On a Creative Roll...Halloween Decor

Since I posted my Halloween banner my mind has been filled with Halloween project ideas.  Last Saturday I worked all day on those ideas.  I still don't have everything made but here's a few that found a home on my Hoosier cabinet.

An overall look...

I covered my vintage cherry canisters with text print pages that were zig-zag stitched together.  Then, stenciled some rats from Martha Stewart.  The letters are silver embossed, mounted on frozen concentrate juice lids.  I glued magnets to the back of each letter, to attach them temporarily to the canisters.

More vintage goodies...an orange enamelware pan with Scrabble letters, a Gurley jack o'lantern candle and a flocked Halloween card.

Apples in a cupcake tin.  An easel made from an old fork.  If you aren't aware...a few lines from the witch in the movie Snow White.

I'm super excited to share this rosette (or medallion) I made by piecing together different designer series papers.  I simply butted the edges together and zig-zag stitched over the seam.  I added Scotch tape over the seam in back, just to prevent any tearing of the paper.

Here's a close-up.  Please look past the breaks in the black paper!

I've always wanted to make one of these punch art pumpkins, so here's my chance!

I hope to have more to show in days to come!

Spooky Banner

It's no surprise to me that I haven't posted since Easter.  I love decorating for the holidays!  When I saw the Spooky banner in the new Stampin' Up Holiday catalog I knew I had a "must do" project on my hands!

I could have bought the kit.  It's very cute...but for 2 reasons.
#1 - I have a ton of Designer Series Paper!
#2 - The canvas banners in the kit are 5 x 7.  I needed smaller to fit the space I hang my banners.

 

Each of my letters are 4 1/4" x  6 1/2".  The embellishments I bought last year on clearance.  I added some bling to those simple cut-outs.  I used my Sure Cuts a Lot and the Typist font to make my stencils.  Here's a look at each one close-up:

It really feels good to have something done ahead of schedule! 

Super Simple Treat Bag

Well, my title may be a bit misleading.  The treat bags themselves?  Very simple.  The punch art chick, not difficult but a little time consuming.  I needed 6, so I made them assembly style and it wasn't too bad.  I struggled some, getting the wings the right size and each one is probably a slightly different, but I went with it!

Super simple, right?  They had to be...I was in a bit of a rush to get them in the mail.  The closure isn't anything fancy, but I wanted to make sure the little ones could open them.

 

Even with the extra work, I just love the punch art chick.  I have another punch art chick art to share.  This one a little bigger!  Stay tuned.

Carrot Barrettes For the Nieces

OK, let's just ignore the fact I've been away for almost a month!  Not what I had planned.  I think my absence started when I needed to take a little break, just a week.  Unfortunately, when I was ready to come back, I came down with a terrible cold!  I didn't feel like doing anything.  The last obstacle happened when I began helping my mom and dad settle my great aunt's estate.  Lots of days spent sorting and getting ready for a tag sale.  Each day I came home exhausted!  Well, that came to an end this past Sunday.  A few days of catch-up around the house....and here I am!

I recently purchased these barrette cover dies from Papertrey Ink and before they arrived I knew what my first project would be!  I have FOUR nieces under the age of 6 (with a 5th one due next month!)... so this die will get a workout!  I think they turned out adorable!

I wanted a cute way to send them, of course!  So, I used the library card stamp and stamped each of their names.

So, I still need to make Easter cards for my friends... and I will share the treat bags I made for the kiddies.  Guess you'll be seeing me real soon!

Hearts A Flutter - Treat Totes

I was finally able to spend a decent amount of time in my craft room last night.  It felt good to go in there and play, with nothing else on my mind.  I have been racking my brain, trying to come up with a treat holder for Valentine's Day.  It took a few hits and misses, but I did get a design I'm pleased with....and here they are!

I'm always conscience about my paper consumption, so these are really efficient, too.  The Designer Series Papers are 4" x 8" pieces.  You can get four from a single 12" x 12" sheet, unless it's a directional like the mini hearts (second from left.)  Otherwise you end up with sideways hearts!  The tray I made to sit inside is also from Designer Series Paper and uses a 3" x 6" piece. 

