results as the other styles. If you want to use ink, pigment works best. You can apply ink or paint using a brayer for a smoother look or use a foam brush to apply paint to the stamp. You can always touch up the image with a small paintbrush. There is not a lot of detail with the foam stamps and you definitely don’t get a clean image, but if a casual look is what your looking for, then slather a light layer of paint on them and stamp away. When I have used this technique I usually doodle around the outside edge of the image.

Video Tutorial by Making Memories


Wood Mounted Rubber Stamps
The rubber image is mounted on a wooden block.

These stamps are difficult to line up or stamp in repetition, or layer images because you can not see through the wood / rubber. For the same reason it is difficult to stamp titles or journaling in alignment. These stamps, along with foam stamps, take up the most storage space.

There are tools you can use to help with alignment. HERE is one. If you google rubber stamp positioner you may find other options as well as a U-Tube tutorial on how to use these. I’ve just been too lazy to learn how to use it. I’d rather convert my wood mounted stamp images to Easy Mount and use them with Acrylic Blocks. By doing this I am also able to store my clear stamps and these stamps in binders by category and find them easier.

StampTV video using the Stamp-a-ma-jig

Un-mounted Rubber Stamps

Sold un-mounted, just the red rubber which you can :   
* mount on wood blocks. Some independent stamp sales companies send the red rubber and wood blocks to you. Advantage : stamp image on the back of the wood block. Disadvantage : requires greater storage area.
* mount on cling product like Creative Cling or Easy Mount . Advantage : Can be used on acrylic blocks and store on cling pages in a notebook or cd cases. I haven’t found any disadvantages yet.
* leave as is and use on acrylic blocks that have a sticky product - Tack N Peel. Advantage : You can use with acrylic blocks, but the TACK N PEEL makes it a little harder to see through the block because it is cloudy. Disadvantage : You can not store these in notebooks or cd cases.
Mounting Options Video at U-Tube
Tack N Peel Care Video at U-tube

Clear Stamps

Really cool because you can see through the image to get the best alignment. Especially if you are stamping with a Font set. This allows you to stamp each letter individually and see how close and line up the next letter. They can tear. So you must be very careful when removing from acrylic blocks. I have read the brands branded as the “best quality” are the ones that are cut close to the image. Another tip : When new, they can tend to repel ink. On one particular stamp the ink actually pooled on the stamp. I recently read that one way to prevent this is to rub a “pink eraser” over it. What I usually do when a stamp is virgin is stamp it several times on scrap paper first to break it in. I’m not sure what is on the surface of “some” of the brands, but I have had to lightly wash with soap and water before stamping. I also read that they can dry out and get hard over time. I haven’t experienced this yet either. You can help avoid this problem by avoiding the sunlight, indoor lighting, oil based products, acetone and bleach. A lot of retail stamp cleaners have conditioners in them to help prolong the life of your stamps.

Acrylic blocks
These come in a a variety of shapes and sizes depending on what you prefer. I own all three of these brands. I prefer blocks with guidelines on them. This helps me to visually stamp a image straight in alignment with the edge of the paper. Also if I’m stamping a word, I can line the word up straight on the block, using the guidelines. So guidelines are my first priority when purchasing a acrylic block. My next preference is a wavy edge for better gripping. Keep in mind that when cleaning, if you scrup too hard, the lines can come off.

Stamp Cleaners

Come in a variety as well. I’ll be honest. I mostly use water, and occasionally a tiny amount of dish washing liquid. But I have had a cleaner before that I sprayed on my scrubber and REALLY liked it. I felt like I was taking better care of my stamps when I used it. But after I ran out, I didn’t order more, bad stamper. And keep in mine that you need a special cleaner for solvent ink.  Alcohol free baby wipes are also an option.

I LOVE using my scrubber and when I find it’s “dirty”, I just stick it in the sink and run water over it and let it air dry. LOTS of companies produce these with their logo’s on the outside. They fold shut and have the a scrubber surface on both sides inside the case.

Stamp Storage

Yet another catagory with many options depending on your preference.  As I mentioned above, I prefer storing my stamps on "stamp storage boards"  that fit in 8 1/2 x 11" binders. 