Inside is a fun size bag of M&M's and a self-inflating mini balloon (who knew?) from the Dollar Tree.  Sorry no inside pic...if anyone is really interested...

This is not the layout I wanted for this post, but I am giving up.  Blogger just doesn't like me, so if you have any questions about these projects, don't hesitate to ask!

I'm off to bed because tomorrow I am doing my taxes....fun!

We Interrupt This Program....

I had a busy weekend.  Not any one thing, just lots of little ones, ya know what I mean?  No cards for me since late last week, so I thought I'd take this opportunity to share a recent project.  Anyone that knows me knows I like to be organized.  I cannot start working on a craft with a mess around.  Another thing you should know, I like to do things on the cheap.  I like spending my money on crafting materials, not the means to store them.  Recently I started picking up a few Copic markers and wanted a way to have them out and handy.  This is what I came up with.

These are tall cans, like the kind you get Bush's Beans in.  I covered them with Designer Series Paper and simply used my Crop-A-Dile to punch holes in them.  Then, I used 3/16" eyelets to crimp them together.

It's strong, too.  Hubby came in to take a look and without asking, lifted it by the top can!  While it was filled with markers!  I about had a heart attack!  It's fine, though.  It sits on top of the 8 foot table in my craft room.  I could see making another.  I have many more markers!

So, I am hoping for a card or two on Tuesday night.  I'm ready to get back at it!

Daughter's Valentines - Conversation Hearts

So, I wanted to squeeze this in, between cards.  Just in case somebody is in need of a quick and easy Valentine idea.  This isn't a new one.  My friend Jeannie sent me this idea, probably two years ago!  Well, I finally made them.  So cute and easy, I don't know what took me so long.

Aren't they the cutest?  And oh, so easy!  The idea originally came from Family Fun magazine.

I guess the only "glitch" is that now there's the Ipod touch.  Do they even make them like this anymore?
Just wonderin', have you seen this craft before?

L-O-V-E Spells Love Banner

This is a first for me.  I am posting on both my blogs.  Here and on Made or Found.

I have been wanting to make a banner for a few years now.  I made it my mission to get one done this weekend....and that's what it took, the better part of a weekend.  I will say I am happy with the results, though.

I contemplated every detail, over and over.  I pulled out all the tricks in my bag.  I used my Cricut, vintage trims and lots of Stampin' Up! paper.  I tried a few new things along the way.

The red tulle on the "L" that came out of an auction box lot.  

Using lots of pearls and scrunchy tissue flowers on the "O." 

The glitter heart on the "V" that I topped with Crystal Effects so that no glitter flakes off.

The vintage seam binding on the "E" that I crinkled and made my bow.

Here's my mantel with my favorite vintage valentine's.

I'm in love.

Big Clip

I didn't plan on posting today.  I spent the morning trying to catch up on my mail and promised myself I would play in the afternoon.  Although I didn't think I would accomplish anything!  I was sure I would sit in my craft room for hours with nothing to show for it.  Well, I did have a little help.  These clips were on my desk.  I had glued the base paper on them about a week ago.

So, it was just a matter of sprucing them up.  It was a lot of fun deciding how to embellish them.  Which one is your favorite?  I have a favorite.

They are mostly Stampin' Up! products, with the exception of the ribbons, a few brads and the sentiment on the blue one (it's PTI.)

These clips came from an auction box lot.  I bid because I wanted the basket they were in (an old wire locker room basket) so the clips were a bonus!  I have five more I could decorate....and I think I will!

"Whimsical" Little Gift

Hello again, my stamping friends! Are you making it through the week? Just one more day 'til the weekend. I hope my little project today puts a smile on your face. I am pretty excited about this project!I used a Stampin' Up! Medium Square Envelope and the new Glassine Bags to create a treat bag for those yummy Valentine's Day candies. As you can see, it's the back side of the envelope that I embellished. So, you could write your "to" and "from" on the front side and even do more stamping, if you like. I started but cutting the back flap down to 1 3/4". As it was, the flap was just too big. Then, I cut the red Sending Love specialty paper to fit the entire flap, both width and length.

Both pieces on the bottom portion are cut 2 1/2" x 5 1/4" to allow for a little reveal on the sides and bottom. I punched through all three layers (front & back of envie and the DSP) at once. I used Chocolate Chip ink and the sentiment from Whimical Words next to my punched heart. The closure is a Real Red Corduroy Button along the red ribbon. The punched flower is from Boho Blossoms Punch. If I had the pink buttons I might have skipped this step. I tried using a velcro enclosure to seal my pouch with only fair results. In the end I used glue dots. The velcro would be been nice for resealing purposes, so I may still want to go that route.

I filled my treat bag with M&M's©. I did not cut off the excess bag, I simply folded it shut to fit inside the envelope.

One other idea to consider. A CD or DVD will fit in the Glassine Bag (it just fits.) Why not make your friends or sweetie and "love" mix. If you go this route be careful of your heart placement. It needs to be more near the corner, otherwise the spindle hole shows in the window.

So, I hope you liked what I had to share today! I don't make a lot of 3-D items, so this was kinda a big deal for me! I'd love to hear what you have to say, please consider leaving a comment!

See you again soon!

Inspiration Strikes!

This notebook has been lying around for months! A company giveaway from a friend. I love the brushed steel cover....not lovin' the company logo so much! So, it begged to be embellished.

I wasn't crazy about the idea of covering the front with paper. Paper isn't all that durable for a notebook cover the way I use 'em! I wasn't even planning on working on this today. I happened to be cleaning my crafting room and the inspiration just came to me! Easy as that. I sat down and it was done within 30 minutes.

The most time consuming part was filing the hole my Crop-A-Dile made a little larger. The hole was a tad small for the jumbo brad to go through it. I still love the felt Flower Fusion flowers. There are so many, they last forever. I cut apart a few different rub-ons from Love & Happiness (Sale-A-Bration 2008) and pieced together the look. I sure wish all my projects were this easy!

Maybe I should head back to my craft room. Inspiration may be looking for me!

A Birthday Gift for a Friend

I'm up posting after midnight because I promised a post and I will probably be too busy over the next week! My daughter golfs both Tuesday and Wednesday and my son's last baseball tournament starts on Thursday then goes through Sunday. So much for stamping again this week!

I did have a "must do" project to share. My friend Pam celebrated a birthday last week. So, I needed a card! I used Big Bold Birthday for both the cupcake and the sentiment. I love the sentiment in this set. I use it a lot. I also tried my Jumbo Grommets for the first time! I like 'em!

To package her gift I tried something new. I used a department store box bottom (8x8) and made my own top. I took the white backing chipboard that comes with the designer series papers and covered it with Heat 'n Bond Lite (a fusible webbing.) Then, fused it to the designer series paper, Berry Bliss. I proceeded to score, cut and fold my top. It's not perfect, my edges cracked a bit, but I'd be willing to try it again. I added a belly band, designer paper bow and a tag!

I hope to see you next week??? I do hope so!

May Day "Baskets"

Do you celebrate May Day in your area of the country? Here in my part of the Midwest we do. When I was a child we would get together little goodie bags for our friends and deliver them on May 1st.
 
The whole idea was to deliver it to their doorstep without being caught! So many things to plan. The where, the when and most importantly the escape route once you rang the bell!

When you received a basket it was fun to try figure out who made it? It wasn't always so easy. Usually a friends favorite candy was in the basket and you had a pretty good idea who had delivered it.

I am carrying on the tradition with my daughter and her friends. These are the baskets I made for her to give away. If I had not procrastinated she would have helped. However, that did not happen. I finished them this morning for tomorrow! Sometimes I'm finishing them on May Day!

  

I just love these bags. They are so fast and simple. (Click on the images to get a better look, my group shot came out small once I cropped it.) It was a great opportunity to use up some Designer Papers, since each bag requires a 6"x12" piece. Most of the other elements can out of my scrap file. Those skinny pieces of 12" cardstock came in really handy for the scallop around the bottom. The sentiment from the Sale-A-Bration set Yummy worked well for the occasion. The added bonus is how well it fit in my Marvy Mega Scallop Square Punch! Mine is a little different than others that I've seen in one respect. I used two eyelets to attach my strap to the back of the basket. With a velcro closure on the front. I hope you give these a try!