Here is a link to a page with photo's of multiple options for you to consider:

http://www.blockheadstamps.com/TechniquesPages/stamp-storage.html

Next Stamping 101 post will address the different type inks.

Baby Diaper Shower Invite / Baby Shoes Favor

Hello Paper crafters!  Today I am sharing projects that are just perfect for a baby shower / gift!

I went a little shabby with this ensemble.  Aren't these so cute!!  I used the Diaper Card with Pin, the Baby Shoes, and A7 Fancy Frame Window with Clear and Simple's "Little One" stamp set.  And I just hopped over and found another baby set called "Rock-a-Bye".  It has the cutest little rocking horse!

 

This "Diaper Card" die comes in 2 pieces, pre-cut and pre-scored, the actual diaper and the diaper pin.  When you order make sure you note that you get to select different colors for each one.  It does not come with the inside card.  I decided to make mine a mock baby shower invite.  I covered it with old book paper and inked it up with some brown ink.  I love the lace along the legs.  The button is part of the Clear and Simple "Little One" stamp set.

This is the A7 Fancy Frame Window Card.  It's so much fun to design the inside of the card creatively as well with just a little part peeking through the window.

I used one of the words from the "Little Ones" stamp set to create my background border.  I used the old book paper again.  I fan folded it to create the border.  The buttons are from the stamp set and I colored them with chalk.  The paper for the buttons is Jenni Bowlin. 

See the little heart.  You can't tell from the photo, but it is made of velvet paper!!  Yes, Creative Cuts and More sells velvet paper.  It's so cool.  I just used my Spellbinders die to cut it out and inked the edges.

And here's the inside.

Tutorial for Shoes

They come in your choice of card stock and color.

I guess you can see, that I like running mine through the Big Shot with my polka dot embossing folder.  Here are some photo's of how to do that.

Then you just turn the die around in the folder.  Here is the tricky part.  There is about a 1/4" area along the end of the folder that doesn't emboss.  When you emboss the 2nd half of the shoe, that strip will flatten out a few of your dots on the other end.  So, try to roll the foler through up to that point and then bring it back out. *** Do not roll it all the way through.***  I didn't know this when I made the first pair, so I used my stylus to re-indent the dots that were flattened when I did the second half.

Next I add a little ink around the edges and lightly over the shoe.

Wrap the shoe around as shown and adhere.  I highly recommend the Killer Red Tacky Tape for this project.  Next I bend the little tabs at the score line so that they are ready to be adhered.  There are some longer ones and I cut them into 3 tabs.  The kit comes with outer and inner soles.  Lay the top of the shoe on top of the outer sole as best you can.  I'm sure there are some people who can do this perfectly.  I'm not one of them, teehee.  If there is and sole extending from the shoe I just trim it off.  Now if I had adhered the shoe top to the outer sole perfectly, then I'm sure the inner sole would have fit perfectly.  But mine didn't.  So I turned the shoe over to look at the shape and trimmed my inner sole to fit just inside the shoe.  When I go to insert it, I pinch it up a little (squeeze the sides of the inner sole to make it concave a little).   This makes it easier to slide it into the shoe. 

You can check out more of my baby creations HERE.

Scrapbook Inspiration Challenge : Stamping on other mediums

Hello. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. I have been studying for some test I have to take for work, yuck! I did get one of them taken Saturday night and I passed, YAY! One more to go!

You may remember from last month, that I started co-hosting the Scrapbook Inspirations Challenges over at SCS. Well it’s that time again. Now don’t be too impressed. I made these layouts a few years back.  We would love to have you come over and join us.  You can check out all the Scrapbook Challenges over at SCS HERE.

The challenge this time is to stamp on a different medium than paper.  I have several samples to inspire you.  I love using my stamps on so much more than cards.  And it's fun creating my own embellishments for Scrapbook Layouts.

Stamping on Cork

I just love the cork paper and it is really easy to work with.  If you want a casual look, this is perfect.

Next up is clay.

Stamp on the clay and trim around with an exacto knife.  Then bake per manufacturer guidelines.

I didn't have matching brads so I decided to make tiny clay circles to substitute.

Stamping on other scrapbook embellishments.

**********************************************

You can view more of my Scrapbook Layouts HERE.