If you need directions on how to make one of these, try this link to SCS. Have a great May Day!

Spring Blocks

Hey there stampers! It's been a whole week with out a post! I honestly don't know where the week has gone. I can only say, it was a perfect storm. My daughter was home sick for three days and I had devoted myself to a week of scrapbooking. I had intended to post anyway, but it just kept getting put on the back burner.

Today I'm sharing a project I finished about a week ago. I had these wooden cubes from a previous project. I almost threw them away I was so sick of looking at them. I'm really short on Easter decor, so I'm glad I held onto them 'til the light bulb went off!

I used the new Designer Series Paper Tea Party (on the front cover of the catty) to spell out "Spring." On the other side I spelled "Easter." To give the letters a little more substance I cut them out of chipboard using my Cricut and the deep cut blade. It was my first time using that blade so it took me a few tries to get it right. In the end, I used the multi-cut function so it cut around each letter 3 times and I had no problems.

Have a great day and I'll be back soon.....I promise!

Explosion Box

I think this is called an Explosion Box. I saw a version of it recently on Karen's site....the sweetest thing and it reminded me and still needed to try this one. I had an excellent excuse to make one because my good friend Deb had a birthday this week! Happy Birthday Deb!

Anyway, this is what I came up with. Turned out super cute. I used the same paper I used to make her card HERE. Just a couple of posts ago. I used an 8 1/4" x 8 1/4" piece of card stock. To end up with a 2 3/4" cube. I used a lot of different stamps on this project. I will spare you the details! If you have a question, please get in touch with me. I'd be happy to enable you!

Accordion Flower Ornaments

Happy Sunday to you! It is going to be so nice here this week. I am so looking forward to more than a teaser of nice weather. I hope to get into the yard this week and do some clean up! Truthfully, I will be shocked if St. Patrick's Day is nice. Very rarely do we have good weather. I think it suppose to be in the 70's, so watch....it will rain!

Speaking of St. Patrick's Day, I wanted to share with you these accordion flower ornaments I made for my mom's St. Paddy's Day tree. I actually shot a video in hopes to post my very first video tutorial but I am such a newbie in video editing, I gave up! I need a video tutorial on how to do a video tutorial!!! You know one probably exists!!! Just need to search YouTube.

Anyway, the skinning on these. I scored mine every 1/4". I know that's kinda small, 1/2" would work just fine, too. The reason I wanted to a tutorial? I have one big tip. Get yourself a shallow round dish or lid (I used the lid of a tin I had) to put the accordion flower into as you are trying to secure the center. If you've tried these before, you know getting those little buggers to stay flat while putting on the center is challenging! The added bonus? Your accordion is the perfect circle. Otherwise, you are trying to keep it flat, keep in perfectly round and trying to add your center embellishment all at the same time! I had two hands free after putting it in the tin lid. I sure hope this helps you! Sorry I didn't get the video ready for you!

Have a great day!

How I Store My Cards........For Now

I thought I'd share with you a project I did the other day. First, let me say, I LOVE going to auctions and am not a big spender. I love buying box lots. For those of you not familiar with auctions, this is exactly what it sounds like, a whole box of "stuff" for one price. A lot of times a very inexpensive price. Earlier this month I bought this box lot for $1. I can't recall what was in the box that I actually wanted but it's always fun to see how many things I can actually use. In this box came a clear oblong plastic container. It didn't occur to me until later that this is compartment from a refrigerator, we have one that we use for onions, lemons or other things we don't want to lose in the crisper drawer. Well, it's the perfect width for cards! I mean perfect! So, I decided to move my cards out of the very small lunchpail I had been keeping them to this! How do you like the dividers? I used my 5 Petal Punch, with So Saffron. I stamp some speckles and sponged the edges to add a little depth. Then, I used an Old Olive marker to color only the portions of the stamp sentiment I wanted to use. I added my brad to the center, then punched a second star to adhere to the back. Then, sandwiched the card divider in between the layers! Easy enough! (You can click on the picture to get a closer look.)